I feel that God sends messages and answers to prayers in many different ways. One is by reading His word...He makes things appear very clear to us when we read a passage, and the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to reveal something amazing. I also believe that the Spirit can work through other people, music on the radio, occurrences in our day, pretty much anything else I can think of. If we are open to hearing God speak, even His whispers, He will let us know He's there.
God grants strength to those that ask for it, and He grants peace and serenity for those that really seek a sense of approval from God. Almost permission. God wants you to be strong. Men, God wants you to find this strength through Him. He wants you to know you were made for more...He wants you to know that faith is all it took for Peter to walk on the water. You can too. You are worth it. As Britt Nicole sings in her song "Walk on the Water:"
So what are you waiting for?
What have you got to loose?
Your insecurities have got a hold on you.
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move.
If faith is all it takes then you can walk on the water too.
What's holding you back? I find it interesting in my recent reads "Captivating" and "Wild at Heart" It's awesome how God crafted man in His image, and topped it off with woman. Ladies, we are special. We are something to be prized after. Our beauty is made to show off God's tender work. We want to be sought, pursued, and longed for. We want to be unveiled, but we want to be safe. It is a big risk to reveal ourselves...our hearts are a treasure. We don't want it broken.
We are the end of God's work. We were the last thing that this world needed to be complete. What are we doing saying we're too fat? Judging ourselves in the mirror? Thinking that one zit on our face makes us a failure? What made us become so shallow?
Men, why did we start to look at woman's curves and their cup size? What made their appearance so important? Don't get me wrong...physical attraction helps, but what made THAT the main cause of a woman's worth? I wish I could say that I would have really enjoyed myself in high school...but I didn't. In fact, I cried almost every night because I didn't think I was good enough. I cried after being longed for so much, that I thought I wasn't even worth fighting for...mainly for one guy that I wanted.
Now, I am very pleased to say that I am content. I don't cry anymore, because I know someday...my man will work for me. He will find me, and pursue me with everything he's got. He will pray for peace, and he will seek God's heart to find mine...and God will give my heart away. I am content with this, because God knows my heart better than me. In my singleness and acceptance in this, I find God revealing more and more about me as a future wife that I need to know. I read more about what I need to be for my future husband, and gradually understand more about the woman I want to be to men around me. God also reveals to me more of what my man needs to be like. I feel that the two Sundays before this one had sermons reflecting expectations of men, and loving them. Verses popped up for me to be patient for God's timing. Passages were preached on and studied that revealed more about my direction and growth. I was learning more about who I needed to be, and what I needed to be. I LOVE this line...it came from one of those cute devotional books that you could read in like 2 minutes. "Marriage isn't about finding the right person...it's becoming the right person." For some, becoming the right person may involve accepting the person you already are...the person God made you to be.
When I was young(er), I thought I was too intimidating. I thought my outrageous behaviors and eccentric personality scared men away. Now, I embrace it, along with other things I've realized about myself. God made me this way, and I am at peace with it. It's fun anyway! My biggest strength I find is that I am giving. I give my time and energy all the time. No, I lied. I give God's time and energy all the time. I realized that if it was my own energy, I would be burned out in a week. I would hate my job because I was always exhausted...but I don't. I love it, not because I am changing lives in seniors, but because God is through me.
My weakness HAS to be anything mental...my brain isn't great. In fact, I have a terrible time remembering the depth I go in Bible studies. I have to write down everything that comes to mind when I read or hear a sermon, because I won't remember it in the next 15 minutes. Recalling passages is frustrating to me. I know I read and studied it...but I can't remember it. I rejoice when I can actually quote something and reference it correctly because it HARDLY happens for me! History is not my strong point...and when I try to connect historical events together I don't get very far. When I study things concerning more history than application, I'm lost. Now applying to my life is MUCH easier. I pray for individuals that will be knowledgeable historically that will have the patience to sit with me and help me understand more context in the applications. In fact, if I married a man that could do this that would be awesome! But I don't know the man God has for me.
So...after all this, what desires has God put in my heart for the man I want? I pray for a man that will not be afraid to set the world on fire. I pray for a man that isn't afraid to go against the norm for God. I pray for a man that will honor our marriage as a representation of God's love for His Church. I want a man that is going to keep my emotions and passions in check and bring me back to the reality of situations. I want a man that will adore the sunset with me, and glorify God's amazing creativity in the stars. I want a man that is going to love me, but love God more. I remember Paul saying that his concerns in marriage is that now man has to please man and God...rather than just please God. I really want to be a woman that will be pleased if my man tries to please God over me.
Why do I post this? Do I feel the world needs to hear about my personal love life? No, but sometimes I know hearing/reading about another person's struggles or growth encourages me to find peace in myself about my own life and directions. So, I hope that reading about my thoughts and revelations on this topic (as revealed by God) helps you all to reflect on your roles as a man or woman. What are your strengths? What makes you worth pursuing ladies? What makes you beautiful? Guys...what makes you feel alive? What things really make your blood pump? What brings your heart out? Why do you hesitate?
Men, you are strong enough.
Women, you are beautiful and lovely enough.
Why?
Because God made us that way. Embrace yourselves and learn more about God's use for your strengths.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Personal Mottos of the Moment
Colossians 4:6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Ephesians 4:26-29 "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, bu must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
II Corinthians 4:5-12 "For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness; made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."
I Thessalonians 4:11-12 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
I Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Ephesians 4:26-29 "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, bu must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
II Corinthians 4:5-12 "For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness; made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."
I Thessalonians 4:11-12 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
I Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
So Thankful
I will keep this post short because I am tired and want to get to sleep soon...but I wanted to share some amazing happenings in my life that God has TRULY blessed me with!
First, my brother comes home this weekend!! My parents are flying out to Cali. to see his graduation from basic training...and then my strong, marine baby brother is going to be home and I get to see him!
Second, I am all moved in to my new place. I still have some cleaning and finalizing to do with my past landlord, but I am all situated and moved in! And it's amazing!! So wonderful! My roommate is great, the place is very homey for my taste, and I am blessed to have a better environment to host more gatherings and hangouts! God has truly led me to this.
Third, my dear friend has moved from the hospice house, and is now residing in a building that's part of the facility I work in...not only do I work in this building, but it's also my floor! God has given us the chance to see each other every day while I'm working, and for me to keep up with how she is doing as part of my job!! Praise God!!
When I think about these things, nothing about my life can bring me down. I have my scares, but the big picture is that God is taking care of me and my loved ones around me. God is using me to say the right words to my friends, and He is urging me to use my energy to accomplish great things. God has given me opportunities to encourage and lift others up...I have a dear friend whom asked for my prayers...and I brought him with me to Feed My Starving Children. He is seeking guidance for his life now through God...and I am so glad to be part of that process for him. I want to be there. I want to be used. God loves him so much, and I want him to know just how much.
Everyone reading this...life gets you down and things will happen. But God has given you more positives than you may realize. Reflect on the good around you, and let the bad things fade. "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable...if anything is excellent and praiseworthy, think about such things." Philippians 4:8.
We have so much to be thankful for. What things has God done for you that you need to give thanks for? Think about such things.
First, my brother comes home this weekend!! My parents are flying out to Cali. to see his graduation from basic training...and then my strong, marine baby brother is going to be home and I get to see him!
Second, I am all moved in to my new place. I still have some cleaning and finalizing to do with my past landlord, but I am all situated and moved in! And it's amazing!! So wonderful! My roommate is great, the place is very homey for my taste, and I am blessed to have a better environment to host more gatherings and hangouts! God has truly led me to this.
Third, my dear friend has moved from the hospice house, and is now residing in a building that's part of the facility I work in...not only do I work in this building, but it's also my floor! God has given us the chance to see each other every day while I'm working, and for me to keep up with how she is doing as part of my job!! Praise God!!
When I think about these things, nothing about my life can bring me down. I have my scares, but the big picture is that God is taking care of me and my loved ones around me. God is using me to say the right words to my friends, and He is urging me to use my energy to accomplish great things. God has given me opportunities to encourage and lift others up...I have a dear friend whom asked for my prayers...and I brought him with me to Feed My Starving Children. He is seeking guidance for his life now through God...and I am so glad to be part of that process for him. I want to be there. I want to be used. God loves him so much, and I want him to know just how much.
Everyone reading this...life gets you down and things will happen. But God has given you more positives than you may realize. Reflect on the good around you, and let the bad things fade. "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable...if anything is excellent and praiseworthy, think about such things." Philippians 4:8.
We have so much to be thankful for. What things has God done for you that you need to give thanks for? Think about such things.
Friday, May 6, 2011
My Dear Esther
Today, I went to the Hospice House in Waterloo to visit a friend whom I made during my internship and job. She is a dear old woman named Esther, and she has basically become a Grandma/good friend to me. She had been a survivor of heart failure, and was expected to pass well before my internship started up. She was given a second chance by God, and I fully believe that second chance was for me.
During my internship, I had been stressed and pulled everywhere with my life. This woman prayed for me and reminded me of the reason for struggles. Her faith had really encouraged me, and I really loved the chances we got to sit down and chat about life with each other. Esther was always asking about my progress emotionally and spiritually, and I was not afraid to inform her of every detail because I knew I was telling a heart that would earnestly pray for everything I told her.
Now, it's my turn to be that person for her. Esther had been suffering from back and abdominal pain for a while now, and I was told that she is suffering from renal failure. Her kidneys are shutting down, her appetite is gone, and her energy level today was barely existent. She couldn't keep her eyes open, but her grip on my hand tightened as I sat by her bedside. She remembered who I was and let me pray over her before I left. I had done this Monday as well, and it really meant the world to her that I had come to visit. Today, she started the prayer. As I finished, her grip tightened even more.
As I watched my dear friend lay there with her body failing, I had many thoughts run through my mind. Many things I wanted to tell her. I wanted her to know how much I appreciated her being there for me. I wanted her to see success in my struggles, and I want her to really see what her and I had been patiently waiting and praying for in my life.
If you are reading this, please keep this woman and her family in your prayers. I don't know how much longer I will have to visit Esther, and I am going tomorrow to the Hospice Home with the attitude that I may not see her again down here on Earth. I cry thinking about losing her, but rejoice that her pain will soon end. Her confusion and suffering will soon come to a close, and our Heavenly Father will cradle my friend's spirit up to His presence...where she will never suffer again.
Dear Esther,
I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your life. Thank you for sharing your many poems with me, reflecting your thoughts during your near-death struggles. Thank you for the encouragement and perseverance that I needed to keep moving when my body couldn't. Thank you for your countless prayers, thoughts, and hugs. Thank you for making me feel beautiful and worth it. Thank you for the laughs, the music, the tears, the memories, and the lives you and I helped change together. Thank you for your faith. Your faith made mine stronger. Your trust made mine exist more. Your love made me blossom. Your hope for my future made my hope grow. Esther, tell Jesus "Hi" for me. I will someday join you there. I celebrate in your soon-to-come entrance into our Creator's presence, and rejoice in the fact that I was able to know you.
Your dear friend and adopted grandchild in Christ,
Kat
Jesus, keep my dear Esther close to your heart tonight. Comfort her, love her, relieve her. If it be your will to take her life into your kingdom soon, do so with little struggle. I pray she may be gently lifted toward you, with little effort at all. Give her peace, rest, and an anticipation to finally see you face to face. Oh Lord, what a joyous sight to see...Esther's face full of joy...to finally see her Lover face to face...to finally see the Creator of it all...the Messiah...the King of King's and Lord of Lords...Prince of Peace. God...do not forsake your daughter Esther tonight. May her spirit find rest and her body find relief. I pray this because I know you can do all things Jesus, and I ask this as a friend who hurts for the suffering...give her rest.
I love you Jesus.
Amen.
During my internship, I had been stressed and pulled everywhere with my life. This woman prayed for me and reminded me of the reason for struggles. Her faith had really encouraged me, and I really loved the chances we got to sit down and chat about life with each other. Esther was always asking about my progress emotionally and spiritually, and I was not afraid to inform her of every detail because I knew I was telling a heart that would earnestly pray for everything I told her.
Now, it's my turn to be that person for her. Esther had been suffering from back and abdominal pain for a while now, and I was told that she is suffering from renal failure. Her kidneys are shutting down, her appetite is gone, and her energy level today was barely existent. She couldn't keep her eyes open, but her grip on my hand tightened as I sat by her bedside. She remembered who I was and let me pray over her before I left. I had done this Monday as well, and it really meant the world to her that I had come to visit. Today, she started the prayer. As I finished, her grip tightened even more.
As I watched my dear friend lay there with her body failing, I had many thoughts run through my mind. Many things I wanted to tell her. I wanted her to know how much I appreciated her being there for me. I wanted her to see success in my struggles, and I want her to really see what her and I had been patiently waiting and praying for in my life.
If you are reading this, please keep this woman and her family in your prayers. I don't know how much longer I will have to visit Esther, and I am going tomorrow to the Hospice Home with the attitude that I may not see her again down here on Earth. I cry thinking about losing her, but rejoice that her pain will soon end. Her confusion and suffering will soon come to a close, and our Heavenly Father will cradle my friend's spirit up to His presence...where she will never suffer again.
Dear Esther,
I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your life. Thank you for sharing your many poems with me, reflecting your thoughts during your near-death struggles. Thank you for the encouragement and perseverance that I needed to keep moving when my body couldn't. Thank you for your countless prayers, thoughts, and hugs. Thank you for making me feel beautiful and worth it. Thank you for the laughs, the music, the tears, the memories, and the lives you and I helped change together. Thank you for your faith. Your faith made mine stronger. Your trust made mine exist more. Your love made me blossom. Your hope for my future made my hope grow. Esther, tell Jesus "Hi" for me. I will someday join you there. I celebrate in your soon-to-come entrance into our Creator's presence, and rejoice in the fact that I was able to know you.
Your dear friend and adopted grandchild in Christ,
Kat
Jesus, keep my dear Esther close to your heart tonight. Comfort her, love her, relieve her. If it be your will to take her life into your kingdom soon, do so with little struggle. I pray she may be gently lifted toward you, with little effort at all. Give her peace, rest, and an anticipation to finally see you face to face. Oh Lord, what a joyous sight to see...Esther's face full of joy...to finally see her Lover face to face...to finally see the Creator of it all...the Messiah...the King of King's and Lord of Lords...Prince of Peace. God...do not forsake your daughter Esther tonight. May her spirit find rest and her body find relief. I pray this because I know you can do all things Jesus, and I ask this as a friend who hurts for the suffering...give her rest.
I love you Jesus.
Amen.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Love Never Fails
Today for the sermon at Grace, we were taught about the greatest commandments of all. " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”
Love. So many times we here the words "love" and automatically think romance. Some think it awkward to here someone say "I love you" to someone other than their spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. Jesus wants us to. Not just to say it, but mean it. To everyone. Not romantically, but out of brotherly love.
Does this mean we forget about the commandments He gave to Moses at Mt. Sinai? Not at all. This commandment means we must follow them all the more. By following the ten commandments today, we follow them because we want to be closer to God. We want to love God by fleeing from murder, lying, sexual adultery. How do we show we love God? By loving others.
Love is an amazing word. It is a word we either fling around too often or not enough. It is a word that can restore a heart or crush it. Love is a powerful word, and it can change a life if used right.
I have lyrics to a song by Brandon Heath that I wanted to share. I thought it appropriate. Love your fellow man, and love the God worthy of your all. How can you show love?
Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all
Matters the most
Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside
Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you
Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time
Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you
When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this
Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life
Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you
Love. So many times we here the words "love" and automatically think romance. Some think it awkward to here someone say "I love you" to someone other than their spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. Jesus wants us to. Not just to say it, but mean it. To everyone. Not romantically, but out of brotherly love.
Does this mean we forget about the commandments He gave to Moses at Mt. Sinai? Not at all. This commandment means we must follow them all the more. By following the ten commandments today, we follow them because we want to be closer to God. We want to love God by fleeing from murder, lying, sexual adultery. How do we show we love God? By loving others.
Love is an amazing word. It is a word we either fling around too often or not enough. It is a word that can restore a heart or crush it. Love is a powerful word, and it can change a life if used right.
I have lyrics to a song by Brandon Heath that I wanted to share. I thought it appropriate. Love your fellow man, and love the God worthy of your all. How can you show love?
Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all
Matters the most
Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside
Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you
Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time
Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you
When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this
Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life
Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you
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