tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59881686923631732482024-02-20T00:44:08.335-08:00Manda's MutteringsAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988168692363173248.post-8117150004729966512010-01-04T12:07:00.000-08:002010-01-04T13:15:36.879-08:00Its a New YearSo 2009 has passed and I did not blog once. Its a new year - a new dedication to things I love. <br />I love my family, I love to write, I love to tat, I love to socialize, so here it comes...(hopefully).<br /><br /> First let me say the family is well. Chris lost his job of 24 years last June and has been unable to find anything since. We haven't gone hungry and the major bills have all been paid so - life is still good. Chris is a preacher/evangelist also. Hopefully, this year will be the year for his preaching to 'take off'. Our pastor pretty much booked our January with projects at church...so February here we come.<br /> Our oldest, Erin, just started a new job - still in retail but not clothing. We are SO excited for her and proud of the way she has matured and developed. She and her husband will be married 5 years this month - WOW how time flies. No littles ones yet but...their lives have been so busy - its okay.<br /> Esther has also just complete a job change...don't think this is the 'ONE' but that's okay too. We are just so proud of her and all she does. Maybe we will start to see some homemade cards coming from her world soon. Can't wait!<br /> I started a tatting project over a year ago and put it aside because the pattern wasn't 'super' easy. I have decided to pick it up and complete it - post haste! As soon as it is finished I hope to post the picture on here. It really is a pretty doily. I am doing it in pink. (Why pink - I don't know!) Also, just finished tatting a garter for a co-worker recently. I'll try to get her to loan it to me so I can post a picture of it also. In my head I have LOTS of tatting ideas...but I am easily frustrated when it doesn't turn out the way I am invisioning it. <br /> So there it is...the start to a new year. Hopefully, this year I will keep it up. (Haven't even written any poems this last year - weird...)<br /> Okay - I'll catch you later...or come see me on FaceBook.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988168692363173248.post-79386065585324108282008-09-29T16:25:00.000-07:002008-09-29T16:34:01.398-07:00<p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Blog, blog blog, blog blog, blog… Yeah – hmmm, well ah --- okay, so it’s been a while. <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Okay,</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">even a long while.</span> To say I’ve been busy would be a trite excuse, we’ve all been busy (and most of you are much busier than I.) To be a little more honest – I’ve spent a great deal of my online time lately reading other people’s blogs. So, as well as keeping me up on all of you, its kept me from writing anything for you to read. Besides that, I’ve been a little <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">(ok a lot</span>), intimidated. Some of you have such insightful things to say, others have just so much more pizzazz in your presentation. (Waa! Waa!)</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">I know, I know, I am not supposed to compare myself to anyone else but who doesn’t at times? (Tell me you never compare and we’ll both know you are lying.) </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">I haven’t blogged about my Curves adventure mainly because my results haven’t been phenomenal in fact they are just barely even mentionable. I think I can finally say I’ve lost 10 lbs. I’ll do the official weigh and measure next week and we’ll find out. (UGH!!!) It is SO like a test and I really don’t like tests. Now, if I am sure I’ll pass with a 100 and maybe even get extra credit…no problem I’ll take one every day. However, if there is a chance that I will miss a point, I despise the test…(its hard to want perfection from yourself and not be able to deliver). Hmmm, sounds like another character flaw.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Going to Curves though has been fun. There are many different women to meet and visit with and if not for Curves our paths would probably not have crossed. There are several machines that are quite the challenge and others that we just all agree we hate. But overall the atmosphere is upbeat, positive, fun and full of camaraderie. Even if you can only do 2 squats you can feel good about it. There’s always someone there to encourage you on, even when you just don’t want to keep going. </span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">HURRICANE IKE</span></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-family: georgia;"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-family: georgia;">YIKES!!! IKE WAS HERE</span>!</span></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><br />Overall, I think most of us will agree we were all very blessed. At my house we only had the discomfort and inconvenience of no power (which for us also meant no running water) for 6 days. And while the refrigerator and freezer are currently bare (we haven’t shopped yet) we aren’t going hungry nor or we likely to. My roof is still intact and the trees in my yard still stand. I am blessed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Its been a time to reacquaint ourselves with our neighbors and friends. We move about so fast paced that often we lose touch with those around us. We gave our meat to a friend that had more mouths to feed than just Chris and I. Another who had hot running water allowed us the privilege of taking a shower at their home. Several others offered. I’ve seen strangers helping strangers with the tree(s) across their houses or yards. The strong spirit of resilience in our community is something awesome to behold.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We were living in Houston with a new born baby when Alicia hit the Houston area. It was quite the wild experience then too...but not like Ike. We only didn't have electricity for half a day then.<br /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988168692363173248.post-49779075541226395342008-07-06T19:54:00.000-07:002008-07-06T19:59:31.657-07:00July 4th<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:16;" >I wrote this several years ago...but it still holds true. We live in an awesome country. We must pray continually that those that would destroy it from within are defeated on every front.</span><b><span style="font-size:16;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size:16;">PATRIOTISM</span></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Tears in the eye</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">To see the flag waving high</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Prayers for the soldiers</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Even those old codgers</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">That served along time ago</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Defending our flag</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Even when our spirits sag</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Helping hands</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">To neighbors on foreign lands</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Lifting spirits low</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Parades and apple pie</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Watching the Stars and Stripes go by</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Clowns and bands</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Lots of people in the stands</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Adults with children n tow</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Red, white and blue</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Giving honor when due</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">“The Star Spangled Banner”</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Liberty’s shining manner</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Beckoning us on</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Voting and voicing</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Rioting and rejoicing</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Freedom of press</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">And freedom from false arrest</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Laws written long ago</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">America the Beautiful</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">America the bountiful</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">The land of the free</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Our great destiny</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">How I love her so</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">Amanda Rankin 07/03</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988168692363173248.post-33407386059719175312008-06-23T20:29:00.000-07:002008-06-23T20:36:25.574-07:00SLEEP BABY SLEEP<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span> <p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My friend's grand baby died this week and it has been a tremendously heart wrenching experience. So, in honor of little 2 1/2 month old Miley Chea' I wrote this before the graveside service today.<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SLEEP BABY SLEEP</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I held you once </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So soft and sweet</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I look at you today</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So quiet and faraway</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sleep baby sleep</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are flowers everywhere</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And tears in every eye</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So quickly you left</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No time for good-byes</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sleep baby sleep</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Empty arms</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And broken hearts</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Dreams over before begun</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You’re so tiny and still</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sleep baby sleep</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cradled in Jesus’ arms</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heaven’s nursery is now your home</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We’ll miss you always</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Awake to Heaven’s glory</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sleep baby sleep</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988168692363173248.post-51887385136887631542008-06-21T20:33:00.000-07:002008-06-21T20:36:20.484-07:00"Thinking of You"<b><u><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" ><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></u></b> <p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" >THINKING OF YOU</span></span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As autumn shrouds the parks and grounds of play</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As leaves fall silently covering all</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As the winds of winter begin to blow</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">I think, my friend, of you</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">The winds in blustery force assail</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As you walk head bent across the span of lawn</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As the chill of damp is in the air</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">I think, my friend, of you</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">School children calling out in shrill voices</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As they kick through the fallen leaves</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As teachers call them to return to class</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">I think, my friend, of you</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">I think, my friend, of you</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As you gather your children in your embrace</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As you kiss your spouse in joy</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">I think, my friend, of you</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">I joy in knowing you are loved</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As autumn ends with winter’s shove</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As a new year comes with abounding love</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">I think, my friend, of you.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: right;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">11/20/07 Amanda Rankin</span></span></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988168692363173248.post-10226003940718203472008-06-11T17:00:00.000-07:002008-06-11T17:02:19.851-07:00THOUGHT FOR TODAY<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><i style="">“Dear Children, do not let anyone lead you astray.”<span style=""> </span>I John 3:7<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">What an awesome admonition!<span style=""> </span><br /><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Too often we allow the influences in our lives to cloud the direction we know that we should be headed.<span style=""> </span>Other paths become ‘prettier’, or more ‘interesting’, or that’s where our ‘friends’ are.<span style=""> </span>It is so easy to get sidetracked.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">It is hard to watch as others walk down their path of life, without screaming and crying, when you see them turn down what you perceive as the wrong road for their life.<span style=""> </span>It’s hard to know whether it is the path their life MUST take to get them to where God has destined them to be or if the Enemy of their soul is leading them astray.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Maybe the detours we see our life take or the detour that others’ take are God’s way of getting us into position for greatness.<span style=""> </span>Take Joseph…had he not been a little braggadocios snot to his brothers they wouldn’t have felt the need to get rid of the punk.<span style=""> </span>How else would he have ever gotten on the path to being 2<sup>nd</sup> in command of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> and in a position to save his family?<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Joseph never forgot to live upright before God even in his adversity. <span style=""> </span>That is probably the key.<span style=""> </span>Joseph in his time in the pit, during his tenure as a slave, and then during his incarceration in prison, never forgot God’s promises and never forgot God.<span style=""> </span>He remained faithful.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Can we live as faithfully given those circumstances?<span style=""> </span>Could those influences (hateful family members, sexual temptation, being lied about and/or unjustly imprisoned) make us choose a path away from God and His purpose for our life?<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">No doubt the people in our life have impact.<span style=""> </span>We also have impact on the lives around us.<span style=""> </span>Are you leading or are you being led?</span><span style=""><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span> </span></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988168692363173248.post-39353282628930939342008-06-11T16:32:00.000-07:002008-06-11T16:36:09.894-07:00Bloggette<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">I blogged away the stress today</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Posted all my joys and woes</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">I felt so much better</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Out from under all that load</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">When next I checked</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">I found to my amaze'</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">All my friends had written</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">In response to me this day</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Now I'll be blogging back</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">To each and every one</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">To let them know I read</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">To acknowledge what they said</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"></span></span></span></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988168692363173248.post-16527164984886486162008-06-10T18:30:00.000-07:002008-06-10T18:41:32.617-07:00Here I am..joining this world of bloggers<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">The pressure has been on for quite a while to join this world of blogging mania. Not too sure what will come of it. I have so much to say and no one to hear it seems ... so...we will see what happens.<br /><br />I hope to use this space to post the poems I have written and those that are waiting behind my finger tips to be written. They range from spiritual in nature to just thoughts on life.<br /><br />I'll be back,<br /></span></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05630518173699281637noreply@blogger.com2