tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66275232882188834342024-03-13T20:31:10.192-07:00Branded MelodyOne LifeSong Striving to be Marked with TruthJennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-7165173099892601912022-09-03T16:10:00.002-07:002022-09-03T16:10:56.919-07:00Outliving Legalism - a poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPPYHOy1ND_aair-oNJEiy4f9zcxLUiEvH0ezVDk3qpzKVFAxzrStfIcUnl9S6XujuWppoc7FZItpY2YlwY9VhkpAll8ObMACf4H08Sbbx-9PCDbKy5zG4Z064DU0bu2kdR3yxE84oPBW0wNXN0AFemZXsUklS7hR17GXQ1Qcmxj7f1FClGYpP88JFQ/s1920/cross-3080144_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1920" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPPYHOy1ND_aair-oNJEiy4f9zcxLUiEvH0ezVDk3qpzKVFAxzrStfIcUnl9S6XujuWppoc7FZItpY2YlwY9VhkpAll8ObMACf4H08Sbbx-9PCDbKy5zG4Z064DU0bu2kdR3yxE84oPBW0wNXN0AFemZXsUklS7hR17GXQ1Qcmxj7f1FClGYpP88JFQ/s320/cross-3080144_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: initial; padding: initial;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-nail-symbol-wood-old-wooden-3080144/" target="_blank">Image by <span style="cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline-color: initial !important; outline-width: initial !important; padding: initial;">congerdesign</span> from <span style="cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; padding: initial;">Pixabay</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></a></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Outliving Legalism <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(presented without comment)</span></i></p><p>Jesus tolerates me, this I know<br />My childhood preacher told me so<br />So in my shame and in my fear<br />I tried my best not to get too near</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His Jesus knew me in and out<br />
And marked me up for every doubt<br />
Kept careful tally of all my sins<br />
So it would be clear why I didn’t get in<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But through all the laws that preacher laid<br />
He failed to tell that my debt was paid<br />
By righteous ransom – How could that be?<br />
Then I heard You whisper, “Come to me . . .”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes, Christ, You saved this heart of mine<br />
You healed it holy, now I’m wholly Thine<br />
And when I still struggle to believe<br />
You are rest and peace and certainty<o:p></o:p></p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-61460592202062836322022-08-23T16:28:00.002-07:002022-08-23T16:28:28.231-07:00The Songs We Sing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ISA1HpdbikhwVer2YNeTxi1X8KdmKccGcI_rb28sz-p30r9EEH6spGg6GtAtMQxZnV5muqgmWAWHRYodLA2BWpCdsriyfF0qIZWZvlUgcg0ACRRA_KQSYeym6huKFsqyGCsMUAsx0_lRy96jWy9IsPU4E1NWDwizrzaqmi6cAm6pswktsQva1ppddQ/s1920/bible-1948778_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ISA1HpdbikhwVer2YNeTxi1X8KdmKccGcI_rb28sz-p30r9EEH6spGg6GtAtMQxZnV5muqgmWAWHRYodLA2BWpCdsriyfF0qIZWZvlUgcg0ACRRA_KQSYeym6huKFsqyGCsMUAsx0_lRy96jWy9IsPU4E1NWDwizrzaqmi6cAm6pswktsQva1ppddQ/w439-h292/bible-1948778_1920.jpg" width="439" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/bible-worship-christian-religious-1948778/" target="_blank"> Photo by JF by Pixabay.</a></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>“It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing
together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you,
as a member of the Church, may share in its song.” </i>–<b> Dietrich Bonhoeffer</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whenever and wherever God’s people gather, as brothers and
sisters, as the unified Body of Christ, we raise a song together. And because,
as Bonhoeffer implied, it is a fearful, beautiful, holy thing that we
struggling pilgrims put words on the lips of the Bride of Christ, we do well to
carefully consider those sung words. Singing for the King is an honor, but it
is also a responsibility to be shepherded well. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>WHY We Sing</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Scripture demonstrates countless instances of congregational
singing within the church, but, in a nutshell, God’s people gather to sing for
two primary reasons: to praise God and to encourage one another in the truth. In
terms of worship songs, we typically categorize these as vertical (sung to God)
and horizontal (sung to one another about God).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Begin with the Old Testament and the Psalms, then lean into
the epistles to find exclamations of praise and prayer sung directly to God the
Father and to Christ. His people lift praises for His unchanging nature, His power
and goodness. He is worthy! We also call out in tune with desperate petitions and
sung prayers to the God who hears those pleas and welcomes them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Also, while we gather, we sing as a means of remembrance and
encouragement, to look into the faces of our church family and retell the
Gospel again and again. Our good God knew we would need to remind one another,
in our fallen flesh and blood, day in and day out, that the redemption story is
true, and one way we do this is through songs sung together. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>WHAT We Sing</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Scripture is our guide. We determine what sorts of songs, words
and phrases are to be put on the lips of Jesus’ Church by looking at THE Word. So,
with regard to the songs we sing, we must ask:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">“Is it true?” and “Does it honor
God?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Much like all aspects of our walk of faith, the songs within
the Body must be measured against what Scripture teaches. Heaven forbid (literally)
that we mouth any untrue words about our God within our songs. It’s good and
worth the time to comb through lyrics used in worship and root out anything that
might contain error. Teaching is happening when we sing, so we must hold firmly
to truth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s also important to honestly consider the focus of each
song, whether we are honoring our God or ourselves. Often called “me-centric”
worship songs, many verses have been penned that zero in narrowly on the gifts
and hype the recipients (us) far more so than the great Giver. May we be more
forgetful of ourselves and keep our hearts directed toward the Father in the
things we sing to Him.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>HOW We Sing</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes, we sing with open hearts and seeking spirits, but the
HOW category is a tricky one, because it’s also where we deal with the style of
the music we use in our churches. It can become a difficult and divisive topic
among a diverse people because style preferences vary from person to person, neighborhood
to neighborhood, nation to nation and era to era. I personally was raised on
heavy metal and Motown, so most of the songs we sing don’t quite fit my
background either.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But here’s the thing (and this is just my own opinion): If a
song meets the “true” and “God-honoring” criteria laid out previously, style is
going to be a secondary issue, one of preference and expediency for the
congregation and the musicians serving. To incorporate various musical styles,
when possible, can be a beautiful thing. It’s also beautiful and crucial to,
when necessary, sacrifice a bit of our personal preferences to facilitate the
united worship of God’s people. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Friends, it’s a big, glorious deal that God calls His people
to sing together. What an honor to honor Him in this way! In a world ripe with self-seeking,
individualism and division, a group of people getting together to lift voices
in united song can seem a bit strange to the outside population. A bit “not of
this world.” Good. As such, let us continue to meet together, get loud with
praises and give words of life to one another as we demonstrate to the world
just how worthy He is to receive these songs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-52326912350735726142022-04-15T10:08:00.002-07:002022-04-15T10:08:24.265-07:00Holy Week Poems . . . Monday - Good Friday<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Tests and Traps (for Monday of Holy Week)</b></span></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The day’s wakening brings a stale surge of testing,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">careful traps systematically set to spring and sever,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">but feet that scale the wild waves worriless</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">know no fear of capture</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and tread lightly anyway on these earth’s thoroughfares</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So onward to the throne, splintered and stained,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">to the hanging and the humbling</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">for me</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">meanwhile flippant and tardy invitees are cast out</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">manipulators learn of their just end</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and a barren tree tells the future </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">for both the fruitless </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and the faithful</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The plan is in motion and will not be amended</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Today, the serpent-crusher steps with valiant purpose toward week’s end</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Holy Tuesday – A One-Sided, Sacred Rap Battle </b></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Come, it’s time to stir the pot </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He’s got rhyme they can’t dispute </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Root up pride, ye hypocrites, </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sit and burn ‘neath rare repute </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">All you fam think you’re so righteous </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Slamming doors on seeking souls </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">God abhors such cold, blind guides </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">With dead insides, hell’s loopholes </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Filthy phonies! Sons of snakes! </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Own your guilt and count the sum </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Of sin, plumb through holy shade </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The God who made you, Christ, has come </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>How to Savor Silence (Holy Wednesday) </b></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Before the genesis of the eucharist </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Before the humble handling of those filthy feet </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Before the olive grove </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and the blood splatter </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and the guilt-laced kiss </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">there lay </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">a day </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">of quiet </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">betwixt parade and passion </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But how could He savor that silence </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">when he knew what awaited </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">the cosmic chaos, the torture and tearing slated </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">for the other end of the reprieve? </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Oh, He knew the quiet would soon turn to clamor </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yet rest thrives best inside a deep pocket of sovereignty </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The tunnel’s dark end </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">can cast no shadow when </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">each moment is bathed in the light of holy confidence, </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">confidence in the good Maker Almighty </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">in His goodness and purpose and </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">His steadfast love that King David sang so loudly of </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and for you, dear one, confidence in knowing that on that Wednesday </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">yes, the God-man knew </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and He still chose you</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Glimpses of the Good Shepherd Within the Shepherd’s Psalm (Maundy Thursday) </b></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*And when the hour had come*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He makes me lie down in green pastures</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*He reclined at table*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He leads me beside still waters</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*He poured water into a basin and began to wash their feet*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He restores my soul</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*“Father, I have glorified You on earth”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Even though I walk through the valley of deepest darkness</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*“My soul is very sorrowful, even unto death”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will fear no evil, for you are with me</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> *“Father . . .”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Your rod and your staff, they comfort me</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> *“Your will be done”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*Judas answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You anoint my head with oil</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*“. . . she has done a beautiful thing to me”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My cup overflows</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>*“drink . . . this is my blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> *“take heart, I have overcome the world”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> *“. . . in my Father’s kingdom”*</i></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives</i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Darkness Dawns and the Price is Paid (Good Friday) </b></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Darkness dawns and the price is paid </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This rate of wrath for all I’ve done </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A cruel cross for the holy Son </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Through lace of lies each charge was laid </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now darkness dawns and the price is paid </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mid-day mourning masks the sun </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The seemingly “forsaken” One </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Cries out beneath the burden weighed </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Darkness dawns and the price is paid </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Oh, wilting Savior, heaven-shunned </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It feels like death has almost won </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hope is slipping and I’m afraid </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As darkness dawns and the price is paid </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My God, I’ll wait ‘til glory’s spun </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And I’ll take no ease ‘til Your return </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Light of Life has been betrayed </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Darkness dawns and the price is paid</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-26766978813936118112022-01-20T09:17:00.001-08:002022-01-20T09:17:14.296-08:00On 1 Corinthians 10:12 & 13<p><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieBjFexnDj4mxhSqvU8tZvp5P0xBgmPVIlc5ZAq1X4xOApDOQblKeJ9I4yiQYW16KKF-3FkQMf2nubLoC2Nd796ASiqTdQ4fLW1P0vIetUM1os5AroYxzIuOj4lmdRf354tb-nJ1yzOlSrTjGX2yBgVGirT7lUumVUo4RDPNv51U2qDzCSoQCOVoFDug=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieBjFexnDj4mxhSqvU8tZvp5P0xBgmPVIlc5ZAq1X4xOApDOQblKeJ9I4yiQYW16KKF-3FkQMf2nubLoC2Nd796ASiqTdQ4fLW1P0vIetUM1os5AroYxzIuOj4lmdRf354tb-nJ1yzOlSrTjGX2yBgVGirT7lUumVUo4RDPNv51U2qDzCSoQCOVoFDug=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/fotorech-5554393/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=5520347">Daniel Reche</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=5520347">Pixabay</a>" target="_blank">Image by Daniel Reche from Pixabay</a>.</div></span> <p></p><p>We usually start the thought in verse 13:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to
man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,
but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be
able to endure it.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s a word of encouragement. A “you’re not alone” in the trials
and things with which you struggle. And then more encouragement in that “God is
faithful” to help you hold up underneath the crushing trial and temptation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That’s good stuff, for sure. And necessary.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But if we step back and start the thought in verse 12,
another vital layer is added to this passage:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take
heed lest he fall.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Read that part first because preceding the encouragement is
a dire warning. “Take heed lest (you) fall.” It’s not just that all temptations
are common to all people, but that ANY temptation is a real possibility for ANY
person. Do you see the shift in mindset? Verse 12 reminds you that you are not
above or immune to certain pulls or trials or wandering longings no matter how
strong you may think yourself to be. You can never underestimate the depths of
depravity lurking in your own heart. So be on guard. “Watch and pray” as Jesus
taught his disciples in the garden “that you will not fall into temptation.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Be warned, but also be encouraged. Because the eternal
takeaway is that “GOD is faithful,” and, even in the baseness of our fallen
world and in the sickness of our own human hearts, He has made and is making a
way for you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-81652051182211030362021-11-05T14:11:00.000-07:002021-11-05T14:11:32.471-07:00Echoes of Genesis Three<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmYYiHkw72q8whBC0f2qHjytImll2MBHHoEOXzoP7CmWen6bWc8D-6OWMVvjOZJROSPVjoMvPVXxDDNqna20KBpwkTkFnggiUDTvq4_tQJ750s3V9Bg3q0PJuYtr6crHS1e8wuDJAQFaD/s1920/tulip-g1a1b0adf3_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmYYiHkw72q8whBC0f2qHjytImll2MBHHoEOXzoP7CmWen6bWc8D-6OWMVvjOZJROSPVjoMvPVXxDDNqna20KBpwkTkFnggiUDTvq4_tQJ750s3V9Bg3q0PJuYtr6crHS1e8wuDJAQFaD/w300-h400/tulip-g1a1b0adf3_1920.jpg" width="300" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/tulip-red-storm-clouds-flower-2244767/" style="font-size: x-small;" target="_blank">Image by klbz from Pixabay</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Our Maker determined that we should be <br />able to choose</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Built with a will to select either the warmth and peace and
providence of</div><div style="text-align: center;">perfect Presence</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or to choose to lean into the curiosity of</div><div style="text-align: center;">the other</div><div style="text-align: center;">and for that bend to bleed and to weep</div><div style="text-align: center;">to face futility and heart wars</div><div style="text-align: center;">and to be cast out.</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">He built us with this blessed choice mechanism</div><div style="text-align: center;">by His own choice</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I must assume the Almighty Creator was bound by no</div><div style="text-align: center;">outside requirement to do so</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">He gave us ears tuned to receive all the voices</div><div style="text-align: center;">not just His own</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crafted eyes that are able to take in</div><div style="text-align: center;">even the beauty of poisonous things </div><div style="text-align: center;">things not meant for our frail consumption</div><div style="text-align: center;">Engineered minds that can step outside the curtain of</div><div style="text-align: center;">His proven faithfulness and love</div><div style="text-align: center;">to wonder wanderingly,</div><div style="text-align: center;">“did He really say . . .?”</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">So I have questions<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Questions that swim all around “why”</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because even now in this moment</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am able to use those heaven-ordained faculties to</div><div style="text-align: center;">choose to consider “why did He do that?”</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Is it sin to think such?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Because here we are</div><div style="text-align: center;">the progeny of the first chasm created</div><div style="text-align: center;">continuing to choose the divide</div><div style="text-align: center;">Still hiding among trees</div><div style="text-align: center;">having again discovered a new layer of shame and regret</div><div style="text-align: center;">of dirtiness</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And the eternal Eyes see and saw it all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, Sovereignty is a certain thing</div><div style="text-align: center;">It’s a thing my heart grasps only with slippery fingers</div><div style="text-align: center;">and yet I do believe that “it is good”</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even today, He calls to me from beyond questions</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I hear the Spirit’s hovering whisper</div><div style="text-align: center;">beckoning us all</div><div style="text-align: center;">like He did in ages gone</div><div style="text-align: center;">with a plan already shaped and</div><div style="text-align: center;">completed</div><div style="text-align: center;">as from the brink of eternity’s shore</div><div style="text-align: center;">through nails and sweat and sacred blood</div><div style="text-align: center;">He chooses again and again and forevermore to reach out</div><div style="text-align: center;">asking for an answer He already knows:</div><div style="text-align: center;">“where are you?”</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-32363789986527901912021-10-07T18:52:00.000-07:002021-10-07T18:52:06.081-07:00Again. - a Poem, a Plea<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg66SLlkr-U4_TyPAIbIhEfU8FGysJdKHlrziWlUAhd7_-QyQeXmUa_CM6ZFvpOOnCZHxTkfrfabcGrh-WcxqddNvjQE4Xhx1u4_YCDM6kDxT7AAO_WmiZvBoqcgWXzwu-ymfCMphkqs0J/s1920/love-gf0232cd7c_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg66SLlkr-U4_TyPAIbIhEfU8FGysJdKHlrziWlUAhd7_-QyQeXmUa_CM6ZFvpOOnCZHxTkfrfabcGrh-WcxqddNvjQE4Xhx1u4_YCDM6kDxT7AAO_WmiZvBoqcgWXzwu-ymfCMphkqs0J/w400-h265/love-gf0232cd7c_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/love-rage-grief-hatred-escape-2055960/" target="_blank">Image by Lars Nissen from Pixabay.</a></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">How do you talk yourself into trying again?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Whether to make a friend</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or to trust in love</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or to sketch out the perfect landscape</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or to blanket a blank page with your brilliant nonsense</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">How do you will such bravery to be?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">When the mirror mocks you</div><div style="text-align: center;">When time *tsks* its taunting finger in your face</div><div style="text-align: center;">When you have grown admittedly lazy and</div><div style="text-align: center;">The sparkling silver shows not your wisdom but your weakness, your weariness</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">How can you talk yourself back out onto the ledge?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">To remember once more how to fully forget yourself</div><div style="text-align: center;">To stop overthinking and leap again into that fantastical unknown</div><div style="text-align: center;">To dare to believe that flight could be possible this time around</div><div style="text-align: center;">That this landing might actually stick and grow deep roots and bear sweet fruit</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">How do you shut down and shut up the patterns of the past?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">And do away with the demons that tripped up your progress</div><div style="text-align: center;">And close your eyes tight enough to not notice the ghosts hovering</div><div style="text-align: center;">And hold in a big breath with your chest punched high</div><div style="text-align: center;">To then finally exhale all the years and scars and every sly thing that has
pressed STOP</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;">How?</div><div style="text-align: center;">How do you muster the madness to try it again?</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-23615622585078213762021-09-02T14:05:00.000-07:002021-09-02T14:05:19.721-07:00Rest & Work -- A Poem (sort of)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q5K4m-6os_vRWpHnK7Z5vS5QrQW-Pa7SF64A1Ut2wJGijDyWuClyNEgRY6Ni3fIfA4NUKryoPdQFEzbUbrJ-uh3NJK8vcUEpgv4trP_dZ70BAX9RRNv3cXOgnKfD418Z-ArU7NZ1YPSx/s1440/flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q5K4m-6os_vRWpHnK7Z5vS5QrQW-Pa7SF64A1Ut2wJGijDyWuClyNEgRY6Ni3fIfA4NUKryoPdQFEzbUbrJ-uh3NJK8vcUEpgv4trP_dZ70BAX9RRNv3cXOgnKfD418Z-ArU7NZ1YPSx/s320/flower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. . . free writing is a messy freedom. Here we go . . .</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I said again that I would wait to create until</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">after a little rest</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">A little closing of the eyes and folding of the hands</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">because I am always sure that</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">once my mind has been refreshed and my eyes</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">open wider to truth, unincumbered</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">then</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">then I could get to the work</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">But suddenly the day’s currency is spent</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">like each day before</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">and this soul slips haphazardly into easy Spectacle and flighty Flavor - </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Distraction and Disillusionment then come to pay ready penance</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">A reminder that, frankly, the work seems too hard on a tired, old soul</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And refreshment too, too far away</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I hardly notice that the hours in waterfall rush me toward forever’s sea</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">But I do wonder if perhaps feeling fresh is more</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">about going to The Well than mustering</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">More opening up and less closing the deal</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">So before my mind has remembered</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">the villainous cast of naysayers swimming frantically inside</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“Quick, now, before they steal control!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Move, child!”</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I’ll Insist that Weariness take a seat there next to Anxiety and</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll busy Self-Absorption on some fool’s errand </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">and leave them and the others behind and close the door hard</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Then go to another mental room taking only Wonder with me</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll be sure to check under the desk</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">where Apprehension is prone to lie in wait, salivating</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">He's there - shun him</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">If Doubt shows his face, I won’t send him away, but I’ll use him up</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Let him watch what happens next</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Because Wonder is holy and patient and will stay and will deliver</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">See, I have rested too long</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And the work won’t wait</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Eternity won’t wait</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">My mind is only aging and my bones growing gray</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">More so and more so every blessed day</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">So this little life, I’ll use it up</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Use</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">it </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">all</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">up</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">On beauty and truth and God’s calling</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Rest comes later and forever</div></div>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-48518454076947994722020-12-23T13:09:00.001-08:002020-12-23T13:09:16.657-08:00Mary - An Advent Poem<p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpPcurHfLj76v7Y3-scYpTxIugBTzcq0S0YgpzBdqwALAQKlZUJQOi9jTZNhgWxr50iDAXUN_TqMrkg5iKRmNpToKrcNFyChC8l2Zz1mh1_CEbbYm2y07y9c4-Wspi02qPhX5HyUI2pqi/s1920/mother-mary-3405282_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpPcurHfLj76v7Y3-scYpTxIugBTzcq0S0YgpzBdqwALAQKlZUJQOi9jTZNhgWxr50iDAXUN_TqMrkg5iKRmNpToKrcNFyChC8l2Zz1mh1_CEbbYm2y07y9c4-Wspi02qPhX5HyUI2pqi/s320/mother-mary-3405282_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/mother-mary-mutter-maria-church-3405282/" target="_blank">Photo by Anuja Tilj from Pixabay.</a></span></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Mary<span style="mso-tab-count: 9;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Precious girl,<br />
even now we follow your lead.<br />
You who welcomed such fearful visit <br />
of strange heavenly tidings,<br />
that a worldly impossibility would be swallowed up<br />
to herald all Creation’s redemption.<br />
You who chose to believe it --<br />
we trace similar steps to bow and worship<br />
the God who generously makes all things possible.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed girl,<br />
we hunger for a faith so simple and pure.<br />
You who saw youth and station and ridicule as<br />
no obstacles to God’s mighty work<br />
within you, <br />
for you.<br />
You who quietly cradled the Eternal One incarnate<br />
into this unredeemed soil and dirt <br />
and reverently loved <br />
with a mother’s love<br />
the I AM steeped in flesh.<br />
We watch you and observe how to handle <br />
holy things with care and with fear and with great joy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chosen and willing vessel,<br />
we are grateful for your ordained place in His story.<br />
You who bore such monumental pain<br />
in His coming, <br />
then in His going,<br />
and yet clothed yourself in obedience at the call of your King,<br />
prayerfully patient.<br />
You who abandoned common manmade dreams to follow your God --<br />
your humble faithfulness kindles a fire in our bellies, <br />
bears bold fruit even now <br />
as an offering of worship,<br />
a legacy of godly devotion and of love.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-31298062763094808282020-12-17T08:11:00.004-08:002020-12-17T08:17:32.467-08:00A Prayer for Mission Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8LMCi1FOM-iMVYHGLnPydFqCYBnEmgejr07XOfu7rVIP8PJ0wNu_VBAVXEY9VLR-VP5ICjJIy-7ZbIWvxsuC017XwANvujkMlLPZYRT8feoFXu-UDV-U3qz0I_q0yGfpLes99XadCCyn/s1920/prayer-2544994_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8LMCi1FOM-iMVYHGLnPydFqCYBnEmgejr07XOfu7rVIP8PJ0wNu_VBAVXEY9VLR-VP5ICjJIy-7ZbIWvxsuC017XwANvujkMlLPZYRT8feoFXu-UDV-U3qz0I_q0yGfpLes99XadCCyn/s320/prayer-2544994_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>One of our grown babies is helping with a mission effort this week throughout the city. As with all short term missions, things are pretty intense, a little scary and completely exhausting. Here is the prayer I'm praying for her and her team today, and I would absolutely love it if you'd join me:<div><br /></div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> (Based on Psalm 23)</o:p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">LORD, be their Shepherd in all things this week.<br />
Let them fully and constantly sense Your loving Presence<br />
Give them good rest when it is time for rest<br />
Give them refreshing sustenance for strength<br />
Restore their fervor for You again and again<br />
Lead them on these preordained paths<br />
For the sake of Your Name and for Your glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even in uncomfortable and possibly dangerous situations<br />
LORD, make fear flee from them<br />
Let them feel your protective hand surrounding them<br />
And be comforted to their cores<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before those who would oppose their Gospel work <br />
Show Yourself as Provider in lavish, abundant, undeniable measure<br />
Pour upon them an extra measure of your wisdom and strength in the Spirit<br />
Let Your goodness and mercy pave every step before them<br />
And follow closely on their heels<br />
And be their guard to the left and the right<br />
Grant to their souls firm assurance that You, O LORD, are their true home<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-36610110286577721932020-11-26T20:29:00.002-08:002020-11-26T20:30:55.051-08:00Giving of Thanks (2020)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/thankful-from-above-thanksgiving-2947263/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiUqw6y5YWpkNlpO-6GwsyRpL2Pngeucb241rnxcuf40Vbse-qk5J6udLqULoyTcQPXcOwWO_In_qyg_sZvnDH6khCuoyROom5-0GBUmJtqDmS8oUMCj7F9DFtewJVkvYHyWn4Eo33wo-/w330-h330/thankful-2947263_1920.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: right;">in this year of want</div><div style="text-align: right;">wild with worries sore</div><div style="text-align: right;">tangled up in time</div><div style="text-align: right;">and left to melancholy</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: right;">hearts are now humbled</div><div style="text-align: right;">bells set to chime</div><div style="text-align: right;">and I inhale long</div><div style="text-align: right;">dare to shirk the folly</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: right;">and to look up and up</div><div style="text-align: right;">position a full posture</div><div style="text-align: right;">of gratitude galore</div><div style="text-align: right;">for these blessings You have brought me</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: right;">how with reasons wrapped in rhyme</div><div style="text-align: right;">You whisper "Peace" within this war</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><p></p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-45339420493900561202020-11-07T18:03:00.001-08:002020-11-07T18:03:47.983-08:00This Time -- PAD Challenge Day 7<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoSZ2EFUo_TV7Fkge34avUreQyvZcywnBaYPKYNpYRbQW_Lvr4__50v1KZv_XEQJ72B9tv0S6dX3KW2rolP-awCfKWdvOmNvHwFocUTx5DoqDTk1of1ClfPPph9uue-RleRh6TEsqIIhY/s1920/sunset-401541_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoSZ2EFUo_TV7Fkge34avUreQyvZcywnBaYPKYNpYRbQW_Lvr4__50v1KZv_XEQJ72B9tv0S6dX3KW2rolP-awCfKWdvOmNvHwFocUTx5DoqDTk1of1ClfPPph9uue-RleRh6TEsqIIhY/s320/sunset-401541_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-alone-thinking-woman-girl-401541/" target="_blank">Photo by Pixabay.</a></span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This Time</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Waste not </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">that accorded wisdom</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">to seize and to savor this slivering</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wait not </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">for ideal opportunity</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">born of wanton maneuvering</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wish not </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">for mis-sized dreams</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">drawn out providentially for another</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Will not </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">the time to fly</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">this time, love, elect to linger</span></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p> </p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-18171335482964099922020-10-28T12:57:00.003-07:002020-10-28T13:03:37.569-07:00Decision<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkoaPrdF1fkd8ejXdMxdcwH-yoEtzslXL6cCJlcpa9VErZzettXk5Q94DrTLJ-OuGbRNYzPtyKmJ2t3Xck8NkZSFxav2wY2N4k432fBhri6IM3rCPKEMHFiTkJV4P4UgkpIswWNB9HHXj/s640/weights-2881184_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkoaPrdF1fkd8ejXdMxdcwH-yoEtzslXL6cCJlcpa9VErZzettXk5Q94DrTLJ-OuGbRNYzPtyKmJ2t3Xck8NkZSFxav2wY2N4k432fBhri6IM3rCPKEMHFiTkJV4P4UgkpIswWNB9HHXj/s320/weights-2881184_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/weights-scale-balance-measure-lead-2881184/" target="_blank">Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been instructed by the institutions,</div><div style="text-align: center;">“Choose you this day whom you will serve.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">What is a pilgrim to do</div><div style="text-align: center;">when taxed with the impossible?</div><div style="text-align: center;">When pressed to decide between which matters most:</div><div style="text-align: center;">children destitute at our borders in cages</div><div style="text-align: center;">or children in pieces in a biohazard container?</div><div style="text-align: center;">“Which is more valuable, oh voter?”</div><div style="text-align: center;">How has this been established a dividing line in a "civil" society?</div><div style="text-align: center;">For all are made through Him and for Him</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Jesus loves ALL the little children of the world,</div><div style="text-align: center;">just as He loves every confused, every desperate</div><div style="text-align: center;">mama facing every difficult, every impossible decision.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where are the honest scales to properly weigh such a dilemma?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I own privilege. I know that. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I did not earn it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I often do not want it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I watch as many I love continue to scrape and scramble day to day</div><div style="text-align: center;">just to be embraced as equal,</div><div style="text-align: center;">to be afforded a truly fair shake and</div><div style="text-align: center;">their pain matters, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their plight deserves sober consideration.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And so much more!</div><div style="text-align: center;">But now I am expected to somehow sign my name to </div><div style="text-align: center;">one – of -- two </div><div style="text-align: center;">who stand atop even greater privilege:</div><div style="text-align: center;">one who pays lip service (my cynicism deciphers)</div><div style="text-align: center;">to equality of color and creed and gender</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the other so cold he can’t even muster the deception.</div><div style="text-align: center;">God help us, your chosen brood,</div><div style="text-align: center;">to bear with one another through this time<br />(for we do not agree). </div><div style="text-align: center;">Enable us to forgive lavishly and</div><div style="text-align: center;">long-suffer like never before for Jesus’ name’s sake.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To recognize our greater heavenly bond</div><div style="text-align: center;">come what may in this kingdom on the ground.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, in the end,</div><div style="text-align: center;">to refuse to require institutions or earthly allegiances </div><div style="text-align: center;">to do the good work that</div><div style="text-align: center;">You have predestined Your people to accomplish.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are Yours.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are sovereign.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus is King.</div><div style="text-align: center;">May He reign in our hearts above all else.</div>
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p> </p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-22902405010674600632020-09-16T14:40:00.001-07:002020-09-16T14:40:54.500-07:00We lost a friend today . . . <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFC9Bz6LGP4GNT7Tblzj9euv8m9b_m3ITbMwJTOLkjR6nnRlrTMxcimFIBuFzuZcC-ZC4bx7gguJhqIgiw5gAcDA4mKssDmWGgV_KajIMQu1pCRX7f9p8haHQDo2ZJnLX7rMvKMr8V1Cv/s1920/dried-flowers-2868804_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFC9Bz6LGP4GNT7Tblzj9euv8m9b_m3ITbMwJTOLkjR6nnRlrTMxcimFIBuFzuZcC-ZC4bx7gguJhqIgiw5gAcDA4mKssDmWGgV_KajIMQu1pCRX7f9p8haHQDo2ZJnLX7rMvKMr8V1Cv/s320/dried-flowers-2868804_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">Oh, Death,</span></p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">perhaps for a moment</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">you have stolen center stage</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">with rot and rank offending</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">But remember</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">for every child of the King</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">a new life waits in the wings</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">light and life ever lurking behind the decay</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">a life that, at curtain’s call,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">shall utterly ruin and replace your reign</span>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-69649190034674901932020-09-08T15:48:00.001-07:002020-09-08T15:50:27.647-07:00Kindred Mom Article<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kindredmom.com/2020/09/08/navigating-disconnection-jennifer-hildebrand/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="824" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pJfJ5oFovgqVI7XO7Uww7nMqSH0lEkWGXrTLcuicXQDcOfhg_yMiMbQW0c6maoKgW_g7ijztbtOkZ1KqK0Wg4fuYOpH0l-4wBsue1gKH4F9mNMjbtx01rjvbRk-3ptIJPZ-XxulWh7Ut/s320/IMG_0087.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Thanks to Kindred Mom for featuring these thoughts on cutting the cord, so to speak. It's really tough, but I'm thankful to have some other gals to walk (and sometimes scream) through the valley with me. <div><br /></div><div>Click <a href="https://www.kindredmom.com/2020/09/08/navigating-disconnection-jennifer-hildebrand/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read the full article.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-80585420439493324272020-09-06T14:53:00.001-07:002020-09-06T14:53:30.794-07:00John 6:68 - A Poem<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6zjTFy7HbU8arLenWvC_Lk_YVOqHCajA4ymQ8vHZVaYUUvrEZj9m0u9LhNhgGa3uTJh3cJ5vvlRpkdDeNXXY2Agj7GGJW28tWSj9CKgKylkB9gKUZc80V3vk-XgZUNQVHXC6kWMGlKhN/s1920/underground-885206_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1173" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6zjTFy7HbU8arLenWvC_Lk_YVOqHCajA4ymQ8vHZVaYUUvrEZj9m0u9LhNhgGa3uTJh3cJ5vvlRpkdDeNXXY2Agj7GGJW28tWSj9CKgKylkB9gKUZc80V3vk-XgZUNQVHXC6kWMGlKhN/s320/underground-885206_1920.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/underground-god-hope-urban-destiny-885206/" target="_blank">Image by Dayron Villaverde from Pixabay</a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></b></span><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Of
John – Six and Sixty-Eight</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Oh,
where could I go, save to You, Lord?</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
My Messiah, with words life-eternal!</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
These teachings, they rub like a splintered board,</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
But where could I go, save to You, Lord?</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
See, I’ve come to believe that it’s true, Lord,</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
You’re the One to become sin’s reversal.</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
So where could I go, save to You, Lord?</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
My Messiah, with words life-eternal!</span><span style="color: #70ad47; font-family: QuickType II Mono;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-31574350659054400112020-09-05T13:18:00.006-07:002020-09-05T14:40:52.223-07:00Remembering Some Old Words in a New Day<p><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA6W2btu692Nf8BwJNNOYrUGwX6aB4f7tPZcUbZq0NxKCB5X69XSjsy6K_PsLfkb-ddwFkQvz52Md187Dx36ji-oTo_TC7twFuSvv4E-oRMyxrT_1I7dAMirm_80qV0iO87_9GssBAUqp/s320/Screenshot+2020-09-05+at+3.15.30+PM.png" /></p><p>I came across an old document today . . .</p><p><i>(from October 2017)</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Some things that feel like death aren’t. Life continues regular pace, but the wound
seems to hang open, collecting decay.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>This piece of broken cheap pottery reminds me of a
loss. It reminds me of a “last”. It reminds me that something was torn away when
I wasn’t looking -- something that felt holy and ordained, something more
valued than I even knew at the time, something that I was obviously clutching a
bit too tightly. I fought hard, but the gift (and so much more) was taken.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>And many rotations later, it still wreaks of death.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Honestly, I just don’t quite know which way to go with what
I’m feeling – this strange, cold deadness that swells up inside me when I least
expect: in the whisper of a quiet and
sunny day, during a building bridge of a familiar worship song in the
gathering, at the precise moment I think I am able to stand up and finally be
done with it all. But no. When I try to live, the death is resurrected.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>And again I see the pain vividly before my eyes in all
manner of images dark and menacing. It
drains all the color from the surrounding landscape. Sucks up the life. Plugs up my heart. I attempt a be-a-big-girl rebound, but then I
hear one of my children recount the grief, gather up her own wounds in this
tale. She can’t escape it to save her
life, and I am so angry.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>I hold my husband’s hand, and we hunker down in supplication
that God would twist and turn this ordeal to make these children better, not
bitter, as I hear myself silently pray, “Holy Spirit, it’s okay if my own rest
must wait. Just please give me the words
for this child -- truth that would remind her that God is good even when humans
are blind and cruel. Even when her mama
is struggling to pry the bitter daggers from her own prayers for justice. Give me good and righteous words to guide
her.” I desperately want her to walk
away stitched up and wiser.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>In the end (and this may be the most difficult part), I am
beginning to swallow the fact that, for some heaven-only-knows reason, God ordained
this season, this pain. He is in
control. I believe that. I know He is sovereign. I want to say that that fact is somehow comforting
– I’m trying. But there are still so
many tears. Maybe I’m close? At times, I am convinced to be comforted in
one breath, but then, with the next inhale, His sovereignty makes it all even
harder to understand. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>So I know only He can lift this curtain. Not I.
Not now. He is able. In His time.
In His way.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>And the waiting, too, feels like death.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p>I wrote the words shown above almost three years ago, but I didn't share them. Written while my family was walking in and out of shadows and struggling together to heal from a deeply personal wound. I was fighting with forgiveness in my own heart and watching my whole family, our oldest child in particular, lose faith not in God but in fellow believers. It was a brutal time, and I wouldn't step into one of those days again for anything.</p><p>I suppose it finally feels okay to share these thoughts at this point because, well, it's now a "then" a "was". But for every one of us that stands on the other side of the valley, someone else is just beginning to trudge through. It is a well worn but exhaustingly painful path, and it winds on for too long. If you are there right now, please, don't give up. Keep walking.</p><p>For our crew, time has now brought some closure, some healing. God has awakened me (again :||) to my own need for forgiveness and so also to my need to forgive. We are in a healthier and (though often still quite cautious) safer space by His grace. My oldest is more than okay now having seen God's faithfulness clearly through the journey. </p><p>So I share these words and the ugly nature of my heart in those days to, perhaps, encourage you to "keep going" if you have been hurt, if you are hurting. Hang in there. Hold to Him even in all the raw and rancid ugliness. Eventually, you will notice yourself catch a deep breath of life and find your feet steady, finally planted on the other side of the destruction.</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-10425491456054152332020-06-09T16:13:00.000-07:002020-06-09T19:20:21.599-07:00A Reach for Understanding<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmBPvyUXkFHraiGDPCdrNEmSMU1nw8HjIHq7rQkhM4katqymX76IuarFJo5dvyNJVBNxpHANy2HVpr5LonHpwxlu1ItfQe7sA4j5O0cb-j2c904u_3OUIac-uuFANLYsCUmc1A0JzcCo5/s1600/black-lives-matter-5251408_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmBPvyUXkFHraiGDPCdrNEmSMU1nw8HjIHq7rQkhM4katqymX76IuarFJo5dvyNJVBNxpHANy2HVpr5LonHpwxlu1ItfQe7sA4j5O0cb-j2c904u_3OUIac-uuFANLYsCUmc1A0JzcCo5/s320/black-lives-matter-5251408_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/black-lives-matter-protest-5251408/">Image by Orna Wachman from Pixabay.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a hypothetical:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s say I buy a new toaster. I bring it home, plug it in
and load it with my favorite flavor of Eggos, but then the toaster suddenly explodes
into a fireball and burns my whole kitchen to a crisp.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bring in the insurance adjuster to assess the disaster
area. I need this fixed fast, because, come on,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>every family needs a place to prepare sustenance. After surveying the
damage he concludes, “There’s no proof the toaster caused the fire. It may have
been faulty wiring, and that isn’t covered by your policy. I’m afraid this one
is on you. Sorry about your kitchen. Have a nice day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fuming, I call my local Walmart where I bought the toaster.
The lady I speak with chuckles a little bit when I tell her what happened, then
she asks if I saved my receipt. Well, the receipt was lying on the counter next
to the toaster, so it’s ashes. “Without a receipt you can’t prove the toaster
came from our store, so I can’t help you. You can try speaking to our
distributor if you want. Have a nice day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fine then. “Hello, friendly toaster distributor. You brought
this crap product into my Walmart, this broken machine that cooked my kitchen,
so are you going to help me?” By now, I am livid and exhausted from the lack of
accountability. “Well, ma’am, we just ship the product. We aren’t responsible
for the behavior of the merchandise. Sorry, not our problem. You might want to
call the corporate office. Have a nice day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
&@%$#*@&#^ !!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turns out CEOs are difficult to get on the line, but I
manage to find the corporate phone number, and I try my darndest to talk to Mr.
Bigshot at Bigshot Toaster Company. His secretary puts me on hold for an hour each
time I call, then she tells me he can’t address my issue right now. See, he has
more pressing matters to handle at the moment, she pragmatically explains. Day
after day she puts me off (because my problem is not a priority) before she
finally passes the buck and suggests, “Maybe you should just try our customer
service center. Perhaps they will be able to help you. Have a nice day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I immediately hang up with secretary lady and dial their
1-800 number. Press 4 for customer service. Press 2 for product safety
concerns. Press 0 if you want to speak with an associate. My fingers are
literally shaking with fury and frustration. “Please wait.” Hold. Hold. Hold.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good afternoon, my name is Tiffany. How can I be of service
to you today?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poor Tiffany. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By now my blood is boiling. She gets an angry earful about
the money I wasted on their garbage product, about how I can’t cook my family’s
food like a normal person because of HER crummy company, about their lack of concern
for the safety of people like me and how absolutely no one will listen! By now,
I’m threatening lawsuits and destructive media campaigns and angry boycotts!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not mad at Tiffany personally, because I don’t even know
her. But she’s in the line of fire right now because I’m mad at what she
represents in the moment: a terrible company that firebombed my kitchen, the
powers that be who refuse to accept responsibility and fix it. Tiffany may very
well be a perfectly kind young lady who shows grace and respect to all her
customers as she earns just over minimum wage to deal with these kinds of
tirades. And yet, right or wrong, in this moment, she is the available recipient
of my fiery rant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How does Tiffany respond?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s say that, in this moment, Tiffany decides to NOT explain away my problem or bite back or offer excuses, but instead she takes
time to give me the grace I need (and I sure do need it). Then she fully
listens to my story instead of just telling me to calm down. She listens until
the whole despicable tale has been told. What if she sympathizes as best she is
able and tells me she wants to do whatever she can to make it right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then what if she actually follows through?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if Tiffany risks her job to quietly send an internal memo
to other customer service reps to see if there is a pattern of kitchen-burning
toaster explosions that has been kept off the records? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if Tiffany’s old college roommate’s dad is actually the
guy who designed the toaster, and she can get me on the phone with him to voice
my complaints and to try to convince him to use his pull to correct the problem
before more kitchens go up in smoke?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if she does some digging and finds out her uncle’s best
friend is on the board of directors at Bigshot Toaster Company, and she can
speak to him directly, maybe even show up at a board meeting to share my story
and possibly get me the help I need to get my kitchen back in order?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if Tiffany doesn’t acquiesce to her own smallness inside
the problem, but instead looks for some creative way to lend herself to the
solution? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now look, y’all, I know this is way too long, and I know we
are talking about a hypothetical toaster and an imaginary charred kitchen. If
this had actually happened, in the grand scheme of things, it would be a minor
disruption on the spectrum of big life events. And yet I know I would still be very
angry at the injustice of it all. VERY angry! About a toaster and a kitchen.
Fighting angry!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, then why on earth would we be confused about the anger bathing
our society right now with regard to frighteningly real life-and-death issues
and deeply rooted unjust practices? Why is our knee-jerk response to this anger
to deflect, to ignore, to shirk responsibility?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(I know the above analogy is weak and overly simplistic, but
I’m just trying to sort it out in my head. Forgive me if I'm still way off base.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to better understand the anger, to really grasp it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hundreds of years of waiting on hold, voices going unheard, bucks
being passed – that will certainly make a person angry. Disproportionate damage
and destruction brought on by a flawed system – that <i>should</i> make a
person angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being dismissed again and
again and again – that absolutely <i>must</i> make a person angry. Angry enough
to shout and rail at anyone and everyone in earshot, whether those recipients
are culpable or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, at some point if I
end up being the “Tiffany” who gets the earful because I happen to be the only
one so far that has taken the time to listen, then, yes, God, grant me the
grace to NOT explain it away, bite back or deflect. Help me to listen well and
deeply, to react with soul-level sympathy, to get up and act alongside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is legitimate cause for the anger. It’s multi-faceted.
It’s an anger of righteous amplitude, and sometimes I don’t think we fully recognize
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I know I have a role to play in fixing the problem. We
all do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-8877519052443623472020-05-28T17:43:00.000-07:002020-05-28T17:46:32.455-07:00Grieve and Consider<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLn1g07yFNWrnvduMkfirgJZ0EvCgRHdN_Dys1x2bhyi0BdYt0X4FTy3ujhjwjnvafM8EQzZguPYMuKXiz9QqAQa16qZETISfcdEYUSZ148KeSSuy7mU_BJMcX2DqE56e_BYT24IP8NJhf/s1600/adult-1867428_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLn1g07yFNWrnvduMkfirgJZ0EvCgRHdN_Dys1x2bhyi0BdYt0X4FTy3ujhjwjnvafM8EQzZguPYMuKXiz9QqAQa16qZETISfcdEYUSZ148KeSSuy7mU_BJMcX2DqE56e_BYT24IP8NJhf/s320/adult-1867428_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/adult-bracelets-couple-girl-hands-1867428/">Image by Pexels by Pixabay.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Consider Now</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I somehow unwittingly prop up the walls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which were once torn down</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--scratch that—</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which were ADVERTISED to have been torn down</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I solidify the division</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I am a transgressor</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Consider</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we, those who believe,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have indeed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
died</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have been executed on spiritual planes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the blessed Messiah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and claim to live now only as “He in me”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then surely we can see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a hateful knee on the neck of one crafted in His image </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a blistering, smothering stain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and there’s no excuse </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this must be anathema</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Let us slow and consider now</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dearest ones, every sly eye </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of unwarranted suspicion must be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gouged </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if we are to see more clearly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
oh, and we MUST come to see more clearly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lest we quietly pave the road to hell itself</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blind as we are with our two natural-born eyes of evil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For this Jesus, our Messiah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who showed up here in skin of rich Middle Eastern shade, by the way,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
charged one and all as dirty sinners in need of a good washing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is none righteous</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and, while on this earth, He surely looked nothing like me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and yet He loved me anyhow?<br />
Loves me even now?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, because He values what He has made</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--ALL He has made--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and what He plans to re-make</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So listen now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His Bride must be the genesis of the healing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
creating oneness inside diversity </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one in Christ</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one in love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one in pushing back the darkness </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one in the careful keeping of our brothers and sisters </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in Jesus’ holy name</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Oh, beautiful Bride, act now</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And let every hue, every size and velocity of fist</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chip </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
away at the wall which</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
separates</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
indoctrinates</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
isolates and kills</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keep at it! Until</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
New Jerusalem arrives from the sky to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
finally and forever </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
trample </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and grind to powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that bitter barricade </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one faithful fistful of dirt at a time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for His glory and for our good</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-81779432126482823342020-05-24T20:32:00.000-07:002020-05-24T20:32:27.308-07:00On a Day of Memory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRYLW4QQuOCccFJJklg2PaVOxAAGqHuZi9AakBOg4LPUxO2YbDkpKhO-ce-6bHDm4lMTqWtWweCK00LFW2AzOqnKq5zvrqLstOflVj0hQwxJOQKrWaPk3MXnmGszao6bSDC1I0HEkHmB4/s1600/boy-860676_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRYLW4QQuOCccFJJklg2PaVOxAAGqHuZi9AakBOg4LPUxO2YbDkpKhO-ce-6bHDm4lMTqWtWweCK00LFW2AzOqnKq5zvrqLstOflVj0hQwxJOQKrWaPk3MXnmGszao6bSDC1I0HEkHmB4/s320/boy-860676_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6627523288218883434#editor/target=post;postID=8177943212648282334">Image by Angie Johnson from Pixabay.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a Day of Memory<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are those who mourn<br />those charged an awful price<br />
who grieve still and always<br />
who are able to fully remember<br />
and even now weep weary in that remembering<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Careful are those who mourn<br />
careful to balance ideologies --<br />
the obligatory pride in nation<br />
with the seething anger at the mechanism --<br />
in order to keep their souls intact<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Envied are those who mourn<br />
envied by many guilt-laden survivors<br />
who carry their own deliverance as a cross<br />
who wish to impart to those grieving <br />
the peace they themselves cannot seem to find<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carried are those who mourn<br />
hoisted high as names on street signs and monuments<br />
on prayers and quivering petitions<br />
on the lips of their legacy<br />
in the energy of a Creation that erects Ebenezers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In each morning of new mercies,<br />
kept and cradled be all those who mourn<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-25731960940754089632020-05-06T09:58:00.004-07:002020-05-06T14:57:42.755-07:00For Teachers . . . Thank You<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few years ago, a woman I barely know (whose children are
not a part of our local public school system) asked me nonchalantly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if our high school is “as HORRIBLE as I’ve
heard”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, see I have a loyalty bone that is connected directly to
whatever part of my brain creates the anger monster, so I did not respond too
well in the moment. I mean, hey, that’s my kids’ school! It felt like a
question born out of ignorance, privilege and idealism. I wish I had had the wherewithal
at that moment to take a breath and answer more thoughtfully, because here is
what I would like to say if she were to ask me that question today:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course our school has problems, just as every school,
business, organization and family, for that matter, has problems. Think about
it:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our school is an ever-changing
organism composed of administration and teachers struggling to reach and teach
the personalities of several thousand young human beings all at once. Wild and
wondering human beings whose frontal lobes are not yet fully formed. Human
beings with a million different personalities and bents and backgrounds and
learning styles and combinations thereof.<br />
<br />
These educators are dealing with adult-sized
children who are all trying to figure life out in a thousand different ways,
and most of them have no clue how vital this education will be to improving
their futures. Nevermind that some of them walk into the school setting out of
an unimaginably painful home life, mounting a desperate (unrecognized) search
for meaning and purpose and love. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, yeah, I’m sure sometimes that can get a little sticky
and make a day “horrible” at our high school. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, what I have myself witnessed in this “horrible” environment
might also just blow your mind. Teachers often giving up their evenings to come
watch my kids (“their kids”) in a loooong play or musical. And they are genuinely
proud of them. Paraprofessionals forming strong bonds with kids and their families
to support them even outside the school environment. Dedicated admin, directors,
coaches all strategizing programs to best fit the community struggles these
future world-builders, their students, are facing. Teachers reaching into their
own often-shallow pockets to provide necessary tools for a young life whose
potential has not yet been self-actualized. They are giving their time, energy
and heart to believe in our kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, I have heard from teachers who are brokenhearted at
this sudden disconnect with their classes. They just miss them. I hear teachers
tell how they sometimes find themselves in tears because they can’t seem to get
some of their students, the ones who need connection the most, to connect
through the online methods and continue their education during this difficult
season. And it’s not because these teachers are worried about a bad score on a standardized
test stealing their job from them (Those tests have died a rightful death this year.
Thank you, Lord!). It’s because they worry that next year, when things do
return to some sort of normal procedure, these precious souls will find
themselves even further behind in their learning and will want to give up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, community is a messy and sometimes “horrible” thing, I
guess. Sometimes it’s downright terrifying. And it is a constant, dizzying process
to try and make things better. But let’s recognize what kind of fight our
educators go up against every day. I’m so thankful God put it in the hearts of
a select few of His creations to desire this battle. We, as a society,
need them more than we know.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, these
teachers are human, just like you, with worries and families and struggles and
weaknesses. And, no, we won’t always agree on tactics, practices and plans, but
I can tell you that they are doing their best to build something beautiful in
their classrooms and in relationship with these kids and in our collective future.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m glad to stand close by and cheer them on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0oavQiOv78zQOoSVLTxnB8Txv55-EqZRy3Dp631vdDwWCjtLpkp-Kd0tWxHijx0IoKlqy7a9_rXKHza9FGOeRNzJsTwrr5e69qPVVtO2sM3yfCNTkW23l9MgVVnxmcx9CyS3vGSjzw-c/s1600/Teacher-Appreciation-Week-2017-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="964" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0oavQiOv78zQOoSVLTxnB8Txv55-EqZRy3Dp631vdDwWCjtLpkp-Kd0tWxHijx0IoKlqy7a9_rXKHza9FGOeRNzJsTwrr5e69qPVVtO2sM3yfCNTkW23l9MgVVnxmcx9CyS3vGSjzw-c/s320/Teacher-Appreciation-Week-2017-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-64344135871365630612020-04-30T15:06:00.000-07:002020-04-30T15:06:12.599-07:00Final Poem of PAD Challenge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkEmwaa4qEPlmh0Qq6AgoqXitzUO5sLzSsSwO68FJ0qOMKq7M91Ph3JkPRTQkiUp9vAxWX59M1T1CTCb3Eq7n_YMrGMUEJeTor6sELQhvBwOEsVIWwrUvScAkUxgVzC9Jh2grEXREYk_I/s1600/the-moon-at-dusk-5004090_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkEmwaa4qEPlmh0Qq6AgoqXitzUO5sLzSsSwO68FJ0qOMKq7M91Ph3JkPRTQkiUp9vAxWX59M1T1CTCb3Eq7n_YMrGMUEJeTor6sELQhvBwOEsVIWwrUvScAkUxgVzC9Jh2grEXREYk_I/s320/the-moon-at-dusk-5004090_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/the-moon-at-dusk-blue-sky-light-day-5004090/">Image by Orlando Santana from Pixabay.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The Tune of the Moon in the Late Afternoon<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Like an actor in the wings awaiting her cue</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Peeking ‘round the velvety curtain of blue</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Halfway concealed, half in full view</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hear the tune of the moon in the late afternoon</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hastening the darkness so that she might shine</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“The Sun’s had his circuit,” she wiltily whines</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then plots a great thieving. “His light shall be mine!”</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sings the tune of the moon in the late afternoon</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I take in her opus as the Sun’s bedding down</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For I too wait and wail in the wings for a crown</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I praise our shared hope hidden in the sweet sound</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of the tune of the moon in the late afternoon</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-1588365071562973112020-04-29T14:59:00.000-07:002020-04-29T14:59:01.164-07:00Poem - Total Time Elapsed<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXejc0zJ_4D1NfINQWkasDm_ez2ZcmzkrYphOUWhXi1XIM_tUBOeKDR4L_h7q5BLl02r_Yv0Xm2bnWcmIga3tl4hGhW5oT3I2N8a9S51Nc7QsDKue3NYCq3-i-NzrNaS0cWn1_wskIlRjk/s1600/clock-1274699_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXejc0zJ_4D1NfINQWkasDm_ez2ZcmzkrYphOUWhXi1XIM_tUBOeKDR4L_h7q5BLl02r_Yv0Xm2bnWcmIga3tl4hGhW5oT3I2N8a9S51Nc7QsDKue3NYCq3-i-NzrNaS0cWn1_wskIlRjk/s320/clock-1274699_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/clock-alarm-clock-watch-time-old-1274699/">Image by Monoar Rahman Rony from Pixabay</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Total Time Elapsed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feeding the frenzy of milliseconds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a good Captain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
kind and compassionate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
joyous and jealous</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wary and ever-watching --</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and all of this is good</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coasting tall on the tides of time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are we misled miscreants</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cleverly clueless</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
insatiably seeking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eternal, yet ending --</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and all of this is good</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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The question is one of what we spend</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which the true currency</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mammon or moments?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
riches or routines?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what’s spent, what’s kept</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and which of these is good</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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And in the end comes an accounting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of total time elapsed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of words tendered as wages</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of talents long expended</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of trust nailed to the Perfect</div>
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and of Who is reckoned good</div>
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<br />Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-68337297108803103942020-04-21T10:23:00.000-07:002020-04-21T10:23:31.496-07:00A Love Poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPBxCpfJpAX-IqvzqMecpTDwvNrp0eDQsCu791bPYb0q6VTTs8jD7ZR8qF1C4IGBr1SL05uU1ZyYVnvZMfZF6UDcxjcMB9sHPsbjCfpKTAal6UJR6EPyZrdjAuxjIqkuvDc8qOd-MAu95/s1600/heart-700141_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPBxCpfJpAX-IqvzqMecpTDwvNrp0eDQsCu791bPYb0q6VTTs8jD7ZR8qF1C4IGBr1SL05uU1ZyYVnvZMfZF6UDcxjcMB9sHPsbjCfpKTAal6UJR6EPyZrdjAuxjIqkuvDc8qOd-MAu95/s320/heart-700141_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/heart-love-romance-valentine-700141/"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <span style="cursor: pointer; outline-color: initial !important; outline-style: initial !important;">Ben Kerckx</span> from <span style="cursor: pointer; outline-color: initial !important; outline-style: initial !important;">Pixabay</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A Love Poem<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Love that shaped the earth’s foundations<br />
and beckoned forth Life’s living fountain<br />
and held up the Hill of the Skull<br />
calls out to me<br />my ears gone dull and defiant<br />
as I battle for faux height in a land of faux giants<br />
and jockey for might and position<br />
grieving and graying in vile indecision<br />
and yet Love’s echo<br />
won’t <br />
die<br />
down<br />
the sound is sweet <br />
but to a broken vessel, foreign<br />
Love will pour in every ounce of <br />
good to become known and <br />
understood and to take back<br />
what Love has always owned<br />
and isn’t that lovely?<br />
that while I was trying to scale heights<br />
someOne yet above me was<br />
pressing down<br />
pressing hard to keep me grounded<br />
and tangled in that Vine by which<br />
the finest of Love nourishes <br />
every<br />
starving <br />
soul<br />
</span>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"></span></span>Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-70308174276076377602020-04-15T17:06:00.000-07:002020-04-15T17:06:01.882-07:00Trying to Pray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzFNj0VU8g6NkEavN4oLH3U6wn6HrwbNtdIrrJHu7yyzT6Wx6ewm7D5WRMFvtVEqOpoYiigZ_v1mwrDAQ_nE2kIa6WNS_TUfI88V9rys0rrN2Syne4LDt3Pqn1hu-bysLoK76dsHK3C77/s1600/girl-1149933_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzFNj0VU8g6NkEavN4oLH3U6wn6HrwbNtdIrrJHu7yyzT6Wx6ewm7D5WRMFvtVEqOpoYiigZ_v1mwrDAQ_nE2kIa6WNS_TUfI88V9rys0rrN2Syne4LDt3Pqn1hu-bysLoK76dsHK3C77/s320/girl-1149933_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A poem on a hard day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like a Dream, But Holy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She closed her eyes in prayer</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
and found behind those eyelids</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no clear image </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all was warped greyish-brown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as if subliminal sludge were</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dripping across her mind’s eye</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
muddying her God-eye</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her ethereal focus all blurred and distorted</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She parted her lips to petition</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
and felt a greedy quicksand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
seize her penitent tongue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dragging the words away to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the abyss</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
those determined whispers unable to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fly their verses to the heavens</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Her pleading became beyond --</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
beyond sensory and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
past human effort --</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into groanings of Spirit-depth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like a dream uncontrollable but holy </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and this blind, mute seeker --</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she tries to trust that the Helper will be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sufficient for these weak days</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
filled with murky, music-less invocations</div>
</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627523288218883434.post-4612572695027370582020-04-12T12:23:00.001-07:002020-04-12T12:23:37.837-07:00Holy Week Poems - Easter Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsxsgrRvLG-0JOojanZmQCemwKsXPlrz1SNb41Y7UPQwZED3sQsaAx16tFux1ha8ywfNpLglokMbgn3cUqisj8acYDNUVAXhv6AKgwjw0r2YdSCc1GCQhTn6agGUPdOzfCnNJ9ZQPSCqK/s1600/girl-1666678_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsxsgrRvLG-0JOojanZmQCemwKsXPlrz1SNb41Y7UPQwZED3sQsaAx16tFux1ha8ywfNpLglokMbgn3cUqisj8acYDNUVAXhv6AKgwjw0r2YdSCc1GCQhTn6agGUPdOzfCnNJ9ZQPSCqK/s320/girl-1666678_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixaby.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Run</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See the place where He lay --</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">it's empty,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">so run with the news!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Falter not at death's broken shackles lying about. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stumble not at loss of eloquent phrase.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Be plunged deep into believing waters</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and rise with resurrection songs on the tongue.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">See the place where you once had lain --</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">it's empty,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">so run with the news!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Jennifer Hildebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11764682621966718603noreply@blogger.com0