Things I've learned this year so far, and things God teaches me again and again... and the year's only half over. Oh my...
*When you are having problems with your foot hurting, don't waste time. Go to the Dr right away. Time wasted means it will take more time to get well.
*Laugh every chance you get. And feel free to laugh at yourself. It makes life easier to bare.
*Tell people they are important to you. And when you miss them, let them know. And never ever let them walk away without letting them know you love them. Sometimes you never get the moment back...
*Follow God, even if it doesn't make sense at the time, even when its hard, and even if others are questioning why you are doing what you are doing. He has a reason. It may hurt, but He will prove Himself faithful. And it is so worth it!
*Close friends can sometimes do unexpected things, and sometimes hurt you beyond belief. Your heart still loves them though, no matter what...
*Never give up on people you love. Even when you are apart for a time, you never know when God will bring them back around.
*God is all He promises to be and so much more, even in the hardest times. Don't lose hope, even in the darkest days.
*Facebook is an awesome way to stay close to people, reconnect with people, and make new friends that mean the world to you.
*Working with children is the very best therapy when life is rough. (so is Relient K, but that's besides the point haha)
*Go ahead and invest in really good shoes. Its worth the price. Sadly, Toms and flip flops are bad for aging feet. Chaco's are the best shoes in the world!
*Apparently, God can use me and my blog. I had no idea that I could write. I can barely complete a sentence when I talk! I can so relate to Moses... I am positive there are people far more qualified than me. But apparently God doesn't think so. Very humbling.
*Never say never. It seems as sure as you do, God has a good laugh and makes you eat those words. ;)
*Embrace each and every opportunity that God sends you to spend time with people. Enjoy every moment He gives you with friends.
*Turn off your phone, computer, TV or whatever might be a distraction, and stay in the moment with those around you. Learn to listen (something I am working on constantly!).
*Be open. Be vulnerable. You never know who needs to know that you've been where they are, and that you understand, and care.
*Live every day like its your last. Love with your whole heart. Value your friends. Hold your family close. Gather wisdom every where you can. And most importantly, love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul. We are created for Him. And life really is all about Him.
Love you all!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Let's get real....
Once again I am writing and deciding as I write to just be as honest as I can. Lately I have been struggling with worry. I am ordinarily not a worrier. Generally I am the first one to take a blind leap of faith when a situation arises, and God calls me to. But last night I had something on my mind that I have been concerned about for a while now. My concern turned into full blown worry as I lay in bed thinking things over. I lost hours of sleep in the process. I prayed, and thought of all the 'right' Scriptures. I gave it to God.... and took it back over and over again.
Can anyone else relate to my struggle? Maybe yours isn't worry. Maybe it's anxiety, or depression, or loneliness, or unbelief, or lying, or fear, or pride...and the list goes on and on.
As I am writing I am feeling exposed and vulnerable. Actually, I am feeling a little ungodly. Why is it so hard for us to confess our struggles to each other? Why am I writing all of this? I am writing and confessing my struggle because I am so tired of hiding behind a Christian mask. The longer I walk with God, the more I realize that no one has it all together. If we really did have it all together, then pride would take over, and we'd be a mess again. :)
Here is another confession. Some of my loneliest moments have been sitting in a church pew, with fellow believers to my right and left. I can remember times that I have sat in a church service fighting back tears because of my struggles, and looking around me and thinking, "everyone looks like they've got life all together, and I am dying inside. Surely if I am dying inside, then others around me are hurting, too." And that truth brings me to my desire. I want to be real. I desperately want to live my life in such a way that I others can relate to me. I want to always be able to relate to others. I pray that all that I live through, and all that I struggle with can be used to encourage others and give hope.
At the end of the day, life is all about Him. I think a lot about the fact that often times experiences in my life that effect me, really aren't about me. They are for His glory, and often times I am just a small piece in a much bigger puzzle. I had an experience like that a few days ago. Lindsay and I were out for ice cream and we literally stumbled into a very awkward and painful scene. When we got home, I was asking God why it was necessary for Him to place us right there at that moment. "Why did we have to see that?", I asked Him. I couldn't see, for the life of me, what good it did either of us or how His purpose was being served. In my eyes it only reopened freshly healed wounds. He gently reminded me that it wasn't about me or Lindsay, but He allowed it for a greater purpose that I wasn't aware of. He whispered to my heart that He was using it for someone else. Praise His name! It's not about me! That truth sets me free and makes me want to dance! :)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
I have been living and breathing this song lately by Hillsong United. If you have time, give it a listen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMxKrwqp_4Y
Much love to you all!
Can anyone else relate to my struggle? Maybe yours isn't worry. Maybe it's anxiety, or depression, or loneliness, or unbelief, or lying, or fear, or pride...and the list goes on and on.
As I am writing I am feeling exposed and vulnerable. Actually, I am feeling a little ungodly. Why is it so hard for us to confess our struggles to each other? Why am I writing all of this? I am writing and confessing my struggle because I am so tired of hiding behind a Christian mask. The longer I walk with God, the more I realize that no one has it all together. If we really did have it all together, then pride would take over, and we'd be a mess again. :)
Here is another confession. Some of my loneliest moments have been sitting in a church pew, with fellow believers to my right and left. I can remember times that I have sat in a church service fighting back tears because of my struggles, and looking around me and thinking, "everyone looks like they've got life all together, and I am dying inside. Surely if I am dying inside, then others around me are hurting, too." And that truth brings me to my desire. I want to be real. I desperately want to live my life in such a way that I others can relate to me. I want to always be able to relate to others. I pray that all that I live through, and all that I struggle with can be used to encourage others and give hope.
At the end of the day, life is all about Him. I think a lot about the fact that often times experiences in my life that effect me, really aren't about me. They are for His glory, and often times I am just a small piece in a much bigger puzzle. I had an experience like that a few days ago. Lindsay and I were out for ice cream and we literally stumbled into a very awkward and painful scene. When we got home, I was asking God why it was necessary for Him to place us right there at that moment. "Why did we have to see that?", I asked Him. I couldn't see, for the life of me, what good it did either of us or how His purpose was being served. In my eyes it only reopened freshly healed wounds. He gently reminded me that it wasn't about me or Lindsay, but He allowed it for a greater purpose that I wasn't aware of. He whispered to my heart that He was using it for someone else. Praise His name! It's not about me! That truth sets me free and makes me want to dance! :)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
I have been living and breathing this song lately by Hillsong United. If you have time, give it a listen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMxKrwqp_4Y
Much love to you all!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Half the fun is getting there...
My friend, Kyle, called me yesterday. As we talked, I asked him about his recent trip to the beach. Then our conversation turned to the trip my family has planned to Colorado. As usual, Kyle said to me, "Kim, really??? Why in the world are you driving it? Why don't you just fly out there". My reply was the usual, "Half the fun is getting there, Kyle."
You see, this isn't the first time we have made the drive to Colorado. We were there many years ago when Lindsay and Daniel were kids. When I look back on that trip, half of what I remember is the drive out there and the drive back home. We all had such a great time! We saw so much of the US that I would never have seen from an air plane. I vividly remember the green grass in Kentucky, the corn fields in Illinois, the endless skies of Kansas. And then, just when you think Kansas will go on forever, you cross the state line into Colorado. I remember so well my first glimpse of the Rockies. As we drove down the interstate, off to the left there appeared to be a storm cloud in the distance. The more I watched it, the more I realized that I wasn't seeing a storm cloud, but rather the majestic Rocky Mountains. What a glorious sight!
The drive home was filled with just as much excitement as we got to see the gorgeous landscape of New Mexico, an actual road runner at a rest stop, the plains of Texas, Oklahoma City, where the chairs now sit as a memorial to those who lost their lives that horrible day of the bombing. And crossing the Tennessee state line on the bridge outside of Memphis and shouting, then singing Rocky Top! What a ride we'd had!
As I got off the phone with Kyle, I got to thinking about how that philosophy sums up who I am, and my life. It seems that when life is going great, there is so much fun to have. And when life is so hard, that I feel like I can't take any more, if I look really hard, there is still something good coming out of it all. There is still an inside joke with a friend, or a gorgeous bird on my bird feeder, or a friend that God sends with just the right words for the situation. These small things make the situation, or the next breath, a little more bearable. And, even when we are drowning in sorrow, we can still just know that God is God. And He alone is beautiful and wonderful.
As I look back on life, the good and the bad, I can honestly say, I am not home yet, but I sure am enjoying the journey. I am learning to trust God even in the darkest times when I don't see Him or feel His presence. And I am learning to enjoy the moments with every ounce that's in me when life serves up a lighthearted day, a good laugh, or a drive to Colorado. After all, half the fun is getting there!
For my dear friends that are going through unimaginable grief and pain right now, my heart breaks with you. You are in my prayers and I love you!
"Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts." Rick Warren
Psalm 40:1-3
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
You see, this isn't the first time we have made the drive to Colorado. We were there many years ago when Lindsay and Daniel were kids. When I look back on that trip, half of what I remember is the drive out there and the drive back home. We all had such a great time! We saw so much of the US that I would never have seen from an air plane. I vividly remember the green grass in Kentucky, the corn fields in Illinois, the endless skies of Kansas. And then, just when you think Kansas will go on forever, you cross the state line into Colorado. I remember so well my first glimpse of the Rockies. As we drove down the interstate, off to the left there appeared to be a storm cloud in the distance. The more I watched it, the more I realized that I wasn't seeing a storm cloud, but rather the majestic Rocky Mountains. What a glorious sight!
The drive home was filled with just as much excitement as we got to see the gorgeous landscape of New Mexico, an actual road runner at a rest stop, the plains of Texas, Oklahoma City, where the chairs now sit as a memorial to those who lost their lives that horrible day of the bombing. And crossing the Tennessee state line on the bridge outside of Memphis and shouting, then singing Rocky Top! What a ride we'd had!
As I got off the phone with Kyle, I got to thinking about how that philosophy sums up who I am, and my life. It seems that when life is going great, there is so much fun to have. And when life is so hard, that I feel like I can't take any more, if I look really hard, there is still something good coming out of it all. There is still an inside joke with a friend, or a gorgeous bird on my bird feeder, or a friend that God sends with just the right words for the situation. These small things make the situation, or the next breath, a little more bearable. And, even when we are drowning in sorrow, we can still just know that God is God. And He alone is beautiful and wonderful.
As I look back on life, the good and the bad, I can honestly say, I am not home yet, but I sure am enjoying the journey. I am learning to trust God even in the darkest times when I don't see Him or feel His presence. And I am learning to enjoy the moments with every ounce that's in me when life serves up a lighthearted day, a good laugh, or a drive to Colorado. After all, half the fun is getting there!
For my dear friends that are going through unimaginable grief and pain right now, my heart breaks with you. You are in my prayers and I love you!
"Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts." Rick Warren
Psalm 40:1-3
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
There is none beside You, God
I woke up this morning with tears streaming down my face, and the song "There is none beside You God" playing in my head. My evening yesterday was a very pleasant relaxing evening. Lindsay and I had gone to Mom and Dad's house, looked through old pictures, chatted with them about life and their lives when they were young, found out that Mom used to date a man named Tut(?!!?), and had some barbeque. It was a very laid back, fun evening.
As we headed to the mall after we left their house, the good conversation continued. This was my first attempt at going to the mall in a few weeks due to an injury to my foot. I was determined to pace myself so I didn't over do things and have to go through the pain and recovery again. So, when we stopped at a store outside the mall, I decided to wait in the car while Lindsay ran in. As usual, I started to pick up my phone to entertain myself during the wait, then I remembered that I was trying to break that habit. So, I turned up the stereo. I was listening to Hillsong, and the song "There is none beside You God" came on.
I started thinking about the meaning of those words. I feel like, if I could describe the year 2011, it would be summed up in those words. I am slowly but surely coming to the point where there is none beside Him. As the evening rolled by last night, our conversation turned to some of the dear people we've lost from our lives this year. We talked fondly about the memories we have, and both really missed them.
I am still not sure why God required such a great sacrifice from us both, particularly Lindsay. The path He has laid in front of us is beautiful, yet very uncertain. I have many friends that are going through the same things that I am. Their circumstances may be different, but the theme is the same. It seems that God is purifying His people right now. I am not sure why so many godly wonderful people are going through so many difficult trials. I often pray that the day will come when we can look back and see all He is doing through the unseen. But it is my desire to walk this path and be able to sing with every ounce in me "There is none beside You, God".
1 Samuel 2:2
“There is no one holy like the LORD;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God."
Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8EoFESw4iY
PS. I am guessing that Satan doesn't want this blog to be published, since I have lost the text several times in the course of writing it. Oh well, I am not going to stop now! :)
As we headed to the mall after we left their house, the good conversation continued. This was my first attempt at going to the mall in a few weeks due to an injury to my foot. I was determined to pace myself so I didn't over do things and have to go through the pain and recovery again. So, when we stopped at a store outside the mall, I decided to wait in the car while Lindsay ran in. As usual, I started to pick up my phone to entertain myself during the wait, then I remembered that I was trying to break that habit. So, I turned up the stereo. I was listening to Hillsong, and the song "There is none beside You God" came on.
I started thinking about the meaning of those words. I feel like, if I could describe the year 2011, it would be summed up in those words. I am slowly but surely coming to the point where there is none beside Him. As the evening rolled by last night, our conversation turned to some of the dear people we've lost from our lives this year. We talked fondly about the memories we have, and both really missed them.
I am still not sure why God required such a great sacrifice from us both, particularly Lindsay. The path He has laid in front of us is beautiful, yet very uncertain. I have many friends that are going through the same things that I am. Their circumstances may be different, but the theme is the same. It seems that God is purifying His people right now. I am not sure why so many godly wonderful people are going through so many difficult trials. I often pray that the day will come when we can look back and see all He is doing through the unseen. But it is my desire to walk this path and be able to sing with every ounce in me "There is none beside You, God".
1 Samuel 2:2
“There is no one holy like the LORD;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God."
Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
PS. I am guessing that Satan doesn't want this blog to be published, since I have lost the text several times in the course of writing it. Oh well, I am not going to stop now! :)
Sunday, June 5, 2011
I am not my own
This past week has been a very interesting, and wonderful week. As I started out with a blog entry about simplifying, I had no idea the impact that following my own advice would make in my life. I have heard from friends, family and most importantly, I have heard from God more clearly than I have in years. I don't know about you, but for me, God generally speaks to me in themes. God will place something on my heart then reinforce it over and over again. I will hear the same verses over and over again. Every time I turn the TV on I will hear someone speaking about what God is trying to tell me. Conversations will turn to the same theme, and so on, until I finally get it through my thick head that God is trying to tell me something. As I began to turn my phone off, and put my computer down a little bit more, I began to clearly hear the theme that God has been trying to teach me.
You see, I am constantly one step ahead of life in my mind. God has been screaming at me to slow things down. He has been wanting me to be more present with the people He places in my life. But most of all, He has been wanting me to really get the fact that I belong to Him. I am not my own. Every breathe I take is His. Every step I walk, every heart beat is His. This isn't a new way of living for me. But I never realized how distracted I have become from the life that He has for me.
The week ended with a spontaneous trip to the Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove to be exact. What an amazing day. I love God's beautiful creation. I love wildlife, and horses, and mountains, good conversation, my Honda Accord, donuts, and sunsets. This trip had all of that, and so much more. Oh, and did I mention, I turned the radio off in the car, rolled the windows down, opened the sunroof, and got the pleasure of listening to Lindsay sing "Earnestly I seek Thee", a new song by Aaron Gillespie. That's another moment I would have missed if I hadn't made the choice to unplug for a while. And the sunset was magnificent. The perfect end to the perfect week.
Philippians 3:7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
You see, I am constantly one step ahead of life in my mind. God has been screaming at me to slow things down. He has been wanting me to be more present with the people He places in my life. But most of all, He has been wanting me to really get the fact that I belong to Him. I am not my own. Every breathe I take is His. Every step I walk, every heart beat is His. This isn't a new way of living for me. But I never realized how distracted I have become from the life that He has for me.
The week ended with a spontaneous trip to the Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove to be exact. What an amazing day. I love God's beautiful creation. I love wildlife, and horses, and mountains, good conversation, my Honda Accord, donuts, and sunsets. This trip had all of that, and so much more. Oh, and did I mention, I turned the radio off in the car, rolled the windows down, opened the sunroof, and got the pleasure of listening to Lindsay sing "Earnestly I seek Thee", a new song by Aaron Gillespie. That's another moment I would have missed if I hadn't made the choice to unplug for a while. And the sunset was magnificent. The perfect end to the perfect week.
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