"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 9-10
I don't know about you but I don't want anyone to know my weaknesses. I don't want to seem vulnerable or incapable of doing something. I like to think my fears and weaknesses are best kept to myself. I am less vulnerable and less likely to get hurt, physically or emotionally, if no one knows what my fears and weaknesses are. Funny thing is, that is exactly what the devil wants you to believe. You see, we are weak on our own and the devil knows this. He wants us to feel like we are alone and for us to think we shouldn't share our struggles, weaknesses, and hurts. Once we realize that we can't conquer our fears and prove our strength without our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, the devil has lost at his attempt to keep you from walking with the Lord. " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13 As Christians we need to call on God in all things, but especially when we are facing our fears or a trial. I like to think that I am strong but I am only strong because I lean on the everlasting arms. I am strong because I cry out to God in my weakness. Don't get me wrong, I don't always cry out first, sometimes I waller in my pity and shame and then cry out.
When I am struggling I don't want others to know, not even my friends, because they might view me differently. I don't want to lose the faith they have in me or their trust, or love. The truth is, if they are truly your friend they will continue to stand beside you and lift you up in prayer. If they decide to talk about your situation in a demeaning or gossiping way then that is between them and God. We are to put our relationship with Jesus first then everything else will fall into place. I will share a struggle of mine that I am facing right now. I am struggling with the fact that I miscarried almost a year ago and that I will forever have this void in my life. I pray daily that God will allow me to have peace and show me his will in my life. For the most part I have been fine especially when I call on the Lord but there are days that are bad. This is when I try to seek God's strength. I was in a dark place last year for Thanksgiving and I thank God that I'm not there anymore. I am thankful for the trial because I have grown closer to God through it all. We are called to be transparent so the people around us can see Jesus in us. I try daily to be transparent but I still struggle with letting people see my hurt, my fear, and my weaknesses. So today, I share a trial that I've gone through and a hurt that I face in hopes that God's glory will be revealed. I love my God more today than I did a year ago, and no words can express my gratitude. Today seek solace in your savior's hands, lean on him and know that we all are weak but are made strong through him. Until next time may God Bless you and Keep you.
*Bible verses taken from NIV Bible
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
In the eyes of a child
"And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
This week my son turns eight. The time seems to have flown by and my love has grown stronger for him. My son brings a smile to my face every day and I love to hear him rationalize things. Take this weekend for example; we took him and a couple of friends to Medieval Times in Dallas, TX. This was my son's first trip to Dallas and he was in awe at the sight of the skyscrapers aka the big buildings. When we arrived it was still daylight outside and the buildings seemed to loom over us. He lit up with excitement at the sight of the castle and once inside loved seeing all the knights and swords. He enjoyed the show and the food. He believed every detail they told him from the dragon tail soup to the bad guy being put in the dungeon for life. How easily it is for little ones to believe, and this is where adults have to come to the rescue sometimes and sometimes it's okay to let them believe. There are times the rational of our children is worrisome but once you realize they don't have the life experiences we have as adults you can begin to understand where they are coming from. After the show ended and we started our journey home my son and his friends saw the "big buildings" again but this time they were lit up. The lights were pretty and some buildings had the lights set to a timer and they changed colors or design. As we passed the big buildings my son said, “Daddy, I want to live in the city because they have pretty lights."
My husband responded, "Well....the city has good and bad things about it."
My son simply stated," I know, there are bad guys, but the city has pretty lights and that makes it okay."
This week my son turns eight. The time seems to have flown by and my love has grown stronger for him. My son brings a smile to my face every day and I love to hear him rationalize things. Take this weekend for example; we took him and a couple of friends to Medieval Times in Dallas, TX. This was my son's first trip to Dallas and he was in awe at the sight of the skyscrapers aka the big buildings. When we arrived it was still daylight outside and the buildings seemed to loom over us. He lit up with excitement at the sight of the castle and once inside loved seeing all the knights and swords. He enjoyed the show and the food. He believed every detail they told him from the dragon tail soup to the bad guy being put in the dungeon for life. How easily it is for little ones to believe, and this is where adults have to come to the rescue sometimes and sometimes it's okay to let them believe. There are times the rational of our children is worrisome but once you realize they don't have the life experiences we have as adults you can begin to understand where they are coming from. After the show ended and we started our journey home my son and his friends saw the "big buildings" again but this time they were lit up. The lights were pretty and some buildings had the lights set to a timer and they changed colors or design. As we passed the big buildings my son said, “Daddy, I want to live in the city because they have pretty lights."
My husband responded, "Well....the city has good and bad things about it."
My son simply stated," I know, there are bad guys, but the city has pretty lights and that makes it okay."
My husband and I looked at each other and chuckled. As the weekend passed and I had time to reflect on the rational of my son I began to wonder what I could learn from this conversation. Are we willing to look past the murders and robberies for the pretty ligths? As adults, can we look past faults of others and bring them to Christ? We have yet to truly see pretty lights, and are often times blinded by the bad things in our life to focus on our father above. I don't know about you but I can't wait to see the place made of gold and the true source of light, but in the mean time I have to focus on the good that I can do to further the kingdom.
"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail." Isaiah 51:6 As your schedule becomes busy with shopping and gatherings this holiday season remember we should keep our eyes on heaven. The things of this earth will vanish but the act of mercy and grace will last a lifetime. Be childlike and seek the good in all things and people. Ask God to open your eyes and ears to make you aware of the pretty things that get in your way and to look past the bad things so we can help others. Until next time may God Bless you and Keep you.
*Bible verses used from NIV Bible
"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail." Isaiah 51:6 As your schedule becomes busy with shopping and gatherings this holiday season remember we should keep our eyes on heaven. The things of this earth will vanish but the act of mercy and grace will last a lifetime. Be childlike and seek the good in all things and people. Ask God to open your eyes and ears to make you aware of the pretty things that get in your way and to look past the bad things so we can help others. Until next time may God Bless you and Keep you.
*Bible verses used from NIV Bible
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The day after
I went to bed last night with Romney ahead in the presidential election but the prediction was that Obama would pull ahead and win. I reluctantly went to bed, but not once was I stressed about who would win. Why? I have learned that giving my cares and concerns over to God allows me to stress less and feel at peace. I laid down knowing that God was in control and he reigns. When I woke up I knew that no matter what the future of my country was in God's hands. I turned on the TV only to hear that Obama did win another four years in the Whitehouse. I will admit I was a little discouraged but again I know it's all in God's hands. God knew before I casted my vote yesterday who was going to win and in some strange way this brings me peace.
Sadly, today has been a day when everyone feels the need to bash others for their views. Personally this saddens me and to some extent makes me sick. We are not to judge others and we certainly aren't showing our Christian beliefs by bashing those who do not vote the way we want them to. Jesus was not a republican or democrat nor would he be found the day after the election bashing the other side. He would want peace and friends, the only way to achieve that is to put aside our differences and pray to the one true God. In fact, instructions are left for us and they are as follows: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”1 Timothy 2:1-2 Don't look at the other side and point fingers or lay blame on others. Instead fall to your knees and pray. Can you imagine the disappoinment the disciples felt the day after Jesus was crucified? They thought Jesus was the messiah here to establish his kingdom here on earth. They didn't grasp his purpose on earth until he was gone. If you voted for Romney you are feeling a bit disappointed today because you were hoping for a better tomorrow. A brighter future with a new president and the promise of a new beginning but instead we have the same president for four more years. We must lay this aside and look to heaven. Jesus died and rose again and one day will come back for us. This world is not our home and all things here will pass. Keep your eyes on heaven and remember what we are really created for. We are to glorify God. "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:12 Today of all days, the day after the election we should all be living a life that glorifies God. A life that shows no matter who the president of this great country is our God is still God and ruler of all. As we end the first term of Obama's presidency and start the second remember we are given these instructions: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 Please remember to pray for a revival for this great nation. Today I'm striving to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God. Until next time may God Bless you and Keep you.
*Bible verses taken from NIV Bible
Sadly, today has been a day when everyone feels the need to bash others for their views. Personally this saddens me and to some extent makes me sick. We are not to judge others and we certainly aren't showing our Christian beliefs by bashing those who do not vote the way we want them to. Jesus was not a republican or democrat nor would he be found the day after the election bashing the other side. He would want peace and friends, the only way to achieve that is to put aside our differences and pray to the one true God. In fact, instructions are left for us and they are as follows: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”1 Timothy 2:1-2 Don't look at the other side and point fingers or lay blame on others. Instead fall to your knees and pray. Can you imagine the disappoinment the disciples felt the day after Jesus was crucified? They thought Jesus was the messiah here to establish his kingdom here on earth. They didn't grasp his purpose on earth until he was gone. If you voted for Romney you are feeling a bit disappointed today because you were hoping for a better tomorrow. A brighter future with a new president and the promise of a new beginning but instead we have the same president for four more years. We must lay this aside and look to heaven. Jesus died and rose again and one day will come back for us. This world is not our home and all things here will pass. Keep your eyes on heaven and remember what we are really created for. We are to glorify God. "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:12 Today of all days, the day after the election we should all be living a life that glorifies God. A life that shows no matter who the president of this great country is our God is still God and ruler of all. As we end the first term of Obama's presidency and start the second remember we are given these instructions: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 Please remember to pray for a revival for this great nation. Today I'm striving to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God. Until next time may God Bless you and Keep you.
*Bible verses taken from NIV Bible
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Searching
"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29
Do you or have you ever felt like something is missing? Maybe you feel like you should be doing something but you're not sure what. I have spent a lot of time feeling like this. I have searched for the one thing that seemed to be missing from my life. Take a walk with me down memory lane, and let's see if you have ever felt this way.
My life as a child was one that wasn't the worst but certainly wasn't the best. I grew up with hardships most folks face when they are grown. I learned about death of a parent(my dad) at the age of 7 and the death of a grandparent just a few months later. This was only the beginning of my hardships.....we can jump to the conclusion that I have searched for the love of a father. As I became a teenager I was marked in school as an at risk student but never realized it until I took education classes in college. :) My search to fill a void in my life began during the trying years as a teenager. I wasn't popular nor did I feel important at home. My search caused me to put a lot of people on pedestals which only left me heartbroken and even more confused. " for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23 Even after I was saved I couldn't seem to fully grasp that all people fall short. I was searching for someone who was perfect who would treat me the way I wanted to be treated and not hurt me, intentionally or unintentionally. This didn't happen, and I would stop talking to people because they hurt me. I have ruined several friendships because I held my friends to such high standards. The simple thing would have been to realize that the only person who deserves for me to put them on a pedestal is God. He should be the person that I look to at all times, for all occasions and all relationships. I married my husband hoping he would feel the void in my life. The void was filled but only for a while, as with all things on earth the joy only lasts for a while. Don't get me wrong, I'm happily married, but the feeling that I was missing something was still there. By this time I was baptized and was attending church...so what was I looking for? It's simple but it will drive you crazy if you don't understand it. The void, that something missing, was a relationship with my savior, Jesus. I knew and believed in him and all the wonderful things he has done but my heart was yearning for more. "Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." John 7:17 I wasn't fully committed to God's will in my life. I was still doing what I wanted to do and taking in what I heard at church but not truly acting on it or applying all of it to my life. So what was missing? It wasn't a relationship with family or friends but a relationship with my creator, my savior, my father, my friend. I was searching for a relationship with God. He is the only being that will always be there for you. He is the only one who can fill the void in your life. You can try to fill the missing piece with relationships or with material things but until you find him the void will only be filled for a little while. You are seeking him whether you realize it or not, but once you start seeking a relationship with him, he will be there. He promises never to leave us, just seek him and he's there. Put God on your perfect pedestal and no one else. My lessons have been learned the hard way and to be honest I'm still learning about pedestals. As a matter of fact, it's almost as if I have a default mode, new person, new friend, new pedestal. I'm learning to give even the small things to God, but especially my relationships. Now I say new friend, new prayer, and instead of letting that friendship end in ruin I forgive them. I'm not perfect at it and sometimes I still act like the old Kim but once I pray and hand it over to God all is well. God knows what's going on with me and my friend as he does you and he will take care of it. I hope that you will stop searching in all the wrong places and start searching in the book left for us..Brief Instructions Before Leaving Earth for your answers. I have found what I was searching for and I pray that you will too. Until next time may God Bless you and Keep you.
*Bible verses taken from NIV Bible
Do you or have you ever felt like something is missing? Maybe you feel like you should be doing something but you're not sure what. I have spent a lot of time feeling like this. I have searched for the one thing that seemed to be missing from my life. Take a walk with me down memory lane, and let's see if you have ever felt this way.
My life as a child was one that wasn't the worst but certainly wasn't the best. I grew up with hardships most folks face when they are grown. I learned about death of a parent(my dad) at the age of 7 and the death of a grandparent just a few months later. This was only the beginning of my hardships.....we can jump to the conclusion that I have searched for the love of a father. As I became a teenager I was marked in school as an at risk student but never realized it until I took education classes in college. :) My search to fill a void in my life began during the trying years as a teenager. I wasn't popular nor did I feel important at home. My search caused me to put a lot of people on pedestals which only left me heartbroken and even more confused. " for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23 Even after I was saved I couldn't seem to fully grasp that all people fall short. I was searching for someone who was perfect who would treat me the way I wanted to be treated and not hurt me, intentionally or unintentionally. This didn't happen, and I would stop talking to people because they hurt me. I have ruined several friendships because I held my friends to such high standards. The simple thing would have been to realize that the only person who deserves for me to put them on a pedestal is God. He should be the person that I look to at all times, for all occasions and all relationships. I married my husband hoping he would feel the void in my life. The void was filled but only for a while, as with all things on earth the joy only lasts for a while. Don't get me wrong, I'm happily married, but the feeling that I was missing something was still there. By this time I was baptized and was attending church...so what was I looking for? It's simple but it will drive you crazy if you don't understand it. The void, that something missing, was a relationship with my savior, Jesus. I knew and believed in him and all the wonderful things he has done but my heart was yearning for more. "Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." John 7:17 I wasn't fully committed to God's will in my life. I was still doing what I wanted to do and taking in what I heard at church but not truly acting on it or applying all of it to my life. So what was missing? It wasn't a relationship with family or friends but a relationship with my creator, my savior, my father, my friend. I was searching for a relationship with God. He is the only being that will always be there for you. He is the only one who can fill the void in your life. You can try to fill the missing piece with relationships or with material things but until you find him the void will only be filled for a little while. You are seeking him whether you realize it or not, but once you start seeking a relationship with him, he will be there. He promises never to leave us, just seek him and he's there. Put God on your perfect pedestal and no one else. My lessons have been learned the hard way and to be honest I'm still learning about pedestals. As a matter of fact, it's almost as if I have a default mode, new person, new friend, new pedestal. I'm learning to give even the small things to God, but especially my relationships. Now I say new friend, new prayer, and instead of letting that friendship end in ruin I forgive them. I'm not perfect at it and sometimes I still act like the old Kim but once I pray and hand it over to God all is well. God knows what's going on with me and my friend as he does you and he will take care of it. I hope that you will stop searching in all the wrong places and start searching in the book left for us..Brief Instructions Before Leaving Earth for your answers. I have found what I was searching for and I pray that you will too. Until next time may God Bless you and Keep you.
*Bible verses taken from NIV Bible
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