CollegePlus Leadership Capstone Event

If I could sum up the CollegePlus Leadership Learning and Execution Capstone in Colorado in just a few words, it would be, life changing.

 

We arrived Tuesday afternoon and from the very moment I met with the first 11 people in the group and we boarded our shuttle, I knew that this was going to be one of the most amazing weeks of my life. The awkwardness of meeting each other for the first time lasted only a few minutes. Once we had boarded the shuttle, life stories began to be told.

 

Hearing about how the Lord had worked in each of these people's lives and how that had brought them to this very moment on a shuttle headed for the Estes Park YMCA of the Rockies was inspiring. None of us were there by chance. There was no doubt in my mind that God had brought us together for purposes far greater then we could even imagine.

 

As the week progressed and we learned from Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit, you could see a change coming over the students as we each begin to learn how to tell our story, and put into practice good mentoring and coaching skills as we visited with one another. A sparkle shown in each eye as excitement for what the Lord was doing began to be realized. Here in this group of 38 students and 13 CollegePlus coaches, friendships for a lifetime were beginning to be forged. Plans for business and ministry opportunities were being expanded and suddenly went from dreams to tangible possibilities that a few months of collaboration and hard work could turn into reality. New business and ministry ideas were put forth, and in such a manner that none of us doubted that someday soon, they too, would be reality.

In four days strangers became fast friends. In four days those who were uncertain, reserved, and stood off to the side were exclaiming about how grateful they were that they had come. Those who felt hopeless about their dreams for helping to fill the desperate needs of others, like girls with low self-esteem, human trafficking victims, and orphans in Haiti had hope that their dreams did not have to remain dreams. We all had hope. Hope and an assurance that, together, we could make a difference in the world because 1) God had plans of purpose for our lives, 2) God had brought us to this place with people who shared our visions and dreams, people who would encourage us to not give up 3) we had the keys to effective coaching, mentoring, and networking that would make it possible for us to build relationships that would ensure we no longer lacked the support we needed to move forward with making a difference. We felt encouraged to tackle the highest mountain, knowing that with God, and the people He puts into our lives, nothing will be impossible (Philippians 4:13).

 

 

 

New Years Resolutions?

Perhaps it was just the thoughts of the holidays sneaking up on me, or perhaps it was adding every ones birthdays in my 2013 calender and seeing how quickly the years are passing me by, or perhaps it is something else entirely, but whatever the reason, my thoughts last month were turned to the past and the future. What did I do this last year that I would like to do better in the this year? There are two things at the top or my list, and they have been there probably as long as I have been making lists. They are, "Love God more" and "Love people more."

 

Now, loving more can mean a whole variety of things, and to list them all would take longer than I have. So, I will just give you the abbreviated definitions. To love God more is to make it my top priority that His name be hallowed in everyday life and in every circumstance. To love people more is love others as Christ loves. Selflessly, forgiving all wrongs, putting their needs above my own wants.

 

I have never been much for New Years resolutions, so this year I am not making any. What about my goals to love more, you ask? Well, those are not New Years resolutions. Those are New Life resolutions. Everyone who has New Life, should have these types of resolutions. Resolutions to be more like our Lord.

What are your New Life resolutions?

Talk Less, Pray More

 

Written September 10, 2012

A sigh escapes my lips...there is no one there. I look again five minutes later. Still no one. Have you ever found yourself constantly checking social networking sites in hopes that a friend gets on-line? I know I have. There are times when I want so bad just to talk. I don't really care who to, just someone so that I can get my mind off what is "bugging" me.

 

I am currently staying off most social networking sites where my friends are most active for that very reason. I realized that I had become dependant on talking to others because it was a way for me to escape. A way to stop thinking. When did thinking and deep thoughts become something which I wanted to run from? I used to sit for hours just thinking and writing our my thoughts. What has changed?

Maybe because my thoughts are ones that I have no answers to? It's easier if you have a problem to solve. You research, and in time you find a solution. But what about those thoughts that there is no real solution to as far as you are able to see. That is, no solution but to wait on the Lord. The ones that chase each other around and around your head and no matter how hard you try to stop thinking of them they don't go away.

 

Today I have a little cold and haven't felt up to my normal riggers, so I've been sitting still. I caught myself glaceing at my phone to see if anyone had texted, and looking at my inbox for a new email to answer. But there was nothing. I started to grow a little agitated. Where was everyone when I needed to talk? Then a simple truth came to mind. The things I wanted to talk about, they are things that only God has the answers to. Talking them over with friends is not a bad thing, and yet, is it profitable? They don't have answers and you still don't, so you are right where you started. If God knows the answers, why am I afraid (yes, afraid) to talk to Him about these things that will not leave my mind?

 

I am afraid because what if the things I want are not what He has planned? What if He says no? What if He says I need to wait...just wait for His timing? What if He tells me that I don't need answers. That I just need to have faith and trust in Him? I'm not good a waiting for answers. I like to know what lies ahead, what the plan is, have a schedule. I don't want to give up all of the things that I have dreamed about and prayed for, even if only for a season. In fact, I just want what I want. Or do I?

 

If I think about it long enough. If I face my fears and if I take those fears to the Lord, He teaches me that I don't really want what I think I want. He shows me where selfishness leads and reminds me of a better way. His way. If it brings Him glory (which in turn brings Him pleasure) then I desire to die to self. I desire to go where He leads even if it means walking in ways that I fear to trod. I desire to learn how to wait, patiently.

 

The next time I start looking to see if anyone is available for me to talk to. I am going to try to ask myself why it is I want to talk. And I pray that in times when I am running, I will learn to seek out silence and seek out my Lord. That my desires will become molded more and more into the likeness of His perfect plan.

Tis' The Reason for The Season

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?

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

"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

"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 26 - For My Friends

"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

"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

"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!

"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

"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

"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

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

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

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?

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

"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

"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

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.