tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91496402053219253732024-03-12T17:12:16.166-07:00Marcia Day Brown, AuthorMarcia Day Brown is the author of The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living (ISBN: 978-0615940502) This book is available at in paperback or for download on Kindle (just go to Amazon.com and type in the title). She is a wife, mother, college instructor, and freelance writer/editor. Her freelance career has included writing top-selling greeting card and poster editorial, a newspaper column in the Evansville Courier and Press, advertising, and editing work.Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-33109774148651514782019-07-18T03:05:00.002-07:002019-07-18T03:08:22.754-07:00Loving in the Midst of Crummy Attitudes<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="aaqjv-0-0" data-reactid=".kz.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$aaqjv" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span data-offset-key="aaqjv-0-0" data-reactid=".kz.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$aaqjv.0:$aaqjv-0-0">One night was particularly stressful for me. I was feeling overwhelmed, overtired, and hungry, as I was dealing with upcoming events for my job and trying to figure out how to make time to study for an upcoming college trigonometry test with such a packed schedule. Hoping for an encouraging word or possibly a dinner date with my husband, I called the house on my drive home from work that night. To my dismay, Dave answered the phone with about the grumpiest "hello" possible. That was the last thing I needed at that moment, and it hit me the wrong way. A few tense words were spoken, and he seemed annoyed that I had bothered to call him at all. "Never mind," I said rudely, and I hung up on the verge of tears. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span data-offset-key="aaqjv-0-0" data-reactid=".kz.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$aaqjv.0:$aaqjv-0-0">Little did he know that at that moment, I could have used an encouraging word from the person I love the most, but little did I know that he was also feeling tired and stressed from his day, too. I had woken him up with a phone call when he was napping on the couch, and the fact that I was probably the third phone call that he had received that evening frustrated him. I fumed about our negative exchange for a minute, but I also prayed about it on the remainder of my drive home. I thanked God for our crummy attitudes and thanked God that he was going to help us to work out the situation. After all I didn't want to stay angry with my husband. We discussed the matter when I got home, but I have to admit that I was still feeling a bit hurt.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That night, after we resolved our earlier differences, I mentioned a troubling sound in my brake system. Over the next two days, he spent a considerable amount of time working on my car and making arrangements for professional assistance, too, when the problem was greater than he had originally anticipated. Not once did he complain about it, and it really blessed me that he went to a great deal of trouble to fix the problem and make sure I would be safe. That day, he became my hero again, and it caused me to doubly desire to strive to be the wife that God has called me to be. I want to be the blessing my husband needs on a daily basis, but it's not always easy to do. Our own wants, needs, and selfish desires get in the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We all have our moments when we are not our best selves, but I do thank God for a man who loves me in spite of my imperfections. <br /><span data-offset-key="5p2bc-0-0" data-reactid=".kz.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5p2bc.0:$5p2bc-0-0"><br /></span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="5p2bc-0-0" data-reactid=".kz.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5p2bc.0:$5p2bc-0-0"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails... " (I Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)</span></span></div>
Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-65966548074261004882019-07-18T03:00:00.000-07:002019-07-18T03:00:38.629-07:00Rejection and Opportunity<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Because
my teaching hours are limited as an adjunct at a community college, I recently decided the time was right to seek
another part-time job. It is challenging to find something part-time that works
with my sometimes-crazy teaching schedule, so I applied for a customer
service/cashier position that might be somewhat flexible. I knew that I could do the work, and although it
didn't pay as well as some things, I would at least be up and moving around
and less sedentary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
attended an open interview that seemed to go well. All that was left was to
receive an email in the next few days telling me my next steps. Eight days dragged by, and then the email came that told me that I was rejected. I was definitely
offended that a job that I was qualified for didn't hire me. It irritated me
for about a day, but then I realized that perhaps I didn't get the job because
that's not where God wanted me to work. I shouldn't be upset at the people who
didn't hire me, but I should, instead, ask God where he wanted me to work. I
did, and when the mail came, so did a weekly local news flyer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now back
in October 2007, I had applied for a job that I had found in that very same
flyer, and I had hit it off with the woman interviewing me. When the call came
that I didn't get the job, the woman on the phone added sympathetically,
"But Linda really liked you. I mean she REALLY LIKED you." It had
come down to the fact that Linda wasn't sure that I could juggle my responsibilities
at the college with this part-time educational job in a corporate setting. At
the time, I told the woman on the phone, "Thank you for telling me that.I
have a good feeling that someday I will be working with your company." She
replied, "I believe so, too."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
following month, my husband Dave was diagnosed with cancer. It would have been
a terrible time to start that other job; however, in March of 2008, I felt
prompted to give Linda a call to keep my name fresh in her mind. When I called
her, Linda said, "I can't believe you are calling me today. The woman I
gave the job to just resigned today because she found a full-time job." I
end up starting the job in April 2008 and stayed there for 6 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When
the flyer came last week, I dared to think that maybe, just maybe, there might
be a help wanted ad that would be relevant to me. I told myself that wasn't
likely because I had never seen another one over the years that was anything I
wanted, but I looked anyhow. Lo and behold, there was an ad for a public
speaker willing to do life skills workshops at area high schools. I knew this
was right up my alley (and paid better than the customer service position that
I had previously applied for), and I asked my husband to let me use the computer for
a few minutes to quickly send off a resume.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Within
ten minutes, I had a reply. TEN MINUTES! I had waited eight days for a
rejection, and someone else was excited enough about me to respond in ten
minutes. That was huge. Within 24 hours, I had interviewed and lined up a fun,
new job that I could do part-time on the days I was not teaching at the college. I
thanked God for this new opportunity and was grateful that the other
place rejected me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-48543560880746419762017-09-15T05:18:00.001-07:002017-09-15T05:18:35.000-07:00August 26, 2017<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Today I rode along with my husband for 136 miles to South Bend, Indiana. Except for the fact that it allowed me plenty of conversation time with my husband, I had no other valid reason to go. Dave had an appointment there with another agent from his office, and I was going to find something to do in the area while he was gone. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">We stopped first for a quick bite to eat, and the ladies' room had an "out of order" sign. This frustrated me, since I'd spent a couple of hours in the</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> car, but I figured I'd find a restroom elsewhere. Little did I know that God would use an "out of order" bathroom to send me out in search of a bathroom and dessert. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Dave left after dinner, and I drove around and spotted a Dunkin Donuts shop nearby. Perfect! I could grab a cup of coffee and a donut and read my book to entertain myself. The friendly girl at the counter threw in an extra donut, after learning that Boston Kreme is my favorite and that I'd chosen it over birthday cake earlier this year. I sat reading my book and sipping my coffee, but I later spoke with the friendly employee. I told her about <i>The Thankful Principle</i>, and I shared that it's a life-changing message. She was excited to talk to me; however, she later informed me that the lobby would be closing at 7:00 p.m.. No problem. I knew I could sit at the empty picnic table I had spotted out front and read while I waited for Dave. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">As I walked out of the donut shop, I observed an older gentleman enjoying a cup of coffee and reading his newspaper. I walked up to the table and asked him if he'd mind sharing the table with me, since the lobby was about to close. I learned Al was a retired factory worker, army veteran, father of three, and a widower. He was animated and jovial, and I entertained him with my stories, too. He told me about being raised in church and about being currently "in a backslidden state" (his words). As I spoke about my faith and shared testimonies with him, I could tell that he was inspired. Earlier, I had given him my business card that is a replica of my book cover. He originally put it in his newspaper wrapper with his newspaper, but near the end of our 70-minute visit, he was sticking it in his wallet. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Funny how God used a broken bathroom to get me to the perfect destination.</span><br />
<br />Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-45725863406855245172014-09-23T06:30:00.001-07:002014-10-05T11:02:44.098-07:00Be on Guard<div>
Earlier this year, I heard the riveting testimony of a young woman from my church. She shared the redemptive story of a mother who loved her in spite of her many years of drug addiction. It was a painful, agonizing path of destruction that wreaked havoc on an entire family for years. The Prodigal Son story had nothing on her. She had lived it to the fullest.</div>
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Her path to destruction started with one terrible idea, and this one temptation might even be viewed as a "normal" rite of passage to many. After all, kids will be kids. Right? However, this one awful decision would later bring much pain and misery to her life. At the age of fifteen, this young girl was enjoying a cruise vacation with her family. Wanting to appear more mature, she had the thought that it would be exciting to sneak into a club on board the ship and get drunk. This foolish plan led to a young man taking advantage of her and raping her aboard the ship.</div>
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She did not tell anyone what had happened. In the years that followed, the girl fell into self-loathing and was drawn into a downward spiral of abusive relationships, alcohol, recreational drugs, and finally heroin abuse to numb the pain. It caused her to leave her family for long periods of time, and on occasion she even stole from them to support her drug habit. In spite of everything, her mother continued to love and pray for her daughter, although she could not condone the lifestyle her rebellious daughter was living. </div>
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At her darkest hour, the young woman had her life threatened, but something in her welled up. She cried out to God for help. She was able to get back to her family and go into rehab and finally receive the grace, love and forgiveness that only God can give. Today she not only has a Christian marriage, but she is the joyful mother of children. God has also led her to further her education to work in a field that helps others who have been involved in substance abuse. </div>
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When I heard this story, I was proud of the courage that it took for this woman to share her testimony, but the thought kept coming to me: What if she had not made that fateful decision on the cruise in the first place? What if she had stayed away from the club and the alcohol that night? How different would her life had been? </div>
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I thank God that in her case, the enemy did not win. Instead of being a sad statistic, the grace of God has turned her life into something beautiful. Her story is a cautionary tale, but it is also a redemptive one, too. Praise God!</div>
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As I was thinking about her message, I ran across this passage from Psalms. </div>
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<i>"How can a young man keep his way pure?</i></div>
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<i>By guarding it according to your word.</i>" Psalm 119:9 (ESV)</div>
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Can God forgive our mistakes? He definitely will, if we come in sincere repentance; however, it is far better for us to stick close to God's word, which helps us to guard our thoughts and our hearts. I once challenged my students at a Christian school by posting a banner on the wall that said the following: "Are you willing to stand up for the sake of righteousness?" Of course, I had a few obnoxious ones who would walk up to it and say, "No." However, I hope I planted the seed in many to do what was right, even if it was difficult.</div>
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Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-19301446377965326712014-06-19T10:12:00.002-07:002015-03-13T14:54:34.363-07:00Do Not Fret<br />
How often do we allow anger to get the best of us? If you're like me, it does rear its ugly head from time to time. After all, we are human. However, it doesn't have to rule our lives, nor should we use the excuse of being human to remain unwilling to change and improve.<br />
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When I was engaged to marry my husband David, my father warned him, "Marcia has a short fuse, but she's quick to forgive." I hated to admit that he was right, and at times when I am easily provoked or angered, that thought still crosses my mind. At least my dad gave me credit for my willingness to forgive easily. I do not like to leave things unsettled between myself and others, and if I am unable to make peace with someone right away, it weighs heavily on my mind. <br />
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Once, when I had only been married for a little over two years, a visiting friend stayed with my family for three months. One evening, I had gotten upset with my husband and blurted out something in anger. I later realized that I was in the wrong and even apologized to him. For some reason, the earlier heated exchange with my husband highly upset my friend, who refused to speak to me for a couple of days. This really provoked me because the rule in our home was to not let the sun set on our anger, and I truly did want to make peace with her.<br />
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When my friend finally decided to speak to me, she remarked, "When I get married, my husband and I will do all of our arguing behind closed doors." Indignantly, I let her know that we were arguing behind closed doors, but she happened to be behind them. As a single person, she had grand ideas of how marriage was going to be for her, but the reality was that she would never know how the dynamics would work until she actually married.<br />
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When my son was in elementary school, he had trouble figuring out how to deal with his anger. Sometimes, he would destroy something in his room, like a toy or a school paper. Once he ripped a pillowcase to shreds. I worried about him and prayed he would not continue on that path into adulthood. One night, as I was tucking him into bed, I asked if he would like for me to pray with him about his anger. He agreed, and I rebuked the spirit of anger in him and prayed over him. Afterwards, he said, "Mom, it felt like something leaped out of my chest." He was a changed boy.<br />
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More recently, I spoke to a single mom who confessed that she had gotten sucked into an argument with her ex-husband. Normally, she tries to handle things peacefully from her end, and she immediately regretted that she had gotten down to his level and screamed back at him. The same week, she had been reminded of the love passage in I Corinthians 13 several times. It was in a sermon at a church, in an online daily devotional, and even on Christian radio. God reminded her that love is patient and kind and not easily angered. She realized that she needed to continue responding in love to a man who seemingly has a hard heart. <br />
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Psalm 37 is one of my favorite passages to share with someone who is going through a difficult situation or is feeling mistreated or misjudged by others. It has brought comfort to me many times, but in the past year, the second half of verse eight really stood out to me for the first time: "...do not fret--it leads only to evil." Forgiveness replaces fretting and can keep us in a right relationship with our Heavenly father, as well as others.<br />
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<span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">1 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do not fret because of those who are evil</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or be envious</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of those
who do wrong;</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><span id="en-NIV-14453">2 </span></span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for like the grass they will soon wither,</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
</i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">like green plants they will soon die away.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span id="en-NIV-14454"><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">3 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trust in the</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and do good;</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dwell in the land</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and enjoy safe pasture.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><span id="en-NIV-14455">4 </span></span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take delight</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in the</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">,</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and he will give you the desires of your heart.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span id="en-NIV-14456"><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">5 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Commit your way to the</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">;</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">trust in him</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and he
will do this:</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><span id="en-NIV-14457">6 </span></span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He will make your righteous reward</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">shine like the dawn,</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
</i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">your vindication like the noonday sun.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span id="en-NIV-14458"><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">7 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be still</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">before the</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and wait patiently</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for him;</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="text">do not fret</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">when people succeed in their ways,</span><br />
</span></i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">when they carry out their wicked schemes.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span id="en-NIV-14459"><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">8 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Refrain from anger</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and turn from wrath;</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">do not fret—it leads only to evil.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><span id="en-NIV-14460">9 </span></span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those who are evil will be destroyed,</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
</i><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but those who hope</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in the</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">will inherit the land</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (Psalm 37:1-9, NIV)</span></span></div>
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Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-64955703632871077662014-05-05T09:33:00.000-07:002014-05-05T09:33:08.993-07:00Older and WiserI know that a true lady isn't supposed to reveal or age; however, last month I turned fifty, and it wasn't as tough as I thought it might be. After all, I cried when I turned thirty and forty. For me, those milestone birthdays weren't particularly pleasant at the time, so based on those past experiences, I wasn't certain if I would actually be able to enjoy this milestone birthday.<br />
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At the time of my thirtieth birthday, I had several young children at home, and some of them were sick. It was rainy and gloomy all day long--one of those terrible, no good, very bad days. After a frustrating day as a stay-at-home mom, I was in tears by the time my husband had come home from work. Somehow, he soothed me and made things better by whisking me off to a special dinner outing for just the two of us.<br />
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On my fortieth birthday, I was dealing with teenage drama in my home and had gone through a particularly trying afternoon. (If any of you have read my book, you know the kind of drama I am talking about.) My husband had thoughtfully brought home Chinese carryout and a grocery store cake that night. Unfortunately, my birthday cake was more of a coffee cake with glaze and not something a bit more festive with icing. How could someone who had been married to me for sixteen years not realize that such a major birthday merited frosting? The cake was the last straw in a day that had not gone very well up to that point. I suddenly burst into tears at the sight of it and ran upstairs to my room to be alone. As I sat sobbing on the bathroom floor, feeling like an idiot, my concerned husband came upstairs to check on my well being. I explained that it wasn't really about the cake, and I was sorry for seeming like such an ungrateful woman. I shared with him about my earlier frustrations that had finally reached a boiling point. I let him know that I was sorry for ruining dinner and that I really did appreciate him for trying to celebrate my birthday with the kids. He understood and was kind enough to just let me vent. A month later, he redeemed himself by bringing home a store-bought, properly iced cake with the words: Happy 40 1/12 birthday. Being the nerdy math teacher that I am, I told him that I had actually thought about the fact that I was 40 1/12 years old that morning, so it pleased me that he would think of such a thing. <br />
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Instead of allowing myself to become depressed about my birthday this year, turning fifty brought some reflections on the previous decades of my life that have been filled with many blessings. In my first decade of young childhood, I accepted Christ and had a great military brat childhood, including moves to New Mexico, California and Germany. I was blessed with godly parents and four siblings.<br />
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After turning ten, I moved to my mom's hometown of Parsons, Kansas, and got to know my maternal grandparents. During my teens, I asked to be filled with the Holy Spirit, which brought about a deeper walk with God and more boldness in sharing my faith with others. I also began to use my musical skills as a pianist in school music groups in junior high, high school, and college. I later began composing and singing original Christian music. I went off to a Christian college and formed lifelong friendships.<br />
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My twenties brought college graduation, my first teaching job, and the start of my freelance writing career. I also got married, became a stepmother to my oldest daughter, and gave birth to three more children during this decade. My thirties included a six-year stint as a newspaper columnist, an opportunity to write advertising, the beginning of my college teaching career, two major family moves, and my oldest daughter's marriage. My forties graced me with two lovely granddaughters, another daughter's wedding, my husband's survival from cancer, publishing my first book, and my first missions trip to South Africa.<br />
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I am so thankful that God has been present in each decade of my life, and I am overwhelmed by all the wonderful experiences and people he has placed in my path. On numerous occasions, God has been faithful in his provision, hope, love, healing, grace and peace. When I am discouraged, I merely have to look back on the many answered prayers and remind myself that God is ever faithful to meet every need.<br />
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I would have to say that my fifties are off to a good start. My first grandson was born in late April, just a few weeks after my birthday. This year, I didn't cry on my milestone birthday. I was surrounded by many loved ones who made an extra effort to make it a joyous event. I share my birthday with my granddaughter Chloe, now 4, so we had a party together--complete with icing on the cupcakes. The day after my birthday, I asked my husband, "Were you surprised that I didn't cry on my birthday?" He remarked, "You didn't have anything to cry about." That is true, but that might not have stopped me in the past. I'm glad my husband doesn't mind putting up with an emotional, sentimental wife.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-13-5" id="en-NIV-14080" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </span></span><span class="text Ps-13-5" id="en-NIV-14080" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">But I trust in your unfailing love; </span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-13-5" style="position: relative;">my heart rejoices in your salvation. </span></span></i></span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Ps-13-6" id="en-NIV-14081" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-13-6" id="en-NIV-14081" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">I will sing<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14081N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s praise,</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-13-6" style="position: relative;">for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)</span></span></i></span><br />
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<br />Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-85244518922135675602014-03-14T11:06:00.000-07:002014-03-14T11:08:02.104-07:00God Uses Our ImperfectionsI am a perfectionist when it comes to certain areas of my life. Sometimes I demand too much and feel frustration when I fall short of the standards I have set for myself. I am often my own worst critic, and it's that little voice in my head that sometimes brings on feelings of inadequacy.<br />
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Long ago, I knew that I was not cut out to have an immaculate house, especially when I was raising young children. I cringed at the lack of time spent in prayer and Bible reading, when I let life get in the way. I would regularly compare myself to women who seemed more polished and fashionable and feel I came up short. <br />
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It has taken years of growing in maturity to realize that in spite of my shortcomings, God can use these very imperfections and failings for good. Perhaps my slightly messy house has made someone feel more comfortable in my home. Perhaps when I haven't felt overly polished, someone was more at ease in my presence. My numerous mistakes as a wife and mother have brought me great wisdom that I have often used to encourage others.<br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Just the other day, I was being overly critical when rereading my book <u>The Thankful Principle</u>. I should have phrased something differently here or included a
certain detail there. I was mentally beating myself up over small things. However, I realized that it doesn't have to be perfect
to change lives. God often uses imperfect things to fulfill his
purpose. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I am grateful that God turns these negative situations and the imperfections in my life into something beautiful. Every day, I want to be more like him. </span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /> 2 Samuel 22:31<br /> “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."</span>Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-10729941603602123332014-02-12T05:45:00.001-08:002014-04-07T08:24:52.938-07:00Salvaging Valentine's DayWhen I was a young wife, I was out at the mall with my visiting parents. I was about to spontaneously buy a flower for my husband, when my dad suggested that my motivation in doing so was because I wanted my husband to buy flowers for me. He was right, but I didn't realize that was my motive, until he pointed it out to me. My father is a former Air Force chaplain, and he once shared a story of a beautiful woman who came into his office for counseling. She complained that her husband never complimented her good looks, and she added, "I always tell him how nice he looks when he gets dressed up."<br />
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My dad commented, "Let me guess. When your husband gets dressed up, he calls it a monkey suit."<br />
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She said, "Well, yes he does."<br />
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Dad continued, "So when you tell him how nice he looks, you're telling him that he looks like a monkey. You need to find a way to compliment your husband in a way that makes him feel more like a man."<br />
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Together they discussed her husband's skills as a mechanic, and she was encouraged to go home and tell him about how much she appreciated the fact that he always kept their cars running well and what a good job he did. The following week, the woman waltzed back into my father's office and exclaimed, "He told me I was pretty!"<br />
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I have often thought about this simple advice of honoring others in a manner that they can receive. When I had been married for several years and had a young family, another young mother in her 30s called me on the morning of Valentine's Day. She was fuming mad and in tears. She went on to tell me about the fact that she had presented her husband with a card and a cute teddy bear, and he didn't have anything for her that morning. (He probably planned to pick something up on the way home from work that day.) Immediately, I thought about my flower story and quickly thought about how I could help diffuse the situation.<br />
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Knowing her personality, I knew she could easily stew all day, and even if her husband did bring home a gift, she might fling it back at him in anger. I told her the flower story and the story of the mechanic's wife. I let her know that a teddy bear was probably not something her husband would desire as a gift, but she was giving him what she might have wanted. I told her, "You have two choices: You can feel sorry for yourself all day and be in a bad mood when your husband gets home from work and your two boys get home from school, or you can do something positive." <br />
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I gave her a positive plan for the day. I suggested that she take a nice bath, pamper herself, put on a nice outfit, and do her hair and make-up. I gave her permission to do whatever she wanted to do that made her feel good about herself. Next, I told her to plan a nice dinner that day as a surprise for her family. I told her to make a big deal about it and show her family how much she loves them. I said, "Get out your best dishes, a tablecloth, and candles." I knew that if she put her energy to use in a positive direction, she would really bless her family and feel better, too.<br />
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The next day she called and excitedly told me, "Your plan worked!" She went on to tell me how thrilled her boys were when they got home from school and saw that their mom was making them a special dinner. When her husband got home from work, he presented her with a card and a gift, which she happily received.<br />
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Valentine's Day is a difficult holiday for many, whether single or married. If you find it depressing because you are alone or not in a relationship, find someone else in a similar situation who could also use some love and encouragement. Get a group of friends together to do something fun, make a big deal out of the day with the children in your life, and focus on loving acts of kindness. My children are now adults, and they still look forward to Mom's heart-shaped waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream. When they were little, I might have even added some cheap Valentine's decorations to the festivities. As they grew older, we would have a family gourmet dinner, and they would have the fun of trying new things and eating off of the good china by candlelight.<br />
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My husband and I decided years ago that romantic events, like Valentine's Day and our wedding anniversary were sometimes stressful because he couldn't read my mind. He wisely began asking me about my expectations just prior to the event. Being a practical person and not wanting to break the budget, sometimes I request something as simple as him making me a gourmet dinner at home, watching a movie together, or a simple lunch date. I appreciate his thoughtfulness in honoring me in this way, and it has saved a few tears.<br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NIV-28670">"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NIV-28671">It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672">Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673">It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:4-7)</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673">Happy Valentine's Day!</span>Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-37339291756389413582014-01-10T06:49:00.002-08:002014-01-10T06:56:32.267-08:00New Mountains to ClimbI am the type of person who enjoys a good challenge...sometimes. Perhaps it is because certain things come easy to me. Often I delight in the personal satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment that follows when I tackle something that isn't quite a piece of cake. However, in reality, challenges can be more frustrating than I would like to admit, and it would be much easier to stay within my comfort zone, rather than deal with a challenging situation.<br />
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When I interviewed in 1985 for what would later end up being my first teaching job, I thought I had wasted my time in driving 240 miles round trip for the interview. Essentially, it was a one-room school house at a small Baptist church in Missouri. I could not imagine myself teaching multiple grades in a single classroom, but when they offered the job to me, the Lord led me to accept the position. I taught grades K-6, 8th, and 10th (9 different levels) in a school of around 20 students. Although I did have parent volunteers in my classroom, I was constantly juggling my duties and trying to make sure I met the needs of my students. It wasn't easy, but it was obvious that God had placed me there. I stayed for two years. Looking back, I'm not even sure how I managed to do it, and it makes me dizzy just thinking about everything that the job required. Frequently, I prayed and cried out to God. Sometimes, I communicated with God through my musical compositions. <br />
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"Lord, you've searched my heart.<br />
You know every part.<br />
You know me so well.<br />
You know me.<br />
When I feel ashamed,<br />
Lord, you lay no blame.<br />
You love me so well.<br />
You love me.<br />
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And it's such a mystery.<br />
What do you see in me?<br />
There must be something<br />
That I can do for you.<br />
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Use me. Lord, please use me.<br />
And through me, may others know you, too.<br />
Lord, you know I want to be used by you."<br />
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--a portion of the lyrics from "Use Me" (copyright 1985 by Marcia Day Brown)<br />
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Currently, as I am looking at my responsibilities coming up in my new position as a center director for a mathematics learning center, I feel overwhelmed at times when I realize how much I need to learn to perform my duties successfully. Panic can easily set in and bring worry and stress. However, when I remember what God has helped me to accomplish in the past, I know he will guide and direct me in my present situation. I need not be anxious about anything, and when I do begin to feel stressed, I only need to remind myself of Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV)<br />
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It's comforting to know that my heavenly father does not want me to worry. He wants me to come to him with each and every need. Big or small--it doesn't matter. He cares about meeting each need, if I am willing to ask.<br />
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<br />Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-75422007317570669142013-12-18T17:20:00.000-08:002013-12-18T17:24:02.966-08:00God's Plans May Surprise YouWhen we assume we know how God may meet a need, we are often wrong. This year has been a prime example. I was told in March that my hours were going to be dramatically cut at the community college where I have taught developmental mathematics for nearly eighteen years. I would be getting less than half of my normal hours. <br />
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While others panicked, I wasn't initially worried at all. I just "knew" God must have plans for me to teach full-time in a public or private school setting. After all, I had just renewed my teaching license last year. It had been expired for over a decade, and I had finally figured out that I should have it renewed just in case I needed it someday. That someday was coming sooner than I thought, and I was practically congratulating myself on renewing my license just in time. I was just sure that God had laid it on my heart to renew my license for such a time as this.<br />
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Over the spring and summer months, I spent countless hours jumping through the hoops of applying for dozens of teaching jobs. I took personality tests, submitted a variety of documents, filled in hundreds of blanks. I just "knew" I would be an ideal candidate, since I would be a cheap hire with lots of experience. With only one year of public school teaching experience, I could give them my over twenty years of teaching background for the salary of a second year teacher. What a bargain! But God had other plans.<br />
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At the beginning of the summer school session, I "knew" God was going to give me a summer class, even though my original class had been cancelled due to low enrollment. After all, I had taught 52 consecutive semesters at the college, and my daughter was planning to be married in July and funds were needed. But God had other plans.<br />
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When we moved in 1999 and bought another house, God orchestrated the sale of our other house just in time to avoid double house payments. I "knew" God would do the same when we moved about two years later. But God had other plans.<br />
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In fact, I questioned God about that when we began having to make double house payments. I prayed, "God, why isn't our house selling?" He replied, "I'm building your character." That was not the answer that I wanted to hear, especially since I had made the point of specifically not asking God for patience. Thankfully, it only lasted a couple of months, and we never missed a payment.<br />
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Many times when God has other plans, I see his hand in the situation so clearly AFTER his plan is finally revealed. Although I didn't get a full-time teaching job in the fall, I did obey God in the writing of my book, <i>The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living</i>. Six days after I finished writing my book, I received an unexpected e-mail from someone who spotted my resume on a recruiting site and asked if I would like to apply to be the center director for a new math learning center. The job seemed tailor-made for me, and within a few weeks, I was hired. Many of my past work experiences have developed skills that will be needed and useful in this new challenge and opportunity. <br />
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And even though I did not end up with a summer class, God knew that I needed a summer off from teaching after 18 years. Not only that, but he provided a consulting project that covered the costs of what my husband and I spent on our daughter's wedding.<br />
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God is continually building my character, and I am working on being more thankful and accepting of letting his plan unfold, instead of rushing toward what I assume is God's plan. His plans always have our best interests at heart.<br />
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<i><span class="text Isa-55-8" id="en-NIV-18749">“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Isa-55-8">neither are your ways my ways,”</span></span><span class="right"><span class="text Isa-55-8">declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></span><span class="text Isa-55-9" id="en-NIV-18750">“ As the heavens are higher than the earth,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9">so are my ways higher than your ways </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Isa-55-9">and my thoughts than your thoughts." </span></span></i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-9">(Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)</span></span>Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-89202279993425981522013-12-16T19:53:00.002-08:002013-12-16T19:55:11.115-08:00News on the Kindle Edition of The Thankful PrincipleThe Kindle edition of <i>The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living</i> is now available. Stay tuned for news of the print edition. Just copy and paste the link below:<br />
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HC0QCAI/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb<br />
<br />Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-36334556587731665282013-12-11T07:40:00.002-08:002013-12-11T18:54:08.098-08:00The Gift of EncouragementDid you know that encouragement is a gift? Just the other day, I almost missed out on being a blessing and receiving a blessing, simply because I didn't feel like getting out on potentially icy and snowy roads. It would have been much easier to stay home and relax, rather than attend an optional training session for teachers at the college where I work.<br />
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After dropping my nephew off at work, I realized that the roads were in pretty good shape. I felt a prompting in my heart that I should go, and I had just enough time to change into presentable clothing and dash off to the event. When I got there, I sat with several colleagues and excitedly showed them the cover design for my book <i>The Thankful Principle</i> that was beautifully created by my friend Tracy.<br />
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The women were all interested in hearing more about the book, so I gladly shared details about <em>The Thankful Principle</em> and the impact that Philippians 4:6-7 has had on my life. All four women were receptive to my testimony and commented that they were excited about the book and would like to read it when it becomes available. We had a great time of sharing that morning over breakfast, as we waited for the training to begin.<br />
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As the uplifting conversations continued through our lunch break, I learned things about each of the women that revealed to me God's plan to encourage them that very day. I realized that by sharing the Thankful Principle with them, I had spiritually equipped them to fight their daily battles. Whether they were dealing with health issues, a divorce, a grown son recovering from the devastating effects of a stroke, a challenging teenage child, or some other personal concern, practicing thankfulness to God would empower them to deal with the issues that were consuming them and help them to experience God's peace in their lives.<br />
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All day long, I kept thinking to myself how wonderful our time together had been. I marveled at the fact that I had almost missed it. I wondered about how many other times I have missed out on giving or receiving a blessing because I took the easier route. Only God knows, but I am seeing that when I am obedient to his prompting, I am more in tune with what God would have me to do the next time.<br />
<br />
Isn't it wonderful that when we make the extra effort, God gives us opportunities to bless others and to receive a blessing? I love it when that happens.Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-34320576354914199112013-12-02T06:41:00.000-08:002013-12-03T07:42:21.035-08:00Getting Out of My Comfort ZoneMany times in my Christian walk, God has placed me outside of my comfort zone. He does this to bring spiritual growth and to use me in ways that are greater than I could ever imagine. Whether it be a prompting to offer to pray for someone or to take on a new responsibility, I am often challenged to obey and trust God in each instance. Sometimes I feel as though I am going out on a limb, but God does not let me fall, if I am walking in obedience to him.<br />
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Just the other day, I was speaking to a friend about a recent offer to pray for someone's healing. A woman I knew seemed to be experiencing a serious medical issue right in front of me, and only one other person was in the room with us. She sat very still, as she began to perspire. Her face turned beet red, and her heart was racing. I felt very helpless and questioned whether we should seek medical assistance. The only other option I had was to pray for her. Because I wasn't sure if she was a believer or how she would react to my offer to pray, I hesitated for a moment. Would it be awkward or embarrassing, if she refused? Would she think I was some religious nut?<br />
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However, I realized that God wanted me to offer to pray, and so I did. She nodded her head in agreement when I asked, and I prayed out loud for God to heal her in the name of Jesus and for her body to line up with the Word of God. As I was praying, I felt a warmth and knew that God was working in her situation. I commented, "I don't know exactly what happened, but I believe God is doing something in you." Fifteen days later, I saw her again, and she excitedly shared the details of a miraculous healing. After months of suffering from a variety of medical problems, her CAT scan had come back completely normal. In addition, she had experienced none of the troubling symptoms since the night we had prayed together. I rejoiced with her and was thankful that I did not give in to my initial reluctance to pray.<br />
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I was nearly 20 when God first told me to minister to someone for healing. At the time, I was attending a bible study with some girls in my dorm at Evangel University. One of the girls was experiencing terrible back pain from muscle spasms, and someone prayed a prayer over her that seemed hollow and empty. She had meant well, but it came across like she was throwing up a prayer that she didn't expect to be answered: "Lord, please touch her, if you've got the time." I thought to myself, "We aren't ministering to her."<br />
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When the bible study was over, we were having a time of silent prayer, and God spoke to me, "Marcia, I want you to minister to Bev's back." I tried to argue with God and tell him that I wasn't a minister. My dad was a minister, and my brother was going to be a minister. How could God ask me to minister to someone? Finally, God gently and firmly told me, "Marcia, if you'll minister to Bev's back, I'll heal her."<br />
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How could I continue to refuse? If I didn't obey God's prompting, then it would be my fault that my friend was continuing to be in pain. Nervously, I asked Bev how her back was feeling, while inwardly I prayed, "Please say that you were miraculously healed from the earlier prayer."<br />
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Instead, she replied, "It's still hurting." I gulped and launched into telling her that although I had never done anything quite like this before, I had seen my dad minister to people with back pain, and I wanted to offer to minister to her back. I prayed for her and commanded her back to be healed in the name of Jesus. When she sat down in a chair, we could see that her hips were out of alignment and one leg was about a half-inch shorter than the other leg. As the other girls in the room and I prayed, everyone saw a miracle, as the shorter leg lengthened. Afterwards, Bev reported that all the pain was gone. She began jumping up and down, and everyone else did also, as we praised God.<br />
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Sometimes when I share stories of obedience and answered prayer, others assume that it always comes easy to me, but they would never feel comfortable doing such a thing themselves. They hear the victory at the end at the end of my story, but they don't realize the tendency I have to drag my feet until I can no longer ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Others tell me that they do not know how to hear God's voice. Listening takes practice. When a thought comes to you that does not seem to be coming from you, test it against scripture. Does it line up with the Word of God? Does it ring true in your heart? If so, then you are probably hearing from God.<br />
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<i><span class="text Ps-128-1">"Blessed are all who fear the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-128-1">who walk in obedience to him." (Psalm 128:1, NIV)</span></span></i>Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-55042561902862925082013-11-21T11:52:00.002-08:002013-11-21T12:07:02.184-08:00What is the Thankful Principle?Over the past six months, I have been sharing the Thankful Principle wherever I go. In fact, as I was writing my soon-to-be-published book, I have been looking for opportunities to share this good news with people who are hurting, discouraged, or frustrated. It is not hard to find them, when I am looking. <br />
<br />
What is the Thankful Principle? The Thankful Principle is based on Philippians 4:6-7: "<span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NIV-29449">Do not be anxious about anything,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29449A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29449B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NIV-29450">And the peace of God,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29450C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> which transcends all understanding,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29450D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we come before the Lord with thanksgiving and present our concerns, we allow and invite God to work in our situation. By thanking God i</span>n the midst of trying circumstances, we are exercising faith and trusting God to solve the problem. <br />
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In my experiences over the past nine years of praying with thankfulness, God changed me, the situation, or both. No matter what, peace always followed. The peace of God does transcend all understanding, and it is wonderful to be able to feel that peace even when nothing has seemingly changed. Somehow, this calm assurance during our storms of life brings confidence. Confidence that our Father cares about us and is looking out for our best interests. Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-50853434415709444902013-11-14T13:40:00.003-08:002013-11-21T12:14:11.486-08:00Chapter 1: Victim of Circumstances (Excerpt from The Thankful Principle)<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the spring of 2004, a typical weekday morning took an
unpleasant, dramatic turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was heading
to my teaching job at a local community college and planning on dropping my
fifteen-year-old daughter, Danielle, off at our local high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I don’t recall exactly what I said
or did in the minivan that morning that ticked her off, some sort of argument
ensued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed as though every time I turned
around, there was some sort of major upset or drama with this child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter was constantly lashing out at
someone:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her younger brother Jacob,
little sister Laura, her father, or me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">At times, I wondered if this was typical teenage behavior or
whether we were dealing with some other unexplained issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt like I was living with two different
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter could be sweet and
enjoyable one minute and angry and moody the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever the root cause, it was beginning to
take a toll on our entire household.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
younger children would often be upset with their sister or reduced to tears,
and my husband and I had begun experiencing greater tension between us,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed my angst-ridden daughter
was keeping our entire household in a constant state of turmoil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">During these tense, difficult months, I would frequently
question my skills as a parent and ask myself and God, “Why is this
happening?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have I done to deserve
this?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed so unfair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had begun feeling like a victim of
circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor, miserable me would
often host a pity party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mentally, I
would remind myself that I had been a good daughter to my parents (and,
consequently, didn’t deserve this situation based on my past wrongs), and I was
a pretty good mother to my children, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nevertheless, I was constantly crying out to God and asking, “Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days I just wanted to
crawl into a hole.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">After I had dropped Danielle off at school that unfortunate
morning, I seethed inwardly, “How dare you start my day like that!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was extremely angry, especially considering
the fact that my day was already going to be stressful, since I was going to be
giving final exams to my college math students that day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Immediately, the thought crossed my mind, “We wrestle not
against flesh and blood.” Ephesians 6:12 had popped into my head, and it
immediately made me feel defensive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">“It sure feels like I’m wrestling my flesh and blood,” my
mind argued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Within a split second, a portion of another scripture
crossed my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This passage had gotten
me through tough times before, and it came back to me again that day at a time
I really needed it:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do not be anxious
about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My mind then flashed back to the many times I had called my
parents to complain about some situation, and they would usually reply, “Praise
the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you thanking God yet,
Marcia?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found their frequent urgings
and cheerfulness a bit annoying at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t need a guilt trip, when I just wanted a sympathetic ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Couldn’t they just let me vent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to praise the Lord when the car
breaks down, the kids get sick, or there is an unexpected expense, but at that
moment, something clicked in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
I was supposed to come before God with “thanksgiving” and make my requests
known to him, then that must mean I would have to THANK him for the
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, if there is a
request, it generally means that there is a problem involved that needs
solving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since I was alone in my car and still in an angry frame of
mind, I began shouting in my car:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank
you, Lord, that Danielle has a crummy attitude!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you, Lord, that you’re going to send people across her path
today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, Lord, that you’re
going to be our testimony!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably
shouted out several more bits of thanks to God in those few moments and said
whatever came to mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">If anyone in a passing car had noticed me yelling and
gesturing, they may have thought that I looked like a crazy woman, but I didn’t
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like the kid who has
finally had enough of the school bully and begins to take action by swinging
his fists and hoping he hits something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please note that although I was angry about the situation, I was not mad
at God; however, I was mad at the devil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consequently, each time I yelled my thanks to God, I felt like I was
punching the enemy and giving him a busted lip or a bloody nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was quite therapeutic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next thing I knew, I began feeling a little cocky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inwardly, I pictured myself looking like a
boxer, dancing around and taunting his opponent by saying, “You want a piece of
me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want a piece of me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just try to get me, punk!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not scared of you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">A new resolve replaced the victim mentality that I had been
operating under for months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That day I
served Satan notice that if he tried to get at me again through my children, I
was going to start thanking God EVERY TIME, whether I felt like it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like I had suddenly gotten this clever
idea and was boasting to my enemy by saying, “Yeah, I’m going to start thanking
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think about that, Devil?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to take this from you
anymore!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No longer was I going to be
bullied or a victim of circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t have to take this lying down, but I could now do something proactive and
give the enemy a black eye in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was freeing to recognize this truth, and this realization transformed
my thinking about dealing with difficult circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Surprisingly, after my “scream fest,” I began to experience
a strange sort of peace, the peace that “transcends all understanding.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t make sense, but I was no longer
feeling angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I had a
fantastic day and was pleased to learn that Danielle had also had a good day
that day at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought to myself,
“It works!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although it didn’t all happen overnight, this experience was
a revelation of God’s truth that would continue to grow and change my
thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the days ahead, I would
cling to this truth to an even greater extent, and it would transform my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the beginning of the Thankful
Principle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149640205321925373.post-21769385587509156282013-11-14T13:14:00.003-08:002013-11-14T13:23:49.504-08:00Description of The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Thankful Principle </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">follows Marcia Day Brown’s life-changing
journey into thankfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While frustrated
and dealing with a troubled teenage daughter, the author reluctantly began
thanking God in the midst of trying circumstances, according to Philippians
4:6-7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling empowered, she began
applying it to other areas of her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dramatic results followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through
sharing her testimony with friends, strangers, on the mission field of South
Africa, and even in a women’s prison, the Thankful Principle is continuing to
change lives today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The book is not publicly available yet, but please stay tuned for further developments.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
Marcia Day Brown, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08828212270925126856noreply@blogger.com0