They Say.....

They say that we shouldn’t label all Muslims as evil, because many of them are good people. How do we know the difference by looking at them? Did you see the male shooter in San Bernadina? He looked like every other man I see.

They say we should ban guns, have strict gun control. I think we all agree on background checks when we buy a gun. But don’t we know that the bad guys will find a way to get a gun and mow people down? Law abiding citizens are the ones pay the cost for laws against guns, not the bad guys.

They say that guns kill. What about the people that Isis beheaded? Or the man that attacked in London. What about the homemade bombs in Boston? If you want to kill, you'll find a away. It doesn't have to be a gun.

They say we should not be allowed to carry a gun in public. I would hope that there’s a law abiding citizen near me carrying a gun, should I be at the mall, or theater, and a radical man or woman opens fire. At least we would all have a chance. Maybe the only one that would die would be the bad guy.

They say that we should not bring a gun into our work place. If someone had a gun at the Planned Parenthood Center, or in San Bernardina, is it possible that no one would have died except the crazy right wing man, or the radical Muslim who walked in freely and killed innocent people?

They say that guns are bad. People use guns to kill. Guns are not bad, people are bad.

They say that we should go about our lives not living in fear, because acts of terrorism are done to make us afraid. How do we do that? Do we not know that there are more acts planned. We are just too foolish to stop them?

They say that right wing people are crazy. They say that left wing people are too radical. Is it possible for us to meet in the middle? After all, we all have good points to make. Why must we be constantly divided?

They say that the God I serve isn’t the God of the Universe and He doesn’t really love us. If He did, why would so many bad things be happening? Is it possible that Satan is behind the bad things? And God grieves over our foolishness, and over watching the innocent die?

They say that God should be removed from our schools, sporting events, our pledge, and our anthem. Is it possible if we keep removing God from our nation, He will no longer honor our nation that was founded on Him?

Should we really believe all that they say? Or should we think for ourselves, stand up for our rights, and protect all that we have fought for over the years....

October

I believe October is one of my favorite months of the year. So much beauty here in Tennessee in October. The smell of leaves burning, the chill in the air, football games, and trips to the apple orchard all remind me of this special month.

At the same time there is a sense of nostalgia. It's a time that I do a lot of reminiscing, thinking back to the old days of driving my Chevelle around Ooltewah with my faithful friend, Sherri, who is still by my side, or homecoming at our high school, the parade down Main Street, the thrill of who would win homecoming king and queen. I recall long rides on my horse, Sundae, racking leaves then jumping in the pile, laughter ringing all around our home place.

October was the month my son was born. I remember so vividly the beauty of the leaves the day I left the hospital with my tiny baby boy. The Braves were in the World Series. I remember listening to my doctors talk about the upcoming game as they delivered Daniel. I remember the first look Lindsay got of her new little brother. She was beaming with excitement. She still beams with excitement every time she sees him.

Yes, October is truly a special month. This October is extra special for me. You see it was in October, 1985 that I got on my knees before God, alone in my apartment, promising Him I would give Him my entire life if He would give me peace. I stood up that evening a changed woman. I have never been the same since that evening. Thirty years ago. I began a journey in my life full of adventure, faith, valleys deep, and mountain tops, unexpected twists and turns, joy that can not be explained, peace that only God can give, and complete trust in the God of the Universe. What an amazing evening that was. What an amazing life it has been. No love can compare to the love I have for the One who has chosen me, the One who called me to be His child.

Yes! October is a glorious month! This October is especially glorious! It's my 30 year anniversary of the beginning of a life that will take me into eternity where I will see my Savior face to face. I just had to share this special occasion with each of you who give me the honor of reading what I write. As we all enjoy the beauty of the world around us, the laughter and fun that autumn brings, I hope somewhere in the back of your mind you will think of me, and celebrate along with me, thanking God for that day in October when my life changed forever.

To Him be all glory, and honor and praise!

You Make Me Brave

Over the years I've had several people say to me, "You are so strong, Kim!" or "I wish I was as strong as you!"or "How do you stay so strong with all you've been through?"

I have a confession to make. I am the weakest of weak. I am not strong at all. If you saw me in the privacy of my home, or while I am driving, or at the cabin in the mountains you would see what I mean! Tears flow easily and freely. I am often afraid. There are days that my heart is broken in two. Some days it's all I can do to breathe. There are days that I feel so weak. I often wonder how I will make it through the day....

Here's the amazing part! God makes me strong! He makes me brave! If you see any strength in me, it is Him! I often think of Moses. He felt so inadequate, yet God chose him to lead the people of Israel through the wilderness. I think of Peter. He jumped out of that boat, then realized the danger and began to sink. But Jesus made him brave! And he walked to Him! I am no where close to Moses or Peter. I am just a simple country girl, a high school graduate, a mom, and a nanny to two precious boys.

But somehow, someway, God makes me strong! He makes me brave. When life throws me curve balls, He makes me strong! There have been many curve balls thrown my way in the past few years. I've watched a man commit suicide. I've lost my best friend. I've lost my favorite dog. (only dog lovers will understand that) I've known child molesters. I've gone through many health issues including a DVT, major surgery, migraines, serious UTI's and several medical test. Then there was an ugly divorce, losing friends as a result of my divorce, changing jobs, financial problems, a couple of broken hearts, Alzheimer's with close friends and very close family, death of loved ones, and serious heart decease with family members. It's all happened in the last 7 years. It sounds like more than any soul can bear.

Yet HE makes me strong. The strength you may see is NOT me! I am weak. I am the the weakest of the weak. But somehow, some way God gives me strength. It's supernatural. It can only come from Him. He gives me courage that I am not capable of on my own. He gives me strength to step outside of my comfort zone. I've gone to places I never thought I could manage. It's all God! He is my strength. He takes this woman who is so incredibly weak, and He makes me strong, He makes me brave. He has given me total forgiveness for those who have hurt me, love for those who seemed unlovable, and strength to walk through everything life has handed me.

I am writing this for everyone out there who feels so weak. I am weak, too. But the God of all Creation can make you strong! I am no different than you! Believe Him. Trust Him. And cry out to Him, just like I do. He will make you brave!

"I have heard You calling my name
I have heard the song of love that You sing
So I will let You draw me out beyond the shore
Into Your grace...
You make me brave" Bethel

Thank you for reading. I am humbled. He will make you brave, too!
Much love!

Read more: Bethel Music - You Make Me Brave Lyrics | MetroLyrics

The Truth In Love

Sadly, today my blog may take on a different tone. As you all know, I live my life believing in love and forgiveness. The only way to survive the heartaches and struggles of this world is to forgive, and love. Today I am angry. My anger is justified. I know it's all part of the grief process. But it is also legitimate anger I have because of the poor leadership of our nation.

This morning, as the 5th soldier passed away from a terrorist attack on our city, I am left with a few thoughts, questions, and comments that will rattle a few of my friends. I feel I must speak the truth. You do not have to agree with me, but please hear me out.

First, where has the POTUS been while our beautiful city has suffered? Yes, there was one 2 minute press conference he gave the day of the terrorist attack. One the same day, he visited a penitentiary. He was the first president to ever do that. I suppose giving time to the prisoners there was far more important than rushing to the side of the beautiful people of Chattanooga to grieve and comfort us, and to assure us of our safety. Just a thought....

Then I can not help but bring up the fact that he is now leading our nation in a beautiful dance with the devil, Iran. If we sign an agreement with Iran, we will alienate our constant friends in Israel.  Once again, evil wins, or so it seems.

The truth be told, 15-25% of Muslims are radical Muslims out to harm our nation, and other peaceful countries, such as Australia. That means that for every Muslims family I see in our community, there is a good chance that one of them may have radical ideas. One of them may be the next murderer in our city, or another city. My suggestion is a simple one. It will not solve the entire problem but perhaps it will help. If a Muslim citizen leaves our country and visits radical nations such as Yemen, Iran, and other nations known to harbor Isis, then they should not be allowed to return to our country. No exceptions. They will know when they leave, it is forever. They will be locked out of our borders.

We are at war within the borders of our own nation. It was Chattanooga this week. It's been Boston, NYC, and other cities. This is only the beginning of the war we must fight. Yet our armed forces aren't carrying weapons while they are working in our country? What is wrong with that picture? How can we ever feel safe and protected when the armed forces are unarmed, yet the terrorist have several weapons on them? What a messed up idea. I do not feel safe! Not at all! In fact, I am afraid just like many of my other fellow citizens.

And finally, lets define a hero. A hero is a man who drags his wounded fellow officer out of harms way, while still exchanging fire with a terrorist. A hero is a man who runs toward danger in order to insure the safety of others. A hero is a man who lays down his own safety and may lose his life for our nation while he is at war either abroad or at home. A hero is NOT a man who cuts off his penis and wears a dress because he should have been a born a woman rather than born a man. God did not make a mistake when he created him as a man. This new definition of "hero" is just so screwed up these days. Our society is screwed up.

Marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Period. I have gay friends. I love them. I have had them in my home, or conversed with them on Facebook. But I do not believe that they should be
married. God's word doesn't not teach that marriage is between two men or two women. As a Christian, I must stand up for Truth, and not what is correct in our current society.

Christians, please stand up with me on these Biblical thoughts. Yes, we will be persecuted, called names, and talked to like we are stupid. But we MUST stand up for what God's Word teaches. Being politically correct is not what we are called to do. We can speak the truth to others, and speak it in love. If they decide to hate us for it, that is on their shoulders. At least we have said what we are called to say.

I am not just preaching to others to live this out. I have personally had some very difficult talks with friends and family members who have bought in to society's way of thinking. In doing so, I have lost the love and respect of some people that I love so much. It is painful, and it is sad. But it is what I am called to do by my Lord. When I see Him face to face, I want Him to say "well done". He will wipe away my tears. I only hope and pray my friends and family will be there with me. God's word will not return void. That's a promise.

God have mercy on us all.....

Emily

I lost a friend today. I haven't seen her in several years but my love for her was always the same. You see, when I was a child, her family, Phil and Ed, and another family, the Olivers, and my family were the best of friends. We nicknamed ourselves The Hops (Huckabees, Olivers, and Price's) We barbequed together most every weekend, went swimming in the lake beside Phil and Emily's house, and vacationed together in Clearwater Florida every 4th of July Week.

Her son, Ed asked that all her friends write memories of her for his family. Where do I begin? So many memories. So many great times. But I'm going to give this a try....

Emily Huckabee was truly one of a kind. I have never known anyone like her. She was wonderful!

I do believe Emily had a sign on her house somewhere that said "all stray animals welcomed"! haha It seemed every time we were over there she had a new dog or cat that had roamed to her house. Phil always let her keep them. I can see him now, shaking his head and saying, "That's just Emily." She kept a supply of dog and cat food at all times for the animals God would send her way.

I remember the spider that she took up with. It slept on her pillow beside her head for a while. She woke up one morning and her spider had died. She was sad over losing her friend. Once she gave me a beautiful solid white kitten once. I'm sure she gave me several other animals over time. We shared the bond of loving all of God's Creation, and taking in strays any chance we had.

Laughter! The Huckabee's home was always full of laughter. It was a tiny little house but somehow we all fit in (all the HOPS). We were always welcomed. And they were always sad to see us leave. What great times we had together.

Our vacations were magical, at least in our eyes. We always stayed in the same motel, went swimming together, and ate together in the evenings. Emily loved to go looking for seashells at the beach early in the morning. One day she found a couple of large shells. She thought they were so beautiful! She brought them back to the motel and laid them on the dresser. During the night she woke up and saw her "shells" crawling across the dresser. Yes! They were very much alive! We all laughed and laughed over that for years to come!

There was the Kapok Tree Restaurant in Clearwater. Oh how Emily looked forward to our meal at the Kapok Tree! It was delicious! We could only afford to eat there once during our vacations so we saved it for the end of the week. We would spend our meal laughing and talking. Never a dull moment with "The Hops".

I remember when the Huckabees lost their beloved Phil. He died way too soon in a tragic accident. Emily lost the love of her life. Ed lost his beloved Dad. And we all lost a very dear friend. Life was never the same without Phil.

Emily, Ed and Phil attended Providence Baptist Church. Dad and I were laughing the other day about how we could always count on Emily to be the last one to show up for church. There may only have been 15 minutes left in the service, but she would still come in. It didn't bother her at all to be late. In fact, we all just expected her to be late, no matter where we were going. "That's just Emily" as Phil would say.

When my daughter was born, 26 years ago, Emily bought her a gift. She was very excited to get the gift to me. Twenty six years later, and I'm still waiting on that gift! haha She had such great intentions, but sometimes she had a hard time following through. No one minded though. We all knew how much she loved us. That's all that mattered.

Love. Unconditional love. Emily taught me about unconditional love. She loved everyone, no matter who they were or where they had been. She loved all of God's creatures. We were always welcomed in her home. And always left feeling loved.

I could share even more memories. Today I am so sad. Knowing that Emily was going home to be with Jesus, I was going to visit her one final time today. But she left this earth before I could make it. I am so sad that I didn't get to see her one last time. I am so sad that I didn't get to tell her what she meant to me and the difference she made in my life. We were both free spirits. Looking back now, I realize that because of Emily, I learned that being different, and being myself was perfectly Okay. God created everyone different. He broke the mold when he created Emily. She will live in my heart and mind until I die.

I love you Emily. Ed, I love you. And Phil, you are still missed. You made a mark on this world that won't be forgotten. So did Emily. With tears I say goodbye for now. But I will see you again someday. Emily and I will be on the side of Heaven that's full of animals! And once again we will laugh and be care free.

"Made to Love"

Today was a day like I have rarely ever seen. Grief over those injured and lost in that horrible car crash in Ooltewah, the prison escapee killed, grief over the lives lost in Charleston, and the passing of the law of gay marriage in every state in the US.

These events brought out many emotions in me. I must admit, the one emotion I felt the most was shame. I was ashamed of the hatred that many voiced so publicly. I was ashamed that a white man killed 9 lovely African American people while they were in a house of worship showing the killer love. I was ashamed that so many Christians think being gay is such a horrible sin, yet they hate so freely and think that's okay. They are even proud of their hatred, thinking God approves. What about adultery, lying, cheating, murder, and so on. Is that all okay? Not in God's eye's. Not according to His word.

The God I know does not approve of hatred. The God I know is Love. He loves everyone, no matter their race, sexuality, or the sin they commit. No one is perfect. If He turned His back on all of us for sin then who would He love? No one! Because we have all sinned. And if we claim we haven't committed sin, then we are Pharisees. (the worst of the worst).

Today was a day to show love. Today was a day to reach out to those who have lost loved ones, or who are different than we are. Not matter your race, sexuality, or religion, today was a day we should love one another. No fighting. No racial slurs. And certainly no hatred.

I serve a God of love. Jesus walked with those that we, as Christians, show hatred toward. I want to walk with those people too. I want to show the kind of love He showed when He walked on this earth.

If I have offended anyone, I am sorry. But I believe that today we missed an opportunity to be Jesus in the lives of many people, whether we agree or not. Love isn't about agreeing. Love is about reaching out to one another and caring for them whether we agree or not. Love is about reaching to others in their deepest needs and hurts. I have had very deep hurts, and very deep needs. I have sinned in very dark areas. I needed others to lean on during those times. Now is our time to reach out and love.

Let's allow God to judge. Not us! We are not capable of judging. Only He is capable. And only He knows who to forgive. Stop trying to take His place! He is our creator! And He knows right from wrong, those who truly love Him and serve Him, and those who do not.

Much love to everyone who reads. My heart breaks for those who lost precious loved ones in Charleston and in Ooltewah. And my heart aches for those who were attacked on FB and other social media today. My heart hurts for all the haters. Hate solves nothing. It only dishonors God and creates turmoil.

Imagine All The People...

I'm lying here tonight on my sofa, my little Maltipoo, Deacon, snuggled close to my side. My mind wanders back to a trip I was on around 5 years ago, or so. We had taken a drive from Pueblo Colorado to Crested Butte Colorado.

As we began the drive, I remember passing through tiny towns, winding through the mountains, following along beside the most gorgeous river of rapids I had ever seen. We entered the town of Salida, stopping and taking silly pictures along the way. From Salida we started the trek over one of the Fourteeners. The road was wide, yet winding. As we topped the tall mountain and drove into the valley below I recall suddenly becoming awe struck. The beauty is indescribable. Rambling shallow creeks through lush green fields full of horses. If you know me at all, you know I have a passion for horses. The farms houses were all different, some old and some new. They were all gorgeous, no matter their age. Wildflowers of all colors were blooming. In the background, for miles and miles I could see tall snow capped mountains. This view must be much like what Heaven will be like.

As we neared the distant mountains and the quaint village of Crested Butte, there were several moments when I sat in silence, my eyes filled with tears. I had never seen such beauty. I had never felt such peace. I was awe struck with love for our Creator. How could a God as huge as He is, love me enough to allow me to behold His splendor in such a unique place? It was a drive I will never forget as long as I live. It was a moment in time with God that was created just for me. I felt His love for me and my love for Him in such a unique way that day.

Today I have had this memory on my mind. I have also been wondering all day a simple question. What if I felt that kind of love and awe for my Savior every day? What if I could breathe Him in, not missing a moment of peace and beauty that He gives me daily? What would my life look like if I were filled with that kind of love daily? What about everyone else? What if we all loved Him the way I adored Him that day? How would that translate into our lives? What would our world be like if we all lived in peace and beheld His Beauty?

I believe it would wipe away all hate. We could disagree, yet still love. We could have compassion for one another the way Jesus did when He walked on the earth. We could allow for differences and still see the beauty in one another. We could desire God's best for others rather than calling them our enemy. We could forgive.

I know this is only a dream. As I studied in Genesis yesterday about Adam and Eve, I saw clearly how our world has become so twisted. Once Eve sinned, then Adam, there was no going back. We will always live in a sinful world. But it's so sweet to dream about what if.... It's so sweet to remember that day filled with meandering streams, horses, wildflowers and snow capped mountains. It's a pleasure to remember feeling in complete awe of the beauty He created. And it's amazing to remember the feeling of complete and total peace. Nothing else mattered but God and love and my family on that day.

I know we will never live in a perfect world. But what if we all changed our world around us when we can? What if we are kind to strangers? Give to others when prompted to give, rather than hold on to money and possessions so tightly? Slip a note to someone who needs encouraging? Go visit a friend who is sick, finding out what they need, rather than saying "if there's anything I can do let me know". What if we took a moment out of our day to contact an old friend, or say "I'm sorry" to someone we may have hurt along the way? What if we thanked someone who made a difference in our lives? I could go on and on. As I write, God is prompting my heart to do these things.

Thank you for reading as I reminisce and imagine. I want to strive to see Him everyday the way I saw Him that day in Colorado. I hope and pray some of you will join me on this journey to slow life down and just be in awe sometimes. And I hope you will join me in changing our little pieces of the world to look a little more like Jesus, to share His love with others.
I am so humbled that you read my little blog. To Him be all glory! Much Love to all of you!