Jealous for God?

The past month has been a whirlwind for myself and my family.  As most of you know, we packed up the house, the 3 kids, dog, 2 cars and moved from Kansas back to Savannah.  During this time we have unpacked, vacationed in Florida and have had company visiting.  Needless to say, my time with God has not been what I hoped for each day, but that’s okay because there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  Although, I didn’t get as much time in the Word each day , I was still talking to God daily in my thoughts and prayers.  I even did devotions with my hubby and kids, but it still wasn’t the same as when I’m alone with my King!  It simply was wasn’t enough for me because I’m the type of person who loves to just linger and take all the time I need to be with my Savior daily.  There is nothing like being in His all consuming presence, to hear His still small voice and be filled up with His  love and truth.   It’s priceless and in the end, I realized I was jealous for God!

 I missed just being alone with God without the distractions of people and life. It reminds me of how I feel about being with my husband at times.  I couldn’t wait to get the house unpacked and the hubby back to work.  Yikes, I hope that doesn’t sound bad, but I think some of you know what I mean because when you have experienced intimacy with God there is nothing like it!  There was a place in my heart that couldn’t wait to be with God alone again.   In essence, I was jealous for Him! I smile just saying that because  this is a good thing!  Today was the first day in three weeks where I’ve had the opportunity to sit again with my Heavenly groom and I can honestly tell you there is nothing like it! I hope He missed me as much as I missed Him. 

Are you jealous for God and the things of God? If not, then what is keeping you from longing for that quiet, intimate time with Him lately?  What obstacles are keeping you from His presence today?  My prayer is that each of you would learn to be jealous for Him like He is jealous for time with you.  May you find the time you need today to sit before Him so He can express to you His love for you today!:D

I'm a Mountain...

Last week was a challenging week for me to say the very least.  The good news is I’m still standing in faith, joy and hope in my heart for God’s glory to be revealed through it!   I can’t go into detail about it but have learned that God has prepared me ahead of time for this coming season. I’m so grateful HE knew my situation ahead of time! In fact, I’m surprised at how I’m already conquering it with His loving grace that is available to  me as I need it. This is priceless.  Now I know why He was filling me with faith scriptures all year.  Makes me smile even now as I revel over His provision for me.  Needless to say, it’s not me, God’s grace is more than sufficient in my weakness and I can boast that much more that His power and word over me are gold!!

I had my battle though of ups and downs and  found myself needing to cycle through my  emotions with God constantly--this was a good thing!  Sometimes we think we can't have feelings. Instead, we have to try and hide them and act like nothing is bothering us.  Not so with God!  God was there the whole time, hearing me cry out to Him my raw and honest feelings. Notice, I said to Him.  I know where my help comes from and I've learned there is no greater resource of relief in the storms of life!

 Not once did He judge me or criticize my thinking.  Instead, He opened up His arms of grace and  graciously listened, allowing me to reveal my fears and hurts.  I simply LOVE this about my Father in Heaven!    However, God’s Word pulled me through each and every time. I grew stronger and stronger day by day as I allowed His truths to make me feel secure in faith.   I can’t say enough about the truth and power behind His Word.  It has unspeakable power over me.  When I fix my eyes on the truth and the character of God and not on myself or circumstances –it changes everything because it takes my eyes off of me and puts them on the ONE who has all the answers.

Growing in faith and trusting God is part of our journey.  Some days are different than others. Some days require more of getting on our hands and knees and surrendering ALL to Him because we simply don't have anything left.   I’m finding that my journey is never without a deeper level of understanding of scriptures I hold so dear to my heart.  God is in the business of moving us deeper into  the revelations of His love for us, for this-- I’m grateful!  There is no joy that speaks greater to me than to move through a season with God where your intimacy with Him is the very thing that keeps you breathing at times. Every deep breath I take in says, "Jesus, I need you!" 

 Unless you have been through that kind of season then you won’t know what I’m talking about. Don't run from these seasons because there is much treasure to be found buried deep in them.  Even now, I have my shovel and I'm digging deeper than I ever have before because I know that I will find Gold.  I’ve found that trials in the end are a blessing in disguise because they grow you closer to God than you ever dreamed of.  They are an opportunity to allow you to see Him in ways you never imagined.  He shows up big time in provision, in grace, in love and in forgiveness.  What a gift! God is always wanting to shower us with more of this kind of love.  My arms are wide open to receive it.  Are yours?

Psalm 125:1 says, “ Those who trust ( confident, secure, sure) in the Lord are like Mt. Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.”   I’m so grateful that no matter what happens with my situation this hour that I don’t have to have the answers to all my questions or need to see where I'm  going.  If our trust is only dependent on God's manifestation of power and favor, we will never be able to stand!  Instead, I can trust in God simply because of WHO He is and not what He can do for me.   For me there is no greater place to be then to be desperate before the Lord and waiting for Him to show Himself faithful because HE is faithful!

What are you trusting God for  today?  Are you needing answers or an end result and you find yourself reasoning and asking why? If so, stop and be still and know that you are secured in love. Trust with confidence and be secured knowing that God does not fail in what He allows to come into your life.  The answers may not always come and the path may seem endless, but you can be sure that the He will not mislead you or leave you on it.  This is where I trust Him to make me like Mt. Zion. I will choose not to be shaken, but rather remain forever in God’s provision and love through it.  May you grow in the same trust today!

What Closet Jewelry Are You Hiding?

If you’re like most women, you dream of one day being able to have a beautifully sophisticated, organized closet to store all your possessions in.  Maybe it will be one where you have a high back, satin-upholstered chair to sit in to change shoes or casually read a magazine, while drinking coffee and eating whatever the butler serves you.  After all, you have  more than enough  time to ponder your  choice of wardrobe before heading to the post PX or commissary , right? Not!  For most military wives, you are just grateful for a sufficient enough closet to store your things. Never mind elegance.  Closets are the least of your worries!  Functionality and enough room for hubby to store his dirty combat boots and ACU’s( Army Combat Uniform)  is the mission at hand.

I’ve had many closets throughout my travels as an army wife. Some of them were awesome, meaning that I was able to have enough room to spread out my belongings and actually see what I own.  However, I don’t allow myself to get spoiled because you never know what the next move will bring you.  It might be that old brown cardboard box that the movers  make into a makeshift closet for you!

So, why all the talk about closets, you might be asking?  Well, recently while standing in line at my local Wal-Mart, I happen to pick up a magazine to help pass the time while the woman in front of me purchased enough groceries to last her a month or two if she were ever stranded in the wilderness!  Patiently, (well, maybe that is a stretch!) I read an article about how the average woman in America wears only a small percentage of what she owns. The article went on to challenge women to get rid of what they were calling, “closet jewelry”(basically items or clothing that are not being used but  rather only add to the décor of their closet).  They suggested donating the items to people in need.

Well, I am guilty as charged; I am one of those women who have beautiful clothes, purses, and shoes that I have NEVER worn. In fact, some of them still have the price tags on.  Feeling convicted, I decided to start going through my closet to get rid of the “closet jewelry.” It was liberating to know that these valuable items would finally find some purpose and hopefully enrich lives.

However, today my blog is not about just useless “closet jewelry” that collects in your closet and looks pretty, but rather about you as a person. You see, as I began to reflect on this matter, I felt there was a deeper message that the Lord was imparting to me.  What is it about my closet these days that God chooses to speak to me?  Maybe I’m in the movie Narnia and don’t realize it!-lol…

We too are like closets. We hold some really valuable things within us that are not being used.  For example, some of us might hold the talents for taking pictures, cooking, baking, teaching, parenting, dealing with kids, encouraging people, listening, etc.- the lists are endless. God didn’t create us without a purpose. Our gifts and talents were never meant to be “closet jewelry.”    They were meant to be on display like fine, sparkling jewelry.  He wants us shining with His glory!

So, what closet jewelry are you hiding? What would God have you do with what He has given to you? Don’t let those items or gifts go to waste today. Instead, clean out your closet and give it all away!

Casting Down our Crowns....

And so the story went…..

The beautiful princess, with her hair wet, matted and stuck to her face, stood silent staring at the huge altar before her. Her golden scepter in hand was of no use here, and she knew it. She fell to her knees in shame and despair. How did she get to this place, this point in her life? Exhausted from her weary battle, she realized this was it; the moment of truth was upon her. The enemy destroyed her kingdom, and she narrowly escaped her demise.

Her gown of elegance was now torn and battered in the wind. The sparkling material that once flowed was ripped to shreds, laying in pieces around her. Really, all she had left of her deity was her crown--oh yes, her crown of glory! The crown that displayed her purpose, her agendas, her power, her authority and her life, became the symbol of her identity and was now the sad display of indignity.

Somehow, the crown seemed heavy now, and it felt awkward on her head. She reached upon her head and felt the sharp edges of metal that always displayed the royalty and power of the kingdom she built, an inheritance from her father. She began to weep, realizing that her crown became her downfall. No longer did it represent supremacy, but rather places of shame, guilt, inadequacies, failures and fears, and most of all, a heart of stone. Her crown became her idol as it allowed her the excuse to not trust in anything but her own self righteousness.

She began to shake violently in anger and rage as she realized the longing of desperation in her heart that was never fulfilled. The reality of a lifetime of mistakes and disappointments hit her heart like a ton of bricks as she fell prostrate on the altar of grace.

Sitting up, she took a deep breath and violently cast the crown down with such a force it knocked one of the sapphires loose.

It shimmered in the moonlight on the altar in front of her, and its radiance danced in her eyes. Closing them, she took a deep breath and prayed that one day God would bestow her with a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of despair. Her desire now was to be a display of splendor and be planted by the Lord, to instead serve under His crown of humility and grace, where she knew she would find peace and love.  She could only hope that her stony heart would become flesh once again.

Like most princesses, there comes a place in our walk of faith where we learn to put those crowns down--the crowns that once represented pride, control, selfish ambition, and much more. As those of us who have walked there realize, like the princess in the story, our kingdoms are not built on truth but on pride. They slowly crumble under our own demise. However, God promises us in Psalm 103:4 that He will redeem our life from the pit and crown us with love and compassion. This is what true royalty is about, wearing the crown of righteousness that is not of our own but from the Highest King in the land, Jesus Christ.

So, today, are you willing to lay those crowns down that display false power, shame, envy, self pity or fear in your lives? Are you willing to let God crown you with His righteousness and not your own?

His desire is to bring us a crown of love and compassion that will shine throughout His kingdom. This is by far the highest crown we could ever wear, holding power and authority that could never be compared. It has the power to transform not only our own lives but the lives of others. Make the great exchange today and once again walk as the royal princess you were meant to be!

Let Your Words Run!

The other day a friend of mine left this status on her facebook and I was humbled by her words. It read:

“I was running this morning, when out of nowhere I heard a very loud "Woo Hoo!! Go Kristen!! (or something like that) from out of a car window. Now THAT is encouragement at the exact time that I needed it. Thank you, Kimchi Lya McMahon Blow! I'll pay it forward - women encouraging other women and not tearing each other down. We need more of that! :)”

First of all, I didn’t think she knew it was me that was yelling out  the window at her.  I figured she thought it was some crazy women on post!  Secondly, it made me aware of the power of my words.  I was humbled… Immediately,  I thanked  God for allowing me to be used that day.  She must have caught me on a good day because I will be the FIRST to tell you, I’m not always so encouraging.  just ask my kids and hubby-just saying!  I must've had two cups of coffee that day and some great time with God!   Thirdly,  it inspired and encouraged me to get out there more and give out life giving words!:D

As my friend shared her story on facebok, it reminded me of a similar experience  I've had while running in a half marathon a couple of years ago.  I was at mile 10 and out of nowhere, a stranger screamed out, “Mother of Four (this was the sign I was wearing on my t-shirt at the time), you’re doing awesome—keep going!”  Those words were exactly what I needed to hear at that moment because I was feeling the pain! God knew what I need in that moment. It was like Jesus personally cheering me on.  That man had no clue of how he helped me get past my mental wall that day. May God bless him even now as I recall the story! Isn't that crazy that it's been almost 2 years and that stranger's life giving words still give me life! LOVE IT!!   More importantly, we must be willing to let God use us to  deliver His love and encouragement to those around us.  There are a lot of people around your sphere of influence who need to hear some life giving words from you today!

My friend stated in her  Facebook message above that she loved that a woman was not tearing her down but rather building her up. It made me sad that she has ever had to deal with that, but  I could so relate.   So many times, I see this kind of thing happening in the world we live in, especially among women.  Why?   Jealousy is a spirit that runs rampant among us.  Why can’t we celebrate the differences,  the victories and  the talents in one another? Why must we feel we have to  compare ourselves and bash one another to make ourselves feel lifted up? I  simply don’t get it.  Nor do I want to get it because it’s ugly.  I remember a time when I was like that.  I’m not proud of it, but I’m grateful that God's love and grace healed me.  His Truth has allowed me to see that my worth is not measured in what I am, who I am, what I do or much less what others think of me, but rather by His truth.  It NEVER changes.

 I’m just grateful that most of my friends and acquaintances  are women who choose life for themselves and joyfully give it out to those around them.  You know those kind of women who willingly and sincerely cheer you on.  This is who I want to be to others and for God.  This is my heart's desire to encourage people, but I can't do this without receiving God's love first.  Only then, can I give it out abundantly to others!  My true friends celebrate with me and I try and do the same with them.  In fact, a lot of the ladies in my life are an inspiration to me, just like my friend above!  I was so proud to see her being the strong women God was calling her to be, an example of health and vitality to me. Seeing her running made me want to run, too.  These are the kinds of women I need around me.  Life is far too difficult enough to have friends as enemies!

In the end, words are powerful!  Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.” When was the last time you thought about the words you speak?   Take an opportunity today to empower someone with love and encouragement.  Sometimes those words can be as few as a hello, calling someone by their name, taking time to give a sincere compliment, or simply acknowledging something special about another person that you admire. Never underestimate the power of a compliment Or the power of your words.   Today, be loved and love those around you because this is what makes Christ go around!