tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279633262024-03-15T18:09:59.442-07:00Just Being MeLife on simple termsNadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.comBlogger547125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-88848666587484375372023-03-05T15:08:00.004-08:002023-03-05T15:08:48.825-08:00The Iceberg Melts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5X4t5GjvCgFGM9S7ip9WtpukiCPF_-sdHDsRy0VH_1Y3xPP3D9l4QRP73-sxbGjaMLExo0vRWKF3gBDR9zR7yEais3g2dMlU-HiXqgkt75B-akjlb9KrfeL4H3otCzcvsX8tTR-8OYxwdarta5U_jgLR4EmO2Bt2OUTKcXAMcpJVh_XQm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="645" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5X4t5GjvCgFGM9S7ip9WtpukiCPF_-sdHDsRy0VH_1Y3xPP3D9l4QRP73-sxbGjaMLExo0vRWKF3gBDR9zR7yEais3g2dMlU-HiXqgkt75B-akjlb9KrfeL4H3otCzcvsX8tTR-8OYxwdarta5U_jgLR4EmO2Bt2OUTKcXAMcpJVh_XQm=w435-h235" width="435" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tom and I recently went to see
the movie, “Jesus Revolution.” It tells the story of how tens of thousands of “hippies”
came to fall in love with Jesus. It was very good and moving story. In watching
it, I was reminded how I came to fall in love with Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I grew up in the Catholic
church. As I teenager, I went to the “folk mass” (they played live with music
with guitars). I was attracted to music – all types. Music always moved
something in me. When I started dating Tom he was in a Christian Rock band
called, “Sonseed.” He played percussion instruments and as a young 16-year-old
that was very attractive. It was at one of the concerts that the band played
that I said yes to Jesus in a way that was different than my just going to
church on Sunday.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Believe it or not, I wasn’t
the nicest of girls growing up. When I was very young kids tried to bully me,
but I decided that I would turn the tables and bully first. I apologize to all
the kids I bullied at a young age. I just didn’t know who I was so I became whoever
I needed to be at the moment.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Back to the concert. When the
preacher got up to speak, he said, “Jesus loved me and he didn’t expect me to
change to ask Him into my heart. He just wanted me to ask.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mind blown at 17 years old. It’s
been quite a journey. I hit a rough patch in the last several years. I never
stop loving God, I just moved away from Him and put up a very thick brick wall
around my heart. In recent months, the iceberg that was my heart started to
melt and soften.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I realized that Jesus never
moved. He was always there, steady, waiting for me to come back. He still loved
me just as I am. I love that about Him.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I want to love as Jesus loved.
No expectation, no demands, and not asking someone to change for me. I don’t
think I ever did that, but I want to love better. Jesus loved the people. People
inside and outside of church can learn from that kind of love. I can learn from
that kind of love.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be patient with me as I step
back into the water. I know I am not perfect, but I know that I am loved. That
is a good place to start.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">© Nadine Zawacki 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-48158501480126308812020-01-15T20:01:00.000-08:002020-01-15T21:10:48.445-08:00The Chipped Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPni4U52Ksyg8OfJO0u6J7OP57Fp5xMNM0fTT_-MkV_zueMUmMV1aA-Ue1_peenK9UMhytmlDt8P1jfJ1mVFdVRxXmrThLYpIvmd_WwMlrTaVbYJepyBU3wlrx5n1VjEShZGGc/s1600/rubyheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1411" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPni4U52Ksyg8OfJO0u6J7OP57Fp5xMNM0fTT_-MkV_zueMUmMV1aA-Ue1_peenK9UMhytmlDt8P1jfJ1mVFdVRxXmrThLYpIvmd_WwMlrTaVbYJepyBU3wlrx5n1VjEShZGGc/s320/rubyheart.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:35.4pt;
mso-footer-margin:35.4pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
<br />
-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyone who knows me, knows l how much I love my husband,
Tom. He’s a good man with a good heart. He’s kind, loving and a caring man. He
has battled cancer twice before and it’s been 11 years since the last battle. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what I’ve learned about cancer – it’s like a
terrorist. It causes fear in the hearts in those who hear the words, “I’m sorry
to say, but you have cancer.” I’ve learned while fighting cancer that you enjoy
the good days, endure the bad days, but no matter what – you keep moving
forward. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the past 11 years we didn’t think about it very much
except when there was a check up, a blood test, or a scan. The terror lies
dormant, threatening to strike anytime. You breathe easy when you receive the all
clear. But now, it has come back for a third time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom and I both work in a hematology and oncology clinic. I
work as a front office assistant and Tom helps find funding to help cancer
patients with their bills. There are over a hundred people that work here. The
clinic helps many patients as they navigate their worst days. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what’s up with the picture above? What does it have to
do with cancer? I was checking in a new patient for his appointment. I asked
for his paperwork and he handed me back a couple of forms that I didn’t need. Since they had some of his personal information on it, I asked if he wanted it back and he
replied that he didn’t. I assured him I would place it in my shred bin. He then
precedes to hand me the heart pictured above. He simply said, “Here’s something
that doesn’t fit in a shred bin.” I thanked him for his thoughtfulness. On
closer examination, I noticed that the heart had a chip in it, and it
immediately spoke to me. It was like God was trying to tell me that He knew
that my heart was broken, but He held it in His hands. He was in control. It
gave me hope. I certainly can use hope right now. God used a stranger to speak
to my heart at time when I needed it the most.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My hope is that this is the final time we battle cancer. The
last time Tom has to go through treatments. I may not know what the details are
or how Tom’s body will react to treatment, but I know this . . . God has this.
He has placed so many people in our lives to help us through this battle. I’m
truly grateful that if cancer had to come back, it came back now, while working
at a clinic extremely equipped to give Tom the best care possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© Nadine Zawacki, Jan. 15, 2020<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-8668351643389515422019-04-13T16:39:00.000-07:002019-04-13T16:42:19.713-07:00Dancing Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2k7dGbIYx6R-kWeEG8d8I9ZPCld_Gb3fmzO_yK7R4MD_L8vBVeSGW7pmI-yirmrrspQMVHNTG8WZt0_L9Gx9v-ykYcs4iRbUHSbJkr1nJ5Ced9-yr5Pv80xhpAxO8qQ1CJbN/s1600/dancing+queen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2k7dGbIYx6R-kWeEG8d8I9ZPCld_Gb3fmzO_yK7R4MD_L8vBVeSGW7pmI-yirmrrspQMVHNTG8WZt0_L9Gx9v-ykYcs4iRbUHSbJkr1nJ5Ced9-yr5Pv80xhpAxO8qQ1CJbN/s1600/dancing+queen.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After having my second complete knee replacement surgery a
month ago, I find myself discouraged. The second operation eight weeks after
the first one was rougher than expected. I had trouble with pain control and
just when I was getting better, I’ve had trouble this past week with stomach
issues. Food has not been my friend. Thank God I have extra reserves to get by.
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> Tired
of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to watch, “Mama Mia, Here We Go Again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little background. I grew up in the seventies and I loved
the singing group, “ABBA.” I loved to dance and they had great dancing music.
My favorite song, “Dancing Queen.” I would dance and dance all around the
house. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s rare for a sequel to exceed the original, but this one
did for me. I found myself getting caught up in the story and the music. Such
fun. When they sang my favorite song, I cranked it up and danced in my bed. Believe
me, it was a sight to be seen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realized that even though my knees hurt still and I have
good and bad days, it doesn’t change the fact that they are better than before
surgery. There is hope that as time passes, my knees will get better. My
Physical Therapist and doctor both stated that I’m doing well and on track. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But here’s the thing, my mind is slow to believe and slow to
accept. I looked at my two very scarred legs and that’s all I can see. At
times, it feels like the pain overrides the blessings to come. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This movie showed me something. As the music filled the air,
it filled my heart. God reminded me that I’m still a “Dancing Queen.” He
created me to dance and to laugh and be filled with hope. My name, Nadine, means
hope. When my hope gets attack, who I am is dented, but God made me hopeful.
That’s what I am. I’m hopeful that my knees will continue to get better. I will
be a “Dancing Queen,” again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you, Lord for using ABBA music to fill my heart and
soul with hope and encouragement. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© Nadine Zawacki, 2019<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-24675218563750151282018-08-27T21:57:00.001-07:002018-09-15T09:21:17.428-07:00No Esta Aqui<div class="MsoNormal">
I work at a medical clinic with over ninety employees. It’s been a change being a part of a big organization. I work the front desk with five other lovely ladies. A couple of them speak Spanish, so when we get a phone call from Spanish-speaking patients, one of the ladies takes the call. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day, I asked one of the ladies if she was available to take a Spanish-speaking call. Her response to me was, “No esta aqui.” (Loosely translated, not here.)” I replied, “You esta aqui,” which made her laugh. I butcher the Spanish language on a daily basis. I love hearing the ladies speak Spanish. It sounds like music<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My journey the last several years has been a difficult one. Living in Canada was challenging. It wasn’t just the winter with eighteen feet of snow, but the people were cold. We never pastored a church before that had such hard, stubborn people that were at times disrespectful and unkind towards my husband. Granted there were some very wonderful people we met on the island of PEI. On a whole it was a bad experience for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love living back in the U.S. I don’t ever want to live anywhere else again. Since we moved back to the states, I’ve kept God at bay. I’ve had no interest in going to church. To be honest, I’m still at that place. Lately, God’s been drawing me closer even though my response is, “No esta aqui.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t want to push Him away, but I just can’t help myself. No matter how much I’ve pushed, He hasn’t gone anywhere. “He’s esta aqui.” Now my Spanish is not accurate but the sentiment is accurate. God is here. He hasn’t gone anywhere. He was in Canada and now He’s here in Washington. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been a pastor’s wife for over 30 years. It’s taken its toll, but I won’t let the haters win. I love God and I love His people, but some of them are harder than others to love. That’s just my feelings at this time. I’ve loved before and I will love again. I’ve forgiven those who hurt us, but the memory of the hurt will take a littler longer.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style> <br />
--> <!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;}
</style>
<![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><div class="MsoNormal">
© Nadine Zawacki 08/28/18<o:p></o:p></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-63149691241319417512017-05-29T11:58:00.002-07:002017-05-29T11:58:46.099-07:00Take Courage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1VI4wW4NTFWLWuqzgfvHpMQDFO6UeFlRt2m_HGAwjrVlK88kpcjxhB4JEyckv9FcHjjQf1cYcLu0LG_IGQ_nktBrLJgIZFN7eAlmOo48gBsq1ImjGOoHGxOKQFcJD6HNeadd/s1600/take+courage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1VI4wW4NTFWLWuqzgfvHpMQDFO6UeFlRt2m_HGAwjrVlK88kpcjxhB4JEyckv9FcHjjQf1cYcLu0LG_IGQ_nktBrLJgIZFN7eAlmOo48gBsq1ImjGOoHGxOKQFcJD6HNeadd/s320/take+courage+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s been a long time since I sat at my laptop and started to write. When my heart hurts, it’s hard to flow creatively. It’s difficult to see beyond my pain. Last year was a difficult year for me. In the beginning of the year, I lost my Mom. She was 90 years old and she was ill, but my heart is having a hard healing from the </span>lost<span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If that was the only thing that happened last year, I might be able to deal with it. But my brother got ill and was in the hospital. Tom had trouble with his heart. I was struggling with back trouble and I had a hard time walking. My back still troubles me from time to time. My cousin past away and my heart didn’t stand a chance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But in the darkness came joy, my daughter got engaged to a wonderful man whom we love. They are getting married this year and my heart couldn’t be more thrilled. It is something I prayed for since she was a little girl – that she would find a man who would love her, be good to her and fill her heart. God answered that prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There is a worship song written by Kristene DiMarco, Jeremy Riddle and Joel Taylor (CCLI# 7074837) that speaks to me. It encourages me. Here are the lyrics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Slow down take time, breathe in He said<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>He’d reveal what’s to come<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>The thoughts in His mind, always higher than mine<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>And He’ll reveal all to come<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Take courage my heart, stay steadfast my soul<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>He’s in the waiting; He’s in the waiting<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Hold onto your hope, as your triumph unfolds<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>He’s never failing, He’s never failing<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Sing praise my soul, find strength in joy<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Let His words lead you on<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Do not forget, His great faithfulness<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>He’ll finish all He’s begun<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>You who hold the stars, who call them each by name<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Will surely keep Your promise to me<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>That I will rise in Your victory.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I find the hardest place to be is in a place where you’re in a hallway. What I mean by that is one door of opportunity has closed and you’re waiting for another door to open. It’s this place where God is in the waiting. Whether it is dealing with a death, or health problems, or anything it is life brings your way; “the waiting” is difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This song reminds me that God is in “the waiting.” He never fails and the best thing I can do is to “hold onto my hope.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So help me Lord, to hold onto hope and trust in You. You never fail and you are with me even in the toughest of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -1.0cm;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;} @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} @page WordSection1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">© Nadine Zawacki 2017 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;} @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} @page WordSection1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-195250886239223872016-07-06T07:24:00.001-07:002016-07-06T07:31:41.085-07:00No Camping Zone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYJ92lNrNIePCmsxguQEzEFWJkir3A0ehgsUy_g1QeIvjOm64e8bFTKsbdJX87oYnbFTDXnrnFKpmflgwzdZX2600zUl79TNhs0S4O5wBSsrTyDyqHWZoow0sMnkTasNs9cbk/s1600/Camping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYJ92lNrNIePCmsxguQEzEFWJkir3A0ehgsUy_g1QeIvjOm64e8bFTKsbdJX87oYnbFTDXnrnFKpmflgwzdZX2600zUl79TNhs0S4O5wBSsrTyDyqHWZoow0sMnkTasNs9cbk/s320/Camping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m not a big fan of camping. It’s not that camping is a bad or evil activity it’s just that it’s done outdoors. I’ve always felt that the “great outdoors” was overrated. Whether you’re on a beach (where it’s hot, sandy and your skin can burn to a crisp) or in the woods (where most horror movies take place).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fresh air and beautiful view, unfortunately, comes with wild animals, mosquitos and lots of walking up and down mountains. I understand that many people love that kind of thing, but not this girl. Sleeping in tents on the ground when at any moment a bear can come tearing through the tent to eat me . . . yeah, that sounds like a great time. My idea of “roughing” it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no room service</i>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Call me crazy, but I’m a big fan of indoor plumbing. There is nothing like the sweet sound of water rushing through pipes. Technology rocks! Wi-Fi, electricity, warm comfortable bed, showers, kitchen appliances and my laptop are all the comforts that I enjoy. So I’m spoiled. I’m okay with that. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A friend of mine recently posted the above cartoon. It suits me perfectly – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If “camping” means my hotel room faces the woods, then yeah, I’ll go camping.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The only exception I made was when I went to “Burning Man.” That was a special situation. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When my thoughts turn to camping, I think about John 15:4 - </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"</i></span></span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." </i>My husband, Tom, says that camping is the opposite of "abide" which means to set up permanent residence. I guess I'm a permanent residence kind of gal.</span></span><br />
<span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All you out there, who are big fans of camping, don’t get angry with me. I’ve tried camping and it just wasn’t for me, but the rest of you have at it. As for me, it’s a – No Camping Zone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">© Nadine Zawacki 2016</span></span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-3337204892564918542016-06-22T08:37:00.000-07:002016-06-22T08:41:49.871-07:00Love the Forgotten Verb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIenwXECCMGChPUo-2c7X8C7iRMmZX-UMpuNgz0d8Rcg9gysCTaYPoCk2dKDXaM6dZqQYOHZJIHw6z_NEmU4fgGKm5v8kXzMwJCrRf-XHITxPk03kwwH8FU3filj5YA0rhC49/s1600/love.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIenwXECCMGChPUo-2c7X8C7iRMmZX-UMpuNgz0d8Rcg9gysCTaYPoCk2dKDXaM6dZqQYOHZJIHw6z_NEmU4fgGKm5v8kXzMwJCrRf-XHITxPk03kwwH8FU3filj5YA0rhC49/s1600/love.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A verb is defined as </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">a word used to describe an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">action</i>, state, or occurrence. I’m going to touch on the part of the verb that is described as an action. Love in action is amazing. There are different types of love that exist but nothing is more powerful than when love is in action. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I’m the first to admit that I’m not always great at love in the form of action. I find I love better when God is involved. Love never fails. What fails every time is hate, betrayal, criticism, gossip and judgment. I have been guilty of every one of those things in my life I’m sorry to say, but my heart has slowly changed through the years. Am I perfect at this? By all means – no, but I’m better at it than I used to be. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Words have such power in them, especially when being spoken to others. Hateful words spread like cancer and kill everything in its wake. I know because I’ve been guilty of that. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I learned this lesson during the time we lived in West Virginia. Tom and I and a few of the people from our church went to a conference. It was at this conference that I felt the conviction my hateful words towards others. I felt that God wanted me to apologize to four people that I had spoken bad things about behind their backs. The first person was at this conference with us, so I went to her and apologized. When we returned home I called the next person on the list and apologized to her. The next two were a couple and as I started to dial their number, I stopped cold. I felt the conviction of God again and this time, I heard a still small voice . . . I had spoken very badly about these two behind their backs and God wanted me to apologize to their face. I had sworn that I would never have these two people in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> house so God wanted me to invite them over. After about an hour of deep prayer, I called. They were not far from my house and said that they can come right now. It was the hardest thing I ever done, but I did it. I could tell by their faces that it touched them deeply. A weight lifted from my heart. I never wanted to do that again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love is a powerful tool. Light and darkness cannot exist at the same time neither can love and hate. It’s easy to hate or dislike or judge someone. It’s harder to love them. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Forgive me God for the times I choose to hate rather than love. Help to love more in action and talk less with my words. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is just a portion of what I’ve learned lately it’s not the complete story of love. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">© Nadine Zawacki, 2016</span></span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-79033536773914702812016-03-09T10:02:00.000-08:002016-03-09T10:02:11.661-08:00My Mind vs. My Heart<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6ONq5-TcT_yJcMZI3ppYoO9nqRNogt-FcKHZigQhtXIEqwagKumlUmvy7er0bjLDvPpRR5O8taNty3hFOPbrcyf8TEMIIC9LEHe996k-HSuKkTLPFRrUsO0YbcawhYUD_DUW/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6ONq5-TcT_yJcMZI3ppYoO9nqRNogt-FcKHZigQhtXIEqwagKumlUmvy7er0bjLDvPpRR5O8taNty3hFOPbrcyf8TEMIIC9LEHe996k-HSuKkTLPFRrUsO0YbcawhYUD_DUW/s320/IMG_1374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">My mom recently passed away. She was ninety years old, had Alzheimer’s, a bad heart and diabetes. My mind knew that I could get a call at anytime that she was gone. She developed a brain bleed and the doctor told us that she would not recover. I discussed it with my family and the best thing to do was to wait here in Canada. It’s about a fifteen-hour drive and we didn’t know how long it would take. So I waited. My mind prepared. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My heart betrayed me. When I got the call, I wept. I felt overwhelmed. Since that time I had moments when I would cry out of the blue. I could be fine one minute and the next I’m hysterical. I’m not a crier. I especially don’t like to do that in public. Both my children flew in from the West Coast for the funeral. They were such a huge comfort to me. Tom has been my rock. I don’t know what I would do without them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It doesn’t matter how old you are or how much your mind is prepared for such an event the heart takes control. I’m grateful for family and friends who have expressed love in many ways. It’s been priceless to me. I know in time, it gets better, at least, that’s what my mind tells me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I choose to remember the good times. She was a great lady. She was kind, considerate and a compassionate woman. She was a talented seamstress who made my daughter and me so many beautiful clothes. Funny thing was I didn’t ask her to make a new dress; she would simply take my measurements and make me the latest style. I loved her laugh. Thanks to my kids who taped a visit with her five years ago, I have her laughter recorded and can watch our interaction with her when I miss her. She loved to feed people (I guess that’s where I get it from) and always made you feel at home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Thank you, Lord, for giving me such a loving mom. I know she’s with you now and one day we’ll be together again. I love my Mom and will hold her dearly in both my mind and my heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">© Nadine Zawacki 2016</span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-87476512609951380272015-08-31T08:22:00.000-07:002015-11-24T14:28:06.757-08:00The Other Love Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPQQ3RkwYz5xnlKf6uwq6_1oWUh2bqKUV9gdI3laZM1Kp_VO0wAoUY_7-mFlBuQPmi5dH6D88XOtMcciElpqp7NGy3DdtyIpm98tHGO4Z5TpP66RunqUv6X3HKYi1YZIT9PJF/s1600/love+tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPQQ3RkwYz5xnlKf6uwq6_1oWUh2bqKUV9gdI3laZM1Kp_VO0wAoUY_7-mFlBuQPmi5dH6D88XOtMcciElpqp7NGy3DdtyIpm98tHGO4Z5TpP66RunqUv6X3HKYi1YZIT9PJF/s1600/love+tree.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Sunday, as I listened to my husband’s sermon on John 13, it spoke to me. I have to confess that I enjoy Tom’s sermons because he speaks to my heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most people consider 1 Corinthians 13 to be the love chapter in the bible. Then I would have to say that John 13 is the other love chapter. 1 Corinthians describes love: Love patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I feel that John 13 demonstrates love through Jesus’ actions. This was his last night with his closest friends and what he did first was wash all their feet (even the feet of Judas who would betray him and Peter who would deny him). He didn’t kick them out or displayed anger. He loved them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus said in verses 34- 35: A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. Jesus spoke to his disciples in a very profound way because in the Hebrew mindset to say “a new command I give you,” Jesus could have easily said Commandant #11.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This touched me. It’s better to love than to be right. How does it feel to be wrong? It feels like being right. When you discover your wrong is different because then you may feel embarrassed or sorry for your wrongness. Maturity is an ongoing process until the day I meet my maker. I learn things as I mature. I discover that I can be wrong and my opinions may change. So if being right comes at the price of love then the price is too high.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes God brings people in my life to help me practice love and sometimes He brings me into theirs to help them practice. I have a theory that can’t be proven and it’s my own opinion, but here it goes: I feel that if I can’t love someone here on earth that God will put us in the same section of heaven until eternity. So I try not to take any chances with people that annoy me. </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was so much richness in Tom’s sermon on John 13 (give in three parts). Most of the above was inspired by his message. If you want to check it out, you can <a href="http://charlottetownvineyard.com/media.php?pageID=5" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">© Nadine and Tom Zawacki 2015</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-83572045348097872092015-07-30T09:13:00.000-07:002015-11-24T14:29:06.059-08:00Decisions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm6a__xpH75l5gkoCqVXNxgW8UBCrvpX3R8nKognCa3rHYmrV_3C3-YmsorrQXsEa2OK900f-Ga3duHOAHF1wpO0H_U6Ex6Zh9b-oMDuQV9V_x6JuDgZSRShKUrT6CJ6P_I54/s1600/lender-decisions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm6a__xpH75l5gkoCqVXNxgW8UBCrvpX3R8nKognCa3rHYmrV_3C3-YmsorrQXsEa2OK900f-Ga3duHOAHF1wpO0H_U6Ex6Zh9b-oMDuQV9V_x6JuDgZSRShKUrT6CJ6P_I54/s320/lender-decisions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was thinking the other day about forgiveness. I realized for me forgiveness is not a question of “if.” Of course, I will forgive the person who hurt me. The decision about forgiveness was already made in my mind. The “if” is a given but the “when” or “how often” has the question mark attached.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are times and situations forgiveness comes quickly. Other times not so much. The deeper the wound the longer it takes to come that conclusion for me. I find it especially hard to forgive when it happens to Tom or my kids. I want to forgive that person for the hurt, but when I watch the outcome of their hurt in someone that means the world to me, it’s not easy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’ve learned to make a point of forgiving people because it’s not for their benefit that I forgive; it’s for my benefit – my spiritual, emotional and physical benefit. It takes too much out of me to stay angry. Anyone can have a bad day. They can say something they don’t mean or say it in a way that’s harsh or disrespectful. I get that. They may never ask for me to forgive them, but that’s not the point of forgiveness. It doesn’t require action from them – because let’s face it sometimes that’s just never going to happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It requires action from me, for me, to benefit me. So today, I choose to forgive, which doesn’t mean I trust that person or persons, but I forgive them. (I’m not saying here that to forgive someone means you stay in a relationship with them. Some relationships are toxic.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is freedom in forgiveness for me. It helps me to move forward instead of being tied to something in the past that can hold me back. Forgiveness is a process, but the first step is a decision, at least for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">© Nadine Zawacki 2015</span>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-48166406877934927352015-06-20T11:51:00.001-07:002015-11-24T14:25:48.620-08:00Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUtS4Cpf9pmk7ExSLcRvQ5Yja4kjpgz8JUWvC65q5Y9Nx945JvR1AEkh0fj0HmGC7FxBmEFj3A1tmbz8PPUUUGi9BhWNPABlrVZKMpfoep_dbnPwWBYaK8TFAp-BDuWC61JEm/s1600/photo%252810%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUtS4Cpf9pmk7ExSLcRvQ5Yja4kjpgz8JUWvC65q5Y9Nx945JvR1AEkh0fj0HmGC7FxBmEFj3A1tmbz8PPUUUGi9BhWNPABlrVZKMpfoep_dbnPwWBYaK8TFAp-BDuWC61JEm/s320/photo%252810%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";">I’m about to admit something, so please don’t judge me. I watch “Girl Meets World.” It’s a show based on the original show “Boy Meets World.” It’s a Disney show so the acting is campy, the kids are adorable and each show ends in a lesson. I watched last night’s episode this morning while I ate breakfast. What I didn’t expect was to weep by the end of the episode titled, “Girl Meets Hurricane.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";">The lesson was on hope. One little girl who always hoped for the best and her friend who didn’t dare to hope because life lets her down – every time. Watching the episode unfold struck me in a way I hadn’t expected. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";">I usually don’t cry after watching a 20-minute sitcom. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hope</i> was missing and I hadn’t realized it was gone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";">Nadine means hope. I’m someone who usually hopes for the best in situations. Because of my faith in God, hope was something that I held onto in tough times. It was part of my DNA. It’s a best friend who comforted me in bad times. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";">Hope is a powerful tool. Proverbs 13:12 says this:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";">When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on, the delay can be depressing. But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";"> (The Passion Translation)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";">Since hope is part of my DNA, it hadn’t really gone away completely, I just wasn’t using it. It doesn’t matter what I’m hoping for, it matters that I don’t give up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia";">© Nadine Zawacki 2015</span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-25220949189075766422015-06-13T08:43:00.001-07:002015-06-13T08:43:28.232-07:00One Woman’s Weed is One Little Boy’s Flower
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
@page WordSection1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:35.4pt;
mso-footer-margin:35.4pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNQ5LCFkq2X0Zu7LOEsW2ds-IOW4rUPTdk6Kw8TK0b9mBJUYxz93xn0g9telHiT3mB-iJ3vJei67FMTaWjYX1LAVjYZp_6cLazN9TIo7CpkO-FWi5R_0VY_d_Jf0FfGdXZ9Ov/s1600/Cole+June+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNQ5LCFkq2X0Zu7LOEsW2ds-IOW4rUPTdk6Kw8TK0b9mBJUYxz93xn0g9telHiT3mB-iJ3vJei67FMTaWjYX1LAVjYZp_6cLazN9TIo7CpkO-FWi5R_0VY_d_Jf0FfGdXZ9Ov/s320/Cole+June+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Last Sunday after church, one of the little
boys picked me a “flower.” It was a dandelion weed. I said thank you and then placed
it on the bench beside me. I got up to leave and honestly, I just forgot about
it. He called out to let me know that I left my “flower” on the bench. I picked
it up and thanked him. It just made me smile.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">This sweet boy wanted me to have a flower
and the adult me knew it wasn’t a flower. Of course, I took it anyway. His
heart was pure and precious. I realized at that moment what Jesus meant when he
said in Matthew 18:3; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly I tell you,
unless you change and become like little children, you’ll never enter the
kingdom of heaven.”</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That innocence and ability to look at a
weed and see only a flower is priceless. That’s what God does with us. As an
adult, I lost that. I know that it is a weed and it plays havoc with my lawn. I
know a lot of things and sometimes that gets in the way my seeing the innocence
and purity in life. My own earthly wisdom gets in the way. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In times when hope and faith are
needed, that’s when innocence and purity comes into play. I’ve prayed and seen
mountains move and I’ve prayed and seen nothing happen. Why? I don’t know. But
today I pray, I can see people, the way this little see weeds. Thank you Lord
for a sweet lesson from a sweet boy.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">© Nadine Zawacki 2015</span></span><span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-77574854407324936232015-06-07T02:36:00.003-07:002015-06-07T02:37:27.058-07:0034th Wedding Anniversary<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-XDHOqytn4XvRAF2DpBuBFAimSAflKjQmMO-v8pVlqsqOTW8vV9GcH5tNPYLX4B41jydVZORmt8u_MTVhe5-UQlVtvCarK8hyphenhyphendRU2F_93ccdllQT6eVVFuoPEkMmerikDunJ/s1600/34+years.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-XDHOqytn4XvRAF2DpBuBFAimSAflKjQmMO-v8pVlqsqOTW8vV9GcH5tNPYLX4B41jydVZORmt8u_MTVhe5-UQlVtvCarK8hyphenhyphendRU2F_93ccdllQT6eVVFuoPEkMmerikDunJ/s320/34+years.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">Today is my 34<sup>th</sup>
wedding anniversary. I have the privilege to be married to my best friend. Tom
is a kind man who makes me a better person. He is loving, kind hearted and a
wonderful husband and father. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">Today, I
celebrate you, Tom. I thank you for your love and patience. For your goodness
and kindness. For the adventures we faced. For the quiet times and for the
excitement life brought us. For the joys and the sadness. For the good times and the bad. For through it all,
you were there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">If I had a
chance to go back in time, I would marry you again knowing all that I know. Thank
you for loving me. You’re a good man and I’m glad you’re mine. I love you with
my whole heart. Happy Anniversary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">© Nadine
Zawacki 2015</span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-53054837944822026152015-06-05T08:55:00.001-07:002015-06-05T09:09:33.404-07:00The Five Love Languages<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaULmrIr9eY3ZR5FlIGN3SEt9-mn5SxUmwxDZv4R-Y8jY8sH7aJBo34iz4mB5dODHko32icwAI5v3Yh6JXnFFRlKpRrDyYGoC6LTgEi4uoZMPjbL_f_ilvckHu__cYtiqi1FD3/s1600/5lovelanguages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaULmrIr9eY3ZR5FlIGN3SEt9-mn5SxUmwxDZv4R-Y8jY8sH7aJBo34iz4mB5dODHko32icwAI5v3Yh6JXnFFRlKpRrDyYGoC6LTgEi4uoZMPjbL_f_ilvckHu__cYtiqi1FD3/s320/5lovelanguages.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">Gary Chapman
wrote a book called “The Five Love Languages.” They are: Words of Affirmation,
Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, Physical Touch. I think there
should be a sixth one – food. </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">My husband
preached a sermon a few weeks back about this and you can listen to it <a href="http://www.thomaszawacki.com/media.php?pageID=11">here</a> (just click on
the title <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">5 Love Languages</i></b>). You can listen to the message and also there
is a downloadable test that you can take.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">I took the test
many years ago and always knew that Acts of Service was my love language. So I
tend to show love through Acts of Service rather than in others ways. Learning
the love language of those close to me was helpful because then I could express
love in their language. It works so much better that way. I took the test again
that Sunday and I was surprised that Words of Affirmation was my lowest score
(I scored a one). It was by far the least important to me. For a writer, words
not having that much meaning to me personally is funny. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">I guess it goes
back to the fact that I’ve had many nice words said to me in the past. The
people who said them believed they were being sincere, but it turned out they
would do the opposite of their words. For example, in the past when I heard someone say they had my back,
I learned that it was wise to duck. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">Words are
important whether it's your love language or not. What you say, how you say it
and to whom you say it carries a lot of weight. If you are a person of
influence, what you say can sway others in ways you may not be able to see.
When groups of people with the same mindset come together (good or bad) there
is power in the momentum of their beliefs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">I learned a
long time ago, that I try not to say anything about someone that I’m not
willing to say to them in love. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in
love</i> part is the most important. Am I perfect at this? – not by a long shot. My mom taught me at a young age, if I've got nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">When it comes to words spoken about me, well my mindset is such
that I don’t let it bother me. I like me. I’m funny, I can cook and I’m as
loyal a friend as they come. I just don’t like it if I hear someone speaking ill about someone I love greatly. It’s a battle to keep the Brooklyn from coming
out in full force. I’m working on it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">So what’s your
love language? Were you surprised by the outcome?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">© Nadine
Zawacki 2015</span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-61431475927376714022015-05-27T14:48:00.002-07:002015-06-05T08:57:18.975-07:00Cinderella<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBVNlc7HupWtiNfTZr447FG4Z11fEzXhfQgfiXX8iYtLm72lAbbujA1ISMphJLk9pNvW3GsmSKKvPYbCzjbJhL56TJb8ZVFAbjrVK4V0AGwXXu2Qgu4HxG01n-sIaX4M-5lI0/s1600/cinderella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBVNlc7HupWtiNfTZr447FG4Z11fEzXhfQgfiXX8iYtLm72lAbbujA1ISMphJLk9pNvW3GsmSKKvPYbCzjbJhL56TJb8ZVFAbjrVK4V0AGwXXu2Qgu4HxG01n-sIaX4M-5lI0/s1600/cinderella.jpg" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">As a child, I loved the story of
Cinderella. Let’s be honest, I still love the story of Cinderella. I mean
what’s not to love; evil stepmother and stepsisters, fairy godmother, pumpkin
carriage, beautiful gown and glass slippers. I think I’ve seen every version of
the story. The latest one had so many great quotes that made me think. A couple
of my favorites:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cinderella about her stepfamily:They
treat me as well as they are able.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; tab-stops: 21.3pt; text-indent: -21.3pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cinderella to the prince:Just because
it’s what’s done, doesn’t mean it’s what should be done.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; tab-stops: 21.3pt; text-indent: -21.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I loved the one
about her stepfamily; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“They treat me as
well as they are able.”</i> – wow. It dawned on me that when someone treats
someone badly maybe it’s not because they are evil, maybe it’s because it’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as well as they are able</i>. What a way to
look at cruel behavior. It doesn’t excuse cruelty. I found I’m not responsible
for how people treat me, but I’m responsible for how I react to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">The other quote, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Just because it’s what’s done, doesn’t mean
it’s what should be done.”</i> – another wow. How often do I find myself doing
something because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it’s what’s done,</i>
instead of choosing not to do it because it shouldn’t be? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I love when I
watch a simple movie that speaks to me in ways I hadn’t expected. As a little
girl I wanted to be Cinderella, but not anymore. I’ve found my prince. Now, I
just want to be the fairy godmother because she helps Cinderella to find her
prince.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 21.3pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">© Nadine Zawacki
2015</span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-12265446701300798172015-05-20T18:40:00.002-07:002015-05-20T18:46:26.952-07:00Just in Time for Summer . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMqqlzFtrEigJJG03WHP4SE1I6zWojxBbo8t4EJmWS7oQbpu8CStXcqbEwdQfonY5wyl9zcZBG3nwTQhdXFV9oMhi5obqMbSXcGctXsEAvDsZ7mSd8bitFfGbpQY9pGjoqR42/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMqqlzFtrEigJJG03WHP4SE1I6zWojxBbo8t4EJmWS7oQbpu8CStXcqbEwdQfonY5wyl9zcZBG3nwTQhdXFV9oMhi5obqMbSXcGctXsEAvDsZ7mSd8bitFfGbpQY9pGjoqR42/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just in time for summer, I finished a crochet blanket for my king size bed that I’ve worked on for a good part of a year. It matches my comforter set. To be honest I thought I wouldn’t see it completed. I started to wonder if one day my great, great, granddaughter would feel sorry for her ancestor who couldn’t finish a crochet blanket and it was up to her to bring back honor to the family name by finally completing what great, great grandma couldn’t. Here's a close up look at it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFSk4l3wAbWsJJIJHSuBLifgDkbsE3H7mGqkl3XhXb2pJeHVaT9z7HA5O0r-8MBmUNkVGqYuTYUkxb4rrmSOAvj2v4K7ufTWIJoTCKiT_IfXE_dedM-bB-tdLoXmZlysvkASI/s1600/closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFSk4l3wAbWsJJIJHSuBLifgDkbsE3H7mGqkl3XhXb2pJeHVaT9z7HA5O0r-8MBmUNkVGqYuTYUkxb4rrmSOAvj2v4K7ufTWIJoTCKiT_IfXE_dedM-bB-tdLoXmZlysvkASI/s320/closeup.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I worked on the blanket, it taught me a few things. Sometimes I needed to take a break from it. My hand would hurt or my old eyes got weary. If I took too long of a break, then it was hard to get back in the grove of things, but just enough of a break rejuvenated me. If I just gave up, it would still be there to mock me. I’m glad I never gave up.<br /><br />I found that I sometimes need to take a break in life also. There had been time, it got too crazy and my mind started to hurt. I felt guilty if I took the day off and “goofed off.” Mental health days are important for my well being. Just like the blanket it helped to stop when I needed a break to rejuvenate. <br /><br />Thank you Lord for teaching me to stop, relax and recharge. Thank you for making it better and helping me to see clearer.<br /><br />© Nadine Zawacki 2015</span>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-62807067084131277012015-03-19T10:15:00.001-07:002015-03-19T10:16:28.417-07:00My Brother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOipV8s0_WI6xV9dJd9zPq_X75GFQEca1ur_7xPd488BoxGlwWuVyg9yLzbGhG-o_ICtN87T6VKQFX-5UKcUnWQMyN4eCw-pb6umQ5FDh35JEqQy_9RQDDM570Ms6dOfaE_Fc8/s1600/photo(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOipV8s0_WI6xV9dJd9zPq_X75GFQEca1ur_7xPd488BoxGlwWuVyg9yLzbGhG-o_ICtN87T6VKQFX-5UKcUnWQMyN4eCw-pb6umQ5FDh35JEqQy_9RQDDM570Ms6dOfaE_Fc8/s1600/photo(8).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
On our visit to New York, we stopped by to see my brother, Frantz and his wife Nancy. I love my brother who is ten years older than me. Growing up, he would try to scare me all the time on one hand and on the other he would also protect me. Another memory I have was how he would charge me for everything. For example, if I got a message he would say, "Give me a dollar." I never paid him, but I have a whopper of a tab going. Even at our age as I was putting on my make-up, he snuck up behind me and made a barking sound. At my age that could be dangerous. <br />
<br />
We always have a good time when we are together. <br />
<br />
When we left Haiti, I was only two years old so I don't remember life there, but my brother does. We were about to have dinner when he mentioned my mother sewing wedding dress business in the home. I said, "Mom never had a business in the house." I then came to realized that happened before I was born. From that point on I made him spill information about growing up in Haiti. I couldn't get enough. We had such a wonderful time listening to stories I've never heard of before.<br />
<br />
Frantz remembered that he had my dad's sketch book. Our father died twenty six years ago. My dad was an architect among the many other things he did for a living. The sketch book was from the time he was in school. (Sketch pictured below).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tygcj3O6p1o8_CwgmnyQp9Z8TQM1pPKj6jU1j-g4sXbUOBNz8sRz9ot6NgybRWtaRxQpqENonvwt7BJFYisQtFIpjcCb4Af2cqMq1qhKlyeZ_BgnCdp0SGlVqxk8F8kX6OGT/s1600/photo(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tygcj3O6p1o8_CwgmnyQp9Z8TQM1pPKj6jU1j-g4sXbUOBNz8sRz9ot6NgybRWtaRxQpqENonvwt7BJFYisQtFIpjcCb4Af2cqMq1qhKlyeZ_BgnCdp0SGlVqxk8F8kX6OGT/s1600/photo(9).JPG" height="135" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The details were hard to capture in a photo. My brother and his lovely wife could see how much I enjoyed the sketch book. He gifted me the sketch book. It was priceless. I cried and I don't usually do that often. My heart was so full after this visit. I love you brother. Thank you.<br />
<br />
© Nadine Zawacki 2015Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-3375157823808480532015-02-04T06:17:00.002-08:002015-02-04T06:17:39.917-08:00Contest Winners Announced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91kYZYey3US29dCyMaAI1XbvMFn3uuKDj-ZDljqzgzylnfHTLmxibt-SU3lENh6_Ldx7elvZ4voIMUVftL_d4ehsN9zNnOGbUpq0Fl146m1zTYZYDhLf8Gu7wwZDEoYwHfZka/s1600/and-the-winners-are.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91kYZYey3US29dCyMaAI1XbvMFn3uuKDj-ZDljqzgzylnfHTLmxibt-SU3lENh6_Ldx7elvZ4voIMUVftL_d4ehsN9zNnOGbUpq0Fl146m1zTYZYDhLf8Gu7wwZDEoYwHfZka/s1600/and-the-winners-are.gif" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to thank everyone who entered to win one of two copies of my new book. I gathered all the names (some of you took advantage of multiple chances to win) and placed them in a hat. Thank you everyone who participated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The winners are Jill B. and Priscilla T. I will contact you both on Facebook message to get your mailing addresses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Congratulations!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #12273c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">© Nadine Zawacki 2015</span>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-56383291855386655872015-01-28T09:45:00.001-08:002015-01-28T09:45:27.710-08:00'Til Death Book Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvWWSwW5IPZ0bVuHvSyw_wuitgQ3jK4oYETVQVofzcy044DIQXIUO_nP8bgGWOPXTc0hwFmDYgiAu8T5NTMCX-C4_X7-OAktIhxqNNgZP4h5J4pnX2zyWXFJNxFeUqh0X3A7f/s1600/photo(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvWWSwW5IPZ0bVuHvSyw_wuitgQ3jK4oYETVQVofzcy044DIQXIUO_nP8bgGWOPXTc0hwFmDYgiAu8T5NTMCX-C4_X7-OAktIhxqNNgZP4h5J4pnX2zyWXFJNxFeUqh0X3A7f/s1600/photo(7).JPG" height="200" width="127" /></a></div>
I'm happy to announce the release of my latest book available now on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Til-Death-Nadine-Zawacki/dp/1987852001/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422377833&sr=1-3&keywords=nadine+zawacki" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. When you write a book, the thing that crosses your mind is whether you can write another. Are there any ideas left in my head. Will people like it as much as the first one? <br />
<br />
I'm excited about 'Til Death. I was inspired by the book of Hosea, but wanted to modernize the story with my own twists. That's why it's inspired by Hosea but not based on it. <br />
<br />
The story centers around Sal Martinelli who grew up without his mom and the last thing he wanted for his son was to grow up without his. He loves Vicki but her addictions make it difficult to repeat the vicious cycle of love and disappointment. You can read the beginnings <a href="http://tildeathbook.blogspot.ca/?zx=ce309c1933220832" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
So what better to celebrate than to have a book giveaway. I'm giving away two books, one to the US and one to Canada. The winners will be announce next Wednesday. You have many ways to enter:<br />
<br />
1. Leave a comment on this blog post.<br />
2. Leave a comment on the Facebook link.<br />
3. Join my Facebook Author Page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nadine-Zawacki/12153833613" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
© Nadine Zawacki 2015<br />
<br />
Cover photo of the book is a picture of our wedding rings and my wedding dress. Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-30321295114673129362014-11-16T10:32:00.001-08:002015-03-19T09:15:50.366-07:00Why Be a Critic When You Can Be An Intercessor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGTBbf_VUyWHy-LIZyhw-2tqcBC6cb9dmIPkg_cQRsnxT2g3Kv8M6lUL_EhMFSfdi1s-lrZnG_Qeju4ucr8_TOYfjbPBrgntXyDW4UskB5Fkkthhg1ckSKXYM9pgDiNGXZwdF/s1600/critics-corner-promo-01-4_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGTBbf_VUyWHy-LIZyhw-2tqcBC6cb9dmIPkg_cQRsnxT2g3Kv8M6lUL_EhMFSfdi1s-lrZnG_Qeju4ucr8_TOYfjbPBrgntXyDW4UskB5Fkkthhg1ckSKXYM9pgDiNGXZwdF/s1600/critics-corner-promo-01-4_3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Tuesday mornings my husband meets with a group of pastors from all over Prince Edward Island. They gather to pray and support one another. The different churches gather once a month to pray for the island. This month the pastors thought they would gather for an entire day of prayer. They wanted to honor all those who intercede for them and the island. It was a great day.<br />
<br />
All the pastors spoke and had encouraging words to share. My husband spoke about honoring the intercessor and the difference between an intercessor and a critic. They are different sides of the same coin. I was moved by it. It started me thinking and looking into myself to see which side the coin was facing up for me.<br />
<br />
When you Google the word <i>intercessor</i> the definition is simple: a person who intervenes on behalf of another, especially by prayer.<br />
<br />
When you Google the word <i>critic</i> the first definition that comes up: a person who expresses an unfavorable opinion of something. Synonyms: detractor, attacker, fault-finder.<br />
<br />
A critic talks to others; while an intercessor talks to God about a person. A critic builds walls between people; while an intercessor builds bridges between people to God. A critic gets his reward from others; while an intercessor gets his reward from God. A critic lacks faith and trusts only in himself and his knowledge; while an intercessor has faith and trusts in God. A critic trusts in what he thinks he sees; while an intercessor trusts in what he can’t see. A critic gets power from others of like-mindedness and builds his case against another person; while an intercessor gets power from his relationship with God trusting that God is bigger and in control.<br />
<br />
So my prayer for myself is this:<br />
Lord help me to criticize less and pray more. Help me to build bridges and not walls, especially around myself. May I be someone who trusts in You more than I trust in myself. I pray that I love the people you place in my life and trust You for the rest.<br />
<br />
© Nadine Zawacki 2014<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-67237892905594358152014-01-06T12:36:00.000-08:002015-03-19T09:15:36.371-07:00Gotta Love YouTube<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwylvAfhRqfFBpC9rciVeNqT9mkmFHn_-_hBOoyZshnY6lMZDRbR_gRfh3B34AD2m-kCSLN3qkSLspR3u6pzXhEPvERZpBm0CF3c5KEU6NsXoH8pcPGNp2nJBcYnzeofpEeEyC/s1600/Blanket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwylvAfhRqfFBpC9rciVeNqT9mkmFHn_-_hBOoyZshnY6lMZDRbR_gRfh3B34AD2m-kCSLN3qkSLspR3u6pzXhEPvERZpBm0CF3c5KEU6NsXoH8pcPGNp2nJBcYnzeofpEeEyC/s1600/Blanket.JPG" height="281" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve crocheted in the past but it was so long ago I forgot how. Back then I winged it as I went along with some basic stitches I learned from someone or someplace. I made some blankets for the kids and my hubby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fast forward to the present. A friend at church was making baby blankets for needy families and I thought that was an awesome idea. So she helped me get started on a blanket. We laughed more than I paid attention to anything. My blanket sides started to be wobbly. I should have paid closer attention. In need of help, I turned to YouTube. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love YouTube. Not only did I learn how to crochet a baby blanket but I’ve also made some booties. The blanket (pictured above) and booties (pictured below) are for one of my daughter’s friends who's expecting a baby. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N3jewBz25MLnLbrdTo0kbfj_Ck82dAbpgskKyF_Vjepp-_62WmkMPlvxxghBJzQHtwAfvQW1Iu2LCoJiD1tx2ciEa2crl5CR46aoeFyY9yuAe65lTu37oU7OJTQbKKYsZr-w/s1600/booties.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N3jewBz25MLnLbrdTo0kbfj_Ck82dAbpgskKyF_Vjepp-_62WmkMPlvxxghBJzQHtwAfvQW1Iu2LCoJiD1tx2ciEa2crl5CR46aoeFyY9yuAe65lTu37oU7OJTQbKKYsZr-w/s1600/booties.JPG" height="194" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So if you need to learn how to do anything – hop over to YouTube and type in your “how to” question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nadine Zawacki © 2103 </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-60272658435942993742013-12-12T06:29:00.001-08:002015-03-19T09:17:31.184-07:00Congratulations to . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf6q8KDgOBSYII70Yipg_SNBJ1veuBLivbjbVZxIBz-Dtc79rnCqQ5ZLdNXooEXfszAdJANeukiWuVsyMbv-DSeOydxV1tgQhIRHjaXymGTRhDVqsUTYnWfPMHorMpfmCKpHu/s1600/winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf6q8KDgOBSYII70Yipg_SNBJ1veuBLivbjbVZxIBz-Dtc79rnCqQ5ZLdNXooEXfszAdJANeukiWuVsyMbv-DSeOydxV1tgQhIRHjaXymGTRhDVqsUTYnWfPMHorMpfmCKpHu/s320/winner.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></div>
I want to thank all of you who participated in the book giveaway. Congratulations Jill B. for winner Lauren's two books. I know you will enjoy reading them. Thank you Lauren for giving away not one but two books.Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-23390203077608847122013-12-05T09:10:00.003-08:002015-03-19T09:17:50.323-07:00Book Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I’m delighted to
know Lauren Stinton who is a freelance writer and editor with a degree in
journalism from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. She edited my
first book, Prisoner of Circumstance. She is an excellent editor who is honest,
thorough, and extremely fun to work with. I couldn’t have finished the book
without her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Lauren also is a creative and imaginative writer hereself. Her first novel, The House of Elah started a journey.</span></div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The following is
a description of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-House-Elah-Volume-1/dp/1481192019/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386260692&sr=8-1&keywords=the+house+of+elah">The
House of Elah</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURDPAQ40RHwdKIrlJEVAeyIa0Cw52IdbAX6SL3UnKlfEXUuOCvbnURphY4A9WPD10yDd42ZdCa8SxGmhgBoM0UkrwtlyvMbdboM2xpobMNBSfY5RqOrx0m_4r0-lPesAK_pKo/s1600/house+of+elah2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURDPAQ40RHwdKIrlJEVAeyIa0Cw52IdbAX6SL3UnKlfEXUuOCvbnURphY4A9WPD10yDd42ZdCa8SxGmhgBoM0UkrwtlyvMbdboM2xpobMNBSfY5RqOrx0m_4r0-lPesAK_pKo/s200/house+of+elah2.jpg" height="200" width="124" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Twin sons are born to the House of Elah. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27963326" name="_GoBack"></a><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">According to the tenets of the country’s
religion, one son is chosen for sacrifice. His death means blessing and honor
for his father’s house. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The infant is sent to the temple to die.
But the sacrifice never takes place—the son of Elah is stolen. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Years later, war makes him a slave, and
in the midst of his despair, the god of death that claimed him at his birth
comes to claim him again.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">But wait . . .
this book giveaway doesn’t include just her first novel but the second book of
the series which is hot off the presses, The Alusian's Quest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The following is
a description of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alusians-Quest-House-Elah/dp/1484850874/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386261723&sr=1-2&keywords=lauren+stinton">The
Alusian's Quest</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFm5AdqQZr8AhlW9cV_ibIr3pFNibETivGteM7qT72ZW4bsM0_z_PuuU7ZKOo5SmccWUo2rDUKdkXeI95H3Whs3zSD_0ofiN0X9Z6ixkh76hwD7ZM1gbkV2H4mdpfhhVvie65g/s1600/Lauren+Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFm5AdqQZr8AhlW9cV_ibIr3pFNibETivGteM7qT72ZW4bsM0_z_PuuU7ZKOo5SmccWUo2rDUKdkXeI95H3Whs3zSD_0ofiN0X9Z6ixkh76hwD7ZM1gbkV2H4mdpfhhVvie65g/s200/Lauren+Book.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">When the Alusian put her hand to Marcus
in Ausham, she changed his future in a moment. Hileshand can only watch as
Marcus slips away from him, drawn by the fierce magic of a foreign god.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">All Hileshand wants to do is protect his
family, but this commitment carries a high price, especially when Boerak-El,
the Alusian god of sorrow, has plans for Hileshand’s son Myles as well.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This book giveaway
is open to US residents. All you have to do is leave a comment to enter a
chance to win not one but both books. I will announce the winner next Thursday,
December 12<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Sounds exciting,
I can’t wait to read it myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">© Nadine Zawacki
2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-64262516911393452822013-09-17T08:37:00.000-07:002015-03-19T09:18:01.433-07:00Day 18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZHxGSD3PComiaS3HviGeHuyUTs2Je2C33K-fjpOppr1kbTaVGJyiZVdTRyXQB2rNB6BKqtJ26hFE_75j8MVZLVU5qL5KNZgA-Ln0_QK0qD8RqCxjrZPXhbkH8ateMonePjoW/s1600/juice2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZHxGSD3PComiaS3HviGeHuyUTs2Je2C33K-fjpOppr1kbTaVGJyiZVdTRyXQB2rNB6BKqtJ26hFE_75j8MVZLVU5qL5KNZgA-Ln0_QK0qD8RqCxjrZPXhbkH8ateMonePjoW/s320/juice2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve been juicing for the past 18 days. I’ve lost 23.4 lbs
thus far. Has it been hard? Unbelievably hard! It’s a daily battle that some
days I do well and others I would cut you for a piece of steak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Several days ago I hit a wall. I couldn’t think of anything
but food. It was on my mind every moment of the day. I thought I would go
crazy. I found the more I thought about it the more I wanted it. If it weren’t
for Tom (my hero) I would have crashed and burned. I needed help to make it
through. Sometimes I just need to have Jesus with skin on (that’s what I call
someone who loves me) to get me through a hard time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I knew I was in trouble when I couldn’t wait for Sunday. Not
because it was a day of worship but I couldn’t wait until communion so I could
have a piece of bread. If that wasn’t bad enough I searched the basket for the
biggest piece. I couldn’t wait for Tom to say, “You can partake of the
elements.” Everything he said before that sounded like the teacher from Charlie
Brown (waa waa, waa waa, waa). Can I go to hell for that? Nah. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This experience confirmed what I already knew deep down –
food controls me. I eat when I’m hungry, when I’m sad, when I'm happy, and
whenever I’m awake. Of course I need to eat for health and well being, but I can’t use it as
a way of escape. Instead I need to lean more on God. I need to learn balance. Food isn’t
bad but the grip it has on me is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The hardest part of being addicted to food is that I need to
eat to sustain life. It’s not something I can stay away from. As we would say back in Brooklyn, "I need to make it
<i>my bitch"</i> and not the other way around.
I need to learn to enjoy it without letting it destroy me or control me from the inside out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This cleanse has taught me so much. I feel better. My knees
are starting to forgive me. I walk better. I have more energy. It’s given me a
chance to reflect. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I watch Tom everyday get up, exercise and plow through the
tough parts of the day. I’m encouraged by his progress and his willingness to
be open about his struggles. He’s so determined that it helps me to be also. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One day at a time is my motto. I can do this. I can do it
because I’m not alone on this journey. I feel all the love and support from the
people around me. I’m grateful beyond words for Tom. I would have given up a
long time ago if it wasn’t for his love and support. It helps to do this
together. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">© Nadine Zawacki 2013</span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27963326.post-41405864200791894282013-09-07T14:29:00.000-07:002015-03-19T09:18:14.405-07:00Day 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f846Tdu0NOTp3x-487osQzSSREZHNGpXBH4L5WUIX464z6-4oPPfrZ85C89zvxzapiEzkydW5Z-oMUS9LCO5N4fQET0XpFWb0hLUAtMl9zUDhgz7tlcsiEK5Tdtu-rw3Vbz6/s1600/Juice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f846Tdu0NOTp3x-487osQzSSREZHNGpXBH4L5WUIX464z6-4oPPfrZ85C89zvxzapiEzkydW5Z-oMUS9LCO5N4fQET0XpFWb0hLUAtMl9zUDhgz7tlcsiEK5Tdtu-rw3Vbz6/s320/Juice.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s been a week since Tom & I started this adventure
called Juicing. The first few days were tough. I found that I didn’t miss ice
cream or potato chips but I would have killed for a nice piece of steak. The
truth is that I feel better. I’ve lost fifteen pounds. I had lots of issues
with swelling, especially in my legs. The swelling has gone down. These are all
good things. You can’t really notice the weight loss but I know that will come
also. When you’re this heavy it takes many pounds before a difference is seen
on the inside. That’s okay because my insides are very happy with me right now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is this thinner, healthier woman in there and she’s
screaming to come out. She wants to dance! She wants to run! She wants to live
long enough to hold grandchildren in her arms. I’m afraid if I don’t let her
soon she may never come out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started to walk this week. Funny thing about that is the
first day I didn’t get very far. I walked about a block and a half and was
sucking air from every pore of my body. My hip hurt. My back ached. My knees
wanted to slap me. Tom was encouraging. He told me if I couldn’t walk any
further he would walk back and get the car and drive me home. He’s my hero. But
he didn’t need to put on his cape because I limped back to the house. The next
day I went further and with less discomfort. On the third day I walked even further.
It gets easier every time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I found that after a week of juicing, I’ve developed a
system. I still like to play with recipes and have come up with some that don’t
taste like grass. I found that if I make all the juices for the day in the
morning it only takes an hour (including clean up) and I’m done. I’ve gathered
some tips that I found helpful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tips:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-If I clean my veggies when I buy them and store them in
plastic bags or containers it saves time when I’m juicing. Example: kale & celery
can be washed and left to dry on the counter, then stored. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-If I make my fruity drink first, then my carrot based drink
and then the green drinks I only have to wash my juice machine once.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-If I store the drinks in 16 oz. (500 ml) mason jars it makes it easier to
keep air out of the jar. Fresh juice keeps for a day or two if there isn't any air in
the jar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some people have done juiced for as little as three days up
to sixty days. I’m not sure when we’ll stop but one day at a time is my new
motto. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">© Nadine Zawacki 2013</span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01480908026387066960noreply@blogger.com3