tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65590175776695458662024-03-13T15:51:34.108-05:00Encourage. Empower. Extend.
" You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear much fruit." John 15:16Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-37833481041787152592016-01-25T10:02:00.002-06:002016-01-25T10:25:04.601-06:00A Bridal Dip Into the Jordan River!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This weekend, I made a step of faith. I crossed over into my promise land! My knees were shaking and my heart was beating fast, but I did it! As I stepped into my personal Jordan River of fears, doubts, insecurities and unbelief , I miraculously saw those waters that once threatened me begin to push back! I shared publicily a small part of my introduction to the book I'm trying to write. It was a defining moment for me in my walk of faith to finally put my work out there! As a writer, your work is your passion. It's your inner heart beat that drives you to write. Every word written is song being played by your soul. All my fears diminished and faded away as I began to take hold of the very things that once took hold of me. Fear is no longer my enemy. Fear is a lie. I put fear under my feet and it felt good!! God's Word tells us in 1 John 4:18, " There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." In other words, when we put fear down and are obedient to God in the things He has placed in our hearts to do for Him, He is the One that drives back the darkness and lies that entangle us from walking in our destines and taking hold of our promises. Faith will always call us to deeper waters of trust. Like Peter, we need to get out our boats and walk toward God in faith. When we do, He has us to walk on those waters! What does your Jordan River represent? What deep waters does God want you to walk on this season? Allow yourself to let your faith lead you to places you never dreamed of. Let your faith be without borders!</div>
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Now, I will take another step of faith and share with you just a little sneak peak of my book, "Imposter Brides. Will the True Bride of Christ Please Stand Up!:)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Imposter Bride ….Will the True Bride of Christ Please Stand
Up!<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;">“That He might present her to Himself a
glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she
should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians
5:27 (NKJV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;">Have you ever watched a bride on her
wedding day? Or, perhaps you may have been that bride yourself and experienced
the growing anticipation of such a glorious occasion. Months and months of
preparation have taken place—detail after detail, carefully scrutinized, even
right down to the exact seating arrangements. No element left out, no expense
spared. Then, it’s the matter of the dress, perhaps exclusively handmade from
Italy with the finest of lace and white satin, displaying tiny exquisite pearls
and sequence throughout. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;"> Roses
and gardenias are arranged and presented on beautiful white linen tablecloths
with delicate china on top of silver chargers for extra finesse. The candles
glow with effervescent lights that dance and shimmer in the night air. Even the
nametags are pleasing to the eyes. The guests wait patiently in stylish impressive
attire. The bride’s maids and groomsmen stand poised at the altar. The wedding
is about to begin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;">Love encompasses the air and all wait for
the bride to make her grand entrance and procession down the aisle to her
groom. With each second that passes, her excitement and anticipation grows. These
are the moments she has reminisced over in her mind since she was a little
girl. Timidly, she smiles underneath her veil as she thinks about her groom and
the promises being fulfilled today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;"> On
key, the music beckons and she gently fits her vulnerable hand snuggly into her
daddy’s arm. It’s time! The doors of the church swing open and the people
stand. Breathing in deeply, she takes her first steps towards the future. With
all eyes upon her, she feels self-conscious. Nevertheless, she refocuses and
steadies her sight towards her groom. She sees him. He sees her. Their eyes
lock with loving acceptance and desire for one another. Immediately, her heartbeat
increases with sheer delight and assuredly her confidence returns. Tears of joy
begin to fall gently down her cheeks. The elation within her bursts forth like
a song resounding in her soul. It’s a song of promise, commitment and passion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;">This is her moment. The moment she has
been preparing for all her life. All that she has imagined, longed for and
worked for accumulates into this one passage of time when she says “yes!” From
this point on, she matters to someone. She counts. She is worthy of love!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;"> As women, we deeply desire to feel beautiful, validated,
accepted and worthy of someone’s love. You see, this is a picture of God’s
heart for His bride. He desires for us to feel that same joy of anticipation, love,
acceptance and passion when we are reunited with Him for all eternity. But more
so, He wants to be more than enough for us—today! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;">He desires to be our hearts’ final
destination where nothing else can satisfy us more than Him. This is an
infinite love story, which resonates through time and space since before all of
creation. God loves us! His compassion and love constantly pursue our hearts until
we are prepared for Him without wrinkle or blemish. No other love story ever
written can compare because this one was written through our Lover’s sacrificial
blood, as His life was ransomed for our bridal price. We were chosen and bought
for the King of Kings, and one day, we will become His eternal bride. However,
the question remains, are we ready? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><!--EndFragment-->
</div>
</div>
Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-14262654082816297932015-09-13T09:06:00.000-05:002015-09-13T09:06:01.211-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomH8ugPtauMEpYijspAPiLZehS0_8T1DjGmclx5HKq91b5H3rh-SGfZZGgEaI8CwIcDFq0XzpCuVIS9AoYAQSmnmaathCE6ep8OEhGon5z6UtdD9KZf-91dfTvgpg1ePZaTkOb3uV/s1600/images-7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomH8ugPtauMEpYijspAPiLZehS0_8T1DjGmclx5HKq91b5H3rh-SGfZZGgEaI8CwIcDFq0XzpCuVIS9AoYAQSmnmaathCE6ep8OEhGon5z6UtdD9KZf-91dfTvgpg1ePZaTkOb3uV/s1600/images-7.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I can't believe it's been some time since I've posted anything on this blog site! A few years have gone by to say the least. I laid my writing down for a period of time, but it's time to start allowing my creative flow to come alive again! I'm ready now more than ever to step back into what I do best…share! No matter what I do, I can't not do it. I need to face the fact that I will always be a communicator to some extent. No duct tape or closed key board will ever stop me I'm afraid! lol…..Lord, help me and those that have to deal with it:)<br />
<br />
I'm going to try to blog at least twice a week. I hope you will allow me to enter your world again. I'm praying that my words will be an encouragement and resource of life to you once more. Pray for me as I am also in the stages of writing a book. I'm working with a literary agent that I met at a writer's conference back in May. Yikes! My heart increases rapidly just thinking about that mountain I'm about to climb! I'm trusting God with the process and allowing Him to guide and direct me. His time and His way! I'm humbled by the work and time it takes, but I know God is my help.<br />
<br />
I'm smiling now as I type these words. Oh, how I've missed the sound of my fingers hitting the key board while having my hot cup of coffee within reach as I talk to you about life and God! I find it a privilege and a blessing to do so. Thank you for your time and your support if you have been one of my followers in the past. If you're new then I pray you will drop by from time to time and be blessed from what you might read.<br />
<br />
I will talk with you soon!:)</div>
Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-62972071780667073752012-06-06T08:31:00.002-05:002012-06-06T08:31:26.963-05:00Jealous for God?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The past month has been a whirlwind
for myself and my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As most of you
know, we packed up the house, the 3 kids, dog, 2 cars and moved from Kansas
back to Savannah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this time we
have unpacked, vacationed in Florida and have had company visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even did devotions with my hubby and kids,
but it still wasn’t the same as when I’m alone with my King!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing like
being in His all consuming presence, to hear His still small voice and be
filled up with His <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love and truth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s priceless and in the end, I realized I
was jealous for God!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t wait to
get the house unpacked and the hubby back to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was a place in my heart that couldn’t wait to be with God alone again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In essence, I was jealous for Him! I smile
just saying that because <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this is a good
thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
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?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What obstacles
are keeping you from His presence today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My prayer is that each of you would learn to be jealous for Him like He
is jealous for time with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May you
find the time you need today to sit before Him so He can express to you His
love for you today!:D</div>
</div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-23671627826829441112012-03-05T09:25:00.000-06:002012-03-05T09:25:31.053-06:00I'm a Mountain...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X_3PuADR32V89pbmrYaQeKxt6ezKmGmnheIOMH9C2NFwLqaltESJ2BmCwyFvI1jYfSZ2Lswvk6MmmELedtG27Em_0fiDyLrmrOzen4ESOzLHa-A6dYhc9YzE5obdcMs7ao7nsFB7/s1600/Mountain+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X_3PuADR32V89pbmrYaQeKxt6ezKmGmnheIOMH9C2NFwLqaltESJ2BmCwyFvI1jYfSZ2Lswvk6MmmELedtG27Em_0fiDyLrmrOzen4ESOzLHa-A6dYhc9YzE5obdcMs7ao7nsFB7/s1600/Mountain+top.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Last week was a challenging week for me to say the very least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">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. </span>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!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">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! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>God was there the whole time, hearing me cry out to Him my raw and honest feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 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!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span>Not once did He judge me or criticize my thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, He opened up His arms of grace and graciously listened, allowing me to reveal my fears and hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply LOVE this about my Father in Heaven!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, God’s Word pulled me through each and every time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I grew stronger and stronger day by day as I allowed His truths to make me feel secure in faith. </span>I can’t say enough about the truth and power behind His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has unspeakable power over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Growing in faith and trusting God is part of our journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is in the business of moving us deeper into the revelations of His love for us, for this-- I’m grateful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Every deep breath I take in says, "Jesus, I need you!" </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span>Unless you have been through that kind of season then you won’t know what I’m talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 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. </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are an opportunity to allow you to see Him in ways you never imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shows up big time in provision, in grace, in love and in forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Psalm 125:1 says, “ Those who trust ( confident, secure, sure) in the Lord are like Mt. Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If our trust is only dependent on God's manifestation of power and favor, we will never be able to stand! </span>Instead, I can trust in God simply because of WHO He is and not what He can do for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>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!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">What are you trusting God for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May you grow in the same trust today!</div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-52945455124572688692012-02-23T20:07:00.000-06:002012-02-23T20:07:25.360-06:00What Closet Jewelry Are You Hiding?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp8FScWeeyBcpEw12el_fReiXrb0UQzyRIeCRoXELi-w5YVTbduJIRSFt2F6q6Vpe7bsqH4bcMZSNVCtYb_J_EXbuOO8Mu8NMX1PaWQ50_n9g20_yMBZof_3PNdyymVC-D5C-xD5P/s1600/Closets-Diva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp8FScWeeyBcpEw12el_fReiXrb0UQzyRIeCRoXELi-w5YVTbduJIRSFt2F6q6Vpe7bsqH4bcMZSNVCtYb_J_EXbuOO8Mu8NMX1PaWQ50_n9g20_yMBZof_3PNdyymVC-D5C-xD5P/s1600/Closets-Diva.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, you have <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>more than enough <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>time to ponder your <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>choice of wardrobe before heading to the post PX or commissary , right? Not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most military wives, you are just grateful for a sufficient enough closet to store your things. Never mind elegance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Closets are the least of your worries!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Functionality and enough room for hubby to store his dirty combat boots and ACU’s( Army Combat Uniform)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is the mission at hand. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I don’t allow myself to get spoiled because you never know what the next move will bring you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might be that old brown cardboard box that the movers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make into a makeshift closet for you! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, why all the talk about closets, you might be asking? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rather only add to the décor of their closet).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They suggested donating the items to people in need. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</div><div class="MsoNormal">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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is it about my closet these days that God chooses to speak to me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I’m in the movie Narnia and don’t realize it!-lol…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We too are like closets. We hold some really valuable things within us that are not being used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were meant to be on display like fine, sparkling jewelry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us shining with His glory! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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! </div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-50906397767652306512012-02-22T22:44:00.000-06:002012-02-22T22:44:02.826-06:00Casting Down our Crowns....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--[if !mso]> <style>
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<br />
And so the story went…..<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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Sitting up, she took a deep breath and violently cast the crown down with such a force it knocked one of the sapphires loose.<br />
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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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could only hope that her stony heart would become flesh once again.<br />
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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.<br />
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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?<br />
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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! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-29256129248535218822012-02-18T00:00:00.002-06:002012-02-18T00:26:23.088-06:00Let Your Words Run!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmI-tLTv2SEkWFbOhiMpFfB5OsgYevrV6AgYBvo9ypsib9lrxmISjbE-5NEX_KTRZOhciRx8UMAHPUAU5-uPnLHKK2eoEHxVnH2wvcuAjATgJNLsoAYRnmcfXp5YAKMthRLTrn0AA/s1600/runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmI-tLTv2SEkWFbOhiMpFfB5OsgYevrV6AgYBvo9ypsib9lrxmISjbE-5NEX_KTRZOhciRx8UMAHPUAU5-uPnLHKK2eoEHxVnH2wvcuAjATgJNLsoAYRnmcfXp5YAKMthRLTrn0AA/s1600/runner.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The other day a friend of mine left this status on her facebook and I was humbled by her words. It read: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">“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, <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1422096676" href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1422096676">Kimchi Lya McMahon Blow</a>! I'll pay it forward - women encouraging other women and not tearing each other down. We need more of that! :)”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">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 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>aware</u></b> 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 <u><b>more</b></u> and give out life giving words!:D</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">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!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">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. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"> 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! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">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 <i>hello</i>, 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!</div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-58254817355430260962012-02-17T20:52:00.002-06:002012-02-17T21:03:32.837-06:00The Turtle on the Fence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</h3><div class="post-header"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdBROKMPk7AkNJjHVXPzVVE_0M8Q4OPd0j0WFGfjPsG29B50zrD22RxrFjREBeobGcRC64rvD3ZxOvtov3ZHrb9zr_Ewu9-TSWT1VrT6kZQd_JGLbRQDYkSTd8BitOLmIHIuWKCJI/s1600/Turtle+on+the+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdBROKMPk7AkNJjHVXPzVVE_0M8Q4OPd0j0WFGfjPsG29B50zrD22RxrFjREBeobGcRC64rvD3ZxOvtov3ZHrb9zr_Ewu9-TSWT1VrT6kZQd_JGLbRQDYkSTd8BitOLmIHIuWKCJI/s1600/Turtle+on+the+fence.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> When Ralene and I named our blog, <i>Encourage. Empower. Extend, </i>we wanted it to be an extension of the truths we held importantly in our own lives. As women of faith, we are called to put our faith into action daily. Faith without works is dead, and we can’t become the women God calls us to be. Today, let's look at what it means to <i>extend</i>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">At first when I thought of the word <i>extend, </i>I chuckled to myself as I recalled attending some Yoga and Pilates classes where I had to stretch my body into some funky positions. Trust me; it was not a pretty sight! I was definitely stretching myself past my normal capabilities. It’s good to challenge ourselves every once in awhile and extend our minds, bodies and spirits into new places that God requires us to go. It’s part of the process of maturity and God loves opportunities to also extend His grace and power to us so that we can do things we never dreamed of before. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Another way we can extend ourselves is helping others. I’ve always loved the verse from Deuteronomy 5:15, “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that <span class="highlight">the</span> <span class="highlight">LORD</span> your God brought you out <span class="highlight">of</span> there with a mighty hand and an <b><i>outstretched</i></b><i> </i><span class="highlight">arm</span>.” The word <i>outstretch </i>is another word for <i>extend</i>. The Greek word for extend is <i> Didomi</i>, which means to give something of one's own accord, to give for advantage, to bestow a gift, supply, furnish, stretch, expand, deliver, to reach out, or <span class="highlight">enlarge. It makes me smile when I think of God reaching down from the Heaven with an extended arm to help me.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="highlight"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> So how can we extend ourselves to others in a world that desperately needs it? We live in times where women everywhere need help. The world demands a lot from us today. We are expected to hold down full time jobs while being a loving, caring, perfect wife and mother, who is also the ideal example of health and beauty too. Oh, and don’t forget to put a smile on your face as well! Just typing those demands makes me tired and my mind spin, never mind doing it! However, if it wasn’t for the awesome women that God placed into my life that extended themselves to me in the ways of friendship, time, love, encouragement, knowledge, grace, hope and vision, I may not be the woman I am today. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="highlight"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Alex Haley, the author of <u>Roots</u>, keeps a picture of a turtle sitting on top of a fence in his office. He was reminded daily that the turtle didn’t get up there on his own, but rather someone helped him. We too need to keep this truth before us that helping others is one of the noblest occupations we could ever do as a human being. In the end, it is not about us but rather about extending ourselves to others who need it. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="highlight"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> This is the same vision we have for <i>Encourage. Empower. Extend</i>. We want to be an extension of God’s love and help to those women around us daily. We all have something to give that God desires us to use. In what ways are you like that turtle on the fence? How can you begin to extend yourself today? Be encouraged with Proverbs 31:29 that says, </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Now go put some turtles on the fence! </span></div></div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-84943847768996463752012-02-16T15:39:00.007-06:002012-02-16T20:47:25.827-06:00Old Jeans…New Ways<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwre9aKWO1-39zRj1G_0Y-iGrOft3FRI-qaxrJ953THtCR8AkpnCZZAQa1blvYeaBSxU7Nly_r9OxyghDmrjowJM-WwqfrMx9IIK4rlleb0xG2HbG2Ox68tubYUkExx2jhamc9Cdl/s1600/Jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwre9aKWO1-39zRj1G_0Y-iGrOft3FRI-qaxrJ953THtCR8AkpnCZZAQa1blvYeaBSxU7Nly_r9OxyghDmrjowJM-WwqfrMx9IIK4rlleb0xG2HbG2Ox68tubYUkExx2jhamc9Cdl/s1600/Jeans.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Okay, so I admit, I need some help with better titles to my blogs. Pray for me. Hopefully , the content is more entertaining than the name.lol.. I never thought that choosing a pair of jeans would send me on a spiritual journey. Much less, blog about it! However, God is in the business of speaking right into the heart of matters and getting our attention. Levi Jeans just happen to be the subject matter He used for me. Let me try and explain.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> As most of you know, I’ve been desperately trying to take off this last 10 pounds. To say the least, it has been no easy task, but I’m gaining far more than I’m losing in this battle. One of the things I’m learning is about self discipline. This word, “self discipline” is not as ugly to me as it use to be. Before, if I heard that word I would run and hide. Now, I swallow hard and remind myself that it’s good for me. Put it this way, discipline and I are not BFF’s but we are at least on speaking terms right now. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Now , back to the whole point of this blog…jeans and new ways. I was standing in my closet the other day, trying to find a pair of jeans that I could wear. Most of the jeans I own are too big for me now because I’ve lost some weight. This is a good issue to have and I’m excited. I was rummaging through my huge collection and noticed all the different sizes. Then, out of nowhere, God butted into my fashion thoughts. Weird, I know but bare with me here. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> “ Kim, why haven’t you gotten rid of all these old jeans that don’t fit you?” </div><div class="MsoNormal"> “ Uhm, because I don’t want to.” <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You don’t want to? Aren’t you trying to get into a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">new </b>size? If that is the case, why do you keep holding onto the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">old </b>sizes , Kim?"<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I didn’t know what to say. So, I simply replied back to God , “ Well, I don’t want to have to buy new ones because they are so expensive!” Ha, I thought that would be an appropriate answer to God because certainly He understands the economy and all! Instead, God responded , “ Am I not your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">new </b>supply and provision?” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> “Well, yeah, God, but..” </div><div class="MsoNormal">“ Kim, don’t you see that wanting the new but continuing to choose the old is not how my Kingdom works! You must be willing to be stretched into those new places, agree with them and allow the old supply to be let go, so my new supply for you can begin to flow!” Obviously, at this point, I knew Levi Jeans is not what He was referring to , but rather God was showing me something greater than denim or fashion. I put my listening ears on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> You see, God had a point. God was showing me something that I didn’t realize I was doing. You see, I held onto the old pair of jeans because of security --a “just in case” excuse. I kept them around in case I needed them again! I held onto those old jeans because I felt comfortable in them. I was use to their size. In a way, I was enslaved to them. This new size I’m in feels odd to me. I haven’t quite gotten use to the firmer fit. I need time to stretch into them. It’s odd for me to even shop for this new size because I don’t quite believe yet that I’m really smaller. In fact, I feel like I'm an imposter. Satan is trying to make me feel like I'm not worthy of this size. Do you know what I mean? Silly, huh? But you know it's true. Some of you may have been here or maybe it's speaking to you about something else in your life. Maybe there was a small place of unbelief that had crept into my walk and God was faithfully showing me a place of hindrance in a very real place of my life. Yikes…I needed the humbling. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Our spiritual lives are much like these jeans. We desire new things, but when it comes time to throwing away all those old things that hinder us, we have a problem letting go. Without realizing it, we’ve bought into a slave mentality. When it’s time to be set free, we don’t really believe we are free. We don't believe it or feel worthy of a new victory or position in our lives. What do I mean by this? Simply, it’s hard to adapt to changes both in our physical and spiritual lives. We can EASILY get stuck without realizing it. I wanted to be a size 8 again, but I was still acting like a size 14! It’s not about the number people, it’s about the mindset. What mindset do you have? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> When Joshua crossed over the Jordan River from the desert, God stopped the old supply line of daily manna because they had just entered into the NEW place. The OLD has to go for the NEW to come! They wouldn’t need that OLD manna anymore because there were NEW sources to be fed from. God always has a NEW supply waiting for us to tap into!! Also, let’s note that the first thing that God had Joshua do was to circumcise the Israelites as they entered into this NEW territory.. This represents God cutting away the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">old </b>places so they could be set apart for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>new</u></b> places God had for them to take hold of. God still does this today with His people. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> It’s great to want new things to happen to us and for God to do new things in us but we will never get there unless we align our thoughts, actions and words to agree with His truth. We must take hold of all those new places that god wants for us to tackle and have victory in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> We must be willing to be stretched into new jeans if you will, even if the old jeans feel comfortable and acceptable. Kind of like, we need to let new wine skin be stretched so it can hold the new wine or it will burst. OLD wine skin can’t hold new wine. My problem was that I had this old slave mentality of agreeing that I might one day return to my old sizes, so I held onto the old jeans. However, God was trying to show me that if you want the new size then shop for some new jeans!lol…(Did someone say, shop!... ) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">I hope you are getting what I’m trying to say here ,people. If you want the NEW things of God then throw out the old ways of doing things, thinking, speaking and acting. It’s the only way. Hebrews 12:1 tell us to throw off those old things that hinder us and to fix our eyes on Jesus! Let us take hold of the new mind set and path God has for each of us. Let us agree to walk in it completely and throw off every hindrance that might entangle or entice us to remain in Egypt. Are you not a new creation in Christ Jesus? Are you allowing the old supply to stop so that you can make room for the new? Trust me, my closet is NOW ready for some new jeans!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What jeans(old ways) do you have stored in your closet (life) that God wants to clean out , so you can start wearing the new size this season? Is it old habits? Old thinking? Old relationships? Old sin? Old ministry ideas? Will you allow God to peek into your spiritual closet for a makeover today? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> As for me, I’m wearing and claiming those new sizes today! I’m stepping out and agreeing for the truth to take root in my life. I will be all that God has called me to be and I plan to look good while I get there! Be blessed today….</div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-66712459956541149572012-02-15T11:29:00.001-06:002012-02-15T11:35:32.467-06:00Enjoy the Process of Being Processed…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfkEGIp8QaEhnjCQw4DEBPJWPWODhjCoDyhnCsG7qMGzVAb6plwbNCuwl-iD3VU_MwykGco3T1N338oUYJ-ZaViTl9CJhU2Kq-SKLtd3nlfPJ8NP_VVgNTlUngvZszUkdHe4ttg_Z/s1600/Attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfkEGIp8QaEhnjCQw4DEBPJWPWODhjCoDyhnCsG7qMGzVAb6plwbNCuwl-iD3VU_MwykGco3T1N338oUYJ-ZaViTl9CJhU2Kq-SKLtd3nlfPJ8NP_VVgNTlUngvZszUkdHe4ttg_Z/s1600/Attitude.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As I look around my house, there are dishes to be done, laundry to be folded and kids homeschool assignments to be graded, but yet I’m compelled to take the time out to encourage you today; probably because I’m the one who needs it the most on some days. Lol…It’s all good though. I’m learning to embrace the process of being processed! I hope that when you read all my crazy blogs, you don’t think for a second that this gal thinks she has it altogether because I will be the first to contest to you that I’m far from that finish line. In fact, I’ve joyfully learned that I’m much like the tortoise in Aesop’s Fables, “The Tortoise and the Hare.” I gladly relieve myself of the responsibility of being the hare to others who can run that race faster and better. I’m just trying to get a pace that works for me. However, I admire those who can run that race with such vigor, I just happen to be a little slower is all. Maybe that is one of the keys to being processed through life, is to embrace where you are at. I think as I get older, I’m realizing that there is freedom that comes with that process. There’s that word again. Process. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Let’s look up what that word means in Webster’s dictionary, and then let’s take a look at what the Greek word for it in the bible says about it. I think you will find it interesting—I know I did. Webster’s definition says, it is a noun and it is a series of changes in developing something. An act or way of doing something. A court summons. Prepare by a special process. The Greek word for process in the Greek translation is <u><span style="color: blue;">Teleo</span></u> . It means:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">to bring to a close, to finish, to end passed, finished to perform, execute, complete, fulfill, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.) with special reference to the subject matter, to carry out the contents of a command with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfill to pay of tribute "It is finished or paid" John 19:30. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I loved that it referred to the scripture where Jesus is on the cross and He says, “It is finished!” In other words, I’ve take care of it all—it’s made complete!” Of course, He is referring to our salvation in Him but I love to think the work of the cross gives us victory in other areas of our lives, too. Let’s talk about that for a moment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Many times in my life I’ve started things and haven’t been able to complete them due to my frustrations, lack of patience and unwillingness to persevere. Simply put the process was too much at times and I quit. Maybe it was a diet, an exercise regimen, writing a book or bible study that I had an idea for, etc. My list goes on and on I’m afraid. I told you I was no expert at this and probably don’t even qualify to even tell you about this whole process-lol. Except that I believe while we are in the middle of being processed is when we are at our greatest because when we are weak, God is strong!! I laugh now at my immaturity through the years and even <i> still </i>now at times, but also find it sad that I wasn’t able to tap into God’s grace for me. Instead, my flesh would take over and allow me to get so caught up on focusing on the end result that I failed to embrace and learn what I needed to on my journey in getting there. Isn’t that the most important part of the trip? Think about that for a second. What good does it do to go on a trip and not take time to enjoy the journey? Why even bother going? Unfortunately, I was like that and I know there are a lot of other people who can get caught up in that mindset even, too. We simply want what we want when we want it and we don’t want to put the work into getting there. Our walk with God is also a process that many people quit on because they aren't getting the results fast enough. We demand that God just deliver us and make it happen. Delayed gratification got thrown out the window. Funny because, discipline is delayed gratification in action!—Hello!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> I could’ve definitely fit in with all the Israelites being exiled out of Egypt during their journey through the desert for 40 years. They whined and complained the whole way and wanted to give up so many times, but God allowed Moses to grace them through the process and even processed Moses through it, too. Gotta love that!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Looking back at the Greek meaning, we see it stating, “To fulfill so that the thing done corresponds to that has been said, the order, command.” What has been ordered and commanded? What needs to be fulfilled here? Jesus dying on the cross ordered and commanded that everything for us believers has been finished and completed through His death and resurrection, right? Of course, we are talking spiritual here, but God’s word tells us to walk in spirit and in truth, so we can take that same order and command that was done on the cross to our physical lives here on earth. You see, God wants us to fulfill our destiny’s in Him. He wants us to close out, finish, execute and finish the good works He started in us. This is what God’s Word is saying to us. We can do this only one way and that is through His grace at work in our lives daily. This simply brings me hope and joy knowing that my process in life with daily struggles was ALREADY processed on the cross! The process is part of the bigger Process, if you will. Does that make sense? Can I get, “Amen!” or am I the only one excited about this good news today. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> When I take my daily process of life, the good , the bad and even the ugly and apply it to God’s truth—I come out victorious no matter what my days bring. The order and command has been set and fulfilled through Jesus. My job is to agree with this process, this command and order by believing in His word and embracing the process being worked in me. The Word tells us that He who began a good work in me, WILL finish it to completion. However, I must allow myself to throw off every hindrance of frustration, impatience and false expectation that might hinder me from walking in this truth. Remember, we walk in the spirit and in truth—this is worship! Frustration, impatience and false -high expectations are not from God—that is the law keeping you down, saying you’re not enough and never will be! However, God brought Jesus who fulfilled (THE PROCESS—IT IS FINISHED!!) that law and finished the process of life for us. Here is the ONLY process we need to know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life—now that is the process you should joyfully and willing to be processed in-lol!! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Where are you at in the process? Are you stuck and defeated? Be encouraged today as you walk around those circumstances staring back at you. Don’t become overwhelmed, frustrated or impatient. Instead, allow yourself to be processed—be made complete today with God’s love and mercies that are made to you daily! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
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</div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-70986036419608953232012-02-13T14:05:00.004-06:002012-02-13T14:47:56.905-06:00Purposed with Love--Characteristic Number One...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWYKrdJgAjwdDiotQsbUDcPTjEomDbCNER9ROH7S4TI9sKKcG8CziyWiJJZi9fng5-kFgPUWg50uKbarS7lq0oN2aQmP9-RK2PrhUlhh0ivibLai0IOYeo-G0PFhBxFtUxLgUUvoC/s1600/Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWYKrdJgAjwdDiotQsbUDcPTjEomDbCNER9ROH7S4TI9sKKcG8CziyWiJJZi9fng5-kFgPUWg50uKbarS7lq0oN2aQmP9-RK2PrhUlhh0ivibLai0IOYeo-G0PFhBxFtUxLgUUvoC/s1600/Rose.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m happy to say that I’m writing this blog while my kiddos are out enjoying the snow filled day that God has provided for them. The winter wonderland has afforded me some temporary solace because it means that they are outside and I’m inside—need I say more? So, I’m going to take full advantage of this time and hopefully encourage you on this cold Monday. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week, I left you with some soothing truth that I hope you were able to slather all over your thoughts. Hopefully, it left you feeling pampered. We discussed being the bride of Christ. We learned that God chose us and desires for us to have an intimate relationship with Him. Most of us get that but to what level of understanding does it affect us in our daily walk with Him? Simply, does it affect you enough to give you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>purpose </u></b>with your life and are you doing something with it daily?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You see, it’s great that we get that God loves us but there is more to our destiny in Him than that. Trust me, love is enough, but God wants you to tap into the benefits of that love while here on earth. Your destiny is wrapped up in that love. I believe that becoming a true bride means you embrace this love with vigor and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>purpose.</u></b> So, I introduce to you characteristic number one--every bride has a purpose! </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> His love is not like a Valentine’s day card to just savor,although it's nice to keep reminding yourself of it. His love for you should get you motivated each day to get up and give that love away over and over for the Kingdom of God. That can look differently for everyone. For some it means just being a mother, a teacher, a speaker of God's Word, a soldier or simply a military wife. Whatever that looks like or where you are at, there is a purpose for your life. Do you get what I’m saying here? Love compels you into action- glorifying God along the way. You don't have to have some big tv ministry or hold some position at church for God to use you. He will happily use you wherever you are. Once you get this truth—everything changes. Waking up in the morning should be exciting because you know there are things that God has set you apart for you to do for Him. God’s truth and love transforms and purpose you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Do you understand what it means to be truly set apart for His glory? Some have a clue, while others are still just trying to embrace the whole love/grace thing. I get it. It’s taken me years to really grasp hold of what it means to be hand-picked by God. Don’t get me wrong, I love that God loves me and that is more than enough for me, but that love is not to be taken lightly because to whom much is given, much is required. His love for me has radically changed me so much that I can’t just sit around like a fat little puppy and lap it up all day. Instead, I’m motivated to give it out daily. It’s never just about us, but rather that His love has greater purpose and I get it—finally! There is a plan in action for each of us in this crazy thing called love. For me, I'm a simple homemaker and homeschool mother. Also, I'm a military wife. I hold no paying job or have any high status(except that I'm a daughter of the most High God), I simply have allowed God's truth to define me and with that comes purpose. Some may look at my life and all it boring, but I dare say, it's not because God is involved.-lol... Ask anyone who has a relationship with God and they will tell you there is no boredom in the Kingdom, only adventure! <br />
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I try and use these truths in all the areas of influence in my life. As you can see, writing is one of those ways I try and do this. Other days, it's simply just listening to another struggling mother or wife who needs some encouragement over some coffee and chocolate(c'mon you know chocolate is always a part of my life!).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> In Ephesians 1:4 it says, “ For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons/daughters through Christ.” Blameless? Spotless? The Amplified bible says it this way, “ Even as [ In His Love] He chose us[ actually handpicked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundations of the world that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for him) and blameless in His sight, even as reproach, before Him in love.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After reading that truth, are you excited? I am! Let’s look at another truth that will help you continue to see and begin to rejoice in knowing that you are made with loving purpose. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation,[God’s own purchased, a special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfection of Him who called you of darkness into HIS marvelous light.” Did you know that in ancient Jewish traditions, the father of the bride often chose the bride for his son and the son was required to pay a bride price for her that was set by the father of the Bride? Doesn’t this sound familiar with what God has done for you by using Jesus dying on the cross for you? Jesus paid the bride price for you. Simply, because you are worth it and He loves you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, as you can see, <b>you’re</b> the one--He has chosen <b>you!</b> You came at a high price, but you were absolutely, without a doubt- worth it to God. Please let that truth sink in today—<u><b>you’re worth it!</b></u> Can you say that aloud to yourself. Try it--it feels good and it sounds even better! God handpicked you to be His bride even before the foundations of this world were ever laid into existence. You have been and will always be on His mind. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What are you going to do with this truth today? Will you allow it to change how you feel about yourself, your life and circumstances right now? I pray that it will sink into those deep places in your heart that might need some soothing truth. I pray it will give you purpose for everything up to this point in your life. There is hope in being hand chosen as His bride,my friend! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Revelations 19:7 says, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory for the wedding of the Lamb has come and His bride(you) has made herself ready.” I’m believing that each of God’s brides will be unveiled this season and she will begin take up her rightful position next to HIM and rejoicing that she is purposed with love. You , my friend, are one of His brides. Stop doubting and start rejoicing because you have a purpose in His amazing plan of love....</div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-54551156489481493142012-02-11T12:16:00.004-06:002012-02-11T13:08:41.561-06:00Old Fish and Law Stink--Grace is Refreshing!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bCk02TS_T4XZoKY3cUzYwZLoMzwsd3Z86jIlDwuN-x9MjcEQYe5SnY9ZuKoF6raswsW1jwi-YKBWLRV-OpStNS-oAsjB2tSmCyNfWlYMBhxtTLqyimXSolKcaFWIx2GjOwgHBPcx/s1600/STINKY+FISH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bCk02TS_T4XZoKY3cUzYwZLoMzwsd3Z86jIlDwuN-x9MjcEQYe5SnY9ZuKoF6raswsW1jwi-YKBWLRV-OpStNS-oAsjB2tSmCyNfWlYMBhxtTLqyimXSolKcaFWIx2GjOwgHBPcx/s1600/STINKY+FISH.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturdays for me are usually spent cleaning, relaxing with the family and getting caught up on things that I didn’t get accomplished during the week. One thing I love about Saturdays is that it also gives me a little extra time to linger over God’s truth because I don’t have homeschooling to deal with and Craig is at home to help me with the kids. So, usually I take a cup of coffee and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hide</i>( yes, hide) in the office for awhile—secretly hoping the family won’t miss me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, while on my little sabbatical I came across some exciting encouragement and I’m hoping it will speak to you as much as it did me. In fact, the more I pondered it’s depth of richness, I had to get on here to share it with you. If you haven’t figured it out by now—I’m a communicator. I’m a giver by nature and want to share all that God gives me. It can be a de-fault but my intentions are not to drive you loony like I do most of my family and friends but to encourage you along your journey with Jesus. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recently, my eyes have been opened up to law and grace constantly being at work in the scriptures. Duh, you might think, but honestly I guess I had never really taken a look at it in such detail of how much law is really at work in the Kingdom of God even today. The more I read through God’s word the more I see law and grace battling head to toe with one another. The good news is that Jesus fulfilled the law and we are not required to live under the law but under grace! Can I get an, Amen! Truth will set you free, this is what this blog is about today!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In Mark 6: 30- 44, we see Jesus performing one of His greatest miracles with the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. Who doesn’t love this story? I mean c’mon—it’s awesome! I’ve read this scripture a dozen times over but have never seen it the way I did today. This is why I love God’s word because it is active and living and speaks to me differently each season of my life! Today, the whole law and grace thing came up again and I was amazed with what God was showing me. Let me try and explain. Bare with me, I’m not a woman of few words….-lol. Basically, in this passage the law is speaking to us by telling us in verses 35, 36 and in 37. What do I mean by this? The disciples are giving out explanations, excuses and boundary lines to why they can’t feed these massive crowds. This points to the law which says, <i>“You can only do this because…” </i>The law brings condemnation, saying you're not enough. Basically, the law wants us to feel confined, controlled and limited to our abilities in this world. It steals all hope and joy from us. Law makes you shrink back and feel defeated. The law is out to kill us spiritually! It kills the anointing of God! It robs of us are freedom and paralyzes our gifts that God gave us to minister freely.<br />
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However, grace speaks to the law and actually supersedes it, saying just the opposite—you DO have the power to overcome your own limitations--through Jesus! It speaks life and hope to us! It encourages us in power and in truth. It frees us and <u><b>positions </b></u>us for the impossible-hello! Can I get an amen! In this particular passage of scripture the grace being given is by Jesus when He says in verse 37, “You give them something to eat.” In other words, He is saying to them, “ I don’t care what the natural is presenting to you, I have the ability to supply you with grace and hope for much more than you could ever imagine!”<br />
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I simply LOVE that about Jesus!! He has them count their loaves and tries to have them <u><b>reconsider their position</b></u>. In other words, take hold of their rightful positions by faith! Still, they respond in verse 38, “ Five –two fish.” Their weak answer says- it’s impossible, Jesus- this is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i></b> we have! However, Jesus with His grace and compassion kicks in and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">immediately </i>has them step by step act in faith showing them the way to His grace and provision. He points them past their law mindset and shows them grace in abundance and He multiplies their lack of supply with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">His <u>supply of grace</u></b>! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Why am I excited about this? For many reasons. First of all this passage points to God’s character of Provider! Secondly, it points to God’s character of compassion! Thirdly, it points to God’s power and the grace that comes with that. People, here me on this—we need to learn to tap into God’s grace that is available to us daily!! Don’t look at your mere 5 loves and 2 fish, but look past what the law, world and your circumstances are telling you and tap into the grace provided to you by Jesus!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just as Jesus told the disciples that they did have the ability to feed them—I’m reminding you today and asking you to reconsider your position in Christ! You too have what you need to overcome your limitations and circumstances!! Take hold of the grace in your life and put the law to death! Don’t look at the law or your circumstances and what Satan is telling you is impossible!! Instead-- choose grace and believe it is there for the taking! When you do, —you can tap into the miracles of God , too! Am I the only one excited about this good news of grace and hope of Jesus Christ? Law was put to death, Jesus overcame all natural law of death and was resurrected on the cross! You, too, have that same power residing in you today if you are a believer but you have to rest on grace and choose grace not law. For His grace is more than sufficient for you, for when you are weak He is strong!! How can you do this, apply the truth to your mindset and circumstances-<u><b>believe</b></u> the provision is there and wait for God to minister the grace to you daily. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What miracle do you need Jesus to perform today? Do you only have five loves of bread and two fish staring back at you saying that you can’t do this? No matter what your supply is or lack there-of—God can perform a miracle in you and provide all you need so that you too can feed five thousand in His name, meaning feed people with His truths and hope for something better. Put to rest the law that condemns you and tells you there is no hope and you can only go this far in life. Jesus came so that you can have life-ABUNDANTLY! Open up your eyes and see grace at work—IT’S THE HIGHEST LAW out there!! Walk in grace--it's the only way to do overcome all that God needs you to do for the Kingdom. Read God's truth and increase your faith. The result is you too will have more supply then you ever hoped for but spiritually and physically. </div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-12364905402499198032012-02-10T09:29:00.003-06:002012-02-10T09:45:38.915-06:00Martha , Bridezilla or Mary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bGWNZYvfNdjawyOnUXKFtaX3NzD1lH9dO8lVitqjyNm63xOkt4SKQWmehoVBHl45ad3W4bvxwj9x0Up6axHCWBpQ_J-D_AieFbnBpua3ogilhAWaL_WVzOsAZAHJclwAJ_-etY_x/s1600/Two+chair+devotionals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bGWNZYvfNdjawyOnUXKFtaX3NzD1lH9dO8lVitqjyNm63xOkt4SKQWmehoVBHl45ad3W4bvxwj9x0Up6axHCWBpQ_J-D_AieFbnBpua3ogilhAWaL_WVzOsAZAHJclwAJ_-etY_x/s1600/Two+chair+devotionals.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_416431192"></span><span id="goog_416431193"></span></div>Life is busy! There is no getting around it at times. To-do lists keep growing longer each day. If you're like me, I'm sure you ask yourself, "When will it all get done? " Today, while reading the scriptures, I came across the infamous Martha in Luke 10:41," Martha, Martha, you are WORRIED and UPSET about many things, <u>but only one thing is needed</u>. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her." replied Jesus. Hmmmm, what is that one thing Mary chooses and why is it better? <br />
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Martha was in the business of doing. She was a bridezilla! Her mind was set on doing, but not on <i>being</i>. What do I mean by that? Simply <i><b>BE</b></i> STILL( stop striving). It's so easy to fall into this trap because life does call us to do many admirable things like be a busy mother, or do well at your job or serve in the Kingdom of God, but we must be willing to first BE STILL before God if we want our "doing" to be worth anything. Without God's love filling us we are useless and become meaningless in our efforts. This is exactly what Jesus is saying to Martha, only ONE thing is needed and that is time with me.<br />
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How many times do you start your day without your fill of Wheaties-Jesus? Time never seems to be on our side when we have kids at our feet, husbands beckoning us, and laundry piling up. However, we have the power to choose. Interesting that Jesus uses a form of this very word in this passage, "chosen". <br />
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Today is Friday. Naturally, most people look to Friday as an approach to a restful weekend ahead. However, when we can choose to have a "Friday" mentality everyday. Jesus told Martha that Mary had <b>CHOSEN</b> what is better. Again, there was a choice being presented to her, to do or to be? Reminds me of the passage that says, "I set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, CHOOSE life so that you and your descendants shall live" Again, choose life, which means choose to take time to be with Jesus like Mary did and nothing will be taken from you this day. <br />
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Will you choose what is better today and spend some much needed time away from your doing today to <u><b>be</b></u> with God? Without the filling up of God's love you are like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal( 1 Corinthians 13: 1). Don't be a bridezilla or a Martha today. <b>Choose</b> to love on God today and your life will not be taken from you as Jesus stated to Martha. Instead, LIFE will be given to you!<br />
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Have a great weekend! See you Monday:D!<br />
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</div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-48131166363577529902012-02-07T22:55:00.009-06:002012-02-07T23:44:37.210-06:00Homeschool Mom Learns, Too And Perfectionism gets an F!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU9WX44DIz6uasRg4E-E2bq1nNhxlbuLZQg4sfJMAgLKGLtrnDiY2cvDsKw33HVio_0w9TU1QKSaDmdcEOgW570qoG2fIVJOMnjYjyNERUecueK780oEcgoJF6DrJsiP4QgbJNQJH/s1600/school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU9WX44DIz6uasRg4E-E2bq1nNhxlbuLZQg4sfJMAgLKGLtrnDiY2cvDsKw33HVio_0w9TU1QKSaDmdcEOgW570qoG2fIVJOMnjYjyNERUecueK780oEcgoJF6DrJsiP4QgbJNQJH/s1600/school.jpg" /></a></div>Homeschool has significantly more benefits than just educating your child. In fact, I think I'm the one personally benefiting from the experience the most. Who knew? God always has a way of humbling this foolish mother of four-the Lord knows, I need it!<br />
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As I graded my son's daily work today, I noticed small improvements. My heart sung as I praised God for seeing some fruit of my labor begin to pay off-finally! I could almost hear the angels sing with me. Although, the answers were not all correct, I noticed a great effort being put forth by him. This alone made me beam with joy. It felt like a long time in waiting!<br />
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So, as any stressed -craved homeschool mom would do, I took my moment of victory in awhile as I drank my coffee and celebrated by shoving down my second piece of dark chocolate with delight--life was good! Maybe I wasn't such a bad teacher after all.<br />
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Then, God began to speak to me. He made me realize that I needed to celebrate the small victories more often ( I wonder if that means more chocolate, too?). He went on to say that there were a ton more of those moments available to me if I looked for them. Huh--what did HE mean? He was telling me to change my perspective. What? Who me, Lord?-lol!!<br />
You see, I'm a perfectionist-guilty as charged! Unfortunately, perfectionism is not something that rids itself over night. It's kinda like that fat bulge around my waisteline--it likes to stick to me like glue! But God has been faithful over the years to deliver me from this maddening state little by little. In fact, it makes me wonder where I ever picked it up from to begin with. Today, God impressed something on me that I guess at my old ripe age of 40(which btw is the new 21...just saying!) that I'm just now getting. It's not about the end result, it's about the process that matters most--duh!! This is where the true victory lays!<br />
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You see today, Justin did not do his work without mistakes, but rather I saw a significant improvement in his efforts and this is what I was thrilled with the mostt. His own attitude towards working out his weaknesses were being improved. I was able to celebrate that alone and before today, I had failed to.<br />
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In times past, all that mattered the most to me was the right answers. I was so fixated on that, that I failed to see so much more. I was missing the point to homeschooling altogether or maybe even life for that matter. How sad, huh? I know what some of you may be thinking, "Get a life already, Kimchi, what's the big deal here?" Had I just grown up all of s sudden in this one moment and become "mommy" mature without realizing it? No, I doubt it. Maybe it was that second piece of dark chocolate that did it for me!-lol... This was huge for me as God continues to set me free from my wrong thinking . Am I like this all the time? No, but more times than I would like to admit:( What's worse is that I think I preach on this very thing all the time. However, you know how that goes, sometimes you are the one eating your own words in the end. Makes me cringe now just thinking about how I'm always trying to tell people how the servant,Joshua, of the bible did not conquer the promise land in one day but rather one victory at a time and that true possession is a daily thing- blah, blah, blah...Anyways, had I become a bridezilla? Yes, I was looking at the wrong things and not on God's abounding grace and love. Forgive me, Lord! God's grace is sufficient and homeschooling all of a sudden feels like a freer world. Thank you, Lord for the reminder today!!<br />
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So, in the end, homeschool is not just about the child receiving the education, but rather everyone involved being processed with God's love and mercies daily. It's not about the grades, but rather the relationships being formed and the life lessons being given out daily. I don't have to look for perfection anymore or even demand it, much less talk about it. Instead, I can enjoy the process, celebrate the small victories and look forward to the bigger ones ahead because God is in the process!!! You must be willing to be processed. I think I just received an A for hearing God on this lesson. Maybe I'll celebrate with <i><b>another </b></i>one of those magic chocolates-lol! Or better yet, I will just go give my son a hug and tell him what a great job he did and that his old mom just passed a pop quiz on grace! Be encouraged homeschool moms, God's got this...<br />
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Are you suffering from wrong thinking today? Do you need to slow down and embrace the process of your own life? Does your perspective need to be shifted towards God's view on things? If so, no worries because God is in the business of processing you through without delaying your victories. You can trust Him right now because He sees your end from your beginning and He isn't in the business of handing out F's only A's on His grade book. As one friend wrote today, "You are not defined by your parenting mistakes, only by God's truth!" So, be set free today and go get that A!<br />
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</div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-35332419616781247022012-02-06T20:34:00.002-06:002012-02-06T20:50:21.741-06:00The Make-Over Bride...( 12 Charateristics To Obtaining Spiritual Beauty As Christ's Bride) --Week One<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAIhkBsiJPRxZCGTKwMqFxdZJCluQNWMirIDYthivssyAZaEhhoe8zcbdTUvL3I0C9gEoxRDW1Ou2bx90BBtoKLgltPZeaDMLyNK4MUQyfiSp7R5ANa_0H72CGEpn14h0N7a3IPLX/s1600/bridal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAIhkBsiJPRxZCGTKwMqFxdZJCluQNWMirIDYthivssyAZaEhhoe8zcbdTUvL3I0C9gEoxRDW1Ou2bx90BBtoKLgltPZeaDMLyNK4MUQyfiSp7R5ANa_0H72CGEpn14h0N7a3IPLX/s1600/bridal.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Who doesn't love looking at a beautiful bride? There is something about the radiance she carries and the excitement in her heart that illuminates her every being. She spends possibly weeks, months and even years getting ready for her big day. Every last detail has to be perfect and put into place because she wants her appearance before her groom to be absolutely spotless and without blemish! Do you remember when you were once a bride-to- be?<br />
As Christians, we are known to be the Bride of Christ, too(Ephesians 1:4). For some of us, we really don't understand the spiritual significance behind this huge role we have as Christ's bride. This past year or so, God has been burning in my heart a message about His bride. He's been revealing to me that there are three different kinds of brides: a run-away bride, a bridezilla and then His true bride. The names speak for themselves, I think. The run-away bride is the girl who doesn't understand her true calling. She lacks the faith to step completely into fulfilling her rightful position in the Body of Christ due to fear or a past that simply won't let her go. The Bridezilla is the girl whose focus has been lost on life and things that simply don't matter. Her groom( Christ) is no longer her first love. Instead, she is caught up in the busyness of life. She is so focused on herself that she begins to lose sight of why she fell in love in the first place. These things are causing her to become wrinkled and blemished in many areas. Sadly, she loses her innocent beauty and the romance for her groom fades away. Lastly, there is the TRUE bride, the one who is sold out for her groom! She is the one who takes the time to be with Him daily and dedicate her thoughts, her actions and surrenders her whole life to soley Him--no matter what He asks of her! She's the one that has been tested to be true.<br />
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Which one are you today? Can you see yourself in possibly all three? For me, I've been all three in seasons passed, but my desire is to be the True Bride <i>consistently</i>. In the weeks ahead, I want to take this blog and invite you to a spiritual Bridal makeover just for you! You will have the opportunity to wrap yourself with love and allow God's Word to remove some of that access pride you might have from years over-stuffing yourself with the world's lies and view points. Those things begin to clog your pores and cause pre-mature wrinkles. Hopefully, you will immerse yourself into some soothing encouragement that will help heal some of those dry and scaly thoughts that keep you from being refreshed daily. Lastly, I pray that you will emerge the radiant, gorgeous bride that God has called you to be. It's really simple! No, you won't have to apply 8 different beauty creams for one problem area! Literally, one small dose of God's love and truth daily will transform you from the inside out! Over time you will begin to see yourself emerging more timeless and radiant than you ever imagined. Get rid of all those old beauty products that the world told you would work and instead make a beauty appointment with the Holy Spirit today -via--my blog....<br />
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Let's simply begin with the first step to your Bridal-Make Over right now. We'll call it your Bridal Make -Over- beauty consultation. Answer the following questions honestly:<br />
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1) What kind of spiritual blemishes and wrinkles might appear daily to keep you from radiating Christ's true beauty as His bride? ( Anger, complaining, unforgiveness, pride,disobedience, lack of faith, laziness, vision, etc.)<br />
2) What spiritual beauty routine do you usually use to help rid yourself of these things? How often do you use it?<br />
3)Figure out which one of the three brides you tend to be on a daily basis?<br />
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Next week, Monday, we will meet back here and begin to apply God's special beauty treatment designed just for you. I will leave you with a sample beauty product now for you to take home and begin to use. Hopefully the fragrance of this product will leave such a sweet and lasting aroma around you that you will continue to apply it daily to your regimen. It is called, Truth Serum- John 15:16, "You did not choose ME, but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear much fruit." When this serum is applied to your emotional and spiritual blemishes, you will begin to see a new emerging beauty begin to shine through. You will no longer doubt if you're loved, or feel rejected. All that worrying and doubting has caused wrinkles and blemishes that God wants removed so your True beauty can shine forth. Any bride spiritual in nature or not wants to feel and look her best, but without taking care of herself and giving herself the proper rest and spiritual nutrients needed for her mind, body and spirit will lack in being all that God has called her to be. <br />
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Rest easy this week. Keep applying John 15:16 to your daily regimen and know that you are a bride being called by her groom to celebrate with HIM for all eternity....<br />
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See you next week and we will discuss your next Bridal Make-Over Regimen....:D<br />
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</div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-75208081973282640072012-02-04T15:41:00.000-06:002012-02-04T15:41:58.325-06:00Greek Turkey Meatballs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b> Food is one of my passions, but I've been trying to find a better relationship with it. Healthy, nutritious and delicious are musts when I'm looking to satisfy my desire to eat. I hope this recipe will be one you can add to your collection. It would be perfect for Super Bowl Sunday! Enjoy....</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Servings:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 4 • </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Serving Size:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 4 meatballs </span><span style="font-family: webdings; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Old Points:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 5 pts</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: webdings; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Points+:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 6 pts</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Calories:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 254.7</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> • <b>Fat</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 11.2 g </span><span style="font-family: webdings; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Protein:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 26.8 g </span><span style="font-family: webdings; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <b>Carb</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 13.4 g </span><span style="font-family: webdings; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 3.7 g</span><b> </b><br />
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</b><br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><b><br />
</b><br />
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<ul><li>1.25 lbs 93% lean ground turkey</li>
<li>1 cup zucchini, grated and liquid squeezed out</li>
<li>2 sliced whole wheat bread (I used Weight Watchers)</li>
<li>1/4 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs</li>
<li>1 large egg </li>
<li>2-3 cloves garlic, grated</li>
<li>1/4 red onion, grated</li>
<li>2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (less if using dry)</li>
<li>1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped </li>
<li>2 tbsp chopped fresh spearmint, chopped</li>
<li>kosher salt and fresh pepper</li>
<li>about 1 tsp worth of olive oil cooking spray (I use my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Misto-Sprayer/dp/B0002MQZ2I?ie=UTF8&tag=ginsweiwatrec-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Misto</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ginsweiwatrec-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0002MQZ2I" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />)</li>
</ul><br />
<i>Directions:</i> <br />
<b>Wet</b> bread with water, squeezing excess out. <b>Tear</b> into small pieces and place in a large bowl. <b>Combine </b>with turkey, egg, zucchini, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, mint, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Using</b> a 1/4 cup measure, form each meatball 1/4 cup in size. For best results, <b>refrigerate</b> before cooking to help hold their shape. <b> </b><br />
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<b>In a pan: spray</b> olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan and <b>cook</b> over low heat. <b> </b><br />
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<b>On the grill: </b>clean grill well before cooking and spray grate with oil. Cook on low until cooked through. <b>Makes </b>about 17 meatballs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68zixJzmUses0QdoMvoX2ZaVcB0FFVFWWYR4Toyt7HDYSH6Ug3AB-VqjDYsuneQsm-zLI5b0vFWdr-AYdTF6XGRYaoO0uIKFyG5_yGEZDf1enpY18FuyxXpo8uN07NZoxRxU7xpHjBnaH/s1600/Greek-Turkey-Meatballs2.jpg" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68zixJzmUses0QdoMvoX2ZaVcB0FFVFWWYR4Toyt7HDYSH6Ug3AB-VqjDYsuneQsm-zLI5b0vFWdr-AYdTF6XGRYaoO0uIKFyG5_yGEZDf1enpY18FuyxXpo8uN07NZoxRxU7xpHjBnaH/s1600/Greek-Turkey-Meatballs2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="pfButton" style="float: left; margin: 18px 18px 0 0;"><a class="printfriendly" href="http://www.printfriendly.com/" style="color: #6d9f00; text-decoration: none;" title="Printer Friendly and PDF"><br />
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</a> </div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-84701147701022744072012-02-02T16:13:00.003-06:002012-02-02T16:23:43.001-06:00No Place Like Home? by Kimchi Blow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P1bIn7QSpXod3bUHoTReYBW_r-0bsjhJ2OgbjBfoLs3qQRNJMU8SsjJ6Y9OX7iHQDlTC0dP3EcSCEEzahmjTEIAZTGWsPOerXw3lAN6x_KvI3PULvqI7NZFhHely9UTxsjowJocv/s1600/Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P1bIn7QSpXod3bUHoTReYBW_r-0bsjhJ2OgbjBfoLs3qQRNJMU8SsjJ6Y9OX7iHQDlTC0dP3EcSCEEzahmjTEIAZTGWsPOerXw3lAN6x_KvI3PULvqI7NZFhHely9UTxsjowJocv/s1600/Home.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Well, it's been awhile since I've blogged! I had a short season of rest and now I feel God calling me back to encouraging you weekly with some love again. Recently, I've watched many of my friends begin to transition to new places. In about 4 months, my family will be following along. Deep Sigh...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Having to move all the time in the military can be daunting at times. It can be stressful emotionally and physically. It is especially hard for our young children or even for us when we have found great friends whom we love and don’t want to leave. Sometimes, it is a sacrifice to give that all up when the next set of orders are staring back at us and telling us - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Go!</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> This morning in my family’s devotion time, we read from Matthew 8:18, “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” I stopped and pondered that for a moment and realized how true that was. Jesus had the perspective that His true home was not in any physical dwelling but rather a spiritual one where he could rest daily. He knew His mission in life was to travel to wherever His Father sent Him sharing the gift of salvation. He kept things in perspective and knew that His places of rest were just a temporary physical ones and that one day His greater home would be with His Father in Heaven for eternity.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> So, I pray the next time you get frustrated or impatient with where this military sends you, my hope is that you will consider that even Jesus at times had no permanent place to rest His head. He trusted God with the places He went and knew that God would continue to provide all He needed until He was home for good! Jesus had a Kingdom perspective. Life is not always just about us but rather about how God chooses to use our circumstances to advance the Kingdom. It’s ALWAYS about the Kingdom, people! So, take your eyes and minds off yourself and embrace how God is using you and where He is using you! Allow God to build your home with Him in His presence daily and find your rest always trusting in Him as you sacrifice your life in the military. The good news is that I don't think we will have to deal with all those annoying moving stickers when we get to heaven!:D</span></div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-32090953779602917012011-04-27T22:30:00.000-05:002011-04-27T22:30:17.051-05:00Goodbye and Thank you!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKiu1eEpuzoRk1qqpctihLzUasbr8z_ahfYHfM11khKaz4DZc6iLTiRJE4H8Yb8fEzVt7FBI2V9hyphenhypheneB-IHr1GAOKl2riOm_xN0o5jmFK2kekA_8zrAqxhyphenhyphen4UHc9J38yBl4Rsdw9DU/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKiu1eEpuzoRk1qqpctihLzUasbr8z_ahfYHfM11khKaz4DZc6iLTiRJE4H8Yb8fEzVt7FBI2V9hyphenhypheneB-IHr1GAOKl2riOm_xN0o5jmFK2kekA_8zrAqxhyphenhyphen4UHc9J38yBl4Rsdw9DU/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There is a time and a season for everything under earth. As the seasons change on the earth, so does our spiritual seasons. I sadly am saying that I will be putting down my writing for awhile. I feel the Lord wanting to shift me and re-direct me this coming up season. I have NO clue of what that is but I am willing to wait before Him. I love to write, and it will be weird not to express myself through it. I hope that I have brought you some encouragement the past few months. However, I know that God has a plan for me and I want my destiny in Christ to be fulfilled, no matter what that looks like:) It's not my life but His to lead through me.<br />
Thanks you for supporting me on EEE! I've enjoyed pouring my heart to you all and loved reading the comments left. You are all a blessing.... Go forth and be victorious:)</div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-34443457593335118132011-04-25T08:59:00.001-05:002011-04-25T09:01:17.225-05:00Are you Dead or Alive?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">It is Ralene’s turn to post this week but she has been dealing with her son’s health. He has been hospitalized with severe respiratory issues, so please keep her in your prayers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi90E-vI55JZRYO0njSLU2FuYRzn3oU5pKwutdbbvLbqeU7xDfGC7Yc9moITRHZU5drV6UbN9jpoj4kGEpOrrrndKrviG354qtYIMffOfSiJ9-PQCxN2gXFenyWeZguBIqbYDo0bef/s1600/Tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi90E-vI55JZRYO0njSLU2FuYRzn3oU5pKwutdbbvLbqeU7xDfGC7Yc9moITRHZU5drV6UbN9jpoj4kGEpOrrrndKrviG354qtYIMffOfSiJ9-PQCxN2gXFenyWeZguBIqbYDo0bef/s1600/Tomb.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Are You Dead or Alive?</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">This past weekend we celebrated Easter, or what I like to call Resurrection Day. For me, it is an exciting time spiritually because it is a reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross. It also gives me an opportunity to reflect on my walk with God and what areas I still need to work on. In a way, I take the death of Jesus as a symbolic gesture of what sin, old habits, thoughts, unofrgiveness or past mistakes that I too would like to put to death for the new season to come. The fact that Jesus was able to overcome physical death allows me to have hope that I too can overcome my physical challenges daily when I choose Him to help me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> In Deuteronomy 30:11 it says, “Now what I have commanded you is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.” When I read this scripture it helps me to know that God never asks us to do anything we can’t do without His help. We all can use some improvement in areas of our life that may tempt us to veer away from God at times. It may not be habitual sin, but rather small choices that can hinder us from having complete victory daily. For example, maybe you spend too much time watching tv, rather than being more productive with your time. I’ve been guilty myself of watching not so life giving shows allowing it to fill my mind with junk and discouragement. Maybe food, shopping or Facebook are issues that keep hindering you in ways from doing what God needs you to do. Facebook is a huge distracter these days for a lot of people, including myself if I don’t keep myself accountable. In other words, we have to make sure we keep ourselves balanced and aligned with God’s will for our lives. Too much of anything can be harmful. Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Romans 12:1 says” Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice-holy and pleasing to God.” What areas in your life do you need to be put to death so that God can be glorified more? What areas can you sacrifice to God so that it can become pleasing to Him this season: your marriage,broken relationships, finances, thoughts, emotions, health, job, your past, or any habitual sin? Whatever it is, remember that the Lord’s hand is never too short to reach in and help you (Numbers 11:23) When Jesus resurrected, so did we—as new creations in Him! So are you willing to out your flesh to death so you can be made alive today in Christ? Thank you, God, for your promises to help us become new daily. Give us the confidence we need to be victorious on this Monday as we begin our week in you, celebrating that our Redeemer lives! </span></div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-28407177831036730312011-04-21T15:18:00.001-05:002011-04-21T15:21:45.152-05:00Make Your Bed!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfebpnUujhjaJcwL6oUIpVFpsXtpmMFe8J4TAfCbyR7V8peJ39e8EAu0V2BN1_zHr-8ea58kwS6w6x5O8jHQmohraJkvrnA-6ropvTS6lsCzsdSyINxM0dXkpIh4HeDpX3R4Pwtjiy/s1600/messy+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfebpnUujhjaJcwL6oUIpVFpsXtpmMFe8J4TAfCbyR7V8peJ39e8EAu0V2BN1_zHr-8ea58kwS6w6x5O8jHQmohraJkvrnA-6ropvTS6lsCzsdSyINxM0dXkpIh4HeDpX3R4Pwtjiy/s1600/messy+bed.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Make your bed!” I use to hear this from my mother when I was younger <i>constantly</i>. I would then sigh deeply and make it with an attitude, thinking the whole time, <i>what’s the point?</i> Needless to say, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree and I get the same reaction when I tell my children to do it. Today, as I made my own bed, I pondered the importance behind this simple task. <i>Why is making your bed so important?</i> Maybe I am asking this question because this week has been a week where I have been struggling with my flesh, including, making my bed. Let’s get real, who really cares if your bed is made, because how many people go into your room when they visit? Or, as my son would so boldly ask, “Won’t I be just getting back in it tonight, so why bother?” It’s tempting to just shut the door and not bother. Trust me, I’ve done it a few times, but this is what I’ve learned about making the bed, it’s a small discipline that has payoffs later…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Let me explain, in Hebrew 12:11 it says, “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Learning to make my bed in the morning is a symbolic gesture of me choosing to overcome my flesh. Isn’t this what leading a disciplined life is all about—killing the flesh? For some reason, it sets the precedence in my mind for the rest of the day. In other words, if I train my flesh from the start of the day, it makes it easier for me to continue to choose so throughout the day. Some may argue, but I’m sticking with what I know works best for me. No one knows or probably doesn’t care if you make your bed, but the way I see it is God sees and knows all. Are you willing to be faithful with small things that may not seem to matter in the big picture? What you do and don’t do matter. Don’t get me wrong, the Kingdom of God is not going to crumble apart if you don’t make your bed. However, it’s not about the bed, it's about a disciplined mindset, a disciplined choice, a disciplined way of life that produces fruit later and brings peace to your everyday! Ask any great athlete or successful person how they achieved their goals and I can almost guarantee it began with small disciplines that led to greater ones along the way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Are you lacking in the area of small disciplines that could help you get to greater ones? Do you have the tendency to only do the big things and skip the small things? If so, what small habits can you begin to help place you on the path to a disciplined life in God? It’s been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step, or perhaps one made bed..So, go make your bed!</span></div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-31414615595198898522011-04-20T04:00:00.004-05:002011-04-20T04:00:07.468-05:00His Name was Aaron...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The room was crowded, filled with many faces, each one scarfing down the food before them. For some of them, it was their only meal for days. As I scanned the tables, I saw him. His head was bowed low as he ate slowly, as if it was painful with each swallow. He was barely hanging on for life. His dark hair appeared messy and he wore a torn sweater with a white collared shirt just peeking through. He was deep in thought, quiet and humbled. My heart filled with compassion for this young man as I watched him. It’s never easy to serve at the homeless shelter. The faces of suffering and pain are almost too much to bear sometimes, but I know that this is where the Lord changes lives. So, I swallowed back my tears and kept serving, hoping to be used in some small way<i>. Lord, just help me be a light of hope here tonight.</i> <br />
Then, like a soft breeze came a whisper from the Lord, <i>Tell him he’s my creation, remind him how much I love him and purposed him specifically with a bright, powerful mind, remind him that he is mine and I have made him with promise. He is smart—remind him! </i> Tears began to fill my eyes as I felt the love of God for this young homeless man fill me up, so much that it propelled me towards him. At first I was taken aback by what God was nudging me to do, but love moved me!<br />
I pulled out the chair in front of him and nervously sat down. He looked up with his deep brown eyes and quickly looked down again. I swallowed and asked him his name. His name was Aaron. I <i>boldly</i> spoke to him the same words God had just given me for him. I could tell he was taken back and speechless. Then his eyes filled with tears and a huge smile appeared on his face, yet no words were spoken from his mouth. The other homeless men got quiet around us. In fact, one of them whispered, “Boy, that is weird, man!” Aaron laughed gently but did not speak. Instead he grinned from ear to ear.<br />
He knew…He remembered….. In that moment he was loved! It was as if Holy Spirit touched him right there and healed him. His smile said it all as his countenance changed before my eyes. I said it again, “Aaron you are smart and God has purposed you and will use you—trust Him!” He looked at me and I could tell that it was received.<br />
I then walked away with tears falling from my own eyes. I was just touched by God through Aaron! My heart was filled with so much joy and promise for a man that I didn’t know. But God knew Him! His name was Aaron…<br />
Please pray for Aaron tonight. He is a young man from the Kansas City Rescue Mission that I had the honor to meet tonight. Like you and like me, he has a destiny in Christ Jesus and a prayer for him tonight from you could empower him to that place….Thanks for listening...<br />
<div class="photo photo_none"><div class="photo_img"><img class="img" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216395_1720772305434_1422096676_31590259_5606158_n.jpg" /></div></div><input name="charset_test" type="hidden" value="€,´,€,´,水,Д,Є" /><input autocomplete="off" name="post_form_id" type="hidden" value="dcb75e3924593c6e497e66d3073e4132" /><input autocomplete="off" name="fb_dtsg" type="hidden" value="KN77Z" /><input autocomplete="off" name="feedback_params" type="hidden" value="{"actor":"1422096676","target_fbid":"215002055178806","target_profile_id":"1422096676","type_id":"14","source":"2","assoc_obj_id":"","source_app_id":"0","extra_story_params":[],"content_timestamp":"1303268097","check_hash":"86f8dc7de54f2112"}" /><span class="UIActionLinks UIActionLinks_bottom" data-ft="{"type":"action"}"><button class="like_link stat_elem as_link" name="like" title="Like this item" type="submit"><span class="default_message"></span></button></span></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-85217003143941795652011-04-19T13:54:00.003-05:002011-04-19T14:19:09.053-05:00Move Over Easter Bunny and Cadbury Creme Eggs, There is Something Sweeter--Jesus!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4g5pdWGsb5oiwS0X6qnRyimb9BJtW98zx7M85ltP_r9cjgiYoGsY9N_XqbxqAWVNbKmcXRN_pY5DWOL3QfqqntHfSY0GS3l0bIAAR8uUx2TX4IwYKTJCdBdrJvdkgkNV3j1ePsXw/s1600/Easter+Bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4g5pdWGsb5oiwS0X6qnRyimb9BJtW98zx7M85ltP_r9cjgiYoGsY9N_XqbxqAWVNbKmcXRN_pY5DWOL3QfqqntHfSY0GS3l0bIAAR8uUx2TX4IwYKTJCdBdrJvdkgkNV3j1ePsXw/s1600/Easter+Bunny.jpg" /></a></div><h6> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Easter is fast approaching and for most people it will be a celebration of families getting together, backyard egg hunts, egg decorating, pretty dresses, chocolate filled candy and possibly a sunrise Easter service. Tradition has it that Cadbury Eggs hit the grocery store shelves at this time too. Who can resist those creamy little delicacies, right? To boot, there are egg coloring kits of all kinds available now. I marvel at the neat decorations they have for coloring eggs: stickers, sparkles, color dye, paint, markers, glitter-you name it, at the local supermarkets and stores. It beats the old way we use to color eggs…Wait a minute! Oh, that’s right, I was robbed of that joy because my mom bought us only plastic eggs because she didn’t like the mess of coloring eggs. I forgive you, mom, because now I understand-- I have kids of my own!-lol </span></h6><h6><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Speaking of which….Kids and Easter…How do you celebrate Easter in your home? What does it mean to you? What kind of message are you sending to the next generation? All of these questions have been floating around in my head over the past couple of weeks. Actually, more so then ever as I look at the world we live in today where there seems to be no respect for anything. Morals and traditions are at a loss and found to be controversial and unacceptable. Like most Christians, I’ve been trying to reflect on the true meaning of this season-Jesus! However, this year I really examined the traditions that were past down to me and how I’ve either incorporated them into my own children’s lives or not. I grew up Catholic but today I claim to be a non-denominational Christian. Bottom line for me is Jesus! I take seriously the responsibility I have to pass the heritage of Christ to my kids and to the world.</span><span class="messagebody"> </span></h6><h6><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Exodus 12:14 says,</span><span class="messagebody"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">" This is the day you are to commemorate;for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as festival to the Lord a lasting ordinance." </span></span><span class="messagebody"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This passage is talking about remembering the Passover where God went through Egypt and wiped out all the first born children because of the sin of Pharaoh and the people. But He saved the Israelites who honored Him and placed blood above their doors. It’s supposed to be a time of thanksgiving and reflection of the grace and provision God has given us throughout the ages. Last night while reading this with my family, my oldest son, asks me why God would do such a horrific thing. To him it seemed unfair. His question was reasonable for an eleven year old. Of course, I gently explained the character of God and how this was an act of judgment done in love. Father's discipline their children in love. Ugh-not an easy thing to explain, right? Hopefully, by the time Easter season is over with and we get through the resurrection scriptures, God will reveal that love to Him more. However, I was tickled pink for the conversation because although it was a tough question to answer, the fact remains that God was being talked about in our home. His name was being remembered, even if the questions were hard. At the end of the day, this is what God wants for each of His children’s children—to remember Him through the generations! Passover and Easter is a time to remember that God promised to take us out of slavery, set us free, redeem us and take us unto Him. It is our responsibility to remember and talk about Christ and the inheritance God gave to us through the shedding of His blood with our children. </span></span></h6><h6><span class="messagebody"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Is Easter a time of celebrating Easter sales ,trying to find the perfect dress attire for your kids or is it about the gift of life being handed to you by God? We will still have<i> </i>fun with some traditions. However,</span></span><span class="messagebody"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></i></span><span class="messagebody"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Easter Bunny and Cadburry Eggs will have to move over because there is something sweeter to celebrate—Jesus! </span></span><span class="messagebody"><i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He</span></u></i></span><span class="messagebody"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> will be filling my kid’s bellies and memories for years to come and hopefully generations thereafter… </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"></span></h6></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-22998513950441050222011-04-18T08:54:00.006-05:002011-04-18T14:03:48.798-05:00Moutain Top Whispers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmC168TX7qFDDcsrJRbPsTJ7Bs4LSm80oCwP3ypzHlJq4tKht79p-XNOZ5bxURPnEMg84xTGWP-gSwLAPK8ZTzOgRpfvFvxmxhP0lcJJJbY9V29H2VXx3uWJUE5FrBRfm68TqLIzA/s1600/Mountain+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmC168TX7qFDDcsrJRbPsTJ7Bs4LSm80oCwP3ypzHlJq4tKht79p-XNOZ5bxURPnEMg84xTGWP-gSwLAPK8ZTzOgRpfvFvxmxhP0lcJJJbY9V29H2VXx3uWJUE5FrBRfm68TqLIzA/s1600/Mountain+top.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“ I have had enough, Lord, take my life!” Have you ever felt like this? If so, you’re not alone. In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah was at the end of himself, fearful, exhausted and hopeless. He prayed, “Take my life, I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay under a tree and fell asleep. I can’t help but laugh because I’ve been in this place quite a few times myself. Physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion led me to believe that the best option for me at the time was for God to somehow take me to heaven <i>immediately.</i> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> We’ve all been in places in our lives where death seemed the best option. Life can beat down on us, tempting us to give up. This is one of Satan’s oldest tricks in the book. If he can get us to fear, grow weary and tired--he's won! When we take life on alone, this is the result. Elijah faced the same problem. He was afraid and exhausted and ran for his life or shall I say <i>from </i>his life. How many times have you wanted to run from your circumstances and give up? For some of us—too many! Needless to say, God knows your limitations and doesn’t grow angry when you cry out in desperation for Him. In fact, He loves coming to the rescue. God met Elijah’s desperate cry that day, but not in the way of death, but rather with restoration and refreshment, sustaining him for the next leg of the trip. I can only imagine that Elijah might have been disappointed to have to keep going, but God had a plan and it wasn’t all about Elijah. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> God sent an angel to Elijah; “Get up and eat for the journey is too much for you” (verse 7). God recognized that Elijah couldn’t do it without his help and he would need to be refreshed, renewed and re-focused. Elijah recognized that he had been zealous in his ways by taking on his problems alone, but God revealed to Elijah on a mountain His great power. “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” The words <i><b>pass by</b></i> in Hebrew means to extend, cross over, pass through, let pass over, or send over. Elijah heard the whisper of God and became strengthened again. Instead of giving up, Elijah received God's grace and peace to keep him going. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Do you need a mountain top whisper today? If so, be reminded that greater is He that is in you than he that is in this world. You can overcome today when you <i>give up</i> all your circumstances to God. He will help give you strength for the journey ahead.... Happy Monday!:)</span></div></div>Kimchi4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12935486238593453501noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-16832557910279036422011-04-15T11:40:00.004-05:002011-04-15T11:57:57.913-05:00Forgive Me?<p class="MsoNormal">I have to apologize to everyone. This has been an awful week for me. I haven't been sleeping well--partially because of my kids and partially because of some weird restlessness. Now I'm struggling with exhaustion and the beginnings of a sinus infection. I don't have the presence of mind to come up with a post today. However, so not to be remiss, I thought I'd leave you with some beautiful pictures of my family! A way to get to know "me" a little better.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAxUEthpAaRSxoh7_8jHcaO5wD3wkJG8kfccvwET8Etx7I2rJH3JfrllwWp0u0Jk9x1qa88T3jjCMF-xYNkVQrFUc8hWmtgZ7UW4Qyyz1KpK-w_xDI-U6QJZRqrsjqbswDYWQyfi9qVU/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAxUEthpAaRSxoh7_8jHcaO5wD3wkJG8kfccvwET8Etx7I2rJH3JfrllwWp0u0Jk9x1qa88T3jjCMF-xYNkVQrFUc8hWmtgZ7UW4Qyyz1KpK-w_xDI-U6QJZRqrsjqbswDYWQyfi9qVU/s320/025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595855560493045730" /></a><br /><br /><br />The kids and I goofing off at the hotel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zmDKuRC_K0t4Lm3HS9670YSFDiWIT1MO5BM8YDiyzojUKb5VVAzqPFW8qzB1nF9Lb97PpNrTqesv4e8dwRNLE-FAKRoVbFAXXYbvjnQbc3ftIHqk145Jwj-cQlza4AVNUC_5nEihwRs/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zmDKuRC_K0t4Lm3HS9670YSFDiWIT1MO5BM8YDiyzojUKb5VVAzqPFW8qzB1nF9Lb97PpNrTqesv4e8dwRNLE-FAKRoVbFAXXYbvjnQbc3ftIHqk145Jwj-cQlza4AVNUC_5nEihwRs/s320/004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595855280805385058" /></a><br /><br />I took this just the other day when all 3 kids were playing nicely together. I had to explain that Connor could not be a princess.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtaCQPT3XLHaG-1ZUE_kK_eqM97Fr7X6fMiF-Wg-LmS14WPIvhhi6Uf9gxtJSuZLWXvyBEnPT1psgqsDYLjSYhx7SG7a8D5nnZhKoxVx7KmrAJWd7FxXI-FLoGg1Cx0ayl0LSnlnVe0w/s1600/017.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtaCQPT3XLHaG-1ZUE_kK_eqM97Fr7X6fMiF-Wg-LmS14WPIvhhi6Uf9gxtJSuZLWXvyBEnPT1psgqsDYLjSYhx7SG7a8D5nnZhKoxVx7KmrAJWd7FxXI-FLoGg1Cx0ayl0LSnlnVe0w/s320/017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595853180936460546" /></a><br /><br />Daddy and Alana on Alana's birthday.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7-oXa0iencEmgRdmyAe8-2dFPrzy9-F9WQRQK-k0IV7o1oS0DX9spZokAUPoEr9JxrNnmNzlBHvydtazqilGNTeyPQhDfali3E9J88r6_dsGAO-abqxNy6eY8k6_YMt2ENK4OnA2pHs/s1600/012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7-oXa0iencEmgRdmyAe8-2dFPrzy9-F9WQRQK-k0IV7o1oS0DX9spZokAUPoEr9JxrNnmNzlBHvydtazqilGNTeyPQhDfali3E9J88r6_dsGAO-abqxNy6eY8k6_YMt2ENK4OnA2pHs/s320/012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595852736563246802" /></a><br /><br />The kids watching Daddy clean off the porch.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6559017577669545866.post-53703810349553193952011-04-13T18:02:00.005-05:002011-04-13T18:29:18.759-05:00Peace in PJs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjv5jx6TxRoMISnqsNGOCdUaFPje44GjBolt6xL5YDe7tLZvh9vTAlkxg4nvYmXSmK44kvB1VsIATl7pv1vqlsy23pj13mV1SZ9XuhsKlWN_RfM3gRR3UiT08JUySrhPvuvCFQeK-9u4/s1600/JGS_ParadeMarchers_Girls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjv5jx6TxRoMISnqsNGOCdUaFPje44GjBolt6xL5YDe7tLZvh9vTAlkxg4nvYmXSmK44kvB1VsIATl7pv1vqlsy23pj13mV1SZ9XuhsKlWN_RfM3gRR3UiT08JUySrhPvuvCFQeK-9u4/s320/JGS_ParadeMarchers_Girls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595213900849589602" /></a><br />Our lives are hectics. If you've been over to my blog, Faith, Hope, and Suspense, you know we've been discussing schedules and creating peace that way. However, as the title suggests, I'm not here to talk about schedules. In fact, quite the opposite.<br /><br />Sometimes, there's peace in PJs. That's right. Every now and then we need a PJ day--like I did this morning. I haven't been sleeping well, and last night my son filled his diaper and it soaked his outfit, the bed, and his blanket. After being changed he refused to go back to sleep until we finally gave him a bottle. Total time up? A little over an hour. <br /><br />I woke up this morning to Mother Nature's visit, and felt awful. Tired, crampy, cranky...and I just wasn't having it. So, I declared today a PJ day. That's right. It's one in the afternoon here, and I'm still wearing my PJs! I spent the morning watching TV and reading books with the kids. I'm closing my eyes to the laundry and the dishes, and instead opening my arms for extra snuggles under the blanket on the couch. Here in a bit, we're putting in a movie and hunkering down with some popcorn.<br /><br />While I don't have any Bible verses to back up this call for rest, I will say this. I have had health issues pretty much since the day I was born, and one thing that I learned long ago is that I am useless to God or anyone else if I am not ready to go. I can't be ready to go if my health is lacking. If I'm overly tired or stressed, I can't adequately do my job. <br /><br />So, every now and then, I believe it's okay to have a "sick day" before you actually get sick. Rest and refreshment is sometimes needed on days other than Sunday, agreed? <br /><br />Of course, you can also go the opposite direction. Don't think that I'm saying that for every day you don't feel like getting up and going to work, you should declare a PJ day. If that was so, we'd be living in our PJs more often than not! <br /><br />A couple of tips and tricks for PJ days:<br /><br />1. Know your limits! If you're reaching your breaking point, either because of lack of rest or too much stress, cut back. If you need a day to catch up, take it.<br /><br />2. Don't go overboard. Honestly, if you lay around all day and do absolutely nothing, you'll likely feel worse than you did before. Instead, use the day to take it slow. Instead of rushing to be dressed to the nines before nine...stay in your PJs. But still take a minute to brush your teeth. :) In the same strand of thinking, let the dishes go for today, but also, use paper plates and plastic silverware (if you have them) to avoid creating more of a mess than necessary. <br /><br />3. Take advantage of the day off to focus on things you don't normally have time for. Like I mentioned earlier, the kids and I have enjoyed extra time together today with sweet treats and snuggles. We sang songs, told stories, and indulged in some extra TV shows. When the kids go down from rest time, I plan to take a nap as well! Maybe I'll read a little too. I don't get to do that as much as I'd like these days.<br /><br />Sweet, simple, and enjoyable--that's what PJ days are in this house. They help to restore the soul and give me the extra energy I need at this moment. There are some months where I have a PJ day almost every week, there are some months where I don't have any. I just have to know my limits to get the most out of PJ day.<br /><br />Do you have PJ days? What do you use them for?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1