tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77307834491844893932024-03-13T04:26:46.322-05:00Becoming PaigePaige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-49419464241820504182016-12-16T14:52:00.000-06:002016-12-16T14:52:47.603-06:0016 Things I Learned in 2016My sister Leslie mentioned to me recently on our podcast, <a href="http://thein-between.com/">The In-Between</a>, that she was trying to take the end of this year to really reflect on what she learned in 2016 and to remember the goodness of God throughout that process. So she got me thinking, and over the last couple of weeks I've been jotting down the lessons that I learned this year. I came up with 16 because of course I did...it's 2016!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Ask for what is actually in your heart.</span></b><br />
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I feel like this was the lesson that God kept reminding me of over and over throughout 2016. I realized that I often preach to people to dream big and to believe big, but when it came to my own prayer life I definitely kept things to a more minimal level. I tend to pray for others (my girls, Josh, my job, etc.), but one day I was walking and thinking about some ideas I had for myself when I heard the Lord whisper, "What do you want?" I immediately knew what I wanted, but the prospect of actually asking for those things felt daunting. I felt selfish, prideful, and began to wonder if what was in my heart might be too much. That walk was a turning point for something inside of me this past year, because with each step taken I dealt with some wrong beliefs that I didn't even realize I was holding. It was a walk where God unveiled my fear of asking for big things, and it was a walk where the ask turned to surrender and surrender turned to hope. It's been a year of realizing that much of what is in my heart comes from Him and therefore it's not prideful or selfish but rather visionary and powerful. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Parenting strong-willed kids only gets easier if I remain consistent.</span></b><br />
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For some reason I had hopes that when my little one went from three to four, we would magically experience a transformation in our strong-willed child. And guess what?! That didn't happen. So we have been regrouping, trying to become more consistent in our parenting, discipline, and rewards, and slowly we are seeing changes. Thank you Jesus!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Buckingham Palace is as regal as I imagined.</span></b><br />
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Buckingham Palace was open to visitors when I was there this summer, and I literally gasped as I walked down the red carpeted stairs into the great ballroom. It was magnificent and solidified my love for the royals.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. I should not be the navigator when my husband is driving on the opposite side of the road.</span></b><br />
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Speaking of England...we learned that a great way to bring out marital strife is for my husband to drive on the "wrong side" of the road while I tried to navigate our group through skinny, winding roads on the English country-side. I finally turned my duties over to someone else on the team and peace was restored. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Doing hard things is always worth it!</span></b><br />
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I've done some hard things this year, and in the process I almost always wanted to give up, but when those things were complete, I was reminded that the best things are always hard but always worth it.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. Having a nephew is pretty awesome.</span></b><br />
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This little guy is my first nephew to live in the same city as me...and I'm smitten.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7. Starting a podcast is fun, but also some work.</span></b><br />
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I started a podcast called <a href="http://www.thein-between.com/">The In-Between</a> with my sister Leslie, and I am absolutely loving it! I feel like every story matters, and I love creating a place to share the stories of some of my favorite people! We are learning much and have plans to continue to improve, but the journey has been a favorite for me in 2016.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">8. Sometimes the best way to meet a need is to help others connect.</span></b><br />
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For years, when someone came to me with a need I felt a pressure to find a solution or to meet that need myself, which inevitably caused me to feel overwhelmed and want to hide when I saw another person coming my way. But this last year I've tried to help foster relationships between people. I've learned to become a connector, so when I hear about a need, especially when I know I don't have the skill set to meet that need, I try to connect people with others. A few times those connections have flopped, but on other occasions simple introductions have turned into true friendships or working relationships. And I don't have another to-do on my list!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">9. You don't have to finish bad books.</span></b><br />
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I've stopped reading a lot of books this year, which is has given me more time to finish books that I've loved (like these two).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">10. Watching those you love hurt is hard, and often the best thing you can do is show up for them.</span></b><br />
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2016 was hard for a lot of people that I love. A divorce, an unexpected death, and illness have been present in our family and in the lives of friends that I love this past year. And probably the only helpful thing I did, that I learned from my parents, was I tried to show up - to sit, to listen, and to be present in the pain.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">11. Never underestimate the power of a Blood Orange San Pellegrino on a hot day or a Vanilla Latte on a cold day.</span></b><br />
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This was the year of drink flings for me. And I'm expecting this love affair to continue into 2017.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">12. Making space for people to find rest and fun is ministry.</span></b><br />
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Probably one of the best decisions I've made in recent years was to quit our annual missions conference and instead make space for the missionaries we partner with to find rest, friendship and laughter. This was hard because in many ways, Christian church culture told me that a big conference was the definition of success. But after a few days in the mountains with true heroes of the faith, I realized it was definitely the right choice. And as a result, I'm rethinking all sorts of methods of ministry and asking myself what do people actually need.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>13. Having my mother-in-law in the same city as our family is better than I could have imagined.</b></span><br />
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Josh's mom moved to our home town this past spring, and Lubbock loves Marcy! <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">14. When you know who you are and what lane you are called to run in, you can genuinely rejoice with others as they succeed.</span></b><br />
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Many people in my life saw success and positive steps in the direction of their dreams this year (Leslie and Alan moving the Nashville, Heath and Kelsey getting ready to launch a new campus of COTR, my husband slaying at his job). And as I've been reflecting, I had an ah ha! moment where I realized that I've genuinely been able to rejoice in their success because of an internal security that I'm right where I need to be. In years past, I've known that my rejoicing has only been half-hearted at times because I felt like if I wasn't connect to their success that I was somehow left out. I'm not feeling that anymore, and it's such a relief! So go on with your bad selves friends, and know I'll stay over here cheering loudly for you!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">15. Hiring a friend to a be a princess at your child's birthday party may just win you the mom of the year award!</span></b><br />
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As far as Haven is concerned, the REAL Elsa showed up at her 4th birthday party in our backyard, and it was the BEST DAY EVER!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">16. I will always love some good pop culture, and my favorites this year were Carpool Karaoke, The Bachelorette, and binging the new Gilmore Girls.</span></b><br />
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Whether big or small, what lessons have you learned in 2016? I encourage you to consider this question over the next couple weeks and watch how it makes you thankful and more focused on what is possible for 2017!Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-16327501261891702702016-09-25T10:38:00.000-05:002016-09-25T10:38:27.012-05:005 Reasons I Always Fall for the Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Can you feel it? The air is a bit crisper, people are singing the praises of pumpkin spice everything, and my kids are back in school (hallelujah)! Must mean fall is here or almost here, and just today I was rekindling my love affair with Fall.<br />
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If you're unsure about fully embracing this best of seasons, I thought I'd share with you 5 reasons why it wins my heart every year. I'm trying to make converts here today.<br />
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<b>1. Cozy Everything</b><br />
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Could Fall be any cozier? With the onset of cooler weather, I feel like Fall beckons us to come inside, pull up a blanket, get a hot drink, and snuggle up for ultimate coziness. And I'm pretty sure that I'm not alone in this love. I heard today that Lubbock Starbucks were literally out of Pumpkin Spice Lattes. People were ranting about it on social media - it was serious!!! They are bringing in a special shipment so peace should resume shortly. And at our last community group, we devoted an entire 10 minutes just to discussing the best places to get special fall drinks.<br />
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And the smells...ahh! Breathe it in my friends - fall smells are the best! I'm burning a Pumpkin Cheesecake candle as I type this. I wouldn't eat a piece of pumpkin cheesecake, but I will most definitely let it's fragrance into my home. It's glorious!<br />
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<b>2. Missions Launch</b><br />
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Every October for the last 9 years, I have worked to put on a Missions Conference, Banquet and announce short-term trips for the following year. I love it! It's a season when I get to dream, work on projects that have my heart, and connect with friends from around the globe. And want to know the absolute best part? It's when people have light-bulb moments about God's heart for the nations.<br />
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When ordinary people begin to see that missions is so much more than trips, sad commercials, or memories of begging God as a kid to please not send them to Africa. When people begin to see that their prayers make a difference...when they make a connection with missionaries or national leaders in a real way...when they or we...become sacrificial in our giving, our prayer life, and our time - it's what changes things. And it makes me love the fall.<br />
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<b>3. Fall Fashion</b><br />
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Jeans. Sweaters. Booties. Need I say more? Here is what I'm loving right now in fall fashion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswS2GQ2EXB93yyPyC2iClw8kw4HgfCd7MDmfuX6VNJC2iCKTdUDhStwnGwp0e4Jl0dCQMV19SNh0-JbeAP0RnGsZWn29m4MiB-kAI8U6suzYQYT9IINOXUknsAXY49fvXS_fyZk57o4k/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswS2GQ2EXB93yyPyC2iClw8kw4HgfCd7MDmfuX6VNJC2iCKTdUDhStwnGwp0e4Jl0dCQMV19SNh0-JbeAP0RnGsZWn29m4MiB-kAI8U6suzYQYT9IINOXUknsAXY49fvXS_fyZk57o4k/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm loving the booties trend right now, and I just purchased some leopard ones from Nordstrom Rack. They don't look exactly like these, but they are close. My mama has always told me that leopard counts as a neutral so they go with anything!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBQTua_Jys5u1M5lKue56kRhU1lOxqXUuNY7C-5WiRcS0gTet1XWgYxOq7zfPrQf2xj9YdCwUpt8TQUA4T86MiIAADAuveRPpyJRoAWU3K-WxOGpPyB31_BsQDa9sr299E4QT8i76w58/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBQTua_Jys5u1M5lKue56kRhU1lOxqXUuNY7C-5WiRcS0gTet1XWgYxOq7zfPrQf2xj9YdCwUpt8TQUA4T86MiIAADAuveRPpyJRoAWU3K-WxOGpPyB31_BsQDa9sr299E4QT8i76w58/s320/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I bought a floral bomber jacket from Zara when we were in London and I just LOVE it! It might be too much for some people, but I have already worn it once and can't wait for it to get a bit cooler so it can become one of my fall staples! This one here is from H&M - adorable!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I feel like graphic tees are a little overdone, and yet I want to wear one everyday! And this one right here from jane.com sums up my life. I'm going to buy this right now.</span></td></tr>
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<b>4. Fresh Starts</b><br />
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I still think about time in terms of school semesters, and so in my mind, the fall is the beginning of a new season. The leaves may be slowing fading and falling, but it still feels like the start of new beginnings and opportunity! So much so, that I've literally started 2 new groups and a new project all in the month of September.<br />
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I attended a conference this summer. God clearly told me to go, and so I boarded the plane alone headed to North Carolina where I'd be surrounded by 700 women whom I had never met, but who I hoped would be a little like me. I was super nervous to step out, and yet I went with so much expectancy in my spirit. I knew God had sometime waiting for me there. Within a couple of hours, I started having some amazing conversations with inspiring yet humble women. <br />
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I've been in groups before with women who love Jesus, but something felt different this time. These women loved Jesus, but they were also running hard - after Him and after the dreams He placed in their hearts. As I talked to women with bright eyes and contagious laughter, I found myself sharing my own dreams. And these women, they listened, spoke life, and cheered me on in such a profound way that I left that place feeling like I could do the hard things that were hidden deep inside.<br />
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As I boarded the plane back to Lubbock, I started to ask God about the take aways from this time, and He told me to create a similar tribe of women back home. So I'm working on that. I invited 7 women who inspire me to lunch and told them about my experience. I've often heard it said that if we have a need, we should try meeting that need in someone else. And what better time to start than the fall!<br />
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OH! And, I'm also working on another project that I'll be launching with this one (my sister, Leslie) in October. It's still secret, but I think you will like it!<br />
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<b>5. Pumpkins</b><br />
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Finally, I love the fall, because pumpkins are so quirky and beautiful! The girls and I purchased quite a few yesterday, and had so much fun placing them around the house. They also painted masterpieces (Selah's words) on pumpkins and will be displaying them in their rooms.<br />
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Happy Fall Y'all! Why do you love this season?Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-91592428130251282722016-07-19T21:13:00.002-05:002016-07-19T21:13:40.029-05:00Love Is...MoreI had the privilege of sharing this past Sunday at Church on the Rock here in Lubbock as part of a series entitled "Love Is..."<br />
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We planned this series a few months back, and I actually wrote this sermon over a month ago, which is why it felt like a promise from the Holy Spirit that He is not surprised by where our world is today. In the last two weeks especially, I have been more aware of the hurt and anger and tough questions we are facing in our world, and when everything else fails, the one answer the shines bright is love.<br />
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So, if you have a few minutes, I invite you to watch or listen to this sermon (click below). And I pray that as you do, you receive His truth: Love is More.<br />
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<a href="http://admin.mediafusionapp.com/mediaFusion/player.php?wmode=transparent">More</a>: More,<br />
Pastor Paige Allen Church on the RockPaige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-49974932041032826652016-03-31T14:27:00.001-05:002016-04-07T07:21:24.654-05:00When Love Looks Like Lillies<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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The first time Josh bought me flowers we were still in college and in the infamous geting to know you stage. We had been dating for a couple of months when I got a phone call in my dorm room that a delivery was waiting for me at the front desk. I had never before had a delivery so my curiousity was piqued, and I remember grinning from ear to ear when I saw a small but beautiful floral arrangment of lillies. <br />
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I love flowers. Something about their beauty mixed with the fact that they are both fragile and alive at the same time speaks to me about a God who is creative and caring. Flowers are unique and add color to the world. I also like getting flowers from a boy. And at this point in my life, receiving flowers from a boy other than my father had probably only happened a handful of times. So I was elated!</div>
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As I walked down the hallway of my dorm giddy with excitement, I became the center of attention. It was a mixture of joy and concealed jealousy - afterall, we are talking about a floor full of college age girls who all wished they would get a call from the front desk that a delivery is waiting for them.</div>
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As I got to my room, I immediately called Josh and absolutely swooned over the lillies that I had just received. I told him they were gorgeous, smelled divine, and that I loved his creaitivity. Most college boys would get roses or carnations, but he had really thought about it and gotten a flower that was unique! He was quite proud of himself, no doubt, and as we were both poor college students, I knew that this a big splurge for him.</div>
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I hung up the phone, bent down to smell those divine lillies and breathed in all of the lilly goodness. What followed was a litany of sneezes and the startling realization that I am allergic to lillies.</div>
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I am allergic to lillies!</div>
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Within 30 minutes my eyes were red and watering, I continued to sneeze at an impressive rate of consistency, and friends started to stop by to see just what was happening in my room. It was decided that the lillies would have to live in my friend Wendy's room across the hall, and that I could only visit the lillies from a distance.</div>
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Of course I refrained from telling Josh any of this, but continued to nurture our new relationship with flattery and the occasional stretching of the truth. I LOVED the lillies I told him! They are continuing to bloom! You are such a thoughtful boyfriend (afterall, I wanted the arrival of flowers to continue as this relationship progressed).</div>
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Now my Josh has one trait that I know well after 15 years of marriage. If he finds a proven formula that makes me happy, he will not veer from it. And so the next time that he sent me flowers (a few months later) - guess what appeared at my door? LILLIES!</div>
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Again...he sent me lillies.</div>
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Did I say anything about the fact that I would now be miserable for the next week? Nope! Because I didn't want to come across as a liar that first time. So instead I did what most women would do, I tried to send other subliminal messages. I said things like, "You know how much I love these lillies, right?! And you know what else I love? ALL flowers. I love tulips and roses and hydrageas and peonies. I just love ALL flowers!" And guess what Josh heard? "I love these lillies."</div>
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Because the next time he sent flowers...he sent lillies.</div>
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He said something about it being "our special flower" and that for the rest of our days he would send me lillies just so I'd know he was thinking of me. Although I smiled bright, inside I was cursing! For the rest of our days?! Are you kidding me? Have you ever omitted something or stretched the truth "for the greater good" only to watch as your plans unravel? I didn't want to hurt his feelings or for him to think I didn't love the gesture!</div>
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But after the 4th delivery of lillies I decided to bite the bullet. I told him I had a confession, and I think he braced himself for something truly aweful, and then I told him - I'm allergic to lillies.</div>
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To this day, I've never received another lilly until yesterday.</div>
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I walked into my office yesterday and was taken aback at the most delightful spring bouquet sitting on my desk. It had pink snap dragons and purple spider mums...and yellow lillies. Lillies?! I glanced down at the note he left via yellow sticky notes and smiled as I read these words...</div>
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I was doubtful that one could remove pollen, but 24 hours later I'm happy to report that I'm clear eyed and sneeze free, and I'm enjoying these beautiful flowers that were hand picked by this boy that I love and our small Haven Joy.</div>
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And I started thinking this morning that love isn't always butterflies and special delieveries. Most often, love is yellow sticky notes and simple gestures that say I love you "just because." Love that lasts is honest even when you just want to protect the other person's heart. It is faithful in the big and small, and it is putting in the work of love - going farther than is necessary...like removing pollen from lillies so you can remember the joy of the past while enjoying the beauty of today.</div>
Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-50975274069026645272016-03-22T09:42:00.001-05:002016-03-22T09:50:22.574-05:003 Simple Acts for When the World Feels Scary<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjf4zoViillomgJ2dcFzgwDSnYa4TSinodEswpbVKPOKXxSLTV-pedWNH8PvujQoJYoAuODQ80Vrv1i_fStogw_X3Wxyp42nmNPCutF9phwnbSsbeNtsNROHOpjQPyh8UsqRG5HhyphenhyphenWEs/s640/blogger-image-1299609781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjf4zoViillomgJ2dcFzgwDSnYa4TSinodEswpbVKPOKXxSLTV-pedWNH8PvujQoJYoAuODQ80Vrv1i_fStogw_X3Wxyp42nmNPCutF9phwnbSsbeNtsNROHOpjQPyh8UsqRG5HhyphenhyphenWEs/s640/blogger-image-1299609781.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>I shuffled into the kitchen this morning rubbing my eyes and mumbling to myself about how I really should get out of bed earlier. I grabbed a mug and stumbled to my Keurig as Josh said, "Did you hear about the terrorist attack?" It only half registered as I said, "No - where?" Brussels. <div><br></div><div>Brussels. Belgium.</div><div><br></div><div>It started to sink in a bit more. I've been to Brussels. I've walked through it's beautiful streets and I've eaten true Belgian waffles from a street vendor. I got a tour from friends Peter and Laura and ate frites (french fries) with mayo in order to truly experience the culture. I've taught leaders - amazing Belgian leaders, and I know this place.</div><div><br></div><div>Then another wave of realization hit me. Drew - my co-worker's husband is spending the night at Brussels airport hotel because he has a flight in the morning. Dawn and I were just talking about it yesterday... Where were the bombs? The airport? I jumped on facebook because I know that's the fastest place to find news about friends, and thankfully Drew, Peter, and Laura had all checked in already that they were safe.</div><div><br></div><div>And yet...others will not get to check in.</div><div><br></div><div>My heart hurts for Belgium. It is angry at the evil in this world. It has so many questions.</div><div><br></div><div>And my first inclination is to let fear rise up. </div><div><br></div><div>I open my Bible to my daily reading: Isaiah 26 and find these words</div><div><i>You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>And I am reminded that in moments like these we must keep a sound mind. We are to focus on the good God we serve. To pray for the nation of Belgium, to ask the Lord to bear our own fears and burdens, and in all the emotions we feel to bring them to the only One who can keep us in His peace.</div><div><br></div><div>Evil would love nothing more than for people of His peace to be consumed with fear. So I listen to His reminder: Fear Not! Make a choice to expel fear with a reminder of His love. Even when it makes no sense, His love is still real and stronger than any evil in this world.</div><div><br></div><div>And bring peace - kindness and goodness - to your world today. It may look like a kind smile in the store or helping your neighbor rake leaves. It may be doing a Starbucks run for everyone in the office or playing one extra game with your kids tonight. What one thing can you do to remind yourself that God is still at work in the earth?</div><div><br></div><div>So today, I'm reminding myself to simply do 3 things: </div><div>Pray</div><div>Fear Not</div><div>Bring Peace</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-49361519131983209372016-03-08T10:42:00.000-06:002016-03-08T10:42:12.874-06:00When Your List Looms Long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I stood in my closet for a solid 2 minutes this morning making my list for the day and contemplating just how in the world I would ever accomplish even half of what I just wrote especially since I have a sick kiddo at home. I literally just stared at this list for a while, and even though I made the list in pink marker in hopes it would make me feel better...I felt more stress than joy about what today would hold. A sampling of the list included:<br />
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Grocery Store (when we are out of goldfish and fruit snacks I know it's time)<br />
Sunday sermon prep<br />
Purchasing furniture for the husband's new office<br />
Work Emails that continue to ding on the phone although it's my "day off"<br />
Prep for our community group tomorrow night<br />
Get Hair Appointment<br />
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I'm sure your list looks different than mine, but knowing people (especially women) today, I'm certain that you have your own list...and you're actually probably chuckling to yourself thinking that my list looks like child's play compared to your own. Right?! We have LOTS to do! So many things pulling at our time and some days I'm tempted to crawl back into bed and just ignore the looming words on the list.<br />
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So what do we do? When the list is a mile long and the day seems like mere minutes? How do we keep our joy...our SANITY?! I'm not an expert, but here's what's saving my life in this area:<br />
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<b>1. Allow God to Be the Plate</b> - If you are like me, you've likely often said, "I've got so much on my plate!" God convicted me years ago that when I got too busy that I in essence made Him a side course on my overflowing plate, when in fact He wants to be the plate! He wants to be in every moment of my days. Of course He'll be involved as I do some sermon prep today, but He's not relegated to just those things that I deem sacred - He also wants to give me wisdom as I choose furniture or talk to my neighbors. It's more of a mindset than anything, but so long as I keep Him as the plate, I find much more balance and peace in my days.<br />
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<b>2. Choose the Important Over the Urgent</b> - I'm always tempted to choose the item on my list that is screaming at me the loudest, but I'm learning that usually the items that are the loudest are not necessarily what's the most important. I also tend to procrastinate on the things I know God is directing me to do but scare me. I've put off projects and dreams so I could cater to small urgent matters, and I'm more determined than ever to make the most of my days. So what is it that is that thing that is quiet but that you know needs to be done today? Go ahead and move it up on the list - you'll thank me later.<br />
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<b>3. Take Care of You</b> - One thing on my list today that I haven't mentioned is that I made an appointment 2 weeks ago for a massage today. It's a gift to myself after doing quite a bit of manual labor this last week, and as I made my list this morning I picked up the phone to cancel the massage. I mean really? I just don't have time for something so frivolous! But then I stopped and realized that if I'm healthy I will be more equipped to tackle what is in front of me. Now most days, I don't have anything nearly as luxurious as a massage, but I DO take time for myself everyday. It usually comes in the form of coffee and a good book or sitting outside for 30 minutes to enjoy the sunshine. And taking care of myself takes time, but it's always a deposit and gives me the strength to continue pressing forward.<br />
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I could list a few more thoughts, but these 3 things are definitely helping me to maintain my sanity when the list looms long. What about you? What is saving your life as you stare down your lists?<br />
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<br />Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-8449664222193862932016-02-26T07:00:00.000-06:002016-02-26T07:00:09.082-06:00Paige's Picks and Weekend LinksThought I'd share a few recommendations to get you through this final weekend of February! If you are looking for a good read I cannot recommend this book fast enough: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Hollow-Chasing-Desire-Finding-ebook/dp/B00QMSCJQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1456239892&sr=1-1&keywords=wild+in+the+hollow">Wild in the Hollow</a> </i>by Amber C. Haines! Her writing is very poetic (it honestly took me a couple of chapters to get into the rhythm of it), but once I adjusted I was swept away. Her story is so different from my own and yet so often I felt like she was writing my own journey.<br />
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Speaking of reading, I'm currently devouring 4 books (so happy my love for reading has returned), and my go-to blog for all things books related is <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/">The Modern Mrs. Darcy</a>. Please go read her blog and if you read via kindle sign up for her Kindle sale recommendations that she emails to you each day. I've gotten great deals on books like Scary Close by Donald Miller, Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman, and Liane Moriarty novels all because I get her daily email that let's me know when great books are having a Kindle sale!<br />
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And speaking of blog love, I need all of my Bachelor fans to go read <a href="http://pinteresttoldmeto.blogspot.com/">Pinterest Told Me To Blog</a>. Her weekly Bachelor updates keep me laughing and I also love her fashion advice & clothing specials. Trust me, this may be a new favorite blog for you! Oh, and yes, I love Jesus and watch The Bachelor.<br />
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My other favorites lately include Amanda Cook's album <b><i>Brave New World</i></b>. It's basically on repeat in my house right now. Do yourself a favor and listen to it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTLxXF2oy2CFUR6cGE116bfm_lgMACpdscucGctQjYWmaJfLlEvwbxKxUvnPWdVm0QDUcYAzluq44GsrM1cJDxXPL4WjZzWOGAE3nJeDBf3nqrUfrCIrP-4FD9bD1wEgbGkV4e_ldE0c/s1600/amanda-cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTLxXF2oy2CFUR6cGE116bfm_lgMACpdscucGctQjYWmaJfLlEvwbxKxUvnPWdVm0QDUcYAzluq44GsrM1cJDxXPL4WjZzWOGAE3nJeDBf3nqrUfrCIrP-4FD9bD1wEgbGkV4e_ldE0c/s400/amanda-cook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm also trying to cook through the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SRUZRNU/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1">Pioneer Woman's new cookbook</a>. It's going slowly, but I'm enjoying the process and it's giving me some guidance when I just don't know what to cook. My family is big on breakfast for dinner, and we LOVED this recipe for <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/veggie-scramble/">Veggie Scramble</a>.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Last but not least, did you hear that Noonday Collection just launched their new spring jewelry line? I'm a big Noonday fan (Fashion plus empowering artisans worldwide is the winning combo for this girl), and I was invited to a special preview of the line - and oh my goodness! Such gorgeous and beautiful pieces. Currently, I basically wear these <a href="http://www.noondaycollection.com/Pws/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Metallic-Pearls-Earrings,2058,397.aspx">Metallic Pearl Earrings</a> all day every day! They go with just about everything! And I have on my wish list the new <a href="http://www.noondaycollection.com/Pws/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Cityscape-Necklace,2600,395.aspx">Cityscape Necklace</a>!<br />
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<br />
All right! That's my round up for this week. What is catching your eye this week? Or what would you like to know for next week?Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-2263333009736239662016-02-24T07:00:00.000-06:002016-02-24T07:00:00.725-06:00The Mean Girl Voice In Your Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
So last week, Haven had to wear pink on Wednesday to her school and all I could think about was Mean Girls...and specifically this scene:<br />
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And so this got me thinking about mean girl voices, and especially the mean girl voice that sometimes resides in my head. You know the one: the one that says to fit in you should be something completely different than who you really are. It's the one who reminds you of your awkwardness and who silences your voice ("Gretchen, stop trying to make Fetch happen. It's not going to happen!").<br />
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I sat in a meeting this past week and throughout it's duration I had an inner dialogue with my mean girl voice. I had ideas to offer but with each idea that popped into my mind, I could hear the mean girl pipe in with all the reasons why my opinion was not valid or stupid. And at one point I realized that I literally had not offered a single opinion in the discussion when I was invited to that table because my opinions matter!<br />
<br />
I'm still working on silencing the mean girl in my head, but I'm starting to discover that the only antidote is the love of God. On the mornings when I've actually spent a little time receiving His love I am more confident that I belong at the table. I'm more confident that the ideas and opinions that I have are of Him. I can tell the mean girl to go sit at a different table and I can actually let MY voice be heard.<br />
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Look at what Paul has to say about this in Romans:<br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Romans 8:31-39</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">The Message (MSG)</span></i></span></h1>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Rom-8-31-Rom-8-39" id="en-MSG-12056" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31-39 </span>So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? <b>And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen?</b> Who would dare even to point a finger? <b>The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us.</b> Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:</i></span></div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<i><span class="text Rom-8-31-Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Rom-8-31-Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.</span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Rom-8-31-Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><b>None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. </b>I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">nothing</span> can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.</i></span></div>
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Did you get that? Our mean girl voice (which is really the voice of the enemy) does not stand a chance when Christ is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us! <br />
<br />
Let that sink in for a second. <br />
<br />
Jesus has your back and it is His desire that the mean girl voice does not faze us. Why? Because of His love.<br />
<br />
It's time friends that we let our voices be heard. You have brilliant ideas. You have opinions. You have wisdom and passion and tables that you are invited to sit at. Most importantly, you can hear the voice of God. <b><i>Please don't let the shouts of the mean girl get more air time in your mind than the whispers of the Father.</i></b> Believe that He loves you. Trust that He is fighting for you.<br />
<br />
And it IS Wednesday...so wear pink or black or whatever you want with the knowledge that you are loved and there is nothing that can separate you from His love!Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-39284592328873532832016-02-22T07:00:00.000-06:002016-02-22T07:00:03.181-06:00To Wait or Not To Wait - 60 ++ Seconds with PaigeSo my 60+ seconds is more like 480 seconds this week (sorry about that), but I want to tell you a story and a simple lesson that guides my life when it comes to the issue of waiting.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/156034178" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/156034178">Waiting 60 Seconds</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user34551302">Paige Allen</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-12582012135084579842016-02-18T07:15:00.000-06:002016-02-18T07:15:06.709-06:00Abide: 60+ Seconds with PaigeUMMM...How much do you love this freeze frame?! If only I knew more about technology I'd make myself look better. So my gift to you today is this ridiculous freeze frame & also a few thoughts about Abiding.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/155046999" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/155046999">Abide</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user34551302">Paige Allen</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-88626135790915535772016-02-16T09:05:00.001-06:002016-02-16T09:07:34.862-06:00For When You Pictured Your Life Differently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKD3YGPp382qtRy6-qZkFDr8V0kiF6i-x8ETOOKtLdSTBulmw6T6-D74t9KVamDsQPPRlj0og8qpqtCjLAiYobCKeJWi4MfGDm5Gq_yaybjvEUYoVd2IgxjGYdEsLOAD7GxoO8A5UzI_A/s1600/IMG_7333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKD3YGPp382qtRy6-qZkFDr8V0kiF6i-x8ETOOKtLdSTBulmw6T6-D74t9KVamDsQPPRlj0og8qpqtCjLAiYobCKeJWi4MfGDm5Gq_yaybjvEUYoVd2IgxjGYdEsLOAD7GxoO8A5UzI_A/s400/IMG_7333.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the aspects of living in Lubbock that most irks me is
our dust storms that seemingly come from no where.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of weeks ago we were greeted with
one of these once again, and as I walked from my car to the coffee shop to meet
my friend I found myself squinting and keeping my mouth shut so as not to get
grit in my teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy to say I’ve
learned over the years to stay away from lip gloss when a dust storm is
looming…but I digress.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I tried to tame my hair upon entering the coffee shop I
was simultaneously searching the room for my friend whom I hadn’t really seen
in a couple of months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She used to be
one of my college girls when Josh and I led that minstry, and I have a deep
place in my heart for her – for all of those girls really – who are no longer
girls but beautiful women in their late 20’s and early 30’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found her sitting in the corner with her trade mark smirk
& I was genuinely delighted to see her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the 10 years that we’ve been friends she has seen heartache, joy,
adventure, and uncertainty but I’m so proud of her – her tenacity to face
adversity, her courage to pick herself up when she’s fallen, and her faith to
continue to trust Him when the waves have crashed with intensity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As she shared with me the latest portion of her journey she
started to apologize for her life…her appearance…and her lack of “having it all
togeher.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point with tears in her
eyes she said these words to me, “I thought after ten years I wouldn’t still be
a mess.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t we all feel that way sometimes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like we should be more by now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More mature, more loving, more together, just
MORE?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew exactly what she meant
because although I’ve learned to stay away from comparing myself to others
(most of the time), I’m often guilty of comparing my current life to the life I
imagine I should be living…the life that surely God intended for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That MORE life where I’m a better version of myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could hear the dust picking up outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whirl of the wind – the elements that no
doubt would leave me looking like a mess when I left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in the sound of the wind, I realized that
my friend and I both had a more in our lives at that very moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because she was more honest with me that day than in the 10
years I’ve known her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she laid out
the tough reality of some areas of her life I couldn’t help but think of my own
place right now that is more honest than it’s been in a long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the last year I’ve been shaken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Facades that once looked perfect crumbled and
I had a choice to make – to keep smiling and pretend that the rubble wasn’t
around my feet or to be honest about the shaking – to embrace it and be okay
that the mess existed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When shaking happens in our lives, we have a choice to make:
to hide or ignore the shaking and hope life settles back to what we’ve always
known, or we can allow the shaking to shed the false ideas of what should be
and instead embrace the beauty of God’s goodness even in the midst of the
trembling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend’s beauty shined so bright as she honestly shared
her heart, and I saw that in the wake of the shaking, although it hurts like
hell at times, it always leaves behind what is true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m ready for more of what is true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m ready for more honest messes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m ready for the God who embraces me in the midst of the
rubble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So forget the what ifs and embrace the right nows.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hugged and promised to talk again soon and then I braced
myself for the weather that was outside the doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as I walked outside I was surprised that
the dust had settled…and in it’s shadow was one of the most glorious sunsets
I’ve seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gasped, grabbed my camera,
and heard Him whisper, “The beauty that follows the storm pierces hearts.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend – her story – it’s so honest and raw that God’s
goodness rises bright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this past
year I’ve found that to be true in my own life as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the dust we sometimes see His hand all the
more clearly – the trace of His work is like a trace of artwork in the sand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So bring on the dust storms and the sunsets that ensue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-25896329413711039222015-07-24T07:30:00.000-05:002015-07-24T07:44:53.072-05:00Paige's Picks and Weekend Links<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>THOUGHTS FROM THIS WEEK </b></span><br />
I have been meditating on Psalm 45 this week after a friend showed me her new tattoo that references this chapter. And as I read this, I'm drawn to verse 11 - do I really believe that HE, the king is enthralled with me? If I'm honest, most days this scripture feels miles away from my reality... and yet, when I get quiet in the morning and listen for His whispers, I'm reminded of the TRUTH that I was created by Him. Yes, He knows my shortcomings- when I yelled at my girls or got snarky with Josh...but He also knows the hidden dreams, the desires to be more like Him...and He knows things about me that I'm only now discovering for myself. He knows me fully, completely, and He knows the me that is still to come...and He loves me. He is enthralled with me - the me that He is working on to bring to a beautiful reality (Philippians 1:4)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a round up of what's caught my eyes and moved my heart this week.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://storylineblog.com/2015/07/21/lose-yourself-have-kids/">Do You Lose Yourself When You Have Kids? </a>by Heather Avis on the Story Line Blog<br />
<i>And while everyday my selfish desires try to shout at and consume me, I
find God’s grace, given me through my children, is so much louder and
all consuming.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2015/07/decorating-with-your-other-half-.html">Decorating with Your Other Half</a> by A Beautiful Mess <br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>It's important to represent
each member of your family/household in the decor. The best way to do
this is to imagine how the house would look if each person had it 100%
in their style, then mix those different elements together. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.inventivehospitality.com/?p=143">Making Room</a> by Leslie Rich </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><i>Making room is not just about setting a place at the table for a friend,
but it’s also about clearing space in our lives and our minds for
whatever God wants to do. When He speaks, is there room in my head to
hear it?</i><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.com/2015/07/every-book-starts-with-a-sentence-2/">Every Book Starts with a Sentence</a> by Lysa TeuKeurst<i> </i></span><br />
<i>It’s a process, this book writing thing. It’s hard and messy and crazy
time-consuming. But what a wondrous thing to have words that live on
beyond us. Sentences that linger and continue to inspire. </i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://sarahbessey.com/a-voice-for-the-voiceless/">A Voice for the Voiceless</a> by Sarah Bessey<br />
<i>I want women to be safe and I want babies to be born. I want all of the
reasons why women abort to cease, to be healed, to be legislated right
out.</i><br />
<br />
And if you didn't see this on my facebook page...here is a video that made me laugh so hard I was crying. I'm dedicating it to short-term missionaries that I've worked with for over 15 years who are a bit dramatic when asked to try something new. Enjoy!<br />
<i> </i><br />
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<br />Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-29587035788012524612015-07-22T16:31:00.001-05:002015-07-22T16:31:30.226-05:00Small Spaces That Speak To Me Hi Friends,<br />
<br />
It's been such a long time since I blogged, but my sister Leslie started back up with a lovely site: <a href="http://www.inventivehospitality.com/">Inventive Hospitality</a> (you should go check it out), and it reminded me of just how much I do enjoy writing down my thoughts & sharing them from time to time...so here we go again!<br />
<br />
This last year we moved into a new home that has brought us so much joy as well as a few challenges (hello giant crack in the wall)! But over the course of the year I have relished the opportunity to make this new place our own. I've always been a fan of interior decorating, and with the inspiration of my mother and her elbow-grease to boot...I've loved tackling house projects since I was young.<br />
<br />
What I'm discovering with this new project, is that I want this home to be right for us. I want it to be beautiful, fun, practical, and interesting. I want it to reflect the people who live here! I think this is in line with where I am in my life as well...because I've come to the place where I'm no longer trying to be like someone else or dress like someone else or now decorate like someone else. <br />
<br />
I LOVE Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper (even visited her Magnolia Market recently), but I need some color in my life. I swoon when I see sweet pictures in home decor magazines, but I know the practicality is not for my family. I still pin lots of ideas on Pinterest, but I've given up any illusion that I can copy them. So I'm having fun mixing and matching random things and creating an environment where my family can thrive!<br />
<br />
One thing I've discovered that I love: random groupings of items that speak a story to me. For example: this is the corner of my bathroom sink. <br />
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Here is why this speaks to me:<br />
<ol>
<li>The Bust: I've wanted a bust since I started reading <a href="http://www.thenester.com/">The Nesting Place</a>, my favorite decorating blog a couple of years ago. From time to time I would see busts in her pictures from around her home and I decided that I needed my very own serious looking bust. Also, I LOVE Pride and Prejudice and one of my favorite moments from the latest movie is when Elizabeth is walking through the sculptures at Pemberly. There is something so regal about a bust...but then to layer it with my necklaces reminds me that you can be elegant...but you've also got to shine your personality.</li>
<li>Several pieces of jewelry that I keep out are from <a href="http://www.noondaycollection.com/pws/homeoffice/tabs/home.aspx">Noonday Collection</a>. Can I just tell y'all how much I LOVE Noonday?! I enjoy jewelry, but I really love jewelry that is helping women around the globe. And FYI - Noonday is having a huge sale right now, in fact the gold and black cuff is on sale...go check it out & read about their vision.</li>
<li>The picture in the pink frame is of myself as a 1 year-old with my Mema. My Mema went to heaven last year, and I still miss her. She was one of the toughest ladies I've ever known...and recently someone told me, "Paige, you are tough." They went on to explain that those words were a compliment, but I took them that way...because I want to be tough like my Mema. Her picture reminds me each morning that great women do hard things.</li>
<li>The quote is pretty self explanatory, because like you, I often spend more time than necessary in front of that mirror wishing a blemish away...or trying on a 3rd outfit for the day...and sometimes you need to be reminded to just slap on a smile & not worry about it.</li>
<li>Lastly, these books are all favorites. Let me tell you why: </li>
</ol>
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<ol>
<li>Beyond Our Selves by Catherine Marshall - Growing up I read Christy & Julie several times by Marshall and I LOVED those books. I would envision myself as a school teacher in the old west (too much Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables too), and I would have some sort of love triangle. I loved the purity in these books and yet also the stories of strong men and women trusting God in the midst of truly hard circumstances.</li>
<li>Fresh Brewed Life by Nichole Johnson - this book changed me when I was in college. I think this was the first book where I felt like the author was brutally honest about her struggles and wrestling with God. I read it in a season where I was learning it was okay to wrestle. Everything didn't have a 3-step solution, and this book taught me to breathe in the midst of the uncertainty.</li>
<li>Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - I read this every year.</li>
<li>Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg - this book caused me to see God in nature in a new way. I loved Feinberg's discoveries and the fact that she didn't just settle for nice truths...but that she continued to dig - both in Scripture and in nature.</li>
<li>Here's to Hindsight by Tara Leigh Cobble - this book wasn't my favorite, but I love the title. I like being remembered each morning that at the end of the day I'll have a bit more hindsight into all that has transpired in my life, and to remember that things that don't make sense now...may make sense later.</li>
</ol>
Who knew that a small space could speak so much? Do you have happy/meaningful places in your home? <br />
<br />Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-24971943161883408602015-01-06T10:04:00.002-06:002015-01-06T10:04:32.908-06:008 Books that I Enjoyed in 2014<div class="MsoNormal">
There is something about Christmas break and the start of a
New Year that makes me want to snuggle up and dive into a good book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently I’m not alone, because this week
alone I’ve had four different friends ask for book suggestions, and I’ve seen
several others on social media fishing for what might be good to read.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you know me, you know that I love to read, and I love to
hear from friends about the books capturing their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, here are 12 books that I enjoyed in 2014 with a quick comment about each!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Fiction Finds</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Mr-Knightley-Katherine-Reay-ebook/dp/B00C5QA78M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420558337&sr=8-1&keywords=dear+mr.+knightly">Dear Mr. Knightley</a> by Katherine Reay - I actually finished this last night, and although I saw the end coming, I still enjoyed this easy read. This will especially be enjoyed by my fellow Austen aficionados - lots of quotes to original Jane Austen novels.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Wings-Sue-Monk-Kidd-ebook/dp/B00H58VGIA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420558440&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Invention+of+Wings">The Invention of Wings</a> by Sue Monk Kidd - I saw April Roark & Jennifer Watson (two friends with good taste in books make this recommendation to someone else on social media and so I quickly purchased it for myself). This story inspired me, made me cry, and made me want to be more brave.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Alice-Forgot-Liane-Moriarty-ebook/dp/B004XFYN9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420558567&sr=8-1&keywords=What+Alice+Forgot">What Alice Forgot</a> by Liane Moriarty - I've read a couple of other Liane Moriarty books but this is my favorite so far. Alice is in her 30's when she bumps her head and loses her memory...and it makes her see her busy, chaotic life in a new light. Great read for a busy momma.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rosie-Project-Don-Tillman-ebook/dp/B00BSBR9N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420558656&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Rosie+Project">The Rosie Project</a> by Graeme Simsion - So, I actually got this book simply because it was free or $1.99 on Kindle and it had some great reviews. And as I began the book I thought it was strange - wasn't sure why I was reading it...and yet I couldn't put it down. By the end, I was a huge fan and I felt like I had learned so much about autism (the main character is autistic).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Couldn’t Put Down Non-Fiction</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha23IArPHiokz-AIIz2yUQGx0JDkcjBN1wO4kGy-BVZ1M_XVq-dEaolyxrXN2qBJIFKqiss4MnhGdy9eEeVXjBipQm6Yg_QSshjdb5wg-EVKWmGpKm18mtSxe49wxOlqoyzbTIq08uT04/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha23IArPHiokz-AIIz2yUQGx0JDkcjBN1wO4kGy-BVZ1M_XVq-dEaolyxrXN2qBJIFKqiss4MnhGdy9eEeVXjBipQm6Yg_QSshjdb5wg-EVKWmGpKm18mtSxe49wxOlqoyzbTIq08uT04/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nesting-Place-Doesnt-Perfect-Beautiful-ebook/dp/B00GRYXOOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420558790&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Nesting+Place">The Nesting Place</a> by Myquillyn Smith - As some of you know, we bought a new house this year and embarked on a bit of remodeling (fun and overwhelming)! I love the Nester's blog (the author of this book) and with my house adventure, I decided that I should learn all I could from her. I expected decorating tips, but this book had warmth and wisdom, and it focused on the heart of the home which is what the Lord knew I needed! Her book put me at ease to make this home "ours" and to be as quirky as I want in my decorating style (I love to be quirky in decor)...in fact, I just put together this little portion of my bathroom after finishing her book. I think she would be proud!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Castle-Memoir-Jeannette-Walls-ebook/dp/B000OVLKMM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420559543&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Glass+Castle">The Glass Castle</a> by Jeannette Walls - I'm late to the party on this book. My friend Wendy told me to read this at least 5 years ago and I've heard it mentioned by numerous friends over the years, so I decided to pick it up before our family vacation and I. WAS. RIVETED. I still cannot fully wrap my mind around the life of Walls - it is both beautiful and hear-breaking. I started looking at everyone I encountered differently wondering what their life was really like.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anything-Prayer-That-Unlocked-Soul-ebook/dp/B00PWOH5V6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420559655&sr=8-1&keywords=anything">Anything</a> by Jennie Allen - Sometimes God brings you a book at an intersection in your life that you desperately need, and this was the case for this book. Allen talks about praying a simple prayer, "God I'll do anything" and it messed with me in the best way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Notes-Blue-Bike-Intentionally-Chaotic-ebook/dp/B00GUTB784/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420559923&sr=8-1&keywords=Notes+from+a+Blue+Bike">Notes from a Blue Bike</a> by Tsh Oxenreider - Tsh intrigues me. I read her blog and I love her spirit of adventure yet ability to still be disciplined and focused. She, her husband, and 3 children are actually traveling the world for an entire year right now believing that her kids will get more education actually seeing the Great Wall rather than just reading about it. But this book's message is basically that there is not necessarily a perfect road map to parent or live...but that you do need to find God's rhythm for your family. It's okay to be different - to do what you love and raise your children with wonder.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>On My Night Stand</b></div>
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So far in 2015, I'm reading (or plan to read)</div>
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Restless by Jennie Allen</div>
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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes</div>
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The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer</div>
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Lean on Me by Anne Marie Miller</div>
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The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown</div>
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<b><i>Anything else that I should add to the stack? What did you enjoy reading in 2014?</i></b></div>
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Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-12196981426456378722014-11-17T21:39:00.001-06:002014-11-17T21:39:17.506-06:00I'm Bringing 60+ Seconds with Paige to the Blog!Hi Friends! I've been away from the blog for quite some time...but thought I'd pop in to introduce you to something I started for the Bloom Women's Ministry at COTR. I'm making a weekly video with quick thoughts that will hopefully make you think, make you smile, or make you question. It's not always brilliant, but it IS brief and hopefully encouraging! I've been posting them on our facebook page, but I've had some who are not on facebook ask to watch them so from here on out I'll try to post them weekly on the blog!<br />
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I'll introduce you by posting 2 of the most recent videos! Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/112128995" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/112128995">Making Waves - 60 Seconds with Paige (10/27)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user34551302">Paige Allen</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/112128994" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/112128994">Comfort Vs. Forgiveness - 60+ Seconds with Paige (11/14)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user34551302">Paige Allen</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-25833165399809369392014-07-18T08:12:00.002-05:002014-07-18T08:12:40.361-05:00On Finishing Heart Projects, Telling Stories, and Needing Your HelpHey Y'all!<br />
<br />
I am so excited about this post that I can hardly contain myself! My heart project is finally complete.<br />
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A few years ago, I fell in love with studying the Bible - especially the stories in the Bible. There was something comforting in reading about these ordinary & extraordinary people who wrestled with their faith and sometimes did great exploits for God. As I dove more deeply into studying stories, I found a similar theme that was also prevalent in my own life. <br />
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Usually, God was asking people to do one thing - TRUST Him. This simple request manifested itself in a myriad of tales - "Will you trust me to provide you a child?" "Will you speak words of truth even if people reject you?" "Will you go to war when the odds seem stacked against you and trust that I will fight for you?" <br />
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The stories were so different, and yet God was relentless in His questions about trust. In my own life, I feel like I'm constantly in a battle to choose whether or not I really trust God too. And if I'm honest, my ability to say yes to His beckoning hinges on whether or not I believe that I am genuinely, 100% loved by God. Some days I feel His love...but other days...if I'm honest, I question it.<br />
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It's hard to believe you are loved by a God you can't see when you are facing fear, feelings of inadequacy, and frustration because your life is in a season of waiting. And yet, God keeps asking for us just to trust Him!<br />
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About a year ago, I decided to dive more deeply into these Bible stories and my own journey and as a result, I created a Bible study called Road Signs. The workbooks have been out for a few months, but the teaching DVDs are now available! It is my heart's desire that this study would be used by God to work in the hearts of people so that we can more readily say "Yes!" when He asks us to trust Him!<br />
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I'm not a great scholar - just an ordinary girl who said yes when God asked, "Will you trust Me and write this study?" <br />
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SO...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2_4LjeUnmcakKA-n45c2sFx23rCnQ4n76CuguKHjF_FyngGKz3oSLx3tFcMp_JSreYw2WAcZ1et8ba5dNWDilIUco7rNzdsdG4lSKAXSENY1jEf-IYvCgBn-B5BPKx6O_VyKHxaClMI/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2_4LjeUnmcakKA-n45c2sFx23rCnQ4n76CuguKHjF_FyngGKz3oSLx3tFcMp_JSreYw2WAcZ1et8ba5dNWDilIUco7rNzdsdG4lSKAXSENY1jEf-IYvCgBn-B5BPKx6O_VyKHxaClMI/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Road Signs DVDs and the Road Signs Bible study workbooks are available for purchase!<br />
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The four DVD's include 8 teachings where I share as transparently as I know how about trusting God on the road of life. This is a great resource for churches, small groups, college ministries, and even to go through alone in the comfort of your home!<br />
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My heart is to get these teachings into as many hands as possible, so we are pricing the entire DVD set at $29.95! You can <a href="http://www.becomingpaige.com/p/becoming-you.html">CLICK RIGHT HERE</a> to buy one today!<br />
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Also, for the remainder of July, we are having a special promotion where you can order a DVD set & get 3 workbooks for $50! The retail for these would be $90, so it's a great deal and would be an ideal way to kick-off a Bible study with a few friends in the fall.<br />
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Would you also consider helping me to get the word out about this great resource? Here are a few ways you can do this:<br />
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1. Share some Road Signs love on social media! Everyone who shares sometime this week (ending July 25th) this blog or a link to the Road Signs page on facebook, twitter, or Instagram will be entered into a drawing to win a free DVD set & 1 workbook!<br />
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2. Talk to those in your life who you know like to do Bible studies & tell them about Road Signs. Maybe it is someone who oversees women's ministry at your church or a friend who hosts Bible studies in her home. Give them my contact info or send them to the blog! I have a media kit that I can send out to any church interested with a sample teaching & workbook to look through.<br />
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3. Consider hosting your own Road Signs Bible study this fall. I've discovered that there is something really powerful about inviting 3-5 friends into your home and studying the Word together. I know for many of us this is outside our comfort zone, or it feels like we would never have the time, but I want to challenge you to pray about this. Ask God if you should do it & then trust His leading.<br />
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Almost finished...I promise!<br />
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But I need to give a shout-out to the COTR media team who helped me so much with these DVDs. Michael Koontz is the technical director who oversaw all of the DVD shoots & he did a FANTASTIC job. He is a hard worker & I love that he is as much of a perfectionist as I am!<br />
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Others who helped include:<br />
Jason Brandiger - graphic designer genius - I love the cover that he designed SO much!<br />
Leslie Rich - not only is this gal my sister, but she ran cameras & gave me some much needed advice during the video shooting process<br />
Trevor Baldwin, Patti Moulton, Andrea Hamilton, Dusty Joplin, Annie Casas, Kacey Enriquez & everyone else that I'm forgetting - THANK YOU for running cameras, computers, sound, etc. You are all genius as what you do!<br />
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And I'll wrap up this post by sharing the sweet words of two ladies who have gone through the Road Signs Bible study. What God has done in their lives blows me away, humbles me to no end, and makes me passionate to get Road Signs out of my hands and into yours.<br />
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<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" type="cite">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Road Signs is filled with timeless stories from scripture that NEVER grow old! Paige Allen </i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>has such a unique way of bringing the scripture alive and putting them on the 'Big Screen' of your heart in such a way that you are able to see, not only, how God's hand was so involved personally in every aspect of lives portrayed in Biblical days but also His personal involvement and His extravagant love in your life today, as well! God's love never changes or ever grows old! Through Paige's teaching you will be able to see scripture come alive and you'll begin to see YOUR life through God's eyes and understand more clearly the Road Signs along the way through the lives of those who have gone before you! </i> - </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Terese Holloway</span></blockquote>
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<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" type="cite">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I'd have to say that my overall response to this bible study is that it was very eye opening. Throughout the entire book I was, what felt like, given a chance to see my life in the eyes of another. Pastor Paige lived through things that at a certain point in my life I was dead set on the fact that I was the only one that ever really struggled with the same issues mentioned in the book. I'm a victim of being caught up in just giving the right answers, even when my heart wasn't feeling it. I guess you could say that this book gave me a new perspective on my problems spiritually, and gave me greater access to ways in dealing with them. Showing me how to live like were supposed to, and obey without second thought. It showed me Gods love for us in an even greater way, and even by just having all of these different women from different age groups and backgrounds come together; it truly showed me that were not alone in our struggles! It really put into perspective that God knows what he has planned for us, and its just a matter of stepping back and waiting for Him to show us the rest. Its a patience kind of thing! </i> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Justice Ramirez</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<br />Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-33749171782642274212014-07-14T08:54:00.000-05:002014-07-14T08:54:15.153-05:00On praying simple prayers, falling in love with a new nation, and trusting God with my dad's heart<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">As you may have noticed, I have yet to blog this summer because I’ve been doing more important things like playing in the pool with my girls, sipping coffee in the backyard in the mornings, and generally being lazy. I just love summer.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="s1">But over the last couple of weeks, my life picked up it’s pace quite a bit, and I wanted to share a few exciting moments, as well as little lessons that the Lord has taught me.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">First, can I just tell you that I love traveling to new places in the world! I’ve had the opportunity to enter many cultures and lands, and just when I think I’ve found my favorite place or met the most delightful people, I travel somewhere new and immediately have a new favorite. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I encountered the beautiful people of Nicaragua at the end of June, and their smiles and gentle demeanor are still imprinted in my heart. I think what I loved the most about the precious men and women that I met, was that although they exuded a gentle grace and joy they were equally passionate and fiery! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Just look at these ladies! Can you say GORGEOUS?! But can you also see the passion in their eyes - LOVE IT!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3uwikicNizGPW60HiuZVhYPMUTar_8ueRqbUUQT_i5QSFSXq4GLL54sUB7bGqWHl_Q84eoaksYLWmHTVON68ldEvQxwvQIBlWtGuGxQx29BuPD_s7cdUIEBJfdrweCHB3cziGLeseH4/s1600/Dancers3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3uwikicNizGPW60HiuZVhYPMUTar_8ueRqbUUQT_i5QSFSXq4GLL54sUB7bGqWHl_Q84eoaksYLWmHTVON68ldEvQxwvQIBlWtGuGxQx29BuPD_s7cdUIEBJfdrweCHB3cziGLeseH4/s1600/Dancers3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These ladies dressed in gold were dancers who truly worshipped with their whole being. I was mesmerized by these lovely girls!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozXHYjlCqtNQELHCpmnpQjVUKPw5Zy03FN7-Kyd3fIcS5o6KUH9Afs9bjvpGIDtedcovXJwLWx-sM5n5dxmleZ3BokJ5SPPX9xtn0Pnwnu5KHbaSVeJSo32DiWQjbkNA_XBxlVE-Vip0/s1600/Nicaragua+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozXHYjlCqtNQELHCpmnpQjVUKPw5Zy03FN7-Kyd3fIcS5o6KUH9Afs9bjvpGIDtedcovXJwLWx-sM5n5dxmleZ3BokJ5SPPX9xtn0Pnwnu5KHbaSVeJSo32DiWQjbkNA_XBxlVE-Vip0/s1600/Nicaragua+7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span>And you should meet their fearless leaders, Rony & Mayra Coffer. Rony is a quiet giant of the faith. His impact is far reaching in this country (literally reaching into church plants, clinics, and feeding programs throughout villages all over this nation), and his wife Mayra is a ball of energy and zeal! She loves her people and is leading these women into truth!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoSnoguPRARzAzVnjmCa-wkjF612HDOULVzG48qRxguESUjw_NhVzHr2dPdrbbbtC8qTAPIMKEGA6hdWfACykHs51J_xk13C-x-8DOJLb1KdnQhGmb_S-3qzc5og7l6RdM_tPFIPpt5s/s1600/Mayra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoSnoguPRARzAzVnjmCa-wkjF612HDOULVzG48qRxguESUjw_NhVzHr2dPdrbbbtC8qTAPIMKEGA6hdWfACykHs51J_xk13C-x-8DOJLb1KdnQhGmb_S-3qzc5og7l6RdM_tPFIPpt5s/s1600/Mayra.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Mayra...this girl can PREACH!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNpR0Louv0am3e52tLs7lcygE3a2mjqTnEistds4A5vXkDSQHAUgnvwvzi8AeFCH6fc4hqX26OuM-HieZvY5Pf-N3kHSByhzhcrab9Z88LsgXpRNn5bmI9MtiZuXTTV7obGDhESV2IU4/s1600/Nicaragua2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNpR0Louv0am3e52tLs7lcygE3a2mjqTnEistds4A5vXkDSQHAUgnvwvzi8AeFCH6fc4hqX26OuM-HieZvY5Pf-N3kHSByhzhcrab9Z88LsgXpRNn5bmI9MtiZuXTTV7obGDhESV2IU4/s1600/Nicaragua2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And she was a fabulous translator...she seriously worked non-stop this week!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasPMQ4HEgeyEpNTf-5t1FElilNKZtDYpET9TmiuhsJ00GBZwAHyKHKCy7j5RHTEoJvoOfCwzkEAw2vZwPKyP50JrTv9MuhdaamUpReGZQ9bJkfefc6lbSzymsa7CoFb__jnw5__x8GK0/s1600/Nicaragua5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasPMQ4HEgeyEpNTf-5t1FElilNKZtDYpET9TmiuhsJ00GBZwAHyKHKCy7j5RHTEoJvoOfCwzkEAw2vZwPKyP50JrTv9MuhdaamUpReGZQ9bJkfefc6lbSzymsa7CoFb__jnw5__x8GK0/s1600/Nicaragua5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rony & Mayra were serving as my illustration...and as you can see...I was a little excited about what I was saying - ha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span>And now for the lesson that I learned from the Lord while I was in Nicaragua: </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I’ve heard it said before that the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will. And although I agree with the general feelings of this idea, I’ve witnessed over the last couple of years that safety is never really a guarantee when you are where God wants you. Just ask my friend Matt who was imprisoned while serving in an African nation as a missionary, or ask me to recount my stories from Israel when I entered the country in the middle of a conflict and one day had to take shelter as the incoming missile sirens began to sound.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Safety...not so much.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Comfort...not a chance.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">But peace...yes, I do think there is a promise from God that He will grant us His unexplainable peace when we are in the middle of His will.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I got to put this truth to the test as I sat on the plane in Houston awaiting my take-off for Nicaragua. My dad was scheduled for a heart cath that morning and when he had called to tell me about it he had calmly explained that the doctors were just doing this exploratory procedure to make sure all was well with his heart. At the most he might need a stint that they would do during the procedure, but he assured me that it was no big deal and to go with confidence...after all, speaking in other nations is my dad's heartbeat and he was excited for me to go to Nicaragua - a nation already deep within his heart. So imagine my surprise as I texted my sister to find out the verdict of the procedure and received this text in response:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl85LyaqckBYSsdsVF5ita9iDLollJRSqioTOS9hRGzU-VSB_5kP6pjJA-_SGWKCedR4TTVJie-_viQzcf40sS9qpqAIHBkRex1P6zWLCMvp-9jiKLF1CRXMit2phAU5I94uelw_p4Qqs/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl85LyaqckBYSsdsVF5ita9iDLollJRSqioTOS9hRGzU-VSB_5kP6pjJA-_SGWKCedR4TTVJie-_viQzcf40sS9qpqAIHBkRex1P6zWLCMvp-9jiKLF1CRXMit2phAU5I94uelw_p4Qqs/s1600/photo.PNG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">And with these words, I was told to put away all electronic devices and sit back and enjoy my trip to Nicaragua. I battled in my mind for that entire 3 hour flight.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
How was my dad, really?</div>
<div class="p1">
What were the doctors telling my family?</div>
<div class="p1">
Why did God orchestrate this trip NOW?</div>
<div class="p1">
Would I be back in time for the surgery?</div>
<div class="p1">
And how would I focus on ministering to people in Nicaragua when I wanted to be home?</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If I'm honest, this battle went on for the rest of the day and late into the night. I knew all of the right answers to tell myself: </div>
<div class="p1">
He would be fine</div>
<div class="p1">
People have this kind of surgery all the time</div>
<div class="p1">
What a blessing that they caught it before he had a heart attack</div>
<div class="p1">
Focus Paige - you are where you need to be</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But I could not get my feelings to line up with these thoughts that I tried to convince myself were the truth. I tossed and turned that night, and finally awoke at 6am wide awake! The team was going to meet at 8:30 to prepare for the first day of the conference, so I slipped out of bed and went outside where the Lord and I had it out for the next hour and a half.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I asked quite a few questions with few answers; I vented my frustrations and fears; and then I simply asked that He help. I needed Him to help my dad. I needed Him to help my mom. I needed Him to help me. I needed Him to help these ladies here in Nicaragua.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sometimes, the best prayers we can pray are a simple help!</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And as my mind began to calm, I opened my Bible and I started to write out Scriptures and prayer. I wrote Scriptures of faith over my dad's heart and I wrote Scriptures of truth over the women I would soon meet. I wrote at first unsure if my emotions could believe, but as the time progressed, I discovered that I was writing and praying with a genuine faith. My emotions were lining up with these Scriptures and the frantic thoughts that had consumed my mind just hours before were now serene and certain. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
My dad would live. He would live a long and fruitful life. His heart would beat with a new rhythm that would take him beyond what he has known thus far.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And I was EXACTLY where I should be. I would speak truth and love and grace and hopefully some revelation to the men and women of Nicaragua. And I would be more aware than ever before that those words were not from my intellect or greatness because I was truly undone & just clinging to Him.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And as I sat outside in tropical Nicaragua, a peace that truly surpasses all understanding washed over me & reminded me that I was not alone. I was able to walk confidently in that peace over the next few days. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I landed back on the tarmac at home, just as my dad was wheeled out of surgery. I went straight to the hospital & into his room. He was just beginning to awake from anesthesia, and when I said, "Dad, it's Paige. I made it home," his eyes fluttered with recognition and KNEW that peace was not just an emotion...it was a reality. My dad was going to be stronger than ever, and I was going to know that although it's a battle sometimes - you CAN fight for peace. And you can ask a simple help from the One who is ready to give it.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I'm happy to report that my dad is recovering really well. He ended up having a quadruple bypass which is pretty major so his recovery will take some time, but he is up and walking (he walked his block a couple days ago)! Thank you to everyone who has prayed and is praying for our family. Your prayers have been felt...even across the ocean.</div>
Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-60617951378101070092014-05-19T15:38:00.000-05:002014-05-19T15:38:42.068-05:00"Mommy! - Did you get her out!"A couple of weeks ago I took Selah, my 4-year-old daughter, to work
with me. She was so excited as it felt very special & we were having
a fun time putting some newsletters together & getting ready for
our annual Miles for Missions race. She got bored after a couple of
hours so I let her play games on my computer while I kept working around
the office.<br />
<br />
On one of my bookshelves, I have the picture that SOS gave me a
couple years ago of a young girl behind bars with a verse about rescuing
those who are helpless. I was busy in work mode when all of a sudden
Selah says, “Mommy, why is that little girl behind those bars?”<br />
<br />
I was shocked that she had noticed this…and I quickly asked the Holy
Spirit for guidance on what to say. I said something like, “Well, it’s
just a picture that reminds me to pray for kids around the world. There
are so many kids who have hard things in their life. That is why we pray
for India and other countries at night. Do you remember how you have
been praying with me for kids around the world?”<br />
<br />
She said yes & I thought our conversation was over.<br />
<br />
A couple minutes passed and she said. “Mom, is that little girl in India?”<br />
<br />
“Yes,” I said. That’s why I went to India in November – remember, Mommy’s big trip? I got to meet precious kids that we help!”<br />
<br />
She nodded & again I thought we were finished.<br />
<br />
About five minutes passed when she said with tears in her eyes,
“Mommy, is that girl still trapped behind those bars? Did you get her
out?!”<br />
<br />
I must have hesitated for a minute because she almost got frantic. “Mommy! Did you get her out?!”<br />
I was in tears at this point, so I just said, “Yes, baby. She is okay. She got out. She is okay.”<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, I couldn’t focus much on work for the rest of the
day. Today as I’ve been praying the Lord brought that conversation back
to my mind. Praying for that same level of urgency to remain in us
everyday. May our hearts be plagued with the question “Did we get them
out?”<br />
I am thankful to Sower of Seeds for infecting my heart with the desire to do small things to see more girls set free.<br />
<br />
<strong>“Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:4</strong><br />
<a href="http://sowerofseeds.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/71414-6099.jpg"><img alt="girl" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3175" height="402" src="http://sowerofseeds.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/71414-6099.jpg" width="600" /></a>Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-45372239097749676022014-04-11T09:17:00.004-05:002014-04-11T09:17:59.186-05:004 Truths My Mother Taught Me<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7-FkbpvQHUuEXfd7C1epqth8XvJeTswDF-q_PZe6hktL3CsJTWQQmfMn6ZL5NqjT9Eofl90x21nCinpbslvPNTkV_JM8lVJ2n-hkxSoD0YEY8W3PjHTePIzB-1x5lRMuMCvOGPqGvuo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7-FkbpvQHUuEXfd7C1epqth8XvJeTswDF-q_PZe6hktL3CsJTWQQmfMn6ZL5NqjT9Eofl90x21nCinpbslvPNTkV_JM8lVJ2n-hkxSoD0YEY8W3PjHTePIzB-1x5lRMuMCvOGPqGvuo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>This past week Selah and I were having a tea party when she
informed me that Gigi had taught her to <br />
always hold out her pinky finger when
drinking tea. And I realized that I was
certain this was true…after all, her Gigi (my mother) has taught me so much
that has to do with graceful living.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I reflect this morning on lessons that my mother taught
me, these four stand out most in my mind: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Give the gift of
your presence and time.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
My mother
makes time for people in her life – it is how she shows her love for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love looks like drinking tea and
listening or going to Sesame Street Live and dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
My mother is good at listening & I've learned from her that although your body may be in a location, if you are not leaning in and listening to the person you are with, you might as well not even be there. The gift of your presence means that you are fully engaged in that moment. You listen to subtle statements, notice expressions, and honor those you love by hearing their heart. I don't always excel in this area, but I'm trying to grow each day in this arena - it really does exemplify a woman of grace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Use your gifts to
bless others.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
My mother has the gifts of
hospitality and making things beautiful (what is the proper name for this gift?), and has never hoarded these abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few weeks ago she went and decorated the
home of a sweet young mother who is pregnant with twins (# 3 & 4)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This momma has a new home and obviously is
TIRED!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom felt like God told her to
go decorate her house (if she wanted that)…so she took a friend, and when
that momma came home from work, her house was transformed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
This past week, she made a beautiful quilt
for our new cousin that will be coming home soon from Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people would never know about these two
acts of love in the last few weeks (except her daughter has a big mouth), but
she does not love for recognition…she loves because she is loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we all take this lesson to heart and do
the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Forgive.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
As a pastor’s wife, as a sister, as a friend,
as a daughter, and as a mother my mom has had many opportunities to practice
forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many times I’ve taken
up her cause and wanted to be offended at people who hurl insults and pain her
way, but she has taught me and lived the example that forgiveness is worth
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has also taught me that
forgiveness means keeping your mouth shut when you really want to let everyone
know how noble you are for forgiving <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Within this same lesson of life, my mother has demonstrated that a true woman of grace also asks for forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A turning moment in my life
was a phone call in college when my mother called and asked me for
forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her humility and
willingness to say that she was wrong, set me free to see the situation from a
new vantage point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And her actions
taught me that true strength is able to ask for forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHyrtgOwJwTehXWr4HNG5-ZEnzGfvarBtQkTOqc7i12Pv8c4ufRcdL0mGcu0HOT0hS6v9UwEds3uXWeiHD4znkdeCwSd6Dp69Gx_kFKElWjvjwfdiJ7ZcSDyOvljXZmaufBXWwoz99hU/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529+copy.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/AVvXsEipHyrtgOwJwTehXWr4HNG5-ZEnzGfvarBtQkTOqc7i12Pv8c4ufRcdL0mGcu0HOT0hS6v9UwEds3uXWeiHD4znkdeCwSd6Dp69Gx_kFKElWjvjwfdiJ7ZcSDyOvljXZmaufBXWwoz99hU/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529+copy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Laugh until your
shoulders shake</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
One of my all time most
favorite things is to see my mother TRULY laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her shoulders shake, her eyes become slits and she cannot make a sound, but it always makes me laugh in copycat
fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> When I see the two of us laughing so hard we might wet our pants, I always think two things: </span>We need more of this kind of
deep-belly laughter in our world and I'm so thankful that I inherited this trait from her.<br />
<br />
My mother has taught me much and her mother (my Mema) taught her much as well. The older I become the more lessons I am trying to learn from those who have gone before me. Some lessons seem to be implanted in my heart and life as if they were genetically wired while others definitely take more care and intention to live out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
What life lessons did your mother teach you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be as simple as how to play tea party
or as profound as how to walk out in forgiveness, but very likely there are
deep lessons etched in your heart from the life of your mother.<o:p></o:p></div>
Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-11312975307430769532014-04-08T11:11:00.000-05:002014-04-08T11:11:16.794-05:00When Less is More<div class="MsoNormal">
Several years ago before toddlers and princesses ran circles
through our lives, Josh and I visited the lovely city of Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some Americans give Paris a negative
recommendation, but I must tell you that I absolutely LOVED our 4 days in that
glorious city. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food, the majestic
buildings, the quaint cafes, the beautiful art…it was all food for my soul and I
still remember it with stars in my eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBd3a6iflF91TKsiXtFy-252qS8u55xU5K3adtexgzI-NHwx-t6kmHRZo9H1H6Dw-mNpOLZXUK_qjYZn3r9LLbdvhsH-X5UMiK3UlZ7DxmKS6JWPtDzrjEpjE1EYbVv8t5jmIsXAKo6o/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBd3a6iflF91TKsiXtFy-252qS8u55xU5K3adtexgzI-NHwx-t6kmHRZo9H1H6Dw-mNpOLZXUK_qjYZn3r9LLbdvhsH-X5UMiK3UlZ7DxmKS6JWPtDzrjEpjE1EYbVv8t5jmIsXAKo6o/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>One afternoon we sat at an outdoor café to catch our breath
after a morning of sightseeing and museum visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat down and promptly gobbled up half of
our crepes without taking even<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
slightest breath to take in the moment. We were on a mission to EAT…because we live our lives ALWAYS ON A
MISSION! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then the unexpected occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if we both stopped at the same
time, took a deep breath and realized where we were. I looked at Josh and said…”Do you realize we
are in Paris! And we don’t have to eat
like Americans…WHAT IF, we actually slow down and enjoy this moment outdoors in
a Parisian Cafe?!”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh looked up and agreed that we should stop to savor the
moment, and after slowly eating not just our lunch crepe but a couple of
dessert crepes and cup after cup of coffee, we started to talk about what life
might be like back home if we lived a bit slower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt like we were merely fantasizing. After all, life is BUSY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is
fast-paced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if we slowed down and
missed out on something?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
And yet at the
same time…look at all we would have missed out on had we not slowed down to enjoy
that meal…to enjoy the next couple of days in Paris?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We returned home with a passion to slow down and savor this
gift (life) that has been handed to us by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And slowing down is a STRUGGLE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is hard to balance because we both believe in working hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe that we are to be good stewards
with our lives and to make the most of every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But those beliefs don't actually conflict at the core with a more intentional life that savors moments. You can work hard and still look up to see beauty in the ordinary. And the best way to make the most of today is to actually SEE today... to live it as fully as possible with focus and trust in the One who granted you today. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknkJoMvbVm_4W8s_9wWzv-RlQPxMRNuc0QP3FsKLE7yG3GaOz50pqutREI3iRtT8WambI9waTZlXYOve8-QfpPJhcYaXUo956pfaxRVI2Cvdk5x4GtKPvZN54Qg1PMlLzXC6vAD5-v-4/s1600/photo+3.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/AVvXsEgknkJoMvbVm_4W8s_9wWzv-RlQPxMRNuc0QP3FsKLE7yG3GaOz50pqutREI3iRtT8WambI9waTZlXYOve8-QfpPJhcYaXUo956pfaxRVI2Cvdk5x4GtKPvZN54Qg1PMlLzXC6vAD5-v-4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>The actual struggle is that the desire to slow down does not line up
with lies fed to us by culture. You know the ones that say worth is equivalent to how busy you are...the lies about needing more...more stuff, more time, more meaning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faster is not always better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More is not always more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so, I have asked the Lord to help me to slow down, to
love more deeply and to live more intentionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moments like tree swings and bowls of
glorious cherries are shining reminders in the midst of the day that He has
heard my prayers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Today, I pray that you live well but that you also have a
Parisian moment to savor your gift of life today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because so often less really is more.<o:p></o:p></div>
Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-53695345955457649462014-03-27T13:01:00.000-05:002014-03-27T14:41:39.377-05:006 Myths You May Believe About Prayer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this week I wrote about Selah’s audacious prayer to
become a flower girl & God’s answer literally 2 days later (she is going to
be the cutest flower girl this coming June)!
You can read her story <a href="http://www.becomingpaige.com/2014/03/the-faith-of-child.html">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
This story has propelled me to think about prayer quite a
bit this week and I realized that there are a lot of myths surrounding
prayer. Somewhere along the line we buy
into a lie that prayer is found in a formula or has to look a certain way…so I
wanted to share with you 6 myths that I’ve believed at one time or another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The 6 Myths of a Good
Prayer Life</b><br /><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. You have to pray at 5am.</b><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now granted, Mark 1:35 says, “</span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus
got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” And I WANT to be like Jesus, but everytime I
have attempted to pray super early I usually end up drifting to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband gets up early to pray and when we first got
married I thought I must not have a real prayer life because I preferred to
pray when I was actually alert…and so I tried to mimic him and it was a colossal
failure! I now thing that ANYTIME is a
good time to pray. Paul says that we should
pray without ceasing…and that includes 9am or 2pm (thank the Lord!)<br /><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. You have to pray for at least 1 hour</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There
was a movement in the church world a couple of decades ago that encouraged
people to pray for an hour, and the motivation was good. We need discipline in our prayer life, but
for many people an hour is a daunting task so we don’t try at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span>
<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">And
have you ever really prayed your heart out only to look at the clock &
realize it has only been 5 minutes?</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">If
you really pray for 5 minutes – awesome!</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Maybe tomorrow you could try praying for 10 minutes…I think that the key
is that you pray long enough that you get through your lists and begin slow
down so that you actually connect to the heart of God.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Sometimes that connection happens quickly and
sometimes my mind is in such a place that I need to pray for a long time before
I get my agendas out of the way.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Just
pray…forget about the clock.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. You have to speak eloquently in the type of language suitable for God</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have
you ever prayed with a group of people and marveled at those who’s prayers
sound so eloquent? There was a season in
my life where I could make my prayers sound really good…but they were empty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There
is no right or wrong way to pray to God – just talk to Him…and then listen to
what He says in return.<br /><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. You have to be in the perfect environment (prayer closet)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
have a friend who has the ULTIMATE prayer closet. It has a chair, mood lighting, music…I mean
it sounds awesome! And for a while I
would think to myself – well, I’ll really pray when I have an environment like
that. I’ve come to realize I won’t
likely have that perfect place for many years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve
discovered that I can make a lot of environments perfect for prayer. I love to pray on my back porch while my
girls run around and play. I have a
chair in my living room that is by a big window and I also love to sit there
and read my Bible in the early morning.
I usually get interrupted in both locations (I have a pre-schoolers)…but
I realized that if I wait until I have the perfect place I’m never going to
pray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; text-indent: -0.25in;">Your prayers don’t count when you lose your train of thought or fall
asleep</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_8j0y1iWGdL3ff_IPw7ohjWgSgk35iBTF75q9aj-do9IkozWEZpOgv3n3cPc6d5n3MEcsH_RDFwphAhHkJ2a_HBWTAUE7XXDeF-DXnhYnKGpUn5mdWWzpG8hCNkEA8wZ4bcffIlV_PM/s1600/Prayer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_8j0y1iWGdL3ff_IPw7ohjWgSgk35iBTF75q9aj-do9IkozWEZpOgv3n3cPc6d5n3MEcsH_RDFwphAhHkJ2a_HBWTAUE7XXDeF-DXnhYnKGpUn5mdWWzpG8hCNkEA8wZ4bcffIlV_PM/s1600/Prayer1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s
be honest - how many times do you pray and all of a sudden find yourself
thinking about fantasy football or what you are going to cook for dinner that
night? I know I do that ALL of the time
& I used to berate myself when that happened thinking it invalidated all of
my previous prayers. That’s not
true! It happens to us all!</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And
have you ever been meaning to pray and wind up falling asleep? Me too!
Oh well – I think God’s cool with it, but we need to stop feeling guilty
for all the ways we fail when it comes to prayer.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Your prayers aren’t important when compared to the needs of the world</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes,
there are very real needs in this world – poverty, sex trafficking, and war are
all happening at this moment. And we
need to pray for the nations! At the
same time, God cares about what is important to your heart. He is big enough to see it all and care about
it all. It’s easy to feel like our
prayers are unimportant when a friend is battling cancer or has a tragedy in
their life, and probably those things are on your mind because you can pray for
that friend – you can lift them up…but know too that you don’t have to ignore
your own obstacles and needs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
is why I shared Selah’s story. Prayer at
it’s essence is relationship! God wants
to connect with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like the way Martha
Kilpatrick says it, “Prayer is not an occasion, Prayer is not a set activity,
Prayer is a joyful gaze at the Father from a state of utter, childlike need.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
So let’s set aside these
myths and come to God as His children – He is waiting and ready to hear what
you have to say.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-11886653768320486222014-03-25T10:28:00.000-05:002014-03-25T10:28:23.454-05:00The Faith of a Child
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A couple of nights ago, Selah and I were in the midst of her
nightly bedtime routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Josh
tells her a story, she and I always have “talk time” which has included
discussions ranging from why she is EXACTLY like Elsa from Frozen to deeper
questions about death and how babies come into the world (help me Jesus!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never know what
to expect during talk time – the mind of a 4-year old is a wonderous thing, but
I have come to cherish this bedtime ritual, and even though I’m often exhausted
by the time “talk time” arrives, I get energized by her enthusiasm and
sometimes deep questions.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Earlier this week was no different as I sat down next to her
and she started off a discussion on weddings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have no idea how weddings came to her mind, but mostly she was
lamenting the fact that she has NEVER been a flower girl, and ALL of her cousins
have!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Mom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton has been
a flower girl…and Molly was one too…and Maci!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom, Maci is EVERYONE’s flower girl!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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I was about to refute this claim, when I thought through her cousins and
realized that she was in fact correct with her findings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of her cousins have been in a wedding in
the role of flower girl, and we have listened to their delightful stories of
pretty dresses, flower petals, and the fun of weddings!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I tried to explain that Maci was a flower girl because she
had several single aunts and uncles while all of Selah’s were married when she
came into this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reasoning
didn’t seem to make much of an impact, and Selah asked if I had been a flower
girl when I was younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I
wanted to stand with her in solidarity I had to tell her that yes, in fact I
was a flower girl for my aunt Lisa…and so she was faced with the sad fact that
EVERYONE she knew had been a flower girl except her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is very real heartbreak for a 4-year
old!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>So she began asking
me about single friends in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What about…Annie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
about…Jay?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were their plans for
future flower girls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was on a
mission that night to find a solution to her dilemma!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After much talking, I said maybe it was
something she should pray about, and as soon as that statement left my mouth I
immediately regretted it. What had I just done?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt certain that I had just set my child up for disappointment,
because in all reality she wasn’t going to be a flower girl anytime soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would I have thrown the prayer solution
out there? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parent fail.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She immediately liked my idea and so we began praying, and I
listened as she beautifully pleaded with the Lord to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make her a flower girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would do a very good job, Lord…and all of
her cousins had been a flower girl – wasn’t it her turn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was such a sweet moment that I wrote a quick status
update about it on facebook (because that’s what one does now when their kid is
adorable), and I may have prayed my own prayer that God protect her little
heart from the inevitable disappointment that I knew would ensue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh Paige, of little faith!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two days passed and I all but forgot about this prayer when
I had a friend come by my office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jessica and I have known each other for a few years as she was in our college
group when Josh and I led Zoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and I met periodically over the years to talk about faith and her walk with the
Lord, and a few months ago she asked Josh and I to officiate her upcoming
wedding to Sam.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When she stopped by the office I assumed we would talk about
scheduling their pre-marital counseling as I told them that we should start in
April, but she had other plans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jessica sat down and said that she had been thinking for
sometime about asking Selah to be her flower girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cue my astonishment & joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t know Selah that well – she is
closer to Josh and I, but said that Selah had come to mind a few times and had
wondered if it would be strange to ask this little girl who she didn’t know
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then, she had a dream 3 nights before in which she had 2
flower girls – Selah & Layla (a beautiful girl from Uganda that my cousin
is in the process of adopting).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told
her fiancee Sam about the dream and they decided to ask the girls to be their
flower girls.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jessica talked to my cousin first about Layla, and as she
retold the dream my cousin asked her if she had seen my facebook post!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jessica had not seen it as she hasn’t been on
facebook for a couple of weeks…and so that sealed it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Jessica told me how this unfolded I almost burst into tears!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How good is God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much does He love us and care about
us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even those small desires in our
hearts – He cares!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not saying that
everything you ever pray for will get the answer you hope for…but I AM saying
we serve a God who loves His kids and I believe He really delights in blessing
us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFEfV7cC6y6XVGbGk1j-VgY7n1-8AwvAZdkPfAxFkA8g-QVFxMCG1-l_-Eto-oiMD4gB6pRjoQ7XM9oyK98ImiRJNnBNb1dlIjYkOwvxV9NTKSmHR3GXuBEKDgqkjPDLgw4XOgN2zaXc/s1600/photo(1)+copy.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/AVvXsEjqFEfV7cC6y6XVGbGk1j-VgY7n1-8AwvAZdkPfAxFkA8g-QVFxMCG1-l_-Eto-oiMD4gB6pRjoQ7XM9oyK98ImiRJNnBNb1dlIjYkOwvxV9NTKSmHR3GXuBEKDgqkjPDLgw4XOgN2zaXc/s1600/photo(1)+copy.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Selah was downstairs at Kids Day Out, so I took Jessica to
talk to her, and you should have seen her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She didn’t know what to think about this offer – it was like she wanted
to jump up and down and be surprised all at the same time…so she just giggled
and said yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later on she did jump and
dance & she immediately called her daddy to let him know her exciting news. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As she told her BIG news to everyone she saw, I noticed that
two different things came out of her mouth: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jesus answered my prayer!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My dream came true!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you Lord for making her dream come true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for being a God who hears our cries
and pleas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for loving us and
loving even the small things that feel big to our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And help us…help people like me who are small
in our faith…who forget how to pray courageously and with abandon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help us to trust that you are a good God who loves
and lavishes His kids with good.</div>
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Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-19061445965128862842014-03-04T08:47:00.003-06:002014-03-04T08:47:59.841-06:00Why I'll be Observing Lent this YearGrowing up as a Charismatic, evangelical preacher's kid, I always associated Lent with legalism and eating fish. But a few years ago I was feeling like I didn't really grasp the joy of my salvation - you know...just coasting through life...taking most things for granted. Most Sundays felt the same, and Easter was basically just a super-fun Sunday when I got to wear a new dress. I didn't like my relationship with Easter and I was aware that I needed a wake-up call to remind myself of the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1jjEI9ZiAD-SsES4q5LKqfMfhnKQGmn9NOs6wP8qIhOZuOrnyZIK0S_Ye1brcKS42kpn3DSGvC8D9vF7gqwftGOx7OHpac6HxmzS7d6szOwEWo924-f9BkrT7_6A4TqfQYPVAxX1_cM/s1600/Lent+2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1jjEI9ZiAD-SsES4q5LKqfMfhnKQGmn9NOs6wP8qIhOZuOrnyZIK0S_Ye1brcKS42kpn3DSGvC8D9vF7gqwftGOx7OHpac6HxmzS7d6szOwEWo924-f9BkrT7_6A4TqfQYPVAxX1_cM/s1600/Lent+2014.png" /></a>So, I started researching Lent - the 40 days leading up to Easter - and decided I would try observing it. I did my best to really observe it that year. I went to an Ash Wednesday service (I stood out like a sore thumb unsure of when to stand and when to get my ashes); I learned about days like Maundy Thursday, Good Friday; and I fasted as best I could. That year, Easter was markedly different in my life. I wept in our services and my heart was full of such love, joy, and gratitude for what Christ had done for me.<br />
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I discovered that I need structure and discipline in my walk with the Lord, and that it is good to set aside times to fast and focus. I've continued to observe Lent ever-since even though several in my community of faith seem to think it a bit odd. For me, it connects me to the reality of the cross...to the truth that I NEED Him daily and to the joy of what He has done for me. It has looked different every year, but I try to set aside 40 days to fast and focus on Him.<br />
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Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday, and this year I've decided to join Margaret Feinberg's 40 Day #LentChallenge of reading through the New Testament. It's basically reading 7 chapters a day, and Josh and I are going to do it together. Maybe you should join us!<br />
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If you'd like more information about this challenge, you can read all about it at Margaret's blog <a href="http://margaretfeinberg.com/free-bible-reading-guide/#more-22120">here</a>.Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-87819167909124728052014-02-20T22:21:00.000-06:002014-02-20T22:22:19.375-06:005 Things Catching My Eyes & Heart LatelyConfession: I love Pinterest & Instagram...like a lot. I'm tolerant of facebook as I see it's usefulness, but I really love Pinterest and Instagram because...I like pictures. I like seeing what's capturing the eyes and hearts of my friends and family. <br />
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Life around here has been normal but also kind of fabulous! Some moments of joy I know are meant to be tucked away into my heart to savor alone, but there have been a few moments and pictures and items that I've come to love lately that I thought I'd share with you!<br />
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So here are the 5 Things Catching My Eyes and Heart Lately<br />
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<b>1. Selah's 4th Birthday</b><br />
If you've hung around my family either in person or via social media you likely know that Selah LOVES a good party. In fact, she has informed me that she may just one day become a party planner. (Firefighter, doctor, and mommy are also on her list).<br />
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For her first two birthdays I did my best to make Pinterest proud. You can read about my dismal failure for her first birthday <a href="http://www.becomingpaige.com/2011/03/story-about-first-birthdays-smoke-drano.html">here</a> & you can see a few pictures from her Yo Gabba party when she turned two <a href="http://www.becomingpaige.com/2012/02/how-selahs-yo-gabba-gabba-party-was.html">here</a>. Last year, however we deviated from Pinterest worthy parties by going to the one and only Chuck E. Cheese. And although this pizza joint usually makes me break into hives and want to hide under a table, I discovered that having a party at a location that entertains kids AND cleans up after them is actually quite brilliant!<br />
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So, we decided to carry on in that tradition with birthday number FOUR and we assembled quite a large party to play at a local gymnastics place. Here are my favorite pictures. I think the kids had fun.<br />
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On a side note, Selah chose Princess hats, Barbie plates, Yo Gabba napkins, and a Frozen themed cake. I LOVE MY CHILD. She utterly destroys all of my perfectionistic tendencies!<br />
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<b>2. Book LOVE!</b><br />
I've read several books over the last couple of months, but I must mention a couple that I devoured while we took a short vacation to Mexico:<br />
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<b><i>Jesus Feminist</i></b> by Sarah Bessey was challenging, encouraging, and empowering. Don't let this title keep you away - it's not what you think. I actually went to college with Sarah, and as I read her words with sand under my feet I kept thinking about how much I wish we would have had deeper conversations when we lived down the hall from each other. Sarah is wise, warm, and open with her life in this book. What I loved the most is that it wasn't a rant or a how-to book...but it was a story. Her story, the story of women who have gone before us, and the story that might be - if women - like she and I and you...will accept who we were created to be and live out the gospel. The last chapter of the book is a commissioning...and I'm not sure what happened in my heart, but as I read these words - meant for me but also meant for women in India and Uganda...I found myself crying and praying for the women on the other side of the ocean.<br />
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<b><i>Attachments</i></b> by Rainbow Rowell was a great little beach read! If you are looking for something fun - good chic lit - this is one you might consider.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Cold Tangerines </i>by Shauna Niequist - I'm a major Shauna Niequist fan and although this was her first book, it is the last one of hers that I've read. It is a book about celebration...and when I read her books I feel like I know her. I want to go to one of her dinner parties or have her over to teach me to cook. I feel like we are soul sisters...but I suspect that everyone who reads her books might feel like that!<br />
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What I'm reading right now:<br />
<b><i>To Live is Christ</i></b> by Matt Chandler<br />
<b><i>wild</i></b> by Cheryl Strayed<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicaOHg_KJzx-ybNiy6Hi0XA-3Ulgijv7tutrYRzbbOH4gChqmiq_ySB8zAf_GlVGbCwRMT-BuwB1bnp_WuEqOqpew2ukoJKjLbNUCLsGezFT3HAFhlI_vJvAy1XnMUswYhzA6CkeRd9g/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicaOHg_KJzx-ybNiy6Hi0XA-3Ulgijv7tutrYRzbbOH4gChqmiq_ySB8zAf_GlVGbCwRMT-BuwB1bnp_WuEqOqpew2ukoJKjLbNUCLsGezFT3HAFhlI_vJvAy1XnMUswYhzA6CkeRd9g/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
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<b>3. Sales at Anthropologie</b> have also caught my eye this past month. Does anyone else love Anthropologie? I walk in and the Volcano candles tell me that it's going to be a good day...and somehow I've walked in the last couple of months and found a few great deals!<br />
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Hello pretty shoes! ------------------------><br />
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<b>4. My favorite pins from Pinterest lately</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsCIPZidgbGzIhJs7Ug1vQVamTHb6Ps8ic7lq8glRkOfPgKQy9KztCV5axwuMz6-5VudmEdGxfKg6qAnAETBHbd7oI-c6qpoKY3O4aYSo_Vi66dWoeWcUt1a3DlYZWnk8eN7T-XM7HDs/s1600/kitchen+nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsCIPZidgbGzIhJs7Ug1vQVamTHb6Ps8ic7lq8glRkOfPgKQy9KztCV5axwuMz6-5VudmEdGxfKg6qAnAETBHbd7oI-c6qpoKY3O4aYSo_Vi66dWoeWcUt1a3DlYZWnk8eN7T-XM7HDs/s1600/kitchen+nook.jpg" height="400" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this little kitchen nook!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZM4VkpQA91um50IFyJpfePAHAixTxqV6z8bKm36fLom38LvePtiqbjV4CDJvPz42qEgs5a_hDwLF6KlFns66uNUI8lN3Qev7tXgizn5osMZE-oovRYcdaPj3ltZxszb_IVrLUOmSgt8/s1600/voice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZM4VkpQA91um50IFyJpfePAHAixTxqV6z8bKm36fLom38LvePtiqbjV4CDJvPz42qEgs5a_hDwLF6KlFns66uNUI8lN3Qev7tXgizn5osMZE-oovRYcdaPj3ltZxszb_IVrLUOmSgt8/s1600/voice.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to LIVE this!</td></tr>
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My Favorite Instagram this week:<br />
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<b>5. Road Signs Love</b><br />
So I've taught the first two live teaching sessions for my Bible study - Road Signs, and I was beyond blessed when one of the ladies in the class this past Tuesday night emailed me this poem that she wrote as she was doing the daily Bible study. Her words are rich and beautiful and I just love how God spoke to her through my words & then He spoke to me through her words! Isn't that just like God to use us all to minister back and forth to one another?<br />
<br />
So I'll leave you today with her poem. Thank you Terese.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Rolling Away The Stone</b>
Lord, what are the walls</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
That I've built against You;</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That keep me secluded
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And far from Your TRUTH?
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Deep in the shadows
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Where light cannot shine;
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Safe at a distance
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And hidden by time.
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the walls that I'VE built
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Are MY stone at the tomb;
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Keeping death locked away
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Protecting every deep wound!
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But what IF ~ MY faith,
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Could reach PAST the walls;
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Building a bridge
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">From MY heart to YOURS, God?
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What IF I trusted;
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">YOU, Lord, By FAITH;
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To breathe LIFE into death
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And OPEN the grave?
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For it's only THEN, Lord,
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I can walk into TRUTH;
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Where the Light Of God Shines
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And True Life Is In You!
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, TODAY, I ask, Lord,
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That You'd HEAR when I pray;
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And Command Of The Stone ~
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">TO BE ROLLED AWAY!
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 14.079999923706055px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Terese Holloway</span></span><br />
<br />Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730783449184489393.post-89632997882889627312014-02-17T15:36:00.000-06:002014-02-17T15:45:38.123-06:00When Obedience Can Be Held In Your HandsI was beyond blessed last week at the amazing support and love shown to me as <a href="http://www.becomingpaige.com/2014/02/its-here-im-excited-to-tell-you-about.html">I announced</a> that my first Bible study, Road Signs, was being self-published! I had so many friends share this exciting news on social media, that my blog announcement quickly became my most visited blog ever (with the exception of <a href="http://www.becomingpaige.com/2012/02/how-selahs-yo-gabba-gabba-party-was.html">this blog here</a> - apparently people really want to know how to throw a Yo Gabba Gabba party)!<br />
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Well the excitement is continuing at my house as we received the printed books this Saturday!<br />
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My girls were thrilled (not sure if they were thrilled about the book or the myriad of boxes that make a great climbing apparatus), but I'm taking their enthusiasm and going with it! There really is just something amazing about holding in your hands the tangible product of being obedient to the Lord.<br />
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And if I'm honest, this is what fills my heart with the most joy. Have you ever had something in your heart (a project, a person who you know you should call, a desire to travel to the nations, etc.) and it lingers - for days or years? That is what this Bible study has been for me - a thought...an idea...a passion - that would NOT GO AWAY! Regardless of how I procrastinated or tried to tell my heart that my voice did not matter...that gnawing inside remained...until I obeyed.<br />
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The obedience amounted to hours of writing, rewriting, studying, and fighting the lies that I should stop. Obedience is rarely seen by anyone. It is a lonely path that requires sacrifice, but as I held this book in my hands on Saturday, I realized that obedience is what fills the heart with joy and purpose! Obedience is good. Whether it's obedience to love and raise my kids the way I know I should when another route would be easier. Or when it looks like keeping my mouth shut when I really want to gossip - obedience is always better. It may be hard, but it is good; and the rewards of obedience last a lifetime.<br />
<br />
So, as I held the product of overdue obedience in my hands, I was filled with thanksgiving and joy. I danced around the house with my girls, and then we promptly got into the car and I mailed off all the books that had been purchased online last week - THANK YOU!<br />
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For those asking, it is not too late to come to the live teaching sessions that are on Tuesday nights. We had over 70 ladies show up this past week, and I would love it if we reached 100! It was a really fun night - I loved watching ladies connect as they shared their "Jump Out of the Boat" stories.<br />
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Also for those inquiring, you can go ahead and purchase your Road Signs Bible Study right here on my blog. If you scroll up to the top of this page, you will see page links (Home, About, Etc). If you click on the page link titled "Road Signs" you will be taken to a new page where you can place your order. And I'm continuing my fun deal: if you purchase 5 or more books the month of February, I will send you the DVDs or free once they are ready for release.<br />
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So please consider buying a Bible study...but don't worry - if I still have them hanging around my house, Haven has made really good use of them!<br />
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Paige Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09233214842684576488noreply@blogger.com1