tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122216712024-01-21T16:06:23.356-05:00danibyhamThe Mom SeasonDani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-13400707494700005292017-11-01T10:37:00.002-04:002017-11-01T15:25:58.279-04:00The Halloween My Teenager Broke Up With Me<div>
<b>If you are a mom of small children, and do not yet have a teenager walking around your house, consider this post a warning:</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016</td></tr>
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Last year, I cried on my front porch steps, while I waited to hand out candy to the neighborhood kids. There was barely a trickle of them as the evening became later, cooler, quieter.<br />
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I had, quite unexpectedly, gotten left behind.<br />
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My husband had taken my two sons ahead, while I planned to hunt for candy with my daughter and her friends. </div>
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<i>Except</i>, my daughter, who was dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, but was actually a teenager in disguise, suddenly requested that I stay back.</div>
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<i>Whaaat?!?</i> </div>
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She wanted to skip down the deep, dark sidewalks ALONE (with her friends)- clearly embarrassed by my presence. In her defense, she was trying to be kind.</div>
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But I was completely taken off guard. I. Didn't. Know. What. To. Do.</div>
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*Insert broken heart emoji*</div>
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Apparently, this is a real thing. I've talked to other moms who've had the same experience. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently, middleschoolers break up with their parents on Halloween night.</span></div>
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Apparently, they forget who purchases their costumes and lets them eat candy before bedtime.</div>
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*Insert shocked/mad/teary face emoji*</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>If you haven't reached this motherhood milestone yet, you have time to make preparations. Get ready. The times, they are a changin'.</b></span></div>
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<b>But it doesn't mean the fun has to end! It's just going to start looking a little differently.</b></div>
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As I was NOT prepared for this emotional parenting downturn last year, I made plans to face Halloween 2017 with a new perspective.</div>
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We hosted an early dinner party at my house, so that my daughter and her friends could get dressed up together. I conjured up a giant pot of chili, with a side of nachos, apple cider, and <a href="http://bakingdom.com/2010/11/butterbeer-oh-yes-friends-butterbeer.html" target="_blank">butterbeer</a>. I invested in more decorations than usual (Harry Potter-inspired). And I made said teenager <i>promise</i> to pose for pictures before they left. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Memories," I warned. She complied.</span></div>
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Of course, it helped that the moms of her girlfriends were suffering from ghosts of Halloweens past as well. Missing their coordinated family costumes and little swinging pumpkin buckets heavy with loot, I made sure they felt as much a part of the night as I could.</div>
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Because we're all in this together, mom friends- trying to be cool and simultaneously saying sad goodbyes inside from all of this growing up stuff. *sniff*</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But onward we bravely proceeded. Into this new world of Teenagerdom. Where they still need you, but not as much. Where they want you, but when no one else is around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where. This. Is. Their. Last. Year. Of. Trick-or-treating.</span></div>
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So 2017 was both beautiful and bittersweet at our home. I canvased the neighborhood with my boys and their friends (no crying on the steps), while my daughter got her precious time away from her humiliating parents. All of the kids loved the extra festivities that happened to land on an otherwise typical Tuesday (as did I). And it turned out to be, possibly, our favorite October 31st ever.</div>
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Bonus: My unicorn onesie made the children just uncomfortable enough to be funny..and extremely rewarding. <i>Bwahahaha.</i></div>
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*insert laughing hysterically emoji*</div>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-29445210747315091972017-07-20T13:48:00.005-04:002017-07-20T14:58:09.441-04:00Watching to See a Twinkle of Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He wants me to see him do a flip on our backyard trampoline, but he doesn't stick the landing on the first try.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Wait, Mom! That's wasn't it," he quickly shouts (He knows me). "Watch!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Look up from your phone. Stop the hamster wheel in your brain that's telling you to rotate the laundry, sign up for flag football, and organize the library...again.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's hot. The trampoline springs squeak, and my son attempts another acrobatic stunt while I force myself to keep my feet planted on the concrete patio. To command my attention on this new physical feat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stand still. Keep watching. You can do this.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He finishes his amazing trick and immediately jerks his face up to observe my reaction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Did you see it, Mom?"</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Okay. Phew. Yes.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I clap. I smile, relieved and genuinely happy for him, but edgy to get onto the next thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Nice one!" I offer. He turns away to keep jumping. Proud. Accomplished. Satisfied. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I spin around and head towards the house. A little proud as well (I didn't miss it), but not feeling as accomplished. There's still more to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally free to answer the call of the hamster wheel, I'm obsessed, like a woman grabbing at a cupcake to feed a sugar craving (I probably skipped lunch). </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>This will make me feel better, </i>I believe<i>.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And I irrationally convince myself that if I hurry, today will be the day that it all gets done and the lists will be completely crossed off. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">THEN, I will feel accomplished. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And THEN I will give myself permission to enjoy more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But only then.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I think, <i>Just let me finish this. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hold on. I'll be right there. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Can that wait until later? </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After this is done, I will be able to do that.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But it's NEVER all done, is it? A finished project, maybe, that takes longer than you think. And later? When will THAT be?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It only takes five (however excruciating) minutes to pause from the compulsion to be busy and watch the trampoline show. But it's such a struggle to discern the important from the urgent- to balance the meaningful and the mundane. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Work HAS to be done, but so does life. So does love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes, it's true that you can love the work too. It can bring contentment too. But it can also drain more energy than you were expecting, steal more time before you realize what's happening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">The occasions for spotting joy trickle in at the most random times. They don't call and set up appointments. They don't glare. They twinkle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The windows of opportunity- to snap a mental Polaroid- open up intermittently in the hours you work and play. While you're making the bed or buckling a kids' seat belt. While you're answering emails or filling up the grocery cart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To catch sight of a shooting star, you have to keep your eyes peeled. And you have to be aware of the full sky at the same time, because you don't know in what direction it will come from. Blink and you'll miss it. But wait, there's probably another one. This could be a meteor shower. Or not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh! But when you see it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That open window. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That back flip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That star. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">THAT'S THE STUFF= joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not the list. Not the hamster wheel. Not some kind of perfect timing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just a soul expectant and a heart observant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Let everyone else race around in circles. You can stop. Just for a minute. Look up and keep watching. That's your life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Isn't it lovely?</span>Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-17787217110124509842017-05-31T16:08:00.000-04:002017-05-31T16:13:24.825-04:00Summer Book One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Find the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magnolia-Story-Chip-Gaines/dp/0718079183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496261542&sr=8-1&keywords=the+magnolia+story" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Read Jo's blog <a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/blog/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Find me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dbyham/?hl=en" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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#themomseason #justforfunsummer</div>
Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-23005020570920697292017-05-25T08:00:00.000-04:002017-05-25T08:00:17.059-04:00A Summer's Resolution<h3>
The edge between the school year and summer break feels a bit like New Year's Eve. My brain is just about dead from the demands celebrations require of me, but I still sense a nudge to give myself some kind of new goal. A personal purpose. A thing to look forward to before the next few months roll over me like an avalanche of everyone's else's plans.</h3>
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We moms are professional activity planners for our kids and our families because:<br />
A.) We want to make memorable moments.<br />
B.) We realize the importance of connection.<br />
C.) We know that kids require some direction.<br />
D). We will lose our minds trying to do all of the entertaining ourselves!<br />
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But do we make space on the calendar for our <i>own</i> kinds of fun?<br />
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<b>My Summer's Resolution is to do things <a href="http://www.danibyham.com/2017/05/just-for-fun-of-it.html" target="_blank">just for fun</a>. </b> Why should the kids have all of the adventures and play dates and camps? Let's take these next few months to check off some bucket lists of our own!<br />
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Go paddle boarding.<br />
Play an instrument.<br />
Paint something.<br />
Go to a non-kid movie with friends.<br />
Sit by the pool alone.<br />
Decorate a room.<br />
Go on a date.<br />
Put together a huge puzzle.<br />
Take a class.<br />
Go for a run.<br />
Do yoga.<br />
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This summer could be one for the books! Because we reminded ourselves that's it's okay to take the kids to the library and then drop them off with Grandma while we sip iced coffee and window shop for a spell. Or we closed the bedroom door to read in <i>peace and quiet</i>. Honestly, taking fun breaks are a win for the whole family!<br />
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Share your #justforfunsummer on instagram: @dbyham.<br />
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<br />Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-63983874510128321772017-05-24T06:35:00.000-04:002017-05-24T06:35:00.945-04:00Just for the Fun of It?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What if we did more things just for the fun of it? Not for recognition. Not for a paycheck. And not because it was included in a list of obligations.</h3>
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What if we just followed our leanings and didn't care what so-and-so thought about it? Our outfit choices, our decorating decisions, or our book selections? Or even how we organize our schedules?<br />
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What if we painted a unicorn just because we wanted to? Or wrote because we just liked the way the words fit together? Or made plans with a friend just because we liked their company?<br />
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Not for what we could get.<br />
Not for a higher step on the social ladder.<br />
Not for any reason whatsoever.<br />
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JUST FOR FUN!<br />
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Maybe we'd laugh more. Maybe we'd be a little more chill. Maybe we'd be a lot more comfortable in our own flip flops/sneakers/heels/boots. Maybe we'd be happier moms.<br />
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Maybe we'd make people smile. Make them want some of that freedom, some of that spunk, some of that confidence.<br />
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Maybe we'd remember when we thought dandelions were flowers to wish upon and not weeds messing up our manicured yards of unrealistic expectations. <b>That silly, not-so-serious, side of us might bloom right where it's planted. </b>We wouldn't hide or wait for permission anymore.<br />
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I wonder if we'd finally capture that ever elusive creature we named JOY. I wonder if it would nuzzle right up to our souls like an old friend we'd been missing. And I wonder if it would stay.<br />
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Because this one-time life is a gift for enjoying (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).<br />
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#justforfunsummer #themomseason<br />
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<br />Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-48539452627387728792017-02-28T11:34:00.002-05:002017-02-28T11:35:26.860-05:00Are you underestimating your mom super powers?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Forget the cape. Forget the ability to fly, to move things with your mind, to see through solid walls. When I became a mom, I unexpectedly acquired some <i>real</i> super powers. <br />
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You probably did too- even if you haven't yet discovered them.<br />
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I don't know when it happened for me exactly. It was less instantaneous than a reaction to a spider bite. Though I've been told that I produce a natural glow, the mysterious gene went largely unnoticed for years... until people started frequently asking me, <i>Where is my hairbrush? </i><i>Has anyone seen my sunglasses? </i><i>Can you find the remote?</i></div>
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Then it happened. My senses intensified and I could see my newfound strength. </div>
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<b>When someone in my family cannot locate a missing item, t<span style="text-align: center;">hey call <i>m</i></span><i style="text-align: center;">e</i><span style="text-align: center;">. </span>I. Am. The. Finder. of. Things. </b>Lost library books, shoes, costume pieces, homework, permission slips, favorite stuffed animals, water bottles, broken pieces to things...You name it. I recover it.</div>
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Not to puff out my chest, put my hands confidently on my hips and brag, but I've gradually come to realize that this is a very uniquely special talent. God blessed with me kids and then simultaneously bestowed on me the necessary skills that would be required to save the planet from certain destruction. Because Heaven knows, that <i>some</i>body needs to keep track of the stuff!</div>
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Also, I'm your woman if you need a human lie detector or last minute art project idea. You can call me Wonderful Woman, Magnificent Mother, Fantastic Female. Any will do. But lately, my kids like to shorten it to <i>Mom-do-you-know-where-my-Pokemon-cards-are?</i></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Tell me, what is <i>your</i> parental super power?</span></div>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-79561796386461667742016-09-20T13:12:00.001-04:002016-09-20T13:24:58.317-04:00Redeeming Regrets and Dusting Off Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past year I began dusting off some shelved dreams. I entered a new season- sticking my pinky toe into the waters of being a mom <i>and</i> something else too: a writer.<br />
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Beginning when my daughter was born 13 years ago, I focused my sole attention on raising, feeding, training, teaching, and cleaning up after her (and later, two more kids). Staying at home, instead of finishing my college degree or pursuing a career, was both a sacrifice and a privilege. I am thankful for the support of my husband and for the time I had seeing our babies grow up right before my eyes. It wasn't all cute, mind you- especially the parental learning curves, the sleepless newborn nights, the periodic loneliness, and the messy potty training- but I never regretted diving into the whole crazy world of diapers and dishes over resume-building or professional success.<br />
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I do, however, still have some regrets.<br />
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<b>Aside from embracing motherhood with all of it's priceless memories, I wish I knew that it didn't have to be my ONLY occupation.</b> The new "Mother" title didn't erase my name, my personality, or my God-given abilities prior to holding those precious swaddled infants in the hospital. I came into the mom season with too many ideals and too many rules, even though I was never officially read any list of expectations on child-rearing before taking my baby home to care for. But I, personally, critiqued every single one of my moves with an unhealthy slathering of guilt and internal sermons on selfishness.<br />
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I regret that I believed that there was only one way to parent.<br />
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I regret that I perceived that time spent on personal endeavors was self-centered.<br />
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I regret that I was so hard on myself.<br />
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I regret that I lived too long without joy or freedom.<br />
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<b>It seems backwards, I suppose- wishing that I had mothered a little <i>less</i>. I guess it's more that if I could do it again, I would have mothered <i>better</i>.</b> Because functioning out of my strengths and skills as often or more than I struggled in areas that were, to me, very draining, it may have all balanced out. My ritual disappointment in my housekeeping ineptitude would have been stabilized with some encouragement in my creative leanings. Instead of squashing my natural inclinations, I could have figured out a way to merge my home life with other avocations. The two worlds wouldn't necessarily cancel each other out.<br />
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I find so much fulfillment when I come home after a lunch meeting of the minds or completing a creative project. It's exciting to share my passions with my family and has been more rewarding than I expected. The best part is realizing that my kids love this side of their mom too. We get to support ALL of our dreams and celebrate inches of progress TOGETHER.<br />
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We are like those intricate patterns that we love to fill in with colored pencils. The designs catch our eyes because of their bold and colorful complexities- not just a single black line segment on a page. I am a woman, mother, wife, friend, sister, leader, follower, daughter, volunteer, writer, artist, laundress, cook, teacher, reader, and a dozen other things. And all of those shades of me are elements of some kind of unfinished work of art.<br />
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When God said that His creation of me "was good (Genesis 1:27, 31)," I don't think He was referring only to one of my roles or capabilities. I am ALL of the lines and ALL of the colors! And as an artist, which is one of the many roles I ascribe to God, I imagine that it brings him much pleasure to see His flowers bloom and His people live vibrantly.<br />
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<b>I am finding that God redeems regrets. He restores dreams. And the most exciting truth is that He isn't finished making masterpieces out of us</b> (Ephesians 2:10)!<br />
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Moms, if you have ever felt expected to cram yourself into some kind of one-size-fits-all box, remember that God has made us all unique. He planned it that way (1 Corinthians 12). The "abundant life (John 10:10) doesn't include forcing yourself into someone else's version of motherhood. <br />
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Bring out all of your colors and unpack those dreams!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous- how well i know it (Psalm 139:14)!"</blockquote>
<i style="text-align: center;">Have you set aside some dreams for a season? </i><i style="text-align: center;">What makes you come alive?</i><br />
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<br />Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-87953998794075299962016-07-12T15:41:00.002-04:002016-07-14T10:45:13.479-04:00Living Fulfilled When There's No Applause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you ever felt that your efforts weren't receiving the attention that you thought they deserved? At school, on the job, at home? I have often written about the times I've felt unnoticed in motherhood and how I've sought perspective and encouragement during those thankless and lonely moments: </span><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.danibyham.com/2014/11/the-invisible-work.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Invisible Work and Other Unseen Things</span></i></a>, and </span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.danibyham.com/2013/10/but-whos-going-to-be-my-cheerleader.html" target="_blank"><i>But Who's Going to be MY Cheerleader?</i></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On a day-to-day basis, we often do things for others without much recognition. My family doesn't always see me sweeping the floor, let alone cheer for me. My work is basically invisible<span style="color: #171515;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><b><i>,</i></b></span></span> which can really do a number on how I view myself and what I do. Dissatisfaction and disappointment can regularly sneak in and disrupt my purpose. <b>How can we still find fulfillment during those times of doubt and lack of appreciation?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I recently finished re-reading a small revised version of letters written by a monk from the 17th century. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Gods-Presence-Brother-Lawrence/dp/157683655X/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1467917527&sr=1-5&keywords=practicing+the+presence+of+god" target="_blank"><span style="color: #073763;">Practicing God's Presence: Brother Lawrence for Today's Reader</span></a></b> introduced me to an incredibly humble man seeking contentment in less than glamorous circumstances. He performed menial tasks despite physical handicaps and illnesses and still found indescribable joy. Though Brother Lawrence had given up "the pleasures of his life," he felt that "God surprised him by giving him a life of satisfaction" in return </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Elmer, 17).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> He also believed that, "</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We shouldn't get tired of doing little things for God, either, because God doesn't care about the size of the task (Elmer, 33)."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have preached these truths to myself often, b</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ecause <b>v</b></span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">aluing smallness has been a consistent battle for me.</b></span>The Bible tells us to "work willingly at whatever you do (Col. 3:23) and to "be faithful over a little (Matthew 25:21 )." So while what I do may not be described as anything grand, I have to remember that the size of a job or the prestige of a title, doesn't mean as much to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For as long as I can remember, I have chased big dreams. It started when I was nine years old, begging to sing a solo in church and continued well into young adulthood. As I continued to pursue moments of lime-lit greatness, I stumbled down paths of disappointment. I mistakenly connected my worth to the way people viewed me. If they approved, I was doing well. If I lost the election or didn't get the part, I felt the defeat of failure. <b>How would I ever make a difference in the world if no one could see me?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be seen. At the heart of my delusions of grandeur was simply the very basic needs to be loved and to be known. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beneath my seemingly selfish ambitions, that little girl version of me wearing patent leather dress shoes just wanted to do big things. She wanted to know that she mattered and that she was important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was just using the wrong tools to measure my self-worth and my impact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over time, I've learned that there is only one source of truth, and that it brings freedom. <b>Knowing what God says about me limits the power of others' opinions- whether they are loudly spoken or confusingly silent.</b> And like the Apostle Paul, I am continuing to learn "to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil. 4:11) and like Brother Lawrence to be "happy to work at whatever small job...all for the love of God (Elmer, 24)."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What about you? Have you struggled in the area of not being noticed? Can you relate?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">I would love to hear more from others who've been in a season of obscurity- to learn how you processed and how you persevered. Are you still in that place, or have you moved ahead a few spaces? </span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><b>Will you share your experience in </b><b><span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdwvbn1upibw_p-ai2evdwdNGyrdwDLOtM5A1GtBdpye8-UQ/viewform" target="_blank">THIS SURVEY</a></span></b>?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Your comments can help me write more specifically about the things that help you! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant (Galatians 1:10).</span></blockquote>
Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-79982391170900089252016-06-28T11:43:00.001-04:002016-06-28T12:02:30.696-04:00Take-a-Trip Tuesday & a Summer Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Take-a-Trip Tuesday<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and m</span>y kids are off to the <span style="color: #666666;"><a href="http://www.regmovies.com/movies/summer-movie-express" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Summer Movies</span></a>.</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where do you go to cool off when it's hot? </span>Some of our favorite places to get out of the house are:</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">the library </span> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">the aquarium</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">indoor trampoline/inflatable park </span> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">the beach</span> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">a shady playground</span> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">children's museum</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">ice cream shop</span> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">the pool <span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">an arcade</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">you <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">want </span>more suggestions from</span> The Mom Season's <b>List of 72 Free Summer Activity Ideas</b>, you can still <a href="http://eepurl.com/b5hVbb" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">sign up here! </span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since not all of those field trips are free, here's a chance to win some spending money for all those fun summer outings! Click the image below for a <b>$50 cash giveaway</b>. And share the love with your mom friends!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#TakeATripTuesday #themomseasonsummer</span></span>Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-90608071498949440712016-06-22T15:32:00.003-04:002016-06-24T14:35:15.963-04:00Read the Classics with Your Kids This Summer: A List of Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the school year, teachers assign books that the kids may not enjoy, or they spend reading requirements on series that fellow classmates recommend. While their top picks may be fun reads, they often lack brain-building vocabulary, thought-provoking imagery, or inspiring messages that last. That's why the summer is the best time to check out some heftier titles from the library and read as a family!<br />
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I love introducing older, popular classics with my kids when we have more downtime. If I don't take the opportunity that school breaks offer, I worry that my three children may not otherwise get the chance to experience these well and long-loved tales. After all, there has to be a reason that certain books have been recycled, revised, and re-told for ages.<br />
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Remember what it was like to be bored and forced to come up with your own mental movie pictures? Listening to or reading stories, without provided images, was the original form of entertainment, before television. <b>Kids are never too young or too old to imagine the narratives being told them</b>. Not only are there brains sparking with renewed creativity, but reading out loud allows me time to explain phrases or words they don't understand, as many older stories have cultural or dated references. For example, I had to explain recently that a "torch" in The Chronicles of Narnia was actually a flashlight. I'm also able to skip over any language or descriptions I find inappropriate for their age.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reading together on the couch is great family time- maybe even a lost art form</span>.<br />
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Understandably, my younger boys sometime resist turning off screens and settling down for lengthy periods of time at first. But after every chapter is finished, they're hooked and their curiosities are piqued! We sometimes draw pictures of what we think the characters or scenes looked like. And when we read an entire book, we find the movie adaptation to celebrate. It's fantastic conversation material, as we compare the film's interpretation to the original story.<br />
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Here are a list of classics turned into movies that our family has enjoyed (I started this with my daughter years ago, so many titles are female favorites. We're venturing more into boy territory these days now too):<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i> by Lewis Carroll</li>
<li><i>Charlotte's Web</i> by E.B. White</li>
<li><i>Anne of Green Gables</i>* by L.M. Montgomery</li>
<li><i>The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe</i> by C.S. Lewis</li>
<li><i>Prince Caspian</i> by C.S. Lewis</li>
<li><i>The BFG</i> by Roald Dahl</li>
<li><i>Little Women</i>* by Louisa May Alcott</li>
<li><i>The Secret Garden</i> by Frances Hodgson Burnett</li>
<li><i>A Little Princess</i> by by Frances Hodgson Burnett</li>
<li><i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</i> by Roald Dahl</li>
<li><i>Little House on the Prairie</i> by Laura Ingalls Wilder</li>
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Here are more on my list to read in the future:</div>
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<li><i>Mary Poppins</i> by Dr. P. L. Travers</li>
<li><i>Heidi</i> by Johanna Spyri</li>
<li><i>Matilda</i> by Roald Dahl</li>
<li><i>The Lord of the Rings</i> series* by J.R.R. Tolkien</li>
<li><i>Pippi Longstocking</i> by Astrid Lingren</li>
<li><i>Treasure Island</i> by Robert Louis Stevenson</li>
<li><i>The Swiss Family Robinson</i> by Johann D. Wyss</li>
<li><i>The Adventures of Tom Sawyer</i> by Mark Twain</li>
<li><i>The Wonderful Wizard of Oz</i> by L. Frank Baum</li>
<li><i>Peter Pan</i> by J.M. Barrie</li>
<li><i>The Collected Tales of Nurse Matilda</i> by Christianna Brand (Movie: Nanny McPhee)</li>
<li><i>The Adventures of Robin Hood</i> by Roger Lancelyn Green</li>
<li><i>Indian in the Cupboard</i> by Lynne Reed Banks</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*These titles are geared more for older children. My oldest is a middle-schooler, so we can venture into harder texts than with my elementary-school aged sons. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Do you have a favorite classic story that you think kids may love? Share!</span><br />
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-74572788735741710282016-06-19T16:15:00.002-04:002016-06-19T16:18:21.152-04:00Any guy can be a father, it takes a special man to be a dad! <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDaniByham%2Fposts%2F907198856075758&width=750&show_text=true&height=305&appId" width="750" height="305" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-23621554819959698122016-06-13T17:07:00.000-04:002016-06-24T13:18:00.966-04:00It's Another Mom Season Summer Plan!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Three weeks into my kids' summer break, I am finally getting familiar with the new paces and routines. Every day is different. Each week is new with camps or trips dotted throughout the calendar. So, I'm very casual.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I know that the hour is looming...the clock will soon strike...</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OH MY GOSH WE HAVE GOT TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE WE DRIVE EACH OTHER CRAZY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I'm not saying that the kids can't be bored sometimes. I don't mean that we have to constantly keep them entertained every blessed minute. But we can't really expect the kids to come up with the smartest ideas for filling a dozen hours on their own without some adult interaction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their first pick is usually screen time. Then they attempt risky experiments or stunts suggested by their very own genius imaginations. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those sweet faces will also constantly demand to know, "What are we doing today???" And without some direction, the sibling harmony turns into terribly out-of-pitch cat screeching, when Mom doesn't have a surprise or two behind her back.</span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.danibyham.com/2014/06/so-now-that-its-summer-i-have-plan.html" target="_blank">It's time to make a plan.</a> My son has already asked a few times when we were going to start our annual themed activity days, because he is so totally stoked that he doesn't have to do any school. I get it. I just haven't been on it yet, because we all just needed a break from schedules. Until now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://eepurl.com/b5hVbb" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="http://eepurl.com/b5hVbb" border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjnrBiVdm8Upz83MH3OTXQrLvnH7ssWSwOJ7pOI3lb-LHErj-uuQ0N1golK27O6t5_ji7q36PY02yADfcMII6sSh6I2_YQYX9rEve1QzloCaBTFpj46ysRyJe3CdM-yvo6JPt/s320/72SummerActivities.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you haven't been following, my Mom Season friends and I come up with <b>rotating weekday themes that give us the general framework for fun activity planning that has lots of flexibility.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Allowing for our personal skillsets and resources, we can use this plan to tailor-fit our families' favorite things to do. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We don't all love crafts, and we don't all join the swim team. But we all want to make lasting memories and enjoy our time with the kids, don't we?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So this year, I compiled a <a href="http://eepurl.com/b5hVbb" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">free list of 72 activity ideas</span></b></a> that I've either used in the past or plan to try this year. If you sign up, you'll receive a PDF to download in your email. The lists should get you through the next 12 weeks! How's that for a Make-Something-Monday AWESOME?!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rest your weary brain, Momma, I've got you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Share your own fun summer plans with us!</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Comment below or share on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DaniByham/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dbyham/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>#themomseasonsummer </i></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-65541060527406599292016-05-27T07:36:00.001-04:002016-06-13T15:07:15.011-04:00How to Love Your Less than Ideal Summer<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today is the last day of school! We are so excited!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>But we are also terrified.</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNRBxKZAMm2sErJ5CiuAVUYpCSg6q7kDkkNsPaPzF8zjyHqZDtBLD9aYHUMdx7d6Hzgb_M_lNtAmbMIomUNpP2KE90roFnulZ3vP63dsu5G9_kOXC-dE1zY3StK4fjswHcon8/s1600/IMG_5974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNRBxKZAMm2sErJ5CiuAVUYpCSg6q7kDkkNsPaPzF8zjyHqZDtBLD9aYHUMdx7d6Hzgb_M_lNtAmbMIomUNpP2KE90roFnulZ3vP63dsu5G9_kOXC-dE1zY3StK4fjswHcon8/s640/IMG_5974.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The month of May, with all of it's tests and projects, field trips and field days, award ceremonies, class parties and recitals, has brought us to our knees- hugging a street sign while the hurricane winds of activity blew our hairdos to pieces and smacked our faces with unexpected reminders. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I forgot to bake that platter of cookies and chip in for another teacher's gift, I knew I was beaten. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Please, God, bring us the sun!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The busy storm has finally relented. And so today, we stand on wobbly limbs and face the aftermath. We look to tomorrow with much hope and expectation. We have survived another school year. We breathe relieved... <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">and then, we hold in another breath as we survey the summer landscape.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>NOW WHAT?</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our family will begin this summer with a trip to the mountains, and I will finally nail down any camp registrations I started to complete and never finished.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>I'll make <a href="http://www.danibyham.com/2014/06/so-now-that-its-summer-i-have-plan.html" target="_blank">tentative fun plans</a> and then have a real talk with my ideal self:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dearest
Idealistic Momma,</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You have been
dreaming about slower, calmer mornings without lunch-packing and carpooling. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But don't be surprised when THE KIDS WILL STILL WAKE UP EARLY, because in the summer, there is a much more exciting and motivating reason to leap out of their comforters: TV! iPads! Xbox! "Woohoo! No school! We can do whatever we want!"</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Also, the door-slamming will wake you up and THE CHILDREN
WILL ARGUE before 7am. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">No one will make
you coffee before you have to deal. It's all you. And then your kids will still
be there. All. Day. Long. Without fail. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.danibyham.com/2014/06/so-now-that-its-summer-i-have-plan.html" target="_blank">You need a plan.</a> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But you also need a
break. <a href="http://www.danibyham.com/2014/05/dont-wait-to-take-break-until-next.html" target="_blank">TAKE A BREAK</a>, and don't feel guilty. If you don't, you may eat your own young and have even more regrets.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvkjkfsus0DGHzLVMTIkRgqmRHWZ6KPv0yid9c7CdGxB0ML-GjZFScZl2gRtQasVRbUmyQhSYoaPvP_WUVstfjHj8sOiJv0SyZGPNwTU-cYztYOVk6l-8MH5pRiClO0kq1Akp/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvkjkfsus0DGHzLVMTIkRgqmRHWZ6KPv0yid9c7CdGxB0ML-GjZFScZl2gRtQasVRbUmyQhSYoaPvP_WUVstfjHj8sOiJv0SyZGPNwTU-cYztYOVk6l-8MH5pRiClO0kq1Akp/s320/IMG_6045.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">BE FLEXIBLE when
you make your plans, because there will be hiccups- and not the cute ones-
diaper blowouts, jellyfish stings, and milkshake spills in your freshly cleaned
minivan. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes, you'll just cancel said plans and call it "PJ
Day." That's okay too.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Life will not stop
providing work just because it's the kids' summer <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">vacation</span> from school. Break the
news lightly: there will be housecleaning and laundry and dishes and grocery
trips. Our small charges can handle a lesson in responsibility. IT'S NOT ALL
FUN AND GAMES. It's sweeping the floor too. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">GET EXTRA FOOD,
because they will want more too eat when they're bored, and the neighbor's son
will pretend like he wants to play, but he's really sniffing out your snack
stash. </span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You'll need proof that your days haven't been a complete wash. Make a calendar of
plans and memories, because at some point (probably in 2 weeks), you'll start
thinking that this is the worst summer ever and that no one is having a good
time and that you are wasting precious days!!! Hang up your calendar for June,
July, and August, then LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE! Point to the evidence:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You took the kids to the pool
thirty times! </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You made hand print molds, even though you hate arts and crafts! </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You let the kids stay up late and catch fireflies or watch fireworks after the
baseball game! </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WeaSugz4wqhutm8TjoyxMGyKAnA9w-EBL6Z-lezRqU8zSrBkBBOllilkwRiAzRJweipc9ydnsm1Ip7f8QiOxoiycLHgi-SGyzy6eR9fCFsu7-tCMmrffGprR8p2Ggacmk2hq/s640/blogger-image-1664817663.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/AVvXsEg4WeaSugz4wqhutm8TjoyxMGyKAnA9w-EBL6Z-lezRqU8zSrBkBBOllilkwRiAzRJweipc9ydnsm1Ip7f8QiOxoiycLHgi-SGyzy6eR9fCFsu7-tCMmrffGprR8p2Ggacmk2hq/s640/blogger-image-1664817663.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Remembering the sweet successes re-charges your summer
spirit</b>. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Lastly, and just for fun, START
A COUNTDOWN CALENDAR for the first day of school. What?!? *<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">cue evil laughter</span>* No, but seriously. I did this secretly with a friend last summer,
so that every time we were having a crazy bad day, it made us laugh. The kids
won't appreciate it, obviously. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But it gave me an end goal. You can make a
countdown calendar for anything fun: date nights, girls' weekends, or family
vacations. There's an app for that! <b>This is just to remind yourself that there's something to look forward to
when you’re getting a little battle-weary. </b>There is a season for everything.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally, CALL YOUR
FRIENDS. Don't just be your kids' social secretary. Be your own. It will keep
you sane. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Also, misery loves company. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Happy
first day of summer,</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Realistic
Momma</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-51239980942122543622016-05-03T18:04:00.004-04:002016-05-03T18:09:52.993-04:00Learning to be Wild and Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAueosI6yqFrzw518RJXV5ated3D_3n1lCY-iUHDSZnaGdEKvJPoQYEBAUT-KRHz6d81wwV1hFvlLqF5SeC8bnsIN_YLByw7dyJYz518GxiBAfM9F-QHbEg5Ssi12xRbSkog6/s1600/anthem1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAueosI6yqFrzw518RJXV5ated3D_3n1lCY-iUHDSZnaGdEKvJPoQYEBAUT-KRHz6d81wwV1hFvlLqF5SeC8bnsIN_YLByw7dyJYz518GxiBAfM9F-QHbEg5Ssi12xRbSkog6/s320/anthem1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's been exactly two years since I first heard<a href="http://jessconnolly.com/" target="_blank"> Jess Connolly</a> speak about being wild and free. I remember taking all the notes and then going home to read and re-read John 10:10.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: x-small;">"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">life</b>, and have it to the full (NIV)."</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: x-small;">"...I have come so they may have <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">life</b>. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way (NIRV)."</span></blockquote>
To be fully alive? I wanted that! But to enter into that kind of living, I needed to give myself permission to be fully who God made me to be. For myself, this means being creative, even when it doesn't bring me an extra income or a massive internet following. It may not lead to a great career, but it brings me joy. <b>It makes me come alive</b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I wonder if that is how we bring the light of Jesus into the world- by being fully alive.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: x-small;">"My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">live</i> him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">living</i> it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving (MSG)." -Colossians 2.6-7</span></blockquote>
On May 1, 2014, God used Jess Connolly to begin a spiritual work in me. I return to that entry in my journal often, because the sweet truths unlocked my jail cell of a life living according to others' opinions. That message empowers me, daily, to connect with Jesus in my own unique way. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxZLMLxaIjxILkOgy59GC5MQqC3L94SAvvB5udyeq8VeyvDuuvtbmfe28FyT9dCSNpiNjG25ABLDVgLLjz0yyynaJ679BQcGO1Bse_qSoYN1w6S78pNxgwkExp0Y69K690VRg/s1600/WildandFree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxZLMLxaIjxILkOgy59GC5MQqC3L94SAvvB5udyeq8VeyvDuuvtbmfe28FyT9dCSNpiNjG25ABLDVgLLjz0yyynaJ679BQcGO1Bse_qSoYN1w6S78pNxgwkExp0Y69K690VRg/s400/WildandFree.jpg" width="258" /></a>Now, Jess, and her friend and <a href="http://theinfluencenetwork.com/" target="_blank">Influence Network</a> co-founder, <a href="http://www.hayleyemorgan.com/" target="_blank">Hayley Morgan</a>, are sharing this song of freedom to everyone in their book, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Free-Hope-Filled-Anthem-Enough/dp/0310345537/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1454366855&sr=8-1&keywords=wild+and+free&linkCode=sl1&tag=wwwthetinytwi-20&linkId=aac20928e1a531ebadee13c07892c314" target="_blank">Wild and Free: A Hope-Filled Anthem for the Woman Who Feels She is Both Too Much and Never Enough</a>.</i></b> The title alone makes my heart leap! I joined the launch team and read the pages early, so I could selfishly renew what stirred in me two years ago. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because for us to invite others to this freedom march, we have to believe it deeply ourselves. We have to experience the goodness of God and how He sees us.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;">"And when you've tasted freedom? When you've walked away from defensive living, you can say good-bye to the heaviness of other's expectations. You can walk without crippling insecurity. You can live with your imperfect self, knowing that you're covered in Christ (</span>Morgan, chapter 12<i>)."</i></blockquote>
Recently, I blogged about <a href="http://www.danibyham.com/2016/02/being-okay-with-who-i-am-so-long-doubt.html" target="_blank">"Being Okay With Who I Am."</a> Settling our identity in Christ is what this book is similarly about. While being "wild," is most likely not a term that we would classify as an acceptable female or Christian adjective, Jess and Hayley seek to redefine it as "unhindered by cultured norms (Connolly, chapter <i>9)." </i>We have to stop looking around so much and comparing ourselves to others. We have to stop letting others determine how we should look or act or feel. Doesn't the Word tell us to<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> "not conform to the pattern <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">this</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">world (Romans 12:2)?" </span></span><br />
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We can be wild when we fix our eyes on Jesus and what <i>He</i> thinks of us. He knows what we're made of, and He loves us. Period. Right from the start, our Creator said that we were "good (Genesis 1:31)." In all of our different shapes, personalities, talents, circumstances, pasts, and even in our sins or weaknesses- we are unconditionally loved and accepted by our God. Remember that "if Christ is in you...You're as holy...as wild...as free...as loved by God as you'll ever be (Connolly, chapter 7)."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We aren't too much. We don't need to <i>be</i> more or <i>do</i> more.</span><br />
That's grace. And that's freedom. All we have to do is walk in these truths and live it out.<br />
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<div style="text-align: start;">
I strongly recommend that you read Jess and Hayley's new book. For yourself. For your girlfriends. For your moms and your sisters.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><i>WILD AND FREE</i> LANDED ON THE SHELVES TODAY!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><a href="http://www.wearewildandfree.com/"></a>You can order online or at most major bookstores (Amazon, Lifeway, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook, Books a Million, Faith Gateway).</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wearewildandfree.com/">www.wearewildandfree.com</a></div>
Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-58563813417700413862016-03-08T12:55:00.001-05:002016-03-09T16:11:41.285-05:00Remember me?<div class="" style="clear: both;">
I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">have this <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">weird </span>quirk<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">. W</span>henever I run into an acquaintance, I re-introduce myself. I have possibly been around this person <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">once or twice before</span>, but I do it anyway. Often. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rB690uc_e1Q66IOCD301PuHj8COuLDQWSGNuq13hJ9DSnb7HIvhbaPnA7y5GVwfN6zYWpB6puwDX3pGDzkztMmeHkrq6X1G_-YtmNt1cLEInVR1cmM6iI6ura6nZWSnZg97i/s640/blogger-image-2074180242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rB690uc_e1Q66IOCD301PuHj8COuLDQWSGNuq13hJ9DSnb7HIvhbaPnA7y5GVwfN6zYWpB6puwDX3pGDzkztMmeHkrq6X1G_-YtmNt1cLEInVR1cmM6iI6ura6nZWSnZg97i/s200/blogger-image-2074180242.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">My greeting sounds something like, "Hey! I'm Dani. Brody's mom? They go to school together." </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">No matter how many times I meet familiar faces, I feel the necessity to overcome the chance of awkwardness by just blurting out my bio, "I have three kids. I'm a stay-at-home mom..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">As if expecting to be easily forgettable, I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">hurry</span> to establish our connection before they have to ask me to remind them. Quite honestly, I draw a blank too sometimes, so</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> I don't want anyone to feel badly for forgetting who I am. Let's just call <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">this a</span> helpful<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">quirk.</span></span></span></div>
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But I would rather just be recognized. Wouldn't you? It would save me some anxiety.I truly want to be known and be in relationship with others, so it's validating when someone calls me by my name without any prompting. And I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">would guess that I'm not the only one who feels relief when she sees a friend in a crowd of strange name tags. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But there were whole seasons in life when I actually felt more anonymous than known. </span>Moving to a new place is like that. Beginning a new job or a new school can be both exciting and scary endeavors, because we are essentially starting over as a nobody. Becoming a mom was one of those nameless eras too. While my husband excelled in his career and my friends enjoyed years of travel during their single or newlywed status, I was home figuring out how to manage things and take care of a baby- relatively alone.</div>
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It was a time of identity crisis and hiding for me. I hardly knew how to hold a conversation back then. Because after all, who <i>was</i> I? What did I <i>do</i>? I didn't think that I had anything interesting to contribute to a social gathering.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But the mom season has also been a time of growing up and leaning in. <b>God re-shaped my purpose and vision when I was incognito. He showed me my importance, apart from blazing achievements (or lack thereof).</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkcfE59HtlzpbQ9agAb2LhwYIfmaMbGc39i1S6muUjoRYnpQ9_SNKPoIHvQ0wy-HVojj8OBJEI8mywHeT1muPpuzTd3Pft4spO2RGbihQiBFLFqrZp8ynY6GXAIZnRPEaHGYE/s640/blogger-image--1336035326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkcfE59HtlzpbQ9agAb2LhwYIfmaMbGc39i1S6muUjoRYnpQ9_SNKPoIHvQ0wy-HVojj8OBJEI8mywHeT1muPpuzTd3Pft4spO2RGbihQiBFLFqrZp8ynY6GXAIZnRPEaHGYE/s200/blogger-image--1336035326.jpg" width="151" /></a>During a visit with a friend last week, we were talking around this topic of being known and knowing who we are. It was fascinating how our experiences and uncovered truths sparked off of each other. Towards the end of this spontaneous dialogue, we found a verse that jumped off the screen of my friend's poor, crackled-faced smart phone:</div>
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"Family of Jacob, The Lord created you. People of Israel, He formed you. He says, 'Do not be afraid. I will set you free. <b>I will send for you by name.</b> You belong to me (Isaiah 43:1, NIRV).'"</div>
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Other versions say: "<b>I have called you by</b> <b>name</b>." </div>
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<br />
These recently discovered words make me imagine a parent calling the kids home for
dinner. Because they belong to that family. Because they were given
names, carefully chosen and picked out before they were born. Their names set them apart from the other kids playing football in the field. When children hear their names called, they are aware of their place in the world. They are wanted, and they are known by their name.</div>
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To realize that the Creator knows MY name, and uses it to call me, is such a big deal. Because I have often needed to be reminded that I am not actually alone or forgotten or unknown. How I feel or how others make me feel, in any given season, doesn't brand me. GOD sees me! HE knows my name! </div>
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There is such security in knowing that I never have to open my prayers with, "Hello, God. Remember me?"</div>
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Thank goodness, too! Because I'm probably going to keep sticking out my hand and re-introducing myself to the rest of you. Just in case. </div>
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And that's one less awkward exchange ;-) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYo-PVsL1vhEhVQILWm8oXzUCDD6N_cTPQh4-6LBJ_qkLlf4oWkgXGtvNwJS2WPm5M5GTruuhJxLOImSh-qNcGuxjwA5qkAjuNgaG4MEye3gdgwoMJJif4eNUiQB9FCO2MzV3s/s640/blogger-image--1624763401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYo-PVsL1vhEhVQILWm8oXzUCDD6N_cTPQh4-6LBJ_qkLlf4oWkgXGtvNwJS2WPm5M5GTruuhJxLOImSh-qNcGuxjwA5qkAjuNgaG4MEye3gdgwoMJJif4eNUiQB9FCO2MzV3s/s320/blogger-image--1624763401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
"I'm amazed at how well <b>you know me.</b> It's more than I can understand (Psalm 139.6, NIRV)."</div>
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<blockquote>
"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as <b>God now knows me completely</b> (1 Corinthians 13.12, NLT)."</blockquote>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-303053329804089002016-02-25T07:36:00.001-05:002016-02-25T08:56:38.047-05:00Being Okay With Who I Am: So Long, Doubt. Hello, Freedom.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I've come to a place in life where I'm okay with who I am. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Not everyone can say this, I know. So I want to share a little bit about how I got here. </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUB2MktU0zZOzb8Ph_-oOGsrIINm2IcyZroCNX4ba8zfgqrlJy9BXaG0K_NvVusawQfY00Ci6JRNGqtbGYHBOpDV8v_1wtvqcrCHKXr6NN1E1UQUOkb0AfGtz-EfaUUIKsENt/s640/blogger-image-1957599107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUB2MktU0zZOzb8Ph_-oOGsrIINm2IcyZroCNX4ba8zfgqrlJy9BXaG0K_NvVusawQfY00Ci6JRNGqtbGYHBOpDV8v_1wtvqcrCHKXr6NN1E1UQUOkb0AfGtz-EfaUUIKsENt/s320/blogger-image-1957599107.jpg" width="320"></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">For the majority of my life, I camouflaged myself to blend in. I kept fairly quiet and smiled a lot, trying not to create a fuss. Making myself as easy to get along with as possible, I n</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">ever wanted to be anyone's enemy. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">It was my self-protecting social tactic, which actually saved me a lot of drama throughout my school years. But it led to years of identity crisis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">My</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> greatest motivator was to be liked. I was (and still am, at times) a Grade A people pleaser.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">All that I can point back to as a reason for this, is a combination of being a first-born child, as well as, growing up with divorced parents. I was happiest when others were happy with me- my teachers, my family, my friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, <b>the moods and opinions of others are hardly a reliable anchor for your self-esteem</b>. It's probably safe to assume that everyone usually has their own best interest in mind, which can lead to those confusing thoughts that swirl around: <i>Wait, why don't they agree with me? Why haven't they called? Why do they talk to me that way? </i></span></div>
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And then a crazy cycle ensues: I feel secure when others affirm me. When their presence or encouragement is absent, I feel insecure. I attempt to make things right or find another source of confidence, only to find my worth in the same unpredictable good graces of the people around me.<br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I am back to where I started:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not knowing who I am, apart from what others think of me. Always trying to prove to myself and to others that I was <b>somebody</b>. But <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I was a mirage- a glimmer of who I wanted to be. Not solid, settled, or grounded.</span></span></div>
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Can anyone relate?<br>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">That all changed when, at a particularly low point a few years ago, a sweet woman I met in counseling asked me questions that stopped my unhealthy thought patterns:</span></div>
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<i>Who ARE you? Are you who THEY say you are? Are you who you THINK you are? Or are you who GOD says you are?</i></div>
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It all comes down to what you believe. And sometimes, you don't even realize the lies you've accepted as truth, until you're forced to take a really hard look at yourself. No matter how you FEEL, "the truth will set you free." </div>
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The truth is that:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You are not alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are loved and accepted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are valuable.</span></div>
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In the Bible, reminding yourself of what God promises, is what we call "renewing our minds." It doesn't get easy to re-train old habits, until you've practiced the good ones. Over and over, <b>choose to believe that God has a plan and purpose for you- that no part of your personality or your story is useless. </b>Don't waste precious time treading the waters of doubt.</div>
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We are living, growing people. That means that we weren't meant to stay the same or burrow underground in fear. We are always in a state of becoming.</div>
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Be okay with your areas of weakness, because it causes you to connect with friends who help you become stronger. And your strengths (yes, you have them), can help someone else. All of these combined, make you more dependent on your Maker, which lets His glory and power shine through you. </div>
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I once <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">believed that I had nothing to offer. M</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">y constant need to be approved by others and the endless amount of comparing my abilities, brought me down to a place of hopeless anxiety. I never, EVER want to go back there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Questioning myself and my worth is a dark and paralyzing place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Knowing who I am and being at peace with who I am becoming, is light and freedom.</span></div>
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<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
So when I hear a friend doubting herself, I have an immediate urge to grab the largest mirror and verbally re-create the image that she sees. <i>You ARE beautiful! You are SO talented! You are NOT crazy! Believe me! Believe God!</i></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Eph. 2:10)."</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">When you know who you truly are, it's like waking up from a bad dream. It's a sigh of relief. It's realizing, <i>I'm okay.</i></span></div>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-24010060432403918942016-01-19T11:50:00.000-05:002016-01-19T12:04:17.451-05:00A Working Faith<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GTyGYJi902dU1GdsG-HhK1fLbXbam-VDxrkS8T_fXS0Tk01VCXfnBhcb8HhTSlCUSFp1U3ZZjHrXQMFgIrpxq-PN_JwcB6Tu0eJVGrw9IWncvdXf4PFhcj7n2gB7vYDM3KnF/s640/blogger-image-145161239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GTyGYJi902dU1GdsG-HhK1fLbXbam-VDxrkS8T_fXS0Tk01VCXfnBhcb8HhTSlCUSFp1U3ZZjHrXQMFgIrpxq-PN_JwcB6Tu0eJVGrw9IWncvdXf4PFhcj7n2gB7vYDM3KnF/s400/blogger-image-145161239.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I approached the new year, I started to become aware of a mistaken mindset that I've had for a long time. I have been seeing a trend in how skewed beliefs affect my decision-making. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> All this time I blindly functioned with the assumption that I was doing the best I could. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">But what I have realized is this: there is a glitch in my faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">When faced with something that seemed hard, I immediately translated that to mean that I wouldn't do it. It's not because I was intentionally being rebellious or lazy. I just considered obstacles as closed doors. The difficulties were obvious signs that it wasn't the right time to take that path. If it was remotely complicated, I thought that it wasn't meant to be.</span><br />
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<i>Oh, ye of little faith</i>.<br />
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What I have missed with this way of thinking is that space between the here and the supernatural. Somewhere, faith and hope and peace and joy are floating around us unseen. All these spiritual gifts, are just waiting to be inhaled into our souls- where we can't touch belief, but we can feel it. </div>
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We can sense God in that place, holding out to us tiny wrapped packages. But we wonder if they're for someone else. Or if we take a gift, we say, "Thank you," admire the thought, then set it aside and never use it.<br />
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<b>Something like faith, was never meant to sit on a shelf. It may appear a small thing, but it is packed with potential. Faith can spark big things. It can produce miracles. It can change everything. </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Faith can.</span></div>
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When that race looks impossibly long, and we don't think we can finish...Faith can.</div>
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When starting over seems like a joke, because we haven't succeeded before...Faith can.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">When there's no proof and there's no chance, faith swoops in and messes up all of our logic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Faith is the substance of things hoped for- the evidence of things unseen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">It's not easy to explain. And yet there are all these stories of one prayer, one person, one life-changing decision that have been traced back to just a little bit of faith. Someone just took God for his word, opened his gift, and gave faith a try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Faith works. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">But <i>faith without works is dead</i>. It's unusable. It's a thing without batteries or an operator. It just sits their lifeless. Wasted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So really, there wasn't a glitch in my faith over the years. I had forgotten to take my gift out of the box and turn on the switch. <b>I thought that "having faith" would be enough.</b> Possessing it. Calling it mine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">When Jesus healed the crippled, the diseased, the blind, He accredited their faith for making them well. They asked. They moved in a direction. They looked for Him and found Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">It was their last chance. It was worth the trouble and travel and criticism. It was their opportunity, and they took it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Their faith WALKED. It HEALED. It WORKED. Jesus said so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Our faith is a combination of believing, doing, and Jesus. It's the point right before giving up and right after acknowledging that it's a team effort.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So what if it's hard?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">It comes down to this: Do <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I</span> believe God enough to<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">obey what He is asking of me, even if it<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> doesn't look like it will work? <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I can admit that I am limited, but God isn't. I can only do so<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> much, but <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">at least I'm <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">not standing still</span></span>. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Activ<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">ating my faith just means that I start, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">and then He an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">d I finish...together.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">And practice makes perfect, right? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only..."</span></span></i> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">-James 1:22</span></span></blockquote>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-29419723321978765152016-01-04T21:45:00.001-05:002016-01-06T09:16:26.825-05:00Keep Going: A Kind of Resolution<div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">What if my New Year's resolution was just to <b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">keep
going </b>in 2016? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">What if I'm too tired to think of new ventures, and I'm
doing great <b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to
not give up</b> on this current gig? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">Is that even a resolution???</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm wondering if it sounds depressing. It doesn't
seem all that inspiring. Maybe it's not exciting enough. I don't know.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">But, it fits the season I'm in.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt;">Whether you're in the middle of homeschooling and
carpooling, like I am, or you're jetting off to a meeting somewhere and
juggling other responsibilities, we're all doing important work. <b>Now</b>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is super motivating to pick a day on the calendar as a
goal or a deadline or a start date, but today needs my attention. Right
now. The homework, dinner prep, emotional meltdowns, and solving the
disappearing sock mystery is about all I can focus on some days. It only
frustrates me to try to squeeze one more item on my agenda.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt;">Embracing "now" is challenging enough, isn't it?
<b>Being grateful and intentional and present is quite an undertaking in
our world. </b> We're so busy, and there's still so much to do! Resolving to
be happy, without wanting more or different or better, feels like both a worthy
goal and a lofty aspiration. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">How do I do that? Give me lists! Give me charts!
Give me the "how to," and I've got this!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just don't leave me here long figuring it out on my own,
because I'd like to get this over with and move on to the next thing!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">And there it is again. The hurry to get through
whatever it is we're experiencing. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
What if it takes a little longer than you thought? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">What if the process of working hard on this job right in
front you is actually the thing that makes you better? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt;">It's not the fun beginning or the blessed end. <b>It's
the middle- working hard, and not giving up.</b> Keep going, keep
hoping, and keep doing good when it's not fun...and still not over. It's what
the mom season is all about.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">That's kind of a resolution, right? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and
endures through every circumstance</span></i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;"> (1 Corinthians 13:7).</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time
we will gather a crop if we don't give up </span></i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Galatians 6:9).</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be
rewarded</span></i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;"> (2 Chronicles 15:7).</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">The strength to go on [endurance, perseverance] produces
character. Character produces hope </span></i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Romans 5:4).</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</div>
Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-72053200210954068702015-08-09T16:49:00.001-04:002015-08-09T18:36:33.788-04:00The Bigness of Small Things<style>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin...</i> - Zechariah 4.10</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the
largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch
in its branches.</i> -Matthew 13:32</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here is a boy with five small
barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?</i>
-John 6:9 </div>
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<div class="version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<div class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center;">
_<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">_______________________________________________</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think that there are two types of people: the folks who do not dream big enough and those who cannot see the bigness of small things.</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I fall into the second category.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As long as I can remember, my desire was to "make it big," "do it all," "change the world," and "be all that I can be" in the little time I had on the planet. My heart was a giant, impatient exclamation point- always waiting for a grand finale. </span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">"Go!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">"Do!" </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">"Seize
the day!"</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">"Leave
your mark!" </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The above words are fuel propelling us forward with impressive
force. </span>When we are young, especially, we have this hunger for making an impact that drives us towards ambitions that sensible adults tend to break down into the "impossible" category. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Motivational messages inspire us and provide us with a positive
purpose. </span></span>For we are indeed capable of great things.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I devoured the ideals of "thinking big" and "expecting great things" to such a degree, though, that I was often disappointed by less than extraordinary outcomes.</b></span> If you're not noticed enough or it takes too long to see results, the problem of doubt arises. We get confused by what we see, because it doesn't match up with our idea of "big." That's when I would lose steam, lose inspiration, lose my way.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">For me, motherhood, has been the experience that sent me into spirals of more question marks than exclamation points. But it's okay. To be curious, to wonder, and to not know it all, means that we are receptive to Truth when it is revealed to us. I have learned so much about being humble, grounded, and discerning. I value the circumstances that brought me understanding and realize that my unseen acts of service matter.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Constantly, <b>I have to remind myself of the real things happening right in front of my face, because they are rarely what I expect to be awe-inspiring.</b> But the little details are all part of a bigger picture that just isn't finished yet- the snuggles, struggles, conversations, meetings, sacrifices, milestones, memories, efforts, prayers, late nights, early mornings, habits, schedules, successes, and failures. It all can be big things to someone.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Is it so small to write a letter of appreciation to someone? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Is it too a tiny feat to take care of a sick child through the night? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Is it insignificant to make time to help or meet with a friend?</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If I will just start;</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If I will believe that it's all important;</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If I will do the small, God will do the "big."</span></div>
Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-54715167116612477132015-03-18T07:07:00.001-04:002015-03-18T11:45:57.725-04:00When I Don't Want toToday, I don't want to get up.<br />
<div>
I don't want to wake the kids up.</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don't want to pick out their clothes, brush their hair, pour their cereal, pack their lunches, hurry them off to school.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don't want to have responsibilities today. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq-7i3H8UZvaefsiHMPuLf7bUCDqooB8pzu8s_gLMHqPyQ6Uh3WfxQIQGwqQJmayqC42ZPL5x3dQjA7eD3_5fiy4Gwu8C0BmKTnDSKCGMxL9cR0N9n_zjXdZN4DSy8e9hECKD/s640/blogger-image-483436339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq-7i3H8UZvaefsiHMPuLf7bUCDqooB8pzu8s_gLMHqPyQ6Uh3WfxQIQGwqQJmayqC42ZPL5x3dQjA7eD3_5fiy4Gwu8C0BmKTnDSKCGMxL9cR0N9n_zjXdZN4DSy8e9hECKD/s640/blogger-image-483436339.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What I </span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">want</i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> to do is go on strike! Could everyone just take care of themselves today?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's a ridiculous notion- a momentary grownup temper tantrum. My grumpy mood probably stems from feeling spread a little too thin and a little too tired...and maybe even a little too taken for granted. Understandably, </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I don't just pop out of bed every morning with a chipper outlook and abundant motivation to do a mom's work. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">But I have to show up- not just because my family needs me, but also because God calls us to serve others (Matthew 20:28, 1 Peter 4:10)! He also asks us, "to work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for The Lord rather than for people (Colossians 3:23)."</span></div>
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<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
This is real, honest-to-goodness life, but somewhere, if I look for it, there is something perfectly awesome- even in this secret moment of rebellion. </div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So how did I rescue my morning</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">? I took extra long to drink my coffee before waking up the kids. I turned up music and busted out terribly desperate dance moves at the breakfast table. I forced myself to fight the "flight" instinct and push through. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also remembered this great letter that Paul writes in Romans 7 that is so frustrating it's comical. Most versions translate the Greek into something like, "Why do I always do what I don't want to do and don't do what I want to do, etc." I read through The Message for another possibly, less confusing way to say it:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>"It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge...[Jesus Christ] acted to set things right in this life of contradicitions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different</i> (Rom. 7:21-25 </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">MSG</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">)."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The good news is in the next chapter:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"..<i>.the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along...He knows us far better than we know ourselves...That's why we can be sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good</i> (MSG Romans 8:26-28)."</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So today, like Paul, I'm embracing a Wednesday filled with my fragile humanity. I'm confronting my not-so-pretty parts and telling them that they won't win. <b> I can do good things, even when I don't feel like it. </b>When I'm tired, fed up, stressed out, annoyed, or too busy, I can still make good choices. I can still do the right thing, because I have help and I am not alone.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And guess what? Sharing this truth with my kids in the minivan on the way to school, was a funny teaching moment. "See, kids? Even Mommy doesn't always want to get up and go to school. Even Mommy doesn't feel like doing things that she should do. But we do them anyway, because they are right. Making good choices, despite your feelings, is still our responsibility and it is possible."</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Heck yes! Humbling yourself before your family is wonderfuly liberating and more powerful than any amount of preaching from pedestals. </span></div>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-35399384149776470132015-03-14T10:08:00.001-04:002015-03-16T07:07:23.703-04:00Twelve Years a Marriage<div>Dear Husband,</div><div><br></div>Our first year of meeting was like a sprint. We became friends fast. Fell in love fast. Got engaged and married fast. Had babies fast. <div><br></div><div>But twelve years of marriage was 4,383 days long. Not fast. More like steady. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRC28c0hxSE1JU7tDqtOd70uX9DTKwTmvxqto_Jq4BzGk278XrDY2ZvH2nDbRchgffsb-aohytSOlnFT5fSBPwh7v2qq9UvQpxvx8QHOTLrj2AwpTFlO31M8hCttMTHuant8I/s640/blogger-image-1850089940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRC28c0hxSE1JU7tDqtOd70uX9DTKwTmvxqto_Jq4BzGk278XrDY2ZvH2nDbRchgffsb-aohytSOlnFT5fSBPwh7v2qq9UvQpxvx8QHOTLrj2AwpTFlO31M8hCttMTHuant8I/s640/blogger-image-1850089940.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our shared life has required us to train for a marathon of loving one another through all kinds of weather, changes in terrain, and fluctuating emotions. </div><div><br></div><div>We slowed down and acclimated to each new addition to the family. As job changes and relocations surfaced,we watched our steps and adjusted our rhythm. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We have learned to pace ourselves in patience when disagreements arise, when pain comes, when emotions blur our vision. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">To win this race, we must continue to fix our eyes on the finish line, not getting hung up on temporary circumstances or personality differences. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Because we're not scoring individual points for a race we entered together. </b>Everyone else may pass us by on their singular paths to happiness, but we know that we have chosen a team philosophy. There is no "I." </span></div><div><br></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We have common goals and worthy motivations: With Jesus as our inspiration, we're carrying a light to the world and raising our family to love God and others. It all starts with us.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I'm so proud of us for completing another year! Still holding hands. Still cheering one another on. Still in the race.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Thanks for running with me.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">With love,</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Your Wife</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div>Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-35258513579444175362015-02-19T06:39:00.001-05:002015-03-06T11:28:49.594-05:00Seeing Opportunities in Interruptions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxasvOruD0zZ5sUAMRfdX-YsAu2_lPNZxZ1yO0EeyTCn5Uo0RQhp1EOZIMYXeffU8wrhJqRd_Zgi9bYu5AMIYjuZeQtTRbW4-7V02j5XaMCZMkULtBJ5AOYTdeSG8bqL726cTG/s640/blogger-image-391216446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxasvOruD0zZ5sUAMRfdX-YsAu2_lPNZxZ1yO0EeyTCn5Uo0RQhp1EOZIMYXeffU8wrhJqRd_Zgi9bYu5AMIYjuZeQtTRbW4-7V02j5XaMCZMkULtBJ5AOYTdeSG8bqL726cTG/s320/blogger-image-391216446.jpg" width="320" /></a>Interruptions frustrate me. They keep me from completing tasks quickly and distract me from accomplishing goals.<br />
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When one of my children ask me to find something, another one refuses to do something, and the youngest needs my help with something, just getting from Point A to Point B is like running a race against the wind. </div>
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<b>Interruptions are my current reality, but if I focus too much on these disruptions they throw off my perspective. I see only problems, instead of opportunities.</b></div>
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Even Jesus dealt with interferences: while he was trying to take a nap (Mark 4:35-39), while he was trying to speak (Mark 2:1-12 ), and while he was trying to go somewhere (Mark 4:22-34 ). Rather than ignoring requests, the Bible records many examples of Jesus stopping to address someone's problem. As a result, we have stories of miracles and forgiveness to strengthen our faith. </div>
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How quickly I forget that life is made up of moments. And moments are what we make them- planned or surprised. <b>Each interference into my world can serve a precious purpose</b>. </div>
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When my neighbor knocks on the door, I don't have to stop what I'm doing and answer. <b>My choice is to ignore or engage.</b> One decision totally makes her day and strengthens our trust and friendship. The other completely locks the door on kindness and hospitality.</div>
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Likewise, the interruption of a sick kid shocks me into canceling my plans for a few days. I don't like having to drop everything. It's certainly a quick track to self-sacrifice, because I'm forced to immerse myself in nursing and disinfecting until the victim is well. And yet, I can choose a grumbling attitude or a compassionate one. This interruption can emotionally knock me down or give me laser-sharp focus on the health of my family. <b>My kids can tell if I'm serving out of love or out of obligation.</b></div>
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The endless disruptions throughout my every day, can nag at me like a dripping faucet or open my eyes to those smallish, important moments. Re-tying a shoe, settling arguments, applying band-aids, last minute carpool arrangements, answering the 385th question... <b>Each inconvenient interruption is an opportunity. To love better. To learn more. To help another. To be aware. </b></div>
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My friend, Joey (from <a href="http://joeytalks.com/">JoeyTalks</a>), said "Interruptions are intended to get my attention." His family experienced a dramatic disruption a few years ago that caused him to stop and process his whole perspective. His story impacted me. Watch this video and look for opportunities in any unexpected moments that come your way today: <a href="https://vimeo.com/50019083" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://vimeo.com/50019083</a></div>
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1 Peter 4:8-11 <i>Most of all, love one another deeply. Love erases many sins by forgiving them. Welcome others into your homes without complaining. God’s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully. If anyone speaks, they should do it as one speaking God’s words. If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength God provides. Then in all things God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to him for ever and ever. Amen. </i></div>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-84692892576735111882015-02-09T10:39:00.001-05:002015-02-09T16:16:56.223-05:00Everyone's Brain but My Own<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EHj-KhUuqfg9mhBhb8CVmFyue2W0gV4BVVkQFeb_yijGvdeag0_Sc4IPorCQ5_9QO9g8CWiInhKFOByuNgajrwwxq5KnP1FDEgGMZaEpbojwshR2949Lvkrn4Kxs3wnNydsP/s640/blogger-image--442724320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EHj-KhUuqfg9mhBhb8CVmFyue2W0gV4BVVkQFeb_yijGvdeag0_Sc4IPorCQ5_9QO9g8CWiInhKFOByuNgajrwwxq5KnP1FDEgGMZaEpbojwshR2949Lvkrn4Kxs3wnNydsP/s640/blogger-image--442724320.jpg"></a></div>It's Monday. And it's one of those weeks. My chances of forgetting something are increasing by the hour. <div><br></div><div>The calendar is set with reminders for each family member like big fat post-it notes on my forehead. Also, my daughter can't find her jump drive for an upcoming paper. My son lost his jacket- again. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dance rehearsals, costume pieces, Valentine cards, school volunteering, doctor appointment, teacher conference, packing overnight bags and of course all of the usual meal planning, laundry, and dishes.</span> It's all culminating into one lengthy to-do list and...oh my gosh, oh my gosh...Breathe.<br>
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I am so often required to think for my children, which clutters my brain with too many tasks. It's a grey area in parenting for me, because if I don't remind my 7-year-old to brush his teeth, he may skip the morning ritual. And yet, I am frustrated by constantly having to verbally direct each step of a task. So tired of hearing my voice. Coaching seemingly no-brainers.<br>
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"Put your socks and shoes on."<br>
"Get your coat on."<br>
"Put your lunch in your backpack."<br>
"Where's your backpack?"<br>
"FIND YOUR SHOES!"<br>
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I decide that this will be a good lesson in responsibility. So I just let my son go to school without a jacket and my daughter will have to do a little more detective work before I buy her another school supply.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM1hSj1UFHy5kUxe_WPxExNGR4r6xsEt6osPt8pTTlHNzygQ9yYrvtqFAZdFkUWvdv3lzGX_W7UGcFoc6DN-RR6ITLPOqEDsVetg_WP3EHZbF9wsJi4ZYP0AnjvsHm6pu8Adj/s640/blogger-image--1302398248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM1hSj1UFHy5kUxe_WPxExNGR4r6xsEt6osPt8pTTlHNzygQ9yYrvtqFAZdFkUWvdv3lzGX_W7UGcFoc6DN-RR6ITLPOqEDsVetg_WP3EHZbF9wsJi4ZYP0AnjvsHm6pu8Adj/s640/blogger-image--1302398248.jpg"></a></div><br><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The danger for busy Monday mornings and activity-packed weeks like this is that I will go, go, go and starting running on empty.</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I will give, give, give until I have nothing left. Then I start snapping at the kids and the husband, sighing unnecessarily loudly at each request, and emotionally retreating. </span></div><div><br></div><div>
Mom needs to create a little mental space for other things. I need to protect a little patch of green grass for pulling out a blanket and lying peacefully on my back to look at the clouds. I have to reserve at least one wrinkled section of my brain for personal enrichment. PLEASE.</div>
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As tempting as it is to race without warming up, the risk is a pulled muscle. Starting the day without carving out time for prayer, reflecting, reading, and just sitting with a cup of coffee only raises my percentages of impatience and anxiety. </b>For myself, scheduling a few hours for writing, making art, or having a conversation with a friend is usually all I need to return to my work refreshed- even when I am facing such a demanding week.<br>
<br>So after a little break, son, I'll help look for that missing jacket...again.<br><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>And may The Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. </i>-Psalm 90.17</blockquote>
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<i>The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength</i>. -Psalm 23.1-3</blockquote>
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</div>Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-25343749869455131952015-02-07T22:44:00.000-05:002015-02-08T06:44:54.927-05:00Birthday Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's my birthday weekend!<br>
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I have been thoroughly celebrated by my husband, my family, my in-laws, my kids, and my friends with so many good things.<br>
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I'm half way to seventy now, so I guess it's safe to say that I'm a grownup...in no way an expert at much but definitely better at some things. Not entirely sure of every next step but a little more confident than before.<br>
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It seems appropriate today to evaluate the last thirty five years, because recently, it hit me that I am not quite who I used to be.<br>
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I used to be a lot more messy;<br>
I used to be frequently depressed;<br>
I used to think that I had nothing to offer;<br>
I used to feel jilted by my single parent upbringing;<br>
I used to only see my failures;<br>
I used to want more than anything to prove my worth to others;<br>
I used to seek fame;<br>
I used to believe I wasn't cut out for this.<br>
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<i>When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here!</i> (2 Corinthians 5:17)</blockquote>
I've changed in good ways. I've learned and grown, and it's so encouraging. Because most days, it feels like I'm climbing uphill, out of breath, looking for the end of a struggle. Hoping for victory at the top of the mountain, instead of just feeling tired. <br>
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Looking back, I can see where I've been and what I've traveled through, relieved to find myself past a few hard seasons- coming out a little stronger than I was at the start.<br>
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<b>We can always be better, but it's good to remember that we've made progress too.</b><br>
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I am still in the middle of other spiritual lessons, but I'm teachable. I could be more patient, more efficient, more organized, more assertive, and more physically fit too. I'm still traipsing down unmarked paths, tripping a little, figuring things out as I go. <br>
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But I'm hopeful, because at least they're not the same trails. At least I'm not walking around in circles.<br>
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One of my kids' favorite books was "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen. In the story the family runs up to a few obstacles while on their adventure, and each time they chant: "We can't go over it. We can't go under it. Oh no! We've got to go through it!'<br>
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W<b>hen we have difficulties in this life, the fastest way to the other side is to just go through it. Avoiding hard stuff only stunts our growth and keeps us stuck. But with bravery, prayer, community, and Jesus, we can cry and learn and graduate to the next thing. Then we can help others.</b><br>
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<i>We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him...</i>(Romans 8:28)</blockquote>
Being inexperienced in motherhood makes me more relatable to the new mom who feels likes she's not doing anything right. I remember what that felt like.<br>
Going through an unplanned pregnancy and starting a family with very little money, allows me to understand the struggles of others. I've been there.<br>
Questioning my worth, my place, my purpose, brought me the knowledge of who I am in Christ. So now I can speak into the lives of my friends who have forgotten who they are or have never even known.<br>
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And we keep on working. Always being in the process of transformation shouldn't slow us down. Knowing that we have more purpose and more chances should give us hope. It's exciting to look forward to a more improved version of myself. To increase in wisdom and see new places. <br>
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I don't know who says it, but it's completely fitting:<i> "</i>If you're not dead, you're not done."<br>
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My birthday is another milemarker. Today is a monument. It's a chance to read the writing, honor the past, and then look ahead.<br>
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<i>And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him</i>. - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (MSG)</blockquote>
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<i>God began a good work in you. And I am sure that he will carry it on until it is completed</i>... -Philippians 1:6</blockquote>
<br>Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12221671.post-59874867900177385342015-01-28T07:00:00.000-05:002015-01-28T09:07:37.536-05:00Faith Like Flying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIxr1-WB12HTkrEtywsNwrYAxKyPGG96uafv8gd-P5QGJWbiwzGPS4j8czaFpcBWnu9yKc4Z3ojj4RFgkL-3X3sSIxs3ihi-k_LujXuOFUTj8doFm5T2IwvPg3AR_VQswgKT1/s1600/IMG_8751.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/AVvXsEitIxr1-WB12HTkrEtywsNwrYAxKyPGG96uafv8gd-P5QGJWbiwzGPS4j8czaFpcBWnu9yKc4Z3ojj4RFgkL-3X3sSIxs3ihi-k_LujXuOFUTj8doFm5T2IwvPg3AR_VQswgKT1/s1600/IMG_8751.jpg" height="320" width="239"></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finding A Feather</span></span></b><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The week following Christmas, my family took advantage of a warm afternoon to put our feet in the sand and smell the sea. It's such a blessing to live here close to the water- to be surprised by sunny days in the middle of the dreary wintery ones. I find it nearly impossible to feel stress when the sounds of the waves shush my busy brain. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My mom was with me on this particular escape, keeping my littlest son on the lookout for treasures. I listened quietly nearby at their conversations while I watched for photo opportunities (my own version of treasure hunting). </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They found broken pieces of sand dollars, an assortment of small shells, and coral. Washed up sticks were transformed into art utensils, weapons, or canes. We searched at the edge of the water, being careful not to get our feet too wet or mucky from the December ocean. Ultimately, though, the ripples were too irresistible for shoes. My kids braved most of the walk barefooted.</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Back and forth we traveled- from the sea to the dryer sand dunes, where we picked through the high tide's scattered leftovers. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's where I found the feather.</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know feathers are all the rage right now. They make pretty art subjects, resembling lighthearted whimsy and lofty daydreams.<b> </b>There is something inspiring about feathers and birds. They represent freedom. We wonder what it must feel like to fly with clouds on top of the wind. Seeing things from so high. Being above the chaos and clutter of the earth.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJbiUt9SsFJxdZZzWmeE1ux3ulmkACAEshxnNjujkKZHohkSLeAPTHud_Uwp_ZCS9LWowhGK9wZzRZyHho5sqiOBshW5gjYk1usnz3_tULRUNl7a_kKKWztNEhkceIlcrFVEQ/s1600/IMG_8753.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/AVvXsEifJbiUt9SsFJxdZZzWmeE1ux3ulmkACAEshxnNjujkKZHohkSLeAPTHud_Uwp_ZCS9LWowhGK9wZzRZyHho5sqiOBshW5gjYk1usnz3_tULRUNl7a_kKKWztNEhkceIlcrFVEQ/s1600/IMG_8753.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We wish we could be so fearless. So uninhibited. So carefree. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But that feather floated to the sand from a hard, steady climbing and a persistent balancing act. A fierce motivation and trained instinct kept a determined bird aloft. A creature covered in hundreds of those feathers, resisted fear and pushed through physical adversity on its journey above us. It's not all a vacation in the sky. It's not always an escape into the blue. Because it's not always a breezeless, sunny day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sometimes it's cold and harsh. And when it is, the bird becomes more intentional. It perseveres through headstrong winds because it knows there's a calm on the other side of it. Maybe a little higher, they can relax those feathers and find their destination. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each trip requires well-earned, single-minded faith. But the bird's had practice. Experiencing all types of weather, it flies in confidence, not fear. It's fallen feathers are like badges of honor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Learning to Fly</b></span></span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a3KAGwtA3UTzfwTd5-LN6khO4kMFKXq907oojLpQY2WLnTDCRG6hkvwnFwPfUjscg5W7mPQorwv2bALOS6cQ4bRHzz_-mkzOUuCACXp1oEfG0XCU7RQa1svrmWQeLNQs-99g/s1600/IMG_7354.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/AVvXsEg1a3KAGwtA3UTzfwTd5-LN6khO4kMFKXq907oojLpQY2WLnTDCRG6hkvwnFwPfUjscg5W7mPQorwv2bALOS6cQ4bRHzz_-mkzOUuCACXp1oEfG0XCU7RQa1svrmWQeLNQs-99g/s1600/IMG_7354.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I once watched a nest full of baby wrens hatch and grow on my back porch. The day one fell out of the nest, I anxiously waited and wondered what would happen. Where was the little one's mom? From my side of the window, I worried over the survival of the young bird bouncing and flapping around my two-story porch. It's siblings fidgeted and frantically chirped from the nest. Watching.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then the momma bird arrived and assessed the situation. She must have heard the commotion and found her floundering offspring nearby. But instead of hovering or trying to rescue the baby, she directed. It was like the mom was coaching the young bird to keep going. "It's okay. I've done this before. Let me show you how to fly."</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The chirping increased, as the family communicated with one another. The mother hopped away to the edge of the porch and waited for her charge. He fluttered and fell short distances, but she would catch up or come back to encourage him along. After several minutes, the pair of birds had made their way down from our deck onto the grass, then onto a low branch of a small Maple tree, and over to the ledge of a fence, and finally to the woods beyond. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For the rest of the day, our family watched as each baby bird dropped from the nest, following the first brave sibling. Their mom returned to help them reach new higher perches. They practiced strengthening their wings and trusting their abilities. And not one of them went back to the nest. In fact, we never saw the wrens again.</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The amazing thing is, that not one of those little birds had flown before. They had seen their parents come and go. They had probably wondered what was outside of their safe little bed of twigs and feathers. But until one of them peered over the edge and took a leap, they never experienced the thrill of flying. Ultimately, they would have also never realized their God-given propensity for taking to the sky.</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Faith Like Flying </b></span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMreiLoIOTCUDP-o5LB19OKQl3pS0rjpnjBsICl4N7T2xzWUXjOlaYe4RjBPq3jIkdX9jAAnG2VT4o6tUyc6RMXSRrjxJjkCTag5XXZsRFGOnV7BNsHgrVbXclQ5f0Orn4wH-/s1600/IMG_8771.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/AVvXsEiVMreiLoIOTCUDP-o5LB19OKQl3pS0rjpnjBsICl4N7T2xzWUXjOlaYe4RjBPq3jIkdX9jAAnG2VT4o6tUyc6RMXSRrjxJjkCTag5XXZsRFGOnV7BNsHgrVbXclQ5f0Orn4wH-/s1600/IMG_8771.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Looking at a feather, thinking of those little birds, I am struck by how they represent something other than easy aspirations. That first flight took immense faith and trust in their parent, in their Creator, in their abilities. I know I'm not a bird, but I can imagine that there must be some fear too, when standing on the edge of the unknown. Don't we all evaluate risks and experience anxiety over what <i>could</i> happen, if we jump out of our comfortable places? </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The thing is, faith is only a good idea until we decide to do something with our belief.</b></span> It's intangible until we show that fear will not deter us. James 2:17 says that "faith, by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead." If we don't ever <i>do</i> something in faith, than faith is basically obsolete. It doesn't actually exist. Is a bird without wings even a bird?!?</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We've heard that "love does," but so does faith. What would happen if we treated our belief, our trust, our faith like verbs instead of inactive nouns? The Bible is clear that "faith without deeds is useless (James 2:20)." So why don't we start putting our faith into action?</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My theme for the year is "Faith in Action." I'm determined to dig into the faith heroes of the Bible (Hebrews 11), learn from examples of faith around me today, and practice working out my own faith muscles. It requires me to trust God to take care of outcomes while I take obedient steps, despite my fears. He will use my efforts and test flights to accomplish His purpose. In return, my faith will grow (Galatians 5:22-23, Colossians 2:6-7). </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And you will know that I am less talk and more "walk"...or in this case, "fly" (1 Thessalonians 1:3).</span></span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISCmYwyp43VzVx9PRgFyk0yea3J36hQptbanYG3v7IYE-4wxg4nAdfQ33YdW5HQ7OX0Q8uEl2fWF1UcbFCQ0zCjm_cQPy_4BO6nI6y6EV-5iaDchLLlVnImWccSq1xL01O1ih/s1600/IMG_9318.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/AVvXsEgISCmYwyp43VzVx9PRgFyk0yea3J36hQptbanYG3v7IYE-4wxg4nAdfQ33YdW5HQ7OX0Q8uEl2fWF1UcbFCQ0zCjm_cQPy_4BO6nI6y6EV-5iaDchLLlVnImWccSq1xL01O1ih/s1600/IMG_9318.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Comment here or join me on instagram or facebook to share your faith stories with #FaithLikeFlying and #TheMomSeason, so we can all be encouraged (Romans 1:12)! I would love to hear from you! </span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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Dani Byhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10902481419678023651noreply@blogger.com0