tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316041973378930462024-03-17T23:04:30.761-04:00Splashes of SerenityElaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.comBlogger501125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-51267134101778645972023-12-20T13:45:00.003-05:002023-12-20T14:24:08.910-05:00Merry Christmas 2023 From our Family to Yours<br /><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspr9rNg1wE2Ug1ytL2VFLaCa7nlhsLMrnguHZH6nxKPhUbk2xnwOwU6aiSXqYnDgUqQUjxw4y0s4YoAT1x8ah6GDwlmxAWl_6VmkzMPF6eFQJIaAr29befk0Y-R4TNfQsDOMz0E8rz_n34h_p_1roA-KnPGATxYiYNT-FjcGEBlpiNjj0NR_ghpROBOA/s1080/FB_IMG_1698704025732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspr9rNg1wE2Ug1ytL2VFLaCa7nlhsLMrnguHZH6nxKPhUbk2xnwOwU6aiSXqYnDgUqQUjxw4y0s4YoAT1x8ah6GDwlmxAWl_6VmkzMPF6eFQJIaAr29befk0Y-R4TNfQsDOMz0E8rz_n34h_p_1roA-KnPGATxYiYNT-FjcGEBlpiNjj0NR_ghpROBOA/w640-h480/FB_IMG_1698704025732.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Gifts! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Everyone loves gifts at Christmas time. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">My grandson Isaac reminded me, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">"Grandma, Christmas isn't about presents.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> Christmas is about Jesus" [presence]. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This Christmas, thank God for His Indescribable Gift which is </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">". . . eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord" (Romans 6:23).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Our hearts are filled with smiles and babies this
2023. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">What joy!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrWz1r8COPdNJqcBiYyFz5Y1nXGH_S3VJ91MG1t-aBLbAaWE2VfG6saxrZVWBZxrrXEwJJsSSi0H8dX_0YmPKPAUSYtRkmjjcDxT9dmhGUTb6tPrRguemfugI4vp0Ub5I2RWpFLKTr7f2N2d5BNGV4Cp4SQ_B4GyV9kUREsOKAs0unJ_0LXcvmEqbhMQ/s4032/20231118_173723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrWz1r8COPdNJqcBiYyFz5Y1nXGH_S3VJ91MG1t-aBLbAaWE2VfG6saxrZVWBZxrrXEwJJsSSi0H8dX_0YmPKPAUSYtRkmjjcDxT9dmhGUTb6tPrRguemfugI4vp0Ub5I2RWpFLKTr7f2N2d5BNGV4Cp4SQ_B4GyV9kUREsOKAs0unJ_0LXcvmEqbhMQ/w480-h640/20231118_173723.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Our first great grandchild,</span></p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> Elaine Mae Sliwa, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">was born to
Connor and Chassidy. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">She's cuter than any button and </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">named after me and her
other great grandma Elaine!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> (In case you didn't notice.) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">What an honor!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">This week we rejoice again as another precious gift arrived from Heaven,</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5OZB-06tBxQ-Id3SoIbAg77BWOZQeb8EZvm2Iztg3B3Xj_tT9BipQ3lD3t1wj7eCyxIZK9a0LbwRIbRfPoL-qAAijpLcY3bCD6-Zgq61tIqT_raXh79cZCZhhMXu3LJOnJwEZesxi8V2w4k2kYkBAWnF1nH49UqRwwq76PXGfOj_P754DxNQOVyShv0/s3984/20231215_155340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3984" data-original-width="2934" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5OZB-06tBxQ-Id3SoIbAg77BWOZQeb8EZvm2Iztg3B3Xj_tT9BipQ3lD3t1wj7eCyxIZK9a0LbwRIbRfPoL-qAAijpLcY3bCD6-Zgq61tIqT_raXh79cZCZhhMXu3LJOnJwEZesxi8V2w4k2kYkBAWnF1nH49UqRwwq76PXGfOj_P754DxNQOVyShv0/w472-h640/20231215_155340.jpg" width="472" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: large;">Evelyn Jubilee Sliwa! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Elizabeth's and Joe's 10th child and
our 15th grandchild. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I'm almost
breathless at her tender beauty and sweetness. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Thank you God for the gifts of baby Elaine and sweet Evie, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">sent to teach us much about the True Gift of God with us — Emmanuel!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W2IfMPkQZRRHc2pAqMXdvFmYrsMjgGYQy5uQqsJOMCHfUVv69LZQrkhT8BZr-TxSqqRca_fLmsBWRJw9TyAvU5Y8OI02zI-v27JGRi7pTkvJM8JGf7DEw4nuZI_9YCsZet1kVuitIVmlR6e_KVNyJuhsJnjomoRC-DXZgil9ZJVeQ8daBTL3WHUzcP8/s996/FB_IMG_1698014760142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W2IfMPkQZRRHc2pAqMXdvFmYrsMjgGYQy5uQqsJOMCHfUVv69LZQrkhT8BZr-TxSqqRca_fLmsBWRJw9TyAvU5Y8OI02zI-v27JGRi7pTkvJM8JGf7DEw4nuZI_9YCsZet1kVuitIVmlR6e_KVNyJuhsJnjomoRC-DXZgil9ZJVeQ8daBTL3WHUzcP8/w426-h640/FB_IMG_1698014760142.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><br /></span></div><span>Our grandgirl Ava became a bride in October</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> marrying
her love, Owen Yarka. </span></span><div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Their love for each other filled our hearts afresh with </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">the wonder of love and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">the goodness of God </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span>who gives us the gift of marriage. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVc3AizUiBWofjZAEC7fV53E441Eu0r0gYjXFON6RRcasGZ1HfcFsnMV5R4JfnpKVdjSDF6N3lxdAQgf4oGGx1P4bwNA18VCW-NRxuHgh-K6v-m9AyjeHl3NC-PV0mvqi2XBpEPt1SWQlcT0DThxre3zKpy_1RY36ZG9j3-w6dKq75l4iFV8ooHJpJnjw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVc3AizUiBWofjZAEC7fV53E441Eu0r0gYjXFON6RRcasGZ1HfcFsnMV5R4JfnpKVdjSDF6N3lxdAQgf4oGGx1P4bwNA18VCW-NRxuHgh-K6v-m9AyjeHl3NC-PV0mvqi2XBpEPt1SWQlcT0DThxre3zKpy_1RY36ZG9j3-w6dKq75l4iFV8ooHJpJnjw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">J</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">oanna and Bob enjoy watching their son Ryan excel
at his giftedness in baseball. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Gracie keeps advancing her lifeguard skills and
college on-line as she makes her way in this world.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> Joanna and Bob continue
using their gifts of </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">teaching reading (Joanna) and bringing the Family Life
Network news (Bob). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC86NFkc4nzLaqqm8tXrUKhL7ZBJ9XX8WYXcqeR9OPoWodaXXQFdocQi-FY_RUEAoeVabhPbNl4xwvTUABv1XcZfc63jYfa0xQ-ARb5B7xxAsK4ihY1I_VXCECfeU79_j71OIlJ_Ba63SRpKdMNk0wwLmEjEKDapq6Y35XtkIHVs50h3KsQLKFIhvYUAI" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2042" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC86NFkc4nzLaqqm8tXrUKhL7ZBJ9XX8WYXcqeR9OPoWodaXXQFdocQi-FY_RUEAoeVabhPbNl4xwvTUABv1XcZfc63jYfa0xQ-ARb5B7xxAsK4ihY1I_VXCECfeU79_j71OIlJ_Ba63SRpKdMNk0wwLmEjEKDapq6Y35XtkIHVs50h3KsQLKFIhvYUAI=w637-h640" width="637" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><br /></span><span>Elizabeth continues her studies toward a Masters
degree of nursing/midwifery.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">JoePro
Services keeps Joe on the go making local homes beautiful. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">He does great work. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Garrett's Army duties keep him far away but close to our hearts. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Brenna,
Charlotte, Isaac, Lucas, Gunnar, and Sailor hold down the Sliwa farm, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">and
homeschool when they aren't loving on Evie. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBsyEpuKvQ3YRVmvQ7nWDAQaeVOiADEJD9b-Zc2d3YzloitHa-4FIwMDG9nCtqFmWyUu7_sJCju2ZlPWtet2tUhZTxOWP-IHC1EKmA6h9bwoYKBS8koyIxyV5-Bi7fuDvxOvAS4dYyjls7QFUdrIXrbMjzYaCsO5GjWY0UL6_BvOaolo2tskeT4-juPvg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBsyEpuKvQ3YRVmvQ7nWDAQaeVOiADEJD9b-Zc2d3YzloitHa-4FIwMDG9nCtqFmWyUu7_sJCju2ZlPWtet2tUhZTxOWP-IHC1EKmA6h9bwoYKBS8koyIxyV5-Bi7fuDvxOvAS4dYyjls7QFUdrIXrbMjzYaCsO5GjWY0UL6_BvOaolo2tskeT4-juPvg=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span>Sam and Katie, Lily, Jack, and Holly moved to Dayton,
Ohio where </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Sam serves at Wright Patterson AFB. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I marvel at their ability to
adapt, enjoy, and explore </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">new homes, towns, experiences, schools, friends.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> That's a gift too.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> Proud of this family who serve our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">We've had a great year. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Dan and I are well.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> I remind
myself often of my doctor's words, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">"I've had you dead twice, but here you
are." </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> I respond as the angel said to Mary, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">"Nothing is
impossible with God!" </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I love ending with an exclamation point!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Indeed,
our life in Christ is an exclamation point for</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Jesus is the greatest gift of all!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">We are loved! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">We have a Savior!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> Baby Jesus came to bring salvation to all </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">men!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> He is the Everlasting Father! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The Prince of Peace! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The Alpha and the Omega! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">All I can do is bow down and
worship with a huge </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Hallelujah and Amen!!!
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">May you be blessed this Christmas with the greatest
present of all </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">— the Presence of Christ in your life,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-842647583993215542023-10-01T07:45:00.008-04:002023-10-01T08:40:10.722-04:00My Birthday Poem. Three-Quarters of a Century<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg9XTAm0af111ZGHV4DO9uGv7bCRUCYmojkL6OTTQkVgDT-BURKE6REaGw5XpBS3I5jBGzZvGH0CwLgmkMQwg9h925uTIAzFnwNNNhVwBz0WFk7WZP0aB2aId7Aice6Glqr1bhk8eKzn-EToYskSAdAZbu7fjeJg-jG_jNQ1qDM5lKirK7QpXHRPyk_u4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="719" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg9XTAm0af111ZGHV4DO9uGv7bCRUCYmojkL6OTTQkVgDT-BURKE6REaGw5XpBS3I5jBGzZvGH0CwLgmkMQwg9h925uTIAzFnwNNNhVwBz0WFk7WZP0aB2aId7Aice6Glqr1bhk8eKzn-EToYskSAdAZbu7fjeJg-jG_jNQ1qDM5lKirK7QpXHRPyk_u4=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">I love my birthday!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Every year I write a silly poem (for I am not a poet) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">to celebrate the miracle of life God has given to me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b><span>Woo Hoo! Whoopie!</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b><span>Happy Birthday to me!</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Today I'm three-quarters of a century!<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>How, oh how could this ever be?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Doctors expected I would never see </span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b><span>Three-quarters of a century.</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>But God controls my destiny <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>And He has more years for me, <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Apparently. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>So, don't put me out to sea. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Or think that I've gone up a tree! <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>I think that we can all agree <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>The best things in life are free. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>I don't need a shopping spree </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>To enjoy my salvation which is free!</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b><span>Believing in Jesus is the key </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>to spending life in eternity.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>One day my birthdays will be Heavenly.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Until then, I celebrate with glee <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>The joy of living three-quarters of a century. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> And thank</span><span><span style="font-family: times;"> God He's allowed me to arrive</span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>To the ripe old age of seventy-five. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>"Gray hair is a crown of glory" </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>(Proverbs 17:6) </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b> </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me!</b></span></p><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-8710744267359736672023-08-09T11:24:00.003-04:002023-08-09T13:05:14.283-04:00Prayer: More Than Flowery Phrases or Deep Theology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU3Ao-afHNSuGBlC28aMFvcVHmxnJEyI8uUtfHsCGkojYlIbVEK0tY5wsajRbCSwQcleUSJ-fpNNFdUoD_idH_Qlugr_SIvEn_6jFpzo8UQmn9sQ8oZzZfA1ZR-yvBjBmIacfxn2D7OdCX0hBF-bTDXuMCHutfegsckpRgpCIW3Jc4ey9ZYnD1KaMEFnQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1440" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU3Ao-afHNSuGBlC28aMFvcVHmxnJEyI8uUtfHsCGkojYlIbVEK0tY5wsajRbCSwQcleUSJ-fpNNFdUoD_idH_Qlugr_SIvEn_6jFpzo8UQmn9sQ8oZzZfA1ZR-yvBjBmIacfxn2D7OdCX0hBF-bTDXuMCHutfegsckpRgpCIW3Jc4ey9ZYnD1KaMEFnQ=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Would anyone like to pray?" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We all know the awkward feeling. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hoping someone prays before grandpa begins a blessing longer than the mashed potatoes remain hot. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking down and hoping you aren't volunteered by a brother smirking in the next seat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Would anyone like to pray? The answer seems to be we don't "like" to pray after all. I'm guilty. Talking to God for the world and the family to hear can be intimidating. <i>What will I say? </i>I remember my first out-loud prayer. Tears of love for Jesus filled my heart and eyes as I prayed, "Thank You, God. Amen." Oh my. Four words were all I could say, and I cried! Tears fell on my food. How embarrassing! No flowery phrases or deep theology on my tongue. Just four words. And tears. Looking back, I am confident God loved my prayer because God saw my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I imagine another table. Jesus sits at the right hand of God. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God asks<i>, Would anyone like to pray for Elaine?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus jumps up. <i>Me! Me! I will pray for Elaine!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">And Jesus does — all day — every day — interceding for me and for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Imagine what life would be like if Jesus responded, "Nah. I don't want to pray for Elaine today"? Jesus would never say those words, but do we when we are lackluster in prayer?</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh Jesus, forgive me for prayerlessness. What a gift you gave when you allowed us access to your ears and your heart through our prayers. What a privilege to pray — all day — every day to the One who prays without ceasing for me.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Jesus "is at the right hand of God . . . interceding for us"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> (Romans 8:34)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Prayer is a splash of serenity God grants to all. Jump right in and enjoy the living water He gives when He refreshes us through our prayers to Him and His prayers for us.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-19043362585771222952023-07-26T18:26:00.000-04:002023-07-26T18:26:45.874-04:00Don't Let Your Marriage Go Down the Drain<br />My husband Dan is well aware of my passion for a hot soak at the end of the day. Wherever we travel, he asks for a bathtub in the reservation. Such was the case at the VRBO we recently rented.<div><br /></div><div>"How was your bath?" He asked as we kissed goodnight.</div><div><br /></div><div>'I didn't get a bath. I got a shower. It was great."</div><div><br /></div><div>"What! Why a shower?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Well, there was no plug in the bathtub drain, so I got a shower. No problem."</div><div><br /></div><div>In the morning, Dan said he had an errand. He returned with a bathtub drain stopper.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uOzyTRy92fPJNFO4T6dk3u2orkfcK0ygY42EgiZJZguphTyQJUlEOz_SXQveLGHkx4d4RzmlafXwJTa_sQr1y1ELJfqyhUlw8SUd2g7UP6eEXZBAfFc6p8zvmGZOJ6qDuXnTucSFPwDtY-VUvDx8YmkLgndV6Clwtxkdr5Hlc02uJkVjuMaMRu-whzI/s4032/20230721_080542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uOzyTRy92fPJNFO4T6dk3u2orkfcK0ygY42EgiZJZguphTyQJUlEOz_SXQveLGHkx4d4RzmlafXwJTa_sQr1y1ELJfqyhUlw8SUd2g7UP6eEXZBAfFc6p8zvmGZOJ6qDuXnTucSFPwDtY-VUvDx8YmkLgndV6Clwtxkdr5Hlc02uJkVjuMaMRu-whzI/w480-h640/20230721_080542.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe not a big deal to you, but to me Dan's purchase was a picture of his love. Every day he is kind, thoughtful, and seeking opportunities to make my life better.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's what love is. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Love is kind" (1 Corinthians 13).</div><div><br /></div><div>Love is "not looking at your own interests but each of you to the interest of the other" (Philippians 2:4).</div><div><br /></div><div>Why has our marriage not gone down the drain? Some days it seems to, butost days Dan cares for me and I care for him. Always looking for ways to be kind and make our life together better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Splashes of Serenity prayed for your marriage!</div><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-42455225673256182482023-06-22T13:38:00.003-04:002023-06-22T22:07:26.909-04:00Hope for the Emotional Eater<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_O4DaQYt6qRlTB6yoUnDpesYbArDmn3hn2TBG-xjhQkS130pBTsNoQZCtZnP9b3ut4c9j0WS6-fFq1-vQrLw1H_pjGOTL8G0z7UWU2wY0Iy4xyWYn2kLG7pRBhBEOd9MrlxkEF7XJzfNf2QPgRq1s8-Gfvq_c6CylpSQj7bLphJFTAbBHLCY35BQmzZk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_O4DaQYt6qRlTB6yoUnDpesYbArDmn3hn2TBG-xjhQkS130pBTsNoQZCtZnP9b3ut4c9j0WS6-fFq1-vQrLw1H_pjGOTL8G0z7UWU2wY0Iy4xyWYn2kLG7pRBhBEOd9MrlxkEF7XJzfNf2QPgRq1s8-Gfvq_c6CylpSQj7bLphJFTAbBHLCY35BQmzZk=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>"You are not fat. You are zoftig." a friend told me years ago.</div><div> </div><div>"Zoftig?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Deliciously plump!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh wow! Not sure if that was a compliment or not. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, in the second half of life and living with leukemia, the effects of taking a daily chemo pill (not complaining! those pills keep me alive!), and permanent lung, heart, (and I swear brain) damage from covid, my focus isn't on being delicious, but in keeping my body healthy. I really love the thought of being a grilled salmon and not a hot-fudge sundae!</div><div><br /></div><div>"I've had you dead twice, yet here you are!" my doctor smiles in wonder. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes. Here I am and since I am here I want to be healthy, active, useful, joyful, fun, lively, energetic. My damaged lungs don't need to pant from excess weight. Leukemia and chemo don't need help making me tired. My illnesses got my attention and motivated me to become healthy. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, with my doctors' approval, I joined Weight Watchers, and over two years lost 20 pounds more or less. I feel great! Weight Watchers filled my tummy with fruits and veggies and protein — the three foods my doctors say are essential for my recovery. </div><div><br /></div><div>In January while I was seeking the Lord's direction in 2023, I was struck by the question: Why would I rely on a secular (albeit healthy) weight loss program when I have the power of God within me? My goal for 2023 was to glorify God in every area of my life, including my health. </div><div><br /></div><div>A book appeared on my facebook page which intrigued me. <i>A New Life Promise: How to Heal Your Body, Find Joy, and Bring Glory to God</i> by Isabel D. Price. <i>Bring Glory to God</i> sealed the deal to my decision to purchase Price's book. Her heart touched mine. With love and understanding and practical help, she guides the reader through the trials of being an emotional eater: grief, pressure, anxiety, inadequacy, anger, shame, guilt, anger, fear. Can you relate? I sure could! <i>A New Life Promise</i> encourages us to live a full life as well as enjoy food. We really can have our cake and eat it too and remain healthy. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>A New Life Promise</i> ends with 90 days of scripture and journaling. Recite a prayer, listen to a worship song, read the one scripture verse, and write how God spoke to you. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years I've enjoyed many daily devotional plans. Reading a chapter of the Bible each day, reading through the Bible in a year, Bible study books, etc. The most powerful has been Price's suggestion to read and meditate on one scripture a day. Focusing on one verse and asking God to speak to me through it has brought such joy and power in my days. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSyXWNopnAv2dt6gOdnl8uKOyGuE0KxLVwTSCiYslT1_VcJhJ2deVqOrImRtfpoB643WKdN7hqCLRiHNeZJ7-VtX_GdC_R9ctMYtyDRG6w0B8QkRzG4CKeI7AbIoKDX9srIfrYQ0-0r4wfb3XkKbj_0sGGmmJRfZSsGNbfVBfrYVb3hUDm25jWJrj6bxA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSyXWNopnAv2dt6gOdnl8uKOyGuE0KxLVwTSCiYslT1_VcJhJ2deVqOrImRtfpoB643WKdN7hqCLRiHNeZJ7-VtX_GdC_R9ctMYtyDRG6w0B8QkRzG4CKeI7AbIoKDX9srIfrYQ0-0r4wfb3XkKbj_0sGGmmJRfZSsGNbfVBfrYVb3hUDm25jWJrj6bxA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>FYI, for a fee, Isabel D. Price offers a New Life Promise diet plan. I haven't explored her plan, so I am not yet endorsing it. You can decide for yourself and gain more information on healthy living on her website and facebook posts <a href="http://www.IsabelDPrice.com"> www.IsabelDPrice.com </a></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, my heart is free to obey, heal my body, find joy, and bring glory to God without counting the points or the calories! Hallelujah!</div><div><br /></div><div>May the Lord guide us all as we seek to glorify Him in 2023. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-54978904639349706062023-05-04T08:54:00.001-04:002023-05-04T15:29:02.124-04:00A Prayer That Transforms Our Marriages, Our Families, Our World <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiX57KgmLyoMm-rmkid8Gi_rPkhq8vJpMejqkzNkQWTFzynBZaEZRD_XZsVzG5eIjqxgYpN7xywTjuMYTrIYw5coWwK5jF7CqiZpWOGbZf5zyLHL8ImXWA90fxU60ZtTZOsumxEoaleU/s1600/8721427-praying-beautiful-woman.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiX57KgmLyoMm-rmkid8Gi_rPkhq8vJpMejqkzNkQWTFzynBZaEZRD_XZsVzG5eIjqxgYpN7xywTjuMYTrIYw5coWwK5jF7CqiZpWOGbZf5zyLHL8ImXWA90fxU60ZtTZOsumxEoaleU/s400/8721427-praying-beautiful-woman.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>The world is a mess! Marriages are crumbling and families are falling apart. Governments are collapsing while citizens die in the streets they called "home." Who is to blame for this? Well, if you listen to politicians or to a domestic dispute; it's, most likely, "the other guy."<br />
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People are so quick to point the finger at someone else instead of asking God to point the finger at them. <br />
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The Psalmist David got it right when he wrote Psalm 139: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." <br />
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As we ask God to search us, know us, test us, point out what offends, and lead us, we'll change and so will our marriages, our families, and our world. Now, that's a splash of serenity we could all use! Thanks, David. Thanks, God. <br /><br />
Do you know a prayer that transforms or have a testimony of how prayer transformed your marriage or family? Please share what God did for you. <br />
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Splashes of Serenity prayed for your day!<br />
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<b><i>Elaine<br />
</i></b><br />
Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-11553515286165522612023-04-28T09:46:00.002-04:002023-04-30T17:02:10.847-04:00God's Not Done! Check Out My Speaking Schedule for a Location Near YouI love telling audiences about my Jesus. After cancer and severe covid, I wondered if I would ever have the energy or the breath to resume public speaking. Well, after two speaking events in Connecticut, I am thrilled to say I have energy and breath and enthusiasm! God worked powerfully in my life during my illnesses and now I have the joy of giving Him the glory for the peace and joy and His Presence during what should have been difficult days. But, they weren't difficult because Jesus had never been so close and so real. Hallelujah! <div><br /></div><div>I'd love meeting you at one of my speaking events. Check out my schedule below:<div><div><br /></div><div>May 8, 2023, Northeastern District C&MA Retreat, The Y at Watson Woods, <b>Painted Post, NY</b>, 3:30 p.m. workshop, "Our Most Important Writing Tool: A Pure Heart." Closed to public.</div><div><br /></div><div>May 9, 2023, Northeastern District C&MA Retreat, the Y at Watson Woods, <b>Painted Post, NY</b>, 3:30 p.m. workshop, "Writing a Story People Will Read," Closed to public.</div><div><br /></div><div>May 13, 2023, Wellsville Bible Church, <b>Wellsville, NY</b>, 6:00 Banquet, "Splashes of Serenity." RSVP by May 7. Information below. Thanks, Kim Merritt for the sweet promo poster.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK8PLM0R25Zlvhetswl77T3ALVq3-P4NhRevjIWE0UTDtV271Ypab9kM-phvy73vmS914zZo1PMPE6eMkkSW5Efv6A4IvYc5QBno6lqLhSOQdXCiTA43aoX6f1O-Xl1PN7WeyV9jH3c1E50k65MrcrAbk-9aXh3U68GiYibVGPgvrPuw1wQOLvvHoN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK8PLM0R25Zlvhetswl77T3ALVq3-P4NhRevjIWE0UTDtV271Ypab9kM-phvy73vmS914zZo1PMPE6eMkkSW5Efv6A4IvYc5QBno6lqLhSOQdXCiTA43aoX6f1O-Xl1PN7WeyV9jH3c1E50k65MrcrAbk-9aXh3U68GiYibVGPgvrPuw1wQOLvvHoN=w413-h640" width="413" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />May 16, 2023: Christian Women's Connection, Harts Hill Inn, <b>Whitesboro, NY</b>, 11:30 a.m., "The Suite Life." Contact Bonnie at 315-737-8611 for reservations.</div><div><br /></div><div>May 17, 2023, Christian Women's Connection, Ilion/Frankfurt V.F.W., <b>Frankfurt, NY</b>, 11:00 a.m.,"The Suite Life." Contact Hope at 518-568-3457 for reservations.</div><div><br /></div><div>May 18, 2023: Christian Women's Connection, Theodore's Restaurant,<b> Canastota, NY</b>, 11:00 a.m., speaking twice, "An Author's Journey" and "The Suite Life." Contact Carol at 315-761-9514 for reservations.</div><div><br /></div><div>June 10, 2023, "Extravagant Joy Conference," Cato Christian Fellowship,<b> Cato, NY</b>, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Speaking twice, lunch provided. Walk-ins welcome.</div><div><br /></div><div>October 12, 2023: Christian Women's Connection, Tashua Country Club, <b>Trumbull, CT</b>, 11:30 a.m., "The Suite Life," 11:30 a.m. Contact Jan at 203-405-6573 for reservations.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you all for your prayers! Pray God brings many to belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved . . . "</div><div style="text-align: center;">Acts 16:31</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div></div></div></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-48984913258898149632023-04-27T10:07:00.002-04:002023-04-27T11:25:18.505-04:00Two Covid Journeys — Miles Apart <br />My oncologist encouraged me to write my covid journey. "People need to read what happened from the point of view of someone who had and survived severe covid. It's history that needs to be told" he said. <div><br /></div><div>I've been unable to write a book of my experience. The closeness of God too precious and the pain of this disease to raw to find words. <div><div><br /></div><div>Penelope Childers wrote the book my doctor hoped to read: <i>A Window of Hope: How We Survived COVID-19. </i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj29jA88NUF0d9VaFgjExbp8pcjO6C8Skmn8j3CWNbTdfBL1-28yh44SgpMBNp87vMnNDsAi_230XKA2vYfYjpRVLaA3JOHKg6aZ3Y7oU7K4jy-_ytB4MO2vuFEQyh9QWktqEM0ZfFvlN-bk-GDyIXod1LkXjO5FmdK1p3qQ3PR5g3dHVFig6kJJFv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1750" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj29jA88NUF0d9VaFgjExbp8pcjO6C8Skmn8j3CWNbTdfBL1-28yh44SgpMBNp87vMnNDsAi_230XKA2vYfYjpRVLaA3JOHKg6aZ3Y7oU7K4jy-_ytB4MO2vuFEQyh9QWktqEM0ZfFvlN-bk-GDyIXod1LkXjO5FmdK1p3qQ3PR5g3dHVFig6kJJFv=w525-h640" width="525" /></a></div></i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Window-Hope-How-Survived-COVID-19/dp/B0BFV9G4LM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OJM4QTW6322D&keywords=A+Window+of+Hope&qid=1682599894&s=books&sprefix=a+window+of+hope%2Cstripbooks%2C110&sr=1-1">https://www.amazon.com/Window-Hope-How-Survived-COVID-19/dp/B0BFV9G4LM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OJM4QTW6322D&keywords=A+Window+of+Hope&qid=1682599894&s=books&sprefix=a+window+of+hope%2Cstripbooks%2C110&sr=1-1</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my amazon review of <i>A Window of Hope</i>: </div><div><br /></div><div>"The history, the heartbreak, the hope of a global pandemic that brought both unity and division. Penelope Childers takes us into her heart of peace as she determines to survive covid-19 from her ICU hospital room. Her daughter, Megan Pascual, writes of the frustration and horror in the hearts of family shut off on the other side of the hospital walls. <i>A Window of Hope</i> is a brilliant account of the facts and the feelings of life during the covid-19 pandemic."</div><div><br /></div><div>Penelope's story and mine are similar, but different. We are close to the same age and suffered with covid at the same time. She was in ICU in a big-city California hospital. My ICU bed was in a small hospital (some would call rural) upstate New York. I was in a pleasant isolation room on the covid floor where I watched the sun come up every morning. Penny began her hospital journey in a curtained cubicle with other covid patients nearby. I brushed my teeth daily. Health care workers washed my hair and provided water and soap and lotion for me to take care of my daily needs. Penelope's teeth were not brushed for weeks. Nor was she able to bathe. Yikes! Penny's husband and daughter were present through a window. Three stories up and unable to walk, I communicated with my family through facebook. Penny suffered severe constipation. I did not. Penny went to rehab. I went home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hospitals treated covid patients differently, but always with great care and comfort. Dear healthcare workers did their best with this mystery disease, as they tried to sort the mess of covid attacking each patient in a variety of symptoms, side effects, and sicknesses. covid survivors live with heart, lung, and brain damage, while others do not. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Although separated by miles and different symptoms, </div><div style="text-align: center;">One truth was sure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Penny and I both experienced the overwhelming presence and peace of our loving Jesus. </div><div style="text-align: center;">God consumed us as He healed us. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever"</div><div>Hebrews 13:8</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>May His presence bring you a splash of serenity every moment of your life,</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div></div></div></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-28311549057642248712023-03-22T06:42:00.000-04:002023-03-22T10:32:41.284-04:00Ten Ways To Put More Love and More Life Into Your Love Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My book's title, <em>We All Married Idiots, </em>grabs people's attention. But the meat of this book is found in the sub-title, <em>Three Things You Will Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can.</em><br />
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Using the chapter titles of the <em>Ten Things You Can</em>, I hope you enjoy my spin on the ten ways you can put more love and more life into your love life. Have fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9Yihh0Tp0c4lBijeTauKbWYxI8H59FWBr7eiqMBYxLWvdFL-8qp8awzVNP0nsOFcSf9xOYl-KBsnilNxidut716tWomzs_7Y36nhw2L5R0Z1IoLGZg0fQ07nNM_GNZnaxKf9PpOeFv8/s1600/8lYegX6xsxCdsNkz+two+hearts+bonded+forever....jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9Yihh0Tp0c4lBijeTauKbWYxI8H59FWBr7eiqMBYxLWvdFL-8qp8awzVNP0nsOFcSf9xOYl-KBsnilNxidut716tWomzs_7Y36nhw2L5R0Z1IoLGZg0fQ07nNM_GNZnaxKf9PpOeFv8/s640/8lYegX6xsxCdsNkz+two+hearts+bonded+forever....jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>1.</strong> <strong>Loosen Up!</strong> Ask someone what first attracted them to their spouse and the answer may be, "Their smile." So loosen up<strong>!</strong> Laugh! Smile! Nothing says "Kiss me!" more than a happy face.<br />
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<strong>2.</strong> <strong>Strip Down!</strong> Oops! Did I say that? No. God did. In Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) He says,<br />
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". . . let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up."</div>
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We need to strip ourselves of sin that makes us unattractive to God and to our lovers. Sins like grumbling, lust, anger . . . all sin; you name it, keeps our bedrooms from being the happy place God intended.</div>
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<strong>3. Let Go!</strong> Thoughts of laundry to do, Billy's homework isn't done, what should I make for dinner, problems at the office, all can occupy our minds during love making. Don't bring your "to do" list to the bedroom. I guarantee while making love, you won't be able to do any of it. So, let go of these thoughts, concentrate on your lover, and enjoy!<br />
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<strong>4. Hold On!</strong> Your honey wants to get frisky, but your honey's character flaws turn you off. No one is perfect. Don't let thoughts of your sweetheart's failures enter your mind while making love. This is the time to hold on to the good and remember all the wonderful traits you love about your spouse.<br />
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<strong>5. Settle Down!</strong> Angry? Well, settle down. Anger has no place in your marriage bed. Sexual abstinence will not solve your marital difficulties. Settle anger outside the bedroom walls because your bedroom is reserved as your play ground not your boxing ring.<br />
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<strong>6. Make Nice!</strong> Making nice is foreplay for the night ahead. No one wants to make love with a mate who makes mean. Remember, your lover desires to be treasured, not trampled.<br />
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<strong>7. Cheer On!</strong> If you want an example of cheering on your lover during lovemaking, read Solomon's Song of Songs. Wow! For example, "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves. How handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant." Song of Songs 1: 15-16. Words of affection and affirmation do much to cheer your honey on toward sexual pleasure.<br />
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<strong>8. Sit Tight!</strong> There really are times your beloved has a headache. Understanding and treating your love tenderly during "headache" days will reap future rewards in your love life. Sit tight, be patient, and wait for a better day.<br />
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<strong>9. Give up!</strong> There will be days you won't desire your spouse, but your spouse desires you. I suggest you give up and ask God to give you passion for your husband or wife. God says, "Husbands and wives should satisfy each other's sexual needs . . . Don't withhold yourselves from each other unless you agree to do so for a set time to devote yourselves to prayer. Then you should get back together. . . " 1 Corinthians 7: 3, 5. Prayer is an amazing power God gives to us. As we pray and invite God into our bedroom, asking The Almighty to help us respond to our lover's desires, we may be shocked at His answer. Prayer before and during lovemaking is the best foreplay of all. God wants to bless your marriage bed. He really does! Just ask Him.<br />
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<strong>10. Look up!</strong> The sparks aren't flying. There's no desire at all. Now what should you do? Look up! Ask God to help you and your beloved enjoy sexual intimacy as He planned for a husband and a wife. Loosen up, strip down, let go, hold on, settle down, make nice, cheer on, sit tight, give up, and look up. I suspect God will give you a marriage relationship better than you ever asked or imagined.<br />
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I have a passion for marriages, which is why I love promoting my book, <em>We All Married Idiots: Three Things You </em><em>Will Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can. </em>Available wherever books are sold and on Amazon at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/We-All-Married-Idiots-Marriage/dp/0984765522/">http://www.amazon.com/We-All-Married-Idiots-Marriage/dp/0984765522/</a><br />
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Splashes of Serenity and joy prayed for you and your beloved!<br />
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Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-44639937456423244422023-03-17T08:00:00.000-04:002023-03-17T08:58:14.389-04:00Married With Nothing In Common?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You'll soon know who is the idiot in my marriage!<br />
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Sharing with you an argument Dan and I had many years ago and the wise way he brought me to my senses.<br />
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"We have nothing in common!" I cried out, exhausted, discouraged, probably a bit angry about something that didn't go my way.<br />
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My sweet man responded with a gentle answer. "Sit down and I'll show you what we have in common. He found our wedding album, opened it and said,<br />
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"We have this day in common. We made the same vows. We have those promises in common. In fact, I'm going to say them to you again right now. And he did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBedvGeg2hBDhyphenhyphen6GNIns44-9WEpLWRTS6-FKjx7BIF5e-i0qI4jAPaUqUo5t0cQjfSmBG7HLYzkfVnQ4PPPrcO6IOnfW59DXRb8th021FrasSokw083xdEm8hVKMKzL_YCY_3eQBqoG-Q/s1600/Married-couple-facebook-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBedvGeg2hBDhyphenhyphen6GNIns44-9WEpLWRTS6-FKjx7BIF5e-i0qI4jAPaUqUo5t0cQjfSmBG7HLYzkfVnQ4PPPrcO6IOnfW59DXRb8th021FrasSokw083xdEm8hVKMKzL_YCY_3eQBqoG-Q/s1600/Married-couple-facebook-cover.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, he picked up our family photo album.<br />
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"We have these children in common. We both love them and want what is best for them."<br />
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Calmed, I forgot about my silliness and smiled at the man who chose to share life with me. Yes indeed, we did have a lot in common.<br />
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The next time you think you and your honey are miles apart, take a tip from my hubby and journey through the photo album.<br />
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Of course, this won't work for serious issues that need to be discussed, but for the day-to-day-I'm-too-tired-to-deal-with-life spat, reminiscing works swell.<br />
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Need a splash of serenity on your marriage? Enjoy those wedding photos on a dreary day.<br />
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<a href="http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y301/maryhessdesigns/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y301/maryhessdesigns/signature-1.png" /></a></div>
Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-29964056551417675682023-03-15T06:48:00.001-04:002023-03-15T09:56:08.761-04:00Protecting Your Marriage From Sexual Misconduct<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5l58aqYidCKYNUpbmspfeg_2xnWAGAbv9hzLqRm9-YkNmXZJj93vQX92n1VDBQ5ICrqbMfvlS75mVcJEgPPQK6OsIFqX-sJAo74asbvSCszC_9LtCVd2tYAuFcmrhyC-mM32wKugk0o/s1600/Dan+and+I+kissing+in+Ski+Lodge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5l58aqYidCKYNUpbmspfeg_2xnWAGAbv9hzLqRm9-YkNmXZJj93vQX92n1VDBQ5ICrqbMfvlS75mVcJEgPPQK6OsIFqX-sJAo74asbvSCszC_9LtCVd2tYAuFcmrhyC-mM32wKugk0o/s640/Dan+and+I+kissing+in+Ski+Lodge.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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When My husband Dan started a secular job over forty years ago, his boss took him aside and whispered the names of women in the office he could have sexually. Dan walked away and kept his eyes, his hands, and his mind on the work he was hired to do. Never before had the in-your-face wickedness of the world so threatened our marriage. When the office Christmas party invitation arrived on Dan's desk, he was told "Spouses not invited."<br />
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<b>"I don't go to parties without my wife." Dan explained to his co-workers and to me. </b></div>
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We went to the party together. I was the only spouse at a celebration of Christmas which included dinner, dancing, drinking, and too much coziness between co-workers.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The next Christmas we attended the dinner/dance/drink and were happy to see that this time a few others ignored the "No Spouses Invited" rule and brought their mates.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b>When we take a stand for marriage, others join us. Won't you?</b></span></div>
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<b>Sexual misconduct can be blatant and it can be subtle. </b></div>
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<b>A wink of an eye. </b></div>
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<b>A lingering touch. </b></div>
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<b>A flirtatious glance. </b></div>
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<b>A conversation too personal for anyone but your spouse. </b></div>
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Protecting yourself and your marriage from the damage of sexual misconduct requires setting guidelines for your life and living by them. </div>
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Rev. David Linn, District Superintendent for the Christian and Missionary Alliance, offers the following common
sense advice for keeping your marriage bed and your ministry pure (bold emphasis mine):<br />
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"1. <b>Avoid all actual sins whether outward or in thought life</b>. This is where the real
battle is fought, as Paul wrote: “No temptation has overtaken you but such
as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be
tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide
the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. Therefore, my
beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:13-14). <b>Run from it, reveal your
struggle to an accountability partner, put barriers in the way, restructure your
life pattern, work in larger groups, or whatever necessary. </b>Repent every time
you fail and receive forgiveness. No excuses. Don’t ever tell yourself: This
little sin really doesn’t matter.<br />
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2. <b>Do everything you can in public.</b> Take away the enhanced temptation of private
space wherever possible. Hire a carpenter to put windows in church classrooms
and office doors. Meet outside or over video chat if that helps. Make
your own choices about this. Don’t merely follow what others do.<br />
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3. <b>Observe personal space</b>. Approach others with a measure of wise caution and
watch for cues about what is comfortable for them. Everyone is different. Adjust
as necessary. It doesn’t really matter what is comfortable for you.<br />
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4. <b>Kindly and assertively tell others what you want and do not want. </b><br />
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5.<b> If you are married, follow the cautions and reservations your spouse expresses
about your relationships without hesitation or reservation. Whatever your
loved one says goes, even if you do not understand it. You probably won’t. </b><br />
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6. <b>Respect the holy life patterns of others.</b> Some do not wish to eat out together
in twosomes, travel together, or minister together. You and I have no access to
the inward history and life of others. It is their prerogative to make those decisions.
Love your brothers and sisters by following their wishes without complaint.
The expansion of the kingdom of God will not be slowed by wise and
holy living.<br />
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7. <b>Never let down your guard. </b>Be prepared for temptations to come your way
from both non-churched and churched people, both
men and women. There is no genuinely safe space on
earth. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take
heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12)."<br />
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Sexual sin seems to make headlines daily. A few weak moments can destroy your marriage, your family, your ministry, your career, your finances, your children, your children's respect, your children's marriages. etc. etc. etc. <br />
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<b>The cost too high, the pain too deep, the damage irreplaceable.</b></div>
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<b>Dan and I set boundaries for our marriage and we live by them. </b></div>
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<b>"Marriage should be honored by all, </b></div>
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<b>and the marriage bed kept pure, </b></div>
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<b>for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."</b> </div>
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Hebrews 13:4 (NIV) <br />
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Bring splashes of serenity to your marriage by never giving a glance to or thought of another person other than your spouse. Take that stand today. Please. For the glory of God and the honor of your marriage!<br />
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Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-89329408673449350212023-03-14T08:12:00.001-04:002023-03-14T08:12:47.370-04:00Staying Best Friends After You Marry<br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjykyKQX2UytU6qIbjj8ja1C8DkJZwC16Ukf3LjXnjLlB7eK5StcBNOmYAvviIQhHuCRuf_2oEvpZMcw6V33n0d-z05If4mnhEZYNFmFffc6UfzsBeHYEWIMZd4sWLSvWWH5_6m4mOLQoyvMX_T81ZhO4lFOVziZ9RrAqieUddtSx6sbiSi4mQQXiV9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="3496" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjykyKQX2UytU6qIbjj8ja1C8DkJZwC16Ukf3LjXnjLlB7eK5StcBNOmYAvviIQhHuCRuf_2oEvpZMcw6V33n0d-z05If4mnhEZYNFmFffc6UfzsBeHYEWIMZd4sWLSvWWH5_6m4mOLQoyvMX_T81ZhO4lFOVziZ9RrAqieUddtSx6sbiSi4mQQXiV9=w640-h384" width="640" /></a></span></div> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">"Today I marry my best friend"</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">announces many wedding invitations . </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">It's easy to
marry your best </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">friend, </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">but how do you stay best friends after you marry? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">May
these thoughts on marriage and friendship encourage you to be that best friend
every husband (and every wife) desires and deserves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">1. Friends are loyal.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">
God warned us in James 3:2 (GWT) that "All of us make a lot of
mistakes." Surprise! Your honey is not perfect. He and you will make
mistakes. If you are his friend, you will be quick to stand by him and forgive.
Remember that he didn't wake up this morning with this thought: <i>Woo Hoo! I wonder how many mistakes I can
make today!</i> Mistakes are not on his to-do list, but loving him in spite of
them should be on yours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">2. Friends are kind.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">
I've been to a lot of weddings and I've never heard this vow: <i>I promise to make a note of everything you
do that bothers me and remind you of it as long as we both shall live.</i> That
is not what we promise, but is that what we do? Without considering the
consequences, we spew out words we wish we could stuff back in our mouths. Friends
should be safe havens from the unpleasant side of life. It's a tough world out
there. We need to be tender. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">3. Friends are cheerleaders. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">A
wife fulfills a role that no one else can — that of her husband's cheerleader. When the world knocks your man down, you need
to pick him up and cheer him on. I remember my Dan coming home late from a difficult
meeting. I pummeled him with questions. "What decisions were made? How did
you respond?" Poor guy. He left one anxiety-ridden meeting and came home
to another. Instead, I should have offered him assurance of my love in the form
of a kiss, an embrace, and perhaps his favorite ice cream. I realized this
truth when Dan took me in his arms, held me, and gently spoke, "I really
need you to be my wife, not my boss." Lesson learned. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">4. Friends spend time together. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Early
in our marriage Dan suggested that two times a year we go away alone together.
I balked because of the expense and the time away from our children. Dan
insisted and Dan was right. Now married 42 years, I realize we are best friends
today because we guarded our couple time. If your husband has a hobby, join in.
Dan loves to golf. I learned to love golf too. We work to find entertainment we
enjoy together. Date nights are non-negotiable because friends make time to be
together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">5. Friends build each other up. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">It's
sad that some girlfriends find pleasure belittling their husbands. I've heard
these friendship-ruining and marriage-killing conversations. Don't participate in this activity. Either change
the subject ("Everybody say one thing they LOVE about their husband!")
or change your friends. Best friends don't ridicule each other in public or in private.
They build each other up. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">So,
did you marry your best friend? I hope so. And I pray your friendship glows as
you grow in love and life together. It takes work and discipline and
self-sacrifice and it's worth it.</span></p>May your married life be filled with splashes of serenity!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-75722453750801631662023-02-22T17:30:00.001-05:002023-02-23T08:15:38.649-05:00Cancer Update<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9wB9TmknXwuHPJpaDuGm49jSyy3_DstvbO-qKTY6Sqj8FYaWKIXJn03LrVxeTcSC-iVja1zp-BfIRbnoLKcTIKmcGKU4vfDLr4Vt2RANiEweNa79bcAcDbHBtkerLBvNJfaApt73Cr8hNz3Et3xHBGfO_JxFt8qofcEPsvpFcWlt9bN1ivbFglanu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9wB9TmknXwuHPJpaDuGm49jSyy3_DstvbO-qKTY6Sqj8FYaWKIXJn03LrVxeTcSC-iVja1zp-BfIRbnoLKcTIKmcGKU4vfDLr4Vt2RANiEweNa79bcAcDbHBtkerLBvNJfaApt73Cr8hNz3Et3xHBGfO_JxFt8qofcEPsvpFcWlt9bN1ivbFglanu=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Woo hoo! Have I got an update for you! Thank you to all who have prayed me through the last eight years of cancer treatments and my bout with severe covid. God's Army is the best Army and you all deserve a medal for supporting me in prayer and in many other ways. There was not a day I felt unloved by God or all of you. Thank you.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Let me remind you, in January 2016 I was diagnosed with "high risk" chronic lymphocytic leukemia. "High risk" because three of my chromosomes are not normal. (Glad they didn't check my brain!) The prognosis was </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Rapid progression </div><div style="text-align: center;">inferior survival, </div><div style="text-align: center;">shorter survival time </div><div style="text-align: center;">and resistance to treatment." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bottom line:</div><div style="text-align: center;">There was no treatment for me,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I was not expected to live,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> death would happen soon, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and I would go fast. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"We'll keep you comfortable" </div><div style="text-align: center;">was all the hope I received from the doctor that day.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But God!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>I became ill the following December. Expecting to cash in on the "keep you comfortable" promise, I returned to the oncologist.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Great news!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">FDA had just approved a treatment for "high risk" cll. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Three pills a day, which has now been reduced to one pill a day, my leukemia stopped progressing.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Within two months,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> my blood counts were normal! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hallelujah!!!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"This is phenomenal!!!" </div><div style="text-align: center;">my oncologist cheered. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I assured him not only do we have a God of the phenomenal, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but a God of the impossible!</div><div><br /></div><div>The medication (imbruvica) was new and doctors hoped it would buy me time. Three years, then five years, now seven years. Today I learned that imbruvica has been so successful, "high risk" cll is no longer labeled "high risk." </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Imbruvica works! </div><div style="text-align: center;">This wonder drug has stood the test of time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other than my bout with covid, I have remained healthy, strong, and active. leukemia lurks inside me, but imbruvica acts like a fortress keeping it from going any further. </div><div><br /></div><div>I thank God today, but I also thank cancer researchers and doctors. These men and women sacrifice much to spend long hours glaring at test tubes and people's blood. Thank you, dear ones, called by God to heal this vicious disease. Three cheers and many prayers go up for you!!! Thank you!!!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"For nothing will be impossible with God."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Luke 1:37</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">God shows Himself in many ways when cancer hits home. I write about my cancer journey in <i>Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo: A Hopeful Response to a Hard Reality. </i>You can purchase a copy on Amazon or directly from me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhuknt0zBircHlQGUw5UjihfhV7qdmzcw9Jbh_nD53wVrEk3sKRYeorln1sT_j1ph1kkqruo0obfHBkQ-k7Xz86kJzN36an21W4ceQjHjBss3Xbim_LiYP0mU9EP5O1Oll2hpn_3yM17CJF7kemM0mbe9Q32Uj-8nhB5lWJrKalgRedn1IzmigkoH/s327/PTL%20and%20pass%20the%20Chemo%20final%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="327" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhuknt0zBircHlQGUw5UjihfhV7qdmzcw9Jbh_nD53wVrEk3sKRYeorln1sT_j1ph1kkqruo0obfHBkQ-k7Xz86kJzN36an21W4ceQjHjBss3Xbim_LiYP0mU9EP5O1Oll2hpn_3yM17CJF7kemM0mbe9Q32Uj-8nhB5lWJrKalgRedn1IzmigkoH/w400-h400/PTL%20and%20pass%20the%20Chemo%20final%20cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Praise-Lord-Pass-Chemo-Response/dp/1945976012?ref_=ast_author_dp">https://www.amazon.com/Praise-Lord-Pass-Chemo-Response/dp/1945976012?ref_=ast_author_dp</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Please pray for cancer research. I am so thankful.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-69399834072552714282023-01-17T10:09:00.004-05:002023-01-17T16:32:52.498-05:00 Life After 40 Podcast with Mary Hess and Elaine W. Miller <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39VyhgpoCwi7pPFkf88fJEYo-dfQkJC1bFJzhQSzBtWLIFHlPHvift_JHBl5Tyu9AF2Xu0yfVetzmr_yrZryFuYMPWDg-MkvvfflCi5_eykx7I3XXrWa6CQEL_Q06RXUTQGIN_fUYnmWRI3qtWzrYYE843dEExRtpp9E6PlsvLm9TpgZ1XZiN8sSN/s1080/author%20photo%202018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39VyhgpoCwi7pPFkf88fJEYo-dfQkJC1bFJzhQSzBtWLIFHlPHvift_JHBl5Tyu9AF2Xu0yfVetzmr_yrZryFuYMPWDg-MkvvfflCi5_eykx7I3XXrWa6CQEL_Q06RXUTQGIN_fUYnmWRI3qtWzrYYE843dEExRtpp9E6PlsvLm9TpgZ1XZiN8sSN/s320/author%20photo%202018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Life after 40.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yay! </div><div style="text-align: center;">You've made it to the second half!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hold on! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't quit now! </div><div style="text-align: center;">God has much more and even better waiting for you in the back 40. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hear my heart as I share with Mary Hess' on The Back 40 Podcast</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God's call to write after age 50, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tips on preparing your marriage for the empty nest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Prioritizing your marriage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your last child leaves home. Now what? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The great gift Dan gave me for my 50th birthday. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God's purpose in old age. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God's plan in an intensive care unit.</div><div><br /></div><div>What a fun podcast! Thanks Mary Hess for loving and encouraging people to thrive in the back 40 of life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please listen here for the podcast:<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsplashes-of-serenity-elaine-miller%2Fid1639601043%3Fi%3D1000594829490%26fbclid%3DIwAR06aN15_egpCL5yYV3NxTyIrAz8jYIaS1WemG8KpWmdX9CsO8mkjtlearA&h=AT109qCDv-6278XuN4tealBzSYvO9iv6gnkWbZomXF1fFM1pOQg-b1AqyFG0dAPrm3cFJDO33W_12UTD0SP4_Km1MeYRwAvYYxP6dOIxJzVIEB-vq6sxWj5_YqOIm1Ay-A&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1eW5fbL4EsVbc7DfJ2AJIElfDGNx7DiFvOiP-7KXs5d91dH64CwFaPMArQX7AuRTkbzuatvMGhG9SokXTgoQjs-m9JetveUeHJwR-D0ZsstRo29soHt0tRUxgbTItIHmEkt211v-zrYn8Or7FB3WCsfHTX9kNeXXGaGw0ttgU_gfgbhsTzAg"> https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsplashes-of-serenity-elaine-miller%2Fid1639601043%3Fi%3D1000594829490%26fbclid%3DIwAR06aN15_egpCL5yYV3NxTyIrAz8jYIaS1WemG8KpWmdX9CsO8mkjtlearA&h=AT109qCDv-6278XuN4tealBzSYvO9iv6gnkWbZomXF1fFM1pOQg-b1AqyFG0dAPrm3cFJDO33W_12UTD0SP4_Km1MeYRwAvYYxP6dOIxJzVIEB-vq6sxWj5_YqOIm1Ay-A&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1eW5fbL4EsVbc7DfJ2AJIElfDGNx7DiFvOiP-7KXs5d91dH64CwFaPMArQX7AuRTkbzuatvMGhG9SokXTgoQjs-m9JetveUeHJwR-D0ZsstRo29soHt0tRUxgbTItIHmEkt211v-zrYn8Or7FB3WCsfHTX9kNeXXGaGw0ttgU_gfgbhsTzAg</a><a href="https://https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/splashes-of-serenity-elaine-miller/id1639601043?i=1000594829490&fbclid=IwAR0e5au0Qtd3AOhzuePZzrh_d2GSs0GMVLUEzIrBko4vB3WBCedm3KgP6Iopodchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/splashes-of-serenity-elaine-miller/id1639601043?i=1000594829490&fbclid=IwAR0e5au0Qtd3AOhzuePZzrh_d2GSs0GMVLUEzIrBko4vB3WBCedm3KgP6Ioasts.apple.com/us/podcast/splashes-of-serenity-elaine-miller/id1639601043?i=1000594829490&fbclid=IwAR0e5au0Qtd3AOhzuePZzrh_d2GSs0GMVLUEzIrBko4vB3WBCedm3KgP6Io"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">" . . . all the days ordained for me were written in your book </div><div style="text-align: center;">before one of them came to be." </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Psalm 139:16)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Have a splashes of serenity kind of a day!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div></div></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-27637564562734606032022-12-31T09:36:00.002-05:002022-12-31T09:39:52.391-05:00Glorify — My Word for 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgg3_M5xpG8Nr7BzYotFwS2mSR1jhWncuwphARWzgq299H-AsdU1i2BtPt02VOK7-p3MTpGifVTnQIjj5AhK1YruEo0igLorgk-4IcqpzoLmoP_JciMOIjOASqI50SA0HIAaTiSTsCrEazocJsX8zV3KkDS9ThkUibDrqstmTPb_9bh3ilCRNeWEk/s2944/20220910_110718.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="2208" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgg3_M5xpG8Nr7BzYotFwS2mSR1jhWncuwphARWzgq299H-AsdU1i2BtPt02VOK7-p3MTpGifVTnQIjj5AhK1YruEo0igLorgk-4IcqpzoLmoP_JciMOIjOASqI50SA0HIAaTiSTsCrEazocJsX8zV3KkDS9ThkUibDrqstmTPb_9bh3ilCRNeWEk/w480-h640/20220910_110718.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Doctors had me dead </div><div style="text-align: center;">— twice — </div><div style="text-align: center;">yet, here I am!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">God says in Psalm 139:16 (NIV)</div><div style="text-align: center;">". . . all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wow! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Whether days are good or difficult,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> God knows. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He ordained them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">God has each day of my life set apart for a purpose. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Each moment is orchestrated by God </div><div style="text-align: center;">for my good, </div><div style="text-align: center;">to teach me lessons, </div><div style="text-align: center;">to use my trial to encourage others, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and any other way God wants to use me</div><div style="text-align: center;"> to glorify Himself. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Doctors had me dead, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but God granted me life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> God had more days planned for me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">As 2023 dawns, I am thankful for His healing and my life as I ask Him </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>How then shall I live? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What do You want me to do in 2023? </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>His response:<br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Glorify God —</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>with your physical body. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My life and my health are a gift from God.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My body is a temple of The Holy Spirit. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I need to glorify God by caring for this temple by </div><div style="text-align: center;">eating healthy foods,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> exercising daily, </div><div style="text-align: center;">sleeping well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> For the glory of God, I will strive to take better care of my body in 2023. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Not so I look good or fit in clothes I wore long ago, or just plain vain conceit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> No! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I want energy. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Energy to do what I wrote on the back cover of <i>Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">to love deeper,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> live fuller, </div><div style="text-align: center;">laugh louder, </div><div style="text-align: center;">sing sweeter, and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> shine brighter. </div><div style="text-align: center;">God granted me more years and </div><div style="text-align: center;">I desire to live life to the full or as He said,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Abundantly!"</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Glorify God —</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>with your spirit.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">My greatest desire is to glorify God with </div><div style="text-align: center;">the words I speak, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the actions I take, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the thoughts I think, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the time I spend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Living in worldly pursuits,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> disobeying and displeasing God is </div><div style="text-align: center;">time God never ordained for me, or </div><div style="text-align: center;">time I will never get back. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> In my quest to glorify God and rid myself of all that displeases God, </div><div style="text-align: center;">may I find no pleasure in sin. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will start this 2023 journey towards holiness by seeking God's guidance and power to </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Rejoice always!</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> In the movie Pollyanna, the orphan Pollyanna played the Glad Game. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever happened in her day, Pollyanna turned it around to find some reason to be glad. </div><div style="text-align: center;">God commands me to rejoice always whether days are good or difficult </div><div style="text-align: center;"> for this is the will of God concerning me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The definition of Pollyanna is "an excessively cheerful or optimistic person."</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The definition of rejoicing is "feel or show great joy or delight."</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I will glorify the Lord with rejoicing always! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll play the glad game and be a Pollyanna!</div><div><span>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><b>Judge never! </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Judgment is not my job and not my call.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It's not! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm called to love, not judge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I'll leave the judging to the only righteous One who judges justly. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><b><i>Stop worrying!</i> </b></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span>What a waste of time is worry! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span>How many hours and days have I worried about situations that never happened? </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span>God is in control of whatever occupies my mind with worry. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span>He doesn't need me fretting about anything.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><i><b>Be content! </b></i></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span>The life, the family, the job, the home, the finances God provides me is all I need. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span> Being discontent robs me of time wishing for something God didn't plan for me. </span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Stop doubting! </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">His Presence, </div><div style="text-align: center;">His Power,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> His Provision.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> His Promise.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> He is with me always. </div><div style="text-align: center;">God doesn't lie. </div><div style="text-align: center;">When I was at my lowest in covid ICU,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> God's presence was so powerful and profound.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He held me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He comforted me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> He covered me with His peace and His presence.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Why would I ever doubt He is with me always, for He surely is.</div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><i><b>Believe!</b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> Nothing is impossible with God.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> I can't solve the world's or my loved one's problems, </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span>but God can and He will. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Nothing is impossible with God. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span>He doesn't need me to interfere with His plan and His sovereignty. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><i><b>Practice patience! </b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Why would I ever think my timeline is better than God's? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>He has every day (and moment) planned before my birth. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>What peace there is in patience. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Please give me patience, Lord.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><i><b>Be filled with God's Holy Spirit!</b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>None of the above is possible</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> without a daily cleansing of sin and </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>filling with the Holy Spirit which is </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>love, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>joy, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>peace, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>patience, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>kindness, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>self-control,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> faithfulness, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>goodness,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> gentleness.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Wow!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Look at those wonderful attributes God promises us as the Holy Spirit lives in us.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I'm ready for a powerful journey through 2023 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>living in His fullness and </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>glorifying God! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Won't you join me?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>My word for 2023 — Glorify! </b> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Glorify God by all I </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>say, do, think, act, and consume as I</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> become more Holy and more healthy. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy 2023! </div><div style="text-align: center;">May you spend it glorifying God in all you do. </div><div><br /></div><div>Splashes of Serenity for the glory of God!</div><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-30685015030099742552022-12-16T11:05:00.003-05:002022-12-16T11:24:17.015-05:00Christmas 2022 Love Letter<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJaA1LIrdSN2mL9pfPmZfB4Bk5QJxwpQZn3kqKYLAre5QUsVIiyDOvH9N5a6-7egCF7VURU0MJ4AyqRzLVlSc2fRbeQUXnLDIVjQebLqYlbjnMa1aJ4kpBYGZi59dk3sM10xCP8Iw49mXCIcaNhvTDPuV0svzAhhYPz3P7YkBka-OK3u9AtU3FCAV/s600/Christmas%20nativity.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="439" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJaA1LIrdSN2mL9pfPmZfB4Bk5QJxwpQZn3kqKYLAre5QUsVIiyDOvH9N5a6-7egCF7VURU0MJ4AyqRzLVlSc2fRbeQUXnLDIVjQebLqYlbjnMa1aJ4kpBYGZi59dk3sM10xCP8Iw49mXCIcaNhvTDPuV0svzAhhYPz3P7YkBka-OK3u9AtU3FCAV/w468-h640/Christmas%20nativity.jpg" width="468" /></a></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Ble</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">ssed Christmas 2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; text-align: center;">"For
unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the
Lord."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">A Savior is born!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> He is our only salvation and the</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> Only Source of True Joy. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">In a world ugly with sin, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">God sent a Gift of Love,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> His
Son The Lord Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> We rejoice
this Christmas to know His Joy and His Love.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxuNvcQKq6gdlO5Pu0iaHMzWPB50Wma-33fVkgm5NsgxjP7mBTXOPblCrktyqUkpk3m6nUj2WWyfCFuT8trT0dXqE3cLhmtJs4vN6DG8wLR9kZiAKzg6CvnSMZf9aP5zv7YQj5UJXdX3luoWcvOjyM6sJfbn63QZVxvkohDY0jtG96IV1RhRIYuRV/s1080/Dan%20and%20I%20at%20PRC%20banquet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxuNvcQKq6gdlO5Pu0iaHMzWPB50Wma-33fVkgm5NsgxjP7mBTXOPblCrktyqUkpk3m6nUj2WWyfCFuT8trT0dXqE3cLhmtJs4vN6DG8wLR9kZiAKzg6CvnSMZf9aP5zv7YQj5UJXdX3luoWcvOjyM6sJfbn63QZVxvkohDY0jtG96IV1RhRIYuRV/w480-h640/Dan%20and%20I%20at%20PRC%20banquet.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; text-align: left;">Dan and I marvel at the miracle of God's care and healing. Covid damaged 40 percent of my lungs, and doctors gave no hope of my lungs being restored. Once again, God surprised us when a lung function test indicated a great improvement from a year ago. Hallelujah! My lungs overflow with praise for God who continues to deliver healing to my body. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; text-align: left;">Whether 40 percent or 100 percent, my lungs runneth over! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; text-align: left;">Thank you to my army of prayer warriors who prayed me through cancer and severe covid. God answered in miraculous ways and I am forever thankful to Him and to you. Many of you said God was not finished with me. Looks like you are correct, and I am thrilled to be back speaking at retreats</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; text-align: left;"> and women's events. I love sharing my story with women. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; text-align: left;">Dan fills the pulpit in various churches many Sundays. Hearing my favorite Pastor preach is always a blessing. We are both thankful for opportunities to share God's Love and Joy and Jesus. </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbqbD831eKfJwsyQ07hMNDzyJtwrVSSIttd6w8M3IOVIG8baX9DvdGwmaDdtwjZAPSte1rWOEQuUd9mFFSSOZkiSWZU_4G6jBO6g7IzAhmDyGdf6L8UcAOsW8v4XcRP4wg7Oo7-sQzHbZH4J2ryM8roF5eAAy3Yrq_-CQEdMH5Y_6FdHINYFVZFiL/s2048/Price%20family%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbqbD831eKfJwsyQ07hMNDzyJtwrVSSIttd6w8M3IOVIG8baX9DvdGwmaDdtwjZAPSte1rWOEQuUd9mFFSSOZkiSWZU_4G6jBO6g7IzAhmDyGdf6L8UcAOsW8v4XcRP4wg7Oo7-sQzHbZH4J2ryM8roF5eAAy3Yrq_-CQEdMH5Y_6FdHINYFVZFiL/w640-h426/Price%20family%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Our oldest, Joanna, teaches reading (the best job
ever, she says). Her husband Bob continues as a newsman with Family Life Network (and a baseball
coach). Gracie graduated and is guarding lives at the Y. Ryan's love is
baseball. He grabs any opportunity to swing a bat or pitch a ball.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gyrXCZOYuoci1aYzPY3gxoapghpc4dWkU4wTPywzzzfxyds8ShpWzQ6eHxJ6F9vo04b5VSRDdZUkP3zvfoHJ5W3J2evkCdpKvP12R1EPg11ONJ1G95MUf1Z1dfwb9Fe2Wdq3w3C6HcHwCgaXZ9TtEcorx4_7ZVUpC7nfKs4pPlFAQpC2zTecXG_A/s960/Joe%20and%20Elizabeth%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gyrXCZOYuoci1aYzPY3gxoapghpc4dWkU4wTPywzzzfxyds8ShpWzQ6eHxJ6F9vo04b5VSRDdZUkP3zvfoHJ5W3J2evkCdpKvP12R1EPg11ONJ1G95MUf1Z1dfwb9Fe2Wdq3w3C6HcHwCgaXZ9TtEcorx4_7ZVUpC7nfKs4pPlFAQpC2zTecXG_A/w640-h640/Joe%20and%20Elizabeth%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorP2JQko3HIJWWs41sSOn1vZlDxtPzXXHXmDpGyWbxHLlqUpLbUTcWF4MmJiIPRB4L78_LsmyW60qTfhsuZRhdB1RD9hDYiv1VMl300vgxegjCo8vJUaAh70y3zhyraZIdl8EAgkqBPxQLBCmOb4Q2Wx-hO-SSg38z7uJf5c97y7k5SmGofJhqq7w/s2048/Sliwa%20kids%20Spec%202021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorP2JQko3HIJWWs41sSOn1vZlDxtPzXXHXmDpGyWbxHLlqUpLbUTcWF4MmJiIPRB4L78_LsmyW60qTfhsuZRhdB1RD9hDYiv1VMl300vgxegjCo8vJUaAh70y3zhyraZIdl8EAgkqBPxQLBCmOb4Q2Wx-hO-SSg38z7uJf5c97y7k5SmGofJhqq7w/w480-h640/Sliwa%20kids%20Spec%202021.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Elizabeth and Joe didn't have enough children to
keep them busy, so Elizabeth began a two-year course for a Masters in Nursing,
specializing in midwifery. Joe's JOE Pro Services keeps him as the face you
welcome when your house breaks. Connor is a welder. Garrett is in the Army and deployed
to S. Korea. Ava attends Corning Community College. Brenna, Charlotte, Isaac, Lucas, Gunnar, and
Sailor are so smart and so sweet. Joyful love is the name of their game.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K3kegDJ4BioZzMWJdew38QTRRoOepPoudADhXuLparWp9Q97DPG31VgJvifbrIQjE1gmYfQMlzXfU1wuyX5k4HeKBvU8_tU1ucjSEuNAgyTP26I-Rritjw-Mfzu6_VureuHfqSv9iIis7pgUvJzwbbV8wlwsQtSVlveP_2ns-f1Na6acWimbEP-Q/s1593/Holly%20Dedication%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K3kegDJ4BioZzMWJdew38QTRRoOepPoudADhXuLparWp9Q97DPG31VgJvifbrIQjE1gmYfQMlzXfU1wuyX5k4HeKBvU8_tU1ucjSEuNAgyTP26I-Rritjw-Mfzu6_VureuHfqSv9iIis7pgUvJzwbbV8wlwsQtSVlveP_2ns-f1Na6acWimbEP-Q/w434-h640/Holly%20Dedication%202022.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Sam and Katie serve in the Air Force in S. Dakota.
We've enjoyed a couple of trips there and found Rapid City to be breathtaking.
Sam has a fly-fishing stream a 5-minute walk from his house. His idea of Heaven! Katie is active
encouraging military wives. Lily, Jack, and Holly are too cute to describe! </span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">This Christmas may your hearts be filled with the Joy of
His Love.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> There is no greater Love and there is no greater Joy. We are forever
thankful for Jesus, His Love, His Joy, and His Blessings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">A joyful Merry Christmas with all our love,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Elaine and Dan (and our two sweet kitties, Sunshine
and Dandy-Lion)<o:p></o:p></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvWNN6b0A6v9o976seW6hHM-IUoo_K7BzVsYoBy4BR0Oa5XwvytvGGZr-oLxCVpb6fw0aWxDlgiNfgrdBzyZ_K_IiUDqLZSTBv01_dZhhezCNbrNZGhTUCU4Z4fvXjzMXmKjfivpRwU34rbHM0gNurc6drsY2uTH61Bi4DpO_ncPn2oMeKAvCaolk/s4032/20220623_174516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvWNN6b0A6v9o976seW6hHM-IUoo_K7BzVsYoBy4BR0Oa5XwvytvGGZr-oLxCVpb6fw0aWxDlgiNfgrdBzyZ_K_IiUDqLZSTBv01_dZhhezCNbrNZGhTUCU4Z4fvXjzMXmKjfivpRwU34rbHM0gNurc6drsY2uTH61Bi4DpO_ncPn2oMeKAvCaolk/w480-h640/20220623_174516.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-31925497356738680652022-11-17T12:04:00.001-05:002022-11-17T12:06:45.496-05:00Invest in Your Marriage. It's Cheaper Than a DivorceFor our entire married life, Dan and I have invested in our marriage by going away together for a couple of days — just the two of us — no friends or children invited. Now in the empty nest, we find we still need to get away from the dull and drear of life and just have fun!<div><br /></div><div>The past two days, we had a blast in New York City! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z7tSjpO2yzTFoVI-dxV3P0yf_vODe_HvZMwAWGDd_42SQqhnbVzRZc_Z7fqHuizg9BRzj_AtJwqhZ564YDF9my_Nx4z1F_q4pEmSIEJszmLqXaVkqdp4-jV5X2DW9llnTuvu7cZFphRYWAdLmxKK-tunq0z2_0-LKLLD6wf7Yqrs7wnu2JyT5H8u/s1080/Dan%20and%20Elaine%20Broadway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z7tSjpO2yzTFoVI-dxV3P0yf_vODe_HvZMwAWGDd_42SQqhnbVzRZc_Z7fqHuizg9BRzj_AtJwqhZ564YDF9my_Nx4z1F_q4pEmSIEJszmLqXaVkqdp4-jV5X2DW9llnTuvu7cZFphRYWAdLmxKK-tunq0z2_0-LKLLD6wf7Yqrs7wnu2JyT5H8u/w640-h480/Dan%20and%20Elaine%20Broadway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Don't let New York scare you. We never felt unsafe or threatened. Of course, we stayed away from alleys and subways. Driving was not difficult. We timed our trip in and out during non-rush hours. Pre-paid a parking space in a garage, one block from Time Square and Broadway the first day. And pre-paid again three pleasant walking blocks from the World Trade Center Memorial the second day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Arriving in NYC we enjoyed dinner at, where else, a NY diner on Time Square. There we splurged (forgive me WW) on a New York cheesecake, where we learned the difference between NY cheesecake and the rest of the world's cheesecake. New York cheesecake's is heavy and rich with cream cheese as the main ingredient. Other cheesecake is lighter and creamier with more cream and sour cream. In case you were wondering.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQXoMOkj8AeINXRzI5xLCj9ddb_k8ZTyb-SdRQIvd69pe-ql6a1ZDx-h6TA6XNqBZqjmBfAHAqDz9yucLJ5AZZGtes62L7sl-pzxITQMWast_TpUWvbYenLtD8HQlfVrFHAYUrLqmhB27chGv6F84ziYXa9vNqsRIWz8yM479KI5zyXSdLXabfOLs/s1080/Cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1080" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQXoMOkj8AeINXRzI5xLCj9ddb_k8ZTyb-SdRQIvd69pe-ql6a1ZDx-h6TA6XNqBZqjmBfAHAqDz9yucLJ5AZZGtes62L7sl-pzxITQMWast_TpUWvbYenLtD8HQlfVrFHAYUrLqmhB27chGv6F84ziYXa9vNqsRIWz8yM479KI5zyXSdLXabfOLs/w640-h372/Cheesecake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We treated ourselves to The Music Man on Broadway. Not an inexpensive evening, but since we haven't been out of the house for 2 1/2 years, our entertainment budget is plush and our marriage deserves this treat. Like I said, cheaper than a divorce. What a powerful and wonderful Broadway show. Our hearts were full of joy and fun as our toes tapped their way back to our hotel. Highly recommend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our second day we held hands and strolled the streets of Manhattan. So beautiful and full of fun and life. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JXKYXiXBNa5uPcZM8cFT3rQ4n-Ps9URz62il4Efaly-Gk8Di-BDBsQn5kkaazIBYELAyXUbX17pFqXb9odUUcYEDyG0slcMu3YUq2rnXXmaXAWMVRFltlbiTXroMZ9r0zYfBnXsJVS90ZIPmhw9b9veinlqCK6XV-N0UiH36UHps36cwkwjm7ViH/s1080/One%20World%20Trade%20Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JXKYXiXBNa5uPcZM8cFT3rQ4n-Ps9URz62il4Efaly-Gk8Di-BDBsQn5kkaazIBYELAyXUbX17pFqXb9odUUcYEDyG0slcMu3YUq2rnXXmaXAWMVRFltlbiTXroMZ9r0zYfBnXsJVS90ZIPmhw9b9veinlqCK6XV-N0UiH36UHps36cwkwjm7ViH/w480-h640/One%20World%20Trade%20Center.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our destination was the World Trade Center Memorial Museum. You must go. For the good of this country, all must go. Our hearts were sad, but uplifted realizing again the beauty of the human spirit. People helping each other down that long stair case. Firemen, policemen, the military rushing into burning buildings losing their own lives to save others. My heart is filled with hope. I pray as a nation we realize anew that our police and all service workers deserve our support and praise. When I pass a policeman, I always tell them "Thank you for keeping us safe." Visit the WTC Memorial Museum. I suspect you'll do the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hoping this encourages you to invest in your marriage by going away for a few days. Weekly dates are special, but going away for a few days are a honeymoon! Ooo-la-la!</div><div><br /></div><div>Splashes of Serenity on your marriage today!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-67515483166043641892022-10-05T15:28:00.002-04:002022-10-05T15:28:17.707-04:00Life Lessons from a Cat's Tale<br />My kitties Dandy and Sunny love each other. They sleep together, bathe each other, frolic through the house like little brothers, pounce on each other, chase each other. A beautiful example of "life is better because I have you." <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8putJ22xBVuqEKltZRh_ymLnnTg23xx_UT0AxbDtsbs0MBapFAwqrirV526hGycXclkBxNbE7wyx1USI-uyPHLSWsZq0fRm4UsvCjdS5wUIeNB9S6YQrIWWiZmR7M64xmdJYWh5eSPdSjMfr13ycq7Zt4l2CeCOWCICSD9iZELgBnqsWjg1XI--zu/s4032/20221005_144634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8putJ22xBVuqEKltZRh_ymLnnTg23xx_UT0AxbDtsbs0MBapFAwqrirV526hGycXclkBxNbE7wyx1USI-uyPHLSWsZq0fRm4UsvCjdS5wUIeNB9S6YQrIWWiZmR7M64xmdJYWh5eSPdSjMfr13ycq7Zt4l2CeCOWCICSD9iZELgBnqsWjg1XI--zu/w480-h640/20221005_144634.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This morning I threw them a toy. I'm not sure which kitty grabbed the treat first and I'm not sure who let out a loud growl. They never before growled, but today they gr-r-r-red as each withdrew to separate corners. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0uTzbCbdUO-X7k9QXO8NgG-VI697yqQ8fjGXRbYseK660RCZPdMxFh0xe5Dkvlo3l6SUzQ_IxyWw216KhBEkSr6XcFAmLSbpt7f6sUE5Xevi3jvBLRIE9ugo_PrkyEma55pQfqyT34lI-m8S5iHcvBkE-jdMcCQHblM4Ig2x3D3rJw9mdbsTJsiN/s4032/20221005_104709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0uTzbCbdUO-X7k9QXO8NgG-VI697yqQ8fjGXRbYseK660RCZPdMxFh0xe5Dkvlo3l6SUzQ_IxyWw216KhBEkSr6XcFAmLSbpt7f6sUE5Xevi3jvBLRIE9ugo_PrkyEma55pQfqyT34lI-m8S5iHcvBkE-jdMcCQHblM4Ig2x3D3rJw9mdbsTJsiN/w480-h640/20221005_104709.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I was reminded:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jealousy ruins friendships.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy departs when material objects become more important than breathing ones. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A new toy will never replace a forever friend. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"A friend loves at all times"</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Proverbs 17:17)</div><div><br /></div><div>Please share your Cat Tales! I'd love to hear them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Splashes of Serenity on your day!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-36067192287591952362022-09-05T15:57:00.008-04:002022-09-05T16:07:27.666-04:00The Gift of Work on Labor Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBIJ0I9ZPtgjo0uDInNF3koieregRqfcR3jZtOASablhUrpzuS04Krd7SkOhsMYCPlxaTlP1CPaVvHClhQu5Bq7zqfrHUA1ZSIAo_gskZN01KnWMGGvj7mPbT4y1QBj4kLZC1l9wcPaCdiLaUbV371xQe0PdWNPjMgzYcvCEQ6MlvE7xOQgpvKBo2/s2000/Labor%20day.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBIJ0I9ZPtgjo0uDInNF3koieregRqfcR3jZtOASablhUrpzuS04Krd7SkOhsMYCPlxaTlP1CPaVvHClhQu5Bq7zqfrHUA1ZSIAo_gskZN01KnWMGGvj7mPbT4y1QBj4kLZC1l9wcPaCdiLaUbV371xQe0PdWNPjMgzYcvCEQ6MlvE7xOQgpvKBo2/w640-h640/Labor%20day.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but must work, </div><div style="text-align: center;">doing something useful with his own hands, </div><div style="text-align: center;">that he may have something to share with those in need"</div><div style="text-align: center;"> (Ephesians 4:28).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thinking about Labor Day,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I realize that God prepared work for each of us to do, </div><div style="text-align: center;">so that we would share with those in need.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I need food, and God prepared farmers and truck drivers and workers in the grocery store.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need healthcare, and God prepared scientists, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I need my car fixed, and God prepared mechanics. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And so on and so on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hear many complain about their work. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps my acrostic will encourage us to enjoy the gift of work, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the ability to do something useful with our hands, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and the blessing of sharing with those who need our work </div><div style="text-align: center;">so they can live and do their work. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b>L</b></span>ove: Love your job and love the people you are helping. Life is too short to hate your job. So, learn to love it. Determine to love it as a gift God gave to you to make this world a better place and help those in need.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span>ccentuate the positive: There are aspects of every profession that are drudgery. Focus on what you love about your work day and let go of the negative.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b>B</b></span>e the best: Take pride in your work and whatever you do, do as unto the Lord, for, truly, it is the Lord Jesus you are serving.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #2b00fe;"><b>O</b></span></span>ver work: Do more than what is expected and perform your service with joy. Don't just get by with the least you can do. Do more. Do better. Do your best.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>R</b></span></span>est: Labor Day is a day of rest from work. We all need rest. Even God took a day of rest. We are not indispensable. Taking our vacations and our days off invigorates us to perform better, gives us fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and energy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Labor Day, dear workers! May you find fulfillment and serenity in your work! Today we salute our laborers who contribute to the development and achievements of the United States.</div><div><br /></div><div>Splashes of Serenity,</div><div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-66613300790414609182022-05-11T13:46:00.000-04:002022-05-11T13:46:14.250-04:00Dan and I Share the Better and the Worse of our 51 Years TogetherLots of great marriage help here as Dan and I share the ups and downs of married life. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="319" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_v7eRX55UIs" width="482" youtube-src-id="_v7eRX55UIs"></iframe></div><br /> <br /><br />May your marriage be blessed!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-64920363004035741352022-04-08T10:18:00.001-04:002022-04-08T10:18:39.474-04:00Introducing Hannah DeWitt Picard, my Praise Coach<div style="text-align: center;">Hosanna! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hosanna to God in the Highest!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Don't you wish every day was Palm Sunday where we spend our days in awe of God praising Him for every breath we breathe? As we all know, it may be Palm Sunday, but Friday's coming. Shouts of praise became shouts of condemnation.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Crucify Him! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Crucify Him!</div><div><br /></div><div>How thankful I am for my Jesus' death on the cross taking the punishment for the sins of the world and for the power of God displayed on Easter Sunday when Jesus rose from the grave.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> Alive!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Alive!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Alive forevermore!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">What a great God, worthy of our praise.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can we ever praise God enough? I don't think so. Which is why when my friend Hannah Picard became a Praise Coach and developed a Power of Praise on-line course, I took an interest. Hannah grew up in the church where my husband Dan pastored. As a teen and a twenty, her passion for God was evident. Now grown with much life experience, including tragedies, she lives a life of praise and desires Christians to realize the full joy of the Lord when we live every day (even the difficult days) seeing God's Hand in every moment and praising Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are made to praise and I can testify my heart was opened to areas in my life where I can praise God more. </div><div><br /></div><div>A sneak peak to the Made to Praise course: My chores turned to cheers when I turned my "to do" list into a "get to do" list. I began praising God for all I "get to do." Wow. I get to fold that basket of laundry and I get to wash those dirty dishes and I get to forgive someone who hurt me. Life is filled with joy when we thank God for all the things we "get to do!" when we live a life of praise to Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Listen and learn from Hannah on her website at <a href="http://www.madetopraiseusa.com">www.madetopraiseusa.com</a>. I recommend her as a speaker at your event, as well! What joy she brings to our lives as we see Jesus living in her through her praises to Him. Hannah, when I look at what God is doing in your life, I just want to Praise the Lord!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIuLXMJ5pkJbFzO5TSUHsWn8nd0dwtF1UVk4b7rlP9DdXv94pB6xNF9ktI1mkh6ptPDjIDQwB5dYHZWx5vW9RWyYHLqCnQdaE1qmXq5hOhMfe1cjAXxfbOxgt0L5NahByzY8uV-uxGWG3gTrvA_FNew5Qalx7VyGN4KUc7bmye9TuDKve_1Y3nmju/s949/Hannah%20Picard%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="949" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIuLXMJ5pkJbFzO5TSUHsWn8nd0dwtF1UVk4b7rlP9DdXv94pB6xNF9ktI1mkh6ptPDjIDQwB5dYHZWx5vW9RWyYHLqCnQdaE1qmXq5hOhMfe1cjAXxfbOxgt0L5NahByzY8uV-uxGWG3gTrvA_FNew5Qalx7VyGN4KUc7bmye9TuDKve_1Y3nmju/w640-h564/Hannah%20Picard%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings to all on this Holy Week,</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-70286298839102264022022-01-25T11:08:00.003-05:002022-01-25T11:08:26.875-05:00Keep Watering, Moms. Some Children are Late Bloomers<div class="separator"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC3UA7_ZKOdbITdky5AP_80Pycjr_E_fQ-JsrYJVzFBxC0oS0gUIVfeP46wDh9ucSDtzWIg7sBUll054xKcMh_vCB0USypE6A2E03PqAwGTrMYgpLXmZqV5CKDVkpQBQiEgnoGEP_s5YVGOrJ_OfSF28MhS4iwASVkf4BnHnqcbEayG9uUHBwLbvTH=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC3UA7_ZKOdbITdky5AP_80Pycjr_E_fQ-JsrYJVzFBxC0oS0gUIVfeP46wDh9ucSDtzWIg7sBUll054xKcMh_vCB0USypE6A2E03PqAwGTrMYgpLXmZqV5CKDVkpQBQiEgnoGEP_s5YVGOrJ_OfSF28MhS4iwASVkf4BnHnqcbEayG9uUHBwLbvTH=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Pop! </div><div style="text-align: center;">All of a sudden the flowers popped!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> For years I watered this little two-leafed plant. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The results: </div><div style="text-align: center;"> one leaf fell off.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I would have thrown her away, but she was a gift from someone I loved, </div><div style="text-align: center;">so I kept watering. </div><div style="text-align: center;">My only goal was keep that one leaf alive. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, </div><div style="text-align: center;">one day </div><div style="text-align: center;">another leaf grew, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and another. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week, </div><div style="text-align: center;">in the dead of winter, </div><div style="text-align: center;">she popped. </div><div style="text-align: center;">One flower,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> now two, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and three on it's way. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some children are late bloomers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Keep watering, moms!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> When a leaf falls to the ground, </div><div style="text-align: center;">keep watering, Moms! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God is creating your beautiful flower</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in His Time, </div><div style="text-align: center;">in His Way. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">"Train up a child the way he should go:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and when he is old, he will not depart from it."</div><div style="text-align: center;"> (Proverbs 22:6)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Splashes of Serenity on your day!</div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-48975465077287346922022-01-02T12:42:00.002-05:002022-01-02T12:51:50.686-05:00The Thrill of Hope! My Word, Verse, and Song for 2022<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUv35OoHGpsk2a7axI1ca_6Fhf92PdRkeqK8awEePd1Uf8LJLt3vZ8eXxY5WkrPV9CGImwBqVQPjCQKncdG4uEJzKpIMOOieM5TDXy_F_9ldkVxTkSEy1XZ-ruecLWvkiVayI8iK0jOhaPkZsteYX6tB46wFVxLxFDb2gVVawIp_ibqVXVT6LHuEjX=s576" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="576" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUv35OoHGpsk2a7axI1ca_6Fhf92PdRkeqK8awEePd1Uf8LJLt3vZ8eXxY5WkrPV9CGImwBqVQPjCQKncdG4uEJzKpIMOOieM5TDXy_F_9ldkVxTkSEy1XZ-ruecLWvkiVayI8iK0jOhaPkZsteYX6tB46wFVxLxFDb2gVVawIp_ibqVXVT6LHuEjX=w640-h426" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div data-block="true" data-editor="34pon" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, I want to be that little boy.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> To love Jesus and His Word so much that I howl with joy. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">That's my <b>hope</b> for 2022. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hope.</b> </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I confess to losing a lot of hope in 2021. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Covid turned my world upside down </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> as satan skillfully tempted me to lose heart. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">Hoping to continue my speaking ministry was replaced by </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">hoping I could speak without losing my breath.</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: right;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">My hope to be the best grandma changed</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> to making sure I don't go near, kiss, or hold my little ones </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">who could so innocently infect this </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">immunocompromised body with another deadly bout with covid. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It's been crushing. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Not seeing my family. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Never entering a church building.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Losing the fellowship of Bible study with friends. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Watching my husband give up his life to keep me safe. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> Expecting the vaccine to work and then</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> learning it is not effective on those with blood cancer.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Losing vocabulary and memories from covid brain interference.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">ICU PTSD.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Developing phantosmia where my whole world smells like cat urine.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">The tension with people who feel wearing a mask is stupid and</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"> getting vaccinated unthinkable. </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> Life has been hard and hope seemed to wane. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Not this year! </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> In 2022<b> Hope</b> is back!</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">My ability to continue as a speaker, </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">my smell,</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">my grandchildren,</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">my lungs,</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">my brain</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">may not be back, but</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hope</b> is back!</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> My <b>hope</b> is in His unfailing love.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">U-n-f-a-i-l-i-n-g!</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">Never ending, </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">inexhaustible, </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">steadfast, </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">absolute, </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">boundless, </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">eternal</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">Love of God</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">My word for 2022:</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><b>HOPE!</b></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijf1qs2bYIo8TfkGWvTw35mo6S95VomQN-OYurnfaAQcYExGkkIwpwCGk3IS_cQE1u3kdXXs_6Kp6AbDCY5LEeCCVT5I3mRLQ7xxVplNVGJ9fP7F168w7KA80SUcR1enkSbpnXjEWyLfQkXf9uZq9gAYrsvgHLFXzf_8aqxvGuexP6p5GrlR35976b=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijf1qs2bYIo8TfkGWvTw35mo6S95VomQN-OYurnfaAQcYExGkkIwpwCGk3IS_cQE1u3kdXXs_6Kp6AbDCY5LEeCCVT5I3mRLQ7xxVplNVGJ9fP7F168w7KA80SUcR1enkSbpnXjEWyLfQkXf9uZq9gAYrsvgHLFXzf_8aqxvGuexP6p5GrlR35976b=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">My verse for 2022:</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">". . . the Lord's delight is in those who fear him, those who put their <b>hope</b> in His unfailing love."</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"> (<span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 147:11)</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This year I've also chosen words from a favorite Christmas carol, "Oh Holy Night."</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">"A thrill of <b>hope</b> the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!" </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">A thrill of <b>hope</b>! </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My weary world rejoices</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">for yonder breaks</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">a new and glorious morn!</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">Delight in me Lord Jesus</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">for my <b>hope</b> is in your unfailing love!</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">You Jesus are my <b>hope</b> and my song and I will ever trust in You!</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">I'm pretty thrilled to see what You will do </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">every new and glorious morn </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">in 2022!</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUv35OoHGpsk2a7axI1ca_6Fhf92PdRkeqK8awEePd1Uf8LJLt3vZ8eXxY5WkrPV9CGImwBqVQPjCQKncdG4uEJzKpIMOOieM5TDXy_F_9ldkVxTkSEy1XZ-ruecLWvkiVayI8iK0jOhaPkZsteYX6tB46wFVxLxFDb2gVVawIp_ibqVXVT6LHuEjX=s576" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; white-space: normal;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="576" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUv35OoHGpsk2a7axI1ca_6Fhf92PdRkeqK8awEePd1Uf8LJLt3vZ8eXxY5WkrPV9CGImwBqVQPjCQKncdG4uEJzKpIMOOieM5TDXy_F_9ldkVxTkSEy1XZ-ruecLWvkiVayI8iK0jOhaPkZsteYX6tB46wFVxLxFDb2gVVawIp_ibqVXVT6LHuEjX=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1lhm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"> Happy New Year, dear ones May your hearts overflow with hope!</div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-14130376158293918732021-12-14T12:00:00.002-05:002021-12-14T12:20:49.428-05:00Merry Christmas Good News and Joy from our House to Yours<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Good news! <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Great joy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Don't be afraid! . . . <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I bring you <b>good news</b> that will bring <b>great joy</b> to all people. <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Savior—<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">yes, the Messiah, the Lord<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—has been born today in Bethlehem. . . . <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Luke
2:10-11). </span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What a year! </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The pandemic rushed in and good news and
great joy seemed to rush out.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> This new year may we celebrate with great joy the
good news of Christmas.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> A Savior has been born!</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> When we focus on Jesus, we
realize </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">our great joy doesn't depend on the world's good news, <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">but on </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">the certainty of the Good
News of</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God's presence, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God's power, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God's promises, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God's plan, and </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the birth
of a baby born in Bethlehem, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God's Son, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">our Savior Jesus Christ. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hallelujah!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Our family
celebrates with great joy this year the awareness of God's presence, power,
plan, and promises through some difficult days.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After twelve months, we celebrate that my covid is
gone and I no longer need supplemental oxygen. So many days brought joy and
hope as my sweet caretaker husband nudged me toward health. </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He assured me I
could climb a mountain. <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And I did. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrS2bQYddNumznKV-SShngYDa2KmUoqWpAf6pmQ03A65Sq9DS4SEadAgw9h3nLHdHRlK_ImJIJ418jni3ugmaZc_8fW2TwV4mNj5B8jYWxKVN-27xjv6G9zM4EssDQUyVOHwTLobLhkbGznoFHWb_LxPhEIvGBznrChz921f3bWBsorWd1fKtHuJxr=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrS2bQYddNumznKV-SShngYDa2KmUoqWpAf6pmQ03A65Sq9DS4SEadAgw9h3nLHdHRlK_ImJIJ418jni3ugmaZc_8fW2TwV4mNj5B8jYWxKVN-27xjv6G9zM4EssDQUyVOHwTLobLhkbGznoFHWb_LxPhEIvGBznrChz921f3bWBsorWd1fKtHuJxr=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He said we didn't need a cart when we
golfed. <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And we didn't.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguSu2hRy6SJuwfCSruBIdT3WbFW-Wsm8BqsEh1wmszPjcmIQOJuauTiA0_rZw8oEKPgtZaA4rRwcYisnM0iBl7eUVUJ9KTKiQDIlAlVmOzHfywEtfF02gQ8B6u1A1H6gBTt9eYXL5TABKwy-nAmO1aKrE2na5K1XETxbFxZIL6-2ZbNy12ZWdw4ilw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguSu2hRy6SJuwfCSruBIdT3WbFW-Wsm8BqsEh1wmszPjcmIQOJuauTiA0_rZw8oEKPgtZaA4rRwcYisnM0iBl7eUVUJ9KTKiQDIlAlVmOzHfywEtfF02gQ8B6u1A1H6gBTt9eYXL5TABKwy-nAmO1aKrE2na5K1XETxbFxZIL6-2ZbNy12ZWdw4ilw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> He pushed me to bike a little bit farther and farther.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Mission accomplished.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDUesMKaNWnV9WVhtYXWXNSv5NWO8Oavm_ih0K2xx88JsPBjwAZZRL1PcYU0yNva7XI9f6XncgBk-s1jvK30-H9OLoE3DHgOBbAzwYA4DE7XmZJxsYFxYf3G2PMtzFbD_sJUfl8UayMrIS2BIfIrqr13KaoQicyi3Fy8SpNhcydJ9BXuQfus27RZrU=s3648" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDUesMKaNWnV9WVhtYXWXNSv5NWO8Oavm_ih0K2xx88JsPBjwAZZRL1PcYU0yNva7XI9f6XncgBk-s1jvK30-H9OLoE3DHgOBbAzwYA4DE7XmZJxsYFxYf3G2PMtzFbD_sJUfl8UayMrIS2BIfIrqr13KaoQicyi3Fy8SpNhcydJ9BXuQfus27RZrU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm healthy and</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">my heart is filled with joy and </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">thanks to
Jesus my Healer,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Dan my husband extraordinaire, and</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> all of you who prayed
me through. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With God nothing is impossible. </span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We rejoice that life has resumed as normal for
Joanna and Bob. Joanna's teaching reading remotely was difficult for the
teacher and the student. Gracie and Ryan sitting at home on a computer learning
was tough. But now that is over, and we rejoice! All are back in school with Ryan and Gracie
on High and very High Honor Roll. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-rFV7DAy1DvfKQTMFrOn4x3EHcLLH8YVM6SrUckBFPlFiVmbMSyG9rBiojN__xriI5X6d9AXCjNKXUDaKrpxCy8FEuSP8B-OKLf3AQUYfuYkjGW31fhqgzX0zym-zdCuoMaKVwI2p-CJaLtbBmCOY1T-rJWC-tn8hZFJNBWHYlGt1PCE32lTh_5-2=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1776" data-original-width="2048" height="557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-rFV7DAy1DvfKQTMFrOn4x3EHcLLH8YVM6SrUckBFPlFiVmbMSyG9rBiojN__xriI5X6d9AXCjNKXUDaKrpxCy8FEuSP8B-OKLf3AQUYfuYkjGW31fhqgzX0zym-zdCuoMaKVwI2p-CJaLtbBmCOY1T-rJWC-tn8hZFJNBWHYlGt1PCE32lTh_5-2=w640-h557" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One has to be joyful visiting the Sliwa farm.
Elizabeth and Joe added more sheep and Elizabeth started working at the
Pregnancy Resource Center. Garrett is stationed with the Army in Washington
state. Connor is a welder, Ava hopes to graduate in December, Isaac believed in
Jesus and was baptized, Brenna loves animals, Charlotte raises goats, Lucas is
tall, Gunnar makes us laugh, and Sailor keeps up with them all. What a fun farm
filled with joy!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBsTJ_TGadKgiAcD8UyBWmYx7qisXPfEf78PblV_bcfk4b2KfXphCMAeqNKTBrvcjmtR5Jq1LbZuXQDQA05CZwfLMAmX4i1ND-jKp5ITgsVMKJQTPPW74qjTmObzkF4oyawLdkRayZVVtLKKqugE8SpVgWDMq-VFNcebwdEx126jPHQD0NrThguhoX=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBsTJ_TGadKgiAcD8UyBWmYx7qisXPfEf78PblV_bcfk4b2KfXphCMAeqNKTBrvcjmtR5Jq1LbZuXQDQA05CZwfLMAmX4i1ND-jKp5ITgsVMKJQTPPW74qjTmObzkF4oyawLdkRayZVVtLKKqugE8SpVgWDMq-VFNcebwdEx126jPHQD0NrThguhoX=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam and Katie had a joyful surprise when Holly
Susannah arrived early. Having a baby in NICU with Lily and Jack at home was a
challenge, but ended with all joy. What a treasure for Dan and I to visit them
in their home in South Dakota where Sam serves with the Air Force JAG. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxhZuxUWeaALBNKjhH5iKYMdQD7MkduokWPN1hxCXv2j-PG0EPyRmvEJM5O_SydTDgWrsZgmRQ72uWT07N5WIlLq4z63REpa623P6rOOk5jaGeVyMB3uOe35gEGoD-FFe2LSjYGNUkENmIHLT32RgC4n_OdcFKzeoztr_O8gVXrAwotnklF9K9hytJ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxhZuxUWeaALBNKjhH5iKYMdQD7MkduokWPN1hxCXv2j-PG0EPyRmvEJM5O_SydTDgWrsZgmRQ72uWT07N5WIlLq4z63REpa623P6rOOk5jaGeVyMB3uOe35gEGoD-FFe2LSjYGNUkENmIHLT32RgC4n_OdcFKzeoztr_O8gVXrAwotnklF9K9hytJ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Merry Christmas friends and family.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Enjoy the One
born on a starry night and <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">shines in our hearts today. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The One Who brings us Good News and Great Joy!<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hallelujah, what a
Savior! </span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our love and prayers,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elaine and Dan<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431604197337893046.post-67076363423251841752021-11-01T12:03:00.006-04:002021-11-01T12:05:52.031-04:00How I Became an Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXIao3RcK4DoQdquMQkvCmmkwqx5IgQrwmUnwhCrL3iSYsjY3DnvDB1594JVtex18j3nHfqh-wshjZ3FakTD8a60sf20CpKO7mXWY-vlCNzYdgixh__YY-bxnnRfVkeqkxsmwWDw6oR8/s306/National+Author%2527s+Day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="306" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXIao3RcK4DoQdquMQkvCmmkwqx5IgQrwmUnwhCrL3iSYsjY3DnvDB1594JVtex18j3nHfqh-wshjZ3FakTD8a60sf20CpKO7mXWY-vlCNzYdgixh__YY-bxnnRfVkeqkxsmwWDw6oR8/w640-h345/National+Author%2527s+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Happy National Author's Day to all authors </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">who battle with words</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> so readers can sit on them, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">mull over and </span><span style="text-align: left;">understand, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">be encouraged and filled with hope, and</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> their world becomes a sweeter place.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">My journey as an author is not typical. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I never gave a thought to writing a story for the public to read.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I did keep journals though, in obedience to </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Psalm 102:18</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>"Write this down for the next generation </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>so people not yet born will praise God.</b>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hiding my words in a file cabinet,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> I hoped one day they would be discovered by </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">my grandchildren and</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> their grandchildren and </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">people not yet born will</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">know of my faith in Christ.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">One Sunday my husband Dan preached a sermon on the </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14:30).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In that parable, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">the master is angry at the lazy servant who buried his talents.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">While Dan preached, God spoke to my heart,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><b>What good are all your writings doing buried in your file cabinet if no one reads them? </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I knew I was to write a book, but </div><div style="text-align: center;">how do you write a book?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You write! Spiritual thoughts entered my mind and I wrote. Long before blogs or social media, my writing piled up in my file drawer. With no idea where to go from here, I waited on God's direction.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He lead me to Montrose Bible Conference to check out a retreat center for a marriage seminar Dan and I were planning. There on the table I noticed a brochure advertising the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference (MCWC). A writer's conference? Who knew? I didn't! Dan urged me to attend and the following summer I sat as a student at the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Step by step, God unfolded my writing career. I share with you how God took me through stumbles and great strides. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1.Start writing! You won't be published if you don't write.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Attend a writer's conference and learn the writing/publishing/marketing business. Keep attending conferences where you create a network of editors, agents, publishers, other writers who will encourage you on your journey.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Read books on writing. My favorites are <i>On Writing Well </i>by William Zinsser and <i>Elements of Style </i>by E. B. White and William Strunk Jr.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Publish a magazine article. I brought one of my devotionals to my first writer's conference and showed it to the editor of Salvation Army's <i>War Cry. </i>"I want this. I'll buy it." Her words rang shock and joy in my heart. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Publish in a compilation. Gloria Clover attended Montrose Christian Writer's Conference as a member of the faculty. She published a sweet book titled <i>Penned From the Heart</i> which was a compilation from various authors. I showed her fifteen of my devotionals and she published all fifteen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Write from your heart. I knew I was to write, but I didn't know what I was to write. A faculty member at MCWC said "Write what you are passionate about." I laughed and realized I was passionate about relaxing in my bath and being a good mother. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">7. <i>Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms</i> was published a few years later. (Publication with a traditional publication company can take years to produce. Be prepared to wait.) Within months, <i>Splashes of Serenity </i>was in all the Family Christian book stores. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofXUGmAcTHdm2sIUNZ9es5kr8k9QFn7hotNmFgthKZTl0QUdQkyz_yuN3fqdb94GDpKvDVdI3VyRcsSlXt-gdSDWT_Xp8H9erOCzJFXDe_M06HOie0484DRHKS4lE3N2yDu11yKonRxI/s500/splashes+of+serenitiy+photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofXUGmAcTHdm2sIUNZ9es5kr8k9QFn7hotNmFgthKZTl0QUdQkyz_yuN3fqdb94GDpKvDVdI3VyRcsSlXt-gdSDWT_Xp8H9erOCzJFXDe_M06HOie0484DRHKS4lE3N2yDu11yKonRxI/s16000/splashes+of+serenitiy+photo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">8. When your first book sells well, publishers want another book. A sequel, <i>Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives, </i>was published. I love this book, but it never got off the ground. Within weeks of publication, the publisher retired and <i>Drained Wives </i>was never promoted. Be prepared for some heartbreak as an author. <i>Drained Wives</i> remains one of my favorite books. I still hear from wives and husbands whose marriages were changed when they read our marriage story in <i>Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives.</i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3AaLWyHoooSId3SKwozAVj8x6A596Ol_i1daCQv9KVibgZOfkgRbmXTQiHmr3m_2JDt-4kMu6NNOodz_lUiVtdz7L1ngJhITVH0yzNdzg-yZyUR0S1dOTFGCAwugZG4SQyOpUweMlYY/s500/SOS+wives.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3AaLWyHoooSId3SKwozAVj8x6A596Ol_i1daCQv9KVibgZOfkgRbmXTQiHmr3m_2JDt-4kMu6NNOodz_lUiVtdz7L1ngJhITVH0yzNdzg-yZyUR0S1dOTFGCAwugZG4SQyOpUweMlYY/s16000/SOS+wives.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">9. People who read </span><i style="text-align: left;">Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives </i><span style="text-align: left;">urged me to write more on marriage. I thought I was done with writing (after the disappointment of <i>Drained Wives</i>), but God wasn't done with me. Words, stories, chapter titles filled my head and would not leave. You writers know the feeling. I had to write </span><i style="text-align: left;">We All Married Idiots: Three Things You Will Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can. </i><span style="text-align: left;">Wow! What a book! I had a publisher who worked hard and believed in me and in </span><i style="text-align: left;">Idiots.</i><span style="text-align: left;"> Ha! He could relate!</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQORsjdWBuD2MRjZBTmpV5sjOhYnXtqEiQb5ejlwl4Gvh7p4CBa_De3Ozjs8zvhAyQAAsYnLvZ1kPj2zeGg8PQPXwnR1oBCkFlGmHDg69M-F5r_97DM7FQGjzH43FMPImc88_-P1hbrI/s477/We+all+Married+Idiots+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQORsjdWBuD2MRjZBTmpV5sjOhYnXtqEiQb5ejlwl4Gvh7p4CBa_De3Ozjs8zvhAyQAAsYnLvZ1kPj2zeGg8PQPXwnR1oBCkFlGmHDg69M-F5r_97DM7FQGjzH43FMPImc88_-P1hbrI/s16000/We+all+Married+Idiots+cover.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"> Within days of publication I heard from an International Worker in South America who read </span><i style="text-align: left;">Idiots</i><span style="text-align: left;"> on her kindle and asked if she could translate it into Spanish.</span><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSmG3oTer8iFT_WQ7hSfqqW6SBRUtXN2Mkv8RpCSCE8rk2RgzZAk-c_5MJa2X7fyvPJznP_SJc0hlUbl0Ryx_jZQPxAnpY-TBgWBKW-vcTd7YBH_-jb6NNAG3yFrw7rBxgj9tM2J7CsQ/s346/Spanish+Idiots+on+Amazon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSmG3oTer8iFT_WQ7hSfqqW6SBRUtXN2Mkv8RpCSCE8rk2RgzZAk-c_5MJa2X7fyvPJznP_SJc0hlUbl0Ryx_jZQPxAnpY-TBgWBKW-vcTd7YBH_-jb6NNAG3yFrw7rBxgj9tM2J7CsQ/s16000/Spanish+Idiots+on+Amazon.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Soon, International Workers from Bosnia/Herzegovina asked if they could translate <i>We All Married Idiots</i> into Bosnian. What a delight and a surprise seeing this work help marriages around the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigbVZiumU2x4cKRWP3j9rpRbJhdUJcIFw7mJh8cLUI3uSFUtWW7nc57ZcVLos9gpJsFHIvVIAZramwCcrQSxULDgH13P_zik36nKThgJLXcgHfXsbIFySmdTEgPwe-KaiTuWV-ckVLdU/s960/We+All+Married+Idiots+Bosnian+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigbVZiumU2x4cKRWP3j9rpRbJhdUJcIFw7mJh8cLUI3uSFUtWW7nc57ZcVLos9gpJsFHIvVIAZramwCcrQSxULDgH13P_zik36nKThgJLXcgHfXsbIFySmdTEgPwe-KaiTuWV-ckVLdU/w220-h400/We+All+Married+Idiots+Bosnian+cover.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">10. Leukemia! God gave me another surprise! He continues to fill me with hope, purpose, ministry, and words as I travel with cancer. </span><i style="text-align: left;">Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo: A Hopeful Response to a Hard Reality</i><span style="text-align: left;"> shares the lessons God taught me on my cancer journey. What joy hearing from other cancer patients the hope and peace they discover within the pages of </span><i style="text-align: left;">Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5UdHLobgJKa8UFFgbXumHD8L_-Y90_obmTgnlKdZxyW703DWteJWDIlF9M8w1FF-FrwpzMyd195wsm6tyE2AhTMWCr5rlutQ-RXZhKNY-VRwLJoNllFyoTGwaIIsud5NM14uMa4EAG4/s1620/Praise+the+Lord+and+Pass+the+Chemo+book+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5UdHLobgJKa8UFFgbXumHD8L_-Y90_obmTgnlKdZxyW703DWteJWDIlF9M8w1FF-FrwpzMyd195wsm6tyE2AhTMWCr5rlutQ-RXZhKNY-VRwLJoNllFyoTGwaIIsud5NM14uMa4EAG4/w213-h320/Praise+the+Lord+and+Pass+the+Chemo+book+cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Will I write another book? Only if the Lord leads. When words begin replacing sleep, and I am miserable until I get the words on paper, then I know God has another book in the works. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you, dear readers, for your prayers, love, and support. Thank you for writing reviews and for sharing my posts on social media. My only goal is to glorify God, to live a Holy life, to be obedient to His will, and to share Christ with the world. You partner with me in that endeavor and I am thankful for you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Reader's Day to you from this Happy Author!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSweInoTKjFcmJtX8t_UUgaHIJOh8caf_MbVkM2VFFi-3hjarzFl3EWqbFqBPC58oDoyIcFp2tH7RdGuHC6FNi3fpcPWMuuH0qabU1ZCHTV90nqc3mwfl42mSgl3DO1-NIbs_NW43Vzw/s1600/signature-1.png" /></a>Elaine W. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com0