tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23355187976545754912024-03-13T04:15:34.588-04:00Moments of Inspiration with Carol CondonCarol Condon shares her thoughts with all willing readers as she finds inspiration in the "small things." May everyone who stops by to read be blessed.Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-91583022894261583242017-05-23T22:15:00.001-04:002017-05-23T22:15:41.338-04:00Navigating the Seasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Navigating the Seasons<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
I am not a winter person. I do not like to be cold. During one especially
cold winter day, I was talking to my Mom and mentioned that I<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> hate</b> winter. She quickly corrected me.
She told me not to resent the seasons, as they are needed to make the following
season “beautiful.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
added the adjective “beautiful” as spring is my second favorite season only
topped by summer. I love watching life return to all that winter depleted. I am
amazed at how the dried up and lifeless landscape begins transforming seemingly
right before my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Each
season has tools that are needed to maneuver through them. In spring we bust
out the shovel and tiller to prepare our garden. The lawn mower and weed eater
have been gassed up and are ready to start their weekly schedule. The ladder is
set up for the much-needed spring-cleaning both inside and outside the home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Summer
is next and I couldn’t be happier. Sunscreen and flip-flops have replaced
sweatshirts and boots. The AC and fans are handy for the hot, humid days. The
garden is growing and the sprinklers are sprinkling. The garden rake stays busy
attacking all the weeds and the fishing poles stand strung and ready. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fall
starts off so nice. The heated days are slowly replaced with cool ones. The
trowel is digging and planting bulbs for the following spring. The garden is harvested
and the tiller comes back out to prepare the ground for winter. The rakes are
busy sweeping through the yards gathering all the fallen leaves. The pruning
shears cut back the plants and the lawn mower makes its final run for the year.
The fire pit comes out and marshmallows are purchased.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winter
never seems to creep in. It roars! We fill the wiper fluid in our vehicles. The
snow shovels have been placed by the garage door. Ice scrapers have been put
into each car and the ice pellets set just inside the door. The gloves, hats
and boots have been brought out of storage as winter comes welcomed or not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What
about our seasons of life? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For
everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” </i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ecclesiastes 3</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Do we have our
“tools” handy? There is a time to laugh and a time to cry. A time to grieve and
a time to dance. Are we prepared to switch seasons? Do we have the proper tools
to navigate them?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our
“tools” need to be handy as we transition from season to season. We need to
have the Scriptures at our fingertips and the songs on our play lists. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The podcasts need downloaded and the
books purchased. The friend’s list needs weeded and the spirit need renewed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
seasons will change whether we are ready or not. How you navigate them is up to
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-14236821077806290722016-02-20T19:45:00.000-05:002016-02-20T19:46:20.333-05:00Empty Shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Empty Shoes</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">carolcondon5@aol.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The relief of finally reaching my senior year of collage was
an amazing feeling. There were a few moments when I wondered if graduation day would
ever come. As the year was winding down our Bible School president called a
meeting with all the soon to be graduates. Together we had worked, prayed,
laughed, cried, studied and now we were going to graduate together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">At first everything was so warm and fuzzy, but then he asked
us all to think back to just before leaving home. What were you doing in your
local church? What ministries were you involved in? We corporately began
thinking and making mental notes of the answers to each question. He then brought
us face to face with reality. “All of those positions have been filled in your
absence. Don’t go home thinking that you will reclaim positions that others now
fill.” In simple terms, you left some empty shoes and others now occupy. I
don’t think any of us were expecting that raw piece of truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But, it was just that, truth. Painful, raw truth. Graduation
day was everything I had dreamed of. I held the portfolio with a certificate
tucked neatly inside representing three years of work, and a life goal
completed. Little did I realize that the real education was yet in front of me. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Everything I was told that day was true. I retuned home and found
the worship leader, Sunday School teacher, and Bus Ministry positions all filled.
That day in my early 20’s I received a lesson that has proven true time and
time again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Throughout the years I have continued my education with one
of the best forms available: experience. I have been blessed to be in some
amazing ministry posts and in some very special friendships. Back to the
painful truth, empty shoes will be filled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be an extremely lonely position to find oneself in,
if truly alone. Through it all, I was never forsaken and I encourage you to
listen and obey His call and not be afraid of the shoes you may leave or the
shoes you may fill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the
righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalms 37:25</span></div>
Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-86825952519795839992015-07-04T11:05:00.001-04:002015-07-04T11:05:14.019-04:00The Napkin<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">The Napkin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">carolcondon5@aol.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The 4<sup>th</sup> of July
parade was a regular event in our home growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lawn chairs were loaded in the trunk along with a
blanket for the kids. The candy bags were in our pockets and fresh batteries
for the camera were thrown in the bulky camera bag. We loaded up early so we
could get as close to the curb as possible. The “be fair about how much candy
you grab” talk was given to all of us kids. The beauty queens were perched on
top of the cars, the bands were lined up and tuned up, the clowns were already
producing laughter, and the horses were prancing to get the parade going! As
the applause made it down to our blanket we knew the parade had begun! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">My dad must have had an extra sense about him. B</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">efore the
boots could be heard marching in unison or the flag peeking over the hill, my dad was already standing with
his hand over his heart. We were all just seconds behind him. I remember one
year my dad leaned over and said, “Carol, don’t ever take the flag for granted
and stay seated. Make sure you stand every time.” As I saw this giant of a
man’s eyes gather tears, mine did too. Sadly, all those years ago we would
glance around and see many Americans still seated counting up their candy stash as the
flag carried by our veterans passed by.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Years passed and the
patriotism in our family stood firm. Although my siblings and I had married and scattered
across the United States, we treasured every moment we were able to come home
and visit with each other and our sweet parents. However, the dreaded time had
come when my Dad had fallen ill. One thing after another and his health seemed
to deteriorate right before our eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I realize that on July 4, 2008, I would have my final Independence
Day with my dad. <br />
<br />
My sister, Pam, became and still reigns as the family hostess. She decorates
beautifully for every season and cooks amazing! We gathered together for the
July 4<sup>th</sup> picnic. Dad was seated in a recliner and mom brought him
his meal. The volume of our family can be quite intense but my mom was tuned to
dads quiet, “Honey?” As she walked over, his chin quivered as he held up his
flag napkin that went perfectly with the day. He politely asked, “Can you
please get me something to wipe my mouth with? I have tried but I just cannot use this.” Tears
began to flow from all of us as we took a moment to look at our hero, our WWII Purple
Heart veteran, as he sat with tears dripping from his eyes at the thought of
wiping his mouth with the flag of the United States of America. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let us never forget how blessed we are to be
Americans in this great land I love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Medium"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">2
Chronicles 7:14</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Medium"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">King James Version (KJV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">14 </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">If my people, which are called
by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from
their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin,
and will heal their land.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-84266688186101652512015-01-29T12:32:00.001-05:002015-01-29T12:32:32.617-05:00The Interruption
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Interruption<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.carolcondon.com/">www.carolcondon.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The storm hit so quick. Chase and I were standing in our
living room when thunder rolled so loudly that it shook our home. It was accompanied
moments later by a brilliant streak of light lasting just seconds before all
was dark. We stood looking at each other
wondering what we had just experienced. Had our home been hit by lightning?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We were running really close on time, so we made sure
Webster was ok (he was hiding in our closet), and out the door we ran. Later that evening, we noticed that the garage
doors were not working. That was
actually minor compared to what all we found in the weeks to follow. We could
see that we had electricity, water, and gas, so we assumed all was ok. However, randomly
the internet would go out, the outside lights quit working, certain receptacles
throughout the house no longer worked, and the “what’s not working” list began to
grow. I made a call to the local electric company and was told that they would
look into it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A few mornings later Bryce came downstairs stating that the
electricity in his room went out. I called the company back and
explained the storm and the "interruptions" all over again. They finally admitted that something was
wrong. Upon further inspection, it was determined that our
home had been hit by lightning, resulting in the random interruptions of power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It made me stop and think about how the storms of life strike,
catching us completely unaware. We look around for damage, pick ourselves up,
brush ourselves off, and walk away.
Everything seems to be working so we carry on. Bam! Then comes the random interruptions of power. We
feel fine when we drift off to sleep, but as the morning sun hits our face we
wake up weak and powerless. What seemed
to be working is now not working at all. One thought, one wrong assumption, or
even one memory can cause an interruption that can take days to repair. We must
contact the Source of our strength and allow Him to repair the damage sustained
by our “storm”. We may have our power
interrupted, but it is our Lord who will give power to the weak and return
strength to those “without power.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Isaiah 40:29 NLT <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-7218847574717295042014-09-04T11:29:00.002-04:002014-09-04T11:29:57.672-04:00The Life Preserver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Life Preserver<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.carolcondon.com/">www.carolcondon.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There are common sights,
sounds, and scents that we associate with a vacation scheduled near water. Laughter,
squeals of delight, and “Marco Polo” shouted across the water are mingled with
the scents of a variety of tanning lotions. Sunglasses have been put on and a
rainbow of color is displayed on rafts, surfboards, and life preservers as they
decorate the pools and beach areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of my memorable
vacations was when Miquel and Jared were only 6 and 4 years old. We had just arrived
at the hotel, and the pool was the #1 agenda for them. We were heading to
dinner but the kids had begged to jump in just once. We couldn’t resist even
though this “one jump” was going to cost about an hour of clean up time. We
grabbed the bright orange arm floaties and headed to the pool area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we reached the shallow end we secured
their life preservers and they jumped in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As Jared was pulling himself
out of the water this cute, little girl walked up and in her southern little
drawl<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>said, “Hi. My name is Katie. I
am four years old and I don’t need to wear floaties.” and she dove in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jared was barely off the ladder when he began
yanking off his bright little arm floaties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was totally being a Mom and went into panic mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jumped in before I could grab him and
quickly popped back up just a kicking and coughing. We had equipped him with a life
preserver, because at the time he was not properly trained for anything deeper
than bath water. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As parents we would not
dream of turning our children loose onto a boat or into a pool without a proper
life preserver on. We fear for their safety, and until they have been through
appropriate training their life preservers stay on with a “no exception” rule. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Are we as careful about
living in the world as we are with swimming in the pool? What about that friend
from work, your neighbor, the mom you car-pool with, your bus driver, your
teacher, your classmates and the guy at the gym? Are you prepared to put their
life preserver on? How will they survive without it?<br />
<br />
The world has not been tried and tested and given a rating “for ages 12 and up”.
There is required training that must take place. As I began to think of the
unsafe conditions of a body of water to the non-swimmer, I began to consider
the unsafe conditions of the world to the many people that are living day by
day without Him. My mind began to see people of all ages and in all walks of
life going about their daily responsibilities with a life preserver on
decorated with Scriptures, sermons, and daily devotions, along with fasting and
prayer times. We must stay in training. We must keep our “life preservers” on
with a “no exception” rule. May God help us if we ever get to a place in life
where we feel the training is over and declare, “Hi. My name is _______.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am ____ years old, and I don’t need to wear
floaties.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach
us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the
encouragement they provide we might have hope.” </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Romans 15:4 NIV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-48559162806349278972014-08-12T12:50:00.001-04:002014-08-12T12:50:27.382-04:00The Gardener and His Wife<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Gardener and His Wife<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.carolcondon.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I noticed the folded paper
towel pressed toward the back of our countertop. Being an inquisitive young girl,
I opened it and saw little seeds stuck in each fold. Thankfully I didn’t just
pitch it. I asked my Mom what they were and she informed me that one day they
would be tomatoes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In our gardener’s opinion
it wasn’t as simple as just buying a seed, pushing it through the dirt, and
waiting to see if it would sprout. My dad had a plan that was in effect year
around. He grew the most amazing tomatoes that I have ever tasted. He took
seeds from them, dried them out, placed them in little jars to sprout, planted
them under fluorescent lighting throughout the winter, and transplanted them into
tiny cups of special soil. Finally, when the plants seemed strong enough, it
was spring and time to go into the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My mom was side by side my
dad throughout this whole process. The gardener, my dad, then cut carpet
strips to go between the rows of these precious plants. He said the carpet
helped with the weeds and his knees as he knelt to work around each plant. He
built his own wire cages that would assist the plant as it grew to an
unbelievable height. As my dad went to work, I would look out the window and
there was my mom, the gardener’s wife, down on her knees pulling weeds,
checking for insect damage, and looking for ripe tomatoes to bring to the
table. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As I loaded a box of about
750 door hangers into my car last night, I thought of my sweet parents, “the
gardener and his wife”, and realized that I have become a “gardener’s wife”,
the wife of a church planter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mark told me in April of
2013 that he had finally apologized to the Lord for not acting on the call that
he had been battling with for approximately 10 years. I knew what this meant.
Because of the price that this would cost, I went into denial. I had a perfect
little comfort zone. My husband was employed as a full time worship pastor of a
great church. Our children were all involved in different areas of the church.
My parents and siblings have always lived far from me so this church had become
my family and I knew I would have to walk away. Finally, I, too, apologized to
the Lord as I embraced this calling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Like my dad, we began to
collect “seeds” and prepare them for planting. Thankfully, it was not just the
“gardener and his wife”, but 5 great children along with a fabulous team
gathered and began planting along side of us. After many months of preparing
the seeds, soil, and the garden plot for Infinite Church, we are ready. God has
blessed us with an “upper room” in a “store front” at Creekside in Gahanna,
Ohio. This coming Sunday, August 17, 2014, at 10:00am we will have the Official
Launch of Infinite Church. There are many of you who will not be able to be
with us on this momentous day, but we so need your prayers and the support of
those of you who are able to give at www.ininitechurch.org. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
The Great Commission has now entered a new city and we do not take it lightly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 28:19</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-46308505681400834722014-06-24T16:16:00.002-04:002014-06-24T16:16:53.637-04:00She Lost Her Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-_jfTnOGwg54xnyTIrk_Rw3OQmUXxjTTjSke3wFQfoBKR6WcAryrIrRwHSMf835BHFDxE4guShD_t1l0boDCP0_xfhPR87yFHX9WzCkZQmev4j3sRSenhh-RQrW1SQ0VYG8mdV5Zqr0/s1600/old-lady-with-cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-_jfTnOGwg54xnyTIrk_Rw3OQmUXxjTTjSke3wFQfoBKR6WcAryrIrRwHSMf835BHFDxE4guShD_t1l0boDCP0_xfhPR87yFHX9WzCkZQmev4j3sRSenhh-RQrW1SQ0VYG8mdV5Zqr0/s1600/old-lady-with-cane.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She Lost Her Way<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.carolcondon.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It began
just like any normal Monday; however, it ended unlike any normal Monday. Chase
and I left for his weekly piano lesson. The parking lot was nearly empty
as we waited for his instructor to arrive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
suddenly felt myself being watched. As I turned my head, there was an elderly
lady pressed into my window. I asked her if I could help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just shrugged her shoulders and said she
was looking for her husband. I explained that I had not seen anyone but
I would keep my eyes open.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
elderly hold a special place in my heart. I do not like to see them eat alone, walk alone, look lonely, and I especially do not like it when they
look sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This little lady exemplified
most of these traits. She was holding a little shopping bag and a jacket. I
asked if her husband was in poor health, and if we should alert the authorities.
She said, “no” that he had just "left home" and didn't want to be found.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I began
to suspect that maybe she was suffering from poor health and decided to
keep an eye on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she fell. I called 911. She pulled herself up and continued walking. I
was afraid I would startle her by putting her in my van so I just kept my
distance and followed her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She reached
a building and two men got out of their cars so I hurried to her side. By this
time it was easy to see she had lost her way. I told the gentlemen that I did
not know her but I would stay with her until we could return her home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As we questioned her, her eyes became more and more vacant. She said she
didn’t know her name, where she lived, or any phone numbers. She looked over
and told me that she had brought her most important possessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled out a
rusty mirror, a checkbook that happened to be empty, a folder with 3 pictures, and a greeting card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart
broke. She finally looked at me, put her head into her hands, and said, “I just
don’t remember.” I assured her that it would be ok and we would help her find
her way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">With all
of us working together asking questions, along with the items in the bag, the
authorities were able to gather enough information to locate her address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She indeed was lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had left that morning and had walked for
miles until she ended up at my van. I will never forget
her eyes or watching her walk in circles searching for someone but remembering
no one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I began
to look with new eyes at all the people walking around “lost”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was there anyone helping them? Will someone turn them from walking in circles to walking in His way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we too busy with our own life and our own
walk that we don’t recognize the lost?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">“…in humility value others above yourselves,<b><sup> </sup></b>not
looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Philippians
2:3,4 NIV</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-33461002356804547292014-02-12T21:46:00.000-05:002014-02-12T21:46:58.904-05:00Lessons Learned<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsntvAeCEMGFibhKITmWC7_o0wzWdoe4oOW_yV6hh4Oahq_Z1qrGIJ3CXsKcG4KY9EyK4OkT_3Q47mtIRdNdE2fCAjIq4f1LOvGzZM7abfKrHUU790d0OhdRQsjb14Hh8bsL43GyFjxMk/s1600/653_1081732965857_7170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsntvAeCEMGFibhKITmWC7_o0wzWdoe4oOW_yV6hh4Oahq_Z1qrGIJ3CXsKcG4KY9EyK4OkT_3Q47mtIRdNdE2fCAjIq4f1LOvGzZM7abfKrHUU790d0OhdRQsjb14Hh8bsL43GyFjxMk/s1600/653_1081732965857_7170_n.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lessons Learned</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.carolcondon.com/">www.carolcondon.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Going to
school and being taught the required academic “lessons” is not an optional
choice in our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in many
cases the lessons taught at home have been. I was blessed and privileged to
grow up in a home where lessons taught were not an option. In addition,
learning the lessons was not an option either.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today on
what would have been my Dad’s 92<sup>nd</sup> birthday I dedicate my “Lessons
Learned” to his memory. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My
parents were amazing. There were so many lessons taught in our home. Love was one
of those. My parents loved each other so much. Their love for the six of us
siblings, although very different in personality, was given unconditionally. Then
came the lesson of respect. That was an easy one. However, it was a lesson that
was not optional. In my 22 years of living under their roof I never remember
hearing my Mom or my Dad disrespect each other by having shouting matches laced
with sarcasm and name calling and they provided the same level of respect to
each of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Obedience
was expected at all times and not just when comfortable to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?” was a question that was not welcomed
nor often answered. Faithful church attendance and giving coupled with a Godly
lifestyle were taught by example 24 hours a day. We were taught true patriotism
and that it was a privilege to live in America, the land in which my dad nearly
lost his life defending. Giving was a natural thing to do in both finances and
in acts of service. The “supper table” was a very special place that we all met
at each night and shared our day not our complaints. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never remember a day that my dad just took
off work for the sake of having a day off. A lesson we all learned was proper
work ethics. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Probably
one of the harder lessons for me to learn was Dad’s definition of being on
time. On time for him was 30 minutes early and late was 29 minutes early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See what I mean? I guess that was one lesson
I never quite mastered and it never ceased to frustrate him. Dad never taught
us to sing or to clap our hands. Rhythm and pitch were never one of his strong
points. However, he did teach us to worship!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The last
lesson I learned from Dad was just a couple weeks before he passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at me and asked if I knew that
you could witness to others without ever saying a word. He then went on to
share a story that proved that very “lesson” as a truth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now that
I have lived 5 years without him I ache at no longer being able to sit with him
and learn the many lessons that he still had within him to teach. However, I am
doing my best to follow his lead and pass my “Lessons Learned” down to my
children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy
Birthday, Dad. You are still changing lives as we make the choice to live
“your” lessons learned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-37050489099603403402014-01-26T23:23:00.000-05:002014-01-26T23:24:38.827-05:00Bullying Hurts<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bullying Hurts</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">carolcondon5@aol.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The young
student was trying to fit in but that was not going so well. His mom and dad
were great people but lived very busy lives. He took their busyness as a
failure to fit into their schedule and even wondered if he was wanted or just a
responsibility. Were they committed to him or did they truly love and want him?
He just couldn’t be sure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">His time
in school was even worse. He did not have enough self-esteem to even try to fit
in. Most of his time was spent dodging the hurtful remarks that were hurled in
his direction when the “in” students were present. His daydreams were filled
with hopeful days of when he finally fit in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would those days ever come? He had been called more names than he could
count. The “accidental” occasions where he was tripped and shoved added to his already
painful existence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">When I
heard his story I wanted a chance to go to his parents and paint them a picture
of what their actions or even their lack of actions looked like. I wanted to go
into his school and grab all the students who spent their free time bullying those
who didn’t fit into the acceptable mold and teach them a much-needed lesson. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bullying
hurts and can ultimately change someone forever. Bullying occurs when a person
uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. By
definition this means that weak and defenseless students are not the only
victims. Our homes, places of employment, and sadly our churches have their own
set of bullies. Those holding the authority over others have the opportunity to
intimidate those in a weaker position and this hurts. However, what if
intimidation was put away and was replaced by humility and patience? I am
pretty sure this would be found pleasing in His sight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ephesians
4:2 NLT<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Always be
humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each
other’s faults because of your love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-59137686327095802402014-01-09T15:02:00.000-05:002014-01-09T15:02:53.467-05:00The Silenced Flame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Silenced Flame<br />Carol Condon<br />carolcondon5@aol.com<br /><br />Our calendar was looking like a doodle pad. Each day was scheduled and some days were over scheduled. It would have been nice to have had a "holiday administrator" who would have handed out a detailed schedule each morning. However, since we didn't have one, most days resulted in chaos, but even chaos when it includes family is fun.<br /><br />One thing that I was looking forward to was the Christmas Party at our home. There were tasks that needed done in order to make the evening a success. These tasks included everything from grocery store runs and house cleaning to cooking and giving the dog a bath. Once these were completed and we had made a fire in the fire place and lit the candles we were ready for our guests.<br /><br />It was such a special night. The stories, laughter and singing made the work of the day so worth it. Once everyone had left I began picking up the remnants of the party. I had turned off most of the lights leaving the fireplace and candles lit bringing a soft glow to the room as I reminisced of our successful evening. As I finished cleaning the last dish I went to blow out the candles. I simply placed a lid on each one. I watched as the flame gradually dimmed until it no longer flickered. The realization hit me that the flame was silenced until someone took the time to light again.<br /><br />I began to think of all the people God had trusted to my leadership. Did I ever try to smother their flame? Were they full of ideas that were uncomfortable for me or a little too far out of my comfort zone resulting in me placing a lid on them? Just as a candle will sit and never shine until someone reaches out to light it so will those who have had their flame silenced. What if we began looking for the people who are bent over with the heaviness of life, unfulfilled dreams, hurts of the past, hurts of the present, or the over zealous spirit that has been squashed and we lifted them up with a kind word or deed allowing them to shine again? Do they have the strength within themselves to get back up or are they waiting for you or me? <br /><br />"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad."<br />Proverbs 12:25 KJV</span>Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-10165324039696135252013-12-04T11:32:00.004-05:002013-12-04T11:36:08.796-05:00The Wish List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Wish List<br />Carol Condon<br />www.carolcondon.com<br /><br /><br />The smooth covers were creased, worn, and in some places even torn. Markers of many colors left bold circles throughout the catalog with an initial added claiming each "wish circle" as their own. As the mail carrier arrived each day during the Christmas season the kids eagerly waited to search through the wonderland of every toy company's advertisement of their weekly specials. <br /><br />As parents we have all been guilty of reminding our children that they better be good. Christmas is just around the corner. We have even whispered, "You better watch out you, you better not cry, you better not pout……" They quickly sober and go back to scouring the pictures of treasures that are only a store away. The wish list has grown to quite the length by shopping day. Even "things" containing heart beats have been added. To the shock and amazement of parents there nestled among the toy train and dolly set the shocking wishes of a new puppy and baby sister. <br /><br />Reminders have been given to children all over the world. They go something like this, "Honey, you know we can't get you everything you wish for." "Mommy and Daddy do not own the bank." We have even handed them a blank piece of paper and told them, "Here, you need to start your wish list all over and be a little more reasonable."<br /><br />As Christians we have the "Catalog" of all catalogs. It arrived many, many years ago and the price is still current but has already been paid. In the pages lay so many items just waiting to be circled, initialed and added to the "wish list." <br /><br />There are so many sections. You need comfort? Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." <br />You need strength? Isaiah 40:29 "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." <br />Has grief overtaken you? Isaiah 25:8 "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces." <br />Do you struggle with fear? How about this "item" Isaiah 41:13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." <br />Are your cupboards bare? No worries, Matthew 6:31,32 "Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink: or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Do you feel lost? Easy directions, Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." <br />Need salvation Acts 2:39 " For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." <br />Need joy? He has that in stock! Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is fulness of joy; at they right hand there are pleasure for evermore." Are you lonely? He is there for you. Isaiah 58:9 "Then shalt thou call, and he shall say, Here I am."<br /><br />Why do we live without when He has a full inventory that is paid for and just waiting to be picked up? Take out your marker today and begin circling His promises. Make your wish list. I promise you that He won't be out of stock. There is nothing too expensive and He will never throw your wishes away and tell you to start over. He won't even make you wait until December 25 to open them! </span>Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-66762199369902616472013-11-19T12:04:00.003-05:002013-11-19T12:04:52.754-05:00Spilled Milk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Spilled Milk<br />Carol Condon<br />www.carolcondon.com<br /><br /><br />It was going to be a special morning because I was having a breakfast date with my husband, who happens to be my best friend. Mark meets his mornings by leaping out of bed and greeting his new day with as much noise as possible. I, on the other hand, will ever so slowly peek between my eyelids and then close my eyes being very thankful for a new day. It is safe to say that I ease into my mornings while Mark jumps right in before his eyes are even open. However, getting to spend quality time together was worth leaping into this particular morning.<br /><br />We were seated at one of our local breakfast establishments enjoying being with each other. Our table was next to the kitchen and Mark and I were observing how busy the waitresses were taking, filling and delivering orders to their guests. There was one waitress who rounded the corner when a cup of milk tipped and slashed over her tray onto the floor. She glanced at the spilled milk and kept on going. A few moments later she returned to the kitchen to fill her tray with meals for another table. She glanced back down at the milk on the floor and continued walking by. <br /><br />A family was being led to their table. I noticed they had a little boy who was walking with one of his shoes untied and the laces trailed right through the spilled milk. Since we did not have a cloth to clean it up, we kept an eye on the spill to make sure no one slipped. After a few minutes a different waitress walked by and noticed the spilled milk. She quickly bent over and wiped it up. <br /><br />I got to thinking about all the "spills" we have in life. So many times it is easier to walk on by rather than take the energy to clean it up. A lot of our messes are classified as "not our fault" so we just walk on by assuming that someone else will clean it up. However, our "spilled milk" may be the very thing that those following us walk through and end up stained, or even worse, they slip and fall. We have the ability to either be a support or a stumbling block. What is your choice? <br /><br /><br />I Corinthians 8:9 NLV<br />But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.<br /><br />I Thessalonians 5:11 NLV<br />So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.<br /><br /> </span>Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-34916573671708087552013-10-17T17:39:00.002-04:002013-10-17T17:39:53.559-04:00Born a First<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">As an 8 year old It seemed like forever waiting for the special baby that would officially make me "Aunt Carol." When the call came that my first niece had finally arrived I couldn't wait to get to her. I vividly remember the day my parents drove my younger brother and I to my sister's house. I walked straight to the white, wicker bassinet to see the little piece of creation that would become the first for many.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Tamara was soon shortened to "Tami" as she was affectionately called by most of her family and friends. She was full of life and very little of her antics and accomplishments went unnoticed as she was the firstborn, the first grandchild, and the first niece. Tami proudly bore the title of "first". In fact, I would say she loved being the first. Her only sibling, Chad, was born ten years later. Chad would probably say she had an identity crisis and perceived herself to be more of a mom than a sister to him. All of the cousins that followed her birth were quite aware of Tami and the tabs that she kept on them. Although they were annoyed from time to time at being caught and called out, I have no doubt they felt loved, cherished and knew that Tami had their backs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Tami graduated from high school and left for Indiana Bible College. After becoming a college graduate she came home, fell in love and got married. The night before her wedding she injured her leg which signified the beginning of her journey with the disease of Lupus. This horrific disease left very little of Tami's body untouched. However, it never stopped her song or her smile. She loved to sing and she blessed many with her beautiful voice. Even when her body was so racked with pain, she ministered without complaint.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The doctors delivered the painful news that she would never be able to have children. This rocked her world as she so desperately wanted to become a mom. This did not stop her. She proceeded on to research every way, within their budget, to have a child. Tami and David became licensed foster parents and over time became parents to four precious children. Her song was not silenced, her joy was not extinguished and her dream became reality. She teamed up with Jesus and kept on this journey that seemed so unfair to all of us watching and praying.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">On Sunday morning, three years ago today, I was on the platform of Turnpoint Church leading in worship with our worship team. As I went to my seat, I looked at my phone and my heart began racing as I read the text that Tami needed prayer ASAP. I ran out of the church and began grabbing people to pray with me. I must confess, I went from praying to begging God in a quick hurry. However, within about 15 minutes I received a simple text of just two words, "She's gone." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Tami who was the first in so much had one more 'first" that she brought to us by her death. I honor her today for being the brave young lady that she was. I do not know if I have ever met someone who has lived with more physical and mental pain as my sweet niece, yet I can honestly say that I never heard one complaint. To my knowledge she was never asked to sing that she did not muster the strength to do so. In fact, one of the final services she sang in she physically could not make it onto the platform so a cordless microphone was brought to her and her song went on. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Today, I request your prayers for my sister and her family as well as these four precious children that miss their mama so much. There is no answer to give to the question that continues to haunt them, yet they still believe.</span></div>
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Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-58324646626313414322013-09-03T10:50:00.001-04:002014-01-29T13:06:51.270-05:00A Table for Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Table for Two<br />
Carol Condon<br />
www.carolcondon5@aol.com<br />
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All throughout the year we dream and plan for when our family's calendar reaches the long awaited for days of vacation. The time where we put reality under lock down and unpack for days of relaxation and quality family time as we renew and refresh enabling ourselves to go back equipped to unlock reality and carry on our journey. <br />
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It was toward the middle of our vacation when we stopped in a small southern town for some of their local chicken and biscuits. We carried our trays to the table and bowed our heads for prayer over our meal. As I raised my head I noticed an older gentleman walking to a table carrying a tray that held a single meal. My heart instantly hurt. I just can't stand to see the elderly eating alone. I moaned an,"Ohhhh dear, he's eating alone." When my family turned and saw him they immediately told me to go invite him to our table as we were only five sitting at a table for six. I saw that they truly didn't mind sharing our family time with a stranger so I walked over to the older gentleman and invited him to join us for lunch. He took his hand and laid it on my arm as tears filled his eyes. He thanked me over and over but simply said, "My wife died." No other words. He choose to sit alone and I respected his wishes. I made it back to my seat but my tears turned into a sob and I had to excused myself in order to pull myself together. <br />
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His watering eyes spoke volumes to me. I questioned myself if this was their special spot that they stopped each Sunday afternoon following their morning worship service. Was this table their regular table? Was he reliving all the conversations they shared over their many years together? Were there regrets? Were there unspoken words? As I cleared our table to leave I glanced over to him and he simply smiled.<br />
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I couldn't help but think of how many are sitting alone unnoticed at a table or in only one of the two rocking chairs that occupy their front porch. Even though this gentleman's grief was too new to share with strangers his eyes spoke of his thankfulness at being noticed instead of sitting invisible to others. I repent for all the times I have purposefully turned from those that I could have shown kindness to but didn't really want to have my privacy invaded with strangers that were "most likely" content to sit alone visiting with their memories. We all search for His will in our lives but His will for everyone is to love one another showing them kindness that happens to be free for everyone to give. <br />
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Will you take the time to notice?<br />
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"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another."<br />
Romans 12:10<br />
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<br />Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-54032071512096130732013-08-14T17:35:00.000-04:002014-01-29T13:07:08.587-05:00A Worm in the Mouth<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLrlS7OVJE67YxiU82cKK9U4jlXb_fJGJspnVG_CFulSPn530KlYRvlgYWkUqazhWnPK6iudcNU-HTC2Fuk_0a6BICvnae3x5c-AWzeA9Y3ESLES3rBTXN6xrI3IGTdoEGj_9NnY06yw/s1600/web-Early-Bird-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLrlS7OVJE67YxiU82cKK9U4jlXb_fJGJspnVG_CFulSPn530KlYRvlgYWkUqazhWnPK6iudcNU-HTC2Fuk_0a6BICvnae3x5c-AWzeA9Y3ESLES3rBTXN6xrI3IGTdoEGj_9NnY06yw/s320/web-Early-Bird-06.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a><br />
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A Worm in the Mouth<br />
by Carol Condon<br />
www.carolcondon.com<br />
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It was the beautiful summer weather that drew me outside. I had been enjoying the crisp air conditioned atmosphere in our home, but the sunshine coupled with the warmth it offered was beckoning to me. I had my sunglasses, ice water and iPad all ready for a relaxing afternoon reading session in the peaceful seclusion of our deck. I started reading but the material just wasn't keeping my attention. I set it down and was perfectly content to glance around at the beauty of the Creation that surrounded me. The grass seemed extra green that day and there were flowers in bloom adding just the needed contrast of color along with tomatoes that were hanging onto each plant drinking in the sunshine as they ripened a little each day. The sky was a perfect shade of blue causing the white clouds to shine most brilliantly. The day seemed especially quiet, and time seemed to stand still as I soaked in the beauty that surrounded me. <br />
<br />
It was then I noticed a little robin hopping through our yard. It is not unusual to see a lot of birds this time of year but they are usually flying not hopping. I kept watching as it hopped closer to me. It was then that I saw it had a worm in its mouth and that it was on a mission to feed it's offspring. I began trying to think what it was like to be a bird. How difficult was it to find food in the hardened summer soil? Did they ever try to serve something less than the best so they didn't have to work so hard? The grass was nearly as tall as this determined bird yet it keep hopping toward it's mission to provide nourishment to those that depended on it. <br />
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As I researched further I learned that both the male and female robin care for their young. Each of them take on the responsibility for those in their nests. Even after their young leave they follow them in order to provide food until they are totally capable of providing for themselves. As the female robin prepares for the new eggs that are soon to rest in the nest the male robin keeps an eye closely on their "now on their own" babies.<br />
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Are we as committed as the robin? Many of us have the responsibilities of our own children along with our spiritual offspring. Are we providing the "proper" nourishment for them? Are we going the extra mile to insure that they are receiving the best of care in preparation for flying out on their own? Once on their own are we keeping them in sight just in case they need some guidance with their new found freedom?<br />
<br />
In June I went from 4 children to 5 when our son, Jared married his best friend, Marissa. However, my responsibilities do not begin and end there. God has brought me into the path of so many wonderful people and He has trusted their care to me. I can not afford the luxury of giving up or giving in! No matter how high the grass I must press on. I do realize how exhausting it can be as a caregiver to others, but we must not get weary! Our Father is watching and offering the strength as needed. Rest in Him, He is depending on each one of us. <br />
<br />
Galatians 6:9-10<br />
<br />
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, it we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.<br />
<br />Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-53585030760051222022013-01-30T17:09:00.001-05:002013-01-30T17:25:54.626-05:00The Red Umbrella<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d8oVRn75KCL5X6qcBRZHX7AjpwSgwgQdnbcIJxc0WQ5RzmENxZgk1a81dyt-4i-rrBUI7q07YYlMWUOMv-NoLU1BjeZDRlgJdtpRcxlbS5QkT0P5oB1SMVBp5P7Pb8-TdZf7JpGuKIk/s1600/red_umbrella2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d8oVRn75KCL5X6qcBRZHX7AjpwSgwgQdnbcIJxc0WQ5RzmENxZgk1a81dyt-4i-rrBUI7q07YYlMWUOMv-NoLU1BjeZDRlgJdtpRcxlbS5QkT0P5oB1SMVBp5P7Pb8-TdZf7JpGuKIk/s1600/red_umbrella2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Red Umbrella</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Carol Condon</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">www.carolcondon.com </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I stood in the checkout line waiting my turn, and was
drawn to the little lady in front of me as she waited patiently holding her red
umbrella. She turned to me and said, “My knees hurt.” Moved with compassion I
told her how sorry I was. Her simple statement was then followed by a question,
“Are you driving along Sixth Avenue today?” Sixth Avenue was in the absolute
opposite direction of where I was going. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My day
had started off with a full agenda. Our van had been in the shop and as I
picked it up I was annoyed with how filthy it was. I intended to see it cleaned
right away. However, here stood this little lady with sore knees. I couldn’t
reject her need. My messy van and further agenda would simply have to wait.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Her grin
lit up her face as I told her <span style="font-size: x-small;">as long as </span>she didn’t mind waiting for me I would be
happy to drive her home. I settled
her in the front seat and she began rubbing her hand across the dash telling
me how nice my van was. As she glanced around she just kept telling me how nice
and “brand new” my van looked. My previously voiced frustrations kept echoing
in my ears while this precious little lady was telling me how blessed I was.
She then began telling me her story. Her husband died years earlier, she had
gone through cancer 4 times and now she is having trouble with her knees. <span style="font-size: x-small;">For 32 years s</span>he
has rented a little apartment and has never had a car. My heart
was getting a work over! As I neared her address she asked me to stop. I
couldn’t just drop her off in the middle of the street but she said her alley
was really muddy and she was just going to walk to her apartment. I was so sad
watching her cross the street. I couldn’t let her do that. I turned around and went back for her but
she was gone. She was nowhere to be found. </span></span></div>
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Tears filled my eyes as I began to wonder if the Lord had sent me an angel to
remind me of my need to be thankful. I couldn’t even bring myself to wash my
van. I headed home. Once parked in my driveway I reach for my purse and there
in my passenger seat s<span style="font-size: x-small;">a</span>t her red umbrella. Will I ever find her? Maybe not, but
that red umbrella still sets in my van as a reminder of the day this little
lady appeared in my life and taught me a much needed lesson in being thankful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text1thess-5-18"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you.”</span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1
Thessalonians 5:18</span></span></div>
Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-2465325840588945362012-10-25T12:13:00.001-04:002012-10-25T12:13:58.253-04:00The Hope Chest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Hope Chest</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Carol Condon</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.carolcondon.com/">www.carolcondon.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The hope
chest that once stood empty was now lovingly packed full of memories, dreams,
and hope for the future. For years all types of “favorite things” had been
collected and placed in the chest in expectation for when hope became reality.
Each item had been lovingly folded for that special day when the “hopeful”
items could be retrieved and put into use.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In one
corner so many memories had gathered throughout the years. There were the love
notes scribbled and barely legible with “do you like me? yes or no” along with
yearbooks, the first Barbie, dried flowers from that special occasion, many
cards and letters that held countless memories along with hundreds of
photographs representing years of special moments. As I picked up the pictures
I was quickly taken back in time to relive the events that were bringing on so
many nostalgic feelings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Adjacent
to the stack of memories were the folded hopeful items lovingly placed in
waiting for the future. There was the quilt that Grandmother made along with
vintage clothes that were now heirlooms from generations past. The teacup and
saucer lovingly wrapped to preserve its appearance and future use was stacked
next to the oblong package that was a mystery to me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As the
layers of tightly bound cloth were removed the valuable item was revealed, The
Family Bible. The births and deaths had been entered with a shaky hand. As the
pages were turned toward the Inspired Words I saw that verse after verse had
been underlined with an arrow pointing toward a small note lovingly written in
the margins where interpretations and personal experiences were documented.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This
Priceless Book holds so much hope within its pages. Can you imagine how
enriched our lives would be if we visited this Hope daily with an eagerness to
use each “item” stored there? Our Lord placed His Words throughout the pages to
help us set up our home and family. Tucked within its pages are promises along
with examples to live by. Experiences have been documented to guide us through
similar circumstances that we all find ourselves facing from time to time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This
“Hope Chest” will do us no good if it stays packed away in some corner of our
room. We need to lift the cover and go for a treasure hunt of all the many
hidden goodies that have been placed there so lovingly to enrich our daily
lives. Let us take out His Word daily and rejoice in the hope that He has given
to us all.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="textrom-12-12"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Romans
15:4 (KJV)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="textrom-15-4"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For
whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
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Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-87619777599837531502012-10-03T10:43:00.000-04:002012-10-05T12:01:33.765-04:00Restrictions Apply<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Restrictions Apply</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Carol Condon</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.carolcondon.com/">www.carolcondon.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The
discharge papers were stacking up as I patiently waited for the final dismissal
granting me permission to bring Mark back to our home. The instructions were
being repeated for his prescriptions, level of activity, nutritional diet
guidelines, scheduling of doctor’s visits and so much more. Our minds were
slightly overwhelmed. Just 4 four days earlier life seemed so much more
carefree. Once dismissed we headed home on a mission to become “heart smart.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The
questions kept coming at me. Why Mark? He was always busy, on the go and when
he did have a few minutes he would be biking, running, or walking our
neighborhood. Mark was too young and active for this. However, it had happened
and now there was this invisible sign following him stating, “restrictions
apply.” How much was too much? How much was too little? Where were the answers?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I began
taking his restrictions and started substituting them into our family’s
lifestyle. Vegetable oil replaced olive oil, Mrs. Dash replaced salt, whole-wheat
flour replaced the all-purpose flour and so the substitution process continued
throughout our pantry and refrigerator. We didn’t just claim it as Dad’s/Mark’s
new restrictions but ours as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So many
are willing to accept restrictions leading to a healthier lifestyle. Gym
memberships are purchased. Soda cans are discarded for the water bottle. Stairs
are chosen over the elevator. The menu has grilled instead of fried as the only
available option. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">All this
concentration on the heart brought me to my own spiritual heart and the
restrictions that apply in order for me to live a long and prosperous spiritual
life. I began to think of the substitutions that are needed in order to have a
spiritual healthy lifestyle. Why does it seem that so many heart smart pursuers
of a healthy lifestyle are trying to ignore the restrictions that apply to be
spiritually heart smart?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As a
family we have joined with Mark to conform to this new lifestyle and we eagerly
await his doctor’s appointments to eventually hear the doctor tell us that he
is winning this race on heart disease. It is not a race that we can afford to
give up on. We must continue on each and every day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are
all in a spiritual race. It is one we cannot afford to give up on. We are
waiting for that appointment when we hear Him say that we have fought the fight
and finished our race.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>2
Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text2tim-4-7"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> <span class="text2tim-4-8">And now
the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me
but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-67999961361259562302012-09-19T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-19T09:01:18.688-04:00The Gift of Life <style><!--
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo0VsS4FseGawgkWFQhvsQfb22k2emP_rbXuA9F98htJs7Q2bROQCuWwc2z9UiVFLkQLtXo4UCRKqs1KGjoP5JVM0iwcGL5WRbuHDXIRur119vRqqdM1Tj1G2Do66pYQpMC_RgdQ0Ojg/s1600/Mark&CarolFL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo0VsS4FseGawgkWFQhvsQfb22k2emP_rbXuA9F98htJs7Q2bROQCuWwc2z9UiVFLkQLtXo4UCRKqs1KGjoP5JVM0iwcGL5WRbuHDXIRur119vRqqdM1Tj1G2Do66pYQpMC_RgdQ0Ojg/s1600/Mark&CarolFL.JPG" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Gift of Life</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Carol Condon</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">www.carolcondon.com </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am
sitting next to you watching each of your heartbeats being measured on the
screen. The fragile motion of the rise and fall of each breath you take
is a reminder of how precious life really is. The IV machines hum as clear
drops fall into your bloodstream strengthening you for the day that will soon
dawn. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just 12
hours earlier my life jolted to a stop as I heard the doctor say the dreaded
words, "Your husband has had a heart attack and there are signs of heart
damage." How could this be? Isn't life just like a light
switch? We turn it on for desired light and flip it off when welcoming darkness
just as we lie down to sleep when weary and rise when rested. Isn't life just
that simple? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In a
matter of a crushed heartbeat our life has changed. The schedule that was
finalized is now tentative, our daily lunch dates are on hold, and we are now
just taking life one moment at a time. The precious gift of love that we share
will never again be taken for granted. As I watch you finally drift asleep
after hours of agony, fear, and disappointment, I begin to hear the rumbling
snores of your slumber and it is music to my ears. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I
overheard you today as you spoke with the imaging specialist while pictures of
your heart were being filmed. When a close up of your heart entered the screen
your voice quietly asked, "Does my love for Carol show up on there?"
I believe my own heart skipped a beat. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Life is
a gift and one that is so often taken for granted instead of embraced with a
passion. Thank you, Mark, for loving me, our children, our ministry, our
church, and most of all our Savior who spared your life today. I am forever
grateful. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">II
Corinthians 1:20</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For all
the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by
us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-69315929891657827092012-08-24T15:01:00.000-04:002012-08-24T15:05:48.799-04:00Updated or Outdated<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8u3lSOyG2KhBqoILkstSjm2eu4mNWHYvi2PPyl2uSdwnH5-cT-T2GXBg8Zqpx2PHSwuOP1OrF2bRKwljbT8RjrE_RYq9qebhhf-gZGR0AkyZyQ-lwrQsx_x1alclQuQ2mziUYX1CRvo/s1600/App+update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8u3lSOyG2KhBqoILkstSjm2eu4mNWHYvi2PPyl2uSdwnH5-cT-T2GXBg8Zqpx2PHSwuOP1OrF2bRKwljbT8RjrE_RYq9qebhhf-gZGR0AkyZyQ-lwrQsx_x1alclQuQ2mziUYX1CRvo/s200/App+update.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Updated or Outdated</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Carol Condon</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">www.carolcondon.com</span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It seemed
as if my to do list was growing by the minute. As I remembered something I needed to do, I would write
myself a note so that I could complete one thing before beginning the next. Finally, I was ready to get to my desk
and begin all my computer work. The notice to update my software kept popping
up every time I was deep into a project I was working on. Since I didn’t want to be interrupted I
just clicked on the “remind me later” button and kept right on working. I didn’t want to stop what I was doing,
close out of my programs, update and reboot. I was “too busy” for that.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The need
to update my software was forgotten.
Weeks had gone by and Miquel came up to me and asked me how I like the
updated software. I explained that
it had been a while since I updated but when I saw how pleased she was with the
improvements I went in search of my iPad and clicked on the app store. I was shocked at how many apps were
listed as needing updated. Did I
really ignore that many reminders?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I put in
my password and all the apps began updating. So many improvements were being added. These great additions had already been
paid for all I had to do was take the initiative and time to put them into
action.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our
salvation has already been purchased for each one of us. We just need to daily renew ourselves
in Him. We need to update our life
“app.” We get so busy making life happen that we sit during a sermon when we
plainly see the alert of a needed update but we just mentally click on “remind
me later.” We are too busy doing
“our programs” that we do not want to stop, update and reboot. Our life’s journey would be much
improved if we daily looked for our needed updates and took the time and
initiative to apply them to our lives.
His perfect will awaits us.
Are we renewed enough to recognize it?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="textrom-12-2"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="textrom-12-2"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Romans 12:2</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-53041287763038203422012-07-06T13:17:00.000-04:002012-07-06T13:18:10.659-04:00Their Eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZPpr-81AmrZlmmI3MV5uxsnQhoJrkG_uY-RQBYJQUxn88q4BmIC1DC_J5hW3K7-rPp978MOLX0ga0v3YA45r-KY7h0lkrHx0Zu_-VCOy6wFL3qwkpCEmhxKaAII8ksw_VFgRKqtt4x0/s1600/images-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZPpr-81AmrZlmmI3MV5uxsnQhoJrkG_uY-RQBYJQUxn88q4BmIC1DC_J5hW3K7-rPp978MOLX0ga0v3YA45r-KY7h0lkrHx0Zu_-VCOy6wFL3qwkpCEmhxKaAII8ksw_VFgRKqtt4x0/s1600/images-4.jpg" /></a></div>
<style>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Their Eyes</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Carol Condon</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">www.carolcondon.com</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The news
spread so quickly. The grills were lit. Bags of ice unleashed surrounding the
mounds of bottled water. Tents were erected and tables lined up for the food
that had been lovingly prepared. The stage was built and the portable sound
system was patiently waiting for the music that would soon be broadcasted for
many blocks around. There wasn’t a sign announcing free food. It was not
needed. Soon the aroma of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs was floating up and
down the streets adjacent to the shelter. This coupled with the music pounding
from the speakers began to draw all of those without a home to us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Over 200
hundred people began to line up and take a plate. The heat was not nearly as
noticeable now that the smell of food had overtaken their senses. As the music
filled the air and the food gathered on their plate smiles began to replace the
blank stare that had just moments before occupied their face. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My heart
became heavier by the moment. How could so many hurting people be so close to
us yet so far away? It was as I place sliced tomatoes onto their plates that
the first person looked directly into my eyes and said ever so quietly, “Thank
you so much for doing this.” As my eyes connected with theirs I was startled by
what I saw. Their eyes held so many stories. I kept telling my mind to quit
thinking of what those stories could be, but I was unsuccessful. My heart tore
a little with each glance into their eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The block
party was now in full swing. With their hunger pangs taken care of, the music
began to entertain them and draw them all close to the stage preparing their
hearts for the short message that was given offering them the best treat of the
night, Jesus.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Lives
were forever changed; however, it was not just the hearts of those without a
home, but mine as well. It wasn’t their clothes or their lack of clothes that
stayed with me. It was their eyes and what they spoke to me that stayed with
me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">How often
are we so consumed with our daily “to-dos” that we miss those that are so very
close by? They will forever be with us. Their eyes speak volumes. Are we listening?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="textdeut-15-11"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore
I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to
thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="textdeut-15-11"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Deuteronomy 5:11</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-30865454107863467362012-06-27T16:10:00.000-04:002012-06-27T16:16:11.998-04:00The Expiration Date<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8MRd3fRA7lE0SgWne_JQhdFN52se6mWi2FOjDRhtq9aYBzYQsZPqaOXvS2ZHYvTgU0m2QU3QGT8XSlfy7jI8tIWcytlPk0pjvtiYl3tVoc_53ELIyeTO-e6l-252NoooawD8pM2OnQQ/s1600/images-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8MRd3fRA7lE0SgWne_JQhdFN52se6mWi2FOjDRhtq9aYBzYQsZPqaOXvS2ZHYvTgU0m2QU3QGT8XSlfy7jI8tIWcytlPk0pjvtiYl3tVoc_53ELIyeTO-e6l-252NoooawD8pM2OnQQ/s1600/images-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">The Expiration Date<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Carol Condon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">www.carolcondon.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">It is an
overwhelming task to maintain the inventory of our home. The shopping list is
added to weekly. Although I try very hard, many times I forget to buy a needed
item and accidentally purchase something I already have. The extras are stored
for whenever they will be needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">One day I
found myself in need of a bottle of Italian salad dressing. I knew I had some
stored in the pantry. As I opened it, I noticed a strong, strange odor. I
turned the bottle over and was shocked when I saw the expiration date. How
could I have had this for so long and not used it? I got to thinking of all the
other items in the pantry. How many more were expired? So, I took a few days
and made it my mission to conduct an expiration date inspection. Was I ever
shocked! I had a countertop full of expired items ranging from pain relievers
and vitamins to canned goods and crackers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">My
biggest shock came from an odor that I traced to our basement. We have an
ancient refrigerator that we use to keep our extra cartons of milk and drinks
in. There was a gallon of chocolate milk that one of the boys put in the door
instead of on the center shelf. This gallon of milk sat forgotten. The carton
had been opened and with each slam of the door drops of soured milk escaped
spilling over time and gathering on the floor. My chore turned into quite an
undertaking; however, I was so thankful to rid our home of these expired items.
Many of them looked harmless but were unusable. The medicine bottles were no
longer effective, the milk had curdled, the oil had turned rancid, the crackers
were stale and the canned goods were no longer safe to use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I got to
thinking about life. How many items have been stored away forgotten and expired
in the deep recesses of our lives? Hurt feelings, broken hearts, dashed dreams,
failed relationships coupled with offenses and bitterness over unanswered
prayers take up valuable space way past their expiration date. When was the
last time that you conducted an expiration date inspection? Let’s commit our
ways to Him. In other words,
entrust them to Him. We do not want to lose our effectiveness and become
harmful to those around us. Take inventory today! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="textps-37-5"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Commit thy way unto the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textps-37-5"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="textps-37-5"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Psalm 37:5</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-44371809821092951792012-04-30T11:44:00.001-04:002012-05-03T10:34:18.423-04:00The Yellow Paintbrush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">The Yellow Paintbrush</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I knew if
I didn’t turn around I would be disappointed in myself. I really am not fond of losing time by
back tracking; however, I was only a mile from my home. So, I slipped into the next driveway
and turned around. I ran into the
house, grabbed the forgotten item, and hurried back to my van. Once again I was
heading in the direction that my schedule requested of me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">This
little turn around urged me to drive at a speed that would keep me on
schedule. Therefore, I was shocked
to see a truck behind me in the passing lane going full steam ahead. I became quite concerned because now
the single yellow stripe on the road had become two signaling the restriction
to pass. The hill we were driving
up had started out at a small incline and visibility seemed good; however, now
it was null and this truck was heading into an area unsafe for himself and the
person coming toward him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I was
driving by myself so I had some quiet time to think. I had always thought it was my decision if I chose to
disregard the double lines and I alone would have to pay the consequences. As my eyes were off of myself and onto
someone else I realized that this is not true. My decision to slip outside of the yellow lines would be my
decision but it would not only affect me.
It could affect many.
Authorities have worked for the safety of all concerned to pick up the
yellow paintbrush and give us all a warning due to the conditions of the area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">How often
has God picked up His paintbrush adding a double line to our road signaling us
to stay behind an obstruction even though the horizon seems perfectly clear and
safe to pass? Why would we be
forced to stay behind an obstacle instead of passing it to take us where we
envisioned we “should” be? We ask
Him to order our steps, but do we ask Him to order our stops as well? Our
ambition to be where we think we should be, will not only affect us, but it
will also affect those traveling with us.
As He dips His paintbrush into the yellow paint, He begins to alter our
schedule because He knows the path we take. Trust His guidance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">But he
knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Job 23:10
KJV</span></div>
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<br /></div>Carol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-53978181363405179022012-04-03T11:15:00.003-04:002012-04-03T11:16:54.190-04:00The Lost and Found<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsAsPvJnlT7VqzTnuAglI-Bw4mK55gFulwhirWmsaRZBe_7VpXwiXi313fg1gPyC6EaSMNp2dCt9EZAxXs6k5b1iJUQegJbGT5DIsV4PBpss2KJWAm6LTaLM23CbwcR3CQrUmV76zHSY/s1600/Lost+and+Found.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsAsPvJnlT7VqzTnuAglI-Bw4mK55gFulwhirWmsaRZBe_7VpXwiXi313fg1gPyC6EaSMNp2dCt9EZAxXs6k5b1iJUQegJbGT5DIsV4PBpss2KJWAm6LTaLM23CbwcR3CQrUmV76zHSY/s320/Lost+and+Found.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727193447752465362" /></a><br />Lost and Found<br />Carol Condon<br />www.carolcondon.com<br /><br />All the confusion and chaos may drive some to the brink of insanity but it brings a smile to my heart, which duplicates one to my face as well. When all six of us are together and are out celebrating some quality, family time it is loud, chaotic, and so satisfying. I sincerely love these moments in time.<br /><br />Stories are being told with much passion and each storyteller gets louder and more passionate. Small breaths are taken so that there is not a big enough spot for an interruption by the next one with a story bursting to tell. These special moments are not about what type of restaurant we are at but the celebration is the fact that we are all together. Very seldom are we able to come in the same vehicle. So, following the meal complete mayhem takes place as everyone fights for who is riding with who and the mad dash to insure the front seat of the vehicle they chose.<br /><br />It was following one of these precious outings that I followed my loud and lovely family to the car and headed home. The following day as I attempted to pay for my groceries I realized my credit card was never retrieved from the night before.<br /><br />I made the call to the manager on duty and explained my dilemma. He asked me to meet him with my ID. I was shocked when I saw him bring a huge stack of unclaimed credit cards from the lost and found box. He went on to explain to me the variety of expensive items that he keeps locked in his office in case someone realizes where they lost their “valuables.”<br /><br />I wonder how full the “Lost and Found” box is that our Lord keeps locked up with all the valuable items waiting to be claimed. We are given so many promises, answered prayers, callings, favor, and so much more but in the chaos of our own lives we set them down and they go unclaimed and in many cases are simply forgotten. He has gathered them up and is waiting on us to call Him and claim what is ours.<br /><br />If we will begin a search of all that we lost, He will unlock the Lost and Found box and we will be reunited to our valuables. His gifts are with out repentance, in other words they are there waiting to be claimed. Begin your search today!<br /><br /><br />7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NIVCarol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335518797654575491.post-87723475386944172252012-03-07T14:20:00.002-05:002012-03-07T14:21:24.098-05:00Do You Need Bifocals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIax4AoU13ofjATeCrLvQNjUWgTmdZSyKh7-qf5HYJKsvdbZBS-nYsY198ZhiszOm1uS8WP4hEhXE2n08ne_-5IwuYQ6fvbxsrmB8unjlRJMqiwr92mNDnqh9Zl-dnTYEE7UTMA7jwk4/s1600/6a00e0099631d088330162fd0adcc3970d-800wi-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIax4AoU13ofjATeCrLvQNjUWgTmdZSyKh7-qf5HYJKsvdbZBS-nYsY198ZhiszOm1uS8WP4hEhXE2n08ne_-5IwuYQ6fvbxsrmB8unjlRJMqiwr92mNDnqh9Zl-dnTYEE7UTMA7jwk4/s320/6a00e0099631d088330162fd0adcc3970d-800wi-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717237414307140306" /></a><br />Do You Need Bifocals<br />By Carol Condon<br />carolcondon.blogspot.com<br /><br /><br />Finally the day was winding to an end. My to do list was quite lengthy but with a bit of effort it slowly began to deplete. However, this was short lived as it once again began to grow as more and more things demanded my attention. I was more than ready to bid this day goodnight. <br /><br />When the last dish was put away and the final load of laundry was tucked into the dryer I headed to say my goodnights to the children before crawling into bed myself. I picked up my book to get lost between the pages before settling into a peaceful night’s sleep. In confusion I kept moving my book back and forth looking for the right angle. Mark looked over at me and inquired as to what in the world I was doing. I handed him the book and asked him if he could read it. He looked at it and said, “Of course I can, why can’t you? After all, you are a teacher.” Why was I suddenly unable to read? <br /><br />I had been too busy to read much lately, but why was every thing so blurry now and how did it happen so fast. Mark ineffectively tried to hold back his laughter as he asked, “Carol, do you need bifocals?” Surely not! My eyes were perfect, weren’t they? A quick visit to the eye doctor confirmed this as the doctor said, “Welcome to the 40’s club” in other words bifocal time. <br /><br />Now a simple recipe could not be read and my own signature did not look legible. Everything seemed messed up. To my dismay, I headed to the local department store and purchased my first of many “reading glasses.” Suddenly, the unclear was replaced with clarity.<br /><br />How often have we been caught in our regular activities of ministry and daily life only to find ourselves unable to read what was going on? Nothing seemed clear. Every situation took on a blurry appearance. Do we need “bifocals?” Is it time to schedule that Doctor’s visit to take all of our obscure situations and allow Him to define them for us? In other words, allow Him to prescribe what is needed to be able to see His path and walk in it with clarity and understanding.<br /><br />Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.<br />I Corinthians 13:12 NIVCarol Condonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752660600265825229noreply@blogger.com2