tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37821674588221427962024-03-13T22:13:13.551-05:00Walk Right In Ministries BLOGLisa Jamieson is a national speaker, author, consultant and advocate who serves as executive director at Walk Right In Ministries and leads Minnesota's Disability Ministry Connection. She created Finding Glory Groups, a Bible-based support group curriculum for people navigating disability and caregiving. Lisa and husband Larry have three adult daughters. Carly lives at home with Angelman Syndrome. Their story has been featured on Words to Live By, 100 Huntley Street and My Refuge Radio Belize.Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-27507923274386257872018-01-05T09:58:00.001-06:002018-01-05T09:58:05.794-06:00New Light of Excitement about Praying with Kids<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How many delightfully different kids from around the world
does it take to turn on a light of excitement about talking to God? Well, the
author and photographer of the new book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus,
Let’s Talk</i> discovered that about 30 could do it beautifully!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/098303334X" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img alt=" Jesus, Let's Talk" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1197" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12IziD2XlMQ/Wk-ZLi0WVmI/AAAAAAAAAbA/G30Lt_7HI_0hUXjyup27QBss5hJSTBgZwCLcBGAs/s320/JesusLet%2527sTalk.FRONTCOVER.jpg" width="319" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.walkrightin.org/" target="_blank">Walk Right in Ministries</a> is very excited to partner with the
creative team of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LisaJamiesonWrites/" target="_blank">Lisa Jamieson</a> (author) and <a href="http://annhinrichsblog.com/" target="_blank">Ann L. Hinrichs</a> (photographer) in
introducing the new children’s picture book about prayer called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus, Let’s Talk</i>. It released on Amazon
this Tuesday to raving reviews and plenty of smiles, especially from the young
people who had the opportunity to model for the project. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One young man featured in the book opened his early-release copy
recently and eagerly flipped through the pages. But he quickly overlooked any photo
of himself because he was more excited about finding his friends pictured there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><em>Jesus, Let’s Talk</em> is helping children, early readers, and people with developmental differences enjoy the sweet basics of conversation with Jesus. There are many ways to worship and this natural approach to prayer inspires both the young and young at heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Colorful photographs of children and young people celebrate that the fingerprints of God are on all people, all around the world. The book also highlights key prayer words using American Sign Language. Young ones who are not yet talking, those who experience hearing impairment, and others who simply want to explore the joy of communicating non-verbally will have fun learning new ways to express themselves.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Featured prayers include:</span></em></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, God<br />I’m sorry, Jesus<br />Help me, Holy Spirit<br />I’m listening to you<br />I believe in you<br />I love you, Lord</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We hope you'll join us in sharing this wonderful new resource with others. Introduce a child to a personal relationship with their Creator, Savior and Friend, Jesus. <i>Jesus, Let's Talk</i> makes a perfect gift for toddlers, early readers, and for young people with developmental-intellectual disabilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also, would you please go to Amazon and write a review? Sharing your confidence and encouragement is invaluable in helping us get this book into more homes where families can experience the love of Jesus and grow in relationship with Him.</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: 20px;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/098303334X" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/098303334X" target="_blank">Shop Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/098303334X" target="_blank">Write a Review</a><br /> <br /><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/events/317534832075512/" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/317534832075512/" target="_blank">Visit the Online Release Party</a></span></div>
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<br /><strong style="font-family: georgia, times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 15px;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/LisaJamiesonWrites/" href="https://www.facebook.com/LisaJamiesonWrites/" target="_blank"><em>Lisa Jamieson</em></a></strong><em style="font-family: georgia, times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 15px;"><strong> (author)</strong> parents a grown daughter with special needs and is a national disability ministry leader who is also a speaker and author of </em><span style="font-family: georgia, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Finding Glory in the Thorns</span></span><em style="font-family: georgia, times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 15px;"> and related Bible study materials. </em><span style="font-family: georgia, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Jesus, Let’s Talk</span></span><em style="font-family: georgia, times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 15px;"> is her first children’s book. Connect with Lisa at </em><span style="font-family: georgia, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LisaJamiesonWrites/">lisajamieson.org</a> .</i></span></span><br /><br /><em style="font-family: georgia, times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 15px;"><strong><a data-cke-saved-href="http://annhinrichsblog.com" href="http://annhinrichsblog.com/" target="_blank">Ann L. Hinrichs</a> (photographer)</strong> serves missionaries worldwide while enjoying the arts as a musician, worship leader, voice teacher, and international photographer. Find out more at <a href="http://annhinrichsblog.com/">annhinrichsblog.com</a> .</em></div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-17222139109878731262017-06-08T18:04:00.000-05:002017-06-08T18:04:00.350-05:00Miraculous Preservation<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A common concern among caregivers, especially parents of children who have disabilities, is what will happen to our children if they outlive us. And as middle age comes, depending on the degree of toll in caregiving and other life circumstances, we caregivers tend to fear that our bodies may wear our long before we actually die. What then?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And so we pray a lot. As we're able, we do some planning. Having an estate plan in place offers some peace of mind as does doing lots of documentation for those who will be inheriting the caregiving responsibilities. Our family has had many conversations about this and those are always very reassuring as well. But at the day's end, when my body is aching and I'm weary to the bone (as they say), I'm left with taking it all to the Lord in prayer and begging him to preserve and protect my husband and I for as long has He possibly will!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today I was reading the accounts of a missionary who travelled a ship between England and China in the 1930s. The ship's route took them through the Red Sea with full views of the desert places where the Exodus occurred. Audrey Johnson's pondering jumped off the page at me with reassurance that God's capacity to preserve and protect His children is not limited by our physical bodies and minds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Audrey wrote:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Probably no one who reads Exodus can fully enter into that miracle of absolute dependence upon our faithful God who revealed Himself so clearly that throughout Israelite history and Psalms this miraculous preservation and protection was never forgotten. Think for instance of Deuteronomy 29:5 (which says): </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"For forty years God has led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes haven't become old, and your shoes haven't worn out" </b>(TLB).</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Audrey Wetherell Johnson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I want to remember this verse and the underlying promise it carries for our family too. Nothing has changed about God, His promises or His abilities. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday as He is today and forever. His character, power, goodness and accessibility remains as certain for me as it was for Moses. In fact, it's even better because I (we) have access to God through the indwelling Holy Spirit! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The very same God who so faithfully cared for the people of Israel makes the same kind of promise to me. His protection may look differently than I'm expecting but it remains dependable and will surprise me in the best of ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whether you are a fellow sojourner down the caregiving road with me or someone who just needs reassurance, let us be confident of this — God is creatively preparing all kinds of "miraculous preservation" for us and for those we love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jeremiah 29:10-13</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Jer-29-10" id="en-NLT-19622" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">This is what the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NLT-19623" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For I know the plans I have for you,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Jer-29-12" id="en-NLT-19624" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">In those days when you pray, I will listen.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NLT-19625" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NLT-19626" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I will be found by you,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>."</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>This post was inspired by the book </i>Created for Commitment<i> by A. Wetherell Johnson, founder of Bible Study Fellowship.</i></span><br />
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-82805660726546092392017-06-01T14:00:00.000-05:002017-06-01T14:00:25.950-05:00Selective Sharing<div class="_1dwg _1w_m" style="padding: 12px 12px 0px;">
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A few months ago, I posted this statement on Facebook:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"I don't believe it can be overstated how stressful and wearying it is being the parent of someone with significant developmental and medical needs. There is also unspeakable joy. But make no mistake that this life is OFTEN more than overwhelming. I speak for my own family and many others when I ask you to pray hard and regularly for anyone you know living this life. We need your persevering friendship and sometimes help. We wish we didn't need help, and very often we don't even know what to ask for. But we can't do this alone. Practical, emotional and spiritual encouragement is a gust of wind in our sails."</span></blockquote>
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This got a reaction. Most people who responded were caregivers themselves. They resonated deeply with the sentiments I expressed. The rest of those who responded were<span style="font-family: inherit;"> encouraging friends whose comments usually indicated that they were praying for me. I was grateful for the prayers but even more moved by the hunger among caregivers to feel NOTICED and HEARD.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Since so many caregivers practically begged me to get this word about their (our) chronic stress out more broadly (on their behalf), I posted again the next day with a very personal and rather lengthy explanation about my own chronic stress and why I talk about it the way I do. </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I wasn't expecting to post it yet again on my blog but subsequent conversations suggest it </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: San Francisco, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">deserves</span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"> one more share. So here goes...</span></span></div>
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WHY DO I SHARE WHAT I DO, WHEN I DO (AND WHEN I DON’T, WHY I DON’T)?</div>
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There are a variety of reactions I encounter whenever I talk about how chronic stress is affecting my family and others in intense or complicated, often long-term circumstances. </div>
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SHOCK<br />WORRY<br />APATHY<br />DEFENSIVENESS<br />RESONANCE/APPRECIATION</blockquote>
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Obviously, not every reaction is helpful to a family like ours. But trust me, I understand most people are well-meaning and I’m very hesitant to criticize any reaction — I mostly appreciate ANY reaction (except apathy). <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100000723627511&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/larry.jamieson.12?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Larry</a> and I don’t expect perfection in understanding but we do hope people at least care and try. And we hope people won’t over-simplify what we are experiencing. That feels like invalidation of something that is very big and very real for us.</div>
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Some people want to better understand this so I’m going to try and explain more about it today and I’m going to be pretty transparent. I know that I’ll be articulating perspectives that are not just my own because I’ve had emotional discussions with others about this very issue, one as recently as this morning when a friend called me from another state about the post I shared yesterday. Yup. This hit some nerves.</div>
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When we don’t talk about our challenges very often, it is not uncommon for people to think that all is well. Some others who have some idea that life is ALWAYS hard over here at the Jamiesons think we are just trying to keep a “stiff upper lip” or are wanting to be self-sufficient in our challenges. Some people believe we are trying to be “missional” in an effort to “look” put together with the power of God. Seriously, we’re not trying to hide anything or even prove to anybody that “God’s got this.” </div>
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Don’t get me wrong, I certainly hope my life points people to Jesus and shows that God is fully able, accessible and worthy to be praised. Because He most certainly is. I don’t know how anybody lives through a crisis like this without a relationship with Jesus Christ. But that’s not what underlies my philosophy (or for lack of better word, strategy) for deciding when and how to share the inner realities of my situation. Of course we hope people will somehow see Jesus in us — whether through how He meets us in our challenges or for any other reason! Don’t we all want to see evidence that the living God is real? </div>
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But the way I express my stress publically is way more selfish than that. </div>
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Larry and I are, first and foremost, trying to live in a way that helps us thrive as individuals, a couple and a family. In the process. We just want to live within relationships that are REAL. I gave up trying to tough things out a long time ago. I do just exactly what I have to do every day to survive and thrive. So, trying to look “good” or more “Christian” is far from the reality for me and Larry. We always want to be authentic with people and we highly value people who are willing to be real with us. In truth, there are a whole host of reasons why I talk about our specific challenges or overwhelm rather infrequently compared to how often we are actually struggling.</div>
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For today, it’s important to me that you know WHY. God seems to have prompted me to just lay it out here for whoever cares. So…in no particular order…these are just a few of the reasons why I personally don’t talk often or widely about the specifics of my personal stress…</div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not always in touch with the reality of how extremely stressed out I am.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I function on autopilot a lot.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t want people feeling sorry for me.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have all the same stresses everybody else does and would really like those to be recognized as part of who I am too.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">A whole lot of people would rather just believe that “it’s all good” over here.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some people just want to cheer me up.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some people tell me, “you deserve to feel sorry for yourself.” This isn’t helpful for me. I appreciate the attempt at empathy but I don’t believe this is right thinking and it is rarely helpful for me to go to that place.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I spend a lot of my daily energy trying to pace my energies and emotions. That means I have to spend proportionately high amounts of time with Jesus and in prayer. Since my physical body is increasingly deteriorating due to Carly’s 24/7 cares, my age, long years without adequate sleep, etc., I have to give some priority to taking care of me as best I can (which is never really enough). I need more naps than the average person because I spend a lot of time awake at night. I need to serve others. It’s a great outlet for me — gives me a sense of purpose and keeps me from feeling consumed with my own challenges. Needless to say, all of that doesn’t leave a lot of time left over for complaining and explaining.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes I’m just plain tired of explaining.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t like people dismissing me as a “drama queen.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I get tired of feeling like I have to be one of the world’s “teachers.”</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I weary of the disappointment of trying to build understanding and having my hopes and needs for resonance dashed when people don’t “get it.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t want to get my hopes up that someone will care (reach out) only to be disappointed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">When my situation is most overwhelming, I feel unable to explain my situation or emotions. My mind and heart feel too complicated to explain. So, if I feel able say anything at all, I just try to articulate even one thing I know people can pray about or help with. But that can give the impression that just one thing is weighing on me. (Yet, rest assured, whatever I am saying out loud is probably just the tip of the iceberg with lots more behind it.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">It helps keep me out of depression and those woe-is-me places if I focus on what is going well and what I’m grateful for.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Focusing on Carly’s strengths gives her the best shot of reaching her potential.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Focusing on Carly’s strengths (instead of why she’s making things hard for me) feels more respectful to her.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Any time I talk about how hard it is caring for Carly, I risk undermining our ability to ever find or hire respite helpers (because people think they won’t be able to handle it).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t want to worry my family.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t want people to quit sharing their own concerns with me because they feel badly that their own issues may seem insignificant next to mine.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I often feel misunderstood and since I’ve been misunderstood a lot in my life, I avoid that pain.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t want to feel analyzed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I get tired of talking about the same thing. Being “that person.” Sounding like a broken record.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
When you boil it all down, this is probably the biggest reason why you don’t regularly hear about or see the degree of my stress:</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: center;">
<b>I WANT TO LOOK AND FEEL AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE. </b></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I don’t want to look normal for your benefit. I want it for me. </div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
So even though taking a shower, fixing my hair and putting on a cute, comfy outfit to go out in public takes the alignment of stars at my house and risks masking a reality about how much I need your prayers, help and friendship — I’m going to risk it. Because for a couple of hours, I’m happy to be clean and out in a “normal” world feeling like a “normal” human being with a “normal” life. Any illusion is for me. Not for you.</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
And here’s one more thought for you to chew on. If I wrote about this regularly, many of you would have stopped reading my posts a long time ago. You’d be too overwhelmed, irritated, or numb. My perpetual drip of whining would wear you down and lose its oomph. (For some people, it already has. They not even curious and are no longer reading this right now.) </div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
So, consider this “rant” my way of trying to get your attention and urge you to remember there are friends around you struggling mightily with chronic hard stuff — whether or not they look like it or sound like it. Please don’t check out on them, whether they are good at how they handle their communication or not. (Doing this well is hard and even harder when you’re stressed out and/or sleep deprived.)</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-top: 6px;">
Thank you for listening.<br />I’ll write again soon. </div>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_6" style="line-height: 1.38;">
<div style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-top: 6px;">
But not too soon.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<i>NOTE: This blog is a repost from an "Open Letter" Lisa shared on Facebook in April 2017.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-36377607233883224702017-05-26T12:00:00.000-05:002017-05-26T12:00:07.163-05:00Maria’s Glory Story<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Maria Palomino recently spent a few hours helping to
update and organize the Lending Library list for Walk Right In Ministries. As she worked, we
had fun chatting about the value of certain books and it was interesting for me
to learn which books caught her personal interest. Since she's a young adult, I was particularly impressed by her eagerness to learn and inspired by her hunger to grow in faith.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsFGKEjbCHE/WShdTedyhgI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/bc6Ga0q9pvMi6qgso5qWpIeBJ1nknKDxQCLcB/s1600/MariaPalomino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsFGKEjbCHE/WShdTedyhgI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/bc6Ga0q9pvMi6qgso5qWpIeBJ1nknKDxQCLcB/s320/MariaPalomino.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One book in particular was
intriguing to Maria so she asked to check it out and read it. Not long after,
it led her to an opportunity for ministry.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Maria wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have been a Christian ever since I was 12 years old, however I
never thoroughly dove into the scientific and archeological evidence regarding
what I believe, or how to argue for the validity of the Bible. So when I
noticed the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surprised By Faith</i>
by Don Byerly in the WRIM Lending Library, I was intrigued. I knew that when I
was done reading this book, I would need to share it, specifically with those
who are consumed by questioning Christianity and the Bible as being absolute
truth in comparison to other religions and texts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I actually ended up using this book for my English project and
presented the information in front of my class. The student teacher came up to
me afterwards and told me he was a Christian as well. Coincidentally, we both
had Hebrew tattoos on our left arms! Anyway, the minute that I finished the
book, God placed on my heart the name of a friend of mine who was going through
exactly the same kind of questioning. I texted his dad right away and
encouraged him to get his son to read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surprised
By Faith</i> as part of his homeschool curriculum. He ordered it right away,
read it himself, and then passed it on to his son who is still finishing it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have faith that the Lord will use this book as a vehicle to
expand His kingdom and I am excited to hear back from my friend! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is a privilege to see how God used Maria’s
service to this ministry by providing her with an opportunity to encourage a
friend in his faith! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1">Thank you, Maria, for enthusiastically and
courageously sharing this story which helps us to see the presence, power and
goodness of God among us.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1">__________________________________________</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To learn more about what is available in the Walk Right In Ministries Lending Library and find out how to borrow these FREE and valuable resources, contact us at <a href="mailto:info@walkrightin.org">info@walkrightin.org</a> for a complete listing and our simple lending process.</span></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-52161255093046081602017-02-14T22:14:00.000-06:002017-02-14T22:36:01.379-06:00My Childhood Memory of a Sunken Old Pier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "noticia text" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "noticia text" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I was 9 years old, we rented a house on the southern shore of Lake Ontario for the summer while my dad was on a work assignment in Canada. Among my many treasured memories of that season, I often think about swimming with my sister and our friends off that rugged beach. There was so much to explore.<br /><br />Thirty Mile Creek trickled right through our back yard offering wriggling smelt to watch and rock dams to build. About 100 yards off in one direction on the beach was an abandoned cement pump house where farmers gathered lake water for the surrounding orchards of peaches, pears and cherries. (Did I mention what an idyllic location this was, like right from the scenes of a nostalgic movie?) Its roof provided a warm and flat spot for our beach towels — a private hideaway from parents for a picnic and giggles while sun tanning.<br /><br />Just a few yards in the other direction about 50 feet off shore were the remains of an old shipping pier used in the early 1800s. Since the top of that pier lay just a few inches under the water’s surface, you couldn’t see it from the shore unless the waves were very high or the water was perfectly calm. In between high swells, the water dipped low enough to reveal just enough of that worn pier (or at least a ripple in the water) so we could spot our destination and swim out to it. Once we were in the water though, we had to swim blind — just feeling around with our arms and legs for that fun resting spot where we would sit and sometimes linger for hours. It could get exhausting treading water and trying to be the first one to find it. It was also a bit eerie to swim around not knowing the moment when your body would bump the slimy edge of that ancient (150-year-old), algae-covered relic. Among our favorite games to play out there was like a snowball fight. It involved pulling clumps of soft, mossy algae off the surface of the sunken old block of cement and tossing it at each other. It would stick to your target’s skin quite nicely actually.<br /><br />Despite the fierce competition, we had a common understanding. If one person always stayed on the pier, then we wouldn’t lose sight of it and everyone swimming in various directions would always know the quickest way back to our safe place. We’d take turns being that person who stayed close to our “moorings” but, make no mistake, it was very helpful to keep at least one person grounded on that foundation. If not for that, it could get exhausting (truth-be-told, even dangerous) trying to find it again, especially if the waters were rough.<br /><br />What a fun reminder of good times and precious friends this is! And the spiritual metaphor is not missed on me today as I’ve been reminiscing on the heels of sharing this quote to Facebook a few days ago:<br /> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "noticia text" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>"One of the most encouraging examples of friendship in the Bible is<br />that of Saul's son Jonathan with David. On one occasion when David was in great trouble,<br />we read that Jonathan went to meet him 'and helped him to find strength in God' (1 Samuel 23:16).<br />Friends that do that for us are very precious."</em><br /><span style="font-size: 10px;">(from Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash)</span><br /><em> </em></span></div>
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "noticia text" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christian friendship has often been an important place for me to find a “mooring” of sorts. Especially when the waves of adversity were rough in my life or when I was flailing around trying to find God in the deeps of my circumstances where the way to safety was hard to see. Throughout much of my life, I’ve been privileged to have friends who cheered me on and showed me the way back to the Foundation. Sometimes we hang out there together and other times one of us has to hold on tight and call out to the rest, “come this way!” Often, it’s just plain fun resting in that anchoring place with each other. Other times it’s hard work not getting knocked off by the waves or slimed by the craziness around us. But always there has been something so satisfying about clinging to our Rock and Refuge together.<br /><br />Christian community is a beautiful thing. It’s an essential resource for staying grounded and safe in faith. It’s a fun place to grow and make new discoveries about the Rock, the foundation of our faith, Jesus. Avoiding connection to others who are clinging to the Rock is dangerous. Treading water alone or trying to duck and hide under the waves to avoid getting slimed ultimately gets us in trouble.<br /> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "noticia text" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm,<br />for God can be trusted to keep his promise.<br />Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.<br />And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another,<br />especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.<br />Hebrews 10:23-25<br /><br />On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.<br />Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him;<br />God is a refuge for us.<br />Psalm 62:7-8</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Beware!” I sometimes remind myself. Friendship, at times, has distracted me from God Himself and offered an illusion of security. To be sure, friends often sustain us but they can’t ultimately save us. Only the solid, reliable refuge of Jesus saves and satisfies us to the </span><em style="font-family: georgia, times, 'times new roman', serif;">uttermost</em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">. I love swimming out in the deeps of life experiencing grand adventures together but we will all ultimately wear out without a dependable resting place. Let’s enjoy the full greatness of friendship as only possible within community that is moored to The Rock of Ages!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://us15.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1a405211c64029ebd8b77a732&id=1b0076ccc8&e=8f7f82745b" target="_blank">Click here for the full update...</a></span></div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-28644207272214577842016-12-16T17:35:00.001-06:002016-12-16T17:35:41.442-06:00The 2017 Accessibility Summit in Washington, DC<br />
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<b><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Celebrating its 17th year in March 2017, the <a href="http://accessibilitysummit.org/" target="_blank">Accessibility Summit</a> is a national conference designed to offer a broad range of information and resources to individuals,</span><span style="line-height: 1.38;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.38;">families and caregivers, faith-based organizations, educators, and other professionals impacted by disability. There will be 40 workshops and over 60 disability-related exhibitors.</span><span style="line-height: 1.38;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Saundra Adams and Joni Eareckson Tada are guest speakers. Registration has just opened and early bird discounts and group discounts are available. </span></b></div>
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<b>Walk Right In Ministries</b> is privileged to be sharing a workshop too. Larry and Lisa Jamieson have presented at the conference in years past, sometimes individually and sometimes as a couple. In 2017, Lisa will have the unique opportunity to present with their two oldest daughters, Alex and Erin. Information about their workshop is shared below for those who have interest and for those who are willing to pray for us. (We are very grateful for your prayers!) Check the Summit website for a complete listing of workshops, exhibitors and speakers.</div>
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<b>PARENTING SPECIAL SIBLINGS</b>This interactive session opens a dialogue about the challenges, disappointments, advantages and opportunities of being a sibling in a family affected by disability. It is led by Lisa Jamieson, the mother of three adult children and author of Finding Glory in the Thorns. Lisa is joined by her adult daughters Alex and Erin who share candid perspectives about growing up with a sibling who has Angelman Syndrome which involves chronic health issues and severe developmental disabilities. Discussion topics will include sibling conflict, balancing attention, grief processing, dealing with social stigmas and misunderstanding, family vacations and managing stress. Participants will leave encouraged with basic principles and numerous practical ideas about how to enjoy more victories and deeper graces despite the reality of weaknesses in every family.<span style="line-height: 1.38;"> </span></blockquote>
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Presenters: Lisa Jamieson, Erin Jamieson, Alex Jamieson<br />Theme Verse: 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”<span style="line-height: 1.38;"> </span></blockquote>
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<i><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=697774158&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A143998947258%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/lmjamieson" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Lisa Jamieson</a> is a national speaker, author, consultant and advocate who serves as Executive Director of Walk Right In Ministries and leads Minnesota’s Disability Ministry Connection. Her books include Finding Glory in the Thorns and Living Your Glory Story. She is also creator of the Finding Glory small group curriculum, a favorite of caregivers and others wanting Christ-centered discussion through challenges. Lisa and husband Larry have three adult daughters. Her daughter, Carly, has Angelman Syndrome and lives at home. Their story has been featured on Words to Live By, 100 Huntley Street and My Refuge Radio Belize.<span style="line-height: 1.38;"> </span></i></blockquote>
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<i><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1016738962&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A143998947258%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/alex.jamieson.90" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Alex Jamieson</a> is a senior audit assistant at Deloitte (Minneapolis). Active in her church and as a community soccer coach, Alex also volunteers with Walk Right In Ministries as an occasional speaker and regular encourager to families experiencing special needs. She is the oldest sibling to a sister who has Angelman Syndrome. During her high school years, Alex worked as a personal care assistant and has since become a strong advocate for her sister Carly and others who experience disabilities. In her blog “Authentically Alex,” she reflects on a range of topics from setting goals to dealing with life’s transitions.<span style="line-height: 1.38;"> </span></i></blockquote>
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<i><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=751800841&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A143998947258%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/erinjamieson24" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Erin Jamieson</a> is a singer-songwriter and worship leader. Her songwriting, blogging, and speaking is often inspired by challenges and insights experienced growing up in a family affected by disability. The title cut from her debut EP Without the Dark is featured in the movie Season of Miracles about a baseball player with autism. Erin is a senior at Belmont University in Nashville where she recently performed in the 2017 Christian Showcase. Her latest release No Dream Too Big is available on NoiseTrade. Erin’s youngest sister has Angelman Syndrome.</i></blockquote>
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Please share about this conference with your own friends, family and church leaders. You can forward this post and share the link on social media.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">Thank you - we hope to see you there!</span></div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-19202627684691767212016-12-08T07:30:00.000-06:002016-12-08T07:30:00.153-06:00God Changes Lives & Enriches Churches when We Fully Engage with Each Other<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Families impacted by disability often feel isolated. And church must be the place where they belong, where they are encouraged, where they find hope and healing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">There are a growing number of churches that are being intentional about caring for and fully engaging with people who have atypical lives. These churches are doing more than just "being nice" to people with special needs. They are actually engaging in life with each other. They are resisting fears. They are stepping in faith despite concerns about being over-stretched. They are taking risks to be engaging. They are discovering that <b>God changes lives and enriches churches when they care for and include each other, especially when life gets the most challenging. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Accessibility isn't just about ramps, elevators, special seating in the sanctuary and gluten free communion. The church—and Jesus most of all—needs to be <i>emotionally and spritually accessible</i> to all people. And that involves more than just being greeted nicely by an usher. </span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: x-large;">Jesus was much more than just NICE to people. He fully engaged with them—their questions and their pain. </b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">He cared that people experienced belonging in His family and wanted them to feel assured they had tremendous value. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: large;">Very often, Jesus physically reached out and actually touched hurting people. In fact, Jesus spent a <i>lot</i> of time hanging out with people who were on the fringes, the hurting, the weak, the weary, the "different," the ill, the disabled, the unpopular, the unglamorous and those who were seeking hope (even when they weren't really sure where to look). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: large;">What Jesus always did was engage in love and his foremost concern was and still always is for us to BELONG with Him and to have HEALTHY SOULS. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></span>Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-23448739721359462092016-12-01T07:00:00.000-06:002016-12-01T07:00:00.209-06:00An Enormous Opportunity for the Church<div style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Gospel answers hard questions and gives ultimate hope. The<b> church has an enormous opportunity and responsibility to engage those questions, serve in love and wholeheartedly include people with disabilities in the life of the church family. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Paul describes the church using the metaphor of the human body. God arranged the members of the body as he chose. Some parts were weaker but indispensable and others less respectable but treated with special honor and greater respect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(See 1 Corinthians 12:14-27.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Doing life together well and according to the ways of Christ involves messiness. The church can not be self-preservational. Still, w</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">e all need to be patient with each other. People experiencing disability, for example, deserve to be fully integrated in the life of our churches. Likewise, people facing challenges need to be patient with the persevering church. That kind of patience is a form of grace. </span>Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-11284286556203172732016-11-28T17:00:00.000-06:002016-11-28T17:00:07.439-06:00Whole-Hearted Engagement With Those Who Suffer Isn't Optional<div style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">
<span style="font-size: large;">Loving and praying for each other is not optional and scripture doesn't leave room for anything but whole-hearted engagement with people who are suffering. True, it can be overwhelming, scary and messy learning to engage in the lives of others when their needs are complex (e.g., disability, mental illness, aging, traumatic injury, chronic illness). But people with atypical lives are not a liability to the church. They are what enrich the church! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No situation is too big or too complicated for God.</span></div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-51563359752271372312016-11-23T08:30:00.000-06:002016-11-23T08:30:07.136-06:00Four Promises to Anchor and Encourage One Another During the Holidays<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "garamond"; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1. </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond";">Nobody is immune to trouble but we have hope.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "garamond";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jesus said <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“</span>I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here
on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have
overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;">We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems
and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance
develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of
salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how
dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts
with his love. Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "garamond"; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2. </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond";">God remains your most faithful advocate.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Israelites continued to groan under their
burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. God
heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob. He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.
Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exodus 2:23-25, 3:7-8 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So
Jesus told them this story: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">4 </span>“If
a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he
leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one
that is lost until he finds it? <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">5 </span>And
when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">6 </span>When he arrives, he will call
together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have
found my lost sheep.’ <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">7 </span>In
the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and
returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t
strayed away! Luke 15:3-7 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And the Holy
Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us
to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be
expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit
is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "garamond"; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3. </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond";">You are never alone.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So
humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will
lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares
about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls
around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against
him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all
over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his
kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus.
So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and
strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:6-10
(NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Do not be
afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be
with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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you</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">through you</i></span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;">All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts
us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled,
we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we
suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NLT)</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "gill sans"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-14113770163529995842016-11-16T11:38:00.001-06:002016-11-16T11:38:05.276-06:00Share HOPE for Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-31691769365005502312016-11-14T09:29:00.000-06:002016-11-14T09:29:49.942-06:00Wondering which way to go next?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMutdL3b7Ls/WCTSUTWuwMI/AAAAAAAAAWo/jcULXPx_s6MC83rJNelYRSoxSbfNTtB2ACLcB/s1600/open-door-1482507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMutdL3b7Ls/WCTSUTWuwMI/AAAAAAAAAWo/jcULXPx_s6MC83rJNelYRSoxSbfNTtB2ACLcB/s1600/open-door-1482507.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">There is a wide-open door for a great
work here, </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">although many oppose me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">1 Corinthians 16:9</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">History resonates. Paul was
anxious to meet up with his friend Timothy and enjoy an extended visit with old
friends in Corinth. He had every intention of spending some quality, unrushed
time with them even though there were plenty of other things competing for his
time and attention. For example, prolonged stays in Ephesus and Macedonia kept
Paul from his visit to Corinth for well over a year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Do you ever feel like that?
You want to go hang with friends or pursue some dream that excites you while
there are other pressing matters all around? I sure relate!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it can be hard sometimes to discern which
of those “pressing matters” are actually as important as I think they are.
Sometimes I feel like it’s moment-by-moment battle to discern what to do next,
where I should make some intentional decisions about priorities and when I
simply need to press in and make the best of circumstances out of my control.
Paul seemed to be a master at all of this kind of discernment and submission. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">He recognized a ripe
opportunity right in front of him and was willing to wait a little longer to
see his friends so that he could do the "great work” right where he was
and resist moving on too quickly. </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Earlier this year when I was
reading Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, this verse from 1 Corinthians 16:9
literally jumped off the page at me. Let me take a moment to tell you why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Since the beginning of Walk
Right In Ministries (8 years this month), we have periodically asked the
question: “Does God want this to be a ministry specific to people with
disabilities or is He really moving us into a broad place to serve people
facing a wide range of life challenges?” Our missions was clear (to help people
connect and grow in Christ-centered community) and our general audience was
clear (people feeling lonely or isolated and often existing on the fringes of
the church).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was not always clear
is to what degree God wanted our “audience” to be targeted and in what specific
ways He wanted to us to reach out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Probably like most of you, I
have wrestled with these questions in my personal life as well. So when I read
this verse and considered Paul’s situation, I got excited. I found great personal
encouragement and felt it offered clarity for this current season of ministry. Immediately,
I sensed this was a direct and timely Word for Walk Right In Ministries. We
discussed it during a Board meeting and agreed the scripture was to be received
as reassurance of our existing vision, plans and activities as well as
exhortation to release concerns about whether we were becoming too narrowly
focused. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what that looks like today
is that we are pouring our energies in three areas:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Programs,
services and resources that strengthen caregivers and families experiencing
special needs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.65pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Fostering
inclusive communities that reflect the kind of atmosphere of belonging Jesus
loves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 38.65pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Equipping and
encouraging leaders in disability and special needs ministry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I had been entertaining
anxiety about missing His call. Instead, He was reaffirming our call and
refining the vision for Walk Right In Ministries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if God Himself put his arm around
my shoulder and said, “Lisa, it’s all good. Your wholehearted commitment is
well placed right where it is!” As I thought about areas of this ministry where
there has been growing momentum—areas like the Minnesota Disability Ministry
Connection, Jammin’ Pie Fest, one-to-one coaching, public advocacy and speaking
opportunities—I had been tempted to see the growing focus on the special needs
community and feel restless. Yet God’s voice was clear: “Stay put. I understand
you feel like you are leaning into a stiff wind. Progress seems slow and you
face obstacles at many turns but I am in the midst of it all doing a great
work. Look straight ahead through this door I’ve thrown wide open for you! Stay
attentive to Me and the time will be equally clear, if and when I want you to
throw your net in a different direction.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Please pray for Walk Right In
Ministries. These are exciting days. We are busy and we are focused. We sense
God’s presence, power and good fruit is steadily growing where He has carefully
placed us in positions of influence. Yet we hold plans loosely with the
understanding that the Holy Spirit is dynamic and brilliant. We are
anticipating surprises in 2017 and are already seeing some sweet ones on their
way. Scroll to the end of this post for an announcement about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">COOL NEWS!</b> for 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">How about you? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>When was the last time you wrestled with God about
whether you are fulfilling your purpose or correctly hearing His call? </b>Perhaps
you’re making it too complicated when God has actually put a wide open door
right in front of you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Do you ever look around at what others are doing and feel guilty or envious? </b>Consider that God doesn't want you to experience pressure. He wants to give you joy in knowing He has appointed you for something unique and He wants you to experience the kind of spiritual rest that comes from simply embracing the doors He is opening right in front of you every day.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Is this the time of year when you will begin wondering
about how to invest yourself in 2017? </b><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">We’re praying for you to have eyes to see
and ears to hear when new doors open.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">What obstacles or opponents are you facing that may be
tempting you to change directions when, in fact, God wants you to run straight
ahead and trust Him to do a great work despite those challenges?</b><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> If there is repentance
to be done, do it. If there is forgiveness to be offered or reconciliation to
be sought, extend it and seek it (whether it is received or not). To what
extent might the very things that are challenging you right now (e.g., health
crisis, stretched finances, strained relationships, job dissatisfaction) are
actually part of what God is using to make your effectiveness more significant?</span></li>
<li><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Does this Thanksgiving and Christmas season bring any
“open doors” to your mind? </b><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">What opportunities may be right in front of you
where your involvement could produce a great effect?</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">What joy lies before us when
we embrace our current situations for all they are worth and trust God to cause
tremendous Kingdom impact!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Lord Jesus, thank you for answering when we
prayerfully wrestle with You. Your encouragement to embrace our circumstances
as opportunities is challenging at times but an exciting reminder that life can
be a wonderful adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
appointing us right into life and relationships where we can make a Kingdom
difference. Help us to follow you faithfully and enthusiastically, without
grumbling or succumbing to doubt. Increase our clarity and confidence so that
we live, love and serve without reservation and in full trust that you will
bring it all to great effect! AMEN</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">COOL NEWS!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I have been invited, along with my two oldest daughters Alex and Erin, to present a workshop titled "Parenting Special Siblings" at the <a href="http://accessibilitysummit.org/" target="_blank"><b>2017 Accessibility Summit</b></a> in Washington DC. More information will be available when the full workshop schedule is announced in early December. Until then, here is the low-down on what we will be offering:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<div>
<blockquote style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "gill sans"; font-size: 16pt;">Parenting Special Siblings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans";">This interactive session opens a dialogue </span><span style="font-family: "gill sans";">about the challenges, disappointments, advantages and opportunities of being a sibling in a family affected by disability. It is led by Lisa Jamieson, the mother of three adult children and author of <i>Finding Glory in the Thorns</i>. Lisa is joined by her adult daughters Alex and Erin who share candid perspectives about growing up with a sibling who has Angelman Syndrome which involves chronic health issues and severe developmental disabilities. Discussion topics will include sibling conflict, balancing attention, grief processing, dealing with social stigmas and misunderstanding, family vacations and managing stress. Participants will leave encouraged with basic principles and numerous practical ideas about how to enjoy more victories and deeper graces despite the reality of weaknesses in every family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "gill sans";">Presenters: Lisa Jamieson, Erin Jamieson, Alex Jamieson</span></i><i style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "gill sans";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "gill sans";">Theme Verse: </span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt;">2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”</span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-family: Arial;">Lisa Jamieson </b><span style="font-family: "arial";">is a national speaker, author, consultant and advocate who serves as executive director at Walk Right In Ministries and leads Minnesota's Disability Ministry Connection. Her books include <i>Finding Glory in the Thorns</i> and <i>Living Your Glory Story</i>. She is also creator of the Finding Glory small group curriculum, a favorite of caregivers and others wanting Christ-centered discussion through challenges. Lisa and husband Larry have three adult daughters. Carly lives at home with Angelman Syndrome. Their story has been featured on Words to Live By, 100 Huntley Street and My Refuge Radio Belize.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial";">Alex
Jamieson</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial";"> is a
senior audit assistant at Deloitte (Minneapolis). Active in her church and
as a community soccer coach, Alex also volunteers with Walk Right In Ministries
as an occasional speaker and regular encourager to families experiencing
special needs. She is the oldest sibling to a sister who has Angelman syndrome.
During her high school years, Alex worked as a personal care assistant and has
since become a strong advocate for her sister Carly and others who experience
disabilities. In her blog “Authentically Alex,” she reflects on a range of
topics from setting goals to dealing with life’s transitions.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Erin Jamieson</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> is a singer-songwriter and worship
leader. Her songwriting, blogging and speaking is often inspired by challenges
and insights experienced growing up in a family affected by disability. The
title cut from her debut EP <i>Without the
Dark</i> is featured in the movie Season of Miracles about a baseball player
with autism. Erin is a senior at Belmont University in Nashville where she
recently performed in the 2017 Christian Showcase. Her latest release <i>No Dream Too Big</i> is available on
NoiseTrade. Erin’s youngest sister has Angelman Syndrome. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-19396862060739716772016-11-11T11:25:00.003-06:002016-11-11T12:47:11.544-06:00Together & Free: That's a beautiful place to be!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jammin' Pie Fest 2016 was another grand success.<i> </i>The sweet tastes, sounds and community spirit were a smash hit again this year. Over 200 people and 75 different families experienced a colorful fall afternoon out on the lawn with friends, family, live music and 53 delicious homemade pies!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PupJnuHtpKU/WCX6P1WRXlI/AAAAAAAAAXI/e5A-Oi1VhigwSfMZvYt1jW5eJMVbf_CsgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PupJnuHtpKU/WCX6P1WRXlI/AAAAAAAAAXI/e5A-Oi1VhigwSfMZvYt1jW5eJMVbf_CsgCLcB/s320/IMG_5200.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.walkrightin.org/" target="_blank">Walk Right In Ministries</a> is tremendously grateful for the fun memories and encouraging stories coming out of Jammin’ Pie Fest 2016. Hours of volunteer effort, donations and prayers make a powerful difference for festival guests. We want to extend deep gratitude to our music artists Regie Hamm and Family Three as well as our generous sponsors Cub Foods, Schuler Shoes and Degree of Honor Insurance. Special thanks also goes to our many many gift card and service donors including <a href="https://amgphoto.smugmug.com/" target="_blank">AMG Photography</a> who captured the heart of this special day so well. All of this collaboration keeps the event FREE while making support and encouragement accessible to many. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jammin' Pie Fest is always a beautiful community experience. A diverse group of individuals and families are refreshed and that is especially true for those who are stretched, sometimes isolated and needing hope amidst life challenges. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We hope Jammin' Pie Fest serves as an inspiration and model for what all communities can look like. Let’s consider how, throughout the year, we can continue embracing each other, growing in faith and experiencing the adventure of life together!</span><br />
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<span class="m_-389383875622662972Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span class="m_-389383875622662972Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/BE69dGxseY8" target="_blank">WATCH this wonderful video</a></b> celebrating the memories and expressing our thanks: <a href="https://youtu.be/BE69dGxseY8" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/BE69dGxseY8</a> </span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-389383875622662972Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><span class="m_-389383875622662972Apple-style-span">NOTE: Our event photographer, <b>AMG Photography</b>, has a <a href="https://amgphoto.smugmug.com/Session-Information" target="_blank">special offer</a> for Twin Cities area individuals and families who experience special needs. Visit https://amgphoto.smugmug.com for session information and enjoy many more memories!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 153px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 153px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-23687915128971872142016-11-07T07:00:00.000-06:002016-11-07T07:00:04.831-06:00Delightful Opportunity for Dance Studios & Special Needs Families Nationwide<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cp4pu" data-offset-key="dhg7v-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b>Do you know a child with special needs who would jump, twirl, bounce and hum at the chance to be part of a dance class? </b><span data-offset-key="dhg7v-0-0">Darby’s Dancers is a wonderful new adapted dance program (non-profit based in Alabama) that has been growing rapidly nationwide. My daughter, Carly (with Angelman Syndrome, del+) has been in the program for 3 years and loves it! </span>Classes and costumes are FREE to students with special needs and each student is paired with a volunteer coach-helper.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9SL75-VfM8/WBvIkm9U2NI/AAAAAAAAAWI/2kwRSTse178dnSnjg9IrE7yJlFG-2aQ3ACLcB/s1600/DarbysDancers.Carly2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9SL75-VfM8/WBvIkm9U2NI/AAAAAAAAAWI/2kwRSTse178dnSnjg9IrE7yJlFG-2aQ3ACLcB/s320/DarbysDancers.Carly2016.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
I have come to know the founder of the program quite well and have offered to help her get the word out to others. Here's her greatest challenge:<br />
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<b>In signing up new studios to host Darby's Dancers programs, they are finding that studios are very eager to support the concept but apprehensive about whether they will get enough students to fill their class(es). </b>For example, right now Darby's Dancers has two studio owners on the brink of signing — one from GRAND RAPIDS, MI and the other in MADISON, WI.</blockquote>
There is no question in my mind that lots of families want this type of program. It is just a matter of getting the word out. And as I know all too well, non-profits have limited budget for marketing. So we need to rally the word-of-mouth troops — and that's YOU. Please help spread the word about this fantastic opportunity! Studio owners and the Darby's Dancers team want to connect with parents of children who have special needs and organizations who serve them. These connections help them get the word out and build confidence with potential host studios that there will be enough interest. <br />
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Anyone interested in having a child participate and studio owners wanting to know more about offering classroom space should contact Valerie Jones <a href="mailto:darbysdancers@yahoo.com">darbysdancers@yahoo.com</a>. <br />
<a href="http://www.darbysdancers.com/">http://www.darbysdancers.com</a> <br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/aZ9IzyxvI84" target="_blank">About Darby's Dancers</a></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8q4ps-0-0"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22560%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22https://www.youtube.com/embed/tSyne7Fj9i8%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">12News Story about Darby's Dancers</a></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tSyne7Fj9i8" width="560"></iframe> </div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-57388503903205708072016-11-03T07:00:00.000-05:002016-11-03T07:00:00.205-05:008 Things Pastors Can Do To Foster a Disability Effective Church<div style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are eight things lead pastors can do to foster a disability effective church.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Teach from the pulpit about the theology of disability and suffering.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Support outreach and care coordinators.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Provide a budget that values inclusion.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Provide space in the building for inclusive activities, support groups and accessibility.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pray and encourage prayer </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">for</i><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">with</i><span style="font-size: large;"> those who have atypical lives.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Endorse and publicly affirm programs, services, missions and inclusive activities that fully engage children, youth and adults who experience atypical lives (e.g., disability, mental health, aging, caregiving, chronic illness).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Provide personal encouragement to struggling families and teams who are serving.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Model what it looks like to whole-heartedly engage with people who have atypical lives.</span></li>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-66700314429407356322016-11-01T07:00:00.000-05:002016-11-01T08:01:30.464-05:00Love & Advocacy: Everyone's Holiday Opportunity<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Halloween is done. And that means some people are already dreaming about Thanksgiving pie, fireside card games with family, lunch and shopping with friends, high-fiving across the couch during a football game, delightful music and white Christmases. It also means that some people are already on the slide toward holiday season melancholy. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And that gets me excited. "Weird and twisted," you say? Well, it would be except for the fact that there is a very real opportunity to share the life-changing love of Jesus where there the "soil is soft" and hearts are ripe and receptive to receiving love. But seriously, so many of us walk around wondering about our purpose and wanting to be "significant for the Kingdom" when there are opportunities everywhere we look to love someone who is struggling and loneliness may be among the easiest problems to solve. That's what Jesus would be doing. Plain and simple. Makes me wonder why we complicate it so much.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The subject of isolation and loneliness was up for discussion at a recent meeting of the Twin Cities Disability Ministry Connection. Although we weren't discussing it in the context of holidays, I thought it would be worthwhile to highlight some of that reflection here because it could help ALL of us capture this opportunity during a season when loneliness is epidemic. Isolation is especially pronounced during the holidays but an opportunity that is always there. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">For many people in the midst of challenges, the sense of loneliness and isolation can feel more overwhelming than the crisis itself. Some even feel like they are being persecuted by God and/or others. For example, things like sleep deprivation, attrition of friendships, stigmas about mental health, lack of accessibility and rejection from Christians/churches can cause suffering that feels like oppression. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus would not turn too quickly to the feasts and festivities. Jesus would devote time, compassion, affection, prayer, eye contact, conversation. He would sit down and play trucks with a non-verbal boy, hang out with the bullied teen who isn't invited to the New Year's Eve parties and patiently re-teach King's Corner to the older woman whose memory is fading. Jesus' primary activity was pouring the practical power of His love into people (and so often in the form of healing mercies).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The conversation among church leaders during the Disability Ministry Connection meeting began looking at verses that speak directly to people who experience real or perceived isolation. For example, here are two verses that have brought comfort and encouragement to me personally during seasons when I have felt alone, apart or invisible and frustrated because caregiving makes me feel imprisoned sometimes. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="text Ps-68-5" id="en-NIV-14906" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">PSALM 68:5-6</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Ps-68-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">A <b>father</b> to the fatherless,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14906A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14906A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> a <b>defender</b> of widows,</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-68-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">is God in his holy dwelling.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14906C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14906C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="text Ps-68-6" id="en-NIV-14907" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="text Ps-68-6" id="en-NIV-14907" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><b>God sets the lonely<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14907D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14907D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in families, </b></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Ps-68-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><b>he leads out the prisoners<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14907F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14907F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with singing</b>;</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-68-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 1Pet-5-8" id="en-NIV-30474" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 PETER 5:8-10</span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text 1Pet-5-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Be alert and of sober mind.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30474R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30474R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Your enemy the devil prowls around<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30474S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30474S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> like a roaring lion<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30474T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30474T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>looking for someone to devour.</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Pet-5-9" id="en-NIV-30475" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Resist him,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30475U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30475U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> standing firm in the faith,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30475V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30475V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> because you know that <b>the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings</b>.</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;">And the God of all grace, who called you</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30476X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30476X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> to his eternal glory</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30476Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30476Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> in Christ, <b>after you have suffered a little while,</b></span><b><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30476Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30476Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> will himself restore you and make you strong,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30476AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30476AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></b><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b> firm and steadfast</b>. [emphasis mine]</span></span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus was regularly found reaching out to people who felt lonely, isolated or discouraged. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Are <i>we</i> regularly doing this? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since disability ministry leaders, not much unlike any of us really, have a unique opportunity to be a voice for caregivers and people who are struggling with physical or intellectual challenges. They can educate others and advocate for those whose needs can get lost in the shuffle of things like busy lives and holiday festivities. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry leaders asked this question: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where are we supposed to be on the spectrum of being program developer-implementers vs. educator/advocate/facilitator/culture influencers? Both are needed and can influence our churches and culture to step out and step up when it comes to engaging with those who struggle. Each of us will lean a little more in one direction than the other depending on things like the season of circumstances/needs in our church, the particular resources available to us, our own personality and passions, or our unique gifting. But the need for us to educate our faith communities is strong and should not get forgotten in the midst of running programs.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anyone who is not leading a ministry could ask a similar question: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In what ways am I supposed to be reaching out in practical ways to someone who is </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">struggling versus filling an advocate role in speaking up on behalf of those who need my voice and praying with intention? The reality is that we are <i>all</i> to do <i>all</i> of these things. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I'm not one of those <i>advocate</i> kind of people," you say? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consider this. Jesus told everyone to "go and make disciples." No one was excused from sharing the Good News. Sure, some were better at it than others. Some were more passionate about it or comfortable with it than others. But Jesus didn't put any qualifiers on it. He just said, "go." It's the same thing as it relates to engaging with people who are struggling. We're all supposed to <i>go and get engaged</i>, even if it might get messy or we don't feel particularly good at it.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've been one of those "high maintenance messes" who has needed too much from others at times because I'm a full time caregiver to my daughter who has profound disabilities. I've also been in ministry long enough to have encountered more than a few people who stretched me a long way out of my comfort zone with their weighty needs. But when God puts an opportunity in front of us, we know it, don't we? And He equips us to engage. If we stay attentive to Him, He also shows us when some boundaries may need to be established. (That's part of what He means when He promises a light burden. He never wants us to overstep Him or His power at work within us. He never told us strive on our own part.) But God also beautifully affirms our inclusive choices. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Living like Jesus means, in part, that we extend compassion, attention, time and care towards others. It also means speaking up for "the least of these." Jesus specifically draws our attention to the needy, orphans and widows while also insisting we throw banquets (real or metaphorical) for the poor, crippled and lame (Luke 14, Matthew 6). These folks need extra care during the holidays and the rest of us tend to be paying a little more attention at this time of year. (It makes us feel good, and less guilty about all of our holiday indulgences, when we try to pour into others.) But what about the rest of the year? </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm praying that we would all grow increasingly aware of the struggling people around us and become more lovingly engaged with each other. Let's just be more like Jesus and quit getting distracted by busy work, popular/fancy programs and even well-intentioned church outreaches that take our eyes off of the needs right in front of us.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What can you do right now? </span></b></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Pray. </b>Ask the Lord to increase your awareness of people in your church, neighborhood, workplace, school or circle of influence who may be feeling socially and/or logistically limited by their circumstances (e.g., injury, illness, disability, aging, broken marriage). Consider a way you could connect with this person(s) during the holidays and even a few times a year thereafter. Practical helps like bringing a meal, doing some chores and giving a gift card are wonderful but a simple phone call, email, card game, cup of tea and hug can make a world of difference. Explore scripture and learn together with anyone who may be asking tough questions about the sovereignty of God in their situation. Ask for God's help to move toward others as Jesus would.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="color: #1d2129;">Explore scripture and learn together </b><span style="color: #1d2129;">with anyone who may be asking tough questions about the sovereignty of God in their situation. Ask for God's help to move toward others as Jesus would and make discoveries with them. (There are some fantastic books available to help also. Contact </span><a href="http://www.walkrightin.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Walk Right In Ministries</span></a><span style="color: #1d2129;"> or check out our Lending Library if you want ideas.)</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Share this post with your friends on Facebook or via email </b>to help stir appreciation for the needs and opportunities around us.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Share this post with leaders and pastors in your church. </b>Let them know there are tremendously helpful ways of connecting right here in Minnesota to help us better understand and grow into the kinds of communities that delight God. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="color: #1d2129;">Visit one of the monthly meetings of the Twin Cities Disability Ministry Connection</b><span style="color: #1d2129;"> if you are a leader or volunteer in a church. No matter where your church is on the spectrum of serving one family at a time or having an official disability program, these gatherings offer great inspiration and insight. Download the 2016-17 schedule </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisabilityMinistryCONNECTION/files/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a><span style="color: #1d2129;">. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Join the Facebook discussion forum for leaders and volunteers wanting to learn about ministering as a church to people with special needs. </b>The page is </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">specifically designed to connect, encourage and grow churches ministering to special needs throughout the state of Minnesota. </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">All group members are welcome to post about ideas, questions and resources to expand opportunities for collective support. The Facebook page is also a great opportunity for those in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">rural/outstate areas to connect when they can't easily attend the monthly gatherings in the metro area. </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can find us at: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisabilityMinistryCONNECTION" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisabilityMinistryCONNECTION</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: "garamond";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span>Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-36763942776580755752016-10-28T18:13:00.001-05:002016-10-28T18:13:10.813-05:00On Loving Each Other<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Loving and praying for each other is not optional and scripture doesn't leave room for anything but whole-hearted engagement with people who are suffering. True, it's overwhelming, scary and messy for us as individuals and as the church trying to meet a wide array of complex needs (e.g., disability, mental illness, aging, chronic illness). But people with atypical lives are not a liability to the community or the church. They <b>enrich</b> our lives, communities and churches! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No situation is too big or too complicated for God.</span></span><br />
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<div class="_1dwg _1w_m" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16px; padding: 12px 12px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>LORD, forgive us for showing partiality with our love and compassion. You call us to love our neighbors and pray for our enemies. Move people into our circles of influence that give us opportunity to stretch our love muscles and prove ourselves faithful to YOUR ways! This is one of our spiritual acts of worship. AMEN</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-61072977311378511152016-07-26T14:06:00.001-05:002016-07-26T14:09:00.057-05:00One Father's Desperation Holds Urgent Lesson for Us All<i>These comments from July 25, 2015 warrant reposting today.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">The Angelman Syndrome community worldwide has been reeling this week -- experiencing a </span><a href="http://m.channel3000.com/news/sheriff-nail-gun-knife-weapons-used-in-park-murder-attempted-suicide/34317790" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;">horrifying, heartbreaking loss</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">. Never before has my passion been greater that caregivers need support, encouragement, a place for resonance, an adequate rhythm of respite and the kind of hope and strength that only Jesus Christ can give. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Take a moment to read/watch the full news story </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">(July 23, 2015)</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">. Click here: </span><span style="color: #741b47;"><u>"</u></span></span></span><a href="http://m.channel3000.com/news/sheriff-nail-gun-knife-weapons-used-in-park-murder-attempted-suicide/34317790" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Facing changes to the respite care situation for his 16 year old son, a father took his son to an area park and killed him"</span><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">and then killed himself</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I'll never be able to thank </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">enough the many people that have poured into our family so that we can thrive amidst the 24/7 weight of "extreme caregiving." Some seasons have been better than others but there's no denying that the way people have come alongside to support us is remarkable. (It should not be remarkable. It should be commonplace for all of us to have enough compassion and margin in our lives to reach out to others who are so stretched.) </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">While I can't fathom taking the kind of action this dad took, Larry and I (as well as our oldest children Alex and Erin) all know too well the kind of desperation that can be felt behind closed doors when things like difficult behaviors, seizures, diaper catastrophes, cyclic reflux vomiting or sleep deprivation have taken us to our wits end. My heart aches and a sense of nausea wells in me when I consider so many friends who struggle daily with deep depression and/or sense of overwhelming loneliness/isolation caring for a loved one. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Our culture doesn't value caregivers enough, doesn't pay respite staff enough (it's extraordinarily difficult even to find people willing to work this type of job at ANY rate of pay), doesn't encourage enough. Yet there are shining examples of progress. For example, the heart behind Caroline's Cart and practical value it is bringing to families is like a hug from God. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">We must pray for the reality of this need for community and outreach to sink in and fast. May all of us to value more highly our opportunities to encourage one another, lead lifestyles that prioritize time to support a weary friend and have courage to ask for help when we're struggling. May we create churches that go beyond just being welcoming places to becoming places that truly ENGAGE with these families, do more than just "be nice" and actually figure out how to carry another's burden. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Lord, help us all. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-16368064342872625112016-05-18T23:38:00.002-05:002016-05-19T08:24:14.243-05:00When Graduation SHRINKS Rather than EXPANDS a Young Person's World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Spring is here in all it's glory and the greens seem more vibrant to me than ever before. I hope you're seeing opportunities to soak up the refreshment of this new season!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our daughter Carly turned 18 years old this past weekend. And she'll graduate from high school in just three weeks. For Carly this is a dramatically new 'season' and you might be surprised that there are some very unsettling things about this for her dad and me—things that are causing us some grief. I hope you won't mind that I share some personal reflections about it here because I believe God has something to say about this to each and every one who is reading today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />As other students head off to college, explore new jobs or take a 'gap' year to discover their true passions, Carly will begin a transition program a few miles from home in a building filled with several other young adults who, like her, experience significant developmental disabilities. While there will be plenty of important and enjoyable activities, a skilled and caring staff, and new friends among her classmates, there will be no typical students in that building. None. Unlike high school where Carly participated in the mainstream choir class and walked halls with typical teens, she will now be more isolated from 'normal' society than she has ever been before. Occasional school outings to places like the grocery store (to learn money skills), some family activities and church attendance will be the extent of her exposure the 'outside' world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Typical high school graduates are seeing the world open up before them; opportunities and relationships are blossoming. But for Carly, becoming an adult and finishing high school means that life will be changing in very different ways. In contrast to Carly's peer experiences, her world is in high risk of shrinking. Unless somebody thinks creatively and takes initiative on her behalf, Carly's opportunities and relationships will immediately start narrowing after her last day of high school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-offset-key="7d7ss-0-0">Carly is highly social. Yet she is fully dependent on others to bring her places and help translate her efforts to communicate and engage with others. Her social connections will continue to narrow unless her caregivers, church and community are intentional about optimizing connectedness for her. Carly also has gifts to share with her church and community. Yet she is fully dependent on others to make room for her and assist her in plugging in. Unfortunately, I see a world that is too naïve to notice and too busy to join us in exploring and embracing the possibilities. So I'm praying for a culture change. I'm also praying that God would give me fresh energy and vision to see the opportunities for Carly (and others like her) and show me how to facilitate connections and belonging for her in a world that doesn't really understand what God has said:</span><b><span data-offset-key="fv19b-0-0"><br /></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span data-offset-key="fv19b-0-0">“Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we think are less honorable we treat with special honor." 1 Corinthians 12:22-23</span></b> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span data-offset-key="4ulaf-0-0">"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." 1 Peter 4:10</span></b> </span></blockquote>
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<b><span data-offset-key="2p8o2-0-0"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these'" Matthew 19:14</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="9gtm3-0-0"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-offset-key="8e7qs-0-0"><b>Have you noticed any adults in your congregation who have disabilities? </b>If you have, you might praise God for the caregiver or group home staff who have been willing and energized enough to initiate that outing! You can greet these friends — BOTH the caregiver and the resident. You can thank group home staff for their supportiveness. You can greet these friends and ask questions about their day as you would with any other friend. The few moments you spend chatting with them may be among the very few 'outside world' interactions they have all week.</span><span data-offset-key="c74go-0-0"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-offset-key="c74go-0-0"><b>How can you help adults with special needs in your congregation find ways to serve and increase their sense of belonging in the community? </b>The church is not complete without these friends. More than just being friendly with each other, we must think of each other as ministry partners and invest in helping each other share in the life of the church and in life with Christ.</span><span data-offset-key="7mk54-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="7mk54-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Does it cross your mind that there are numerous adults in your community who are invisible to you? </b>Perhaps they are there and you just aren't paying attention. Perhaps they are not there because nobody has made a place for them. There are a range of obstacles that keep people with special needs from attending church. Although building accessibility and transportation can be challenges, the more frequent issue is emotional. None of us wants to keep going where we aren't noticed, cared about or feel like we belong.</span></span></span><br />
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-49187751718640345992016-04-26T23:06:00.001-05:002016-04-27T19:40:08.866-05:00Who gets to decide whether my daughter's life is worth fighting for?I heard some alarming but empowering news last week during a meeting of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisabilityMinistryCONNECTION/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Twin Cities Disability Ministry Connection</span></a>. <a href="http://prenatalpartnersforlife.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Prenatal Partners for Life</span></a> founder Mary Kellett explained the dangers and opportunities involved with healthcare policies that threaten the very lives of people like my daughter Carly.<br />
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You see, Carly has Angelman Syndrome so some people believe her to be a burden on society. Because she is cognitively and developmentally challenged, her life is considered by some to have less value than mine. While I've been well aware of this fact, I was rather naive about how that could impact the care she receives when she is hospitalized. But then I read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bellas-Gift-Little-Transformed-Inspired-ebook/dp/B00KQ2G48Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461732218&sr=8-1&keywords=Bella%27s+Gift+santorum" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Bella's Gift</span></a></i> by Rick and Karen Santorum earlier this year. And then I heard Mary Kellett talk about how her son died. And WHY he died. Bear with me while I try to explain the issue here.<br />
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Many hospitals have policies granting themselves rights to decide when it is time to discontinue all treatments and “allow” a patient to die. Regardless of a patient or family’s right to make their own healthcare decisions, physicians and hospitals are being given the right to make “medical futility” decisions based on their own judgments about the value or quality of patients’ lives rather than the efficacy of specific treatments or therapies available. “These policies and laws have been crafted to shield physicians and hospitals from legal liability for hastening patients’ deaths,” according to the <a href="https://humanlife.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Human Life Alliance</span></a> (HLA).<br />
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It is not just people with disabilities or special needs who are at risk. Patients who have experienced serious medical crisis after things like gunshot wounds or motor vehicle accidents have also become vulnerable to the dangers of these policies. There are numerous cases reported where medical staff focused on the quality of a patient's life if he/she did recover instead of focusing on treatments and surgeries that would foster healing and recovery.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The HLA cautions, “before you or a loved one are admitted to any hospital, ask for a copy of the hospital’s ‘medical futility policy’” so that you are not caught unaware and unprepared.</span></b></blockquote>
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Mary Kellett shares her powerful personal story about how these policies tragically impacted her family. You can read <a href="http://www.senate.mn/.../17Nienow/press/Mary%20Kellett.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mary’s testimony</span> before the Minnesota legislature about Minnesota Senate bill SF2238</a>, titled “Hospital Futility Policy Disclosure.” Although the bill passed the house and senate in 2012, it was voted down by the Governor at that time.<br />
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<i>Let’s pray that bill will be successfully reintroduced in a future session!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>In addition to asking to see a provider's policy, Mary encourages families, <b>"you can invite your pastor or priest to attend a Care Coordination Meeting when significant life and care decisions are in the balance." </b>Their presence gives a family comfort and confidence while conveying a powerful message about how the family values life as they advocate for a loved one.<br />
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To learn more about prolife healthcare issues, look for more information at the <a href="https://humanlife.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Human Life Alliance</span></a> and <a href="http://www.lifeandhope.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hope Network</span></a>.<br />
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-4827908526970027922016-03-09T22:26:00.000-06:002016-03-09T22:26:08.402-06:00Inclusion at Church Makes News in Minnesota <div style="font-family: Garamond, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">
A news story aired last week under the headline: <a href="http://www.fox9.com/news/99791845-story">"St. Paul church designed to welcome those with disabilities."</a> This was a very important story that Walk Right In Ministries had the privilege to participate in along with the Twin Cities Disability Ministry Connection. <b>FOX9 News dedicated just shy of 6 minutes for this feature story reported by Amy Hockert</b>. Folks, SIX MINUTES of air time is a huge investment and this was not a simple story to tell. </div>
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If you haven't seen it yet, please watch now then share this link on Facebook and Twitter: <a href="http://www.fox9.com/news/99791845-story">http://www.fox9.com/news/99791845-story</a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This story has stirred conversation and passion. </span></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Over the last week since it aired, I've watched Facebook and my email light up about the tremendous needs, opportunities, failures and successes of the Church as it relates to special needs ministry. It is tremendously gratifying to see progress! Nonetheless, typical churches struggle to serve those leading atypical lives. Typical churches are scared, intimidated or apathetic and making very little effort at all. Though some churches try to be kind to people with special needs, the typical church today is still not engagingly inclusive. As our friend John Knight of </span><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/" style="font-size: 18px;">Desiring God</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> exhorted the church in </span><a href="http://theworksofgod.com/2016/03/05/what-you-will-see-tonight-isnt-acceptable-in-a-typical-church-so-lets-not-be-typical/" style="font-size: 18px;">his blog</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> last week, </span><b style="font-size: 18px;">"Let's not be typical!" </b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20px;">What can YOU do?</span></i></b></div>
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Watch this news story.</div>
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SEE with new eyes and ENGAGE with the people around you who live with challenges.</div>
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PRAY that the heart and response of God's Church will radically change — embracing and including all those who have disabilities.</div>
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TALK to your pastors; help others see how very highly God values the "weaker" parts of his Body and expects us to engage their gifts in the life of the church just as we do with any other member.</div>
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POST this video link on Facebook with your personal note of encouragement to watch it: <a href="http://www.fox9.com/news/99791845-story">http://www.fox9.com/news/99791845-story</a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WRITE to Amy Hockert at <a href="mailto:programming9@foxtv.com" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #115293; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">programming9@foxtv.com</a> and thank her for telling stories that help people with disabilities!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let our enduring message be hope. Let our eyes remain fixed on Christ. Let us not grow weary doing good.</span></span></div>
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Thank you for letting your own life speak and display the Gospel today.</div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-25333155128372138862015-12-02T07:00:00.000-06:002015-12-02T07:00:11.191-06:00Christmas Worship Like the First Time (Part 2)<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One definition of worship is “to express reverence or adoration of someone or some thing.” By this definition we have all been guilty, at one time or another, of showing more affection, appreciation and priority for other people, places, objects and activities in our lives than we have shown toward God Himself.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus knew that true children of God would make it their priority to follow Him into the world proclaiming the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:57-62). People who are awakened to the joy of their salvation want everything about their lives to reflect the One who has rescued them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.</span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:7-14</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jesus Himself often told people to go tell their friends and family what God had done for them (Mark 5:18-20, Luke 8:39). But there were also many times when Jesus didn’t specifically instruct someone to go and tell. They just did. They did because they were so moved by Jesus’ compassion toward them and His power of transformation in their lives that they couldn’t stop talking about Him! And the passion of their testimony paired with the evidence seen in their renovated lives caused people to be amazed and worship God (Mark 2:11-12).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, that our enthusiasm and gratitude would overflow as worship (Psalm 23:5, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 8:2, 2 Corinthians 9:12, Colossians 2:7)!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lifting our eyes to see God and then giving voice to what we see is worship. What we see and say about God will also lead other people to worship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">This reflection on worship is excerpted from "Living Your Glory Story" available at </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Living-Your-Glory-Story-Jamieson/dp/0983033331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408824667&sr=8-1&keywords=living+your+glory+story" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"> and the </span><a href="http://findingglory.com/store.html" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Walk Right In Ministries store</a><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">. Copyright © 2013 Walk Right In Ministries. All rights reserved.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></span>Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-6620666534556392242015-12-01T06:00:00.000-06:002015-12-01T06:00:02.590-06:00Christmas Worship Like the First Time (Part 1)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's December and, once again, Christians all over the world are celebrating Jesus' first coming. I've been thinking about when I first experienced Jesus' coming into my own heart and life in a way that I knew was real and deeply personal. I recall a sense of wonder and intrigue in my worship that year which was very different than years before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I want my current worship to reflect at least the same vigor and curiosity as it had in those early months when I knew my life and passions had been profoundly changed forever. That was a time when others noticed my new priorities and sometimes wondered about them too. I hope my life compels others to turn and look where I'm looking — toward the treasure of Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've been studying Revelation this fall. Three things are striking and inspiring to me about John's vision of Jesus. First, it is <i>while John was worshipping</i> "in the Spirit on the Lord's day" that Jesus revealed Himself to John. Next, John "turned to see the voice that was speaking" to him. He <i>paid attention</i> and had an opportunity to see the manifest presence of Jesus for Himself! When John saw Jesus, he "fell at his feet as though dead." And do you know what Jesus did then? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus touched John.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wonder. Will my life and faith reflect the kind of zealous and attentive worship that leads to such an intimate encounter with God? Will yours? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How might the world around us be different if our Christmas worship reflects the kind of wonder and enthusiasm we had the first time we encountered Jesus in an intimate way?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> “Glory to God in highest heaven,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. Luke 2:9-17 (NLT)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-69874616485448711062015-11-17T08:30:00.000-06:002015-11-17T21:00:02.981-06:00Gear Up for Good Gifts<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "garamond" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving, Christmas and a New Year are right around the corner. Days will be busy for most and lonely for some. Wherever we are on that spectrum, there is opportunity. I want to paint a picture of how we can give and receive life-lifting gifts this holiday season.</span></span></span><br />
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<i style="color: black; font-family: Garamond; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: "gill sans";">“</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: "gill sans";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">And let our people learn </span><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29921A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29921A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 22px; position: relative; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; top: 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></sup><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">to devote themselves to good works, </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: "gill sans";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">so as to help cases of urgent need, and not </span><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29921B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29921B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 22px; position: relative; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; top: 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></sup><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">be unfruitful.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;">" </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: small; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Titus 3:14</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: large;">Do you remember how it felt when you were the kid who got picked last because you ran a little slower than the rest, weren't quick enough with your times tables or just weren't wearing the right color shirt that day? How about that time when a sprained ankle kept you on the bench? Your mom made you go to the game saying, "you're still part of the team and need to show your support even if you can’t play!" Some part of you wanted to be there with your friends but another part would just rather have stayed home alone than be trapped on the sidelines unable to fully participate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: large;">The holiday season stirs very similar tensions for folks who are wrestling with something that is challenging or seems to differentiate them from the crowd. Imagine these holiday scenarios:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: large;">You are the parent of a child with autism who has been invited to attend the family Thanksgiving. The atmosphere will create stress for your child — and so for you too. You anticipate being exhausted trying to manage your child’s disruptive behaviors. You will spend a lot of time on the periphery of the group watching other parents enjoying the freedom to relax in conversations and play traditional holiday games. You’ll probably spend the afternoon trying to help your child avoid a myriad of scene-causing possibilities from sensory overload to a toileting catastrophe or seizure. Knowing you’ll get depressed and feel guilty for resenting others who will sip a drink and casually balance a full dinner plate in their lap, you consider staying home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: large;">You have been having some difficulty remembering names and staying focused in conversations. It is frightening to go out in public. You aren’t comfortable speaking in case someone hears that you are struggling. You regret that you’ll miss seeing the grandchildren play but your mounting fears remind you that staying home feels safer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: large;">You’d like to be with family for the upcoming holiday dinner but you don’t want to drag everyone down. You wish you could sit quietly on the couch just soaking up some of the joy around the room but you’ll feel pressure to participate and look happy. You suspect the family has wearied of your moods and just wants you to snap out of it. You feel misunderstood, unwanted and unsafe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: large;">Going to church for the special holiday services has always been a joy for you but now it feels overwhelming. Seeing happy families reminds you of that loved one who won’t be with you this year. Unexpected moments of raw grief quickly spiral out of control. The last thing you want to do is draw attention, feel out of control or cast a shadow on someone else’s joy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: large;">When Carly was first diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, I suddenly found myself experiencing a paradox — surrounded by people who loved me yet feeling very alone. Some part of me knew these were not rational feelings. Yet I still encounter too many triggers for feelings of disappointment and isolation, especially during the holidays. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: large;">Nobody likes to feel different, undervalued, isolated, last or lonely. Yet there is heartache and longing to feel included all around us. Whether you’re the one feeling sidelined during these holidays or someone who is enthusiastically gearing up for the celebrations, I hope you’ll pray for radar to recognize the Divine promises and opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "gill sans";">4 Promises that Anchor and Encourage People<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "garamond";">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "garamond";">Nobody is immune to trouble but we have hope.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans";">Jesus said “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans";">We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "garamond";">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>God remains your most faithful advocate.</b></span><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans";">The Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.” Exodus 2:23-25, 3:7-8 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans";">So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:3-7 (NLT)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans";">And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "garamond";">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>You are never alone.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans";">So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:6-10 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans";">Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "garamond";">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>When you suffer, God’s comfort will be multiplied <i>to you</i> and <i>through you</i></b>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans";">All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NLT)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "gill sans light"; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "gill sans";">5 Ways to Ease Someone’s Heartache During the Holidays</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Garamond; text-indent: -0.25in;">Notice someone who may be hurting</b><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;">— Reassure someone who feels isolated that they are not invisible. Let a simple word or act of kindness speak clearly that people matter to you and to God. “Tithe” a few moments of each day to send a kind email or hand-written note, make a phone call, do an act of service or give a grocery/gas card. While you’re out in the community, be intentional and generous with your eye contact and a smile.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Garamond; text-indent: -0.25in;">Just BE</b><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;">— Come over and hang out next to someone (whether it’s across the room or across town). You don’t have to know what to say. Resist pulling back from relationships that feel awkward or too complicated. Your presence ministers so much more than you know.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Garamond; text-indent: -0.25in;">Listen first, then listen some more</b><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;">— Ask what somebody is thinking, feeling or wanting. Take time to understand what the person is experiencing and, without analyzing or judging them, learn how they are coping with life’s challenges.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Garamond; text-indent: -0.25in;">Remind someone of God’s sure promise</b><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;">— Share one of the examples above or describe one of God’s promises that has been tangible for you recently.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Garamond; text-indent: -0.25in;">Express appreciation and affirmation</b><span style="font-family: "garamond"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> — Thank people for sharing their heart with you, for helping you learn something, or for coming to the party even though it was hard. Let someone know that their patient endurance through hardship inspires you. Tell a caregiver that they are doing a good, important and beautiful work.</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: large;">Have you believed the lie that you are too busy to be used by God in sharing someone’s burden this holiday season? Or are you someone who is feeling too stuck or too broken to experience God’s touch? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "garamond";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;">Here’s the truth:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: "gill sans";">God will generously provide all you need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: "gill sans";">Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: "gill sans";">2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: "gill sans"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: large;">Let’s remember together that we live and move and have our being by the grace and power of God, not ourselves (lest we might boast about it). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: large;">What wonderful inspiration and opportunity to carry us through these holidays and into a new year!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782167458822142796.post-84444129376919076612015-04-20T10:50:00.000-05:002015-04-20T10:50:24.600-05:00Just Love Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Garamond;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">Do you ever wonder if you have a “calling” on your life? Have you noticed how many of your friends are wrestling to understand their own greater purpose? I believe that our culture at large is presenting increasing pressures to be contributors and world-changers. Even the Christian community and a plethora of books are promoting ways to find our purpose.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">Having a sense of purpose is essential but our understanding of what that really means can become twisted. We can become tempted to define our value to God and the world by whether or not we are doing something “of significance.” This way of thinking is dangerous. It makes us vulnerable to dissatisfaction, comparisons, restlessness and low self-esteem. It takes our eyes off of God and puts our attention on ourselves.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">Jesus didn’t tell us to go change the world. He said, “go bear fruit.” Jesus’ aim was not for us to feel pressure or shame. He said, “take my burden on you for it is light” and He assured us that it was through Him alone that the world could have “life to the full.”<span> </span>God doesn’t <i>need</i> us to accomplish anything. But he does <i>want</i> us to join Him in loving others. (See Psalm 139:7-12 and 1 Corinthians 15:10.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe it would help to change up the way we talk about this issue and redefine a couple of things according to the heart of God and His ways. Bear with me for a moment as I attempt to define two important words according to my understanding of God’s Word:</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">pur•pose <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">/<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">ˈ</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">p</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">ə</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">rp</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">ə</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">s/<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li><b style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The reason for which you were created and exist</span></b></li>
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">“ I was born to love the Lord God with my whole heart, soul and mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">“I was made to live my life as a spiritual act of worship (whether I am making dinner, mowing the lawn, playing with children, sharing the Gospel or any other such thing).”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">“I must become undistracted by the trappings of cultural values (job titles, accolades, an accumulation of volunteer hours, etc.) and devote myself foremost to trusting God and demonstrating that love by loving others, moment by moment, as He would.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-size: large;">References:</span></span></i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 11:22, Romans 12:1-2, John 13:34-35</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">dream<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">/dr</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">ē</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">m/<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li><b style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">A cherished aspiration, ideal or hope impressed on a person by the Holy Spirit</span></b></li>
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">“ I sense this prompting about an idea, vision or perspective is from God because it lines up with scripture.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">“I want a heart that breaks over the things that break God’s heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">“This specific passion or strategy I’m excited about promotes God’s plan.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">“I am experiencing a sense of urgency to see God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">References:</span></i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> Psalm 23:1-3, Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 12:1-2, James 1:2-4, Acts 2:17, Colossians 3:23<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">Friend, instead of a purpose, maybe all you lack is a dream. Ask God about it. He, after all, is the planter of passions and talents. He, of course, is the weaver of our soul and the one who appoints us in relationships. Until heaven we will not fully know what Kingdom purposes God has squeezed out of our often hum-drum existence. We can, however, trust that He is making much of our seeking Him and sharing Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">Pray that God would help you see how He has already placed you in roles and relationships where you have significant contribution to make. Your daily routines may seem mundane but they are ripe with opportunity in God’s way of seeing. Ask Him to prompt you with a dream and show you any new places where He would want you to join Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">I am learning something in my own life that gives me a precious sense of peace and freedom while reminding me how deeply I am loved by my Heavenly Father. Whenever I start feeling confused about whether I am following God’s specific “plan” or wondering if I am stewarding my gifts to their fullest, God whispers again this most basic request:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: large;">“Just love me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is my prayer that everyone reading with me today will experience the fruit of a love affair with God — fruit like big dreams, big power (from the Holy Spirit in you) and a big love for others that motivates you to persevere in faith as a fully engaged disciple.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: Gill Sans;">“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: Gill Sans;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">" </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f0000; font-family: Gill Sans;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Philippians 2:13</span></span></i></div>
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Lisa Jamiesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074977511674773724noreply@blogger.com1