Musings From the Feet...of Jesus

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:36:00.002-06:00

As the new year begins here is a thought:

What good is a life lived in comfort, safety, and ease if one day you die? What will you have to show for your days? You had fun but in the end it was empty. Life was easy but did it amount to anything? You were safe but you still died. You were comfortable but what about when you stand before God on judgement day? What does any of this matter when your life on earth is over?

What treasures are you planning to lay up this year? Ones that will fade away, or ones that will count on that day? (Matthew 6:19)

Lots of people are making lists of resolutions as this new year begins. Seriously, how many will keep those resolutions for the entire new year? As I was thinking about this I decided there was only one thing that I desired to be more faithful in this year that really mattered. More prayer. My one and one prayer for this year is that God will help me to be more faithful in prayer. I like to think of it as a prayer, not a resolution. Perhaps to you it sounds the same, but to me the word prayer says that I know I cannot do anything on my own power...it puts the focus back where it belongs. On Him who gave His all for us that we might live.

May His joy fill your heart and may His strength be your resting place in the year 2012!

Tis' The Reason for The Season

2011-12-23T12:03:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas!

It is hard to believe that it is only two days until Christmas! I have been so busy that Christmas really sneaked up on me this year. I woke up the other day to the shocking realization that Christmas was less than a week away. Yikes! I did not have all my gifts bought, much less wrapped, I had several small projects that still needed finishing touches, but more than that my heart was not prepared.

As I've grow older I will admit that receiving gifts from my loved ones is nice, and giving them is a lot of fun, but more than anything I want Christ to be nearer to my heart than ever. Christmas has become a time for me to refocus on what is truly important. To look back over the year and to see what I did that I feel satisfied with, and what I am disappointed in myself over. It is a good time to contemplate the new year and what I would like to do different, Lord willing. Most of all it is a time when I like to stop in the midst of all the busyness, find a quite spot, read the Christmas story, marvel at God's love for me, and praise His name.

This morning as I was preparing for the day I was thinking about Jesus the baby. The Lord sent His only Son to earth as a baby. A sweet little baby. I think about how my dad loves my siblings and I and how God's love is so much bigger. Than I think about how much God must love His Son...Yet, that day, that day when Jesus was born...God knew what the future held for His Son. He saw the cross. That little baby was born for the purpose of saving the souls of a lost and dying world. He was born to die for my sins. Think about holding a precious little baby, looking upon his little sleeping face, so peaceful and sweet and knowing that He had come to die...on a cross...for you...

I cannot begin to fathom the love of our Lord. In all your busyness, remember the Best Gift of all. Slow down, take a moment to thank and praise the Lord, to stand in awe of such great love...for He loves you!!!!!

May the Joy of the Lord fill your heart and home and may you remember the reason for the season as never before.

Below I am posting a video. If you have time, please take the time to watch it. I think you will be glad you did.

Many blessings,

Kathryn

What Happened?

2011-12-11T17:19:00.002-06:00

So, you may be wondering what happened? Where have I been? Why have I not posted in, um, a very, very long time. I can answer in two words. Work. School.

The life of a college student can get rather hectic at times. I am alive and well and full of thanksgiving to the Lord for all His many blessings. I fully intend to complete posting the last 11 days of my 40 day challenge. I just need to get them type up and post them! With a lull in classes hopefully you will be hearing from me a little more often in the weeks to come.

God Bless,

Kathryn

Day 29

2011-10-22T18:47:00.002-05:00

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes" (Psalm 119:71).

"I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).

I can be honest with you, and with myself. I am a confirmed complainer. This is something I am working on, but it is a deep rooted habit. When times are hard, when I feel bad, I complain. The last few weeks have been challenging...or maybe it has been months, I'm not really sure anymore. Anyway, God has been asking some questions of me that I have been finding hard to answer. It is one thing to decide if I should wear a jacket or not when I go out of the house, it is another thing totally to make a decision that you know could affect your life for years to come. I wanted to just look up at the sky and whisper, "God, why? Couldn't You have just handled this alone? I trust Your judgement more then I do my own. I wish You had, I don't like this..." I caught myself. I was complaining. Again.

As I was reading through Psalm 119 today I came across these verses. How much I can learn from scripture if I am just willing to do so! Yes, sorting through difficult questions and making decisions isn't easy, but there are two reasons I should remember for not complaining. One, there are people I know who are going through things much more trying then what I'm going through. Two, I need to remind myself of these verses that say that affliction is good for me and that in God's faithfulness He afflicts us. I could call these situations growing pains.Through them I should pray that God will continue to grow me to be more like Him. And I should remember Paul's words. "In everything give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Thank you Lord for loving me enough to send You only Son to die for me. Thank You for second chances. Thank you for hard times that grow me closer to You. Lord, for everything that is going on, I thank You and ask that You will use it for Your good. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Day 28

2011-10-22T18:25:00.002-05:00

"Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way" (Psalm 119: 37).

What worthless thing have I been looking at, longing for, consumed with? I imagine every single one of us could come up with at least one thing that we are paying too much attention to, so much so that it is pulling us away from the Lord. In the last few months I have come to realize how I've allowed friends and social media to become too important too me. I know I need to take a break, pull back, and take time to evaluate my heart. Why have I allowed even friends, which can undoubtedly be a good thing, to become so important as to pull me away from the things God has given to me to do? So my prayer is, "Revive me in Your way, O Lord. Draw me near to your heart. Give me the strength to do that which I have not the strength to do alone."

"With my whole heart I have sought you" (Psalm 119:10).

I want this to be true in my life! So much so that I can say in all honesty, "Lord, I have sought after you with my whole heart. You are my God and I love You more then all else. You are my Lord and I will praise You to the end of my days. I shall never cease to seek You as long as I shall live!"

With a prayer on my lips I begin this day, knowing the Lord will hear and answer.

Day 27 - Infatuating Distraction

2011-10-15T16:20:00.002-05:00

I know, I am undoubtedly weird. When I read scriptures, I do not only see the verses in the context of the what is being said in each chapter and book, but I also see relationships between certain verses and my life that can be rather random at times. So, please bear with me and read this post.

~*~

"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him" (Proverbs 30:5).

Have you ever been attraction to someone? No, honestly, have you ever met someone and just felt a spark? Not love, just an attraction? You can tell me that you have never felt attracted to someone of the opposite sex, but I probably won't believe you. (Yes, I can be stubborn like that sometimes.) Okay, so if you have ever been attracted to someone, then perhaps you have also wished for a shield, something to hide behind because do not want anyone to see your heart. You are struggling to guard you heart with all diligence,

"Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

but it can be so hard!

I was reading in Proverbs the other day and came across Proverbs 30:5 which talks about how God is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. I have also been re-reading Joshua Harris' I Kissed Dating Goodbye and when I read this verse my mind quickly connected the words "attraction" and "shield." If God is a shield to those who put their trust in Him, I thought, then when we feel unwanted attraction---make that distraction---then perhaps we should pray that God be our shield and hide us from the emotions that threaten to take over our sensibilities? Picture the proverbial princess and knight tale. The princess is in distress, the villain Attraction and his identical twin Distraction are trying to steal the princesses most precious jewel, and then picture a grand and shining knight riding in on his majestic white stallion and with his shield he holds the villains at bay protecting the princess' treasure.

Our hearts are the treasure, and Satan is the villain who throwing temptations and distractions our way trying to pull us further from God. When we cry out for help, the Lord hears our cry (Psalm 34:17) and puts out His shield to protect us.

Keeping our hearts with diligence is a never ending battle, and sometimes we wonder if giving in would be all that bad. If the person we are attracted to never knows, then what harm could a little dreaming about "what ifs" do? Have you ever been tempted by this thought? I know I have. So, what harm can it do? There are several ways it can be harmful, and those ways may very from person to person, but one thing remains true for everyone. When you are attracted, just face it, you are often distracted. Distracted as you carry out your daily duties, and most importantly distracted from your relationship with God. Ah, ah, I know what you were going to say. You were going to point out that every dating or courting, or for that matter, newly wed couple you know is distracted, and you were going to ask me if I thought that was a bad thing. Nuh-uh, we aren't going there. You see, attraction often leads to an unhealthy infatuation if dwelt upon too much, and infatuation in some cases is okay, but not when it is founded on your imagination alone. When two people are involved and the feeling is mutual and marriage is the intent of the couple involved, infatuation can be a good thing. But, like I said, infatuation that is one-sided usually is not healthy or good.

What is my point? Attraction will happen, and I don't intend to hide in a deep dark cave somewhere to avoid it, but I do have a plan. I am going to start praying that God will shield my heart. Not necessarily from attraction itself, but from infatuation and distraction. Let's face it. Alone we do not always have the sense nor will power to guard out hearts as diligently as we should. We need help. Instead of praying that trying situations go away, I am going to be praying that God will use these situations to grow me. I will pray for His protection and strength, for I need His shield.

So, you see, I often find strength and direction from Scripture in somewhat randomly wonderful ways. :)

Day 26 - For My Friends

2011-10-14T20:37:00.002-05:00

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

My dear friends,

This is my prayer for each of you, that you may grow daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Some days I don't know what to pray for you. I feel that my own words are just rambling nothingness. And so, I pray this.

I am aware that each of my friends has their own challenges, and if you challenges are anything like mine, no matter of trying on your own strength is going to cut it. We can be so stubborn and so...welll....stupid. At least I know I can be. I try and try to do things on my own strength and become so stressed. I feel like giving up. Then God taps me on the shoulder and says, "Why don't you let Me help you?" Then there is one of those embarrassed, hide your face in the closet moments. "Uh...Father, I am SOOOOOOO foolish!!! Have I really been doing it again?" And so goes my life. I am so glad our Lord is a patient Father. I am so glad that He never gives up, but continues to patiently teach me.

Today I pray that God will give you strength for each challenge, peace for each trial, grace for each "Not again!" moment, knowledge and wisdom for each decision life brings your way, and love enough to make you smile thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis big.

To my friends (you know who you are!), I love you all!

Kathryn

Day 25

2011-10-14T20:05:00.002-05:00

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

Have you ever known someone who was mean, hateful, and seemed to relish every chance to use the name of God in vain? Have you ever wished that they would just disappear and never blot the screen of your life again? Have you despise and turned your back? All we ever thought that person deserved, so we deserve plus so much more. We are all sinners deserving of nothing less then hell, yet God looks down at our dirty and debase lives and is not willing that a single one of us should perish. He calls each of us to repentance. Just think about it...

Day 24 - Bound Freedom

2011-10-14T19:46:00.002-05:00

"For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage" (2 Peter 2: 18-19).

"For by whom a person is overcome by him also he is brought into bondage." If we are overcome by a man, a sinner, this picture looks very bleak, but when I read this verse I do not only hear the warning about corrupt men. I thought instead of how I want to be "overcome" by Him who died on the cross to save me. I want to be brought into bondage in Him. I want all that I am to be wholly His. I want to be a slave to Christ.

To be a slave is to be: "bound in servitude to a person or household as an instrument of labor. One who is submissive or subject to a specified person or influence" (The American Heritage Dictionary).

That is what I want to be. Bound in servitude to Jesus, an instrument of labor in His kingdom, submissive to Him in all things.

Day 23 - The Lord Rejoices Over You!

2011-10-09T15:24:00.002-05:00

"The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).

The Lord rejoices over me with gladness, knowing what I am. I stand in silence. In awe of such great love!

"Silence is not a gap to be filled. It is the greatest of all preparations, and the climax of all adoration." ~ Anonymous

Day 22

2011-10-09T15:15:00.002-05:00

"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring destructive heresies, even denying the Lord" (2 Peter 2:1).

This verse served as a reminder of why I need to spend more time in God's Word. As Christians, we need to know the truth so that we are not fooled by the lies of false prophets. Over the last year or so I have really come to see how important it is to know what you believe and why you believe it. I want what I believe to be in direct accordance to what my Lord teaches in His Word, so obviously I need to know what His Word says. That is one of many reasons why I started this challenge.

What are some of your favorite methods of reading through the Bible? Do you like to start at the beginning and work your way through? Or maybe you read one of those plans that help you read the Bible in a year. The ones where you read a little from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs each day? Or perhaps you are doing like I am at the moment and reading the books you wish to study the most first and in a seemly random order. :) Whatever your choice method is, I pray that you are picking up your Bible and diligently studying it each and every day!

"The best preparation you can make for your life, something that God will use greatly as you interact with others on a daily basis, is the study of His Word. All truth and wisdom lies therein."
~ Anonymous

Day 21

2011-10-09T14:59:00.002-05:00

"God helps them to overcome, causes them to have victory even when it doesn't seem as if they could."

I found this note in my devotional journal. There is no indication of why I wrote it there. I don't know if it is something I read, or if it was something I wrote in relation to something I was going to at the time, but it seemed so perfect for today.

I've been really struggling to guard my heart lately. Thoughts keep creeping in that are distracting me from keeping my focus on my Father. I have felt so helplessly weak to stand against them even when I know they are pulling me away from the very One I want to draw closer too. I have not even been able to focus on reading God's Word. When I came across these scribbled thoughts I was reminded of 2 Peter 2:9, "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations." And, 1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, who gives us victory though our Lord Jesus Christ." God will deliver me from the temptation to put any thought above Him in my heart. He will give me victory. He will be the strength I need in my weakness ("My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9).

My God is good!

Day 20

2011-09-30T08:48:00.003-05:00

September 30

My morning song!

"Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7)

Day 19 - Like a Fruit Tree

2011-09-30T00:33:00.002-05:00

September 30, 2011

"Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit" (John 15:2).

I've seen my daddy prune our fruit trees many times. He cuts back a certain amount of the growth so that the tree will grow better and produce more fruit. At first after he has pruned the trees they look bare and almost ugly, but as spring comes on full force and the trees begin to blossom, all the former ugliness is hidden. Even forgotten.

Many times in the last few years I've felt God's hands as He prunes away at my life. I don't like it. It hurts. I feel like hiding away so that no one can see scars that prove how sinful I have been and how much pruning the Lord has had to do in my life. But just like spring brings the blossoms to hide the ugliness of the pruned fruit trees, so God's grace settles about me and moments of spring come to my life as my faith and trust grow in the Father who loves me enough to cause me a little pain now so that I can reap greater joys tomorrow.

This reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 5:16 & 18. "Rejoice always...in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Sometimes all we can think about is the pain of God pruning away our sinfulness, and we are blinded to the big picture. God is cutting away our sin so that we can be drawn ever nearer to Him. Next time we feel the sting of God's pruning shears cutting away at our lives, lets remember the big picture and rejoice, for our God, He is good!

Day 18

2011-09-30T00:04:00.002-05:00

September 28

"That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory"(1 Thessalonians 2:12).

Perhaps this verse stood out to me because I have been thinking a lot lately about what I do from day to day with the time that God has blessed me with. Am I walking in a way that is worthy of my Lord?

Today has been hard, I'll just out and out say it. I'm not trying to complain here, just stating the honest truth. In two weeks I will be beginning a college course that is going to take more study time then I have been used to. I have been used to taking CLEP tests, now I'm gearing up for a full-blown college course with lots of papers and interaction with other students. I know I will enjoy it, but at the same time I know it is going to require me to be more disciplined because I will have deadlines that are going to be set by people other then myself. If that makes sense. Soooooo, in light of that, my CollegePlus! coach and I have put together a more strict schedule for me to implement. One that will hopefully allow me to get all my work done, plus all of my school work turned in on time. So, today was difficult because I got my first taste of what my life will look like for the next few months. I felt like I had a drill Sargent breathing down my neck all day and that I couldn't stop pushing and accomplishing! And before you think that I'm referring to my coach as a drill Sargent, I'm not. She is super sweet. The drill Sargent it the thought of all I have to do and the pressure to not get behind.

Anyway, in planning out my days and tracking where I am spending time I have been thinking a lot about whether or not I am glorifying God in what I do from day to day. How do my priorities for me line up with His priorities for me? Am I in His will? What things can I not fail to do?

Nothing too deep, but just another average, everyday moment. :)

What Happened?

2011-09-28T21:10:00.002-05:00

Day 18 of my challenge came and went and yet there was no post. The next day past, and yet nary a word appeared. A week passed, nearly two, still no word. In case you were worried I did not die, I did not even get sick, I just got extremely busy. So busy in fact, that for a whole week my time with the Lord consisted of whispered prayers as I ran out the door, whispered prayers as I drove down the highways of a big and unfamiliar city, and whispered prayers as I lay my weary head to sleep late at night. I was running on 5-6 hours of sleep each night for the entire week and knew I COULD NOT get up even thirty minutes earlier for a brief quiet time without putting myself at risk for being an inattentive driver the next day and I knew if I was to survive the big city without an accident I needed to be alert. Maybe I could have fit in 10-15 minutes sometime throughout my busy days, I blush as I say I didn't really think of that option.

I am so glad to be safely back home now and having regular times with my Father once again. I've missed Him so much! So, obviously my challenge was not completed. My plan is to start right where I left off. Let's call it Day 18 today, and I'll go from there. I would start back at zero, but I'm not sure I will have time to continue updating the blog so often after two weeks is up and I start a college course on top of my regular work. BUT, I will not stop seeking God first each morning. It is something that I have come to see great value in these last few years especially and I have no intention of giving it up!

So, all that rambling to say, "Hello everyone, I'm back!" :)

And, Day 18, here we come...

Day 17

2011-09-14T19:27:00.003-05:00

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17).

Sometimes our hearts are heavy and our minds are filled with doubts or fears. Other time life is just crazy busy and we feel a bit overwhelmed. I have been going through some of these things lately, well most of them honestly. This morning I woke up with an aching heart, "Why God, why?" I could not help but ask. I opened my Bible with a sigh and begged the Lord to lead me to a verse that would speak to my weary heart. He heard cry this morning and delivered me from my troubles to a greater extent than I honestly had hoped for (Oh, me of little faith!). Everything was not gone, there were still questions, and doubts but He gave me sweet peace. I didn't feel so overwhelmed by the busy day ahead because I knew He was with me and that He would see me through. He calmed my fears and was so near that I knew I could trust Him. That somehow everything is going to work out okay.

Then He led me to this verse that says,"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him...Do not fret--it only causes harm" (Psalm 37:7&8). Isn't God good? Do not fret, rest in Him...

My day did not start out perfect, there have been some trying moments but He has been faithful!

God truly does care about me
He has set my sinful soul free
Even though I don't deserve to be
He holds me close upon His knee
All He asks is that I trust and believe
Rest and leave
And He will relieve
My weary heart.

Day 16

2011-09-14T18:55:00.002-05:00

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward...rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4).

I could have chosen to write out all the little nuggets of truth that I found this morning, but none seemed so important as this, and to post more might take away from the simple beauty but deep truth of what the verse says.

What is my hidden person like? Would a gentle and quiet spirit describe what is hidden deep inside my heart? I long so much for my inner self to be precious in the sight of the Lord. How much effort many of us young ladies put into our outward adornment. Maybe you do your hair, apply make up, do your nails, or maybe, like me, some days you just cannot decide what to wear! Have you ever added up the amount of time it takes for you to get ready for some event? Have you ever said, "Lord, I'm sorry I didn't spend time in prayer today, but I just didn't have time," and yet you had time to get your nails done?

If we truly desire a heart of incorruptible beauty we need to take the time and make an effort to clothe our hearts with the love and grace of the Lord through time in His Word and in prayer. What are your priorities? What do you spend time doing for your outward adornment while you are neglecting the inward adornment of you heart?

Day 15

2011-09-12T21:22:00.002-05:00

September 12

In all that I do, I do not want to do it to please men, but to please my Heavenly Father. Ephesians 6:6 says,"Not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." Those words, "doing the will of God from the heart," made me question my heart this morning. You see, at one time I went around all day very conscious of others needs. My greatest pleasure was to find little ways to bless others. Sorting and folding laundry for my mom when she was not looking, making sure the house was picked up before my dad came home, or doing a chore that had been assigned to one of my siblings just to see them smile. But somewhere along the path of growing into adulthood I seem to have lost that.

Lately I have been noticing that instead of thinking, "How can I bless others?" I more often think, "Well, I need to do this and this so that I can..." Notice the "I"? I am more self-centered then Christ-centered or others-centered. Today, and tomorrow, and the next days my prayer is going to be that I will go to whatever height or depth needed to bless others on a daily basis. I want to put joy in their hearts and a smile on their faces and most importantly I want them to feel loved, by myself and the Lord. I want them to be encouraged to get up tomorrow and go and bless others.

"For this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Peter 2:21). Christ left an example for us. An example of love and self-sacrifice in all things. An example of what love really looks like, a gift to give more then to receive, a treasure to be shared at every opportunity, and a hope for tomorrow. Love means we are willing to lay aside our wants and wishes to fulfill the needs of others, and sometimes even to just fulfill the wishes of others. Thankfully these are not shoes we need to fill, just footprints we are called to walk in, because if we were called to fill Jesus' shoes we would never measure up!

Are you a follower of Christ? Do you know what 1 John 2:6 says? It says,"He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." See we are to walk as He walked. To talk as He talked. To bless as He blessed. To love as He loved.

Day 14

2011-09-11T16:07:00.002-05:00

September 11

"You are the sons of the living God"(Hosea 1:10).

To think that the Lord counts me as His child. The Maker of the universe! We are sons and daughters of the living God. Those words just send tingles of awe up and down my spine! It is so awesome and humbling.

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15).

I complain way to much, and I know it. Sometimes I think I continue to complain more out of habit then anything. Still that is not an acceptable excuse. I want to do all that God asks of me without mutter that, "But...." I want to be a blameless and harmless child of God. I want to shine as a light for Him in this generation that is truly is "crooked and perverse." So what can I do? How do I break my complaining habit? No, I'm not giving you a suggestion. I'm asking you for one. :)

Day 13

2011-09-11T15:17:00.000-05:00

September 10

My schedule was anything but normal today. I woke up at 5:30am feeling poorly. I continued to struggle with various symptoms until late into the afternoon. I did not read my Bible as I most days, or set aside a specific time for prayer. I was praying throughout the day as I did not feel up to doing much and had plenty of time to think and pray.

See, some days things don't happen as we plan for them to. I did not get to stick to my plan for getting up early and spending the first hour of my day with my Heavenly Father. I was up early, but I was feeling so poorly I could barely sit up. The thing is, God understands days like the one I had and He meets you right where you are if you ask Him to. I could have felt guilty for "missing" one of my forty days, but I don't. I met with the Lord where I was and how I was able and that is all He asks of me. He doesn't demand that I read a certain number of chapters, or pray for a certain length of time. He just asks me to seek Him diligently from right where I'm at.

I found my encouragement for the day in a letter from my dear friend Hannah and a quote she shared with me.

"I love the concept of taking joy, as if joy were a penny staring up at me from the ground, just waiting for me to pick it up and be enriched, even if only by a cent. There are a thousand joys, a countless number of instances in the day when joy is to be had for the taking, thoughts are to be had simply for the thinking, beauty is to be found, merely in seeing." ~ Sarah Clarkson

Even though I wasn't feeling well, the Lord help me to find joy in my day. I could have been all grouchy and complained about how awful I was feeling. But that would have been silly. Instead I tried my hardest to see the joy. I've come to believe that if you look hard enough you can always find something to thank the Lord for, no matter what the situation.

Day 12

2011-09-10T20:10:00.002-05:00

September 9

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

This verse always reminds me to be more careful in what I put before my eyes. What I read, listen to, and watch. Those things which I put into my heart and head will influence me for good or evil. Just because people say things are good or okay does not mean they are. I should not choose movies, books, or music based only on the opinions of others, but also hold all things up under the shining light of the Word of God.

"He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).

"He opened not His mouth." Now I would be the first to tell you that I am not a big talker, but this doesn't mean that I don't sometimes open my mouth when it ought to just stay closed. When people do things to me or my loved ones that hurts I want to say hurtful words back. If I were to be oppressed and afflicted because of Jesus I would want to tell whomever what was what, but if I am to follow in the steps of the One who made a way for me, I need to learn to keep my mouth shut and pray for the souls of those who hate my Lord so much that they take their hatred out on me.

Lord, teach me to pray the prayer Jesus did on the cross. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Give me compassion and love for those who do not know You. Even when, especially when, they are hateful.

Day 11

2011-09-08T19:29:00.002-05:00

September 8

"My brethren, count it all joy, when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience (endurance or perseverance)" (James 1:2-3).

This verse reminds me of a song that says,"Count it all joy, this trial your in." How very hard this is! Guess what today's challenge is? Yes, that is right. No matter what happens, count it all joy.

"That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7).

Not only are we to count trials big and small "all joy," we are to endure all persecution as if we were gold being purified by fire. No matter how hot it gets, we are to praise the Lord giving Him all glory and honor, pressing forward until the day of His coming. I find this is something I needed to be reminded of. No complaining, but joy and praise in the process of purification by fire.

"If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" (1John 4:20).

That verse is convicting. Enough said.

Day 10

2011-09-08T19:06:00.002-05:00

September 7

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).

Oh, how sweet are these words! To know that the Lord will guide us through life's pathways, and that in His presence we shall find joy in it's fullness! Sometimes I think about what life was like before I really knew the Lord. I cannot imagine how I thought that was living. The fullness of His joy makes my heart to overflow in song, my feet to feel like dancing, and my face to be marked by an ear to ear grin. Ah, but to take the time to look into His face and bask in His presence every morning!

"And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:28).

"Neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." To know that I am His and He shall never let me go. What a comfort that is!

Day 9

2011-09-08T18:57:00.002-05:00

September 6

"Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesues Christ" (Ephesians 5:20).

"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" (Hebrews 3:15).

Give thanks unto the Lord... How many things I ask of the Lord in pray. "Lord, please protect, help, guide, give, love..." When all is said and done, when He has been faithful, do I stop my doing long enough to and just praise Him? Thanking Him continually for His rich blessings?

"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 3:16).

How often I "forget" to do good and to share. Especially when it comes to my time. But is it really my time? If God gave me life and if His purpose in doing so was that I might bring Him glory, then is it really my time? How can I dare to be selfish with that which wasn't even mine to begin with?

"That we have a good conscience in all things desiring to live honorably" (Hebrews 13:18).

Of one's own accord one would not desire to live honorably or have a sensitive conscience. I find myself lacking. Do you? Perhaps it is time to start praying once more for a conscience that will not be ignored and a desire to always live in a way which is honorable in the eyes of God and man.

Day 8

2011-09-08T18:39:00.002-05:00

September 5

"In honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10).

I do not know about you, but I know that I am often a very selfish person. I really needed that reminder to give preference to others. To treat them with honor. The golden rule sounds so simple, but it isn't is it?

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

"The LORD is my helper; I will not fear" ( Hebrews 13:6).

Lately I've been going through a time of spiritual growth. I have been tempted to become discouraged and downhearted, even dissatisfied with where God has me in life. These verses were spring water to my parched spirit. God will never leave me or forsake me. That just shows how great His love for me is. He cares so much and He will not let me fall. I have not been forgotten. I do not need to fear or feel overwhelmed, because the Lord is my helper. He will walk with me through this time. Oh the blessed assurance!

Day 7

2011-09-08T18:32:00.002-05:00

September 4

"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).

"Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14).

"For our God is a consumig fire" (Hebrews 12:29).

"Godly fear" (Hebrews 12:28)

Is it my goal to live at peace with all people? Do I seek to live in holiness departing from all that is evil to do that which is good? Do I fear the Lord? Is He my consuming fire? Is He my consuming fire?

Day 6

2011-09-08T18:31:00.002-05:00

September 3

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it: (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Hallelujah, Praise the Lord for making a way out!!!! Self observation: Do I make a habit of always looking for that way out at the very first sign of temptation?

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Jest as a father the son in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:11-12).

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives" (Hebrews 12:5-6).

When I have done wrong, do I grow angry and upset because the Lord sees fit to rebuke me? I hope not! I want to always remember that true love is tough love. God loves me so much that He has my future best interests in mind. That may mean pain for today, but tomorrow I shall see the fruit of righteousness blossoming more fully in my heart.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).

The wisdom that comes from above is to be treasured and guarded. What sweet wisdom it is! Through the process of wrong doing, and chastening from the Father, this wisdom grows within us. and oh, what a sweet treasure it is!

"Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).

Would we not welcome the correction of our earthly father if we knew what blessings our future could hold because he has brought us up in the ways of the Lord? How much more so will we rejoice in knowing that our Heavenly Father is chastising us and bringing us into submission and to further righteousness with the promises of great rewards?

Day 5

2011-09-06T19:58:00.002-05:00

September 2

Today I was reminded to not grow weary and loose heart, to not cease to pray, but to continue steadfastly in the way the Lord has shown us through the example of His Son. Also, I was reminded that what Christ suffered, I must not expect to escape (Matthew 10:22). I once heard a speaker say, "If you are not being persecuted for Christ's sake, then you are not where you are supposed to be." Am I where I God has called me to be?

"Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer" (Romans 12:11).

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we reap if we do not loose heart" (Galatians 6:9).

"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Hebrews 12:3).

~*~

"What David offered to his God was a heart that was utterly satisfied with His will. There were no private reservations, no little whispered "if"---if only I can be where I want to be and have what I want to have, then there will be gladness in my heart...he went further...It (joy) does not depend on what I have, it is more than that sort of gladness. It is a joy that is entirely independent of circumstances." ~ Amy Carmichael Edges of His Ways

I long to be utterly satisfied with the will of my Father, to have a deep gladness within that is not dependant on the circumstances of this life! Don't you? What do you think are some steps each of us can take to find such joy?

I would have to say the number one step is prayer. Studying God's Word. Then action.

Day 4

2011-09-06T19:31:00.003-05:00

Lest anyone think that I have given up so quickly, let me assure you that I have not. Due to the fact that I was without a computer for several days I am just behind on posting. I hope, within the next few days, to catch up. Until then, here are a few posts to tide you over.

September 1

This morning was a wee bit more challenging than the last few mornings. An unexpected amount of projects for work came in yesterday that needed to be taken care of in a timely manner. Because of this, I was not able to go to bed at my regular hour. Nevertheless I was determined to still get up by my normal time this morning. When morning rolled around I wanted so much to snuggle deeper into my pillow and keep on sleeping! Thankfully the Lord was with me and reminded me of what a day started without prayer, usually turns out to be. Knowing I had a lot of work to do again today I knew that prayer would have a major roll in keeping my day flowing smoothly. If the doors to Heaven aren't opened in the morning, I always find that they usually stay closed all day. Not because God will not open them. Oh no! But because I am so stressed and harried that I do not take the time to open them. Have you ever found this to be true?

Hebrews 11:13-16

We are strangers and pilgrims on this earth. This is just our temperary home. There is what I like to call a eternal perspective. This is how we view the world and all that is in it. We look at it all through the eyes of our Lord. We look at it with the thought that glorifying our Father is our number one priority, and that Heaven is our goal. So, if I am just a stranger here, if this is not my home and Heaven is, then is how I am living reflecting that?

"By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy passing pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:24-25).

What are we willing to endure for the Lord? Are we willing, even eager to stand with His people and to suffer with them for the sake of our Father?

Day 3

2011-08-31T09:48:00.002-05:00

"By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks" (Hebrews 11:4).

"And through it he being dead still speaks." That is what you call a testimony! Even after you have died, how you lived on earth, still speaks of your faithfulness in living for the Lord in righteousness. I crave such a testimony. A testimony that shows that I lived "differently" and makes those who live after me ask what made me different. As they seek to discover my secret perhaps they might find more then they bargained for. Perhaps they might find God! My prayer is that God will help me to live my life so that I might be a testament to His goodness and in my testimony I might please Him (Hebrews 11:5).

Being, a light in darkness, your neighbor's Bible, a testimony to the love of God, pleasing the Lord. All of this is an overwhelming objective if you think you can do it alone. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Without faith it is impossible, but with Christ, with faith in Him, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).

So my prayer today is that God will continue to mold me and grow me in Him, that I may leave behind me footprints of faith, a testimony to God's greatness that will point others Homeward.

~*~

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8).

Abraham had faith that God knew what He was doing, and even though Abraham did not know where he was being led he obeyed and followed. Do I walk by faith? Do I go faithfully where God is calling me even when I can't see?

Day 2

2011-08-30T08:56:00.002-05:00

August 30

Today Deuteronomy 19:15 stood out to me (another cross reference from Hebrews).

"One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter is established."

How often I judge others based on the words of one other person. How often I condemn them accordingly. As I was thinking these things, Matthew 7:1-2 came to mind.

"'Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.'"

That is a sobering thought isn't it? Let us say that someone does something though, that is not against us. Something that is wrong. Maybe we are talking about a fellow Believer who has stabbed a friend in the back, or who's actions were less then Christlike in some other way. I did not witness the act, but one of my friends did and they tell me about the incident. My first reaction should not be, "I will not have anything to do with so and so" or "Someone needs to take action to pay him back!" No, my first thoughts should be to pray for them. "Lord, my friend just told me about this wrong act of so-and-so, and Father I am concerned...Please, work in the heart of this person and draw them near to You. If there has been wrong done, Lord, place a burden on their heart to make things right with You and the one they have wronged."

How often do I do this? How often do I respond in a way pleasing to the Lord? How can I judge another for his wrong deeds while I stand judging him when I have no real grounds for doing so? Doesn't that put both of us in the wrong?

"Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). I need to take this to heart.

As I continued to read I came across Luke 18:8.

"When the Son of Man comes will He really find faith on the earth?"

Wow, that is a verse that will put you in your place. When Jesus returns will He find that we have faith? This brings to mind another question. When Jesus returns will He find us to have been faithful? Faithful in loving and serving Him, in loving and serving others, in prayer, in studying His word, in being good stewards of all that He has blessed us with? Will He find that we, you and I, have been faithful?

In closing here is a quote from Amy Carmichael's Edges of His Ways.

"Perhaps the Lord is saying to that one and to other who are constantly praying about something they personally desired, "Leave the matter to Me; you have prayed enough about it. You have compassed that mountain long enough."

This little excerpt may not mean much to you, but to me it is a reminder that sometimes we can pray and pray and beg and beg, but in the end it comes down to, "Do we trust Him?" When it is something we desire very much it is so hard to do, but there always comes a time when we need to lay it down at His feet. "Father, you know this desire in my heart, and Lord, this is hard. I do not want to give it up. I do not want to not get my way, but I know, Father, that You love me. You have my best interest at heart. Lord, take this desire, I surrender it to You. Lord I trust You! Whatever You discern in this matter, I know it will be best."

Day 1

2011-08-29T09:51:00.004-05:00

I could tell a long tale, relating all the events that have lead me to this day, but if I were to do that it would surely require such a long post that I would loose your interest before I was even half-way done. To summarize it, I was brought short by the fact that though I claim that my relationship with God is the most important one in my life, I do not act as if it is. If someone is important to you, you schedule time to spend alone with them. Your actions will verify that what you say is true. My actions have not been telling God that He is the most important being in my life, so I am setting out on a mission to show Him by my actions that I want my words to be true and that I want Him to always be the most important aspect of my life.

Today is Day 1 of 40. In the next 40 days I am committing to give God the first part of every morning. My plans include studying His Word, devotional reading, prayer, and scripture memory. I already can tell it will not be easy. In fact, a part of me was half-way regretting this choice when my alarm clock went off this morning. That is the half of myself that I am out to overcome. Each day I intend to record something that stood out to me about my time with my Father and share it with you for two reasons. One, I need accountability. Two, perhaps something that God is using to encourage me might also encourage you.

I covet your prayers during the next 39 days as I seek to "know Him more." It will not be easy, but by the grace of the Lord, and in His strength I walk forward.

Day 1: August 29

"Let your gentleness (graciousness or forbearance) be known to all men The Lord is at hand."

Philippians 4:5

O Beloved of my soul,

This do I desire:

Faith for the impossible,

Love that will not tire.

Jesus, Saviour, Lover, give me

Love for the unlovable,

Love that will not tire.

O Beloved of my soul,

Yet again I come;

Give me cords of love to draw

Many wanderers home.

Jesus, Saviour, Lover, give me

Love that knows nor strain nor flaw,

Love to lead them home.

~Amy Carmichael

As I was reading God's Word this morning I was cross referencing some verses and was lead to Philippians 4:5. Right away I knew I would claim the verse as my special help for today. Later as I was reading through my devotional book by Amy Carmichael, Edges of His Ways, I read the poem above. I began to pray, Lord let my gentleness be known. Let me be gracious and forbearing. May others see You in me. Let them see the "Love that knows no strain nor flaw" let them see the Love that will "lead them home."

If you have done or are doing a 40-day journey to know God more, I would love to hear from you!

Be Encouraged

2011-08-26T13:39:00.002-05:00

"I have always noticed that when God has purposes of blessing for

some should the devil of discouragement, who is one of Satan's

most useful servants, is sure to come and whisper all sorts of sorrowful,

depressing, miserable thoughts.He drops these thoughts about,

sometimes in one heart and sometimes in another. If they take root and grow

into feelings and words and deeds, he knows that a great deal has been

done to hinder what our God intends to do.

Do not forget that discouragement is always from beneath; encouragement

is always from above; God is the God of Encouragement.

~ Amy Carmichael

The Edges of His Ways

How often when you have become discouraged by "sorrowful, depressing, or miserable thoughts" have you discovered that the root of it is Satan? Often times I have grown very discouraged with who I am and what I have done. I get so down that all I can think is "Poor me!" Wait. Poor me? I rewind. Poor me? No, blessed am I! Blessed beyond measure.

Satan tries to pull blinders over our eyes and take our focus from God and turn it onto ourselves. Here is my comeback line:

"Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD you God and Him only you shall serve'" (Matthew 4:10).

Don't believe the lie. You are precious in the eyes of your Heavenly Father for you were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20) when Jesus died on the cross for the sins of man, the ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14).

Prayer IS the Answer

2011-08-21T13:08:00.004-05:00

"There are no shortcuts to Christlikeness. Shortcuts only lead to masquerading. There is no substitute for spending consistent time alone in His presence. The cost is great. But the rewards are even greater. If we want to be transformed, we must be willing to

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word...

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Much time spend in secret with Jesus alone;

By looking to Jesus, like Him though shalt be;

The friend in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

~ Willeam D. Longstaff (1822-94)"

A Place of Quiet Rest

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

I know I have written several times lately about the urgent need in all of our lives for prayer. This morning in devotions I was remind again of how important prayer is.

The end of summer has been busy for me, and in all my bustling around I have slacked in the one area of my life that should always remain consistent, prayer. Again I have reaped the fruits of my lack of faithfulness in seeking my Maker. I have been overwhelmed, discouraged, and lacking a sense of direction. When I sat down to ask myself why things were going so badly and why I was frustrated at every turn, I did not have to search my heart more than a few seconds to discover that I was doing it again. I was trying to do everything alone. Again, God used circumstances, including a failed test and being in a minor car accident to remind me that I need Him. I cannot hope to cope with all life throws at me alone. I just cannot.

Prayer is the ANSWER!

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks; for this is the will

of God in Christ Jesus for you"

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Modesty

2011-08-06T12:06:00.006-05:00

As a young teen I did not understand modesty. I thought modesty was about my parents old-fashioned views of what a girl should or should not wear. I did not get it, and I resented when my parents told me that something I wanted to wear "wasn't appropriate." It was while I was really struggling with this that I read the Rebelution Modesty Survey, it was then that I began to understand things better from my brothers points of view and I began to really take to heart scriptures like 1 Timothy 2:9 which says, "In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing."

As I began to realize that in dressing with care I could assist my brothers in Christ in being faithful and guarding their eyes and minds, I also began to advocate modesty. I am a sister. I have brothers. I want other girls to dress in a way helps my brothers not to stumble, so, in turn I dress modestly to help other girls brothers. Most of all, I want my actions to glorify God. My motives in dressing should be a reflection of my heart, and I long for my heart to reflect purity.

Modesty is not about a list of rules. It starts with the heart. When you become more concerned about helping your brothers and sisters in the Lord to walk uprightly and not stumble then you are about your own appearance, that is when you will find that you do not feel restricted. You feel privileged. I am not here to point fingers or judge, to give you a list of rules. I just wanted to encourage you to think twice before you buy a new outfit, and to thank those of you who have taken modesty to heart. You are an encouragement to me and a blessing to the men in my life. Keep holding steadfast God's standards for purity. May God be glorified!

Quiet Time: To Be Treasured

2011-07-17T13:54:00.002-05:00

"For Jesus, time alone with God was not an option. It was not something He tacked on to an overcrowded schedule. It was His lifeline to the Father. It was not something He could do without. It was the highest priority of His life-more important than being with His disciples, more important than preaching the gospel, more important than time with His mother and brothers, more important than responding to the demands and needs of the crowds, more important than anything else."
~Nancy Leigh DeMoss
A Place of Quiet Rest

What about you? Is your time alone with the Lord the most treasured part of each day?

I spend time with the Lord, yes, but is it the most treasured, the most well guarded, part of my day? Right now I wish I could answer, "Yes," truthfully. The truth remains, when life gets busy, when the unexpected happens, I often find myself doing the "just enough to not feel too guilty" routine. I pray as I run out the door, "Lord, I had to leave by six this morning and You know I just did not have time. Oh, I love You Lord." And that is that. My day is busy, most likely stressful, but I rarely take ten to just be still and know that He is God. To raise my voice in praise. I complain, I gripe, I exclaim in frustration, but I do not often thank and praise. When those hectic days draw to a close and I lay in bed I sigh, "I wish I had stopped to spend time with You this morning Lord. I wish I had gotten up a little early so I could dedicate this day to You. Lord, I tried to do my best, but I'm not proud of what my best was. I needed Your help, but I was foolish and did not stop to pray. Lord, I'm sorry."

And yet, the next time, do I really guard that time any better? I have been thinking over the past month and I see that I have not. I cannot promise to change overnight, or that the next time I will get up earlier. But I mean to try. I want to be more like Jesus. I want to have more to give, because how can I give what I do not have? I need God's grace, love, and kindness if I am to give those things to others. I must seek His wisdom and strength if I am to encourage and to advise. With this in mind my motto for this coming week is going to be, "prayer is the reaction before action." Basically, before I do anything I want to pray. I want my first reaction to any question or doubt about a decision to be prayer. And so, another week of striving to live for the Lord begins. This time, not just with good intentions, but also with prayer.

What has God been speaking to your heart lately? I would love to hear from you. Please take a moment to comment about God's faithfulness in leading you ever nearer to His heart.

Fall on Jesus

2011-06-28T00:54:00.004-05:00

"And remember when we walk, sometimes we fall"

~Chris Rice Untitled Hymn

Sometimes we fall. I know I do. But let us not grow discouraged down hearted. Let us "fall on Jesus." In Him there is hope, life, a bright future. It is easy to grow discouraged. To fall and not want to get up. We would like to just lie there, we are tired and discourage, downhearted and blue. Why keep struggling? The truth is, lying still on the ground is tempting. It sounds so peaceful, but nothing is really peaceful without Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace. In Him only is there true peace.

We must not buy the lies that Satan tries so hard to feed us. The ground is no place to rest, in the warm and loving arms of our Savior, now that is a place where we could lay contented, safe. Stand firm, stand tall, push forward though it seems like a strong wind is determined to push you down. He will uphold you. He will give you hope. He will give you rest. Be encouraged. For Christ died to save the World! To save you! We may fall, but we don't have to stay down. In fact, let's fall up...up into the arms of Jesus.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

Witnessing, Let's Do It!

2011-06-18T23:16:00.002-05:00

"Witnessing is not some hocus-pocus thing. It's simply showing up in life every day, expressing what God has done for us, how He's met us along the way, and how He can do the same for the person with whom we're sharing."

~ Lucy Swendoll

Often times when we think about witnessing we feel that we cannot do it. It is too hard, we do not have the right words to say, etc. That is why I found this quote so refreshing. God does not expect me to have all the answers! Yes, witnessing can be challenging, but it is a good kind of hard. The stretching kind. How are we showing up in every day life? How are we shining for Christ in what we do and in what we say? How has He met us today? How have we been blessed? And most importantly, what are some ways that we can share what He has done for us, how faithful He is, with those around us?

God is Forever Faithful

2011-06-05T13:39:00.002-05:00

Sometimes we get to what seems to be nearing the end of a road, and we start thinking about the crossroad we will be coming to, mentally looking in all ways and wondering which way we will go. All roads look the same. Unknown, and the high hills that the paths climb block the future from our view. "God, what now?" We weight our options, we think, we seek, we pray...still nothing. "So, God, now what? I can't just stand still and do nothing, but none of the options look right." And then right when you feel like you have gone as far as you possibly can, He answers. Many times in unexpected ways. Now all your worry over what you would do is a source of shame to you. You should have trusted. Where was your faith?

I have been at what looked to be the nearing ending of a path recently. I sought out God. I did my best to trust, I knew He would be faithful, but once in a while a doubt would sneak in. I would brushed it away like a pesky fly. "God, I don't know what you have for me, but I'm choosing to trust, even when I don't understand." I kept walking, intent on finishing faithfully on this path He has had me on. The pesky doubt tried to land in my heart, but I brushed it away again and again with what I knew to be the truth. God would be faithful. And He was!

Now as I look towards the future I rejoice that God was with me, and that He kept the doubt away with His Word. Many times I have faltered, but this time I can rejoice with no regrets because I was faithful in believing that He is always faithful. I thank Him everyday for keeping me close to His heart, and faithful, because I know myself too well. Alone I would have doubted, been scared, sat down and refused to walk forward, and then missed all that He had planned for me.

"You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your Word" (Psalm 119:114).

"You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God and I will exalt You" (Psalm 118:28).

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore" (Psalm 121).

"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 89:1).

You can walk in faith, because He will always be FAITHFUL!

Asian Orange Chicken

2011-06-01T08:58:00.001-05:00

Sauce:

1 1/2 c. Water

4 T. Orange juice concentrate

1/4 c. Lemon juice

1/3 c. Rice vinegar

2 1/2 T. Soy sauce

1 c. Brown sugar

1/2 t. Minced garlic

2 T. Chopped green onion (white or yellow onion minced is just as good)

1/4-1/2 t. (three good hard shakes) Red pepper flakes

6 T. Cornstarch

4 T. Water

Chicken:

2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 c. All-purpose flour

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. black pepper

Oil

Pour water, orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in brown sugar, garlic, onion, and red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil. Remove from the heat and cool until it is warm to the touch, or 10-15 minutes. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag and add 1 cup of the cooled sauce. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag and refrigerate at least 2 hours. In another plastic bag mix the flour, salt and black pepper. When the chicken is done marinating, take out of sauce and put into the bag with the flour mixture and shake until all the pieces are well coated. Reserve the sauce used to marinate chicken. Heat oil (start with 3-6 tablespoons, then add to oil as need as you cook, keeping about the amount you started with in the pan) in a medium skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken in the skillet, making sure the pieces are not touching (you will have to cook the chicken in about 3 different batches). Cook until chicken is well browned, and totally cooked. This is why small pieces is important. Take out of skillet and drain on a paper towel covered plate. Cover chicken with foil to keep warm. Add reserved marinating sauce back to the sauce pan of saved sauce from earlier. Bring to a boil. Mix cornstarch in 4 tablespoons of water pour this mixture slowly into sauce while stirring vigorously. Keep stirring to prevent burning, until sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Now dump chicken into the sauce, and stir. Cook for another 1-2 minutes stirring constantly but gently so as not to break the chicken cubes. Turn heat off and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Serve over fried rice or oriental rice noodles. Then prepare to have the best dinner ever! Serves 4-6 depending on how hungry the eaters are. :)

Trials Can Be Blessings

2011-05-29T11:48:00.003-05:00

"But smooth living invaribaly, eventually, makes for sloppy spirituality."
~ Beth Moore
Get Out of That Pit

When trials come I think that sometimes God is just pulling our hearts closer to His. He is calling our names, trying to get our attention. Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) and He wants nothing in our lives to consume us more than He does. We should look at hard times, not as punishment or as some message from God that He no longer loves or cares about us, but as a message from Him calling us to allow Him to walk with us, and be our strength when we have none.

If you are speaking about parenting, true love for one's child demands you to discipline them (Proverbs 13:24). God's love is the purest form of love, if He tells us that true love requires discipline, then you can be sure that as His children, He will chasten us from time to time, because He loves us. I am not saying He won't, but whether He does or not hard times will come. It is just a fact of life, and when those rough times come to us we will likely long for instantaneous deliverance but God may not grant it. He longs for us to be draw closer to Him, whatever it may take. Even if this means that we must struggle for a while to overcome.

If we were to always keep Him first, perhaps the trials would not last so long and would be fewer, or at least we would not mind because our hearts would be so full and overflowing with love for Him that nothing else would matter.

Complaining when hard times, temptations, come is a natural occurrence to many, but if we look deep enough we will discover that we were tempted because we were weak, we were weak, because life had been going smoothly and we begin to think we could do it ourselves, and in failing to put God first, we fell. We hated our self, we were tempted to be angry with God for not making us strong enough, we were ashamed, hurting, and in time, crying out to God for forgiveness and deliverance. We cried out to God. We drew closer to Him. Think about it. If weakness brings you closer to God, than trials can be a blessing.

Where are You Living?

2011-05-22T21:42:00.002-05:00

Do you know what a pit is? No, I am not talking about a literal hole in the ground. I am talking about that pit that you sometimes find yourself at the bottom of. The place where your hope fades, where you may feel shame or guilt over something you did or did not do. Satan often holds us captive in pits, pits that only God can pull us out of. Sometimes we know we are in a pit, sometimes we are pushed in, sometimes we slip in, and sometimes we jump in. Sometimes we stay there because, hey, we messed up, we deserve to be down there in the dark, mud, and suffering, but the truth is, God doesn't want us held captive by sin, and Satan's power has it's limits. We don't have to stay there, we don't even have to crawl out with our heads tucked between our knees, we can JUMP out! In God there is freedom from any pit. Are you in a pit? If so, it's time you realize that you don't have to stay there. In Christ, there is victory!!!

http://grooveshark.com/#/s/Christ+Has+Risen/2zwnUH?src=5

Savior Please

2011-05-21T21:09:00.003-05:00

Recently I listened to the song, Savior Please, by Josh Wilson. It was like the words of my heart being lifted to the Father.

"I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this along, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me"

I have been trying to be so tough, to be good enough, on my own strength. We can be victorious in Christ. We can overcome, walk in stength, climb every mountain, but, we cannot do it on our own strength. Trust and dependence on Him is something I find myself having to be reminded of over and over. It is not easy for me. I like to take things into my own hands, but to walk in His way, I cannot. For I am weak, needy. I need Him. How about you? Are you trying to overcome on your own? Do you need to return to your Strength?

Dear Diary

2011-05-07T19:55:00.000-05:00

Dear Diary,

About a four months ago a new girl started attending our church. Her name is Anna Jean Crawford. She is two years older than I am and I am not trying to be mean in the least,but I do not understand her. The second Sunday she attended my church with her family was potluck Sunday and I decided to try to get to know her better. I asked her about her interest and what the Lord was teaching her? To the first question she said outright that her only interests were Facebooking with her friends, and attracting cute guys. Then she giggled this silly little giggle. When I asked the second question hoping that her first comment was in jest, she looked at me like I must be a nut.

Since then we have been thrown together many times and every time she seems to take joy in shocking me with her empty habits. Last Wednesday I just couldn't keep pretending I didn't care. I expressed my concern for her, and explain about how God had such great plans for all His children, and I knew that He had more for her in life than Facebook or boys. I said it as gently as I could, but she really didn't take it that well. I didn't really expect she would, but I just felt that I had to say my piece.

Here was her reply. "What is it to you? This is my life? Why should you care what I do with it? If I want to sit around and do nothing, so long as I am not a burden to you, why should you care?" I knew my words had stung her pride, so I preceed with caution and prayed for all I was worth, "Lord, please open Anna Jean up to Your truth."

I didn't do to well. My voice trembled and I stumbled over my words a lot. I tried to remember Bible verses, I tried to express my thoughts, but I am afraid I really made a mess of it. I haven't seen her since. I pray every day but I am worried, what if I turned her away from Christ? My heart is troubled and I am not sure what I should do. I wouldn't blame her if she never talked to me again, but if she never give her heart to God because of something I said...

Lord,

Please use my bumbling words to reach Anna Jean's heart. I did not mean to say anything hurtful, I was so concerned for her, and maybe I didn't pray through it as I should. I'm sorry Lord if I really messed this up. Father, if I should have another chance to speak with Anna Jean, help me to say the right words. Lord, she needs you so much...soften her heart Jesus, let her know that You care, and that you have so much for her in life besides playing and wasting her days on foolish things like Facebook and handsome faces. Teach me to be more like You Lord, that I might be better able to lead others to You, that I might not make another mistake like I did with Anna Jean.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

I don't know what I will do. I don't know what I can do but pray...

With a tear and a sigh,

Kassandra Lee

Shoes for the Feet of My Musings

2011-05-06T17:54:00.001-05:00

Do you often think about shoes? To be honest I do not. If I plan to leave the house I put a pair on to protect my feet, but I do not really sit down and just think about just shoes. Today I came across this picture and I thought, it might be interesting to pick a picture to write a post about instead of picking a picture to go with a post I have already written. Here goes.

If I were a pair of shoes, what would I think about most? Would I think about my owner, and how well he or she cares for me? Would I always be excited over the new ground I was able to travel? Would I ever consider who had made me and stand in wonder of the creativity of his hands? Would I love to dance for joy helping my owner to celebrate? Would there be times when I did not want to go on the path that was at hand, but instead would long for some other much smoother path?

In thinking about what a pair of shoes might think if they had brains and could think, I began to see something very familiar. If I were a pair of shoes who would I think of pleasing most? My maker/owner? Would I think of how I was cared for? Yes, I would and I would hope with all that was in me that I was treated tenderly with special care that showed I was valued. I would be excited when opportunities arose for me to tread new ground, and I would surely leave my mark, my brand, upon every surface that would allow me the privilege. I would often think of my maker, and wonder about how wonderful he must be. I would dance with joy every chance I got, rejoicing in the happiness of being "alive," at least I hope I should. Sometimes there would be paths that I would not wish to tread. Ones filled with fearful things, some filled with pleasant things that might be just a little to long for my tastes.

In short, if I were a pair of shoes, I would be not so much different then I am now. I would praise my Maker, rejoice in His tender care, dwelling always in the intense pleasure of knowing that He values me. I would dance for joy in all things that made Him happy, or at least strive to. I would strive to leave my mark, Christ, everywhere I went. I do not always wish to go down the paths He points out to me as right. Some are hard and steep, others seem way to long, but in the end I hope that I can be like those shoes. I will go where my Owner takes me, I will do His bidding. I will take stones into my treads for Him, yes, those little barbs that those who hate Him shall throw my way I will catch, for I wish to protect His feet. I know that I will get worn and old, but I will rejoice in the fact that I am not as a shoe in this way. I will not get thrown away nor forgot in the deep dark corner of some closet, for He never forgets. He never throws away one who seeks Him with all her heart.

Setting out with my picture to write this little post, I really had not clue what I would say, nor whether it would even be worth my while to share. As I wrote I could not help but think of the One who is all that is good in me, and thus, the post was born. Who would have thought that you could see Christ in a pair of worn out shoes? I did not! I am quite as surprised as anybody.

Somehow, I do not think I will ever see shoes quiet the same again...

Amy Carmichael on Doing Hard Things

2011-04-27T09:18:00.002-05:00

This last week I have been needing motivation and encouragement for my "journey," as I like to call life. This morning I pulled a new-to-me book from my book self, one I had not had the time nor desire to venture into until now. I was pleased to find that there was an assigned passage for each day of the year and after reading the short preface flipped to the reading for today. Below I have quoted the message that I know God knew I needed today. I could have not decided to pick up this book until tomorrow, and then I would have missed it. Again God has been faithful, giving me just the food for thought that I so needed at just the right time. I hope that it may speak to the hearts of you, my readers as well.

"I have often noticed that any one, who has been asked to do a difficult thing for the sake of the Lord Jesus, does it and does it heartily, that one seems almost at once to gain a new power of joy and a wonderful new liberty. Sometimes a shy reserve that covered the soul like a thin sheet of ice melts, and there is a freedom to share things and help others; sometimes a dullness that was there before just disappears. To see it do so is like watching a mist dissolve in sunlight. In my reading this morning I came upon the reason for this happy fact. 'Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity: therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows' (Psalm 45:7). Our Lord Jesus did the will of His Father with delight, He hated that iniquity which so often tries to dominate us--selfishness, surrender to the easy, and so on. Therefore He was the gladdest of all the sons of men. The same law applies to His followers. Who among us can be counted on for happiness? It is those who never take self into consideration at all. By the grace of the Lord they honestly hate iniquity even the iniquity of self-pleasing, and delight to do the will of their God. They are the happy ones of the family." ~ Amy Carmichael Edges of His Ways

Two Years and Counting

2011-04-26T11:44:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe that today is my two-year blogging anniversary! It seems like just yesterday that my heart was burning with passion to share God's love with others on a blog of my very own. I remember asking my parents what they thought. I remember the delight with which I first wrote. How I planned out each week with care making sure that not one went by without my writing.

Since then I have ups and downs in my blogging adventure, I have had weeks where I could not stop writing and others where I did not write at all. My faith has been tested more then a time or two since I first launched this site, and each time God has been faithful to see me through, and I guess that is why I am here writing today. I have nothing really special to say, these last few days have been tough. Apathy towards that which I once was so passionate about has lulled me to sleep, realizing this has "rocked my world" in the quietest sense.

I needed today, I needed this review of the last two years, I needed to remember that God has always been faithful and cling to the fact that He will continue to be as I wind my way through new and difficult paths.

If I could have looked ahead to today two years ago, somehow I doubt I would have even guessed where I would be and what all would happened. I had a different set of fears then, yet, would I have changed a thing? Yes, I have had times that were less then thrilling, some down right hard, but looking back I can see God's hand so clearly in it all. What I might have thought then were just senseless troubles I can see now were used to grow me and prepare me for today. No, I do not think I would changed things that much. I would have liked to have been more faithful with the time the Lord has given me. I would have liked to have loved more fully. Yes, I would have changed some of the ways in which I handled life, but not what happened in my life.

So, what have your last few years looked like? How have you seen God's hand in your life? Taking a minute to go over what has happened is sometimes a good way to remind us to try harder, do better, and it especially has a way of making us praise God all the more for His rich blessings.

"Sometimes God brings us to the place where

we are between the Rock and the hard place to show us that

He is the Rock that is breaking us and making us more

Christlike, that He is the Rock that we are

pressed up against." ~ Unknown

Joy, Even at All Hours of the Morning

2011-04-06T10:01:00.002-05:00

I am probably about to break some type of record. Two post in less then twenty-four hours. All kidding aside though, something happened that has been so amazing that I could not help but take a minute to share it with you.

The night before last I woke up at 3:30 (And yes, I mean AM!) and drifted in and out of a restless sleep until 7:00. At that time I was like, "Forget this trying to sleep. I'm getting up. I've had more then enough." Suffice to say, by 10:00 PM last night, I was more than ready for bed! I went to bed praying for a restful nights sleep. Guess what? At 4:47 AM I woke up... I was less than thrilled, but was not ready to get up for the day, so I put on some music and tried to fall back to sleep. But did not. People in need of prayer drifted into my mind and I began to pray. After a few hours I drifted off and caught one last hour of sleep which I was so grateful for. I got up, but as I thought about complaining to my sister about my lack of sleep I laughed. Complain? How could I? The sleepless nights were a very interesting answer to my prayers. Really!

Last weekend I asked God to do what it took, to basically "break me and make me" drawing me closer to Himself. I said, "Whatever it takes, Lord, I just want to be closer to You."

Sleepless nights pushed me to pray, drawing my heart one step closer to my Father. It wasn't the answer to prayer I was looking for, but it was an answer to prayer. My heart is singing praises to the Lord...for sleepless nights. :)

Whispers About Prayer

2011-04-05T20:06:00.004-05:00

"He who kneels most stands best." ~ D. L. Moody

I am quite sure I have used this quote before, but the truth is it needs to be repeated again and again, remembered every single day of our lives. I am not just saying this because it sounds good. I am saying it because I know it to be true. I had a heart aching revelation a few days ago, I was more the center of my life than God was. As I began to sift through all my emotions I began to see that it all had not happened over night. It never does. Has it ever happened to you? God is your everything, your every other thought is a whispered prayer of praise. You get busy, you get distracted, you get tired. Before you know it you are now the center of your own life. God is somewhere on the outskirts whispering to get your attention, to reclaim your loving devotion. You sing your own praises, troubles, and "wisdom" so loud that you block out His still small voice. You do not even realize it. One day you wake up and all that you truly loved about your existence lies in crumbled ruins at your feet. When you are here, what do you do?

Through the wispy cool of a spring morning, with the sunbeams hazily swirling their magic touch around her willowy figure, wrapped in a soft white dress, her head bowed low in shame the young woman wound her way slowly down a winding path through the garden. Roses blossomed sending their sweet fragrance to mingle the the air around her golden-brown curls, their dewy faces lifted with wide smiles. Yet, the young maiden saw them not. Her face showed signs of reluctance in her journey, yet a wistfulness too.

"He will be so terribly disappointed in me. How could I have been so foolish. Why was I so blind! How can I face Him?" the rush of sorrowful thoughts tumbled through her brain. "Oh, but I do want to be able to look into His face again. Feel Him so near. Hear Him call me His child in His tones so tender and loving."

She does not even notice how her feet move faster, her pace doubles. Thoughts full of longing for her Father continue and her longing to stand before Him grows stronger with each second. Suddenly she rounds the bend and there He is, seated upon His throne. She throws herself at His feet.

"Father, I was such a fool! Can You ever forgive me?" Tears stream down her once rosy cheeks, now pale from her lack of time spent in the Son.

I glance away, my eyes misty, as the Father of all creation takes His wayward child into His arms and holds her close. Because that child has been me more times than I wish to remember.

How easily we forget. How easily we stray. How I thank my Lord for His mercy and grace. For His patience with His foolish daughter.

Pray always. Every minute, every hour, every day, always. If you want to stand well and on firm ground through all of life then don't stop. D. L. Moody's words are so true! Prayer is the cement that holds our solid foundation together. We must treasure it. Always.

Take All To Jesus

2011-04-02T11:25:00.004-05:00

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
Oh, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

Oh, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
~ Chris Rice

This is one of those songs that always speaks to my heart. I am a sinner who wonders around in this world of sin, sometimes is an lost and aimless fashion. I am one in need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I seek Him, I run to Him, I dance with Him. Maybe you needed these worlds today like I did. If so, this is for you.

Seek Him As Gold

2011-03-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

December 1, 2010

"Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:3-5)

~*~

Last night when I went to bed I found my heart in turmoil. All day I had been struggling because I knew that God was asking for some of my time. He wanted me to take time out of everything else for Him, and for Him alone. Distractions, things that "had to be done" filled my day. As bedtime drew near I felt Him pleading with me to just take a few moments to talk to Him. I didn't want to, and yet I did. I wanted to watch a movie, but I knew that God wanted me to not do so and just be still and listen. I argued with myself as I prepared for bed and then ended up watching the movie. "God, I do love You and I want to be close, but I did all that I knew how and it backfired last week. Why should I try again tonight? I am tired. I don't want to talk about it."

It was a mistake. I knew it then just as I do now. As I went to sleep tears trickled down my cheeks. "I am sorry God..." I whispered, "I just don't want to be disappointed again. I know myself too well. I know that no matter what I do, I always slip away from You after a while because I just cannot seem to keep up my guard. I am tired of the struggle. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do..." Somewhere along about that time I feel to sleep.

When my alarm went off this morning I reached for my Bible, prying my eyes open, as I shuffled through its familiar pages. I was going to try again. I had known when I went to bed the night before that I would. I can never give up on God. I have been close to His heart before, I was so happy there. I cannot help myself. I am pulled to His presence like a moth to a light on a pitch black night. He is my light. My hope. My future. Human nature causes me to stumble, to trip, to want to lie on the ground and never get up. But He pulls me on.

With this knowledge I opened up to my Proverbs for the day and found words there that were like a flash of lightening. "If you seek her (understanding) as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD." All the sudden I made a resolve. I have always sought the Lord. I have always wanted what He has to offer, peace, joy, fulfillment. Yet, as much as I have desired these things, have I ever sought Him like a treasure seeker in search of gems and precious medals? Have I ever been that diligent? I have awoken day after day committed to seeking Him all day long?

God is amazing. When you reach the point where you feel you just cannot keep trying, He reminds you to look deeper, seek harder. He also reminds you that you cannot stay in close fellowship with Him on your own strength. In our weakness, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). Isaiah 40:31 says: "But those who wait on the LORD, shall renew their strength." "Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10), God promised Israel. If God promised to be with, and strengthen, His children then, do you not think that He would say the same to His children today?

"Today is a new day with no mistakes in it," as Anne of Green Gables would say. Today God has blessed me with another chance at learning to love Him as He has called me to do. Sacrificing selfish pleasures for the sake of walking with the Almighty should never be so hard, but it is. Yet, even though it is a daily battle, I find that I cannot help but get back up each morning, struggle to put on my armor and prepare for whatever battles may lie ahead. God is who I am. Once you see the Light, there is no way for you to go but up. Oh, but that one day I could say that not only is God who I am, but I am who God is...

Do Not Worry

2011-03-03T10:10:00.002-06:00

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more then clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value then they? Which of you by worry can add one cubit to his stature?"

Matthew 6:25-27

How many times each week do I catch myself worrying about some matter or another? If I should write down every little worry, I am afraid I could fill a small book in a matter of months. In fact, I once read about a man who did just that. Every time he had a worry he wrote it down, then refused to worry about it any longer until his worry day. Every week on his worry day (Wednesday, I believe) he would read over his worries from the last week and see what had become of them and if he still had cause to worry about them. Do you know that of all his hundreds of worries, only a few amounted to anything?

We find comfort in thinking that we somehow can change whatever may happen by fretting over it. In reality, if we just chose not to worry, we would be happier. After all, not much of life is worth our worry anyway, as "Mr. Worrier" found out.

Take down your Bible and read what the Lord has to say about worry. I have always loved the line, "Which of you by worry can add one cubit to his stature?" Not I. I may have added a few wrinkles to my face, but I definitely have not grown any taller because of my worry.

It is out of our hands. God has it under control. Whether you have been worrying about your school grades, or about not having a job. God has it all under control. Yes, I do know that that does not guarantee that we will like His outcome, but I firmly believe that the Lord's ways are higher then my own (Isaiah 55:8-9) and I trust that His ways are best, even at those times when I just can't "see" the good.

"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You" (Isaiah 26:3). This is my verse for the week. I have no reason to worry. I just need to keep my mind focused on my Father. He has it all under control.

Peanut Brittle

2011-02-18T11:54:00.001-06:00

Peanut Brittle

3 c. sugar
1 c. white corn syrup
1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
3-4 c. raw peanuts
1 tsp. vanilla
3 tsp. butter
2 tsp. backing soda

Mix sugar, syrup, water, and salt together. Cook over low heat until sugar dissolves. Add peanuts and stir constantly until mixture reaches hard crack. Remove from heat and add vanilla and butter. Mix then add baking soda. Mix thoroughly. Pour into 8 buttered 9 inch pie pans. Spread as thin as possible. Let cool until tacky, then cut in half and turn over to finish cooling. Break
and eat, or store between waxed paper and store. It freezes well.

Our dear neighbor just taught us how to make this. It might not turn
out the first time you make it. It takes practice, but once you get it
down it is soooooo good! :D It makes a great Christmas time treat, or
gift.

Friends and Proverbs

2011-02-16T22:59:00.004-06:00

"A generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself." ~ Proverbs 11:25

I have made it a habit in recent years to read a chapter of Proverbs every morning. Just when I think I have found every really good verse, you know the ones that just pop off the page and hit you between the eyes, I find another. A week ago I was reading along and savoring the words of wisdom. I stopped now and then to ponder a verse, or whisper a prayer, as I neared the end, there was verse 25. It just popped right up off the page and socked me good and hard.

Now, all my life I have been taught how it is "more blessed to give then to receive" (Acts 20:35). So the first part of the verse was good and wise, but it was the second half that really spoke to me. "He who waters will also be watered himself."

Sometimes when you are reading God's Word, the phrases means something to you that they do not necessarily mean in the context of the scripture itself. That is how it was with this verse.

Lately I had been thinking a lot about how my friends have been really important to my spiritual growth this last year. When I read this verse I was hit with the question that while they were helping me to grow, was I also helping them to grow?

When did I become so lazy? I used to find joy in daily encouraging my friends. Through scripture, quotes, prayers, or just by discussing life's challenges with them. Looking at my friendships of the past few years I have found how empty many of them have become, and just
because I do not take the time to really care. It is much easier to just send them little updates about what I have been doing, then to ask how I can be praying for them. It is much less time consuming to just not share what I've been struggling with with them, because they might ask me questions that I cannot answer without some heart searching. Sometimes it is easier to just say "Aww" and "I'll be praying for you" and not take the time to dig to the bottom of the issue.

When I read the words, "he who waters will also be watered himself," I thought about how I desire for my friends to water me spiritually, to encourage me, pray for me, help me through what I am going through. Yet, at the same time I have not been willing to do that for them.

Friendships take work as well as love. If I am not careful, all my friends will just fade out of my life. If they do not find any encouragement in our relationship, then they will cease to put as much energy into it. With both of us not working at it, it will fade away, and I do not want to loose my friends.

So, it is my turn. I need to step up, take the time, and care for those I love. Take time to listen, time to write encouragement, time to challenge, time to listen. I need to just take time to water my friendships so that they will blossom and grow. May we grow to be like iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). And may our friendships grow sweet, and delight our hearts, like perfume (Proverbs 27:9). And in the process, maybe we can bring delight to our Heavenly Father's
heart.

What kind of friend have you been? Are there some things that you need to work on, like listening better, or encouraging others through scripture? Are your friends important to who you have become? What can you do to be a blessing to them? Don't wait until tomorrow, be a
better friend today.

Is God Number One In Your Life?

2011-01-25T15:24:00.002-06:00

Everyday we all speak of busy schedules and rush hither and yon to get everything on our extensive lists done. But how many of those stress creating, busy makers, are really heavenward focused? How many of those "have-to-get-done-s" are done because they are expected of us by others, and we want to look good in the eyes of those same others? If I told you that you would die before today was over, which items on that to-do list would you like most to accomplish? How is that for putting your life into perspective?

I do not know about you, but I would like to die knowing that I had taken time for God this morning, and that all was right between us.

When you look at you list of things to do, do you have items like: check Facebook, watch a (specific) T.V. show, go shopping at the mall with you girlfriends. If so, maybe you need to take some time to look over you priorities and tweak your list of "to-dos." Taking time for fun is not always a bad thing, in fact it is often times a good thing, so long as we do not go overboard. We all need down times and rest, and I do not think God begrudges us either of those, or fun. At the same time, if we are not making God our number one priority each day, then I have a feeling He would have a thing or two to say to us about it. :)

"Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33).

What Are We Missing?

2011-01-21T16:07:00.004-06:00

My brother and I were talking not long ago about how easy it is to judge others for living differently then we do, and how even how if there is nothing Biblically wrong with how others live, we often judge them harshly. False pride tells us that we are better somehow. How foolish we humans can be! As I go through each day, and each stage of life, I am finding more and more how pride plays a huge roll in the fallen-ness (if you will) of our world at large, as well as our own little personal worlds.

Again and again God brings to mind the verses from Matthew 7 that tell us to not always be jumping to point out the speck in our brothers eye, while ignoring the beam in our own. How many times I find myself saying, well she/he has a problem and this is the root of it, and this is what needs to be done to fix it. Stop. Wait! What does God say. Look at my life first. Seek out the wicked ways in me. And oh, how many there are!

God has a way of reaching down and shaking us, opening our eyes to our half-blinded view of things, and saying, "Hey, this is the whole picture."

Have you heard the song by Brandon Heath, Give Me Your Eyes? It talks about God giving us His eyes so we might see. I really like the lines where it talks about us having God's eyes. It reminds me to look deeper, to seek Him in what is happening. There are so many things that we are either too busy to see, or to prideful to see. To see others through His eyes... Just thinking about it makes me smile. How much better our world could be if we could learn to see each other through the eye of our Heavenly Father.

"Give me Your eyes for just one second

Give me Your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me love for humility."

~Brandon Heath Give Me Your Eyes

2011-01-19T13:57:00.000-06:00

Super Yummy Chocolate Frosting

1 cup butter (softened)

1 cup cocoa

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 - 1 cup milk (I found 1/2 c. is just right)

4 cups powdered sugar

The original recipe said to add the milk last, but I found that it is best to mix 1/2 cup of milk with softened and creamed butter and the vanilla. Then add the cocoa. Mix in well. Then add the sugar slowly. Otherwise you end up with lots of clumps of cocoa and sugar. :)

This is so good you might just want to eat it by itself. Frosts a three layer round cake.

Hello to 2011 (Finally)

2011-01-19T13:49:00.002-06:00

Dear Readers,

I know that all of you probably thought that I had dropped off the planet, but no, I am still every much on earth, and very much alive.

Wow! January is almost over already and I am just posting!

The truth is that I have thought about sitting down to write numerous times in the last several weeks, but have been so busy with some changes that are happening in my life that I have not had the time.

I am sorry if you have been checking in each week and have been disappointed at my lack of activity. I will try to make it up to you in the best way I know how. Posts here we come!

Thanks for always being so understanding.
God Bless,
Kathryn

Being a Bible

2010-12-09T11:45:00.000-06:00

"Your life may be the only Bible that many people will ever read. Make sure others - starting with your family - are able to look at your life example and get an accurate picture of Jesus and His grace and power to transform lives!" ~ Elizabeth George (Embracing God's Grace: A study of Colossians and Philemon)

In some recent tensions with my extended family over a matter of hurt and unforgiveness that has been festering for many years between a few family members, this was the exact point that I came to.

Some of the people involved are Christians while the others are not. Who is the most wrong? I cannot say, for they all hold some of the blame. Who should take the first steps towards resolving this conflict? The answer in simple, the believers.

If we are the only "Bible" that the non-Christian family members (or anyone for that matter) ever see, and we are unforgiving and hateful, what do you think their view of Christ will look like?

This is huge! Do not let us under estimate how our grumpy, snappish, self-centered attitudes could possibly turn someone away from Christ. You are tired today, sick, it does not really matter to them. How you treat them, is how they expect the loving God you are always telling them about will treat them also.

What is your life saying about Christ today?

No-Bake Cheese Cake

2010-12-01T10:47:00.001-06:00

No-Bake Cheese Cake

1 Pkg. (8 oz.) Cream cheese

1/3 c. Sugar (Opt.)

1 c. Sour cream

2 t. Vanilla

8 oz. Cool Whip

Combine, and whip ingredients together then pour into two graham cracker crusts. Top each with a can of cherry or blue berry pie filling. Chill in refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

If you are looking for an easy, very yummy, holiday dessert then this recipe is for you. :) Enjoy!

Delight and Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T12:11:00.001-06:00

This morning I was really struggling with myself. I woke up and was so groggy I was sure that I would never be awake enough to retain God's Word, so I grabbed a fiction book and read several chapters. By the time I looked at my alarm clock again I realized that I should have already been out of bed. I was tempted to put off my devotions and go eat breakfast. I could come back to my devotions when my stomach was full, but I stopped as I sat up remembering how I had planned to do that earlier this week and ended up getting distracted then busy and didn't remember to spend time in the Word until right before I lay down to sleep. Not wanting to repeat that, I grab my Bible and half-heartedly began to read.

I stopped after reading my chapter of Proverbs and said, "Lord, I feel nothing. I want to love You more, why is it that I feel no motivation to study Your Word. Why is making time for prayer so difficult?" Feelings of guilt tried to distract me as I began to read again. I had been spending too much time being entertained earlier in the week, I didn't pray enough... But God was faithful again. As I continued to read I came across this verse.

"Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:4-5).

Delight myself in the Lord. If I could but delight myself in His goodness, His faithfulness, if I could but commit my way, my very day, to Him and trust Him, then He would be faithful and give me what I so long for. A refreshed zeal for Him and for Him alone. As I began to delight in the Lord, and praise and thank Him for His goodness an awesome thing accord. I felt my passion and zeal for the Lord and His Word returning, had not the days duties stretched before me I could have laid in bed praising His name for hours. He has been so very good to me. I am truly blessed.

As Thanksgiving Day draws near, I protest the fact that many refer to it as Turkey Day. I jump at the chance to remind people about what the holiday is really about. Giving thanks to the Lord God Almighty for the great things He has done in our lives. My dear friends, as this day of thanksgiving approaches may I remind you to delight yourself in the Lord and His goodness. If you are feeling like your faith is running dry, or your passion for reading the Bible or for praying has faded to wisps of memories, do not despair. Instead, delight in the Lord, and praise Him for what He has done. Commit you way unto the Lord, trust in Him, and He shall give you the deepest desire of your heart. He shall bring it to pass that you will have such zeal for Him, that you will hardly be able to keep from singing His praises.

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 136:1).

Fairytale It Isn't

2010-11-09T15:59:00.002-06:00

Would you count yourself as a wise level headed young lady? Do you know that marriage is not exactly a fairytale? Surely you have had examples to watch, parents, grandparents, neighbors, someone. Surely you have seen the disagreements, arguments (I am not saying these should be the norm). Marriage is not all strawberries and cream, and lasting marriages do not just happen.

Recently I was reading a book that talked about marriage. The author said something to the effect that in every marriage, somewhere along the way the fairytale feelings of pure bliss fade away. He did not mean that you would no longer love each other, just that the "in love" feeling that our culture is so caught up in, will fade. This is when the foundation of your marriage is tested.

I wanted to deny this. I wanted to laugh and say, "Yeah, but when my turn comes..." But, the truth is, as time passes you will begin to see more of his or her faults, and if you are not careful you will begin to criticize everything he does. You will began to hold her to all too perfect standards. There may be some other reason, but the fact remains, that the complete joy that you had in your spouse on your wedding day will fade. This is where hard work and commitment have come in.

When that fading happens you need to be ready. "How can I be ready," you ask. First off, remember I am not married, but I have had some pretty awesome marriages to watch, so be patient with me and please feel free to correct me if I am wrong, but this is how I see it. The way to be ready is to take time getting to know each other before you are married. Not just what foods you like, or dislike, but you need to share what you are learning from the Lord. You should discuss theology, children, occupations, homes, everything.

If you want to be a truly wise young person you will seek godly counsel, you will take your time in getting to know your future spouse, you will move forward with caution, and you will listen to your parents!

One day, I hope you find your happy ever after, but as for me, I have already done so. Now, now, Mom, do not panic! I am not talking about marriage here. Marriage would be an incredible gift from God which I would love to experience someday, but marrying will not lead anyone to happily ever after. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can do that.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord of you life, may I urge you to not prolong your wait for your happy ever after. He is waiting, all you need to do is ask.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but shall have ever lasting life" (John 3:16).

My Favorite Film

2010-11-08T12:12:00.000-06:00

I began to think about it, and it hardly seemed fair that I did not take time in my last post to mention which film at the SAICFF was my favorite. And, yes, I did have a favorite. The Runner From Ravenshead, which by the way, won the SAICFF Audience Choice Award. Below I have attached the trailer so that maybe you could get a glimps of why I like this film so much. It is cute, fresh, fun, and I look forward to seeing more from Little Crew Studios. Enjoy!

SAICFF 2010

2010-11-07T12:01:00.006-06:00

I was very blessed to be able to attend the 2010 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (SAICFF) about a week ago. Though those I attended with and I like to joke about the SAICFF's founders trying to get us to loose weight by always keeping us on the run, it was truly an awesome time of learning, fellowship, and encouragement. It is so great to see Christians out there who are re-defining the words "good movie."

I just wanted to post and say that I am 100% behind what Doug Phillips and his friends are doing with the SAICFF. If you would like to learn more about this event and make plans to attend the next SAICFF in 2012, then click here.

Strawberry Jello Cake

2010-11-01T10:46:00.002-05:00

Strawberry Jello Cake

1 box white cake mix
3 oz. strawberry Jello
1/2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. oil
10 oz. (1/2c.) frozen strawberries thawed
3 eggs

Dissolve Jello in boiling water and mix with cake mix. Add oil and
strawberries and beat. While beating, add 1 egg at a time until all
have been beat in. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes two
(round) layers.

Icing

1 lb. box powder sugar
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 c. frozen strawberries thawed

Soften butter and then beat with powdered sugar until creamy. Add
strawberries and beat again. You may have to add extra sugar if icing
is too thin.

Note: You could also add cream cheese to icing.

This used to be my favorite cakes as a little girl. I think what I
liked about it most was the color. I loved anything pink!

Struggling

2010-10-25T13:36:00.003-05:00

I came across a blog recently by an author who is struggling to live the life he knows Christ is calling him to, though his flesh is pulling him in the opposite direction. In fact, this man is on the verge of giving up on God because God has not seen fit to lift the heavy burden he struggles with from his life.

As I read about this other person's personal struggles against sinful nature, I wanted to tell him not to give up hope in God. For in my own personal struggles, God has shown Himself to be faithful, even when I have not been. He has shown His mercies to be endless, even though at times it seems that my sins are too many. Yet, why should someone who does not even know me believe what I have to say? Why should my words be any more encouraging then anyone else's? In his hopelessness, what could I do? I am praying but somehow that seems to not be quite enough. Surely there was something I could say.

As I continued through my day, praying all the while, I found my answer as I was writing out some comments for a Bible study lesson I am teaching on today, in John MacArthur's commentary on Colossians and Philemon. I have no guarantee that the man who's blog I visited will ever read these words, but I hope that they may be an encouragement for some weary traveler.

"Suffering brings a believer closer to Christ. Paul wrote, 'That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings' (Phil. 3:10). Suffering in the cause of Christ yields the fruit of better understanding of what Jesus went through in His suffering...suffering assures the believer that he belongs to Christ....suffering brings a future reward. 'If indeed we suffer with [Christ] in order that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us' (Romans 8:17-18). 'For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison' (2 Cor. 4:17)...suffering frustrates Satan. He wants suffering to harm us, but God brings good out of it."

Page 75, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Colossians & Philemon, by John MacArthur

Now I am very aware that Paul was talking about Christians suffering for Christ's sake, as in being persecuted for their faith, but the words of MacArthur apply so well to our personal suffering. For some people what they would label as personal suffering is something no one else knows of. A secret addiction, feelings that are anything but Christlike, or maybe even depression. I know that for many people, including myself, there comes a time (or many times) when you wonder why this is your burden to bear. You beg God to take this heavy weight from you, but He does not. You try time and again to do what is right and pleasing to God, just to fail again. It becomes so dark and you become so desperate for peace that you begin to wonder if all the struggle is worthwhile. Would it not be better just to give in? God does not seem to care, so why should you slave away trying to please Him. He certainly is not helping matters any. I mean, you have cried, begged, threatened, and still He seems to do nothing. Have you ever been at this place?

If you apply MacArthur's words, and these Scriptures to you situation, and if you read through your Bible you will begin to see, that God never promised ease. He never promised to take away temptation. He said that He would be with us. In our weakness, He is made stronger, and through His strength we are strong. He will love us no matter what. We are no more sinful now, then we ever were. He will wash away our dirtiness. If we fight the good fight, we will be rewarded someday. Our every effort, He knows. And on the Cross, Jesus bore all the sins of the world. He knows what temptation is. Why should we, the sinners, feel that we should have an easier time of it then, He, the Savior. Nothing we can suffer, is more then what He suffered on the Cross for us!

Think about it. In those horrifying hours on the cross, Jesus felt all that you feel times the amount of people in the world! And you think He doesn't care?

What do we dwell upon? Our failures. Our guilt. Our suffering. It is one big pity party. The devil feeds us lies. Satan tells us we are not good enough, that we cannot overcome, that we have sinned one too many times and God does not love us anymore. We make excuses, we give a little, we give a lot, we give in. Then it begins again. The shame, the guilt, the feeling that fighting is no longer worth it. Hell must be better then this, hangs in the back of our brains, though we would never admit to such a thought. But then reality pokes up it's head and we realize that hell would be a billion times worse then all our suffering on earth, plus a whole lot

Why do we suffer? Why must some of us bear crosses that make us feel like we are the only ones in all the world who have ever had to do so, and this makes us feel like we are dirtier, more sinful then any other human on the face of the earth? I do not have the answers, and I never will this side of heaven, but I know two things. I am a sinner and always will be, and God loves me despite of this!

My prayer is that in my suffering, I may bring my Lord, Jesus Christ glory and honor. I will not give up the fight for righteousness because I know that God is real, and in the end pleasing him is all that matters. All my pain and suffering is only a drop in the cup, the cup that Jesus swallowed for you, and for me.

Get This

2010-10-20T12:51:00.004-05:00

I was reading through Proverbs the other day, and as so many times before, one particular verse seemed to jump off the page at me.

"He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer" (Proverbs 18:9).

Think about that. "He (me) who is slothful (careless, lazy...) in his (my) work is a brother to him (like him) who is a great destroyer." Yikes! Now that is convicting. How many times have I been slothful in my work? Uh, I don't think I want to answer that one. Let's just say, way too many times. That means I am likened to a great destroyer? Not exactly what I would like to be seen as. What about you? Have you given reason to be compared to a great destroyer today?

How Great is My God

2010-09-26T17:42:00.002-05:00

I hate the times when I do something stupid, even if God and I are the only ones effected by it. It sometimes is so easy to slip up. That is why God's grace amazes me so. I do not understand how anyone can love that much. Jesus gave his life on the cross to pay for my stupidity and sin. Why? I am not even expected to repay Him for His sacrifice. In fact, no matter how hard I might try I will never even be able to return a tenth, a hundredth, of what I have been given. The very little love and service that I can render Him hardly seem worth a hundred dollars, much less His very life.

I suppose I will continue to ponder His great love and mercy for the rest of my life. I may one day understand more then I do now, but no human can ever began to grasp the enormity of it. And that is part of the wonder and fascination which my God holds for me. It is always the "Why?" that keeps me seeking fervently to know Him in a deeper fashion. Mysteries intrigue me, God intrigues me. And so....I continue on, winding down this path we call life looking right and left, up and down, and all around for clues to who my God is. I want so much to come to the end of my journey and still have this childlike awe of the enormous God that I serve.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not parish, but shall have ever lasting life" (John 3:16).

When Faith Isn't Enough

2010-09-15T15:54:00.002-05:00

How many times have people told you that if you only have faith enough, God will heal you? Or, God would spare you of some trying situation? While the Bible does say that we need to have faith (Hebrews 11:6, James 5:15) and that a prayers prayed in faith can, and will, heal the sick, and get us through various trials in life. The Bible also says that God's ways are not our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). Every person of great faith eventually dies, no matter how much they pray or how much faith they have. There are hundreds of stories about people of great faith who lost loved ones. Remember Job? Job was faithful to God even when all those he loved were taken from him. Even when he had nothing left. Despite Job's great faith, he was still left standing alone with nothing.

So what about when faith is not enough? We prayed ceaselessly for the healing of a loved one, only to suffer loss. Now, we only have two choices, to say that we did not have enough faith, or to blame God and turn our backs on Him.

Okay, so you say that I just did not have enough faith. Then tell me, who does? Do you know such a person? I have met some who claimed that they did. God healed they themselves or a family member from cancer, or any number of ailments, yet when I looked into their faces I always see how ironic their statements are. They may be wearing glasses, they may have hearing aids, they may walk with a limp, they may even have a common cold. How can this be? Surely if it was a matter of faith, they would have none of these things. If I was going deaf, but I had enough faith and God healed me, then wouldn't logic say that if I had enough faith, I would never need glasses, I would never grow old, I would never die?

Just because you have faith, does not mean that bad things will not happen. The Bible says that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). It does not say that all things are good. Sometimes death glorifies God more then life ever can. Just because our prayers are not answered does not mean that we do not have "enough" faith. And it does not mean that God does not love us.

What do we do when faith is not enough? When all we have prayed for comes to not? There is only one answer. We turn to God. Faith, prayers, fasting, nothing, will ever be enough except God. We must trust that His ways are always best. Even when it hurts.

Why is it that death is seen as the worst thing that can happen to a person? Why do we believe that if someone is not healed on this earth, that our prayers have not been answered because we did not have enough faith? The truth of the matter is, the best healing is the heavenly one. Death is not something to fear, but something to welcome.

No, we do not want out loved ones to suffer, and we most certainly would like to selfishly keep them with us. But, what is our main purpose in life. To honor and glorify God, in everything. Even in death.

When faith isn't enough...we still have God, and that is enough.

A Matter of Trust

2010-09-12T11:34:00.000-05:00

"I was thinking...if I can't trust my husband's decision to not ask for me now, how can I trust him when we are married? If I'm thinking why, in the world won't he ask, isn't that setting myself up for not trusting his decisions when we are together?"
~ Grace & Beauty

Wow, that is a tough question to answer. I cannot pretend to have the best answer, but after a few weeks of thought I do have a few thoughts to share. Can you believe that? :)

Let me start out by sharing a true story. There once was a young lady who desperately wanted to get married yet as her youth slipped away, no prince charming appeared. She struggled with trusting God, her questions were many, and her heart ached. She did not understand. If God had placed such a strong desire in her heart for marriage, then why didn't He hurry Mr. Slowpoke future husband along?

After years of struggling with these questions, she finally lay her deep desire for a husband at the feet of Jesus. A short while later she met the man that would become her husband. As she got to know him many pieces of the puzzle fell together. You see, when she was graduating from high school, he was 11-years-old. When she was in her twenties and grumbling because n husband was in view, he was in junior high and high school. This young lady's story is unique, in that it illustrates that just because you are ready now, does not mean that your future spouse is.

Now it may not be an age gap that delays your getting married. It might be spiritually maturity, relative job security, college, health issues, or any number of things. The point is, God's ways are not our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). Yet His way is the way. For His ways are high and you cannot understand them all (Psalm 139:6). But may I encourage you to wait upon the Lord, trust in Him. For He will give you strength (Isaiah 40:31). Strength to endure any amount of hardships and any amount of waiting.

Did you ever stop and think that the guy you are going to marry might want to marry you now, but God is telling him, "Not yet"? This wait might not have anything to do with the young man's desires, but everything to do with God's. If that is the case couldn't you trust him? If he is earnestly seeking God's will, and being obedient to God's voice, wouldn't you trust him, because you trust Him? Wouldn't you honor his choice, because you honor the fact that he honor's His desires?

Perhaps you are right. If you ask questions like, "Why won't he ask now?" You may be setting yourself up to not trust him later. But did you ever think that you are might be looking at this whole matter from the wrong point of view? Maybe it is not your future husband you don't trust, but God.

Like I said when I started out, I do not pretend to have all the answers and I am not sure exactly where you are coming from. These are just a few thoughts that your questions evoked. I truly hope they may have helped a little.

In Him,
Kathryn

What Can I Say?

2010-09-10T17:00:00.002-05:00

When you hear heartbreaking news, you cry, you pray, and then what? You want so badly to say something that will comfort and share how much you care, but it has already been said many times. You don't want to sound like you are following the crowd, cold, or uncaring. Your heart aches so deeply, how do you express that in words?

"I'll be here for you."

" We are praying."

" Love you."

All of the sudden words that used to say so much don't mean anything. You stand helplessly by and watch those you love and wishing there was something you could say that would express the pain you feel. But no words say enough. When the miles separate you from those who are going through one of the toughest seasons of their live, they cannot see the anguish in your eyes, or the tears. You cannot wrap your arms around them and let them know just how much you care.

The questions remains: what can you do? What can you say?

You can pray, you can say all those words that are not nearly enough, and trust that the Lord will let them know how much you care, yet...even then it seems only half-hearted.

I have come to the conclusion though, that that is all you can do sometimes. That, and stand faithfully by their sides through it all. Actions are said to speak louder then words, so be a faithful friend. Pray without ceasing. Repeat words that never say enough. Hold them tight. And in the end, they will know.

In these hard times. God remains EVER faithful.

"Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:23).

And So...

2010-08-26T11:46:00.000-05:00

My dear readers,
I hope that you are as well now as when I left you so suddenly. I wish such a long absents had not been necessary, but it was. I dearly missed writing, and of course hearing from you. Hopefully life will be a little less hectic for a while and I will have more time to write in the month ahead.
God has been good to me in all my business and has proved to me again that He is always faithful, even in the midst of craziness. I look forward to sharing with you more of His goodness in the very near future.
God bless,
Kathryn

If Only...

2010-08-25T19:25:00.002-05:00

It is natural I suppose, that in my group of friends there has been a lot of talk about marriage. We are in that age group of what commonly is considered to be of a "marriageable" age. I have enjoyed many of our discussions for many good points have been made, but it concerns me that many of my friends seem almost desperate to marry. Comments to the effect of, "Where is he/she?" and, "What is taking so long, I am ready, yet..." have fallen on my ear more times then I care to count. Don't get me wrong. I am glad to know young people who understand what a good marriage is, and who are planning to marry and raise a family well-grounded in Christ. In fact, I would even say I am thrilled to the very tips of my toes, but I am tired of all the comments that show impatience. To me it sounds like they are saying, "Hey, God, are you listening. I am ready, so where is my guy/girl? Huh?" or "Hey, God, You don't know what you are doing. Now is the time for me to meet the love of my life and marry." All the comments about where their future spouses are and why it is taking so long, sound like a slap upon the face of God. It is as if they are saying that we. mere humans, know what is best for us, and God doesn't. I know that isn't what my friends me, far from it for they love the Lord with all their hearts, but in their inpatients for their special someone, deep down they are telling God they can't trust Him. They may not even realize that this is how, or what, they are saying. But this is how it is coming across, so don't think I am lecturing them, because I am not. I am just sharing what has been on my heart.

I've been there too. At one time (not so long ago) I really struggled to fill my heart and thoughts with Jesus. I was obsessed with the thought of getting married. In fact, I thought marriage was the answer to all my problems. Foolish girl. Deep down I knew that I needed a deeper relationship with God, not a man in my life to distract me from my biggest, most important purpose in life, serving God. Several things happened that pointed out to me how my obsession was not healthy, and open my eyes to the truth. Marriage wouldn't solve all of my problems. No man could. Only God could. Little by little God chipped away at my heart, and began to reveal to me the beauty of His perfect plan. Faced with the reality of five or more years of singleness, I cringed, but God kept working on me and asking me if I truly trusted him. Could I put my life, my future, into His hands? I re-dedicated my life to the Lord, promising to seek Him out and fall in love with Him. I laugh when I think about how blindly I made this promise. It looked so easy, that path so smooth, but as time went on, rocks did appear. Every day I must continue to lay my life down at His feet, and beg Him to place a deeper desire in my heart for Him. Every day He gently guides me forward...into the unknown.

I still look forward to one day, God willing, marrying and raising a family. It is only natural. At first when these desires began to resurface, I felt guilty. No, I wasn't to think of marriage, only of God, I would reprimand myself. Time, growth, wisdom, and the words of others began to show me a thing or two about the matter. Thinking of marriage wasn't all bad. I could think about it without compromising my promise. There are practical aspects I need to think about. I just need to steer clear of idle dreaming. It isn't easy let me tell you, but with God it is possible.

I often will be right in the middle of something around the house or at work and all of the sudden I will think, "I wander what he is doing just now? Wander where he is?" I smile and shake my head. "No, dreaming," I tell myself, as I smile and get back to what I was doing. Yet, I hardly ever can leave it at that. Images pop into my head of a smiling face, and hand clasping mine, a voice speaking softly with words only for my ears. My smile grows wider and my eyes take on a dreamy look. Then, I shake my head again, "No, I can't be doing this," I tell myself. "God, I know I shouldn't be thinking these thoughts, because they are making me discontented. But, Lord, You know my heart, how I long for the day when I will know him. Lord, help me not to dwell on the future so much just now, but to focus on what you have for me today. And, Lord, I just can't go without asking you to be with him. Wherever he is, Lord, just watch over him and help him through his day. Grow him in You. Help him to be a man after Your heart. May he honor and glorify You in all that he does today, Lord. Guard his eyes, his heart, his mind from all the wickedness that tempts, Lord. Be his strength, his shield, in Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

I am quiet for a minute, then I get back in the swing of my day knowing that God is in charge. That He does have a plan, and trusting that He will work it out perfectly in His time. I now longer have to worry about the "If onlys..." cause He has got it all in the palm of His very capable hand. And, that my friends, makes me smile.

Enchiladas

2010-08-25T13:30:00.005-05:00

Enchiladas

1 lb. hamburger

12 corn tortillas

1/2 t. salt

1 t. cuminos

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/2 c. chili powder

1/4 c. flour

1 c. lukewarm water

1 8oz. can tomato sauce

3 1/2 c. water

3/4 to 1 lb. grated cheddar cheese

1 med. onion, chopped fine

Salt meat and brown in cast iron pot. Add cuminos and garlic to meat. Mix chili powder and flour together and add lukewarm water. Add this to meat mixture, mixing real good. Add tomato sauce to meat and 3 1/2 c. water to cover meat. Simmer 25 minutes. Cool. Heat oil real hot in small skillet (cast iron). Turn off heat. Dip tortilla in for a few seconds in hot oil till it is limp. Dip in meat sauce. Fill with cheese and onions. Fill and place in dish. When all are rolled, cover enchiladas with remaining sauce, onions, and cheese. Keep warm until serving time. Enchiladas can be rolled in advance. Pour meat sauce and add onions and cheese shortly before serving and heat ten minutes in hot oven (350 degrees).

A Lesson From Genesis 22

2010-07-30T18:43:00.003-05:00

God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" After getting Abraham's attention, God proceeded to tell Abraham to take Issac (Abraham's son) to a certain mountain. There, God told Abraham to sacrifice Issac on an alter as a burnt offering. Abraham did not argue. He just went to do God's bidding. As Abraham was about to take his knife to his own son's throat, God called to Abraham through an angel. "Do not lay your hand on the boy, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me" (Genesis 22:12).

We argue, complain, cry, and despair when God asks us to sacrifice those things we hold dear for His sake, when instead we should learn from Abraham and trust the Lord. God knows what is best, He has our best interest at heart. Do we love the Lord? Do we trust Him? Do we believe that He will ask us to do something we are unable to do? Do we fear the Lord as Abraham did? Where is our faith?

Think about it. Do you fear the Lord as Abraham did?

God's Word, chipping away at our hearts, day by day. Learn the lessons He has to teach. Take the challege, dip into the Word today!

Dear Diary

2010-07-21T11:18:00.002-05:00

Dear Diary,

One of the ladies I work with asked me to pray for her husband the other day. He is struggling to be the man he knows he should be. I promised I would. That was a few days ago. Today she asked me if I had been praying. I said yes. "He's a changed man, " she said. "He cried all day Saturday without really knowing why. He was different in the way he acted all day." She was so happy and I could tell she was more hopeful about their struggling marriage.

God has amazed me again. I think He knew I needed a reminder of how powerful He is. Also, I feel He is reminding me to not despair when my prayers are not answered right away. I need to be faithful in praying always. He has the power to do the rest, in His time.

It is easy to pray when prayers are answered in a matter of days, but easy to despair when nothing happens after several years.

I must keep the faith and never give up. My God is powerful and He always answers.

Thoughtfully and thankfully,

Kassandra Lee

Facing Your Giants

2010-07-13T22:57:00.005-05:00

Sarah laughed at the thought of her bearing a child. She was ninety-years-old. Who had ever heard of someone her age having a baby? It just did not happen. God knew Sarah was laughing over the thought of her bearing a child, something she thought was impossible, so He asked; "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14). That stopped Sarah right in her tracks. Was anything too hard for her Lord?

I love the movie Facing the Giants by Sherwood Pictures of Albany, Georgia. Especially the scene near the end where Coach Grant Taylor asks his team members one by one, if anything is impossible with God. Without fail every player says, "Nothing, Coach, nothing." They were a small school team who had not even been to the championship games in over six years, yet here they were the state champs. By every ones estimations, even their own, they were not supposed to even be playing in the championship games, they were not supposed to be facing the mighty Giants, and they defiantly were not suppose to win and become state champions. At the beginning of the football year, everyone would have said it was impossible, but they made it. They chose to trust God, to praise Him whether they won or lost, and to play their very, very best. Because of their faithfulness to Him, God chose to take them all the way.

You may be facing one of those situations in life where you only have two choices, to give up, or to trust God for what seems impossible. Ask yourself, "Is anything to hard for God?" If you look in the book of Matthew at chapter 19, verse 26, you will find the answer. "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Now, go face your giants. Expect great things from the Lord, for with Him anything is possible. Remember Sarah who was ninety-years-old and yet rejoiced at the baby she carried within her. Think of Issac, how he was not supposed to be born, yet he was. Look at how that one little baby influenced the world, just like that other baby who was born centuries later in Bethlehem. He was not supposed to be born either, yet He was. Mary, a virgin, gave birth to a son and they called Him Jesus. And that little baby, Jesus, that miracle baby, Jesus, changed everything for eternity.

So, what is impossible with God?

Cantaloupe Sorbet

2010-07-01T10:07:00.003-05:00

Cantaloupe Sorbet

4 c. Peeled, sliced cantaloupe

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 c. orange juice

2 T. lemon juice

Puree cantaloupe in a food processor. In a four quart saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. After sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and stir in the pureed cantaloupe. Pour into 13x19" pan and freeze until firm. You can run the frozen sorbet through the food processor again, put it in jars and freeze it, but if you are like our family you will just dig it out of the pan, into your bowls, and eat it right away. It is soooooooo good! A great treat for a hot summer day. Enjoy!

Of Planting and Reaping

2010-06-26T10:25:00.004-05:00

"He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly

and he who sows bountifully will

also reap bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6).

This applies to all things in life. Whatever we are diligent about will one day be a bountiful harvest. When we do just enough to get by, and do even that grudgingly, we will have a poor harvest. But, when we sow bountifully...only God knows the full potential of our "crops." Time to go plant some seeds!

But...He's so Cute...

2010-06-21T11:23:00.002-05:00

Okay, so don't tell me that you have never had a crush on a guy. I think every girl deals with this problem. Problem? Yes, I say problem, because whenever your mind becomes so consumed by something of this world that there is not much room for things of God, you do have a problem.

It starts out when you are a little girl. A new boy comes to your church. He is well mannered, good looking even to your little girl eyes, and you decide you like him and will marry him some day. It is not complicated. Just a simple, foolish little girl thought. As time passes and you grow older you look at a boy and judge whether he is worth your time by evaluating his character and his looks. As your list of "must have" qualities grows, so does the amount of time you spend thinking about him in a, uh-um, "romantic" way. There is where the problem comes in. Soon you become consumed with dreamy thoughts of what it would be like to be loved by him, married to him, and have a family with him. Not only can these thoughts rob your time with God, they can also make you discontent with your present life.

I will be honest. I have had many crushes through the years. Some short lived, some that drug out for over a year. From personal observation I have found that crushes are very draining on a girls emotional well being. If I had a crush on a particular guy and he never even looked my way I began to ask myself what was wrong with me. Why wasn't I desirable? My immature brain never gave thought to the fact that maybe he was not yet old enough to be looking for a wife. As time passed I begin to realize how harmful crushes could be, contrary to what most people will tell you, crushes are not cute and painless.

Having discovered that crushes were not something I desired anymore, I was puzzled, how did one not have a crush. I had always been under the impression that you could not help it. Crushes were just something that happened right? Wrong. Crushes are something that take time and are stemmed from a desire to love and feel loved. In other words, every girl is responsible for whether she has a crush or not. You can feel attracted to someone, and find him handsome, but that does not have to lead to a full blown crush. Below are some steps you can take to fight these feelings:

1. Take captive every thought for Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) This means when thoughts like, "Is he the one?" come into your mind, you must dismiss them. Instead pray. Ask God to help you take your thoughts captive for Him. Thank Him for being in control of you future. Tell Him that you trust Him. "Set your minds on thing above," as Colossians 3:2 challenges. Choose not to let your mind dwell on "romantic" thoughts, for it truly is a choice.

2.Acknowledge your weakness. Do not lie to yourself about the attraction you may feel for a young man. Admit it to yourself and God, then pray. At the time it may seem impossible to dismiss this man from your thoughts, but God says that nothing is impossible if He is by our side (Luke 1:37).

3. Galatians 6:9 says: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." While nipping down these feelings of attraction may be hard, in the end we will reap the rewards of a peaceful heart, a life lived for God not men, and because we will know on our wedding day that we remain faithful in guarding our hearts for our future spouse, the knowledge that you are worth your future husband's trust (Proverbs 31:11).

4. Lastly God instructs us to give thanks in everything (Ephesians 5:20). When you are struggling to keep your thoughts on God, not on the handsome guy across the room, you might not be able to see what it is you have to be thankful for. How can you thank God for feelings you do not want? I'll admit, this is the hardest part for me, but if you look at it as thanking God for being your strength when you are weak, or thanking God for these unwanted feelings because they make you realize your great need for Him, then it does not seem so hard.

The biggest mistake girls make is in thinking that crushes are something they cannot help. Once you realize that you can control your feelings to the extent that they will never have a chance to grow into anything other then thoughts, then you can began battle. You do not have to remain captive to emotions, and let downs any longer. With God as your help, you can learn to look at boys and young men as brothers in Christ, not just potential husbands.

Once you can do this you will no longer have so many awkward silences. Instead you can communicate God's love in a deeper more meaningful way. It may be hard, but it is well worth the effort. And that is coming from a girl who has been there, done that, too many times to count.

Hope for the future. Peace for the soul. Find it in God.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

Dear Diary

2010-06-12T10:51:00.002-05:00

Dear Diary,

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would

come after Me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross and follow Me.'"

Matthew 16:24

Today I feel the Lord calling me to die to my selfish desires, more then ever. He is asking me to lay aside those things in my life which are distracting me from spending time with Him (fictional stories). I feel as if He is calling me to fill my heart with His words, and to turn a deaf ear to the world and all its noises. There are so many words, written and spoken, that are vying for my attention, but ultimately, only God's words are of lasting importance. God is calling me. Will I heed His call?

I pray with all my heart that I will be faithful to what He is calling me to do, and who He has called me to be. May He be my Light and Vision. Through Him, may I see all of life in a bigger and better way.

I must not fear, but take a leap in faith, denying myself and taking up my cross. The load is lighter with two, but when the person by your side is Jesus, it is easier still.

With a prayerful heart,

Kassandra Lee

Write That Down

2010-06-11T10:25:00.004-05:00

I was in the first or second grade when I first began to journal. My mom wanted me to practice my newly learned writing skills, so she gave me a notebook and I would write in it everyday. I never wrote more then three or four very short sentences, but it was a start.

For several years, I did not journal, I am not quite sure why. I suppose my mom had quit requiring it and I had yet to discover the joy of writing.

For Christmas in 2002, one of my cousins gave me a pretty journal and that was when I began to discover the true joys of journaling. I started out with short paragraphs and slowly moved on to filling pages and pages almost everyday. In some of years since I have not written as much, but I have continued to journal, recording the important happenings in my life. I have discovered that, not only is journaling a joy just for the sake of writing, but it is also a great way to sort through my thoughts.

This love for journaling has given me an idea for a new series here on Musings From the Feet. I call it "Dear Diary," and it is the fictitious journal of 16-year-old Kassandra Lee. We will follow Kassandra as she learns important lessons in life and is reminded of how mighty her God is. I hope you enjoy reading about Kassandra's journey, just as much as I will enjoy writing it for you. Come back tomorrow to read the first "Dear Diary" post.

I have some questions for you. Do you journal? Do you do it on the computer, or the old fashioned way? What do you enjoy most about keeping a journal? I would love to hear your thoughts and stories.

Kathryn

I Thought I Was Going To Die

2010-06-06T10:16:00.001-05:00

I had just taking my GED test and was officially finished with high school, I had purchased my first vehicle, and had finally gotten my drivers license. Now it was time to get a job. I did not think it would be that big of a deal. In fact, I was looking forward to getting out of the house more and to having a little more spending money in my pocket. With my own vehicle I would be able to get more involved in my local community. I was sure it was going to be great.

I applied several places and sat back nervously waiting for a call. When the call finally came I began to second guess myself. Maybe this was not such a grad idea. Well, it was done, so nothing remained but for me to go to the interview. It went quite well, and by the time I left I was back to feeling fairly confident, if a little nervous.

The first day was a nightmare. It was a busy day at our local Dairy Queen. I had never been to Dairy Queen much, and when I did go I always ordered things like chicken strips, fries, or an ice cream cone. Simple foods, with easy names. Here it was a busy day, my first day, and I was stuck on a register taking orders for things like Hunger Busters. I did not even know what one was! Watching people make ice cream cones looked easy, but let me tell you, it is something that takes a bit of practice. My first cones were big messes, in fact some were not even redeemable and had to be thrown away.

By the end of my first day I was sure I had made a mistake. My feet and back hurt. I was tired, and my mind would not quit spinning.

In the weeks that followed I went to work every day with a sick stomach. My nerves were my worst enemies. I have always been shy, and being thrown into a situation where I was surrounded by strangers all day, everyday, was extremely trying. Then there were irate customers, long lines, and I still did not know the menu.

I prayed many days, “God, I just can’t do this. It is too hard.” But I had commited myself, there was no turning back. All I could do was take it one day at a time and depend on God to see me through.

I honestly thought I would die, but God used those hardships to shape and grow me. Experiencing what it was like to work forty hours every week doing something I did not particularly like made me appreciate the years my dad has worked to so faithfully provide for our family. I learned that with gained responsibility, comes new freedoms, but also, challenges. I did have more spending money, but I now also had bills. I did have a way to get around, but I no longer had as much time to be involved. Things were not at all as I expected them to be. I had been looking at being a grown up through rose colored glasses. It was a rude awakening. This was the real world baby. And I was not sure I liked what I saw.

In the passed few years I have learned a lot about how you can do things you do not enjoy and still have a good time. Whether or not you enjoy life comes out to how you look at things. I am still shy, I still get stressed by having to deal with large crowds sometimes, but I am learning that if I step out of my comfort zone and really focus on other people, it is easier, possible, and even enjoyable.

Life has moved on. I no longer work at Dairy Queen, and though I do not look at my days there with any particular fondness, I can look back and see God’s hand working in my life. I can truly say that I am thankful for those trying days. They helped me learn how to rely more on the Lord, and I would not trade that for anything!

Pie Pastry

2010-06-01T10:18:00.002-05:00

Pie Pastry

2 1/4 c. flour

2/3 c. shortening

1/2 t. salt

1/3 c. cold water

Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl.

Cut shortening into flour with fork, or pastry blender until pastry particles are pea sized.

Do not over mix.

Gradually sprinkle dough with 1 teaspoon of water at a time.

Toss lightly with fork until all particles become damp.

Use only enough water to hold pastry together when pressed with fingers. It should not feel wet.

Roll dough into round ball, handling as little as possible.

Roll out on lightly floured board into a circle 18 inch think and 1 inch larger than the diameter of the top of your pie plate.

This is an easy recipe. Well, I suppose it took a little practice to come out with a crust that tasted good and looked good. :) Happy baking!

Looking Up

2010-05-30T12:32:00.002-05:00

Looking Unto God

I look to Thee in every need,

And never look in vain;

I feel Thy strong and tender love,

And all is well again:

The thought of Thee is mightier far

Than sin and pain and sorrow are.

~*~

Discouraged in the work of life,

Disheartened by its load,

Shamed by its failures or its fears,

I sink beside the road;

But let me only think of Thee,

And then new heart springs up in me.

~*~

Thy calmness bends serene above

My restlessness to still;

Around me flows Thy quickening life,

To nerve my faltering will;

Thy presence fills my solitude;

Thy providence turns all to good.

~*~

Enboosomed deep in Thy dear love,

Held in Thy Law, I stand;

Thy hand in all things I behold,

And all things in Thy hand;

Thou leadest me by unsought ways,

And turn'st my morning into praise.

~ Samuel Longfellow

What Do You Say?

2010-05-26T11:35:00.001-05:00

As a home school graduate, I cannot began to tell you how many times people have told me that I need to get out and socialize more with people my own age. For some reason people assume that I will grow up dysfunctional in some form or fashion if I do not. Once upon a time I did bemoan the fact that I did not have any friends my exact age, but as time passed I began to see that it is not the number of years a person has been alive that counts, but the amount of love and understanding they have that makes them good friends.

I once read that something that has always stuck with me. "We are not raising our children to be children, we're raising them to be adults." Now when people talk as if I am missing out, or will grow up into some type of lesser person for not have had extensive communication with people my own age, I laugh. No, I may never have to deal with extreme amounts of peer pressure, and I may know how to have intelligent conversations with adults, but I do not see that as a bad thing. Why should I? The way I look at it is that I actually have an advantage over my peers.

I would love to hear stories from fellow home schoolers on this one. What have people said to you, and how did you respond? Do you think that having only friends your age is an advantage? Or not?

Expectations

2010-05-21T14:53:00.001-05:00

I was reading chapter three of Do Hard Things and was laughing and shaking my head sadly at the same time. Here is why:

Ages 10-14...
make your bed every day
be able to take a message on the phone
clean your room once a week (with help from Mom and Dad)
Ages 15+ must do all the above, plus...
do a daily chore [just one], like taking out the trash
make sure the gas gauge stays above a quarter of a tank
clean your room once a week (without help from Mom and Dad)

This is a list Alex and Brett Harris found online of what kinds of expectations parents should have of their teens. The article even went on to assure the parents that they should not feel that their children should have to even do all of these things, because that might be expecting to much from them!

If you are a young person and that does not encourage you to rise above low expectations (and in this case very low expectations) I do not know what will. Why, adults expect almost that much from two-year-olds.

When we were little we were expected to help pick up our toys, obey, and learn new stuff every day. Think about it, if you are two and you refused to learn new words, you would never learn to talk. If you thought that your parents were expecting to much to encourage you to walk, then you would still be crawling around. If you refused to eat real food that you had to work hard to chew since you did not have all your teeth, you might still be eating baby food. Why is it all right to expect toddlers to learn so much and work so hard to become more independent, and it is not okay to ask the same of your teenagers?

I am a Rebelutionary, and I am proud of it. I believe that every young person is capable of so much more the what is expected, and I challenge you to rise above what people expect of you and do great things.

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12

God's Love is Huge

2010-05-16T11:40:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for this month is to re-read Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. I have not yet gotten past the first chapter, yet already I have been given food for thought. It is something I have heard all my life, but it never really sunk in fully until the other day. Then I was awed by the magnitude of the thought.

"He [God] will never -could never- love you more than He does right now."

-Do Hard Things

Nothing I can say or do will make God love me more? Whoa! Hold it a minute. That means if I am always doing good deeds, obeying God's laws, reading His word, and I pray faithfully He still will not love me any more then He did when I was dirty and very much without Him? Then why do I do any of these things? Isn't it just a waste of time?

This is where the definition of true love comes in. If you truly love someone you will do them good and never expect anything in return.

Say you are the mother of a wayward child. You love him and care for him yet he never even acknowledges you unless you have something he wants or needs, yet as his mother you continue to love, pray, and hope for him. That is true love.

Even though nothing we do makes God love us more, we do not do it expecting a return, we do it because we love Him and because it is our God-given purpose in life to serve Him and bring Him pleasure. In serving Him, we are fulfilled. I would not call that a waste of time. Would you?

We cannot earn God's love, we already have it. It does not matter how vile and sin filled we may be, God still loves us. He still extends His grace to us, and offers all of us the free gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. It is a gift of love, and a gift by definition is: "Something transferred by one person to another without compensation." You cannot earn it, you can only receive it.

"Not that we loved God, but that

He loved us and sent His Son."

1 John 4:10

"You are my God, and I will praise You;

You are my God, I will exalt You.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever."

Psalm 118:28-29

The Speck In Their Eye

2010-05-11T14:01:00.002-05:00

"If Christ appeared to me, would I see Him for who He is, or would I be blinded to the truth? Would I even know Him? If only I would always treat others as I would Christ, then I should never have reason to be reproached."
~December 26, 2009
From my Bible study notebook

~*~

How often I am judgemental of others. I hold them to some impossible standards, while I, myself, sin against God. I can be so proud of my "goodness." So proud, in fact, that I am blinded to the truth. I do not see my broken promises as important, neither do I allow myself to see how my words often hurt and discourage my younger siblings.

I am a sinner. Far from perfect. I have not right to judge anyone else's actions. That makes me nothing but a hypocrite.

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye. Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" Matthew 7:1-5.

When I see women within the church dressed in a way that escapes the word modesty, I am being judgmental more times then not in my thoughts towards her. When I see families living outside of God's principles who claim Christ, I judge. Yet, look at me. There have been numerous times I have worn something just a little too tight, or a little to low cut, in hopes of drawing attention to myself. How many times have I not been totally truthful? Have I always been respectful and obedient to my parents? No, of course not!

Modesty is more an issue of the heart then a stern dress code. I can wear a sack that covers everything from my neck to my ankles but still be immodest. Immodesty is about attitudes of the heart, actions, and words that come from a sin filled heart. Thus, in matters of immodesty, I am just as guilty as anyone. How then can I judge?

I would be the first to admit my unfaithfulness in always living by God's principles. I have lied, talked ugly, disobeyed. I have judged others and been a hypocrite. I am not perfect, so why do I hold others to standards so high that I myself cannot keep them? And if they fail, I grind them into the dust with my thoughts and maybe even my words?

God holds everyone to very high standards. In fact, His standards are much higher then mine. Yet, He knows mankind. He knew we would fail because we are sinners. That is why He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us. He knew we would never measure up, but He loved us anyway.

My job is not to judge others faults, to condemn them. That is God's place. I am to live by God's standards to the best of my abilities, and while I can hold God's standards up for others to see and encourage them in keeping those standards, I cannot rightly judge them. "For all men fall short" (Romans 3:23), the Bible says. Even me. Especially me!

The next time I am tempted to judge another for his or her "sin," I am going to remember the planks in my own eyes and not expect perfection from them, because on earth perfection is unattainable. When a girl walks into church wearing something less then modest, I want to remember Matthew 7:1-5, and examine myself with all honesty. I want to encourage her to live by God's principles, and humbly ask her to encourage me to do the same. We must always remember the planks in our own eyes. For how can we possibly see well enough to judge others when there is no way we can clearly see the specks in their eyes for the boards in our own?

If A Bird Can Cling...

2010-05-08T09:26:00.002-05:00

If A Bird Can Cling

If a bird can cling

To a spray aswing

In a mad May wind,

And sing and sing

As if he'd burst for joy;

Why cannot I,

Contented lie

In His strong arms

Beneath His sky

Unmoved by earth's annoy?

--Unknown

Where He Leads Will I Follow?

2010-05-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

It looks like my family may be moving in the near future. We have known this might be a possibility for about a year, but it has been one of those situations that I have pushed back in my mind and not thought of as happening now. It has always been "someday we will move", not "we are moving now."

It may sound crazy but when it became clear that we might be moving before summer is over, I went into a panic mode. When I learned that my parents where considering buying a house in a community I was not interested in living in (I did not like the house either) I was floored. This could not be happening to me!

I fought it. I reasoned that there was no way we could fit in that house. We have been used to five bedrooms and this house only has three. There was no way my parents were going to really choose this house, was there?

As the days went by my fears became a living nightmare. My parents were seriously leaning towards buy the house I was so set against. I am ashamed to say I even tried to convince them that there was no way we could live there. Despite my outburst my parents continued to pray seriously about the house.

One day I was getting ready for work. I was talking to God and telling Him that we could not fit in that house, it was not the place we needed to be. Then, it was as if someone turned the lights on. Who was I to think I knew better then God? If my parents were praying about this and they felt that this certain house -which I hated- was the one, who was I to argue?

"But, God, I do not want to go there. Why must I go there?" I continued to argue.

Then I heard a voice so clearly in my heart I knew it was of God. It said,"You promised the Lord you would go wherever He might send you. You promised to follow Him to the deepest, darkest jungle if that is where He lead you. Even if it meant leaving all those you loved behind. Now He is asking you to move to a little town that is still in your home state It is only a few hours from your currant home, you will be with your family, and yet you are refusing to go? What is up with that?"

That is when I knew. God was not asking me to go to deepest, darkest Africa, He was asking me to go to this place I did not want to go. This town, this house I hated. I thought on in a few minutes then whispered, "Lord, if this is where you want me, I will go. I do not understand why You are asking this of me, but I will trust You. I will go where You send me Lord. I will go."

I still was not excited about moving, but the peace that had been evading me returned as it always does when I surrender my will for that of my Father's. It is human nature to play tug-of-war with God over issues of control, yet it is only when we give everything over to Him that we find peace and lasting joy.

I do not know what the future holds, but I know God is with me and that He is in control. I am looking forward to whatever lies ahead with hope because I know that God will remain faithful even when I do not.

So, what hard thing is God asking you to do today?

Changes

2010-05-03T16:44:00.002-05:00

Hi, there. This is Kathryn, formerly known as Kaomi here on Musings From the Feet. When I started this blog last year my parents were unsure of me posting my real name on the Internet for all the world to see, but as the year passed we decided that as long as I only posted my first name it would be okay. I have found it rather confusing to myself and my friends to go by a second name here, so those are the reasons that I will now be going by my given name, Kathryn.

You may have noticed the changes to Musings From the Feet. I decided to change things in celebration of my second year of blogging, and because I want to start anew, if you would. As I mentioned not long ago, I have not been posting much these last several months, and aim to change that. I thought the change in blog design would be a sign of the change to come.

So, do not worry, this is really still the same site, and you did come to the right place.

God Bless,
Kathryn

Cole Slaw

2010-05-01T11:00:00.002-05:00

Cole Slaw

1 Medium head of Green Cabbage (shredded)
1 Carrot (shredded)
1 T. Minced Onion

Combine these vegetables together.

Dressing:
1 1/4 c. Miracle Whip
1/3 c. Sugar
1/4 c. Vinegar
1/4 t. Celery Seed
1/4 t. Black Pepper
Salt to taste

Whisk it together and add to vegetables. Mix it all together well.
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

A Year and Counting

2010-04-26T11:25:00.001-05:00

"Do not grow weary in doing good."

2 Thessalonians 3:13

Today I am celebrating the first year anniversary of Musings From the Feet. As I look back on the past year I am discouraged at how easily I have become distracted, and how quickly I grew "weary" of what I believed was a good thing when I started writing here a year ago.

When I began this blog I had visions of twenty or more followers, maybe they would only be family and friends, but everyone has to start somewhere, right? As time went by and I continued to have only a few followers I grew downhearted, and over time I have all but stopped posting here. I kept asking myself what reason was there to write when no one ever reads it?

Life has gotten a might busier and blogging is hard to fit into my days now. I would love to promise a post everyday, or at the least a post every week, but I will not make a promise I cannot keep. I have been thinking about it, and have decided that I have had it all wrong. It is not that if I write no one will read it, but rather, if I do not write then no one can read it. Yes, I may not have a huge following right now, in fact, I do not even know if anyone will read this, but if I do not write then they surely will not.

Everyone has a testimony, a life story if you will. Mine is of God's faithfulness, and mercy. Even if my halting words should encourage just one soul, then this time spent writing is not a waste of time.

So in the year ahead I am committing to try my best to write twice a month, hopefully more. I want to not grow weary in doing that which God has impressed upon my heart for me to do.

It is time to refocus, and walk in faith that when I have no ideas about which to write, God will provide. I must trust that God will show the way, and that He will use my little efforts here for His glory.

In Him,

Kaomi

Life: As it Now Stands

2010-04-08T14:43:00.001-05:00

Dear Readers,

I would be the first to admit that my posts on Musings From the Feet have been way to sparse. I am not here to make another lame excuse, but to fill you in a little on what I have been doing, and on why finding time to write has been most challenging.

In March I started out on a new journey. I became a student with College Plus!, an online college program. The plan is for me to finish a four-year traditional degree in two years time, or possibly less if my schedule allows.

As you can imagine, starting College Plus! has been full of firsts, and has consumed a greater part of my time. Hopefully things will settle down after a while, and I will have time to get back to posting more frequently.

I am currently working through a course called Life Purpose Planning. This book guides you through an in depth, prayerful journey to discovering God's will and purpose for your life. It has been a joy to work through so far, and I would highly recommend that all high school students work through this booklet before deciding what to do in college. Knowing your purpose in life at a young age gives you goals to work towards. It is a pretty awesome concept.

Other then school, I have continued to work part time as well as spend time with my family.

Spring is rapidly progressing into summer, and though I am not looking forward to hundred degree weather, I am thankful that the freezing temperatures are behind us. I have enjoyed every moment of spring. Watching the trees burst into bloom, the grass push its way up out of the earth, and once again hearing the song birds singing when I awaken each morning has brought me such joy. I marvel that God created all of this in only six days! What a truly awesome God we serve.

As I continue on the road that leads to a "brighter day" I will be thinking of all of you girls and young women out there who are traveling this road along with me, and will try to post as time allows. I pray that each day brings you closer to the King of Kings, and that you will find peace and direction upon this path called life.

May God bless and keep you,

Kaomi

"A man's heart deviseth his way:

but the LORD directeth his steps."

-Proverbs 16:9

Pizza Crust

2010-04-05T14:27:00.006-05:00

1 c. warm water (105-155 degrees )

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 package dry yeast

3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1 to 2 teaspoons yellow cornmeal

Combine water, oil, and salt in large mixing bowl; sprinkle yeast over water mixture, stirring to dissolve. Add 1 1/2 cups flour; beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until blended. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a firm dough, mixing well.

Pour dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Shape into a ball, and place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Punch dough down, and divide in half. Ball one half to a 1-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer dough to an ungreased pizza brick or pizza pan sprinkled with cornmeal. Fold over edges of dough, and pinch to form crust. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Fill and bake as desired. Yield: two 12-inch pizza crusts.

Grace

2010-03-24T09:04:00.005-05:00

When God gets a grip on our lives, nothing is left untouched.

That is what makes His grace dangerous. It unsettles

our preconceived ideas, uproots our ingrained habits,

redirects our security- but He is never "safe." He is determined

to make us the very best we can be, and He will never let us

rest comfortably in our weaknesses and sins. He works

ceaselessly to remake us into the image and character of Christ.

~Nancy R. Pearcey

Introduction to A Dangerous Grace by Charles Colson

Courtship Talk

2010-03-15T12:44:00.004-05:00

Relationships between young men and women can be a hot topic. I have mentioned before that as a young girl I thought you had to date before you got married. It was all I had ever seen or heard of. As a teen I began to read and hear about courtship and within a short amount of time was convinced that courtship was the only right way to go about getting to know a prospective spouse. I was adamant; courtship was the only way to go. Period.

I began to discuss the topic with my friends and found it very frustrating that they did not see eye to eye with me. Some agreed that you should wait until you were of a marriageable age before pursuing any close relationships with someone of the opposite sex, but they did not all agree that courtship was the only way. It used to make me want to shout at them, "Don't you see? You are wrong. I am right!" Over the years the topic has come up time and again with my friends, probably in part because it is one of those topics I do not have the sense to stay away from. I found it interesting to hear what my friends thought about courtship versus dating, what they have read, and what they have been taught on the subject, and yes, there have been a few hot moments.

As time has passed I have come to see my friends' points of view are not "all wrong." They have taught me that no one's relationship is going to look just like someone else's. I have learned that it is not so much about what you call your relationship, but what your definition of that relationship is. Still, even though I do agree that relationships will vary as each person's circumstance varies, I believe that there are a few key guidelines that couples would be wise to follow.

My mom has always emphasized the wisdom of waiting until you are ready to marry to pursue any kind of romantic relationship. She meant several things when she told me this. One, that a young man does not seriously pursue a girl until he is financially able to support her. Second, that both the young man and the young woman are mature enough for marriage. It is easy to become infatuated with someone, but it is a lot harder to love someone faithfully for the rest of your life. If a young person is not ready to be responsible or commit to marrying someone, then they are not ready to seek any type of romantic relationship. I have not always agreed with this but over the last few years have found it to be a sound bit of advice. Why pursue a relationship with someone and potentially get emotionally attached if you are not ready to consider marriage. This road will lead you to break-ups and heartache. To my way of thinking, there is no point in such a relationship and it can set a harmful pattern of getting together and breaking up, a pattern that is just setting you up for divorce.

Another thing I have read many times that makes so much sense, is if you are going to get married and you know it, than do it. Why wait? This only opens the door to temptation. You began to think of the other person as belonging to you. You think, "Oh, it is okay if we kiss all the time, after all we are going to get married." Next thing you know, this logic has taken you to far and there is no turning back. God meant for intimacy to be special, and He meant for it to be saved for marriage. Whether or not you plan to marry one day or not is not the issue. Being faithful to God is. If you know you are going to get married, do it. Do not drag it out, if you are not ready for marriage financially or emotionally, then you should not have allowed your relationship to escalate to this point.

As a guy, if you are not ready to support a wife, but a certain girl has caught your eye, maybe you even feel God is telling you that she is the one, then do the honorable thing, wait. Do not pursue a deeper relationship with her that will awaken emotions better left sleeping. Waiting will make the prize all the more precious in the end. Are you afraid that if you do not say something someone will steal her away? Look at it this way. If she is God's chosen one, then you have nothing to worry about. Right? Everything will work out in His timing.

If you are a girl, and you know that a guy is the one for you but you also know that he is not ready for marriage, do not push him. Keep your distance. You can be friends, but do not try to be more than that to him. Wait on the Lord, and pray for your special guy. If he really is the one, then God will open his eyes to you all in good time. Do not make the first move. Let him. It is all about God's order and the way He meant for things to happen. In the end, your young man will love you more for knowing that you waited patiently for him to grow up and get to a place where he could support you. In the end, you will be happier then you ever thought you could be.

The number one issue in my book would have to be, do not pursue a relationship unless you have the blessing of your parents, and you feel that God has given you the green light. God gave us parents and godly counselors for a reason, if we refuse to seek wisdom when we are looking for a spouse, we may end up covenanting our lives to a person we will grow to hate. Our parents know us better sometimes then we know ourselves. They may be able to spot something in the other person that we cannot see because we are too close. We are infatuated, but they are not. They are not looking through rose-colored glasses. They see the whole picture, right past the good looks and charming manners to the heart. No, I do not believe in arranged marriages, nor do I feel that parents are always the best judges, I am just saying, that if your have godly parents, or mentors, they sometimes can spot things that you will be unable to see, and the wisest thing you could possibly do is seek their advice.

Often times young people reach their twenties and wonder where their Mr. or Miss. Right is. They start looking at everyone of the opposite sex as marriageable material. Instead of being able to enjoy the company of others as just friends, they feel pressured to always be on their best behavior just in case so and so is their future spouse. If that is not ridiculous, I do not know what is.

I love spending time with two of my friends because I can tell when they interact with guys that the last thing on their mind is marriage. They are kind, considerate, and always willing to help out or have some fun, but they look at guys as brothers in Christ, not marriageable material. That is the way all young folks should view each other. Not as future mates, but as children of God.

I do not claim to be an expert on relationships, nor do I claim to always be right (I have hopefully learned my lesson in that area), but I am always looking for opportunities to share the wisdom that has been passed on to me in hopes that it will save someone else some heartache and help to guard them from those emotional scars which are much to common these days.

If you are longing for someone to love and share your life with, may I encourage you to think about what I have shared today? As you pursue a relationship, remember that though your story will be different then others, and that there is really not one "right way," that there are some steps you can take to guard your heart, and make your season of courtship or dating be one of the best seasons of your life.

Keep your eyes upon the Lord and seek His will.

In Christ,

Kaomi

2010-03-01T10:58:00.000-06:00

L. P. Jackson's Grape Ambrosia

1 6oz. box of strawberry Jello

2 c. seedless grapes (halved)

1½ c. chopped walnuts or pecans

1½ c. miniature marshmallows

11oz. can of mandarin oranges

1 c. or more toasted coconut (optional)

1 c. sour cream

Mix Jello with 2 cups of hot water until dissolved.

While Jello is hot, stir in sour cream. Cool to room

temperature ( Approx. 45 min.). Add other ingredients,

except the coconut. Pour into 9x13 inch casserole dish,

and chill in fridge until firm. Sprinkle coconut on top

if desired and serve.

Note: Do not drain the oranges!

This is my great-grandfather's recipe and one of my personal favorites.

It is a good light dessert after a big meal, and I can never eat enough

of it. Try it out and enjoy.