This whole blog thing is pretty fabulous, isn't it?
A few days ago, Lysa Terkeurst let us link our blogs up to one of her posts. Too sweet of her. Ever since, I have been reading dozens of amazing blogs by some pretty incredible women. Wow. These gals know how to put pen to paper - or fingertips to keyboard.
Their talents are terrific. As I read through their thoughts - I almost feel like I'm nestled into a corner table of a coffee house - drink in hand - listening to each lady share her heart. I have been encouraged, brought to tears, motivated, enlightened, comforted, loved-on, connected, and so inspired.
There are some lovely ladies out there in bloggy world and I feel blessed that I am getting to know them.
Thanks to all you blog babes - you move me :)
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A Jolt from Jesus
Matthew 25 : 31-46 hit me hard.
As I read this passage recently I actually heard Jesus speaking verse 45:
"Kate, I tell you the truth, when you refuse to help the least of these, you are refusing to help me."
Whoa.
Did- Jesus- just- directly- and- audibly- reprimand- me? You bet He did and after I picked my jaw up off the floor - I hit the ground running.
See, I came across this passage of scripture during a time when my heart was reluctant to reach out. A few needs had come to my attention and I was just sitting idle. I was aware that I could indeed help fill these needs - but my sinful heart wasn't on board.
Probably because I tend to hoard. My time. My money. My things. It is selfish and it is wrong.
So what did Jesus do? He clearly told me that when I refuse to help those that need it - I am directly refusing to help Him. And kids, that is serious.
Matthew 25:31-46 lit a red-hot fire under my butt. I wonder what it will do for you.
As I read this passage recently I actually heard Jesus speaking verse 45:
"Kate, I tell you the truth, when you refuse to help the least of these, you are refusing to help me."
Whoa.
Did- Jesus- just- directly- and- audibly- reprimand- me? You bet He did and after I picked my jaw up off the floor - I hit the ground running.
See, I came across this passage of scripture during a time when my heart was reluctant to reach out. A few needs had come to my attention and I was just sitting idle. I was aware that I could indeed help fill these needs - but my sinful heart wasn't on board.
Probably because I tend to hoard. My time. My money. My things. It is selfish and it is wrong.
So what did Jesus do? He clearly told me that when I refuse to help those that need it - I am directly refusing to help Him. And kids, that is serious.
Matthew 25:31-46 lit a red-hot fire under my butt. I wonder what it will do for you.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Inspiration in My Inbox
Every morning when I check my emails - I always have a few devotionals waiting there for me from Crosswalk Ministries.
What a great way to jump start my day. And with a little 2 year old sweetly nipping at my heals all day long - I can always use an extra dose of spiritual goodness.
Today, I received a devotional by Max Lucado. It really struck a chord and I want to share a bit of it with you:
"As long as Jesus is one of many options, he is no option. As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take him or leave him, you might as well leave him, because he won't be taken half-heartedly."
My goodness! Preach it, Max.
I have had a particularly half-hearted kind of week. That last sentence is powerful isn't it? Max is right. Jesus wants all of us - every single bit of our beings. He isn't interested in my divided loyalties. He isn't satisfied when I hold back. He isn't okay with me acting like a person who only works for him part-time. Nope. He wants us on hire 'round the clock.
I needed that devotional today like crazy. If you think you might want to benefit from the free email devotionals from Crosswalk, just go to http://www.crosswalk.com/newsletters/.
I have been blessed by them, and I pray you will be too.
What a great way to jump start my day. And with a little 2 year old sweetly nipping at my heals all day long - I can always use an extra dose of spiritual goodness.
Today, I received a devotional by Max Lucado. It really struck a chord and I want to share a bit of it with you:
"As long as Jesus is one of many options, he is no option. As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take him or leave him, you might as well leave him, because he won't be taken half-heartedly."
My goodness! Preach it, Max.
I have had a particularly half-hearted kind of week. That last sentence is powerful isn't it? Max is right. Jesus wants all of us - every single bit of our beings. He isn't interested in my divided loyalties. He isn't satisfied when I hold back. He isn't okay with me acting like a person who only works for him part-time. Nope. He wants us on hire 'round the clock.
I needed that devotional today like crazy. If you think you might want to benefit from the free email devotionals from Crosswalk, just go to http://www.crosswalk.com/newsletters/.
I have been blessed by them, and I pray you will be too.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bob's is a Blessing
The last few days have been....interesting.
My 2 year old has been a bit testy, and in turn, his Mommy has been very test-ed. So what did I do when my husband got home from work today?
I bounced.
Yep. Instead of packing up a diaper bag, I stuffed my journal and books into my black tote, jumped in my tiny car from high school rather than our family car, and made a run for it.
I landed at Bob Evan's. (For all you southerners that I know and love...Bob Evan's is like an Owen's only a tad better or a Cracker Barrel without the fun country store.)
I walked up to the hostess and excitedly said "one please!!!". She seemed a bit weirded out by my enthusiasm, but I didn't let it damper my evening. I nestled into a small booth built for no more than two. Perfect. Just enough room for me and my Restorer. I ordered a hot chocolate with whipped cream (why not?), a big fine meal, and some biscuits. Because y'all know I like my biscuits.
As I started reading my library book by Francine Rivers, I sipped my hot chocolate and actually felt like a normal functioning adult. My meal came out real quick - but I gotta tell ya - I ate my Slow Cooked Turkey and Dressing Dinner....s-l-o-w-l-y. Why? Because I could. I was also able to let my hair down, instead of putting it in a pony. (My son usually likes to use my long hair as leverage to pull himself up over the booths to get a better view. And it hurts less if it's in a ponytail.) I was able to sit and eat with no interruptions. Goodness, I was just able to sit!
Oh, the joy!
The only thing that would have made it better is if my favorite Bob Evan's buddy, Amee, could have been there with me. We started meeting at Bob Evan's during our college years. We would laugh and share and pray and vent over omelets and pancakes. We would mostly talk about our husbands and Jesus. I always left those little dates feeling refreshed and recharged. Amee actually just had her first baby a couple of weeks ago, so I'm guessing she could use a Bob's break herself here soon. (What do you say, Amee? Let's make it a date, sister!)
Anyway, while I love my little man and his Daddy more than words can say - sometimes us Mommy's just need to get away. God always accompanies me on my solo outings and He always makes me sane again. Every time He brings me back to my handsome boys in a much better condition than when I left them. And that makes everyone happy!
So as I came through the door tonight after my little excursion, I heard a little 2 year old voice saying, "MAMAAAA!!!!" And unlike a few hours before then.....
It was music to my ears :)
Lord, thank you for making me a Mommy. What a gift. And thank you for my understanding husband. Another gift. Neither of which I deserve. Thank you for being so close and so real to me tonight as I had some time away. Help me to always remember that no one and no thing can fill me up like You can. In Jesus' name, Amen.
My 2 year old has been a bit testy, and in turn, his Mommy has been very test-ed. So what did I do when my husband got home from work today?
I bounced.
Yep. Instead of packing up a diaper bag, I stuffed my journal and books into my black tote, jumped in my tiny car from high school rather than our family car, and made a run for it.
I landed at Bob Evan's. (For all you southerners that I know and love...Bob Evan's is like an Owen's only a tad better or a Cracker Barrel without the fun country store.)
I walked up to the hostess and excitedly said "one please!!!". She seemed a bit weirded out by my enthusiasm, but I didn't let it damper my evening. I nestled into a small booth built for no more than two. Perfect. Just enough room for me and my Restorer. I ordered a hot chocolate with whipped cream (why not?), a big fine meal, and some biscuits. Because y'all know I like my biscuits.
As I started reading my library book by Francine Rivers, I sipped my hot chocolate and actually felt like a normal functioning adult. My meal came out real quick - but I gotta tell ya - I ate my Slow Cooked Turkey and Dressing Dinner....s-l-o-w-l-y. Why? Because I could. I was also able to let my hair down, instead of putting it in a pony. (My son usually likes to use my long hair as leverage to pull himself up over the booths to get a better view. And it hurts less if it's in a ponytail.) I was able to sit and eat with no interruptions. Goodness, I was just able to sit!
Oh, the joy!
The only thing that would have made it better is if my favorite Bob Evan's buddy, Amee, could have been there with me. We started meeting at Bob Evan's during our college years. We would laugh and share and pray and vent over omelets and pancakes. We would mostly talk about our husbands and Jesus. I always left those little dates feeling refreshed and recharged. Amee actually just had her first baby a couple of weeks ago, so I'm guessing she could use a Bob's break herself here soon. (What do you say, Amee? Let's make it a date, sister!)
Anyway, while I love my little man and his Daddy more than words can say - sometimes us Mommy's just need to get away. God always accompanies me on my solo outings and He always makes me sane again. Every time He brings me back to my handsome boys in a much better condition than when I left them. And that makes everyone happy!
So as I came through the door tonight after my little excursion, I heard a little 2 year old voice saying, "MAMAAAA!!!!" And unlike a few hours before then.....
It was music to my ears :)
Lord, thank you for making me a Mommy. What a gift. And thank you for my understanding husband. Another gift. Neither of which I deserve. Thank you for being so close and so real to me tonight as I had some time away. Help me to always remember that no one and no thing can fill me up like You can. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Thankfulness
Sometimes we just need to stop and be thankful.
Marybeth Whalen encouraged all of us who follow her blog to ponder some things we are thankful for today. Yes mam!
- I'm thankful for my husband. He is the most patient, forgiving, and handsome (if I do say so myself!) man I have ever met.
- I'm thankful for my two year old who is currently walking around our house with stickers plastered all over his belly.
- I'm thankful that I not only have a roof over my head - but I have food in the pantry, clothes in our closets, and a computer to blog on.
- I'm thankful for scripture like Philippians 4:6-7.
- I'm thankful for petty things like my old ripped blue jeans, and my hot pink nail polish.
- I'm thankful for my freedom and for those that defend it.
- I'm thankful for my family and friends all over the country.
- I'm thankful that I get to stay at home with my son.
- I'm thankful for our health and safety.
- I'm thankful I got to move around a lot as a kid.
- I'm thankful for Jesus, The Bible, and a God who still speaks.
- And among lots of others things and people.....I'm thankful for YOU :)
What are you grateful for today?
Marybeth Whalen encouraged all of us who follow her blog to ponder some things we are thankful for today. Yes mam!
- I'm thankful for my husband. He is the most patient, forgiving, and handsome (if I do say so myself!) man I have ever met.
- I'm thankful for my two year old who is currently walking around our house with stickers plastered all over his belly.
- I'm thankful that I not only have a roof over my head - but I have food in the pantry, clothes in our closets, and a computer to blog on.
- I'm thankful for scripture like Philippians 4:6-7.
- I'm thankful for petty things like my old ripped blue jeans, and my hot pink nail polish.
- I'm thankful for my freedom and for those that defend it.
- I'm thankful for my family and friends all over the country.
- I'm thankful that I get to stay at home with my son.
- I'm thankful for our health and safety.
- I'm thankful I got to move around a lot as a kid.
- I'm thankful for Jesus, The Bible, and a God who still speaks.
- And among lots of others things and people.....I'm thankful for YOU :)
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Back to Boldness
Somewhere in that topsy tervy period b/w girl and woman - I had a certain kind of boldness that I have since lost.
As I think about how I used to speak my mind in college classes and debate issues that I felt strongly about, I wonder:
"Who is that girl/woman and how can I get her back?"
It seems as if age and life have withered away at my edge and fearlessness in certain situations. I used to speak passionately, yet gently (often times without any backup) about the cry of unborn life, marriage, the government, spirituality, poverty, faith, education, the Bible, and womanhood. What is interesting is that I not only didn't mind standing up for what I believed in - I actually sought it out. I thrived in those moments. I relied on God to give me the right words in those moments, and I was being used for good in those moments. I even attempted (not always succeeding) to be kind and gracious and patient in those intense moments. And all the while - I should have been stronger and I should have been doing more. I think that was always my intention - that as I grew in knowledge and age I would become more bold and more qualified to speak out. But this is what really happened:
More often than not - I find myself avoiding certain hot topics so that I don't get in an argument with people. I hesitate to use words like Jesus and Bible as to not offend anyone. I find myself keeping my mouth shut even when I feel prompted to say something. And instead of seeking out opportunities to stand up - I not only run, I sprint away from them.
And yes, while I realize that keeping your mouth shut in certain situations is a positive - in many ways it just shows how much of a coward I have become. And yes, while it can be good to escape certain situations - sometimes we are called to get in the heat of the battle.
But these days,when I see a spark - instead of flaming it - I flee.
And instead of speaking out with wreck less abandon - I recklessly abandon the whole thing.
I want that gentle boldness back. I want that quiet braison-ness to be a part of who I am once again. But I want to be better at it this time. I want my age, experiences, and lessons learned to team up with that fearless compassion I once had. And unlike then - I want it to be a part of who I am all the time.
Lord, thank you. Thank you for releasing me from some not-so-good things in my past. I'm thankful to be changed. But oh God - let me once again have the tenacity and the strength and the boldness that I so desperately need to lead others to You. You are so good to consistently take ungodly attitudes out of my character, and you are so faithful to replace them with the positive traits I have lost. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As I think about how I used to speak my mind in college classes and debate issues that I felt strongly about, I wonder:
"Who is that girl/woman and how can I get her back?"
It seems as if age and life have withered away at my edge and fearlessness in certain situations. I used to speak passionately, yet gently (often times without any backup) about the cry of unborn life, marriage, the government, spirituality, poverty, faith, education, the Bible, and womanhood. What is interesting is that I not only didn't mind standing up for what I believed in - I actually sought it out. I thrived in those moments. I relied on God to give me the right words in those moments, and I was being used for good in those moments. I even attempted (not always succeeding) to be kind and gracious and patient in those intense moments. And all the while - I should have been stronger and I should have been doing more. I think that was always my intention - that as I grew in knowledge and age I would become more bold and more qualified to speak out. But this is what really happened:
More often than not - I find myself avoiding certain hot topics so that I don't get in an argument with people. I hesitate to use words like Jesus and Bible as to not offend anyone. I find myself keeping my mouth shut even when I feel prompted to say something. And instead of seeking out opportunities to stand up - I not only run, I sprint away from them.
And yes, while I realize that keeping your mouth shut in certain situations is a positive - in many ways it just shows how much of a coward I have become. And yes, while it can be good to escape certain situations - sometimes we are called to get in the heat of the battle.
But these days,when I see a spark - instead of flaming it - I flee.
And instead of speaking out with wreck less abandon - I recklessly abandon the whole thing.
I want that gentle boldness back. I want that quiet braison-ness to be a part of who I am once again. But I want to be better at it this time. I want my age, experiences, and lessons learned to team up with that fearless compassion I once had. And unlike then - I want it to be a part of who I am all the time.
Lord, thank you. Thank you for releasing me from some not-so-good things in my past. I'm thankful to be changed. But oh God - let me once again have the tenacity and the strength and the boldness that I so desperately need to lead others to You. You are so good to consistently take ungodly attitudes out of my character, and you are so faithful to replace them with the positive traits I have lost. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Library Leaf
My handsome little buddy and I went to the local library this morning for story time.
I enjoyed it just as much as he did.
We sat on the floor with our legs crossed, Indian style. Our very librarian-like story teller taught us about fall, leaves, and the changing of seasons. Such fun.
After story time, the kids got to make leaves of their own. (I wanted to make one sooo bad - but I restrained myself.) We sat down at a little table to get crafty. I gave my son a pair of kid scissors and all of the materials he needed to make a leaf. I sat back and watched him go. I fought back the urge to dive in and help him cut, glue, and past - so that the creation was totally his. Sure, I had to guide him a bit - he is only 2 - but he got to be the artist.
What did we end up with?
A brownish orange, somewhat off center, kind of messy, sticky, and lopsided leaf...... Just the way we like'em!
Mr.Leaf is now a part of our family - hanging proudly on the frig :)
And ya know - Mr. Leaf is not the only one in this household who can be somewhat off center, kinda messy, sticky, and lopsided. This Mama can be too :)
I enjoyed it just as much as he did.
We sat on the floor with our legs crossed, Indian style. Our very librarian-like story teller taught us about fall, leaves, and the changing of seasons. Such fun.
After story time, the kids got to make leaves of their own. (I wanted to make one sooo bad - but I restrained myself.) We sat down at a little table to get crafty. I gave my son a pair of kid scissors and all of the materials he needed to make a leaf. I sat back and watched him go. I fought back the urge to dive in and help him cut, glue, and past - so that the creation was totally his. Sure, I had to guide him a bit - he is only 2 - but he got to be the artist.
What did we end up with?
A brownish orange, somewhat off center, kind of messy, sticky, and lopsided leaf...... Just the way we like'em!
Mr.Leaf is now a part of our family - hanging proudly on the frig :)
And ya know - Mr. Leaf is not the only one in this household who can be somewhat off center, kinda messy, sticky, and lopsided. This Mama can be too :)
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