<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645</id><updated>2011-12-14T20:56:23.920-06:00</updated><title type='text'>CaptivatingCuriosity</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>15</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-5732954246780230287</id><published>2010-08-13T22:55:00.003-05:00</published><updated>2010-08-13T23:02:49.324-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Friendship, Time, &amp; Feathers</title><content type='html'>As I sit here thinking about what my next blog post, which has been over a year, I admit, I stare at a feather. Yes, a feather.  It's balancing itself on top of my big left toe.  Not sure where it came from, probably my down comforter, but this feather is not going anywhere - it just won't go away. No matter how much I shake my foot and wiggle my toes, the feather stays put.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This reminds me of my friendships.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Today I was texting a good friend of mine, trying to figure out a time for us to get together.  As we struggled to find time to hang out, it dawned on me how much life changes as we age.  People get married, have kids, are busy with careers, and time becomes limited.    &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My friendships are like this feather.  They aren't going anywhere. No matter what happens in life, no matter what directions people take, no matter where we go, my friends aren't going anywhere.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It may be weeks before we talk, it may be months before we hug, but the bond that we have will never leave.  The bond is eternal and for that I am grateful. For days like today, when I am feeling sad because I haven't spent time with anyone but clients and coworkers, I am reminded that there are women out there that love me, that I have memories with, and i know that they will always be a part of me.&lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-5732954246780230287?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/5732954246780230287/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=5732954246780230287' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/5732954246780230287'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/5732954246780230287'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2010/08/friendship-time-feathers.html' title='Friendship, Time, &amp; Feathers'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-7803712826804350007</id><published>2009-06-02T16:53:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2009-06-02T17:01:16.529-05:00</updated><title type='text'>My Memory Has Returned...</title><content type='html'>YEA!!!!  I'm FINALLY able to get back on my blog.  I know, you missed me, right?  Uh-huh.  Well, that's what happens when you forget the password AND the account username.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It was like one of those moments when something is on the tip of your tongue, and you sit and rack your brain over it and then you stop thinking about it and soon as it's left your mind, *ZAP* it pops back into your mind and rolls right off your tongue. Yes, it was that simple.  Of course it took months!!  But I must thank you, my subconscious, for storing that which I may need again.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Well, I must get to work. But, stay tuned for more ramblings from my Captivating Curiosity.  You won't be disappointed.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thought for the  day:   When you feel like you're about to go to pieces, pour glue all over yourself.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-7803712826804350007?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/7803712826804350007/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=7803712826804350007' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/7803712826804350007'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/7803712826804350007'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-memory-has-returned.html' title='My Memory Has Returned...'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-2900268973733228833</id><published>2008-12-11T10:36:00.002-06:00</published><updated>2008-12-11T10:42:56.083-06:00</updated><title type='text'>I Can Do Nothing Without Him</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;The Lord is seeking to bring us to the end of our abilities so we can tap into His ability.&lt;/span&gt;-Bobby Connor&lt;br&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These words hit me hard.  How are they ever so true!!! John 15:5 says, "...without Me you can do nothing."  Sure, I can do whatever I want. But does that mean it is what I am supposed to be doing? Or is it even what my Creator wants me to do? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I've come to an understanding that has helped me surrender to God.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If God is my creator, then most surely he knows what is best for me AND what I was made for!! Who am I to determine what that purpose is? I am not my creator.  Only my creator can give me purpose.&lt;br /&gt;Sure, I can try to figure it out on my own and give myself my own purpose but what if i am wrong? What if I chose a purpose for me that is not what I would be best at? What if I give myself a purpose that is less than what I am made for? Most surely then I have failed.  I don't want to fail.  After all, this is the only life I have. The only chance I have to live the purpose I was created for.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;That's it.  I can't figure it out without Him. Nor can I DO it without Him.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;Dear Lord,&lt;br /&gt;I need you.  I can do nothing worthwhile, I can not be who I was created to be without You.  Take me and mold me.  Make me into who you created to me to be. I surrender.  Amen.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-2900268973733228833?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/2900268973733228833/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=2900268973733228833' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/2900268973733228833'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/2900268973733228833'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-can-do-nothing-without-him.html' title='I Can Do Nothing Without Him'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-412034665952323161</id><published>2008-11-06T15:50:00.004-06:00</published><updated>2008-11-06T15:59:04.400-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Pastoral Response to the 2008 Election</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;Dutch Sheets, a favored Author and Pastor, wrote an amazing article regarding the elections.  Here it is:  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;November 6, 2008&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    I feel certain that many in my stream of the Church want a statement from me concerning Tuesday's presidential election. I will be frank in my remarks but I do not, however, intend to vent anger or attack anyone. I have read several statements from friends and colleagues I respect very much.&lt;br /&gt;Their thoughts are well stated and, for the most part, insightful.  None of them, however, seem to want to say some things that I believe need to be said. I do not claim infallibility or to have the final word, but my convictions run deep and I believe I bear a God-given responsibility to share them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Was This God's Will?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    Was what happened Tuesday God's will?  &lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;I am quite confident it was not.  America was offered a very clear choice between moving further toward protecting the unborn or further away; between a Supreme Court that would move toward honoring God, life and morality or away from it.  The stakes couldn't have been higher nor the cost greater. As a nation we put on blinders concerning Barak Obama's background, associations, beliefs and practices, and set these causes back years, possibly decades.  &lt;br /&gt;And in doing so we took another step away from God and His plans for America, and another step toward judgment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Judgment Will Increase&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    This is not a fire and brimstone warning from an angry, legalistic preacher.  In fact, I feel more sadness and grief than anything else.&lt;br /&gt;Perhaps I feel what Jesus felt as He wept for Jerusalem while announcing its judgment. I am not hoping for judgment; I am saying it is inevitable. I don't know where the unbiblical belief comes from that says a nation can live any way it pleases, can reject God and His ways-even mock Him-and not receive His judgments.  Nor do I know when the belief came that it is always mean-spirited or judgmental to warn of these things.  To the contrary, I believe it is our responsibility.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In warning of judgment, I am not suggesting that God is going to intentially and directly hurt people.  Much judgment is simply the absence of God's protection and provision, caused by a rejection of His laws and ways.  We have been experiencing some forms of judgment in America for years, but God in His incredible patience and mercy has kept us from the level we've deserved.  I believe this will change to a degree and judgment will now&lt;br /&gt;increase:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    * For those in the Church who aligned themselves with pro-abortion forces, I believe judgment will result.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    * For leaders in the Body of Christ who refused to take a stand for fear of losing people, money, and tax-exempt status-I believe there will be a degree of judgment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    * For those, both within the Church and without, who voted money over morality-a potential raise or better health insurance over the life of a baby-there will be judgment. (The irony is that this decision to base one's vote on the hopes of a better economy won't produce the hoped for result anyway. The scriptures teach that it is righteousness which exalts a nation and that the nation is blessed whose God is the Lord.)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;        I have heard the argument that God cares as much about social justice issues (such as poverty and racism) as He does abortion, making a vote for Obama OK.  I certainly believe God puts a very high priority on caring for the poor and I, too, have wanted to see equality demonstrated through a "minority" president. But to equate having a better income or the desire for a first black president, regardless of his positions on abortion and morality, to the issue of killing 50 million babies is not justice-it is a gross distortion of justice and great deception. I fear that we have been desensitized to this issue of abortion.  I believe it kills babies and takes innocent life.  I also believe it is blood sacrifice that empowers demons. Let's not forget this in our noble attempts to be kind and conciliatory.&lt;br /&gt;        For African Americans I can easily see how it could bring healing to have a first black president, just as it would be for Native Americans to achieve this or for women if a woman were elected president.  Again, I have wanted to see justice in this way.  I am only saddened that the price for this healing ended up being Barak Obama, a man that will set the cause of life and, most-likely, our God-given destiny as a nation back so drastically. (I also realize there are some who interpret any criticism of Obama as racism. Racism is so NOT what I am about nor what I live, that I will not even dignify any such accusations with a response.)&lt;br /&gt;      &lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;What Can We Expect?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What are some of the judgments we can expect on our nation from this election?&lt;br /&gt;    &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    * More economic woes&lt;br /&gt;    * More violence in an already violent nation&lt;br /&gt;    * Disease and death (satan, who is responsible for these things will have greater inroads to our nation.)&lt;br /&gt;    * Natural disasters (weather-tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, drought; fires; earthquakes; etc.)&lt;br /&gt;    * Terrorism (they will fear us much less now)&lt;br /&gt;    * War, perhaps on our own soil&lt;br /&gt;    * Judgments relating to the Court. The stacking of the Supreme Court against the sanctity of life and God's influence on America will occur, which will in turn cause the shedding of more innocent blood, more rejection of God's laws and the stealing from us of our godly heritage-all of which will perpetuate a cycle of even more judgment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;How Did This Happen?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;         I've been asked if this could have been averted had there been more prayer.  I'm not sure. I believe there was a remnant of Christians fervently praying over these elections-I don't think there was anything more they could have done. Others, obviously, should have done more.  The complacency and lack of discernment concerning our real condition in America-especially by the Church-is both appalling and horrifying.  America is in serious trouble and it seems no one wants to say it.  Fewer still are willing to do anything to change it.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;         Though I understand our reasons, we must be careful in our attempts to placate our feelings and calm our fears through religious phrases like "God is still on the throne" or "God has a plan".  He was on His throne 35 years and 50 million babies ago.  And He had a plan back then.  The problem is, it was us.  I understand our reasons for waving high the banner of God's sovereignty at times like these-it gives us hope.  I will wave it, as well.&lt;br /&gt;But please be careful with this. Too much emphasis on God's sovereignty and we're worthless; too little and we're hopeless.  Maybe we should say, "we lost a critical battle but God will give us strategy to win the war." Then find the strategy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;         But still yet, since God is usually willing to work through a remnant, I thought we had enough prayer. Obviously, God decided otherwise.  There comes a time when He will not forgive or bless the majority based on the prayers or actions of only a few.  America rejected God and asked for a king; I believe we now have our Saul (see 1 Samuel 8:5-7)-a man who does not have God's heart for America but his own. Like Israel in scripture, our nation believes it can turn from God and still be blessed.  In His mercy and justice He will show us otherwise.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;        Like many, believing I had many promises and confirmations that God would "grace" us with a pro-life president in this election, I failed to consider strongly enough that all promises-even scripture-are conditional 99.9% of the time. Though I never prophesied or made guarantees that McCain-Palin would win, failing to factor this principle in strongly enough no doubt caused me to share my optimism with others inappropriately. If this caused any harm or confusion, I apologize.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;         Has the fact that my prayers weren't answered shaken my faith? No. I'm a little confused and discouraged. I'm also somewhat angry at the nation in general and much of the Church. Mostly I'm grieving over the nation and what this will cost us. I am not, however, angry with God and do not question His justice. And it is not true that we wasted our time, energy and money in our efforts anymore than it is a waste when we share the gospel with people who don't get saved.  We must keep in the forefront of our thinking the fact that ultimately we are doing this for Him and that He will reward us for our faithfulness.  And who knows, perhaps He will store up all those prayers for the next battle (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-5).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A friend and fellow warrior said it well,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;       "We did 'give it our all.' I know the Lord was pleased with that. A coach wants to know one thing at the end of a heartbreaking sports loss: 'Did you leave it all on the field?' (your passion, your commitment, your strength, your courage, etc.) I know that we 'left it all on the field.' We didn't hold anything back until the game ended. Tragically, it ended in defeat. We will rise for another day because Jesus is worthy."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;Where Do We Go from Here?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;        Does this election outcome shake my faith that we can see a great awakening and ultimately reformation in America? Absolutely not (and it strengthens my resolve).  We will simply get there through greater pain and loss.  Even my passion to see the Supreme Court shift is not from a presupposition that there can be no spiritual awakening without it.  It is simply due to my deep conviction that their decisions bring so much death, destruction, curses and judgment to America; and because our full destiny as a nation is unquestionably linked to their decisions. So, yes, we will get an awakening and reformation; but the reality is that this reformation of the nation will reform the Supreme Court (and government, in general), not vice-versa.  My faith has never been in people or a political party; my faith is in the God who works through them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;      I've been asked if my feelings about Sarah Palin have changed.  They have not. I believe she is an Esther, a Deborah, with a huge mantle from God for reformation. God has a great destiny for her related to this nation if she chooses to continue down this path.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;      So, in conclusion, we must re-group as an apostolic, praying church and advance.  We must maintain an immovable faith in God, His plans for America and His mercy.  And we must move beyond simply asking God for a spiritual awakening and ask Him for strategy to produce reformation, as well.  I, for one, am just getting started!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For God and this great nation,&lt;br /&gt;Dutch Sheets&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-412034665952323161?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/412034665952323161/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=412034665952323161' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/412034665952323161'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/412034665952323161'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/11/dutch-sheets-favored-author-and-pastor.html' title='Pastoral Response to the 2008 Election'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-3943833950787159599</id><published>2008-11-03T13:27:00.005-06:00</published><updated>2008-11-03T13:38:23.046-06:00</updated><title type='text'>God's Provision</title><content type='html'>If you want to know how amazing God is, read this! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As many of you know, the non-profit that I helped start has been really struggling financially. So much so that i hadn't been paid in nearly a month.  Someone at my church, who shall remain anonymous, was praying about the situation and God told her to give me a large sum of money.  Being reluctant to give me as much as He told her, due to her own financial situation, she was obedient and dropped a check in my box at church.  I was blown away.  Her generosity was greater than I could have ever imagined.  I didn't even ask for help!!  God knew what my needs were, and he provided through a fellow Christian who was obedient to God's voice.  THAT, you guys, isn't even the amazing part of it!!!  &lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br&gt;This woman and her husband were struggling to keep their business afloat and were considering bankruptcy.  One day, the landlord of their business property called and wanted to know if they were going to be able to make their monthly lease payment.  She told him how they were struggling and were considering bankruptcy.  It was at this point he asked her, "Are you a Christian?" and she responded, "Absolutely" and he responded with, "When you work for the Lord, He'll work for you".  &lt;br&gt;Now this all happened a week before she wrote me the check she did.  Fast forward a week after she wrote me the check.  Her husband scheduled an appointment with their landlord to discuss their situation.  What happened will blow your mind - the landlord decided to decrease their monthly lease payment by the EXACT SAME AMOUNT that she gave me!!! He had NO idea what she had done for me. But the amount God told her to give me, was the same amount the Lord told her landlord to reduce their payments! The Landlord's words, "When you work for the lord, He'll work for you" were so true!! Not only was she obedient, but he repaid her obedience by blessing her 12 times as great!!!  Not only did she help me out a great deal, but her own situation was helped out in an even greater way!!! &lt;br&gt;&lt;br /&gt;GOD IS GOOD!!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-3943833950787159599?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/3943833950787159599/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=3943833950787159599' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/3943833950787159599'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/3943833950787159599'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/11/gods-provision.html' title='God&apos;s Provision'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-3373980606544347765</id><published>2008-10-29T16:15:00.007-05:00</published><updated>2009-03-05T13:05:30.415-06:00</updated><title type='text'>My Family</title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SQjWTnwlx7I/AAAAAAAAADc/fjuxSkYxWBM/s1600-h/23055349609_0_BG.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SQjWTnwlx7I/AAAAAAAAADc/fjuxSkYxWBM/s200/23055349609_0_BG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262691797161068466" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Growing up, my family was close.  Very close.  We spent a lot of time together - holidays, weeks in the summer, camping trips, birthdays, and other events.  Now for most people, they consider their parents and siblings their "family" but for me, when people would ask me who my family was, I'd list them all off: my aunts, my uncles, my cousins, my grandma, my mom, and my dog Sam.  That was my family. My extended family WAS my family&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Growing up in a single parent family, and as an only child, the people I had in my life were more valuable than any material possessions we had (or didn't have, for that matter).  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My family was my world.  The love, time, and affection they gave me was priceless.  My grandmother was my rock.  Her love, affection, wisdom, and time she gave, were treasures that only I could share with her and nobody else.  My aunts were my world...they treated me with such great love, any girl would have been jealous to be in my position.  My uncles joking and lovable natures made them the only positive men I had in my life. My two older cousins, I marveled at and looked up to as older brothers, even though they never knew it.  And my younger cousin, he was my friend, my playmate, and my equal.  We spent so much time together, learning to share, enjoying each others playful natures, and being kids together.  I was the only girl and I loved it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I loved my family.  I still do.  (There's more...click here) &lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As time does, it changes families.  With my cousins and myself growing up, people moving out of state, and grandma's passing away in 2007, our family has changed.  No longer do we spend holidays, birthdays, or weeks of summer fun together.  Instead, our contacts exist through email and phone and occasional visits.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't lie, it grieves my heart.  When I look to the past, I begin to miss what we did have.  I miss the fun, the love, the affection, the attention.  I miss how my cousins used to pick on me and wouldn't let me play with their boy toys because i was a girl. I miss sitting in front of the tv watching the Brady Bunch while we ate breakfast together. I miss swimming in the pool and learning how to dive.  I miss camping in the rain while our tent flooded with water and we all hovered on the only thing above water - the air mattress.  I miss it.  I miss my family.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But I am grateful. I am grateful for their love.  For all that they were to me and still are to this day.  I am grateful that they helped raise me.  My mother couldn't have done it without them! Nor would I be who I am today without them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I love you, My Family.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-3373980606544347765?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/3373980606544347765/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=3373980606544347765' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/3373980606544347765'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/3373980606544347765'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-family.html' title='My Family'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SQjWTnwlx7I/AAAAAAAAADc/fjuxSkYxWBM/s72-c/23055349609_0_BG.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-6892509077961072333</id><published>2008-10-22T11:30:00.005-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-22T11:42:37.611-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Nostalgia-My Teen Idols</title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SP9W_2uWROI/AAAAAAAAADU/3nDHjVqZrtQ/s1600-h/800x600-4.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SP9W_2uWROI/AAAAAAAAADU/3nDHjVqZrtQ/s200/800x600-4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260018544813688034" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Wow, can you say feeling like your 12 again?!  Last night I went to the NKOTB concert with my roommate and a friend.  (For those of you who don't know, that would be the New Kids On The Block.)  We were very excited as they were a favorite band of ours from childhood.  And so was the case for the thousands of other 30-somethings women who packed the arena.  I was amazed by how many women still had their original NKOTB apparel, buttons, and nostalgic goodies.  Some were dressed in legwarmers, leggings, and flourscent colors with their side ponytails bobbing around as they giddily ventured into the Xcel Energy Center.  It was, as a fan poster read, "NKOTB Stalkerfest".  There were smatterings of men and young women under 20 but most wee 30-something womens.  As the band played Donnie, one of the members, stated, "15 years ago we would look out all of you and young girls stared back at us and today we see women drinking beer and pregnant!"  What struck me more than anything, however, was when the band got on stage and started singing, "The Right Stuff".  My eyes...watered! Ok, I teared up a bit!!  &lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;I was surprised by that reaction.  I felt like I did when I was younger, watching the New Kids at their Fourth of July Concert on July 4, 1990 at Harriet Island in Saint Paul as a fan crazed 12 year old again!I had NO idea that the memories would come flooding back including the feelings from that time! I was enamored.  I sang along to all the songs I knew, danced in front of my seat, and even did some of the classic NKOTB moves.  It was a thrill. A trip down memory lane.  Thanks, NKOTB for making me feel like a kid again.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-6892509077961072333?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/6892509077961072333/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=6892509077961072333' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/6892509077961072333'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/6892509077961072333'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/nostalgia-my-teen-idols.html' title='Nostalgia-My Teen Idols'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SP9W_2uWROI/AAAAAAAAADU/3nDHjVqZrtQ/s72-c/800x600-4.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-5479776892700712016</id><published>2008-10-20T23:16:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-20T23:20:02.269-05:00</updated><title type='text'>A Covenant With God</title><content type='html'>I read an amazing article by Francis Frangipane about making a covenant with God. I wanted to share it with you as I believe it is well worth the read! I found it on &lt;a href="http://www.elijahlist.com"&gt;The Elijah List&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Click here to read:  &lt;a href="http://www.elijahlist.com/words/html/textonly-101908-Frangipane.html"&gt;Those Who Make A Covenant With God&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-5479776892700712016?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/5479776892700712016/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=5479776892700712016' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/5479776892700712016'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/5479776892700712016'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/covenant-with-god.html' title='A Covenant With God'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-7682607311547488380</id><published>2008-10-12T13:20:00.006-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-15T01:49:29.716-05:00</updated><title type='text'>And The 3 Shall Become 2</title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPJPI7iNGII/AAAAAAAAACY/xq-54dkNHbk/s1600-h/02_17_7.JPEG"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPJPI7iNGII/AAAAAAAAACY/xq-54dkNHbk/s200/02_17_7.JPEG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256350729933494402" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Well, I received an answer to one of my possible directions.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"We have chosen somebody else for the position."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Those words neither stung nor were they the deliverer of disappointing news.  In fact, a sense of relief set in.  No longer did I need to figure out whether or not I would accept this position nor did I need to determine what door to walk through. As I prayed for weeks for God to shut any doors he wanted shut, this door to the county was shut. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My 3 options have now become 2.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Once again, the Lord reminds me who is Lord...not me but Him.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Trust me, Jamie."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Obviously my future is not in my hands.  It is in His.  What I need to do is trust Him to show me.  As He so often proves, He knows what He is doing better than I ever will.&lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He knows where He wants me to go and I am, simply, clueless.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But I'm beginning to become more and more okay with that.  I trust my God. He created me - he molded me in my mother's womb; he set a future before me with a huge dream for what I will do and who I will become.  I am grateful that I am in His hands and not my own.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As the future comes closer and closer to the present, I excitedly and anxiously await where the Lord will bring me.  Daily I remind myself who is in control and daily I am thankful that it is not me.  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-7682607311547488380?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/7682607311547488380/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=7682607311547488380' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/7682607311547488380'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/7682607311547488380'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/and-3-shall-become-2.html' title='And The 3 Shall Become 2'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPJPI7iNGII/AAAAAAAAACY/xq-54dkNHbk/s72-c/02_17_7.JPEG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-1531844685879521750</id><published>2008-10-07T02:20:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-15T01:49:55.898-05:00</updated><title type='text'>"Trust Me" - God</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-size:100%;"&gt;With all of the chaos going on in my life lately, mostly in my adventures into creating a non-profit, I've been contemplating my current and future steps. It has not been an easy journey and yet it has not been traveled in vain.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;With the obvious struggles in our economy, it is no wonder that adequate funding sources are lacking right now for new ventures into the non-profit sector. No doubt, the moral support is abounding and the referrals are without lack and yet our struggles to stay afloat financially are a concern; not only for my own pocket book but those who have the program's best interest at hand.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;However, I am encouraged when I hear from the county and schools how supportive they are of our ventures and yet I'm discouraged with the lack of financial support we are currently receiving. I am, however, very grateful for the past support in getting our organization off the ground.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;However, without current and future funding, we will unfortunately be unable to maintain the level of programming that we currently have. And I, out of obvious necessity, must determine what my next steps may be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So I venture off into the world to see what my options are, although fear is close behind me. Having trusted God with directing my life to where it is today, I am at a crossroads in which no clear direction is present.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"I don't want to fall out of your will, God. Please show me where you want to go". That has been my latest and most frequent prayer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I've spent much time lately exploring my options. Venture into the secular realm, such as the county, or return to a former employer who has made me a very generous offer? What do I do?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;With the multitude of options, I've come to realize that my exploring has not been in vain. Without expecting any response, I applied for a job at the county where it is very difficult to get an interview. Much to my shock, I was contacted for an interview only two short days after applying for a financially generous position with the local juvenile detention center. With anxiety and uncertainty close on my tail, I spent 4 days preparing myself for this huge opportunity. The day of the interview, I felt quite confident in my abilities and presentation. Although, as I sat in the waiting room, my anxiety level raised slightly. Gratefully, though, not enough to debilitate me. When I entered the room consisting of four male interviewers, my confidence level sored. After answering 9 fairly obvious and easy questions, I left that room feeling more confidence than I have felt in a long time.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It was then that I realized: It didn't matter if I got another interview for this job; it didn't matter if I said what they wanted to say; it didn't matter if i impressed them. What mattered is that I presented myself in the best way I knew possible, I was true to myself, and I was confident in my abilities. I was myself! I didn't try to impress anyone or sway them into hiring me. I was simply and most absolutely...me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Not long after that meeting, I heard from a former employer that they wanted me to return. And with some very generous benefits. My confusion and uncertainty set in, once again. Three possible roads, not clear which road to travel down.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Regardless of the confusion and uncertainty of which road God desires me to travel down, I continue to learn more and more about myself. I continue to be developed into the woman that God created me to be. And if that is the only thing that I get out of this adventure, then I can be satisfied.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Trust me".&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I will, Lord.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I will trust you.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I will trust you to bring me down the path you have created for me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I will trust you to show me who you created me to be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank you, Jesus, for never giving up on me.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-1531844685879521750?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/1531844685879521750/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=1531844685879521750' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/1531844685879521750'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/1531844685879521750'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/trust-me-god_6775.html' title='&quot;Trust Me&quot; - God'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-5349824660640400720</id><published>2008-10-07T02:17:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-15T02:19:18.661-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Out of This World</title><content type='html'>2/4/06&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This life is hopeless,&lt;br /&gt;This plan is fake,&lt;br /&gt;I feel like I’m running,&lt;br /&gt;And I can’t get a break.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For all I see is darkness,&lt;br /&gt;The world is filled with pain,&lt;br /&gt;Of sorrow and strife,&lt;br /&gt;And endless rain.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I don’t think I can do it,&lt;br /&gt;I don’t want to stay in&lt;br /&gt;This valley of darkness,&lt;br /&gt;This life with great sin.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I feel like I’m ready,&lt;br /&gt;To move out of this world,&lt;br /&gt;To grasp new realities,&lt;br /&gt;And find a new home. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I want to be with you,&lt;br /&gt;I want to be free,&lt;br /&gt;I want to be your child,&lt;br /&gt;As you created me to be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I want to run in green pastures,&lt;br /&gt;And dance on great lakes,&lt;br /&gt;Live in your creation,&lt;br /&gt;And dwell in its space.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ll say goodbye to this world,&lt;br /&gt;Move out of this place,&lt;br /&gt;Jump into your arms,&lt;br /&gt;And dwell in your grace.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ll be your child,&lt;br /&gt;Forevermore,&lt;br /&gt;No longer a slave&lt;br /&gt;To the sins of this world.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Here I am, Lord Jesus,&lt;br /&gt;Take me as you please,&lt;br /&gt;Make me your child,&lt;br /&gt;As you created me to be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-5349824660640400720?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/5349824660640400720/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=5349824660640400720' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/5349824660640400720'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/5349824660640400720'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/out-of-this-world.html' title='Out of This World'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-4001738567208276427</id><published>2008-10-07T00:38:00.007-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-15T01:50:23.185-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Mend Me</title><content type='html'>Poem I wrote on July 30, 2006&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You knew my heart,&lt;br /&gt;You knew my ways,&lt;br /&gt;You knew my love,&lt;br /&gt;You knew my grace.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You held me firmly,&lt;br /&gt;You tightened your embrace,&lt;br /&gt;Then you changed your mind,&lt;br /&gt;And left in great haste. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You disappeared,&lt;br /&gt;You left me here,&lt;br /&gt;To wonder why, how, and where.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You didn’t explain your change of heart,&lt;br /&gt;You left me alone so you could depart.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You broke my heart,&lt;br /&gt;You changed my ways,&lt;br /&gt;You stole my love,&lt;br /&gt;You damaged my grace.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You’ll forever impact my future plans,&lt;br /&gt;You’ll make me question each and every man.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But thankfully I know someone true,&lt;br /&gt;Someone who loves me, someone who won’t leave me like you do.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He’ll mend my heart,&lt;br /&gt;He’ll repair my seams,&lt;br /&gt;He’ll help me love again,&lt;br /&gt;He’ll help me to dream great dreams.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’m thankful Lord,&lt;br /&gt;For your love, so true,&lt;br /&gt;For you’ll never leave,&lt;br /&gt;And you’ll take away the blue.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You’ll replace it with love,&lt;br /&gt;Through the warmth of your embrace,&lt;br /&gt;You’ll make me whole again,&lt;br /&gt;And restore me with your grace.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank you Lord for loving me so,&lt;br /&gt;For taking the time to repair this great hole.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank you Lord, for mending my seams,&lt;br /&gt;For repairing this heart and restoring my dreams.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’m thankful for you, this is true,&lt;br /&gt;You’re my Love, my Salvation, and my Savior when I am blue.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-4001738567208276427?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/4001738567208276427/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=4001738567208276427' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/4001738567208276427'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/4001738567208276427'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/mend-me.html' title='Mend Me'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-8252276985283793848</id><published>2008-10-07T00:33:00.006-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-15T01:50:34.498-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Surrender</title><content type='html'>Poem Written on 1/30/06&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Tell me,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What do you want from me?&lt;br /&gt;Where do you want me to go?&lt;br /&gt;If you want me to follow you,&lt;br /&gt;Then I need to know…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;How far do you want me to travel,&lt;br /&gt;What battles do I have to fight,&lt;br /&gt;Where am I to rest my head&lt;br /&gt;When I haven’t got the might.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I want to be your lady,&lt;br /&gt;I desire to be your queen,&lt;br /&gt;But I’m not sure if you’ve chosen the right person,&lt;br /&gt;Not even sure if you know where I’ve been.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You see I haven’t exactly lived righteously,&lt;br /&gt;Rather I’ve been in great strife,&lt;br /&gt;For I’ve chosen to live self-centered,&lt;br /&gt;And I’ve lived to pursue dark nights.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ve dabbled in the sins of the world,&lt;br /&gt;I’ve foolishly danced with the prince of the night,&lt;br /&gt;I’ve given into temptations,&lt;br /&gt;And I don’t put up much of a fight.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now I know that you are loving,&lt;br /&gt;And I know that your word stands true,&lt;br /&gt;So in order to follow your message,&lt;br /&gt;There’s only one thing left to do.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I accept your forgiveness,&lt;br /&gt;I’ll take this new life,&lt;br /&gt;I’ll turn from the darkness,&lt;br /&gt;And walk into the light.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ll fight the strong battle,&lt;br /&gt;I’ll surrender to you my life,&lt;br /&gt;I’ll share your love with others,&lt;br /&gt;And I’ll try to be your light.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Your forgiveness is refreshing,&lt;br /&gt;Your direction is so right,&lt;br /&gt;Entrust me Lord Jesus,&lt;br /&gt;And I’ll be your queen tonight.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-8252276985283793848?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/8252276985283793848/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=8252276985283793848' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/8252276985283793848'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/8252276985283793848'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/surrender.html' title='Surrender'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-1620331099871935591</id><published>2008-10-07T00:30:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-15T01:50:55.974-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Hidden in the Darkness, Exposed by the Light</title><content type='html'>12/8/06&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Do you know how hard it is for me,&lt;br /&gt;To let you in,&lt;br /&gt;To let you see,&lt;br /&gt;All there is inside of me?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ve been battered and bruised,&lt;br /&gt;Abandoned and used,&lt;br /&gt;My heart’s been trampled,&lt;br /&gt;My good will’s been abused.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;An ugly picture has been drawn from the start,&lt;br /&gt;It’s been engraved in my head&lt;br /&gt;And stained to my heart,&lt;br /&gt;Like a black cloud of rain that doesn’t depart.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You mustn’t know what lurks inside,&lt;br /&gt;It’s a place too lonely, dark, and dry.&lt;br /&gt;I keep it hidden within this great life,&lt;br /&gt;So you’ll never know what causes this strife.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There’s more to this girl than you shall know,&lt;br /&gt;It’s hidden deep inside of me where most cannot go.&lt;br /&gt;And there it stays for no one to see,&lt;br /&gt;But my Lord, my God, and my Savior to be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He’ll expose my wounds from the very start,&lt;br /&gt;By shining his light deep into the dark.&lt;br /&gt;He’ll heal them and bandage them,&lt;br /&gt;He’ll take away the pain, &lt;br /&gt;By allowing the light to come into the rain.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He’ll restore my weaknesses,&lt;br /&gt;He’ll mend my seams,&lt;br /&gt;He’ll make me whole as he created me to be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;No more will I live with these wounds that I’ve seen,&lt;br /&gt;Though they’ll leave a great impression deep inside of me.&lt;br /&gt;They’ll cause me to seek, kill, and destroy,&lt;br /&gt;All those things that dwell within deep dark and lonely nights.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ll reach out to those who’ve experienced this pain,&lt;br /&gt;I’ll give them my love and show them the way&lt;br /&gt;To a Lord that is faithful, a Savior that’s true,&lt;br /&gt;To a Love that will heal them and make them anew.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-1620331099871935591?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/1620331099871935591/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=1620331099871935591' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/1620331099871935591'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/1620331099871935591'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/hidden-in-darkness-exposed-by-light.html' title='Hidden in the Darkness, Exposed by the Light'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902639059511872645.post-3253071254286897312</id><published>2008-10-07T00:25:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-15T01:50:44.833-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Use Me</title><content type='html'>5/28/2007&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Blessed Savior,&lt;br /&gt;To you I bow,&lt;br /&gt;I surrender my life,&lt;br /&gt;I give you my all.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For what you plan&lt;br /&gt;Is my desire,&lt;br /&gt;The life that you direct,&lt;br /&gt;Only you can empower.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ll will walk with you forever, &lt;br /&gt;Day and night,&lt;br /&gt;I’ll follow in your shadow, and reflect your light. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You’re my Savior, &lt;br /&gt;Dear Lord,&lt;br /&gt;You’re my Knight in bright white,&lt;br /&gt;You’re the one that I desire,&lt;br /&gt;You’re the one that’s so right.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="fullpost"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You’ll fight the dark battles,&lt;br /&gt;by overcoming them with light,&lt;br /&gt;You’ll make me your child,&lt;br /&gt;And transform me each night.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To know you, &lt;br /&gt;Dear Jesus,&lt;br /&gt;For each I do wish,&lt;br /&gt;That all persons I meet,&lt;br /&gt;Will experience your bliss.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Change me, Lord Jesus,&lt;br /&gt;Like a mirror of light,&lt;br /&gt;That shines your loving grace,&lt;br /&gt;And draws others to your side.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Restore your children, our Savior,&lt;br /&gt;Draw them back to you,&lt;br /&gt;Show them your love,&lt;br /&gt;Your will, and your truth.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Use me, Heavenly Father,&lt;br /&gt;To do your will,&lt;br /&gt;I surrender my all,&lt;br /&gt;For your children and you.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3902639059511872645-3253071254286897312?l=captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/feeds/3253071254286897312/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3902639059511872645&amp;postID=3253071254286897312' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/3253071254286897312'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3902639059511872645/posts/default/3253071254286897312'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://captivatingcuriosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/use-me.html' title='Use Me'/><author><name>&lt;b&gt;tobepink&lt;/b&gt;</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12057453238909208485</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wZwqIGPQavM/SPWVvDgt3yI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QJXJ7__3TcY/S220/bmecar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry></feed>
