tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48711443689532935902024-03-17T00:53:00.716-05:00THE WAY I SEE IT.Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.comBlogger623125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-86166736453348428662022-05-23T16:35:00.000-05:002022-05-23T16:35:24.799-05:00<p><span style="font-size: large;">Time for a change...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Hey friends... if you are looking for my blog, I've moved over to a new space. You can now find me here:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://marciaramirez.substack.com/" target="_blank">https://marciaramirez.substack.com/</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://marciaramirez.substack.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2392" data-original-width="4252" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvo-IhZFYgGuwWBEY1zJa0h45K9oxaiFa0R9RV2REFjNNh06pjfGcRc-DAFsEa1Niq8OpKRf6yVKIz1XDDojNJtA2Sk1g9TaMnovoLl4pWOcRE_YfZ_lUeKICkZoFNOQ0aZr_GYfVvQ_duOVwhyzJ47tOASP-kuivcDrzrKNx0BhCgOnFnMyL7Fg1jA/w422-h237/DSC04113-Edit-Edit-2.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you'll find me over there, join in the conversations and subscribe to my new newsletter! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks everyone... </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Love to all</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Marcia</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-74694485768832695902021-11-07T16:00:00.005-06:002021-11-07T16:00:59.315-06:00How to honor the Sabbath, religious labeling and other thoughts....<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday Thoughts: Nov. 7th, 2021</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“‘Sabbath is an expression of faith. Faith that there is a Creator and he’s good…’ says John Mark Comer. ‘So on the Sabbath, we don’t just take a day off from work; we take a day off from toil. We give him all our fear and anxiety and stress and worry.’”*<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">———-</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I thought about going to church this morning, but I didn’t. My body is still recovering from a few weeks of touring around the country and it was telling me to remain still a little longer. Learning to listen to the cues my body gives me is a relatively new thing in my world - but one that has served me very well lately.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I had a quiet morning in my sunroom with some prayer/meditation time. I then tried to watch a couple of sermons online, but both irritated me for different reasons. That led me back to a question I’ve been wrestling with for quite awhile now - “Where do I land religiously these days?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Saying I’m a Christian doesn’t cut it for me anymore because that term can mean many things. A fundamentalist Christian? An evangelical Christian? A modernist? A neo-evangelical? A progressive? A mainline Protestant? …..WHAT AM I?</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">David French wrote an article a couple of weeks ago about the infighting in Christian circles today that I’ve been hearing many people referencing lately. Here’s the link: <a href="https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/evangelical-elites-fighting-each"><span class="s1" style="color: #dca10d;">https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/evangelical-elites-fighting-each</span></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then I heard them discussing this idea of “Elite Evangelicals” further on this episode of The Holy Post: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holy-post/id591157388?i=1000539174931"><span class="s1" style="color: #dca10d;">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holy-post/id591157388?i=1000539174931</span></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And finally, I found this interesting breakdown by Phil Vischer (host of the Holy Post, and yes Veggietales creator) about what exactly IS an “Evangelical”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="s1" style="color: #dca10d;">https://youtu.be/NiiRnO7UTTk</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NiiRnO7UTTk" width="320" youtube-src-id="NiiRnO7UTTk"></iframe></div><br /><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It reminded me that Christianity has changed and changed and CHANGED throughout history. There are certain sects of American Christian churches who claim that their version of Christianity is the “original” one. But when you look back at Christianity before America was even a country, their claims become… well, just silly. Americanized Christianity is just another relatively new version of this religion. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I still don’t know what to call myself these days, but the urgency of trying to figure it out has subsided a bit. Most days I’m content to just be ME without a religious label. Today, this is who I am: I’m a deeply spiritual woman who believes in a God that created all things (including humans, mother earth and beyond) - and follows the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Anything beyond that just gets a shrug from me right now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is the Bible the inerrant word of God?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- shrug</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is Christianity the only way to heaven? - shrug</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is there really a hell? — shrug</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know some of my friends read that with concern, angst, even horror.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But the good news about the “shrug” is that it is truly freeing. Giving up certainty for me has been awesome! Embracing the mystery of God has been one of the most wonderful revelations in my spiritual journey. It allows God to be God — and takes all the pressure off of me. I don’t have to know it all to love others, and that is what I feel I’m ultimately called to do.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So.. I sit here at home on this GORGEOUS fall Sunday morning, and breathe in the beauty of nature around me. Letting God help me write these words today as I process where I am in my spiritual journey, and smiling as I know I’m closer to where I want to be than I have ever been before.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I used to feel guilty not attending church on Sabbath - but now, I think Sabbath is about so much more than only attending church.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So…..</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever you need to do today to feel closer to our Creator, God - do that.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever you need to do today to care for your soul - do that.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever you need to do today to honor yourself and others - do that.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I do those 3 things, I feel God smile at me — and it makes me smile too. And that is my expression of faith today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Sabbath, friends.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— M</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*John Mark Comer, Garden City: Work, Rest and the Art of Being Human, 2015 </span></p>Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-61378721403363927632020-06-06T13:49:00.000-05:002020-06-07T17:12:59.565-05:00Challenged<div class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Well friends, this has been a WEEK. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><i>I have been challenged and I have been changed.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br />It was a week of growth and education… and like I said - challenge. It was challenging mentally, emotionally and relationally. I’m not kidding when I say I believe I’ve been challenged more this week than I’ve ever been in my whole life… about anything. And although it’s been exhausting, it’s been a good thing.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I have been challenged by conversations with friends, by podcasts, articles, blogs and social media posts. My thinking, my biases, my beliefs and convictions have all been questioned and challenged by both people I agree with and people I disagree with. Some days were hard and heartbreaking. Other days were beautiful and eye-opening. Over-all, I know it’s worth the struggle.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I used to think when someone challenged you on something, it wasn’t good. Now, my eyes have been opened to the benefits of being challenged. It’s really the quickest way towards getting to the truth. And the truth is ultimately what I want to see.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">This week I participated in the “I am Muted” pledge, where I didn’t post anything about my own life, instead spotlighting the plight of the black community and supporting the “Black Lives Matter” movement. It was pretty amazing to see how many white people grew tired of my posts and un-followed me. Maybe some un-friended me too, I don’t really know. If they did, that makes me sad, because it means they don't want to be confronted with another view other than their own. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">One of the most challenging aspects of growth is being questioned by those you love who deeply don’t agree with you. “You’re posting too much about racial stuff!” said one friend who was clearly uncomfortable with my posts this week. Yes, I know - it’s much more comfortable for everyone if I just go back to posting about my music, or pictures of Charlotte smiling, sprinkled in with a recipe or two. Trust me, I’d rather be posting about that stuff too. I’d give anything if I didn’t have to post about police brutality and racial injustice because that would mean it wasn’t happening anymore. Sadly, i can’t do that, because it IS happening.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">As this week comes to an end, I won’t be posting about racial issues everyday anymore, but I don’t plan on backing down to fight for equality for my black friends. I am committed to doing what I can to stop racial injustice in this country. This has been buried in my heart now and my eyes have been opened. REALLY opened to the systemic injustice going on in our country. And once you finally SEE this, you can’t un-see it. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><i>Yes, I have been challenged and I have been changed. </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">On a positive note, I do believe we are seeing some progress on this. The peaceful protest in Nashville this week, organized by teenagers in this area was nothing short of incredible! Over 10,000 people peacefully let their voices be heard! I watched with chills as they marched downtown. And this time it wasn’t just black people marching for their rights. It was black and white and hispanic and asian… a completely mixed demographic of people all fighting for the rights of each other! It was inspiring and encouraging and makes me think we do have good change coming around the corner.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">To end this, I’d like to highlight 3 main ways I have been challenged:</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">1. <b>As a white woman, I have been challenged</b>. I’ve been challenged to see my whiteness and acknowledge my privileged place in this society. I’m not quite as privileged as a white male, but I’m second in line and we white women need to understand how we have pushed minorities down so that we can hold onto that 2nd place position. For a resource on that, I recommend watching “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=917605212052111"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-kerning: none;">White Women’s Toxic Tears”</span></a>, by Lisa Sharon Harper and Jen Hatmaker.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">2. <b>As a Christian, I have been challenged</b>. I’ve been challenged to see how the Christian church has failed the black communities. I’ve been challenged to see how the church is still the most segregated body in America today. In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q881g1L_d8"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-kerning: none;">THIS YOUTUBE CLIP</span></a>, Martin Luther King speaks about how sad it is that the “11:00 hour is the most segregated hour in our country” and what a tragedy that is. This clip was from 1960, and sadly, not much has changed 60 years later. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I'd also like to say that the silence from so many white Christian leaders on racism has been deafening. White theology is still loud and proud in America. If it wasn't for the black Christian leaders speaking out so eloquently and standing strong in the faith, I might be questioning my own religious beliefs -- even more than I already have been these last few years. I am grateful to them. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">3. <b>And as an American, I have been challenged</b>. America used to be proud of it’s diversity. On the Statue of Liberty, these words are engraved:</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><i> “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I pray our country can celebrate it’s diversity again, by truly giving equality to all. By showing human decency, respect and love to each other, no matter what our backgrounds are. No matter what our skin color is. No matter what language we speak. I love this country. I love it so much. THAT is why I’m fighting to make it better. I’m fighting to make it a wonderful place for ALL to live. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Yes, this has been a challenging week on so many levels. But I have grown and feel like I’m a better person. A stronger person. I pray everyone is taking the time to do the work they need to in order to educate themselves on the truth that is happening in our country. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">If you want to learn more but don’t know where to start, I listed some resources for you at the bottom of this blog. I hope you will take the time to understand… truly understand, what is happening in this country. Don’t let your prejudices and biases blind you from the truth. I can say that because I used to be blinded by my limited perspective… and I would argue with you ALL DAY LONG that I wasn’t. I thought I could see… but i could not. I didn’t know how to “Weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Now that I understand the real plight of the minorities in this country, I have been weeping. I have weeped all week. I just pray my tears continue to push me to make a difference.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Yes, I have been challenged and I have been changed.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">… and I am grateful.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Love, Peace and Blessings,</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">M</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">RESOURCES:</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A few trusted leaders to learn from :</span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Latasha Morrison: <a href="https://latashamorrison.com/"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-kerning: none;">https://latashamorrison.com/</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Lisa Sharon Harper: <a href="http://www.lisasharonharper.com/"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-kerning: none;">www.lisasharonharper.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Jo Saxton: <a href="http://www.josaxton.com/"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-kerning: none;">www.josaxton.com </span></a> </span></div>
<div class="p5" style="color: #0000ee; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Kyle Howard: <a href="http://www.kylejhoward.com/"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-kerning: none;">www.kylejhoward.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ibram X. Kendi: </span><a href="https://www.ibramxkendi.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.ibramxkendi.com/</span></a></div>
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<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">BJ Thompson: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/bj116"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://twitter.com/bj116</span></a></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Websites to check out:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s4" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.bethebridge.com/">www.bethebridge.com</a></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-kerning: none;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p5" style="color: #0000ee; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s4" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://colorsofchange.org/">Colorsofchange.org</a></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-kerning: none;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s4" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/">https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/</a></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Books:</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">White Fragility by Robin Diangelo</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Waking up White by Debby Irving</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander</span></div>
<div class="p4" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">White Awake by Daniel Hill</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beyond Colorblind by Sarah Shin</span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-20687185805186829142020-04-29T12:02:00.001-05:002020-04-29T12:26:11.947-05:00Quarantine Cooking 2020... breakfast hash! <!-- START PLAN TO EAT RECIPE MARKUP --> <br />
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I'll admit it. I'm missing EATING OUT AT RESTAURANTS!!<br />
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We never ate out that frequently, but this quarantine has reminded me that sometimes I'm just sick of my own cooking and I need something different on my palate.<br />
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So... I've been dreaming about some of my favorite dishes at some of my favorite restaurants and decided to try and recreate them.<br />
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Today's attempt was a SMASHING SUCCESS - so I thought I'd share it with you!<br />
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I love "First Watch" and especially their Market Hash. Check out this recipe below and try it out! It was easy and delicious. I'm happy to have a new breakfast recipe that's easy and healthy too!<br />
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Blessings... Marcia<br />
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<a href="https://www.plantoeat.com/recipes/23857584" target="_blank">Marcia's breakfast hash</a></h2>
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<div class="summary p-summary" itemprop="description">
This is my new favorite breakfast/brunch item from my 2020 Quarantine Cooking Adventures. It's my knock-off from First Watch's market hash which I LOVE. Mine is a little different but equally as good! The great thing about this is you can substitute any veggies you have in your fridge and it will be FINE. Enjoy! </div>
<strong>Source:</strong> Marcia's kitchen <br />
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<strong class="title">Serves:</strong> <label style="display: inline;"> 1 <button class="pte-show-edit-servings" data-recipe-id="23857584" style="display: none;">Scale</button> </label> <span class="edit-servings" style="display: none;"> <input size="3" style="display: inline-block; width: 4em;" value="1" /> <button class="pte-change-servings" data-recipe-id="23857584">Update</button> </span> </div>
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<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
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<ul data-yield="">
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount">1 </span> <strong class="name">small potato</strong></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount"><span class="frac"><sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub></span> cup</span> <strong class="name">chopped onions</strong></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount"><span class="frac"><sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub></span> cup</span> <strong class="name">chopped green pepper</strong></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount"><span class="frac"><sup>3</sup>⁄<sub>4</sub></span> cup</span> <strong class="name">sliced carrots</strong></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount">1 cup</span> <strong class="name">diced zucchini squash</strong></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount">4 </span> <strong class="name">cherry tomatoes</strong> <em> halfed</em></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount"><span class="frac"><sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub></span> </span> <strong class="name">mushrooms</strong> <em> diced or sliced</em></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount">1 cup</span> <strong class="name">spinach</strong> <em> or 1 large handful</em></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount">2 Tbsp</span> <strong class="name">olive oil</strong></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><strong class="name">chicken or veggie broth</strong></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><strong class="name">salt and pepper</strong> <em> to taste</em></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><span class="amount">1 </span> <strong class="name">egg</strong> <em> fried</em></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><strong class="name">garlic to taste</strong></li>
<li class="ingredient p-ingredient " itemprop="ingredients"><strong class="name">Montery jack cheese</strong> <em> or any cheese you like</em></li>
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<strong>Directions</strong></div>
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<li>Microwave potato for about 4 minutes or until softened. Then cut into bite size pieces.</li>
<li>In one large skillet, put in olive oil (or avocado oil) until hot.</li>
<li>Add onions, peppers, carrots and potatoes and cook until veggies are a bit softened (2-3 mins) Season w/ a bit of salt and pepper</li>
<li>Add zucchini and mushrooms... cook for a couple of mins</li>
<li>Add Spinach and tomatoes and garlic.... add extra oil or the broth to keep moistened if getting too dry. Cook until they look done and then turn burner to low. Sprinkle the cheese on top and let it melt.</li>
<li>In another skillet, fry up an egg to your preferred doneness. I like my over-well.</li>
<li>Serve all the veggies in a bowl and top with the fried egg.</li>
<li>This is delicious! Can add a side of fruit or toast to go along with it but it's great all by itself.</li>
<li>This recipe can be used as a base, but you can throw in ANY leftover veggies you have in your fridge to make this yummy!</li>
</ol>
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<script async="" src="//www.plantoeat.com/javascripts/PTE.embedded-recipe.js"></script> <link href="//www.plantoeat.com/javascripts/PTE.embedded-recipe.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link> <script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"Recipe","name":"Marcia's breakfast hash","datePublished":"2020-04-29","image":"https://plantoeat.s3.amazonaws.com/recipes/23857584/949ca1837d9246984538a31fa3e5c02eaa837a33-original.jpg?1588179370","description":"This is my new favorite breakfast/brunch item from my 2020 Quarantine Cooking Adventures. It's my knock-off from First Watch's market hash which I LOVE. Mine is a little different but equally as good! The great thing about this is you can substitute any veggies you have in your fridge and it will be FINE. Enjoy! ","prepTime":null,"cookTime":null,"totalTime":null,"recipeIngredient":["1 small potato","1/2 cup chopped onions","1/2 cup chopped green pepper","3/4 cup sliced carrots","1 cup diced zucchini squash","4 cherry tomatoes, halfed","1/2 mushrooms, diced or sliced","1 cup spinach, or 1 large handful","2 Tbsp olive oil","chicken or veggie broth","salt and pepper, to taste","1 egg, fried","garlic to taste","Montery jack cheese, or any cheese you like"],"recipeInstructions":["Microwave potato for about 4 minutes or until softened. Then cut into bite size pieces.","In one large skillet, put in olive oil (or avocado oil) until hot.","Add onions, peppers, carrots and potatoes and cook until veggies are a bit softened (2-3 mins) Season w/ a bit of salt and pepper","Add zucchini and mushrooms... cook for a couple of mins","Add Spinach and tomatoes and garlic.... add extra oil or the broth to keep moistened if getting too dry. Cook until they look done and then turn burner to low. Sprinkle the cheese on top and let it melt.","In another skillet, fry up an egg to your preferred doneness. I like my over-well.","Serve all the veggies in a bowl and top with the fried egg.","This is delicious! Can add a side of fruit or toast to go along with it but it's great all by itself.","This recipe can be used as a base, but you can throw in ANY leftover veggies you have in your fridge to make this yummy!"]}</script> <!-- END PLAN TO EAT RECIPE MARKUP -->Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-895506465783999942020-04-12T12:55:00.001-05:002020-04-12T12:58:14.521-05:00A different kind of Easter - 2020 <div class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi friends,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s Easter Sunday morning, and for most Christians it’s quite different than usual. No dressing up and going to worship the risen King in the church of our choosing. The virus has changed everything, including us. But I’m actually ok with that. Really.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m ok with that for many reasons. Partly because I’m in a very weird place as far as religion goes right now. For awhile I’ve been taking time to work on my personal relationship with my Creator and my Savior, setting aside much of what was taught to me about what I’m “supposed” to believe surrounding the life and death of Jesus, and instead choosing to study the Bible with much research of original Hebrew language and the Holy Spirit to guide me. It’s been enlightening to say the least. I’m still not in a completely comfortable place with religion... but I’m SO much more comfortable with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit... and myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was actually grateful to have this Easter Sunday, alone on the porch of my cabin in the mountains. I got up early, poured a cup of coffee, and sat down on the porch with a blanket wrapped around me for warmth. I sat looking at the mountains and pondering all the things my Savior has done for me. There is no doubt in my mind or heart that Jesus saved me. He saved me when he died on the cross, He saved me when I let Him into my heart and asked Him to change me and mold me into what He made me to be. And He continues to save me each and every day as I lean in closer and closer to His majesty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OH, I could feel His majesty on my porch this morning!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I could feel Christ in the wind blowing on my face. I could taste Him in the warm coffee I was sipping. I could see how God’s finger traced the mountains in front of me and carved out each hill and valley. I found myself grateful that I wasn’t feeling pressured to get dressed up in my “Easter best” and go into a building with a bunch of other people to worship this morning. I didn’t want corporate worship today. I just wanted it to be me and God on this Holy Day. Selfish maybe, but honest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve never been more grateful that God meets us wherever we are and we can worship him wherever we are and that Christianity isn’t about following a bunch of rules to me anymore. It’s about connecting with my Creator and my Savior... and letting Him lead me where I need to go, and become who I need to be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rohr speaks of the spiritual process of “order, disorder, reorder”. I actually thought I was in my reorder phase, but after crying many tears to my sweet husband this morning, and spilling my guts to him of how confused and disconnected I was feeling about the many religious rituals happening today, he gently informed me that I’m still very much in “disorder”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>LoL. —That man is a GIFT FROM GOD I TELL YOU. He knows how to make me laugh just when I need it the most... and usually it’s by making me stop and see the reality of my situation with perfectly timed levity. I love him so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If any of you reading this might be feeling the way I am today, I offer this blog post, “On the days when I believe this...”. by Sarah Bessey to you. It brought me much comfort this morning and dried my tears.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://sarahbessey.substack.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://sarahbessey.substack.com/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No matter where you are, physically or spiritually today, I hope you are all safe, happy and healthy. I hope you all can take this day to appreciate the blessings around you. Blessings from a God who loves you so deeply it’s mind-boggling. Find the beauty in your current set of circumstances, no matter how dreary they may seem right now. Only God can give us that kind of vision. The ability to see light in the dark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love this quote from the amazing Barbara Brown Taylor in her powerful book, “Learning To Walk In The Dark”:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“New life starts in the dark. Whether it is a seed in the ground, a baby in the womb, or Jesus in the tomb, it starts in the dark.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, if you are like me and feel like you are stumbling around in the dark today, it’s ok. It just means new life is around the bend. On this day, I believe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Easter everyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Much love,</span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-53452412729075805182019-12-31T09:37:00.001-06:002020-04-12T12:57:21.875-05:002019. The good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly.<style type="text/css">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tues. Dec. 31st, 2019</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On this last morning of the year, I woke up early (5:30am), and did my usual routine. I made coffee, turned on the fireplace, and snuggled into my morning prayer chair with Charlie. For those of you that don’t know, Charlie is our rescue dog and he is truly a light in our lives. We have a friend who was struggling with depression last year, and you know what his doctor’s advice was? Get a dog. And he did. And he said it changed <i>everything</i>. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dog lovers get it. I mean, I know many who <i>own</i> a dog, but owning a dog and <i>loving</i> a dog are two different animals, right?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(<i>pun intended.)</i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dogs can teach us so much about living life moment to moment. They don’t worry about the future. They pretty much just accept life on it’s own terms and seem happy with whatever is given to them, whether little or much. They don’t hold grudges. They are always happy to see those that they love and don’t hold back on expressing their joy when you walk into a room. I can seriously just run to the grocery store and come back 20 minutes later, and the greeting I get is like I’ve been gone a year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>With all the jumping up in the air, tail wagging, and whimpering with happiness he can muster, Charlie will always make sure I know that someone is glad I just walked through the door. He makes me smile every single day, and he is one blessing I am definitely grateful for in 2019.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know many of you are taking this day to think back on 2019 and evaluate the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. Was 2019 a good year?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or was it a bad year?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The truth is, for most of us, it was both. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something I have recently come to understand is that more than one thing can be true at the same time.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2019 held tears of joy and tears of sadness. It gave us hellos and goodbyes. It gave us cheers and disappointments, happiness and sadness, clarity and confusion. But that is how life is meant to be, right?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We can hold two truths at once.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can feel love <i><b>and</b> </i>grief.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can feel joy <i><b>and</b> </i>sadness.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can be hopeful <i><b>and</b> </i>scared.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can be grateful for every single thing we have around us <i><b>and</b></i> wish everything could be different.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can absolutely love the direction our life seems to be going <i><b>and</b> </i>miss where we used to be.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can be 100% sure that God loves us deeply <i><b>and</b> </i>be completely confused about religion.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personally, that last statement is where I’ve spent much time in 2019. My faith journey has been almost torturous these last few months.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve spent many days in what Richard Rohr would call the “disorder” phase of my spiritual journey, unpacking so many “truths” that were taught to me by well-meaning, but under-educated Sunday School teachers of my past.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Boy, when you start understanding how many of those “truths” aren’t <i>true, </i>it can make you question <i>everything.</i> I cannot lie… it’s a scary place to be… at first.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But God’s love is liberating. It truly is. And I have found rest in that truth many days during my religious disorder. And I still do even now.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But back to this morning….</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I grabbed my journal and opened my daily devotion, I was led to Ecclesiastes 3. Many people know that chapter. It’s the one where King Solomon wisely talks about the seasons of life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Life is truly all about seasons. Spring, summer, fall and winter. Each holding beauty in it's own special way, even though you may struggle to find it in some. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ecclesiastes 3 starts with a beautiful poem, both reassuring the reader that God is in control, but also sobering the reader to the mystery behind it all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ahhhh…. the mystery of God. Another time that two truths collide at once for me. While my human mind wants <i>answers,</i> which means the mystery of God causes frustration, I also find comfort in knowing that God is more powerful and knowing than I am. I mean, who would want a God in charge that didn’t know more than we do? If my knowledge is on the same level as God, WE ARE ALL IN TROUBLE.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>:-) <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But seriously, I am learning to embrace the mystery of God and understand that human beings are truly only capable of coping with the moment. We don’t need to know our future. It would probably make our heads explode. So God only gives us small glimpses into what is in store, because He knows it’s all we can handle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THANK YOU GOD.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thank you for leaving much in the mystery. I’m worrying about quite enough right now as it is.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>:-)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The bottom line that these verses bring to light is that while there are good things in life, the bad things cannot be escaped. NO ONE escapes the problems of this world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think it’s human nature to live in the “if only’s”:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If only </i>I had more money, I wouldn’t have problems, and I would be happy.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If only </i>I had fame, I wouldn’t have problems, and I would be happy.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If only </i>I had that promotion, that bigger house, a newer car.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If only</i> I had a husband (or wife).</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If only</i> I had children.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If only </i>I had all the answers.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is your <i>if only</i>?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Are you placing all your future happiness on the shoulders of something or someone of this world?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Truly think about it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What are you waiting on to be <i>happy?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Listen friends, I don’t claim to have everything figured out, but this one thing I know for SURE….living like that will <i>not</i> serve you well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I know, because I tried it for <i>years.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We don’t always have the power to change our circumstances, but we do have the power to choose joy. Even in the midst of difficult, even heartbreaking circumstances, I have felt and seen joy. Yes, it’s an unexplainable paradox, but it’s real and it’s holy and it’s beautiful. So so beautiful.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recently started attending a new church in Nashville. After 6 years of avoiding any sort of organized religion I finally felt brave enough to look for a community of believers again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was led to a beautiful place called “<a href="http://www.sperodei.com/" target="_blank">Spero Dei</a>”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I call it a “place” because it truly has become a place for me not only physically, but emotionally as well. It's a place where my doubts and questions are welcomed. It's a place where the mystery of God is embraced. It's a place that includes all people, no matter what they look like, who they love, what they believe. It's a place where everyone's story has a home. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Spero Dei” is a latin phrase. Most people know that Dei means “God”. Spero means “I hope”. So basically, “I hope in God”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It can also be interpreted to mean, “I believe, trust, presume, expect, anticipate and look for”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All of that is true. I may be a little conflicted about religion right now, but I definitely hope, believe, trust, presume, expect, anticipate and look for God these days. In all things.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will finish this little year end note by saying this: I have <i>no idea</i> what 2020 will bring to you or your loved ones…. but as your friend, I promise you this: I will be praying for you. I will pray for you in general, by name, and often. And if you have a specific request, just let me know. Anytime, any day, anywhere. If you are needing someone to bother, nag and beg God on your behalf, I’m your girl. Truly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And as for me and my gang, I have no idea what is around the corner for us either — but I am choosing to be hopeful (while at the same time scared). SO MANY UNKNOWNS. Will the same difficulties of 2019 follow us into 2020?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or will we embark on a completely new set of trials?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> I would appreciate your prayers for us as well. Prayers are a powerful thing. I have felt them carry me through my darkest days. I am truly grateful for my prayer warrior friends. So so grateful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So as 2020 begins tomorrow, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> I will embrace the mystery of God and let go of needing to have all the answers. I will try to love those in my life as best I can. I will try to offer more grace, more mercy and more forgiveness than ever before, and I will pray those around me can find it in their hearts to offer me the same. God knows I need it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I will remember that above all this, my hope is in the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spero Dei y’all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i><b>Spero Dei.</b></i></span></div>
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<br />Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-65104742458393383402019-09-20T08:40:00.003-05:002019-09-20T09:04:04.179-05:00For those hurting today.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gosh friends...sigh....it’s been a tough week for many in my friendship circles.</div>
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<span class="s1">💔</span>My sister and brother-in-law lost a close family member.</div>
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<span class="s1">💔</span>A friend’s friend lost his son to suicide.</div>
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<span class="s1">💔</span>The Nashville touring community lost one of it’s own in a horrific bus crash.</div>
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<span class="s1">💔</span>2 friends buried their Mothers on the same day.</div>
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<span class="s1">💔</span>My son’s friend got a terminal diagnosis.</div>
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.... and that’s only a few written in my prayer journal. Many are too private to share. But clearly, the hurt is being spread around these days. No, it’s not just you. Everyone has their own burdens to carry. No one gets through life without scars. But we do have help, and hope.</div>
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In my deepest darkest pain, I have been carried through by the grace of God. I have cried out to Him over and over for relief from hurt I thought I could not bear — and He graciously gave it. I have felt the prayers from those who love<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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me, forming huge protective barriers around me to keep me from falling down so far that I could never get back up. Prayers that lifted me out of the belly of the whale so that I could breathe again. And a sweet, precious mercy straight from God that renewed my soul and gave my spirit light enough to see hope again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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For those of you that are hurting so badly today, I pray you can feel God’s tenderness towards you. He cries each tear with you. I am so grateful we have a Savior that knows what we are feeling. He walked this earth and loved and lost too... so yes, he truly KNOWS what we are going through and He has promised to stay right beside us to help us through our pain. He has done it for me over and over again. I pray you let Him do it for you too.</div>
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Yes, you’ll be able to smile again.</div>
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Yes, you’ll be able to feel “light” again.</div>
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Yes, you’ll feel hope again.</div>
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It just takes time. Healing time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Until the healing comes forth, remember....you are not walking this dark path alone. The Lord is extra close to the broken-hearted. <span class="s1">❤️</span></div>
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Much love,</div>
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Marcia</div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-58826887788948266072019-08-05T07:29:00.000-05:002019-08-05T09:58:07.098-05:00One Nation Under Stress<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">I truly believe it’s killing us all... and not just physically. It’s killing us emotionally and socially as well. It’s literally tearing us apart and America is showing signs that it could become completely torn in two if we don’t do something to stop it.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">We recently watched the HBO documentary “<a href="https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/one-nation-under-stress" target="_blank">One Nation Under Stress</a>” , which tries to uncover the reason why American life expectancy has fallen in the last few years and is now officially shorter than all other major developed countries. And that is despite spending more on healthcare than any other country.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">The physical ramifications of stress are real. Most of us have become way too aware of that in recent years. You can just do a quick google search and find out how we are suffering physically from the stress that our current culture imposes on us. That is not new news. Physical ailments ranging from heartburn to cancer are listed as the body’s inability to process the stress we are under. It is actually considered a <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/stressed-america" target="_blank">public health crisis</a> by most professionals. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">However, one of the most interesting things they talked about in that documentary was how when human beings are stressed, it severely limits their ability to be empathetic towards each other.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">Ok.. now we are getting somewhere. That is explaining A LOT about the state of our nation as I see it now. We are losing the ability to empathize with one another because of our stress levels. It’s almost like the stress shuts down that part of the brain where we care about one another on a purely human level. Yes, we care about the people we are close to and love... but do we care about strangers? </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">I’m a strong 9 on the Enneagram, which is the Peacemaker. I hate conflict with a passion and will do just about anything to avoid it. However, I have learned in recent years that there is a big difference between Peacemaking and Peacekeeping. Being silent about injustice in my view is <i>not </i>PeaceMAKING. It might keep the peace in <i>my</i> little world for a bit, but in the grand scheme of things, learning to speak up when I see something being done to another human being that I believe is wrong is something I’m only recently getting brave enough to do. And it <i>does</i> take bravery to speak up about <i>anything</i> in this current social climate. It’s especially hard for a moderate like me because when I speak up, I don’t risk being attacked by the “other” side. A progressive’s voice will get attacked by a conservative and vice-versa, but when moderates speak, they usually get pummeled by BOTH sides. It’s a scary place to be. Brené Brown talks about this in her book, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Braving-Wilderness-Quest-Belonging-Courage/dp/0812995848" target="_blank">Braving The Wilderness</a>”, which I highly recommend.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">But back to stress and empathy. How can we reverse this trend? How can we stop letting our current cultural voices convince us that we are each other’s enemies? Just because we don’t see eye-to-eye politically, socially, or religiously, does that mean we should fear one another? Not just FEAR each other, but actually HATE one another. That is the message I see from our loudest voices in America today. Our political, religious and social leaders are encouraging fear and hate and tribalism — and it is STRESSING ME OUT. ;-)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">I had started this blog on Saturday before my show down in Alpharetta, GA - a couple of hours before I heard about the mass shooting in El Paso. I had trouble sleeping on Saturday night because of this horrible news rolling around in my head. <i>Another mass murder in America? </i>What is going ON? Then I got up on Sunday morning to drive back to Nashville and heard about yet <i>another </i>shooting, this one in Dayton, OH. I was truly heartsick. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">I recently finished an in-depth study of the book of Galatians and I couldn't help but have Gal 5:15 running in my head: </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;"><i><b>"But if you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out, or you will be consumed by each other."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">The horrible truth is we are a nation that is consuming each other right now. And I believe it's because we have bought into the notion that we should be afraid....<i>very afraid. </i>Afraid of anyone that isn't like us. Anyone who doesn't <i>look </i>like us. Anyone who doesn't worship like us, vote like us, speak the same language as us. And how does fear manifest itself? In anger and STRESS.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Guys, this mass murder problem that America has is a deadly combination of fear, stress, anger.... and guns. Too many dang guns. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">I'm not saying I'm for a complete ban of guns. We are gun owners ourselves, but good gravy friends, it has gotten out of hand! America is the only country in the world with more guns than citizens. I know, I know.... I hear the common defense of "Guns don't kill people... People kill people.", but C'MON ON. Guns is definitely a common denominator in this mass shooting thing. While it's clear that the mental health issue is another part of the problem American culture is facing today, trying to ignore the consistent use of automatic rifles in these mass shootings is just INSANE. We have got to find a way to get these guns out of the hands of these angry white men.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Sorry, but that seems to be the other common denominator. White men. Should we round up all the white men in the country and deport them? No? That's crazy you say? Yes, of course it is. But let's face it.... we are a country under attack by our "own". Our fear of everything and everyone have led us towards a path of truly "consuming each other" (again -Gal 5:15). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">One of the main fears I keep hearing is of losing our "rights" in this country and the freedom to live as we choose to live. But we are actually <i>losing </i>our freedom by believing the lie that we must live in fear of each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">There is only one path out of this. And the answer is found again in Galatians.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>"</b>It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. <i><b>Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.</b></i> For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"> I just hope and pray that we can find our path back to loving each other again and not just picking sides and deciding that whoever isn't on our side is our enemy. That is the stress talking. We are <i>not</i> each other's enemies. We are each other's neighbors, even when we don't see eye to eye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Let that sink in: WE ARE EACH OTHER'S NEIGHBORS. No matter our skin tone, religious affiliation, or political attachments. And we have got to claw our way out of the stress induced fear and hate in this country and find our way back to LOVE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Love your neighbor friends. Don't be afraid. Just love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">"There is no fear in love." - 1 John 4:18 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Much love,</span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-82024862255015041232019-07-20T08:22:00.002-05:002022-06-01T20:00:07.604-05:00Loving Better: My journey towards becoming an affirming Christian I'm finally ready to come out.<br />
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No, I'm not gay. My "coming out" is not from the closet of sexual identity secrecy, but from religious legalism and the exclusive Christian club that I was afraid of being kicked out of for many years. While my gay friends had to keep their true selves covered up because they were afraid they might not be loved if people knew the secret they were harboring, I too felt the pressure of keeping my support of them private. <br />
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However, after a couple of years of wrestling with this issue and going on a journey of deep study to try and find the truth about it, I can come out with full support of my LGBTQ+ friends and say that yes, they too are made in God’s image <i>just as they are</i>. They deserve the same rights, permissions and respect as anyone else, and that includes marriage - as well as being able to be included in any church, or religious circles of their choosing. And it’s a damn shame that they aren’t.<br />
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After posting a recent link to a sermon by a "pastor" in Knoxville, TN saying all the LGBTQ+ community should be rounded up by the government and executed, I started having friends private messaging me, asking what my stance was on LGBTQ+'s and Christianity. Then, after I posted my feelings about PRIDE month, I started getting even more people questioning my stance. I am happy to say that almost every single person who contacted me privately expressed the desire to "get where I am" on this, and was honestly asking me how I got clarity on this polarizing, cultural, and deeply personal issue.<br />
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How did I get to my position on this? Well, it’s going to be impossible to go through every single step along the way, every book I read, every scripture I studied, every trusted teacher I spoke with. My decision of affirmation came because of a combination of research, scripture study, experience and prayer. MUCH prayer.<br />
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First off, I studied the science behind sexual orientation. Meaning, is it a choice? My conclusions are that it is indeed <i>not</i> a choice. There are many medical findings to back up this stance, as well as some of my own experience. What I mean by that is that in my own experience, I certainly didn’t choose my sexual orientation. There wasn’t a moment in my life where I said, “Hmmmm.... shall I choose to be attracted to men, or women?” Nope. I was hopelessly heterosexual, even though there was a time in my younger days that I thought it might be cool to be attracted to women, I just couldn’t go there. It felt completely unnatural— and it was. Just like it is completely unnatural for a gay man to force himself to try and have sex with a woman, or a gay woman to have sex with a man. It feels unnatural because it <b><i>is</i></b> unnatural for them. And God doesn’t want us to participate in “unnatural sexual relations”. I finally felt I had done enough study to conclude that our sexual identity is not a choice and since "sin" is a choice, then anyone who is born gay, lesbian, or any of the other letters in LGBTQ+ is not any more sinful than the rest of us sinning heterosexuals. We ALL fall short. No question about that. But drawing a dividing line between homosexuals and heterosexuals just doesn't make sense to me anymore.<br />
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Ok... so now let's go to the Bible and see what it says about it. We know about the <i>BIG SIX.</i> Those six pesky scriptures that I've been taught all my life that are seemingly very clear about homosexuality being a sin. Some call them the "clobber verses." Charming, huh? ;-)<br />
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Actually, before we go there, let's talk about the Bible. I've been doing a LOT of historical research on the Bible lately along with my studies and <i>man</i>.... for someone who has grown up in church all my life, I have come to realize that I knew very little about this great book. That realization was horrifying and exciting all at the same time! The last year or so I have found a renewed love of studying the scriptures. Even going back to understanding the original Greek and Hebrew words and the true context that the Biblical authors meant in their letters. Did you know that the word "homosexuality" didn't even show up in English translations of the Bible until 1946? Probably because there is no perfect counter-part to the Greek and Hebrew words that we have now replaced with "homosexuality." I'm not going to go through every passage individually here, but I can say that after my research, I agree with this statement from Brandon Hatmaker:<br />
<br /><i>"<span face=", , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">Every verse I have found in the Bible that is used to condemn a “homosexual” act is written in the context of rape, prostitution, idolatry, pederasty, military dominance, an affair, or adultery. It was always a destructive act. It was always a sin committed against another person. And each type of sexual interaction listed was an abuse of God’s gift of sex and completely against His dream for marriage to be a lifelong commitment of two individuals increasingly and completely giving themselves to one another as Christ did for the church." </span></i><br />
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I have found nothing pointing me towards condemnation towards a loving, monogamous same sex relationship. And even more upsetting is the bad "fruit" that has come from the churches stance on this. When we are living right in the Spirit, it produces good fruit from our lives. Galatians 5 says the fruits of The Spirit are: <i>Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.</i> What has come from holding onto this bad theological stance against the LGBTQ+ community has shown bad, stinky fruit. High suicide rates, broken families, loneliness, and exclusion from the church, just to name a few. Our misinterpretation of scripture all these years has put up walls... stumbling blocks if you will, so that someone who is gay feels rejected by the church, and too often, ultimately rejected by God. The church has done so much harm to these beautiful souls and I can't be a part of it any longer. I just can't.<br />
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Even if you can't hang with me on this and still believe that homosexuality is a sin, let me point out 2 things to consider:<br />
1) We are ALL sinners. We all sin every single day. No one's sin is worse than another's. To point out someone else's sin, as if it is worse than what you struggle with, is just wrong. Don't tell me you don't struggle with sin. And if there WERE a list of sins in order of how bad they are, there are MANY that show to be much more destructive to God's plans for us than loving someone that happens to be the same sex as you. The harm that I see done to others from gossip, gluttony, pride, adultery, greed and envy is incredibly damaging. And I see that being done DAILY by people who claim to live righteous lives. Righteous enough to feel confident enough to make it their lot in life to persecute those who just want to love. God help 'em.<br />
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2) As Beth Moore once stated, "You can't shame someone into a transformation on the inside." Yes, you might shame someone into pretending for a bit that they aren't who they are so that they don't risk being excluded from their community. But shame only changes outward appearances, and usually only temporarily. No one can pretend forever without falling apart. (Remember the high suicide rates I spoke of earlier). Only the Holy Spirit can change someone's heart, if indeed it needs to be changed. Only the Holy Spirit can do the inside work. We humans don't have that kind of power.<br />
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What kind of power DO we humans have? Well, for one, have the power to love. We also have the power to point people towards Christ. We have the power to help lead them towards the Holy Spirit and then let God take over from there. That is all we have the power to do.... and yet, too many Christians choose another route. They choose to push them away from Christ instead of bringing them towards Christ. They choose to shame, humiliate, and exclude. Churches close their doors to anyone who admits to being LGBTQ+ --or at the very least make them feel unwelcome to serve as equal members of the community. I can't even imagine how it must feel to love the Lord and yet not feel like I am welcome in a church of my choosing.<br />
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Let me finish by saying that there is more to my story than I am telling here. My story also includes getting to know many gay Christians whose lives are beautiful examples of <i>GOOD FRUIT</i>. They love and serve everyone they know in ways that I know would make Jesus proud! I see the way they choose to use their lives helping their fellow man and making this world a better place. I see how they choose forgiveness time and time again, as they let God keep their hearts soft in a world where I'm sure mine would have hardened by now. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about how they have been marginalized and mistreated for so long by a church I have loved my whole life.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I still love the church. I still love the Bible. I love it even more than I ever have because I'm starting to really understand how it's meant to be used and interpreted. It's a book of unsurpassed wisdom with a deepness and richness that no man is ever going to be able to understand perfectly. But I truly do believe it has been used wrongly, to shut out human beings instead of inviting them to the love story. The love story that is open to us ALL.<br />
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One last thing. I didn't write this to change anyone else's mind. There was a time when I was convinced that homosexuality was a sin and there was nothing anyone could do to convince me otherwise. I had the scriptures to back it up, along with a community of like-minded believers. And I'm not gay, so why would it even matter to me that I get this "right." Why would I spend so much time on this subject... something that I don't personally struggle with? The only honest answer I can give is that it's because God put it on my heart strongly to figure this out. Maybe it's because of my gay friends. Or my gay nephew. Or my friends with gay children. I've seen their hurt, their pain, their confusion. Maybe it's because we are all called to speak out when we see an injustice and God has laid this burden on my heart to speak up for these who I feel are being treated unjustly. Or maybe it's just because Jesus said:<br />
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"A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love each other. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."</i> - John 13:34-35<br />
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I am an incredibly imperfect ally to my LGBTQ+ friends. But I am trying to love them as Jesus would want me to. I hope anyone reading this will at least pray over my words and if the Spirit leads you to more study in this matter, I'll add a few resources that might help you along.<br />
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Much love and peace and blessings....<br />
Marcia<br />
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RESOURCES:<div><br /></div><div>"Love Makes Room: And other things I learned when my daughter came out." by Staci Frenes. </div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3t9gI4m">https://amzn.to/3t9gI4m</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, my podcast interview with Staci Frenes: <a href="https://apple.co/3xafAjB">https://apple.co/3xafAjB</a><br />
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"God and the Gay Christian" by Matthew Vines. <a href="http://www.matthewvines.com/">http://www.matthewvines.com/</a><br />
His <a href="http://www.matthewvines.com/transcript/" target="_blank">viral video sermon</a> was one of the first resources that was put into my view as I started my journey. It also apparently played a big part in Rachel Held Evans journey towards affirmation.<br />
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"Changing Our Mind" by David P. Gushee: <a href="https://amzn.to/2Z1iVOr">https://amzn.to/2Z1iVOr</a><br /><br />
"5 things to remember when the Bible is used against the LGBT community": <a href="https://www.rofum.org/5-things-to-remember-when-the-bible-is-used-against-the-lgbtq-community/?fbclid=IwAR3c8hJnWyx4OKg5ca3NdaGtehgKhspfg5c5p8cLy4BzivuGIPfRR2WOenI">https://www.rofum.org/5-things-to-remember-when-the-bible-is-used-against-the-lgbtq-community/?fbclid=IwAR3c8hJnWyx4OKg5ca3NdaGtehgKhspfg5c5p8cLy4BzivuGIPfRR2WOenI</a><br />
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"Penny In The Air: My Story of Becoming Affirming" by Sarah Bessey:<br />
<a href="https://sarahbessey.com/penny-in-the-air-my-story-of-becoming-affirming/">https://sarahbessey.com/penny-in-the-air-my-story-of-becoming-affirming/</a><br />
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Adam Nicholas Phillips blog: <a href="https://medium.com/@adamnicholasphillips/the-bible-does-not-condemn-homosexuality-seriously-it-doesn-t-13ae949d6619">https://medium.com/@adamnicholasphillips/the-bible-does-not-condemn-homosexuality-seriously-it-doesn-t-13ae949d6619</a><br />
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"Does Jesus really love me?" by Jeff Chu: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Does-Jesus-Really-Love-Christians/dp/0062049747/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=does+jesus+really+love+me&qid=1559765591&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=sarahbecom-20&linkId=0de75fd4db2707e732e5a08834df1df8&language=en_US">https://www.amazon.com/Does-Jesus-Really-Love-Christians/dp/0062049747/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=does+jesus+really+love+me&qid=1559765591&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=sarahbecom-20&linkId=0de75fd4db2707e732e5a08834df1df8&language=en_US</a><br />
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<br /></div>Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-19302584080025619832019-07-06T08:08:00.000-05:002020-06-17T08:48:18.650-05:00My own little faith shift....<style type="text/css">
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I’ll admit that I’ve been in a “faith shift” of sorts lately. Certainly not shifting away from my love of Jesus or the Bible and it’s teachings. I’ve actually fallen MORE in love with Jesus and studying God’s word lately, but I’ve been worn out from the exclusivity of most religions and quite frankly, it has kept me from attending any church regularly for several years. Also....</div>
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I’m worn out from all the double standards I see in most churches these days.. The in-fighting, hypocrisy, and arrogance that seems to be coming from religious leaders these days is disturbing and frankly, extremely off-putting.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The “Who’s right/Who’s wrong” game is strong right now. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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I’m worn out from having questions about things that don’t make sense in the Bible and being labeled a trouble-maker for bringing them up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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I’m worn out from having someone who interprets something in the Bible differently than me telling me I’m “being deceived”, as if they have a better connection with God than I do so there is no way it’s the other way around.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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I’m worn out from having to explain to my LGBTQ friends why they aren’t allowed in the “Christian Club” because of their sexuality, when they had no choice in the matter.</div>
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I’m worn out from seeing my divorced friends feeling like outcasts from a church home they loved and now aren’t welcome in because the church “picked his/her side”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Apparently there is no way the church can minister to both sides. Sad.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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I’m worn out from women being held back and told they aren’t allowed to use their gifts to honor God because “the Bible says women aren’t allowed to teach.” Heck, if we believe the Bible, we aren’t even allowed to TALK!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Whoops.<br />
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I'm worn out from seeing the church basically ignore the plight of the black community and not address racial injustice in a bold way. </div>
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I’m worn out from the political bias. If you are truly a Christian, you can only vote Republican?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>News to me!</div>
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I’m worn out from seeing friends who gave their hearts to church ministry for many years, only to get discarded because the church elders now want to “go in a new direction”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They lose their job, their friends, their church home... all in one swoop. Heartbreaking.</div>
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The bureaucracy, the hypocrisy, the political attachments, the exclusivity.... all things about today’s Americanized version of Christianity in many churches that I believe would grieve Jesus should he walk in one today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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All that being said.... I love Christian community, fellowship, and group worship.... and I have missed it because the things I just listed above have kept me away for several years now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I am grateful to have recently found a church that I am comfortable in again. One that loves and welcomes the people I love. One that gives much room for questions, contemplation and healthy examination of scripture.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One that encourages me to find my own connection to Jesus, my own personal faith... not a borrowed one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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If you are thriving in your church, you are blessed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you are not, my encouragement today is DON’T GIVE UP.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Keep searching for your people, your community, your faith.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Christians are only human and can get it wrong sometimes, but please don’t let the failures of human beings run you away from a God who adores you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He is there... and He is waiting for you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t have everything figured out, but I know that to be TRUE.</div>
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Have a beautiful weekend friends!!</div>
<br />Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-36512412670639485362018-12-18T06:34:00.001-06:002018-12-18T06:37:24.297-06:00Newest video on YouTube - Abba's Child<span style="font-size: large;">I have a brand new lyric video out on YouTube that I'd love you guys to check out. It's the title track to my latest cd, "Abba's Child" and it's one of my favorites! Being in the music industry, it is sometimes easy to let what I do DEFINE me, but finding my identity first and foremost as a daughter of The King is the only way to keep myself steady and grounded in this shifting world that we live in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you all find the lyrics in this song inspiring. And I also encourage you to find the book "Abba's Child" by Brennan Manning. After reading that book, it turned my life around and was definitely the inspiration to this song!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May you all have a blessed holiday season and I'll see you all in 2019!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more about the story behind this song: <a href="http://marciaramirez.com/abbas_child/">http://marciaramirez.com/abbas_child/</a></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDbhKHiPE0c" width="480"></iframe>Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-75475946697072276492018-07-27T15:59:00.001-05:002018-07-27T16:09:00.231-05:00MARCIA RAMIREZ GO TO THE MOUNTAIN lyric video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jLKx_f91BH8" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you guys enjoy the first lyric video from my latest cd, "Abba's Child"...... below is the story behind the song of "Go to the Mountain"! </span><br />
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<strong><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">THE STORY:</span></strong></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"><strong><em>Go to the Mountain</em></strong></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> was written a few years ago with my friend Jon Vezner. Little did I know the true impact these words would have on me just a few short years later. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">I love the mountains. Especially the Smoky Mountains. We took vacations there as a child and I have very fond memories of times in Gatlinburg with my parents. My Dad especially loved the Smokies… and about a year before he passed away we got the opportunity to take him up there one more time. My in-laws, Ron and Jan Waldron had rented a cabin near Pigeon Forge for Thanksgiving, so all of Mike’s family drove down from Michigan and we met them there for the week. I think there was 12 or 13 of us in the cabin and Daddy was loved on and spoiled for a few days. It was his last trip on this earth and it was a great one. Here is a pic we snapped of him up at Newfound Gap. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.marciaramirez.com/img/Dad-Gatlinburg.jpg" src="http://www.marciaramirez.com/img/Dad-Gatlinburg.jpg" height="533" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">After my Dad passed away, we had a little inheritance money that we wanted to invest. We decided to try and buy some rental property in Nashville, but were having no luck finding anything in Nashville. I was having a lot of trouble shaking my grief and depression of losing my Dad, so Mike suggested we rent a cabin with some friends in G’burg for the weekend, and maybe do a little songwriting up there. So we drove up there and met our friends Rob and Lara Harris, (that was the weekend Rob and I started writing “Abba’s Child”), and Ron and Cindy Melcher. We were all sitting around the cabin and started talking about our search for rental property in Nashville. Suddenly Cindy chimes in with, “Hey, there’s a cabin for sale right down the road. Why don’t you buy that?”. We hadn’t even considered doing something like that but I was very intrigued. After looking it up online and seeing that the price was indeed right in the ballpark of what we had been looking to spend, we walked down the road to see the cabin. I swear it was love at first sight. It captured my heart immediately. It was at the very top of this mountain, with beautiful views of Mt. LeConte. We called the realtor listed on the sign right at that moment and asked if we could see it. Unfortunately someone was in it that weekend so no showings, but we made an appointment to come back two weeks later. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">When we drove back up there for the showing, our realtor had also gotten 8 more cabins for us to view. We went from cabin to cabin looking at beautiful places, each having it’s own charm. The last cabin she took us to see was the one we had found on the previous trip. When I saw it again my heart I loved it just as much as the first time I saw it and I swear, when I walked through the front door, I just felt like I was <em>HOME. </em>I honestly can’t describe the feeling. As I started walking around the cabin, I started noticing little signs on the walls with sayings like, <em>“Family is everything”</em>, and <em>“This cabin was blessed from above”</em>, and something inside me just knew that Dad brought us here. I walked out on the deck - overlooking those amazing mountains and I felt peace for the first time since Dad had passed. “This is the one”, I said to Mike. “Are you sure?”, he asked. “Oh YES, I am SO sure.”. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">I’ll spare you all the details, but I can’t begin to describe how smoothly and easily the negotiations and process of buying the cabin were. I kept saying how it was obviously <em>meant to be</em>. This cabin was just dropped in our laps out of the blue and it truly felt like a gift from God.. and my parents too. So, we named it “Heaven’s Gift”. We bought HG on Jan. 4th, 2016 and those first few days in the cabin felt like a dream. Being in the mountains was salve for my wounded soul. I feel close to God (and my parents) in a way I can’t describe up there. I had dreams of many songs being written up there.. and family gatherings… and special moments with friends. It would be a legacy to hand down to my children from their grandparents. I was attached in a BIG way to this place. But I was about to get a big lesson in the futility of attachment to <em>things</em> in this world. That lesson came in the form of the Gatlinburg Fires on Nov. 28th, 2016.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">If you are interested in reading about that horrible experience, you can read about that in my blog: <a href="https://marciaramirez.blogspot.com/search?q=the+kids+escape" target="_blank">Pt 1: The kids escape HERE</a>… and <a data-mce-href="http://marciaramirez.blogspot.de/2016/12/the-gatlinburg-fires-pt-2.html" href="http://marciaramirez.blogspot.de/2016/12/the-gatlinburg-fires-pt-2.html">Pt. 2: Mike's discovery HERE</a>. But for now, to say I was traumatized would be an understatement. I was inconsolable for days. How could God give me such a beautiful place of respite for my soul and then rip it away so violently only 11 months later? It just didn’t make sense to me. But it was a stark reminder to me that there are <em>many things</em> that don’t make sense in this world, and me losing my 2nd home was probably not in the top million of unjust things happening. Still, I was pretty crushed.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">One week after the fire, Mike drove me up to see the property. My friends were concerned that I wasn’t ready to see it, but I knew i needed to go. Mike had already made one trip there, so he knew the devastation I was about to see. As we drove into our beloved mountain town, the tears flew freely as we drove through all the damage done by the fires. I’ll cover more about that in the story for “Out of the Ashes”, but it was horrible to see what had happened. When nature roars, no man can stop it. The damage was powerful to see.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">When we finally made it to the top of our mountain, I definitely cried many tears as I stood where our cabin used to be, only the walls of the basement remained. I prayed to the Lord up there… I prayed for the souls that were lost…. and for all the people who had lost everything… and I prayed for perspective in it all. I opened my eyes and looked around and I was suddenly taken aback by the beauty all around me. While driving up the mountain, all I could see was the damage the fire had caused, but now I was seeing the beauty of God’s work. The fire had taken what man had built, but NOT what God had made! What I loved about the mountains was STILL THERE. It wasn’t the cabin <em>itself</em> that I loved. It wasn’t the cabin that God and my parents had given me, it was THE PLACE. It was that mountain… <em>and it was STILL THERE. </em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Now the tears are flowing again, but for a different reason. My place of respite wasn’t in the four walls of the cabin… my place of respite is in God. He is my shelter. He is my safe place. And yes, I could feel Him so strongly up there… and that hadn’t changed one bit. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">So… <strong><em>Go to the Mountain</em></strong> can be taken literally or metaphorically. The “mountain” is a place… but it is so much more. The “mountain” is also God. I was lucky enough to get my sweet sisters-in-Christ, Carole Ford and Vanessa Connor to sing bgv’s with me on this one and their voices lifted this track to a whole ‘nother level. I honestly can’t listen to it without crying. But then again… clearly, I’m a “cryer”. LoL </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"><strong>GO TO THE MOUNTAIN</strong></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"><strong data-mce-style="font-size: medium;">Writers: Marcia Ramirez/Jon Vezner</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">CREDITS:</span></strong></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Drums-Wes Little</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Bass-Brian Allen</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Acoustic Guitar-Mike Waldron</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Electric Guitar-Derek Wells</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">*BGV’s-Carole Ford, Vanessa Connor, Marcia</span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-71563814612113971582018-04-02T12:38:00.001-05:002018-04-02T12:38:11.558-05:00Spring updates 2018<div class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">April 2018</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Happy SPRING! I mean, I <em>think</em> it’s spring. I am actually sitting on our tour bus in Warrendale, PA looking at 3 inches of snow on the ground, so apparently, spring is taking its own sweet time getting to this part of the country! LoL</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">I’m in the middle of a 3 week East Coast tour with the amazing <a data-mce-href="http://www.christophercross.com/" href="http://www.christophercross.com/">Christopher Cross</a> and his fabulous band. After </span>this<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> we go home for 4 days and then fly to Japan for our annual shows at Billboard Live in Osaka and Tokyo. Although it’s </span>a l-o-n-g<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> flight to Japan, it’s always a super fun trip. I adore Japan and the Japanese people. It’s always a trip I look forward to! </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">For all the info on where the CC gang will be playing this year, go </span>to:<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> <a data-mce-href="http://www.christophercross.com/concerts" href="http://www.christophercross.com/concerts">www.christophercross.com/concerts</a> </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Also, I’m starting to book some shows of my own to help promote my newest project, <a data-mce-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/marcia-ramirez/29614368" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/marcia-ramirez/29614368">"Abba's Child"</a> — Hopefully, </span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">I’ll be able to announce those soon. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> If you haven't checked out <a data-mce-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/marcia-ramirez/29614368" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/marcia-ramirez/29614368">"Abba's Child"</a> yet, please give it a listen. It's my first Faith-based project and I couldn't be more proud of it. My husband, <a data-mce-href="http://mike-waldron.com/Mike_Waldron/Home.html" href="http://mike-waldron.com/Mike_Waldron/Home.html" target="_blank">Mike Waldron</a> did an amazing job producing this CD. It's got a wide range of musical styles, but he somehow managed to make it all work together! (I married a genius!). Lyrically, it's basically the story of my faith. Beginning with my early days in the church, losing my way a bit, and then coming back around. Hopefully, you'll find something you can relate to in my journey and feel hopeful after you travel this road with me. It truly IS a story about HOPE -- which we all need a little more of these days! :-) </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> <img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.marciaramirez.com/img/ABBASCHILDITUNES.jpg" height="600" src="http://www.marciaramirez.com/img/ABBASCHILDITUNES.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" width="600" /></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">In other news: As many of you know, Reba McEntire has a double CD that was released on Feb. 3rd, 2017 and one of my songs, “God and My Girlfriends” is on it! (It is also on "<a data-mce-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/marcia-ramirez/29614368" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/marcia-ramirez/29614368">Abba's Child</a>" as well!) We were SO PLEASED that her CD, "<a data-mce-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sing-it-now-songs-of-faith-hope/1185130595" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sing-it-now-songs-of-faith-hope/1185130595">Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope</a>" recently won a GRAMMY for "Best Roots/Gospel Album"! GO REBA! </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.marciaramirez.com/img/RebaGrammy2018.jpg" height="222" src="http://www.marciaramirez.com/img/RebaGrammy2018.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" width="600" /></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">I wrote “GAMG” with my friends Lisa Hentrich and Patricia Conroy and we immediately felt like it was <em data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: small;">perfect </em>for Reba and pitched it to her. </span>Apparently<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> she loved it </span>too,<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> because she quickly put it on “hold”. </span>Well<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">…that was 8 years ago! LoL So yeah, Reba took her time, but in her own time (or maybe in God’s perfect time!), she finally recorded the song and did a <em data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: small;">beautiful</em> job! We are happy and very proud to have this song finally coming out! Although the song isn't a "single" (yet, she hopefully types!), I have heard from many of you that it is getting a lot of radio airplay around the country, and there </span>is<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> a hashtag #GodAndMyGirlfriends, with women posting pictures and videos on social media with their girlfriends. Some of them made me cry! It’s so sweet ya'll</span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">! Truly! I love that the song is empowering women to bond together</span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> because THAT is a beautiful thing! Ya'll </span><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">go download the CD! </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Speaking of empowering women.... all you LADIES in the Nashville area, please mark your calendars for a special event that I'm co-hosting on May 20th! We will be having our very first "God and My Girlfriends Gathering" and I'M SO EXCITED! God recently planted a seed in my heart to start a women's event that would help encourage, inspire, and empower women - learning to lean on our friends and our faith to help us follow our dreams. I reached out to a few of my friends recently and told them my vision. They said, "LET'S DO IT!"... so we ARE! I will be sending out ALL the details very soon, so keep an eye out on my social media! But just so you can mark your calendars, here are the basics:</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">"God and My Girlfriends Gathering"</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">WHEN: Sunday, May 20th from 4:00 - 6:00pm</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">WHERE: World Music Nashville </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> Bellevue Valley Plaza</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"> 7069 US-70S, Nashville, TN 37221</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">We are getting a great line-up for this event, so I promise, you will NOT want to miss this! I'M PUMPED! :-) </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">That’s about it for now. I truly hope to see some of you at upcoming shows. That is one great thing about doing so much travel is getting to run into old friends and meet new ones! I am looking forward to an exciting 2018 for us all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ya'll be good to each other and check www.marciaramirez.com now and then for more updates!</span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-15237130562254429912018-02-07T20:35:00.000-06:002018-02-07T20:35:43.560-06:00Book of Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face as I close the last chapter of this book. Seriously guys, I can't tell you how amazing this book is! Author Douglas Abrams sits down with these two great spiritual leaders and over the course of a week he interviews them about life, love, happiness, sorrows... and JOY. They talk about the obstacles to finding true joy. They also outline the eight pillars of joy-- four pillars of the mind and four pillars of the heart. You get pulled into sweet, intimate moments between these two friends who both are so truly grateful to get a whole week in each other's company. A rare and possibly last opportunity for them to sit side by side, laughing, loving and sharing wisdom. Wisdom hard-earned by lives full of oppression and injustice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll admit, I didn't know much about either of these great men before reading this book. I had no idea the hardships they both had gone through in their lives, and continue to deal with on many levels. The Dalai Lama still lives in exile. They both have limited choices in how they live their lives, where they go and who they can be with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Their joy is clearly not easy or superficial but one burnished by the fire of adversity, oppression, and struggle." - "The Book of Joy"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To see them rise above their difficult journeys and choose to live their lives with open hearts and giving spirits is inspiring to say the least. If THEY can choose love over hate, forgiveness over grudges, acceptance over judgement, contentment over bitterness, then I pray I can too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things that really struck me as I read their words, and became privy to the deep love and affection they have for one another, was how they didn't allow their differences become barriers in their relationship. I recently heard a podcast with Glennon Doyle where she observed:</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"> "Group identity is leading our culture right now. This is our group and this is what we believe and you're either in or you're out. We have lost our value in diversity."</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">PREACH GIRL. People truly put more value into "fitting in" these days than on working to become exactly who God created them to be. When we start idolizing certain people and wanting to become in their "tribe" so badly that we change who we are to be included, well THAT is where we really can get ourselves in deep trouble. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But back to the book. When you find two spiritual leaders setting an example of love and inclusiveness, I think we all would be well served to sit up and lean in for a good listen. These men have both been through incredibly difficult days, yet they are shining examples of how to find joy and purpose in life, even in turbulent times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have a feeling this will be one of those books I will read and re-read again and again. I hope you guys will put this on your "to-read" list. I think you will be changed from it. It truly touched me, inspired me and encouraged me on my walk towards godliness with contentment. Because you know, as the apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy: "godliness with contentment is great gain." :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love you guys,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">M</span></div>
Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-37046500918673019872018-02-02T12:39:00.001-06:002018-02-02T12:39:50.772-06:00Friday Favorites 2-2-18 EP 7 - Monk Fruit and Skin care!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9CV38zcPY8k" width="480"></iframe>Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-47134358358646302402018-01-13T12:15:00.001-06:002018-01-13T12:19:35.028-06:00Veganism, Instant Pot, Yoga, and Terra Greens<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5MZ-YmvRVFI" width="480"></iframe><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "SF Optimized", system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "SF Optimized", system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have had a lot of questions this week about our journey into Vegan eating and the Instant Pot.... so I decided it was time for a "Friday Favorites" episode. Excuse the pj's and no makeup. It's a SNOW DAY PEOPLE! GRACE!! I had to be real y'all. :-)</span></span>Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-21033970606525746122017-12-17T13:31:00.001-06:002017-12-17T13:32:20.219-06:00Friday Favs with/Marcia Ep5Hey friends!<br />
<br />
I recently started doing a video each Friday on my Facebook page. I call it "Friday Favorites", and I share some of my personal favorite things that I'm loving these days. Other people chime in with their own "Friday Fav's" and it's been so cool to use social media as a tool to learn from one another rather than to argue about politics. (Not that I would engage in that behavior.... lol). Anyway, this is keeping me busy on a more positive note!<br />
<br />
I decided to start sharing them here on my blog as well, for those of you who aren't connected with me on Facebook. Please excuse the no-make up/pajama thing. It was "pajama day" for me and NOTHING and NO ONE gets in the way of my pajama day!<br />
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I hope you guys are having a beautiful holiday season...<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
M<br />
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qGzO8PkrCW8" width="480"></iframe>Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-16984731140452169912017-11-19T13:25:00.000-06:002017-11-19T13:25:34.476-06:00Roby Duke - Bridge Divine<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5djc_d6wH_I" width="459"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I first heard this song about two months ago, sitting in my dressing room before one of the last Christopher Cross shows on our Australian tour. My dear friend Andy Suzuki had been telling me about Roby's music for awhile, as Andy had had the privilege of doing some touring and recording with Roby back in the 90's. We were killing some time before a show and Andy brought this to me with some headphones and said, "Hey, check out this tune. I think you'll dig it."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The tears started flowing as soon as I heard the first line of this amazing song. I was immediately captured and captivated by Roby's soulful voice, haunting melody and rhythmic guitar playing. When Andy's beautiful flute and saxophone playing entered the track it took it to a whole new level. I was truly a sobbing mess by the end of the tune. I read where another blogger described this song as <i><b>"the perfect picture of the heart of a believer as they ponder their own passing and the fate of a lost world."</b></i> I couldn't agree with that description more. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There is live video of Roby performing this song on Dec.23rd, 2007. No one could have possibly known that he would be crossing the BRIDGE DIVINE only 3 days later. Why God called this talented and beautiful soul home so early I won't know this side of heaven. It seems so unfair. We need more Roby's in this world. But God never promised life would be "fair". And at least we have the legacy of Roby's music to help soothe us while we navigate our own journeys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So sit down in front of some great sounding speakers, or put on a good pair of headphones. Close your eyes. Listen to this masterpiece. It SLAYS me. I believe you will be blessed by it today too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you Roby Duke.... you are a treasure.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh....... and thank you Andy Suzuki. :-) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>BRIDGE DIVINE:</i></u></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">When the roll — is called up yonder</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe — that I’ll be there</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Though I am the same</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">With the same need as always</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">So they say — the soul is free to</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Choose a path — to each his own</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Living in the same world</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Under the same pale moon</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Together</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">CH:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And some change will do us all some good</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>It’s good for one to find</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>That there is no stairway to heaven</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Only a bridge divine</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">They tell me change — change is needed</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">To keep the world — from growing old</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">And we all have the same dreams</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">For our children — as always</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">He hung the earth — up on nothing</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Said to a storm — Peace Be Still</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">What more could we give them</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Something that would keep them safe</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Forever… and ever<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">CHORUS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">They tell me hearts — are torn asunder</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">By the pain of moving on</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">We’re riding on the same rails</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Upon a train that’s bound for forever</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you know</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">You’re still my good friend</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">But when the saints go marching in</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I would like to turn and — see your face</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">So be there…..</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">CHORUS</span></span></div>
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<br />Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-54641513265952901912017-11-10T09:44:00.000-06:002017-11-10T17:55:22.367-06:00Social Media and Inflammation.....<div class="p1">
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: small;">INFLAME: To provoke or intensify strong feelings (such as anger) in someone; to make a situation worsen; to aggravate, exacerbate, intensify, worsen or compound.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I see so much inflammation these days.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All around me. Actually I <i>feel</i> so much inflammation in my joints these days I can barely move.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ahhhh, the price we pay for “maturing” in life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>With wisdom and maturity comes bad hips and sore knees.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But I digress.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>:-).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m talking about a different kind of inflammation today. Inflammation of the heart.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I truly believe it’s a huge problem right now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We have pushed and pulled and provoked each other so harshly lately that we are ALL inflamed and hurting.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And you know the old saying, “Hurt people hurt people”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I hear many friends stating, “I’ve just got to take a break from social media. People are just pissing me off lately!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I can’t take it!”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But rarely do I actually see them take that break they were saying they needed. Why?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because many are addicted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some people think the addiction stems from living in a culture of breaking news, the desire to stay “in-the-know”, or as some say, “FOMO” (fear of missing out).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But I think the addiction runs much deeper than that.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I think it is an addiction of connection. Of belonging. Of being heard. Of being needed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Deep down, we all crave those things in our soul.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">There is so much loneliness in the world, and social media allows us to feel connected, even though sometimes the connection is very shallow, and maybe even false.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For instance, because I “follow” Jen Hatmaker on Facebook and feel a connection/kindred spirit to her, that doesn’t mean that we are BFF’s.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She may be a part of my world as I stalk her FB page to see what she has to say today because I LOVE HER AND WE ARE BFF’S even though if I knocked on her door in Austin she would not have one clue who I am and would probably have me arrested. Hey all BFF’s have their spats, right?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>HA.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Anyway, you see my point.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The connections we feel via social media aren’t always true connections and we mustn’t get those confused with the need for REAL personal relationships. Those are the only connections that will help our loneliness epidemic.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">However, all that being said, I’m a big “fan” of social media in general. Yes, it can be abused and misused, as can almost anything in the world today, but there are so many great things about it when used correctly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I recently asked my friends on Facebook this question:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“What would you miss the most about social media if it suddenly went away?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Almost 90% of the answers were all about connecting with others.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A few people mentioned getting their news or sports updates, info on current events etc... but overwhelmingly people said they would miss the connections with friends and family, especially those that don’t live in close proximity. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I was telling some friends the other day that social media spaces— specifically Facebook and Instagram were my LIFELINE this year with all the traveling I was doing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It can get lonely being thousands of miles away from your loved ones so much. No matter where I was in the world this year, I could always log onto FB and see what my friends and family were doing, and interact a bit, even through the miles and time changes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a big comfort to me and something “stable” I could lean on. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">All that being said, I do think there are good rules to keep in mind when using social media. I’ve been doing a little research about how to make my “internet world” a little better and I thought I might share some of those ideas with you here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">First off, I’m going to try and take a different approach with my social media pages. I’m going to be more intentional about what I’m posting and WHY I’m choosing to post.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I recently asked my FB friends about what kind of criteria they use before posting... or did they just post without thinking how their post might be construed or misconstrued by others. My friend Amy Jean gave a list that I thought was SO PERFECT, so I’m going to use her list here as a great example. She said this was her criteria:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Correct spelling and grammar.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Would I mind reading this in front of a group?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Would a potential employer want to see this?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Would future me want to see this?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">5. Am I speaking truth? Do I have evidence to back it up? Is what I’m saying honest while still tactful?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Then she added:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">“As much as we think social media is a platform to post or say whatever without consequence, there is always a consequence whether we know it or not. Something I say or post may totally turn someone off to anything else I have to say, so yeah I think it’s really important to filter what you post while still being authentic. </span><span class="s2">☺️</span><span class="s1">”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">There is much truth to that statement. (Thanks Amy!). There definitely CAN be consequences to what we post. For example, I’ve had friends in the music business who have noticed their work being affected by posting political views that didn’t necessarily line up with some of the people who had been choosing to hire them. I’ve also known friends who have left their church after reading their pastors private twitter account and feeling like his private thoughts weren’t in line with what they believed to be true. I’ve seen families splinter and friendships end over social media posts. It’s crazy how powerful a few words can be.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Remember the lady who posted a short racist tweet before flying to Africa and by the time she logged back in to her social media account at the end of that flight, her tweet had gone viral, getting her fired and basically having half the country hating her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She only had a few followers but that “viral” thing can turn your life upside down quickly. Whatever you post, you better get ready to OWN it people. What goes on the internet, stays on the internet FOREVAHHHH.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Think about what you are posting before you put it out there for all the world to see.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I also think we should take a good hard look at WHY we are posting. Am I trying to make myself look cool? Am I trying to fill some need for attention at the moment? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or am I posting because I think someone else might learn something from my post or just enjoy it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What are my motives?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think a good gut check is important, maybe not with every post, but now and then it should be done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Many folks said they stayed away from any controversial posts, like politics or religion. But I think it’s important to feel free to say how you feel about these subjects. Others might be influenced by what you have to say... as long as it’s done respectfully.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I actually enjoy seeing some people post their thoughts on those “hot topics”, as long as their thoughts and feelings aren’t done in an inflammatory way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">We are back to inflammation again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>:-)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">That is the biggest problem in my opinion. It’s not usually WHAT we are saying, but the WAY we are saying it. So much anger, indignation, defensiveness, and judgement towards others who might not believe the same way we do. And so little compassion, sympathy and grace being tossed around. It’s a scary place to be sometimes, this social media world.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">All that being said, I’m going to lay down some rules for myself going forward with my social networks. Here is my promise to you friends that connect with me on any social media.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">To the best of my abilities, I promise to:</span></span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Be the same person online as I am in person.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No presenting things better than they are or worse than they are.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Make sure any information I share is vetted by me and several other sources before posting.</span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Always allow for differing opinions, as long as they treat me and anyone else they interact with on my page respectfully. (Someone told me a long time ago that your “cyber space” is like your “living room” online. If someone came into your home and started bullying you or any of your other guests, you would ask them to leave. Same rule is going to apply to my social network pages.) <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Never post anything intentionally inflammatory, but yet not be afraid to stand up and speak when I feel my voice might help contribute to justice. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Try to make my posts matter. Be informative, funny, helpful... anything that might make someone else’s day a little better.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Don’t post just to POST.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If I need to write my thoughts down about something to get them out of my head, write in my journal. Not all my thoughts needs to be made public.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Not take myself too seriously.</span></span></li>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">That last one is KEY. I think we all probably need to lighten up a bit and laugh more. Laughter IS the best medicine and with the state our country is in right now, comic relief is NEEDED Y’ALL. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">To wrap this up, I think we can all agree that social media has changed our society, culture, and specifically the way we interact with each other and I don’t see it going away anytime soon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So I truly believe we need to all learn how to navigate these fairly new waters in more productive and less inflammatory ways, or we are all going to end up feeling lonelier, less connected, and more angry and isolated than ever.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Please feel free to share any other ideas you might have for communicating on social media. I know we all have a lot to learn and hopefully we can learn together!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Let’s stop the inflammation and use this powerful tool of connection in the most positive way we can.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Are we cool??<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>COOL!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>:-)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-83550382654099802722017-10-23T22:55:00.000-05:002017-10-23T22:55:32.088-05:00Dog Tags from Heaven.....Ya’ll. God is so good. Seriously. He just blows me away sometimes. <br />
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I had a crazy, weird, worrisome, beautiful morning. I'm still so moved.<br />
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You Mama’s are going to understand this first part of my morning. One of my children was hurting and when my kids are struggling, I struggle with them. I hurt with them... and I don’t sleep well. After tossing and turning all night last night, I finally just got up before dawn and started a pot of coffee and went out to my sunroom for some early morning <i>before the sunrise</i> prayer time.<br />
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As I prayed for my hurting child and how I could help, my Dad’s presence became very strong in the room. I thought of him and how he would have handled this situation. My Dad passed away 2 years ago and I still miss him everyday, but this morning, his spirit felt <i>very close</i> and intense. I asked him to guide me somehow and help me help my child. I asked God to speak to me somehow and let me know He could hear me. I just needed a sign that I was not alone in this struggle.<br />
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A couple of hours later, my husband got up, had some coffee and went outside to the mailbox. He returned with a package in his hand. I noticed it was from a cousin in Kansas that I hadn’t seen in years. I opened the package to find a letter from my cousin Betty Jacobs explaining how she had been going through our Aunt Josie’s belongings (who died a few years before my Dad) and found my Dad’s WWII dog tags. She was apologizing for not sending them earlier, but really wanted me to have them and mailed them this week.<img src="webkit-fake-url://d1dd20d3-7478-43e8-bee1-93cf6e4f7927/imagejpeg" /><br />
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Her timing couldn’t have been any better. They arrived right when I was asking for a sign.<br />
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My hands were literally shaking as I unfolded the packaging to find them in amazing shape:<br />
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My husband informed me that there were always 2 tags. In case someone died during the war, they would take one tag off to use to notify their family of their passing, and leave the other one on the body for identification. Obviously my Dad came home safe, so there were two tags on the chain that he wore around his neck. I just burst into tears. It was such a beautiful gift and message to me all rolled up into one.<br />
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Betty Jacobs, you mentioned in the letter that you read my blog, so if you are reading this.... THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! God used you to serve my heart in such a special way today! Your timing was delayed so that it would come in God’s time and be used to speak to me on this special day where I needed some reassurance. It was a beautiful and perfectly timed reminder to me that I am not alone. And the tags spoke to me as if to say:<br />
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“I came home safe from my battle, and you all will get through yours too.”<br />
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Guys, seriously. God speaks to us in so many ways. Some people expect to audibly hear God's messages, but He is much more creative than that! He can speak with signs. You just have to have your eyes and ears open. <br />
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With a little faith, and an open heart, you'll be surprised at how many ways God can reach you.<br />
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He sure came in loud and clear today.<br />
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Thank you Holy Father.... Thank you Dad.... and Thank you sweet Betty Jacobs!<br />
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What a blessing.<br />
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---M<br />
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<br />Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-8179381708431090192017-06-08T07:19:00.000-05:002017-06-09T21:50:31.316-05:00Abba's Child....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone has a story. "Abba's Child" is mine. </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's <i>part</i> of mine. I couldn't get my whole story on one album, but this is a story about the biggest part of me. It's the story of my faith. And it chronicles several events that tested that faith, and then eventually strengthened my faith. For those of you that know me, or have followed my musical journey, I'm sure you have seen an undercurrent of faith in my writing on my 4 previous records, but this is my first record that would fall into the "Faith-based/Christian" category. "Why now?", you might ask. Well, the answer to that question, honestly, is because of my disobedience. You see, God has been tapping on my shoulder for many years, whispering in my ear to make this record, but I have been arguing with Him. Yes, that's right, I've been arguing with God for about 10 years... LOL... and well, you KNOW how that usually works out! He's gonna win... eventually! </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Sing about Me"</b>, God said. He wanted me to make a record about Him, and I kept trying to tell Him why that was a bad idea. Funny, right? I had a long list of reasons why I was <i>sure</i> this wasn't a good idea, but God didn't seem to want to listen to my reasons and continued to tap on my shoulder.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Sing about Me"</b>, God said again. "But I'm not a 'Christian artist'", I argued. "What am i going to do with a Christian record? I'm too old to start a career in a new genre!" He clearly didn't want to hear my reasons , basically blocking any attempts to make any other kind of record, and believe me, I tried several times to make another record, but my attempts always got thwarted for some reason or another. </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Sing about Me"</b>, God said again. This time I was on the mountain. Literally. I was in our beautiful place of respite that was given to us from my Father after he died (that story is told in the "Go to the mountain" story, coming later). It was a clear Sunday morning and I was having coffee and bible study on the porch of my Gatlinburg cabin, overlooking the beautiful Smokey Mountains, asking God for direction in my life. I had spent the last several years being a care-giver for my parents during their last years here on earth and now they were both gone and I felt lost. My sense of purpose was completely influx and I didn't know what to do now. I was reading Lysa Terkeurst's book, "The Best Yes" and a quote literally <i>jumped off the pages and into my heart. </i>"The one who obeys God's instruction for today will develop a keen awareness of His direction for tomorrow."</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Sing about Me"</b>. Well, SHOOT. Here I am praying for direction, but not obeying God's clear instructions, so <i>no wonder </i>I'm not getting anywhere! I finally caved that morning. "<i>Ok, God, I hear you</i>,", I literally spoke out loud to him as I stared out at the majestic Mt. LeConte, (which is the 3rd highest peak in the Smokeys and pretty AWESOME and inspiring to look at. God's creations are just... well, you know, AMAZING.) "<i>I get it. You want me to make a record about You. And You and me. And how much you love us all. But I don't have any songs. You're going to have to lift this creative block from me and give me some songs.</i>"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><b>"The songs are there. You already have them. Just look." </b>"<i>Wh-at?? I already have the songs? But where are they?", </i>I asked. <b>"Look for them. You'll find them." </b> "<i>Ok. I'll start looking Lord. I hear you.</i>" And I prayed that morning for strength to follow His instruction. I prayed for the songs to show up. I prayed for the financing to come in place to do it, for the right musicians to come into my path, and for everything about this record to be used to glorify Him. </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">When we came home from that mountain trip, I started sifting through some old work tapes that had fallen through the cracks and LO AND BEHOLD, GUESS WHAT I FOUND! :-) Yep, the songs! Well, <i>most</i> of them anyway! I hadn't been writing a lot over these last 10 years, but apparently I had been writing for this record and didn't realize it. Some of the songs were several years old and as I was listening to them, it was almost as if I was listening to them for the first time. "Did I really write this?", I was asking myself. Digging through old lyric sheets, I saw my name as the writer and went, "Well yeah, I guess I DID!". COOL! LoL So the songs started showing up. One at a time, I uncovered the beginnings of "Abba's Child", then I made some writing appointments with close and trusted co-writers and we wrote a few new ones to add to the mix.... <i>aaaaand, </i>for the first time in my career, I recorded 3 songs that I did not write myself. These are truly special songs to me and I couldn't be more thrilled that I was given the opportunity to include them in this project, (you’ll hear more about those special songs later.)</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Next up was securing financing, booking a studio, gathering the right musicians and diving in. It was amazing how smoothly the whole thing fell into place, and another clear indication that I was on the right track. After 10 years of struggling to make a record, after I stopped arguing with God and made the record He wanted me to make, it was all falling into place beautifully! </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so incredibly proud of this project. Every single person that was involved brought their "A" game. The band, the writers, the engineers... all were AMAZING. And my husband, Mike Waldron produced the HECK out of it! He spent more time and put more love and energy into this record than I did. I feel like HIS name should be on the cover instead of mine. HA! It was definitely a co-venture and one I wouldn't have been able to do with anyone else. He ROCKS! I also have to say a very special thanks to John Albani, who spent extra hours on this project with us, guiding us as our main engineer... but he did OH SO MUCH MORE than that! This record would not be what it is without his loving care. He da man! :-)</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">SO... on June 16th, "Abba's Child" will be released on I-tunes. I'll be posting all the stories behind each one of the songs here on my website. I think you will all enjoy hearing how each one of these stories came to be told. Sadness and Joy. Heartbreak and Healing. Brokenness and Redemption. It's all here. It's messy, but it's beautiful. Join me on my journey, won't you? </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Because everyone has a story to tell…..”Abba’s Child” is mine. </span></span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-21043762884228526832017-03-05T06:40:00.000-06:002017-03-08T09:31:56.930-06:00SECOND WIND.....the story.<div class="p1">
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I recently saw a statistic that says studies show Americans get their “Second Wind” at age 56.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Well, guess who is turning 56 later this year?</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">:-)</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span class="s2">I have always been pretty much an “open book” with those around me. My husband sweetly suggests to me often that I might “over-share” a bit, especially on Facebook (HA!), but I pretty much report life as it is around me. “Marcia, did you really just post that disgusting grey ruined hamburger meat on Facebook?” Yep. “Honey, did you really just post a picture of the cat puke?” Yep. “Honey, did you really just post a video of the dog pooping?” Yep. “Wife, I fear I must unfriend you soon.” Oh well…. I guess my posts aren’t for the faint of heart sometimes! LoL</span></div>
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<span class="s2">But seriously, for those of you who have followed me in life these last few years, you know it’s been a bumpy ride. I gave up writing songs several years ago, for many reasons, but mainly because my parents had gotten to an age where they needed my help and it was clear I needed to enter into a season of “caregiver” mode and my own career needed to take a backseat. I won’t lie and say it was easy, because <i>it was not</i>. But it WAS very rewarding and I wouldn’t change a thing about those last years close by my parent’s side. </span></div>
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<span class="s2">Mom passed first, in Feb. of 2013. Then Dad went to be with her and our sweet Lord in March of 2015. I was beside myself with grief. I had truly never known the deep, dark side of grief that engulfed me, and it stayed with me for many months. We also lost Mike’s grandmother in the fall of 2013, and both of our beloved dogs, Django and Ellie in the spring of 2014. We had some friends pass during those years too, and it seemed that we had suddenly entered into a period of keeping our funeral clothes freshly pressed way too often. This was new territory. A new season of life. I wasn’t sure I was ready for this <i>at all. </i> I was completely uncomfortable in my own skin and felt lost. I needed to find myself again somehow. </span></div>
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<span class="s2">My friend Kim knew I wasn’t myself. As good friends do, she could see what I couldn’t see. That I needed to create. She gently encouraged me to start writing again. She thought it would be therapeutic. Of course I argued with her. “Nope. I’m done. I’m empty. I really don’t think I will ever write again. I have written hundreds of songs, and I can’t imagine that there is anything else I need to say.” </span></div>
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<span class="s2">Fast forward to January 2016. My husband Mike and I were meeting Kim and our friend Christopher Cross for dinner in Nashville. I have been touring with Christopher for 3 years now and he has become a treasured colleague and a dear friend. He has always been a musical mentor and inspiration to me and I still find myself amazed that I get to work with him. This particular evening Christopher asked if we could stop by a little early so he could show me something before dinner. When I walked in Kim’s house I could see a little mischievous gleam in her eye and CC had a big smile on his face too. “What’s going on guys?” I said. “Wellllll…..”, Kim said, “I told Christopher about our conversation, where you said you weren’t ever going to write again. And then I told him that I thought if <b><i>someone </i></b>were to write you an inspiring piece of music that you could write some beautiful lyrics to, it might be just the thing to get you creating again.” CC’s smile got bigger and then he blurted out, “So I wrote you something!”. Let me tell you right now I don’t think I have ever been more stunned in my life. <i>What did he just say? Did he just say he wrote something for ME?</i></span></div>
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<span class="s2">Kim took my arm and motioned for me to walk back to the studio. CC immediately pulled up a chair for me to sit perfectly in between the speakers so I could hear the track and then he hit play. I don’t think it was 2 measures in before tears started flowing down my cheeks! It was one of the greatest gifts I had ever received. A beautiful piece of music from one of my musical heroes and now I get to write lyrics to it! Oh wait…. Oh gosh…..Oh CRAP…. I HAVE TO WRITE LYRICS TO THIS!!!!!!!!! I mean… GOOD LYRICS!! Can I even DO that anymore?? The high of having this presented to me started sinking in to the reality that I actually had to find my “voice” again. What if nothing came? What if I really WAS empty?</span></div>
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<span class="s2">The phone rang a couple of days later and it was Christopher. “Have you worked on the song yet?”, he excitedly asked. “No,” I timidly said. “You are going to have to give me a little time here. It’s been awhile. I don’t write prolifically like you do.” “No worries,” he sweetly said. “When the muse hits, it will come. Take your time.” C’mon MUSE! Where ARE you these days???</span></div>
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<span class="s2">It was actually about six weeks later when the Muse decided to show up. And she came at 4:30AM. Boy, that ol Muse picks GREAT times to appear, huh? LoL I literally woke up suddenly with lyrics floating around in my head… so I got up, put on a pot of coffee, grabbed my guitar and sat out in the sunroom letting the muse lead me into this lyric. To be fair, CC had written most of the chorus, and had this wonderful title already. He generously lead me in the right direction lyrically so I just let the rest flow out. I typed out the lyrics - put them in an email to CC and hit send. And then I went back to bed and fell back asleep. </span></div>
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<span class="s2">When I woke up again around 9am, my first thought was panic. Oh man.. did I really just send Christopher Cross some lyrics at 5:00 in the morning?? What if he hates them? I checked my email to see if he had responded. Nothing. Deep breath. Ok… well, now we just wait and see. Thankfully it he didn’t keep me waiting too long. His beautiful and supportive email came in and the first three words were, “I love it!”. I think i burst into tears… again! (I cry a lot). We had a song!!!! I could still write… and create. And it felt like I had found myself again. That part of me that I had put away so I could tend to other things was now back in bloom and I knew that I was indeed starting to find my “Second Wind”.</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Since then, I slowly started writing regularly again. Soon the beginnings of a new album began to emerge and the last few weeks I’ve been in the studio with amazing musicians, creating a new CD that I am EXTREMELY proud of. That album, my first faith-based CD, won’t be ready until late spring/early summer of 2017, so while we are finishing that, I decided to release “Second Wind” as a single for a couple of reasons. One, because it is such an important part of my musical journey now, bringing me back full circle into my creative space. And two, because I’m so proud of this special song and I didn’t want to keep it to myself any longer! </span></div>
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<span class="s2">“Second Wind” is now available for download on I-tunes and all online music stores, as well as on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming services, featuring Christopher Cross on guitars, Wes Little on drums, Brian Allen on bass, Derek Wells on guitars, and Kim Parent and Britt Savage on background vocals. Thanks for listening guys! I hope you enjoy it! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">SECOND WIND</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>C. Cross/M. Ramirez</span></div>
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<span class="s2">I found my second wind</span></div>
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<span class="s2">I think I found my second wind</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span> </span></div>
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<span class="s2">The dawn is finally breaking</span></div>
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<span class="s2">There is a new light in my sky</span></div>
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<span class="s2">You know nothing lasts forever</span></div>
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<span class="s2">We can get through the darkest night</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Life is full of struggles</span></div>
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<span class="s2">But every end just means a new beginning</span></div>
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<span class="s2">And I’m starting to get there</span></div>
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<span class="s2">I take a breath and take a step</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Walking my new path with no regrets</span></div>
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<span class="s2">CH:<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I think I’ve found my second wind</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Watch out world, here I come again</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I think I’ve found my second wind</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I got my friends, got my family</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>and I got my man</span></div>
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<span class="s2">There’s nothing like a true love</span></div>
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<span class="s2">reminding me to just lean on</span></div>
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<span class="s2">CH:<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I think I’ve found my second wind</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Watch out world, here I come again</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I think I’ve found my second wind</span></div>
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<span class="s2">CH:<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I think I’ve found my second wind</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Watch out world, here I come again</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I think I’ve found my second wind</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>And I’m playing to win</span></div>
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</style>Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-39257189315759165532017-01-14T15:52:00.002-06:002017-01-18T22:09:21.791-06:00Jan 2017 NEWS..... <div class="p1" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: large;">I hope everyone is having a beautiful start to 2017. This year is shaping up to be a fun and exciting one for me. Currently I am deep in the middle of making my new CD, which I hope to have finished this spring and I’m getting </span><span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: large;"><em data-mce-style="font-size: small;">SUPER</em></span><span class="s1" style="font-size: large;"> excited about getting some new music out to you all. In the meantime, I have a couple of other fun pieces of music news to share!</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s1">First off, Reba McEntire has a new double CD that is being released on Feb. 3rd and I’m happy to announce that one of my songs, “God and My Girlfriends” is on it! I wrote “GAMG” with my friends Lisa Hentrich and Patricia Conroy and we immediately felt like it was </span><span data-mce-style="font-size: large;"><em data-mce-style="font-size: small;">perfect </em></span><span class="s1">for Reba and pitched it to her. Apparently she loved it too, because she quickly put it on “hold”. Well…that was 8 years ago! LoL So yeah, Reba took her time, but in her own time (or maybe in God’s perfect time!), she finally recorded the song and did a </span><em data-mce-style="font-size: small;">beautiful</em><span class="s1"> job! We are happy and very proud to have this song finally coming out! Although the full CD, <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Sing-Now-Songs-Faith-Deluxe/dp/B01N9FZ29Z/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481920058&sr=8-3&keywords=sing+it+now+reba&tag=smarturl-20" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sing-Now-Songs-Faith-Deluxe/dp/B01N9FZ29Z/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481920058&sr=8-3&keywords=sing+it+now+reba&tag=smarturl-20">“Sing it now - Songs of faith and hope”</a> doesn’t come out until Feb., she chose our song to be released early, so you can download it NOW on iTunes! There is even a hashtag #GodAndMyGirlfriends, with women all over the country posting pictures and videos on social media with their girlfriends. Some of them made me cry! It’s so sweet y’all! Truly! I love that the song is empowering women to bond together, because THAT is a beautiful thing! Ya’ll go download the song… AND the CD when it comes out! I can’t wait to hear it myself! </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.marciaramirez.com/img/515MvXuGiXL._SS500.jpg" data-mce-style="font-size: small;" src="http://www.marciaramirez.com/img/515MvXuGiXL._SS500.jpg" height="500" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" width="500" /></span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s1">In equally fun news, I just recorded a new song that I wrote with the great <a data-mce-href="http://www.christophercross.com" href="http://www.christophercross.com/">Christopher Cross</a> and I’ll be releasing that later this month on iTunes as a “prelude” to my full-length project. Yes, CC is my current “boss”, but he is also one of my great musical influences as I spent many, many hours in my youth listening to his music. It is truly an honor to get to co-write a song with him, and I can’t WAIT to tell you the special circumstances behind the writing of it! Stay tuned for that….. :-)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, the PBS special, “<a data-mce-href="http://acl-live.com/calendar/christopher-cross" href="http://acl-live.com/calendar/christopher-cross">Christopher Cross and friends</a>”, which features the CC band, Michael McDonald, Mike Love and Eric Johnson should start airing all over the country this year as well. Ya’ll keep your eyes peeled on your local PBS station for air times. We are super proud of how it turned out and can’t wait for everyone to see it! </span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">We just finished our first CC show of 2017 in Grand Rapids, MI at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. What a beautiful facility! Everyone there was so great and we had a wonderful time. We have one more show this month in Lancaster, PA, at <a data-mce-href="http://www.songkick.com/concerts/28432074-christopher-cross-at-american-music-theatre?utm_source=11593&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=widget&utm_content=289343" href="http://www.songkick.com/concerts/28432074-christopher-cross-at-american-music-theatre?utm_source=11593&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=widget&utm_content=289343">The American Music Theatre</a> with the band “America”! I love those guys! SO many hits from the 70’s and 80’s. I just sit and listen to their set and go back in time. If you are in the Lancaster area, come see us on January, 28th!</span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s1">Next week, I’m heading down to Birmingham, AL with my pals, Kim Parent and Rob Harris. We have convinced Mike Waldron to join us for an evening of stories and songs as part of “The Writer’s Share” songwriter concert series. If you are near B’ham, come join us for a lovely evening at <a data-mce-href="https://www.workplay.com/calendar-event/" href="https://www.workplay.com/calendar-event/">Workplay</a>, Jan. 19th, at 8:00pm.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">That’s about it for now. I truly hope to see some of you at upcoming shows. That is one great thing about doing so much travel is getting to run into old friends and meet new ones! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ya’ll be good to each other and check <a data-mce-href="http://www.marciaramirez.blogspot.com" href="http://www.marciaramirez.blogspot.com/">my blog</a> now and then for more updates!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Love, Peace and Blessings,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">NEXT UP:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In February I do TWO shows in Nashville (a rare thing these days!):</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Kimbros” —- Feb. 19th </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1" data-mce-style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The Bluebird Cafe” —Feb. 25th w/Kaci Bolls, Jay Knowles, and Britton Cameron</span></span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-30045892777533404122017-01-10T12:44:00.001-06:002017-01-10T12:44:28.499-06:00Finding Peace....<style type="text/css">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: left;">Etty Hillsum was a Jewish woman, imprisoned by the Nazis. She perished on Nov. 30th, 1943 at Auschwitz. She wrote about peace in one of the least peaceful moments of her life. She made a note in her journal in Sept. 1942 (which was about a year before she died) of Matthew 6:34; </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; text-align: left;">"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. --- " </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: left;">Then she wrote this: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<i style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We have to fight them daily like fleas, those small worries about tomorrow, for they sap our energies. We make mental provision for the days to come, and yet everything turns out differently, quite differently. Sufficient unto the day. The things that have to be done must be done, and for the rest we must not allow ourselves to become infested with thousands of petty fears and worries, so many motions of no confidence in God. — Ultimately we have just one moral duty; to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world.” — Etty Hillesum</span></b></i><br />
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Etty lays out her plan for peace quite beautifully. And it starts with not allowing ourselves to "become infested with thousands of petty fears and worries" about tomorrow, for that will "sap our energies" that we need for today. We who claim to be Christ-followers must stop the many motions of "no confidence in God", and truly walk the walk. The world is watching. Are we setting an example of confidence in God, or not? </div>
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Also, I love how she calls "reclaiming peace in ourselves" as a <i>moral duty. </i>WHOA. That kind of slapped me in the face! That means that finding peace isn't just something that is a nice suggestion for better living, but a MORAL DUTY to one another. Have you ever thought about it like that? I sure haven't! But it makes sense to me now. We live in such a broken and troubled world. <i><b>WE</b></i> are broken and troubled! I can hardly stand to turn on the news for it breaks my heart to see the evil, sad, lonely, hurting MESS that we live in. How do we find PEACE in the midst of all THAT??? </div>
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Well, we start with finding it in ourselves. Do you feel like your soul is a peaceful soul? Are you are peaceful person? No? <i>Well, me neither! </i> But I <i>am</i> working on it these days and I can start to feel progress towards it. I think THAT is the key. If everyone started working on finding their own peace, within themselves, then I think it would eventually create the peace in the world that we are all looking for. How could the world NOT be peaceful if it was inhabited by a bunch of peaceful people, right? </div>
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You know the common phrase, "Be the change that you want to see in the world", right? Well, I do think that there is truth in that sentence. Everyone is screaming on social media about how messed up everything is right now, but no one is offering change within themselves in order to fix it. Everyone has dug in their heels and chosen sides (and chosen enemies). There is too much of people "taking a stand" and not enough of people "choosing to understand". You can see that there is very little PEACE in the air these days and it's something I personally feel could be a big part of the solution. </div>
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I love what Jen Hatmaker posted this last week in the midst of some troubling news stories that were haunting: </div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"What a weary world. This scrap of earth needs so much hope and love. It is in a hope and love deficit, spending in the red<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">, grief upon grief, loss upon loss. Broken hearts beget broken lives, and we find ourselves at another funeral, another trial, another national tragedy.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I so deeply believe that we have our finger on the thermostat. We can turn it all up: the compassion, the mercy, the practice of presence (so important because people are so lonely), the kindness. We can change the temperature. Jesus already told us this. He told us how to warm up this tired, cold world and He showed us how:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love God. Love people. Blessed are the peacemakers. Blessed are the merciful. The Good Samaritan-go and do likewise. Touch the outcasts and care for the hurting. Find the most broken, busted up folks, the lonely, sad, suffering ones, the ones everyone hates or bullies and love them like it is a paying job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the thermostat slowly inches up. It is all we can do. We can warm up the air around us. You handle your little corner and I'll work on mine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is our work and it isn't small. Fingers on the thermostat. Inch it up with all the compassion and empathy and grace we can muster. It matters." - J. Hatmaker</span></div>
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Like she says, "WE can turn up the compassion, the mercy..." WE can make changes around us that will affect others in turn. If WE can find some peace within ourselves, maybe it will flow out to others around us. We can't just sit back and complain about what is happening around us. We have to DO something. Starting with our own selves, our own <i>souls. </i></div>
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One blog post isn't enough about this. Finding peace can't be conquered and solved in just a few words, but I am on a quest. It is one of my goals for 2017. I want to be more peaceful and I hope to spread more peace to those around me. There have been moments in my life where I have experienced the peace that GOD promises, and it is a truly beautiful place to be. The peace that passes all understanding. The peace that comes when it is least likely to make sense. The peace that can ONLY come from a supernatural place. </div>
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Do you know that peace? Have you ever experienced it? I'd love to hear your thoughts....</div>
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Blessings, Love and Peace,</div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871144368953293590.post-20761723416354700492017-01-03T11:44:00.000-06:002017-01-03T11:45:32.869-06:00Finding Balance.....<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>"Balance. It's like a unicorn; we've heard about it, everyone talks about it and makes airbrushed T-shirts celebrating it, it seems super rad, but we haven't actually seen one. I'm beginning to think it isn't a thing." </i>--</span></span>Jen Hatmaker</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every year about this time, I start making a list of all the things I'm going to do differently this year. You know, the usual realistic goals. Become a bible scholar, learn to cook like Julia Childs, develop the same exercise discipline as Jillian Michaels, organize my home like Martha Stewart, write a masterpiece, and lose 100 lbs. And in my spare time, I'll be the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect daughter, sister, neighbor and friend.... aaaannnddd carve out some extra "self-care" time for me! It sure sounds like I have found the key to a healthy balanced life, doesn't it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year, I'm going to do things much differently. Yes, I'll set some goals, but I'm going to add a lot more grace in the mix. My Wednesday Morning Girls Group recently finished reading Lysa Terkeurst's "The Best Yes" and it <b style="font-style: italic;">rocked my world. </b>Learning how to not only figure out what to say "yes" and "no" to, but how to make room in your life for your "Best Yes's" was truly eye-opening. We can't just wait around for life to bring us opportunities and then decide which of those opportunities we will say "yes" to. We need to figure out what bring us JOY in this life and create those experiences for ourselves sometimes. We need to take time to examine our souls and find out what passions God placed in our hearts. When we do that, it's so much easier to figure out what we should be spending our time doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our society definitely puts pressure on us all to GO, GO, GO and DO, DO, DO! Looking at each other's social media feeds is sure to make us all feel like our lives are lacking somehow. A couple of weeks ago I saw a good friend who had posted pics from her beautiful family Christmas. I immediately felt like a big Christmas failure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">--- Her tree looked exquisite! Mine looks like Charlie Brown's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">--- Her table settings looked like they could have been in a Southern Living magazine! I don't own fancy Christmas dishes, but I DID send The Hubs down to Dollar General to buy real napkins. WE CAN BE CLASSY TOO. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">--- Her turkey looked moist and cooked to perfection! My turkey came out too undercooked... THE THINGY POPPED OUT I SWEAR!....so after carving it and realizing the pink color of the meat indicated a problem, we put it back in the oven and over cooked it to crunchy perfection. Think "Christmas Vacation". The kids told me it was delicious anyway. My kids are excellent liars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sigh..... #ChristmasFail </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And just like that, I decided it was time to take a social media break for a couple of weeks and it was one of the best things I did in 2016! Social media breaks will definitely be something I incorporate into my 2017 routine. I recently read statistics that showed links to constant social media use with depression and anxiety. More stats show that people who constantly check social media get less sleep, feel less satisfied with their lives, and suffer from mood-swings. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE many things about social media. I love that when I'm halfway around the world, I can look on friends and families pages and see what they have been up to. It's a great way to stay connected to people you care about that maybe you don't see often. But just like anything good, if it's not used well, it can become a bad thing in our lives. So in an effort to keep my life... ahem... in "balance", I'm definitely going to cut back on my social media time. Or at least that's the <i>plan. </i>HA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I think back on all the hours I spent cruising around on Facebook in 2016, I don't see a lot of value that it brought into my world. So I'm hoping to find other things in 2017 that I can do with much of that time that might actually have productivity involved. Something to show from all that time spent. Maybe I'll actually get some new songs written and a new CD recorded. Wouldn't THAT be lovely! :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SO....instead of making a list of what I'm going to ADD into my life in 2017 to make it more fabulous, I've decided to make a list of what I'm going to DELETE from my already overwhelmed schedule. Or at least what I'll cut back on! Social Media time is definitely at the top of that list. Balance may be as elusive as a unicorn..... but I'm still gonna try my best to find a sliver of it in my crazy world. And instead of striving to be like Julia, Jillian or Martha, I'll give Marcia much more grace to just be... well... Marcia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What about you guys? What is something that you can DELETE from your lives this year that will help you find the elusive unicorn named "Balance"? Do tell.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here we go 2017. Let's do this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All the love,</span></div>
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Marcia Ramirezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14508003400743924022noreply@blogger.com5