Well, wow, it’s been a while! I know, I know, where have I been? Well, sorta been all over the place, but geographically – been to Florida, Missouri, and just right here in Texas over the last few months. I am off to Whistler, Canada in two weeks for a much needed vacation! No, I didn’t stutter, I am actually taking a vacation! It’s been almost a full year since having a real vacation….you know, the kind where you get on an airplane and stay some where else other than your own house, you might sit at a beach or in some mountains, no agenda, like a real vacation. Anyhow, I won’t digress…..as you can tell, I’m mentally halfway on my vacation already! Ha!
Over the last three months, I’ve had to walk through a lot of…..well, stuff! It’s been a roller coaster ride from brokenness to fear, rejection to loss, frustration to disappointment, feeling over programmed, and just plain ole trying to determine what God wants my next step to be in life. I’ve come to a few realizations in this time, but the most branding realization that remains is this:
I need Jesus to breathe.
Jesus desires to meet me in my broken places, be invited into the places in my heart that no one can see, and He makes it new. He has used so much in my life over the last few months to truly make divine appointments with me, to meet with me, hear me, and remove the lies being screamed at me by the enemy.
I’ve learned: He never let’s go. HE. NEVER. LET’S. GO! I’ve heard this a zillion times before, from friends and even in worship music. Who can forget the song, “Oh no, He never let’s go, through the calm and through the storm….” (You get the rest). I’ve sang it a bunch of times, but never really grabbed hold of it’s meaning or realized to the depths of which I experience it. I was talking to a friend of mine about her personal struggles, and I could see so much of my own struggles in what she had been dealing with, and I made a comment on how amazing it was that she got through it all….and she said it, right there, unsolicited, “Kristina, He never let’s go.” That was it. Simple. But man did that stick with me like sap on a Christmas tree.
As we were singing the song, “Never Let Go” one morning during worship, I was moved to tears. No, not just tears, more like sobbing. No matter how much I screw up on a daily basis, no matter how major, there He is – He never let’s go of me. It immediately made me think of this passage:
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. – Matthew 18:12-14, NIV
Wow….look at what kind of love that is!! Which leads to my next realization:
God is so incredibly, undeniably – sovereign.
We cannot mess up God’s plan. I know, I know, some of the “free will” folks might jump into a theological debate on this one, but ultimately, God’s perfect plan cannot be thwarted. If we could mess up God’s plan, that would mean we would have more control than Him – and we don’t. Everything under the sun is ordained by Him, if it wasn’t, than He wouldn’t have all the control – and He does.
I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. – Job 42:2, NIV
How this plays in my life? Well, I’m thankful, even events in my life – personal or professional – that God is in FULL control. He knows that while I think I want something now, what He is about to do is so much greater, and I have to trust His provision. Why? Because His ways are higher than my ways, and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts – ALL the time. He protects me, even when I think I’m not being protected. He provides for me, even when I think I’m not getting what I need. He counsels me, even when I feel like He is silent. He heals me, even when I think I’m broken beyond repair. He is just so good! I’m continuously blown away by the loving nature of our God. He is truly a loving Father, so compassionate, who longs to be the center of our world. His grace is more than we can fathom. It moves my heart to physically see the hand of God loving me in ways that I never knew possible.
My next realization: People will fail you. God will not fail you, ever.
Now you might be researching your database of people in your mind, holding on to the one person or few people you think will (or have) never let you down. I have news, they will let you down. I know, that sounds pessimistic, and I’m not really a pessimistic person. How do I know? Because, they are human beings. The only person who will never let you down, never leave you is Jesus Christ. He is there, always there, with open arms. You can’t earn Him, so I know to those of you who are perfectionists, that is a tough reality to grasp – even for you competition junkies. As competitive people or even perfectionists, or even at times – the people pleaser, we like to think we can earn His love by works, or how much we pray, or even how often we go to church, or a host of other “success indicators” that may help us feel like we are on the right track to earning God’s love. Well, you can’t earn God’s love. Nor can you out love God. He loves you, just the way you are – but He loves you too much to leave you that way.
Friends will hurt us. Family will hurt us. We will hurt friends and family at some point in time. It’s going to happen. We are human. God is not a God of hurt, sorrow, pain, or confusion – He is the ONLY rock in your life. He is the only thing that has the ability to sustain you, anything else is just a cheap imitation. Let Him tell you who you are, and no one else. He is your Father and knows you better than you know yourself, why would you want to trust anyone or anything else for your self-worth or identity?
These realizations have been hard, and hard learned. I’m confident God is sustaining me, preparing my steps, and providing me with wisdom and peace. We are all a work in progress, on a journey. Just as I am a girl on a journey, you are on a journey too – hopefully with our King.
I know this is the part of the blog that I usually say how I’m praying for you, and believe me, I am. However, this time, I’m going to be a prayer beggar. Could you please pray for me? Please pray God makes His next step for me so very clear, please pray that He blesses me with wisdom, peace, courage, and rock solid faith; please pray that He strips away any fear or pride within me, so that I may become more like Him; please pray that He gives me FULL confidence of Him who is in me so that I may fulfill the will He has for me and constantly be at the center of His will. I thank you so much in advance for these prayers!
I’m off to Kathmandu, Nepal for a mission trip in less than two months…..praise the Lord! More to come on that in the future……..please pray for that too, if you can, thank you so much! Love you, in Jesus name!
<><
KB
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Who Told You That?
Some statistics for you, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
*In 2008, cosmetic surgery procedures increased 3% from 2007 (despite the economic downturn), a total of 12.1 million cosmetic procedures were performed. 91% of these procedures were females.
*From 2000 to 2008, the use of Botox increased 537%! (94% of Botox being used on women in the year 2008 alone)
*The number of breast augmentations increased 45% from the year 2000 to 2008.
*In 2008, 3% of breast augmentations performed were female patients between the ages of 18 and 19, while 30% were women ages 20-29, 35% were women 30-39, and 28% were women in the age bracket of 40-54.
*The number of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures increased 93% from the year 2000 to 2008.
*In 2008, 44% of patients who received cosmetic procedures were repeat patients.
*89% of liposuction procedures done in 2008 were female.
*Breast lifts for women increased 75% from the year 2000-2008, while buttock lifts increased 152% for women patients from 2000 to 2008.
*The top five cosmetic surgeries among women are (in order) breast augmentation (307,000), liposuction (218,000), nose reshaping (204,000), eyelid surgery (190,000), and tummy tuck (117,000).
*The top five cosmetic surgeries among men are (in order) nose reshaping (75,000), eyelid surgery (31,000), liposuction (27,000), breast reduction (18,000), hair transplantation (13,000).
What does this tell us? The screaming overwhelming response I collectively hear is: "I am not enough!"
What these statistics also tell me, is that we - while 91% women and 9% men - find our worth in our ability to attract the opposite sex. In other words, we are letting our sex appeal determine our value, our worth, and letting it define who we are. To some, the concept of having "the perfect" appearance is an addition to the absolute package of having the right job, the right car, the right home, the right girl/guy, it's all impression management.
When I think of the billions of dollars spent ($10,293,431,401 in the year 2008 alone) spent on these procedures, is it any wonder where our idols are? Where we spend our time and our money determines our priorities, what are yours?
This all collectively makes me wonder where this powerful drive to become "enough" or have "the perfect" appearance originally comes from, to which the answer is quite simple: shame. Why are you so ashamed of your appearance that you feel you have to jump through unrealistic hoops? ....all to achieve what for yourself? (because it IS for yourself, whether you realize it or not)
What is shame?
According to www.dictionary.com, shame is:
the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another:
What does God say about shame? The first ever recorded feeling of shame was on the shoulders of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We know this because after God created them and before the act of the Fall, they had no shame.
The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. - Genesis 2:25, NIV
After they ate the fruit, and the trespass on God's holiness had been committed, they became flooded with shame.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. - Genesis 3:7, NIV
....and when God called to Adam, he said....
"I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid. - Genesis 3:10, NIV
....and then God says to them.......
And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" - Genesis 3:11, NIV (italics added)
You see, the enemy had revealed to them that they were naked. The enemy caused them to feel shame. The question God asks them, "who told you that you were naked?" reveals such Truth about who the author of shame is, about who the author of lies is, and also about who is the destroyer of feeling whole in God. It's Satan.
So the question I submit to you is this, who told you that you need plastic surgery? Who told you that you are overweight? Who told you that you are not enough? Who told you that you need to be perfect according to society? Who told you that you have to drive a luxury car? Who told you that you are not beautiful as you are? Who told you that you have to change your appearance? Who told you that you are not loved? Who told you that you are not holy? Who told you that you need to wear revealing clothes for attention?
It is not God our Father who told you any of that. God says you are beautiful.
The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. - Psalm 45:11, NIV
God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made.....
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. - Psalm 139:14, NIV
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? - Matthew 6:25, NIV
The good news is, we serve a Father who has grace abounding so deep, we cannot even fathom. He knows our struggles, He knows our temptations, and He is offering grace for looking to anything else except Him for our worth. There is no shame in God our Father. He loves you, unconditionally, regardless of who you are, what you have done, or what your appearance may be. Thankfully, I did not go through with liposuction. I decided to give myself 6 months to think it over, to which I realized jumping through that hoop was not something God was calling me to do (not to mention going $6,000 in debt), it was something the enemy was pushing me to do to find my worth in approval or admiration of other's. You don't have jump through any hoops either. Our worth is in Christ, case closed.
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. - Romans 6:19, NIV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; - 1 Corinthians 6:19, NIV
Our bodies belong to God, all of ourselves, belong to God. We were bought with a price, the highest price, the sacrifice of the Son of God, came to die for us. I pray that we fully get that! You are precious to Him and to His kingdom. Friends, let's throw off those feelings of not being enough, throw off shame and feelings of imperfection, let's bask in God's grace knowing that we will never have to strive to be something we are not as long as we seek God for our worth and our identity. He knows us better than we know ourselves, thankfully! Jump into His arms and know that you will never have exhaust yourself for acceptance, approval, love, or success, as He so freely gives us love and grace. Choose Him! :-) Praying for you!! You can do this!
<><
Kay
*In 2008, cosmetic surgery procedures increased 3% from 2007 (despite the economic downturn), a total of 12.1 million cosmetic procedures were performed. 91% of these procedures were females.
*From 2000 to 2008, the use of Botox increased 537%! (94% of Botox being used on women in the year 2008 alone)
*The number of breast augmentations increased 45% from the year 2000 to 2008.
*In 2008, 3% of breast augmentations performed were female patients between the ages of 18 and 19, while 30% were women ages 20-29, 35% were women 30-39, and 28% were women in the age bracket of 40-54.
*The number of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures increased 93% from the year 2000 to 2008.
*In 2008, 44% of patients who received cosmetic procedures were repeat patients.
*89% of liposuction procedures done in 2008 were female.
*Breast lifts for women increased 75% from the year 2000-2008, while buttock lifts increased 152% for women patients from 2000 to 2008.
*The top five cosmetic surgeries among women are (in order) breast augmentation (307,000), liposuction (218,000), nose reshaping (204,000), eyelid surgery (190,000), and tummy tuck (117,000).
*The top five cosmetic surgeries among men are (in order) nose reshaping (75,000), eyelid surgery (31,000), liposuction (27,000), breast reduction (18,000), hair transplantation (13,000).
What does this tell us? The screaming overwhelming response I collectively hear is: "I am not enough!"
What these statistics also tell me, is that we - while 91% women and 9% men - find our worth in our ability to attract the opposite sex. In other words, we are letting our sex appeal determine our value, our worth, and letting it define who we are. To some, the concept of having "the perfect" appearance is an addition to the absolute package of having the right job, the right car, the right home, the right girl/guy, it's all impression management.
When I think of the billions of dollars spent ($10,293,431,401 in the year 2008 alone) spent on these procedures, is it any wonder where our idols are? Where we spend our time and our money determines our priorities, what are yours?
This all collectively makes me wonder where this powerful drive to become "enough" or have "the perfect" appearance originally comes from, to which the answer is quite simple: shame. Why are you so ashamed of your appearance that you feel you have to jump through unrealistic hoops? ....all to achieve what for yourself? (because it IS for yourself, whether you realize it or not)
What is shame?
According to www.dictionary.com, shame is:
the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another:
What does God say about shame? The first ever recorded feeling of shame was on the shoulders of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We know this because after God created them and before the act of the Fall, they had no shame.
The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. - Genesis 2:25, NIV
After they ate the fruit, and the trespass on God's holiness had been committed, they became flooded with shame.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. - Genesis 3:7, NIV
....and when God called to Adam, he said....
"I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid. - Genesis 3:10, NIV
....and then God says to them.......
And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" - Genesis 3:11, NIV (italics added)
You see, the enemy had revealed to them that they were naked. The enemy caused them to feel shame. The question God asks them, "who told you that you were naked?" reveals such Truth about who the author of shame is, about who the author of lies is, and also about who is the destroyer of feeling whole in God. It's Satan.
So the question I submit to you is this, who told you that you need plastic surgery? Who told you that you are overweight? Who told you that you are not enough? Who told you that you need to be perfect according to society? Who told you that you have to drive a luxury car? Who told you that you are not beautiful as you are? Who told you that you have to change your appearance? Who told you that you are not loved? Who told you that you are not holy? Who told you that you need to wear revealing clothes for attention?
It is not God our Father who told you any of that. God says you are beautiful.
The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. - Psalm 45:11, NIV
God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made.....
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. - Psalm 139:14, NIV
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? - Matthew 6:25, NIV
The good news is, we serve a Father who has grace abounding so deep, we cannot even fathom. He knows our struggles, He knows our temptations, and He is offering grace for looking to anything else except Him for our worth. There is no shame in God our Father. He loves you, unconditionally, regardless of who you are, what you have done, or what your appearance may be. Thankfully, I did not go through with liposuction. I decided to give myself 6 months to think it over, to which I realized jumping through that hoop was not something God was calling me to do (not to mention going $6,000 in debt), it was something the enemy was pushing me to do to find my worth in approval or admiration of other's. You don't have jump through any hoops either. Our worth is in Christ, case closed.
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. - Romans 6:19, NIV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; - 1 Corinthians 6:19, NIV
Our bodies belong to God, all of ourselves, belong to God. We were bought with a price, the highest price, the sacrifice of the Son of God, came to die for us. I pray that we fully get that! You are precious to Him and to His kingdom. Friends, let's throw off those feelings of not being enough, throw off shame and feelings of imperfection, let's bask in God's grace knowing that we will never have to strive to be something we are not as long as we seek God for our worth and our identity. He knows us better than we know ourselves, thankfully! Jump into His arms and know that you will never have exhaust yourself for acceptance, approval, love, or success, as He so freely gives us love and grace. Choose Him! :-) Praying for you!! You can do this!
<><
Kay
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Choose Me. Love Me.
Some of you may know that I am sort of a "recovering" Grey's Anatomy fan, that's right, I said it. I used to clear my schedule every Thursday night for a couple of years to catch my favorite "surgeons" in action on what I affectionately call, Grey's. Not only would I rush home from whatever I was doing to watch on Thursdays, but I would buy the entire season once it was over so I could relive my favorite episodes. Those who know me well, know that I could generally care less about watching TV at all, but Grey's Anatomy sucked me in to following the lives of Seattle's favorite intern surgeons. However, I started to realize the focus of the show became more about Meredith's sex life, so I lost interest and stopped watching. In fact, I couldn't even tell you what is going on in the show today - and as I write this, it is indeed a Thursday night! BUT...... something Meredith said towards the end of season 2, stuck with me when she was wrestling with her feelings for Derek.
"Okay, here it is, your choice... it's simple, her or me, and I'm sure she is really great. But Derek, I love you, in a really, really big pretend to like your taste in music, let you eat the last piece of cheesecake, hold a radio over my head outside your window, unfortunate way that makes me hate you, love you. So pick me, choose me, love me." - Meredith Grey
Why was she saying this? Because she wanted to be chosen. And who, on this side of Eden, doesn't want to be chosen? Who would refuse that crazy drop-everything-your-doing-and-drive-to-Paris-in-the-rain kind of love? The kind where your friends notice that there is something different about you and it is not your hair or weight. Who doesn't want to be chosen to receive the kind of love you would want to run a marathon in 5 inch high heels for? The truth of the matter is, we all want to be chosen by someone.
Perhaps after Meredith said that, deep in her heart she hoped and wanted to hear the response, "You know, I choose you. I love you." How do you think she would react? How would you react if you were her?
Well, truth of it is, if you choose to follow Christ, you get to hear that EVERY day! What an incredible blessing that is! Every day we can wake up and know He loves us, He chooses us. And you know what else? His love is SO much bigger than the, "pretend to like your taste in music, let you eat the last piece of cheesecake, hold a radio over my head outside your window," kind of love. His love is SO big, He sent His only Son to die, a torturous death on a wooden cross because He loved us so very much. I don't know about you, but I'd take that over cheesecake, taste in music, and a song on the radio any day. In fact, I almost feel unworthy of a love that big, and to accept His incredible love, moves my heart and brings tears to my eyes.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. - 1 Peter 2:9, NIV
You may be reading this, wondering, "How do I know if *I* am chosen by God?" Well, I can tell you, if you choose Him, He chooses YOU! (John McArthur - commentary of Ephesians) Without getting into the whole free will versus predestination topic, its simple to say, He loves us. He chooses us. His word reassures us of that, so that by His grace we are saved.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. -- 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, NIV
The longing we all have to be chosen can officially subside, knowing we have been chosen by an amazing, all mighty Creator. He pursues us to win our hearts. When we walk in that kind of love, everything will be different. Much like being in love or being chosen by a romantic partner, so is similar as that of being in love with God. You can't stop thinking about Him! You want to be with Him! You want to sing songs about Him, write about Him, talk about Him, tell all your friends about Him, introduce Him to your family, invite Him to all events in your life, call Him to share your day with Him, you want to share your life with Him! Friends, this how our love life with God might look like if we fall into that kind of love with God! He already chose us, to love us, and has proven that by sending His only Son to die on the cross for us! Why not shout about His love from the roof tops?! Why not tell everyone how in love you are with our Creator?! How much fun would that be!
Of course, some folks out there may not understand this, because they do not know Him like you do. You see, the more anyone comes to know Him, the more they will see His incredible love and grace - the big love and grace He has for them too! We simply cannot settle for knowing about God, or having knowledge about God, we must get know God - His character, His love, what He hates, what He loves, what He says, what breaks His heart, all this we get to know as we come to know someone we are head over heels in love with. When someone truly comes to know God, they will know how much He loves them too.
"A little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about Him." - J.I. Packer, Knowing God
"Okay, here it is, your choice... it's simple, her or me, and I'm sure she is really great. But Derek, I love you, in a really, really big pretend to like your taste in music, let you eat the last piece of cheesecake, hold a radio over my head outside your window, unfortunate way that makes me hate you, love you. So pick me, choose me, love me." - Meredith Grey
Why was she saying this? Because she wanted to be chosen. And who, on this side of Eden, doesn't want to be chosen? Who would refuse that crazy drop-everything-your-doing-and-drive-to-Paris-in-the-rain kind of love? The kind where your friends notice that there is something different about you and it is not your hair or weight. Who doesn't want to be chosen to receive the kind of love you would want to run a marathon in 5 inch high heels for? The truth of the matter is, we all want to be chosen by someone.
Perhaps after Meredith said that, deep in her heart she hoped and wanted to hear the response, "You know, I choose you. I love you." How do you think she would react? How would you react if you were her?
Well, truth of it is, if you choose to follow Christ, you get to hear that EVERY day! What an incredible blessing that is! Every day we can wake up and know He loves us, He chooses us. And you know what else? His love is SO much bigger than the, "pretend to like your taste in music, let you eat the last piece of cheesecake, hold a radio over my head outside your window," kind of love. His love is SO big, He sent His only Son to die, a torturous death on a wooden cross because He loved us so very much. I don't know about you, but I'd take that over cheesecake, taste in music, and a song on the radio any day. In fact, I almost feel unworthy of a love that big, and to accept His incredible love, moves my heart and brings tears to my eyes.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. - 1 Peter 2:9, NIV
You may be reading this, wondering, "How do I know if *I* am chosen by God?" Well, I can tell you, if you choose Him, He chooses YOU! (John McArthur - commentary of Ephesians) Without getting into the whole free will versus predestination topic, its simple to say, He loves us. He chooses us. His word reassures us of that, so that by His grace we are saved.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. -- 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, NIV
The longing we all have to be chosen can officially subside, knowing we have been chosen by an amazing, all mighty Creator. He pursues us to win our hearts. When we walk in that kind of love, everything will be different. Much like being in love or being chosen by a romantic partner, so is similar as that of being in love with God. You can't stop thinking about Him! You want to be with Him! You want to sing songs about Him, write about Him, talk about Him, tell all your friends about Him, introduce Him to your family, invite Him to all events in your life, call Him to share your day with Him, you want to share your life with Him! Friends, this how our love life with God might look like if we fall into that kind of love with God! He already chose us, to love us, and has proven that by sending His only Son to die on the cross for us! Why not shout about His love from the roof tops?! Why not tell everyone how in love you are with our Creator?! How much fun would that be!
Of course, some folks out there may not understand this, because they do not know Him like you do. You see, the more anyone comes to know Him, the more they will see His incredible love and grace - the big love and grace He has for them too! We simply cannot settle for knowing about God, or having knowledge about God, we must get know God - His character, His love, what He hates, what He loves, what He says, what breaks His heart, all this we get to know as we come to know someone we are head over heels in love with. When someone truly comes to know God, they will know how much He loves them too.
"A little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about Him." - J.I. Packer, Knowing God
I pray that you will join me in accepting God's love. You are loved, by the King of Kings. You are chosen, by our Creator. Isn't that enough to throw off the shackles of your old life and embrace His life-changing love? Accept that you are chosen, a child of His kingdom. You are precious to Him.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. - 3 John 1:4, NIV
The truth is that He loves us, His grace is more than enough, and no matter what sin we have committed - we are forgiven as long as we ask Him. Dear friends, I pray that you will know just how loved you are by God. We all have this deep longing to be chosen, to be loved - well, we are chosen, and we are loved - by a tireless, loving God! I pray that knowing you are chosen by Him, and knowing that you are loved will penetrate your heart. I pray that realizing how wide and deep His love and grace are for you will cause you to shout from the mountain tops about how in love Him you are! His love is more than worth telling everyone! ...and you are more than worth His amazing love and grace!
<><
Kay
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. - 3 John 1:4, NIV
The truth is that He loves us, His grace is more than enough, and no matter what sin we have committed - we are forgiven as long as we ask Him. Dear friends, I pray that you will know just how loved you are by God. We all have this deep longing to be chosen, to be loved - well, we are chosen, and we are loved - by a tireless, loving God! I pray that knowing you are chosen by Him, and knowing that you are loved will penetrate your heart. I pray that realizing how wide and deep His love and grace are for you will cause you to shout from the mountain tops about how in love Him you are! His love is more than worth telling everyone! ...and you are more than worth His amazing love and grace!
<><
Kay
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
"Born Again"
Hey y'all!
You may have heard this song already, but this song totally reminds me of his undeniable loving grace! :-) I thought it was beautiful.......
<><
KB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fw9EDKGHTU&feature=related
"Born Again"by Third Day
Today I found myselfAfter searching all these years
And the man that I saw, he wasn't at all who I thought he'd be
I was lost when you found me hereAnd I was broken beyond repair
Then you came along and you sang your song over me
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
In my life
Make a promise to me now
Reassure my heart somehow
That the love that I feel is so much more real than anything
I've a feeling in my soul
And I pray that I'm not wrong
That the life I have now, it is only the beginning
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
It feels like I'm breathing
It feels like I'm moving
For the very first time
For the very first time
I wasn't looking for something that was more
Than what I had yesterday
Then you came to me and you gave to me
Life and a love that I've never known
That I've never felt before
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
I'm living for the first time
It feels like I'm breathing
It feels like I'm moving
For the very first time
I'm living for the first time
In my life
You may have heard this song already, but this song totally reminds me of his undeniable loving grace! :-) I thought it was beautiful.......
<><
KB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fw9EDKGHTU&feature=related
"Born Again"by Third Day
Today I found myselfAfter searching all these years
And the man that I saw, he wasn't at all who I thought he'd be
I was lost when you found me hereAnd I was broken beyond repair
Then you came along and you sang your song over me
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
In my life
Make a promise to me now
Reassure my heart somehow
That the love that I feel is so much more real than anything
I've a feeling in my soul
And I pray that I'm not wrong
That the life I have now, it is only the beginning
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
It feels like I'm breathing
It feels like I'm moving
For the very first time
For the very first time
I wasn't looking for something that was more
Than what I had yesterday
Then you came to me and you gave to me
Life and a love that I've never known
That I've never felt before
It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
I'm living for the first time
It feels like I'm breathing
It feels like I'm moving
For the very first time
I'm living for the first time
In my life
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Perfection.
"Perfection."
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that word? Is it flawlessness? Something or someone without fault or blemish? Or perhaps it is a feeling, maybe one of accomplishment? Or you are feeling exhausted just be reading that word?
When we look at the definition of the word "perfect" at http://www.dictionary.com/, we find this:
per·fect [adj., n. pur-fikt; v. per-fekt]
- excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement:
- entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings:
- accurate, exact, or correct in every detail:
- pure or unmixed:
- expert; accomplished; proficient.
I don't know about you, but just reading that makes me feel exhausted. Why? Well, that's quite simple actually. You see, I am a recovering perfectionist. There I said it, my secret is out, I am not perfect. That's right. Sound the alarms, alert the media, buy a newspaper tomorrow, exhale - I fall miserably short of being perfect.
This realization, of not being perfect, is one I have known throughout my whole life, but my fear throughout my whole life was that other people would find out that I am not perfect. Have you ever felt that way? If you aren't sure, I can break down what that thinking looks like, you might think this:
"Wow, I've got a lot of baggage, but as long as I go above and beyond in everything else, everyone else will think I've got it all together."
"I've made some serious mistakes, but if I just act like everything is great and only talk about my accomplishments, everyone will think I'm absolutely perfect."
"Hey, I check off all the major boxes of someone who society thinks is perfect, and I've had to work hard at it. So everyone will think I'm perfect as long as I have the right job, date the right person, drive the right car, live in the right area, etc."
"It doesn't matter what is going on in my life, I've got it all together and everyone will realize that as long as I don't share the bad stuff."
"If I'm not perfect, no one will accept me or love me."
"I have to be perfect in order to be successful in every area of my life." (which goes into vicious cycle of, "I have to be successful in every area of my life in order to be perfect.....")
"No one can know that anything bothers me, I will wear a mask so everyone thinks my life is perfect."
Of course, the list goes on, but these are just a few statements of incredibly unhealthy thinking. My friends, we are incapable of being perfect. Why? Because only Jesus, the living Son of God, can be perfect - and we cannot take His place. If we could take His place, we wouldn't need a Savior, and the truth is we radically need a Savior. Do you have any idea how deep and wide that kind of love is for us? While we are sinners, such imperfect, sin-stained beings, He came for us.....HE CAME FOR US!
Now, this does not exclude what we are called to do as followers of Christ. As followers of Christ, we are called "to be" perfect. Be careful, there is a distinct difference in language there. The call to be perfect, and the actuality of being perfect are different. Here's a verse:
Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:48, NASB
In other words, we are to be like our heavenly Father. We are to be Christ-like. Christ was perfect, faultless, sinless, flawless, pure - and we are to strive to be like Him. Now, it is easy to get caught in the thinking that if we remotely fail at that, we are immediately disqualified for some kind of cosmic prize somewhere in the universe of life. The truth we must hold fast to is this, we are going to fail at being perfect. Yep, there you go, take your breath of relief. But this should not discourage us from striving to live Christ-like lives.
You see, the main drive in wanting to be perfect, wanting to be Christ-like, isn't so everyone else can think we have it together or give us their approval, or acceptance......no, our main drive in wanting to be perfect, in wanting to be Christ-like should be our deep, unabashed, tireless LOVE for Jesus Christ. Point blank. The love we receive from our Savior, and the love we have in return, is the kind of love that moves mountains. It is the kind of love that can radically change lives, bring hope to the hopeless, find the lost. That kind of love changes circumstances, opens doors and closes doors that need to be closed. So our intent on being Christ-like will be fulfilling if it is for Him, however, if our intent on being Christ-like is for others approval, we will almost always end up on the hamster wheel of "not being enough" type of thinking. That sort of treadmill of "no matter what I do, its never enough and I can never be perfect" type, and the reality is that we are not to strive for human approval - you will exhaust yourself. When we strive for Christ's approval in being like Him, He will love us even if we fail miserably. Wow, what kind of incredible grace is that?!
We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. - Acts 15:11, NIV (italics added)
How about that! "Just as they are" - we are saved. You don't have to work for it, you don't have to exhaust yourself, you don't have to be on the hamster wheel of trying to achieve perfection. Jesus Christ is there to accept you, save you through His incredible grace, JUST AS YOU ARE.
We want to be perfect, we want to be Christ-like because we love Him, and not because we want others to think more highly of us, or to think we have it all together.
In my own personal life, I have spent the majority of my life believing the lie that I had to be perfect, even though I without a doubt - knew that I was anything but perfect. I believed that if I was not perfect, than I would be disqualified of having love, acceptance, and approval from anyone. So I became a slave to earning everyone's approval. I wanted to be the best that anyone had ever seen, at everything, because if I wasn't, people would find out the truth about me not being perfect. And if I wasn't perfect, they'd focus on my flaws and then I wouldn't be loved or accepted. Being the best at everything sounded like a fool-proof way to guarantee that I would always be desired, accepted, loved, and always have approval from others. Sounds kind of miserable, huh? I can tell you that it was only miserable when you weren't winning or achieving. My worth became based on what everyone else thought of me and how well I performed at everything from sports to career and from relationships to academics. Yet, I professed to be a follower of Jesus Christ! When I failed to be perfect at anything or failed to have someone's approval, I would carry around such tremendous shame. How incredibly prideful is that?! Not only thinking that I can control what others think of me, but also extreme fear that anyone would find out that my life is less than perfect.
After a while, God brought my life crashing down around me in a variety of ways (way too many to list). Though it was the most humbling moment of my life and utter brokenness, God showed me that I needed Him to tell me who I was and how much I'm worth, instead of anything and everyone else. Striving to be like Christ and failing at that, while knowing He loves me anyway, offers absolutely True freedom. Furthermore, we are to mirror that love and extend the same grace we receive to others. Our family members and friends are not Jesus, so practicing forgivenness and grace is necessary for us to receive it. And for those of us who are single, we cannot marry Jesus, so grace is also required in the dating process. Any human being will always let us down at some point, but Christ will not - He is our rock. Striving to be like Him and practicing forgivenness and grace in His love helps to refine us in becoming more Holy.
My friends, today I want you to realize that you have true freedom in Christ. While we will fail to be perfect, He still loves us with so much love that is incomprehensible. You do not have to earn God's love, He offers it freely to you - JUST AS YOU ARE. I pray that you will realize you do not have to be perfect by the world's standards to be loved and accepted. God made us, so let Him tell you how worth it you are. C.S. Lewis once said,
"Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it." - C.S. Lewis, The World's Last Night
....you are worth it. He died for you. Believe that you are lovable just as you are, take a deep breath and rest in that. I am praying that you feel His love all around you. Don't let another minute go by where you feel you have to work for someone's approval to determine your worth. Don't let another minute go by hanging on achievement or accomplishment to reassure yourself that you are worth it, you are worth the love of our Savior without ever having achieved any medal, trophy, job, award, scholarship, prize, money, anything. Let God's love affirm that you are worth it. Let Him, the one who made us, tell you who you are, and no one else.
I am praying for you my dear friends, and I pray that you throw off the chains of perfectionism. It's not easy, it is not ever easy, but it is so worth it. I wish I could say I have never dealt with insecurities of perfectionism again in my life, but that would not be true. However, I do know how to overcome and step off that old hamster wheel of perfectionism now, and that is through Christ's love. You can do this. Step out, take off the mask, and let Him mold you into being more like Him. You won't regret it, you'll only regret not striving to be like Him. He loves you so much!
Your sister in Christ,
Kay
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that word? Is it flawlessness? Something or someone without fault or blemish? Or perhaps it is a feeling, maybe one of accomplishment? Or you are feeling exhausted just be reading that word?
When we look at the definition of the word "perfect" at http://www.dictionary.com/, we find this:
per·fect [adj., n. pur-fikt; v. per-fekt]
- excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement:
- entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings:
- accurate, exact, or correct in every detail:
- pure or unmixed:
- expert; accomplished; proficient.
I don't know about you, but just reading that makes me feel exhausted. Why? Well, that's quite simple actually. You see, I am a recovering perfectionist. There I said it, my secret is out, I am not perfect. That's right. Sound the alarms, alert the media, buy a newspaper tomorrow, exhale - I fall miserably short of being perfect.
This realization, of not being perfect, is one I have known throughout my whole life, but my fear throughout my whole life was that other people would find out that I am not perfect. Have you ever felt that way? If you aren't sure, I can break down what that thinking looks like, you might think this:
"Wow, I've got a lot of baggage, but as long as I go above and beyond in everything else, everyone else will think I've got it all together."
"I've made some serious mistakes, but if I just act like everything is great and only talk about my accomplishments, everyone will think I'm absolutely perfect."
"Hey, I check off all the major boxes of someone who society thinks is perfect, and I've had to work hard at it. So everyone will think I'm perfect as long as I have the right job, date the right person, drive the right car, live in the right area, etc."
"It doesn't matter what is going on in my life, I've got it all together and everyone will realize that as long as I don't share the bad stuff."
"If I'm not perfect, no one will accept me or love me."
"I have to be perfect in order to be successful in every area of my life." (which goes into vicious cycle of, "I have to be successful in every area of my life in order to be perfect.....")
"No one can know that anything bothers me, I will wear a mask so everyone thinks my life is perfect."
Of course, the list goes on, but these are just a few statements of incredibly unhealthy thinking. My friends, we are incapable of being perfect. Why? Because only Jesus, the living Son of God, can be perfect - and we cannot take His place. If we could take His place, we wouldn't need a Savior, and the truth is we radically need a Savior. Do you have any idea how deep and wide that kind of love is for us? While we are sinners, such imperfect, sin-stained beings, He came for us.....HE CAME FOR US!
Now, this does not exclude what we are called to do as followers of Christ. As followers of Christ, we are called "to be" perfect. Be careful, there is a distinct difference in language there. The call to be perfect, and the actuality of being perfect are different. Here's a verse:
Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:48, NASB
In other words, we are to be like our heavenly Father. We are to be Christ-like. Christ was perfect, faultless, sinless, flawless, pure - and we are to strive to be like Him. Now, it is easy to get caught in the thinking that if we remotely fail at that, we are immediately disqualified for some kind of cosmic prize somewhere in the universe of life. The truth we must hold fast to is this, we are going to fail at being perfect. Yep, there you go, take your breath of relief. But this should not discourage us from striving to live Christ-like lives.
You see, the main drive in wanting to be perfect, wanting to be Christ-like, isn't so everyone else can think we have it together or give us their approval, or acceptance......no, our main drive in wanting to be perfect, in wanting to be Christ-like should be our deep, unabashed, tireless LOVE for Jesus Christ. Point blank. The love we receive from our Savior, and the love we have in return, is the kind of love that moves mountains. It is the kind of love that can radically change lives, bring hope to the hopeless, find the lost. That kind of love changes circumstances, opens doors and closes doors that need to be closed. So our intent on being Christ-like will be fulfilling if it is for Him, however, if our intent on being Christ-like is for others approval, we will almost always end up on the hamster wheel of "not being enough" type of thinking. That sort of treadmill of "no matter what I do, its never enough and I can never be perfect" type, and the reality is that we are not to strive for human approval - you will exhaust yourself. When we strive for Christ's approval in being like Him, He will love us even if we fail miserably. Wow, what kind of incredible grace is that?!
We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. - Acts 15:11, NIV (italics added)
How about that! "Just as they are" - we are saved. You don't have to work for it, you don't have to exhaust yourself, you don't have to be on the hamster wheel of trying to achieve perfection. Jesus Christ is there to accept you, save you through His incredible grace, JUST AS YOU ARE.
We want to be perfect, we want to be Christ-like because we love Him, and not because we want others to think more highly of us, or to think we have it all together.
In my own personal life, I have spent the majority of my life believing the lie that I had to be perfect, even though I without a doubt - knew that I was anything but perfect. I believed that if I was not perfect, than I would be disqualified of having love, acceptance, and approval from anyone. So I became a slave to earning everyone's approval. I wanted to be the best that anyone had ever seen, at everything, because if I wasn't, people would find out the truth about me not being perfect. And if I wasn't perfect, they'd focus on my flaws and then I wouldn't be loved or accepted. Being the best at everything sounded like a fool-proof way to guarantee that I would always be desired, accepted, loved, and always have approval from others. Sounds kind of miserable, huh? I can tell you that it was only miserable when you weren't winning or achieving. My worth became based on what everyone else thought of me and how well I performed at everything from sports to career and from relationships to academics. Yet, I professed to be a follower of Jesus Christ! When I failed to be perfect at anything or failed to have someone's approval, I would carry around such tremendous shame. How incredibly prideful is that?! Not only thinking that I can control what others think of me, but also extreme fear that anyone would find out that my life is less than perfect.
After a while, God brought my life crashing down around me in a variety of ways (way too many to list). Though it was the most humbling moment of my life and utter brokenness, God showed me that I needed Him to tell me who I was and how much I'm worth, instead of anything and everyone else. Striving to be like Christ and failing at that, while knowing He loves me anyway, offers absolutely True freedom. Furthermore, we are to mirror that love and extend the same grace we receive to others. Our family members and friends are not Jesus, so practicing forgivenness and grace is necessary for us to receive it. And for those of us who are single, we cannot marry Jesus, so grace is also required in the dating process. Any human being will always let us down at some point, but Christ will not - He is our rock. Striving to be like Him and practicing forgivenness and grace in His love helps to refine us in becoming more Holy.
My friends, today I want you to realize that you have true freedom in Christ. While we will fail to be perfect, He still loves us with so much love that is incomprehensible. You do not have to earn God's love, He offers it freely to you - JUST AS YOU ARE. I pray that you will realize you do not have to be perfect by the world's standards to be loved and accepted. God made us, so let Him tell you how worth it you are. C.S. Lewis once said,
"Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it." - C.S. Lewis, The World's Last Night
....you are worth it. He died for you. Believe that you are lovable just as you are, take a deep breath and rest in that. I am praying that you feel His love all around you. Don't let another minute go by where you feel you have to work for someone's approval to determine your worth. Don't let another minute go by hanging on achievement or accomplishment to reassure yourself that you are worth it, you are worth the love of our Savior without ever having achieved any medal, trophy, job, award, scholarship, prize, money, anything. Let God's love affirm that you are worth it. Let Him, the one who made us, tell you who you are, and no one else.
I am praying for you my dear friends, and I pray that you throw off the chains of perfectionism. It's not easy, it is not ever easy, but it is so worth it. I wish I could say I have never dealt with insecurities of perfectionism again in my life, but that would not be true. However, I do know how to overcome and step off that old hamster wheel of perfectionism now, and that is through Christ's love. You can do this. Step out, take off the mask, and let Him mold you into being more like Him. You won't regret it, you'll only regret not striving to be like Him. He loves you so much!
Your sister in Christ,
Kay
Friday, June 12, 2009
Life Is Like An Hour Glass
“Life is like an hour glass glued to the table…..”
…is a quote a heard from a song called, “Breathe” by Anna Nalick, and is also a phrase I hear repeated by a couple close friends in my life. I firmly believe there are not truer words regarding the time we have between you reading this (at this very second) to the end of our time here on earth.
You see, perhaps I am a bit nostalgic at this moment and thinking of the value of life in the wake of my grandmother’s passing. Last night, I got the call you never think about as a kid. It was from my Dad telling me that my grandmother passed away a couple hours after dinner time on Thursday night at the age of 82 years. There is so much more about my family I could go into, but I want to share what God has been pressing on my heart throughout the last 6 months.
I’ve always known and recognized that our time on earth is limited. And without question, I want my life to count. I want my life to be such a huge service to the Lord, that when I go home to be with the Lord and I enter His beautiful presence, He says to me:
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' -- Matthew 25:21, NIV
What greater compliment! What more amazing words to hear than to know you have pleased the Lord our God - the creator of the universe - with your life! Pleasing men and women of the world will not ultimately be fulfilling, but pleasing God is not only a life worth living and celebrating, it is a life that could not be anymore fulfilling. Since God created us, He knows what is best for us, and He knows that a life devoted to serving Him, pleasing Him, honoring Him is not only trustworthy, but also a testament to His amazing love. Why would you want anything less than God’s best? Why would you want to have a life that is not serving Him? Why would you want a life that is not what God designed for you?
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. -- Galatians 1:10, NIV
If you are wondering if you are living a life honoring to God, I encourage you to get into His word. Get in time of prayer with Him. Prayer is one of the most valuable ways we can communicate with God, it’s a two way conversation. If you want a relationship with God, you need to spend time developing that relationship. Just as if you wanted to develop a relationship with a person in your life, you make time for them; show them they are important in your life; you make them a priority; you love them, learn about them. This is also how we must approach developing healthy relationships with our Lord, spend time with God. It’s truly a blessing to have time with our dear Creator!
Back in January, I was also pained with the passing of an old dear friend from my early years of college. (A guy who I will call Bobby to protect his real name) Bobby and I dated casually, keeping in mind this was before I turned my life over to Christ. Bobby was attractive, sweet, caring, fun, and made me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in the world. However, Bobby had some issues with partying that he struggled with for a length of time with little improvement, and after coming to know the Lord, I was forced to put the casual dating relationship behind me and move forward (we had become unequally yoked). We remained friends, and I know I could have still called on him for anything at anytime. We both went on to date other people, then I transferred schools, and we slowly lost touch as we allowed each other to move on in other relationships.
On Valentine’s Day 2007, an old mutual friend of Bobby and mine called me for support. He had mentioned a fraternity brother of his had passed away, when I asked who, never in a million years was I expecting him to say Bobby. And it was, he said Bobby. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was immediately flooded with memories and disbelief that he had truly passed. The circumstances surrounding Bobby’s death still remain largely unknown. I have heard it was an alcohol related death, and I have spoke with his mother and have been told it was a seizure. Having it been 8 years ago, when you talk to the mother of a son who has passed away, whom you dated, it is a conversation that is so entirely surreal and one you never would have imagined having back in the days of “just having fun” in college. I cried. A lot. I had always imagined Bobby and I would get back in touch somehow, through face book or MySpace of some kind.
The matter that pierced my heart more than anything, was how much I had truly and deeply wished I could roll back time and just tell Bobby about the Love of Jesus Christ. I wish so badly that I could go back to any of the number of parties we had been to together and just tell him, “enough drinking, lets talk about the love of my life, Jesus.” But, it’s too late to tell him. Life is like an hour glass glued to the table, there is no going back. I will never get a friend request on face book or MySpace from Bobby. Not another phone call. When that all hit me, it became more clear than ever, every breath we take is God ordained. Every second we have is one we can spend living for God and loving as He does. We are not promised tomorrow, not even one minute from now - but we are promised eternal life with our Lord if choose to call upon His name.
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:9-13, NIV
I live a saved life. It isn't always easy, but it is so incredibly worth it. I am not perfect, in fact, I’m far from it. No one is perfect. Only God is perfect, and we need Him. This also doesn’t mean that I don’t sin, I am very much a sinner. But I have an incredible Redeemer, and I want to spend everything I have, all of me, to the end of time, loving my amazing Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m not trying to save the world, Jesus already did that. But I do want to tell as many people as possible - any race, culture, gender, age, orientation, etc. - about the incredible Love of Jesus Christ. It’s His Love that separates us from the rest of the world, why would you not want to share that with everyone and anyone possible?
Your name is right up there on the Cross next to mine, and so is the homeless guy on the street, and the prostitute on the corner, and countless others we come in contact with each day. I pray that you make every minute of every day count for Jesus. We are called to honor Him in all that we do….
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. -- 1 Corinthians 10:31
….so lets honor Him, let’s love Him, serve Him, bring Him glory instead of seeking it for ourselves. Let’s tell as many as we can about the unfailing Love of Jesus Christ…
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. -- 1 John 4:7-12, NIV
My brothers and sisters, I am on my knees praying for you. I pray that you see His love for you, and know that you can love as He does. The love comes from Him. I pray that we all become committed to loving as He does, committed to serving Him, honoring Him, and devote our lives to bringing Him glory. Will you join me? Let’s lay it all aside, and not waste one more breath, let’s make it all count for Him. Let’s be welcomed to His Kingdom as “good and faithful servants” when our time on earth is done. I love you and am praying for you.
<><
Kay
…is a quote a heard from a song called, “Breathe” by Anna Nalick, and is also a phrase I hear repeated by a couple close friends in my life. I firmly believe there are not truer words regarding the time we have between you reading this (at this very second) to the end of our time here on earth.
You see, perhaps I am a bit nostalgic at this moment and thinking of the value of life in the wake of my grandmother’s passing. Last night, I got the call you never think about as a kid. It was from my Dad telling me that my grandmother passed away a couple hours after dinner time on Thursday night at the age of 82 years. There is so much more about my family I could go into, but I want to share what God has been pressing on my heart throughout the last 6 months.
I’ve always known and recognized that our time on earth is limited. And without question, I want my life to count. I want my life to be such a huge service to the Lord, that when I go home to be with the Lord and I enter His beautiful presence, He says to me:
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' -- Matthew 25:21, NIV
What greater compliment! What more amazing words to hear than to know you have pleased the Lord our God - the creator of the universe - with your life! Pleasing men and women of the world will not ultimately be fulfilling, but pleasing God is not only a life worth living and celebrating, it is a life that could not be anymore fulfilling. Since God created us, He knows what is best for us, and He knows that a life devoted to serving Him, pleasing Him, honoring Him is not only trustworthy, but also a testament to His amazing love. Why would you want anything less than God’s best? Why would you want to have a life that is not serving Him? Why would you want a life that is not what God designed for you?
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. -- Galatians 1:10, NIV
If you are wondering if you are living a life honoring to God, I encourage you to get into His word. Get in time of prayer with Him. Prayer is one of the most valuable ways we can communicate with God, it’s a two way conversation. If you want a relationship with God, you need to spend time developing that relationship. Just as if you wanted to develop a relationship with a person in your life, you make time for them; show them they are important in your life; you make them a priority; you love them, learn about them. This is also how we must approach developing healthy relationships with our Lord, spend time with God. It’s truly a blessing to have time with our dear Creator!
Back in January, I was also pained with the passing of an old dear friend from my early years of college. (A guy who I will call Bobby to protect his real name) Bobby and I dated casually, keeping in mind this was before I turned my life over to Christ. Bobby was attractive, sweet, caring, fun, and made me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in the world. However, Bobby had some issues with partying that he struggled with for a length of time with little improvement, and after coming to know the Lord, I was forced to put the casual dating relationship behind me and move forward (we had become unequally yoked). We remained friends, and I know I could have still called on him for anything at anytime. We both went on to date other people, then I transferred schools, and we slowly lost touch as we allowed each other to move on in other relationships.
On Valentine’s Day 2007, an old mutual friend of Bobby and mine called me for support. He had mentioned a fraternity brother of his had passed away, when I asked who, never in a million years was I expecting him to say Bobby. And it was, he said Bobby. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was immediately flooded with memories and disbelief that he had truly passed. The circumstances surrounding Bobby’s death still remain largely unknown. I have heard it was an alcohol related death, and I have spoke with his mother and have been told it was a seizure. Having it been 8 years ago, when you talk to the mother of a son who has passed away, whom you dated, it is a conversation that is so entirely surreal and one you never would have imagined having back in the days of “just having fun” in college. I cried. A lot. I had always imagined Bobby and I would get back in touch somehow, through face book or MySpace of some kind.
The matter that pierced my heart more than anything, was how much I had truly and deeply wished I could roll back time and just tell Bobby about the Love of Jesus Christ. I wish so badly that I could go back to any of the number of parties we had been to together and just tell him, “enough drinking, lets talk about the love of my life, Jesus.” But, it’s too late to tell him. Life is like an hour glass glued to the table, there is no going back. I will never get a friend request on face book or MySpace from Bobby. Not another phone call. When that all hit me, it became more clear than ever, every breath we take is God ordained. Every second we have is one we can spend living for God and loving as He does. We are not promised tomorrow, not even one minute from now - but we are promised eternal life with our Lord if choose to call upon His name.
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:9-13, NIV
I live a saved life. It isn't always easy, but it is so incredibly worth it. I am not perfect, in fact, I’m far from it. No one is perfect. Only God is perfect, and we need Him. This also doesn’t mean that I don’t sin, I am very much a sinner. But I have an incredible Redeemer, and I want to spend everything I have, all of me, to the end of time, loving my amazing Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m not trying to save the world, Jesus already did that. But I do want to tell as many people as possible - any race, culture, gender, age, orientation, etc. - about the incredible Love of Jesus Christ. It’s His Love that separates us from the rest of the world, why would you not want to share that with everyone and anyone possible?
Your name is right up there on the Cross next to mine, and so is the homeless guy on the street, and the prostitute on the corner, and countless others we come in contact with each day. I pray that you make every minute of every day count for Jesus. We are called to honor Him in all that we do….
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. -- 1 Corinthians 10:31
….so lets honor Him, let’s love Him, serve Him, bring Him glory instead of seeking it for ourselves. Let’s tell as many as we can about the unfailing Love of Jesus Christ…
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. -- 1 John 4:7-12, NIV
My brothers and sisters, I am on my knees praying for you. I pray that you see His love for you, and know that you can love as He does. The love comes from Him. I pray that we all become committed to loving as He does, committed to serving Him, honoring Him, and devote our lives to bringing Him glory. Will you join me? Let’s lay it all aside, and not waste one more breath, let’s make it all count for Him. Let’s be welcomed to His Kingdom as “good and faithful servants” when our time on earth is done. I love you and am praying for you.
<><
Kay
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Unshakable Faith
Unshakable Faith.....
What comes to mind when you think of the words: unshakable faith?
I wrestled with these two words, when used together, for a time. What does it mean to have unshakable faith?
My closest friends can tell you that I often over analyze words, or even over think too much, or even try to figure things out too much. (God love them for letting God use them to make me self-aware of this!) Tis' the life of an editor I suppose, to dissect and arrange words in a sentence for them to say exactly what my thoughts are, to convey and capture all that is on my mind and heart. I'm not sure this is always possible, but the native language I have to use is English, thus I give it my best shot!
After I had graduated college, I was captivated by having a relationship with Jesus. I wanted my faith to be strong, unshakable. I wanted to know just what is unshakable faith and how do I get it.
When we look at the word - unshakable, according to http://www.dictionary.com/, we find:
un·shak·a·ble - adj.
Incapable of being shaken: unshakable faith.
Synonyms for "unshakable" are: firm, secure, solid, stable, strong, sturdy, substantial, sure, adamant, abiding, fixed. Wow, how dependable is unshakable faith! Do you have unshakable faith?
I began to wonder, how does one get unshakable faith? And how can they tell their faith is unshakable?
At that time in my life, I thought for sure I had God as my number one priority. But then the Lord revealed something to me.....though I thought without a doubt that I had God has my number one priority, my faith life was on life support. I mean, I was avoiding the "major sins" as I wasn't promiscuous at all, I wasn't doing drugs, I wasn't getting drunk all the time, I wasn't cussing, and I was trying to be nice to everyone - so in my view, that was unshakable faith. Wow, was I dead as a doornail - wrong! The more I drew closer to God, the more I realized just how far away from Him I had been.
Friends, at times we think we are right there, only to find we can't draw near to Him unless our WHOLE heart is involved. God calls us to be wholehearted in devoting our lives to Him - every area of our lives, including career, relationships, thoughts, prayer, family - all of it, devoted to Him:
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; - 1 Chronicles 28:9, NIV
In one of the most trying times of my life, I happened to come across a story about unshakable faith. The character in the true life story had prayed for unshakable faith. A month later, he found himself smack in the middle of suffering through economic loss, illness of family members, and jobless. (disclaimer: this doesn't go to say that if you pray for unshakable faith, you are guaranteed to incur significant loss - ultimately, that is all up to God! He cannot be tamed by our prayers.) At the end of the story, the character had been walking down the street on a regular day and gave some money - of which he had very little - to a homeless man. In that moment, he recalled how he had prayed for unshakable faith. And God, being the faithful, amazing God who answers prayer that He is - had answered his prayer. Amazing. In the midst of brokenness, there is joy in a prayer answered! The answered prayer of unshakable faith. What a gift!
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. - 1 Peter 4:12-13, NIV
I noticed that as I started to pray for unshakable faith, God started doing some heavy work in my heart. He was changing my desires, so they would be replaced with His desires. I didn't just want to dabble in what looked like a faith life, I wanted the substance. Substantial, unshakable faith. I realized some major dramatic changes had to occur in my life to make this possible, and God - thankfully - placed me in some very broken situations. In that brokenness, I had no where else to go except to the loving arms of Jesus, close to Him and His love.
God started stripping my life of fear, emptiness, loneliness, unworthiness, undesirability, shame, and a whole slew of emotions. I wish I could even tell you that I have never dealt with these emotions ever again in my life, but that is not true. However, what is true - is now I have realized the power in the Holy Spirit and that has changed my life immensely. My Savior continues to change the way I live out my faith. I can be healed of all that junk if I just seek the Lord. Jesus is a healer, and emotions are no exception of that healing.
Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. - Matthew 5:18, NIV
Jesus, who is the Way and the Truth, can cancel any of Satan's lies. Just as you are growing in faith, the enemy will protest and try to hinder your growing faith. We are even warned of this in God's word:
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. - 1 Peter 5:8-9, NIV
Sweet friends, let us go forward asking for unshakable faith. Is there really any other kind to have? Why would you desire anything less than unshakable faith? To know, that no matter what adversity or trial you face, your faith cannot be moved. Jesus is there with you, carrying you, holding you, walking before you. I know you can have unshakable faith, ask Him for it. Be prepared for how He will answer you, and you can be assured how He will answer you will reveal His glory in His timing.
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20, NIV
In the midst of your trials or suffering, if you are seeking Him, you are growing unshakable faith. Unshakable faith can move mountains, why would you want anything less? Don't let your faith be a box of checklists, let His love into every area of your life producing fruitful faith. Take heart, and know unshakable faith - while not easily cultivated - is a huge blessing. You can do this!
Please know that I am on my knees praying for you.
<><
Kay
What comes to mind when you think of the words: unshakable faith?
I wrestled with these two words, when used together, for a time. What does it mean to have unshakable faith?
My closest friends can tell you that I often over analyze words, or even over think too much, or even try to figure things out too much. (God love them for letting God use them to make me self-aware of this!) Tis' the life of an editor I suppose, to dissect and arrange words in a sentence for them to say exactly what my thoughts are, to convey and capture all that is on my mind and heart. I'm not sure this is always possible, but the native language I have to use is English, thus I give it my best shot!
After I had graduated college, I was captivated by having a relationship with Jesus. I wanted my faith to be strong, unshakable. I wanted to know just what is unshakable faith and how do I get it.
When we look at the word - unshakable, according to http://www.dictionary.com/, we find:
un·shak·a·ble - adj.
Incapable of being shaken: unshakable faith.
Synonyms for "unshakable" are: firm, secure, solid, stable, strong, sturdy, substantial, sure, adamant, abiding, fixed. Wow, how dependable is unshakable faith! Do you have unshakable faith?
I began to wonder, how does one get unshakable faith? And how can they tell their faith is unshakable?
At that time in my life, I thought for sure I had God as my number one priority. But then the Lord revealed something to me.....though I thought without a doubt that I had God has my number one priority, my faith life was on life support. I mean, I was avoiding the "major sins" as I wasn't promiscuous at all, I wasn't doing drugs, I wasn't getting drunk all the time, I wasn't cussing, and I was trying to be nice to everyone - so in my view, that was unshakable faith. Wow, was I dead as a doornail - wrong! The more I drew closer to God, the more I realized just how far away from Him I had been.
Friends, at times we think we are right there, only to find we can't draw near to Him unless our WHOLE heart is involved. God calls us to be wholehearted in devoting our lives to Him - every area of our lives, including career, relationships, thoughts, prayer, family - all of it, devoted to Him:
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; - 1 Chronicles 28:9, NIV
In one of the most trying times of my life, I happened to come across a story about unshakable faith. The character in the true life story had prayed for unshakable faith. A month later, he found himself smack in the middle of suffering through economic loss, illness of family members, and jobless. (disclaimer: this doesn't go to say that if you pray for unshakable faith, you are guaranteed to incur significant loss - ultimately, that is all up to God! He cannot be tamed by our prayers.) At the end of the story, the character had been walking down the street on a regular day and gave some money - of which he had very little - to a homeless man. In that moment, he recalled how he had prayed for unshakable faith. And God, being the faithful, amazing God who answers prayer that He is - had answered his prayer. Amazing. In the midst of brokenness, there is joy in a prayer answered! The answered prayer of unshakable faith. What a gift!
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. - 1 Peter 4:12-13, NIV
I noticed that as I started to pray for unshakable faith, God started doing some heavy work in my heart. He was changing my desires, so they would be replaced with His desires. I didn't just want to dabble in what looked like a faith life, I wanted the substance. Substantial, unshakable faith. I realized some major dramatic changes had to occur in my life to make this possible, and God - thankfully - placed me in some very broken situations. In that brokenness, I had no where else to go except to the loving arms of Jesus, close to Him and His love.
God started stripping my life of fear, emptiness, loneliness, unworthiness, undesirability, shame, and a whole slew of emotions. I wish I could even tell you that I have never dealt with these emotions ever again in my life, but that is not true. However, what is true - is now I have realized the power in the Holy Spirit and that has changed my life immensely. My Savior continues to change the way I live out my faith. I can be healed of all that junk if I just seek the Lord. Jesus is a healer, and emotions are no exception of that healing.
Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. - Matthew 5:18, NIV
Jesus, who is the Way and the Truth, can cancel any of Satan's lies. Just as you are growing in faith, the enemy will protest and try to hinder your growing faith. We are even warned of this in God's word:
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. - 1 Peter 5:8-9, NIV
Sweet friends, let us go forward asking for unshakable faith. Is there really any other kind to have? Why would you desire anything less than unshakable faith? To know, that no matter what adversity or trial you face, your faith cannot be moved. Jesus is there with you, carrying you, holding you, walking before you. I know you can have unshakable faith, ask Him for it. Be prepared for how He will answer you, and you can be assured how He will answer you will reveal His glory in His timing.
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20, NIV
In the midst of your trials or suffering, if you are seeking Him, you are growing unshakable faith. Unshakable faith can move mountains, why would you want anything less? Don't let your faith be a box of checklists, let His love into every area of your life producing fruitful faith. Take heart, and know unshakable faith - while not easily cultivated - is a huge blessing. You can do this!
Please know that I am on my knees praying for you.
<><
Kay
Friday, May 15, 2009
Radiance.
Some of you may be aware of an upcoming bible study at Second Baptist church called Radiance. The study is taught by Marian Jordan and there will also be time for praise and worship by G Poveromo and Katie Warren, such a treat!
For those of you who are not familiar with this study, its about, well, radiance. As, "A guide to becoming and remaining Radiant women, Lights in the darkness, in a world that seeks to mask our light, and beckons us with the glitter of culture toward the looming shadow of worldliness…" We are going to meet on Wednesday evenings for the next 6 weeks.
This past Wednesday, a group of us got together to pray for the study in the very room where the study will be held. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to be present; for God's grace and love to flow through the room; we prayed for the Holy Spirit to flow through Marian and for the teaching flowing through her be supernatural; we prayed for God to be in charge of the seating arrangements - placing each girl where she needs to be; we prayed for the details in the microphones and lights and any little thing to run smoothly; we also prayed for the hearts of all the women attending be prepared to receive His truth and to clearly hear His voice; the list goes on.
After this prayer night, I kept thinking about the word: radiance. I looked up some verses with the word "radiance" in them and this is what I found:
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking. - Ezekiel 1:28, NIV
Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. - Ezekiel 10:4, NIV
{His} radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays {flashing} from His hand, And there is the hiding of His power. - Habakkuk 3:4, NASB
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. - Hebrews 1:3, NIV
After reading that, it became so clear. Radiance, the kind of light our Savior and King has, is so bright and so noticeable that it is radiant. We are being called to be radiant, to have radiance like our dear Savior. And we are also called to live our lives out as Jesus did.
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:6, NIV
The kind of light we are to exude in darkness isn't just a flicker my friends, it isn't just a dull glimmer, it is radiant light. Jesus was the Light of the world (You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. - Matthew 5:14, NIV), and we are called to have that kind of light. To light up the world, you need a lot of light - so much light, you have to get rid of the darkness trying to cover the flame. In order to stamp out the darkness, you must come into the light and find yourself in His light.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. - John 3:21, NIV
So let go of the darkness, so that you may become His radiant light for all to see. If you truly humble yourself and seek to follow Jesus in all that you do, Jesus says you will never walk in darkness. If there is any way in you hanging on to darkness, let it go. Let the Lord's light overtake the darkness in your life by seeking Him in every area of your life, not just some, or not just the areas of life that everyone sees - but ALL areas of your life. We are not called to live in "grey area" but to be black and white. There is light and there is darkness, and why would you choose darkness when you have been given light? A life without Light will cause you to stumble.
It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light. - John 11:10, NIV
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. - John 12:46, NIV
The word "Light" is in the NIV bible 232 times. The Lord is serious about us knowing what true Light is and how to live in it. He is clear that it isn't just any average light, it is radiant light. Let's look at the definition of radiance according to http://www.dictionary.com/:
ra·di·ance
Show Spelled Pronunciation [rey-dee-uhns]
–noun
1. radiant brightness or light
2. warm, cheerful brightness
3. Rare
What does this tell us? We are called to be so bright with radiance that it is rare. Without disrespect to the dictionary, we do not have to be rare. Living as anything less than a radiant light for Christ just isn't living our lives to the fullest. Living life as flicker in the wind isn't what God has called us to do, and He knows us better than we know ourselves. We, who live for the Light of Christ, can be anything but rare if we all choose to live in His light, His radiant light.
Let's choose to glorify Him in all we do, and follow Him. In that, we will be closer to living as radiant lights! I look at the synonyms for radiance, and I find: glitter, glow, brilliance, luster, shine. As a woman, I have a deep desire to walk in the room and be described as one of those words. To be a woman who glows, who has brilliance, who shines - ALL with His light, and because OF His Light in me. Who wouldn't want that? My dear friends, His radiant Light is there for you, and it is in you, just cut off the darkness. You can do it. Don't let the enemy entice you with the false "fun" of darkness, or comfort. Get out of the gray, get out of the darkness, get out of anything that is not pure light and embrace the fullness of radiant light that God wants to shine through you.
I love you and I am so excited for you on this journey to become His radiant lights! How much joy would you get in being His radiant light, than being squashed in darkness. Let's encourage each other on His path to exuding His true radiance!
Praying for you!
<><
Kay
PS - For those of you in the bible study, I'll see you there! If you are interested in coming, please just contact me and we can get you the details! :-)
For those of you who are not familiar with this study, its about, well, radiance. As, "A guide to becoming and remaining Radiant women, Lights in the darkness, in a world that seeks to mask our light, and beckons us with the glitter of culture toward the looming shadow of worldliness…" We are going to meet on Wednesday evenings for the next 6 weeks.
This past Wednesday, a group of us got together to pray for the study in the very room where the study will be held. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to be present; for God's grace and love to flow through the room; we prayed for the Holy Spirit to flow through Marian and for the teaching flowing through her be supernatural; we prayed for God to be in charge of the seating arrangements - placing each girl where she needs to be; we prayed for the details in the microphones and lights and any little thing to run smoothly; we also prayed for the hearts of all the women attending be prepared to receive His truth and to clearly hear His voice; the list goes on.
After this prayer night, I kept thinking about the word: radiance. I looked up some verses with the word "radiance" in them and this is what I found:
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking. - Ezekiel 1:28, NIV
Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. - Ezekiel 10:4, NIV
{His} radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays {flashing} from His hand, And there is the hiding of His power. - Habakkuk 3:4, NASB
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. - Hebrews 1:3, NIV
After reading that, it became so clear. Radiance, the kind of light our Savior and King has, is so bright and so noticeable that it is radiant. We are being called to be radiant, to have radiance like our dear Savior. And we are also called to live our lives out as Jesus did.
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:6, NIV
The kind of light we are to exude in darkness isn't just a flicker my friends, it isn't just a dull glimmer, it is radiant light. Jesus was the Light of the world (You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. - Matthew 5:14, NIV), and we are called to have that kind of light. To light up the world, you need a lot of light - so much light, you have to get rid of the darkness trying to cover the flame. In order to stamp out the darkness, you must come into the light and find yourself in His light.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. - John 3:21, NIV
So let go of the darkness, so that you may become His radiant light for all to see. If you truly humble yourself and seek to follow Jesus in all that you do, Jesus says you will never walk in darkness. If there is any way in you hanging on to darkness, let it go. Let the Lord's light overtake the darkness in your life by seeking Him in every area of your life, not just some, or not just the areas of life that everyone sees - but ALL areas of your life. We are not called to live in "grey area" but to be black and white. There is light and there is darkness, and why would you choose darkness when you have been given light? A life without Light will cause you to stumble.
It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light. - John 11:10, NIV
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. - John 12:46, NIV
The word "Light" is in the NIV bible 232 times. The Lord is serious about us knowing what true Light is and how to live in it. He is clear that it isn't just any average light, it is radiant light. Let's look at the definition of radiance according to http://www.dictionary.com/:
ra·di·ance
Show Spelled Pronunciation [rey-dee-uhns]
–noun
1. radiant brightness or light
2. warm, cheerful brightness
3. Rare
What does this tell us? We are called to be so bright with radiance that it is rare. Without disrespect to the dictionary, we do not have to be rare. Living as anything less than a radiant light for Christ just isn't living our lives to the fullest. Living life as flicker in the wind isn't what God has called us to do, and He knows us better than we know ourselves. We, who live for the Light of Christ, can be anything but rare if we all choose to live in His light, His radiant light.
Let's choose to glorify Him in all we do, and follow Him. In that, we will be closer to living as radiant lights! I look at the synonyms for radiance, and I find: glitter, glow, brilliance, luster, shine. As a woman, I have a deep desire to walk in the room and be described as one of those words. To be a woman who glows, who has brilliance, who shines - ALL with His light, and because OF His Light in me. Who wouldn't want that? My dear friends, His radiant Light is there for you, and it is in you, just cut off the darkness. You can do it. Don't let the enemy entice you with the false "fun" of darkness, or comfort. Get out of the gray, get out of the darkness, get out of anything that is not pure light and embrace the fullness of radiant light that God wants to shine through you.
I love you and I am so excited for you on this journey to become His radiant lights! How much joy would you get in being His radiant light, than being squashed in darkness. Let's encourage each other on His path to exuding His true radiance!
Praying for you!
<><
Kay
PS - For those of you in the bible study, I'll see you there! If you are interested in coming, please just contact me and we can get you the details! :-)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Missing Starbursts.
I’m going to be real with you…..
A few days before I left to go on the trip, I was having some serious spiritual warfare. I didn’t even want to admit it, but one of my best friends called me out and said, “I can tell you are having spiritual warfare…” Just like that, like recognizing how tired a runner is after completing a marathon, the remnants of spiritual warfare was apparently noticeable to those close to me. The truth is, I’m going to be real with you…..
For six years of my life, ages 18 to 24, I was addicted to diet pills. There I said it. Presented to you, one of my deepest scars – exposed. I had consistently mastered the art of impression management while masking a deep and underlying, intense fear of not being enough. The feeling of not being enough often leads one to jump to the opposite extreme which is being everything to everyone all the time. (Also fondly known as, overcompensating) Sound exhausted yet? I sure was.
You name it, I took it. If people asked what kind of pills I was taking, I simply would say, “vitamins”. My senior year of college I was slamming back 6 diet pills a day, carefully timed 2 hours apart. My entire day revolved around when I would take these diet pills, and if I’d go somewhere and forget them – I’d insist on going home to get them, I couldn't go without them. Afterall, I had convinced myself if I did not take them, I would gain weight. Period. And what girl wants to gain weight? Surely you realize that society today tells us, if a girl gains weight, nobody will want her. I believed that lie for an incredibly long time.
Sitting in a cotton green and white gown, freezing cold, shaking, and an intense heart rate to match while tears streamed down my face in a sterile emergency room hospital bed is where I found myself 6 months after I turned 24 years old. My body could not keep up with the physical and emotional stress of diet pills any longer. The exuberant amount of caffeine found in these pills had done a number on my system, and my body was officially protesting. A procession of events leading up to this “rock bottom” place had assisted in getting me to an official place of brokenness. I was under intense stress, a failed long term relationship (which I had been lead to believe would result in marriage), all kinds of career stress, failing health due to excessive use of dieting, and why? Because I was terrified of not being enough. Not being smart enough. Not being pretty enough. Not being athletic enough. Not being enough. (even as I write this, I have to think long and hard what that felt like as God has moved me such a long way from the place I once was)
God taught me a huge lesson in that place of brokenness right there in that emergency room. He taught me that ultimate peace, ultimately being enough is only found in Him. My identity and worth could no longer be found in my physical appearance, my education, my athleticism (afterall I had accomplished being a World Cup athlete at the age of 20 – again striving to prove that I’m enough), my independence, or even my family. Even more importantly, I did not have to find who I was in a man, or even the attention one receives from a man. My worth and identity comes only from a perfect man, Jesus Christ. He knows me better than I know myself. This lesson was not an easy one, in fact, it was quite difficult – but when you are truly broken, you are open to letting God mold your life like clay to become who He wants you to be. Thankfully!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV
Fast forward……a few days before the Syria trip, I was battling the feelings of not being enough. I learned throughout my recovery time, any kind of eating disorder is a secondary problem. The root of the issue usually stems from somewhere else. So, as I was packing for the trip battling some spiritual warfare I had from long ago, I decided to pack a daily devotional I have called, “Beyond the Looking Glass” – which is a devotional for patients in recovery from anorexia and bulimia. While on the trip, one of the girls on the trip saw it and we discussed it briefly. In that moment, I was reminded of how far God has brought me. And God continues to take me even further, each day He shows me more of who I am in Him, and Him alone.
The next day our team devotional was on “fruit of the spirit” from Galatians 5.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. – Galatians 5:22-26, NIV
I sat and listened, read with the team through the verses, and even contributed to the discussion we had on fruit of the spirit. Later that day, we were playing with the Iraqi children in a park for field day. I had brought two bags of Starburst candy (who doesn’t love Starbursts!?) for the kids. One bag I had in my possession to give out candies to kids who answered questions or had good behavior. As we were wrapping up the day, I noticed one bag was missing. I found it at the bottom of our big bag, opened and mostly empty. In all honesty, it was not a big deal at all, it was $2 bag of Starbursts, hardly anything to get bitter about. When I noticed the candy missing, I said to the surrounding team members, “hey! Where did the Starbursts go?!” (with a slight pout) One of our team members had chimed in with the response, “hey Kristina, fruit of the Spirit!” – which was meant jokingly as a reminder, and I admit I even chuckled. Truth of the matter is, that answer really stuck with me. I needed to hear that, not about the case of the missing Starburst, but about letting the fruit of the Spirit permeate our lives – even in the small places.
That team member, I’m sure has no clue that such a small comment made an impact on me. God had opened my eyes to understanding that finding identity, approval and worth from Him is not where the journey ends, in fact, one can argue that is where it begins. Living out the fruit of the Spirit is a daily challenge, but it is also one that is so worth it. Why? Because living out the fruit of the Spirit ultimately shows others who He is, and even shows who He is in you. This revelation convicted me in a large way. I want the fruit of the Spirit to exude in ALL that I do because I desperately want people to see Him in me, so they will come to know who God is as I live in the center of His will. Finding my identity and worth in Christ helps tremendously in living out the fruit of the Spirit, however, the Starburst comment placed a deep desire in my heart to be wholeheartedly intentional about living out the fruit of the Spirit – and not just accepting it as a side affect to who I am in Christ.
This call is one that challenges my flesh in a huge way. Think about it: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Wow. This also says to me, letting go of bitterness, letting your heart be softened, stripping yourself of pride, letting go of being defensive, allowing God to convict you, forgiving those who do not ask for forgiveness, giving grace, loving the unlovable, being intentional, taking every thought captive, being self-aware, and dropping your desires to take up God’s desires. Huge.
Do you live out the fruit of the Spirit? If so, how? What are you doing in your life that makes you so sure people see fruit of the Spirit from you?
The good news, my friends, is that you can ask God. I encourage you to ask Him how to live out good fruit. I know you can do it, I have faith in Him who is in you. Let His love transform your heart; seek Him for who you are, let your identity and worth be lost in Him. I realize these are not easy transformations, but I promise you it is more than worth it.
I am praying for you!<><
Kay
Monday, May 4, 2009
Syria: In Closing
Fri, May 1, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Subject - Syria: In Closing
Hello dear friends and family,
This marks the last e-mail you will receive from me and the team here in Damascus, Syria. In about 4 hours we will be leaving the hotel for the airport. John Card, Graham, and Carolyn are out doing some last minute shopping while the rest of us pack. (I'm already packed!)
Words simply cannot describe this experience. Tonight in our debrief time, we went around the room discussing the impact of the trip. Each person had a major take-away, and I was truly humbled to be with brothers and sisters in Christ who not only have such an intense desire to grow in Him - but are also capable spiritual leaders as well. Such a sweet moment.
Today we were with the older kids, and we exchanged email addresses with the majority of them - which was awesome. I p that we are able to stay in touch with them and continue to disciple these new brothers and sisters in Christ, as many of them plan on coming to the USA in the future. This evening we went to the young adult bible study which was awesome. The whole group p-ed over us, which was SUCH a cool experience.
All around it was a spiritually growing experience that stretched each of us in some way, and each of us has our own story to tell about being here. These people have treated us like family, taking us in and serving us - even though we came here to serve them. We have now seen the ugly face of real persecution in the name of Christ, and what it means to be diligent in prayer. Each person will leave here impacted, challenged as to what is next and how can we apply what God has shown us here to our daily lives. This trip will not be just another blip on the calendar or vacation time spent, but it will be a pivotal moment in our walk with the Lord. We have bonded as a team, and hope to hold each other accountable to p-ing for these dear people and OUR church here in Damascus. We hope to have meetings with our team as the future rolls on, to get with God about Syria. While we may not see these dear brothers and sisters in Christ again before we leave Damascus, or even ever again on earth - however, we will certainly see them again in heaven.
There is so much more I can say, but perhaps the rest of the stories will come in person as we see you back at Second Baptist, at work, at home, over the phone, at the gym, or in any other capacity. I encourage you to not only p for these dear team members, but please take time to get with them and ask them about their time in Syria. Ask them how God has spoke to them and what they are doing with it. This is not only a blessing to us, but we p it is a blessing to you also.
Again, words cannot express our thanks for your p-ers, notes, poems, encouraging emails, and the like. They have really inspired us, and left us impacted half way around the world as to how we can apply this experience back home. I thank you for taking the time to read these each day, and to take it upon yourself to come on this journey with us. Be blessed and we will see you back home! Signing off one last time......
<><
Kristina
Subject - Syria: In Closing
Hello dear friends and family,
This marks the last e-mail you will receive from me and the team here in Damascus, Syria. In about 4 hours we will be leaving the hotel for the airport. John Card, Graham, and Carolyn are out doing some last minute shopping while the rest of us pack. (I'm already packed!)
Words simply cannot describe this experience. Tonight in our debrief time, we went around the room discussing the impact of the trip. Each person had a major take-away, and I was truly humbled to be with brothers and sisters in Christ who not only have such an intense desire to grow in Him - but are also capable spiritual leaders as well. Such a sweet moment.
Today we were with the older kids, and we exchanged email addresses with the majority of them - which was awesome. I p that we are able to stay in touch with them and continue to disciple these new brothers and sisters in Christ, as many of them plan on coming to the USA in the future. This evening we went to the young adult bible study which was awesome. The whole group p-ed over us, which was SUCH a cool experience.
All around it was a spiritually growing experience that stretched each of us in some way, and each of us has our own story to tell about being here. These people have treated us like family, taking us in and serving us - even though we came here to serve them. We have now seen the ugly face of real persecution in the name of Christ, and what it means to be diligent in prayer. Each person will leave here impacted, challenged as to what is next and how can we apply what God has shown us here to our daily lives. This trip will not be just another blip on the calendar or vacation time spent, but it will be a pivotal moment in our walk with the Lord. We have bonded as a team, and hope to hold each other accountable to p-ing for these dear people and OUR church here in Damascus. We hope to have meetings with our team as the future rolls on, to get with God about Syria. While we may not see these dear brothers and sisters in Christ again before we leave Damascus, or even ever again on earth - however, we will certainly see them again in heaven.
There is so much more I can say, but perhaps the rest of the stories will come in person as we see you back at Second Baptist, at work, at home, over the phone, at the gym, or in any other capacity. I encourage you to not only p for these dear team members, but please take time to get with them and ask them about their time in Syria. Ask them how God has spoke to them and what they are doing with it. This is not only a blessing to us, but we p it is a blessing to you also.
Again, words cannot express our thanks for your p-ers, notes, poems, encouraging emails, and the like. They have really inspired us, and left us impacted half way around the world as to how we can apply this experience back home. I thank you for taking the time to read these each day, and to take it upon yourself to come on this journey with us. Be blessed and we will see you back home! Signing off one last time......
<><
Kristina
Syria: Day 6
Thursday, April 30, 2009 10:08 AM
Subject: Syria: Day 6
Marhaba! (hello in Arabic)
Hello dear friends! This morning we did "home visits" again. We had the same teams also. So Graham, Marcos, Kristen and I went to three homes this morning. The first one was a family - a husband, wife and son, who left Iraq because her husband had been kidnapped twice, and they tried to kidnap her 9 year old son on his way to school. So they left. They are new, and can't apply for visas with the UN until they have been here for 2-3 years. I didn't realize that until today: many of these refugees cannot even apply for visas to leave Syria until they have been here for 2-3 years. The second family we went to was very sweet, and stuck with me for most of the day. It was a woman and her sister. Her sister has 5 daughters, and her husband was kidnapped in Iraq and they have not heard from him for a long while. They do not know if he is dead or alive. The other woman (the sister) was being threatened because her husband, who died of a heart attack actually, was assisting US forces in Iraq. Once the threats came, they left Iraq. This was very sad because this family had no money, no furniture, barely enough food, but they were still so hopeful and so joyful. The third family was also very sweet - a husband, wife, and two kids. They had to flee Iraq because her husband was also assisting US military forces and was being threatened. We p-ed for all of them, and they were all so grateful. They are truly such a blessing to us, and His kingdom. Some of these homes look like they are in neighborhoods straight out of Slumdog Millionaire, random trash piles everywhere and barren buildings.
I will share with you, when we first arrived at the church this morning, there was a woman who arrived at the church for he first time. She shared her story with everyone on the team. She was crying, as she had come for help. Her husband ran a jewelry store in Baghdad, was robbed by terrorists and shot to death. She left with her son and now lives in Syria. She just arrived and does not have much money. She was a member of the "John the Baptist" faith, which doesn’t recognize Jesus as our Savior. So Graham took out his evangecube, gave it to Carolyn. We lead her through the witnessing process, Joun and Marcos p-ed the p-er of salvation with her, and I also spoke with her about God's amazing love and grace. She was a very sweet woman, so she accepted Christ today! PTL! ;-)
We taught kids again this afternoon, which was a lot of fun. We have been building relationships with many of the kids, and they have been asking for our email addresses to keep in touch. Which is awesome! :-) They need more community of believers, especially if they come to the USA. Marianne and I were working with the 4-7 year olds today, by the end, we were covered in paint, stickers, markers, and just about anything else we use at craft time! lol They LOVE stickers! They are soo cute! Btw, the young girls go crazy for blond hair! lol
Tonight we are going to Nancy's for dinner in Jamana, which is the Iraqi neighborhood. It has an amazing view of Damascus, sooooo beautiful. We have been taking a ton of pictures.
God is doing amazing work with these team, please keep p-ing for us to have energy. We are getting very tired, and not getting a whole lot of sleep at night (which is another story about our hotel being the hottest wedding reception place in all of Damascus, so there is literally a celebration going on right below our rooms- every night - its VERY loud! lol). But no biggie, God is giving us just enough rest, hopefully it continues!
You guys are great, thanks again for all your support. Those of you with kind words about my writing - I thank you! :-) And yes, I'm actually a journalist by profession. lol (technically an editor, so some of you guessed correctly) Writing these emails each day has been a blessing and something I look forward to throughout the day. A small bit about me, writing this down actually helps me process how God is working through our team and also myself. So, He has been blessing me with the ability to communicate with y'all what it is going on here in Damascus. :-) Thank you so much for your kind words, encouragement, and support in sending out these updates. It's awesome to hear how God has been impacting you through these updates, our team LOVES hearing about it.
Please keep p-ing, we almost there. Tomorrow is actually a big day. We will be having real personal conversations with the older kids, 17-20 years old, about addictions. Which is a broad topic, but I know God will use it, and please p that the kids open up about what is going on in their lives. For Him to provide healing for the pain they are harboring.
Thanks so much!!! You are a blessing to this sweet, Spirit filled team!
<><
Kristina
Subject: Syria: Day 6
Marhaba! (hello in Arabic)
Hello dear friends! This morning we did "home visits" again. We had the same teams also. So Graham, Marcos, Kristen and I went to three homes this morning. The first one was a family - a husband, wife and son, who left Iraq because her husband had been kidnapped twice, and they tried to kidnap her 9 year old son on his way to school. So they left. They are new, and can't apply for visas with the UN until they have been here for 2-3 years. I didn't realize that until today: many of these refugees cannot even apply for visas to leave Syria until they have been here for 2-3 years. The second family we went to was very sweet, and stuck with me for most of the day. It was a woman and her sister. Her sister has 5 daughters, and her husband was kidnapped in Iraq and they have not heard from him for a long while. They do not know if he is dead or alive. The other woman (the sister) was being threatened because her husband, who died of a heart attack actually, was assisting US forces in Iraq. Once the threats came, they left Iraq. This was very sad because this family had no money, no furniture, barely enough food, but they were still so hopeful and so joyful. The third family was also very sweet - a husband, wife, and two kids. They had to flee Iraq because her husband was also assisting US military forces and was being threatened. We p-ed for all of them, and they were all so grateful. They are truly such a blessing to us, and His kingdom. Some of these homes look like they are in neighborhoods straight out of Slumdog Millionaire, random trash piles everywhere and barren buildings.
I will share with you, when we first arrived at the church this morning, there was a woman who arrived at the church for he first time. She shared her story with everyone on the team. She was crying, as she had come for help. Her husband ran a jewelry store in Baghdad, was robbed by terrorists and shot to death. She left with her son and now lives in Syria. She just arrived and does not have much money. She was a member of the "John the Baptist" faith, which doesn’t recognize Jesus as our Savior. So Graham took out his evangecube, gave it to Carolyn. We lead her through the witnessing process, Joun and Marcos p-ed the p-er of salvation with her, and I also spoke with her about God's amazing love and grace. She was a very sweet woman, so she accepted Christ today! PTL! ;-)
We taught kids again this afternoon, which was a lot of fun. We have been building relationships with many of the kids, and they have been asking for our email addresses to keep in touch. Which is awesome! :-) They need more community of believers, especially if they come to the USA. Marianne and I were working with the 4-7 year olds today, by the end, we were covered in paint, stickers, markers, and just about anything else we use at craft time! lol They LOVE stickers! They are soo cute! Btw, the young girls go crazy for blond hair! lol
Tonight we are going to Nancy's for dinner in Jamana, which is the Iraqi neighborhood. It has an amazing view of Damascus, sooooo beautiful. We have been taking a ton of pictures.
God is doing amazing work with these team, please keep p-ing for us to have energy. We are getting very tired, and not getting a whole lot of sleep at night (which is another story about our hotel being the hottest wedding reception place in all of Damascus, so there is literally a celebration going on right below our rooms- every night - its VERY loud! lol). But no biggie, God is giving us just enough rest, hopefully it continues!
You guys are great, thanks again for all your support. Those of you with kind words about my writing - I thank you! :-) And yes, I'm actually a journalist by profession. lol (technically an editor, so some of you guessed correctly) Writing these emails each day has been a blessing and something I look forward to throughout the day. A small bit about me, writing this down actually helps me process how God is working through our team and also myself. So, He has been blessing me with the ability to communicate with y'all what it is going on here in Damascus. :-) Thank you so much for your kind words, encouragement, and support in sending out these updates. It's awesome to hear how God has been impacting you through these updates, our team LOVES hearing about it.
Please keep p-ing, we almost there. Tomorrow is actually a big day. We will be having real personal conversations with the older kids, 17-20 years old, about addictions. Which is a broad topic, but I know God will use it, and please p that the kids open up about what is going on in their lives. For Him to provide healing for the pain they are harboring.
Thanks so much!!! You are a blessing to this sweet, Spirit filled team!
<><
Kristina
Syria: Day 5
Wed, Apr 29, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Subject - Syria: Day 5
Hey y'all!
Today was more of a lighthearted day, we had field day with the kids! It was such a blast! :-)
We tried playing relay races, but it ended up chaotic, in a humorous way. lol Just handfuls of 5 year olds running every which way with huge smiles on their faces! All they knew is they wanted to run and they wanted high fives! lol It was awesome!
After field races, we split the kids up into age groups and had bible time. Marianne and I had the 8-12 year olds today. John Card and Adam had the 13-16 year olds, Graham and Russell had the other group of 13-16 year olds, Kristen and Marcos had the 4-7 year olds and Carolyn and Lauren had the 17-20 year olds. During the time we were with the kids, I could over hear Graham making witness bracelets with the kids. (complete with leather rope and colored beads) I am not kidding, he must have made about 50 bracelets today! Marcos and Kristen taught the little ones the song, "Joy Down in My Heart" which they LOVED! lol It was soooo adorable! Marianne and I taught the kids how to do cartwheels (I broke a nail....darn! lol) and taught them how to play tag. The boys LOVED to run and chase! Especially the faster kids which presented a challenge. John and Adam had their kids draw out what they desire most, and then draw out what God most desires for their lives. These children are so sweet, and many of them are very bright. Please p that they are able to be at the center of God's will and are in tune to what He has for their future.
Later on after dinner, John Card taught on hope at the Iraqi refugee service. It was a great message. The church was PACKED! In fact, we couldn't even find seats. The crowd overflowed out of the sanctuary and into both courtyards and the stairs. He specifically mentioned the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which was awesome. After the service, Pastor Samara had mentioned to him several stories of folks who had attended service. One guy was a Lieutenant in the IRNG, and had to flee because he was in danger. Another was a woman whose husband and son were killed, and another gentleman had his leg removed by terrorists. For myself and many in our group, it was humbling to know that John's message was reaching an audience which had endured such traumatic events. Clearly, the HS was at work and it was so cool to hear about the seeds that were sown.
Our debriefing sessions each night have been great. We have a wonderful community amongst our team members. Tonight, Marianne and Adam shared their testimonies in the group. It was awesome to hear how God has impacted their lives and how He is continuing to reveal Himself to them, not just through this trip - but also through everything they have experienced throughout their lives. It is an honor to serve with such a Spirit lead team, truly makes all the difference in the world. This trip isn't about us, but about Him and letting Him use us where we are, and it becomes more evident each day that our p's are being answered.
Thanks so much for all the Astros and Texans updates. John has requested a "Trozzo analysis" on the Texans picks. :-)
Also, thanks for the info on the flood. It really helps us know how to p for y'all back home, and how to prepare for returning to Houston.
Just wanted to really thank you so much for the messages you have been sending. I know you are taking time out of your day to respond to an email that you know is going to the masses. We sincerely appreciate it, and the team has read every single response. It is so humbling to know we have such support, p's, and encouragement from home. The team has definitely been impacted from knowing how many people care to send words of encouragement. So, thank you!!!
<><
KB
Subject - Syria: Day 5
Hey y'all!
Today was more of a lighthearted day, we had field day with the kids! It was such a blast! :-)
We tried playing relay races, but it ended up chaotic, in a humorous way. lol Just handfuls of 5 year olds running every which way with huge smiles on their faces! All they knew is they wanted to run and they wanted high fives! lol It was awesome!
After field races, we split the kids up into age groups and had bible time. Marianne and I had the 8-12 year olds today. John Card and Adam had the 13-16 year olds, Graham and Russell had the other group of 13-16 year olds, Kristen and Marcos had the 4-7 year olds and Carolyn and Lauren had the 17-20 year olds. During the time we were with the kids, I could over hear Graham making witness bracelets with the kids. (complete with leather rope and colored beads) I am not kidding, he must have made about 50 bracelets today! Marcos and Kristen taught the little ones the song, "Joy Down in My Heart" which they LOVED! lol It was soooo adorable! Marianne and I taught the kids how to do cartwheels (I broke a nail....darn! lol) and taught them how to play tag. The boys LOVED to run and chase! Especially the faster kids which presented a challenge. John and Adam had their kids draw out what they desire most, and then draw out what God most desires for their lives. These children are so sweet, and many of them are very bright. Please p that they are able to be at the center of God's will and are in tune to what He has for their future.
Later on after dinner, John Card taught on hope at the Iraqi refugee service. It was a great message. The church was PACKED! In fact, we couldn't even find seats. The crowd overflowed out of the sanctuary and into both courtyards and the stairs. He specifically mentioned the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which was awesome. After the service, Pastor Samara had mentioned to him several stories of folks who had attended service. One guy was a Lieutenant in the IRNG, and had to flee because he was in danger. Another was a woman whose husband and son were killed, and another gentleman had his leg removed by terrorists. For myself and many in our group, it was humbling to know that John's message was reaching an audience which had endured such traumatic events. Clearly, the HS was at work and it was so cool to hear about the seeds that were sown.
Our debriefing sessions each night have been great. We have a wonderful community amongst our team members. Tonight, Marianne and Adam shared their testimonies in the group. It was awesome to hear how God has impacted their lives and how He is continuing to reveal Himself to them, not just through this trip - but also through everything they have experienced throughout their lives. It is an honor to serve with such a Spirit lead team, truly makes all the difference in the world. This trip isn't about us, but about Him and letting Him use us where we are, and it becomes more evident each day that our p's are being answered.
Thanks so much for all the Astros and Texans updates. John has requested a "Trozzo analysis" on the Texans picks. :-)
Also, thanks for the info on the flood. It really helps us know how to p for y'all back home, and how to prepare for returning to Houston.
Just wanted to really thank you so much for the messages you have been sending. I know you are taking time out of your day to respond to an email that you know is going to the masses. We sincerely appreciate it, and the team has read every single response. It is so humbling to know we have such support, p's, and encouragement from home. The team has definitely been impacted from knowing how many people care to send words of encouragement. So, thank you!!!
<><
KB
Syria: Day 4
Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Subject - Syria: Day 4
Hey y'all!
Today was quite the day as well. We had a fun morning assembling bags of food for the church to deliver to the families in need. It was fun working as a team, and doing God's work. :-) We then had some free time, half of us went shopping and half of us spent some time at a cafe just sharing God's word with each other.
Joun, Marcos, Russell, Kristen and I then went to Anania's house again, where we prayed in the same spot where Paul prayed. It was amazing, just lifting up people back home in prayer and also dynamics on the team. Russell wanted me to be sure and ask you, is there anything that we - our team here in Syria - can pray for you about? How can we pray for you?
After praying at Anania's house, we came back to the church to prepare for lunch. There was a man who had just arrived sitting in a chair with a crutch and his son, who appeared to be about 18 years old. I walked over and the man had started explaining to Fadi what had happened. The man, Granam, officially renounced his Muslim faith today (evidently). He has been living as a Christian, former Muslim (or MBB - muslim background believer), so the official renouncing and p-ing the p-er is a huge deal. He just arrived from Baghdad apparently days ago with his family. In Baghdad, he was going to an Asyrian church. Some insurgents (terrorists) stormed the church, shot the preist, and his wife fled with the priest’s children and their own children. Granam was captured and tortured unbelievably. They cut off his fingers with scissors - but he still is adamant on wearing his wedding band (which is placed on just a mere nub of what used to be his finger). They cut open his leg and pulled his ligaments and tissue apart, so he walks with a crutch and a brace on his leg. They took a tool drill (close to what you would drill into a wall with he said) and drilled a whole into the side of his head through his temple, on the right side. Then they took the drill and drilled into his chest. The terrorists told him that if he wants to live like Jesus, they will treat him like Jesus by putting holes into his body. At that point, I lost it. Couldn't stop crying, Fida even burst into tears, as did Joun's mother (the Pastor's wife). It made me think.....we are so selfish, and I am so unworthy to even p for this man. I felt soooooo sick to my stomach just hearing what such evil has been done to him, simply because he professed love for Jesus Christ, our Savior.....and without even officially p-ing THE p! Russell told him we would p for him, and the man responded with: "You do not have to p for me, p for everyone. Christ did not p for himself, and I want to be like Christ. P for the world, bc that is what Christ did." What do you even say to that??? I couldn't sit at lunch, so I walked into Pastor Samara's office. I couldn't stop crying so Joun p-ed for the man who we had just met. This man is our brother in Christ, and we are all one body - so whatever affects him, impacts us as well. It was very powerful, this man's story had a huge impact on all of our lives.
We taught the kids today, which seemed to go really well. Yesterday went well also! We are working at building relationships with the kids so they will open up about their situation, just to release the hurt and grief they hold. Many of them are hopeful and joyful, and some are not so hopeful. Two muslim boys were in the 13-16 year old age group. John Card and Adam p-ed the salvation p-er with the whole class today, so hopefully it is doing a work in their hearts! I believe those two boys have resistance from their parents, as their family is Muslim. Send up some p's for them please! :-) Tomorrow is field day, so that should be a fun day with them as well. Your p-ers are doing so much work here, words cannot describe. Thank you so much!!!! You all are such a blessing to us!
We had a lovely dinner back at the church after doing some more shopping. We are very well fed here!! We have also started sharing testimonies during our debrief time each night. Last night Kristen and Graham shared theirs. It was so awesome to hear how God has been moving in their lives and to hear their hearts for the Lord. It is an honor to serve with them, and I cannot wait till more of us begin sharing our stories as well! Please p that we serve as a witness to each other, and not just the people here in the field. It is just as important! :-)
The boys love the sports updates, they would like to know first round draft picks, and who the Texans now have. :-)
Thank you so much for your encouragement, again, words cannot express the thankfulness of each heart on our team. The team loves reading the messages from home! :-) Thanks for sending them!
<><
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Day 4
Hey y'all!
Today was quite the day as well. We had a fun morning assembling bags of food for the church to deliver to the families in need. It was fun working as a team, and doing God's work. :-) We then had some free time, half of us went shopping and half of us spent some time at a cafe just sharing God's word with each other.
Joun, Marcos, Russell, Kristen and I then went to Anania's house again, where we prayed in the same spot where Paul prayed. It was amazing, just lifting up people back home in prayer and also dynamics on the team. Russell wanted me to be sure and ask you, is there anything that we - our team here in Syria - can pray for you about? How can we pray for you?
After praying at Anania's house, we came back to the church to prepare for lunch. There was a man who had just arrived sitting in a chair with a crutch and his son, who appeared to be about 18 years old. I walked over and the man had started explaining to Fadi what had happened. The man, Granam, officially renounced his Muslim faith today (evidently). He has been living as a Christian, former Muslim (or MBB - muslim background believer), so the official renouncing and p-ing the p-er is a huge deal. He just arrived from Baghdad apparently days ago with his family. In Baghdad, he was going to an Asyrian church. Some insurgents (terrorists) stormed the church, shot the preist, and his wife fled with the priest’s children and their own children. Granam was captured and tortured unbelievably. They cut off his fingers with scissors - but he still is adamant on wearing his wedding band (which is placed on just a mere nub of what used to be his finger). They cut open his leg and pulled his ligaments and tissue apart, so he walks with a crutch and a brace on his leg. They took a tool drill (close to what you would drill into a wall with he said) and drilled a whole into the side of his head through his temple, on the right side. Then they took the drill and drilled into his chest. The terrorists told him that if he wants to live like Jesus, they will treat him like Jesus by putting holes into his body. At that point, I lost it. Couldn't stop crying, Fida even burst into tears, as did Joun's mother (the Pastor's wife). It made me think.....we are so selfish, and I am so unworthy to even p for this man. I felt soooooo sick to my stomach just hearing what such evil has been done to him, simply because he professed love for Jesus Christ, our Savior.....and without even officially p-ing THE p! Russell told him we would p for him, and the man responded with: "You do not have to p for me, p for everyone. Christ did not p for himself, and I want to be like Christ. P for the world, bc that is what Christ did." What do you even say to that??? I couldn't sit at lunch, so I walked into Pastor Samara's office. I couldn't stop crying so Joun p-ed for the man who we had just met. This man is our brother in Christ, and we are all one body - so whatever affects him, impacts us as well. It was very powerful, this man's story had a huge impact on all of our lives.
We taught the kids today, which seemed to go really well. Yesterday went well also! We are working at building relationships with the kids so they will open up about their situation, just to release the hurt and grief they hold. Many of them are hopeful and joyful, and some are not so hopeful. Two muslim boys were in the 13-16 year old age group. John Card and Adam p-ed the salvation p-er with the whole class today, so hopefully it is doing a work in their hearts! I believe those two boys have resistance from their parents, as their family is Muslim. Send up some p's for them please! :-) Tomorrow is field day, so that should be a fun day with them as well. Your p-ers are doing so much work here, words cannot describe. Thank you so much!!!! You all are such a blessing to us!
We had a lovely dinner back at the church after doing some more shopping. We are very well fed here!! We have also started sharing testimonies during our debrief time each night. Last night Kristen and Graham shared theirs. It was so awesome to hear how God has been moving in their lives and to hear their hearts for the Lord. It is an honor to serve with them, and I cannot wait till more of us begin sharing our stories as well! Please p that we serve as a witness to each other, and not just the people here in the field. It is just as important! :-)
The boys love the sports updates, they would like to know first round draft picks, and who the Texans now have. :-)
Thank you so much for your encouragement, again, words cannot express the thankfulness of each heart on our team. The team loves reading the messages from home! :-) Thanks for sending them!
<><
Kristina
Syria: Day 3
Mon, Apr 27, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Subject - Syria: Day 3
Hey everyone!
I'm not even sure there are words to describe today. This morning, we went and did "home visits" with families, Iraqi refugee families. We divided up into teams of three. On my team was Marcos, Graham, Kristen and myself, with Feeda as our translator. Another team was John Card, Krazer, Lauren, and Marianne with Fadi as their translator. The third team was Joun, Russell, Carolyn. These families had emotions of anger, grief, and hurt.
The first family my team went to was one where the mother had died with her grandson in an IED explosion at a local market near Baghdad. So her son, his wife, her daughter, and her husband were living in a small condo with their two children. It was so sad, I almost broke down on the spot. Her son, had to take his family and leave Iraq, as they were in much danger from terrorists. He was assisting American forces in Iraq to locate terrorists, and because he was helping the US - Islamic terrorists were trying to kill him and his family. This man is also a Christian, so is his whole family. Graham asked to lay hands on the man and p for him and his family. It was an outstanding idea, and I believe the HS lead him to do so as you could see the healing taking place in them. Kristen and I laid hands on the daughter and the man's wife, and I p-ed over them. It was such a moving experience, and I know the HS was definitely bringing hope into their lives. They were incredibly wealthy - wealthy in hope. They have so much hope to move into a better life, to Canada or somewhere safe, where they can work. I cannot even imagine how difficult it is for the woman's son (who was in his 30's about) to deal with it, a highly educated man forced to work in a restaurant to accept money under the table. (when refugees flea Iraq, they cannot work in Syria because the Iraqi govt stamps their passports so they cannot work in Syria - to force them to work and live only in Iraq) This poor man is not even able to provide for his family what they need, and he even has more than enough education to do so. My heart broke for this family, but their hope is clearly from the Lord. They have a 2 year old named Marco, who I held, he was so precious. Beautiful boy, and just holding him and hearing them tell me how they hope he grows up to be an engineer - brought tears to my eyes. This family has the Lord in their heart, and I ask that you please p for them. P for them to get visas to leave to go to a better life.
The second family, wasn't so much a family. The woman was a widow, and had lost one of her three sons at age 3 due to an illness. Her husband was killed at a local market by a suicide b'er. 4 months before that, her mother passed away. When this woman was telling her story, she broke down and couldn't stop crying. All I could do was hold her and comfort her, cry with her. I immediately asked the Lord for words. Graham grabbed an evangecube to entertain the children (7 and 5 year old boys), and taught them how to use it actually. He later gave it to them, after p-ing over the children. Kristen and I p-ed over the woman.
This story is incredible: In Russell's group, they went to a family with 7 children. I'm not sure the whole story here, I'm sure they will tell you when they return. But I know the family was waiting on visas to leave Syria, and they had no idea whether it would take 2 weeks, 2 days, or 5 years. In fact, the landlord had been standing outside their apartment and would not leave until they came up with the mney for rent. They could not afford the rent. So, Russell, Carolyn, and Joun p-ed with them. We saw them later on in the afternoon at the school, and it turns out: minutes after the team left, they received a call saying their visas were ready!!!!!!! And they were free to leave! How amazing is that! God is so faithful when we seek Him!
Also, the message to the women's group went great! Thank you so much for you p's!!! Joun's mother said it was a good message, and his Dad even came to listen! It was amazing letting the HS work through me. :-)
Russell wanted me to be sure and thank you for the sports updates. :-)
We also now have hot water!!! Thank so much for your p's on that, truly! ;-)
I must go, we are about to eat dinner at Nancy's house (Joun's sister). Dinner is ready. So I'm late!
Everyone sends their best, their love, and their prayers. The team LOVES the udpates, and God is transforming our lives in ways we cannot even explain, or fathom at the moment. It's amazing! Please continue your p's, love, encouragement, and support! Thank you!
<><
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Day 3
Hey everyone!
I'm not even sure there are words to describe today. This morning, we went and did "home visits" with families, Iraqi refugee families. We divided up into teams of three. On my team was Marcos, Graham, Kristen and myself, with Feeda as our translator. Another team was John Card, Krazer, Lauren, and Marianne with Fadi as their translator. The third team was Joun, Russell, Carolyn. These families had emotions of anger, grief, and hurt.
The first family my team went to was one where the mother had died with her grandson in an IED explosion at a local market near Baghdad. So her son, his wife, her daughter, and her husband were living in a small condo with their two children. It was so sad, I almost broke down on the spot. Her son, had to take his family and leave Iraq, as they were in much danger from terrorists. He was assisting American forces in Iraq to locate terrorists, and because he was helping the US - Islamic terrorists were trying to kill him and his family. This man is also a Christian, so is his whole family. Graham asked to lay hands on the man and p for him and his family. It was an outstanding idea, and I believe the HS lead him to do so as you could see the healing taking place in them. Kristen and I laid hands on the daughter and the man's wife, and I p-ed over them. It was such a moving experience, and I know the HS was definitely bringing hope into their lives. They were incredibly wealthy - wealthy in hope. They have so much hope to move into a better life, to Canada or somewhere safe, where they can work. I cannot even imagine how difficult it is for the woman's son (who was in his 30's about) to deal with it, a highly educated man forced to work in a restaurant to accept money under the table. (when refugees flea Iraq, they cannot work in Syria because the Iraqi govt stamps their passports so they cannot work in Syria - to force them to work and live only in Iraq) This poor man is not even able to provide for his family what they need, and he even has more than enough education to do so. My heart broke for this family, but their hope is clearly from the Lord. They have a 2 year old named Marco, who I held, he was so precious. Beautiful boy, and just holding him and hearing them tell me how they hope he grows up to be an engineer - brought tears to my eyes. This family has the Lord in their heart, and I ask that you please p for them. P for them to get visas to leave to go to a better life.
The second family, wasn't so much a family. The woman was a widow, and had lost one of her three sons at age 3 due to an illness. Her husband was killed at a local market by a suicide b'er. 4 months before that, her mother passed away. When this woman was telling her story, she broke down and couldn't stop crying. All I could do was hold her and comfort her, cry with her. I immediately asked the Lord for words. Graham grabbed an evangecube to entertain the children (7 and 5 year old boys), and taught them how to use it actually. He later gave it to them, after p-ing over the children. Kristen and I p-ed over the woman.
This story is incredible: In Russell's group, they went to a family with 7 children. I'm not sure the whole story here, I'm sure they will tell you when they return. But I know the family was waiting on visas to leave Syria, and they had no idea whether it would take 2 weeks, 2 days, or 5 years. In fact, the landlord had been standing outside their apartment and would not leave until they came up with the mney for rent. They could not afford the rent. So, Russell, Carolyn, and Joun p-ed with them. We saw them later on in the afternoon at the school, and it turns out: minutes after the team left, they received a call saying their visas were ready!!!!!!! And they were free to leave! How amazing is that! God is so faithful when we seek Him!
Also, the message to the women's group went great! Thank you so much for you p's!!! Joun's mother said it was a good message, and his Dad even came to listen! It was amazing letting the HS work through me. :-)
Russell wanted me to be sure and thank you for the sports updates. :-)
We also now have hot water!!! Thank so much for your p's on that, truly! ;-)
I must go, we are about to eat dinner at Nancy's house (Joun's sister). Dinner is ready. So I'm late!
Everyone sends their best, their love, and their prayers. The team LOVES the udpates, and God is transforming our lives in ways we cannot even explain, or fathom at the moment. It's amazing! Please continue your p's, love, encouragement, and support! Thank you!
<><
Kristina
Syria: Day 2
Sun, Apr 26, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Subject - Syria: Day 2
Hey y'all!
First, thanks so much for the encouraging emails full of support, and P's. Also, the boys are thrilled with the sports updates! ;-)
Today was another incredible day. We went to the church where John Card delivered a message on the Great Commission. He also spoke on Matthew 28 (great commission verse) and also Acts 1:8. I know God was using him to reach many. Pastor Rami also spoke (who is Joun's brother in law, Pastor Samara's son in law), and was so incredibly passionate. He too spoke on spreading God's word. The service was in Arabic and so encouraging. I met many Iraqi women shortly after the service. They are so kind, and love the Lord so much! It was so encouraging. I know I will be interacting more with them as the week progresses.
Shortly after the church service, we went to St. Anania's house. We actually stood in the exact room where Paul's conversion took place; the exact place where the scales fell from his eyes; the exact place where Saul became Paul; it was so incredibly surreal. We learned a lot of history about Paul and Anania's today. We also prayed in Anania's house, and had our devotion time there. It was truly amazing. We all took plenty of pictures, and I even picked up a few items written in Aramaic.
We then went to the old wall, where Paul was lowered in a basket to escape the city. It was from that escape that Christianity was able to spread. We also had devotion and prayer time at this spot, which was truly moving. The Lord has been stirring all of our hearts in many ways. There are 7 gates to Damascus (old city) and we have seen 4 of the 7, in fact, our hotel is right outside one of them. It is such a blessing to see all of this first hand. The scriptures just seem to come alive in such a different way, being here and seeing where it all took place.
We then had lunch at the church, which was also great. The food here is outstanding! In fact, we all often eat too much! :-) After lunch we went to Ul Mayyad mosque. It used to be a church, and it was so very sad to see how it has turned. It was predominantly a Shiite mosque, as Hussein (which they would call their equivalent to Jesus - as the tour guide instructed) has a tomb there. Words cannot describe the sorrow I felt for these people, you could really feel the absence of Jesus all around the place. We, the women, had to dress in traditional covering (head covering and all) just to enter the mosque. Also, Krazer and Russell had to wear long gray skirts because they were wearing shorts, just to enter the mosque. We definitely took plenty of pics of that! ;-) They also claim that the head of John the Baptist is buried there, however, many are skeptical.
We then went to the market for some shopping. We were able to bargain several prices of souvenirs and such down, with the help of Fadi! :-) What a chaotic place!
Last night we went to the top of a mountain overlooking the city, to pray for the city of Damascus. That was a pivotal moment for many in our group. Just being convicted to be more black and white about our faith, stepping out of the gray area. Being more committed to living out of faith; being intentional in our faith - how important that is, and actually doing something with our faith. It was very empowering and inspiring, to just get out there and "do something" for God. God can move a revival through any city, He can use us anywhere at anytime - even Houston, Texas. :-) We prayed out loud on the street at the top of the mountain, and were totally unafraid and vulnerable before God. It was awesome.
Tomorrow we start out lessons with the kids. Please P for that. Also, tomorrow night I will be giving a message to the women's ministry group at the church. Card has given me some advice on putting together a message for the women, as this will be my first time putting together a message to teach to a group of people, ever. :-) Please send up some p's for that if you can! I think I may pull some stuff from Proverbs 31, which has always been a huge impact on my life.
Thanks so much again for all your support, encouragement, and p's. Please keep them coming! Shoutouts: Kristin says "what's up Rima, hello mom and dad!" That’s all for now! Our team is tired after today, so we are in need of rest. Please p for the Lord to keep us energized! Esp with the little energetic kids! :)
Blessings,
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Day 2
Hey y'all!
First, thanks so much for the encouraging emails full of support, and P's. Also, the boys are thrilled with the sports updates! ;-)
Today was another incredible day. We went to the church where John Card delivered a message on the Great Commission. He also spoke on Matthew 28 (great commission verse) and also Acts 1:8. I know God was using him to reach many. Pastor Rami also spoke (who is Joun's brother in law, Pastor Samara's son in law), and was so incredibly passionate. He too spoke on spreading God's word. The service was in Arabic and so encouraging. I met many Iraqi women shortly after the service. They are so kind, and love the Lord so much! It was so encouraging. I know I will be interacting more with them as the week progresses.
Shortly after the church service, we went to St. Anania's house. We actually stood in the exact room where Paul's conversion took place; the exact place where the scales fell from his eyes; the exact place where Saul became Paul; it was so incredibly surreal. We learned a lot of history about Paul and Anania's today. We also prayed in Anania's house, and had our devotion time there. It was truly amazing. We all took plenty of pictures, and I even picked up a few items written in Aramaic.
We then went to the old wall, where Paul was lowered in a basket to escape the city. It was from that escape that Christianity was able to spread. We also had devotion and prayer time at this spot, which was truly moving. The Lord has been stirring all of our hearts in many ways. There are 7 gates to Damascus (old city) and we have seen 4 of the 7, in fact, our hotel is right outside one of them. It is such a blessing to see all of this first hand. The scriptures just seem to come alive in such a different way, being here and seeing where it all took place.
We then had lunch at the church, which was also great. The food here is outstanding! In fact, we all often eat too much! :-) After lunch we went to Ul Mayyad mosque. It used to be a church, and it was so very sad to see how it has turned. It was predominantly a Shiite mosque, as Hussein (which they would call their equivalent to Jesus - as the tour guide instructed) has a tomb there. Words cannot describe the sorrow I felt for these people, you could really feel the absence of Jesus all around the place. We, the women, had to dress in traditional covering (head covering and all) just to enter the mosque. Also, Krazer and Russell had to wear long gray skirts because they were wearing shorts, just to enter the mosque. We definitely took plenty of pics of that! ;-) They also claim that the head of John the Baptist is buried there, however, many are skeptical.
We then went to the market for some shopping. We were able to bargain several prices of souvenirs and such down, with the help of Fadi! :-) What a chaotic place!
Last night we went to the top of a mountain overlooking the city, to pray for the city of Damascus. That was a pivotal moment for many in our group. Just being convicted to be more black and white about our faith, stepping out of the gray area. Being more committed to living out of faith; being intentional in our faith - how important that is, and actually doing something with our faith. It was very empowering and inspiring, to just get out there and "do something" for God. God can move a revival through any city, He can use us anywhere at anytime - even Houston, Texas. :-) We prayed out loud on the street at the top of the mountain, and were totally unafraid and vulnerable before God. It was awesome.
Tomorrow we start out lessons with the kids. Please P for that. Also, tomorrow night I will be giving a message to the women's ministry group at the church. Card has given me some advice on putting together a message for the women, as this will be my first time putting together a message to teach to a group of people, ever. :-) Please send up some p's for that if you can! I think I may pull some stuff from Proverbs 31, which has always been a huge impact on my life.
Thanks so much again for all your support, encouragement, and p's. Please keep them coming! Shoutouts: Kristin says "what's up Rima, hello mom and dad!" That’s all for now! Our team is tired after today, so we are in need of rest. Please p for the Lord to keep us energized! Esp with the little energetic kids! :)
Blessings,
Kristina
Syria: Day 1
Sat, Apr 25, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Subject - Syria: Day 1
Hey y'all!
We made it! Yes, we are here, safe and sound. All of our bags made it, so no problems there either! PTL! :-) Pastor Samara picked us up from the airport with his wife (Joun's mother) and his two neices, Priscilla and Youanna - both of which I'm sure you will see in pictures from the trip. They are SO adorable and love to play tickle games with John Card (who they call "John 2") and Russell. The girls are precious!
Getting off the plane was amazing. We flew over the mountains of Lebanon at sunset, which was incredible. God's beauty is truly breathtaking in this place. We landed and got through customs ok. It was imperative to explain when asked why in Syria, we are here on vacation. On a humorous note, one of the guards asked Krazer, "what is the address where you are staying?" and his reply was, "oh! Right! Vacation!" lol And the guard replied, "No, the address!" They got that ironed out, and we were on our way! lol
Our hotel is quaint and right on "straight street" which you can read about in Acts 9:11. Yes, our actual hotel where we sleep is directly on the ancient Straight Street, right by the old wall. The old wall is long through the old city part of Damascus and is where they lowered Paul to escape, Acts 9:25. Yes, that exact spot of the wall is literally a two minute walking distance from where we are staying. We walked passed Anania's house today as well on the way to the church. It was incredible! We met there briefly to P and W. We played songs over the whole church such as "God of this City" and "Marvelous Light" just to name a few. Card read a devotional as well. We then got on a little bus to go out to Bloudan, which is where the Samara's have another church about 1 hour away. The drive was SO beautiful, mountains everywhere. However, we drive by the refugee villages and you could see the poverty of these precious people. Similar to something you might see out of Slumdog Millionaire, for those of you who have seen the film.
At Bloudan, we had lunch at the top of one of the mountains. You could physically see the gorgeous snowcapped mountain ranges and could clearly see the Lebanon border with Syria. It was so picturesque, and yes - we all took plenty of pictures! We made a "2 camera" limit rule for group photos, or we are trying to anyhow! lol The food is soooo good here. I'm pretty sure Graham and Card together ate enough food to feed two families for a day! The people are so kind and generous, especially when it comes to feeding us!
We also met a man who helps Pastor Samara named Fadi, and his wife, Feeda. Fadi's ancestry is actually of the Caldeans, if you trace it back in the bible, that is quite the lineage! Him and his wife are from Iraq. Before he married his wife, she was living in Baghdad, grew up a Christian. Some muslim extremists had told her she needs to wear a hijab (muslim head covering for women), and convert to Islam. She told them no, and they told her if she did not, they would kill her. So she fled. She is such a kind hearted woman who just pours out God's word and love in all she does. I spoke with her in arabic a bit, which was awesome. Fadi, her husband, actually grew up with Aramaic as his first language, and Arabic has his second language. In fact, his parents only know Aramaic (the language Jesus spoke, which is now largely dying), and only know small bits of arabic. It was incredible to hear his story. Fadi has a home and business in Michigan, and became a US citizen as well. However, the US govt consulate in Damascus is giving him and his wife a hard time about obtaining her visa. Everything in their lives is hinging on her obtaining this visa, and when you ask them about it, they simply say: "we just need to P." Amazing. They are such examples of strong faith. Please, please send up some P's for Fadi and his wife to get her visa, so they can start a new life in Michigan. :-)
We toured the church in Bloudan and saw the Samara's home. It's such an amazing village. They give out B's to anyone who comes inside, for free. There are about 250 people who attend, and 50 people who attend from other faiths. God is at work in Bouldan and its outstanding. They are trying to start a church in the nearby village of Zebani, which is held at a home where 35 people attend. Please P for them and the new seeds of this church.
Feeda and Pastor's Samara's wife actually hold a women's ministry meeting weekly on Monday evenings, to which they asked me to come and also invited me to speak. I am truly honored! I believe some of the other girls will be able to share as well, at least we are hoping there is time. Please P for God to give me the words, as they told me just to speak about anything! I'm excited for this opportunity! As many of you know, I have such a heart for women's ministry, especially younger women.
We also exchanged our money, so we are all set in that area. Tomorrow we will be going to church, and John Card has been asked to give a message. That truly is amazing, as in his shoes - to be giving a message in a church in Damascus minutes from where Paul witnessed to Jews. That opportunity doesn't come along too often, so please send up some P's for his words to touch hearts for God!
Aside from that, we are finishing up preparing our lessons for the kids. We start the school part on Monday, which many of us are looking forward to getting started.
Thanks SOOOO much for your P's, truly. The team is loving the encouragement and support you send!! You all are such a HUGE blessing! Shout outs: Russell wants to know if the Rockets and Astros won; Graham shouts out to his kids Jack and Henry; Lauren says "its all good" and that's just about it! Oh, and by the way, last night - there was only cold water for showers at the hotel! Yep, we all took FREEZING cold showers.....so we are hoping the management got the hot water figured out, but if not its ok - we are being flexible! lol There are dozens of humorous stories that go with the cold water, but those will have to wait for our return! :-)
Again, we are P'ing for you, and your spiritual encouragement is like little power bars, so thank you!!
<><
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Day 1
Hey y'all!
We made it! Yes, we are here, safe and sound. All of our bags made it, so no problems there either! PTL! :-) Pastor Samara picked us up from the airport with his wife (Joun's mother) and his two neices, Priscilla and Youanna - both of which I'm sure you will see in pictures from the trip. They are SO adorable and love to play tickle games with John Card (who they call "John 2") and Russell. The girls are precious!
Getting off the plane was amazing. We flew over the mountains of Lebanon at sunset, which was incredible. God's beauty is truly breathtaking in this place. We landed and got through customs ok. It was imperative to explain when asked why in Syria, we are here on vacation. On a humorous note, one of the guards asked Krazer, "what is the address where you are staying?" and his reply was, "oh! Right! Vacation!" lol And the guard replied, "No, the address!" They got that ironed out, and we were on our way! lol
Our hotel is quaint and right on "straight street" which you can read about in Acts 9:11. Yes, our actual hotel where we sleep is directly on the ancient Straight Street, right by the old wall. The old wall is long through the old city part of Damascus and is where they lowered Paul to escape, Acts 9:25. Yes, that exact spot of the wall is literally a two minute walking distance from where we are staying. We walked passed Anania's house today as well on the way to the church. It was incredible! We met there briefly to P and W. We played songs over the whole church such as "God of this City" and "Marvelous Light" just to name a few. Card read a devotional as well. We then got on a little bus to go out to Bloudan, which is where the Samara's have another church about 1 hour away. The drive was SO beautiful, mountains everywhere. However, we drive by the refugee villages and you could see the poverty of these precious people. Similar to something you might see out of Slumdog Millionaire, for those of you who have seen the film.
At Bloudan, we had lunch at the top of one of the mountains. You could physically see the gorgeous snowcapped mountain ranges and could clearly see the Lebanon border with Syria. It was so picturesque, and yes - we all took plenty of pictures! We made a "2 camera" limit rule for group photos, or we are trying to anyhow! lol The food is soooo good here. I'm pretty sure Graham and Card together ate enough food to feed two families for a day! The people are so kind and generous, especially when it comes to feeding us!
We also met a man who helps Pastor Samara named Fadi, and his wife, Feeda. Fadi's ancestry is actually of the Caldeans, if you trace it back in the bible, that is quite the lineage! Him and his wife are from Iraq. Before he married his wife, she was living in Baghdad, grew up a Christian. Some muslim extremists had told her she needs to wear a hijab (muslim head covering for women), and convert to Islam. She told them no, and they told her if she did not, they would kill her. So she fled. She is such a kind hearted woman who just pours out God's word and love in all she does. I spoke with her in arabic a bit, which was awesome. Fadi, her husband, actually grew up with Aramaic as his first language, and Arabic has his second language. In fact, his parents only know Aramaic (the language Jesus spoke, which is now largely dying), and only know small bits of arabic. It was incredible to hear his story. Fadi has a home and business in Michigan, and became a US citizen as well. However, the US govt consulate in Damascus is giving him and his wife a hard time about obtaining her visa. Everything in their lives is hinging on her obtaining this visa, and when you ask them about it, they simply say: "we just need to P." Amazing. They are such examples of strong faith. Please, please send up some P's for Fadi and his wife to get her visa, so they can start a new life in Michigan. :-)
We toured the church in Bloudan and saw the Samara's home. It's such an amazing village. They give out B's to anyone who comes inside, for free. There are about 250 people who attend, and 50 people who attend from other faiths. God is at work in Bouldan and its outstanding. They are trying to start a church in the nearby village of Zebani, which is held at a home where 35 people attend. Please P for them and the new seeds of this church.
Feeda and Pastor's Samara's wife actually hold a women's ministry meeting weekly on Monday evenings, to which they asked me to come and also invited me to speak. I am truly honored! I believe some of the other girls will be able to share as well, at least we are hoping there is time. Please P for God to give me the words, as they told me just to speak about anything! I'm excited for this opportunity! As many of you know, I have such a heart for women's ministry, especially younger women.
We also exchanged our money, so we are all set in that area. Tomorrow we will be going to church, and John Card has been asked to give a message. That truly is amazing, as in his shoes - to be giving a message in a church in Damascus minutes from where Paul witnessed to Jews. That opportunity doesn't come along too often, so please send up some P's for his words to touch hearts for God!
Aside from that, we are finishing up preparing our lessons for the kids. We start the school part on Monday, which many of us are looking forward to getting started.
Thanks SOOOO much for your P's, truly. The team is loving the encouragement and support you send!! You all are such a HUGE blessing! Shout outs: Russell wants to know if the Rockets and Astros won; Graham shouts out to his kids Jack and Henry; Lauren says "its all good" and that's just about it! Oh, and by the way, last night - there was only cold water for showers at the hotel! Yep, we all took FREEZING cold showers.....so we are hoping the management got the hot water figured out, but if not its ok - we are being flexible! lol There are dozens of humorous stories that go with the cold water, but those will have to wait for our return! :-)
Again, we are P'ing for you, and your spiritual encouragement is like little power bars, so thank you!!
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Kristina
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