tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609555346332563552024-03-13T20:08:25.380-07:00PONDERINGS Brief ponderings about life in general and what I'm learning along the way.Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-21416893162627462282020-01-31T10:33:00.000-08:002020-01-31T10:40:00.404-08:00The Anchor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDfBAoQrzWmrOKGWYWNLH7RDNVJGj0yXgwvsDZmaok_zBbz_63MfqdYXRU86MDPEuy6E8tfrDZIMpr778l2m1huO2KyG_0fXpVm3uq5hkWjfY_aMtB4m7d7vEhNsGtRUR6-oef9J747M/s1600/Iron+anchor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDfBAoQrzWmrOKGWYWNLH7RDNVJGj0yXgwvsDZmaok_zBbz_63MfqdYXRU86MDPEuy6E8tfrDZIMpr778l2m1huO2KyG_0fXpVm3uq5hkWjfY_aMtB4m7d7vEhNsGtRUR6-oef9J747M/s1600/Iron+anchor.jpg" /></a></div>
I love to go antiquing. One never knows what one will find.<br />
It is much like a treasure hunt!<br />
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On one such hunt, I found this lovely cross, at least that is what it was to my eyes. As I proceeded to pay for it, the shop owner asked if I knew what this was. Odd question, I thought.<br />
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Yes, I know.<br />
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He seemed surprised and said, " So you recognize this as an anchor?" No not at all! It was very heavy though. I had noticed that!<br />
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My mind turned to a familiar verse which is such a word picture:<br />
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"We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul" Hebrews 6:19a<br />
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Anchors are vital to a boater. Anchors hold the boat in place as the waves try to push it along.<br />
Anchors hold us in place too when the storms of life roll over us.<br />
What anchor do you use when life rolls over you?<br />
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Recently in studying Hebrews in Bible Study Fellowship (a world wide interdenominational Bible study for men, women and children <a href="https://www.bsfinternational.org/">https://www.bsfinternational.org/</a> ), the second half of this verse stood out to me:<br />
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"a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain". Hebrews 6:19b<br />
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HOPE...we hear the word and use the word HOPE a lot.<br />
I hope this works out. I hope you feel better. I hope I pass this test.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Hope</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">” is commonly used to mean a wish : its strength is the strength of the person's desire. But in the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Bible hope</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> is the confident expectation of what </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> has promised and its strength is in His faithfulness. In Hebrews, hope enters. What is the inner place behind the curtain? The curtain in the temple separated the Holy of Holies where God was from the rest of the temple. Once a year the priest could enter to atone for his and the peoples' sins. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">But Hebrews goes on to tell us that Jesus entered as a forerunner on our behalf. (Hebrews 16:20)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Because He entered and atoned once for all (I Peter 3:18), you and I can have hope in forgiveness, reconciliation with God, forgiveness of our sins and peace with God. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This hope anchors us when life is overwhelming and when life is good. </span><br />
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My anchor/cross has hung on my front porch for years. Most days, I barely notice it but when the storms of life come.. my eyes rest on this symbol of Christ, the anchor for my soul. Everyone needs an anchor.<br />
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What are you anchored to?Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-5129873197392269122019-02-23T15:26:00.000-08:002019-02-23T15:26:31.340-08:00All Alone? <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My desk is upstairs by a double window overlooking the woods. </span></span><div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Many days as I gaze out the window-----------I see lessons emerge</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Today's lesson has appeared most every winter for years. It shows up in the form of</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">a solitary leaf </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hanging staunchly</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> onto the end </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of a tiny branch </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of a huge oak tree. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">All the other leaves had long fallen to the ground_____</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">but not this leaf. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The wind blows.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The rain beats down. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Yet, it remains----------All alone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ever felt that way? All alone? I have! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Like I am the only one----beaten down, rained on--------------All alone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is exactly how one of God's prophets, Elisha felt. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">In I Kings 19:14, Elisha tells God "I am the only one left". All alone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">But he wasn't. God tells Elisha in verse 18, "Yet I have reserved 7,000 in Israel". 7,000!!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Clearly Elisha is not all alone. It is his perception. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">As I gaze past my one little leaf to other trees nearby, I notice one with 2 leaves still attached---no! it's 3 leaves! And still further is a small tree with most of its leaves still connected to its branches. My little leaf really isn't all alone. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKh9W2pzP-H1zVkndcGNZugaDQRJ7oqYBG2Kx2p9ZSgD3774oz_Y9ODVWdy0mBQcR4r_xmEL8WdE4Fcewtr5kTqFEo1a4BIaWTfH4BeqYBcwOI7Fb5HTIzKzbHJa6AI6a2NTjkMh_fp0/s1600/A+few+more+leaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKh9W2pzP-H1zVkndcGNZugaDQRJ7oqYBG2Kx2p9ZSgD3774oz_Y9ODVWdy0mBQcR4r_xmEL8WdE4Fcewtr5kTqFEo1a4BIaWTfH4BeqYBcwOI7Fb5HTIzKzbHJa6AI6a2NTjkMh_fp0/s200/A+few+more+leaves.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">These visual reminders of God's truth from God's world cause me to realize-------</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">just like my little leaf--------I am never all alone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My little leaf has the branch and really the whole tree! Some seasons of life are like that it seems. Just me and Jesus. But in other seasons of life, it's me and a few friends clinging to the branch (Jesus) together. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Reality is---as God's child----I have the whole Christian community (the tree with all those leaves clinging) "with me". I just need to look around......and see all God has given me! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBD-mT3NXQHA7DZvnWpPn6WT1IWXZJWQXDE1rLvL60w748X6F1L7P6-KPvMp0aH_3FJkdnaEiN61tc2XOx-2uPtRtNBXjEXIPTITANvPdgB4prTXYZNOb41fdNDKR61Zq7gY28rEldhg/s1600/A+community+of+leaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBD-mT3NXQHA7DZvnWpPn6WT1IWXZJWQXDE1rLvL60w748X6F1L7P6-KPvMp0aH_3FJkdnaEiN61tc2XOx-2uPtRtNBXjEXIPTITANvPdgB4prTXYZNOb41fdNDKR61Zq7gY28rEldhg/s320/A+community+of+leaves.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
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Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-79763014911682016872017-01-24T05:25:00.000-08:002017-01-24T05:25:46.880-08:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghPfgEwNzDTRinHsPpmfXGNw3gh_QqQbvChya5P1wfW9Dif9Z4nTLH49s4Yt3tlyMyb46R0v4CVzbkoIjBJZvNpdFdefhPZXfN1mK-IJ6yrlS4xBBUCAEL7iQrczPFzRzBIyJrE38h4g/s1600/Patriot+Lake+reflections+by+Nancy+Boyd+Webb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghPfgEwNzDTRinHsPpmfXGNw3gh_QqQbvChya5P1wfW9Dif9Z4nTLH49s4Yt3tlyMyb46R0v4CVzbkoIjBJZvNpdFdefhPZXfN1mK-IJ6yrlS4xBBUCAEL7iQrczPFzRzBIyJrE38h4g/s320/Patriot+Lake+reflections+by+Nancy+Boyd+Webb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections at Patriot Lake by Nancy Webb, photographer</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Reflections</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's January...a time of reflecting back and looking forward to what a new year holds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's January...a time of renewal as we await Spring. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's January...a time of quietness if we listen for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's January...a time of examining my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I gaze upon this lovely photograph, I notice first the trees. Their image reflects in the water but so different from their true color and shape. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I notice the sky which reflects almost identical to its true appearance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I ponder my reflection to the world around me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What do I reflect to others? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is my reflection a true picture of who I am like the sky? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or is my reflection different like the trees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My reflection depends on my heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is truly in my heart is reflected in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's January...take time to let God examine your heart so you may reflect Him to the world around you.</span><br />
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<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-27-19" id="en-ESV-17189" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>As in water face reflects face,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-27-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">so the heart of man reflects the man.</span></span></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Proverbs 27:19</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">English Standard Version (ESV)</span></h1>
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Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-64512435280080869062014-09-02T06:56:00.000-07:002014-09-02T07:12:41.820-07:00A movie to watch for The SongMovies have a way, like books, of inspiring me.<br />
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Therefore I am careful what I read and what I watch because I am moved by media.<br />
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Here is a movie I look forward to seeing: The Song!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBuB4uRtmmHfPOCOHJE9eDWQ9GHlYSg4TZAPbHyb1hEXYIjYfAEFAZcXoTvEHpLrdZ-2WHTza8W7h153jkQKQt7yh3_ZN0D4_GJgfB-oMAkoMNarIf69m97JBzTQXeXUZVHMm_VDftUE/s1600/10501871_837166479635111_7022542144804567578_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBuB4uRtmmHfPOCOHJE9eDWQ9GHlYSg4TZAPbHyb1hEXYIjYfAEFAZcXoTvEHpLrdZ-2WHTza8W7h153jkQKQt7yh3_ZN0D4_GJgfB-oMAkoMNarIf69m97JBzTQXeXUZVHMm_VDftUE/s1600/10501871_837166479635111_7022542144804567578_n.png" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enjoy the trailer. And mark your calendars for Sept. 26!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/paSZ5y7iCgc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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To read a review from someone who has seen a preview of this movie, Click here <a href="http://www.rochellefrazier.com/rochelle-frazier-aheavenlyaroma/2014/8/could-a-movie-save-your-marriage">http://www.rochellefrazier.com/rochelle-frazier-aheavenlyaroma/2014/8/could-a-movie-save-your-marriage</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #af9f79; color: #232323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; text-align: center;">This post is part of THE SONG Blog Tour, of which I am delighted to be a part, along with many other inspiring bloggers. To learn more and to join us, CLICK HERE. - See more at: http://themoviescreener.com/thesong/index.php#register</span>Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-74197347493179962772014-01-11T07:41:00.000-08:002014-01-11T07:41:13.819-08:00New Years' Prayer<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>New Years' Prayer Church of Scotland 1952</b>: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv197WOrYRecV_fWb3eD680I3nPcPjqv8rSoGHGsdnBQ9BCkbk4Tc-aAneAp9C19WwvthURPIyXuyYyPpid0Em-lPlfK5l1OUI89_HIo_iaXhrmPYUHQLHdp8tqNwpajxld2AdPgcZtvg/s1600/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer_-_Praying_Hands,_1508_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv197WOrYRecV_fWb3eD680I3nPcPjqv8rSoGHGsdnBQ9BCkbk4Tc-aAneAp9C19WwvthURPIyXuyYyPpid0Em-lPlfK5l1OUI89_HIo_iaXhrmPYUHQLHdp8tqNwpajxld2AdPgcZtvg/s1600/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer_-_Praying_Hands,_1508_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> Almighty Father, we pray Thee </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">graciously to lead us through the uncertainties of this new year of our earthly pilgrimage.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Protect us from the dangers of the way, </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">prepare us for the duties, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> the trials,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> the joys and </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> sorrows that await us;</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> and grant that each change the year brings with it may bring us nearer to Thyself,</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> and to the eternal joy and rest that await the faithful</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> in Thy blessed and glorious presence;</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> though Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.</span>Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-80326753491245186762013-12-07T08:34:00.002-08:002013-12-12T06:20:00.240-08:00Ice Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg3ZhwsZXNYZuIRmNu_uQkEfXagOugabSoSD-oV4tllJpAzsoROrhp0LeEIjvCMwqBasXFG4ADiRMc8ZiFbLQD1d6jYpvihcKUAsGgrOe-M4XOscSR_RnMLhLCWf4WgkRSIYyp-JAcsY/s1600/Ice+Storm+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg3ZhwsZXNYZuIRmNu_uQkEfXagOugabSoSD-oV4tllJpAzsoROrhp0LeEIjvCMwqBasXFG4ADiRMc8ZiFbLQD1d6jYpvihcKUAsGgrOe-M4XOscSR_RnMLhLCWf4WgkRSIYyp-JAcsY/s320/Ice+Storm+2013.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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As I sat in my warm house<br />
looking out at the glistening branches covered with ice,<br />
it all looked so beautiful!<br />
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Yet, a closer look showed<br />
amidst the beauty and sparkle<br />
of the ice covered branches,<br />
trouble lurked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcX6ZGiSPV4NIeD3iNlfacnHrEtHnTCzhfQoJXGFGgErMkqrVELrO9uTkQo7WM3D0trENFt6Y4PdUNYh_CU43VNF4l2AzCPcAGAg-ZMQeNgj3_3q-qmJdjkgIfxPdI8VtaamFA21zuv8/s1600/Ice+Storm+2013+Younger+Branches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcX6ZGiSPV4NIeD3iNlfacnHrEtHnTCzhfQoJXGFGgErMkqrVELrO9uTkQo7WM3D0trENFt6Y4PdUNYh_CU43VNF4l2AzCPcAGAg-ZMQeNgj3_3q-qmJdjkgIfxPdI8VtaamFA21zuv8/s200/Ice+Storm+2013+Younger+Branches.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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The younger, more pliable branches<br />
bent slightly with their burden of ice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pKuAcq2QBGqy_yM-c_4TqLnZfY53igwLaNyIssxIT6lEaf_9m4bjRkwz8M1cBMiV22-niTFaZOF_y2Wm8Zer6Xpb-YNoZx-x7_eRHgtiSEFCZA4OoHtaLvJYpwUFRYi1MMzG-5dSDKw/s1600/Ice+Storm+2013+Older+Branch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pKuAcq2QBGqy_yM-c_4TqLnZfY53igwLaNyIssxIT6lEaf_9m4bjRkwz8M1cBMiV22-niTFaZOF_y2Wm8Zer6Xpb-YNoZx-x7_eRHgtiSEFCZA4OoHtaLvJYpwUFRYi1MMzG-5dSDKw/s200/Ice+Storm+2013+Older+Branch.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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However, the older branches,<br />
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and especially the evergreens,<br />
almost touched the ground under this burden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tEygTPiu69D8qjrvhVbEJMoxWphT2EKUNFe1vUt0YVpx_tq4EWOTnBk52epXL-UepwXX7Hpf_FdPzcng7QEMyqas8zNYQp8nzbGJtDyeGm4HSFQg6J527qKmXZvwrJXkL6CuN0lkMSw/s1600/Ice+Storm+2013+Evergreen+branch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tEygTPiu69D8qjrvhVbEJMoxWphT2EKUNFe1vUt0YVpx_tq4EWOTnBk52epXL-UepwXX7Hpf_FdPzcng7QEMyqas8zNYQp8nzbGJtDyeGm4HSFQg6J527qKmXZvwrJXkL6CuN0lkMSw/s200/Ice+Storm+2013+Evergreen+branch.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Further still,<br />
I saw a few branches simply fell off under the weight of the ice burden and lay upon the ground.<br />
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They could not endure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszVn4R0PF_WD1Ve3WmADfn5DNRygdZduKHHyWCAB94cOwgVToDU9ahON35nakikPPRF_cseJ_K1MMbh2sEuZJv_cI8C6vvza0WVMvOAHoDRe7e6Za4O5KzxC4-zjJLYA0bslcLOc89gk/s1600/Ice+Storm+2013+fallen+Branch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszVn4R0PF_WD1Ve3WmADfn5DNRygdZduKHHyWCAB94cOwgVToDU9ahON35nakikPPRF_cseJ_K1MMbh2sEuZJv_cI8C6vvza0WVMvOAHoDRe7e6Za4O5KzxC4-zjJLYA0bslcLOc89gk/s320/Ice+Storm+2013+fallen+Branch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>What about me? </i><br />
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When burdens come, am I the <span style="color: #93c47d;">young branch</span>,<br />
the<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: #38761d;">older branch</span></span> or<br />
<br />
am I the <span style="color: #783f04;">branch that falls off</span>?<br />
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I have had seasons of being each of these branches. I prefer to be the young branch who endures under the weight of the burden without bowing low or falling off!<br />
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How do you carry your burdens? Do you know the One who wants to carry those burdens for you?<br />
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Here is his invitation:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-ESV-23488" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </span><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>Come to <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>me, all who labor and are <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>heavy laden, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Matt-11-28" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">and I will give you rest.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-ESV-23489" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>Take my yoke upon you, and <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>learn from me,</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-11-29" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"> for I am <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span>gentle and lowly in heart,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Matt-11-29" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"> and <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span>you will find rest for your souls.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-11-30" id="en-ESV-23490" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>For <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23490G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span>my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-11-30" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Matthew 11:28-30</h3>
<span class="text Matt-11-30" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<div class="txt-sm" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
English Standard Version (ESV)</div>
Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-45592874904418959772013-09-15T15:17:00.001-07:002013-12-12T06:21:09.731-08:00The Twists and Turns of Forgiveness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As with most things in life, forgiveness is learned as we journey and grow. Early experiences with forgiveness usually include being told "Say you are sorry" as a child. Honestly, don't most of us wonder why we are saying "Sorry" when the other kid was mean to us?<br />
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Further along in life, we begin to seriously wrestle with our hurts. In the twists and turns of trying to understand forgiveness, we learn there are choices to be made. Here are a few: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98SFY_Uq_agBeVE48YprdCrOyVqdqsm0NjcpPR38JuMIUXW_p6JA6kL8H8KCTJWO2Le4nfBnKf2PRPrRmAz7NKsar9CoZLlRvsUVFt9UXvh8Z4YtVCF2aWskr6cjRekCPrNEFtgvJQ-E/s1600/Savannahs+painting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98SFY_Uq_agBeVE48YprdCrOyVqdqsm0NjcpPR38JuMIUXW_p6JA6kL8H8KCTJWO2Le4nfBnKf2PRPrRmAz7NKsar9CoZLlRvsUVFt9UXvh8Z4YtVCF2aWskr6cjRekCPrNEFtgvJQ-E/s200/Savannahs+painting.JPG" width="153" /></a><br />
We can ignore them.<br />
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We can bury them deep.<br />
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We can be angry.<br />
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We can seek revenge.<br />
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Eventually we discover that none of these choices comfort our soul.<br />
Only one choice does that...forgiveness!<br />
But how exactly does one forgive a hurt and especially a hurt that no one said "I am sorry for..."?<br />
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Here is what I have learned over the decades of my life:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Forgiveness is something I choose.</li>
<li>Forgiveness is between me and God.</li>
<li>Forgiveness brings freedom.</li>
<li>Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation.</li>
<li>Forgiveness is only possible because I have been forgiven. </li>
</ul>
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Remembering how much (like ALL of my sins from the past, present and even the future!) I have been forgiven by God through His son, Jesus....enables me to grant forgiveness to others even if they do not say<br />
"I am sorry."</div>
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And then, my soul is comforted and I am free. </div>
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See Matthew 18:21-35</div>
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<br />Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-72381974286939602262013-05-28T08:49:00.000-07:002013-12-12T06:26:50.179-08:00Where are you? After a 6 month break from blogging in which I served in Bible Study Fellowship, an International inter-denominational Bible study where we spent 9 months in the book of Genesis, I want to share nuggets from the "book of beginnings', as Genesis is called. It is "where I have been".<br />
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A phrase from Genesis 3 grabbed me this morning. It is "they (Adam and Eve) heard the sound of the LORD GOD walking in the garden" [Genesis 3:8 NASB].<br />
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Adam and Eve lived together in this wonderful garden God had created for them. It was their home. They had probably heard God walking there daily. He lived with them. What was different this time? Why did the "sound" matter this time?<br />
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It mattered because this time they had done the unthinkable...they had eaten from the one tree God had forbidden and they felt SHAME for the first time.<br />
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SHAME that they were naked.<br />
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SHAME that they had disobeyed God.<br />
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So they hid from God....or they attempted to do so. I understand. I try to hide too!<br />
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Things would never be the same and they knew it! This would be an incredibly sad story BUT GOD!<br />
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GOD who loves so much who rather than SHAMING them asks a question "Where are you?" Did He ask because He did not know? He asked because He wanted Adam and Eve to come to Him, to share with Him what had happened. He gave them a chance to confess and they did! God listens, answers, disciplines and then provides a covering for them. BUT GOD!<br />
<br />
As I ponder this verse....I ask myself....<br />
Do I listen for God walking in my life?<br />
Do I talk with Him when I feel SHAME?<br />
Do I let Him remind me that He has covered me too?<br />
<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
</h3>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30550A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> and purify us from all unrighteousness</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-1-9"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
1 John 1:9</h3>
<div class="txt-sm" style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
New International Version (NIV)</div>
<br />
<br />Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-7892606926400065922012-12-24T18:53:00.001-08:002013-12-12T06:21:53.654-08:00Just One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH577f4YBVAVnOUmXZfeCyD00KXueUGS-yPgeY1zXnxyYNsYvyV6hXZBrEmgUjhCIBSmq2LeWO9IvpUSsFfQhAYyKWEyB7i9HSX3GAeRiaKpBaZkFyQKX5DQ-R3OwTaav0e4eP6dYqcK4/s1600/Single+Bloom+on+Christmas+cactus+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH577f4YBVAVnOUmXZfeCyD00KXueUGS-yPgeY1zXnxyYNsYvyV6hXZBrEmgUjhCIBSmq2LeWO9IvpUSsFfQhAYyKWEyB7i9HSX3GAeRiaKpBaZkFyQKX5DQ-R3OwTaav0e4eP6dYqcK4/s400/Single+Bloom+on+Christmas+cactus+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Last Christmas my Christmas Cactus bloomed in late winter....after Christmas. Disappointing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Imagine my delight when I saw a bloom forming in early November! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Yes! It's going to bloom at Christmas. And it did.......one wonderful red bloom.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">As I've watered and cared for the plant, I've wondered.......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">why only one bloom? What happened to the rest? Why did they never form? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Slowly, a truth long planted in my heart began to surface. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one came from heaven to earth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one lived a perfect life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one shed His blood on a cross</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one paid the price for my sin</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one died and rose again so I might have eternal life with God.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one baby that we celebrate at Christmas........</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Just one Jesus, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel... God with us! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1:21&version=NASB" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial;">Matthew 1:21</a></strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">She </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">will</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> bear a Son; and you shall call </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">His</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> name Jesus, for </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">He</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">will</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">save</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">His</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">people</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> from their sins.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%209:6&version=NASB" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial;">Isaiah 9:6</a></strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Prince </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">of</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Peace</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-88681586257218562012012-12-15T06:43:00.001-08:002013-12-12T06:27:43.185-08:00BELIEVE?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvVP4M1UK4kOpgBxIMsC1MZolBtcIZ4FKTXdAUWfG_oy5VK3AdAaLodWZI6tT8IX6Gz4BmUbAHVa8punkTh6kuaCaH_-WFL4x9fskkyH87M1K5fTibf6mHkKrx0QpeSb-Sun3dzC3qz4/s1600/P1020192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvVP4M1UK4kOpgBxIMsC1MZolBtcIZ4FKTXdAUWfG_oy5VK3AdAaLodWZI6tT8IX6Gz4BmUbAHVa8punkTh6kuaCaH_-WFL4x9fskkyH87M1K5fTibf6mHkKrx0QpeSb-Sun3dzC3qz4/s320/P1020192.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Pottery by Agnes Stark Memphis TN</u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">Mary believed God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">She believed Gabriel was His messenger.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">She believed she would become pregnant.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">She believed Elisabeth was pregnant too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">She BELIEVED God!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">God knew she would. She was thus favored by Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;">God knew I would believe Him too..........</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"> Believe I am a sinner</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"> Believe Jesus died for my sin</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"> Believe I am covered by his blood with His robe of righteousness</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"> Believe I am His child</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"> Believe He will lead and guide me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"> Believe I will live with Him forever. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">What do you believe this Christmas season? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Luke-1-26" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>Now in the sixth month the angel <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24920AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24920AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>Nazareth,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><span class="text Luke-1-27" id="en-NASB-24921" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>to <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24921AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>a virgin <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-24921r" title="See footnote r">r</a>]"></sup>engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24921AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup>of the <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-24921s" title="See footnote s">s</a>]"></sup>descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-24921t" title="See footnote t">t</a>]"></sup>Mary.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-28" id="en-NASB-24922" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-24922u" title="See footnote u">u</a>]"></sup>favored one! The Lord <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-24922v" title="See footnote v">v</a>]"></sup><i>is</i> with you.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Luke-1-28" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Luke 1: 26-28 New American Standard Version</span></div>
Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-37426384233655405432012-11-01T06:44:00.001-07:002013-12-12T06:28:35.357-08:00Where do you turn?A friend called me this morning. We don't get to talk often so I wondered what was up. I soon learned.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
My precious sister in Christ was struggling to make the choice that would please God. </div>
<div>
She needed encouragement to do what she knew was the right thing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Her call made me ponder..........</div>
<div>
<i>Where do I turn when I am struggling with a choice? </i></div>
<div>
<i> How quickly do I run there? </i></div>
<div>
<i> Why does it often take me so long? </i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i> How is it that I forget the joy of having a sister in Christ give me wise counsel and lift me in prayer?</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When my next struggle comes, and it will come.....</div>
<div>
<i> I will turn to God's Word. </i></div>
<div>
<i> I will call a godly friend to encourage me. </i></div>
<div>
<i> </i></div>
<div>
<i> I will remember all the times I've done this before and found peace and joy. </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
James 5:16</h3>
<div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px;">
English Standard Version (ESV)</div>
</div>
<div class="passage version-ESV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Jas-5-16" id="en-ESV-30354"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>Therefore, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30354A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30354B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>that you may be healed. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30354C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-91505692442958310532012-10-21T11:43:00.000-07:002013-12-12T06:23:07.238-08:00The Art of Attentiveness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnQv0AKkGyimOEzhtzi8TWZ2vZ45as7FUkvFYctRTfl-QjPCgml5-e4QeC567arOAK9YBJ_55NJ_FlyVLX5D24AAwn47F7kGZljX_3euH4OAADXpnH0FAT6TCAsZuOBIHDCP08L5JrAE/s1600/Single+red+maple+leaf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnQv0AKkGyimOEzhtzi8TWZ2vZ45as7FUkvFYctRTfl-QjPCgml5-e4QeC567arOAK9YBJ_55NJ_FlyVLX5D24AAwn47F7kGZljX_3euH4OAADXpnH0FAT6TCAsZuOBIHDCP08L5JrAE/s1600/Single+red+maple+leaf.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fall, or my favorite name for this season,<br />
Autumn, calls me once again to practice<br />
the art of attentiveness.<br />
In less than two weeks,<br />
the trees have changed from<br />
green to varied shades of<br />
yellow,<br />
orange,<br />
red<br />
and deep purple.<br />
Have you noticed?<br />
<br />
Another event in my life has reminded me anew of the importance of attentiveness:<br />
the death of a puppy.<br />
Was she nursing well? Was she eating puppy mush? Was she gaining weight?<br />
<br />
To be able to answer these questions required attentiveness.<br />
And on the last day of her life, it was watching closely for ways I could make her struggle to live easier.<br />
Each detail mattered.<br />
<br />
I am still learning this "art of attentiveness" as Mark Buchanan calls it in his book " The Rest of God".<br />
He defines this as:<br />
<br />
<b><u>"being fully present, wholly awake, in each moment"</u></b>.<br />
<br />
For me, it means being focused on what is in front of me, not thinking about what is next.<br />
For others, it may mean slowing down and taking the time to be fully present.<br />
What would it take for you to practice this art?<br />
<br />
Whether the moment is one of joy or pain, there are lessons to be learned, love to be given and received and life to be lived.<br />
<br />
Oh to be one who lives practicing the art of attentiveness!<br />
<br />
Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-63986520613758765822012-09-01T09:33:00.002-07:002013-12-12T06:23:44.844-08:00When I am Afraid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Outside my window on a tiny limb in a big oak tree perched a tiny sparrow.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafX23PYaMcQ3juaXSirZnQJ8VU-3SSTy_RBi2BJrN-MLlS2xBeLXz3XK8dz8iRUYCVSO7YHUV4j9WDDyxtT2uvwkUn54cesTB1ZQewNANmZwbm-2Z3UojPGiR5IME5TvGXmL2k7ytMzU/s1600/DSC00005(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafX23PYaMcQ3juaXSirZnQJ8VU-3SSTy_RBi2BJrN-MLlS2xBeLXz3XK8dz8iRUYCVSO7YHUV4j9WDDyxtT2uvwkUn54cesTB1ZQewNANmZwbm-2Z3UojPGiR5IME5TvGXmL2k7ytMzU/s320/DSC00005(1).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> He bravely faced the wind and the light rain falling and I was fascinated.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fascinated because I thought birds tucked their heads under their wings against the rain. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fascinated because into my mind floated a memory, a teaching from long ago about the birds of the air. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My natural tendency is to worry and be anxious...yes, to be afraid.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Afraid of tomorrow, </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> afraid of illness,</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> lack of income,</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> hurts. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Afraid. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I watched the sparrow flit from branch to branch high up in the oak tree, I realized how free he was.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> No fear of falling. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> No fear of the wind.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> No fear of the rain. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the little creature almost missed the branch and hung on by a leaf but he didn't seem fearful. He just reached out for the limb and moved on. Free!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can he be like this? Because his Maker will provide for him.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And He will provide for me because I am of great worth to Him. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, when I am afraid of <u>whatever</u>, I remember the birds of the air and the One who loves me so. </span><br />
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<h3 style="font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Matt-6-25" id="en-NASB-23308">The Cure for Anxiety</span></h3>
<span class="text Matt-6-25"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>“<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23308A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>For this reason I say to you, <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-23308a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup>do not be <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23308B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>worried about your <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-23308b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"></sup>life, <i>as to</i> what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, <i>as to</i> what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?</span> <span class="text Matt-6-26" id="en-NASB-23309"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23309C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>Look at the birds of the <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-23309c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]"></sup>air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and <i>yet</i> your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?</span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-26"></span><br />
<h3 style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
Matthew 6:25-26</h3>
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New American Standard Bible (NASB)</div>
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Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-72873922371812793772012-08-23T18:53:00.000-07:002013-12-12T06:26:08.828-08:00Moments...<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life is lived in moments. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been slowly learning this over the past number of years but it really came home to me anew the other night when I helped my sweet dog, Demi, deliver her first litter. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those precious tiny puppies are born shrink wrapped in a clear membrane which is very hard to break. My job was to tear an opening in the membrane so Demi could begin stimulating her puppies to take their first breath.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A moment... </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and life hung in the balance.</span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5RN7trSUfAgx5F2a-4g55h81kQfth3mFtLJVDi6B8tomfhiWhyphenhyphenxSXAQxjV5FCDWKut2f_YqBNgRidQ8gCSmCnG7CB-UyOYmonecO53sr6478FJIloj8d18l3I6p-xcSv0YKvy1yxSn8/s1600/Demi+and+Puppies+3+days+old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5RN7trSUfAgx5F2a-4g55h81kQfth3mFtLJVDi6B8tomfhiWhyphenhyphenxSXAQxjV5FCDWKut2f_YqBNgRidQ8gCSmCnG7CB-UyOYmonecO53sr6478FJIloj8d18l3I6p-xcSv0YKvy1yxSn8/s200/Demi+and+Puppies+3+days+old.jpg" title="Demi Endearing of Biewer Blessings with her von Schon Biewer puppies" width="150" /></a> </div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Yes, life is lived in moments.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And each moment matters. Each moment becomes part of a chain of moments which make up a lifetime. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How will in live in this moment? </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Will I love? </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Will I give? </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Will I deny myself, think of others?</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Will I live for the One who made me? </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes but not each time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b>Oh how I want each moment to be lived rightly. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am learning the only way to live in the moment is to walk with God...moment by moment, in faith and in trust. </span><br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table_bible" id="table_bible" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', arial, helvetica; font-size: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;"><tbody>
<tr id="Jam_4_14_1150014"><td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding: 8px 0px 0px 8px; white-space: nowrap;" valign="top" width="68"><span class="nowrap"><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jam&c=4&t=NIV#comm/14" style="color: #324395; text-decoration: none;">Jam 4:14</a></span></td><td class="td_bible_text" style="font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 13px 0px 8px;" valign="top">Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.</td></tr>
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Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-5737046632011740572012-08-12T16:09:00.000-07:002013-12-12T06:24:27.263-08:00A Quiet Place<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever struggled to find a quiet place where you can rest your mind and your soul? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has been my struggle over the years. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to read the Word, </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> meditate, </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> talk to God...</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the noises of life keep crowding in </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(not to mention the "to do" list in my head and my own wandering thoughts)!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While reading John Piper's book "<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/">When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy",</a> I discovered why I struggle. I've never been able to consistently have a space that is designated for this purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I asked God to show me a space and He did!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> There is a window upstairs that I've always loved because it looks out into the woods. It has been the home of our treadmill for years now, but not anymore! </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grabbed my favorite chair (one where my feet touch the floor!), an antique table (long relegated to the attic),moved my "quiet time basket" by the chair and now, I have that long desired quiet place. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don't have a quiet place, ask God to show you one! It might be a closet, a corner of a room or the corner of your yard. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He just longs to help us find rest for our souls and a quiet place to meet Him. </span><br />
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Matthew 11:28-29</h3>
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New American Standard Bible (NASB)</div>
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<span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-NASB-23488"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>“ <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23488A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>Come to Me, all <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-23488a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NASB#fen-NASB-23488a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.</span> <span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-NASB-23489"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>Take My yoke upon you and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23489B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23489C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">you will find rest for your souls</span>.</span></div>
Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-760955534633256355.post-60915559176007228582012-07-24T11:08:00.002-07:002013-12-12T06:25:21.609-08:00<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes the hardest thing to do is just begin! Where does one start, what does one do? Or in this case, what does one write? </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After way too much pondering as to how to begin, I've decided to just start!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you will enjoy my brief ponderings about life in general and what I've learned along the way. </span><br />
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<h2>
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FRIENDS</span></h2>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friends are such an important part of life. They shape our thinking and influence our behavior. They lift our spirits or drag us down. They point us to wisdom or lead us to foolishness. Good friends, ones who listen, love, encourage and counsel, are gifts from the LORD. If you have good friends, thank God. If you don't, ask Him for good friends. God delights to give good gifts to His children.</span><br />
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If you then, who are evil, know how to give good <span class="criteria" style="color: #cc0022; font-weight: bold;">gifts</span> to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!</div>
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<tr id="Mat_7_11_936011"><td class="vRefa" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0px 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 70px;"><span class="nowrap;"><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=7&t=ESV#11" style="color: #324395; text-decoration: none;">Mat 7:11</a></span></td></tr>
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Jen Baumer Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870984186481106886noreply@blogger.com1