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🌿 The Doorway Parable

  Here’s a parable‑style moment with Tori Rae , Heyday , and Raine , written with that gentle, mystical tone the Maplewood world carries. 🌿 The Doorway Parable Morning light spilled across the porch of the Aka Art Café, soft as a blessing. Tori Rae stood at the threshold, her hand resting on the doorknob as if she were listening for something on the other side. She wasn’t opening the café yet. This was a different door—one she had avoided for years, one that led inward more than in. Above her, perched on a low branch of the maple tree, Heyday tilted his head. His feathers caught the light like brushed silver. He watched her with that knowing look he always had, the one that said he saw more than he should. “Hey to the day,” he chirped softly, as if announcing the moment. Tori Rae exhaled. “Yes… today.” She turned the knob and opened the door. There was no dog waiting—no loyal companion, no wagging tail. But the feeling of one rushed toward her, warm and familiar. It was ...
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Annie Downs, Beth Moore and Believing in God to get you to your Gilgal.

 I am reading Speak Love by Annie Downs. And she talks about reading something by Beth Moore called Believing in God to get you to your Gilgal. Can you explain what this means and how I might find mine. I know Gilgal is a place in the Bible. Here is what ChatGPT said: You’re right— Gilgal is a real, specific place in the Bible , but Beth Moore (and Annie Downs when she references her) uses it as a spiritual metaphor with deep roots in Scripture. I’ll explain it in three layers: biblical , Beth Moore’s meaning , and how you might recognize your own “Gilgal.” 1. Gilgal in the Bible (The Foundation) Gilgal first appears prominently in Joshua 4–5 , right after the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. At Gilgal, several critical things happen: 🔹 1. Memorial Stones Are Set Up (Joshua 4:19–24) Twelve stones are taken from the Jordan and placed at Gilgal as a physical reminder : “So that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful.”...
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Memorial Stones, Ebenezer Stones and Scrooge

 One of the pastors recently was referring to Ebenezer stones. I am not a fan of that character in a Christmas Carol. I am always reminded that he wouldn't let Marley have one lump of coal to keep himself warm while he worked. And the odd thing about this was... Ebenezer didn't just limit Marley. He limited himself. He kept himself from getting warm too. Maybe this was just a symbol to convey how cold his heart was. The not being generous spirit made him not even be kind to himself. Is this stone the same sort of stone you were speaking of that you called Memorial Stones Here is what ChatGPT said: That’s a really thoughtful connection , and you’re not wrong to notice the tension the word “Ebenezer” creates because of A Christmas Carol . Let’s gently untangle the two—and then I want to honor the insight you had about coldness and self-limiting , because that actually lands very close to the biblical meaning. 1. Are Ebenezer stones the same as “memorial stones”? Yes—conceptually...
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Knowing Jesus - a bible study

  This is a wonderful goal. Knowing Jesus isn't just about collecting facts or memorizing dates; it’s about developing a deep, personal relationship with a Person who is both historical and currently present. This four-part study is designed to help you move from knowing about Him to truly knowing Him. Part 1: Observe His Humanity and Divinity To know someone, you have to watch how they act and listen to what they say. The best place to start is the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Read: Mark, Chapter 1. Reflect: Mark is the shortest Gospel and moves very fast. As you read, notice how Jesus interacts with people who are "outsiders" (the sick, the marginalized). Discussion Questions: What was Jesus' first priority when He started His ministry? How does He respond to people in need versus people in power? What does His choice of friends tell you about His heart? Part 2: Understand the "I Am" Statements In the Gospel of John, Jesus uses seven speci...
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