Today, the women from my family group met for brunch at Jess' house. What a delightful time it was! I must rant and rave for just a moment about Jess. She is one of the best hostesses that I know! Her home is always glowing with warmth, the coffee is always hot and fresh, and she's always focused on the needs of others. I want to say thank you again to Jess for being such a blessing in not only my life, but the lives of many women! It's amazing to see how God is working in the women of Elston. I know that the other family groups are flourishing also, which is wonderful to see. If you attend another church regularly- praise God too! I see God at work all around me in the lives of my friends.
I wanted to blog specifically about prayer and the Holy Spirit. Have you ever been around someone and just thought "Man! What do they have that I can't seem to get? They just seem so spiritual!" In a way, you even become a little bit envious of them and think "Ugh! There she goes again acting all godly!" Well, something occured to me today. Why do we so easily forget that God is right there ready to fill us with that same exact spirit that we see in others and long to have for ourselves? The key is this...don't get so caught up in wanting it and thinking about how others have it and you don't....just remember the key is to PRAY and ASK. Prayer can be that deep, silent, still place where you come to God and say "Please, just meet me right here where I am" . It's that secret place between you and God where anything is possible. Anything. Do I really believe that my God can do above and beyond what I can think or imagine??? YES!! YES! Today, in this moment, I am choosing to believe that God is able to fill me with every heavenly blessing that He has to offer! He wants you and I to walk in a newness of life that surpasses all understanding.
I was on my way to this wonderful brunch today and spoke with my spiritual advisor/encourager- Emily. She is one that exuberates the passion and joy of the Lord. I asked her just a simple thing..."Please, just pray today that I am filled with God's spirit. That's all I want." She of course did! God showed up today in a way that refreshed me. Now, here's the kicker of the story. Before I asked for that, I felt BLAHHHH, yucky, not worthy of leading a family group of women, not worthy of having the privledge to even have a day "off", not worthy of wonderful friends like all of you- just plain boring ole Kara to be quite honest! Then, the tide turned. Everything changed
and God swept through our brunch like a fresh breeze. Oh, how He is good.
I am overwhelmed today with the love of my friends and the relationships in my life. They are rich, deeply rich and beautiful. Some come more naturally than others, and some have seasons of depth that I treasure greatly,
and some live with me and I get the opportunity to grow close in a new way!
So, I'm encouraged today by prayer and the fact that the Spirit is like a fresh wind that blows where it pleases and you just never know when He's gonna show up in a big way!
Love you all,
K
Life is Good because of God! Thumbs up!!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
He is mighty to save!
He is mighty to save.
Have you ever really thought about that statement? God is mighty to save. Not only does He save us from hell and gives us eternal life, he also just saves us every day. Sometimes I get so far into the pit and KNOW that I've dug my way there, I feel helpless and worthless. I'm uncapable of saving myself from drowning any further. Jesus saves my life everyday. It's like I constantly find myself in the middle of the ocean and the waves are crashing all around me, there seems no end in sight to the storm. Then, suddenly He just shows up and saves me.
What I'm about to share is only shared because there is hope in drowning. Recently, I've been going through a personally challenging time, not only with my weight, but moreso with a relational area of my life. I'm not one bit proud of the ugliness that my heart has vomitted, yet once you get the poison out of your system you can start to heal and be whole again. My word of encouragment comes to you in this...no matter how big or small the lake that you are drowing in- just KNOW that He is mighty to save. The prayer that keeps transforming my life is this-
"Lord, search MY heart and show ME any wicked ways in ME." Recently, I had been consumed with everyone else BUT me! That's sad! A friend pointed out how sometimes sin is like this little cuddly precious little animal that you want to pet and caress and love on. In some sick manner, it brings comfort or should I say " a deceptive comfort."
Thank you all for praying for me and our family. God is doing an overhaul right now on us. The FPU class has been a wonderful blessing and I do feel empowered with my envelopes of cash. I am claiming 100% financial freedom and wealth to be built. Now, before you get to ralled up and think "oh, no! She's becoming one of those name it, claim it types!" Let me assure you that I feel confident that God wants to build wealth in our lives so that we can SOW into HIS Kingdom. I want to give like no one else has ever given. I hate being in the position we're in- being a slave to the lender. The really exciting part to me is that we get to show our kids how we have failed and how we've turned to God's word and principles for help. They will remember the year of "FPU" as a transforming period in our lives. Abby's birthday is tomorrow and normally I would be flipping out cause we have not bought her some gift. But the truth is that until the next payday, we don't have extra moola for a gift. Our gift to she and Evan is giving them a family bday party on Friday evening (this costs money!!) and they'll each get to have one friend over to do something special in the next few weeks. I'm sooooooo at peace with this!
Our household is quite busy nowadays. Kids and animals are always scurrying about. Have I told you all how much my kids love those guinea pigs? Oh my gracious! They are best friends with them. Yesterday, I saw Avry laying on her belly on the floor. She was squirming along with a guinea pig riding on her back! YES...she was giving him a "piggy back ride." No pund intended :) teeeheeee!
We recently had a huge scare that Abby's cat was gone forever. After 2 hard days of praying and pleading with God for Olly's safe return- God answered! He's a completely indoor cat and rarely goes outside...if he does go out, it's for 1 minute to roll around on the garage floor. So, we couldn't imagine that he's actually snuck out and then ran off...(by the way, he's fixed!) Two excruciating days went by of searching the house for a possible dead cat in some secret location, crying as though a family member had died, weeping with the kids as they walked around dazed in disbelief that Olly was really gone. Abby's words were "I feel like this is a dream. He can't really be gone." This was traumatic people! I'm telling you that I am NOT a cat lover or animal lover in general but when that stinkin' cat went missing, there was this empty hole in my heart of pain, wonder, concern. I prayed so hard for a miracle and watched my kids plead with God to bring Olly home safely. Then Friday morning at 7:20 a.m., I was talking to Heather and said "Oh, I"m just going to raise the garage door incase Olly has come back and is waiting for the door to open." I did so and began calling the famous "Here, kitty kitty kitty!" and Olly was not in sight. So, Heather and I stood in the garage chatting a moment and I heard a faint "Meowwwww". I interrupted Heather to ask if she heard it and she said that it was probably the kids in the house making some weird noise :) But, then it faintly sounded again and I knew it was a cat! I began running out into the frosty cold morning with a tshirt and pants on..freezing! The heavens opened up and led me right to that silly cat who was meowing under our next door neighbor's bush as though he was waiting for me to come to him! Arrogant cat!!!
He should have booked his little toosh into the garage the moment he saw the door go up...but no...you know how self centered cats are...he made me come and pick him up!!! My heart melted and I couldn't bring myself to be mad at the little stinker. I swooped him up with great joy and began running back to the house. Heather was in awe. Abby came outside and the look on her face was worth a million dollars! She embraced him and ran screaming into the house "Olly is back! Olly is back!" The entire house cheered and ran to welcome him home. It was a blessed morning.
This story reminds me of how happy and thrilled God is when someone returns back to him. No matter what kind of adventure they've been on or if they've snuck out and ran away for a little while, when they come home- the party begins!!! Oh, what a gracious and loving God we serve!!!!! He is mighty to save.......even cats!
K
Have you ever really thought about that statement? God is mighty to save. Not only does He save us from hell and gives us eternal life, he also just saves us every day. Sometimes I get so far into the pit and KNOW that I've dug my way there, I feel helpless and worthless. I'm uncapable of saving myself from drowning any further. Jesus saves my life everyday. It's like I constantly find myself in the middle of the ocean and the waves are crashing all around me, there seems no end in sight to the storm. Then, suddenly He just shows up and saves me.
What I'm about to share is only shared because there is hope in drowning. Recently, I've been going through a personally challenging time, not only with my weight, but moreso with a relational area of my life. I'm not one bit proud of the ugliness that my heart has vomitted, yet once you get the poison out of your system you can start to heal and be whole again. My word of encouragment comes to you in this...no matter how big or small the lake that you are drowing in- just KNOW that He is mighty to save. The prayer that keeps transforming my life is this-
"Lord, search MY heart and show ME any wicked ways in ME." Recently, I had been consumed with everyone else BUT me! That's sad! A friend pointed out how sometimes sin is like this little cuddly precious little animal that you want to pet and caress and love on. In some sick manner, it brings comfort or should I say " a deceptive comfort."
Thank you all for praying for me and our family. God is doing an overhaul right now on us. The FPU class has been a wonderful blessing and I do feel empowered with my envelopes of cash. I am claiming 100% financial freedom and wealth to be built. Now, before you get to ralled up and think "oh, no! She's becoming one of those name it, claim it types!" Let me assure you that I feel confident that God wants to build wealth in our lives so that we can SOW into HIS Kingdom. I want to give like no one else has ever given. I hate being in the position we're in- being a slave to the lender. The really exciting part to me is that we get to show our kids how we have failed and how we've turned to God's word and principles for help. They will remember the year of "FPU" as a transforming period in our lives. Abby's birthday is tomorrow and normally I would be flipping out cause we have not bought her some gift. But the truth is that until the next payday, we don't have extra moola for a gift. Our gift to she and Evan is giving them a family bday party on Friday evening (this costs money!!) and they'll each get to have one friend over to do something special in the next few weeks. I'm sooooooo at peace with this!
Our household is quite busy nowadays. Kids and animals are always scurrying about. Have I told you all how much my kids love those guinea pigs? Oh my gracious! They are best friends with them. Yesterday, I saw Avry laying on her belly on the floor. She was squirming along with a guinea pig riding on her back! YES...she was giving him a "piggy back ride." No pund intended :) teeeheeee!
We recently had a huge scare that Abby's cat was gone forever. After 2 hard days of praying and pleading with God for Olly's safe return- God answered! He's a completely indoor cat and rarely goes outside...if he does go out, it's for 1 minute to roll around on the garage floor. So, we couldn't imagine that he's actually snuck out and then ran off...(by the way, he's fixed!) Two excruciating days went by of searching the house for a possible dead cat in some secret location, crying as though a family member had died, weeping with the kids as they walked around dazed in disbelief that Olly was really gone. Abby's words were "I feel like this is a dream. He can't really be gone." This was traumatic people! I'm telling you that I am NOT a cat lover or animal lover in general but when that stinkin' cat went missing, there was this empty hole in my heart of pain, wonder, concern. I prayed so hard for a miracle and watched my kids plead with God to bring Olly home safely. Then Friday morning at 7:20 a.m., I was talking to Heather and said "Oh, I"m just going to raise the garage door incase Olly has come back and is waiting for the door to open." I did so and began calling the famous "Here, kitty kitty kitty!" and Olly was not in sight. So, Heather and I stood in the garage chatting a moment and I heard a faint "Meowwwww". I interrupted Heather to ask if she heard it and she said that it was probably the kids in the house making some weird noise :) But, then it faintly sounded again and I knew it was a cat! I began running out into the frosty cold morning with a tshirt and pants on..freezing! The heavens opened up and led me right to that silly cat who was meowing under our next door neighbor's bush as though he was waiting for me to come to him! Arrogant cat!!!
He should have booked his little toosh into the garage the moment he saw the door go up...but no...you know how self centered cats are...he made me come and pick him up!!! My heart melted and I couldn't bring myself to be mad at the little stinker. I swooped him up with great joy and began running back to the house. Heather was in awe. Abby came outside and the look on her face was worth a million dollars! She embraced him and ran screaming into the house "Olly is back! Olly is back!" The entire house cheered and ran to welcome him home. It was a blessed morning.
This story reminds me of how happy and thrilled God is when someone returns back to him. No matter what kind of adventure they've been on or if they've snuck out and ran away for a little while, when they come home- the party begins!!! Oh, what a gracious and loving God we serve!!!!! He is mighty to save.......even cats!
K
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Hooray!!!!!
I did it ....finally! I walked this morning 1 1/2 miles around my neighborhood. Today is a new day and His mercies are new every day. I must apologize to the ladies that I had asked to walk with me on Tues. at the mall- I really do feel bad to let you all down! You all are welcome to come out to my house to walk around my neighborhood with me instead.
I know I'm on the right path to a closer relationship with God because I can see Him at work as the enemy is trying to attack relationships in my life. I'm quite sad over this. Nonetheless, I am not giving up because true peace comes from staying the course. God never said it was going to be easy.
I am expecting great and mighty things from God. I KNOW He is at work in me and around me. He is God alone...He is on the throne and HIS will will be done. I need to stay out of His way and just be a tool in His hands. I'm learning that NO matter how I feel about things- I am called to PRAISE God, to give thanks, to worship, to trust, to love. Why? Because it's not about me :) That's hard to say by the way :)
On food, I have eaten 1 scrambled egg and one piece of toast so far, 4 oz. of milk and a glass of water. Please pray that I have victory today in my eating schedule. Winnie mentioned that since the Indy Mini was full that we could map out our own local mini marathon to walk- anyone up for it? I have to stay committed to my word last year!!!!!!
love you all,
k
I know I'm on the right path to a closer relationship with God because I can see Him at work as the enemy is trying to attack relationships in my life. I'm quite sad over this. Nonetheless, I am not giving up because true peace comes from staying the course. God never said it was going to be easy.
I am expecting great and mighty things from God. I KNOW He is at work in me and around me. He is God alone...He is on the throne and HIS will will be done. I need to stay out of His way and just be a tool in His hands. I'm learning that NO matter how I feel about things- I am called to PRAISE God, to give thanks, to worship, to trust, to love. Why? Because it's not about me :) That's hard to say by the way :)
On food, I have eaten 1 scrambled egg and one piece of toast so far, 4 oz. of milk and a glass of water. Please pray that I have victory today in my eating schedule. Winnie mentioned that since the Indy Mini was full that we could map out our own local mini marathon to walk- anyone up for it? I have to stay committed to my word last year!!!!!!
love you all,
k
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Blogging is good for my soul!
Ahhhhhh...what a week. I feel like a kid going through a growth spurt. My "spiritual bones" are growing and causing some pain here and there. But, I'm feeling very positive about the growth and inspired to know that the Lord of Lords and King of Kings is rooting for me to press on and stay focused on HIM! Prayer changes things
Can I just rant and rave a moment about the FPU class....I love it and am soaking it all in. I've not spent one dime in 2 days...this might be a record for me :) But, my dear hubby is a bit over the top. He took me out on a hot steamy date last night...NOT! We drove straight to the Harrison High School parking lot (because we needed to attend a Parent's Night for upcoming freshman) and didn't spend one cent on me...not even a cup of cheap coffee. We drove straight there and sat in the van for about an hour for our date. Yes, you heard me right. We sat in the van in the parking lot of Harrison for our date!!! At first I thought "This is crazy and pathetic. We can't even make out in the school parking lot!" Ha, Ha...just kidding...seeing if you are awake!!! teeeheeeee!!! No, but really... God did something rather unusual for us. We just sat there and decided to listen to our FPU cd of the class that we were missing last night so that we'd be up to date. We loved every minute of it. It was great, fascinating and like "Duh...why haven't we been doing this!" I'm seeing john walk in a new level obedience that is down right sexy and hot! That boy dont' have to spend a dime on me for me to be a glowing woman!! I'm seeing the Holy Spirit land on him and I love it. He keeps saying that phrase "I'm going to live like no one else so that I CAN live like no one else!"- Dave Ramsey.
Going back to the evening spent at Harrison...oh my goodness! Can anyone believe that Anna is going to be a freshman next year? That girl is going big places. I know that God has a plan unfolding for her that will blow us all away. We are going to have a busy summer as she would like to take summer school (PE in June). She's also committed to playing volleyball next year- this is so cool!!!! I'm committed to praying over my children like mad because I stand against the enemy and his schemes- claiming the Word of God over Anna's life and each of the kids' lives. Anna will have a phenomenal high school experience. She will soar to new levels of her faith and be a light into that school. She will have amazingly wonderful friendships that encourage her to do right. She will be an example of Jesus to all of her teachers and classmates. She will be blessed beyond measure with opportunities to grow into the beautiful young lady God has called her to be. She will live a pure life, protecting her heart from satan's lies of lust, drugs, alcohol, tobacco and abuse. She will be a young woman of integrity, not cheating-but instead working hard to earn the grades! She will be a leader that stands out among all because of God working through her!!!!! Oh..... I am pumped!!! Harrison...here we come- strong in the Lord and the power of HIS might.
I've missed blogging recently. It's good for my soul. I need to make more time to do it as it does impact my life greatly. There's just somethin' about writing down your thoughts that helps you become free and also excited about what God is doing in your life and the lives of those around you!
Life with our house guests has been pretty smooth sailing. I think it's much harder for them than for us. We were already used to a life of busyness and so forth. Of course, it's always much easier to give than to recieve too :) Our kids think it's like one big long slumber party. The shower schedule gets interesting...if only we had endless hot water, then it woudn't be a problem!!! We have been mightily blessed as a family and have really used this opportunity to grow all of us more of a servant's heart. Thank you Jesus! I'll leave you with one thought....
You might have too many kids in one house when five minutes after the bus has already picked up the children, your Kindergartener walks out of their bedroom and acts like "Where'd everyone go?" Fully dressed and ready...she just somehow dissappeared into her room and didn't make it on the bus. Sad thing is that none of her siblings stopped the bus driver to get her. :) I had to take miss emma lynn to school!
k
Can I just rant and rave a moment about the FPU class....I love it and am soaking it all in. I've not spent one dime in 2 days...this might be a record for me :) But, my dear hubby is a bit over the top. He took me out on a hot steamy date last night...NOT! We drove straight to the Harrison High School parking lot (because we needed to attend a Parent's Night for upcoming freshman) and didn't spend one cent on me...not even a cup of cheap coffee. We drove straight there and sat in the van for about an hour for our date. Yes, you heard me right. We sat in the van in the parking lot of Harrison for our date!!! At first I thought "This is crazy and pathetic. We can't even make out in the school parking lot!" Ha, Ha...just kidding...seeing if you are awake!!! teeeheeeee!!! No, but really... God did something rather unusual for us. We just sat there and decided to listen to our FPU cd of the class that we were missing last night so that we'd be up to date. We loved every minute of it. It was great, fascinating and like "Duh...why haven't we been doing this!" I'm seeing john walk in a new level obedience that is down right sexy and hot! That boy dont' have to spend a dime on me for me to be a glowing woman!! I'm seeing the Holy Spirit land on him and I love it. He keeps saying that phrase "I'm going to live like no one else so that I CAN live like no one else!"- Dave Ramsey.
Going back to the evening spent at Harrison...oh my goodness! Can anyone believe that Anna is going to be a freshman next year? That girl is going big places. I know that God has a plan unfolding for her that will blow us all away. We are going to have a busy summer as she would like to take summer school (PE in June). She's also committed to playing volleyball next year- this is so cool!!!! I'm committed to praying over my children like mad because I stand against the enemy and his schemes- claiming the Word of God over Anna's life and each of the kids' lives. Anna will have a phenomenal high school experience. She will soar to new levels of her faith and be a light into that school. She will have amazingly wonderful friendships that encourage her to do right. She will be an example of Jesus to all of her teachers and classmates. She will be blessed beyond measure with opportunities to grow into the beautiful young lady God has called her to be. She will live a pure life, protecting her heart from satan's lies of lust, drugs, alcohol, tobacco and abuse. She will be a young woman of integrity, not cheating-but instead working hard to earn the grades! She will be a leader that stands out among all because of God working through her!!!!! Oh..... I am pumped!!! Harrison...here we come- strong in the Lord and the power of HIS might.
I've missed blogging recently. It's good for my soul. I need to make more time to do it as it does impact my life greatly. There's just somethin' about writing down your thoughts that helps you become free and also excited about what God is doing in your life and the lives of those around you!
Life with our house guests has been pretty smooth sailing. I think it's much harder for them than for us. We were already used to a life of busyness and so forth. Of course, it's always much easier to give than to recieve too :) Our kids think it's like one big long slumber party. The shower schedule gets interesting...if only we had endless hot water, then it woudn't be a problem!!! We have been mightily blessed as a family and have really used this opportunity to grow all of us more of a servant's heart. Thank you Jesus! I'll leave you with one thought....
You might have too many kids in one house when five minutes after the bus has already picked up the children, your Kindergartener walks out of their bedroom and acts like "Where'd everyone go?" Fully dressed and ready...she just somehow dissappeared into her room and didn't make it on the bus. Sad thing is that none of her siblings stopped the bus driver to get her. :) I had to take miss emma lynn to school!
k
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Desperate
Have you ever went through a season when you found yourself not the person you want to be, nor the person that God has called you to be? No, this is not a "poor Kara is sinning session".....no. I sin everyday and fall short of the glory of God. Literally, the closer I get to God and further in my relationships with other Christians..the more I can see through spiritual eyes as to the warfare going on around me. I can also see that God wants to grow me continually.
Unity... A friend shared Ephesians 4 concerning unity. It is not something that comes easy, but it does take work, time, effort, and energy. The more you care about people, the more you realize how much work relationships are. I felt a righteous anger raise up in me recently concerning the fact that the enemy...oh how I hate him...delights in division and disunity. We are weaker as a Christian and a body of Christ when we are divided from those we love and have been called to serve. But there is a cool thing that comes from being weak and alone...the need for Jesus sweeps over you and takes your breath away.
I'm at an interesting place in life, a place that I never thought I'd be. Of course, I say this on many levels. I never dreamed of having a large family. I never dreamed of a church family that "would not be satisfied with anything ordinary." (This quote comes from a beautiful song that our church has sung often) Our church is far from ordinary and is the closest reflection to a real family that I've ever seen. I never dreamed of adopting. I never dreamed of being called an evangelist. I never dreamed of hosting a family in our home for an undefined amount of time. I never dreamed that God would give me true sisters although I was an only child. I never dreamed of having a large group of truly amazing, beautiful friends. I know this is a rarity. Speaking love and life into some one's life does not come naturally for me or anyone. Speaking encouragement and edification is not natural. Acting out love is not natural nor even fun sometimes. Yet, the Bible speaks truth. It is truth and it does not return void. I am nothing without Christ. Well, let me take that back. I am something without Christ, but it's a big pile of poo doo! My life is meaningless crap without God in the pilot's seat.
I've had friends tell me that they didn't understand how I wasn't angry, hurt or disappointed in certain situations. To that, I've had to say "Hey, I'm not some super saint. You hear me wanting to walk out truth and the Bible. I try to speak lovingly and encouragingly...but don't think for one minute that I'm some saint on my own. I still have internal battles that I must work through. I have impure thoughts. I have jealousy that raises it's ugly head. I have naughty words that float around my mind and occasionally slip out! I have selfish, ugly desires that would sicken any of you. I have twisted mind battles that are not godly. I also battle satan daily and all the lies he whispers in my ears. I hear from the enemy "Kara, just give up. You are not the person you want to be in Christ, so just stop pretending and quit trying to lead people. You suck, Kara. You only have a lot of friends because they think you are someone you are not." Oh, yes.... I hear this crap all the time. But I will not let it win. God is on the throne and I am a princess of the King Most High. God is at work in me each day, each moment.
This past Sunday, we heard a sermon on "Being Desperate for God." We have to go to Him with our desperation and not try to fill it with things of this world or people of this world. So, today....I wait in desperation of prayer for God to heal our brokenhearts, our pains, our hurts, our desires. Today, I choose for God to be my everything. I have no answers for the pain I see around me....so my cry today is "God, please come and heal our broken hearts and broken land. Use me today however you see fit. Let me seek after you with a whole and pure heart. Let no unwholesome word proceed from my mouth. Let me hold every thought captive to Christ. Take all of me out of the way and fill me with all of you. God....I am desperate."
k
Unity... A friend shared Ephesians 4 concerning unity. It is not something that comes easy, but it does take work, time, effort, and energy. The more you care about people, the more you realize how much work relationships are. I felt a righteous anger raise up in me recently concerning the fact that the enemy...oh how I hate him...delights in division and disunity. We are weaker as a Christian and a body of Christ when we are divided from those we love and have been called to serve. But there is a cool thing that comes from being weak and alone...the need for Jesus sweeps over you and takes your breath away.
I'm at an interesting place in life, a place that I never thought I'd be. Of course, I say this on many levels. I never dreamed of having a large family. I never dreamed of a church family that "would not be satisfied with anything ordinary." (This quote comes from a beautiful song that our church has sung often) Our church is far from ordinary and is the closest reflection to a real family that I've ever seen. I never dreamed of adopting. I never dreamed of being called an evangelist. I never dreamed of hosting a family in our home for an undefined amount of time. I never dreamed that God would give me true sisters although I was an only child. I never dreamed of having a large group of truly amazing, beautiful friends. I know this is a rarity. Speaking love and life into some one's life does not come naturally for me or anyone. Speaking encouragement and edification is not natural. Acting out love is not natural nor even fun sometimes. Yet, the Bible speaks truth. It is truth and it does not return void. I am nothing without Christ. Well, let me take that back. I am something without Christ, but it's a big pile of poo doo! My life is meaningless crap without God in the pilot's seat.
I've had friends tell me that they didn't understand how I wasn't angry, hurt or disappointed in certain situations. To that, I've had to say "Hey, I'm not some super saint. You hear me wanting to walk out truth and the Bible. I try to speak lovingly and encouragingly...but don't think for one minute that I'm some saint on my own. I still have internal battles that I must work through. I have impure thoughts. I have jealousy that raises it's ugly head. I have naughty words that float around my mind and occasionally slip out! I have selfish, ugly desires that would sicken any of you. I have twisted mind battles that are not godly. I also battle satan daily and all the lies he whispers in my ears. I hear from the enemy "Kara, just give up. You are not the person you want to be in Christ, so just stop pretending and quit trying to lead people. You suck, Kara. You only have a lot of friends because they think you are someone you are not." Oh, yes.... I hear this crap all the time. But I will not let it win. God is on the throne and I am a princess of the King Most High. God is at work in me each day, each moment.
This past Sunday, we heard a sermon on "Being Desperate for God." We have to go to Him with our desperation and not try to fill it with things of this world or people of this world. So, today....I wait in desperation of prayer for God to heal our brokenhearts, our pains, our hurts, our desires. Today, I choose for God to be my everything. I have no answers for the pain I see around me....so my cry today is "God, please come and heal our broken hearts and broken land. Use me today however you see fit. Let me seek after you with a whole and pure heart. Let no unwholesome word proceed from my mouth. Let me hold every thought captive to Christ. Take all of me out of the way and fill me with all of you. God....I am desperate."
k
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
God's teaching me much!
Hi friends!
It's been a while since I've blogged. No good excuse...just life. I'm settling in to a very very
part time position working from home. I'm doing some administrative work for Heather.
Most of you know she is the director for the Indiana Immunization Coalition. It's lots of fun
and right up my alley. I didn't plan to work after quitting Walgreens, and had even passed up this opportunity initially. Then, some obvious doors flew open and John said it was a definate GO!!! Sadly, I think I've become known as this unpredicatable person who seems to make rash decisions. I'm struggling with worrying about what others think of me. Isn't that so silly!!!!??? I know it is...I guess that's just the human part of me.
The kids are finally back in school after a few cancelations, the weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. day!!! That was a lllloooooonnnnnnngggggg five days at home with kids that couldn't play out in the bitter cold.
I'm pumped about starting the Financial Peace University Class tonight at church! John and I are ready to get in gear with our finances. yay!!!
I've lost 1.2 lbs- yahoo. I've had a day filled with toast. Not sure why. Poor planning on my part, I guess. I need to get some veggies in badly!!!
I've come to face an ugly area of my life again- people pleasing! Recently, I've seen how my sugar coating my thoughts and feelings had actually damaged a good friendship. Now, I want to walk in the light of truth and trust God to handle "results." Too often, I want to play "God" and try to decide how someone will react to me, but that's not my job!
Many of you know that Heather and Lee just sold their home and close in 8 days. They are prayerfully looking for a new home to put an offer on, but realize that they won't be able to move directly into the new home. Thus,
John has insisted on them coming to live with us until they can move into new house. We have a 350 sq. ft. finished basement that John had been working on that is completely available. Don't worry, we won't make them live in the basement all the time- this just gives them an area "of their own." With God all things are possible. Sure, there will be challenges, changes, trials that will come from this season, but that's okay! We are going to go for it and trust God! :) They'll probably be here as of next Wed. night. 12 people, 3 cats, 2 dogs and 2 guinea pigs- Yay God!!!!
talk to you all soon!
k
It's been a while since I've blogged. No good excuse...just life. I'm settling in to a very very
part time position working from home. I'm doing some administrative work for Heather.
Most of you know she is the director for the Indiana Immunization Coalition. It's lots of fun
and right up my alley. I didn't plan to work after quitting Walgreens, and had even passed up this opportunity initially. Then, some obvious doors flew open and John said it was a definate GO!!! Sadly, I think I've become known as this unpredicatable person who seems to make rash decisions. I'm struggling with worrying about what others think of me. Isn't that so silly!!!!??? I know it is...I guess that's just the human part of me.
The kids are finally back in school after a few cancelations, the weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. day!!! That was a lllloooooonnnnnnngggggg five days at home with kids that couldn't play out in the bitter cold.
I'm pumped about starting the Financial Peace University Class tonight at church! John and I are ready to get in gear with our finances. yay!!!
I've lost 1.2 lbs- yahoo. I've had a day filled with toast. Not sure why. Poor planning on my part, I guess. I need to get some veggies in badly!!!
I've come to face an ugly area of my life again- people pleasing! Recently, I've seen how my sugar coating my thoughts and feelings had actually damaged a good friendship. Now, I want to walk in the light of truth and trust God to handle "results." Too often, I want to play "God" and try to decide how someone will react to me, but that's not my job!
Many of you know that Heather and Lee just sold their home and close in 8 days. They are prayerfully looking for a new home to put an offer on, but realize that they won't be able to move directly into the new home. Thus,
John has insisted on them coming to live with us until they can move into new house. We have a 350 sq. ft. finished basement that John had been working on that is completely available. Don't worry, we won't make them live in the basement all the time- this just gives them an area "of their own." With God all things are possible. Sure, there will be challenges, changes, trials that will come from this season, but that's okay! We are going to go for it and trust God! :) They'll probably be here as of next Wed. night. 12 people, 3 cats, 2 dogs and 2 guinea pigs- Yay God!!!!
talk to you all soon!
k
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year 2009!!!!
Today marks the beginning of not only a new year, but a new me. Sometimes I get sick and tired of saying that over and over and over again- I have felt like such a goof as I've claimed "a new me" about a bazillion times. The cool thing is that God isn't sick of me and my hope. He's saying "Come on, Kara. Let's get up and walk again through the toughest battle of your life! We can do it!!!"
My number one New Year's Resolution is to listen to the voice of Truth- HIM! I'm signing up on my friend Lindsay's blog to joing efforts with others interested in getting healthier. I know it's going to be a great success and change lives.
I really must go on to bed now....dreaming of my yummy oatmeal for breakfast!!! I've got a plan for tomorrow to eat healthy.
k
My number one New Year's Resolution is to listen to the voice of Truth- HIM! I'm signing up on my friend Lindsay's blog to joing efforts with others interested in getting healthier. I know it's going to be a great success and change lives.
I really must go on to bed now....dreaming of my yummy oatmeal for breakfast!!! I've got a plan for tomorrow to eat healthy.
k
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