tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35701104128335539952024-03-13T13:45:36.167-07:00Monique ZackeryA Journey Toward FreedomMonique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-66557622694807499632012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:28:19.620-08:00Update...<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i>“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: …a time to be silent and a time to speak.”-</i> Ecclesiastes 3:1,7</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dear Blog Readers,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In the weeks leading up to 2012 I started asking God for direction in my life and I praise Him for speaking clearly to me this week about a number of areas. As you know, I, along with our church have been talking about Going Deeper in 2012. Last week was one committed to prayer and submission to our Lord. I believe He spoke clearly to me that it is time to take a break from my personal blog. I don’t know how long this break will be. I'm simply taking time away to seek God. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
I understand that some of you will be bummed to read this. There are quite a few reasons why I've come to this decision. One is that blogging is a commitment that takes time. If I truly desire to go deeper in seeking God, I know that this (along with a few other things) is something I need to put aside in order to sit at His feet more.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Moreover, I’m a “talker.” It's no coincidence that Ecclesiastes 3:7 has been on my heart lately. There is "a time to be silent and a time to speak." The art of listening isn't an easy one to learn. Openly expressing my thoughts comes naturally to me, which makes blogging fun. But I want to work on being a better <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">listener</i> as I go deep with God, <i>and</i> with the face-to-face community He has surrounded me with. Listening requires the quieting of my words, so I am taking a season of quiet in this place.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Please pray for me as I listen out for His still, small voice and I will pray the same for you. And thank you for understanding the time of silence, here at Finding Me in You. If you have an email subscription to this blog, when the Lord tells me to speak here again, you will be notified when that post arrives at your inbox. In the mean time, if you want to reach out, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:monique.zackery@yahoo.com">monique.zackery@yahoo.com</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I love you all and I’m praying that you also will go deeper in the areas God is calling you to. Sometimes saying yes to God requires saying no to something else. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Grace and Peace to you,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Monique Zackery<br />
<br />
<i>The "You" in "Finding me in You" is Christ. This title came about from a prayer to find identity in Christ. It was birthed from a quest to seek, find, learn and grow in Him. </i><br />
<i>Would you like to subscribe to this blog by email? <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/subscribe.html">Click here.</a></i></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-77537322180623244242012-01-05T15:14:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:27:14.823-08:00{Part III} Two Words for 2012<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It’s the final day of our three-day series on Going Deep in 2012. So far we’ve talked about <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2012/01/two-words-for-2012.html">going deep in the Word</a> and <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2012/01/part-ii-two-words-for-2012.html">going deep in community</a>. Now, we’re going to tackle my favorite one… <b>Going Deep in The Gospel</b>. This topic is dearest to my heart right now and I pray that never changes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--d6lKmlbNBw/TwYi9caMs8I/AAAAAAAAAf0/gHmoOn7WAVU/s1600/fully-presenting-the-gospel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--d6lKmlbNBw/TwYi9caMs8I/AAAAAAAAAf0/gHmoOn7WAVU/s320/fully-presenting-the-gospel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Gospel is simplified as this: Christ’s death, His burial, and His resurrection. <b>Simple.</b> Yet daily I sit in awe of what those events mean. The fullness of Christ's love is too lofty for me to grasp. It seems easier to grasp His love for everyone else. Why? Because<i> I know </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me. </i>I know how broken I am, how sinful, how fallen… and to think that He offered salvation and reconciliation to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me </i>is pretty overwhelming. This idea of grace… this supernatural grace, which is extended daily, seems too deep for me to dive into. And at church when I sing, <i>“I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross…”</i> I always mean it because I know I still haven’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fully</i> grasped the weight of this incredible Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pastor Aaron once told me that he firmly believes we don’t need to gain more knowledge. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We just need to gain a greater understanding of the Gospel we already know.</b> I agree. I long for that understanding. I sit at the feet of God and plead for Him to show me how wide, and long, and high, and deep His love for me is. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Help me to see, Lord, because sometimes it’s hard for me to believe!”</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I wander through this life, one step at a time, one day at a time, sometimes feeling lost, sometimes feeling misplaced, I pray that God will show me how secure I am in Him. {Finding me in Him!} And today as I pray that for myself, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I pray the same for you. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm excited about what this Gospel means for me in the every day details. Much of my life has been centered around the approval of people and their opinions of me. Because of that a works based mentality has grown up like a weed in my daily grind. Though I’ve tried to uproot it, I always seem to find that same ugly weed sprouting it’s little head where I least expect it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Work hard --> Gain favor. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Work hard --> Gain acceptance. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Work hard --> Find love. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But with God, we are already loved. He loved us and sent His Son to die for us while we were still in sin. While they rejected Him, Jesus interceded for the people, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as they killed Him!</i> That’s some crazy unconditional love. Who does that? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Though <s>we</s> I struggle daily with focusing on WORKS, WORKS, WORKS… God is simply saying BELIEVE, BELIEVE, and BELIEVE! He wants us to believe <i>the work</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He did</i> is finished. We don't have to keep striving. He wants us to believe His promises are true. He wants us to believe the love letter He left us—the Bible. He tells us that righteousness comes to us by believing Him, not by working hard our way up the ladder into Heaven! But that seems so unnatural to grasp. This world teaches us to work hard to get ahead. I'm not saying we should be lazy. I'm simply pointing to this...</span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"What does scripture say? Abraham <b>believed God</b> and it was credited to him as righteousness."</i> - Romans 4:3</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are made righteous, given favor, forgiven, accepted, and given eternal life when we put our faith in Him. <b>Sometimes it seems that working hard is actually easier than fully surrendering to God in faith</b>. Doesn't it? Submission isn't easy. There's a dying to self that happens--a relinquishing of control. But as I walk through 2012 I want to give up the try hard life. <b>I just want to believe Him. </b>The rest will fall into place. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Lord God, in 2012 please give us a greater understanding of the Gospel so that we might <b>know your love that surpasses knowledge</b>—that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Let the power of this crazy gospel reach into <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">every area</b> of our lives this year and forever. Amen.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Got my scuba gear on… ready to dive deeper into the Gospel this year. The water’s fine! Will you join me?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.S. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203:17-21&version=NIV">Ephesians 3:17-21</a></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-83416460990308926662012-01-04T14:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T14:34:33.047-08:00{Part II} Two Words for 2012...<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hello there, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2:10&version=NIV"><span style="color: #0026e2;">Handiwork of God</span></a>!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're just joining in, yesterday we started a three-day series on <b>Going Deep in 2012</b>, based on Sunday's sermon from Pastor Aaron Roy. Day One we focused on <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2012/01/two-words-for-2012.html"><span style="color: #0026e2;">going deep in the Word</span></a>. Today we are focusing on going deeper in our relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbywLuXKsN8/TwS9Ju-ptlI/AAAAAAAAAfc/03exs0fpiKw/s1600/community.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbywLuXKsN8/TwS9Ju-ptlI/AAAAAAAAAfc/03exs0fpiKw/s640/community.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogging4jobs.com/social-media/what-makes-a-social-media-community-a-community/">Photo Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I believe God created us for community. All throughout scripture we see beautiful pictures of people building relationships with each other, supporting each other and doing life together. He created us to go deep—our souls long for it. Yet so many of us are simply not in authentic community with other believers. I've been sitting here pondering why that is and five things came to mind. This is certainly not an exhaustive list. I imagine there are many reasons why people aren’t in community. But these are the five things I've witnessed the most. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>1. Fear of rejection.</u></b><b> </b>When we fear being rejected, vulnerability becomes our Goliath and we just don't want to face that giant. So we guard ourselves and choose not to step out on that limb to build <i>real</i> friendships. We adopt a "better safe than sorry" mindset, but in turn we become isolated and lonely. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>2. Old wounds that need healing.</u></b> Sometimes our hurts cause us to shrink back from building new relationships and from engaging in the relationships we already have. But healing is possible, and investing in <i>healthy</i> friendships can actually aid the healing process. {For more on healing and forgiveness, <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/12/wounds-vs-scars.html"><span style="color: #0026e2;">click here</span></a> and <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/07/31-days-of-victory-day-22-forgiveness.html"><span style="color: #0026e2;">here</span></a>.}<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>3. Secret sin.</u></b><u> </u> Sometimes we don't want to open up to other believers for authentic community and accountability because we are afraid of being judged, or because we know it will mean giving up the sins we love. But the benefit of releasing those things and returning to God far outweigh the fear or "inconvenience" of letting other believers go deep with us in community. There's freedom and healing in repentance and confession. {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%205:13-20&version=NIV">See James 5:13-20</a>}<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>4. Lack of initiative.</u></b><b> </b>I always feel sad when I hear people talk about how no one is reaching out to them in church and how they just don't fit in. It just makes me want to give them a big hug and invite them over for hot chocolate. While I do believe their feelings are valid, I've also come to realize that sometimes we just need to get out there and make the first move. Sign up for community activities. Be the first to say hi. Take the initiative to seek out friendship instead of waiting for friendship to seek you out. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>5. Investing in the wrong circle of friends.</u></b> There was a time when I spent years investing in one-way friendships. No matter how hard I tried to make it work I always ended up feeling like I didn't fit in, like I wasn't accepted for me. My husband helped me see that I was pouring my heart into unhealthy relationships. He pointed me to the healthy, authentic friendships in my life and encouraged me to invest in those. That has made a world of difference! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So… what should we do with all this in 2012? …<o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5eH1864jXM/TwS9ZeNh_2I/AAAAAAAAAfo/PPaQ0G2oj1E/s1600/2012-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5eH1864jXM/TwS9ZeNh_2I/AAAAAAAAAfo/PPaQ0G2oj1E/s640/2012-wallpaper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://agbeat.com/editorials/motivational-quotes-to-start-off-your-2012/">Photo Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are my humble suggestions...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Give God any relational wounds that might be present in your life.</b> Through forgiveness, release those who have hurt you. Ask God to help you overcome any fear of rejection {if that's present in your life}.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. If there are secret sins</b> building walls between you and authentic community, submit those to the Lord through repentance and meet with a leader in the church for accountability. {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%205:13-16&version=NIV">Read James 5:13-16</a>} There's relief in sharing our struggles with a listening ear, especially those older, wiser listening ears.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Take the initiative to build community.</b> Even if you're an introvert, make an effort to start some friendships. Pray about your circle of friends. If they are unhealthy, ask God to introduce you to healthy friendships, even if it's just one. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Be intentional.</b> Make time for building the relationships you already have: your family, your spouse, your neighbors, or your church friends. Make a priority of investing in community. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>5. Give yourself grace. </b>The last thing we all need is something to <b><i>add </i></b>to our to do list for 2012. I love this quote from Christine Cain...</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<i>Things become really hard when I 'have' to do them and really easy when I want to do them... I've decided that in 2012 I don't 'have' to do anything. I want to do what God has called me to."</i> </span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let's not view this as a chore, but as a life giving opportunity to invest in ourselves and our loved ones. Let it flow naturally and organically. :) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"We need to have people to mourn with and rejoice with, to have accountability with. Without it, church becomes dull and boring... If you are an isolated Christian, you are a dying Christian. If you are an isolated Christian, you are an unhappy Christian. Surround yourself with people who love you and let them ask you the hard questions. Church isn't meant to be a place to say 'Yeah, I'm fine.' It's meant to be a place to be real. Don't be an isolated Christian with no strength. [Engage in community!] It may be the most uncomfortable thing you've ever done, but do it."</i> - Pastor Aaron Roy </span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Ready to go deep!<br />
<br />
Monique Zackery<br />
<br />
Would you like to subscribe to this blog through email? <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/subscribe.html">Click here. </a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-15410834009540723962012-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:002012-01-03T21:58:24.841-08:00Two Words for 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hi Friend! Happy New Year!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm excited to share two words with you for 2012...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>GO DEEP!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAMeenZd9oo/TwNs7J6rgLI/AAAAAAAAAeg/o6R1SR3ckV4/s1600/ScubaDiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAMeenZd9oo/TwNs7J6rgLI/AAAAAAAAAeg/o6R1SR3ckV4/s320/ScubaDiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ncbeaches.com/Features/Sports/ScubaDiving/">Photo Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week Pastor Aaron spoke to us on going deep in three areas: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. The Word of God <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. The relationships in our lives, and <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. The Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This could get really long but I know you’re busy so I’ve decided to split this post over the course of three days. Today let’s just talk about the Word of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But first, a quick confession...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On New Years Eve I thought about starting a plan to read through the entire Bible in 2012. My very next thoughts were doubts of whether or not I could tackle that big of a task.<b> I hadn’t even started and I was already giving up!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw_bfBQjok0/TwNtP3qMtSI/AAAAAAAAAes/BS7ZlX1QCno/s1600/asleep_on_bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw_bfBQjok0/TwNtP3qMtSI/AAAAAAAAAes/BS7ZlX1QCno/s320/asleep_on_bible.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wordsofeternallife.org/2010/why-read-boring-bible/">Photo Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For many of us, going deep in the Word seems like a daunting task. If we keep it real, some of us don’t even know where to begin. Have you ever felt flustered about your “quiet time”? Have you ever started reading and thought to your self, “What in the world does this mean?” or “How does this apply to <i>me”</i>? … I’ve been there too!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pastor Aaron reminded us that we often have the wrong idea about the Word of God. Sometimes we view it as an obligation. At times we lean toward seeing Bible reading as something to mark off our spiritual checklist in our attempt to be a good Christian. Then we get discouraged when we haven't mastered the Scriptures. The goal, however, shouldn’t be to master the Scriptures, but to let God through the Scriptures master us!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My good friend, Kristi McLelland, taught me that the Bible is God-breathed {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203:16-17&version=NIV"><span style="color: #0026e2;">2 Timothy 3:16</span></a>}. Have you ever been so close to someone that you could feel {or smell} their breath? I'm sure a lot of us have had a few unfortunate encounters with some foul breath. Thankfully, the breath of God is sweet like honey, and life giving! {Yup! Even first thing in the morning!} If you desire to be so close to God that you can feel His wonderful breath, {the same breath He used to speak Creation into existence} start reading His Word!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpggamF4W60/TwNtkMvt2vI/AAAAAAAAAe4/hI5k1KxByW4/s1600/bible-light.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpggamF4W60/TwNtkMvt2vI/AAAAAAAAAe4/hI5k1KxByW4/s320/bible-light.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/this-little-light-of-mine">Photo Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God has revealed Himself through the Scriptures and He is inviting us to come and drink of Him. The ultimate goal of Bible reading shouldn’t be to gain facts that puff us up with knowledge. It should be to know God better. <b>The Bible is a book that will revive our soul! </b>When we view it that way, the task of reading seems more invigorating than it does daunting. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're like me and you've had a hard time digging in, I'd like to share the first step to Bible reading that has helped me tremendously: <b>PRAYER</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<i>Lord, please open my mind to understanding today as I read your Word. Let your truth penetrate my heart and illuminate my mind by your Holy Spirit. Speak clearly to me today. Amen.</i>" </span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Believe what you're praying.<b> Believe that He can do it!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>"Daily Bible reading is not a religious duty, but a joyous pursuit of the God of the Universe. </b>We want to dig deep so we may know Him and the power of His resurrection." </i>[emphasis mine]<i> </i>- Pastor Aaron Roy </span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This sweet reminder revived my love for the Word of God. And guess what! At the end of the sermon Pastor Aaron gave all of us a reading plan to complete the Bible in a year! So… looks like I’m going for it. :) <b>Would you like to join me? </b>If so, <a href="http://www.navpress.com/uploadedFiles/15074%20BRP.dj.pdf"><span style="color: #0026e2;">click here</span></a> for a PDF of the plan our church is doing. It's only 25 days of reading each month, which provides room for our fallen nature and our crazy schedules. If we get behind, we can catch up on our spare days. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let’s <b>go deep</b>! I’ve got my scuba gear on and I’m ready to dive in!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.S. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2019:7-12&version=NIV"><span style="color: #0026e2;">Psalm 19:7-12</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">See you here tomorrow, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Would you like to subscribe to this blog by email? <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/subscribe.html">click here</a>.</span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-88976378005483741482011-12-18T23:02:00.000-08:002011-12-19T09:07:52.878-08:00Hear it on Sunday. Use it on Monday: King of kings<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."</span></i> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Revelation 19:16</span></span></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In yesterday's service we were reminded of Jesus as King. For this post I wish I could recapture the essence of the way the Spirit fell in God's house. It was beautiful. What a simple, yet powerful reminder: Jesus is KING.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yet, one has to wonder... <i><b>is He truly King in my life?</b></i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35yqdZJwTuk/Tu7rh2-50lI/AAAAAAAAAc0/8zjaJdoAIeU/s1600/king_crown-3194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35yqdZJwTuk/Tu7rh2-50lI/AAAAAAAAAc0/8zjaJdoAIeU/s320/king_crown-3194.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Samuel 8 gives an account in which the Israelites longed for an earthly king. They rejected God, the King of the Universe and instead desired an <i>earthly</i> king. Upon hearing this we might wonder why anyone in their right mind would chose a fallen substitute for the <i>perfect</i> King--God Himself. Yet many of us find ourselves committing the same grievance. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We create gods for ourselves, giving out the devotion that rightfully belongs to the True King. We find our identity in people, and other tangible, <i>earthly</i> gods--idols that eclipse our vision from the One True God. <b>At times That which is seen blinds us from the beauty of beholding that which is unseen. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the book of Mark when Jesus came to Jerusalem revealing Himself as king, He didn't come on a chariot or a white steed. He road on a donkey. This was to fulfill the prophecy but also to show that He was different from any earthly king. The people laid their cloaks on the road for Him, and spread branches in His honor. Realizing His majesty, they shouted, <i>"Hosanna in the highest Heaven."</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The word Hosanna isn't just a shout of praise or adoration. In its original Greek context it actually means <i>save; we pray. </i>It is an appeal to God for deliverance. These people knew that Jesus was the answer they had been looking for. He is mighty to save. They bowed on their knees and humbled their hearts before Him {in essence, crowing Him as King}. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This message was so convicting to me as I remembered my manifest need to bow before the King. In light of this I couldn't help but think of these lyrics and ask myself if I've been living them out... </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"We fall down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus. The greatness of mercy and love at the feet of Jesus. And we cry Holy Holy Holy, we cry Holy Holy Holy, is the lamb." </span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He is King of kings and Lord of lords, <b>but</b> <b>is He </b><b style="font-style: italic;">my King? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> {...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is He <i>your King?}</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do the meditations of my heart & the actions in my life reflect that He is King?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Have we been bowing before Him, crying Hosanna, in recognition of His majesty lately? These questions have truly stirred my heart. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dear Jesus, to you I cry:<b> HOSANNA! </b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Save; we pray</i>! </span>You are mighty to save, able to deliver, ready to restore. I crown you King, my Lord, my Advocate. You are all I need. No earthly substitute will due. May you also be crowned in the lives of each reader today. AMEN. </span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.S. I leave you with a Christmas song that has been ministering to me: <i>How Many Kings,</i> by Downhere. It's a must hear. {If you can't see the video below, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xWAdbaCp30">click here</a>}</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1xWAdbaCp30?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bowing before the King...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k1wCFqjBkA/Tu7CET6dDZI/AAAAAAAAAck/pOSIpnlnAAo/s1600/Luv+%2526+Blessings+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k1wCFqjBkA/Tu7CET6dDZI/AAAAAAAAAck/pOSIpnlnAAo/s200/Luv+%2526+Blessings+Signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a border="0" href="http://michellederusha.com/" target="_blank"> <img height="200" src="http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab239/mderusha/HearItUseItImage-1.jpg" width="136" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks for reading! Would you like to subscribe to this blog through email? <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/subscribe.html">Click here</a>.</span>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-3500360518083655702011-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T12:26:12.363-08:00Wounds vs. Scars<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?”</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Psalm 56:8 (KJV)</span></blockquote><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKfRr3AjGbI/TtmI10CJzGI/AAAAAAAAAb0/2bUjml1CFgU/s1600/hands-with-heart-and-bandaid-300x202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKfRr3AjGbI/TtmI10CJzGI/AAAAAAAAAb0/2bUjml1CFgU/s320/hands-with-heart-and-bandaid-300x202.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mamabzz.com/2011/02/an-exchange-of-words.html/hands-with-heart-and-bandaid"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Photo Source</span></a></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I sat in the garage, afraid to open the floodgates. I swallowed the knot in my throat, attempting to stop those salty nuances from spilling over my cheeks. But Curtis gently reminded me that crying is okay. So I let it out. The tears silently told my story—the same old story they tell every time they fall.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>"Why does it still hurt?"</b> I wondered. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The ache of brokenness lingered. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>"I guess I just have a few scars."</b> I shrugged it away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Later I talked to God about the things He already knows—the things deep beneath the surface that no one else has seen. In His grace He brought me to a teaching from Beth Moore. She spoke of the difference between a scar and a wound. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You see a scar doesn't hurt anymore<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. </b>It's only a reminder of what used to be, a place that was once open but is now closed up, completely healed. You can touch a scar without feeling its former pain. You can graze across it without flinching or crying or pulling away in fear. But a wound has a different reality. A wound hurts to the touch. A wound still brings about tears. It is still open. It is still vulnerable. <i>It is still in need of healing.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was not bearing the pain of scars. I only mistook them for scars because of the time that lapsed. <i>But time does not heal all wounds</i>. I stood in need of the only One who could mend them--the Great Physician. So I knelt. I bowed. And I reached out for just one touch of His garment, offering Him the pieces of this fragmented heart, for He <i>alone </i>is able. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And healing came.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank God for these hurts, which transform into tools that testify, bringing honor to His name. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Dear friend, Are <i>you</i> in need of healing today? Are you bearing the weight of wounds that you thought were just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">old scars</i>? </b>Will you allow God to exchange those ashes for the crown of beauty He desires for you--trading mourning for the oil of joy, replacing a spirit of despair with a garment of praise? He is willing, if you are. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds."</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - Psalm 147:3 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."</i> Psalm 34:18</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finding healing in Jesus...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1CKSaktx6Y/Tt0JjE-jjcI/AAAAAAAAAcE/tkSyyyQc0Jo/s1600/Luv+%2526+Blessings+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1CKSaktx6Y/Tt0JjE-jjcI/AAAAAAAAAcE/tkSyyyQc0Jo/s200/Luv+%2526+Blessings+Signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.S. Today's post wasn't based on yesterday's sermon. I prepared to write about the sermon, which was filled with powerful truth. But this lesson on healing emotional wounds is what has been laying on my heart in my talks with Jesus, so I left it at that. :) Thanks for joining me for Hear it/Use it. - Love ya! {P.P.S. I'm praying for you today... Yup, YOU! ;)}</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://michellederusha.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"> <img height="320" src="http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab239/mderusha/HearItUseItImage-1.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Would you like to subscribe to this blog by email? <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/subscribe.html">Click here</a>.</span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-77398169115290496962011-12-01T11:38:00.000-08:002011-12-01T14:10:07.142-08:00It's December 1st!<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hltZTyS8fMc/TtfWltEJtII/AAAAAAAAAbU/rHcAe55KOSQ/s1600/fdf36e8a1c5211e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hltZTyS8fMc/TtfWltEJtII/AAAAAAAAAbU/rHcAe55KOSQ/s320/fdf36e8a1c5211e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Wow! I can't believe it's already december 1st! CONFESSION: This is my favorite season! It's the end of the year and the beginning of that month when we all focus on To Do lists, and Christmas spending. {I love checking off a good To Do list. It makes me feel accomplished. =)} Of course it has its pros and cons. We wait in miles of traffic, we stand in long lines and we stay up late wrapping presents. But I don't mind that so much. It's all part of the excitement. Some sit at the crafting table creating special tokens to place in the hands of loved ones. We bend over the stove, cooking up warm meals and the scent of the holidays fill the air. We light up the tree and adorn it with beauty. We open those Christmas bins that only see the light of day 1/12th of the year. We hang garlands and mistletoe and listen to familiar carols in the process. And though each of those things are fine, they don't truly represent the reason for the season. So before we get caught in the hustle and bustle of this month, let us meditate on the most important gift humanity has ever received. </div><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">"</span><i>For to us </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">a child is born</span><i>, to us </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">a Son is given</span><i>, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called, Wonderful </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">Counselor</span><i>, Mighty </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">God</span><i>, Everlasting </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">Father</span><i>, Prince of</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"> Peace</span><i>.</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">"</span><i> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">- Isaiah 9:6</span></span></blockquote><br />
Praying that your life is filled with His counsel, that your heart is comforted by your Heavenly Daddy and that your mind is covered with His peace that passes understanding--this month and always.<br />
<br />
Happy December!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ompfKXAqhN4/TtfhxLY4WcI/AAAAAAAAAbc/XsipibR7N7A/s1600/Luv+%2526+Blessings+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ompfKXAqhN4/TtfhxLY4WcI/AAAAAAAAAbc/XsipibR7N7A/s200/Luv+%2526+Blessings+Signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-24363732146980431002011-11-29T14:56:00.000-08:002011-11-29T20:56:28.670-08:00Tuesdays Unwrapped: The Gift of Marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqKKXR1qgZA/TtVdgThIakI/AAAAAAAAAYw/bJe-G6C7xmc/s1600/celebrating-the-lovely-the-messy-and-the-unexpected1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqKKXR1qgZA/TtVdgThIakI/AAAAAAAAAYw/bJe-G6C7xmc/s640/celebrating-the-lovely-the-messy-and-the-unexpected1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The years that led to the altar were filled with mixed emotions. Some pressured us to rush. Many warned us of the heartache that comes with “I Do”. But <i>few</i> discussed the splendor of love between man and wife. Tales of broken dreams and nightmare pet peeves clouded our vision. Hope hung in the air, but we braced ourselves for what might possibly be a life long bondage to a former-love turned present-enemy, complete with ball and chain. Still, we pressed on. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With tummies fluttering, promises were declared before 200 witnesses. Joy was abundant, yet the fear of hardship lingered. Though marriage was sweet, its beauty was eclipsed by the residue of its unfavorable reputation and a constant anticipation of trials. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Then, just as we suspected, hardship came. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>...But</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> love remained! {</b>What a charming surprise!}</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Soon, "for worse," "through sickness," and "for poorer" became a reality that presented itself all too fast. Tears were shed, frustration was felt. But we didn't give up...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And love</b> <b>grew stronger</b>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Amidst the voices that threw insults at marriage, one voice surpassed them all, offering hope for a different kind of union, a union that stood separate from common. So we laid hold of words of wisdom that illuminated the wonder of marriage in all of its glory. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Marriage is a gift.</b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I’ve been far too shy to unwrap this truth in the face of those who tear down the love of their youth. {Please hear my heart when I say I <i>genuinely</i> mourn with those who mourn over a broken marriage.} Some days I shrink back with intimidation, wondering if it's okay to be happy. Is this allowed? Is this normal? Do I have permission? But today, in this place, in my little corner of the web, I'm mustering up the courage to do something a bit different. I'm giving myself permission. {I hope you don't mind.} I'm singing a song that’s rarely heard. We aren't perfect, and the need for grace arises daily. But in the thick of my shortcomings, my soul rejoices over the wonderful gift before me. This is the one I choose<i> </i>365 times each year. He's far more than I ever dreamed of. He’s my love, my best friend, my husband, and as we like to say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my bestie, my buddy</i>!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
When the waves come crashing down, we'll face them together again. Only by the grace of God, with Christ as our solid rock, we hold onto this valuable lesson: life gets <i>hard</i>, but marriage doesn't have to.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Thanking God for the gift of marriage, for the love that grows deeper every day, for joy that abounds, and for the couples who have shown us this is possible...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGCH-JsGnHk/TtVdnjIXbqI/AAAAAAAAAY4/q-xA6ox8gcM/s1600/Tuesdays+Unwrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGCH-JsGnHk/TtVdnjIXbqI/AAAAAAAAAY4/q-xA6ox8gcM/s640/Tuesdays+Unwrapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">P.S.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Today I’m linking up with one of my very, favorite bloggers, <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/about/">Emily Freeman</a>. She’s the author of <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/the-books/">Grace for the Good Girl</a> and she is actually the blogger who inspired me to start writing! With that said, she started a pretty cool idea called Tuesday’s Unwrapped. This is a time where bloggers across the web get to write about the gifts that God is currently unfolding before them. Thanks for joining me as I shared my heart about the gift of marriage!<br />
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Love ya! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">-Monique</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Would you like to subscribe to this blog by email? (<a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/subscribe.html">Click here</a>)</div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-29050951903203929612011-11-28T14:15:00.000-08:002011-11-28T17:15:04.254-08:00Hear it on Sunday. Use it on Monday: Holding it all Together<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
"...All things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things and<b> <u>in Him all things Hold together</u></b>." </i>- Col. 1:16-17</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last Sunday's service was all about the cross. Pastor Aaron made a statement that left me in awe. He reminded us that even while Jesus was on the cross, dying, He was still in control of all things. He didn't <i>have to</i> stay on the cross. It's not that He couldn't save Himself. Even in his last breath, flesh mangled, body hanging, He maintained the power to overthrow those who were killing Him. Yet, He chose to stay on the cross, enduring death, because of His great love for us. <b>And even in His "weakest" moment </b>{if I can call it that}<b>, while life was leaving His body, He was <i>still </i>holding the universe together!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liJazLkVfnk/TtQY_YqCWII/AAAAAAAAAYg/KXUPD8bIYKU/s1600/0124-0610-2618-0055_setting_sun_and_earths_horizon_from_space_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liJazLkVfnk/TtQY_YqCWII/AAAAAAAAAYg/KXUPD8bIYKU/s640/0124-0610-2618-0055_setting_sun_and_earths_horizon_from_space_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_pages/0124-0610-2618-0055.html">Photo Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So often <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">try</i> to hold things together; in the midst of it all I overlook the obvious. Why are there days when I believe <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m</i> the glue that holds the details of my life together? It's not that I would ever say it out loud. But my actions reveal the truth. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
Can you relate? </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Usually those are the days we feel frazzled, overwhelmed or defeated. Why work so hard at maintaining the illusion of control when God is sitting on the throne? That’s like running a marathon in a rat wheel, thinking we're actually getting somewhere. On our greatest day, we are not even in control of whether or not we will live to see another hour.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With all this in mind, I stumbled across Psalm 55:22...</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></b></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Cast your cares on the Lord and <b style="font-weight: bold;"><u>He will sustain you</u></b><b>; </b>He will never let the righteous be shaken."</i></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sustain">sustain</a> means <i>"to keep a person from giving way, as under trial or affliction."</i> It means <i>"to support, hold, or bear the weight of (a burden); to provide for or give support to, especially by supplying necessities."</i> I don't know about you, but I'm loving that word "sustain"! Cast your cares on Him and He will sustain you. What a promise! :) {THANKS, LORD!}</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm wondering how different life might be if every morning we reminded ourselves that God is in control so we don't have to be. {Insert sigh of relief here.} I'm so glad I don't have to rely on <i>me,</i> because I will surely let myself and others down. But faithful God will never fall short as He holds my life together, doing the same for you. ;)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm slowly learning to let go and let God {...join me?}<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Monique <span class="Apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://findtheflametofan.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">Abby</a> from Fan the Flame has inspired me to share what God is teaching me each Sunday. And today, I'm delighted to be linking with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.michellederusha.com/p/about-me_14.html">Michelle</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> ,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> the founder of this whole idea, for...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://michellederusha.com/" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"> <img src="http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab239/mderusha/HearItUseItImage-1.jpg" /></a></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-19785401937038574642011-11-22T18:44:00.000-08:002011-11-22T21:50:40.981-08:00Condemnation vs. Conviction<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i>"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."</i> (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter+5:8&version=NIV">1 Peter 5:8</a>). </span></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rD7wTJa_5K0/TsxkTOKaMdI/AAAAAAAAAYA/__Lqo4H60Ro/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rD7wTJa_5K0/TsxkTOKaMdI/AAAAAAAAAYA/__Lqo4H60Ro/s640/images.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>One of the enemy's biggest tactics in my life has been condemnation. </b><br />
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<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/condemnation">Condemnation</a> is "to express strong disapproval of; to demonstrate the guilt of; and to judge or pronounce unfit for use."<br />
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<b>Have you ever felt like you were unfit for use? </b><br />
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I've been there too {...just yesterday, actually.} God's Word reveals that satan accuses us day and night (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+12:10&version=NIV">Revelation 12:10</a>). The enemy works hard at condemning us and convincing us that we are <i>far less than </i>what God sees us as.<br />
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Condemnation can be seriously, emotionally, debilitating. It can stop you from moving forward in life. It can cripple you with guilt and shame. It can negatively affect your relationships. It can deceive you into believing that God's grace and mercy is not sufficient for you.<br />
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For some of us, condemnation comes by way of other people. For others of us, condemnation comes by way of that little nagging voice that constantly taunts our hearts, reminding us of our failures, and shortcomings. <b>It's unfortunate how many people believe that the condemnation they are experiencing is coming from God. </b>The truth is, God's heart is to restore us, to build us up in Him and to give us hope and a future.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him."-John 3:17</span></blockquote><br />
God's ultimate desire is to save you, not to condemn you. At times we can confuse condemnation with conviction. God <i>does</i> convict us through the Holy Spirit. Which means, He makes known to us our sin so that we might come into a restored relationship with Him through repentance. But godly conviction is different from the enemy's accusations. So let me outline the difference here...<br />
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<b>1.</b> Condemnation brings you down. Godly conviction causes you to rise up.<br />
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<b>2.</b> Condemnation cripples you from moving forward. Godly conviction calls you to act through repentance.<br />
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<b>3.</b> Condemnation magnifies your shortcomings and doesn't offer you hope. Godly conviction reveals your shortcomings, but offers hope for restoration through Jesus' forgiveness.<br />
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<b>4.</b> Condemnation causes negative actions (such as self destructive behavior). Godly conviction causes positive change (such as a renewed connection with God).<br />
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<b>5.</b> Condemnation causes self-hatred. Godly conviction reminds us of God's holiness and His incredible love, which is available to us.<br />
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The above list has helped me to discern God's voice from the enemy's lies. I hope it might do the same for you. Furthermore, here's some truth to write on your heart...<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i>"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."</i> - Romans 8:1</span></blockquote><br />
For more on how you have been made righteous through Christ, visit my post on the <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/07/31-days-of-victoryday-10-breastplate-of.html">breastplate of righteousness</a>. :) If you feel the Holy Spirit convicting you about something, feel free to visit <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/07/31-days-of-victoryday-4repentance.html">this post</a> on repentance. If you know the enemy has been accusing you, write down Romans 8:1 and post it on your mirror for daily reading. Proclaim God's truth. Quote it to yourself... and to the devil! <b>The next time the enemy reminds you of your past (or present shortcomings), remind him of his future... </b>(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation%2012:10-11&version=NIV">Revelation 12:10-11</a>)<br />
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<b>God is Love. YOU ARE LOVED!</b><br />
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P.S. Thanks for reading as I preached to myself. ;)<br />
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Lovingly,<br />
Monique ZackeryMonique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-16358036156374000032011-10-26T10:57:00.000-07:002011-10-26T11:28:01.474-07:00A Reminder of Truth...Hello, Precious Handiwork of God.<br />
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</div><div>My blog has been a little silent lately because I'm kind of in a season of waiting...<br />
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Sitting and talking to God...<br />
Sitting and waiting for direction...<br />
Sitting and listening to His still, small voice. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Sometimes waiting can be a season filled with doubt and uncertainty. <i>God knows that</i>, and He lovingly reminded me of these simple, yet powerful truths to meditate on each day (from Beth Moore's Believing God study). I decided to share them just in case you, like me, are in need of some encouraging promises that will never be broken.<br />
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1. GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS.<br />
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2. GOD CAN DO WHAT HE SAYS HE CAN DO.<br />
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3. I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM.<br />
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4. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST.<br />
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5. HIS WORD IS ALIVE AND ACTIVE IN ME.<br />
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That's it. Simple. Yet, oh the mountains that would move if we believed those things. And oh, the defeat we face when we fail to believe any one of those promises. But we can walk in Victory. =)<br />
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Praying blessings over you, my friend.<br />
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{Dear Jesus, help us to stand firm on the foundation of your truth. And help us to weed out the lies and the doubt so that we might enter into your rest, receiving the benefits of your promises, through faith. Amen.}<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you and wait expectantly." - Psalm 5:3</span></i></blockquote><br />
Monique Zackery<br />
Would you like to subscribe to this blog via email? {<a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/subscribe.html">click here</a>}</div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-53267704331355468232011-09-24T11:39:00.000-07:002011-09-24T11:42:54.300-07:00Home is Where HIS Heart is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember the day Curtis shared
his dreams of ministry with me. We were close to marriage and talking about our
future together. </div>
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“I want to live where I’m
serving.” He said. “I don’t want to be on the outskirts. I want to do <i>life</i> with
the people in my community.” </div>
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He spoke of sleeping on the
streets with the homeless. He talked about moving to a low-income neighborhood
where crime rates are high, where the need for love is great, and where the
grace of God would be displayed brightly in everyday life…</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Then he asked me if I was willing to join him. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jJemEsiYHk/Tn1wt54DcuI/AAAAAAAAASY/xOt9og8YYH8/s1600/securedownload-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jJemEsiYHk/Tn1wt54DcuI/AAAAAAAAASY/xOt9og8YYH8/s640/securedownload-3.jpeg" width="640" /></a>“Yes.” I replied.</div>
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At the time, I wasn’t as
enthusiastic as he was about all of it. I guess I was afraid of the unknown.
Still, I told him I was willing to go wherever God called us. </div>
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Fast-forward about four years.
Now we’ve been married 3 ½ years and we’ve moved five times in obedience. On any given day, our past few dwelling places had the same underlying feeling to me: <b>temporary</b>. It’s
hard to get comfy when you know you aren’t going to stay long. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qr-Ho6yoZ1Y/Tn1wdmbAuYI/AAAAAAAAASQ/r4tLyNJk3B4/s1600/securedownload-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qr-Ho6yoZ1Y/Tn1wdmbAuYI/AAAAAAAAASQ/r4tLyNJk3B4/s640/securedownload-4.jpeg" width="640" /></a>At one point, when I was feeling really unsettled, I longed for a place to call home. I shared my emotions with God.
I told Him I wanted a place to nest, a place to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stay…</i> a forever home. I grew to dislike the uncertain feeling that came with unpacking over and over again.</div>
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In God’s faithfulness and
incomparable comfort, He spoke to me clear as day. </div>
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<b>“</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>My heart is your home.”</b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Wow. I began to repeat that out
loud, as if to minister to my own soul with His promise…</div>
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“Thank you God. Your heart <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> my home.”</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVpZtyCHAm8/Tn1wkV5dSsI/AAAAAAAAASU/fx-4n2iWOH8/s1600/securedownload-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVpZtyCHAm8/Tn1wkV5dSsI/AAAAAAAAASU/fx-4n2iWOH8/s640/securedownload-5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I realized that if the above
is true, I am always at home when I am in God’s will. Anything outside of His
will is a miserable place to live. {Believe me. I’ve tried it. Not fun.} If
God’s heart is to move us to California, that is home. If His heart is to move
us to China, then that is home. If His heart is to move us to Africa, that is
home. I have moved eighteen times in my twenty-eight years of life. And if He calls us to move again, I’m holding onto this special truth:</div>
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<b>Home is where His heart is. </b></div>
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I find His heart, when I see the
hungry people of Richmond standing in line on Saturday mornings, waiting for a
free breakfast. I find His heart in the smiles and grateful tears of the African Sweetwater Girls; when I hear their <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-redeemer-lives.html">stories of redemption</a>. I find His heart when we gather
to pray for salvation, freedom, and healing for the families in our new city. I
find His heart when I reminisce on the dreams of ministry He planted in Curtis’ mind before we were married. And I find His heart as I now live the reality of those dreams... when I drive the streets of a city that needs His love as <i>desperately as I do</i>. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWIaPCCV_OA/Tn1wXXYeEuI/AAAAAAAAASM/Uc9wvavWeXE/s1600/securedownload-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWIaPCCV_OA/Tn1wXXYeEuI/AAAAAAAAASM/Uc9wvavWeXE/s640/securedownload-2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Though we’ve had fun painting,
decorating and settling into our cozy, little, California home, I’m reminded daily that
the walls surrounding us and everything in them are not everlasting. They’re only temporary. Yet
Christ has provided an eternal home for us to settle in each day. It’s a place
of refuge, rest, and safety; a place of peace, acceptance, provision, satisfaction,
joy and love. <b>It's His presence</b>. And it’s not just for us. It’s for every believer! I have finally
found my forever home, and I invite you to join me in it… in the heart of our Creator. Home is where His heart is. Now I can nest!</div>
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<i><b>Have you ever searched for a
place to belong? Have you ever imagined settling in a dream home? </b></i>There’s
room for YOU in Him! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Wingdings;">:) </span> Come find your place with God, and settle there. {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2015:4-11&version=NIV">John 15:4-11</a>}</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21</span></blockquote>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Finally Settling,</div>
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Monique Zackery<br />
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<b>P.S.</b> I figured some of you would like to check out our new place, so... photos in this post from top to bottom: 1. Our kitchen window seal - looking out to our new, favorite 'hood. 2. The new spice rack above our stove [thanks to our local Ikea]. 3. A glimpse of our living room. [I sewed pillows for the first time!! And there they are. Yippee!] 4. Another glimpse of the living room [...and the "HOME" candle holders I found in my moms garage. She passed them along and I painted them yesterday. Fun times. :)]<br />
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{To email the author, <a href="mailto:monique.zackery@yahoo.com">click here</a>)</div>
Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-28571970891241212002011-08-21T21:48:00.002-07:002011-08-21T21:58:37.455-07:00Reflections of Ghana...<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After thirteen hours of flight, we finally made it back to the U.S.A. this morning. Our trip was incredible! A portion of my heart is still with the Sweetwater Girls and the kids behind the wall. I will add, however, that I was so thankful to see the “Welcome to America” sign when we arrived in customs. There’s just no place like home. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inwIgfC5DeY/TlHX_qC8UCI/AAAAAAAAARo/WxoF9yAquH8/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inwIgfC5DeY/TlHX_qC8UCI/AAAAAAAAARo/WxoF9yAquH8/s640/IMG_0811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It’s been a little hard to process everything because my heart and mind are in transition mode. As most of you know, I packed up our home into boxes just before leaving to Africa. My husband loaded up the moving truck and moved us across the country while I was away on this mission. Now we’re back in Tennessee, but only for less than forty-eight hours. Then we’ll head to California to settle into our new home. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There’s another mission ahead: serving a church in the middle of our new neighborhood. But before I start blogging about all that, today’s post will simply be a reflection of this past week. Here are some pictures for you. I hope you enjoy!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyXLxX4zcT4/TlHYdEXZCEI/AAAAAAAAARs/9mk-8VdnPaE/s1600/fddaf600-0fc2-42fc-9737-5d5f1f493123-m.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyXLxX4zcT4/TlHYdEXZCEI/AAAAAAAAARs/9mk-8VdnPaE/s640/fddaf600-0fc2-42fc-9737-5d5f1f493123-m.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Teachings and reflections on Identity in Christ.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMjYl8CUyDo/TlHZLKzj08I/AAAAAAAAAR0/RRz3hUhMpEU/s1600/5e9440ca-9ab8-4736-9e2a-2e9fe90afcc3-m.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMjYl8CUyDo/TlHZLKzj08I/AAAAAAAAAR0/RRz3hUhMpEU/s640/5e9440ca-9ab8-4736-9e2a-2e9fe90afcc3-m.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Children we met along the way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu1pHSa-zvw/TlHZbXZs7GI/AAAAAAAAAR4/BIs5o_zBqvU/s1600/7f2f5bad-f970-49c2-801d-0b457176e389-m.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu1pHSa-zvw/TlHZbXZs7GI/AAAAAAAAAR4/BIs5o_zBqvU/s640/7f2f5bad-f970-49c2-801d-0b457176e389-m.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Amazingly colorful scenery</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chs-hyzjy0Y/TlHaLOjHFUI/AAAAAAAAAR8/7pxzbUU8Q54/s1600/IMG_1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chs-hyzjy0Y/TlHaLOjHFUI/AAAAAAAAAR8/7pxzbUU8Q54/s640/IMG_1963.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Falling in love with the kids behind the wall. (This was after we gave them all juice boxes)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4YRhkBvfyY/TlHa5jpnJ8I/AAAAAAAAASE/qQSYcnBGgDg/s1600/f95ecc85-bcef-409b-b723-34e58de2b7fc-m.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4YRhkBvfyY/TlHa5jpnJ8I/AAAAAAAAASE/qQSYcnBGgDg/s640/f95ecc85-bcef-409b-b723-34e58de2b7fc-m.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Bonding with the girls! (After making purple bracelets together, symbolizing royalty)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEP_szYzutY/TlHbMpBW22I/AAAAAAAAASI/wugSERMXGUk/s1600/1df143c2-baf1-44a6-ae9e-056ffe260e74-m.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEP_szYzutY/TlHbMpBW22I/AAAAAAAAASI/wugSERMXGUk/s640/1df143c2-baf1-44a6-ae9e-056ffe260e74-m.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My favorite part of the trip was being able to see the hope in their eyes. To see them move from loss, rejection, abuse, slavery, poverty, and hunger to healing, acceptance, restoration, freedom and plenty, is soul stirring. Hearing their stories and seeing the hand of God moving mightily is a blessing I will continue to treasure.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Thank you so much for being a part of these girl's transformation. Your prayers and your donations towards this ministry have had a life changing impact for these precious ones and everyone in their path. This last one is a short video message from the girls to YOU! Thanks for being a witness to their lives by stopping by my blog, and for keeping them in your prayers. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwIPt-zd_mzOsF7-VFUhQa1gVfvCL15853-qqBVaTy-G6iSCKn3FC8CCSWVop-8K331cOaKZjDEXNLI2XkscA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To learn more about Sweetwater Ministries <a href="http://www.todayschoicesinc.com/">click here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Blessings Beyond Measure,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Monique Zackery</div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-31986713967444737732011-08-19T15:41:00.003-07:002011-08-19T16:00:21.370-07:00The Beauty of it All...<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>"I am confidant of this: I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living."</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Psalm 27:13</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How do I begin to write about an experience that has been so rich on so many levels? My last blogs about Africa have only scratched the surface. I have not been able to blog over the past two days because there has been too much to process. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XP8vgmvpiLc/Tk7MFCw7X8I/AAAAAAAAARI/BcvGWADGsw4/s1600/IMG_1543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XP8vgmvpiLc/Tk7MFCw7X8I/AAAAAAAAARI/BcvGWADGsw4/s640/IMG_1543.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabella: Click <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-redeemer-lives.html">here</a> to read her story.</td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wednesday felt so sacred I didn’t even take photos. The teaching was on <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/07/31-days-of-victory-day-22-forgiveness.html">forgiveness</a>. A team member told the story of healing that God is currently taking her through. We were reminded of the need to forgive others the way God has forgiven us. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38XADHquDWk/Tk7NvCOyNiI/AAAAAAAAARM/5xUa80hGWWI/s1600/IMG_1750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38XADHquDWk/Tk7NvCOyNiI/AAAAAAAAARM/5xUa80hGWWI/s640/IMG_1750.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stefani and Kate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><o:p><br />
</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Many girls shared their difficulty in forgiving those who have harmed them both physically and emotionally. But this day wasn’t just for them. The need to forgive is universal. After the teaching was over, our team members probably cried more than the girls. It was a day of breakthrough for all of us. In fact, we could not even dismiss ourselves for small group. Instead, we, along with the Sweetwater staff, and twenty-four girls, stayed in the sewing room to worship. We thanked God for His grace, forgiveness and His everlasting love. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5apBlcRALw/Tk7Va-u_31I/AAAAAAAAARU/4ivqLp8lxGY/s1600/Skit+Collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5apBlcRALw/Tk7Va-u_31I/AAAAAAAAARU/4ivqLp8lxGY/s640/Skit+Collage+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Redemption Skit: A story of a girl whose heart was torn by circumstances. Yet she was redeemed by God's Truth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POszpIoK50c/Tk7V0-jXEkI/AAAAAAAAARY/itR6mkMhpU8/s1600/Skit+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POszpIoK50c/Tk7V0-jXEkI/AAAAAAAAARY/itR6mkMhpU8/s640/Skit+collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thursday was our final day at the Sweetwater House. Pastor Chris taught on redemption. He really helped to bring home Wednesday’s teaching by using Job as an example of praying for those who curse us. Then he reminded us that while Jesus was on the cross, He prayed for those who killed Him, saying, “<i>Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.</i>” While we were in our small groups we all took the time to bless those who have hurt us by asking God to cover them with His grace. Then we talked about what it means to be redeemed, bought with a price, adopted, and set apart. Oh, it was a powerful time! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">......................................</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our week with the Sweetwater Girls ended with an unforgettable foot washing ceremony. We kneeled before the girls and it was an honor to serve them. As I poured water over their feet, I thought of all they have been through. I noticed the marks of tribal scars from rituals on the feet of those who had been rescued from slavery. My small group partner, Melanie, began to pray over the girls, thanking God that they have now been<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Marked+holy+spirit&qs_version=NIV"> marked with the Holy Spirit</a> and set apart in His love. I later found out that she had not even noticed the marks when she prayed that. She was simply being led by the Holy Spirit. All the while, a sweet, refreshing wind was gently blowing as we washed. It reminded me of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3:8&version=NIV">John 3:8</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hK_tbrXAYPA/Tk7f3MLCRqI/AAAAAAAAARk/d0YhvMRy8cs/s1600/IMG_1747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hK_tbrXAYPA/Tk7f3MLCRqI/AAAAAAAAARk/d0YhvMRy8cs/s640/IMG_1747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>"Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, </i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>you also should wash one another's feet. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." - </i>Jesus {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013&version=NIV">John 13: 14-15</a>}</span></blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNirmvtpQRk/Tk7evckS5jI/AAAAAAAAARg/EKCGpcCGTZM/s1600/IMG_1749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNirmvtpQRk/Tk7evckS5jI/AAAAAAAAARg/EKCGpcCGTZM/s640/IMG_1749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was so hard to say goodbye when all was said and done. I hugged each girl tightly and soaked in the final moments at the home. Then the mission team piled into the van. We looked out at all the girls as they waved farewell. Some smiled brightly. Others cried. We blew kisses and drove away, forever changed by the beauty of it all, with their faces etched in our minds and their stories written on our hearts. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Grateful,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery</span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-14538286689067136642011-08-16T16:44:00.002-07:002011-08-16T16:54:15.077-07:00My Redeemer Lives...<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Matthew 5: 3-4</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div>As we walked up to The <a href="http://www.todayschoicesinc.com/">Sweetwater House</a> today, we were greeted with the voices of angels. The girls worshipped God with hearts bowed and hands lifted high in a manner that brought a knot to all of our throats. The Lord was already setting the tone for what was about to happen.<br />
<br />
When worship came to a close, we took our seats as Isabella stood up to share her testimony. She began by saying it has been her desire to tell us her story. Our eyes were focused and our ears were attentive. Her gentle and sincere spirit captivated everyone in the room. She told of how she moved from home to home, living with different extended relatives and how she worked different types of jobs on the street in order to provide for herself. Times were hard, but she never gave up. A relative noticed an advertisement for Sweetwater House and shared it with her. She came, applied, and was accepted.<br />
<br />
When she arrived at the school, she was completely taken back by the warm welcome she received. She felt loved. She explained how the home has blessed her, provided for her and been an answer to prayer in her life. She thanked God for this ministry.<br />
<br />
...Then she transparently revealed her pain.<br />
<br />
<i>"You may be wondering where my parents where in all of this..." </i>She said.<br />
<br />
She paused.<br />
<br />
Her eyes filled up with tears.<br />
<br />
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. We all felt the weight of her hurt.<br />
<br />
<i>"They are gone... along with my sister."</i><br />
<br />
Tears fell freely down her cheeks. She didn't need to say another word. We all knew what she meant. We all began to mourn with her. I lifted my head and looked across the room. Many of the other girls were wiping their tears. They too have lost parents.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, the most beautiful ray of hope made it's way through the thickness of sorrow surrounding us. With a quivering voice, Isabella began to sing - praising God for what He has done for her - for saving her.<br />
<br />
<i>"Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?... And who told the ocean you can only come this far?..."</i> The words barely escaped her mouth as she cried quietly. <i>"And who showed the moon where to hide till evening? Who's words alone can catch a falling star?"</i><br />
<br />
Then, in one accord, we all joined her song through our tears...<br />
<br />
<i>"Well I know my Redeemer lives. I know my Redeemer lives. Let all creation testify, let this life within me cry, I know my Redeemer lives."</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
She closed her eyes tightly and lifted her head toward the sky as she continued singing.<br />
<br />
"<i>The very same God that spins things in orbit, runs to the weary, the worn, and the weak. And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken," </i>she wrapped her arms around herself, as if to symbolize a hug from God,<i> "they conquered death to bring me victory....</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>And I know my Redeemer lives</i><br />
<i>I know my Redeemer lives</i><br />
<i>Let all creation testify</i><br />
<i>Let this life within me cry</i><br />
<i>I know my Redeemer lives."</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
I don't know if I've ever heard someone worship with such depth of sincerity. She believed the words she was singing, and they penetrated the hearts of every soul in the house. Later she shared that "REDEEMER" is her favorite word. God Redeemed her life and gave her hope when she had none; we thanked Him with her and for her.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Obrg0ButamE/Tkr8sZCXGII/AAAAAAAAARA/zVPZS1Fm0C4/s1600/Isabella+and+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Obrg0ButamE/Tkr8sZCXGII/AAAAAAAAARA/zVPZS1Fm0C4/s320/Isabella+and+Me.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabella and me. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>"Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn."</i> - Romans 12:15. Today we did both of those things, almost simultaneously, and our lives may never be the same.<br />
<div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I80Y9755S2A/Tkr9y9fV5TI/AAAAAAAAARE/oouUJY2hevE/s1600/The+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I80Y9755S2A/Tkr9y9fV5TI/AAAAAAAAARE/oouUJY2hevE/s640/The+Girls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the girls, after Doris and Stefani taught them fabric flower making. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>This was just a small glimpse of our day. If I wrote about all of it, my blog would be a mile long, so I'll end here, until tomorrow. Please keep us in prayer and I will do the same for you.<br />
<br />
Redeemed,<br />
<br />
Monique Zackery</div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-67001648164867007292011-08-15T19:10:00.003-07:002011-08-15T19:37:39.133-07:00A Heart That's Full...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My heart is so full today. I still can't believe I'm back in Africa. Oh, how I wish you were here to see their smiles in person, to witness their tears when the Gospel is shared and to look them in the eye and remind them of God's love as they remind you of the same. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today's topic at the <a href="http://www.todayschoicesinc.com/">Sweetwater House</a> was <i>identity;</i> understanding our position and significance in Christ. During our breakout sessions, one group decided to write down all the negative lies they have believed about their worth. A team member shared how she was moved when she glanced at the paper of the young girl next to her and realized she had written down all the same lies... word for word, without copying it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hearing their stories, and learning their hurt reminded us that, regardless of geographic, cultural or economic differences, we each have something significant in common-- we are all broken, and in need of The Savior. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Throughout this trip I am continually reminded that we are only beggars, showing other beggars where The Bread is.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2FvQ7hVimQ/TknFvu966eI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/MuNlSb0J2vQ/s1600/Bracelet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2FvQ7hVimQ/TknFvu966eI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/MuNlSb0J2vQ/s640/Bracelet+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each small group made purple fabric bracelets as a reminder of their significance in Christ. Purple represents royalty. They are each a daughter of the King! (Left) The girls were given a small devotional book - <i>"His Princess: Love Letters From Your King"</i> - to remind them of God's faithful promises daily. (Right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a slight shift of topic, I cannot end this post without introducing you to "The Kids Behind the Wall". They are dearly loved by the residents at Sweetwater and they quickly melt the heart of every one who meets them. Their name came about because they live behind The Sweetwater House {which is surrounded by four walls}. They somehow climb up the wall and we usually find their precious wide, eyes peering over the top as they giggle to draw our attention. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Sweetwater Girls understand first hand what it means to be hungry and in need. In an effort to spread the love and provision that has been given to them through this ministry, they are often found sharing their meals with these children. And as a side note/warning, I'd like to add that you just might fall in love with them! :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, without further delay, I introduce to you, <i>the kids...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLhO0oneDgw/TknBlMcUVNI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/Hj4s02YvRVU/s1600/Kids+Behind+the+Wall+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLhO0oneDgw/TknBlMcUVNI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/Hj4s02YvRVU/s640/Kids+Behind+the+Wall+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the moment they realized they could see themselves in my camera phone. Ah, the simple joys in life...</td></tr>
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Aren't they beautiful?!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remember the little girl I mentioned <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/08/glimpse-of-heaven.html">yesterday</a>? The one who wasn't home?... Well, we saw her today!! Look closely. You can see her in the pictures below, with an African wrap around her head. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hErF5EByyDE/TknD_NKniaI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Pk2pk8LfTGc/s1600/Kids+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hErF5EByyDE/TknD_NKniaI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Pk2pk8LfTGc/s640/Kids+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids are giving their best "macho" pose... turned out to be a mixture of sweet, sassy and silly! (Left) Playing Patty Cake with little Abana. (Right) She was serious about this game and she was <i>good</i>! You can tell in the photo on the left that she means business ;) ... I feel a rematch coming tomorrow! </td></tr>
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's easy to find yourself experiencing a mixture of emotions around here. On one hand there's joy overflowing at the simple sound of their laughter, on the other hand, you fight back tears as a mother offers you her child, asking you to take her to the United States in hopes of a better life. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Part of me wants to take all of them home. They will certainly be present in my heart as I board the plane in five days. Lord willing, I can continue to come back and watch them grow throughout the years. Who knows... maybe next time you'll come with me! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until then, please say a prayer for these children, for the Sweetwater girls and for our team. And I promise to say a prayer for you as well. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blessings Beyond Measure,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-59062305700868612202011-08-14T17:15:00.003-07:002011-08-14T17:38:26.683-07:00A Glimpse of Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I believe we got a glimpse heaven this morning in church. We danced before the Lord and praised His name in multiple languages. The Spirit was thick in the room, causing our eyes to well up with tears.</span><br />
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</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“If I live, I live for you. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>If I die, I die for you.”</i></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Those were the lyrics of a song we sang. It was a reminder of why we are here. We are here to live for Christ, to glorify His name, and to make Him known among all nations. We live for Him, and if we die in the process, we die for Him. Those words were so convicting as they flowed from my mouth, and I believe them. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our Pastors in Franklin, Tennessee often say that church begins after you leave the building on Sunday morning {a reminder to live what you learn}. This is true each week, but it felt especially true today. After a full service of worship and the Word, we headed out on foot toward our mission field, The <a href="http://www.todayschoicesinc.com/">Sweetwater House</a>, and we took pictures along the way. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3eBswV2bAsI/Tkg-3yAOXAI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/zm2_Oj6Ojm0/s1600/Me+Margaret+Debbie+Melanie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3eBswV2bAsI/Tkg-3yAOXAI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/zm2_Oj6Ojm0/s640/Me+Margaret+Debbie+Melanie.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">(Left to Right) Me, Margaret, Little Debbie, and Melanie</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuIhVi3y8Uk/TkhP71DiqLI/AAAAAAAAAQw/gz_L4ipszvI/s1600/Little+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuIhVi3y8Uk/TkhP71DiqLI/AAAAAAAAAQw/gz_L4ipszvI/s320/Little+Girl.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">This precious one stole our hearts with her beaming smile as she peered through the front door of her home to peek at the foreigners.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-py6Ch3jJwBo/Tkg_tJsb6YI/AAAAAAAAAQU/L-zJlm5uPQk/s1600/Community+Wash+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-py6Ch3jJwBo/Tkg_tJsb6YI/AAAAAAAAAQU/L-zJlm5uPQk/s640/Community+Wash+Room.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The Community Wash Room: This roofless shack (above) is where the locals bathe, use the restroom and wash their laundry by hand. {Why do I <i>ever</i> complain about having to throw in a load of laundry when I'm tired?} </span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnLyNBVwgh4/TkhIJzZw_OI/AAAAAAAAAQg/ilshOkvQQ5o/s1600/Mamae%2527s+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnLyNBVwgh4/TkhIJzZw_OI/AAAAAAAAAQg/ilshOkvQQ5o/s640/Mamae%2527s+House.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">This home, behind the <a href="http://todayschoicesinc.com/">Sweetwater House</a>, belongs to Ma'mae and her family. She is a sweet little girl, full of life. Curtis {my husband} met her about four years ago when he visited. I saw her last January when I visited. We have been able to watch her grow through the years. This time she wasn't home. Hopefully we'll see her tomorrow.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After making our way through the neighborhood, we found ourselves at the entrance of the Sweetwater House. True to its name, the home is reminiscent of a fresh water spring in the middle of the dessert--a source of life and provision for those in need. <b>And then...</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I met the girls! </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFfPuJocyKg/TkhISXmBnYI/AAAAAAAAAQk/RRcDp4rGExQ/s1600/Me+%2526+the+Girls+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFfPuJocyKg/TkhISXmBnYI/AAAAAAAAAQk/RRcDp4rGExQ/s640/Me+%2526+the+Girls+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They've already made their way into my heart. All I can say is WOW. Thank you to everyone who provided a way for us to be here and love these precious ones. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <a href="http://www.todayschoicesinc.com/">Sweetwater girls</a> have been rescued from the streets and difficult circumstances. Some were purchased out of slavery in order to be here. At the home they are given three healthy meals each day, clothes, education, and Bible studies. They are taught a trade of their choice, either sewing or hair dressing, so that when they graduate, they may provide for themselves and give back to the community. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And here they are. Another glimpse of Heaven... </span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWH-9oAx1a0/TkhIW9IVidI/AAAAAAAAAQo/zzeqUvK9pf8/s1600/Me+%2526+The+Girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWH-9oAx1a0/TkhIW9IVidI/AAAAAAAAAQo/zzeqUvK9pf8/s640/Me+%2526+The+Girls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div></div><div>Our time at the home today was brief. The real work starts tomorrow as we begin our Young Women's Vacation Bible School. Please pray for us as we teach on identity, purpose, forgiveness, freedom and redemption throughout the week. However, I believe they will be teaching us just as much. Our hearts are ready. :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>This marks Day 2. Tomorrow is full of promise. Until then, I pray that you are blessed wherever you are in the world. May you be mindful of those in need, always remembering that they are not forgotten by God... and neither are you, my friend, neither are you {promise}! </div><div><br />
</div><div>See you here tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Blessings beyond measure,</div><div><br />
</div><div>Monique Zackery</div><div>To subscribe to this blog by email, <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/subscribe.html">click here</a>. </div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-46323237600718179132011-08-13T14:10:00.001-07:002011-08-13T14:12:37.416-07:00Greetings From Africa<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dear Workmanship of God,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It feels like a year has passed since I last blogged. I can’t believe it’s only been a couple of weeks. Life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately, but it’s an exciting whirlwind! The hubby and I have been submitting to the wind of the Holy Spirit, allowing our hair to get tussled in the movement of it all. It’s been an incredible journey so far—a journey that feels a bit like a roller coaster actually. You know the kind... it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> seems to call your name. You hurry up to the line. Then you wait and wait for hours. Finally, after all the anticipation, you find yourself next up to hop on. You knew this moment would come but you didn’t expect the cocktail of feelings all mixed in together… butterflies, excitement, anticipation and maybe even a little anxiety. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2GP5uxhayw/Tkbl4uFdM4I/AAAAAAAAAQM/5uD7RmR8DHM/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2GP5uxhayw/Tkbl4uFdM4I/AAAAAAAAAQM/5uD7RmR8DHM/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All of these only escalate as you strap yourself in and sit. The ride slowly makes it’s way up the first drop. Click. Click. Click. Click. You brace yourself. You hold on tight. There’s no sense in resisting it. You make your way over the top of that first drop and before the momentum builds to a free fall you throw your arms up in the air, surrendering to the thrill of it all… That’s where I am right now. Arms lifted high, surrendering to the adventure of saying yes to God. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the Lord calls, we must act. Part of that whirlwind of prompting has led me back to the mission field. Nine other passengers and I have strapped ourselves in on a ride that brought us all the way to Ghana, West Africa. This marks day one. Tomorrow is full of uncertainty, but it is also full of promise. I can’t wait to post the reports of all that God is doing in our midst. Will you join us for the ride? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nvteKCBMYU/TkbjrJTLDCI/AAAAAAAAAQI/kh1QfJGhmUA/s1600/Ghana+Team+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nvteKCBMYU/TkbjrJTLDCI/AAAAAAAAAQI/kh1QfJGhmUA/s640/Ghana+Team+2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet the team (left to right): me, Dante, Margaret, Melanie, Stefani, Karen, Shayna, Pastor Chris, Alisa & Doris</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stop in throughout the week for testimonies and thrills. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blessings,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery</span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-80923625614322334282011-07-31T07:56:00.006-07:002011-07-31T08:23:28.553-07:0031 Days of Victory : {Day 31} The Best is Yet to Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2eYV2MoLRrs/TjVcSiw7wAI/AAAAAAAAAP4/2RtbqhjWAMQ/s1600/The+Best+is+Yet+to+Come.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2eYV2MoLRrs/TjVcSiw7wAI/AAAAAAAAAP4/2RtbqhjWAMQ/s640/The+Best+is+Yet+to+Come.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><b><i>“Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.” </i></b><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><b>Psalm 20:6</b></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There was a time when I believed the lie that life only gets worse; it only gets harder. I’m so thankful that I was wrong. I know there are days and seasons that seem to never end. It’s usually the difficult ones that try to flaunt their longevity, whereas the good times seem to fly past us. On this 31<sup>st</sup> day of our journey, I’d like to encourage you with something God revealed to me…<span style="font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>The best is yet to come!</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Victory is ahead. When I was about to give up on the hope of victory, here’s what the Lord showed me:<span style="font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: #406d7a;">“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”</span></i><span style="color: #406d7a;"> Psalm 27: 13</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used to think <i>“the land of the living”</i> meant heaven. I thought that I could only see His goodness on the other side of glory. But I realized that <i>this</i> is the land of the living. It is possible to see His goodness <i>here</i>. And I have. And you will too, my friend. You will!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What’s more is that, as we continue to wage war against the dark forces of evil in this world, we don’t have to guess the outcome. We don’t have to blindly hope for the possibility of victory. The victory has already been determined. The end of the story has been established. Good wins and evil fails. God wins. The devil is defeated!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The next time the enemy tries to infiltrate your mind with flaming arrows. Remember this:<span style="font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: #406d7a;">“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies <u>to give you victory</u>.” </span></i><span style="color: #406d7a;">– Deuteronomy 20:4</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>You have been given the victory. Walk in it!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remember that we do not fight against flesh and blood. Though it’s easy to think that our war is against people and physical circumstances, we must keep in mind that this fight is absolutely spiritual! [Ephesians 6:10-13] I cannot emphasize that enough. It’s foolishness for us to waste our ammunition on someone or something other than the true enemy of our soul. Let’s keep things in the proper perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we close this chapter of 31 Days, I’ll leave you with the written Word, which reveals our ultimate victory in Jesus. I am rejoicing over this!! Hallelujah!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">The Heavenly Warrior Defeats the Beast</span></b><span style="font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_X8wuCr2kw/TjVpnB4BdHI/AAAAAAAAAP8/BvzLSSKih7A/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_X8wuCr2kw/TjVpnB4BdHI/AAAAAAAAAP8/BvzLSSKih7A/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #406d7a; font-style: italic;">"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. </span>[Here's where <i>we</i> come in...] <span style="color: #406d7a; font-style: italic;">The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: #406d7a;">KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #406d7a; font-style: italic;">...Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and His army. But the beast was captured, </span>[Glory be to God!!!]<span style="color: #406d7a; font-style: italic;"> and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. </span>[Hallelujah!!!]<span style="color: #406d7a; font-style: italic;"> The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh." - </span><span style="color: #406d7a;">Revelation 19:11-21</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't let the devil deceive you into thinking he has the upper hand. We are on the winning team.<b style="font-style: italic;"> Victory has been established. The best is yet to come!</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Victoriously,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>To catch up on the last 30 days of victory <i><a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/victory.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>. </i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To subscribe to this blog by email <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3570110412833553995"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To visit the other 31 Days bloggers, use the link list to the right of my <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>home page</i></span></a>. </span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-4316546167813827612011-07-30T09:20:00.009-07:002011-07-30T09:43:27.830-07:0031 Days of Victory : {Day 30} Have Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9cw7fSBR7Q/TjQsxP_xpWI/AAAAAAAAAP0/dQMidUHpf-s/s1600/Have+Fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9cw7fSBR7Q/TjQsxP_xpWI/AAAAAAAAAP0/dQMidUHpf-s/s640/Have+Fun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Can you believe that tomorrow is the last day of our blogging event? It’s so crazy how time flies. Thank you so much for your comments, texts and emails of encouragement throughout the month. Your words were really significant in helping me to continue. Now the finish line is in view! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Before we bring this to a close, I would like to share something. Here’s my honest confession: I’m not an expert on Victory… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not by any means</i>. {In fact, I would love to sit with you to glean from your wisdom on the topic.} However, by the grace of God, I have experienced it in many areas of my life and over the past 30 days of writing God has shown me even more areas in which He desires to give me victory. Hallelujah! The best is yet to come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I believe with <i>all </i>my heart that He wants/has victory for you as well! I pray that in some way you have been encouraged in the <i>truth</i> that victory is possible, no matter what the circumstances. Here’s a quick overview of our journey in July…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>On days 1-5</b>, we learned the importance of testifying. The blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony defeat the devil! We talked about how a proper view of God is key to walking in victory. In order to find the root of our spiritual frustrations we have to grab our shovels and start digging out the unreliable fables about our creator that we’ve collected over the years. We talked about how freedom was purchased for us on the cross; we just need to walk in it. Finally, we covered the importance of repentance for victory as well as the need to know our identity in Christ. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Days 6 and 7</b> were two of my favorites because they were really all about grace. Grace is so important to a perfectionist like myself, who regularly beats herself up for falling short. We discussed what victory <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">isn’t</i> in order to embrace what it is. And we talked about how God used countless people with a past, and Christians who fell short in order to build His Kingdom. He can use us too! We just need a "YES LORD" in our heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Days 8-15 </b>were all about the battlefield of the mind, getting dressed for battle {the armor} and getting out on that battlefield! Then on <b>days 16-27</b> we covered the power of the tongue, the power of worship, truth, prayer, forgiveness, being present, listening to the voice of God, walking in Love and seeing ourselves through the eyes of God. Whew! Now that I look back, we certainly covered a lot! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lastly,</b> we’ve discussed giving it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> to our Lord - letting go of idols - and we touched on issues of finances. Now, we’re here. After 29 days of “serious” posts, I’d like to bring you something short, sweet, and a bit light hearted. {I think I hear some of you saying, “Amen!”} Here’s today’s victory tip:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Make time for what makes you smile.</i><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That’s it. Sometimes life can seem like an uphill battle. Those are often the best times to pencil in a breather on the calendar. Some of my favorite moments in life are the simple joys that don’t cost a dime. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OO6B_pKtsM/TjQsPbb-J6I/AAAAAAAAAPw/AhQ_-_Ob0bs/s1600/have_fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OO6B_pKtsM/TjQsPbb-J6I/AAAAAAAAAPw/AhQ_-_Ob0bs/s640/have_fun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Walks around the neighborhood so I can talk with God<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sitting down to read a book </i>{I hear some of you now, "<i>That's your idea of fun?"</i> Yes. I'm a nerd. :)}</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Busting out the oil paints and a canvas <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little dates with the hubby, even free ones at home with dinner and a movie <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Girl’s night out </i>{Woop, woop!}<i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Acting goofy for the fun of it. </i>{I’ve been known to bust out in a random happy dance}<i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chatting with my brother. </i>{He never fails to make me laugh until I cry}<i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Game night with friends or making fun memories doing whatever brings joy to my heart<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I’m so thankful to God for creating us with the desire to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have fun.</i> Furthermore, I’m so glad that life doesn’t always have to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> serious. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>{Can I get an AMEN?}</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What brings you joy? Will you make time for something fun this week?</i></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Be sure to come back tomorrow for our final day of Victory! See you soon. :) </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Victoriously,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Monique Zackery</div><br />
To catch up on the last 29 days of victory <i><a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/victory.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>. </i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To subscribe to this blog by email <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3570110412833553995"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To visit the other 31 Days bloggers, use the link list to the right of my <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>home page</i></span></a>. </span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-17242874657089984412011-07-29T10:43:00.001-07:002011-07-29T10:55:41.816-07:0031 Days of Victory : {Day 29} Finances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyqRISFvZVU/TjLnKEAKirI/AAAAAAAAAPo/KBFDLNZ6b0k/s1600/Finances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyqRISFvZVU/TjLnKEAKirI/AAAAAAAAAPo/KBFDLNZ6b0k/s640/Finances.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><o:p>Hebrews 13:5</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Oh, what freedom it would be to give all we have to the poor and not be bothered by the loss of any of it. Instead most of us are bound to our possessions as if our very identity would be ripped away if we ever lost them. I’m afraid that our idea of financial freedom is to gain more finances when, in actuality, our unquenchable thirst for more holds us back from the very freedom our souls long for.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tPOnL6NCv8/TfuuW0X3EdI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/LcmJNLQSbB8/s1600/freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tPOnL6NCv8/TfuuW0X3EdI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/LcmJNLQSbB8/s400/freedom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">“<i>Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless</i>” Ecclesiastes 5:10. </span></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If I may submit my humble opinion, it seems as if the American Dream is a vicious cycle of want more, gain more, want more, never ending in satisfaction. In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis explains his belief that the enemy’s formula is to tempt us with <i>“an ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure.” </i>I think he might be onto something.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">________________<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">When I was 22 years old and still single, I was pretty proud of myself for purchasing my first home. It was in the ritzy city of sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. The housing market was booming; it seemed like a wise investment. People were flipping houses left and right, taking out home equity lines of credit and making plans with money they didn’t even have yet. Oh it seemed joyous, especially since my property value increased by tens of thousands of dollars within the first few months of ownership! But my joy didn't last long.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">According to the 2008 Year-End Foreclosure Market Report there was 3,157,806 foreclosures reported across the nation. I'll spare you the details of how this came about but, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">after I lost well over $200,000.00 in property value and out of pocket payments, due to the economic downturn,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"> my home was included in that number. I was physically sick from stress and I was broke. <i>Seriously</i>. Broke.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMuk1R9aJNc/TjLq93SjaQI/AAAAAAAAAPs/jmG5oEP7Nw0/s1600/Condo.Foreclosure1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMuk1R9aJNc/TjLq93SjaQI/AAAAAAAAAPs/jmG5oEP7Nw0/s400/Condo.Foreclosure1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">During that time, millions of people were left feeling desperate and afraid over the loss of their homes and jobs. Stress levels rose, marriages were strained (and even destroyed). Some people went as far as taking their own lives because of the hopelessness of their financial empires crumbling to the ground. Why do you think we were all so devastated? I believe it's because we were basing our security on that which is temporary. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I wonder why we live as if our whole purpose is to get settled on this earth. We strive and strain because our eyes have become focused on the wrong goal. We fail to realize that we were never meant to settle here. <b><i>This is not our home.</i></b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">Don't get me wrong. I definitely believe in being a wise steward of finances. I believe in getting out of debt, in saving and I strongly believe in regularly giving cheerfully. However, there is something incredibly beautiful I learned through all that was lost...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">When you have nothing left, you realize that God is all you need.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">At times I catch myself reaching, striving and straining all over again for the riches this world has to offer. However, each time, I'm reminded that, though money is necessary to live, it is not where our provision comes from. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">No matter how secure the investment seems or how hard we’ve worked day and night to achieve that security, when we measure our stability on our financial achievements, or lack there of, we have treasured a fleeting dream. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">“<i>Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the skyline like an eagle.</i>” – Proverbs 23:5</span></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'd rather place my hope in something that doesn't fluctuate with the market trends, something secure, S<i>omeone</i> who offers secure promises that will never fail. I'd rather choose a faith investment that yields a reward far greater than anything this world could ever offer. I'd rather choose Yahweh, who promises to supply <i>all</i> my needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus {Philippians 4:19}. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here I am, stepping out on a limb. I'm looking back at you. My hand is reaching out. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Will you choose to invest in faith with me? </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">With God, victory is certain. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Monique Zackery</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To catch up on the last 28 days of victory <i><a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/victory.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>. </i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To subscribe to this blog by email <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3570110412833553995"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To visit the other 31 Days bloggers, use the link list to the right of my <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>home page</i></span></a>. </span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-82583361456393222952011-07-28T08:21:00.012-07:002011-07-28T09:43:37.262-07:0031 Days of Victory : {Day 28} Giving it All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hReYaPMWUPo/TjDidi5ptxI/AAAAAAAAAPk/0Lm0HdJ-DSY/s1600/Giving+it+All.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hReYaPMWUPo/TjDidi5ptxI/AAAAAAAAAPk/0Lm0HdJ-DSY/s640/Giving+it+All.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away God’s love for them.”</i></b>- Jonah 2:8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Book of Hosea tells the story of a man that God called to marry an unfaithful wife. I’ve gotta tell ya, it would take some serious trust in God to remain faithful to a <i>continuously</i> unfaithful spouse. I'm all about second chances, grace and forgiveness, but doesn't the saying go, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."? The mere thought of that calling is disheartening. I'm sure this is why God says that His ways are higher than our ways. He has a greater plan and purpose that we don't usually see in the thick of the mud. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The purpose of God's calling on Hosea’s life was to reveal the true picture of God's marriage with His people. The Israelites were worshipping other gods. But Yahweh is faithful, even when we are unfaithful. His love for us is the same yesterday, today and forever. When I realize that, at times, I too have been unfaithful to my God, my perspective of Hosea’s marriage suddenly takes a turn. Though I once found myself frustrated with Gomer, the harlot, I now realize that we've all walked her path of infidelity with our creator. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In our culture, it isn't common to carve wooden images to worship. However, the altar of idolatry still exists. It just takes on a different form. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many things have received our affection and in turn become our god, our object of devotion... our master.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i>"People are slaves to whatever has mastered them."- </i><b>2 Peter 2:19</b></span></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Has anything been mastering you lately? </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are so many distractions out there: idols that we place in front of God, sins that we have become slaves to and earthly treasures that have taken God's place on the throne of our hearts. But I believe God is calling us to lay all that down and submit to Him today. Oh, <i>submission.</i> That word has been given a bad wrap. But don't believe the slander. Freedom and victory comes when we submit to Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today's post is simple. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Love God. </i>It's t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he greatest command. In Luke 10, Jesus said that if we do this, we will live!</span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind. " - </i><b>Luke 10:27</b></span> </blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Will you give it <i>all</i> to Him today?... Yourself, your love, your affections, your worries, your cares, your struggles, your idols? He wants it all. Not because He's selfish, but because nothing else is worthy of our worship. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In response to all this, I would love for you to take a moment to listen to this song. It just might become one of your favorites! The hubby and I have been listening to it over and over and it has ministered to us <i>so</i> much. {If you don't see the video below, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUMRqJCV9Q4">click here</a>.} I'm praying for you today, my friend. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dUMRqJCV9Q4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{<i>Dear Jesus, "Search me, God, and know my heart; </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">and lead me in the way everlasting."- </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalm 139: 23-24</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's so much victory in giving it all to God.</span><br />
<br />
Monique Zackery<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To catch up on the last 27 days of victory <i><a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/victory.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>. </i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To subscribe to this blog by email <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3570110412833553995"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To visit the other 31 Days bloggers, use the link list to the right of my <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>home page</i></span></a>. </span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-48319780382346031342011-07-27T08:53:00.008-07:002011-07-27T10:57:43.331-07:0031 Days of Victory : {Day 27} "The Looking Glass-Self"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1V3i2VgQPI/TjAu3iFjlQI/AAAAAAAAAPg/uRRUjQEdfPA/s1600/The+Looking+Glass-Self" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1V3i2VgQPI/TjAu3iFjlQI/AAAAAAAAAPg/uRRUjQEdfPA/s640/The+Looking+Glass-Self" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>But you are a <u>chosen</u> people, a <u>royal</u> priesthood, a <u>holy</u> nation, God's <u>special</u> possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness, into His wonderful light.</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>1 Peter 2:9<i> </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to the research of sociologist, Charles Horton Cooley, we base our perception of self on how we <i>think</i> others see us. This theory has been named “The Looking-Glass Self.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are three principle elements of Cooley‘s idea. The first is that we imagine how we look to other people. Secondly, we imagine people’s reaction to our appearance. Lastly, some self-feeling such as pride or shame is produced based on our conclusion of the perception of others. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJWCOKRJbwM/TjAm5p1tCoI/AAAAAAAAAPY/UPwK4C3N90w/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-27+at+9.54.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJWCOKRJbwM/TjAm5p1tCoI/AAAAAAAAAPY/UPwK4C3N90w/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-27+at+9.54.19+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In all honesty, I have to say that Cooley’s theory has been very true in my life. However, as I examine this concept, I have to wonder why I would place so much value in something as finicky as the opinion of man. Let’s be honest. We all have been affected by the way others perceive us. If you have been praised for your academic excellence all your life, you will perceive yourself as smart. If you are made fun of most of your life, you will perceive yourself an outsider. If you are encouraged and admired, you might perceive your works as good. If you are rejected, condemned or discouraged, you might see your efforts as bad. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">SIGNIFICANT OTHER</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One very important aspect of Cooley’s philosophy is the influence of a significant other. It is believed that if there is a significant other, such as parent, spouse or best friend present in our lives, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their</i> perception of us will always outweigh the perception of others. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For instance, if your parent(s) are constantly reprimanding you and making you feel shame, no matter how much praise you receive at school or work, you will always come back to the feelings of shame or inadequacy that resulted from your parent(s) actions and or words. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Likewise, if your significant other is a spouse or parent or best friend who constantly encourages, praises and supports you, no matter how much opposition and discouragement you receive from work or those around you, you will always end up resting in the confidence that your significant other provides for you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The challenge in the entire “Looking Glass-Self” philosophy is that our whole identity and self-worth is wrapped up in the opinion of man and what we <i>think</i> others have perceived of us. The truth is, we don’t truly know all the details of how others perceive us. We are not mind readers. We are not inside their heads. This implies that our entire self-perception may be faulty because it is all based on assumptions, which aren’t always reliable to say the least! Moreover, our significant others, even if they're absolutely wonderful, are fallible humans who can sometimes let us down. It would be unfair for us to idolize them, allowing them to control our perception of self.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>THE SOLUTION</b> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Good News is, there is a solution to this dilemma! The only person who can clearly articulate <i>exactly</i> who we are, without any mistakes, is Christ. His Word details the identity of the believer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What God says about us may not be what people think of us, or even what we think of ourselves, but God's truth about us is unshakable. My mama always says, <i>"Everything is negotiable accept the Word of God."</i> My husband says, <i>"The cool thing about the truth is, it's true whether you believe it or not."</i> Furthermore, we know His words are trustworthy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i>“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”</i></span>- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b>Numbers 23:19 </b></span></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If our significant other becomes Christ, then His heart for us and identity for us will always outweigh the opinions of others. This does not mean that words will no longer hurt and insecurity or pride will never try to creep back in. It simply means that if we choose to make Jesus our foundation, the standard by which we view ourselves, we will find the most accurate, firm definition and perception of self. {Wow! Talk about godly confidence!}<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><blockquote><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"To see yourself the way God sees you is the beginning of freedom."</i></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">- Bechah Shae</span></o:p></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We will find hope and genuine significance as we see <i>Christ’s reflection</i> when we peer into the looking glass. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0rFiu-6oFY/TjAslgSVq-I/AAAAAAAAAPc/sJnGMD-bLmM/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-27+at+10.05.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0rFiu-6oFY/TjAslgSVq-I/AAAAAAAAAPc/sJnGMD-bLmM/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-27+at+10.05.10+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Have you been wearing the labels other people have placed on you?</i></b> <b><i>Has your identity, or worth been rooted in the opinion of others or the truth of Gods Word?</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I pray that you truly find yourself as you sit at the feet of Jesus. And if ever you lose your sense of self again, remember that the best place to retrieve it is in His presence. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To learn more about who Christ says you are, visit <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/07/31-days-of-victoryday-5-identity.html">Day 5 : Identity</a>. If you have been wounded by the negative opinion of others, I encourage you to visit <a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/2011/07/31-days-of-victory-day-22-forgiveness.html">Day 22 : Forgiveness</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With God, Victory is certain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To catch up on the last 26 days of victory <i><a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/victory.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>. </i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To subscribe to this blog by email <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3570110412833553995"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To visit the other 31 Days bloggers, use the link list to the right of my <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>home page</i></span></a>. </span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-38738489754390609302011-07-25T23:11:00.005-07:002011-07-26T19:15:43.489-07:0031 Days of Victory: {Day 26} Love<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHPoHEcCEQg/Ti47YjakQeI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RZOaeDaf1_c/s1600/Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHPoHEcCEQg/Ti47YjakQeI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RZOaeDaf1_c/s640/Love.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second one is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commands.”</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last night, on the way home from a long day, Curtis {a.k.a. CZ} and I stopped at a gas station to pick up some gum. We had no idea that a craving for spearmint would turn into a divine appointment. There was a young woman {probably in her early twenties} standing in the parking lot. She caught my attention. I wondered what her story was. Then I wondered if I was suppose to talk to her, but I quickly dismissed those thoughts, knowing it would be awkward if I went up to her for what seemed like no reason at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I stayed in the car, checking email on my phone, while CZ pumped gas and went in to buy the gum. After a short while, he came back to the car and said, <i>“Hey, you should come talk to this girl.”</i> Knowing I had just quenched the prompting of the Spirit only five minutes earlier, I got out to meet her straightaway. As I walked toward her, my heart became filled with compassion and God's love for her. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvuOk-lgXck/Ti7Bo3f27oI/AAAAAAAAAPU/bVO4LQOgVPw/s1600/LOVE-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvuOk-lgXck/Ti7Bo3f27oI/AAAAAAAAAPU/bVO4LQOgVPw/s400/LOVE-hands.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Following a short introduction I asked her to tell me a bit about herself and she openly shared her story of victory with us. She has two little children, ages three and two, a boy and a girl. Their father was killed, as a result of gang activity. She was out making door-to-door sales to support her kids and had just been kicked out of the nearest neighborhood for soliciting, which made me so sad. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She is an overcomer. She shared her dreams of being a motivational speaker to encourage kids in neighborhoods like the one she lived in. She just started school and wants to be a cosmetologist. She told me and CZ about her newfound relationship with God and how she was recently baptized. I cannot describe the way my spirit rejoiced over her words - over her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had the sweet, privilege of praying with her. After saying "amen" we opened our eyes to see big, alligator tears streaming down her face. Oh, how I wanted to be her forever friend. She promptly wiped away her tears, gave us a warm hug and dismissed herself to her ride, which had just pulled up. We made our way toward our car and when I took my place in the passenger seat, I couldn't help but to melt down into a big puddle of emotions... not just because of her. But because of the millions of other people just like her who are longing for a second chance... Because of the untold number of people who are looking for a hug, a prayer, and a word of encouragement... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Doesn't that describe all of us? </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The whole way home I kept thinking of her story; the story of victory that God is writing for her. I thought of how He has seen every tear she's cried and how He was by her side when she mourned the death of her boyfriend. I thought of how God gave her strength when she decided to pursue her dreams against all odds; how His hands will continue to carry her as she works to give her little one's the best life she can. Then I thought of our calling. Not just the calling for CZ and me; the calling for every believer--the calling to love God and love people. What a beautiful calling it is! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">CZ and I are <i>daily</i> baffled by the fact that we get to share God's love with people. Best. Job. Ever!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkIK2li-iAY/Ti5OQZvaewI/AAAAAAAAAPM/Fw8SYWLxZ0U/s1600/loveglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkIK2li-iAY/Ti5OQZvaewI/AAAAAAAAAPM/Fw8SYWLxZ0U/s1600/loveglasses.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is something so life changing about seeing people through the eyes of Christ. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My friend, Beckah Shae, started a twitter trend: #PutYourLoveGlassesOn. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Glasses are primarily worn to correct defects of vision.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The concept of "love glasses" is to remind us all to <b>view others through the lens of God's love. </b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>WARNING: </b>When you start wearing your love glasses, it will wreck your world. Before you know it, those you once judged will be those you now pray for. Those you called your enemy will be those you choose to bless. Those you once passed by, will be those you stop to spend time with. And holding back tears? Oh forget about it! You'll be a mess after meeting a random girl at the gas station. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now that you've been given a fair warning, <b>I invite you to put your love glasses on with me.</b></span></div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13</span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{<i>Jesus, will you help us to see people through your eyes--especially those we tend to judge? We want to walk in your love. Knowing that our love is a reflection of you, because you ARE love, we choose to love every soul, ranging from the ones on the street, to the ones in our church. From the ones in our family, to the ones in the club. Help us to love those who treat us badly and those who crawl under our skin. Help us to love </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>the one who knocks on our door with a sales pitch when we don't have the time or the heart to listen. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Give us the strength to die to our self in order to love like you do. In Your mighty name. Amen.</i>} </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Below is the official #PutYourLoveGlassesOn music video It's great! If you're reading this via email or a reader, and you don't see the video, </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crr4rCABxAk&feature=player_embedded"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">click here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2L5as9q8Zc4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">LOVE & VICTORY,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To catch up on the last 25 days of victory <i><a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/victory.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>. </i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To subscribe to this blog by email <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3570110412833553995"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To visit the other 31 Days bloggers, use the link list to the right of my <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>home page</i></span></a>. </span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570110412833553995.post-83914986740054412522011-07-25T08:52:00.006-07:002011-07-25T09:19:08.173-07:0031 Days of Victory : {Day 25} God Speaks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoG4CS6Xk1Q/Ti2PrDIBdaI/AAAAAAAAAPE/EvtQPrfuiMY/s1600/God+Speaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoG4CS6Xk1Q/Ti2PrDIBdaI/AAAAAAAAAPE/EvtQPrfuiMY/s640/God+Speaks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Whom have I in Heaven but you? And Earth has nothing I desire beside you."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Psalm 73:24-25</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div>Have you ever been in a church service and felt as if the pastor was speaking directly to you? That’s what happens when God speaks to us through His children. It’s no coincidence when someone speaks directly to your heart on a matter that they know nothing about. It’s the Lord! Today, since I still have breath in my lungs and strength in my fingers to type, it is another day to testify. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It seems a bit awkward that I continue to share stories about my life. I certainly don’t want this blog to be about <i>me</i>. My heart is to share God’s goodness and point people toward <i>Him</i>. One way that I know how to do that is to openly share the beauty of His faithfulness through story.... so I continue to obey, and I type.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My prayer is that you, child of God, would understand that He is writing your story right now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhgsBLCD-Gw/Ti2D1TUQn2I/AAAAAAAAAO4/a9jCehnS4hQ/s1600/Path+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhgsBLCD-Gw/Ti2D1TUQn2I/AAAAAAAAAO4/a9jCehnS4hQ/s640/Path+of+Life.jpg" width="640" /></a>At age 18, I moved from California to Tennessee for music. After being in the industry for a number of years I decided to move back home. I never wanted to move back to Nashville because, in my mind, it was the City of Broken Dreams. There was nothing left for me in Nashville, beside my husband {boyfriend at the time}. But I was <i>confidant</i> God would call him to move to California so we could get married. Well... that’s not the way it panned out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Out of nowhere I seemed to be feeling a prompting to move back to Nashville. I had no desire to move, which was the first clue that this was not coming from me. I decided to visit my boyfriend for a weekend in Nashville. {We commonly flew back and forth to see each other during 2 years of long distance dating.} I stayed with one of my best friends. When Sunday morning rolled around I woke up from her guest bed and prepared myself for church. I’ll never forget my prayer that morning. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“God, if you want me to move to Nashville, I need confirmation <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">today.</b> </i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not just any kind of confirmation, Lord. I need ‘hit me over the head with a frying pan’ kind of confirmation. God, will you hit me over the head with your confirmation <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">today</b>? If so, I’ll follow. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.” </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That probably sounds like a funny prayer, but God heard it, and He answered it! I walked into Strong Tower Bible Church that morning and it felt like home. I ran into many familiar faces. One couple that I love dearly came to greet me and the first words out of their mouth were, “Monique, when are you moving back to Nashville?” I was a little taken back but I replied with something like, “I don’t know what God has in store. We’ll see.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After greeting a few people, I found my seat and the service began. About halfway through the sermon, I got up to use the restroom. There, in the ladies room, I ran into our family pastor’s wife. She stopped me, hugged me, and said, “Listen, girly, when are you moving to Nashville? You know you belong here!” I tucked her words away in my heart but still didn’t feel like it was my 'frying pan' answer to prayer. {Apparently I’m hard headed.}</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When church was over, the Family Pastor came up to me and said, “Monique, let me talk to you, my sister. When are you moving to Nashville?” The first words out of my mouth were, “Did you talk your wife? I ran into her in the ladies room and she said the same thing.” He responded, “No I haven’t talked with her. But you know God is calling you here.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Then the frying pan moment came. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A man whom I had never met before came up to our conversation. He joined right in without hesitation, saying, “Young lady, this is where you belong. The moment you walked through the doors this morning, you knew that this was your home. You know that I am not speaking my own words because I don’t know you. We’ve never met. How would I know to say this unless it was the Spirit's prompting? God is speaking and He is calling you here. Now you have a choice as to whether or not you will obey.” {For those of you who know him, that man was Pastor Deny Denson, who is now with our Lord in Heaven.}</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There it was. I was hit over the head with confirmation that morning. I didn’t have a job or a place to live in Nashville. All I knew is that I needed to <i>go.</i> At first, my family didn’t support my decision to move. I was accused of having a lovesick heart and was told that I was just moving to Nashville to chase after a guy. {I’m not mad at that though. He did end up being my husband, after all.} Some of my closest family members didn’t even want to come to my going away party. But I had to be obedient to Christ, even if it meant being disobedient to my family. I didn’t receive my father’s blessing until the night before I boarded the plane with my one-way ticket to Nashville. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vK_NEn9zvSE/Ti2FxH1lI6I/AAAAAAAAAO8/DIVf7La6gTg/s1600/plane2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vK_NEn9zvSE/Ti2FxH1lI6I/AAAAAAAAAO8/DIVf7La6gTg/s640/plane2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The beauty of obeying God is that He will make a way where there seems to be no way and He will bring a bit more clarity with each step of faith. </i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Like I mentioned, I had no place to live. God placed a friend on my heart that I hadn’t talked to in over a year. Every time I prayed about housing, her name came to mind. I was afraid to call because I hadn’t kept in touch. It felt so random to call her out of the blue! But I decided to contact her out of obedience. To my surprise, after we chatted for a few minutes, she said, “Monique, I’m so glad you called. I heard through the great vine that you’re moving back to Nashville. I’ve been praying for a roommate and I’ve been specifically praying that it would be <i>you</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wow! God speaks! <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I arrived in Nashville, with a place to stay - including a monthly rent - but no job, I still had faith that God would provide. I interviewed for a job that, according to my resume, I was completely unqualified for, and was hired less than 24 hours later. My boss eventually shared that he had interviewed over 15 other highly qualified individuals, but the moment my interview began, he knew that I was the one for the job. It was <i>God</i> who opened that door for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look at how </b><b><i>H</i></b><b><i>e</i></b><b><i> </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">moves. He still speaks and when we’re obedient, He provides!<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QuX9aYMf1Ic/Ti2ICq1Fd0I/AAAAAAAAAPA/MJaprvfvWrM/s1600/door_open_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QuX9aYMf1Ic/Ti2ICq1Fd0I/AAAAAAAAAPA/MJaprvfvWrM/s200/door_open_01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moving to Nashville has absolutely changed my life for the better. I never dreamed that I would work at a church or end up being a pastor's wife, or find <i>so much</i> joy in saying YES to God's prompting. And now, in an interesting twist, He's leading us back to California for a new season of ministry.</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometimes God calls us to walk through a door that has only mystery on the other side. But when we realize that His plans for us are only to prosper us and give us a hope and a bright future, we find the courage to grab hold of that knob, and turn it open in obedience. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>What is God calling you to do? Has He been speaking? If so, will you reach for that knob and say "YES, Lord"? </i></b></span></o:p><br />
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<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm stepping out in faith. Will you join me? </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{Lord, today I say YES to your mysteries, YES to your will, and YES to your way. YES LORD!} </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With God, victory is certain. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monique Zackery</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To catch up on the last 24 days of victory <i><a href="http://moniquezackery.blogspot.com/p/victory.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>. </i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To subscribe to this blog by email <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3570110412833553995"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">click here</span></a>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To visit the other 31 Days bloggers, use the link list to the right of my <a href="http://www.moniquezackery.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>home page</i></span></a>. </span></div>Monique Zackeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014152088419663748noreply@blogger.com4