tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31723534003636456992024-02-06T20:29:26.540-08:00At the WellEncouragement, Enlightenment, EdificationMonica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-75959161919665512712023-09-24T06:45:00.004-07:002023-09-24T07:02:56.340-07:00<p><br /></p><p>Donations in Rev. William H. Copeland Jr.'s memory may be made to:</p><p>The Rev. William H. Copeland Jr. Scholarship Fund </p><blockquote class="yiv6819865603" style="background-color: white; border-left-style: none; color: inherit; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: inherit; outline: none; padding: inherit;" type="cite"><a class="yiv6819865603" href="https://cfkankakee.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2115" rel="noreferrer" style="color: #338fe9; outline: none 0px;" target="_blank">https://cfkankakee.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2115</a></blockquote><p>Rev. William H. Copeland Jr. Scholarship Fund</p><p>Community Foundation of Kankake River Valley</p><p>1 Dearborn Square, Suite 500</p><p>Kankakee, IL 60901 </p><p><br /></p><p>or </p><p>The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation of Kankakee</p><p>Rev. William H. Copeland Jr. Scholarship Fund</p><p>353 N. Chicago Ave.</p><p>Kankakee, IL 60901</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt7YtkeJuAmmOnk1w_Q94j8VeyodkdsVkcUEuZBWOgQrqPsj7Baz8LYv0b2gfmgVnHFA4k0V14BoTSe6-pyNTkU-jV_kihyYeAORPcdSZHYFcdydE--nwm3hntHIljPpoICOQZ4KBYolfvXYhkAOJQKLEW8LyHKWFGrMu4Y4x4VRsQsuZrG9JInDi3cJo/s920/Dad%20portrait.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt7YtkeJuAmmOnk1w_Q94j8VeyodkdsVkcUEuZBWOgQrqPsj7Baz8LYv0b2gfmgVnHFA4k0V14BoTSe6-pyNTkU-jV_kihyYeAORPcdSZHYFcdydE--nwm3hntHIljPpoICOQZ4KBYolfvXYhkAOJQKLEW8LyHKWFGrMu4Y4x4VRsQsuZrG9JInDi3cJo/s320/Dad%20portrait.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-593353216097264762023-01-10T04:53:00.000-08:002023-01-10T04:53:09.593-08:00It's Time to Clean Your Junk Drawer<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWf5kcmvIAoWAewb_s8EkJ204-0nIqUHwN-H2Z2I23VCNWpYJJxzwE5qkij9lQ5Z-Dnz_q0qKcVEVVdS_Pvr3lB92-ZpmTWqDRv0njtFAGkxFR3SK_V7nEgGUKGljyziK86ZxeLN6xrtTYPM7tRNcpAakxs9yXDySWWUe1k-ZQ7lSr6WdOK_B0-XX4w/s1390/drawer-full-of-junk-PD96X7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWf5kcmvIAoWAewb_s8EkJ204-0nIqUHwN-H2Z2I23VCNWpYJJxzwE5qkij9lQ5Z-Dnz_q0qKcVEVVdS_Pvr3lB92-ZpmTWqDRv0njtFAGkxFR3SK_V7nEgGUKGljyziK86ZxeLN6xrtTYPM7tRNcpAakxs9yXDySWWUe1k-ZQ7lSr6WdOK_B0-XX4w/s320/drawer-full-of-junk-PD96X7.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br />Do you have a junk drawer? That place in the kitchen where
everything goes. I have at least two. Really three. This morning I
inadvertently started cleaning the smallest of these drawers. It is a long
narrow one and recently I noticed that it wasn’t properly closing. I knew that
I had a lot of stuff in there. But I didn’t realize, as I started pulling out a
small mountain of napkins, old hot sauce packages, plastic utensils, matches and used Ziploc bags
just how much stuff was in there.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I started pulling stuff out, throwing away some things,
setting aside others, God spoke in my spirit, “It’s time to clean your junk
drawer.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You’ve got garbage in your life that you didn’t even know
that you had and that you don’t need.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have to clean before we can move. We have to purge before we can go forward. We have to get rid of the stuff that’s been stuffed and
hidden in our past, packed in the back of our mind, the pain hidden in our soul
so that we can function properly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As my brother, Pastor Kenneth E. Copeland teaches, you have
to process (or for this analogy we can say clean) the wounds of the past. Those
wounds can turn into weakness. And those weaknesses have the potential to turn
into wickedness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Childhood wounds. Relationship wounds. Wounds left by those
who intentionally or unintentionally hurt or harmed us deeply by their actions.
Those hard things, the emotions attached to them and the lies of the Enemy that
we have internalized. Cleaning a wound is a matter of life and death. When we let the wounds and weakness of life turn into
wickedness, not only does that sin impact us, but it has ripple effects that
impact those all around us. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">James 1:15 says in the New Living Translation, “These
desires give birth to sinful action. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives
birth to death.” Or as the Message Bible puts it, “Lust gets pregnant, and has
a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood and becomes a real killer.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes our junk drawer is filled with stuff that may have
been good at one time, that we thought we would need or use but those things are not
useful anymore. Throw it away. Let it go.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Keep the good stuff. You can’t get to some of the good stuff
that you can use-- the good things your parents passed on to you, the
foundation that was laid in the past, things that you have picked up along the
way-- because you’ve got too much junk in the way.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the spirit, sit quietly before God and let Him lead you
as you clean out those junk drawers in this new season of your life. Let Him
speak to those areas that you have closed off and not wanted to deal with
because it has been too painful. If you have sin in your life, get rid of it and commit your way to Him. He wants to move you. He wants to bless you.
But you’re keeping too much junk. It’s time to clean your junk drawers.</p><p class="MsoNormal">(Note: This photo is not my junk drawer. My drawer was way more junky.)</p>Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-21270190004915073542022-09-12T14:54:00.002-07:002022-09-12T14:54:56.413-07:00A Reason for Every Season<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As the rain and the
snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread
for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to
me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I
sent it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Isaiah 55:11</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-s5VKAfXiVou9AngXf5uwD0i6SSnMODf_Hw3EAa0gD5BvNRSbAcxtypXDqbmFp-RvaLH9l5TFmeQGktu6hLplXu-sJ5yXUEnos2Veo_fXnWVO3HiRE-a-dk7phWmNQznqeFqtPTrQgYYiVAt1AYwJy2mQqlxlf0GJFWa9i1Bjgt0Uucqhtov40u4Aw/s1200/four-seasons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-s5VKAfXiVou9AngXf5uwD0i6SSnMODf_Hw3EAa0gD5BvNRSbAcxtypXDqbmFp-RvaLH9l5TFmeQGktu6hLplXu-sJ5yXUEnos2Veo_fXnWVO3HiRE-a-dk7phWmNQznqeFqtPTrQgYYiVAt1AYwJy2mQqlxlf0GJFWa9i1Bjgt0Uucqhtov40u4Aw/s320/four-seasons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the past few months, I have been taking a walk around my
neighborhood every morning. It is my morning medicine. I walk through the
nearby park and through my neighborhood, enjoying the fresh air, nature and the
landscape. Most days during the summer months have been sunny and warm. I pause
at times and look up at the blue sky and breathe deeply--thankful to God for a
beautiful day.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today it was raining, the sky was gray and the weather was
cool—a hint of fall in the air. I still decided to put on my jacket, grab an
umbrella and go for a walk in the rain. As I walked and the wind was high and
the rain pelted me at times, I thought about how every day is not beautiful
blue skies, but every day God shows himself and His power.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The wind in my face, the rain that waters the ground, the
changing, falling leaves are all testament of God’s glory. There is beauty in
every season. Even the season of winter when it seems like everything is dead
and it is cold and dark outside. There are also difficulties in every season,
whether it is extreme heat and drought or mosquitoes or floods, storms and
bitter cold.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is also a reason for every season. Sometimes it is a
time for planting and cultivating. Sometimes it is a season of growth. Sometimes
it is a time for harvest—for gathering and reaping. Sometimes it is winter and
everything seems dead. I’m not a biologist but I wouldn’t be surprised if in
those seemingly dead times, God is giving rest so that life can continue to
produce. Even in the tropical climate of Ghana in West Africa where our family
spent months and it is hot every day there are still seasons-- rainy and dry. Every
season has its purpose to continue the circle of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For every season, He gives us the armor that we need—the appropriate
attire—to endure, survive and thrive in that season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I walked in the rain this morning, I thanked God for the
seasons and asked Him to let me see Him in and be thankful every one of them—even
the ones that don’t feel as good as the sunny blue sky days.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe you’re in the season of raising children or maybe you
are entering a season of an empty nest. Perhaps you are in a dry season or
maybe a season of harvesting the many seeds you sowed in another season.
Perhaps this is a season of suffering and separation. Or maybe it is a time of
joy and celebration.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whatever the season, know that God is with you, that there
is beauty in every season and seasons change, but God stays the same. Remember
even if we don’t understand how it all works or what is going on that He is
working it out for our good and His Glory. He’s providing us with what we need
and giving us seed so we can bless somebody else and then they can do the same.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There’s a reason for every season.</p>Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-80456227979856899202022-09-05T05:07:00.000-07:002022-09-05T05:07:14.857-07:00At the Well<p> At the well.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God sees me. God hears me. God loves me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul9JJmRgjR5lrBaTXL6YNpoTemG3AxA3meqc3aHziRTPz2J56b-EQDSOvNP9fadT_Y4TNc-or-m5110vvbtWAvJH-EiIyR26FnMeqhchHy_yvSg6xgeH-2q_s2I7uYXOCO9eXExk6bN_J4docLd13LL1od36i2hzcQak710b08d5WypHGA9r0RgHs3Q/s1600/well-water-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul9JJmRgjR5lrBaTXL6YNpoTemG3AxA3meqc3aHziRTPz2J56b-EQDSOvNP9fadT_Y4TNc-or-m5110vvbtWAvJH-EiIyR26FnMeqhchHy_yvSg6xgeH-2q_s2I7uYXOCO9eXExk6bN_J4docLd13LL1od36i2hzcQak710b08d5WypHGA9r0RgHs3Q/s320/well-water-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is a refrain that has been constantly through my
prayers for the last five years.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God has let me know in very real way that He—the God of the
Universe, the Creator, the Great I AM—sees little old me. That He hears my
prayers. That He cares.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Like Hagar who met God at a desperate place, a desolate
place, God has proven Himself over and over to me that He is the God who sees
me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the old saints used to say, “I just can’t tell it all…”
But I know that God has called me to tell it. To testify, to edify, to
encourage others. To let others know that He has also heard their cry. That He
sees you. He hears you. He loves you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yesterday, my brother, Pastor K. Edward Copeland, taught a
Sunday School lesson on “Well Theology: The Theology of Thirst” and spoke on
how God met Hagar at the well in the book of Genesis twice during her time of
desperation, anxiety, hopelessness. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God spoke to me that it was time to go to this space, At the
Well, again and write.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The “Well Theology” lesson reminds us that God sees us, He
hears us and He loves us. He meets us at the well—at our point of need and
gives us more than we bargain for. And He blesses us not just for us but for
our children, and their children and their children. For our posterity. The
greatest blessing is His Presence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After Sunday school, my morning devotional reading from “Jesus
Calling” was about Hagar. Talk about confirmation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“There is no place so desolate that you cannot find Me there…No
set of circumstances could ever isolate you from My loving Presence. Not only
do I see you always; I see you as a redeemed saint, gloriously radiant in My
righteousness.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then the Sunday sermon was “Restoration is on the Way.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God is restoring me at the well—literally and figuratively.
He’s resurrecting dead things. He’s healing. He’s working it out for my good because
I love Him and I am calling on His Name. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Take courage today. God sees everything. He knows
everything. He is with you. He is living Water. He will give you what you need
at the well. </p>Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-52698724660121192912021-01-16T11:29:00.001-08:002021-01-16T11:30:57.530-08:00An Ode to My Sisters<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrinVWwG-kt5MafSmFmtoJSEO51PGqNkvZYqlOUq7amfK7MH0pUc_oGUjRLEU5zY3eWpm2Tuzj68CQV3qa4eFLI57esAfki3V2sfFAFbOwcabH5lpBWM-4mRFl0f-oYnNhUWe7C3RdmaIY/s480/Black+women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrinVWwG-kt5MafSmFmtoJSEO51PGqNkvZYqlOUq7amfK7MH0pUc_oGUjRLEU5zY3eWpm2Tuzj68CQV3qa4eFLI57esAfki3V2sfFAFbOwcabH5lpBWM-4mRFl0f-oYnNhUWe7C3RdmaIY/s320/Black+women.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">An Ode to My Sisters</span></b></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">I have been nurtured and thrived</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">In the company of Black women</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Comforted and survived</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">In the company of Black women</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Encouraged</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Taught</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Cried</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">In the company of Black women</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Wrapped tightly in their strong arms</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">When I was falling apart</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">In the company of Black women</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Understood without explaining</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Prayed for without asking</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Grown</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Fellowshipped</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Basking</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">In the company of Black women</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br /></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><b><i>Monica Fountain</i></b></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><b><i>January 10, 2021</i></b></div></div>Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-909877592763124872016-05-24T13:37:00.002-07:002016-05-24T13:37:50.439-07:00There is hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb2bsxbWcph0Ifq15CEWMfPEZ5Avn6xHWzzQQS9scBhf01_ZsVuJYuCV0p_u_PbcFd6IUB5WxrzvEtyhW63l6_4tlrTxwLvDK4gmjgBuwKV6J319J4Zosa3qawm5kIWgB56w8oYaLqQaD/s1600/hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb2bsxbWcph0Ifq15CEWMfPEZ5Avn6xHWzzQQS9scBhf01_ZsVuJYuCV0p_u_PbcFd6IUB5WxrzvEtyhW63l6_4tlrTxwLvDK4gmjgBuwKV6J319J4Zosa3qawm5kIWgB56w8oYaLqQaD/s640/hope.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is hope. Amid the death and destruction, I see hope. Amid
the disrespect for each other and disregard for human life, I see hope. Amid
the dire statistics and desperate realities that plague our communities, I see
hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I see it in the posts of my Facebook friends and family. I see
it in the faces of their children who are excelling in academics, athletics and
the arts. I see it in the photos and congratulations from sixth grade to high
school to PhD. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I see it in the smiling faces and grace of the young ladies in
the mentoring groups I volunteer with who I have seen transform from angry
scowls and jacked up attitudes. I see it in the young women and men who I have
seen grow from seeds in their mothers' wombs to responsible young men and
women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, educated, socially conscious
and saved adults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I see hope in the posts of mothers who instead of berating,
belittling and casting shade on Father's Day, salute and honor the men who are
fathers and don't try to bestow that mantle upon themselves but rest in the
grace of who they are as mothers. Be encouraged "single" mother. You
are not alone. There is still a village. There is hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congratulations to those who have set and are setting the
example of Christian marriages withstanding the tests of time. Those who have
set their face like flint and returned to school to finish degrees or pursue
advanced ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you to the teachers who are dedicated educators and
sacrifice for their students and for some students are the "mothers"
and "fathers" they don't have at home. Thank you to the preachers and
pastors who pray, teach, walk the walk and sacrifice who are servant leaders
and shepherds and not sheep shearers and swindlers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kudos to the parents who have put in the hard work, not been
afraid to say no, and not cared when others didn't understand your decisions
regarding YOUR child. To the parents who have gone to the parent teacher
conferences, waited hours in the cold at a track meet for a one minute race,
gone to games, recitals, checked homework and teachers when necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I salute all of you this morning. Your work is not unnoticed.
Your labor is not in vain. Our families are our foundation and our hope is in
Christ Jesus, the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep shining and bringing glory to your heavenly Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-59898558017653962362016-05-02T07:00:00.002-07:002016-05-02T07:01:28.410-07:00Power UpBe still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_W4y4-G5DGqeNBdbQsk3PxKMqVIwA-1KKvlxChyeF3KDB5B_igRCHT1o8fujqvkGEzFiRPfk1mQP7HzFQG3eJw3CXxHUiBZTrtlJ46RWDJrjC4-q2OUTl2YCFgO4x-EpK7EPqQuFtVa9L/s1600/Be-Still-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_W4y4-G5DGqeNBdbQsk3PxKMqVIwA-1KKvlxChyeF3KDB5B_igRCHT1o8fujqvkGEzFiRPfk1mQP7HzFQG3eJw3CXxHUiBZTrtlJ46RWDJrjC4-q2OUTl2YCFgO4x-EpK7EPqQuFtVa9L/s320/Be-Still-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We cannot operate properly if we don't take time to be still and plug into our power source. Our source is God, the omnipotent, all powerful, Creator of the heavens and the earth. The sovereign God is the source of our strength.<br />
<br />
In this day and age, we are constantly using our smartphones. We use them to talk, text, take notes, take pictures, videos, etc. As we go through the day, our phone goes with us. It stays on the go. But eventually with all that we do on our phones, the battery starts to run down. That's when we have to put the phone is a stationary place, plug it in and recharge it so that we can continue to use it to do all that we do.<br />
<br />
The same with us physically and spiritually. Our spiritual batteries get run down. We need to get still and plug into our power source. We can't operate on the run. We have to sit down and recognize where our strength comes from, plug into Him, listen to Him for wisdom, guidance, direction and discernment.We can't operate and fulfill our purpose if we don't take time to be still.In order to recharge, you need to be still.<br />
<br />
Spend time in prayer and God's Word. It will give you the power you need to live.<br />
<br />Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-28189860442111102852016-05-02T06:45:00.001-07:002016-05-02T07:02:08.362-07:00Complete in Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjeCDG5kGNf47i4vXvjJ-IRyf_xbkjdhgFOCqcgunkY1fi9yQ10M96VL3cG78c9eW8Nsc5yWKoAaP1nJSkoHkIEVDPm-fTZCMX6cg5By8D6mwWMD3m0JMEg7Qet5F2U5qSdhv73B29U9O/s1600/Complete+in+Christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjeCDG5kGNf47i4vXvjJ-IRyf_xbkjdhgFOCqcgunkY1fi9yQ10M96VL3cG78c9eW8Nsc5yWKoAaP1nJSkoHkIEVDPm-fTZCMX6cg5By8D6mwWMD3m0JMEg7Qet5F2U5qSdhv73B29U9O/s640/Complete+in+Christ.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A reminder to the ladies especially: You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You don't have to be jealous or feel less than your sisters. God has blessed you with gifts and has created you fearfully and wonderfully on purpose with a purpose.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority." Colossians 2:10</span></div>
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-39760100887068014232016-05-02T06:44:00.003-07:002016-05-02T06:44:41.112-07:00A Lesson for Our Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1xTXuxr62zqvjCcduWhDNMS0trMZwks3ygxNP88Hw6KZGPN2Tl4dP2QUTbKfzT1-UWDFDkNOtJWVYYVRtXLy6lvFq5M353t0JKvQHiifjyG6tBOYC0QZ_OkNCtz6BE5yBvobWvpZmCJ1/s1600/A+Lesson+for+Our+Children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1xTXuxr62zqvjCcduWhDNMS0trMZwks3ygxNP88Hw6KZGPN2Tl4dP2QUTbKfzT1-UWDFDkNOtJWVYYVRtXLy6lvFq5M353t0JKvQHiifjyG6tBOYC0QZ_OkNCtz6BE5yBvobWvpZmCJ1/s640/A+Lesson+for+Our+Children.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-30619103270795882232016-04-10T03:59:00.001-07:002016-04-10T03:59:04.490-07:00A Message to Our Daughters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTC-hPgbrPS1STxDTzB_YDJOTOGNmX5SEdJJes-Q5o3Qm0NbFKTvkx5kvTVxKOUd9gk3Z9qB0YIi2eXA8eHsDM1Ll_1PmaU5m2mT0Ev5TJyxrs24VQ_Cpo3U3G-tOMlEz57Z8OCNsjmmd/s1600/A+Message+for+Our+Daughters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTC-hPgbrPS1STxDTzB_YDJOTOGNmX5SEdJJes-Q5o3Qm0NbFKTvkx5kvTVxKOUd9gk3Z9qB0YIi2eXA8eHsDM1Ll_1PmaU5m2mT0Ev5TJyxrs24VQ_Cpo3U3G-tOMlEz57Z8OCNsjmmd/s640/A+Message+for+Our+Daughters.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-50225352619888570092016-02-03T09:22:00.004-08:002016-02-03T09:22:39.432-08:00These Are the Good Old Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iQm6ISd0dP4zcMh4Liuq6WvapBdP3OmUAwrCVH7mgogoCJC1jM4zmCuG4x1Bfn09J2kWuULLs1lR7gWNvP7MS5Oa0ka5Nh_CqpUfu3ft5W0Ydcslm1Z4eb892zp-LvV0LB77MHNp61Xk/s1600/Mom+and+sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iQm6ISd0dP4zcMh4Liuq6WvapBdP3OmUAwrCVH7mgogoCJC1jM4zmCuG4x1Bfn09J2kWuULLs1lR7gWNvP7MS5Oa0ka5Nh_CqpUfu3ft5W0Ydcslm1Z4eb892zp-LvV0LB77MHNp61Xk/s400/Mom+and+sisters.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
These are the good old days.<br />
<br />
Savor the moment. Appreciate. Congratulate. Celebrate.<br />
<br />
Love deeply. Forgive quickly. Keep moving forward deliberately.<br />
<br />
Make memories for these are the good old days.<br />
<br />
Laugh loudly.<br />
<br />
Pray sincerely.<br />
<br />
Give generously.<br />
<br />
Don't look back with regret but forward with hope.<br />
<br />
Read voraciously. Learn every day.<br />
<br />
Stay positive. Avoid negative.<br />
<br />
Stop.<br />
<br />
Slow down. Take in the moment.<br />
<br />
Say "I love you" often. Give compliments freely.<br />
<br />
Read God's Word daily and live it consistently.<br />
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Take lots of pictures.<br />
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Spend time with elders. Record their stories. Preserve this history. Spend time with family.<br />
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For these are the good old days.Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-10705581758771105332015-11-24T07:25:00.000-08:002016-01-13T21:30:20.615-08:00Sick and Tired<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE5PqBkim_DtSd0g9GFx1wKbf36YyjjwAgScDJMQLEhasiDG7ZtAmmCjrCjtdCO5siWQjCbJubv8FUPqp-XshLdWktyTm8g0sZt4P-p2nqtLp8WELbhWIH3qqk9Ix__IbicO5KjPFJ5zW/s1600/Laquan+McDonald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE5PqBkim_DtSd0g9GFx1wKbf36YyjjwAgScDJMQLEhasiDG7ZtAmmCjrCjtdCO5siWQjCbJubv8FUPqp-XshLdWktyTm8g0sZt4P-p2nqtLp8WELbhWIH3qqk9Ix__IbicO5KjPFJ5zW/s400/Laquan+McDonald.jpg" width="400" /></a>I am so sick and tired of <a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/7/71/1080082/john-fountain-black-lives-matter-killers-eyes" target="_blank">hashtags</a>.<br />
<br />
Hashtags that announce or chronicle another tragedy.<br />
<br />
I am sick and tired of young mothers being raped and shot in
the head. I am sick and tired of little boys like <a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/7/71/1099849/john-fountain-tears-tyshawn-lee-kids-murdered-chicago" target="_blank">Tyshawn</a> being shot in their
heads, their little bodies riddled with bullets . I’m tired of <a href="http://abc7chicago.com/1097312/" target="_blank">young men</a> dying
in the street, their bodies full of bullet holes. Fathers dying, their
life being choked out of them.</div>
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I am tired of young women
visiting their grandmother dying of gunshot wounds while walking to a bus stop to
go home. Young people with promise cut down by ignorance.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m tired of <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-12-26/features/9312270001_1_cherry-family-victim-first-day/2" target="_blank">Tyesa Cherrys</a> dying after going to a movie,
killed by a bullet meant for someone else. I am sick of grandmothers, pastors
and college students at bible studies being shot down in their own church. I’m
sick and tired of young men going into elementary schools, college classrooms
and movie theaters and randomly shooting and killing. </div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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I’m tired of scrolling through the toll of violence in the
city on the website <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/2015-chicago-murders/timeline?mon=1" target="_blank">DnaInf</a>o. More than 400 names. Most without a video, protest
or reward to mark their demise. Just a red dot by a date and a familiar script.
<br />
<br /></div>
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Tired of people living their life, minding their business,
going to work, a concert, having a drink, shopping at the mall, attending
college classes, staying at a hotel being assailed by bullets. Not knowing why
or by whom they are being executed.
Human beings gone. Mothers and fathers gone. Innocent lives executed. </div>
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Tired of mothers and fathers abandoning their babies, not
raising their children. Children left to
raise themselves. Children beating infants to death. Children putting babies in ovens. Mothers
throwing babies out of windows. Babies body parts found in lagoons. Babies born,
killed and body parts sold. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnvccfBUyU93pVyLQoJtR5-40nxVH4GRS5XvO3fQMK7h2Y3Ur0bs0AdgqeeElQoeV0tasoJrD-th4QOooiB9mu_TVNqXYX2EkA3Edz3yotuGsnd_BGgThEjbQ22AnJAxNmRZImKnODWYe/s1600/Amanda+Blackburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnvccfBUyU93pVyLQoJtR5-40nxVH4GRS5XvO3fQMK7h2Y3Ur0bs0AdgqeeElQoeV0tasoJrD-th4QOooiB9mu_TVNqXYX2EkA3Edz3yotuGsnd_BGgThEjbQ22AnJAxNmRZImKnODWYe/s320/Amanda+Blackburn.jpg" width="320" /></a>Whatever their color, race, religion, power or position or
the color, race, religion, power or position of those who killed them, it all
just makes me sick. The color of the flag that is flown and Facebook profile
picture overlay doesn’t matter to me. So tired of another hashtag associated
with the latest tragedy. They all are me. They all are my family. Humanity.</div>
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The young pastor’s <a href="http://abc7chicago.com/news/arrest-made-in-murder-of-pregnant-pastors-wife/1095890/" target="_blank">wife</a> and mother in Indianapolis is me. I am her--staying
at home by myself with my baby while my husband is at the gym. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3wdmltOh_XWwo41YdTtYgCyuIGSomYlONT7QTC2jFAhS9_x9jaZrUCUdhY-3jv4MmglI-Y6uBwvluuTgOu_wuwYg3lgDy5w150FUPg8F60SRdUvVNvTMr2ddE3CDg2L_fPy4uZyVc3yH/s1600/Kaylyn+Pryor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3wdmltOh_XWwo41YdTtYgCyuIGSomYlONT7QTC2jFAhS9_x9jaZrUCUdhY-3jv4MmglI-Y6uBwvluuTgOu_wuwYg3lgDy5w150FUPg8F60SRdUvVNvTMr2ddE3CDg2L_fPy4uZyVc3yH/s320/Kaylyn+Pryor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNvi2b-k77VX8z5ibTleT7PoBb_vowUgNZVdXYWA41iSHgXuO44vQxRW3M46FmNRcj8YtWvxa79gvQ_uJfb0v6Q6svKwWJ8xO6vlMAOFxB48xtbHvwXPl9jNZFSArtNWiAEjfupZbmM3r/s1600/tyshawn.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/AVvXsEjPNvi2b-k77VX8z5ibTleT7PoBb_vowUgNZVdXYWA41iSHgXuO44vQxRW3M46FmNRcj8YtWvxa79gvQ_uJfb0v6Q6svKwWJ8xO6vlMAOFxB48xtbHvwXPl9jNZFSArtNWiAEjfupZbmM3r/s1600/tyshawn.jpg" /></a>Tyshawn is my son and nephew. Kaylyn is my daughter. Tyesa
is my niece. The people in Charleston are my father, mother, brothers, sisters,
aunties and uncles. The children in Connecticut are my children who I read
baggie books to at my local elementary school. The baby in the oven is my godson. The college
students and professor are my husband and his students. The person slaughtered at
the Denver movie theater, French café, Kenyan mall, Mali hotel, Nigerian church
is me. Those babies are my precious
babies. The names by the red dots are my sons: Black, male, shot.</div>
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If we truly realized it was all of us, I wonder if it would make a difference?</div>
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It all just makes me
cry inside. I don’t want to think about it. I’m sick and tired of it. I pray
about it. Ask God about it. It makes me want to turn off the news although I
know I can’t bury my head in the sand. It makes me wonder what can I do? How
can I make a difference? Still live and feel without being overwhelmed or
becoming indifferent? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0EVx6okYcRoz2HXIgTuGOjOG4YxQeszw8F9YB-MVRn2GIcfE8DWfPEIGX0VM-R7trl1HqRhIcVyNyf5GtLXM2xdD_PctESh89kScyOyiSFBIiXOLKvlnLSfv-IjlILPpk7MGgGAG2HAl/s1600/pray+for+nigeria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtvXojEA3GBA-CGtnk32uM17KBraSpbIeGqv4AviVZM5mxCTZhvUCiU32kGZJADHuOLFIi59DUpQUG73ilSNx1j40J_teUf9oe642QpHKwcTShYu2HMm3uBE7-U92JaHdqecCIQgTy7WX/s1600/pray-for-paris-original-mix_large.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/AVvXsEhAtvXojEA3GBA-CGtnk32uM17KBraSpbIeGqv4AviVZM5mxCTZhvUCiU32kGZJADHuOLFIi59DUpQUG73ilSNx1j40J_teUf9oe642QpHKwcTShYu2HMm3uBE7-U92JaHdqecCIQgTy7WX/s1600/pray-for-paris-original-mix_large.jpg" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0EVx6okYcRoz2HXIgTuGOjOG4YxQeszw8F9YB-MVRn2GIcfE8DWfPEIGX0VM-R7trl1HqRhIcVyNyf5GtLXM2xdD_PctESh89kScyOyiSFBIiXOLKvlnLSfv-IjlILPpk7MGgGAG2HAl/s320/pray+for+nigeria.jpg" width="320" />For decades my husband, <a href="http://www.johnwfountain.com/" target="_blank">John W. Fountain</a>, has written about it. Brought light to it. Challenged us. Been a voice for the voiceless. Worked to make a difference. Shed tears over the lives lost. Been literally sick over the tragedy unfolding right before our eyes. I wonder when will we wake up? Or has murder become our new norm?</div>
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It leaves me wondering if each new horror just desensitizes
us to the fact that these are people created in God’s image. That life is precious and a gift from God. It
is so precious that we will go to extraordinary lengths to save it, rejoicing
when men with their bare hands dig a baby out of the rubble of an earthquake.
But others will also take it so casually whether it is the excuse or "reason" of religious ideology, insanity, an assertion of our “rights”,
reckless irresponsibility, personal pride, racism or robbery. </div>
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I know this: It’s all evil. </div>
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And like Fannie Lou Hamer, I'm sick and tired of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ioy8L8xZP_1B1lo3KWWEM_2YIVacBO6iCaeZi26NoFbl8DzI9xfL75tpWXSIRW3dRCPzYOSOwgvDBd9OX23pn-Y0jWBv76KKJtZgu3axasZxU2q62AADLuECopwsck7_RTyBJsr0CsbO/s1600/165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ioy8L8xZP_1B1lo3KWWEM_2YIVacBO6iCaeZi26NoFbl8DzI9xfL75tpWXSIRW3dRCPzYOSOwgvDBd9OX23pn-Y0jWBv76KKJtZgu3axasZxU2q62AADLuECopwsck7_RTyBJsr0CsbO/s640/165.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-80288967642261394652015-11-10T09:48:00.002-08:002016-01-13T21:30:59.293-08:00Seeing Red About Starbucks Cups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ81mF-efUrxq6WB3nG7YhJAaOkJhI0iqNIiBAv0hF6km1027_zhj7wWd3gkmihgE1Xt5RC8whPW-9GKtH7ZJAVRhcE6Oi0GjQbqueuNIWJ2_FqXxOAqmPe63l0eMPr37gV6FCAhCIkaF0/s1600/Starbucks+red+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ81mF-efUrxq6WB3nG7YhJAaOkJhI0iqNIiBAv0hF6km1027_zhj7wWd3gkmihgE1Xt5RC8whPW-9GKtH7ZJAVRhcE6Oi0GjQbqueuNIWJ2_FqXxOAqmPe63l0eMPr37gV6FCAhCIkaF0/s400/Starbucks+red+cups.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hear that some Christians are upset that Starbucks cups are
<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2015/11/09/starbucks-holiday-red-cup-brews-controversy-on-social-media.html" target="_blank">red</a>. The ubiquitous café has chosen a simple red cup for the holiday months.
Apparently some Christians feel Starbucks has declared “war on Christmas”
because their holiday cups usually have a snowflake or some other holiday
symbol on the cup.</div>
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These Christians reportedly are "<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/christian-evangelists-upset-starbucks-red-cups-article-1.2427180" target="_blank">seeing red</a>" (becoming very
angry) over Starbucks cups. I read one post where it said that Christians were encouraged to
say that their name is Merry Christmas so the barista will have to say the abolished
words when they fix their drink.</div>
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I hear Republican presidential candidate <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/11/10/donald-trump-starbucks-holiday-cup/75506574/" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> has
even weighed in on the matter, suggesting a Starbucks boycott and if he became
president everyone will be saying “Merry Christmas” at every Starbucks.</div>
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Wow.<br />
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Personally, I find the cups festive and appealing in their
simplicity. The cups are red and the Starbucks emblem is green and white. Looks
like Christmas colors to me. But I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. </div>
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First, the Starbucks cups never had “Merry Christmas”
emblazoned across them or a Nativity scene. They had “symbols of the season”
such as reindeer and ornaments. Who can tell me what was on the cup last year?
I have no idea and don’t care. Second, Starbucks is not Chick-fil-A. It does
not claim to be a “Christian” company. It is a company where you can buy
coffee. In a red cup. A company you can choose not to patronize. Third....really?</div>
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I wish the same "Christians" who are "seeing red" about
Starbucks cups would see red—the color of Tyshawn Lee’s blood that flowed in an
alley on the South Side when he was executed. I wish those same people who are
so worried about the red of Starbuck’s cups would see red about the blood of
other children, mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers that flow in
our streets, schools, movie theaters because of senseless gun violence.</div>
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I wish they would see red about poverty, racism, injustice,
brutality and abuse. I wish they would see red and get outraged about pastors who
fleece the sheep instead of feed the sheep.</div>
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I wish that instead of lying and saying their name is Merry
Christmas that they would see the barista serving them. A single mother with a
sick child trying to make ends meet. A middle-aged woman who feels stuck in a
dead-end job. A college student trying to pay tuition. I wish they would speak
the love and truth of Christ instead of a lie about their name. That they would
be Christ hands and feet to that person. Show an interest in their story.
Perhaps lend them a helping hand or say a prayer.</div>
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I pray that they see Christmas is about celebrating Christ,
not worrying about cups. That being like Christ would have a far greater impact
in the world than a snowflake on a coffee cup that will soon be filling a
landfill. </div>
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Hopefully, they will see that we will live in a country
where you can say "Merry Christmas" and read your bible in Starbucks and even
have a bible study there if you want without the police arresting you for
having a bible or throwing you in jail and torturing you for proclaiming the
name of Jesus, which is the case in many places in this world.</div>
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Hopefully, instead of seeing red about the color of a cup,
they will see how silly all of this is in the whole scheme of things. They will
see that a company can’t kill Christmas for those who really know what it’s
all about—the Christ.</div>
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Whenever I look at the Starbucks cup this season, I will see
red.</div>
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I will see the red blood
of Jesus that takes away the sins of the world. We really don’t even know the
exact date when Jesus was born. But we know that he was born. He died and he
rose again. That the red blood that He shed covers our sins.</div>
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That's the red I will see and celebrate.</div>
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-91047634888521307982015-10-09T15:42:00.001-07:002015-10-10T06:35:26.948-07:00From the Editor: Pain to Purpose<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-linesup: 0; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 7.1999pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYxvG7SLQQL0IVmQESK7nXdBhsNXIAcWOXYYtRNxvUabSfFJT58QeCuLkNY4Hp0XkfRnroS45CtNSfJHhyphenhyphenaMhiJ3UQIFdLE7POKKD1Jj0hLjoDdtXynokt1s8LA8yuWnFw75toaWFscWx/s1600/Monica+profile+2015+%2528200x200%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYxvG7SLQQL0IVmQESK7nXdBhsNXIAcWOXYYtRNxvUabSfFJT58QeCuLkNY4Hp0XkfRnroS45CtNSfJHhyphenhyphenaMhiJ3UQIFdLE7POKKD1Jj0hLjoDdtXynokt1s8LA8yuWnFw75toaWFscWx/s1600/Monica+profile+2015+%2528200x200%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<span lang="en-US" style="clear: left; color: #cc9900; float: left; font-family: Garamond; font-size: 30.0pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">H</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">ave you ever been in pain? I mean real pain. Maybe it was physical pain. A constant ache that will not go away and nothing will alleviate. Maybe it is an emotional pain. Have you ever felt a stab in your heart that although no one has touched you physically you feel it in your chest and you understand why they call it a broken heart?</span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">The pain of divorce or an unfaithful spouse. The pain of a wayward child. The pain of disappointment, rejection or depression. The deep pain of longing for a child and month after month the pregnancy test showing no pink line. The pain of longing for a spouse, someone to share your life with and to come home to instead of emptiness and loneliness. The pain of the death of a loved one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Pain is a part of life. Pain is a part of the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">We’re all in process. A process is a series of actions, changes or functions bringing about a result. Process is also defined as progress. God has a purpose for the process. He is perfecting you. He has begun a good work in you and He’s going to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">But the process is painful. It doesn’t feel good. It hurts. But there’s a purpose for your pain. Just like the pains of childbirth produce the promise of a long awaited baby, your pain is giving birth to something God has placed in you. Your pain is going to produce his purpose, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4), making you perfect in every good work to do his will (Hebrews 13:21).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 7.1999pt;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">God refines us in the furnace of affliction (Isaiah 48:10). Affliction means something that causes pain or suffering. I don’t know how He does it, but that’s what he uses. Even Jesus suffered. He suffered ,bled and died on the cross. He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, our flaws, our imperfections. The chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">This issue features the stories of those who have persevered. Their pain has pushed them into purpose. There are the stories of mothers who have faced the heartbreak of losing a child. What once was their misery has been transformed into their ministry. Although they still feel the pain, they are now comforting others with the same comfort that they have been comforted. You will find the testimonies of those who have suffered the pain of divorce and disappointment and turned that pain into ministries that help the homeless, veterans and others in need. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Don’t lose heart. There is a purpose for your pain. You’re going through the process. A refining process. God is molding you, making you and shaping you. He’s cutting you and polishing you. He’s removing the impurities so that you can shine with His glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Don’t lose heart because you have this ministry. You have a treasure in this jar of clay. Though you may feel like you are pressed on every side, don’t throw in the towel. Know that you are in the Refiner’s masterful hands, and He knows just how much heat you can stand, just how much pressure you can bear, how long it will take to form you and remove the impurities so that you can reflect His brilliance and fulfill His purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">This year, The Well Magazine will be focusing on the online presence of the magazine through the web site and social media. This will allow readers to receive more stories and information on a regular basis and also to interact with me, the stories and other readers through the web site and Facebook. Please subscribe to the web site so that you can receive regular updates. The magazine is available to <a href="http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/981551?__r=260952" target="_blank">order in print and digital download</a> through the web site. I pray that this issue of the magazine encourages and inspires you. That is part of our mission to encourage, enlighten, edify and inspire. Please keep this magazine in your prayers. Thank you for reading The Well and I look forward to sharing with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-1482170813873138282015-10-01T07:17:00.001-07:002016-01-13T21:31:32.342-08:00Sexual Healing<div class="MsoNormal">
A <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-pastor-charged-sex-abuse-met-20150930-story.html" target="_blank">prominent Chicago area pastor</a> has been accused of sexually
molesting a young lady who came to him for counseling. He has been charged and will
have his day in court to deny or confess to the allegations. Published reports say
that a confession was recorded by the victim and her mother. Published reports also say that the pastor made a "positive disclosure" to a detective that was consistent with the girl's story. We shall see. Innocent until proven guilty.</div>
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Unfortunately, I do not find it hard to believe that it is
possible. </div>
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I know so many victims and stories of victims of those
molested and raped--some right in the house of God-- by ministers, deacons,
Sunday School teachers, fathers, stepfathers, stepmothers, and mothers who were
supposed to be watching over their souls and instead violated them. Not just
Catholic priests, but Baptist, Pentecostal and evangelical pastors who were
representative of God to children who instead molested and raped them.</div>
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It’s an ugly thing to deal with and so often we don’t. We
are dismayed at the downfall of a leader instead of tending to the sheep who
have been mutilated.</div>
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I pray for the victims. For their healing. For their
recovery from the egregious damage done, especially when someone in spiritual
authority abuses that authority.</div>
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Too often, we show more care and concern for the perpetrator
than the victim. The victim of the crime is left to the side and given the side
eye, questioned and doubted, even as a child. </div>
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Do false accusations happen? No doubt. But there are also cases where by confession or other means, we know that a crime has
been committed. And there are so many cases that are never reported.</div>
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Does the perpetrator of the crime need prayer, forgiveness,
healing and restoration? Yes. But let’s focus on the victim first. They are the
ones who have been harmed and wounded. Some have suffered and never recovered.
Their view of God forever skewed by the evil trespass done against them.</div>
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The Enemy operates in darkness. I pray that God pulls the
cover off and reveals those who are hurting his children so that others will
not fall victim and those who have suffered will be able to start to heal. I
also pray that the Church would help those who have been abused to heal.</div>
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In the Spring 2013 issue of the Well Magazine, an article
dealing with healing from sexual abuse and the church was published entitled
Sexual Healing.</div>
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<h3>
<em><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">One</span> in four women and one in six men are or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. Someone in the pew at church sitting next to you may have been a victim of rape. Maybe you suffered sexual violence or violation.<a name='more'></a></em></h3>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><em>Some have been abused right in our churches by parents, stepparents, pastors, priests and other spiritual leaders who preyed on them instead of protecting them.</em></span></h3>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><em>Broken. Wounded. Ashamed. The effects go beyond the physical and touch every area of life, including the spiritual.</em></span></h3>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><em><br /></em></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><em>But there is hope for healing.</em></span></h3>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><em><br /></em></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><em>Dr. Andrew Schmutzer, a professor of Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, has written several articles and essays about how the church can help survivors of sexual abuse and is himself a survivor. Dr. Schmutzer talks with The Well Magazine about how the Church can help victims of sexual abuse heal.</em></span></h3>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="color: orange;">What are the effects of sexual abuse spiritually?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">It is the crushing of metaphor. The Christian leader, pastor, youth worker, parent are meant to be an example of the God who is not seen. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Particularly when a child is abused, it really crushes this boy or girl’s view of trust, of protection, of this good God—particularly if the abuse is by a Christian leader.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Another effect is the mistrust of the goodness of God. How can a good God create a system of leaders that can abuse both physically, sexually and also spiritually? It is more insidious in a faith context. Some (abusers) may even say I have the authority to do this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">There is an enormous mistrust of leadership. These folks don’t want to follow anyone anymore. They don’t even trust themselves. That is one of the difficulties survivors face. They need to be taught to trust and relate all over again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="color: orange;">What is your assessment of how the church has dealt with this issue?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">We haven’t done well. I love the church and I am committed to the church but it doesn’t always do well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">The church is concerned first and foremost with its own image. They fall prey to image management. That’s a result of pastors who are thinking more as CEOs than shepherds. They want to protect the organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not the victim who is center stage. It’s the organization. Most abuse is from people the victim knows. These are not suspicious people in the church’s eyes. So here’s a teenager who has been abused. How is this teenage girl going to compare in her reputation and power with a Sunday School teacher or church elder?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">The church’s response is “Hey, we’re going to take a big hit if we go after this father, elder, deacon. Let’s say this child lied or this is her spiritual problem.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what’s really insidious. If you say someone broke into my house or stole my car, who says “Are you sure you’re not lying?” But if someone says “My uncle or my stepfather abused me,” which is very common, the leadership says we’re not sure we want to buy it because it’s going to cost us a lot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">The child, especially if he or she is still in their developmental years, is afraid to “out” this leader because the family, community, and church could fall apart and they are going to feel guilty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">They need an advocate. They need help. They need leaders in church who can help them. You are dealing with a child, someone who is still developing. They don’t know how to think about this. They think that it’s their fault or something they did or something they should just shut up about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Churches don’t have adequate policies to deal with this. There is not a robust legal, psychological, spiritual response to this. All churches need to make sure that they have policies in place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Let’s say you have a primary school teacher in a Christian school that finds out a student has been abused. They tell the supervisor and the supervisor tells the director. But the director says, “I’m up for promotion” or “That’s my cousin. That’s my sister. That’s my brother.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People in the chain of authority say “We can’t report this up the chain because we’re going to lose a lot of money, big reputation, donors, etc.” Meanwhile, who is thinking about the victim?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Church authorities should immediately go outside to civil authorities when an allegation of abuse occurs and then go back into the organization and investigate. We have to have a check and balance that is not depending on people in the chain itself. This should have been done generations ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Part of the problem too, is victory theology. Victory theology is a simple message, a happy message, a resurrection message. But dealing with abuse is ugly. It’s messy. There’s no simple solution. Someone’s in trouble and maybe several people. It’s easier to preach: if you just pray this prayer, you’ll be healed from this. If you just go to this seminar, read this book. The church doesn’t want to do the hard homework—paying for counseling, listening and walking with their victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">The secular counseling community looks at the church and says you guys are out to lunch because you don’t want to admit the cancer we see all the time. They are saying we hear the horrible stories that your leaders are committing, don’t know how to handle or won’t handle. Therefore, there is mistrust between the counseling community and church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">The church has fallen asleep on this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">What has to happen for healing</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">? </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">How can the body of Christ help victims?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Pastors need to start talking about this—regularly. Why do we pick and choose the sins we want to name? When it is named in the church by the leadership, especially the pastor, then the victim doesn’t need to break the silence themselves. They can say, “Thank you for that sermon. That’s my story. I need help.” It needs to be named.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Biblical stories that address sexual violence need to be taught sensitively and carefully. These stories would include: Dinah (Genesis 34), Joseph (Genesis 39), Tamar (2 Samuel 13) the rape and killing of the Levite’s concubine (Judges 19). In the New Testament, Paul calls out a man who is sleeping with his stepmother. That stuff is still going on but we’re not talking about it. It’s already in the Scripture. Biblical stories connect with contemporary stories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">We need to have testimonies and written prayers. We need to have community responsive readings. We need to have stories told of people who were abused years ago when they were children who are now in their 30s, 40s, 50s and they’re limping but still walking with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">We need to have healing services for victims of rape, domestic violence and sexual abuse. We need to have anointing services asking God’s Spirit to overwhelm them in a healing way, asking Him to heal this person’s body and mind. Let’s pray for these people. Lay hands on them. Let them know that we are there for them that they are not alone. They are not isolated. I’ve heard of churches having a white rose up front in a vase and a sermon for abuse survivors saying this is how God views you: “Virginity is given away, not taken away!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">We have to say that we love you so much that we’re going to walk with you all the way into counseling and you’re going to get help. We have a fund set up for a minimum of six sessions of counseling where we want to help you. Do churches have books available or support groups for survivors?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we don’t address this, this cancer will be contagious. Many victims go on to abuse their own children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">We need to create a new vocabulary in the church. We need to talk about this. I’m not talking about smearing people. But healing is possible. But it is a journey.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Secular people won’t talk about forgiveness. Christians only want to talk about forgiveness. We can talk about that way</span><span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">down the road, because the anger must be addressed before it consumes the survivor. We first need to bring help to victims so that they can get their feet underneath them. They are trying to deal with pain, rage, humiliation and guilt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Forgiveness is not a switch you just flip on. Forgiveness is a decision you nurture for the rest of your life. In fact, as you heal, it hurts more because there’s more of you to hurt! You realize spiritual boundaries were also broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">In helping survivors heal, don’t insist on forgiveness first. Later in the healing journey you can start dealing with forgiveness. First, we need to deal with the anger and rage and put them on the perpetrators. It’s a journey that will take the rest of our lives for many abuse victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">The sovereignty of God is not in what he prevents, but in His ability to weave together the broken pieces of our lives. It’s a process and it requires us to help heal them here where they were broken. God gives us free will and responsibility too. He lets consequences play out. He doesn’t just stop the train from running over the car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineBWWnxbtGkq1S3dBRyncBPfgPS6okDC8i0QWj4wOX97aCRUnMl2nbSBBCNh8-uEijllwCc8RFtxCV3pxFwc1a9cerds6QzeqPttRCJGXNnLCqLBBElZe1CkqvULmExb1FNUGB5UboR7S/s1600/long+journey+home+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineBWWnxbtGkq1S3dBRyncBPfgPS6okDC8i0QWj4wOX97aCRUnMl2nbSBBCNh8-uEijllwCc8RFtxCV3pxFwc1a9cerds6QzeqPttRCJGXNnLCqLBBElZe1CkqvULmExb1FNUGB5UboR7S/s1600/long+journey+home+book.jpg" /></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">This is the first in a series of articles that will examine the issue of abuse and healing for survivors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Schmutzer will respond to readers’ questions in the next issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">If you would like to contact Dr. Schmutzer, he can be reached at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:andrew.schmutzer@moody.edu"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single;">andrew.schmutzer@moody.edu</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">or you can send your questions for the next issue to </span><a href="mailto:monicaatthewell@aol.com"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single;">monicaatthewell@aol.com</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix84kKfVMqa0fF7BWip4-TAbbQk8rq5qXDG3EFowYv9ywQq5TeS4mo14UsgL7tJQFQSY9DHDj7is9r5bGKRLi5_pXKjQE-wtNUYgm1BrLgbbDb_YlnMIJ2yPn_SIr5L-vKuzeCPqf6nzKA/s1600/Andrew+Schmutzer.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/AVvXsEix84kKfVMqa0fF7BWip4-TAbbQk8rq5qXDG3EFowYv9ywQq5TeS4mo14UsgL7tJQFQSY9DHDj7is9r5bGKRLi5_pXKjQE-wtNUYgm1BrLgbbDb_YlnMIJ2yPn_SIr5L-vKuzeCPqf6nzKA/s320/Andrew+Schmutzer.jpg" width="212" /></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">Dr. Andrew Schmutzer is professor of Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where he has taught since 1998. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #352e15; font-family: Garamond; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">He has authored and contributed to several works, including </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #352e15; font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;">The Long Journey Home: Understanding and Ministering to the Sexually Abused (Wipf & Stock, 2011). </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Garamond; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Garamond; mso-default-font-family: Garamond; mso-greek-font-family: Garamond; mso-latin-font-family: Garamond; mso-latinext-font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-74254200786518512092015-09-24T12:01:00.001-07:002015-09-24T12:01:38.156-07:00A Spiritual Checkup: What are you feeding yourself?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nQqSCX0Y56uGGzxvA46jpFqOHmNXcuoVClZNvI8fqfQVAjdVJeBERxhUkNHtR_yLex3a9nCdPp9v-ZCe_aI6ZL_dmdPPASRSaXrGhaOB3qhU2TdtgShFlbETY_udZvhJIl4ScKyjdJN0/s1600/Spiritual-Checkup-7180851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nQqSCX0Y56uGGzxvA46jpFqOHmNXcuoVClZNvI8fqfQVAjdVJeBERxhUkNHtR_yLex3a9nCdPp9v-ZCe_aI6ZL_dmdPPASRSaXrGhaOB3qhU2TdtgShFlbETY_udZvhJIl4ScKyjdJN0/s320/Spiritual-Checkup-7180851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”</i> Philippians 4:8<br />
<br />
What are you letting into your home, heart and soul through the televisions shows you watch and the music you listen to every day and every week?<br />
<br />
Is their theme murder, adultery, lying, sex, perversion, homosexuality, misogyny? Is there anything uplifting or praiseworthy? Or does it glorify deceit? Does it feed your soul or your flesh?<br />
<br />
What images are you letting into your mind that will replay all day? What beat and lyrics are in your ear?<br />
<br />
Does it glorify God? What is your daily diet? Your weekly diet?<br />
<br />
Do you spend more time on Facebook than in God’s book?<br />
<br />
What are you feeding yourself?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYkcNmNhU96WEhRNBAt6DpSOi1ra_HWes2wS_dBt_jZCOPlsREbwUSiKl7fwYEC1SO3ne_Fn5F-ZCVyJhM7BwKlZPWBEzm3pJhyMzSq_S8WM0eRagiNKGgCoK8JKJwcioXT_hER_y3g1a/s1600/Empire-and-Power-posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYkcNmNhU96WEhRNBAt6DpSOi1ra_HWes2wS_dBt_jZCOPlsREbwUSiKl7fwYEC1SO3ne_Fn5F-ZCVyJhM7BwKlZPWBEzm3pJhyMzSq_S8WM0eRagiNKGgCoK8JKJwcioXT_hER_y3g1a/s320/Empire-and-Power-posters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Is it more God’s Word or the world?<br />
<br />
How is it affecting your spiritual health?<br />
<br />
God’s Kingdom or man’s Empire?<br />
<br />
God’s power or man’s Power?<br />
<br />
The Way, The Truth and the Life or a “real” fake housewife?<br />
<br />
God’s unfailing love or Love and Hip Hop?<br />
<br />
The Great I Am or I Am Cait?<br />
<br />
Keeping up with a lie and reality tv that’s not real?<br />
<br />
Eating what the world has to offer or the whole roll of God?<br />
<br />
You are what you eat. Are you eating a healthy, balanced diet or a bunch of junk?
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-62305881102945198382015-09-23T11:56:00.000-07:002016-01-13T21:32:07.013-08:00The Well Magazine Fall/Winter 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="356px" hspace="0" name="Joomag_embed_f1288258-1d7a-4d44-84eb-c8b1e0dbcf3e" src="https://www.joomag.com/magazine/the-well-magazine-fall-winter-2015/0931949001442957155?p=1&e=1&embedInfo=;image,%2F%2Fwww.joomag.com%2Fstatic%2Fflash%2Fgui%2Fthemes%2Fdefault%2Fbg.jpg,fill" style="height: 356px; width: 550px;" vspace="0" width="550px"></iframe></div>
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-41552980598117275402015-04-15T09:45:00.000-07:002016-01-13T21:41:37.905-08:00Speak Life Challenge: Testify<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzMSAwQt0QByNomS6tn7CMiiGvQ0xU3v3PdH5WYNxgWWWsyyKjZtYXt7Gpi51OFpfFyN3U_ED1cmJPwY9D6OA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-88640167318204289072015-04-14T03:28:00.000-07:002015-04-14T03:28:07.325-07:00Speak Life Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-25364728436607241732015-02-06T14:40:00.000-08:002015-02-06T14:40:31.272-08:00A Measure of Success<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white;">Keep this Book of the Law</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> always
on your lips;</span> meditate<span class="apple-converted-space"> on
it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful.</span></i><span style="background: white;"> Joshua
1:8</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_tp51c4EniDNV26JoxrNbQdQCFLF565c3TdyjgNFUe0DeGkXfAix8Mv-MenfsHcW-sq_Htteqlxz6jN2XbQbr2j8hYeDo27a5F0AMS_vN3hUctcmit1opLK8c-9BWoyn2iXfQWrtG5RO/s1600/measuring-tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_tp51c4EniDNV26JoxrNbQdQCFLF565c3TdyjgNFUe0DeGkXfAix8Mv-MenfsHcW-sq_Htteqlxz6jN2XbQbr2j8hYeDo27a5F0AMS_vN3hUctcmit1opLK8c-9BWoyn2iXfQWrtG5RO/s1600/measuring-tape.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lord, let me be successful by your measure, not man’s
measure. <i>Written in my prayer journal, January
28, 2015<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must confess. I struggle with feelings of failure. They
are usually brought on when I compare myself with others or contemplate what
others think about my life. I start to feel like what I have done or what I am
doing doesn’t measure up. That I should have or could have done more with my
life. That I should have gone to some of the places career wise that my
colleagues did. I should have authored some books. Been a foreign
correspondent. Won awards for my work. That
I am not successful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When those feelings come upon me I have to remember what
real success is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Man’s measure of success is fame and fortune. Man measures
success by your popularity, prestige and power. Man measures success by how
many facebook likes you get and if your video has gone viral. Are you invited
to the right places with the beautiful people? Are you known and your work
admired?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a natural thing. It’s the way we are wired. As people
we want to be heard, seen and respected. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By man’s measure most of us fall short. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But even folks who we think are successful because they have
more money than they can spend can be miserable. They may be popular and surrounded
by people and still be lonely and depressed. They can be successful by the
world’s measure and still overdose on drugs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The dictionary defines success as the accomplishment of an
aim or purpose. I believe that true
success is fulfilling your divine purpose.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is our purpose?
Ultimately, our purpose is to know God and look like His Son. But how that
plays out individually varies. Different seasons may entail different tasks and
assignments. But it is always the same purpose. To glorify God. To show evidence of who He is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The study notes in my Bible about the prophet Jeremiah say, “Success
must never be measured by popularity, fame or fortune, for these are temporal
measures…God measures our success with the yardsticks of obedience,
faithfulness and righteousness. If you are faithfully doing the work God gives
you, you are successful in his eyes.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the world’s eyes the prophet Jeremiah, John the Baptist
and the Apostle Paul were miserable failures. Yet, we know that they were
extremely successful because they did God’s will. Those are they eyes that
matter most--God’s eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you are faithfully pursuing God’s purpose, you may not
see all of the results in this life. People may not understand what you’re
doing. You may be a failure in some eyes. Some results we won’t see until
eternity. But keep working. Keep trusting God. Keep believing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s measuring stick is the only one that really matters.</div>
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-7695842361411010422015-01-11T05:15:00.003-08:002015-01-11T05:15:28.044-08:00Soul Food<div class="MsoNormal">
January 11, 2015</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVpZge_Jbf099ZUpfR6tD293gbmXec-RN9CWUQ_tZJ6FPA2SIwcldLkx6wsg5UvonWl_QconrVexi7VdV70Yx3JUf2pwtYV2C9cAXj0rtuVccUiPLZtqoBWczlceIrX0WkIDT7Tvs9i8C/s1600/soul_food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVpZge_Jbf099ZUpfR6tD293gbmXec-RN9CWUQ_tZJ6FPA2SIwcldLkx6wsg5UvonWl_QconrVexi7VdV70Yx3JUf2pwtYV2C9cAXj0rtuVccUiPLZtqoBWczlceIrX0WkIDT7Tvs9i8C/s1600/soul_food.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m in a nostalgic kind of mood</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thinking about soul food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mother Green’s rolls</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas at Chew’s</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tables laden with food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Macaroni and cheese</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Greens</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Black-eyed peas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Potato salad</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Homemade cakes and pies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A veritable feast for the eyes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bobby Shelby’s brisket</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And a buffet of food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On kitchen counters</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Card tables</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soul food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas breakfast at the Gray’s</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How did so many folks get into that small room?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best food in the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soul food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Food from the soul to the soul</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mixed with tears and laughter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recipes passed down from slaves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Made with love by folks who knew</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How to make a feast from just a few</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scraps and leftovers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Memories</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Community</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soul food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When there was a table for the kids</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And they treated their elders with respect</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of terror</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And adults acted like grown folks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A different era</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Red Kool-Aid</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frappe punch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watergate salad</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the church basement</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A time when families like the Watsons were honored</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To open their home for a late-night spread</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the revival</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Houses filled with scents that were heaven sent</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soul food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seasoned with love </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And prepared with care</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like Mother Green’s coconut cream pies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Long ago ingested</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But still alive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my memory</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My soul cries</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those days of old</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More than just the food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Gathering</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Family</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Community</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Memory</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soul Food</div>
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-34877608622671672102015-01-08T12:54:00.001-08:002015-01-08T12:54:21.923-08:00Love Lifted Me<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1spo9sYdVk-RO56dx19bn8TPvSjOrRMqAxDFJ66yXh5n5t13Bcw3bYioKT84-LFy__CyuRgeNTNrdwZFr_1YKACR4AFq1sk2KvO2FwA5T9_GF3R1YWfPwag5Xkq2rESXQzx2UtUyIveiG/s1600/drowning_rescue_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1spo9sYdVk-RO56dx19bn8TPvSjOrRMqAxDFJ66yXh5n5t13Bcw3bYioKT84-LFy__CyuRgeNTNrdwZFr_1YKACR4AFq1sk2KvO2FwA5T9_GF3R1YWfPwag5Xkq2rESXQzx2UtUyIveiG/s1600/drowning_rescue_cropped.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew
me out of deep waters.” </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 18:16</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was about five years old, my mother enrolled me in
swimming lessons at the Y. No problem. I was a great swimmer—in my bathtub. I
would “swim” in the tub, kicking my legs and practicing my stroke.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the day of my
first lesson arrived, I remember being in line and some of the other children in
front of me jumping into the pool. In hindsight, they must have already known
how to swim. No problem. I did too, or so I thought in my five-year-old mind. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I confidently leaped into the pool. I soon discovered a swimming
pool is not a bathtub and also that I could not swim.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some 40 years later, I can still remember sinking, drowning,
knowing I was in trouble. Deep trouble. The world was silent. I remember
looking up and all I saw was water swirling above me like I was in the middle
and at the bottom of a tornado.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I saw a hand, a large white hand, reach down. The hand
grabbed me by the back of my swimsuit and lifted me out of the water. I could hear the screams of the mothers who
sat on the bleachers on the side. I had been rescued by the instructor. I was
back. I was saved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever been in deep water? Have the situations in
your life threatened to drown you. The world seems silent and you are alone. Are
you sinking now? Sinking into depression or despair. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes we think we can handle life but we have been in the
bathtub, not the pool. When we get into the pool, we realize the water is too
deep and we are unprepared. The circumstances of life can consume us. Sometimes
they are circumstances beyond our control. Sometimes they are a result of our
choices. Whatever the case, we are headed for destruction and death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is we were all drowning--drowning in sin. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hymn “Love Lifted Me” states it like this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: rgb(254, 255, 255);">I was sinking deep in sin, far from the
peaceful shore,</span><br style="max-width: 728px;" />
<span style="background: #FEFFFF;">Very deeply stained
within, sinking to rise no more,</span><br style="max-width: 728px;" />
<span style="background: #FEFFFF;">But the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="ilad"><span style="background: #FEFFFF;"><span id="IL_AD5" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-size: initial !important; cursor: pointer !important; float: none; max-width: 728px;">Master of the</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(254, 255, 255);"> </span><span style="background: rgb(254, 255, 255);">sea,
heard my despairing cry,</span></span><br style="max-width: 728px;" />
<span style="background: #FEFFFF;">From the waters
lifted me, now safe am I.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FEFFFF;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Love lifted me. Love lifted
me. When nothing else could help, love lifted me<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is up high but He reached down low and took hold of me
one day. He saved me from my sin. I was on my way to death and hell. But God’s
love lifted me, just like my swim instructor. His love lifted me because He
loved the world so much that He sent His only begotten son, that whosoever
believes in Jesus the Christ, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you feel like you’re in deep water, look up. God is
willing and able to pick you up. He will do it in amazing ways. He loves you.</div>
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-69052445387565332632014-12-24T10:44:00.000-08:002014-12-24T15:13:17.852-08:00A Charlie Brown Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIz4L2pMWIj4lHnwgDIu8YwMw4IcxziBYpxSngBDyebh3vLeumMNalsn8giiI4JIy6jKEjH9m_zUAUAtJxedc9knpdt6PB4x9wxEm9gCY6X-w7LQzENaLzkHEwtI23YlA6z1-IOfR1vHx/s1600/CharlieBrown_583x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIz4L2pMWIj4lHnwgDIu8YwMw4IcxziBYpxSngBDyebh3vLeumMNalsn8giiI4JIy6jKEjH9m_zUAUAtJxedc9knpdt6PB4x9wxEm9gCY6X-w7LQzENaLzkHEwtI23YlA6z1-IOfR1vHx/s1600/CharlieBrown_583x336.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
My Christmas tree this year reminds
me of the Christmas tree in one of my favorite holiday specials. In the classic
holiday television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, Charlie Brown is
dismayed and depressed by the over-commercialization of Christmas and struggles
to find the real meaning of Christmas. Charlie Brown visits Lucy’s psychiatry
booth and she suggests that he direct the school play.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
To set the proper mood for the
production, Charlie Brown picks the only real tree on the lot—a poor little
sapling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
My Christmas tree is artificial
this year. I love real Christmas trees. Usually six feet tall or more. I love
the aroma of a real tree. I enjoy pulling out the Christmas ornaments—memories of
Christmas past--and decorating the tree. I love the lights and putting the
candy canes on the boughs and the star on top. We bought an artificial tree
when my husband had a fellowship at the University of Michigan because we were
living in family housing and the campus didn’t allow real trees for the
holidays. But my artificial tree was still about six feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
This summer, my basement flooded
and the artificial tree went out with a host of other things in my basement
that were submerged. I couldn’t transport a real tree this year so I set out,
like Charlie Brown, to find an artificial one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I waited a bit too late for my
quest , the best tree I could find, without paying an arm and a leg or spending
more time or energy than I wanted, was a four-foot artificial one at WalMart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
When I got home and set it up my
daughter measured it, certain that it couldn’t really be four feet tall. It looked so
tiny. My son kept saying, “It’s so little” which prompted the lecture--similar to the children are
starving in this world speech.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
“There’s a kid somewhere who wishes they had
any kind of tree,” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4CU0H59851DtRjuYfzs6-wqMyjyC3YjobANZKnPdG14yTpLZVTBYjv2TyQNQGD8ZA8smi0tZPQLJIyEG6fCZx1T6ooDn6iitW_4scAixVEIsrGMVqvfuIkQCoTfwfSv4qZv2W4PnhEkL/s1600/CharlieBrownChristmas.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/AVvXsEis4CU0H59851DtRjuYfzs6-wqMyjyC3YjobANZKnPdG14yTpLZVTBYjv2TyQNQGD8ZA8smi0tZPQLJIyEG6fCZx1T6ooDn6iitW_4scAixVEIsrGMVqvfuIkQCoTfwfSv4qZv2W4PnhEkL/s1600/CharlieBrownChristmas.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>We decorated our little tree like
the Peanuts characters loved on their little sapling, transforming it into a
beautiful tree but more importantly, understanding what Christmas is really about. We put it up on a stand to give it some height. Pulled out the Christmas
decorations and placed the star on top. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I love my little tree because it
reminds me that Christmas isn’t about the tree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
It’s about the baby. It’s about
the baby who would one day die upon a tree for me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
It’s not about spending money,
going into debt or stressing while shopping for the “perfect” gift. It’s about
the greatest gift. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
son…”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
It’s about being in His presence, not the presents under the tree. It’s
about showing love to people and appreciating family and friends. It’s about my
son giving the cashier at Walgreens a box of candy he bought with his own money
for someone else but right at the checkout line handing it to her after he
heard us having a conversation about her having to work on Christmas. The
surprise and joy in her face. Priceless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So this Christmas will be a very Charlie Brown Christmas for me, enjoying the lights, sights and sounds of the season, but focused
on the Good News of our Savior’s birth as Linus quoted on the special:</span><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8pt;">“And there were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone
round about them: and they were sore afraid.<br />
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people.<br />
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ
the Lord.<br />
And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger.<br />
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising
God, and saying,<br />
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">...That's
what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9sV_NhCNVlm4Mv4EcSVHk4yjlCaCtybq8m-4FFQRcN_hkYyhrz8wmrj5yEf3IdmY45w0i134qzsKiChN_p87QeDTE0_YAvsR7_kQRlJ0COetlm6rYQhyphenhyphenvzL8SE6WXRLbbTFQRJ-lJXCT/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9sV_NhCNVlm4Mv4EcSVHk4yjlCaCtybq8m-4FFQRcN_hkYyhrz8wmrj5yEf3IdmY45w0i134qzsKiChN_p87QeDTE0_YAvsR7_kQRlJ0COetlm6rYQhyphenhyphenvzL8SE6WXRLbbTFQRJ-lJXCT/s1600/015.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-77360901324726791932014-11-19T06:51:00.004-08:002014-11-19T06:51:58.085-08:00A "Yet" Praise<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<i><span style="color: blue;">"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on
the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though
there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in
the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.”</span></i> Habakkuk 3:17-18</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh9P_KI4f_XjaraZvZNACBrfFkZnIo57Ys5rjXWhbA7bUS_vBMsM8YntsCz8CaZYS2FWuh_Jn6vUTUkcxBAFYF1CSwd3k1uDqjMB7vaMSShJmiqDHmn4D3PZz2CBA3u7HFPGmUy6BcjGc/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh9P_KI4f_XjaraZvZNACBrfFkZnIo57Ys5rjXWhbA7bUS_vBMsM8YntsCz8CaZYS2FWuh_Jn6vUTUkcxBAFYF1CSwd3k1uDqjMB7vaMSShJmiqDHmn4D3PZz2CBA3u7HFPGmUy6BcjGc/s1600/021.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you give God a “yet” praise?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you praise Him when it hasn’t happened yet? When you’re
still looking for the buds, but all you see is a naked stalk. You know that you have
planted and you have watered, but there is still no fruit from your labor. Can
you yet praise Him?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you’ve had some failure. When you’ve suffered a loss. When
circumstances don’t seem to be going your way. When you’ve suffered and the
pain has been unbearable. When you’ve had to say goodbye to family and friends.
When your storage is exhausted and your bank account is empty. Can you still
say, “Yet, I will praise the Lord?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When what I thought would be isn’t what it is. Can I yet
praise Him?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet: nevertheless, even still, at the same time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A connecting word between two phrases. Two points. Two
realities.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So even though it hasn’t happened <b>yet</b> (so far, up until this
point) I will <b>yet </b>(even still, nevertheless, at the same time) keep praising my
God. Why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is yet worthy to be praised. Regardless of my
circumstances, He is still God. He is still Sovereign. He is still good. I will
yet trust Him. I will yet believe. I will trust and believe in who He is. I don’t
know how. I don’t know when. But I know in the end I win. The victory has already been won because I have believed in the Son. He will work out. But in the meantime and in between time, I will rejoice because He is
Lord and He is Savior.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will be joyful in God my Savior because my joy is not
based on happenings but on who He is.</div>
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172353400363645699.post-85933204750461389772014-11-09T05:07:00.001-08:002014-11-09T05:07:39.681-08:00Leaving a Legacy<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i>The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name
of the wicked will rot.</i></span> Proverbs 10:7 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yesterday I went to a prayer breakfast and I thought about a
friend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Years ago, my husband filmed Jenny’s testimony at the prayer breakfast.
She was fighting cancer, but she still had a testimony of God’s goodness. This
morning as I thought of Jenny, I thought about how beautiful she was. How she
always had a smile when I saw her, even when cancer had decimated her body. How
much she loved the Lord, her daughter, her friends, her church. How she was
always so encouraging to me. How beautiful she was, yes, physically, but how
beautiful her heart was. How she touched so many lives in even her relatively
short one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I thought about how before she died I went to the hospital
room and she was surrounded by friends and family--one of her best friends by her
bedside fanning her. Her family and friends loved her deeply and truly and were
there to the end. And I thought about how we all still miss her and how
tributes to her life still appear on Facebook or through the event held by her
brother in her name to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Her memory is a blessing because she made memories that were
a blessing. She lived a life that was a blessing to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I think the same thing about my husband’s grandmother, Florence
Geneva Hagler, an awesome woman of God who also had a lasting impact on those
around her. A woman whose memory is still a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have felt a lot of loss lately. Loved ones leaving this
earth. I now understand when they say when someone close to you passes away,
not a day goes by that you don’t think of them. My recent losses have
reconfirmed many life principles for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you want to leave a
legacy, live one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It is not the material things that people will remember but
the memories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> The greatest life
investment is pouring into people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">All the things we see
will pass away. Only what you do for Christ will last. What does it profit a
man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When you are taking your last breath, you will not be worried
about that promotion or how much money you have in the bank. The greatest gift
will be to be surrounded in a circle of love of family and friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That is how Jenny made her transition. That is how my husband’s
grandmother made hers. That is how my mother-in-law made hers. And that is what
truly matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You can pride yourself on your possessions, and it’s nice to
have nice things and we are called to be responsible stewards over our
possessions and use them not only to take care of ourselves and our families,
but help someone else. But in the end, what really matters are people, not
possessions. The love of family and
friends, not financial holdings. Leaving a legacy of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What kind of legacy are you leaving?</span></div>
Monica Fountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948574956020328515noreply@blogger.com0