tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73659735664667174032024-02-19T11:20:57.502-05:00Demetria Murdock...Journey To FaithDemetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-56095684876975111912010-11-27T12:27:00.001-05:002010-11-27T12:29:26.178-05:00Reinventing Myself - Lasting Legacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RGSrvrwaYbQP48upQ-OAMn3x_hqe3yxAUolxURBq-axuNhgrX37LaM5TiQSLfIfhBIjjU40D1UcI8QwCSqoEHr62UHBMs3htmHhf4FyhYojrqcc2Hlb1mikEyfydTkDUjcs0HMd2HmI/s1600/Me_Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RGSrvrwaYbQP48upQ-OAMn3x_hqe3yxAUolxURBq-axuNhgrX37LaM5TiQSLfIfhBIjjU40D1UcI8QwCSqoEHr62UHBMs3htmHhf4FyhYojrqcc2Hlb1mikEyfydTkDUjcs0HMd2HmI/s200/Me_Kids.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">L</span>eaving a lasting legacy for my children is one of the main reasons for Reinventing Myself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Psalm 127:3-4 (MSG) says, </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">My obedience, trust, and faith in God lived out, live and in color has already began to set the example for them. They will be able to draw from the strength and courage that God has bestowed upon me to accomplish extraordinary things. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">One thing that sticks out so vividly in my mind, is hearing Joshua say, "Momma I wish you could eat lunch with me and pick me up from school everyday." That statement from a 5 year old can really tug a momma's heart strings! I began to wonder how can I make that happen. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">It's amazing how God intricately alines our lives. That's why it is essential to life to know what God has purposed for you. God had opened a few doors of opportunity for me. Each one of these opportunities were in sync with what God has called me to do. So I decided to take the LEAP. </span></span><br />
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</style> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now between loads of laundry, I look for legacy moments. Instead of rushing to fold the clothes so that I could move on to the next task, I take the time to teach my daughter Victoria how to fold a towel and match mates to socks. Instead of just being UFC referee for the Murdock Showdowns, I teach them what it means to respect & love each other. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">~Demetria</span><br />
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</span></span>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-8616063663072960262010-11-18T01:48:00.000-05:002010-11-18T01:48:19.098-05:00Reinventing Myself: Thriving Instead of Just Barely Surviving<div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WPPI Retreat Painting</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A </span>few weeks ago, I decided to attach some legs to my faith and take a huge leap towards my dreams! I left a well paid, "secure", and comfy job in order to live out the purpose that God has placed in my heart. I've taken early retirement from the status quo to pursue my passion of journeying with others as they discover their God purpose. So you may be thinking, "This girl is crazy leaving a good paying job in today's economy." But what I began to realize over the last few years is that <b><i>that</i></b> place where I use to be comfortable and fit in was starting to become uncomfortable and like a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. :) Yeah, I know I got that metaphor backwards but I'm round not square. I realized I had put myself in a box. My creativity had been lost and I didn't know where I had left it. I just recently finished reading "Drop Like Stars" by Rob Bell. He says, </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic;">"And then there are those who think and feel and live and create from a different place. They've had their boxes smashed and their insulators dismantled until they had no other option but to imagine a totally new tomorrow." </b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of the little life boxes I had created for myself like having 2.5 kids and living in the house with the with the white picket fence were all crushed when our first son was born with <a href="http://www.trisomy18.org/goto/tremurdock">Trisomy 18</a> (Edward's Syndrome). There we were in December of 2002, a few days before Christmas, standing eyeball-to-eyeball with the unknown. Trying to figure out why God gave us this sweet, special little boy to raise. But it was through our son's birth & death 4 years later and 3 more beautiful babies, that God gave me a Hope in Jesus Christ that would never fade. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is from <b><i>that</i></b> place where I got up the courage to "cross the Red Sea as if it were dry land" in order to leave that place of comfort and security called a job. It is from <b><i>that</i></b> place where I learned to kick fear and doubt out the window and truly begin walking by faith. You see, your faith has legs and it wants to walk and not be carried like a baby. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwvnRwBN6rKAUUk2tchVX3fJDMxs5DZdg7gzoTbzXLMySQH1ctTjUQ2ny60qIQ5pAPbWAgKQQd0BCjP8r7ycpAJ-RWVmIQnU2ncvcatGs6IYLePo7oWm-WAFASGIC7TFxZXj6jOk7tZQ/s1600/JourneyRoad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwvnRwBN6rKAUUk2tchVX3fJDMxs5DZdg7gzoTbzXLMySQH1ctTjUQ2ny60qIQ5pAPbWAgKQQd0BCjP8r7ycpAJ-RWVmIQnU2ncvcatGs6IYLePo7oWm-WAFASGIC7TFxZXj6jOk7tZQ/s200/JourneyRoad2.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is from <b><i>this</i></b> place that I am leaving the familiar, expecting the impossible, accomplishing the unattainable, and pursuing passion with purpose. Yes, there are lots of what if's... What if it doesn't work?...What if I totally fail?...So what! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This I do know. Ephesians 3:17-20 tells us to Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. It tells us to Reach out and experience the breadth of Christ's love, test its length, plumb the depths, and rise to the heights! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to live life to its fullest, find your God-ordained purpose, and begin thriving instead of just surviving, I invite you to journey with me over the next few days, weeks, & months as I walk out my mountain moving faith, transforming, reinventing myself. </span><br />
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</style> Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-57168352276103967192010-01-30T22:51:00.000-05:002010-01-30T22:51:31.582-05:00Tre' Bear Project - Sharing the Love of Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf86UJbNEh5YYRyITTnlVjRnXdm1gdRePYCSBxnoTOwHxrs1TqWXixoa_ZfPoOL58zCM7Rcuu1G6fKAFRzKMVmis5xA6NAd96saxmQDI64ZHi89nZG0c0QxrYtChO9qs8cdgrxHcDuHHc/s1600-h/TreBearTeam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf86UJbNEh5YYRyITTnlVjRnXdm1gdRePYCSBxnoTOwHxrs1TqWXixoa_ZfPoOL58zCM7Rcuu1G6fKAFRzKMVmis5xA6NAd96saxmQDI64ZHi89nZG0c0QxrYtChO9qs8cdgrxHcDuHHc/s200/TreBearTeam.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Having a child in the hospital can be tough on a family, but imagine having to be there during the holidays. My family and I have experienced this first hand. On December 22, 2002, our son Tre’ was born with Edward’s Syndrome and given only days to live. From that moment, our lives changed forever. We were in and out of the hospital at least 2 or 3 times a year. Our son passed away on March 30, 2007 after losing his battle with liver cancer. His determination and will to live is what has led us to give hope to others during Christmas by giving away teddy bears. <br />
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In 2007 we started the TRE' Bear Project. Our supporters donated 50 "Champ" bears from the Build-A-Bear Workshop to the children at Hemby Children's Hospital at Presbyterian in Charlotte, NC. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year was very special for us because we actually re-connected with one of the recipients of the bears. Her name is Morgan. She has an awesome testimony about how we touched her life and she now works at the Build-A-Bear store! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Morgan's Story: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViC2oO-JuHWLR3Mks-bAo-gsIc0s-GrmMBrqZK3Zl7kNr7H4ZRIiJZnaH3Ls2Su0yk5UnF1zPay1bVsAU735jUhFRg7bhriFVems-RRiQFdpmITvrNaP92fUsF6twh6E0ODtE5TXGbfc/s1600-h/TreBear_Morgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViC2oO-JuHWLR3Mks-bAo-gsIc0s-GrmMBrqZK3Zl7kNr7H4ZRIiJZnaH3Ls2Su0yk5UnF1zPay1bVsAU735jUhFRg7bhriFVems-RRiQFdpmITvrNaP92fUsF6twh6E0ODtE5TXGbfc/s200/TreBear_Morgan.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was 16 years old and had to spend my christmas break at the hospital. During my week there I had friends and family coming and supporting me, holding my hand every step of the way. I had been broken down, exhausted and all I wanted to do was to be home and with my family on christmas. It was on my 3rd day at the hospital that Demetria came in with this Champ Build-a-Bear, in memory of her lost son. The bear had patches over the body and a heartbeat in its chest that thumped when pressed on. It wasn't until I read the excerpt, within the tag of the bear, that I grasped the importance this bear brought. The blurb about the Champ bear explained that each patch on his body represented a struggle he had to overcome and that it is okay to show your hurting wether it be on the inside or outside. It was about 15 minutes after Demetria and her friend had left that tears started down my face, It was such a relief knowing that we will go through hard times but it makes us who we are. The next day I was being sent home, on Christmas Eve. I remember sitting in the back seat holding on to the bear as tight as possible, thanking God for giving me the strength to go home.</span></i></span><br />
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I wish I could say that was my last trip to the hospital but unfortunately it was not. I have had 3 hospital visits since then and every single time, Champ was by my side. Every hard day at school or every fight with a friend, I squeezed Champ and knew it was just another patch to add to my fur, so to speak. And to this day whenever I look at my Champ bear it reminds me never to give up no matter how stressful or painful a situation may be, and to be thankful for all the struggles I have been though because they make me the person I am today.<br />
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Demetria, It is so very hard for me to put into words how much your gift has meant to me. I hope my testimony has given you a slight idea. I am very thankful of what you have done. If you ever need any help please let me know I would be more then happy to give back to someone even a portion of what you have given me.</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This truly shows us the power of the Love of Jesus and how sharing it with others can have a significant impact on someone's life. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Check out the article: http://www.heraldonline.com/109/story/1803553.html</span></span><br />
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</span>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-12044477271768284652009-12-22T04:42:00.001-05:002009-12-22T04:44:12.282-05:00Fearfully & Wonderfully Made<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Written to my heavenly son Tre': </span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is hard to believe that you would have been 7 years old today. Its seems like not long ago you were a baby and just yesterday that we gave you back to the Lord at the tender age of 4. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Psalm 139 verses 13 through 16 still resonates in my mind as I think about your birth day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. </span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. </span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, </span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.</span></i></b></span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I obtain comfort in knowing that God knew you would be born with Edward's Syndrome (Trisomy 18) before you came to earth. Wow! All your days were written in God's book! Although your first few days, weeks and even months were intimidating, you triumphed over your struggles. We saw God heal your heart, re-shape your hands and give you a smile that could melt the most rigid heart. He even healed you of the cancer although not here on earth. We thank God for the miracles he performed in you and the lives of our family too. We miss you dear but you are always near in pictures and memories we hold close to our hearts. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mommy</span></span>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-56536392379812099542009-08-29T06:26:00.003-04:002009-08-29T06:32:14.864-04:00Hope - Grief's Best Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_00UdiTuWVONntQA23D4ALohKaWOQFKO0AD8PorHM1zbt6ljpynvcHH-xxRicFHiYqQmFFZskCDQdaXt-c5pAQUZ3tu45zeSCcVN1Yj2CvvGs4cRqQCKDxOGoSXsqPBeo5DZKZeH4Jg/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_00UdiTuWVONntQA23D4ALohKaWOQFKO0AD8PorHM1zbt6ljpynvcHH-xxRicFHiYqQmFFZskCDQdaXt-c5pAQUZ3tu45zeSCcVN1Yj2CvvGs4cRqQCKDxOGoSXsqPBeo5DZKZeH4Jg/s200/photo.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he other day I sat and looked attentively as my 4 year old son Joshua gazed at family photos on the living room wall. He glimpsed at a portrait of his older brother Tre' and said, "Mommy I miss Tre', I wish he could come back". My heart skipped a beat and then melted to the floor. You see, our son Tre' was the same age as Joshua when he lost his battle with liver cancer a little over 2 years ago. Joshua was only 2 years old when his big brother went to be with the Lord. And let me tell you, Joshua will never forget him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflecting on those thoughts uttered from the mouth of a babe, if Tre' could come back would he? I am sure he is having too good of a time to come back to us on Earth. I know he will be waiting with other loved ones to receive us into heaven. One thing is for sure, while we are still here, we must live our lives in such a way that we will be able to see him again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having experienced the loss of my child, someone I helped give life to, I've come to the realization that people are the most important thing in life. I am sure you have heard people say "There are no U-Hauls following behind hearses". There is nothing in this world that you can take with you when you pass from this life except people, by showing them Jesus Christ. My husband and I live our lives so that the light of Jesus shines through us. So that some, if not all, can be saved. They will be the ones we will see again in heaven. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNoLC-UVHjMaFRMhV0GH2Kh-RujKUCk6LvWCjBSDc9peM5Ahjo9J9nMvJOcbclDY7XeMtj7VeOSL9u21ZY9YvHCUR0DOS0BeTPqLc11ea3yLkxF9j4HUukd52PkbFn9ausnHyUsnK3y8/s1600-h/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNoLC-UVHjMaFRMhV0GH2Kh-RujKUCk6LvWCjBSDc9peM5Ahjo9J9nMvJOcbclDY7XeMtj7VeOSL9u21ZY9YvHCUR0DOS0BeTPqLc11ea3yLkxF9j4HUukd52PkbFn9ausnHyUsnK3y8/s200/photo-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I grieve my son, I read Romans 5:1-5 and rest in <b>HOPE</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"We have peace with God through his son Jesus Christ. Through whom we have gained access by faith into His grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God! The </i><b><i>HOPE</i></b><i> of knowing that one day we will see Tre' again."</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the words of Henry Bohn, a 19th century British publisher, "<b>HOPE</b> is grief's best music" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much Luv,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Deme</span>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-5847759002680695662009-08-22T02:12:00.000-04:002009-08-22T02:12:45.771-04:00Dry Bones Live (Spiritual ReBirth) - 2009 She Speaks Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tnNF6x8UUiLJd9CM50ABUK0HtAV-X5CLzQLe1erogpukohiByjh9fcKvN3cwjIiFZkKoCqPvJDfh4AiywE_eNNo3uU1O7jTv8MFTGX1Wq7-5Kp8XguNnABWzA9XeV8_29ZLiBjhLl0c/s1600-h/SheSpeaksMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tnNF6x8UUiLJd9CM50ABUK0HtAV-X5CLzQLe1erogpukohiByjh9fcKvN3cwjIiFZkKoCqPvJDfh4AiywE_eNNo3uU1O7jTv8MFTGX1Wq7-5Kp8XguNnABWzA9XeV8_29ZLiBjhLl0c/s200/SheSpeaksMe.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">W</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ow is about all I can say about the She Speaks Conference! The weeks and days leading up to the conference, I felt physically and spiritually depleted. I was in a drought, a dry place. I didn't feel worthy enough or qualified enough to even attend such an event. I had lost hope for the ministry vision God had given me. Me and Doubt were having a fabulous Pity Party. I began to feel like Ezekiel down in the midst of the valley full of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14). But as I sat through each session God began to breath new life into my dream. He added flesh and skin back to the ministry He gave me months before. I give much props to the team at Proverbs 31 Ministries. They did an awesome job putting it all together. After leaving the conference on Saturday night, I felt as though I had hit the lottery. A wealth of information, resources, and experts in the Christian world of writing and speaking were right at my finger tips. God granted me access so that I can empower others. Being around so many women that shared common ground, gave me the confidence to dust off my dream to write and share God's gift of HOPE. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much Luv,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Deme</span>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-52988764806543660682009-02-13T00:57:00.000-05:002009-02-13T00:57:14.569-05:00Today's Walk - Look towards the Son!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfhBooxiJ-2PDN3orQh6DWLaxqifcCF9bLZNt_ruPRLsoz4spAJyZM-YqmqMYE3sHLO734Qll4HzD6EMlDwe2YBo531jSxQgT8EDGUmvyRuTaQBZBeGdsgjg8Y5YT4iUNpbRJTQustYk/s1600-h/Son.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302117806517577794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfhBooxiJ-2PDN3orQh6DWLaxqifcCF9bLZNt_ruPRLsoz4spAJyZM-YqmqMYE3sHLO734Qll4HzD6EMlDwe2YBo531jSxQgT8EDGUmvyRuTaQBZBeGdsgjg8Y5YT4iUNpbRJTQustYk/s320/Son.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 206px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 308px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">O</span><span>ver the last week I have been really seeking God on some things in my life. All throughout the day, God had been dropping some nuggets into my heart. Recently I started a walking regiment in an effort to loose some weight. I have been using my walking time to really reflect on what it is God wants me to do and how he wants me to do it. I left work a little later than usual and couldn't make up my mind whether or not to walk. God spoke to me and said Go walk because this is where I can spend quality time with you. I started out on my walk and when I got to the spot where I usually start off on the trail, God said go the opposite way you have been going. I began thinking to myself if I go the opposite way I will be blinded by the sun. I don't have any shades because my husband sat on them the other day! That's a story for another day. I was obedient and followed God's instructions. God was telling me to go against the grain. He was telling me to do things different from what is normal or accepted. Earlier this week, I started a new bible study lesson called "Life: The Edited Version". The author's main scripture was </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span>Jeremiah 18:4 (HCSB)</span></span><span> which says.. </span></span><br />
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<div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span>"But the jar that he was making from the clay became flawed in the potter's hand, so he made it into another jar, as it seemed right for him to do."</span></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Here in this scripture, God is giving us a real-life example of how He, the master craftsman of our earthen vessels, wants to re-shape us into a beautiful work of art. Listening to God today and changing the direction of my physical walk is symbolic of how he wants to change our spiritual walk also. But that is not the best thing about my walk today.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Now as I began walking, in the opposite direction along the trail, the Sun appeared brightly in my eyes until I was sort of blinded by it. I continued along as the Sun darted in and out among the many trees along the trail. I watched as people walked passed me once and even twice. I started to get tired because I am so out of shape. I even thought about taking a seat on a bench along the way. As I rounded the bend on the last stretch of my walk, I was again blinded by the Sun. It was at that point God revealed to me that although I walked in the opposite direction unsure of how different the trail would be, He would show me His SON! The sun was there at the beginning of my walk and it was there at the end of my walk. All the time appearing through the forest of trees. As my Pastor/Husband says when he preaches, "You can go ahead and shout right there". </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br class="webkit-block-placeholder" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Throughout our life journey, we must stop and take time to fellowship with God. Away from the noise and hustle and bustle of everyday life. He wants a relationship with us. He desires to take a walk with us. Although you may get tired along the way, you cannot stop and sit on a bench. You must continue on. Paul tells the church of Philippi that ...</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span>"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span>Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Some of you reading this blog may be feeling God tug at your heart for you to get to know him more </span><span>intimately. He wants you to take a detour and walk with him.<span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br class="webkit-block-placeholder" /></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>Today God has called me to walk in the opposite direction, go against the grain and do what is abnormal. Maybe its time for me to practice some responsible irresponsibility as the author Mark Batterson says in his book </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span>"Wild Goose Chase". </span></span><span>He has shown me as long as I am looking towards the Son, he will guide me every step of the way. </span></span></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>Demetria Murdock</span></span></span></div></div>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-23407727986737384412008-04-29T23:21:00.007-04:002008-12-11T18:27:23.371-05:00Going Beyond<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gLTru9j3J01z4aFpqT1oYDGHqtVl1qtGGD2Mez7WMfW64th5fNIbHpnZDNisglmsUB2JFSg9Q32P-O41xZA2jmp_2iYjgMoCwSxLSr3apftmonFsn9bqDR8GS7T5UiE5jzCEASPepUA/s1600-h/j0427669.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gLTru9j3J01z4aFpqT1oYDGHqtVl1qtGGD2Mez7WMfW64th5fNIbHpnZDNisglmsUB2JFSg9Q32P-O41xZA2jmp_2iYjgMoCwSxLSr3apftmonFsn9bqDR8GS7T5UiE5jzCEASPepUA/s320/j0427669.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194873555923074466" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">"Act immediately and fearlessly in response to God" - Priscilla Shirer.</span><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /><br /></span>Brother, Sister it is time for us to take up our beds and walk. <o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p>This weekend I attended the "Going Beyond" Conference with Priscilla Shirer.<span style=""> </span>It was called a "spiritual reawakening for women."<span style=""> </span>God definitely jolted me from my spiritual slumber to confirm the direction He is taking me.<span style=""> </span>Priscilla talked about leaving a place of comfort and leaving behind what we are used to doing.<span style=""> </span>She illustrated this by expounding on the journey the Israelites took out of Egypt into Canaan (the land flowing with milk & honey).<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>Going Beyond is exactly what God wants for us to do.<span style=""> </span>When He speaks to you, you must respond to Him quickly and do whatever it is he has for you to do.<span style=""> </span>God is calling me to go some places I have never been and do some things this year that I have never done.<span style=""> </span>I don't have all the experience. He has not given me Google Map street by street directions and I don't have a satellite view of the big picture.<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 5 explains where I have been to the tee.<span style=""> </span>I have been sitting at the pool of Bethesda with the sick, blind, and lame waiting on the water to be stirred.<span style=""> </span>Waiting for all the right signs, for all the lights to be green, for that perfect opportunity.<span style=""> </span>I, like the man with the infirmity for 38 years, have made up excuses as to why I can't do what God wants me to do.<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Jn. 5:7 says...<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me."</span><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have thought there are a lot of people who are better at these things than me.<span style=""> </span>Or we say I don't have enough money, I am not worthy enough and what about my past. We find ourselves always coming up with one excuse after another. This is just the adversary putting fear in us, so that we will not do what thus says the Lord.<span style=""> </span>But we must remember that God has not given us the spirit of fear but of Power, Love and a sound mind. If you have truly accepted the Lord as your Savior, he has moved beyond your past, so why don't you.<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">In verse 8 Jesus tells the man to "Rise, take up your bed and walk" and immediately he was healed.<span style=""> </span>I am encouraging you <span style="font-weight: bold;">Right Now</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Today, </span>to just pick up your bed and walk.<span style=""> </span>Whether it be a sick bed, a bed of abuse, or a bed of financial problems, whatever your issue, just pick it up and walk.<span style=""> </span>God will take care of it.<span style=""> </span>Let us go beyond what we are use to and stop making excuses as to why we can't do something.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p> God has said GO and I am going to take up my cross and follow Him.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>I went to the conference with Kim Long.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She is the mother of Tre's friend Kayla.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Kayla also had Trisomy 18 and died only 4 months before Tre'.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Kim and I met back in 2003 when Tre' was first born.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She and her husband Juan gave us </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >HOPE </span><span style="font-size:100%;">when the doctors didn't.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">They showed us what is was like to take care of a baby with Edward's Syndrome and also raise 2 other children.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The strength and courage that Kim displayed was out of this world.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I could truly see God in her and the love she showed her children.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Both of us losing our precious babies only months apart wasn't just a coincidence.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">God has put us in each other's path for a reason.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">So that we can encourage each other through this journey that we are on.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I thank you Kim and Juan for showing us how to love Tre', Joshua, Elijah, & Victoria and for giving us Hope. </span></span><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-30905879378006405802008-04-13T23:41:00.003-04:002008-04-14T00:26:37.675-04:00Connecting The DotsIt's easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. You may not be looking at life from the right perspective. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to His people. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eph. 1:18 (NIV) </span></span><br /><br />The theme of my blog is about how our circumstances and relationships in life help us determine His purpose for our life. Think of any life altering event as a dot in a 'Connect the Dot' puzzle. As you think about your past, you will begin to see the path and purpose God has for you. The stranger you sat beside on a flight to California. The loss of a family pet as a small child. The sickness of a child. Diagnosis of a disease. Death of a loved one. A shattered childhood dream. Divorce. Estranged/Broken relationship with a loved one or friend. Child abuse. All these things draw a path towards Him. As we draw closer to Him we should obtain Hope for our future. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Col. 1:5 (KJV)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span>Even though we are being tried we must look inside our circumstances and seek God. He is there because He said He would never leave us or forsake us. God is wanting to see our faithfulness and how he keeps his promises to those that are true to him. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span></span>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-80389854796469662008-04-07T00:01:00.005-04:002008-12-11T18:27:23.555-05:00Pressed But Not Crushed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4PiLhaBKZH8G-AIGr5iX4S86-Pl981o6843-KXZOA86CeXx3-BXReHpxSHIM9IZyP9avSwWNMphChnFNI4CLvKeJF4FaUNA8BvfJucSNCJ0YzpK7-bgR4tsLQDmhVTZIROtUx-AvmUA/s1600-h/FlowerCamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4PiLhaBKZH8G-AIGr5iX4S86-Pl981o6843-KXZOA86CeXx3-BXReHpxSHIM9IZyP9avSwWNMphChnFNI4CLvKeJF4FaUNA8BvfJucSNCJ0YzpK7-bgR4tsLQDmhVTZIROtUx-AvmUA/s320/FlowerCamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186349539699452738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:180%;" >T</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">his past year I have been pressed from every side of my life as a Wife and Mom to Work and even as a servant in our church. As the old commercial says..."Calgon take me away...". </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;font-size:85%;" >(I designed the image on the left as a ministry tool to remind us of those refreshing times.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It seems as though I add 2 to 3 pages to my ToDo list everyday. I have started to feel a little overloaded. I have to constantly remind myself that I am not superwomen. As the song goes ... "I can bring home the bacon. Fry it up in a pan And never let you forget you're a man 'Cuz I'm a woman!" NOT! (The song was used in Enjoli perfume commercials of the 1970s.)</span><p style="font-family: georgia;">When we begin to feel overwhelmed, we need to make sure that we are trying to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. Jer. 6:16 (NIV) says..."This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. " </p><p style="font-family: georgia;">I remember 2 Cor. 4:7-9 which says...Although we may be pressed, we are not crushed. Although we may be perplexed, we are not in despair. Although we may be persecuted,we are not forsaken. Though struck down, we are not destroyed. Our power does not come from ourselves but from God. When we are weak he surly is strong.</p><p style="font-family: georgia;">As I reflect back on March 30, 2007, when we gave Tre' back to God, a tremor of fear goes through me. How was I able to endure? Through His gift of courage. How was I able to hold my lifeless 4 year old for 5 hours? It was His strength. How was I able to walk away as my son was wheeled down the hospital hallway by the funeral home? It was His Peace. I thank God or His Strength, Courage, and Peace. I rely on Him now in much the same way I did then.</p>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365973566466717403.post-88037855564131800822008-03-30T01:18:00.009-04:002008-12-11T18:27:24.248-05:00From A Caterpillar To Butterfly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Wncx56-Hv205ywVAELAzVL4oYAkkSc8pYPhF6BPUjitP3_ogFL6ikQxUS_7dvCjTpM4k1nSD5EvZ-YgOjQusK-hfbtmaPQhyphenhyphennocxNf-hhCTuxM9iE47wbdIYmyFe0tzL8TjGW2808PE/s1600-h/IMAGE_00052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Wncx56-Hv205ywVAELAzVL4oYAkkSc8pYPhF6BPUjitP3_ogFL6ikQxUS_7dvCjTpM4k1nSD5EvZ-YgOjQusK-hfbtmaPQhyphenhyphennocxNf-hhCTuxM9iE47wbdIYmyFe0tzL8TjGW2808PE/s320/IMAGE_00052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183408333210250018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" >T</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">oday is my first blog posting. I don't know m</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">uch about blogging, but my great teacher and husband has been my inspiration to give it a try. </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Most of what I post over the next few days, weeks and months to follow will be from my journals over the last 5 y</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">ears, my Journey To Faith. This is dedicated to the memory and awesome ministry of my first born Tre' and how he touched so many lives and dramatically changed mine...</span> <p><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;">A</span> caterpillar can only see at ground level. Tre' could only see things at his level, in a wheelchair or on the living room floor. On March 30th, 2007 he turned into a beautiful butterfly that can now soar above the things on this earth into God's awaiting arms. When we think of how a butterfly is formed most of us think of a cocoon. When the metamorphosis is completed, the adult butterfly breaks the pupal case. </p><p>Today is the anniversary of Tre's metamorphosis. Just as we had done 4 years ago at the birth of our son, we gathered by his bedside as he prepared to leave this world. As he took his last breath, I was told by the medical staff it was ok to let him go. He had fought a good fight and we were proud of him. But now it was time for him to take a bigger step and be with the Lord. This is a path that we all must take. I was so proud to see Tre' go with so much grace.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Priscilla Shirer</span> said in her book <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"And We Are Changed"</span>, A caterpillar's ultimate reason for living is to eventually become a butterfly. </p><p>I can only imagine what he's doing in heaven. Running, jumping, laughing and talking with other kids and his buddy Kayla. Not missing a beat. It is the hope of knowing I will s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBghA7fv8PpRNlcRbpwMwmo2ZYWz5DTX4hegOZ7uyKgM8ooBiFTC_YINsdnFprYMQo3sYWdOGt2JJmRafrbd9ord9PcVKcNVoF3vAmlF1VpsOvfK6zOJiEQkoQI-qj2IXE6-kiF5s1sEc/s1600-h/IMAGE_00047.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBghA7fv8PpRNlcRbpwMwmo2ZYWz5DTX4hegOZ7uyKgM8ooBiFTC_YINsdnFprYMQo3sYWdOGt2JJmRafrbd9ord9PcVKcNVoF3vAmlF1VpsOvfK6zOJiEQkoQI-qj2IXE6-kiF5s1sEc/s320/IMAGE_00047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183405657445624546" border="0" /></a>ee Tre' again that keeps me going. I am reminded of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Romans 5:1-5 (NIV)</span>. </p><p style="font-style: italic;">1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. </p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EYIIKrKVKbhNda06O56jd2uX73IW2NVyrMmwGHLSez07_Iv3IIhdwKXdXNBKjy7okwXFilH08tQXBlBIi9Qi1ULddHcF1InyCqdW-SnfYOzsvz1te68OcGYilOdwezTJK7yD-OJCaTQ/s1600-h/IMG010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EYIIKrKVKbhNda06O56jd2uX73IW2NVyrMmwGHLSez07_Iv3IIhdwKXdXNBKjy7okwXFilH08tQXBlBIi9Qi1ULddHcF1InyCqdW-SnfYOzsvz1te68OcGYilOdwezTJK7yD-OJCaTQ/s320/IMG010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183408745527110450" border="0" /></a>We on our journey to faith are much the same as Tre' and the caterpillar. Before we come into the true knowledge of God our sight is limited. We have both spiritual and physical limitations. But once we know Him, we can soar above anything that life throws at us. I thank all those who have supported us this past year with prayers and listening ears. God bless you all and know that His grace is sufficient.</p><p>Demetria</p>Demetria Murdockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677928679402128807noreply@blogger.com7