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A Case For Front Yard Living | thisgratefulmama.com

A Case For Front Yard Living

Front yard living creates opportunities to build relationships with neighbors. | thisgratefulmama.com

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July 27, 2017

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thisgratefulmama

Encouraging women with the truth of God’s uncommon grace.
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Jesus first. Wife. Mom of 3. Coffee-Lover. Popcorn Addict. Allergy Mom. Blogger. Introvert

Lots of words on my heart today. It’s a great da

Lots of words on my heart today. It’s a great day to scribble and type them out.
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My sister in law and brother in law gave me this coffee cup for my birthday. Today, coffee truly is my writing fuel!
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What’s in your cup and on your plate today?
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#whatsinyourcup #whatsonyourmind #writingday #amwriting #workinprogress #fridaymood #friday #writethedayaway #coffee #coffeelover #coffeecup #coffeemuglove #goodmorning #gifts #thisgratefulmama #herewego #fridaymorning #writinglife #fridaymotivation

Heading into 2021 like... . 2020 wore me out, but

Heading into 2021 like...
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2020 wore me out, but it didn’t break me. Bring on the new year, the new challenges, the continued challenges, and whatever else may come our way. Those things cannot steal the joy, peace, or hope found in Jesus.
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#hello2021 #happynewyear #hope #thisgratefulmama

2020 was a year full of unexpected detours, challe

2020 was a year full of unexpected detours, challenges and more. But it was also a year that demanded increased dependence on God, improved and intentional communication with friends and family, and a slower pace. There was much good in this strange year.
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“Rest” was my word for 2020 - as in, rest in the Lord. With many new rhythms and changed schedules, I have needed rest. Not just sleep, but quiet, uninterrupted time with my Bible, in prayer, and in silence. I have needed to be still. To lay my expectations and priorities at the feet of Jesus and do the things right in front of me.
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Be present with my husband.
Love and encourage our kids.
Serve in BSF.
Facilitate learning for our kids.
Do my best to create a warm and welcoming place to be - our home - more than ever before.
Connect with neighbors.
Keep up with friends and family.
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It wasn’t perfect. In fact, it was messy. A lot. But those messy days sent me back to my knees and back to the Word. There were tears. Apologies. There are many relationships that need more attention and tending in 2021. And so many snuggles and teachable moments. We weathered this 2020 year together and with our eyes on Jesus.
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That’s how we plan to continue into 2021. I’m still pray through my 2021 word for the year. What’s yours?
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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
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#2020 #wordoftheyear #wordstoliveby #solong2020 #herewego #eyesonjesus #lookup #priorities #rest #rest2020 #thisgratefulmama #momlife #faithinfluencer #happynewyear #happynewyear2021 #celebrate #godisstillgood #wordsmatter #abide2019

All. The. Feels. . I literally started weeping in

All. The. Feels.
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I literally started weeping in Costco today when I received the auto-dial message from our district telling us school will resume IN PERSON, full time in 2021.
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Masked up, loading chicken nuggets into my cart...with a full range of emotions pouring out. Relief. Grief over the time list. Gratitude. The realization of the privilege of public education. Hope. Joy. Sadness of what has been and lives lost. Wanting the best for our kids. Thankfulness for so much time together, while ready for change. Anticipation of our kids reactions to the news.
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I couldn’t get out of Costco fast enough. There has been much rejoicing. But with trepidation. Things change quickly in this strange season. Nothing is certain. But we are becoming more resilient. More thankful. We are learning new rhythms. New communication skills. New skills and new adaptability.
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Hope is not lost. The new normal, whatever it may be, is coming. We are growing. Learning. Becoming.
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#thisgratefulmama #hope #joy #becoming #grow #besoflexible #strangenewworld #2021

With a husband working from home, two students dis

With a husband working from home, two students distance learning and a preschooler roaming the house, there aren’t a lot of quiet spaces to be.
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Yesterday I joined my zoom call from our mudroom ‘office’. On the main floor so I can monitor the kids, but can close the door when they are taking breaks and playing.
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I could hardly squeeze past the table to sit down, and had to move a bunch of winter boots out of the room because I kept getting whiffs off sweaty feet. The lighting was so bad I looked like I had an orange spray tan on video until I added the selfie light.
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BUT, this was a workable solution and no one on Zoom knew I was in a makeshift space. At least until I told them. We had a good laugh and shared where we were in our homes. There were women in bedrooms, at kitchen tables, in a closet, on the couch, in their car in the driveway and more.
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We may not get to choose our favorite spot, but we can compromise and still connect and care for each other. It reminded me of Matthew 18:20. No matter the space, Gods faithful people can gather, even over video call, and He is with us. It’s not the space, it’s the people. Not the lighting but the light of God’s Son.
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I’d love to hear where you are working, writing, or hiding out in your home in this strange season. Share your spot in the comments 👇
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“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
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#godwithus #immanuel #thankful #mudroomoffice #stangenewworld #strangeseason #besoflexible #wheretwoorthreearegathered #wheretwoormorearegathered #faith #family #momlife #mommylife #pandemiclife #pandemicparenting #pandemicoffice #pandemicspace #fullhouse #fellowship

I’ve been looking this week at who Jesus claims

I’ve been looking this week at who Jesus claims to be. It seems like the best place to start is His own words. There are seven ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus in the New Testament.
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I am the bread of life (John 6:35)
I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
I am the gate for the sheep (John 10:7)
I am the good shepherd (John 10:11)
I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
I am the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6)
I am the true vine (John 15:1)
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As I read these and begin to unpack them, here is what stands out:
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He is the source of life (bread of life)
He brings hope and the revelation of God and conviction of sin (light of the world)
He is the only way to eternal life and relationship with God the Father (the gate)
He is our protector, provider, and leader (good shepherd)
He is our resurrected Savior and He is alive and mediating for us today. He ensures our eternal life (resurrection and life)
Following Him and His true Word gives peace, joy and abundant life (way, truth, and life)
Staying connected to Jesus, abiding in Him, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, is the only way to produce good fruit (the vine)
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There is so much more in each of these statements. In these uncertain times, I fix my eyes on Jesus. Who is trustworthy and able to do all He has promised. He is who He says He is. And we are His.
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Where are your eyes fixed?
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#iam #heis #goodshepherd #jesus #thisgratefulmama #iamthevine #faith #faithinfluencer #thewaythetruththelife #abide #rest #fixyoureyesonjesus #goodmorning #wordbeforeworld

I want to be more flexible. However, if I’m bein

I want to be more flexible. However, if I’m being hones, I don’t want to do the work to get there.
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For most of us, being flexible with what life brings is a skill that requires practice. Most of us aren’t naturally good at taking things in stride. Well, at least I am not.
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I like structure. Plans. Lists where I can check off what I have completed and see what I still need to do. 2020 isn’t that kind of year. Plans keep changing. Daily life is subject to restrictions, a full house, and availability of schools and internet service.
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Today is day 2 of full time distance learning. The kids are learning math, reading and more, while their mom learns lessons in grace, flexibility and contentment.
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I spent Sunday evening with a feeling of dread. Our internet is on the fritz. Our youngest is confused by distance learning and why the kids can’t play all day. And I am feeling stretched. I fell asleep Sunday night praying for a home full of warmth and grace to be who we are in this strange experiment.
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Yesterday, God granted that prayer. There were internet hiccups. There were tears from a frustrated child (thankfully not from her mom too). There were struggles. But God gave enough grace to go around. Enough comfort and peace to quiet the frustration and dry up tears. This schedule is not our preference. But it went far better than expected. And our family is learning life lessons that will stretch well beyond these strange days of 2020.
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#besoflexible #learntobeflexible #strangenewworld #pandemiclessons #lessonsfromthepandemic #lifelessons #distancelearning #2020 #thisgratefulmama #grace #graceupongrace #prayer #imstilllearning #thankful #faith #faithinfluencers #controlfreak #momlife #mommylife #herewego

This Thanksgiving is different than other years. I

This Thanksgiving is different than other years. Instead of a day and home filled with extended family, we enjoyed a quieter day with our immediate family.
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We fumbled our way through cooking our first turkey. We laughed. We played a few games. We made a mess and all the favorite foods. After we ate, it looked like hardly anything was gone.
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Our gathering was small but we have much to be thankful for this year. Gods presence is with us. He has provided all we need. It’s a strange year but today we celebrate with full plates and full hearts.
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What did your celebration look like this year?
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Psalms 34:1-3 NLT
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I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
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Happy thanksgiving.🦃🍁
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#thanksgiving #thanksgivingdinner #thanksgod #thanksgiving2020
#covidthanksgiving2020 #smallgathering #familyday #turkey #firstturkey #itdidntsuck #thankful #grateful #practicegratitude #thisgratefulmama #strangeyear #november2020 #happythanksgivng #gobblegobble

Friday we got news that our two elementary aged ki

Friday we got news that our two elementary aged kids will transition from hybrid to distance learning on December 7th. We counted the remaining days after the No-School teacher prep days...4.
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Then, today, the number of staff and students I’ll or quarantined resulted in the announcement that the date is now November 30th. That leaves just ONE more in person day of school.
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One.
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I’m so thankful that our kids can go one more day. In the spring, they were on spring break and then the school shut down so they just never went back. They never got to say goodbye to their teachers, clean out their desks or lockers, or acknowledge that they had no idea when they would return. They didn’t get to process the emotions with their peers or teachers.
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This time they do. So, while we are sad to have this change, we are choosing to be thankful for every single day they got to go to school this fall. We know many students across the country and in our state never set foot in their school this year. These days have been gifts. Opportunities to build trust and bonds with their teachers. A bright spot in a very strange year. On so many levels, I can’t believe we are in this place again, yet, I also can’t believe we made it this long!
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We won’t stuff the sadness. But we will choose to see the good. Great teachers. SO many efforts by students and staff to keep everyone safe. Flexibility from teachers and so much intentional creativity as they try and implement new things to meet their students where they are. In person, hybrid, or at home.
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We will grow our own flexibility and ability to adapt to and accept changes that are simply beyond our control. We will do this together. Our kids are learning and watching...this is a season of growth, despite the sadness and loss.
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What is the school circumstance for your family?
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#choosejoy #gratitude #school #distancelearning #besoflexible #kidsarewatching #adapt #changeiscoming #herewego #readyornot

Somehow, despite killing every other plant in my h

Somehow, despite killing every other plant in my house (including the other two that came in a set with this one), this one still lives.
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Perhaps it lives because it needs no daily water and just a little squirt of a succulent fertilizer foam once in a while. No direct sunlight. I can forget and neglect it for quite a while and still, it lives.
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But if you look closely, it’s not in great shape. A couple stretches of neglect have left their mark on this slow growing plant. Even though it’s hardy, it needs to be cared for. Continued neglect will inevitably kill even the hardiest plant.
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Unlike succulents, we need more tending. Physically, we need daily care, food and water. Spiritually, we need intentional daily care too. We cannot water ourselves with Gods Word like we water a succulent. Once a month will not sustain us or give us vibrant life. We will run dry and the reflection of the hope within us will dim. We are not succulents. We require focused care, and daily gardening of our souls.
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Unlike me, God is a master gardener. He knows what we need and what we lack. His care helps us to help us grow and thrive. God’s Word and Holy Spirit fill us and also do the hard work of pruning and weeding the things that threaten to strangle our souls. But we play a part. We need to turn to Him, be open to hear what He has to say, and choose to obey and worship Him.
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Who or what is gardening you? I’m a terrible gardener. If it’s culture, human innovation, and self that garden our souls, we should recognize that eventually this leads to spiritual death. Only God can create new life. What or who will you choose to be filled by today?
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#succulents #dontbeasucculent #faith #faithinfluencers #morningmotivation #wordbeforeworld #morning #goodmorning #nogreenthumb #mastergardener #godisthemastergardener #hope #hopefortoday #whatsinyourcup

Only God is good at being God. Only He has an eter

Only God is good at being God. Only He has an eternal perspective and the ability to be fully present here, there and everywhere. Only He knows all things. Only He does all things with perfect goodness. Only God has inexhaustible resources to take in and sustain all of His creation.
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When I do not believe this, I try to fix everything, and conform the people and situations around me to fit my preferences and desires. I feel great anxiety with the unknown and things that just won’t confirm or can’t be controlled. I become exhausted, readily frustrated and annoyed by things that do not follow my plans. The controller-me isn’t my best me. Not even close. The controller me has unrealistic expectations for myself and others. For what happens in daily life and in the world.
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When I do believe that only God is good at being God, I can rest. I can open my clenched fists and lay the people and situations down in His capable, loving hands. I can look to God for wise counsel, comfort and peace. When I stop trying to control everything, I sleep better, feel less exhausted, and less frustrated and annoyed by little things. I can trust God’s goodness and sovereignty over my life. Then, I can be fully present here and now and engage with people without trying to get what I want or holding them to unrealistic expectations. This person is who I want to be.
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Today, we don’t have to control anything but our own attitude and focus. Mine is on Jesus. Eyes fixed there, the rest falls into place. It’s not that I won’t fall into the control pattern again. I will. But choosing to break the pattern and lay it down at the feet of Jesus is what I will continue to practice and do.
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What or who are you feeling the need to control today?
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#thisgratefulmama #exhaustion #controller #control #surrender #faith #onlygodisgoodallthetime #onlygodisgoodatbeinggod #notmywillbutthine #notmywill #prayer #pray #letitgo #myhopeisinyoulord

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds a

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
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These days are filled with waiting. Waiting for a vaccine. Waiting for election results. Waiting to resume normal life. Waiting for a diagnosis. Waiting for a restored relationship. Waiting to begin. Waiting for our own personal hearts-desires.
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What are you waiting for today?
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This verse says God can keep us in perfect peace, even as we wait, when we keep our hearts and mind fixed on Him. The best part? When we ask God to help us trust Him, He does! When we ask Him to give us faith, He will. When we ask Him to draw us near, fix our eyes on Him, He will not say no. His Spirit is in us. He will equip us to trust Him, then He blesses us with peace. What a generous God we serve!
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Lord, You are sovereign and in control, so we can stop trying to be on control of what we wait for today. You are good at being God! Help us to trust you when we feel uncertain, anxious or weary. Strengthen us and encourage us to stand firm, eyes fixed on you. We long for answers, but while we wait, keep us in Your perfect peace. Nothing surprises You. We trust You. Help us love others well, reflect Your character, and do the work You have given us today with excellence and joy, while we wait.
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#thisgratefulmama #prayer #goodmorning #faithinfluencer #christianblogger #pray #morningprayer #morningmotivation #hopefortoday #castyourcaresonhim #encouragement #isaiah #verseoftheday #wordbeforeworld #strangenewworld #thankful #faith #trustGod #godisgoodatbeinggod #perfectpeace #keepusinperfectpeace #mindssteadfastonyou #notmywillbutthine #notmywillbutyours #thywillbedone #yourwillbedone #wetrustyou

Who can you encourage today? Or better yet, who WI

Who can you encourage today? Or better yet, who WILL you encourage today?
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Lord, you are the God who sees us. As we go into this day, give us eyes to see others as you do. Let us use our words and actions to uplift, encourage and bless those we meet. Keep our lips from complaining. Help us listen and seek to understand. Let us be known by our compassion, kindness and grace. These things we can do because we have received the same from you, only without measure. Let your Spirit flow in and through us to this hurting world. Let grace begin with us.
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#graceupongrace #faithinfluencer #prayer #goodmorning #gracebeginswithme #showkindness #throwkindnesslikeconfetti #encouragement #encouragesomeonetoday #whowillyouencouragetoday #youarethegodwhoseesme #godseesyou #pray #morningmotivation #wordbeforeworld #praybeforeworld #peopleoverpolitics #bethelight #reflectjesus #lookup #thisgratefulmama

Election Day is here. In these strange days, the d

Election Day is here. In these strange days, the division between families, friends and the country is fierce. Both side have drawn lines, and many have begun to see those with different views and votes as ‘others’.
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Our vote. Our views. These are not what define us. We are all people, made in the image of God and have inherent worth. Each person, regardless of their views deserves respect and kindness. We must be careful amy time we seek to force our views on others. This lacks humility and causes disunity and further division.
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What can we do today with the election being decided by the collective of our peers?
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We can do what is in our control - we can vote. Then, we step back and surrender the result we cannot control to God. He will not be surprised by the election results. His plan isn’t thwarted by elections. God is still in control. He is on His throne. Our King.
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And we pray. For record turnout. For correct counting of ALL ballots. For peace and safety. For voters to show grace, kindness and respect to all they encounter. For no voter intimidation. For healing of a nation deeply divided. For humility of our own hearts and to accept the results with the peace given by Gods sovereignty. For safety of all those running for office and their loved ones. For comfort for the hurting and anxious as we wait together. For our hearts to be loving and kind to all we meet. To use our words to encourage and love, and to point others to Jesus, our secure hope.
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“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
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#prayer #electionday #election2020 #vote #voteandpray #godisincontrol #comewhatmay #godisking #loveothers #changebeginswithus #goodmorning #thisistheday #thatthelordhasmade #iwillrejoiceandbegladinit #hopeinjesus #faith #faithinfluencers #pray #prayallday #prayerpoints #electionprayer #faithinaction

What is that one thing you don’t really want any

What is that one thing you don’t really want anyone to know about you?
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Whether it’s your past, a regret, a mistake, a secret hope, or an insecurity, there is One who already knows it all.
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There is nothing that God doesn’t know about you. He knows the entirety of your past, present and future. You are fully known. Inside and out.
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The truth that I am fully known, and that God still loves me is humbling. It frees me from running or hiding and allows me to be just me before Him. God loves us fully, knowing all we have been through, are going through, and will go through.
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Whatever you are facing today, God knows. He sees. And He loves you fully. In fact, He lives you so much, He gave the life of His Son just for you.
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“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.”
Psalm 139:1-6
#thisgratefulmama #fullyknownfullyloved #goodmorning #faith #thankful #liveloved

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