Author Archives: deborahard

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About deborahard

Daughter of the One true king, wife, mother, educator, DD, Christian blogger
Feb15

#seeking by: Deborah Ard

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#seeking by: Deborah Ard

#seeking by: Deborah Ard
Last week Julie shared her experience of misplacing her grandmother’s ring and how she searched for it in various places. After reading about her experience I have noticed how often I am searching for something and I imagine you are often searching for something too. Sometimes we are searching for our car keys, our favorite piece of clothing, important documents, etc. All of these are items that we once had but have misplaced. However, sometimes we are searching or seeking something we desire such as job direction, relationship guidance, parenting advice, answers, etc. In fact what do we do when we need information instantly? We search Google or we ask Siri. No matter our walk in life and no matter what season of life we are in, we often find ourselves seeking or searching. The definition of seek is to attempt to find (something), attempt or desire to obtain or achieve (something), ask for (something) from someone.

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Jan30

#whatisyourintention by: Deborah Ard

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#whatisyourintention by: Deborah Ard
I have many roles: wife, mother, teacher, friend, daughter, sister, church member, Origami Owl designer, and more. I am sure you also have many roles. Our lives are so busy and we are constantly on the go. As you may have read earlier on our blog my word for 2019 is intention. For me that means being mindful of the decisions I make, the actions I take and being aware of how my decisions and actions affect others in my life.

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Dec30

#2018wordoftheyear By: Deborah Ard

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#2018wordoftheyear By: Deborah Ard

#2018wordoftheyear  by: Deborah Ard
And here it is…the end of 2017. It is so hard to believe it is here. As 2017 draws to an end and look toward 2018 I have reflected, prayed about, and settled on my word for 2018: HOSPITALITY. Hospitality is defined as friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers. The Bible instructs in Romans 12:9-13 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. “
There is an entire industry devoted to hospitality. Colleges offer hospitality degrees. My favorite vacation spot, Disney World, has perfected the business of hospitality. So how do I individually obey this command to practice hospitality?
When I first think of hospitality I think of inviting others into my home. Therefore in 2018 I will make it a goal to open our home up to others to share a meal, play family games, or to roast marshmallows around our fire pit.
My second goal will be to show hospitality in my actions toward others each day. Hospitality calls us to love everyone, including strangers. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” What a phenomenal passage of scripture! When we show genuine hospitality to a stranger we may be helping an angel! Hospitality is the Velcro that joins us together. Hospitality comes from deep within your soul. It is a symptom of the joy that is in your heart. When you hold the door open for someone, help an elderly person with their groceries, offer to babysit for free, buy the person’s food behind you in the drive-through lane, or any act of kindness, the reaction is almost always the same. The person that you have helped will usually say, “thank you,” and they will feel good deep inside their soul because of your kindness. Doing good for others many times makes them want to do good for someone else too. It feels good to serve others. Serving others makes them want to be around you more and it makes them better people too.
My last goal will be to model and instill the virtue of hospitality in my children. Here is a list I found that I will use to guide my children in hospitality in our home.
Always offer to take coats and belongings.
Always offer guest a drink or snack.
Always let guest go first.
Always direct guest to the seating or play area.
Always let guest choose the activities.
Always be attentive to guest needs.
Always share, share, and share more.
Always clear table for guest after a meal.
Always assist guest with gathering their belongings.
Always thank the guest for coming and ask them to come again.
Always walk guest to the door when leaving.
Showing hospitality doesn’t have to be anything grand or elaborate. It can be as simple as smiling at people you pass in a hall or speaking to people you meet along your way.
A pineapple has been deemed a symbol of hospitality. In early America the Native Americans would place a pineapple outside their hut if they were receiving visitors. Even today, in many hotels and inns, a pineapple is carved on a sign outside establishments. A carved pineapple or a facsimile of one can be found carved in head-boards, on bed posters, or armoires. In dining rooms, pineapples can be found on the backs of chairs, on wallpaper, cupboard doors, and woven dining linen. Casts in the shape of pineapples are used as hot plates or on the end of silverware, all to impress upon guests that they are welcome.
My word for 2018, HOSPITALITY, will inspire me to be a pineapple…May I stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside!
And what about you? What will be your word for 2018? What will inspire you to set goals to aspire to for the year? What will be your mantra for the year? Take some time today to pray about, ponder and discern your direction for 2018. I would love to hear from you about your word for 2018! deborahpard@gmail.com

Here are some scriptures on HOSPITALITY:
Luke 19:1-10 Hebrews13:1-8, 15-16 Genesis 18:1-15 Isaiah 25:1-9
John 13:1-17 Acts 2:42-47 Mark 14:22-25 1 Peter 4:1-11
Romans 12:9-18 John 6:1-21 Luke 14:15-24 Mark 10:13-16

#Prayer #Intentional by: Julie Wicker
Father,
Thank you for another year of blessings. As we close out 2017 and enter into 2018 open our heart and minds for what you have in store for each of us. Lay on our hearts a word or mantra that reminds us to act with intention and not repetition. Interrupt our plans with divine appointments. Prompt us to show hospitality to others & extend the love of Christ Jesus.
In the name of Jesus
Amen

Upcoming Events!! 

We would love to invite all of you to experience the upcoming Women’s Retreat at Herbert Memorial UMC. A time for Refreshment and Renewal, Water for the Soul.

Save the date, Friday January 19th & Saturday January 20th. Registration Form Below:

2018 Refresh & Renew Registration Form

Jul11

#InTheMiddle By: Deborah Ard #Intercessors By: Julie Wicker

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#InTheMiddle By: Deborah Ard #Intercessors By: Julie Wicker

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#InTheMiddle By: Deborah Ard

Recently, I found myself at a ball field with both of my children playing games at the same time. They were playing on fields that were not side by side but diagonally across the park from one another. As a mom, I could not justify sitting and watching one child play and totally miss the other play. So I stood in the middle. There in the middle I could see both fields from a distance.  I began there by myself, but very soon I had several friends, whose children were not playing that night, come and stand with me in the middle. I have to say it was very comforting to have friends standing with me in the middle. When I was turned watching one child, a friend would fill me in on what was happening on the other field.  When the games were over, I could not say I had seen every play of both games, but thanks to my friends in the middle with me, I was able to “see” both games. As I reflect over that night, I realize how important it is to have “friends in the middle” with us all the time. We each need supportive and encouraging friends in every aspect of living. We need friends to help us “see” the game when we aren’t able to focus on it ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

So we must bind ourselves together with other Christians, in friendships that love, support and encourage one another in our day to day struggles. Today I ask you to examine your relationships. Who stands in the middle with you? Take the time today to thank those friends who strengthen you. Let them know how much you appreciate their insights. And do you stand in the middle with someone? Examine what kind of friend you are to others. Do you offer words of love and encouragement? Perhaps this is an area that you need to work to improve. As you examine, remember that no matter what, we all have the One who stands in the middle with each of us! “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 We are not alone! So today, take comfort in knowing He is always with us in the “middle” of life. But also, look for ways that you can stand with others in the “middle” of their lives. Be a friend that others can count on to help them “see” the game of life.

 

#Prayer #Intercessors By: Julie Wicker

Father,

Just as you offered your son, Christ Jesus to be raised to life, at the right hand of your throne to intercede for us Ro 8:34. You have called us all to be intercessors. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before your throne with our prayers and requests Heb 4:16. You say two are better than one, equip us to lift up our family and friends and when feeling overpowered, we can defeat the enemy together, we will not feel broken in Jesus name Ecc 4:9-12. May we confess our faults to one another and pray for one another that we may be healed, and us as the righteous man offering effectual fervent prayers availeth much James 5:14. And when we feel alone we will not fear, for you are always with us. We will not be dismayed, for you are our God. Strengthen us today and uphold us with your righteous hand Is 41:10. In the name of Jesus Amen

#Worship with us I Am Not Alone By: Kari Jobe

May23

#Overwhelmed #Breathe

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#Overwhelmed by Deborah Ard

OVERWHELMED! That is what I felt.  Completely overwhelmed! I was in the throes of completing my National Board Recertification on top of my normal life duties of wife, mother, active church member, and my job as a teacher. I felt like I was drowning.  I felt like there was no end in sight and that the tasks before me were impossible.

Because I felt so overwhelmed, I started praying for God’s strength and guidance. Then I texted several friends that are prayer warriors and explained my stress.  They all gave me loving and encouraging words.  One dear friend said, “Deep breath…breathe in Jesus and breathe out that stress!”  So I did.  And as I breathed in Jesus I poured out my stress to Him.  I told Him how much I had to do, as if He didn’t know.  I told Him it was impossible and He said yes it is impossible on your own.  I wondered why in the world did I sign up for this National Board process anyway and He told me to remember.  Remember how this journey began. And so I thought back to the beginning of my recertification process.

One day during the last day of January, I knew the time was growing near for me to register for the recertification process so I decided to check the website. When I opened the page I nearly fainted. The last day to sign up and pay the $1200 registration fee was January 31st, less than a week away. My husband and I had planned on using some of our tax refund money for the fee.  But where in the world would I come up with that much money now. At that moment I was overwhelmed with worry. I immediately sent a text to a pastor friend who sent back, “God’s got this!” Her words of assurance comforted me and gave me peace. At that moment I knew that God would handle the details if this was His will.  Later that evening a friend sent a group text to myself and others inviting our families to have dinner at their house in a couple days. At that moment I shared with them my news of needing to come up with $1200 in a rush and asked them to pray for guidance. In a few short minutes one of those friends sent me a private message offering to let me borrow the funds until we received our tax refund. OVERWHELMED! That is what I felt. Completely overwhelmed! I knew right then that this text was an answer to prayer. And she shared with me that accepting the money was an answer to her prayer as she had prayed earlier in the week for an opportunity to use this money to help someone. What an awesome way God had answered both our prayers!

And so this is how I began my recertification process. Overwhelmed by God’s mighty provision.  Now I was overwhelmed by the circumstances of finishing the process along with being Mama, Wife, Church Member, and Teacher. As I breathed in Jesus, He reminded me of how He is always with me and how He always provides. He reminded me of a story in the Bible where His people were overwhelmed by circumstances. Please take a moment to read 2 Chronicles 20:1-27. In this story Jehoshaphat is facing an ominous battle and he receives word from God by way of Jahaziel in 2 Chronicles 20:15, “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem!  This is what the Lord says to you, ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’”

The next day Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing and praise the Lord for His holiness. And the Lord did the rest. He defeated the enemy.  Jehoshaphat and his people were once overwhelmed by what they faced, but through their obedience, faith and trust, God defeated the opposition and His people were overwhelmed by His mighty actions and enduring love. That is what God wants for all of us. He wants us to turn over control to Him. He wants us to surrender to Him. He wants us to be overwhelmed, not by circumstances of life, but by Him. We are to be overwhelmed by His mighty love and goodness.

How about you? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you feeling as if you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel of your circumstances? God wants you to remember too.  Reflect and remember His faithfulness throughout your life. Remember how He is always with you. Remember how He always provides.  Stop holding on so desperately to control. Surrender to Him.  Have faith. Trust Him.  Reach out to Christian friends for support and encouragement.  And be overwhelmed by Him! His love endures forever!

P.S.  I did complete the work for my National Board Recertification and submitted it on time. And now I must be patient, have faith and trust as I await results in November

#Prayer #Breathe by Julie Wicker

Father,
As I enter into your Holy ground
I invite your Holy Spirit, you are welcome here
I take a few deep breathes, breathe you in and breathe out my stress
Yawyeh……Yawyeh…..Yawyeh
And I find rest
I touch the hem of your garment and I find healing
You invite me to your table and meet me at my brokenness
As I go about my day today
Go before me and lead the way
Walk beside me and be my friend
Fall behind me and cover me with your grace
As I fall short, I will seek your face and know that I am made for more
In the name of Jesus

Amen

#Worship

Overwhelmed by Big Daddy Weave

May9

#Fragrantfruit #Radiate

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#Fragrantfruit By: Deborah Ard

In our last post we pondered God’s call for us to bear fruit, no matter where we are planted.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17: 7-8.

So what does it mean to bear fruit? Fruit can be sweet and fragrant. And fruit can be sour and rotten. What kind of fruit are you bearing?

Galatians 5:22 tells us “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

Yikes! One by itself may be manageable but ALL of them together…impossible. Yes impossible in our own strength. But not with His strength. We can learn to bear His fruit with His help. But how? By planting ourselves by His water and sending our roots out by the stream. We plant ourselves deep in His word by studying the Bible and spending time in prayer daily. We soak up His messages in weekly Worship. We allow His Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We surround ourselves by Godly examples that teach us. We do all that we can to “set your mind on things above, not on earthly things” Colossians 3:2.  This is our daily goal. However, we are not perfect. We will make mistakes. We will fail. But through our mistakes and failures we can learn. Through it all, we can strive to be more like Christ.

So examine your fruit this week. Are you bearing fruit of the Spirit? Or are you bearing sour, rotten fruit? This week choose to plant yourself by His water and send your roots by His stream. This week allow His Holy Spirit to mold you into being more like Christ. This week bear fruit that is a sweet fragrant offering of Christ for others. 

#Prayer  #Radiate By: Julie Wicker

Father,

I come before you naked and exposed, nothing is hidden form you as you hold me accountable Heb 4:13. Thank you for pruning my withered branches. I am the vine and you are the vine grower. You remove from me every branch that does not bear fruit and every branch that bears fruit you prune to make more fruit. I have been cleansed by your word. You abide in me and I in you John 15: 1-7. I want to radiate fruits of your sweet spirit, exuding your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control Gal 5:22. As I set my mind on you oh lord Col 3:2, may my words and the Meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer Psalm 19:14. In the name of Jesus Amen

Quote: “You become like the people you spend the most time with. Choose wisely!” – Toby Mac

Worship with us “Live that way” by sideway prophets  https://youtu.be/GfosSggwQS0