tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60138906529564734712024-03-04T23:43:52.712-05:00He Moves MountainsMichelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-3472624050131299652016-08-13T18:02:00.001-04:002016-08-13T18:02:46.056-04:00HERE WE GO!On Monday, we will start using the Time 4 Learning curriculum. I've spent the last couple of weeks setting up the accounts for the kids, taking a look at the curriculum, and deciding what assignments they will be doing.<br />
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So far, I really like it! It seems very easy to navigate. I do have to say that the games and cartoony lessons will definitely appeal to my younger two. I am not sure yet how my 13 year old will feel. He may be too "cool" for that. I really think he will be fine, but I would like to have him use it for a bit to see. I do need to invest in some ear buds for them because the sounds will certainly be disruptive to everyone else.<br />
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I am excited for them to get started! One, because they have been *slackers* this entire summer. Two, because I really think they will like it!<br />
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I will keep you posted!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-66883870115718207112016-07-26T14:48:00.000-04:002016-07-26T14:48:19.044-04:00TIME4LEARNING<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After searching around, I found an very interesting online curriculum called Time4Learning. It looks like it could really work for us! I can't wait to give it a go. What is cool about this is I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning. Message me anytime, and I will be glad to point you in the right direction!</span>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-10475440068710898862016-07-26T11:13:00.001-04:002016-07-26T11:13:15.966-04:00MERCY vs JUSTICEThis post kind of builds off of the post I wrote in January 2012, <a href="http://hemovesmountains.blogspot.com/2012/01/forgiveness.html" target="_blank">Forgiveness</a>. I have been really pondering this stuff for a year. I can honestly say, I am struggling to wrap my mind around it.<br />
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Talking about mercy verses justice can get heated. We all have our own ideas on who deserves one or the other. A large majority of us believe that serial killers, rapists, and so on, deserve justice. How many times have we heard in response to a newscast about someone that has done something awful, "I hope s/he rots in hell!" Lots, eh? How many times have we heard the response to that same broadcast, "Oh Jesus! Please shower your mercy on him/her." Probably not lots, and maybe not ever.<br />
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We conveniently want mercy for ourselves, and justice for others. We rationalize it by saying, "Well, I would never do something so heinous." What about the person that lies? What about the 15 year old that covets his neighbor's new car? Do those sins deserve justice?<br />
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Just a some things that I have been thinking about. I definitely believe there needs to be a balance between the two. But, I am going to let Jesus decide who gets what.<br />
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<br />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-7746967753748134432016-07-26T11:11:00.000-04:002016-07-26T11:11:00.304-04:00HOMESCHOOLINGTime for a quick update! It's been a while, I know. A long while, actually. I really enjoying blogging, and I really find it therapeutic to get some stuff written down to help me process things. It's my like my mind can't slow down, and blogging helps me to take a moment to sort it. So, here I am. Again.<br />
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So much has been going on - between my trips to China, homeschooling my kids, and enrolling in the community college to finish my degree, it has been a whirlwind. As I wrap up the summer semester for myself, I really need to decide what I want to do with our homeschool.<br />
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Last year, we tried online curriculum. We used Monarch, through Alpha and Omega. We really liked the online aspect. It sure made things easier as far as record keeping and grades. It also really helped since my children are all in different grades - they could work individually, and I was around for support. We definitely want to go the online route again, but it seemed that Monarch was so glitchy. As they finished their assignment, and clicked the submit button, a "this page can not be displayed" error would pop up. When they would refresh it, or try to go back it, it never saved their work. They would have to start all over. If that happened a few times, it wouldn't be a big deal, but it happened to at least one of them every single day. It was incredibly frustrating for them, and me, and they often ended up in tears (now that I am in school myself, I completely understand their frustration). So we need to try something new. I really shouldn't have waited this long to start looking. I have to find something soon. I'd really like to stick with online, because with our trips to China, Julianna can do school work there (well, you know providing the site isn't blocked, or if we have internet, or if we when we do have internet, we also have power).<br />
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So that is where we are. I also want to start (been saying this for a while) blogging about my studies. Kind of like a journal. I really enjoy looking back over the years of posts, and as I said, it helps me to collect and process my thoughts. Maybe along the way, I can encourage someone new to homeschooling. I am excited to get started again!<br />
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<br />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-45908184613135944922014-04-04T23:06:00.000-04:002014-04-04T23:06:49.941-04:00BIG WEEKEND FOR USIt's Passion Play time again. Actually, it's Passion Play time for the last time. This is our church's 7th year doing the play. It is really good, and I am not just saying that because Brad directs it. It truly is a wonderful performance. However, this is the last year we will be doing it. It's time to take a break. Indefinitely? Brad isn't sure. Time will tell, but for now, we are done. This is my all time favorite photo from a few years ago:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFX-LUYB1gm0hcFFjD28qvY77IfRynVToCXJ3gksrPhmnWmWpfDHKq1DLdAxPJnySbt2F8EkMe-2IIX7sUwD7lRsUYZOVU7rCwJGOqffSmX-DXNzeNGyi_VG59cZKvXefC9wfbaf3tTaO/s1600/733939_488275387887176_322184103_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFX-LUYB1gm0hcFFjD28qvY77IfRynVToCXJ3gksrPhmnWmWpfDHKq1DLdAxPJnySbt2F8EkMe-2IIX7sUwD7lRsUYZOVU7rCwJGOqffSmX-DXNzeNGyi_VG59cZKvXefC9wfbaf3tTaO/s1600/733939_488275387887176_322184103_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's one more:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aYzBbB9afykwErcR8sSp9WmLDqWIfV5LgXIkosTfKxvE3-PRayPjCbz8f3d4pz9cfL7EYMi0odSlkort741H9KqRQrOfoiKCZ-MXzuZVTTyePlMYQjS6mJ6TxHOXTwfQW0cqIq8pt4GB/s1600/303097_492620284119353_289163838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aYzBbB9afykwErcR8sSp9WmLDqWIfV5LgXIkosTfKxvE3-PRayPjCbz8f3d4pz9cfL7EYMi0odSlkort741H9KqRQrOfoiKCZ-MXzuZVTTyePlMYQjS6mJ6TxHOXTwfQW0cqIq8pt4GB/s1600/303097_492620284119353_289163838_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every year, this performance serves as a visual reminder of what Christ did for us. I am such a visual learner, so the play really speaks to me. Even though I know the stories, there is just something about seeing it. </div>
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All of that being said, I am blogging to share about the time leading up to these plays. I've posted about this before, a long time ago, but it's on my mind again. Every year around this time, I find myself thinking, "What in the world is going on?!" You know how sometimes, you jokingly say to friends, "Is it a full moon, or what?" Things just seem to go crazy - sickness, things breaking, anxiety is at an all time high, relationships seem strained, the list goes on and on. Every year, it's the same thing. I truly believe we are in some kind of spiritual warfare. This year has been a doozy, though. It seems "they" brought out the big guns. Aside from our own family issues, this year Jesus has thrown his back out, one of the lead vocalists has some kind of laryngitis, countless people have a terrible tummy bug, the list goes on and on, again. </div>
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I am going to research spiritual warfare. I really don't know much about it, other than the weeks leading up to the play are bad. I remember when we were in our adoption process, it seemed very similar in nature. There is definitely something going on - the bible warns us about this very thing:</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Ephesians 6:12</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Even though the bible specifically warns us, it's still very hard for me to wrap my mind around it. Jonah being swallowed by a big fish? Sure. Great flood? Absolutely. But this Ephesians verse rocks my world. I guess it goes back to the visual learner thing, I don't know. It definitely is something I need to spend more time studying. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Hopefully soon, things will calm down. In the meantime, please pray for the play - the cast, director, and the people coming! </span></div>
Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-63584380103573214942014-03-11T22:36:00.004-04:002014-03-11T22:36:50.148-04:00CHINA 2012I never really took the time to share about my trip to China in 2012. I blogged a bit leading up to the trip, but never really shared all about the things we did! I thought I would write about that today. The memories are still so fresh in my mind, and I know that won't always be the case.<br />
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We spent the first few days sightseeing in Hong Kong and Guilin. Such beautiful cities! We had a great time, and we really enjoyed each others company. On Saturday afternoon, we traveled from Guilin to Yangshuo. I have never seen such beautiful landscapes in all of my life. The mountain range there is so unique. When we arrived in Yangshuo, we met up with the <a href="http://www.chinaconcern.org/" target="_blank">International China Concern</a> staff. Shane, my cousin, was scheduled to be the guest speaker at the ICC staff retreat. We spent the next several days getting to know the ICC staff and enjoying the retreat. On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to travel to Hengyang where one of the ICC projects are.<br />
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Getting to Hengyang was quite the adventure. The ICC staff took care of all the arrangements for us, thankfully. The first time I traveled to China, it was completely catered to Westerners. However, this time, it was much more of an authentic experience. We hired a driver to make the 7 hour trip. We packed ourselves a lunch, knowing that food on the back roads of China would probably not be what we wanted. HAHA! We really enjoyed the potty breaks. HAHA! We got over our fear of the squatty potty pretty quickly. It actually was quite a pleasant ride. There was so much to look at, the 7 hours flew by!<br />
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We arrived in Hengyang around dinner time, and checked into our hotel. Now that was quite a cultural shock. The room was $15 US dollars a night. Does that tell you anything? I still giggle thinking about it. They didn't even have an elevator. The room was big, it had a/c, and internet access - so in the grand scheme of things, it was just fine. It was in a super convenient location, right next door to a large department store, very similar to a Walmart. Of course, Walmart doesn't carry live chickens, snakes, and frogs in the meat department, but whatever. LOL. They had Snickers and Lays, I was happy.<br />
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The next morning we went to the welfare center to see the work that ICC does. I have been involved in the Chinese adoption world for some time. I have read a ton, and researched it extensively. There was no way to prepare myself for that visit. I knew there was disabled children living there, but I didn't understand how severely disabled these children would be. Not to mention the disabled adults living there. It was shocking.<br />
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ICC has really done an amazing job making a better life for these children and the adults. You could see the love there. I will share in another post exactly what ICC has done. It deserves a post all on it's own.<br />
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We only had a day and a half there, before it was time to go. It was difficult to leave, but at the same time, it was almost like I couldn't get away fast enough. I know that sounds terrible. It took me a while to process all that I saw and experienced. I can tell you, I left changed. The faces of those precious lives are forever ingrained in my mind. I long to be back there. Julianna longs to be back, too. She connected with those kids. She jumped in with every ounce of her being. She served those children with no hesitations. She didn't care that it was dirty. She didn't care that she was out of her comfort zone. She didn't see their physical defects. Not once did she ask me about their disabilities. She just wanted to love on them. And boy did she! She was 7 years old then. 7. The maturity she showed those days in Hengyang still blows my mind. God is going to do something huge in her life, I just know it.<br />
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We left Hengyang on Friday with a quick stop over back in Hong Kong, before we journeyed to Singapore. I have to say that Singapore is one of the most beautiful, manicured places, I have ever been. It was like a different world after being in Hengyang. Plus, it is always summer there! 365 days a year - SUMMER. Can you imagine? Glorious.<br />
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So this turned out longer than I expected. I even left out a ton! It truly was an amazing trip. I really had a great time with my group. God really used this trip to open doors for us with ICC. We will be traveling back to Hengyang in October. This time, we get to stay two weeks, not two days!<br />
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I love to see God bring beauty from ashes. Adoption may not have been His plan for us, but orphan care sure is... I am so thankful!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-46029206189342421442014-03-11T00:03:00.002-04:002014-03-11T01:19:52.189-04:00I KNOW I DISAPPEAR A LOT...I have had my blog in the back of my mind for some time. So many thoughts that could be better processed written down... and yet, I just can't seem to get there. This is my feeble attempt in sorting through that.<br />
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The first thing I want to write about is our adoption journey. A year ago, I blogged that the pain was still fresh and raw. I really doubted that I would ever be over it. I have to say that I am finally seeing the good that came from that broken journey. My heart has healed. Completely. I am content with the outcome of it all.<br />
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It has been a tough two years for me in other ways, however. I won't go into it now, but I have truly seen some of the darkest days of my life. That was part of the reason for me resurrecting this blog - I need an outlet. A place to collect my thoughts and try to sort out the bad from good. Maybe writing them out, not only can I sort them, but I can bury the bad ones.<br />
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Plus! In the fall, I will be traveling back to China. I am so excited! I will be taking a small team with me this time, and I can't wait to share all the details here!<br />
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I won't disappear again. I need to be here.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-21082065984712781102013-02-21T17:05:00.001-05:002013-02-21T17:05:13.092-05:00PLEASE WATCH<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Wow. Please take a few minutes to watch this video. I know that sometimes you want to help, but are scared to contribute to a foundation that you don't trust. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, Shane Willard Ministries is making a </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">difference in this world. I have seen many of the faces in this video with my very own eyes. I have kissed their sweet faces. And I have had to walk away and leave them in conditions your mind can not fathom. Shane Willard Ministries is going into these places and truly making a difference in these children's (and adults!) lives. Please watch. Please help bring Heaven to earth for so many.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.shanewillardministries.org/" target="_blank">Shane Willard Ministries</a></span>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-80058280585960561992013-01-09T16:09:00.000-05:002013-01-09T16:09:22.792-05:00FAITHThree years ago exactly. That's when we received the call with a referral. We were so excited to be matched with a precious little one. She was just 7 months younger than our bio daughter, and we couldn't wait to have the girls grow up together.<br />
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There was no way at that time that I could have known the way our story would end. There is no way I could have known that in just 7 months from that call, my heart would break into a 1000 pieces. A thousand pieces of my heart that felt like would never, ever heal. I have wondered so many times if I had known the way our journey would go, would I have still wanted to travel it? Would I choose the most devastating time in my life, just so I could have my eyes truly opened to the plight of the orphan?<br />
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Yes. Yes, I would. Over and over.<br />
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You see, my heart was changed over the course of those few months. I have always wanted to adopt a little girl from China. To bring her home and love on her <i>here</i>. I knew I would travel to China to get her, I just didn't know how my heart would change once I got there. At that time, it stopped being about her, the little girl I so longed for, and became about <i>them</i>.<br />
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While our adoption journey didn't end the way I always dreamed of, it ended in a way I never imagined. I am so much more aware of the orphan crisis. Not just in China, everywhere. I believe part of the reason God chose to send us down that path, was to accomplish so much more than making a difference to one little girl. I believe with my whole heart we are suppose to make a difference to as many orphans as we possibly can.<br />
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As I have blogged about before, in April, I had the privilege of traveling back to China to serve in an orphanage in Hengyang, Hunan. This particular orphanage is the home of many, many special needs children, as well as adults. I will share about that trip soon, but I just wanted to say that it was that trip when I realized just why we were told to embark on the greatest act of faith of our lives.<br />
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We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are called to get out of our comfort zone to love and serve, just as Jesus did. That is my purpose. Miraculously, those children, those adults, that have never known life outside those walls, brought a joy and healing to my heart that I never imagined possible.<br />
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It gave me a renewed since of hope. For the first time in 2 years, I felt Faith begin to fill my heart once again. The devastation that I lived every day was starting to have purpose.<br />
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I don't know how our journey will continue to play out. I don't know if we will one day, finally bring our girl home. But I do know I will be forever changed. I will travel as much as I can afford to serve. Fortunately, I have built a relationship with the wonderful workers at <a href="http://www.chinaconcern.org/" target="_blank">International China Concern</a> that will allow me to go back as often as I can. So while our actual adoption is on the back burner for now, my purpose is not!<br />
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Early in our journey, I discovered <a href="http://www.jiayindesigns.com/JiayinDesigns/Home.html" target="_blank">Jiayin Designs</a>. For years I wanted a custom charm, but I just couldn't afford it with every free penny being saved. I would often go to their website or facebook page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jiayindesigns" target="_blank">Jiayin Designs</a>, and just look. Always thinking about what I would get one day when I was finally able to get one.<br />
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I have been constantly reminded to have faith. Just have faith, Michele. You can trust whatever Jesus brings your way. You can trust any journey he asks you to take. Faith. So not to long ago, I was looking at the charms again and I knew. I knew what my custom charm would be - the Chinese character for "Faith". I was telling my mom about the charm, and how much I would love one. I just wanted that constant reminder to just have faith, when I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.<br />
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I was so excited this past Christmas when I finally got my charm (thanks momma!!)! I can tell you, it has not left my neck since I opened that beautiful little wrapped package! I love it! It is so beautiful, and hand made! It is honestly one of my most prized possessions, absolutely worth the wait!<br />
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So now, when I feel that sadness come over me, I just reach up and touch my charm. My reminder that He is faithful. He will never let me down. I just have to have faith!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-52929672827428496842013-01-05T14:28:00.000-05:002016-07-26T11:14:06.387-04:00STILL HEARTBROKENI know my posting has been sporadic at best. Honestly, this blog is just a painful reminder for me of what failed. Every time I have come here to start a post, I have found myself with nothing to say. There is too much hurt. Too much pain in knowing what will never be.<br />
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I thought time healed all wounds - that's what we've always been told, right? Well, that is not the truth. Here I am over a year later and it is just as painful today as it was then.<br />
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I am going to blog more. I do think it's therapeutic for me. Plus, I have a lot of catching up to do. I never told you guys about my time in China in April. I need to tell you how my heart was forever changed on that trip.<br />
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I also need to tell you all the thoughts in my mind about the latest teachings I have received under my cousin, Shane. Such profound thoughts, such absolute deliverance.<br />
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Thank you to everyone that has stuck around. I really appreciate it!<br />
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<br />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-51128412723827695752012-09-24T10:10:00.000-04:002012-09-24T10:10:11.461-04:00PLEASE PRAYWe are at the ENT with Julianna. She has had a reoccurring ear infection since May. What scares me about it all is her lymph nodes have been swollen since then, too.<br />
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Will you all please lift her up in prayer. I'm just worried sick. Scary things (do not google!) when your lymph nodes remain swollen!!<br />
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Thank you!!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-70730929660126602352012-09-14T19:35:00.000-04:002012-09-14T19:35:51.309-04:00REMEMBER ME?It's been quite some time since I blogged. I sure have missed the therapeutic benefits of typing out my thoughts. I am also sure so much time has passed, that I no longer have readers! LOL!<br />
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April was my last entry! Gracious! That seems like a life time ago. A lot of big things have happened since then! Days after I blogged last, Julianna and I went on our trip to South East Asia! It was the trip of a lifetime. We were gone 15 days! I will share more details of that awesome trip soon!<br />
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Things are finally settling down after a long, hard summer. I lost my precious grandmother in July, and then Brad lost his grandfather one week later. I have to say, it was a very difficult time for our family. On top of the losses, I have been dealing with crippling anxiety/fear.<br />
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It's been a craptacular few months to say the least. I hope though, as I share some of my experiences and the things that have helped me overcome the difficult times, it will encourage someone out there.<br />
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So I have lots to share! I do hope someone will be here to read along.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-57199964733441039612012-04-15T20:36:00.000-04:002012-04-15T20:36:01.638-04:00IT'S ALMOST TIME!I can't believe in less than 48 hours, I will be somewhere over the USA on my way to China! So surreal! Anyway, I wanted to let everyone know that while I am gone, I will be posting on a shutterfly site. Originally, I was going to post here and put photos to share on shutterfly. I just think for the sake of convenience, I will just post everything there. I am not sure how much time I am going to have, so if I can post everything from one place, that would be best.<br />
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As far as I know, shutterfly.com is not blocked in China, whereas Facebook and blogger are. If you would like to follow along on our journey, the website is...<br />
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<a href="http://www.ourasianadventures.shutterfly.com/">www.ourasianadventures.shutterfly.com</a><br />
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I hope you will follow along! Feel free to make comments if you want! Unless of course you have something ugly to say, then well, don't.<br />
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Yay! I am ready. Of course, it is taking every ounce of my strength to fight the growing knot in my tummy anticipating saying goodbye to my boys. I am not ready for that!<br />
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Well, I guess I am off! I have to get my house prepared for my departure. If you happen to see my boys and they look dirty or hungry, please help them! HAHA!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-86223120900795206482012-04-05T23:48:00.000-04:002012-04-05T23:48:25.860-04:00TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSWe are leaving in under two weeks! ACK! 12 days to be exact. That seems crazy to me. I have begun packing and getting things organized. I kept emailing Shane to ask him if we had secured domestic flights and hotels - he always said, "Not yet!" So I begged him to let me make the travel arrangement for us. The ticking clock was beginning to stress me out. Shane and I are very much a like, with a lot in common, yet this is clearly one of our major differences. I am such a planner, I can't sleep at night until everything is secured. I truly missed my calling as a travel agent.<br />
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Anyway, so I have been hard at work. It's been so much fun! I tried to do a little (yeah right) research on hotels and flights, so when he did tell me to go ahead and book us, I would be ready to go. Finally I wore him down and he gave me the go ahead! WOOT! HAHA!<br />
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Julianna and I leave the US on Tuesday morning, the 17th. We will arrive in Hong Kong on the night of the 18th (it will be early morning here). It will take us approximately 24 hours to travel there. I have to be honest, the thought of being on a plane for 15 hours with no laundry to do, meals to cook, or phone to answer thrills my heart. Twenty four hours of just sitting with my best girl. Ahhhhh.<br />
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Anyway, we will get to Hong Kong a couple of hours before Shane and the girls. We will be staying at the Novotel City Gate near the Hong Kong airport. It looks pretty nice. We have a full day free on Thursday and part of the day free on Friday to do a little sight seeing. I don't know what the other people in my little group (Shane, Juju, me and two Australian ladies that are helping the ministry.) would like to do, but I am open to whatever they want. One of the girls mentioned DisneyLand - which we would love, of course. At the same time, I want to see the city. I can see the Mouse anytime. It really doesn't matter though.<br />
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We will leave HK Friday evening. We are flying on a direct flight to Guilin, China. Once we get there, we will stay one night because it is quite a drive to Yangshuo, where we will be for the week. We have to be in Yangshuo by early evening on Saturday, so I am hoping to do a little sight seeing in Guilin before we head there. At the very least go to the carrefour or Walmart to get some supplies (and by supplies I mean Coke. LOL. Lots and lots of Coke.) From what I understand, there is no large store like that in Yangshuo. I have arranged a private van to take us, so it will be a little easier to navigate without a facilitator.<br />
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We will be in Yangshuo from Saturday until Friday. However, one of the ladies and myself will be traveling to the orphanage in Hengyang either on Wednesday or Thursday. We will have the opportunity to love on the little ones there for a day or two (hoping for two!).<br />
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From there, we will be heading back to HK for a flight out Saturday morning to Singapore. We will have the privilege of staying with one of Shane's friends there, so no hotels to arrange. Shane will stay in Singapore a full week, but Juju and I will be heading back to the states on May 2nd.<br />
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I am wondering about what type of weather we will have. I guess I will just pack layers. If anyone has been to the cities I am traveling to, I would love input. When we visit the orphanage, we will be traveling via high speed train and going through Changsha.<br />
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I plan to blog the whole time, should anyone want to follow along. I will create a shutterfly site for photos too.<br />
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So that is my update! Can't believe it's so close!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-81569342991668586932012-03-26T10:04:00.000-04:002012-03-26T10:04:24.180-04:00ANONYMOUS FRIENDSorry that I am having to address this on my blog, but I have no other way of contacting you. No, we were not able to complete our adoption, and no one is more upset about that than we are. Devastated doesn't even begin to cover it. I can guarantee you, any money donated to us was used for adoption fees/costs. Not ONE cent was used for any thing not adoption related. We paid $30,000 total for our adoption. I can tell you that approximately $27,000 of that came out of MY pocket. If you would kindly email me your address and name, I can get you a check out in today's mail to refund your donation. jackjujam at yahoo.com is my email address.<br />
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I will share something else that I intended to keep to myself. We donated a large amount of money to various foundations (such as International China Concern), several families that were in the process of adopting, as well as a couple of random people that needed help financially. We felt it was a way of "paying it forward" for the donations we received. We were not able to track down the handful of people that donated to us to refund their money. We thought the next best thing was to give it away to people in a similar situation, the orphan and the poor.<br />
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I will be looking forward to your email. If you could also tell me the amount of money you donated, that would be helpful. Like I said, I insist on refunding your money. Thank you so much for making bringing light to the way you feel. I hope it helps you feel better to have it off your chest.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-75270779040487738772012-03-26T08:51:00.002-04:002012-03-26T08:56:23.650-04:00UPDATE!I would say within an hour of posting my last entry, I knew what my decision was! We are going! I am so excited! Julianna is, too! She is such a good traveler and so "go with the flow", I was never really concerned about her being able to handle it. My biggest concern was the logistics and having only been to China once, I wasn't sure how to work it out. Last time I went, I had someone take care of every detail and I was never really alone. This time, I will be on my own to some extent, so I just wanted some seasoned travelers to chime in!<br />
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Thanks so much girls! I knew I could count on you! I am going to be making our travel arrangements today or tomorrow! Count down is on! THREE WEEKS!<br />
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Now to address my "anonymous" friend that commented on my last post. It's funny to me that you said you have been reading my blog for a while, and "have never seen someone with so much doubt". Hm. I find this interesting. Clearly, you haven't been reading my blog as long as you think. Doubt is not really something I struggle with. I have a relationship with my Father built on trust. In my previous post, I was merely asking if timing/transportation, etc, sounded realistic. I don't typically travel around the world alone with a 7 year old. I wanted to be sure that it was physically possible. Once I found out that I would make my already scheduled flight out of the country, it was a no brainer. I just wasn't sure if the timing could all be worked out. I have literally a 24 hour window. I have a flight leaving for Singapore scheduled early Saturday morning. So, I need to be in Hong Kong Friday night. I wasn't sure if planes, trains and automobiles (and crossing a border) could make it a possibility in such a narrow window of time. You also mentioned that I am "so blessed by this opportunity and don't even realize it"... I know a "few" people - such as my friends, my pastor, my family, my waitress at lunch yesterday, the guy in the Walmart check out, among countless others that would argue that you are wrong. See, that is also a part of faith - I don't "doubt" this is a huge opportunity and a huge blessing. One that I am incredibly grateful for, and have been preparing for, for some time.<br />
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Maybe you should find another blog to read - clearly mine ruffles your feathers too much. Good luck with finding that perfect person/blog though - there aren't many of us out there that do not have moments of insecurity or fear. Keep in mind that most bloggers (I would even dare to say ALL) are human and may momentarily have periods of doubt, despair, etc. You may have to reach deep down to encourage someone in a kind manner if you are going to comment. If you find you can't do that... feel free to keep your comments to yourself.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-55888239233096003742012-03-24T15:17:00.000-04:002012-03-24T15:17:08.991-04:00NEED ADVICE - TIME SENSITIVEI know most of my bloggy friends are adoptive mommies. I need help from you guys! Well, I need help from anyone that could consider the orphan rather than the inconvenience.<br />
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Here's the sitch:<br />
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I will be spending my time in China with the volunteers/workers of <a href="http://english.chinaconcern.org/">International China Concern</a>. I have mentioned them in the past, but just as a reminder, they are a faith based organization that devotes their lives to special needs orphans of China.<br />
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They have graciously offered to allow us to travel to the orphanage and see the work they do, and love on the children (!!!!!!!!!). Be still my heart. Ok, anyway, here is the concern - we will be in Yangshuo. Their closest orphanage is in HengYang. It is a 6 hour train ride. My cousin, Shane, will not be able to travel there due to his speaking schedule. There will be two other girls with us (and Julianna, my 7 year old.). I am unsure if the two girls will want to go to the orphanage or not. I can go without them, if they don't want to go.<br />
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Here is where the advice needed comes in... the schedule would be leave late Thursday night to take the overnight train from YangShuo to HengYang. We would arrive in HengYang at 8:45 am. Spend the day in the orphanage and catch the speed train in the evening to Shenzhen. We would then have to cross the border into Hong Kong. So in a course of 24 hours, it would be two trains, work in a orphanage and cross the border.<br />
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Is this something that sounds reasonable to do alone? Will it be an ok idea to do if the other two girls accompany me? Or is it something that is just too much to try to accomplish in a short period of time?<br />
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I am worried that *this* is my chance - the whole reason I have been on this journey for 5 years. To care/love show Jesus to little ones that need it so desperately. My parents are adamant that this is ridiculous to even consider. Honestly, it hurts my heart that they can't see the big picture, but whatever.<br />
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I wanted someone's advice that has been to China. Someone that can be realistic, while considering my heart for these little ones.<br />
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Ok... Flood me with advice! PLEASE!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-82473207192651115582012-03-22T01:32:00.001-04:002012-03-22T01:38:47.930-04:00BETTER VISION- THE PROCEDUREWhere did I leave off??? Oh yeah, the procedure and recovery!<br />
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I went to my "consultation" appointment on Thursday (the 23rd of Feb). I really felt "consultation" was a little misleading. The "screening" was more what I thought the consultation would be like. The appointment on Thursday was 3 hours long. They did every test known to man. I have decided they need to rename their appointments - the first appointment should be the consultation. The second appointment, should be the pre-operative appointment. Too bad they didn't ask my opinion. LOL.<br />
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Anyway, I was really holding my breath during that three hour appointment because I was afraid the doctor would tell me that I really wasn't a good candidate. At this point my mind was made, and to turn back would have been so sad! Anyway, all went well that day, and he cleared me for surgery.<br />
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So the next morning, I got there at 9:30. I was told I was the first surgery of the day, so I wouldn't be there very long. They took me back immediately and began to prep me. The prep was really just rechecking the measurements from the day before, cleaning my eye area and putting in lots of drops. When I say lots of drops, I don't think your mind can truly fathom how many. LOL. I felt like my eye balls would look like prunes when we were done.<br />
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Right before I went in the surgical suite, the doctor came in and "marked" my eyeball. Truly weird to think about. I guess it makes sense though... they do that for other surgical procedures. Anyway, next thing I knew, it was my turn!<br />
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I went into the surgical suite and got comfy on the table. When I laid (lied?) down, the technician game me two stress balls to hold. I have to be honest, that scared me worse than the procedure. I kept thinking, why do I need stress balls? And I going to be stressed? The doctor came in at that point and got started.<br />
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Initially, they taped my eyelashes down. Weird. Then they gave me more drops. They used this little retractor thing to crank open my eye and to prevent me from blinking. Let me say that this was the most stress inducing thought before the procedure. The thought of not blinking for any length of time freaked me out. I would "practice" not blinking before I went, and I never made it more than a few seconds. I couldn't wrap my mind around how I could not blink. I was also worried about seeing everything they did. Obviously, you are wide awake during the procedure, and the thought of "watching" it all completely unnerved me.<br />
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Well, I have to tell you not blinking is a non issue. They are using so many drops, you don't feel the need to blink. Never once did I think, man! I need to blink! Another thing that still seems odd to me, is I never really saw anything they were doing. I don't know if it was because it was so close or what, but other than shadows and a few colors, I couldn't make anything out.<br />
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Once he got my eye taped down, and cranked open, he cut the flap. I am not sure why he cuts the flap and other doctors create the flap with the laser, but it didn't seem to really make a difference. One person suggested the doctor was using an older method, but based on my research, that isn't the case. I guess it's just preference. So he used this little disposable blade to cut open the flap. He told me at this point, everything would go black for a second. Praise God he communicated with me, because that was a little scary. It went away after a few seconds though. Once the flap was cut, he positioned the laser.<br />
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Keep in mind that up until this point, there was no pain whatsoever. I mean none. No discomfort either. I could feel them doing stuff, but no different than lightly rubbing your eye. When the laser came on, I got nervous again because, well, because it's a freakin' laser. I could see a faint flashing red light and a morse code type sound. It literally lasted 30 seconds. Then it was done. DONE. One thing that may bother some people was the smell. It didn't bother me though, because I have been to the dermatologist enough to know what that smell is. It isn't a bad smell, just a burning smell. Ok, let's not linger there.<br />
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He then programmed the laser to the do the second half of my treatment. Remember the "double card" treatment? Once he programmed that in, the laser came on for another 30 seconds and it was done. They flushed my eye really good, put the flap back over, took off the tape and it was finished. It took literally 4 minutes from start to finish.<br />
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The right eye proved to be a little more difficult, but I don't know why. He explained it to me, but I didn't really understand. This time, it did hurt a little, but not because of the procedure. What hurt was the instrument used to create the suction (to keep your eye from moving). The suction itself didn't hurt, but the instrument hurt my cheek a little. That didn't happen on the first eye, so I really think it was a fluke.<br />
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Anyway, otherwise same process. Over in less than 4 minutes total. When they were done, they sat me up and walked me to the exam room. At this point, I could see pretty well as far as the acuity was concerned, but the quality was not good. Every thing was very cloudy. My depth perception was wonky too.<br />
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He looked at my eye really good, gave me more drops and sent me on my way. I was instructed to go home and rest my eyes for about 4 hours. At this point, I could see the eye chart around 20/40.<br />
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I was home eating lunch by 11:30. Like I said before, I was in the surgical suite no more than 10 minutes. While I was eating lunch, I was checking my email via my phone. I had no problems reading anything. I took a 4 hour nap and felt great afterward.<br />
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When I woke up, things were still pretty cloudy. I could watch tv ok, it just wasn't great. Even though it was cloudy, I had NO pain or discomfort. When I woke up the next morning, I could see pretty well. I actually drove myself to the post op appointment. At that point, I was seeing 20/15 in the right and 20/25 in the left. My right eye was still cloudy, and as it turned out, it stayed cloudy for about a week or so.<br />
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I have to be honest, I looked awful. I had two huge red bruises on my eye balls. For about a week, my vision wasn't very stable. In fact, I was starting to get nervous. I really felt like my depth perception should have been better. Things like stepping off curbs and looking out over a distance was very... weird. I worried that it might be my new normal. Sometimes it would be very blurry, but then it would clear up. On Monday morning, I called the office. The tech told me that was completely normal and was expected.<br />
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I could drive fine, read fine, watch tv fine. It was just off - I can't really describe it. Well, on Monday a week later (10 post op days later), it was like night and day. I woke up and all of the issues were gone. The way the doctor explained it to me was like this - my brain had adapted to having my old vision. To change it drastically like that, my brain had to catch up. Kind of like getting a new prescription in your glasses, except worse. The worse your vision was going in, the longer it would take to stabilize. Makes sense. So 10 days post op and it was awesome. I mean really awesome. I felt like I was in a dream. It's been almost 4 weeks, and I still find myself reaching for my glasses!<br />
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With both eyes open, I can see 20/15. However, my left eye, which was the worst, is only at 20/25. I can choose to have an enhancement if I want. At this point, I am not sure. He said to give it 2 more months. It takes that long to really stabilize. We will see. 20/25 is still darn good, I think. As easy as the surgery was though, it would be a shame to not do it again, if it will make it perfect.<br />
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Sometimes, there is pain in the right eye now, but it is because I am not using the lubricating drops like I am suppose to. LASIK makes your eyes incredibly dry, so for 2 months or so, you have to use moisturizing drops a few times a day. When I forget, my right eye starts to burn a little from excessive dryness. Drops make it feel better though.<br />
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So that's it. I have had the best possible experience. I would recommend LASIK to anyone that is considering it. It has literally changed my life. Besides the obvious gift of SIGHT, I am more confident. I can do things I was unable to do before - like swim, watch 3D movies and actually wear the glasses, lay (lie?) on the couch and watch tv, wear sunglasses, etc...<br />
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If you are considering it, I would highly recommend it. Do your research though, and make sure you go to a reputable doctor. If you find a doctor that offers a two for one deal, or like a $500 per eye price, I would probably find another one. LOL.<br />
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The surgeon I used has a great, informative website. Maybe you could start there - www.charlestoncornea.com. Lots of good info!<br />
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So that is it. All done. All good. Best decision ever!<br />
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Just a little funny - Brad's vision is perfect. So perfect in fact, when we went for our physicals, the doctor asked him to read the smallest line he could on the eye chart. He said, "Um. Copyright 1995." PUNK. He could actually see the copyright on the very bottom corner of the chart. I swear that day, I wanted to punch him straight in the throat. Whatevs. Then, as if that wasn't bad enough, he said to me after my surgery, "Hm. Michele, do you think if I got LASIK I could read like 20/5? Or do you think I could see smells? How about see through time?" I had to walk away. Seriously. What a punk. I told him he just felt bad now that I could see as well (although probably not as well) as he could. We now have contests in the car seeing who can read the road signs the quickest. Just for the record - I am giving him a run for his money! LOL!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-15514491550776557302012-03-19T16:23:00.000-04:002012-03-19T16:23:44.811-04:00BETTER VISIONIn the fall, I began noticing that my eye sight just wasn't as good as it used to be (which wasn't saying much, honestly). I made an appointment with my doctor in December for an exam. My vision actually hadn't changed at all, so he told me that I didn't need to update my glasses. Y'all, I have worn glasses my entire adult life (20+ years). I longed for the freedom of wearing contact lens, but my astigmatism prevented me from wearing soft lenses. While they do make contact lens for people with an astigmatism, they didn't really offer much for people with an astigmatism as bad as mine.<br />
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*Pet Peeve Insert* I just have to add - when people say to me, "Oh, yeah, I have a BAD astigmatism!", while they were wearing the newest, coolest, extended wear disposable contacts. If your astigmatism is "bad", you can't wear soft contact lenses - and you most certainly can not wear the disposables.<br />
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Carrying on... So, I talked to my doctor about contacts. He told me that he could put me in soft lenses, but my vision would not be 100%. He didn't recommend them at all. He did suggest gas permeable lenses, but warned me, while it would correct my vision 100%, they are extremely uncomfortable and hard to get used to. I was determined, so I said I would give them a try.<br />
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So I get my new contacts, and I was blown away. My vision was so crisp and clear. My visual acuity was about the same as with glasses, but my quality of vision was drastically better. I didn't know what I had been missing for so long. I instantly fell in love with them and swore off glasses forever.<br />
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Until a week later... I got this weird "film" over the lens, that went away when I cleaned them, but came back almost instantly. It was as if I was looking in a bathroom mirror and some one turned a hot shower on. It gradually started to fog, until within minutes, it was completely covered and I couldn't see at all.<br />
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We tried multiple types of gas perms. We tried every solution under the sun. The only option after a month and a half of fighting the fog, was to go back to glasses.<br />
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It was heart breaking. I had to go back to vision that was not great, after seeing so well for a month (when it wasn't foggy!). No more cute sunglasses. No more pretty eye shadow. No more head bands. I was so sad.<br />
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After talking to Brad, I decided to go for a LASIK consultation. I had been told so many times that I didn't qualify, but I thought surely with advances in technology, I might qualify now.<br />
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I decided to use a doctor in my hometown, Charleston, because well, I am always looking for a reason to go home. I pack my kiddos up and we head down.<br />
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I had my screening and they did all kinds of measurements. When it was over, I was told that they did believe I would be a candidate, but I would require a "double card" treatment. Turns out, I technically do not qualify, however, there were ways around it. I actually was nervous because this "double card" treatment sounded kind of shady.<br />
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I came home from my screening and researched LASIK to death. The double card treatment is actually not FDA approved in America. However, it is ok in other countries. The jest of what double card means is they program the laser to correct half of your vision - like half of the prescription. When it's done, they re-program it to finish the prescription off. Basically, you are getting the procedure done twice. A lot of doctors aren't willing to do this - but a lot are. It is proven to be a safe way to "get around" the limitations of the laser machine. The doctor I went to has done 1000's upon 1000's of procedures, and a lot of them requiring the double card treatment.<br />
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The more I researched, the more I felt this was a completely safe procedure and the only way I would ever be a candidate. <br />
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So I called the office and scheduled my surgery! They were super nice and willing to schedule my 3 hour pre op appointment on a Thursday and surgery the next morning, so I wouldn't have to make two trips to Charleston.<br />
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So I was officially scheduled. All I had to do was wait for the big day!<br />
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Stay tuned for part two. The procedure and recovery. In case you are wondering why I am blogging about this, it's because I so want to share about my experience. I want to journal it all while it's fresh in my memory. I hope that maybe someone will stumble across my blog that can benefit from my experience. When I was researching, I would have really liked to read a blog with first hand experience.<br />
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Also stay tuned for another blog post about my latest in-depth bible study from <a href="http://www.shanewillardministries.org/">Shane Willard Ministries.</a> Shane continues to blow my mind with presenting the bible from a Hebrew perspective. To truly understand the bible as it was written, you must understand the euphamisims of that time. I tell you, I have never considered this stuff before, but it opens the bible up in a way I never knew possible. I can't wait to share about the video I watched last night. Just to peak your interest, here is a quick summary:<br />
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The goat has left the building!<br />
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Now don't you want to come back and hear more? Believe me, you do! If you can't wait, check out Shane's website!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-42004332064150433022012-03-19T00:09:00.000-04:002012-03-19T00:09:42.020-04:00REMEMBER ME?Probably not, eh? It's been TWO months since I blogged. I am a blogger failure.<br />
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Well, I have a lot to share and a lot that I want to record for myself, so I guess I better get busy. My main reason for posting tonight though, is to tell you guys that I am leaving for China in 4 weeks!<br />
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I know that seems like a long time now, but it will fly by! I will for sure be blogging about our travels. I am sure I will have tons to share. I am so excited I can't stand it!<br />
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So I will be back, soon! Like I said, there is so much I want to blog about!<br />
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I doubt I have any readers left, so it may all be just for the sake of journaling, but I will still be back!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-61666501553555812322012-01-21T22:57:00.000-05:002012-01-21T22:57:26.890-05:00CLARIFICATIONI just wanted to address a comment left by Brooke. Btw, Brooke, thank you so much for feed back. I appreciate it! I wish so much that we could have a face to face conversation! It would be so interesting.<br />
<br />
Anyway, let me clarify a bit. It isn't that I don't think we need to repent. If we have sinned and we are sorry, then of course. But I wonder if it is for us more than it is for Him? For us to clear our conscience? I don't know.<br />
<br />
I just believe based on the scripture I shared before (among others), that Jesus knows our hearts. He knows our true heart. He knows if we are sorry or not. I believe when He died on the cross it covered me. Done. My sins past, present, and future.<br />
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Here is another scripture reference - Mark 2. It's the story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends because they couldn't get to Jesus otherwise. So, here is what happened:<br />
<br />
Mark<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24265" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24266" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">“Son, your sins are forgiven.”</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hm. So it says in verse 5, "When Jesus saw their faith..." When he <i>saw their faith</i>. He told the man his sins were forgiven. So because of his friends faith, he forgave the man. The man didn't say anything to Jesus. But Jesus saw his heart and also factored in his friends hearts. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I guess what I am trying to say is all of the people of the bible that Jesus considered faithful or forgiven were all pretty messed up. King David, a man God considered faithful, had 700 concubines. He committed adultery and killed people. Yet, he was a "man after God's own heart." Moses committed premeditated murder (Exodus 2) and yet, God considered him faithful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are tons of examples. Ultimately, God knew their hearts apart from their sins. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really don't know the answers. I just know that Jesus' blood covers me. Because of His blood, I am considered righteous. 2000+ years ago, He died for my sins before they were ever committed. I believe He died for all of them. He knows my heart and knows that I want nothing more than to be pure before Him. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just wonder, based on the scriptures and the people throughout history, if His grace is even more than I ever considered (obviously, but you know what I mean.). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just something to think about...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><br />
</span></span></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-89829377889812587072012-01-20T19:05:00.001-05:002012-01-20T19:22:27.934-05:00FORGIVENESSI told you guys I would be sharing all the awesome stuff I am learning! I have not been this excited about something in a long time... ok, ever!<br />
<br />
I want to say that my studies have really challenged me, making me think outside the box. I do want to clarify here before I go any further - this blog only represents my own personal thoughts. In no way do I think that I have the answers. In fact, I would encourage anyone to seek the answers for themselves. Dig into your Bible, pray, study and see where God leads you.<br />
<br />
Let me start by stating the simple truth - Jesus is Messiah. He is God. He came to die, so that we could live. If you accept Jesus as your Savior, then you can have life eternally.<br />
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I have always believed that Jesus died for my sins, and I must confess my sins to Him, daily, to be forgiven. I also have believed that if I died with unconfessed sin, that I would have to stand before Him and be judged.<br />
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Recently, after hearing my cousin <a href="http://www.shanewillardministries.org/">Shane</a> speak on this very subject, I began to wonder if that was how it worked after all. Let me give you the scripture reference that caused me to rethink this.<br />
<br />
John 8 tells us the story of the adulteress woman. The Bible says she was "caught in the act of adultery". Ok, lets think about this for a moment - <i>caught</i> <i>in the act</i>. How mortifying. Considering she was caught in the act, likely she was unclothed. Wouldn't you guess that? They were looking to publicly humiliate her, do you think they gave her time to get dressed? I would guess not. So they drag her, possibly unclothed, to Jesus. They say to Him, "The law of Moses says to stone her, what do you say?"<br />
<br />
Jesus doesn't immediately answer them. He just bends down and starts writing in the dirt (I love how He just kind of ignores them for a bit!). They keep harassing Him for an answer. Meanwhile, this poor woman is lying there face down on the ground. Finally Jesus answers, "Alright, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone." Then, he bends down and starts writing in the dirt again. Can you imagine? LOL! The Pharisees were probably arms raised, ready to throw that stone, then they hear the last part! I would love to know what went through their minds! I am so going to ask Jesus that one day!<br />
<br />
Anyway, one by one, they all left, until it was just Jesus and the woman. Here is where it is stinkin' cool. Jesus is a genius, I tell you! Sure the law of Moses says to stone her, but the law also states that two or more witnesses must be present to convict (Deut 19:15). Obviously, He knew that. He decided to doodle in the sand until they all went away. He "bought her time" so to speak! So they are all gone now and Jesus says to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" The woman looks up, and realizes the Pharisees are gone - "No, Lord."<br />
<br />
And then Jesus says, "Neither do I. Now go and sin no more."<br />
<br />
WOO! "<b>Neither do I</b>." Y'all! That is some good stuff! Here is where my mind camps for a moment. No condemnation, judgement, harshness, anger. Just mercy, grace, acceptance, love.<br />
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Another example- when Romans came to arrest Jesus, what happened to the disciples? They left him, completely abandoned him. Not only that, Peter even denied he knew Jesus. Yikes.<br />
<br />
However, after the resurrection, Jesus appeared on the beach one morning. Several of the disciples, including Peter, were coming in from a night of fishing. They saw Jesus on the beach, where He had prepared breakfast for them. And you know what? Jesus didn't even say, "GUYS! What happened? Why did you abandon me in my hour of need?" He never even brought it up. Instead, He loved on them, and fixed them a tasty breakfast. No condemnation.<br />
<br />
Why? Grace. Mercy. Love.<br />
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One more. Remember the story of the thief, hanging on the cross beside Jesus? Clearly this was someone that had done bad things. He says to Jesus, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." And Jesus says to him, "I assure you, today you will be with me in Paradise."<br />
<br />
The thief didn't pray the "sinners prayer". Jesus didn't quote the "Roman Road" to him. The thief didn't confess his sins. All he did was acknowledge that Jesus was God. And in mercy, grace and love, Jesus promised him an eternal future.<br />
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There are more examples, but this post is already a book. Like I said above, I don't claim in any way that this is fact. Just my personal thoughts.<br />
<br />
There is no condemnation in Him. We are righteous because we are covered by His blood. Nothing we do can earn that. He paid the price for all of our sins - not just the confessed ones. When we accept Him in our hearts as Lord, and confess we are sinners, we are covered. Often times it is taught - Do not sin, so God doesn't condemn you. However Jesus taught, "I do not condemn you. Now go and sin no more." Big difference.<br />
<br />
Just as He said, "It. Is. Finished." I believe Him.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-43960868817761769102012-01-20T14:07:00.000-05:002012-01-20T14:07:19.898-05:00THIRTY ONEI am officially a <a href="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/michelecordray">Thirty One Consultant</a>! Isn't that cool? I love their products and I thought it would be so fun! Not to mention I have to make some money if I am going to be galavanting across the globe! <div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So if need a cute new bag...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkabcgBVmVcmQxP3snERHt1_VhDP5ngBChLQiXJXOWycLiU14rVJ6qQJJikIzaKQigl77Qos7_MJYe0kj919pLzI8mQR_-1L5MTdoMMYdi5C78JLqJQcDlqGjPEop7gfVfDK1vLfU9WCqL/s1600/3329347H0000_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkabcgBVmVcmQxP3snERHt1_VhDP5ngBChLQiXJXOWycLiU14rVJ6qQJJikIzaKQigl77Qos7_MJYe0kj919pLzI8mQR_-1L5MTdoMMYdi5C78JLqJQcDlqGjPEop7gfVfDK1vLfU9WCqL/s1600/3329347H0000_large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An awesome organizing tote...</div><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/AVvXsEgbwU10gihM0ni-iv7Iu8slF03lsjFj2eO0MWOvnLwUVCdeV68ZtBKml_WAwF1SshZqrANQlWD9w1oYC-cNkG2EDYbheRFpglPpqp6r_dDmSi-vXAd7YVRBkVspd9DMPqnPhnDPfd_7X0U0/s1600/3121294GS11_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwU10gihM0ni-iv7Iu8slF03lsjFj2eO0MWOvnLwUVCdeV68ZtBKml_WAwF1SshZqrANQlWD9w1oYC-cNkG2EDYbheRFpglPpqp6r_dDmSi-vXAd7YVRBkVspd9DMPqnPhnDPfd_7X0U0/s1600/3121294GS11_large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or any thing else, let me know!! I will be glad to help!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-91198118490920922882012-01-19T22:17:00.000-05:002012-01-19T22:17:00.020-05:00DO YOU REALLY KNOW HIM?Recently, I began reading <a href="http://updates.ransomedheart.com/beautifuloutlawmain/">Beautiful Outlaw</a>, by John Eldredge. It opened my eyes to a perspective I never considered. I began seeing Jesus as a man. He has always been my Savior, but I never thought of him much as a man. Not just a man, but a Jewish man.<br />
<br />
I am not sure why it took me this long to "discover" this side of Jesus. I am not usually a follower. However, for my whole Christian life, I have let my "demomination" define my beliefs. I would read my bible and be satisfied with the 2 dimensional idea of Jesus. I never considered more than what was on those pages.<br />
<br />
I feel like the veil has been lifted from my eyes. For the first time I <i>see</i> Him. Oh, don't get me wrong, I have always felt Him. He has always been with me, in my heart. He has always been Lord of my life. I just didn't see Him.<br />
<br />
So I began wanting to know Jesus in a way like never before. It was not a coincidence that during this time, I was reunited with my cousin that I will be traveling with. Funny, how God works sometimes. He made the connection for me to be able to go to China with Shane, but he also made a connection for me that has blown my socks off.<br />
<br />
Shane's ministry is not about evangelism. Honestly, I just assumed it was. His whole ministry is teaching the Bible from a Hebrew perspective. Really, it goes hand in hand with the Beautiful Outlaw concept. The book opens your eyes to Jesus as a man, and Shane's teaching opens your eyes to Jesus the Jew.<br />
<br />
Without considering those sides of Him, you are missing the very essence of who He was. I am committed to learning about the Jewish culture of Jesus' time. The little bit I know already has transformed my thoughts on Messiah.<br />
<br />
I understand that I will never have full understanding of Jesus, Son of Man. I know that any of my discoveries or ideas are like a speck in the grand scheme of who He is. But I can tell you, I am not going to stop pursuing Him.<br />
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I plan on sharing my discoveries here. I have a lot of stuff I already want to share. Even if no one reads this blog, I intend on using it as my own journey journal. A place to collect and process my thoughts and feelings. I would love for you to come along and share your perspectives as well. Company always makes a journey more fun!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013890652956473471.post-15035250889200464952012-01-12T23:43:00.002-05:002012-01-12T23:53:28.736-05:00WORSHIPWhat is worship? Well, here is one definition:<br />
<br />
<i>Worship - verb. To feel an adoring reference or regard to _________.</i><br />
<br />
Clearly, you can fill that blank with many things. Unfortunately, in our world today, we have chosen to fill that blank with everything under the sun, except for <i><b>the</b></i> Son.<br />
<br />
That alone is a post in and of itself, however, today I want to focus on the act of worship. What does it mean to you? In what ways do you worship our Risen Savior?<br />
<br />
You see, I believe there is no one way. I believe worship can be many things to many people. To some, it is being alone, quiet before Him. Yet to others, it is singing to the top of their lungs with their hands raised. There is no right or wrong way.<br />
<br />
Something happened recently that really made me stop and think. In fact, I will be honest to say that this incident made me angry. More than angry though, it made me sad. <br />
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Most of you know that my husband, Brad, is the Associate Pastor of Worship at our church. I am telling you this story not because of him. In fact, he really has nothing to do with the why I felt the way I did. Just a little "set up" to this story is needed - our church has a full praise band and team. Every Sunday morning, they lead us in "worship". While we are a Baptist church, our worship service does not look like your typical Baptist service. We use lights, cameras, instruments, projections, etc... <br />
<br />
Brad, the praise band/team, as well as the audio visual team, are always looking for ways to do more creatively. To be quite honest, these guys are really good at what they do. To them, their creativity and God given talents are the way <i>they</i> worship. Their creativity is off the hook - and I truly believe Jesus gave them their abilities because it reaches people. The worship they lead us in every Sunday, reaches people in ways otherwise not possible.<br />
<br />
So here is what happened. The worship teams decided to rearrange the stage a bit. The idea was to make it more functional and more appealing as a set. They bought some risers for a few of the instruments. These risers are not only functional, they are also stinkin' cool. They have panels in the front with lights in them. Now, don't get me wrong, when I say lights, I don't mean strobe lights or anything of the kind. They are simply meant to just add a little something to the stage. When the lights are on, they are one color and remain that color through-out. No blinking, or crazy disco type stuff (not that, that is wrong in anyway. I am just saying these particular lights do not do that.). We use colored lights in the background, as well as on the stage in general.<br />
<br />
Well, here is where it gets ugly. These risers have been quite controversial. In fact, it has gotten way out of hand. I have seen sides of people that have shocked me. Comments that have been made have really hurt my heart. To get in such an uproar over lighted risers really makes me question the heart of the church.<br />
<br />
Let me explain myself - I understand completely that we all worship differently. To some, the music time is when they most feel connected to Jesus and the service. To others, it's the preaching. Neither aspect is more important than the other, we all connect in different ways. I completely understand that the lights on the risers, or the risers themselves, may not be something everyone enjoys. I guarantee though, if people came into the service with their bad attitude left at home and found something in the service they did like, they wouldn't miss the blessing that church is. I can't believe if you come into the service with anger or annoyance in your heart over anything, that you are going to feel the presence of our Lord.<br />
<br />
Many people believe that the creative arts stuff is not necessary because it isn't something <i>they</i> enjoy or understand. But, what about the people that truly worship God through it? Or better yet, what about the people that are bringing their talents and creativity to the Lord as an offering?<br />
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I guess what I am trying to say is if we all came to church less worried about our own wants and desires, and came with our hearts and minds open to letting God use whatever our worship service included, we sure would feel better. I guarantee if you leave your "self" at home, you will leave blessed.<br />
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There is a Casting Crowns song that really comes to mind here. I will share the lyrics with you - I think it sums up exactly what I am trying to say.<br />
<br />
City on a Hill<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Did you hear of the city on the hill?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Said one old man to the other</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It once shined bright and it would be shining still</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">But they all started turning on each other</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">You see, the poets thought the dancers were shallow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And the soldiers thought the poets were weak</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And the elders saw the young ones as foolish</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And the rich man never heard the poor man speak</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And one by one, they ran away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With their made up minds, to leave it all behind</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And the light began to fade, in the city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Each one thought that they knew better</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That they were different by design</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Instead of standing strong together</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">They let their differences divide</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And one by one, they ran away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With their made up minds, to leave it all behind</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And the light began to fade, in the city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And the world is searching still</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">But it was the rhythm of the dancers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That gave the poets life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It was the spirit of the poets</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That gave the soldiers strength to fight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It was the fire of the young ones</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It was the wisdom of the old</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It was the story of the poor man</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That needed to be told</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It is the rhythm of the dancers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That gives the poets life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It is the spirit of the poets</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That gives the soldiers strength to fight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It is the fire of the young ones</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It is the wisdom of the old</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It is the story of the poor man</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That's needing to be told</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One by one, we'll be running away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With our made up minds to leave it all behind</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">As the light begins to fade, in the city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One by one, we'll be running away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With our made up minds, to leave it all behind</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">As the light begins to fade, in the city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Come home</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">And the Father's calling still</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Come home</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">To the city on the hill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Come home</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;"><br />
</span></span>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635824040264494223noreply@blogger.com1