tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82651149794552891402024-02-19T10:03:20.013-05:00Terre K. Ritchie - Conservative views on spiritual growth, kids and familyTerre K. Ritchie, Retired from Executive Director of Keys for Kids Ministries, reflects on her conservative Christian views on family, kids, spiritual growth, living life, and her walk with God.Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-77327177650496221802019-02-22T11:14:00.004-05:002019-02-22T16:29:40.854-05:00FuneralsI've been to six funerals in the past 4 months. I've tried to sit in the services and listen carefully to what's being said but often, as I believe with most people, I'm thinking about myself. That's not selfish. I'm just trying to think on how I can be a better Christian/person to those I know and love while I'm still alive. What can happen in my life that will turn someone towards Christ before they pass away?<br />
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As I've pondered these things for a long time I've come to a few conclusions that may help someone.<br />
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1. <span style="color: red;">Be all God created you to be</span>. Don't let fear hold you back in any way. Recognize fear for what it is and give it the boot! Live victoriously!<br />
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2. <span style="color: red;">Be prepared.</span> Most of the people I talk to who want to witness to someone are afraid to do so. I believe that God gave us the Holy Spirit to interpret our meager speech into understandable thoughts and it comes out just like God wants it to be said. Be brave! Speak out! Stand up!<br />
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3. <span style="color: red;">Create a legacy</span>. I truly hope and pray people remember that I loved God, my husband, my kids and grandkids, inlaws, outlaws, with all the fervor possible. I loved them because God loves me. They are and have been precious to me.<br />
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4. <span style="color: red;">Be Christ-like</span>. I have only known a couple of people in my life that I can truly say exemplified Christ to the fullest. They were humble, giving, caring people that showed me what Christ-likeness really is. I want to be like that and am working toward it daily. I will only be perfect in heaven, but while I'm here I pray I can continue to display Christ-likeness as much as possible. I am, by far, not a perfect person and fail Him and myself often. God knows my faults and sees my needs and for that I am thankful.<br />
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I truly dislike funerals that mark the end of an earthly relationship. But...I love knowing that I will one day see that Christian person again in Heaven! The funerals where I am unsure of the person's salvation, are so sad. I can only pray they met Jesus before their final breath. HE is the only hope!<br />
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So, as the next funeral is even now being prepared, I plan on sitting through it and listening for God's voice in my ear telling me how I can be better, be stronger, be Light in a dark place, be Christ-like. Listen to His voice!<br />
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<i>"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." Romans 12:9-16</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is written in honor of my former editor at Keys for Kids Ministries, Kristen Gearhart, whose life was taken much too early. </span><br />
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-36240904067461363182018-02-24T17:22:00.002-05:002018-02-24T20:52:45.105-05:00Everyone Wants You to ChangeIn all of history we have never been more bombarded with <u><b>ways to change ourselve</b></u><b>s.</b><br />
<b>All we need to do is:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Wash our hair with this certain brand of shampoo that will give it strength! (So it can pull tractors! I don't know...)</li>
<li>Buy this mattress that conforms to our body and feels like sleeping on air. (I've never slept on air so I have no idea what I must be missing!)</li>
<li>Buy this certain cologne that's going to draw every single, handsome, wealthy bachelor to our side! (no thank you)</li>
<li>Buy a faster car with more gadgets than any one person can use in a lifetime!</li>
<li>Get a certain color of fry pan that is such a miracle we should be surprised it's even available to us! ( and I've never melted a plastic cup to eat either!)</li>
<li>Of course the list includes a bazillion creams that promise youth, smooth, tight skin with no wrinkles and some sort of bleach that takes off age spots! (after 50 it's all downhill so don't try to put a girdle on it!)</li>
<li>Buy this NEW exercise machine that turns our jiggly fat into firm muscle in three days! (and makes you walk like a drunk man for a week because you're in so much pain!)</li>
<li>Pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to have someone send you pre-made, high sodium, ill-tasting food so you can lose weight! (Cooking healthy at home works, too!)</li>
<li>Waste the precious days we've been given by playing Tetris style games on a phone until our eyes cross and our thumbs need corrective surgery!</li>
<li>Buy the most current clothes, electronics, jewelry, shoes, etc. so we're keeping up with the style guru's on TV. (believe me, you'll never get there by buying things!)</li>
</ol>
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People! If you want a changed life? GIVE IT TO JESUS! He's worth more than anything you could buy or acquire. He offers peace, joy, comfort and mercy! He can calm your storm, re-direct your pathway, and lead you to a life eternal! Give yourself to Jesus today...because He gave himself for you! <b><span style="color: red;">John 3:16 'For God so loved the world </span>(this world, your world, the world we all live in that is so full of sin)<span style="color: red;"> that He gave His only begotten Son </span>(Jesus Christ, the one who came to live a perfect, sinless life so He could put on your sin and have it be cleansed by His blood)<span style="color: red;">, that whoever </span>(that's you my friend)<span style="color: red;"> believes in Him</span> (believes He died for you and gave His ALL!)<span style="color: red;"> shall not perish, but have eternal life </span>(a life beyond anything our finite minds could dream of. A heaven so filled with the love of our God that the light from His glorious self will be all the light we'll need! A place where God is, even now, preparing a place for us. A place where we'll see Him in all His GLORY<span style="color: red;">.' Give yourself to Jesus, today.</span></b></div>
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/></a></div>
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Dan Wilson, Artist</div>
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She's the last living member of my immediate family. The one I idolized in school because she was an all A student...I was not. We shared a lot of the same pain growing up and even in adulthood. God took all that burden from me but Paula continued to carry her load.<br />
So, here I sit. Contemplating how much to say and not to say. Praying for peace in her passing, for my brother-in-law and for Paula's kids and grands. May God receive praise for all things.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
I stood in the middle of the foyer and looked again at all the figurines to make sure. Was this a public statement about religion or a purposeful exclusion of my King? Then, I was overwhelmed with the idea of...what if there had been no baby Jesus? I don't mean in the manger scene I was viewing, but in that manger over 2,000 years ago. What if redemption never came, or forgiveness was never given, or mercy and grace never extended?<br />
<br />
I am so very excited to tell you that He did come, He does redeem, and He does give grace, mercy and forgiveness. He has not disappeared from the scene of our story from Scripture. All the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and books throughout the New Testament tell of his birth, ministry, death and His resurrection. They tell of His power to save and the gift of the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
Don't let Jesus Christ become the missing piece of your CHRISTmas celebration!<br />
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-64826895905588620532016-07-26T02:24:00.001-04:002016-07-26T02:24:23.364-04:00A Visable ChangeI was recently teaching Bible lessons in a camp in Romania. There was a mixture of church kids and kids that didn't have a clue what I was talking about. The unchurched kids listened with curiosity.<br />
<br />
One such boy was David (name changed). By all outward appearances he was a rough and tumble street kid. His voice was raspy, deep, and threatening to any who opposed him. He was very aggressive even if he was small in stature. To be very blunt, he reminded me of a small pit bull!<br />
<br />
For the first three days I didn't think he was listening at all as I taught about the wide and narrow roads from Matthew 7:13-14, the courage of Daniel in the lions den, and David against Goliath. Then, on Thursday something changed.<br />
<br />
What I didn't know is David's background. He was just recently adopted from an orphanage. He had only been with his new family for a couple of weeks. His rough, street-kid attitude was from working his way up the peer ladder in the orphanage. I've seen this before and it is unbelievable how the peers hold power in these places. David had not experienced the love of a mother and father, or sibling love. So, he came to the camp on the defense, ready to fight his way up to the top again.<br />
<br />
On Thursday I drew a large chalk drawing of the story of Abraham and Isaac. The one where God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son in obedience. Always obeying God up to this point, Abraham took his son to Mt. Moriah and built an alter there. He bound his son and was just about ready to slay him with a knife when an angel called to him and said," Do not slay your son, for I now know that you fear God and have not withheld your only son from me". Abraham sacrificed a ram that was close by instead.<br />
<br />
I have a hidden picture behind the one I was drawing which was drawn in black light chalk, and when it became visible it was Christ hanging on the cross of Calvary. God's perfect sacrifice for our sins.<br />
<br />
Something changed in David that night. He could see love portrayed in the picture of Christ hanging on the cross. He could understand all that God was willing to sacrifice for him. The concept of that kind of love was new to him.<br />
<br />
Friday brought a contrite and changed boy to chapel. His head was bowed and he had the look of a child with a thousand questions. He came and stood next to me after chapel. Someone close by said he wanted to talk to me. As they interpreted, David told me he was sorry for being so loud and disruptive during Bible time and...that his counselor had helped him accept Christ as his Savior last night. I gave him a mighty big hug and told him I would pray for him to walk the narrow path.<br />
<br />
I am crying as I write this because I fell in love with that kid at that moment. The next morning as the children left the campground he sought me out from the bus window, waved and smiled the biggest smile! I think I lost my heart to that little boy in that moment.<br />
<br />
Praise God for His life-changing ability!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every time I step inside the Word, I find answers to my many
questions. One recent message was “Get out of the way!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our Lord desires to be seen in us and through us. His hands
reach out to help others and His love shines on the darkness in people’s lives.
We should be the transparent vehicle used to make all this happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable about the proud
Pharisee who prayed not to be like other men, even the lowly tax collector bowing
next to him in the temple. The tax collector was quietly submitting himself to
Christ’s will for his life. Which one was being transparent and getting himself
out of the way so Christ could be shown?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes we are the problem. We refuse to change our
opinion or move our judgmental selves out of the way so God can work in and
through us, which is exactly what the Pharisee did in this parable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Matthew </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">23, Jesus said to the crowds and
to His disciples: <sup>“</sup>The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law are
experts in the Law of Moses.<sup> </sup>So obey everything they teach you,
<u>but don’t do as they do</u>. After all, they say one thing and do something
else.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
Pharisees were hypocrites who saw nothing wrong with applying God’s laws to
others but not to themselves. Maybe you don’t intend to say one thing and do
another, but if you’re honest you must admit that it happens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"> So make up your mind today to get yourself out
of the way so God can work in and through you. Don’t let a hypocritical
attitude or stubborn spirit stop God’s mighty work from being done. As your
spirit changes, so will your heart and love toward others.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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The story is clear in the book of Daniel. A king proclaiming
everything that was good in his kingdom as having been generated by him, and he
doesn’t give God the glory for his success. The king then has a dream and
Daniel interprets it as unfavorable. The king will lose his kingdom, be driven
into the wilderness, become as an animal and remain that way for seven years
until he turns toward heaven to proclaim God the creator and giver of all
things!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seven years was a long time to wait for deliverance. Especially
to be estranged from everyone. Yet many people choose estrangement instead of
attachment. Why is that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Families everywhere split over the smallest things. Someone
dies and the relatives fight over the physical property they think they’re
owed. Husbands and wives become estranged when they refuse to talk things out
and understand each other with God’s help. Brothers and sisters don’t speak to
each other for decades because of some small argument that doesn’t mean
anything today. It’s so painful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s that way when someone decides to split from God, too.
First it’s easy to quit having the daily connection of prayer that you used to
have with Him. Those conversations when you told Him everything about yourself,
the hidden parts no one else knows. You begin to put aside reading His Word
once or twice a week and then pretty regularly. Before you know it you haven’t
had a conversation with Him in a month or two. It soon becomes a year or more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Down the road a tragedy strikes and you lash out at God and
question His presence or worth altogether. You’re mad at Him, and for what
reason? Because you are really the one who walked away. He never moved, not one
step or inch. He never turned his back or marched off in anger, no matter how
many words of hate you flung at him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The king in the story of Daniel had to go down a path of
separation for seven years. God never left his side or walked away—He stood
right next to him. God waited for the king to change his heart along with his
mind, and it took what must have seemed like an eternity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In seven years children grow up, people die, and
relationships change. Is your separation worth all the hurt you’re going
through right now? Doesn’t your soul crave the lost relationship of a loving
Savior, a long lost friend, or family member? Aren’t you ready for the hurt to
end?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Only God can help you
reweave the threads of a broken relationship and mend the tear. Do what the
king did in Daniel. Lift your eyes to heaven and allow the understanding to
return to you and praise the Lord who lives forever (Daniel 4:34, 36-37). Then
take that first step toward reconciliation.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-64272528574696656082015-02-20T11:00:00.001-05:002015-02-20T11:00:35.262-05:00Re-Evaluation<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yesterday I
watched a great video about a couple with two children. This couple had scrimped
and saved and planned for years for their dream home. They sketched and drew
every nook and cranny so it was just perfect for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After they
purchased a large piece of property, they began to build their home. They took
great pride in the size and roominess of this new place and even their children
were proud to have a bigger house than all their friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After living
in the house for a few months, the couple began to feel uneasy. They didn’t
have problems with the house itself; it was the size. They kept looking around
at all they had planned for and started wondering, <i>Why did we do this? It’s way more than what we need.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They also
noticed their oldest daughter’s pride in telling her friends that her house was
so much bigger than theirs! What had they instilled into their kids? That it’s all
about the size of things you own? The couple decided to make some drastic
changes quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Less than a
year after moving in they put their dream home up for sale. They spent a lot of
time explaining to their kids about what they were doing and why they were
doing it. And then they took a trip. Not just any trip, but a missions trip to
Haiti. They family saw first-hand what it takes to live happily. Families of 8
to 10 lived in two rooms, loved each other, and were always laughing! Was it a
perfect house? No. Was it the biggest house on the block? No, but the family
was happy. How could this be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The couple
and their children came home completely changed in their attitude about what
kind of house they needed. They purchased a smaller home and began using the
extra money they received from the sale of their dream home to fund families in
third-world countries. The lessons they learned from their experience cannot be
bought in a store. They had to personally experience them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m right in
this spot today as I decide to downsize from the large condo I’ve lived in for
the past 4 years, to a smaller house. I don’t need two huge floors and 2300 feet
of living space as a widow. I just need the necessities and then spend the rest
of my funds helping others. It became a regular habit to take care of others when
my husband and I began making good money from our brokerage business. It was
not about what we could obtain, but what we could do with what God gave us. Even
though my husband passed away almost 9 years ago, I want to continue that
tradition until God takes me home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take a
minute today to check yourself for pride issues. Don’t get caught up in what
the world needs to see you doing, but what God desires to have you do. Make the
necessary adjustments to put your life into God’s perspective. You won’t regret
it!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-71626551789939241852015-02-16T07:27:00.001-05:002015-02-16T10:25:45.446-05:00The Busted Gift (part 2)<div class="MsoNormal">
Teenage boys, especially popular ones with bad reputations
to uphold, think they can take liberties. I think they believe it’s a privilege
that comes with the sports letter, I’m not sure. But this young man certainly
thought he could cross the line.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all started so simple: first a kiss, then the arm around
the neck, then…oh brother! ALARM! ALARM! ALARM! Pictures of that pregnant girl flashed
through my mind at an shocking rate! Long forgotten Bible verses about purity
and coming to your marriage as a virgin were appearing in big, bold, red
letters across my closed eyes. “STOP!” I screamed. “Get your hands off me!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought he was going to fall back in horror and wonder
what had happened. Instead, this pompous guy that I had upheld in such high regard
just snickered and said, “I knew it. I knew you were one of those
goody-two-shoes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Oh, thank you Jesus!
Bless you LORD! AH!!! </i>my brain screamed.<i>
Where’s my Dad! I need a good, honest man to give me a hug right now.</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hunk took me home and I never heard from him again. My
so-called passion to date him went down the drain with that little scenario but
the scene never left me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today when I speak to young friends or youth groups, I tell
this story to remind them that it can happen in a moment of passion. It’s not
love, it’s passion, hormones, young naiveté, whatever you want to call it—it’s
not love. That’s when you need to put on the brakes, step back, and think about
tomorrow. What will I feel like tomorrow?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God put some pretty definite boundaries on this issue for
anyone who knows Him as their Savior. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ephesians 5:1-33 English Standard Version
(ESV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved
children. <b><sup>2 </sup></b>And walk in love, as Christ
loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and
sacrifice to God. </span><b style="line-height: 18pt;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">3 </span></sup></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18pt;">But sexual immorality and all impurity or
covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among
saints. <b><sup>4 </sup></b>Let there be no filthiness nor
foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let
there be thanksgiving</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18pt;">. <b><sup>5 </sup></b>For
you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure,
or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and God. <b><sup>6 </sup></b>Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because
of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of
disobedience. <b><sup>7 </sup></b>Therefore do not become
partners with them; <b><sup>8 </sup></b>for at one time you
were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. <b><u>Walk as children of light<sup>9</sup></u><sup> </sup></b>(for the fruit of
light is found in all that is good and right and true), <b><sup>10 </sup></b>and try
to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. <b><sup>11 </sup></b><span style="color: #984806; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 128;">Take no part in
the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them</span>. <b><sup>12 </sup></b>For it is shameful
even to speak of the things that they do in secret. <b><sup>13 </sup></b>But
when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, <b><sup>14 </sup></b>for
anything that becomes visible is light.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
With
God there is no gray area where sexual impurity is concerned. Everything is
really clear in Scripture about this issue. <b><u>Can He forgive, yes</u></b>, but in love God tells us it is sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
God
gives you a gift when you are born; it’s called purity. It’s a gift that’s
given to boys and girls alike. That gift is exceptional, worth more than a
million diamonds; if you chip away at it and give little pieces out to whoever
asks you are ruining the best gift you ever got. Coming to the marriage bed with
a busted gift is not God’s plan for any young person. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
So
why did I write this? To scare you, no. To warn you, definitely. To prepare
you, yes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
Encourage
your young loved ones to make the decision now to not get involved in sex before
marriage. Talk to them openly about the ramifications beyond that moment of
passion. Urge them to steer clear of any and all times and places where they
are tempted. Does that mean saying “No” sometimes? Yes, it does. Does that mean
missing out on some opportunities you believe you will simply die if you don’t
get to go to? Yes, it does.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
Think
beyond today. Think of tomorrow. Your purity is a gift from God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-34620045628685849472015-02-12T15:46:00.001-05:002015-02-12T18:44:40.348-05:00The Busted Gift<div class="MsoNormal">
The Busted Gift—Part 1<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the 60s when I was in high school, most of the girls
I spent time with were pretty conservative. I mean, we had a ton of fun without
getting into trouble and most of us went to church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My parents, neither my mom nor dad, ever sat me down and
explained anything about purity. It was pretty much whatever you learned from
the girls at school. Sometimes it was what you heard about certain girls who
were talked about by the boys and you knew you never wanted to be one of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was in eleventh grade, a classmate got pregnant. I
have a clear picture of her waiting by the door for her mom to pick her up one
day after school. She was standing by herself with her long coat on and nobody
was near her or even talked to her. I knew that she had just learned that she
was expecting and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody look so alone in my
life. She only went to school for a short time after that and then she left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It scared me. Certainly I knew by then how she got pregnant,
but the thing I didn’t understand was why did she let her defenses down and give
in to the pressure of some high school guy? Wouldn’t it be easy to say, “NO!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I started dating. Yes, hold on to your hats because the
hormones of high school age kids is a wild thing! Something happens to common
sense when you’re smooching with a guy in a car. Just saying it like it is!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember there was one really cute guy on the football
team that every girl in the school wanted to date and I think he mostly had! I
never in my wildest dreams thought he would ask me out but he did. That was a
time in my life I will never forget. I learned some very important things that evening
and heard some profound things in my head and heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all started out pretty simple; party, pizza, music. Then
the couples started going to different rooms and leaving two by two. So this
young man said he would like to take me on a ride before he took me home. He
had a nice car and my adrenalin was high from just being there, so I said ‘Yes’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The car ride led to a pretty secluded place in our town
where many people were known to go park, if you know what I mean. I was very
naïve and young and didn’t know what he had planned. Was I ever in for a
surprise! <br />
(continued)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life experiences have taught me that nothing is mine. My
children, home, health, relationships, savings…nothing is mine. It can be taken
in a moment. The power of John Piper’s message (link below) is how strong and
how long will you stand when everything dissolves? When it’s just you and God
on the battle line and you know you have to step out in faith with Him. That’s
what makes this powerful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each battle is different, whether it’s saving babies, sex
trafficking, racism or others. It’s how we stand as believers in Christ that
counts. Read Eph. 6:11-14 and see how many times God tells us to ‘stand’ and ‘withstand’.
It will not be easy once you take that first step, but with God…!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/117630029">http://vimeo.com/117630029</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-91334337846575711422014-12-09T08:41:00.001-05:002014-12-09T08:41:37.274-05:00Frank and Honest About Christmas<div class="MsoNormal">
I love Christmas! I dislike Christmas. The warring worlds of
going through the motions and the emotional trauma juxtaposed with the reason
for the season overwhelm me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Side #1: I remember Christmas as a child and how much I
looked forward to it with anticipation and excitement. When I had small
children of my own I made Christmas a huge deal with church dramas, costumes, decorations,
manger scenes, music, and cookie making. It was glorious fun to celebrate with
my family and I loved every minute of it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Side #2: I have not liked the weeks and nights before
Christmas for the past few years. After setting up the tree, it stands there all
lit up and glorious and I’m seated on the couch…alone. Yes, I’m playing the
widow’s pity song, but you have parents, too, don’t you? Do you ever think
about what they’re going through if they are by themselves? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, my young friends with little kids, you too will have
days like this in your future. Way down the road when the children have grown up
and moved out, your husband is retired or one of you has passed away into
glory. What do you think you will do? The constant argument within yourself to
buck-up and take it like an adult or break down in tears is always present. I
fight it every single day of my current life. I make myself think of better
times with my family and of Christmas’s where we’re all home and loving on each
other. I have to constantly run to the Scriptures for encouragement and help. There
are places in my Bible that are practically worn right off the page where I’ve
read and cried and read again the encouraging words of my Savior!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know where I’d be without Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The living, pulsing hands of God that lift me up out of
self-pity parties care for my soul. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The warm, calming breath of God that blows over me in the
midst of anxiety and second-guessing myself settles my spirit. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Satan’s demons scatter when I repeat the name
Jesus…Jesus…Jesus!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is familiar with the war and wins again!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-81763858788928409372014-11-14T15:31:00.003-05:002014-11-14T15:31:48.256-05:00His Plan, Not Theirs <div class="MsoNormal">
This week I’ve read some horrific news posts concerning
sterilization in third-world countries and how they are making it happen
through flu-type vaccines. Deception through governments and worldly plans are
certainly not God’s plans.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have young friends who have eight children and some who have
just one. Their choices have been theirs and God’s. Not designed and carried
out by the government. I can’t imagine not having experienced the joys of
raising children—or worse yet, having the ability to have children taken away
from me without my knowledge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first son, Matt, came just 19 months after I was married
to my husband Tom. Our bouncing baby boy was pretty big at 10 pounds, 4 ounces.
Matt’s brother Jon came along 23 months later and he was 10 pounds, 11 ½ ounces.
They were big kids but that seemed like a great way to have kids, every two
years apart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was almost four years before my next son came along. I
was beginning to think that the two sons were all we were going to have. My pregnancy
with Phillip was difficult compared to my first two. He was a huge child, born
at 11 pounds, 10 ounces, and 22 inches long. My sugar was up, my back was a
mess, and I thought I was having an elephant! My doctor recommended we not have
any more children because the kids were getting bigger and bigger each time. My
body just couldn’t take much more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That wasn’t God’s plan. My last child was a girl and she was
quite a bit smaller but so different. Leah came along at 9 pounds, 4 ounces.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I had a plan…sort of. To have a few kids,
build a house, own a business, and then just sit back and watch it all happen.
And it did. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week, as I’ve read articles about the intent to
sterilize people while supposedly vaccinating them, my stomach churned. What
about the couples’ plans? What about God’s plans? Do neither of them have a say
in this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Governments around the world are making life-changing
decisions and not informing the public about them. Whether it is known or
unknown, many of these decisions will change the way we know families today. My
heart aches for those who have already suffered and are now unable to bear
children of their own.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In a ministry that
was created to reach children for Christ, our minds are reeling after learning
about this deadly tragedy. Please pray for the governments of those countries
that are participating in this horror. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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Eight years
ago, my husband passed away. In searching the Scriptures for comfort I came
across I Timothy 5. This was a portion of the Bible that took on a new meaning
for me. It focused on being a true widow. What in the world was that? Either
you were a widow or you weren’t…right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Examining the Scripture more closely, you’ll see that there is
a big difference. For instance, verses 3-4 explain that a woman who has lost
her husband but still has her children is not a true widow. It says, “<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">But if a widow has children
or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into
practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and
grandparents,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">for this is pleasing to God. No widow may
be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her
husband,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and is well known for her good deeds,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">such as bringing up
children, showing hospitality,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">washing the feet</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">of the Lord’s people,
helping those in trouble</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and devoting herself to all kinds of good
deeds.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">Verse
8 explains that </span></span><b><sup><span style="background: white;">“</span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">Anyone who does not provide for their
relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the faith and is worse than an
unbeliever.”<span class="text"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">The
Scripture then tells us what a true widow is. </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">The widow who is really in need</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and left all alone puts
her hope in God and continues night and day to pray</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and to ask God for help.”
This widow is entirely alone with no children or family and absolutely no one
to care for her.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">Do
you have a widow in your congregation or neighborhood, or a friend who is all
alone with no one to care for her? Have you made an attempt to do what God
commands in this verse in I Timothy 5:16? “</span></span><span style="background: white;">If anyone who is a believer has widows in
their care, they should continue to help them and not let the church be
burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in
need.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">I find great
comfort as a widow knowing my children are still alive and able to help me. I
can only imagine what it must be like for someone entirely alone in this world,
without any family. Take a look around you and keep your heart open to helping
a true widow today.<span class="text"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-64856161726254389402014-10-15T14:10:00.000-04:002014-10-15T14:11:49.465-04:00Be Still…<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The song
starts out like this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
When I am down and, oh, my soul, so weary;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When troubles come and my heart
burdened be;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then I am still and wait here in the
silence,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until you come and sit awhile with
me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don’t
think this song was written specifically for believers but I’m going to take it
that way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It’s in
those times of being weary and emotionally down on the ground, God comes in the
silence and is just <i>with me</i>. I don’t have
to ask Him or plead that He be there. He just is. What a great comfort that is
to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When God
chose for me to be a widow eight years ago, the silence was pretty much what I
disliked the most. There were no noises of my husband breathing next to me while
he slept. There wasn’t the noise of him doing his paperwork at his desk or
blowing his nose and sounding like a moose! There were just no noises at all. All
that quiet really bothered me at first. I fully
expected to hear the door slam and someone call my name or say, “Honey, where
are you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
But now, I have grown used to it. In fact, some days I long for it amidst my
busy schedule and work. I don’t mind sitting at home alone by my fireplace in
the quiet because it’s peaceful and it relaxes me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Psalm 46:10
says: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I
will be exalted in the earth.” Really knowing God and finding out about His
excellence can only be found in the stillness of the study of His Word. No
interruptions, no distractions. It’s then that God reveals himself to you in
the most intimate ways. Hearing God’s voice in the stillness gives you courage
and power to face what is to come. Those surprises are really a part of God’s
plan for our pathway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So find some
time to be still and find out about your amazing God and Heavenly Father. You
will never regret it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve known many young students from my years teaching at a
local Christian college. Now those students are grown with families of their
own. It’s amazing to see the traits, talents, and gifts of their parents in
their young children. What’s that old saying? The apple doesn’t fall far from
the tree!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This observation made me think about how God watches us grow
up. What are His reactions to our actions?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all start as young Christians, no matter what age we get
saved. We stride ahead, stumble then get up and walk again. We hold back and
miss opportunities. We have growth spurts when we rely on God for everything
and then stunt our growth by relying on ourselves. Is there never a time when
life just goes on without those times?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can say in my senior years an emphatic NO! Every single
day and moment I make decisions that affect my walk and growth in Christ. <b>Pride</b> becomes something that stops the
life-giving knowledge of Christ from springing up in me. <b>Selfishness</b> becomes like a weed killer to the good that God really
wants for me. Then there is <b>ange</b>r. I never want to admit when I am angry; I tend to think it’s the other person’s
fault. These feelings don’t lead to forgiveness and cause pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The blinders of pride, selfishness, and anger are satan’s
tools to separate us from our Savior. (Sorry, I do not give satan the honor of
being capitalized!) Oh, how the prince of darkness laughs when he’s raised
pride in believers’ minds. The saved one now believes they have all they need
in life to be happy, but their pride really keeps them separated from the One
that loves them most.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then selfishness becomes a continued issue of me-ism. I’ve
accomplished this and I’ve done that and I’ve made it this far. Or maybe it’s
the selfishness of sharing your gifts, abilities, and talents for God’s glory.
Don’t tell me you haven’t been there at least once!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anger is hateful, hurtful, and explosive. Words said in
anger can never be taken back. You don’t own them anymore, the recipient does. Those words are weapons shot into the heart of the one you want to hurt and they only cause pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what’s the answer to my question of what God thinks of our
growing years? I think He is true to His Words, “The Lord has appeared of old
to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love” Jeremiah 31:3. He
loves us anyway, no matter how we treat Him or how we act. He knows we are His,
just like those parents know the little ones they are raising are theirs. They
are responsible for them until they are old enough to make their own decisions,
then they are accountable to God alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">These are hard things
to hear about ourselves and our kids but we need to remember that God loves us and them, anyway. I am positive about that!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-1675376766120050332014-08-10T13:39:00.001-04:002014-08-10T13:39:31.651-04:00A Grand Promise: The Grand Finale!<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sunday, Monday, Happy Days! Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days!”
Many of you will remember this song from the Happy Days TV show years ago.
Somehow it has been chosen as our homecoming song from trips I’ve taken with my
grandkids. We get to the end of their driveway, open all the windows and turn
on that song with the volume up as high as we can get it! All 600 feet of their
driveway, we sing at the top of our lungs and are glad to be home!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s how we ended our recent trip to the Grand Canyon,
too. We were certainly all happy to be home and out of that 23-foot box called
an RV. So what kind of trip did we have? What memories will those grands and
their grandma cherish in the years to come?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope that they remember God’s amazing creation on display
throughout our trip. Also, they will recall that five people CAN survive a two-week
trip cramped in a camper! And then the biggest part is that they will always
know their grandma loves them with all her heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we left, numerous people said to me, “Wow, you’re
brave to do that!” or “I don’t think I could do that!” To all of them I reply, “Why
not?” Isn’t it our privilege to be grandparents and to have good relationships
with our kids and grands? Isn’t it amazing to think that God has allowed us to
live long enough to enjoy watching them grow up and become amazing men and
women? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Never knowing how much time we have here on this earth I
take it as a gift from God to be physically able to take a trip like this one.
I cherish the times each one took turns sitting next to me in the front seat
and I was able to listen to them talk about their friends, their relationship
with God, and their future. Those times are few and far between when their busy
school schedules begin again in the fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know God planned our memorable Wild West trip and I am so
very grateful to Him! I am praying, even now, for more times with my other
grands to create Grand memories!<o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuDJz1fSE8Ze8GyJvdA7fMKJ5h3voB9oc0NwOMBUVQifZ1UllNCo7888GJm4GapQAeptzGvIdueDUnfO72gM8M4Zc9Hnvd3hIdLW2Zb59eD86eVHcvaU_qIzaDyKyufIuWMBR5XUiwZY/s1600/Colorado+last+file.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuDJz1fSE8Ze8GyJvdA7fMKJ5h3voB9oc0NwOMBUVQifZ1UllNCo7888GJm4GapQAeptzGvIdueDUnfO72gM8M4Zc9Hnvd3hIdLW2Zb59eD86eVHcvaU_qIzaDyKyufIuWMBR5XUiwZY/s1600/Colorado+last+file.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The End!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8265114979455289140" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8265114979455289140" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8265114979455289140" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8265114979455289140" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<br />
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-4854601067933049702014-08-05T12:04:00.000-04:002014-08-05T12:05:43.466-04:00A Grand Promise: Part 3<div class="MsoNormal">
After working in children’s ministry for more than 38 years
and directing a children’s nonprofit for 11 years, you’d think I’d be aware of contemporary
children’s culture and what meets their needs. But during my trip out west with
my grandchildren, I threw everything I thought about today’s kids out of my RV window.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing we would pass through some amazing national parks, I
envisioned the kids’ awe of God’s beautiful creation. But I didn’t expect how
hard it would be to even get them look.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an earlier post I wrote about my oldest grandson who
spent most of his time at the dining room table. What I didn’t say was that he
was connected to his iPod every day, all day long. In fact, each child had some
electronic device they were attached to from morning to night. Whenever I
wanted their attention for a roadside attraction I had to shout, “Hey you guys!
Look at this!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the fourth day I was hoarse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Never have I been so impacted by how an electronic device
can capture a child’s attention. It didn’t matter if they are watching movies,
playing video games, or like my oldest grandson, watching a TV series from long
ago that had more than 80 hours of episodes! The amount of time they spent
looking down (at their devise) instead of looking out the window astounded me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spent a lot of time on the road each day driving from one
destination to the next. Some of the scenery was less than interesting. During
these drives I tried to remember what I used to do on long road trips as a
child. I remember that I couldn’t read books because I got car sick. I usually
didn’t bring toys because there just wasn’t room with two sisters and my parents.
I remember looking out the window a lot; this helped me learn my way around
town, which came in handy when it was time to get my driver’s license. But this
was different.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Capturing a child’s attention is not as simple as it was
even just a few years ago. Their little hand-held devices draw them in like a
magnet and it holds them there—captive. How do parents and teachers compete
with this? How was I supposed to compete and draw them away?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I didn’t have to wait long to find the answer to that
question? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the fourth day we headed into Estes National Park and
Rocky Mountain National Park. Seeing mountains for the first time became an
ethereal experience for my grandkids. The magnificent scenery lured their eyes
up to the heavens instead of down into their devices. We stopped at every turn
in the road to take more pictures. They even complained that their phones
didn’t have enough memory to hold all their photos! No, I didn’t have to worry
about where their attention was, that day it was captured by God’s amazing
creation. It was refreshing to hear their comments about this first-in-their-life
experience. I took pictures of their expressions so I wouldn’t forget.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Eventually, the
exquisite vistas lost their appeal and they would be drawn back to their
electronic devices. Every day I would have to say, “It’s time to put away your
electronics for an hour and look out the windows.” They all complied willingly.
I was so thankful for God’s artistic hand and all the beauty he created for us
to enjoy. Thank you to the master attention-getter!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-88265980354911510112014-08-01T10:14:00.000-04:002014-08-01T10:14:06.709-04:00A Grand Promise: Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
On the third day of our Wild West Adventure, I noticed a
pattern. After we had left the campground, the crew took their places. Everyone
knew that my granddaughter was the navigator and always rode in the front
passenger seat. She was also prone to car sickness, so if she felt better
sitting in the front, that worked for us! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The oldest grandson mostly rode at the table in the center
of the RV. He had a purpose for that which I’ll talk about later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The youngest boy always moved around to different seats,
which was pretty normal for a 10-year-old. And the 17-year-old mostly chilled
out on my bed in the back. This is how we started our journey every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking off down the road was a hilarious occasion. After we
slowly careened the motor home through the campground, we entered the busy
roads leading us to our next destination. During the first mile the
refrigerator was usually the first thing to pop open because nobody ever
remembered to make sure it double clicked when they closed it. The milk, fruit,
yogurt, water bottles and lunch meat for sandwiches all flew out the door and
landed on the floor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next, the cupboard doors that had not been completely shut flapped
open, scattering t-shirts, headphones, and underwear all over the place. This happened
every single day! I’d long forgotten how kids do not remember to shut anything.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The worst was the bathroom door. If someone was in there
when we took off, well…let’s just say everyone had a funny story about that
experience!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say we looked like a traveling clown show for the first
few miles down the road would be an understatement!<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Stay tuned for more
stories from the Wild West!)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-70827231474783455482014-07-31T15:53:00.000-04:002014-07-31T15:53:58.186-04:00Grand Promises: Part 1<div class="MsoNormal">
After my husband died in 2006 I made a decision to begin
creating lasting memories with my grandkids. I decided to ask them where they
wanted to go in the US and when they turned 16, take them there one at a time.
It seemed like a simple idea when I first thought of it. But as with any good
plan hind-sight is 20/20.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, I took my oldest granddaughter to Washington, DC. We
toured the great monuments, ate in fine restaurants, and laughed a lot. We had
a good time, but I’m sure she would have rather brought along someone her own
age. I learned that sharing stories about your past is not what teenagers are
into hearing. Live and learn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second granddaughter couldn’t make up her mind where she
wanted to go so we’re still in the holding pattern with her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I got the bright idea to take four grands at a time. (Insert
extremely long pause here so you can imagine what I was about to get myself
into.) I could actually stop writing right here and let you take your
imagination to whatever level suits you. I’m sure you could come up with vivid
stories of your own to amuse and humor yourself, but let me give a little
reality check to the situation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">taking four grandkids ages 10, 15, 17, and 18 in
a 23-foot motorhome for 13 days.</span><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">going from Michigan to the Grand Canyon and 11
states in between, amounting to 5300 miles.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">that they are brothers and sister!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yep, now you’re getting the picture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t think I have laughed so much, bit my tongue so hard,
lost my cool grandma status so often, or been so tired in my entire life during
those 13 days. It’s taken me two weeks to even write anything about it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Caption #1 – SO MANY PICTURES!!!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have more than 1200 pictures taken by my right-hand navigator
granddaughter, consisting of every turn in the road where the mountains created
a new vista or the rock color changed, or the river ran alongside the road in a
different direction. I have pictures of every cloud formation you could think
of, and hundreds of landscapes plus 30 or so selfies—mostly of her! These kids
had never been west of Chicago, so this vacation was truly a journey for them. (Stay
tuned for more about our Wild West Adventures!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-43138335115860576832014-07-22T14:15:00.000-04:002014-07-23T10:19:07.163-04:00Reading Keys...in Secret!<div class="MsoNormal">
I often tell my grandchildren not to take for granted the
freedom they have to worship. They have great Christian parents who love the
Lord and are bringing them up to do the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, not all children around the world are in that same
situation. You would think that parents would be more civil about allowing
children to worship, but not this little chap from England. Here is his true story as told by a friend in
a recent email to us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The little boy is, we
believe, saved, and would love to be baptized, but his mum has, in the last
couple of years, apparently renounced her faith and won’t allow her husband to
pray at mealtimes or read Bible stories with the children. He isn’t even
allowed to read his own Bible in the house! Our friend is just about allowed to
bring the 2 children along to Sunday school. However, the little boy is very
keen to read Keys for Kids and his dad has told us he reads it secretly every
morning and then hides it under the bed so his mum is none the wiser.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
THIS is why Keys for Kids Ministries exists. It’s why we work
long hours preparing our materials to be the best they can be whether it’s our
radio dramas, our devotionals, or our internet presence. They all make a
profound impact on children around the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your gift to this ministry will help us reach children just
like this little boy, who longs for the Truth of Scripture. Please give today by
clicking the “Donate Now” button. You never know who is waiting to hear the
Truth!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.keysforkids.org/ForPartners/HowYouCanHelp/Donate.aspx">https://www.keysforkids.org/ForPartners/HowYouCanHelp/Donate.aspx</a><span style="color: #244061;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-44007688620331842592014-05-27T09:34:00.001-04:002014-05-27T09:34:54.534-04:00A God Moment – Part 3<div class="MsoNormal">
(continued story) I never knew I could play unique instruments like Swiss
cowbells and crystal glasses with such ease. Sure, I had plunked songs on a
piano we used to have but never attempted anything like this. The kind woman
who let me use her instruments (whose name was Aunt Marion), encouraged me to purchase
a set of glasses and cowbells so that I could do more. But I didn’t know what more
meant. She asked me if I could draw and I said, “A little,” so she gave me the
name of a man near my home who taught black-light chalk drawing. I didn’t have
a clue how I could take the lessons with all my little kids in tow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next week when I went to church, a friend handed me a
check. She said, “I don’t know what this is for, but God told me to give it to
you.” I broke down and cried as I looked at her offering. It was the exact
amount needed to purchase the Swiss cowbells. The same scenario happened when I
desired to purchase the crystal glasses and when I needed to take a week of
chalk drawing lessons and when I needed to purchase a trailer to carry all my
equipment in. <b>God paid for it all!<u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was 28 years old when my evangelistic meetings started. One
of the first programs we did was in a little United Brethren Church not far
from home. The piano player that accompanied me was 14 years old! She’s been
our church pianist for over 30 years now. It was scary and exhilarating and
rewarding all at the same time!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, 38 years later, I’ve been in thousands of churches,
camps, and meetings across the nation and even around the world. God has helped
me develop talents and abilities I never knew I had. I’ve been able to lead
children in their decision to follow Christ and led adults into a relationship
with their Heavenly Father. I have seen the grace of God with His power and
provision all because of a four-hour conversation in my driveway with my
husband who believed that God had planted something in me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God used a man who was attuned to his wife’s needs and desires
of her heart. He led me to change my thought process from just serving others
to serving by reaching others with the Gospel. Matthew 19:5 tells us that a man
shall leave his father and mother and be joined together with his wife and the
two shall be one flesh. Not just physically, but body, soul, mind and spirit! I
can actually say this was one of the biggest God moments ever for me. And yes,
it was well worth paying that babysitter!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-860266401279364822014-05-23T13:21:00.000-04:002014-05-23T13:21:04.499-04:00A God Moment – Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
As we sat in the parked car in the driveway while the paid
babysitter inside the house watched our four children, Tom talked me through
the plan of salvation, God’s righteousness, His love for me, and His grace and
mercy. He explained to me what spiritual gifts were and what talents God had
given me. I slowly began to understand what my relationship to Christ was and
what Christianity was all about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God had something for me to do that didn’t just involve work
in the church, it involved me growing in the knowledge and understanding of who
God was and what He desired of me. Tom saw gifts and abilities in me that I
could not see. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before that night was over I would realize: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I
was saved for sure! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I
had a lot of Bible study to do, like learn what spiritual gifts are. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->God
had a plan for our lives. I didn’t know what that was yet, but I was beginning
to listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two weeks later we went to Tom’s parents’ house in Flint,
Michigan for a week. As a pastor of a small church, Tom’s dad invited two
evangelists to lead a daily vacation Bible school. Every night I would watch one
of them play instruments, tell stories with flannel graph, and do
ventriloquism. I was spellbound. The children were all held in rapt attention
as she spoke. Her gentle spirit led them all the way to Jesus! I felt something
moving deep in my soul, but I had no clue what it was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each evening after putting my kids to bed in Tom’s folks’
house, I would go back next door to the church and ask the evangelist if I
could play the crystal glasses and cowbells. She was very gracious and gave me
a short demonstration on how to play each instrument. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I began first with the glasses that made music by rubbing
your finger around the top to make the crystal vibrate. They were tuned by
putting water into the goblets and removing it to make the notes sharp or
putting more water in to make the notes flat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The set of cowbells were set up like a piano with black and
white keys. They were loud but you could make melodies by playing harmony with
two or three bells at a time. She stood amazed as I began playing them like I
had been doing it for 20 years! She would name a song and I could play it. It
was like I had a natural ability to do this; it was as natural to me as
breathing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(To be continued.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-11110955842809633692014-05-23T11:08:00.004-04:002014-05-23T11:08:52.242-04:00A God Moment – Part 1<div class="MsoNormal">
I've had some big God moments in my life, like when my kids were born and when my husband Tom
died and events that happened on my many trips to Romania. All those events changed my life dramatically.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another big God moment for me is a date my husband took me on when
I was 28 years old. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was married right out of high school. I turned 18 in July
and married Tom in September. Sixteen months later I gave birth to our first
child, Matthew. When I turned 28 we had four children (one was a newborn), we
were building a new house, and my husband had a new, demanding full-time job starting
our business as a non-foods broker. It was, to say the least, a stressful year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One afternoon my husband called and said, “I think we need
to go out together on a date. Get a babysitter.” He was an optimist to think I
could find a sitter for four kids including a newborn on such short notice but
it happened. I looked forward to that date all day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the time he got home and we got ready I was almost in
tears because so many things had gone wrong that day, actually that week and
even that month! Everything seemed to be building up inside of me. I don’t remember what those things were and it
really doesn’t matter. I just knew that I could not deal with one more thing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We kissed the kids goodbye and got into the car. Tom started
to pull out of the driveway and all of a sudden the dam burst and I began
crying so hard I couldn’t even talk! He kept asking me, “What’s the matter?”, “Are
you OK?”, and I kept saying, “I don’t know!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He pulled the car back into the driveway where we sat…and
talked…and prayed…and laughed…for four solid hours! We were parked in our own driveway,
paying a babysitter to watch our kids inside our house. She kept peeking out
the window to see what was going on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In those four hours Tom talked me through a lot of things.
One of the most important was that I didn’t really know who I was in Christ.
Was I really saved at age 7 and did I even know what that meant at that age?
How could I be a good Christian mom to four kids and not know these things?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And why was I so unhappy with all that I was doing at our
church? I had done everything there was to do. I was a deacon’s wife, I sang in
the choir, and taught Sunday school, Pioneer girls and vacation Bible school. I
worked in the kitchen organizing all the banquets and weddings, making wedding
cakes, and all that stuff! So…why was I so unhappy? Deep down in my gut
unhappy? I couldn’t understand it, but thank the Lord, Tom could.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">(To be continued.)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Terre K Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18043096804723257450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265114979455289140.post-70981118210564432692014-05-12T15:37:00.000-04:002014-05-12T15:37:10.754-04:00A Baby Just Like Ours <div class="MsoNormal">
When my oldest son was born he was a chubby baby at 10
pounds 4oz! This is funny because now he’s a truck driver and he uses those
numbers all the time…10-4 good buddy!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our closest friends had given birth to a beautiful baby girl
named Cheryl just a few months before us. She had huge blue eyes, curly reddish
hair, and a smile that melted my heart. We often talked about getting them
together when they were older and then we could be related—that’s how close we
were.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, Cheryl was born with a hole in her heart, so
she was not as healthy as our little guy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just about the time Cheryl was learning to walk, the doctors
decided it was time to fix that hole, so they scheduled her surgery at Henry Ford
Hospital in Detroit. We prayed with our friends about this surgery because it
was quite involved. Then they left for Detroit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember dropping down on our bed in shock after the phone
call that Cheryl had not made it through the surgery. My husband cradled me in
his arms as we both wept hard tears. Cheryl’s dad was my husband’s best friend growing
up and his best man at our wedding. We had shared so many things together as
young families. This was unbelievable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Less than a week later we were doing something we had never
wanted to do—go to a baby’s funeral. As we walked into our church the sight
that met my eyes became etched on my mind forever. At the front was a tiny
white casket with our friends’ beautiful daughter inside. Her red hair was even
brighter against the white silk pillow where she lay. Her tiny little hands
were still curled in that baby-like half-opened position, but her gorgeous
smile was gone<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I backed up from the casket I was immediately surrounded
with a waterfall of color. It was the largest floral display I had ever seen.
Blues, yellows, purples, greens. and every other color of the rainbow brought
to mind the colorful baby toys I had remembered Cheryl playing with just a few
days before. I was speechless and began crying like it would never stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we took our seats for the funeral to begin, a new and disturbing
thought grabbed hold of me. After this funeral was over I would go home to a
beautiful, healthy baby boy and our friends would go home to an empty house. I
began to shake so hard my husband had to put his arm around me to calm me. Why would
God let this happen? How does He choose? What will life be like for our
friends? Would our relationship ever be the same again?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God did give our friends peace about Cheryl. They were
strong believers and realized God had a plan and even if the outcome wasn’t
what they had planned, it was HIS plan for them. That took amazing strength and
the peace that only God can give.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We continued to raise our baby boy and had three more
children. Our friends eventually had three more children, too. Our relationship
only grew closer over the years and then they moved down south. When we visited,
it was like we’d never parted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They were witnesses to me that God’s plans are not our plans.
We can grow stronger as God places these experiences in our pathway if we yield
to His ways and will. Going through this with our friends helped prepare me for
what God had in mind for our family down the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are
your<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
ways My ways,” says the LORD.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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