Christmas

It's the day after Christmas. I went back to work. I didn't want to, but bills don't pay their self.

I have been a little down lately. To be honest I have been bordering on being Scrooge and the Grinch rolled up in one. I almost asked my mother if I could borrow her t shirt that says...Give me one good reason to smile.
I wondered around for a month, down, bordering on depression, because I knew Christmas was more than what I could buy for someone.

I mean, really, the way Christmas is portrayed in the media, unless you spend a boat load of money, buy the biggest, best and most expensive gift, you don't love your family, your friends, or your co workers.


I prayed. Rather I tried to pray. My feelings were that they weren't going any higher than the ceiling.
When I did try to pray, I got frustrated because I didn't know what to pray for.

My emotions were all over the place. You know how tornadoes have all the wind, all the destructive force in them and the center, or the eye of a tornado it is calm.
That's how I felt.
By looking at me, you would think I was calm. But swirling all around me was debri and self doubt.

Am I supposed to preach? What makes me think that I have anything to say to anyone about God?
I'll never get a better paying job. I'll  be struggling the rest of my life. And if I do get another job it will be through a temp service so will I be digging myself deeper in a financial hole? How in the world will I pay the taxes and dr bills that are due plus the regular bills?
Will I ever meet anyone to love? Am I destined to spend the rest of my life alone? If I get sick, who will take care of me? Why haven't I met someone to love? Am I "that" ugly no one would have me?
I felt like crying. All The Time........ And a lot of times .....I did.
You get the picture.

I was looking for a miracle.

Christmas Eve night, the pastor of my church had a Communion service. The way he does it is by families. It is a personal experience. He speaks about the meaning of communion and why we do it, then serves it and then prays for the family.

I went by myself.

I cried all the way to the church and almost didn't go. But I did.

Another family was ahead of me and as I sat in the back of the church waiting my turn, I bowed my head and prayed like I hadn't in a long time.

I asked God to open my eyes and my heart to what he wanted me to know. To show me the way.
I took communion, humbly asking God for forgiveness and to be with me. To show me how blessed I am.

And you know what? He did!

Christmas night, my mama, sisters, nieces, brother in law, and my sons and my daughters came to the house for supper. Just like they do every year.

And this morning on the way to work I realized just how blessed I am.

I saw it in the faces of those precious little girls as they played with their toys they had got from Santa. How they wanted me to play with them. I saw how healthy they are and I thanked God for them.
I saw the 2 yr old playing with my keyboard. She put on headphones (which weren't hooked up) yet she was turning the volume up and dancing and singing. She was so happy (until I unplugged it. ) You can only take so much :)

I saw my family, laughing and talking.

I saw my precious sons and their wives, sitting around the table, playing cards laughing and talking about memories of their childhood. Telling stories about work. And there was some wild stories!

I thought about how the people at the church I preach at once a month, have taken me under their wing and accepted me.
I thought of all the people I have been blessed to know that are not with us anymore.

And I thanked God for all he had shown me.

I'm not perfect. I never will be. I will let doubt creep in.

But, I know that I have someone who loves me with all my faults, all my doubts, all my imperfections.

I still need that financial miracle. But I'll trust God to take care of it for me. I have to, because I can't do it on my own.

I have been working on a Bible study written by Rebecca Aarup called  The Word...6 Lessons from Psalm 119. I haven't gotten far in it because I want to take my time and savor every bit of it. So many of the verses stood out to me and touched my heart.
It was exactly what I was needing.
God is like that. When we ask, from the heart, God is just to show us.

Psalm 119:28 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.

Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

Psalm 119:49 Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope.

Psalm 119:71 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

Psalm 119:84a How long must I wait?

Psalm 119:94a I am yours; rescue me!

All scripture is from the NLT version.
As you can see these scriptures spoke volumes to me.
Whenever we get in the shape I was in, remember to pick up your Bible and read the "Living" word of our Lord.

Every answer to every question we have will be there!!

Dear God, I thank you for your love, grace and mercy. I thank you for sending your son Jesus to come to earth as a little baby to grow and teach and die for our sins. Help me to remember what the real meaning of the season is. It's not about how much I spend. It's about the love you have for us.
Amen

God's Blessings to you.

Love,
Kathy

Count Your Blessings

Well here it is. Thanksgiving.
 A day we have set aside to get together with family and friends to eat turkey and dressing.

 And to count our blessings.

We should be thankful every minute of every day. I try to be , but I know I fail at this. It's hard to try and remember to be thankful for every thing, all the time.

But the Bible says we are to be thankful in all things.

It's hard to be thankful when you don't feel good or you are tired.
I believe I had a gall bladder attack during Thanksgiving. It wasn't easy being thankful when your stomach felt like it was going to explode or whatever you ate was going to come back up. I didn't get to eat all I had planned, but I guess that was a good thing. At least I was off from work and could suffer at home by myself.

It's hard to be thankful when your child (no matter how old) is sick or hurting.
My boys are grown and married now, but when they hurt I hurt, when they are sick I want to make them feel better.

It's hard to be thankful when your marriage is falling apart.
I wasn't very thankful when this was happening, but looking back I see the how God was working.

It's hard to be thankful when you are in a low paying, going nowhere job.
But you don't have to stay in that low paying job. I have a few possibilities for the new year.


It's hard to be thankful when you see so much injustice in the world. People are hungry, hurting, abused , alone, scared...........

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank God for every trial, every blessing, every thing He has given me.

Blessings,
Kathy

Leaving the Past in the Past

I know we shouldn't dwell on the past. We should leave it behind us. But sometimes, we need to look back on the past to see how far we have come.

There are certain things we can think of, with fondness.

The birth of a child is a wonderful thing. When you hold that sweet, tiny person in your arms, you melt. You are in awe of the miracle of life. You feel so blessed.

I have two sons, so twice a year I dwell on their births.
I remember how labor starts, where I am when it starts, the trip to the hospital. My youngest son loves to hear about the morning he was born. And he is 27! My sons are such a blessing to me. I love them both dearly and would fight to the death for them.

Some things we think on that are sad.
I remember the day my daddy died. It was heartbreaking. We were all in the room with him as his heart stopped beating. I can remember the pain I felt, who was in the room, the snow on the ground outside, the beep of the moniters.  The sadness that filled us all. How I love my daddy and look forward to the day I can see him again.

I remember vividly the day I came home to the note on the table saying my husband was leaving me.
I will never forget the day, and date or the  feelings I had.

But, I look back now at the beginning of all the madness that followed, and can see how now I am a stronger person. I see now how God was there with me through all those dark days.

I remember all the promises that God made to me as I read his word. I remember that people will let you down, but that my Lord and Savior never will.

I am not the same person I was 8 years ago.

I am not as shy about speaking in front of others as I used to be. As a matter of fact I lead a praise and worship service at my church , and I preach one Sunday a month at a small church. There is no way on earth I would have done that before.

 I go places now that I had never been before. I went to Panama City, Florida with my children and their wives this summer for a week.         I definately want to go back.
I have to drive places I had not driven before because of the ministry I am going into to. I was terrified until God told me to get a GPS to use and now I look for places to go so I can use it.

I have always had faith in God and have gone to church all my life. But now there is a sense of urgency in me to spread God's word and to serve him in ways I never dreamed of.

The things of the past can hurt. God can turn any situation around for the good. So I don't dwell anymore on the bad. I do think of things as the anniversary of the date comes up ( and it will be this Sunday), and I do get sad. But then I think of everything the good Lord has done for me and how he held me in his arms during all the bad times and I can move on.

Only God knows my future. And Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
This verse is a friend of mines life verse.. I believe I will make it mine too.

All I know for sure is what happened in my past. I can learn from past mistakes, and try to not make them anymore.
That is all the past is good for. We still have the present and the future to live for.
Sometimes we think that if we could go back and do things differently, we would.
\ I been thinking a lot about this. I don't know if I would change things, do something different.   If I hadn't gotten married to my ex husband I wouldn't have my precious sons.  I wouldn't have had the life experiences I have had.

I just need to always remember God is in control.
 He loves me unconditionally, no matter how much I mess up.

God's Blessings to you,
Kathy

What I Am

Do you ever wonder "what you are"?

When we meet someone new, we usually associate what we do with who we are.

If I am "only" what I do for a living, I'm not much. I am a low paid factory worker, who is broke and struggling to pay her bills.

I could get all depressed and sad about this. And I do sometimes.

But during these times I have noticed something.

I realized life goes on around me. Whether I have money or not. The world doesn't stop turning when I'm broke or hurting.

So if I just think that is who I am, where is the hope of something better?

During these times, I go to my Bible and read. And if I believe the Bible, I am so much more than a low paid factory worker.

Here is a short list of what I am............

I am a child of God....Galatians 3:26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
I have a heavenly Father. He loves and protects me. He is always there for me. He is my daddy, and I love him dearly.

I am blessed...............Ephesians 3:6 And this is God's plan; Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.
Blessings don't always mean money. I am blessed with a wonderful family, multiple church families, a job, a good home and friends. I am blessed because Jesus chose to die on that cross for my sins. And I chose to accept his most wonderful gift and serve him.

I am redeemed.............Psalm 34:22  But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
I looked up the definition of the word "redeemed".
........to free from the consequences of sin...........
CONSEQUENCES OF SIN = A life of eternal damnation.... That's not for me......And I don't want it to be for you

Because of what Jesus did by dying on that cross, he paid my sin bill in full. I sin everyday. I am not blameless. But I can ask for forgiveness, and he is faithful to grant it.

It is time for me to confess who I am to myself each day. I need to stop listening to the devil, who says I am not anything on my list.

So listen to this devil.......I am a child of the most high God!
I am blessed beyond measure. Beyond my wildest dreams. I can do all things through my Father God!
I am redeemed! Yes redeemed! My sins have been paid for! Bought and paid in full! And I choose to follow God!


Listen to this great video by Big Daddy Weave. It's called Redeemed.

I love this song, it speaks to me more than any song has in a long time. I got the soundtrack yesterday so I could sing it at early praise service today. It is an awesome song....Enjoy :)

http://youtu.be/VzGAYNKDyIU

Truly Blessed,
Kathy

The Happiest Man I have Known

1 Thessalonians 3:9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God's presence.  
The world lost a happy man the other day. It was a sudden loss. It still doesn't seem real. But heaven gained a big smiling face!!!!!

A dear sweet man from church passed from this life into the glory of God the other night. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. I have only known him for a few short years. He was in his late 70's when I met him.

He started coming to church with a sweet little lady. They were boyfriend/ girlfriend and were so sweet together. He always had his arm around her or they were holding hands. Sort of made me a little jealous!

She was a christian and loved church. He was a man who had thought for years that "maybe" he was all right with the Lord.

  She doesn't drive, so he took her everywhere she needed to go. And he loved coming to church. Whatever the occassion, whatever was going on at church, every picnic, cookout, hayride, wagon ride, revival, Sunday school, preaching, worship service,Bible study, they were there. And always with a smile on his face. Always asking, "Ms Kathy, how are you"?

He had a thirst for God's word. He was hungry for God. He would ask questions. We answered them the best we could.

One night after Bible study, in the Sunday school room of the church, he committed his life to the Lord. He realized that he hadn't been saved but needed to be saved. He was 77 years old.

I'm sure there was some shouting going on that night. On earth and in heaven

. He was baptized. He said he thought once he was saved and baptized the devil would leave him alone. But he said he was wrong. He said the devil was on his shoulder when he came up out of the water.We told him the devil had had him before and didn't like that he was God's child now.He said the devil could just get over it. He belonged to God!

He was a happy man, because he trusted in God to take care of everything..

He had troubles and problems, like everyone else. He took everything with a smile. He prayed to his Lord and Savior and trusted Him to take care of whatever problem he had. He wasn't ashamed to go to the altar to pray. He wasn't ashamed to raise his hands in praise to the Lord who saved him. He wasn't ashamed to proclaim God's word to his neighbors.


We started an early Praise and Worship service. We start an hour before our regular worship service. He and his lady were usually the first ones there. If I got there and they weren't, I would pray nothing was wrong. And in a few minutes they would show up. He loved the praise service. We would sing and listen to songs and just praise and worship our Lord.He told us more than once that he needed a bigger cup because his cup was running over with joy.

He would say that he couldn't understand why people didn't come to church. That the church and all churches should be full each week. He believed if more would come to church that the world would be a better place. If we had more people like this dear man, the world would be a better place.

Last Sunday he went into the hospital. He thought he had food poisoning. Monday afternoon, my pastor called and said they were sending him to another hospital, that he had cancer and his organs were shutting down. He made it through that night. Late Tuesday night he departed this earth.

A service is planned for Saturday, to celebrate his life. I don't think he would want us to be sad. I think he would want us to remember the good times we had.

 I'll always remember his smile. I'll remember his hunger for the word of God, his questions, all his stories.

By meeting this precious man, talking to him, praying with and for him, he brought joy to my life. He makes me want to be a better person. He makes me want to spread God's love to others, just like he did. He makes me want to be a happy person.

I can just imagine the smile on his face right now. And I pray he's getting all his questions answered.

How I thank God for you, Mr. Charlie! Because of you I have great joy as I enter God's presence.

With love, Kathy

Forgiving The Most Obvious Person Ever...

One of the hardest things in the world to do is forgive someone. I, personally, have a hard time not holding a grudge. Take my husband for example: I’m one of those people who will bring something up from five years ago if it makes my point in an argument, “Do you remember when blah blah blah blah…”

Yeah, it’s not the healthiest way to be lol.

But there is another person we have to forgive… and this person is one of the hardest people ever to forgive.

Not the person who broke your heart…

Not the guy who broke into your house…

Not the girl who taunted you in high school…

Nope, the hardest person to forgive is yourself.

Have you ever tried to forgive yourself for something… even something minor? It takes a small act of Congress to convince yourself that whatever it is isn’t your fault and even if it is, it’s not the end of the world.

That is one of the themes in the new book, CROSSING THE DEEP (Astraea Press). In it, Rachel Harker’s life pretty much stopped two years ago when her father died. She blames herself for it (maybe for good reason… maybe it was just a coincidence), and can’t forgive herself for it. While on the hike with her church’s youth group, she sees a sign for Harker Cemetary. The lure is too much for her since she needs a connection to her past. That act cuts her off from the rest of the group and sets in motion a four day nightmare in the woods, stuck with Asher Jenkins, a guy she barely knows.

Rachel has to decide if she can let go of her past in order to have a future.

What about you? Is there something in your past you are hanging on to? Can you let it go? Pray about it. Extra baggage weighs your shoulders down, but when you are free of it, you walk straighter—less heavy.

Big, huge thanks to Kathy for having me here today... And for being my cheerleader and book 'editor' Love you :) J

 

Back Cover Blurb:

Sixteen year old Rachel Harker expects the church sponsored hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains to be short and painless. Four days later, injured and scared, Rachel prays to just make it home alive.

Asher Jenkins, fellow hiker and handsome skeptic who is only on the hike so he doesn’t have to go home and face his abusive ‘uncle’, finds Rachel in the woods and tries to get her back to Deep Creek Trail. A small hole hidden under the fall leaves causes her ankle to twist and forces Asher to leave her to get help. As night falls, he comes back, unable to find the right trail.

As hours stretch into days, an unexpected rainstorm bears down the mountain, flooding Deep Creek and cutting off their way home. Rachel puts all of her faith in God to save them. Asher thinks believing in God is a waste of time and does what he can to prove to Rachel that He doesn’t exist.

With their food gone and the temperature dropping, time is running out. Will Rachel be able to do what needs to be done to get home? And can Asher find faith when he needs it the most?

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Kelly Martin is a writer, blogger, mommy, teacher, wife, sleep deprived lady (not necessarily in that order). She writes young adult/Christian fiction. Her second book, SAINT SLOAN, is coming late winter 2013. For more information on her, please visit her blog at http://www.kellymartinstories.com/

BUY LINKS:
amazon.com
barnesandnoble.com
astraeapress.com

You can find her on:

Twitter:@martieKay

faceboo: Kelly Martin, Author

 

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Amazing Grace

Amazing grace.. how sweet the sound...that saved a wretch like me...I once was lost... but now I'm found...was blind but now I see.

 A dr had told me 5 years ago I had cataracts. But he said that I was too young to have them and it was no big deal, no hurry to have them removed.

I was at the point that I couldn't see anything out of my right eye. My left was not much better. When you scare yourself driving because you can't see cars coming at you, and you don't drive much at night because of  the glare from headlights, life gets very limited.
I went for years, feeling like I was looking through a dirty, scratched piece of plexiglass.
If anyone had really known how little I could see, no one would have gone anywhere with me.

Living by yourself means that if you go anywhere, you drive yourself. I was at the point I tried to go nowhere unless I just had to. I went around sad for years because my vision was so bad. Only because God was watching over me did I not wreck and injure someone else or even myself.

I went to a different eye doctor. He took one look and said we were gonna remove them and that age had nothing to do with it. Some people are  born with them. And if you had ever had an injury to your eyes it could cause them.

Yesterday I had them removed from my right eye. I was so scared because I just knew it would hurt. I was wrong. No pain. And when it was over.....I could see clear!!!!!!!!

I came out of that surgery room with a HUGE smile on my face. And I have been smiling ever since!

I went for post op visit today. They checked my vision. The dr asked, you do know you were legally blind in the right eye before don't you? I hadn't thought about that.But only one day after surgery I have 20/25 vision in that eye.  And it will get better. I actually can't wait for him to remove the one on my left eye in two weeks. Because if I can see this good with one, just imagine how I will see with two!

I'm seeing things now I hadn't seen in years. The beautiful fall colors, the bright red color of my little nieces hair, the blueness of her eyes.
 The dirt and cobwebs in my house..........

That is the same way as spiritual blindness. We see through a dark glass, a dark or cloudy lense. We don't see how great our God is.

We have an awesome creator. He made a way for us to have salvation. He loves us, cares for us, protects us.

I love my Lord!!!!!! I want to praise him for healing!!!! I praise him for giving people the knowledge and the expertise to do things to help us to feel good and to see!!!!!!
I want to praise and thank him for grace!!!!!! I am not worthy on my own, but I serve one who makes me worthy of his love, of his mercy and his grace.

Please listen to this beautiful video.....
Amazing grace how sweet the sound...........

http://youtu.be/DDDlxmsciqY

God Bless,
Kathy

The Fine Art of Fried Chicken and Other Foods

Matthew 6;25.......That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?


Ok I know the title is weird. But I am a southern gal. And we southerners love fried chicken.

I mean we can't have a church lunch without it, right?

When I was married I fried chicken  on average once a week. It was good.  I guess I ate it so much that when we had a dinner at church I rarely got chicken. There was always too much other meats to chose from.

After I got divorced I still fried chicken......occassionally. Then when my son married and moved out I stopped. I mean you can go to KFC and get chicken. Or you can buy frozen chicken strips.

I started getting a "hankering" for some good old fried chicken. Homecooked. But why bother cooking just for one? So I didn't.

So when our church was going to have a homecoming with dinner, I thought I have got to fry chicken. I figured there would be a lot of chicken. Boy was I wrong!!!!!!!! Mine was the only one.
Everyone loved it and it got gone fast.


I guess I said all that to say this.........

Apparently everyone else was starved or " hankering" for fried chicken.
I feel that we have a "hankering" for more than that. I feel we have a need, desire, hankering for the word of God. I think we hunger for it..

We know that life is more than the food we eat, but it seems that a lot gets accomplished when you know your going to get something good to eat later. We got our spirits and souls fed in church that morning, we fed our stomachs later. We enjoyed fellowship with others.

We may not have solved any world problems, but we could have.

Do you remember the old Andy Griffith show where Barney has to get a house for some dignitaries who were having a summit to work out some issues. They needed it to be in a place where they had no interruptions. And to help Barney out of his usual mess, Andy lets them use his house.

As the meeting goes on, nothing is being accomplished. They keep getting interrupted. They are frustrated. They will be leaving the next day with nothing resolved.

Well, that night, some of them head to the kitchen for a midnight snack. With the help of an interrpreter and some of Aunt Bee's homecooking (there was fried chicken), all issues were resolved and an agreement reached.

Now I'm not saying the food had something to do with it, but it sure helped. The atmosphere was relaxed and they just enjoyed the food and fellowship with each other

Maybe we should all get together, with all our differences, with all our issues, And have a big ol' meal. We can sit and talk. Work out what is bothering us.

We could worship together, putting aside our different denominations.

We could, for once be tolerant of each other.

 We could be of the mindset that everybody doesn't worship the same.
Where some are quiet and laid back, others are not.

In the Old Testament, feasts were common. There was a feast for almost everything.
Weddings and feasts were a time to celebrate and eat.

It's not the food. It's not that we have to eat. It's about our fellowshippping with others. It's about showing God's love to others.

Last year our church decided to have a Thanksgiving feast for the community. We put an ad in our local paper and people from the county called in for a free meal. It was a way for us to show God's love to others who didn't go to church anywhere.
We don't have one specific place to cook all this food. So each person that wanted to, cooked at their own home.
We didn't know how many our small church could feed. We wondered if we would have enough food for all our orders.
 But we serve an AWESOME God, who provides.    

With food set up in one room, the servers started fixing plates. The people delivering food got ready.
We had certain ares of the county to deliver to. Everytime we thought we were running short on dressing or cranberry sauce , another bowl would appear.We ran out of nothing. We fed over 100 people that day. Plus we all got to eat too.
 No one did without anything, the plates were full and overflowing.

 God's abundance is never ending!!!!!!!!!!


Dear Lord, I thank you for all my blessings. I thank you for the times we have to come together and fellow ship with you and each other. I thank you for loving us so much you sent your son Jesus to come and to take away our sins. Help us Lord to be more tolerant of each other and to love each others differences. Help me Lord to always be doing what you want me to do. I ask a special blessing on every homecoming and get together that we have, that we remember it's about you and not the food. Thank you for our food and bless the hands that prepare it. n Jesus name I pray, Amen

God's Blessings,
Kathy






 

Restlessness

For the past few weeks I have had a restlessness that I can't figure out. An anticipation of "something." This feeling comes every now and then.

My thoughts go off in every direction.They circle around and around.
 I have trouble sleeping. I will be almost asleep and a thought will pop in my head and I'm wide awake for hours.

I'm not satisfied at work. I go in late alot.
I look around at the people I work with and wonder, are they satisfied or are they craving more out of life than punching a time card and working 10 hours a day?
I wonder if this is my lot in life, to run a machine 10 hours a day for low pay, making only enough to get by.

I do a lot of praying.

And in those prayers, those times that I talk to God, he answers me.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholehearted, you will find me.

Sometimes though, like now, I want to know those plans. I want to know what is next in my life.

Reading those verses does give me encouragement and hope. But then I also feel an anxiety, an anticipation, because then I'm waiting for something to happen. To change.

I don't believe I am to just work at that lowpaying job. I believe that God has something wonderful in store for me.

But when? And what?

In these times I start having doubts. because I am going into the ministry I think am I good enough?
Am I sure this is my calling? I don't have a lot of education so I'm not as smart as these people who have been preaching for years.I don't know theology......and on and on.

I know deep down in my soul that God has called me to work for him.I know that I can do his work even with a little education. I know he has given me a voice to speak  and tell others about him and his love and mercy and the precious gift he gave us by the blood of Jesus Christ, called salvation, and to sing and to praise him.

Yet the devil doesn't want us to believe this. He wants us to believe his lies that we aren't good enough. ......  So in comes the doubt.

I know others feel the same things I do. My sister is a writer. And a very good one I might add. But she gets frustrated and thinks she's not. And she gets frustrated with the editing and all the things you have to do to sell a book.I know she is good. I know she has found her calling. I know because I see the potential in her. That's something we never see in ourselves. Our potential.

God sees it in us. He prepares us for whatever he calls us to do He doesn't send us out until we are ready. I know this.
But yet...........
.
Sometimes I just want to pack up and leave. I have always lived in the same area. Right now there is only one home between me and the house I grew up in. My mother still lives there. I wonder if I should just go. See the world. Well the United States anyway.

I read other blogs and see others with the same doubts. It helps knowing that you are not alone.

I believe most of my restlessness is because God is getting ready to make a mighty move in my life. And it scares me, because it is unknown.

Psalm 16;11 Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

God will show me the path of life, the path I am to travel. If I keep believing and trusting him. If I cast away the doubt and satan's lies and have faith in my Lord.
If I quit trying to rush things to suit my needs. And quit trying to do things my way.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

Dear God, I thank you for all you blessings. I thank you for life and my job, my family and friends. Lord I ask that you use me for whatever you need me to do. Help me to have the patience I need.Help me to remember that you are in control of everything. I know Lord that you will give me the strength and courage I need to do your will. Only you know the plans for me. Help me to increase my faith in you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

God Bless,
Kathy

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Faith

I went to an outdoor concert today. It was at my daughter in laws home church.

Such a beautiful day, to be out, with a soft breeze blowing.

The gospel group Heirline performed. The leader of the group has an AWESOME testimony.
Here is a man, who had a very poor childhood. They weren't rich in money, but rich in love.
He was made fun of because he was poor. His mama was a deaf mute, she was struck by lightening when she was young.  They lived with his aunt and her family in a 3 room shack.. He had cardboard in his shoes,.

Yet they had faith in the Lord.  His aunt made sure he went to church. He started singing when he was 2. He says his mama never heard him sing.

He is a married man now, with 2 sons , who sing with him. He has major health problems. The doctors gave up on him twice, recently. They didn't think he would live. But there he was, up on a wagon for a stage, singing today!

He has astronomical hospital bills. If I had half that many, I would be in a deep depression. But there he is, smiling, happy, singing and praising the Lord.
That, my friend, is FAITH!!!  That is believing in an almighty God. A God who can handle anything.

With all the struggles he has had in lfe, with the poverty and bad health, he should be a basket case.
He should be blaming somebody for his misery. He should blame his mama for the childhood he had. After all, that's what some people do..

But he hasn't. He is proud of his life. He praises God for his struggles. He knows that God is in control and that God loves him. He knows his mama loved him. He knows that no matter what his life has been like, God has his hand on him. He knows that whatever happens to him now, if he doesn't make it through the next obstacle in this life, he will be in a better place. He will be in the presence of his Lord, his God. He will get to sing for his mama, and she will hear him. And all the struggles he has faced in this life will be over.

I'm sure he has his moments of doubt and fear. He is human. But I believe he has the faith to overcome. He knows that God is there for him and with him. 

Hebrews 11:1  Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Check out Heirline on You tube.
http://youtu.be/prXGlOmQxH0



God Bless,
Kathy

Faith Brings Joy

Romans  5:1-6

1….Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

2….Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

3…..We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

4….And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

5….And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

6…When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time, and died for us sinners.

 

Isn’t that just like God? He sends help to us, just at the right time.

A lot of times we think we just can’t go on. We think we can’t survive another minute. And then God steps in. He is always there with us, but he doesn’t always reveal his self to us.

Many times I think that I can’t make it another second. That’s where my faith has to kick in. I have to remember that he is God, that he is taking care of me and my situation. Even when I don’t see it.

When troubles and heartaches come along, we hard to remember this.

I am a single lady, living alone on one income. It’s a struggle to get by and I worry if I will make enough to keep my bills paid. But in the 3 years I have been alone, God has never let me be without. Every time money gets extremely tight, something comes along to help out. It may be an unexpected check in the mail (like I had happen this weekend). Or overtime. Or a utility bill that is lower than usual.

And then I wonder, why did I worry and fret over it?

Our God is so awesome!!!!!!! He can take our problems and turn them into  solutions. God sees the big picture. He knows what our future is. We don’t and we don’t like to not know things.

Looking back on my life, I can see where God has been at work. He has never let me down.he does all this because he loves us. We don’t deserve it.  But because of his love, and Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we can know that something better is on the horizon. We know that when troubles come, we are building up our character and we are strengthened in him. Then we can tell others about what he has done for us.

We can have joy, even in times of trouble. No one likes to hurt. Whether it’s physical or emotional, it doesn’t feel good. But if we keep our faith in him and know he will take care of us, then we can have joy.

Let me leave you with this word I saw from Joyce Meyer. She sums it up perfectly.

You may not get everything you want or when you want it, but God will give you grace to have joy and be positive in any situation.   Joyce Meyer

 

God Bless,

Kathy

 

Let go and Let God

I have heard this so many times. Let go and let God. I bet you have too.

So many times I wanted to let go, but the devil wanted me to stay miserable and hang on to whatever the problem was,,,,so I did. I stayed moiserable.

And I just wanted to give up......I mean, what was the point? No matter how hard I prayed and begged and pleaded, it semed all was lost.

I was wandering around, doing only what I had to do. I went to church, and to work. I ate when I was hungry, smiled when necessary, and on the outside acted like all was just wonderful. But inside, where it really mattered, I was a mess.

A lady from church, who is a great prayer warrior, noticed how I really felt. She told me, "Girl your gonna have to let God have it and then leave it with Him. Let go and let God"

Easier said  than done. But those words kept  running through my mond. Let Go. let God. Over and over.
So I started reading my Bible more. Going to Bible study. I started listening to God. And I started letting things go.

I noticed my burden seemed lighter. I smiled more, even when I didn't have to. I started to see the good in myself and in others.

I may have to give things to him more than once. But I have learned  to stop when I want to worry and fret about something and say Ok God, you can have it. I don't want it anymore. You are more equipped to handle this than me.

And he is faithful to take it from me.

2 Timothy 2:10-13........

10..So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

11...This is a trustworthy saying: if we die with him, we will also live with him.

12...If we endure hardship , we will reign with him.
      If we deny him, he will deny us.

13...If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

 

God Bless you,

Kathy

 

 

 

 

Worry is a Waste of Time

1 Peter 5:7   Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Casting all care.....How many of us do that?
Isn't it easier to worry and fret about something, and try our best to take care of a situation ourselves, than turn it over to the Lord?


How's that working out for you? I know it doesn't work for me. I like to think I don't worry, but I do.....A LOT!!!!!!

Having to make all the decisions about everything in my life, money, will there be enough to last the month, what if I get sick and can't work, what will happen to me and my possessions?  It's Saturday night and I have to preach tomorrow....Oh Lord I know I'll mess it up........And on and on......

What is the worst thing that can happen ? I had always felt that if this one thing happened in my life I wouldn't be able to go on, to live. Thought I would die if this happened.....Well it happened and you know what I am a stronger person now than I was. I didn't die (even though sometimes I thought I would). I grew closer to my Lord and Savior. And for that I am eternally grateful. Because of it I want to do more for him. I want to serve him, anyway I can.

Matt. 6:27 and Luke 12:25 .......And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?   Both say the same thing, just worded a little different. But the meaning is this......

What good does worry do? Can it change a situation in your life? Is it going to make you more prosperous?

No amount of fretting or worrying about something will add to your height or improve your life.....

And when we worry about something we are not showing our faith in God.
 OUCH!!!!!!       That hurt....

We (I) need to start trusting God more. We are his children and he won't let us down.

I was blessed this month because God's been giving me my sermon for tomorrow for 3 weeks now. But still I'm nervous.  I don't want to let him down. I want to do my best, I want to give him my best, because of what he has done for me.

So what we (I) need to do is to seek him and pray. Seek him through his word. Pray his word. When we stop worrying and fretting over every little thing and put our complete trust in God, then he will bless us beyond measure.

Like the song says.......Don't Worry......Be Happy

Dear Lord, I thank you for all your many blessings. I ask, Lord, that you increase our unbelief in what you can and will do in our lives. I know Lord that nothing is impossible with you. Lord I pray that we learn to seek you in our times of trouble and to lean on you at all times.
Lead, guide and direct our paths in the ways we need to go.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen

Blessings,
Kathy

 

Dry Bones

Ezekial 37:1.... The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones...
.2. And caused me to pass by them round about; and behold there were very many in the open valley; and tho they were very dry....
 3. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest


I have always loved the story in Ezekial where he was in the valley of dry bones. I can just imagine bones everywhere. And the bones weren't laying body by body. Nope, Henry had a leg bone here next to Roy's ribs, and Melvin's arm bone was over there with Jack's skull....you get the idea....

Some commentaries I read said that Ezekial didn't really go anywhere, to a valley full of bones. To me it doesn't matter if he "actually" was there. He saw it, that I believe in.

What would you think if you saw a valley full of dry bones? Probably freak out. And what would you think if the Lord God asked you if those old, dry bones can live?

Would you answer the same way Ezekial did? I would probably have answered no. But thankfully Ezekial knew the right answer...Only you Lord knows the answer to that......

Those old dry bones represented Israel at the time. As always they were in turmoil with the Lord. But God loved them so much he was not going to give up on them and was going to revive them . They were and are God's chosen.....

But because God sent his son, Jesus, to earth as a human, to die for and take away our sins, we are his chosen too. He did that because he loves us all and doesn't want to see anyone perish.

Today those old dry bones represent us. A nation that is turmoil. We sit on our pews, if we go to church, and say come on Lord, move me if you can. We sit and look at our watches, wishing the pastor would hurry up because there is a ballgame coming on in a few minutes. We wonder about where and what we are going to eat for lunch. We have a hard time sitting in church for an hour.
We go to church because we are christians and its the right thing to do.

But do we listen to the sermon? Do we listen to the songs that we sing? Or are we just mouthing the words?
 We have let our morals go. We seem to not care anymore. We need to stand for God!

We need to teach our children about God and Jesus. We need to tell them about how he loves us and what he has done for us. We need to teach them to pray to the Holy Father and to listen when he speaks.

We need to get on fire for the Lord. We need to let our dry bones come alive and start working for the Lord. We have to take a stand, lift up our voices and our hands and say Come on Lord, here I am, use me!!!!!!!!  Breathe your spirit in us Lord. Revive us Lord!!!!!!!! Instead of "move me if you can" we need to be, " Here I am, use me!!!!!!!!!!"

I know there are a lot of we needs in this, but if we let God breathe his spirit in us, things can and will change. The Lord will bless us. We will revive as a mighty army for the Lord!!!

Take a few minutes and click on this link and listen to this song. It's Casting Crown's song Spirit Wind.

http://youtu.be/i6wzWV5bA2s


Dear Lord, Thank you for your loving  kindness. Thank you Lord for your spirit. Thank you Lord for your blessings on your people. Lord I pray that you breathe your life into these old dry bones of ours so that we can become an army of mighty warriors for you.Only you Lord, only you can breathe that spirit into us.. Thank you Lord for forgiveness. Move us Lord, Move us in a mighty way. Move us off our pews and put us into battle for you. Fire us up! Lead , guide and direct our paths Lord.
In Jesus name I pray.....Amen

Blessings ,
Kathy

A Good Day

Have you ever had a just wonderful day?

 They are rare for me sometimes.

But the Lord has given me two good days in a row!!!!!!

Friday I spent the whole afternoon with two wonderful people I met a few years ago.

They are such a godly couple, it is a joy to be around them.

They have been married over 50 years and you can tell they love and respect each other deeply.

He is a practical joker, but she has gotten a few good laughs over on him. Oh the stories they told me about the places they had lived and the people they had met, most of which they are still in contact with. I think that is awesome because most people I have known my whole life are hard to stay in touch with.

They are undoubtedly my biggest supporters (other than immediate family) in my journey into the ministry. They help me by just being an example of godly, christian people.  And I love them dearly.

He has been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. But he does not let it get him down. Always laughing and smiling. He may hide how bad he's feeling, but his wife says he perks up when he is studying the word and when he comes to church to teach. He teaches our Wednesday night Bible study class. And he is very knowledgeable in the word. There is a lot I can learn from him.

Did I mention I love them dearly??????

Then today,Saturday the church that I preach at one Sunday a month had a "Ladies Retreat".
They had a wonderful lady named Karen come and speak on the Empowerment of God. This lovely lady from Friday went with me
. We both enjoyed the fellowship with all the other ladies. God's spirit was all over that place.. They had wonderful singing and lunch. What a great time in the Lord!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah, and I love these sweet sisters in Christ dearly too!!!!!! They don't know me and I don't know them. But because of God and his love , we can love each other and find joy in each other, and worship together!!!!! How awesome is that???!!!!!

Dear God, I thank you for these two wonderful days I have had. I thank you for your love, mercy and grace. I thank you for friends, for brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all one big family Lord. When one hurts, we hurt. When one rejoices, we rejoice !!! You are such an awesome God, and the love you have for us is hard to understand. But Lord, I praise you for all you do. Lead guide and direct our steps. Heal those who need your healing. We love and praise you!!!!!
Forgive us our sins. In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

Proverbs 17:17.....A friend loveth at all times.........

Are we doing what we are called to do?

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

The other day I was reading a post on facebook. The discussion was on the Bible and religion.
I was shocked to see how many people think that the Bible is just a book.
Yes, it's a book, but as the verse states, it is inspired of God.

Some commented that maybe we should do away with the Old Testament because we don't live under the law anymore. It was just a bunch of stories that somebody made up.  The Old Testament is history. We can learn a lot from it. We don't need to get rid of it. We need it. If we didn't, I don't think it would be included in the Bible

I don't understand everything in the Bible. I don't think anyone is supposed to understand everything in it.  We have to trust and believe that it is the truth. How many times have you had a scripture on your heart, but could only remember a few words and you couldn't find it?  I looked on internet the other night for the scripture used here and couldn't find any matches for what words I could remember. But I picked up my Bible, asked God to help me and found it in a few minutes.

I may not understand it, but I believe it is true. I believe it is and was inspired of God. It is for us to read and study. It shows us how we need to live. It shows us how to treat others. It tells us of God's love for us. It is the history of the world, and it tells us what is coming in the future.

I believe we are called to go out and tell others about Jesus. He says so in the Bible. Jesus said we are to go out into all the world and spread His word.

I know I fail at that. I know there are many times I have an opportunity to talk to someone and I don't.
But the Lord is forgiving and gracious to us.

Even when we don't deserve it.

Dear Lord, Thank you for your many blessings. Thank you Lord for your word. Without it we would have no guide to live by. Thank you for inspiring the authors of the Bible and giving them the words to say. Give me boldness to go out and  spread your word. Forgive us when we fail you and do wrong. Lead, guide and direct our steps in the way you would have us to go. 
In Jesus name I pray
Amen


Blessings,
Kathy

Psalm 127:3

Psalm 127:3 Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward from him

Today is my oldest sons birthday. He turned 33. Where did the years go? He should still be my little boy.
The world may look at him as a grown man, but to me he will always be my baby. Even after 33 years, I can relive the day he was born. I remember the way he looked the first time I saw him. I remember the love I had for him, right from the beginning. Being a young mother was hard. I made plenty of mistakes with him. But with the Lord's help, we made it and he is a fine young man today. And I am so proud of him.

I truly believe that children are a gift from God. God blessed me with not just one , but two fine boys.

Even though with our work schedules, where we don't see each other much, I know if I called them with a need they would be there for me. And the same way with me if they needed something, I would be right there for them, doing what I could.

My boys may be grown, they may both be bigger than me, but you let somebody say or do something to them to harm them and I would fight to the death for them. That'show much I love them.


Thats the way of our Father God. When we need him, he's there. He wil fight to protect us from harm.
He sacrificed his son for our sins. How awesome is that!!!!

Dear Lord, I thank you for my children. I thank you for blessing me with not one  but two fine, God fearing boys. They are the loves of my life. I pray Lord that you watch over them and their wives and bless them the way you have blessed me. Thank you for the love you have for us, and for the forgiveness of sins.  I ask that you lead, guide and direct our steps in the way you want us to go. Forgive us our sins.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen


God Bless,
Kathy

Faith in All Times

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.


I love the 11th chapter of Hebrews. It is one of my favorite top 5 books in the Bible.
When we can look at things, touch, taste or smell something , we know it's real. But faith is believing that something we cannot see, touch, taste or smell is there, working in our lives.

Just as the verse says, it's things hoped for, yet not seen.
I know God has great things in store for me. I have the faith that they wll come to pass. But in his time and not mine.
I am a very impatient person. I want things right now. But God has shown me that his plans for me are better than my own.I have to have faith, to believe that God will work things out.

I have had prayers anwered 2 minutes after I prayed . That happened this past week. And I have some prayers that have been prayed for a long time that haven't come to pass yet.
But I try to have the faith that God will answer.....In his time.

I recently answered a call to ministry. That alone was a huge leap of  faith for me. I am the shy, reserved type. A loner by nature.   Why would God want to use me? He uses me to show what he can do. And for me to show my faith in him.

By myself I can do nothing. If I am to preach, it can't be my words.  It has to come from him.
 Each sermon I have preached, I always ask him for guidance, for what to do the sermon on and for it to be his words and not mine that I speak.

Each time I am nervous until I get behind the pulpit. I have the faith that God will be with me and give me the words to say. And he always does.

But I lack faith in other areas. And really I shouldn't. I mean if he can give me a sermon where I have to stand in front of a group of people and speak,  then I should be able to have faith at other times.

If I had a greater faith in what God can do, I could lay these nasty cigarettes down and never smoke again. If I had faith in what God can do I could quit drinking so many Mountain Dews.

Jesus says in Matthew 17:20 that if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we can say to a mountain, remove from this place and it will be removed and nothing will be impossible for us. (paraphrased).

A mustard seed. One of the smallest things known. If we have only that much faith nothing will be impossible for us.

I need my faith to be stronger. I have to believe that every word in the Bible is true, and to apply it to my life in every area. I have to have the faith that whatever trial I go through, God is there with me fighting the battle for me.
I believe that faith and hope and trust all mean the same things. Many times when I have been at a low point in life and I pray to God for help or ask him why he will ask me, " Do you trust me?"

I have to trust that he knows what is best for me. I have to believe his word and have faith in his promises  that he will take care of me.

Dear Lord, I thank you Father for all your blessings on me. I ask that you increase my faith. That I come to you with everything Lord and ask for your will to be done and not mine. Forgive me Lord when I fail you. Give me the stength and courage to go and do your work. Make me the person you want me to be. I ask that you bless each and every person that reads this. Increase our faith in you. In Jesus name I pray...Amen

God Bless You,
Kathy