tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44908157731516893132024-02-21T09:36:56.132-05:00Ellen AndersenWhere life and faith intersect. Applying Christianity to our everyday lives.Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-88265393190706887252018-11-12T09:40:00.000-05:002018-12-10T15:37:40.263-05:00Building Relationships and Playing Canasta<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I was about 8 years old, I lived in the high desert
in Southern California. We had 5 acres
of land, most of it a field. Aunt Margaret and Uncle Jimmy lived on the other
side of the field, about a mile away.</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were pretty close and liked to spend time together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a pony named Frosty and I rode him
across the field to their house every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Aunt Margaret taught me how to play Canasta.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span>We played every week for about 2 years until they moved</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yEVL7lng1lRYwlBtW5npQ1_jjk07RhZS0SKpLHRHiSN4WGGImdLpC55qDis8kqiYKmzp4lnl83LJFlmNQvjikmeyGV0YD7bLFLJKe4FVhDgYwWQYcFCv-xcOoNpAOc3AtVqQLXeVi8E/s1600/Aunt+Margaret+at+anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yEVL7lng1lRYwlBtW5npQ1_jjk07RhZS0SKpLHRHiSN4WGGImdLpC55qDis8kqiYKmzp4lnl83LJFlmNQvjikmeyGV0YD7bLFLJKe4FVhDgYwWQYcFCv-xcOoNpAOc3AtVqQLXeVi8E/s200/Aunt+Margaret+at+anniversary.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Not only did I learn how to
play Canasta, I got to spend time with Aunt Margaret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She taught me how to be a “good loser” by
saying, “if you’re gonna cry, I’m not going to play with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wanted to play, so I sniffled, blew
my nose, and stopped crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other
words, it worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I enjoy the game
and Aunt Margaret and I have a good relationship as adults. And, of course,
good memories from some 40+ years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk529743871;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It
didn’t take a lot, but Aunt Margaret’s spending time with me on a regular
basis, made an impact on me and is a special memory I cherish.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-18690714755160153412018-10-22T00:42:00.000-04:002018-10-22T00:42:32.119-04:00God's Love Letter to His Children<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This world gives us lots of ideas of who God is. But if we want to know the truth, we have to read what <span style="color: red;">He </span>tells us about himself in the Bible. </div>
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My Child,</div>
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You may not know me, but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1</div>
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I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm
139:2</div>
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I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3</div>
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Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew
10:29-31</div>
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For you were made in My image. Genesis 1:27</div>
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In me, you live and move and have your being, for you are my offspring. Acts 17:28</div>
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I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5</div>
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I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12</div>
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You were not a mistake; all your days are written in
my book. Psalm 139:15-16</div>
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I determined the exact time of your birth and where you
would live. Acts 17:26</div>
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You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14</div>
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I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13</div>
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And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm
71:6</div>
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I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me.
John 8:41-44</div>
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I am not distant or angry, but am the complete expression
of love. I John 4:16</div>
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And I desire to lavish my love on you. I John 3:1</div>
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Simply because you are my child and I am your father. I
John 3:1</div>
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I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew
7:11</div>
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For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48</div>
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Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. James
1:17</div>
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For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33</div>
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My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11</div>
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Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah
31:3</div>
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My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the
seashore. Psalm 139:17-18</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCJ4QhGF6GrA6QZGZvIIMoDEActX2zHTKJC7U8d-2vDwU7f62np2_REs1nA2Vo8CtPmysogba2W8_KSOC4DyUcgbIilRXxkhSwu1Qjlax5io4uIPXhKAnGaXcUTDDmAHCR2rQ3YJYDaw/s1600/heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCJ4QhGF6GrA6QZGZvIIMoDEActX2zHTKJC7U8d-2vDwU7f62np2_REs1nA2Vo8CtPmysogba2W8_KSOC4DyUcgbIilRXxkhSwu1Qjlax5io4uIPXhKAnGaXcUTDDmAHCR2rQ3YJYDaw/s1600/heart.png" /></a>And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17</div>
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I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40</div>
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For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5</div>
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I desire to establish you with
all my heart and soul. Jeremiah 32:41</div>
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And I want to show you great
and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3</div>
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If you seek me with all your
heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29</div>
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Delight in me and I will give
you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4</div>
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For I am the one who gave you
those desires. Philippians 2:13 </div>
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I can do more for you than you
can possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20</div>
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For I am your greatest
encourager. II Thessalonians 2:16-17</div>
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I am also the Father who comforts
you in all your troubles. II Corinthians 1:3-4</div>
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When you are brokenhearted, I
am close to you. Psalm 34:18</div>
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As a shepherd carries a lamb, I
have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11</div>
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One day I will wipe away every
tear from your eyes, Revelation 21:3-4</div>
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And I’ll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth. Revelation
21:3-4</div>
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I am your Father, and I love
you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23</div>
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He is the exact representation
of my being. Hebrews 1:3</div>
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He came to demonstrate that I
am for you, not opposed to you. Romans 8:31</div>
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And to tell you that I am not
counting your sins against you. II Corinthians 5:18-19</div>
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Jesus died so you and I could
be reconciled. II Corinthians 5:18-19</div>
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His death was the ultimate
expression of my love for you. I John 4:9-10</div>
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If you receive the gift of my
son Jesus, you receive me. I John 2:23</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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Come home and I’ll throw the
biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father and will always be Father. </div>
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My question is: will you be my child?
John 1:12-13</div>
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I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32</div>
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Love, </div>
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Your Dad, Almighty God</div>
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Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-18977825924184438472018-07-28T19:33:00.000-04:002018-08-31T15:09:38.152-04:00Making A Difference In The World Today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes it seems like I don't make a difference. Maybe you've felt the same at some point. Just watching the news, reading the newspaper, or seeing things online can be depressing with all the wars and senseless tragedies we hear about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But the truth is we can and do have an impact. We may not solve all the problems in the world, but the small, seemingly insignificant actions can impact someone more than we know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I ran across this story recently that illustrates just that.</span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://ellenandersen.blogspot.com/2018/07/making-difference-in-world-today.html#more">Read more »</a>Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-22003620499949809922018-05-18T06:30:00.000-04:002018-05-18T11:17:28.282-04:00Book Review: Marrying His Best Friend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today's the 3rd Friday of thew month,so I'm posting a book review on Favorite Friday Fiction on Jennifer Hallmark's site. Read more <a href="https://jenniferhallmark.com/2018/05/18/book-review-marrying-his-best-friend/">here</a>.</div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-28360702725595089682018-05-14T06:30:00.000-04:002018-05-14T16:20:16.365-04:00Worship Music Brightened My Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was over a decade ago, but I still remember it well. I’d
been in the hospital for a few months, recovering from complications of a surgery.
I was getting better, but the hospital isn’t a good place to spend your days—especially
for so long. I was surrounded by white walls, sterile air, and machines that beeped
constantly every day. The environment only worsened how bad I already felt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’d been in the acute care for several weeks after
surgery and had finally been transferred to rehab, where I was re-learning how to
sit up, stand, and walk in physical therapy. Read the rest of the story <a href="https://jenniferhallmark.com/2018/05/14/worship-music-brightened-my-day/">here</a>.</span></div>
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Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-7574714242905688732018-05-13T00:18:00.000-04:002018-05-13T00:18:03.500-04:00Mothers' Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Since today's Mothers’ Day, I want to take a moment to publicly thank
my mom, Jean Andersen, for all she means to me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">We’ve always been close and to this day I consider her to be one
of my most trustworthy friends. She gives me her time and makes me
laugh.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Mom’s an encourager too and sometimes says just what I need to
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">So thanks for all you do and everything you mean to me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You’re the best!</span></div>
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Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-35713373924419000832018-04-09T06:30:00.000-04:002018-04-09T06:30:26.561-04:00Birthday Surprise <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've been blessed with the opportunity to travel quite a bit in my life. When I was in high school, I was a foreign exchange student </span><br>
</div><a href="http://ellenandersen.blogspot.com/2018/04/birthday-surprise.html#more">Read more »</a>Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-46828576461814112902018-03-12T06:15:00.000-04:002018-03-12T06:15:21.743-04:00An Opportunity to Help Someone In Need<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The weather’s been a bit dreary lately here in SC, with
lots of rain. Even when it’s not raining, there’s lots of clouds overhead. Not
exactly uplifting, in my opinion although it is good for the gardens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few weeks ago though, the sun was out and I took
advantage of it, taking Tommy for a walk. We headed down the street and I unexpectedly
met up with a neighbor of mine. She needed some help and I was there to provide
it. Read the rest of the story <a href="http://bit.ly/2FtHNZr">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-86356132332306194992018-01-19T13:20:00.002-05:002018-01-19T13:34:47.533-05:00Suspense-Filled Story by Lynette Eason<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's the third Friday of the month, so I'm posting on Jennifer Hallmark's blog, Small Acts of Kindness Favorite Fiction Friday. Lynette Eason has written over 20 books over many years. Today's post is a review of one of them, Don't Look Back. Learn more about it at <a href="https://jenniferhallmark.com/2018/01/19/favorite-friday-fiction-2">here.</a></div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-75902358096420679652018-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:002018-01-11T22:45:45.530-05:00Even Little Things Can Make A Difference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I feel insignificant. As if the things I say or do don't matter because they only affect one or two people. But what if I'm wrong? What if those things, even small things, DO matter? Perhaps making a difference in one person's life reaches more than just him or her? Could it be that those people can bless others because of what we've said or done? We may never know, but it's possible. Read more <a href="https://jenniferhallmark.com/2018/01/08/3414/#comments">here</a> to see an example of what I mean.</span></div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-40533724530785175362017-12-25T00:30:00.000-05:002018-05-12T22:50:42.637-04:00Christmas <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Celebrate! Christ Was Born Today!</span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-20" id="en-NIV-24994" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span class="text Luke-2-20" id="en-NIV-24994" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
<span class="text"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Luke
2:10-20 </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-2-20" id="en-NIV-24994" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">[An
angel said to the shepherds] “I bring you good news that will cause great joy
for all the people.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span id="en-NIV-24985" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">11 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Today
in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the
Lord.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span id="en-NIV-24986" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">12 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger.” <span id="en-NIV-24987" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">13 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the
angel, praising God and saying,<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span id="en-NIV-24988" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">14 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“Glory to God in the highest heaven,</span></span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” <span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span id="en-NIV-24989" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">15 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has told us about.” <span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span id="en-NIV-24990" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">16 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who
was lying in the manger.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span id="en-NIV-24991" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">17 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had
been told them about this child,</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span id="en-NIV-24992" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">18 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">and all
who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span id="en-NIV-24993" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">19 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">But
Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span id="en-NIV-24994" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">20 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they
had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-63558792067764945222017-12-24T12:21:00.000-05:002017-12-24T12:21:08.651-05:00Christmas 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Merry Christmas Everyone! Have a wonderful celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgygORxq-aH1KvF8pjp2xm_MhoIJattvRzsHccpvFrklMSR6nZO4PderxiiaSa94bM5s8EuXQ7niouRpKO02KOJFA1PN7PhoFp_MAXRbgSH_V8d5zWoHwOZ-6k1lbgRkqMeNRQP_MIdE/s1600/Christmas+free+gift.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgygORxq-aH1KvF8pjp2xm_MhoIJattvRzsHccpvFrklMSR6nZO4PderxiiaSa94bM5s8EuXQ7niouRpKO02KOJFA1PN7PhoFp_MAXRbgSH_V8d5zWoHwOZ-6k1lbgRkqMeNRQP_MIdE/s400/Christmas+free+gift.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-6866802031125581552017-12-17T20:01:00.001-05:002017-12-17T20:01:54.826-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birthday
Celebrations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Tomorrow is
my neighbor’s birthday. She’ll be 75, so we threw her a surprise <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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alt="birthday tiara.jpg" style='width:102pt;height:75.6pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Ellen\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="birthday tiara"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFE4DoPYzFGk3XEoNlPT3tmYpS-SXJ_zKxY2AVmTP91uav2Fmxl1K4Q5ajv_ZSfqb7tByYkKZEu_KTlAVUxbVpHw8tgPeJpWO1xTe39A2FW4XmNSJNc6D-sS4UPwyvAJLz04wqoSoq0A/s1600/birthday+tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFE4DoPYzFGk3XEoNlPT3tmYpS-SXJ_zKxY2AVmTP91uav2Fmxl1K4Q5ajv_ZSfqb7tByYkKZEu_KTlAVUxbVpHw8tgPeJpWO1xTe39A2FW4XmNSJNc6D-sS4UPwyvAJLz04wqoSoq0A/s1600/birthday+tiara.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFE4DoPYzFGk3XEoNlPT3tmYpS-SXJ_zKxY2AVmTP91uav2Fmxl1K4Q5ajv_ZSfqb7tByYkKZEu_KTlAVUxbVpHw8tgPeJpWO1xTe39A2FW4XmNSJNc6D-sS4UPwyvAJLz04wqoSoq0A/s1600/birthday+tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">birthday
party today. Her daughter, Kerry, set it
up a couple weeks ago, inviting Mary Carol’s friends from her church and her
neighborhood. We met a local coffee café </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">where Kerry had a table set up with a cake and two balloons blown up like a 7
and a 5. Mary Carol thought she was going to "meet a friend” at the café. She was blown
away when she walked in the door and saw all of us, which made it all the more
fun. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little
more than 2,000 years ago, Someone else had a birthday, but it was nothing like
today’s celebration for Mary Carol.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, Israel.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhoJ1QhkLqe-snnxTFFwxBEADW5FeXNLJ5akUI6znA-Qig0HnHb_Rg5vCp0EOM8q7xRXR9WDMS-WmC1eM06RMLiNFIHJW5XOmpvNX87SATP0AeTnS42WH2q-ZbxwrmrhJwWan_JPwP0Y/s1600/Manger+on+pass+through.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhoJ1QhkLqe-snnxTFFwxBEADW5FeXNLJ5akUI6znA-Qig0HnHb_Rg5vCp0EOM8q7xRXR9WDMS-WmC1eM06RMLiNFIHJW5XOmpvNX87SATP0AeTnS42WH2q-ZbxwrmrhJwWan_JPwP0Y/s320/Manger+on+pass+through.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">No one on
earth knew about it except </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God and Jesus' earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. There
was no celebration with a cake, balloons, or gifts.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In fact, </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus
was </i><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God’s gift</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to the world. And he was born
in a stable because there wasn’t any room at an inn where Mary and Joseph hoped
to at least find a warm night’s sleep after traveling on a donkey for days.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead, they
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">found themselves in the middle of a
field, surrounded by cows and sheep, hardly a sterile environment like we take
for granted these days.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still, God’s plan
to bring us back to Him was unfolding.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Even though we don’t know the exact day Jesus was born, since our calendar
isn’t the same as it was then and there, we celebrate it on December 25<sup>th </sup>every year. And we set up manger scenes like the one
above in my home to replicate what we think the environment would have been
like, although I’m sure they’re much cleaner and more orderly today than it was back
then. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Many churches and schools put on Christmas concerts and plays to remind us
of the meaning of Christmas. We go
Christmas caroling, have parties, and go on shopping sprees to give gifts to
those we love. It’s one of my favorite times of the year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">I’m not sure what part of Christmas I enjoy the most. Caroling and listening to Christmas music
definitely rank up toward the top of the list.
So does enjoying hot chocolate in front of a fire. Some Christmas concerts like the one at Azusa
Pacific University get me in the spirit of the year too. Even though I live on the opposite end of the
country now, I still have the music on CD, so I can have it with me in my home
or my car. In the midst of it all, I have to remember that Christ's coming to earth for us was the center of it all a little more than 2,000 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">There are more than 7 billion people in the world and we’re all different.
What does Christmas mean to you? How do
you celebrate it? What are some
traditions you enjoy? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of amazon.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-34533642066712939782017-11-15T06:30:00.000-05:002017-11-15T09:55:41.792-05:00Looking Forward to Thanksgiving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nXjnrqGnkH7gzDj_eU_4QD349PGjJhgiqBQOAIZzLH40dgVmxhwfwGjj4687hFzO6dXJuONPp7qISHEuowhwzmppTV50YQIz7s8u2RHnr2BMBRwq-904YiJpVq1YTWVW3MHZHUgY7pE/s1600/Sammy+and+Brittany+2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nXjnrqGnkH7gzDj_eU_4QD349PGjJhgiqBQOAIZzLH40dgVmxhwfwGjj4687hFzO6dXJuONPp7qISHEuowhwzmppTV50YQIz7s8u2RHnr2BMBRwq-904YiJpVq1YTWVW3MHZHUgY7pE/s200/Sammy+and+Brittany+2017.JPG" width="150"></a><span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving is just a little over a week away. It’s a time
when we look back over the past year and celebrate what we’re grateful for. One
thing I’m most grateful for is my family. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It’s changed over the years with the grandkids getting married and having
kids. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Now some of the great grandkids
are married too. </span></div>
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<br></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZmRGXSYu_e6FYtsO97XfMhhN0ewRsNBWHOgof4MQqegOD2bjJNLAK8PAPsr444xcBlYpnwTgBV8ypSfAnAaXLojcWo_9tSN7FUqm7-2mjJZ0dUId_kWbw3m6krmQU8ycZf74iNcGDaA/s1600/Thanksgiving+Feast+at+the+Capells+2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZmRGXSYu_e6FYtsO97XfMhhN0ewRsNBWHOgof4MQqegOD2bjJNLAK8PAPsr444xcBlYpnwTgBV8ypSfAnAaXLojcWo_9tSN7FUqm7-2mjJZ0dUId_kWbw3m6krmQU8ycZf74iNcGDaA/s320/Thanksgiving+Feast+at+the+Capells+2016.JPG" width="240"></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">We gather at someone’s home and everyone brings something
for a potluck of everyone’s favorite foods.
Turkey (of course), stuffing, cranberry sauce, both canned and homemade
(there an on-going debate in my family as to which is the “real” kind), mashed potatoes, an appetizer, rolls, fruit
salad, deviled eggs, and several pies. </span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Festivities typically start around noon that day, with
people arriving</span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://ellenandersen.blogspot.com/2017/11/looking-forward-to-thanksgiving.html#more">Read more »</a>Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-33205078970572107802017-11-14T21:54:00.000-05:002017-11-14T22:03:32.618-05:005 Tips to Make Thanksgiving Travel Less Stressful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlXE1XX1pv1S0VWiLXcMpKBIPwjXYlL2mMHQZJoU2ErBtrwVFq9mAVuvzdSSMMeeJ1XvM3tqDFj1NJMPdSUDvER1G1qeO2CYfykj_5Be73Vvsm5la7KzxxHD-lkxjQRLh49C3C4Ik7LM/s1600/traffic-15888_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlXE1XX1pv1S0VWiLXcMpKBIPwjXYlL2mMHQZJoU2ErBtrwVFq9mAVuvzdSSMMeeJ1XvM3tqDFj1NJMPdSUDvER1G1qeO2CYfykj_5Be73Vvsm5la7KzxxHD-lkxjQRLh49C3C4Ik7LM/s320/traffic-15888_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of pixabay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I always enjoy Thanksgiving. It’s the one time a year my whole family gets together. I</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">t's also the busiest day of the year for traveling. Since that </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">can be stressful, I’ve come up with a few ways to make it a little
easier.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Plan
ahead. One of the worst stressors in
traveling is having to make sure you have everything. One week before you leave, (instead of the night before) write down everything you’ll want with you while you’re gone. Making a list has a couple of benefits. First,
you can actually see it on paper. That helps
you organize your thoughts instead of thinking you’ll just know it all when you
leave. It also reduces your stress level
because you don’t have to remember everything.
It’s there for you to see when you pack. The third advantage is that you have a list to check things off as you
pack, making it more likely you’ll have everything you need.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Medicine.
When you make your list, remember your medicine, if you take any. The most obvious thing we think of in packing
is, of course, the clothes we’ll wear. But medicine is even more important. Depending on where you go, you may not have access to your doctor. We can’t just run across town to get another
prescription when we travel, so we have to make sure we have it all before we
go. Make sure you take everything with
you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pack
two days before you leave.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Once you’ve
listed and laid out everything you need, pack your suitcase(s) two nights ahead
of time.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">This gives you an extra day to double
check that everything’s in there.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">If
you’ve forgotten something, you have time to stick it in there without rushing
at the last minute.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN8aXENgjcC-S8agk1rsMYrgSvl3a1Y_Hu8ZQWbiXy8jg08mhKkLR5JpFziSICnPyRQ5exyhXRI2tu2ynFH9MiHQhpS0gXn1rC-PZSwWsdITpPG0a8MISvUtTeOCdxCFoavTSL0CAFLc/s1600/airplane-in-the-evening-sky-2909311_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN8aXENgjcC-S8agk1rsMYrgSvl3a1Y_Hu8ZQWbiXy8jg08mhKkLR5JpFziSICnPyRQ5exyhXRI2tu2ynFH9MiHQhpS0gXn1rC-PZSwWsdITpPG0a8MISvUtTeOCdxCFoavTSL0CAFLc/s200/airplane-in-the-evening-sky-2909311_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of pixabay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you flying? If you are, take a carry-on with you and check the airline’s requirements for what’s allowed and what’s not. Check the weight limit for each suitcase you plan to check. Weigh each bag at home and adjust whatever’s necessary <i>before</i> you get to the airport. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Most flights limit the amount of liquids allowed in a container in a carry-on (a few ounces) and allow only one quart-size, transparent, resealable bag per passenger. You’ll have to show it to an employee, so keep it out of your bag until you get on the plane.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">ALWAYS pack your medicine in your
carry-on. You never know if your luggage
will get lost somewhere along the way. Several years ago, I flew from
California to Washington D.C. My luggage went to St. Louis instead, so I was
left without clean clothes. The humidity,
combined with rain there in the middle of July, made me miserable for 3 days
before I was reunited with my luggage. Fortunately, I had my medicine in my
carry-on so it was just an inconvenience. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">These are my
thoughts.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">What other tips would you add
to the list?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-49622173218820273772017-10-09T06:00:00.000-04:002017-10-09T14:42:11.206-04:00Reaching Out in Friendship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm fortunate to have a close family. And my mom is the best. She means the world to me and is more than just my mom. She’s a close friend and I treasure our relationship. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3HM6Pr5Q7estNpE9Y9cO-FAIMa9jxpnIuj9icTLskC_-__ukLGeZr8OXR6p2gbnUjhfu-WJ0Y_3P2rGgCrTSncXrOowN1_O05rsss7U9SoboiAi_oaV4MYcM6uYYcyGn5PXftpxdKUg/s1600/Mom++and+I+at+Dahlonega+Falls+hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="925" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3HM6Pr5Q7estNpE9Y9cO-FAIMa9jxpnIuj9icTLskC_-__ukLGeZr8OXR6p2gbnUjhfu-WJ0Y_3P2rGgCrTSncXrOowN1_O05rsss7U9SoboiAi_oaV4MYcM6uYYcyGn5PXftpxdKUg/s320/Mom++and+I+at+Dahlonega+Falls+hike.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She means a lot to her friends as well. She’s been in a bowling league for many years now and has met a lot of people she wouldn’t otherwise know. Click <a href="http://jenniferhallmark.com/2017/10/09/a-deepening-friendship"><span style="color: blue;">here</span> </a></span><span style="font-size: large;">to read about how she's reached out and helped improve some people's quality of life.</span></div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-42174444042218443272017-10-05T12:34:00.001-04:002017-10-05T12:34:50.439-04:00The Write Conversation: Thoughts on Handling Challenges as a WriterI just read a blog post providing #encouragement for writers that applies to life in general regardless of your profession. <a href="http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2017/10/thoughts-on-handling-challenges-as.html?spref=bl">The Write Conversation: Thoughts on Handling Challenges as a Writer</a>: "As long as you don't quit, it will get easier—and harder." -Lynn Blackburn by Lynn Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn My fam...Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-89871372447673845772017-09-11T00:43:00.000-04:002017-09-12T17:45:38.043-04:00Dinner Out Every Week<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’d finally gotten out of the hospital after four
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d come home but was very
limited in what I could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking with
a walker and quite slowly at that, it was discouraging, even as I improved each
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unable to drive, I was cooped up
in the house, other than doctors’ appointments and physical and occupational
therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of my friends recognized my need and asked if she could take me out for dinner one night. "Sure!" I said. I'd get out of the house and spend time with a friend. What an opportunity.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Today's the second Monday of the month, so I'm posting on <a href="https://jenniferhallmark.com/2017/09/10/3089/">Small Acts of Kindness</a>. I'd love it if you'd pop on over and read the rest of the story.</span></span></span>Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-5457971575307113292017-09-08T15:40:00.001-04:002017-09-08T15:45:21.930-04:00Surprise!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">I’m not sure who was more surprised—him or me, but I
just had to laugh. I had just finished my breakfast and taken my dishes into
the kitchen. I put the dishes in the dishwasher, walked back to the dining room,
and stopped short. There was a piece of food on the floor near the chair I’d
been sitting in. “Huh? I don’t remember a piece of food there. That’s weird.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">I bent down to pick it up and it hopped. “What in
the world?” I said. Food doesn’t hop. My eyes widened and I jerked my head
back. I bent down to take a closer look. Gray with a dark gray spot on its back,
it was a toad! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_zZ1spJvUCajl-CiLNVs4DFkJ3de0SkanDBH8_kmAlBLxhkDZFyp2-l_lolO2skxiPpQIVhrCChixOnnnLdiAE40SC88njN__mTQDginQ5pI8cRRqMv5p6nCDiWW16-rG0eIwh67WgY/s1600/toad-185994_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1280" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_zZ1spJvUCajl-CiLNVs4DFkJ3de0SkanDBH8_kmAlBLxhkDZFyp2-l_lolO2skxiPpQIVhrCChixOnnnLdiAE40SC88njN__mTQDginQ5pI8cRRqMv5p6nCDiWW16-rG0eIwh67WgY/s200/toad-185994_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Why is there a toad in my house? “When did <i>you</i> get in here? HOW did you get in here?” I shook my head. I bent
down to pick him up, take him outside, and set him free. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">He hopped under the table, afraid of me. I’d gotten
a paper towel from the kitchen to wrap him in to get him outside. I figured it
was big enough to cover him from both sides so he wouldn’t escape, but I
couldn’t reach him now. I stooped to get under the table. He heard me and jumped
further. I peered under the sofa, and spotted him just on the other side. Paper
towel in hand, I walked around the couch and bent over. After two more tries, I
succeeded. I’d caught him. I covered him from both sides so he couldn’t escape.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">He tried to jump out of my grasp, but I had him this
time. I went outside and released him on the deck but he didn’t move. I
wondered if I’d hurt him when I picked him up or when I carried him, but soon
enough he hopped forward and away he went. He must have just been scared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">That’s the 3<sup>rd</sup> time I’ve had a wild
animal in my house here. Read about the other times with a bird <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4490815773151689313#editor/target=post;postID=3655391949288584076;onPublishedMenu=template;onClosedMenu=template;postNum=55;src=postname">here </a>and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4490815773151689313#editor/target=post;postID=8129529649134511440;onPublishedMenu=template;onClosedMenu=template;postNum=2;src=postname">here</a>. I
at least know where the birds came from and how they got in, but I have no idea
how that a toad managed to come in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">It reminds me of how I can get into the strangest of
places or situations at times. Places where I don’t belong but have adapted to.
When someone sees me and tries to help get me back where I need to be I may try
to escape. Just like that little toad, I’ve gotten used to where I am and
change is scary, especially if I don’t initiate it</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">Eventually, and it may take quite a bit of time, I
may decide to relax a bit and see where it takes me. Usually, it’s to a better
place. It can take some time to adjust to it, but with time, (sometimes longer
than I’d like) I see the benefits outweigh the costs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 105%;">How about you? When have you been in a place where you needed help but had to trust someone in order to get it? Share it here.</span></div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-57227919936074353742017-08-24T23:14:00.000-04:002017-08-24T23:14:28.892-04:00Where is God?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I was regretting the past<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">and fearing the future.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Suddenly my Lord was
speaking:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My Name Is I AM</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">He paused.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I waited.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">He continued:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">"When you live in
the past</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">and its mistakes and
regrets,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">it is hard.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I am not there. My name
is not I WAS.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW3seVTGoacYDdIfjywjCKR-hJs0wqrv3hjPDWHkoUy-Rfxjlsf6vB_u10OqDEY8WNRnqJfs_TZvVM3TIFyc-Eo8QgZSck4y03ivVZITy5YsBEoDKt_-V6uDtPq0B1nsemgAiYqW0v_g/s1600/future-present-past-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="652" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW3seVTGoacYDdIfjywjCKR-hJs0wqrv3hjPDWHkoUy-Rfxjlsf6vB_u10OqDEY8WNRnqJfs_TZvVM3TIFyc-Eo8QgZSck4y03ivVZITy5YsBEoDKt_-V6uDtPq0B1nsemgAiYqW0v_g/s320/future-present-past-sign.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you live in the
future,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">with its fears and
problems</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">it is hard.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I am not there.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My name is not I WILL
BE.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you live in the
moment</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It is not as hard.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I am here.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My name is I AM.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">
Helen Mallicoat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 105%;">photo courtesy of Dmitri Otis Images</span></div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-36122922249584663042017-08-19T00:31:00.000-04:002017-08-20T22:33:12.635-04:00God, the Sun, and the Solar Eclipse<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The solar eclipse in the U.S. is less than a week away and
Greenville, South Carolina, will be directly in its path. In the middle of the
day, the moon will pass in front of the sun, blocking its light for approximately
2 minutes.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeNQDgAoU4MUEGxP7N_i73-8cQ9l0848Gh5p5PjBukAGx_Z8OlZXMSEQyon4AoKJgg5GqWFATMekx25bAQr1dBV0TQL06Ayc11CFboo0rEmDLF3WhTeObTxbBZA6QJyuZOj1rzMPwqgU/s1600/solar+eclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="776" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeNQDgAoU4MUEGxP7N_i73-8cQ9l0848Gh5p5PjBukAGx_Z8OlZXMSEQyon4AoKJgg5GqWFATMekx25bAQr1dBV0TQL06Ayc11CFboo0rEmDLF3WhTeObTxbBZA6QJyuZOj1rzMPwqgU/s200/solar+eclipse.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of pixabay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">There’s been quite a buzz about it over the last few months. It’s all over the news, in the papers, and online.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’ll begin to get dark in early afternoon as the moon begins to
cross between the sun and the earth. </span><br>
</div><a href="http://ellenandersen.blogspot.com/2017/08/god-sun-and-solar-eclipse.html#more">Read more »</a>Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-15033615024177383372017-08-14T00:00:00.000-04:002017-08-14T07:17:26.328-04:00<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today's the second Monday of the month, so I'm posting about on Small Acts of Kindness. Read my story <a href="https://jenniferhallmark.com/2017/08/14/2989/">here</a>.</span>Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-49307681934565965332017-08-13T17:44:00.000-04:002017-08-14T16:11:13.626-04:00Everyone's Gifts Are Important<br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em><o:p> I</o:p>f the only tool in your belt is a hammer, every
problem looks like a nail.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Abraham
Maslow</span></span></div>
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</span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny_Y5crFlnoU37RchTqAWcnS8MMSVKXcuwRk8IR03ket63Yi4M-iqA8SC7y8re29VSUA0XUWmbIFFuCe1ojCOyyRP0Q2bBhfP8GAMZgmGhZHCMrLDhFweuZpbLSiHAdfnGbMxafSwG1M/s1600/1+hammer--one+purpose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny_Y5crFlnoU37RchTqAWcnS8MMSVKXcuwRk8IR03ket63Yi4M-iqA8SC7y8re29VSUA0XUWmbIFFuCe1ojCOyyRP0Q2bBhfP8GAMZgmGhZHCMrLDhFweuZpbLSiHAdfnGbMxafSwG1M/s200/1+hammer--one+purpose.JPG" width="200"></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I heard this quote one
day and later realized that it reflects how we go about most things in our
lives. We tend to see circumstances through our own lens, which is relatively
small, and we react the only way(s) we know. The opposite is true as well. When have multiple “tools” in
our “belt” we can better determine an appropriate solution to any given problem.
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
</div><a href="http://ellenandersen.blogspot.com/2017/08/everyones-gifts-are-important.html#more">Read more »</a>Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-59339137025822423362017-08-04T15:57:00.000-04:002017-08-04T15:58:46.280-04:00Blessings When You Need Them<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I lost my balance the
other day and stuck my left arm out, trying to break my fall. I broke my left wrist
in the process. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs2gODu_cvLPgljRPp1aBXHr_Rl3F8NmW8GKNo7Xx3s36U9192EmHrAaarPbhIpQCAU-kevDrt0_unPiANgKcUB1x7qehpWrAMRepGqRG8mI9BxDCsBHzviXQFqhFckSw7aA6EVlPbrg/s1600/left+armbrace+after+broken+wrist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs2gODu_cvLPgljRPp1aBXHr_Rl3F8NmW8GKNo7Xx3s36U9192EmHrAaarPbhIpQCAU-kevDrt0_unPiANgKcUB1x7qehpWrAMRepGqRG8mI9BxDCsBHzviXQFqhFckSw7aA6EVlPbrg/s200/left+armbrace+after+broken+wrist.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You don’t realize how much you use both your hands until only
one works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know first-hand (no pun
intended).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even something as basic
as getting dressed involves two hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks to YouTube, I’ve learned how to do that now. Turns out there are
multiple uses for a broomstick. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfsZ34OEetA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfsZ34OEetA</a></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can’t drive, cook, or water the garden until my wrist heals, which
will take several weeks. I love my plants and flowers so I really hate that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, I have
several friends and family members helping me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my
neighbors brought dinner over the other night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She also volunteered to drive when we went to the theater last week. Another
friend has offered me a ride to church.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My parents have been shopping for me, as well
as watering my plants and cleaning around the house.
</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwxgngxhlFTfzyEpoaCjYR-sLiRDRYTbFtBQNPh0KFU6s46OKk1z-i62ytu9ljIXYmTPJKcM9qGsL4oZsCoYpU_kWNZJW1DEqjkq73x-MGL4MRQglHRByZ8i7ng-iwQxXEO5Ne6img_4/s1600/Mom+waters+plants+while+I+have+the+cast+--broke+my+wrist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwxgngxhlFTfzyEpoaCjYR-sLiRDRYTbFtBQNPh0KFU6s46OKk1z-i62ytu9ljIXYmTPJKcM9qGsL4oZsCoYpU_kWNZJW1DEqjkq73x-MGL4MRQglHRByZ8i7ng-iwQxXEO5Ne6img_4/s320/Mom+waters+plants+while+I+have+the+cast+--broke+my+wrist.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pushing a vacuum with
only one hand just doesn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
forget about dragging a hose.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don’t like having to depend on other people, but I’m glad it’s
temporary. Letting people help me also gives them the blessing to someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I truly am blessed to have such loving, supportive family and friends. Keeping this perspective helps a lot.</span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">How have you been blessed
by someone’s generosity when you needed it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or perhaps you’ve had the privilege of helping someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Share it here so we can all benefit from
it.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span>
</div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490815773151689313.post-40289485249700788052017-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:002017-07-10T06:00:23.628-04:00Personal Care at a Local Family Pharmacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd forgotten to pick up my medicine. Medicine I can't afford to go without. So when I realized it last month, I called to pick up a refill. I use a local, family-owned pharmacy about 3 miles from my home. </div>
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They know me there and even know what medicine I take before I tell them what I need. I walked in last month and Tony, the pharmacist, said, "Hi Ellen. How're you doin' today?" I smiled and told him what I needed. To read the rest of the story click <a href="http://jenniferhallmark.com/2017/07/10/personal-care-at-a-pharmacy">here.</a></div>
Ellen Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05474986203062305511noreply@blogger.com1