Distractions

" I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin" ~ 2 Corinthians 11:2

Lately I have been distracted by trivial things. I tend to worry about finances and our future. What can I do in this moment to give us a better,less stressful life down the road. Could I pick up a job? Maybe invest in stocks? Sell some items that we don't use anymore? While all these thoughts swirl around I am missing out. 

The devil is a crafty one and he knows us and our weaknesses. Ephesians 6:11 says," put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." If he can find a foothold, then he will use that to keep us from "consider[ing] it all joy"(1 James 1:2-4). When I ponder ways to live outside of where God has me I am not learning, nor am I enjoying where God has brought me.  If He wanted me to be living in a different situation He would bring me there. 

God is jealous for my attention and lately I haven't given of myself. Not only to God, but my family. I was distracted and like Gomer in Hosea forgetting that all I have is from God. See Gomer was married by Hosea, but sought out worldly possessions. She was under the impression these worldly possessions were from her lovers and she pursued them. At the end she realized worldly lovers and possessions are nothing compared to her bridegroom, the one God designed for her. The other realization was that God provided for her every need not the world. 

So when we get distracted and caught up in worldly things we forget where our hope,love, and possessions come from. We wholeheartedly pursue these items with little respect for what we have. I for one am extremely blessed and will strive to appreciate what I have now. In order to cut off the devils attempts I will seek more of God. I want to be in His companion so much that the devil has no time to distract me. Will you join me in committing time to Christ in your daily life?

Blessings,

K

Being Silent

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment" ~Benjamin Franklin

Words have the ability to soothe the soul or stab the heart.  As Christians our words should be of truth and love.  In a world where everyone "speaks their mind" or "cusses out" others being mindful of words is difficult.  We want to feel vindicated or that we had the upper hand.  One party walks away feeling victorious.   However, the result is both parties are hurt and neither win.  

The Lord has been showing me areas of improvement needed in my life.  One of the areas I need to improve is words.  I use them carelessly at times. Last nights scripture included Matthew 12.  Verses 33-36 stood out to me. "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak, what is good?  For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.  The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.  But I tell you that every CARELESS word that people speak, they shall give an ACCOUNTING for it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be JUSTIFIED, and by your words you will be CONDEMNED." says Matthew 12:33-36.  I knew God would hold me accountable for my choices, thoughts, and sins.  I did not realize the magnitude my words would have on judgment day.  

Another quote I like is,"we do not have to entertain every argument we are invited to."  In life we have differing opinions on religion, parenting, relationships, and the list goes on.  Most want others to share similar beliefs, so they do not feel alone or alienated.  Usually when an individual comes upon an opposing view they want to bring the other to their side.  There are a few current "hot button" topics religious rights, gay rights, abortion, politics, and vaccines, to name a few, and everyone has an opinion on the right choice.  We all want our voices heard and will debate these topics relentlessly.  Some even bring in vulgarity to belittle others.  What if we walked away instead of giving others fuel for their fire? How about letting them assume they have "won"?  Less people would be hurt and the topics would receive less headline attention.  I am not saying we should not stand for Christ or deny our beliefs.  I am saying if someone truly wants your opinion on a topic they will ask.  When someone comes to you for that opinion they are more likely to listen to logic and reasoning.  See, I am learning not everyone wants to hear my opinion.  Slowly, but surely, I am becoming okay with this realization.  

Our words are more powerful than we will ever know.  They leave an impression on others. We, as Christians, should leave the impression of Christ.  If I "won" an argument on vaccinations, but made a mother feel less worthy...did I truly win?  No and whats worse is I made her feel less.  That should never be my goal as a Christian.  My goal should be to love others and help them be the best they can be. Should I say whatever whenever I want? No.  If I take time to think through my word choices I can uplift verses tear down. By thinking first I will say only words I meant and no further explanation will be needed.  Honestly, there are times silence is the best answer.  My challenge is to listen to God...He will give the words to speak and tell me when to say them.  If Moses was given words to speak before Pharaoh in Exodus, which has far more importance than my words, then I am sure God can handle my words. I am positive what He has me say will garner better results than anything I could ever do on my own.

On another note:

I have not blogged lately, because I have been reading and crafting.

I finished cutting my Downton Abbey fabric for the LoveBug Studios quilt along( http://www.lovebugstudios.com/2013/09/09/register-now-for-the-downton-abbey-quilt-along/ ) which I started in the fall, but was not able to finish. Now when my 1/4 piecing foot arrives I can sew the quilt top.

Another finished project was this one( http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/neptunes-tears ) , but on a smaller scale.  I found the pattern here ( http://www.lacompagniedeslaines.be/medias/files/free-neptune-s-tears-chale-crochet.pdf ).  The pattern needs some improvements, but I was not terrible.  

***Please ignore the picture quality. Do not judge too harshly the outcome as the picture does not flatter the shawl.***

I read Think Like A Freak ( http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Freak-Authors-Freakonomics/dp/0062218336 ) yesterday and enjoyed the book.  If you would like to discuss this book with me, I would enjoy that. :-)

On That Day

"God will invade. But I wonder whether people who ask God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realise what it will be like when He does. When that happens, it is the end of the world. When the author walks onto the stage the play is over. God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on His side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else - something it never entered your head to conceive - comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left? For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing; it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realised it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or leave it."~C. S. Lewis 

Scripture tells us "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. God sent His son to die for our sins. We do not deserve salvation, but Jesus took our punishment on the cross. Christ will return to call His children home. No one knows the day or time, but we must be prepared. Some deny Christ now and upon His return they will see the error of their ways.  

Each day we are given the choice to follow Christ or be of this world. I can assure you that letting the world and flesh lead is a road filled with struggles and heartache. God gives rest and provisions to His children. The road is not an easy one, but the hope of a future in heaven makes these trials worth the wait. 

Who do you follow? Are you tired and want rest? Do you want to have "irresistible love or irresistible horror" upon Christ's return? I know that upon His return I will be struck with "irresistible love" for my savior. I want that for all of you reading this post or my blog.  If you do not know where to begin then comment below and I will contact you.  If you have questions,then please ask them.   Do not wait or it could be too late. 

Lord, I pray that anyone reading this is touched by your grace and mercy. That they see following You provides more than what this earthly life can give. Please  let them be bold followers of your precious Son.  In Jesus sweet and precious name I pray. Amen!

Blessings,
K

Titus 2 and Marriage

“Love is a commitment that will be tested in the most vulnerable areas of spirituality, a commitment that will force you to make some very difficult choices. It is a commitment that demands that you deal with your lust, your greed, your pride, your power, your desire to control, your temper, your patience, and every area of temptation that the Bible clearly talks about. It demands the quality of commitment that Jesus demonstrates in His relationship to us.” 
― Ravi Zacharias, I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah: Moving from Romance to Lasting Love

Views on marriage have changed drastically over the years.  No longer is marriage viewed as a commitment, but as something that can be endured.  When one party is done, then they march to the lawyers office and file for divorce.  Sadly, this is against all that Christ wants marriage to be.  He designed marriage to be an earthly example of His love for the church.  As Christian women we have failed to mentor those around us.  We must set examples of biblical marriage.  

Ephesians 5 starting with verse 22 says, "22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church [q]in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she [r]respects her husband." 

Many get caught up in the subject of submission.  God did not intend for a man to control his wife.  As verse 25 says, "husbands love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church..." Christ loved the church so much that He died for the church.  Wives are to respect that their husbands are head of home.  We have to understand that every individual is accountable on judgement day.  However, husbands are held to a standard for their families.  I am guilty of wanting to have control over my marriage.  The result was not what I wanted. God has shown me that I must respect my husband, even when I do not understand or agree.  Marriage has held up a mirror to my true self, and at times I do not like that person.  The awesome thing is God and my husband still love me.  Slowly, but surely I am learning what a kingdom woman does in a marriage.

Have you ever been around that one spouse that has nothing good to say about their husband or wife? I have and I feel sad for the spouse.  Society has taught us that bashing our spouses is ok.  Some disguise their hurtful words as humor, but I can promise you the damage is still inflicted.  

Titus 2:3-5 says,"3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may [b]encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."  Finding a good Titus 2 mentor or becoming a mentor is difficult.  I believe these ladies are held to a high standard.  The church rarely provides instruction or even mentors for younger women.  We are left alone to navigate life.  Growing up I had those around me that I looked up to, but I wish I had one person that could have walked beside me.  I have been blessed with different godly, women along the way and I am grateful for them.  Their impact has helped my marriage, my walk with Christ, and my ministry.  Recently, I started praying that God place a mentor into my life and show me those that need a mentor.  

Do you have a Titus 2 mentor in your life? A word of caution...make sure this woman has a firm foundation in Christ.  A woman that has been a Christian for many years and is obedient to Him.  Are you walking beside someone?  Titus 2 is not regulated to the elderly, but to "older women".  Prayerfully seek the title of mentor, because this is not a job to be taken haphazardly.  

As Kingdom Women we have the responsibility to show the world and those around us Christ.  I believe that if we started doing what scripture tells us, then marriages would stand a better chance.   We must lead by example.  I would love to see a revival in marriages, then peoples perspective on marriage would change.  Christ's love for the church would shine boldly!!

Blessings,

K

Far From Perfect

In life women are sisters, friends, wives, mothers, and much more.  The expectation to balance all of this weighs heavily on our shoulders.  Media tells us that we are to smoothly run a home, be a part of the community, and look beautiful while doing so.  I for one am not perfect and can not do everything. One title takes precedence over the other at any given time.  When the demands of several titles pull on me at once, then another has to fall or receive less of me.  In the transformation from woman of the world to kingdom woman I am seeking which title He wants and when.

Since today was not filled with appointments and Facebook there was time for reflection.  I know that achieving perfection is not possible.  Transforming into the woman He wants me to be is possible.  Constantly seeking Him will help me lose the worldly side of me and focus on eternity.  Praying daily and often will provide discernment.  See I can not be wife, mom, student, friend, and sister all at once.  However, I can prayerful ask God to show me what title needs my attention throughout the day.

God designed us all to bring Him honor and glory.  I want my transformation to do just that. "Well done good and faithful servant" are words that I hope to hear.  Are you striving for perfection or transformation?  

Blessings,
K

Farewell For Now

"It's like yelling in a sea of voices."~Anonymous

I was chatting with a friend about Facebook last night. She commented that commenting/posting was "like yelling  in a sea of voices."  I thought surely this can not be true.  I personally read 98% of what my friends post.  I invest myself into Facebook and give of myself.  Each and every friend is cared about.  I pray for, cry tears, and rejoice with all of you.  If there is a way I can help, then I try.  What I learned is that not everyone returned that.  If one is not going to read their friends post, then why have them as a Facebook friend?  Now are there days I missed posts?Yes. However, that was not the norm.  This revelation further drove home the desire to build relationships with those that truly want to know what is going on in my life.  I want to be more personally involved and show that you are heard and matter.  

Many have asked why I am removing myself from Facebook. There are a few reasons for my decision. The choice to leave was not one I decided over night. Facebook has appeal and can benefit some. I believe there are three main reasons. 1) Conviction 2) Moderation 3) Frustration.

1)Scripture tells us that we can not have two masters, because we will love the one and hate the other. I can not devote a major portion of my day to Facebook and fulfill God's purpose. I am not proud that there were days I would not read the Bible, but log hours into Facebook. Slowly and surely Facebook got the best of me. I should have spent more time connecting with those around me. To build better friendships I need to listen and show that what my friends are saying is heard. Life as a Christian is becoming more and more challenging. I need a close knit support group. Individuals to walk along side me to help me be a better person. To point me towards Christ when the road is difficult so I can become a Kingdom Woman.

I do have concerns that a life without Facebook will leave me lonely.  Invitations will slack off and that I will be forgotten. That I will miss a ministry opportunity.  The devil knows that this is an area to pull me back in.  God has a reason for me to leave and He will place individuals in my life to keep me company.  People survived before Facebook and I will too.  If God wants me to minister then He will orchestrate the details.  

2)Somewhere along the path Facebook decided to moderate my posts. I could not see certain friends updates, nor could I share as I saw fit. Whomever was in charge took it upon themselves to decide what I could see or share. I am not ok with this. Another form of moderation I experienced was moderating what I said. This was suppose to be my profile/wall and yet I could not be free. Being politically correct has a place, but sometimes the truth needs to be voiced.

3)I am frustrated that one can not have an intellectual debate without the need to prove one side right or wrong. Certain topics will not always have a right or wrong end. Both parties have to agree to disagree and move forward. Frustration set in when my words were misconstrued. So when someone started seeing me as mean,cruel,judgmental, hypocritical, racist, small minded, or belittling I was hurt. I never want my words to hurt anyone. When you get to the heart of me you will see a kindhearted, only wants the best for her friends/family, loyal, determined, and humorous Christian.

In closing, I care about my friends and family members. I want to keep in touch and I feel blogging is a better method to do so. Send me comments, emails, letters, texts, and photos whenever you think of me. I intend to do the same.

Blessings,

K

Letter Writing: The Lost Art

“To write is human, to receive a letter: Devine!” 

― Susan Lendroth

I remember as a child receiving mail and feeling as if I had won the lottery.  My sister and I would sit and wait on the mail woman to deliver the mail.  We would then fight over who got to check the mail.  Now I rarely look forward to the mail.  A typical day includes bills and junk mail.  I do not know anyone that gets excited to find a bill in the mail. 

As technology has increased we have branched away from letter writing. We have exchanged cards,notes, and letters for texts,IMs, and emails.  These are effective forms of communication, but I want to brighten someone's day. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, " Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are doing. "  Upon doing some reflection I am not using my words to always encourage. For that matter there were times I could go without one word to some of my friends on Facebook. I am not ok with this. We are to uplift, support, and pray for each other. 

In this pursuit I have purchased a prayer journal, cards, and an address book. I intend to build better relationships with my friends. My words will be used to do Gods work. If you need prayers let me know. 

A couple years ago I stumbled upon  http://www.treasuredpassages.com. I found they had letter books that provide letter prompts.  I ordered a letter book. The thought and time placed into their letter books. The minor details truly bring the whole book together.  Their customer service was great too.  I wanted to write letters, but did not have a clue where to start.  I would like to get a few more letter books to write to a few friends. Who wants to join me in encouraging others with our words?

Blessings,

K

Change

“Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.” 
― Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou stays eloquently my current thoughts. I knew change was on the horizon for myself.  My goal is to become the woman God wants me to be.  That includes trusting Him wholly, ignoring the status quo, and breaking the chains of bondage.  One of the chains is Facebook.  I have made all the rational excuses why the social media site is worth keeping.  Today, I stop making excuses and start the process of removing Facebook, along with a few other chains, from my life.

A couple months ago I heard Dr. Tony Evans speaking on the radio.  He was talking about Kingdom Women.  The whole message caught my attention and convicted me.  I discovered there was a book to go along with the podcast series.  I was thrilled and ordered the book.  Sadly, when life got hectic the book fell by the wayside.  Since then I have restarted Kingdom Woman.  My goal is to complete the book.

I know going against the norm will have its struggles.  I accept that satan will tempt me along the way.  By surrounding myself with positive, uplifting women of Christ I will succeed.  I pray that this provides encouragement and truth for those that want to become Kingdom Women.


Blessings,
K