tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29912082872863953332024-03-05T03:35:17.321-08:00In Christ AloneKari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-40073829477748906682016-09-11T11:16:00.000-07:002016-09-11T11:20:23.445-07:00Never ForgetToday, in the midst of thoroughly enjoying my family of five (5! I love that), and soaking in all that is life and joy in the eyes of my littles and in the pleasure of being their guardian, I pause to absorb the quiet shadow of what this day 15 years ago did to our country, to the Church, and to us as individuals.<br />
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It's strange to have experienced such a tragedy in our lifetime, and know that my children have no capacity to understand it the same way I do. For me, September 11 was the first life changing event, now part of our history, that I will pass on to the next generation similarly to the way Pearl Harbor, the Holocaust, and other events were passed down to me. It's an important task. And one that I pray this generation doesn't take lightly.<br />
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My prayer today is firstly, for those who lost loved ones in the tragedy, and for those injured and suffering who survived. Time creates a scar and brings healing in many ways, but the loss is personal and real. Forever.<br />
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Secondly, my prayer is that the Church (myself in particular) continue to press into Jesus for personal revival and courage to share Christ's love in earnest. What the world needs now IS love. Jesus' love and grace given freely and received by faith.<br />
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Thirdly, my prayer is that our children, and our children's children, can embrace the truth of history, seek to preserve it and learn from it. To make it great again, and have the privilege of raising their own families with freedom and protection in this great land.<br />
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Lastly, my prayer is for the first responders and military - of whom I am so proud and thankful - that did and continue to pledge everything to protect and serve on our behalf.<br />
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I'm thankful that God has given me the opportunity to live in America, and I pray for her, her leaders, and her future.<br />
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I will never forget.<br />
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And may God bless our America, again.<br />
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P.S. I enjoyed reading this today:<br />
<a href="http://ijr.com/opinion/2016/09/259981-white-house-staffer-911-will-never-forget-look-president-bushs-face/?utm_campaign=ods&utm_content=opinion&utm_medium=owned&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=ijamerica">http://ijr.com/opinion/2016/09/259981-white-house-staffer-911-will-never-forget-look-president-bushs-face/?utm_campaign=ods&utm_content=opinion&utm_medium=owned&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=ijamerica</a><br />
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<br />Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-34720784460029600112016-02-08T12:55:00.000-08:002016-02-08T12:55:01.245-08:00Soul Hug<br />
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That is a little bit how I feel today. (Except it's a lot cuter).</div>
And this morning at 4:45. And whenever I think I've found my niche or the solution to "that" problem only to have it backfire on me, or just the daily that can be hard. Sometimes, SO hard. Today is a day I could just drink all the coffee and all the tea, and all the Coke, eat all the chocolate (Oh, I'm having a little), but I'm also trying to remember that falling on my face before the Lord and crying, "I don't know. I don't know. I don't know," is acceptable to Him and He meets me there. Here.<br />
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He does know. He does understand. And part of the hard is not just for the littles that I'm training (also, my personal word for the year ... ), but also for me. To need to KNOW Him. To understand that the strong will inside of me NEEDS Him. Yes, I'm saved. Yes, I know He loves me. Yes, I know He wants whats best for me, in His own definitions. But at 4:45am, I need Him. At my whits end in an angry, disappointed and sad tearful embrace, I need Him. And He wants me to know Him. More.<br />
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God's word says, "Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me (wisdom), watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injurses himself . . ." (Proverbs 8:33-36 emphasis added).<br />
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And what about Psalm 46. All of it is great, of course, but highlighting parts of 8, 10, 11, "Come, behold the works of the Lord . . . Be still, and know that I am God. . . The Lord of hosts is with us . . ."<br />
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He wants us to know Him, and He's given us His Word (amazing!), His creation, and His Holy Spirit to help. How much more do we (I) need?!<br />
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Do you KNOW Him? Is He comforting to you when the sun is shining AND when you feel lost in the fog? He is real. Knowing Him is real. And when the realities of life are in your face, ask Him to help you remember what you know, and to know Him more. It's kind of like a soul hug. And if you need another one in five minutes, do it again. I'm pretty sure there is no end to an Almighty's ability to show Himself worthy, loving, and personal.<br />
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From one real life mama, wife, sister, friend, daughter to you: blessings, hugs and coffee.<br />
<br />Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-56830125214904627992015-10-15T18:51:00.000-07:002015-10-15T18:51:34.628-07:00Jorryn = The one God loves<div class="gmail_default" style="color: #336666; font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
Just less than 3 months ago, we lost our own little baby in miscarriage. It was one of the most unexpected, at times-a little frightening-, yet grace-filled circumstances we have yet encountered. My heart is sorrowful when I think of our baby Jorryn (the one God loves), and the thought of who our child would have been or how God would have used that precious life. Yet I praise Him for the short 12 weeks we had to celebrate a life and soul that we now look forward to meeting in heaven. On this Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, my heart is singing the words of Psalm 139:15-18:</div>
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<i>"My frame was not hidden from you<br /> when I was made<sup></sup> in the secret place,<br /> when I was woven together<sup></sup> in the depths of the earth.<sup></sup><br />Your eyes saw my unformed body;<br /> all the days ordained<sup></sup> for me were written in your book<br /> before one of them came to be.<br />How precious to me are your thoughts,<sup> </sup>O God! </i></div>
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<i> How vast is the sum of them!</i></div>
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<i>If I would count them, they are more than the sand. </i></div>
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<i> I</i><i> awake, and I am still with you."</i></div>
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How great is our God?! How mighty is He?! </div>
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<b>Big </b>enough to create life. </div>
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<b>Wise </b>enough to count the life days just right. </div>
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<b>Gentle </b>enough to comfort our hearts and graciously uphold us with peace. </div>
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<b>Loving </b>enough to embrace our baby for us. </div>
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<b>Kind </b>enough to hold onto us through it. </div>
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<b>Near </b>enough to hear our prayers. </div>
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<b>Patient </b>enough to see us through when even we may give up. </div>
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<b>Strong </b>enough to handle our questions. </div>
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<b>Holy </b>enough to use it for His glory. </div>
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<b>Worthy </b>enough to accept our worship.</div>
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To everyone struggling with loss and heartache tonight, my prayer is that you can find a way to hold on to this magnificent Father one more minute. One more day. One more week. Until what He says about Himself is true. Not just words in a book or someone else's testimony, but in your heart and soul as well. You are loved. You are not alone.</div>
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Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-84912054795719174922015-01-18T20:12:00.001-08:002015-01-18T20:23:37.081-08:00Date NightDate Nights with my son are one of my favorite things. Of course they differ from date nights with my Bays in lots of ways. One of the biggest differences is that they aren't actually at night. And instead of him driving me, I drive him. But they are the same in that we talk, take photos, get to know each other better, and I get to love on him without any other distractions.<br />
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Today was a day for a date. When I told him what we were up to, he said, "There be juice there. And Snacks!" Which is what we had done last time. So I took him back to the Target Starbucks, ordered his apple juice in a coffee cup, and let him pick out a cake pop. He said his coffee was "very hot," and proceeded to blow on it before taking a drink. He even agreed to take a photo with me and our coffee.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy and Me</td></tr>
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I forgot to mention also that he invited Junior Asparagus along on our date. </div>
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After we finished, we buzzed over to the pet store. "There be kitties there!"</div>
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He was eager to see the guinea pigs, and ferrets, birds and mice (one of his favorites...Yuck), as well as the fish. His favorite fish last visit was the actually the blue lobster. I saw him perusing the various tanks and he said he was looking for the blue lobster. Thankfully, we found him and he had grown! And this time there were also white lobsters...his new favorite.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thirsty Hamster</td></tr>
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As we headed toward the door, we walked past an aisle of discounted, plush dog toys. Elliot immediately snuggled two of them into his neck. I had no choice but to get one...or three!</div>
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But Elliot plans to share :)</div>
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Such precious time with my little man. I treasure every second. And I know one day, he may be drinking real coffee and driving me to our date. But I don't have to dwell on that today...</div>
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...today, he's my two year old Babyson, and a blessing. Joy. Gift.</div>
<br />Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-47953608847193545132014-06-16T14:16:00.001-07:002014-06-16T15:58:01.440-07:00My Potatos Are SproutingBoth kids are sleeping and I have about an hour to do WHATEVER I want. This is pretty much what goes through my head:<br>
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<em>"I think I'll shower. </em><br>
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<em>Nah, maybe I should sweep the kitchen and clean the bathroom.</em><br>
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<em>Well, maybe I could read a book, make a craft, catch up with someone I haven't in a while.</em><br>
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<em>Take a nap?</em><br>
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<em>(Pause to check Facebook for a minute. Be inspired by all the amazing accomplishments my friends are posting about).</em><br>
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<em>Maybe I should write a book. </em><br>
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RIGHT<em>.</em><br>
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<em>(Inspirational song plays in the background).</em><br>
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<em>My heart is overflowing and my mind can't keep up. Maybe I should blog about that."</em><br>
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Nevermind that it's been since 2012.<br>
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That's right. Over a year and a half since my last post. Part of me assumes no one will remember I ever did blog, and that's ok. It's therapeutic and helps me capture important things when I have time to type them up. The other part of me hopes someone reads it and something resonates. Today is a special day.<br>
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My heart is quite happy today, so the dew that threaten the back of my lids and forms a lump at the back of my throat stems from immense gratitude and humility for the gift God has given me. Make that plural. GiftS.<br>
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I often refer to them as E and M. Babyson and Babysis. Sweetness and Princess. You may know them as Elliot and Myla. Maybe you haven't seen a recent picture (I only post hundreds more than anyone other than Grandparents wish to see)?<br>
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Just in case.<br>
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Mr. "Ee Ee" (as He refers to himself)</div>
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Miss Myla</div>
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These two overwhelm me. Daily.</div>
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Such amazing gifts. I have never been as at peace in my life as I am now. Here in this trench of daily teaching, training, loving, feeding, guiding, watching, learning, struggling, praying. I will attempt to explain in brief below as I race against the ticking clock.</div>
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It's a whirlwind from the moment I get up. Babyson's voice floats over the monitor, tickling my ears and waking me out of a comfortable rest. "How much can I get done before he actually needs out?"</div>
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Dress. Brush teeth. Make bed. Open windows. Let's get him.</div>
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From there, more moments than I can share, up to this very one. Moments stacked until my eyes can't hold the grati-tears back.</div>
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+Watching Elliot feel so proud that he could help by rinsing sisters feet during her bath, and putting her paci back in her mouth when she cried</div>
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+Encouraging toddler conversations with him by acknowledging that I understand his version of English</div>
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+Soaking up the coos and gurgles Myla lets out as she joins the conversation</div>
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+Affirming E's love for his storybook bible and practicing his memory verse</div>
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+ Melting in my soul as Myla's smile stretches wide enough she has to close her eyes</div>
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Just watching Elliot pick up on things we've been teaching, reading, and saying is enough to put me under. He is a sponge and the responsibility that goes along with that is overwhelming. Amazing. And a joyful struggle. And we have plenty of hard moments too. With illness, disobedience, lack of sleep, loss of focus, attitudes and disappointments. But even those things lend themselves to the greater purpose of glorifying God in all things.</div>
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The emotion of all this surged upon my heart at once today, and that's why it overwhelms. Full glimpses of what God is doing in my home and with my kids, and that I get to be used in that...awesome. So this morning when I caught a glimpse of the basket of sprouting potatos atop my refrigerator, I almost laughed. They represent to me the many things I think are important (house, laundry, to do lists) -and they certainly have a place- but are humorous in comparison to the eternal investments being made closer to the tile under the refrigerator. Snacks, new words, bible verses, love, memories, and relationships.</div>
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That's all. Just praising God for His greatness and gifts. And being humbled by it all.</div>
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<br>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-25481332702209451902012-12-07T13:10:00.000-08:002012-12-07T13:10:33.599-08:00While Pictures are Loading......I should be taking a nap, but it's hard to sleep when you have things you need to do and baby is sleeping. Especially if they are fun things. Fun things like uploading photos to create a photo card and and updating the blogging world for the first time since said baby was born. Hard to believe.<br />
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Baby boy made it into this world with good health, his mom's lips, and his dads gift of sleep - for that we praise the Lord! He is the new joy of our lives, user of our energy, spender of our money, entertainer of our family, teacher of our reality, and blessing of each of our moments. Absolutely. Love. Him.<br />
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With that, I get up every morning with a plan and a purpose...one which is so different from before but that feels very important and meaningful. Baby boy can't even speak words yet and I've learned tons about myself and feel as though he has brought Justin and I even closer together. It's fun to work on a project together (parenting), learning new skills as a team. Justin is amazing. I am blessed. God is SO gracious.<br />
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So, from this happy, content, humbled, tired, preoccupied, thankful, MOM to you - have a joyous weekend preparing and celebrating this Christmas season, and may you find a small gift in every day for which to be grateful!<br />
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-Kjo<br />
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<br />Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-74699683026512352212012-07-18T17:28:00.001-07:002012-07-18T17:28:51.325-07:00July to Malachi<span style="color: #073763;">It's been a while since my last post (Sadly, not because I haven't drafted anything. Only because nothing I drafted made the cut from 'good idea' to 'good enough to make public'). July has been quite a month. Here are the highlights so far...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">*Husband turned 30 on July 1st</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiC6fDHFuAK84C8ULsOCGneKmbwvp5jFHbUduoQvac4tUdufowOWtQjT3nzWVyOTCUrbQFnLiuc-qPxcdBDlcd7C_GrQ59wdW3QCLI3aSPL0FK8gWAvvD34qKZvTrob03mMZCjiB5SE9b/s1600/30+blows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiC6fDHFuAK84C8ULsOCGneKmbwvp5jFHbUduoQvac4tUdufowOWtQjT3nzWVyOTCUrbQFnLiuc-qPxcdBDlcd7C_GrQ59wdW3QCLI3aSPL0FK8gWAvvD34qKZvTrob03mMZCjiB5SE9b/s200/30+blows.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30th Birthday</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">*Sister had a birthday, also on July 1st, but she is still much younger and sprier</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;">*Celebrated the 4th with friends, fireworks and some good "Fair" food (Roasted corn on the cob...should have taken a picture). Also, made mini dessert :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Dessert</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;">*Grandpa had his birthday on July 15th</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">*Mourned the loss of an uncle (on Hubby's side), and rejoiced with so many family members that he is in heaven now.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">*Took a last minute road trip to St. Louis, MO (ok, not quite there, but maybe 50 miles south) in our car, there and back again in three days.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">*Ate Indian food twice in exactly a week (This is a big highlight. LOVE Indian food. For those of you in the area, you should try the Saffron House. I'll even go with you!) <a href="http://www.thesaffronhouse.com/gallery.htm">The Saffron House</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #073763;">*Helped paint the nursery wall accents (All the wall painting is done now - woohoo! Ordered the curtains, bought the fabric for the bedding, got screws and instructions to set up the crib - this is progress people!)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">*Got mostly registered for the baby</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">*Had our 30 week appointment today! Everything looks good and I CANNOT BELIEVE we are 10 weeks from D-Day! <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-30-weeks_1119.bc">Baby at 30 Weeks</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">*Finished our payments at my OB's office. (Now, we focus on what the hospital will require from our bank account).</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">*Found myself a little jealous of a couple of friends traveling and doing mission work in Africa. But it's okay now. I'm not going to stay jealous..."It, comes and goes." (That is a movie quote...a good movie too).</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">*Landed in the book of Malachi for my personal study time, and am just falling in love with it. The love God has for His people just permeates the pages even as He is scolding them and reminding them how they have left their first love. And so many good reminders and convictions that as believers, and Priests of Christ, we should be keeping our sacrifices pure and un-defiled. Our sin is serious, and we can't ignore it. Confess, repent, forgive others, seek humility, and do things the way the Lord leads us. Not half hearted. Not comfortably and out of convenience, but sacrificially and intentionally giving the best we have of EVERYTHING to Him in obedience and out of love and thanksgiving for all He's done for us. I'm just half way through and I am already sad about being done with this little book! <i>What are you reading/learning in your quiet time?</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc1BwljV9DN5hXb8un7gmK7IO9rn16hQeELoudMSbqE1Wl5j85LghUpZTfeyhlzb58D9nqTUQREfJJb7qCVhFf9TED41cupfjhGktc6PoEiwfknMwbumDdktm53ohuY2ZqQsN_f1kEAMj/s1600/Jake+Malachi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc1BwljV9DN5hXb8un7gmK7IO9rn16hQeELoudMSbqE1Wl5j85LghUpZTfeyhlzb58D9nqTUQREfJJb7qCVhFf9TED41cupfjhGktc6PoEiwfknMwbumDdktm53ohuY2ZqQsN_f1kEAMj/s200/Jake+Malachi.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(liberty.edu's photo)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;">That's kind of it. It's only July 18th, so I'm guessing there is much more to come, but that's how I am doing. How are you?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>- Kjo</b></span>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-82671640602792777552012-03-15T19:24:00.001-07:002012-03-15T19:24:20.566-07:00Somewhere Else While I'm Still Here<span style="color: #073763;">Whew, let me just say that tonight I am thankful to be out of the fog. Yes, it's supposed to get foggy here in my city overnight, but I'm talking about a mental fog. It seems to have been coming and going more frequently of late (I attribute that to the pregnancy). WHAT!? That is right - I am expecting a baby in September! My husband and I are so excited :) Finally able to share it with "the world" this week, and I have only now felt like I could get a blog together that wouldn't bore ME before I finished writing it. I've been that out of it, and I try to grab onto the spurts of energy and mental power as I get them. I'm having one right now.</span><div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">The reason I decided to get with it on the blog tonight is because of an odd thing that happens every now and again. It's the sensation that although I'm here, I'm just as much somewhere else. Typically this phenomenon is brought about by a smell or person, object or picture that immediately takes me "back." Back, to some other place or time that I have been. Likely you can relate. For me, those experiences are typically pleasant, although bitter-sweet. And this one definitely was.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">It started I suppose when reality began to sink in that this precious bundle of joy (now the size of a plum I might add) will, and to some extant already has, change my life dramatically. For example, I haven't been drinking coffee much and I've been avoiding certain foods and activities. Things I normally don't think twice about. But over the last couple of weeks I really began to think about how I will not be going back to Sudan this year. That's a big change. So much of my heart resides in a corner I call "Africa" and it grows and blooms every year with the thought of returning, seeing those friends and family across the ocean, and serving God alongside them. But this year will be different. VERY different. I can't even imagine all of it, which I suppose is good. None of us might have kids if we really understood the sacrifice and exhaustion that accompanies said joyful bundle ahead of time!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">So I've been processing the fact that we will have a new assignment come September: parenthood. Might not have to fly across the sea to fulfill it, but I think it will more challenging, and hopefully even more rewarding, this next phase of calling the Lord has on our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">All that being said, there is still a part of me missing Africa. (I suppose the fact that I haven't felt well and don't yet look pregnant aid this wistful feeling). I'm still learning how to put that in its place.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Yesterday, I was browsing Pinterest and randomly come across a photo that is displayed over and over and over on the holding video on the KLM flights from here to Amsterdam / Amsterdam to Africa.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">The video plays music as a video rolls of different scenes and poses around this fixture. Gets pretty annoying after about 15 minutes of sitting in your seat, waiting for take off, but always "takes me back" when I see/hear it. It is visually and emotionally tied to our Africa trips. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Later, as I was working on my Bible Study, I realized I was a using KLM pen (Not sure how I got it. Hope I didn't steal it). Didn't even realize we had one, but there it was in my hand. Back again.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopYl8nreZfoR7wIIUNtOeKyUc917sMvoZpKt8vR0SlZW0kVUDvFn1iPzplSKurqsemxYKHIuGKTd6C9tSOm-A47RbGdMrZC34hbOqohzpcSNXBdKD-p1zgibS8YRA3kR51TeGSh-KMm7z/s1600/2012-03-15_19-06-29_440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopYl8nreZfoR7wIIUNtOeKyUc917sMvoZpKt8vR0SlZW0kVUDvFn1iPzplSKurqsemxYKHIuGKTd6C9tSOm-A47RbGdMrZC34hbOqohzpcSNXBdKD-p1zgibS8YRA3kR51TeGSh-KMm7z/s320/2012-03-15_19-06-29_440.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="color: #073763;">I'm afraid to even get out the photos from when we were actually IN AFRICA:. Could be sentimental overload.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">The icing on the cake came on my walk today. Someone was cooking with the windows open and it smelled almost exactly the way our food smelled while in Sudan. Rice and Beans, maybe some chips. Oi. I can picture myself smelling that smell in Sudan...does that make any sense?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">All this to say, I've been in Sudan or on my way there a lot this week. Thankful for the time and lessons learned there, friendships made and ministry done. And thankful at the same time that our new assignment will hold its own blessings and lessons, and hoping that one day, I will get to return to Sudan, and maybe take our Plum Joy with us. In the meantime, I've got photos and memories to "Take me Back" as often as I'd like.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">KJo</span></div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-1658950781791508472012-02-01T16:31:00.000-08:002012-02-01T16:36:27.987-08:00A Little "Awe" In Your Alleluia<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For those of you in the DFW Metroplex who listen to KCBI, you will understand when I say I was a little sad to see January go. Not because I particularly love February, but because the end of the first month of 2012 marked the end of Spiritual Fitness month on KCBI. I have so enjoyed the devotionals, testimonials, and challenges to get spiritually fit from Jim and Terri every day on the Morning Show. This month is Financial Fitness month, so I'm sure I'll love it too. Right now I'm still missing January.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the second to last day, they aired a sound bite from a video clip with Louie Giglio. Rocked. My. World. He is teaching on Psalm 148 which I've posted from below. Would you take a minute to read the Psalm, and then watch the video? It's 14 minutes long, and worth every last second. Even if you don't like to sing, you'll want to make your best joyful noise (or happy tears) by the end. Our God is so Awesome! Worthy to be praised! It's so exciting I may have to go watch it again right now!</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zWKm-LZWm4" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zWKm-LZWm4</a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalm 148</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Praise the LORD!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Praise
the LORD from the heavens;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> praise
him in the heights!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Praise
him, all his angels;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> praise
him, all his hosts!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Praise
him, sun and moon,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> praise
him, all you shining stars!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Praise
him, you highest heavens,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and
you waters above the heavens!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Let
them praise the name of the LORD!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> For
he commanded and they were created.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> And
he established them forever and ever;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> he
gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Praise
the LORD from the earth,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> you
great sea creatures and all deeps,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> fire
and hail, snow and mist,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> stormy
wind fulfilling his word!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Mountains
and all hills,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> fruit
trees and all cedars!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Beasts
and all livestock,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> creeping
things and flying birds!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Kings
of the earth and all peoples,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> princes
and all rulers of the earth!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Young
men and maidens together,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> old
men and children!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Let
them praise the name of the LORD,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for
his name alone is exalted;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> his
majesty is above earth and heaven.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> He
has raised up a horn for his people,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> praise
for all his saints,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for
the people of Israel who are near to him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Praise
the LORD!</span></div>
<br />
<br />Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-62492546522620534002012-01-27T11:39:00.000-08:002012-01-27T11:40:07.180-08:00Fun Friday - "Is . . ."<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A <u>good</u> Friday is = lunch with a friend at a tasty lunch place, trying new food and enjoying fortune cookies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A <u>FUN</u> FRIDAY is = lunch with a friend at a tasty lunch place, trying new food and enjoying "Twin" fortune cookies.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT869AMl8G5XlcGVMPhW378AxQV-xxMl2iIp4kKbQLqgdDLO2Rr1swHRkbcZ36JlDj8D_uIixpdqD2ChVTerdbz-CsRpaJfEmloA6t7RqO730JzWbn0Sq08SKqWeQhQSLAWZbx03PuJ6m/s1600/fortune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT869AMl8G5XlcGVMPhW378AxQV-xxMl2iIp4kKbQLqgdDLO2Rr1swHRkbcZ36JlDj8D_uIixpdqD2ChVTerdbz-CsRpaJfEmloA6t7RqO730JzWbn0Sq08SKqWeQhQSLAWZbx03PuJ6m/s400/fortune.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have never seen two cookies in one wrapper before...very fun! I think this means you get to choose the good fortune and throw the other one away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Hope your Friday is as much fun as mine :)</span></div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-10450215738105585242012-01-26T06:44:00.000-08:002012-01-26T06:44:36.904-08:00Every Morning<span style="color: #351c75;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">His mercies are new. And I am so thankful!</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Some mornings I wake up with the world on my shoulders. Do you know the feeling? As soon as you wake up, your mind is flooded with the list of things that must get done in that day and the burden even makes you stand a little lower. Certainly it doesn’t feel like there is energy to make it to lunch, let alone the activities after dinner. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">I had a morning like that this week. I had slept fairly well the night before but upon waking, the burdens of the day woke with me and lodged themselves in my mind.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">On my drive to work I remember listening to a discussion about worship. I can’t remember anything from the talk except for this phrase: “His mercies are new every morning.” As I mediated on it in my mind and heart, I turned my thoughts from not being able to handle the agenda for the day to the fact that God gives His strength to handle the day. I don’t have to do it alone. Immediately I felt the stress trickle away like water in a sieve, while at the same time joy and thankfulness replaced the anxiety. His mercies are new, and today, right now, they are new. Not recycled from yesterday, or only what is left over after last night, they are new: in full and with strength and power. That is good news. And I stood taller and lived better because of that truth.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">What are you facing today that has you slumping, or unable to get out of bed? Are you carrying around extra emotional weight because it seems you are alone or that if you don’t worry about it, who will? Take a moment to remember that God’s strength is able, and when Christ is in You, His strength is available to you: new and fresh. Every morning.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">his mercies never come to an end;<br />they are new every morning;</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">great is your faithfulness."</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF0Aj-Rl6MXyHciWabShCko-NjKmYudEIi5wv5pIz2wcfDvzZGxVjbE4XOB6v7hlAolIl2WZO8AHAXc7Fg7Dgc7wWx8e4QZvKnfV7wEh-NK6UxYungZtqlrOSmLWd_IBNdl77PQzAChQK/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF0Aj-Rl6MXyHciWabShCko-NjKmYudEIi5wv5pIz2wcfDvzZGxVjbE4XOB6v7hlAolIl2WZO8AHAXc7Fg7Dgc7wWx8e4QZvKnfV7wEh-NK6UxYungZtqlrOSmLWd_IBNdl77PQzAChQK/s320/Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-30316271978831418782012-01-19T20:02:00.000-08:002012-01-26T06:40:31.798-08:00Fun Friday - Mad Gab Style<span style="color: magenta;">Happy Friday!</span><div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Try your hand (and your mouth) at these Mad Gab phrases. If there is someone in the room with you, race them to figure out the actual sentence, saying or phrase.Ready, Go! (Answers Below)</span><div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">1. Ash Hugh Witch</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">2. The airs nope lace lie comb</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">3. Fork odd soul of Dee whirled </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">4. Know but he nose that rubble ivy sheen</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">5. Toot hay east huff hearse they off their heist off hurl if.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Answers</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;">1. As You Wish</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;">2. There's no place like home </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;">3. For God so loved the world</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;">4. Nobody knows the trouble I've seen</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;">5. Today is the first day of the rest of your life</span></div>
</div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-19509801765974114322012-01-13T13:22:00.000-08:002012-01-13T13:47:38.020-08:00<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Fun Friday - (It's Already Here AGAIN. Yess!!)</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Friday is fun because . . .</strong></span></div>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>1. You can plan to sleep in</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRFaJdpo1J9zrUYOgr59-N1qtJtimVVA9nXwPmDZzw1ci7pHdGJJeuGn1XrBd6Mj54iEuqYPmJjmXX4wQrAgmIlMDCtB56Phx8BSopbVwovE3fFJGJHgUgcTdz4KE-PaE5Xvj1kGtkAx_/s1600/sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong><img border="0" height="212" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRFaJdpo1J9zrUYOgr59-N1qtJtimVVA9nXwPmDZzw1ci7pHdGJJeuGn1XrBd6Mj54iEuqYPmJjmXX4wQrAgmIlMDCtB56Phx8BSopbVwovE3fFJGJHgUgcTdz4KE-PaE5Xvj1kGtkAx_/s320/sleep.jpg" width="320" /></strong></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>2. Extra time for friends and family</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8a-OdmTbNTUGlZpTHlVNlr4ixc4ZLUlULUczo4N7dYHleMlrPFXNHQCWod8Sz-K6vJqSiMclrd-ixn4aZhMbbj7nlX0-cRiKvV_cLmGva1QC_9YET7TvUFrpXCrkhkm7-wS2AosO-_LP/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8a-OdmTbNTUGlZpTHlVNlr4ixc4ZLUlULUczo4N7dYHleMlrPFXNHQCWod8Sz-K6vJqSiMclrd-ixn4aZhMbbj7nlX0-cRiKvV_cLmGva1QC_9YET7TvUFrpXCrkhkm7-wS2AosO-_LP/s320/friends.jpg" width="320" /></strong></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>3. It’s a good splurge day (although this would count more if I were more diligent throughout the week about NOT splurging)</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdA4UEP9HSNfG63ULZdWKFMVn777wZ7rmMQcTDgLan6ojiytbBOqQvq_O_P7csjS8oVuJfnPSUvLxt0tZuqsF0xeHGOnzGbU-xlv2BrKXAatEK4PrWNWgY40Iyvf2GzymTkxdbY9rZU9A/s1600/splurge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdA4UEP9HSNfG63ULZdWKFMVn777wZ7rmMQcTDgLan6ojiytbBOqQvq_O_P7csjS8oVuJfnPSUvLxt0tZuqsF0xeHGOnzGbU-xlv2BrKXAatEK4PrWNWgY40Iyvf2GzymTkxdbY9rZU9A/s320/splurge.jpg" width="235" /></strong></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>4. Everything is funny, even if it's not</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>5. Many times, it’s also payday!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>6. Anyone can say “Friday” like the Outback Steakhouse commercial voice – </strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>“ </strong></span><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>‘Appy Froiday!” (I'm not kidding; try it!)</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>7. Cookie Friday – in my office building, property management bakes Otis Spunkmeyer cookies to share with everyone at 2pm. Love it. But you have to be quick…2:30 might be too late!</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yfMP_PfSFe6U84Q1yqdORQFnmN-wGsAxGD-Ia16wc7UhRyz7uHxIRbxmiYnFNRqD6vZw3lmaQI258JeBqCNUMTZLE6HGqOhREDmq2E2Omr6pYpX43_F0dcFxeSHROjxI7oB8lRM6jWYp/s1600/big-cookies-br.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yfMP_PfSFe6U84Q1yqdORQFnmN-wGsAxGD-Ia16wc7UhRyz7uHxIRbxmiYnFNRqD6vZw3lmaQI258JeBqCNUMTZLE6HGqOhREDmq2E2Omr6pYpX43_F0dcFxeSHROjxI7oB8lRM6jWYp/s320/big-cookies-br.jpg" width="239" /></strong></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>All around, Friday is just a good day. Even if you talk to yourself at work (which of course, I never do), it's okay because it's Friday. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Tired? It's ok. It's Friday!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Forgot to pay a bill? It's okay. Banks are open, it's Friday!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Really need a night out, just because? It's Friday!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Want to go home and nesstle in comfy clothes on the couch? It's Ok.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>IT'S FRIDAY!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Hope your Friday is wonderful and blessed. Have any plans?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong></strong></span></div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-13377365735259307972012-01-06T14:29:00.000-08:002012-01-06T14:29:48.339-08:00Fun Friday - Caption Contest<span style="color: #0c343d;">Happy Friday! Looking forward to finding and enjoying lots of different things on Fun Fridays. Maybe pictures or quotes, movie or book reviews, puzzles or trivia. Who knows, but it will be fun.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Today, I got excited about this photo and realized it could be interpreted many ways. My thought was "It's Friday!" but I'd love to hear your creative thoughts. Leave a comment and let me know what caption you would give this picture :) </span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Ready, Go!</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Jj6yxBaKWnDAa9xFtpxB3PVl_UPWv7MN9bmHkm8_MLLkfOzxbbqWgUsOCvF-ZuI1Pd6HlPThVQPZqQoseaEDKOc4ZcKwNIlMFcW08iaAO0QaZAHPa86viWCXnS000WypDiKS53BUIvkS/s1600/AGECKO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Jj6yxBaKWnDAa9xFtpxB3PVl_UPWv7MN9bmHkm8_MLLkfOzxbbqWgUsOCvF-ZuI1Pd6HlPThVQPZqQoseaEDKOc4ZcKwNIlMFcW08iaAO0QaZAHPa86viWCXnS000WypDiKS53BUIvkS/s400/AGECKO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">"Your Caption Here"</span></div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-45098298406815278882012-01-05T20:43:00.000-08:002012-01-06T05:26:00.067-08:00She's Crafty - Christmas Mailbox LeftoversHappy first Thursday of the New Year :) I hope you had a great celebration with family and friends over Christmas and New Years. We had a great time with family and several days off work. Always a good combination and a refreshing way to enter a new season.<br />
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Many of you know that one of my favorite things in every day is checking the mailbox. Not hotmail or gmail, but the actual REAL mailbox. For as long as I can remember I have looked forward to checking the mail, and anticipate each day the possibility of getting something personal from someone I care about. In college, I would check the mailbox twice a day, just in case I missed something the first time through (which did happen on occasion. Those were good days.) Now that school is over and the most I receive in a given week is basket fulls of trash, coupon books and bills, I still look forward to checking it every day: just in case.</div>
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Needless to say, after Thanksgiving passes and the Christmas season begins, the mailbox becomes like "the cherry on top", or coffee and a great dessert. Chances that there will be a personal note increase 85% after December 1st. *sigh* I love it.</div>
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But once Christmas is over, and January rolls around, the question becomes, "Wh<i>at to do with all the great pictures of friends and family that came with those Christmas greetings?"</i></div>
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This year, I decided to make something useful to decorate my home with, and put them to good use. It's a quick, easy, scrapbook like craft that doesn't require much outside of what a basic craft supply closet might have (or a quick trip to Michaels).</div>
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<b><span style="color: #741b47;">Picture Collage</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Supplies: </span><i><span style="color: #76a5af;">Scrapbook paper, Glue stick, hot glue gun, light weight cardboard, cardstock, Photos, Scissors, hole punch, embellishments (ribbon, buttons, stamps, etc.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"> <b>Step 1</b> - Collect the pictures you'd like to save</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96phvWe8PM3WMQVOJ-NwkbHVQaggNC1mWGGTVLvvON0ee1gjrSrhtSwO-GVKQXSAtH_9UnEnwVr8rGgQNg_XInaX0foAIb8kavd6kVYx92ZUNCxqh7NDKoRoN389C0pTMRU8o_PfLzaXr/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96phvWe8PM3WMQVOJ-NwkbHVQaggNC1mWGGTVLvvON0ee1gjrSrhtSwO-GVKQXSAtH_9UnEnwVr8rGgQNg_XInaX0foAIb8kavd6kVYx92ZUNCxqh7NDKoRoN389C0pTMRU8o_PfLzaXr/s320/IMG_3221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b> Step 2</b> - Choose the scrapbook paper for your collage</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EXdrOSdKTbOPZqtxoiuDLx_IJ4hzzx72JvgrEJ5PkpuDabsz4SrreS6gxUybuSHsbaXQCNayq6ZEkCzZyg35-1V3I0UaeSjgpR4TvUsueIxYeSyTBdFpvawc7Ko1_Owp2TJDVI7U7VaK/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EXdrOSdKTbOPZqtxoiuDLx_IJ4hzzx72JvgrEJ5PkpuDabsz4SrreS6gxUybuSHsbaXQCNayq6ZEkCzZyg35-1V3I0UaeSjgpR4TvUsueIxYeSyTBdFpvawc7Ko1_Owp2TJDVI7U7VaK/s320/IMG_3223.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"> <b>Step 3</b> - Glue the photos on the paper leaving room to frame the photos with the paper. Then cut them out. (Hint: I used a light glue stick that will allow for the removal of the photos from the paper at a later time if I wish to save them. Also, by having the paper on the back of each photo, the photos are protected from the tape in step 5).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbCpr72eYGIFm_C7ip99IIBcCMdvUK_iqBMX0BQo4L2eMETJjH_Bongoj9fnqBFtC-JpALQaYwnEYr5SDb3ppSVJbPw7BZb5ytoQ2v-gOfUWgJKXkDO8MBlQ1WCmoH9xPLVzmuwmXq75B/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbCpr72eYGIFm_C7ip99IIBcCMdvUK_iqBMX0BQo4L2eMETJjH_Bongoj9fnqBFtC-JpALQaYwnEYr5SDb3ppSVJbPw7BZb5ytoQ2v-gOfUWgJKXkDO8MBlQ1WCmoH9xPLVzmuwmXq75B/s320/IMG_3224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi922G5EcYtZKOTgg4lnKCSyNl6AXYOQqyGwZ8M8FZJsCN4vMU_Quya7wtn44_aHq63-IHqFw34B-gp81P0Weta_ZjhtxbR_VYn7HAYPbyD7fp6zNwvn0bOcqJMA_5aMwXVBTAeUFgh8bVg/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi922G5EcYtZKOTgg4lnKCSyNl6AXYOQqyGwZ8M8FZJsCN4vMU_Quya7wtn44_aHq63-IHqFw34B-gp81P0Weta_ZjhtxbR_VYn7HAYPbyD7fp6zNwvn0bOcqJMA_5aMwXVBTAeUFgh8bVg/s320/IMG_3227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"> <b>Step 4</b> - Prepare some accent pieces. I used stamps, paper, ribbon and sticky buttons</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRV55kayOuNx-AZGKs_7MD26F25dl2y-_-Xyepwf8D-HFG_O4CBniXJ_LSeIROYeBzPkv6tpJ-Q6NM_tBbBreLreE42Sv0oVeOM8oexJ-MXRaF7JUuJkK8ZK6ICN_ne8Fh9etLnviRnwk/s1600/IMG_3231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRV55kayOuNx-AZGKs_7MD26F25dl2y-_-Xyepwf8D-HFG_O4CBniXJ_LSeIROYeBzPkv6tpJ-Q6NM_tBbBreLreE42Sv0oVeOM8oexJ-MXRaF7JUuJkK8ZK6ICN_ne8Fh9etLnviRnwk/s320/IMG_3231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9NLdDIJBZ368OiANKa_3BvCzVS0sxt4Q8IwwkEt98I84PTE5GZ4-oWgir3Gg_HfyD0LZhuHwI0Tq8t5H03OkU_nPK5kuYFJ_HdZbHFdEn7PS_wlWXJpoiKsDhQ6yF3C9H_-d8IHglb-o/s1600/IMG_3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9NLdDIJBZ368OiANKa_3BvCzVS0sxt4Q8IwwkEt98I84PTE5GZ4-oWgir3Gg_HfyD0LZhuHwI0Tq8t5H03OkU_nPK5kuYFJ_HdZbHFdEn7PS_wlWXJpoiKsDhQ6yF3C9H_-d8IHglb-o/s200/IMG_3233.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPSAadAFq5DliRTsrfah03Iii0jNan4zv9Hir9bQJtNvkXlzY3WapSWJzcZhb9IDd47E1NwYk5OZ9cnPAutyF87DWHj45CJ0yz_VA53lJpbVBs04KxvLvwibgUMxKDSfQzykA5YpAPYJr/s1600/IMG_3234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPSAadAFq5DliRTsrfah03Iii0jNan4zv9Hir9bQJtNvkXlzY3WapSWJzcZhb9IDd47E1NwYk5OZ9cnPAutyF87DWHj45CJ0yz_VA53lJpbVBs04KxvLvwibgUMxKDSfQzykA5YpAPYJr/s200/IMG_3234.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7X-3HZTYwwZA6j03pogole6hM4xmrEk7TgaQo6MSxzxoinZoT3Zw7ijD_G_S71JlMgq2O2LaNQ0DZqio480Rt-_jl0SKt0vigmhhZYCZHsmZfmsEB5OjidHq-aRlEztecNMEiP8gjj0O/s1600/IMG_3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7X-3HZTYwwZA6j03pogole6hM4xmrEk7TgaQo6MSxzxoinZoT3Zw7ijD_G_S71JlMgq2O2LaNQ0DZqio480Rt-_jl0SKt0vigmhhZYCZHsmZfmsEB5OjidHq-aRlEztecNMEiP8gjj0O/s320/IMG_3236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b> Step 5</b> - Arrange the photos in any shape you'd like. I chose to keep my collage with square edges, but circles, wreaths, or random placement would also be cute. I then simply used tape to join the backs of the photos together.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"> <b>Step 6</b> - In order to add extra support to the collage since I am not going to frame this one, I cut and used double sided tape to glue card stock on the back side of the taped collage.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Step 7</b> - Hanging: I had a 12 inch circular piece of cardboard (from the cake decorating aisle at Michaels) in which I punched a small hole for hanging. (Another option would be the cardboard from a new calendar, or cardstock, staples and a ribbon). You can also use a box cutter to slit a horizontal line from the side of the hole to allow for adjusting if the collage is not weighted evenly. Then glue to the center of the back of the collage. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"> <b>Step 8</b> - Lastly, lightly hammer a stick pin into the wall and hang! Cute, fun, easy, and no mess if you change your mind and no longer want it on the wall or if you decide it looks better in another room!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b> That should keep me until the mail next Christmas!</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-87332773751070271202011-11-24T07:30:00.000-08:002011-11-24T08:16:33.483-08:00Thanksgiving<em>Lord, thank You for Your love of art, for the colors of light and tint of the moon,</em><br />
<em>Fluffing the clouds and placing them so, and the layers of silk painted clearly at night;</em><br />
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<em>For the orchestra of a golden field, bowing in rhythm at Thy perfect cue,</em><br />
<em>Swaying with joy, as the eager gazelle bounds across the stage;</em><br />
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<em>For the way Your hand set into motion the sea, rising then crashing,</em><br />
<em>now resting,</em><br />
<em>Teaming with life both bold and demure, each serving its divine purpose;</em><br />
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<em>For variety of lives strategically placed, using differences and alikes to bond and to frame,</em><br />
<em>Interacting by design, bringing glory to Your Most Holy name.</em><br />
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<em>Lord, thank You for designing Your world with intricate detail, </em><br />
<em>Too sweet for understanding, too big for comprehension;</em><br />
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<em>For inviting us into something larger than ourselves, yet holding us near,</em><br />
<em>Devoting Your life to a purpose greater than we'll fully grasp, yet significant enough there is no need.</em><br />
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<em>You are amazing!</em><br />
<em>Thank You.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjExFjUUU91FxHkMwWFD7ueDhmz4MOViA7rbb1Arp__qMhEz84BM5bj78QAPNU93zHk36YQiKAmDB9YxtSFlnJ_WHLPcjTmohP4jLLeXqQI_6uCuItPSr6PrgElOKghHyXUnPHXJz4LvcI/s1600/Panoramic-Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjExFjUUU91FxHkMwWFD7ueDhmz4MOViA7rbb1Arp__qMhEz84BM5bj78QAPNU93zHk36YQiKAmDB9YxtSFlnJ_WHLPcjTmohP4jLLeXqQI_6uCuItPSr6PrgElOKghHyXUnPHXJz4LvcI/s320/Panoramic-Flower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-23904354806978363412011-11-19T08:45:00.001-08:002011-11-22T09:33:10.165-08:00Show and Tell _ Sudan<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>It's the Small Things</strong></div>
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A couple of weeks ago we got to swap photos with our team...what a fun time of reunion and such great photos capturing the oddities and candid moments!</div>
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<br />Here are just a few random hightlights from the trip.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7lNhaoyHCkdbEQZgPyX93nJasufLlAcmmJx8Eg8JVkodNmaYid5TQV3LxO2E_cUDEUN2jCRLYPKnrWIPh7e-1mZo_pFKal-kew2MAIW_wN2zGA9M73S5oMfSUbnM9ha97KZLvjLr4caf/s1600/bath+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7lNhaoyHCkdbEQZgPyX93nJasufLlAcmmJx8Eg8JVkodNmaYid5TQV3LxO2E_cUDEUN2jCRLYPKnrWIPh7e-1mZo_pFKal-kew2MAIW_wN2zGA9M73S5oMfSUbnM9ha97KZLvjLr4caf/s320/bath+time.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harmony Joann - not liking her bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgaqD6gFh7q9S_LnTYLdTwL_iX-a-HUW4XFjWvpnRG3UxIcy5eo9q8H7zpSrcF1eCiHmHs0V65iJQBpz5aSAlEvTdfVTMGCpULmtl4eBkf5vGXnb2jUyCFN1pX7rdKgLew6u7P2G4Wmse/s1600/Crammed+Taxi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgaqD6gFh7q9S_LnTYLdTwL_iX-a-HUW4XFjWvpnRG3UxIcy5eo9q8H7zpSrcF1eCiHmHs0V65iJQBpz5aSAlEvTdfVTMGCpULmtl4eBkf5vGXnb2jUyCFN1pX7rdKgLew6u7P2G4Wmse/s320/Crammed+Taxi.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taxi ride to the hotel in Uganda ... luggage truck didn't show up so we just held it ourselves!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge82OOtHZJEoaI7xPcpYOG6ot3SUMmN5nFVWLhdk_dcQbDjwKavWqMm0zJDJ3XyLo6e9lmtRjU5a-EKRrcZO3oSrT1Xke-fsMrNWtM-Os0oHRdxuu2LLHOkMqdDkD3kOEEbc8P11HRKzQF/s1600/justin+asleep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge82OOtHZJEoaI7xPcpYOG6ot3SUMmN5nFVWLhdk_dcQbDjwKavWqMm0zJDJ3XyLo6e9lmtRjU5a-EKRrcZO3oSrT1Xke-fsMrNWtM-Os0oHRdxuu2LLHOkMqdDkD3kOEEbc8P11HRKzQF/s320/justin+asleep.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time - wherever you think is comfortable </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuTRZH8EHYyvro85I1eU7DhCUruLVSdwpRNN_Ay18Gocu49gM8EdlxoUNshdtlNiNojwicm2bIZiyHszGUoPm323H8LGn0TwyJ3lI1Hovqdth5R6IUjrXWNCPYLuyA4TQwAL2S7P2M9zu/s1600/group+shot+border.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuTRZH8EHYyvro85I1eU7DhCUruLVSdwpRNN_Ay18Gocu49gM8EdlxoUNshdtlNiNojwicm2bIZiyHszGUoPm323H8LGn0TwyJ3lI1Hovqdth5R6IUjrXWNCPYLuyA4TQwAL2S7P2M9zu/s320/group+shot+border.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Border Crossing - Independent South Sudan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGkuYeLxaHD_OLKNExyGmj0U5DoKHBU5Vk2ch1W-Qpdom67MqwNrqDcP_pW4N0WT-0r5Hrqedp6Vg6lod9lvYwLadFwlM-fCX0M7CgRnYJoXCqyPc8ejwSCEc5KLZjn6tH4gAfSQqdIC5/s1600/snizzard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGkuYeLxaHD_OLKNExyGmj0U5DoKHBU5Vk2ch1W-Qpdom67MqwNrqDcP_pW4N0WT-0r5Hrqedp6Vg6lod9lvYwLadFwlM-fCX0M7CgRnYJoXCqyPc8ejwSCEc5KLZjn6tH4gAfSQqdIC5/s320/snizzard.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower Snizard - We thought this little guy who lived in the shower was a snake, but by the end of the week had proof he was really a lizard (can you see his brown knees?).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof0PxoRW5XVBF6R1qL_DpHUP28g64t3qcfQDhZT61Ythnjng9M_l7J1pC3W17xHEQYfzqfGkj1fru0XLq8UY9bmYqsm00ggg2g6a1rRsag0faWim31ehcPn6QVFW-guSuI7S8RJNxhSKa/s1600/Tickle+time+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof0PxoRW5XVBF6R1qL_DpHUP28g64t3qcfQDhZT61Ythnjng9M_l7J1pC3W17xHEQYfzqfGkj1fru0XLq8UY9bmYqsm00ggg2g6a1rRsag0faWim31ehcPn6QVFW-guSuI7S8RJNxhSKa/s320/Tickle+time+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tickle Time!</td></tr>
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Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-18553414880286916932011-11-11T13:53:00.001-08:002011-11-11T14:15:29.452-08:00Thankfulness - Veterans Day. . .is what I long for.<br />
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Many of you may have seen the statement that floated around the social networking sites the last few months. It goes something like, "What if you woke up tomorrow with only those things you were thankful for today?" Akkk...convicting!!! Don't we take for granted all we have been given? <br />
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Often I think I'm very thankful, because I am truly grateful to have the people, job, physical and spiritual blessings that the Lord has given. But knowing you are blessed with something is not the same as being thankful. And it is a discipline of sorts, to actually express thanks for things, big and small.<br />
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Currently I'm LOVING all the thankfulness statuses on Facebook. I struggle with all the negativity that populates the networking avenues so often, and as much as I love quotes from famous people (and I do love them), it has been so refreshing to see the personal things my friends are thankful for. Very encouraging.<br />
Thank you if you are one of them!<br />
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I missed the first couple of weeks to do it myself, and I'm kind of bummed. But I will tell you, I appreciate the reminders to be thankful in my own life. It's important to verbalize it, don't you think? And not just at Thanksgiving TIME, but always. In our families, in our workplaces and in our churches. It's easy to complain, compare, and critique, but so much more edifying to express thankfulness.<br />
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My personal challenge this week beginning today is going to be to try to express thanksgiving verbally to someone around me each day. It's always a good reminder to me to lift my praises to our Lord. As encouraging as they are to me, it must just make Him smile to know we realize our need of Him in our daily activities.<br />
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Today, I am thankful for girlfriends to hang out with, giggle with, and make holiday plans with :). <br />
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I'm also very thankful for veterans like my Grandpa Kihle and PawPaw and Grandpa Beeman, and brother Joe who gave so much of themselves to serve and protect our USA. THANK YOU, and happy Veterans Day to you and ALL the others too numerous to name here who served or are serving. I am thankful for you, your service, and am proud of you!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKzhyphenhyphenuEBZk1ieB98IOdzLm-RAUpxaUXHY0S3YQykImt3pYxy-cG9L7wzFvyrxGDTiTummYwr7pII5S6nnW73uP4oVqZAnJtf8DXK7o1vqgJFYp1UiR38He6ngi1dp1knNcpWRWhJkCXUM/s1600/american-flag-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKzhyphenhyphenuEBZk1ieB98IOdzLm-RAUpxaUXHY0S3YQykImt3pYxy-cG9L7wzFvyrxGDTiTummYwr7pII5S6nnW73uP4oVqZAnJtf8DXK7o1vqgJFYp1UiR38He6ngi1dp1knNcpWRWhJkCXUM/s320/american-flag-wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-22200771847858269312011-11-10T06:12:00.001-08:002011-11-19T08:42:06.864-08:00Music to My Ears - Sudan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Worship: Every Nation, Tribe and Tongue</strong></span></div>
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I've got a few of these sound recordings...should loop them and listen all morning.</div>
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Definitely one of the sweetest parts of the trip.</div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-9505093322472380282011-11-07T17:45:00.000-08:002011-11-23T06:15:06.882-08:00To Off Road, is to be On the Road - Sudan<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>Every Day is an Adventure</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Best Viewed in original Blog www.karijo-co.blogspot.com)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you love back roads and country driving, you would enjoy the Sudan road trip.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our village was 1 hour and 30 minutes from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">camp, and the land rover made good time of the </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">dirt roads,</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;">mini lake pot holes,</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>"bridges,"</b> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and the occasional off-roading to bypass craters. The main portion of this road has not been maintained in 50 years and is not for those prone to the motion-sickness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The strange thing is, once back in the states, it's hard not to miss the off-roading adventure that is an every day occurance in southern Sudan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Justin told our team that in the states, off- roading is not allowed...you have to stay on the road! They thought itwas pretty funny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our first day out, the team member sitting in the front seat next to the driver reached for her seat belt and asked local ministry head D. Kaya if it worked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He told her, <i>"I don't recommend that thing."</i> Bascially, the bumpy roads are more painful with the seatbelt than without...so that's how we rolled.</span><br />
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Interestingly, after I planned this blog or today I came across this article revealing a plan to build roads in South Sudan. It shows how they plan to connect all 10 states of the country, how badly they are needed and why. <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-minister-reveals,40642">http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-minister-reveals,40642</a>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-87571030888415933302011-11-05T08:17:00.000-07:002011-11-19T08:42:26.649-08:00Love - Language Without Words - SudanSoooo, we are back from Sudan!<br />
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We've gone and come, and been back in our little American world again for two full weeks. Amazing. I still think on our time in Africa every day, which I love. It's fresh and vulnerable. Still convicts and encourages, while at the same time, reminds me to pray for the people we met and the love of Christ that continues to grow and show itself powerful a midst the people of a very young country and church of Southern Sudan.<br />
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Sharing is difficult, as always. So much to say, yet it's hard to say it detailed enough to communicate the emotion and significance while keeping it concise enough for most people to listen. Makes trying to share, difficult, and the interest of those who want to know the nitty gritty very special and treasured.<br />
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I think the best way for now, that I can show and tell is with brief pictures, videos, and snippets of stories. As the Lord brings to mind the precious people and encounters of our last trip to Sudan, I'll try to post and share with you.<br />
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Today I am thinking about and missing terribly the little people. Three kids living at the compound where we stayed: Wani, Mercy, and Mike.<br />
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All about the same height and very close in age, these three could be considered the musketeers of camp. Likely they understand more English than they speak (which isn't much), their language is love, and they understand it no matter who speaks it. We played hard, tickled much, and communicated with each other with words: me in English, them in Bari-glish (Bari with a few English words mixed in :). I miss very much coming "home" every day and chasing them around the dirt yard, tickling Wani until <b>I</b> tired of it (I don't think he EVER would), and chasing Mercy around the yard as she taunted, "This one Wani" while pointing at herself. Mercy even taught me a hand clapping game, for which I was only able to learn some of the Bari words. Would love to play it with her right now.<br />
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Feels like Nephews and Niece . . . that live very. Far. Away.<br />
<br />Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-1558600967982630372011-09-29T08:34:00.000-07:002011-09-29T11:14:16.815-07:00"Dreams of Mountains ... Brood on Things Eternal"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Best viewed in original blog <a href="http://www.karijo-co.blogspot.com/">http://www.karijo-co.blogspot.com/</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Colorado Vacation In Pictures </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">August 2011</span></b></div>
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<b>Part I -Estes Park</b></div>
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<b>Part II - Rocky Mountain National Park</b></div>
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(Below) We did see snow, just not allowed to touch it.</div>
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It's amazing how many colors God put in His creation: Greens...</div>
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Blues...</div>
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Browns...</div>
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(Above) This was before we hiked further up the mountain. </div>
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The clouds are rolling in, and it's getting chilly.</div>
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(Below) Nearer the top it was windy, but beautiful.</div>
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(Above) It started to rain. Then the rain starting hurting, and we saw it bouncing off the ground. It was sleeting!!! Justin tried to catch some for the camera :)</div>
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Our run down the mountain was hilarious as we tried not to slip and fall, or step onto the "fragile ecosystem" which was the rocky grass terrain all along the path, which we were asked not to touch.</div>
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(Below) "<em>O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth</em>!" Psalm 8:9</div>
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(Above) Uncle Ron and Aunt Laurie: Terrific tour guides and amazing hosts! </div>
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So thankful to get to visit them and cousin Rach ;)</div>
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(Above) These little guys were running all over the rocks at the edge of the cliff.</div>
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(Below) The lightning was so pretty (in a terrifying way for me...who doesn't believe you should be outside if you can <em>hear</em> thunder, let alone <em>see</em> lightning!) I only had patience to wait and catch this one bolt...</div>
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(Below) Dinner at Bienvenidos in Estes Park. </div>
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Gotta love some yummy Mexican</div>
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(Even though they didn't have sweet tea or sour cream sauce :)</div>
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<strong>Part III - Denver Zoo</strong></div>
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(Below) Loved all the animals of course, but this made me laugh.</div>
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...Happy Birthday?</div>
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<strong>Part IV- Colorado Springs Area</strong></div>
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(Above)<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Air Force Academy</span> </strong></span><span style="color: white;">Chapel </span></div>
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(Below) Justin introducing himself to the founder of the Academy.</div>
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It was cordial despite the rigid appearance.</div>
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(Below) The Chapel itself is divided into multiple areas. </div>
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First is the Catholic Chapel</div>
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(Below) Second is the Jewish Chapel</div>
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(Below) Third is the Buddhist Chapel</div>
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(Below) The main portion of the chapel is on the second floor. It is the Protestant Chapel.</div>
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Here they have multiple services which include both traditional and contemporary.</div>
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(Below) The view out of the chapel window: God bless America!</div>
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(Below) I can't visit Colorado Springs and not stop in at <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>Focus on the Family</strong></span>. </div>
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We spent most of our time perusing the book store and touring Odyssey :)</div>
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(Above) We did enjoy an amazing sundae at the Soda Shoppe.</div>
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(Below) Whit's office: I wonder which book holds the key to open the secret computer room?</div>
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(Below) We couldn't wait to visit <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Cave of the Winds</span>. </strong></span><span style="color: white;">Justin tried to talk me into doing the lantern tour, but having never been in a cave, and knowing my cautious self (not to be confused with a <em>worrisome</em> self), I only committed to complete the normal tour. It was a blast, and now I know next time I would take the lantern tour. </span></div>
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(Above) Originally we thought we would do a zipline tour, but it required so much time we wouldn't have been able to do much else. So when we arrived at Cave of the Winds and they had this</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Ropes Course</span></strong>, we knew immediately we would participate! A little scarier than I thought it would be, I did make it across most of the ropes, even the ones on the far left which hangs over the edge of this:</div>
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(Below) On our way back down the mountain, we stopped in at the </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Cliff Dwellings Museum</span></strong>.<br />
While these are actual dwellings, they have been moved to this region to protect and preserve them, and were privately owned for many, many years.</div>
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(Below) What trip to the Springs would be complete without a trip to <strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Garden of the Gods</span></strong>? The views are breathtaking and pictures never do justice. We were exhausted at the end of a long and exciting day, but managed to take a few pictures to prove our visit.</div>
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(Above) God has placed His evidence eveywhere: from the clouds in the upper atmosphere, to the top of the mountain, to the insides of the ground...He. Wants. To. Be. Known.</div>
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"<em>For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.</em>" </div>
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Romans 1:19-20 </div>
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(Below) One of my favorite rock formations in the garden. It's a little like how I imagine God holds the earth in His hand: balanced perfectly to sustain His creation!</div>
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(Below) Good finish to the day, no?</div>
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(Below) Pretty much sums it up!</div>
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(Below) Headed Home. Not the fave part of vacation, but God's glory from the sky <strong>IS </strong>a breathtaking view. We are so thankful for our time with family and in the midst of His creation on our trip.</div>
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It was relaxing, inspiring, and exciting all wrapped up into one great adventure.</div>
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Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-13067656341612006222011-08-13T22:25:00.000-07:002011-08-13T22:30:37.616-07:00Sudan 2011-It's Coming<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="height: 50px; margin-left: 376px; margin-top: 2px; position: absolute; width: 282px; z-index: 1;"> </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxUX857eRQ-VN4KR0828xIaowA-5v3_JL1ToP1Fq_jPY5FkYPQMr_PXXpt-4G2T9ERSVWwqakhqpA-aLP62mnhY8OEWsXGrXh8-No_2zgBcEx8t8ITarCfPbhm9zVTa1OvurGeRGFxCWF/s1600/Border+Cross.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/AVvXsEgZxUX857eRQ-VN4KR0828xIaowA-5v3_JL1ToP1Fq_jPY5FkYPQMr_PXXpt-4G2T9ERSVWwqakhqpA-aLP62mnhY8OEWsXGrXh8-No_2zgBcEx8t8ITarCfPbhm9zVTa1OvurGeRGFxCWF/s320/Border+Cross.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">- On Mission -</span></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trip Date: October 11-21, 2011</span></div></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Blessings to you in the name of Christ! </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Justin and I are excited to be returning to South Sudan this year for another short term trip. By God’s grace, He calls and provides for His children to obey. Please let us take this moment to share what He has been doing in Sudan, and how God has shown us we can take part.</span></i></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnH2v6tZaCS6Q7SORXrgkpRk3gAKIaKRjPmaJ_VUb571ZXC4hKlCAy6GngDISalFChrdLyjpmUFCSbWMf3oterkEu1uhZ59jKlcLFa5C_Z4yNJ_pvjNu6ms3HZfNwJHDOves7OhHNMs9E/s1600/DSCN0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnH2v6tZaCS6Q7SORXrgkpRk3gAKIaKRjPmaJ_VUb571ZXC4hKlCAy6GngDISalFChrdLyjpmUFCSbWMf3oterkEu1uhZ59jKlcLFa5C_Z4yNJ_pvjNu6ms3HZfNwJHDOves7OhHNMs9E/s200/DSCN0626.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">M</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">any of you know we went on our first trip to the country last August, and were amazed at God's "New Testament Church" ministry in that area. When we got back to America, all we could think about were the faces and souls of brothers and sisters which the Lord allowed us to meet, and in some cases, lead into a relationship with Him. Pastor Onesimus gave me a picture of himself as a reminder to pray, and I turned the time, 11:11, into a reminder to pray for the church and others we met there: whatever I could do so as not to forget how God is working in Sudan. Over the last several months, this has included volunteering with e3 Sudan and participating in local ministry events. God has not abandoned the seed of love He planted in our hearts for these people. I think only it has grown.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">lmost a year later, we are following God’s lead back to Sudan for another, on-the-ground mission. Matthew 28:10-11 says, “<i>Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” </i>and that is what we want to do. Our team’s mission will be to share the Gospel, growing disciples in new or existing churches, and children’s and women’s ministry as we again partner with e3 Partners Ministry. Many of the team will also have the opportunity to teach at the bible school (growing in a year from about 20 to over 100), and Justin looks forward to this again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">L</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ast year our team planted Jordan Baptist Church under a grove of Mango trees. The day before we left Sudan, I noted in my bible that I prayed these verses for the baby church: "<i>And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (</i>Phil<i>. </i>1:9-11) That is still our prayer not only for Jordan Baptist, but also many other Mango churches and the growing vision for the salvation of South Sudan. Returning to this area is not only a blessing, but a privilege, as we partner with the native missionaries, praying God uses us and teaches us mightily while we're there.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOqA_Z67vzDzbcYwekLptjFZ7W_dgJAhG-jm0ds_9AbP8ziCjLrv-RTCu3lLo6s0h3SqHhMbbVdTlfHOKzlTkwGQp6TPYJDnU9U4FN5FAfEloRFFm8LcLyg7_Ws3Enw9-9WJjd4J732Jc/s1600/DSCN0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOqA_Z67vzDzbcYwekLptjFZ7W_dgJAhG-jm0ds_9AbP8ziCjLrv-RTCu3lLo6s0h3SqHhMbbVdTlfHOKzlTkwGQp6TPYJDnU9U4FN5FAfEloRFFm8LcLyg7_Ws3Enw9-9WJjd4J732Jc/s200/DSCN0676.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ust as we are partnering with the Sudanese on mission, we ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with us in one of two ways. As we obey God's call to this country, it is vital that we not do it alone. We covet your prayers in this mission, and would love to have you on our praying team! You can be praying for the <b>P</b>rovision, the <b>P</b>lan, the <b>P</b>eople, and for <b>P</b>rotection. We will send out a prayer calendar with specific things to pray for as the trip gets closer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">T</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">he second way you can partner with us is financially. We have to cover all of the cost for flights and supplies for the trip (ca. $7,500 for both of us together), and a gift of any amount is a blessing! We truly believe that if God calls us to something, He will provide the means. If the Lord leads you to partner in this way, we thank you for allowing Him to use you. Please follow the instructions on the attached card to make sure your gift gets to the right place. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">(Below in Blue)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Thank you so much for partnering with us in this, and may God bless you. We can’t wait to see how God has planned to use your support on this trip!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoFooter" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal;"><b><i><span style="color: #f79646; font-size: 9pt;">“How then will they call on him In whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #f79646; font-size: 9pt;"> Romans 10:14 </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 9pt;"> In Christ, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><i>Justin and Kari</i></span></div><div class="MsoFooter"><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #f79646; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">South Sudan Fun Facts</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">- Independence Day was July 9, 2011</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #f79646; font-size: 12px;">- Has its own flag and currency</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #f79646; font-size: 12px;">- Establishing its own government</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">- The church can play a big part by </span></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">teaching men and women to be</span></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">disciples of Christ and to lead</span></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">by His principles</span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoFooter"><div style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you for prayerfully considering financial support! There are two ways you can send your gift: by check, or donating online. If you send a check, please make it payable to e3 Partners Ministry and send your contribution to 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2600, Plano, TX 75075. You will need to enter the name “Justin (or Kari) Copling” along with the trip code <b>SD11N</b> in the subject line to ensure that it is processed in a timely manner. Your gift will be placed in an account under our name. You can also make payments online at </span><a href="https://www.e3partners.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1196" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">www.e3partners.org</span></i></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">. Under the “Give” menu, you will need to click “Donate today.” Please follow the instructions given. You will need to enter Kari and Justin Copling and the trip code <b>SD11N</b> after checking “Other” as the “Designation.” All gifts are tax deductible, and e3 Partners then will send you a tax receipt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you and God bless you for your faithfulness!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: normal;"></div><div class="MsoFooter" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal;"></div></div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-6330625115056048522011-08-01T04:42:00.000-07:002011-11-23T06:25:09.907-08:00Happy Anniversary!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I truly </span>cannot believe that Justin and I have been married for 3 years, today. Three years! Time has absolutely flown by, which means that we are indeed having fun.<br />
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I am celebrating today in prayers of thanksgiving, poems, and a picture blog. Happy Anniversary, Bays!<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><i>An Anniversary Poem</i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqm4sO2I3mLkh1d78LrdAHj3TaSXfBCBQAzOGH4WZ-IXIdc84igmovtR3wiW85xqTCI9Is_y-2anBlBBSkdiTasyKJpBUaGRQFSoDxVub5Y8vABIwItBav1YwuqQCZJ5G5f5kPFUhTY8R/s1600/n516424929_829581_8634.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/AVvXsEhlqm4sO2I3mLkh1d78LrdAHj3TaSXfBCBQAzOGH4WZ-IXIdc84igmovtR3wiW85xqTCI9Is_y-2anBlBBSkdiTasyKJpBUaGRQFSoDxVub5Y8vABIwItBav1YwuqQCZJ5G5f5kPFUhTY8R/s320/n516424929_829581_8634.jpg" width="213" /></a>"To my husband of this three years,</div><div style="text-align: right;">Thank you for loving me through laughter and tears.</div><div style="text-align: right;">I'm amazed at how much more each day,</div><div style="text-align: right;">You show me your love in yet another way.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">Thank you for being my friend and strong rock,<br />
And for learning to pick up your shorts and your socks.</div><div style="text-align: right;">Your laugh makes me smile, and your grin does me in,</div><div style="text-align: right;">Without you I wouldn't know where to begin.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">Your love makes me smile, even when I'm alone,</div><div style="text-align: right;">And I thank God for you; that you're my own.</div><div style="text-align: right;">Let's keep having fun and new adventures,</div><div style="text-align: right;">'Till we're rocking a pearly white set of dentures.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">Three years have gone by, in just a blink,</div><div style="text-align: right;">What God will do next, I can't even think.</div><div style="text-align: right;">But I know for sure, I'd have it no other way,</div><div style="text-align: right;">Than to obey Him and love Him with you, every day."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Justin, you truly are the love of my life, and I grow more and more in love with you every day. Thank you for all the amazing ways you show me your love. I'm so glad you asked, and that I said yes!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>AN ANNIVERSARY IN PICTURES</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniQ_ACGxiOWNbfkl2IWO4I6JXJYj7Ap8DkkllDjYzbrPGLWHD90rnUui11sjRIlV_lTVWEvBjC7i1YEv10qurSIErnVexL7zcZNqZQlC8tWTkW2CSs8aSE04McB3drjWGuprBkGqHyeUK/s1600/DSCN1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniQ_ACGxiOWNbfkl2IWO4I6JXJYj7Ap8DkkllDjYzbrPGLWHD90rnUui11sjRIlV_lTVWEvBjC7i1YEv10qurSIErnVexL7zcZNqZQlC8tWTkW2CSs8aSE04McB3drjWGuprBkGqHyeUK/s200/DSCN1278.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56bibtxuMksMbhRSy63Nd8Qtas4ziMs_oosDmWKrNoVJ_1-2ZRxULWxHZOZlcMp4MXzg2cek18Z_N0c6k_0hkqRS_w8U-XCcoPYngu81Zzs1deRet_-7gc_sZFKjTgl0RebTluDB3tRrz/s1600/DSCN1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56bibtxuMksMbhRSy63Nd8Qtas4ziMs_oosDmWKrNoVJ_1-2ZRxULWxHZOZlcMp4MXzg2cek18Z_N0c6k_0hkqRS_w8U-XCcoPYngu81Zzs1deRet_-7gc_sZFKjTgl0RebTluDB3tRrz/s200/DSCN1271.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Touring the Gaylord Texan</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKHHfb48zETQIqTAjx5zweOKq6XF8WpIQil-GJLhR-gsUSdz2bvDYs72Bjb5pagQ3K4Ii2itH2JhETUAAr1I0wKKJZdYF6ng7FDDpRRfLglFI8mwny53FPhAT0Xb_SKKOSiabC-xk1cwQ/s1600/DSCN1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKHHfb48zETQIqTAjx5zweOKq6XF8WpIQil-GJLhR-gsUSdz2bvDYs72Bjb5pagQ3K4Ii2itH2JhETUAAr1I0wKKJZdYF6ng7FDDpRRfLglFI8mwny53FPhAT0Xb_SKKOSiabC-xk1cwQ/s200/DSCN1293.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHm1J38gAvW1JBnmlObIjp1Oiw653PeQKry6ZFBbpYC7raOrz6DX0Oaceqp5KjYK__D4fhIm4OEJHBdo5Wx2WFq7dGXwepGSFN_OAD1c0MTJiQ7yYPv6lPeJvFU0G_TzsDjgKdGJF_QWe/s1600/DSCN1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHm1J38gAvW1JBnmlObIjp1Oiw653PeQKry6ZFBbpYC7raOrz6DX0Oaceqp5KjYK__D4fhIm4OEJHBdo5Wx2WFq7dGXwepGSFN_OAD1c0MTJiQ7yYPv6lPeJvFU0G_TzsDjgKdGJF_QWe/s200/DSCN1286.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHnruapIY8SgeB9La0TvVuGsX2DDK4yKcjjOEHBLOugg33irQNKEXTBuBZTUhTDCa6XqjCoPvs3XnIT3z4s99vBGdFZlOzf4liDEC5HwzDYI4R2pZAV9MHtQG6Y_EczYzkMw_XL_eJlc4/s1600/DSCN1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHnruapIY8SgeB9La0TvVuGsX2DDK4yKcjjOEHBLOugg33irQNKEXTBuBZTUhTDCa6XqjCoPvs3XnIT3z4s99vBGdFZlOzf4liDEC5HwzDYI4R2pZAV9MHtQG6Y_EczYzkMw_XL_eJlc4/s320/DSCN1285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWKGyj1uVry2Fj8aO9OJgYld_YSThTDN6aGTJd3gR8vvtgPvVsXz6oqArBDAz206sPdrLS_uYXxVu9a4AeXu-MDr930suTlsdAa3-PQk7NqmZo0eb-TvccoHMKbxV7ms_k5FArgtxBuJa/s1600/DSCN1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWKGyj1uVry2Fj8aO9OJgYld_YSThTDN6aGTJd3gR8vvtgPvVsXz6oqArBDAz206sPdrLS_uYXxVu9a4AeXu-MDr930suTlsdAa3-PQk7NqmZo0eb-TvccoHMKbxV7ms_k5FArgtxBuJa/s320/DSCN1302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dinner </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KFtCeB7FY6lrQZ93CaRKV0YDX8V4pRPnZ6uCb4Zq3aIFm7OY8eI20awUh1WrRLIKidn-Iz_nBdTJGXS1fZ7E2-jDfYb9GaLPXuRpOPu4RzWoo1wvC9cdbOxbigb10tedBDE5EEK6EhN-/s1600/DSCN1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KFtCeB7FY6lrQZ93CaRKV0YDX8V4pRPnZ6uCb4Zq3aIFm7OY8eI20awUh1WrRLIKidn-Iz_nBdTJGXS1fZ7E2-jDfYb9GaLPXuRpOPu4RzWoo1wvC9cdbOxbigb10tedBDE5EEK6EhN-/s200/DSCN1308.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcRBcLEI2qtpt8Q1gx_L8ZC9z13-ggWCqmwOQcL9mWrMYt4tM7VpWSSKssrVOFc1F28BsxUIPM_jinotgfFmblLajHjmdFQTtzju8Ki7pP7vaJAT1tK84GZdszVscjhNYoG-wBp1RBMsN/s1600/DSCN1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcRBcLEI2qtpt8Q1gx_L8ZC9z13-ggWCqmwOQcL9mWrMYt4tM7VpWSSKssrVOFc1F28BsxUIPM_jinotgfFmblLajHjmdFQTtzju8Ki7pP7vaJAT1tK84GZdszVscjhNYoG-wBp1RBMsN/s200/DSCN1307.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> Sea Bass in lemon caper sauce, and (Sword Fish?) Piccatta.<br />
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<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUGh6wmgF8h6pcTJfV1bGvzwBWgJTQ5rOAavU_AmQLuf7w9ivMPbN_Y4dhxzaS7fwZT8R8tD-8OmdWkf7Jbt9Zh65FYDXtMKDc4nqFA5SHbwt83e0hit0hyphenhyphendsllLhyN6l8ThlqKounr41/s1600/DSCN1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUGh6wmgF8h6pcTJfV1bGvzwBWgJTQ5rOAavU_AmQLuf7w9ivMPbN_Y4dhxzaS7fwZT8R8tD-8OmdWkf7Jbt9Zh65FYDXtMKDc4nqFA5SHbwt83e0hit0hyphenhyphendsllLhyN6l8ThlqKounr41/s320/DSCN1313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div> <br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdTHks_S2DQC3gTeindJoXYZLYQ7CXiyBq2Rg9hpFmF_XHvE63KFViIyACMqkRopmSCzwhVn2_82TPkqhxlioxwdiu8PjUsc6WsaeVxHGxItFAcOUSpsZEWrDI6CecG8GoBTVFEt1Rahp/s1600/DSCN1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdTHks_S2DQC3gTeindJoXYZLYQ7CXiyBq2Rg9hpFmF_XHvE63KFViIyACMqkRopmSCzwhVn2_82TPkqhxlioxwdiu8PjUsc6WsaeVxHGxItFAcOUSpsZEWrDI6CecG8GoBTVFEt1Rahp/s320/DSCN1343.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Room Service Dessert (Even better after 11)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZaxi5iKd6SDxcUsJjF7tmJcWQ6LfIsfUnkneMH0I3HAlF-CNbx7i1wjgkJCaLnBl5ZqKv87yuP9GvqDzjTfaRLzbj6Hd-vnjHv1hC65f9XZ87j7dZ4Vdrpuzj4JXIPjgU68Y1XQhmRsB/s1600/DSCN1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZaxi5iKd6SDxcUsJjF7tmJcWQ6LfIsfUnkneMH0I3HAlF-CNbx7i1wjgkJCaLnBl5ZqKv87yuP9GvqDzjTfaRLzbj6Hd-vnjHv1hC65f9XZ87j7dZ4Vdrpuzj4JXIPjgU68Y1XQhmRsB/s200/DSCN1351.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bananas Foster Cake and Brownie Fudge Sundae</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Day 2 - Paradise Springs and Lake Grapevine</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja00PNMB1L6s53g_pxpEtfF26u6OanfBCHjpXSZFLQbGrFwIleTEfhC3mWM6QBpdxGNTRbf9_tMBI7aoQTMkYbhLdjW3ghSHQ-a15FyxLPmPtoMtF0n14-PiURsRaSIxwF7R7s2kNxO2-A/s1600/DSCN1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja00PNMB1L6s53g_pxpEtfF26u6OanfBCHjpXSZFLQbGrFwIleTEfhC3mWM6QBpdxGNTRbf9_tMBI7aoQTMkYbhLdjW3ghSHQ-a15FyxLPmPtoMtF0n14-PiURsRaSIxwF7R7s2kNxO2-A/s320/DSCN1352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting ready for Paradise Springs pool and the lazy river!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMZlgx1oC0Kx43dbG7To-B1Tv6VUVPd8yP5nh1hO0OTXn8h6d9odpREsqC0QWoM5hpDSmONTyMOcExkAk_bBX8E9JRT3mdzbY4Xf-_k-Q8Sd2cf7RRSCQ_hCdLN9OEaQ9LRYtr_RNerpL/s1600/DSCN1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMZlgx1oC0Kx43dbG7To-B1Tv6VUVPd8yP5nh1hO0OTXn8h6d9odpREsqC0QWoM5hpDSmONTyMOcExkAk_bBX8E9JRT3mdzbY4Xf-_k-Q8Sd2cf7RRSCQ_hCdLN9OEaQ9LRYtr_RNerpL/s320/DSCN1363.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Lake Grapevine - Silver Lake Marina</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had such an amazing time on the water. Hard to go home after that much fun! The whole weekend was memorable and precious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Anniversary!</span> </b></div></div></div></div>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991208287286395333.post-11335544579679355782011-07-18T15:59:00.000-07:002011-07-18T15:59:04.989-07:00Happy Feet<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Happy Feet</b></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">This weekend Justin and I made it to the movie theater, and as the previews rolled across the screen, one in particular caught my attention. More maybe as I remember it today than even at that moment: Happy Feet 2.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I have never seen Happy Feet, and likely will not see the second one, but that preview did two things. It made me wish I could have a fuzzy baby penguin of my own (almost as much as I want one of those mini giraffes from the Direct TV commercials), and it made me think of the things in life that really make me happy-all the way down to my toes.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ_B6JqvXOIJ43aEuDd4ZhmaRoqE6VrGXQyZ_Y7sFdtnlQoMxpNCTEcAO-8Cxe7SfYatrLSbvCloWYITexrQ956TOkaqUdL8SvfqHyLQidYFo030XGzbFuJDsZTDck3e4V3ofV7T1iKld/s1600/girraffe.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/AVvXsEjDJ_B6JqvXOIJ43aEuDd4ZhmaRoqE6VrGXQyZ_Y7sFdtnlQoMxpNCTEcAO-8Cxe7SfYatrLSbvCloWYITexrQ956TOkaqUdL8SvfqHyLQidYFo030XGzbFuJDsZTDck3e4V3ofV7T1iKld/s1600/girraffe.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Happy Cells</b></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">One of those things which make me very happy, is the sunshine in summer! This year's temperatures are breaking records (and pocket books) as we try to keep cool and stay safe in the incredible temps. But one thing does not change for me, regardless of the 100+ degrees. When the sun kisses my skin, all of my skin cells rejoice, and it's as if I can feel the vitamin D reviving the energy of those cells. Can you relate? It's invigorating, and I find myself at times, craving the warmth and rejuvinating energy from the sun.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">How about after sitting for long periods of time at school or work, and then getting up and stretching the muscles in your arms, legs, and torso? Wow! Those muscle cells are jumping around, and thanking you for popping them back to life. It feels so good, and each time it happens, I wonder why I don't do it more often. Very. Happy. Cells.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR6fmbIqnFK14GL39jP6WkMwJjRXCvBUfOT5WZ6eABkC9hT7ZEo_GFX712krSihaemsZJIEQOD3cpj3U2ePKxsq04UsyYwgklbKjU-96p4qDrjEN4-zz37o9WEB0PWKjqtdgLcQwHtY4x/s1600/sun.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/AVvXsEgAR6fmbIqnFK14GL39jP6WkMwJjRXCvBUfOT5WZ6eABkC9hT7ZEo_GFX712krSihaemsZJIEQOD3cpj3U2ePKxsq04UsyYwgklbKjU-96p4qDrjEN4-zz37o9WEB0PWKjqtdgLcQwHtY4x/s320/sun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Happy Heart</b></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Recently, however, I have rediscovered the depth and breadth of the rejuvinating power of spending time in God's word. Not just reading a verse or two, or filling in blanks in a bible study book. But reading. Soaking. Studying the pages of scripture. For some, this is the status quo of your walk right now. You know the invigorating and insatiable draw of God's Word when it opens like a water hose and gushes refreshment and joy into your soul. For others, this is something you've known at various times in your walk with God. Maybe in college. Maybe right after you were saved and were on fire for the Lord. Maybe it was last year, but for some reason the habit is slipping as quickly as the summer months tick away. For me, I am easily intimidated by what I think it will take (time wise, committment wise, etc.) and if I can't do what I think it takes, I put it off, choosing rather to not try than to fail my personal expectation.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuhennaiE3_G4r1OzjBoM-QAalWYrYBo1MFipOuMO_yaMOgf89VTqR16tXAV8x1y6_nChzXPT0r1PPBW4SnHE0QMrq9VncYYNGYPhI6I6jjWZlXnBEKwx7y1uX8-YjxSKTLpQpe5YrL60/s1600/bible.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEgIuhennaiE3_G4r1OzjBoM-QAalWYrYBo1MFipOuMO_yaMOgf89VTqR16tXAV8x1y6_nChzXPT0r1PPBW4SnHE0QMrq9VncYYNGYPhI6I6jjWZlXnBEKwx7y1uX8-YjxSKTLpQpe5YrL60/s320/bible.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">But, oh, what energy and excitement there is in knowing God in His Word. Studying whole passages or characters at a time help us to see God's character and learn from His mandates, love, and promises, as well as the mistakes and failings of those who followed Him in His Word. There is a spiritual "happy feet" dance that my heart does when I see His attributes come alive in the pages of the Old and New Testament, and convict and challenge me <em>personally: </em>when I begin to <i>crave</i> the Son. </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">On one hand, I continue to learn (as all adults say to the next generation), "the more I know the more I realize I don't know." But at the same time, the more you know, the more God turns your heart to desire things of His nature, and the more exciting it is to live as His! Claiming His promises, obeying His mandates, and pursuing His best in each element of each day becomes like sunshine to my skin cells, or the tingling stretch of a muscle.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I hope that today you can say your heart is happy, and that your spiritual cells snap with the joy that is knowing our God in such a personal way. But if not, know that He is not far off, but near. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8 Make it a priority today, and ask God to give you, happy feet.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr1du5xUAryQ21p2JHhSc5zgttnJnRsSxd0i4IAGlxqieLUXUOV_jDQS96PqxVQGe7fTg28vOdrAFIAcKlDCKxMdWiELfXSJUZmUTNsHYDrqT9z0OqE_Y1L9Plj3OEUoDmXOYPRvtuuu3/s1600/feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr1du5xUAryQ21p2JHhSc5zgttnJnRsSxd0i4IAGlxqieLUXUOV_jDQS96PqxVQGe7fTg28vOdrAFIAcKlDCKxMdWiELfXSJUZmUTNsHYDrqT9z0OqE_Y1L9Plj3OEUoDmXOYPRvtuuu3/s200/feet.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"></span></span>Kari Coplinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08905458585298902287noreply@blogger.com1