Mmmmppphhhhh! Can you smell that? Freshley brewed coffee with hazelnut syryp and whipped topping. Gradually, my fingers and palm warm up as the heat penetrates the burgandy and gold, extra wide-rimmed coffee mug. The tall, skinny Christmas tree topped with a perfectly tied oversized bow, shimmering with lights and tinsel fills up the corner next to the couch. With my legs curled up underneath a snuggly wrapped fuzzy napping blanket and a crackling log in the fireplace across the room, my heart is home for christmas. . .
. . .okay, not literally. However, my heart is that happy.
The Lord has shown Himself merciful and good as He gives me lessons, challenges and rewards.
He speaks to us, our God, and even though sometimes we don't hear Him, His still small voice tries to get through our chaotic minds and bless our little souls! And when we do tune into His channel, the signal will only get stronger. I believe that it grows in strength relative to the amount of effort we give to listening. And He has been inviting me to pay attention and let Him into every part of my life.
This week, He's told me to write a friend a note, pray for certain hurting individuals, reminded me of my purpose on earth and that I don't (and can't) fulfill it on my own strength, as well as chided me when my selfishness threatened to overtake an opportunity to bless and honor my husband. Today alone, He has blessed me with a weekend night (Friday through Saturday) to be with my husband with both of us home from work, an encouraging note from a sister in Christ, and an answer to a two year prayer!!
So maybe Christmas as a chilly, decorative season hasn't arrived at my apartment in this 100 degree weather, but CHRIST's work is blooming in my soul as I strive to seek the Lord, know HIm better, make HIm part of my everyday life, and learn from His quiet promptings. He is always near, and that makes it always Christmas regardless of the month!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Good, Better, Best
"Good is fine until you know Better. Better looks great until you've met the Best. Never under estimate God's greatness in provision and perfection in salvation. He gave His best for us: what have you given Him? "
He is the best. And His omniscience will blow your mind.
Blame it on Jet lag or adjustment to getting up much earlier than normal, but the last two days have proven to be a struggle for my mental powers. My jumbled and overloaded brain was trying to hold everything in it, and I didn't have time to share the data, talk through the details, or type up the solutions. On top of that, I had some preparation to do at home in the evening, but found myself falling asleep before I could get to it.
My state of mind opened up the door for spiritual attack that I wasn't strong enough to address directly, and I found myself comparing my ministry to others', and stressing over my negated expectations and personal failures.
In an effort to regain steady ground, I called out a quick prayer that the Lord would take my confusion and disappointment, and replace it with humilty and proper thinking.
This is when I began to take back the spiritual ground that I had let slip, and refocused on God and His best for my life, and witnessed His miraculous hand at work for the BEST in my life.
Over a year ago, I put myself on a strict scripture memory platform. Each verse that I worked on had been typed up in color, and tacked to the note board in my office. I would refer to them throughout the week for centering and focus on the eternal. Yesterday, I looked over and my eyes fell on these verses from Romans 12:3-5 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."
Conviction! My spiritual goal is to be like Christ, in EVERYTHING that I do; ministry, relationships, and in business. When I allow my eyes to drift to those around me and what God has called them to, I fall short in my calling and diligence to obey God's calling and purpose in my own life. That is disappointing and defeating. God has given me gifts to use that aren't always going to be what I think they should be, based on performance or results. But that's not the point.
Eternal significance is found in doing what God called me to do, in the way He prescribes, and in His timing. Anything other than that might be good, but it is never best.
Today, as I continued working through the debate in my heart, I received completely out of the blue, an encouraging note that not only proved God's omniscient care for me with His perfect timing, but also validated my ministry involvement by saying: "God sees, and He is working in you and through you, even when you can't see the immediate results."
How amazing and profound is our God, who loves us at all times, sees us at all times, and wants us to grow. Not just when things are visibly right, but especially during those times when the results are invisible and we're acting completely in faith.
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:2
He is the best. And His omniscience will blow your mind.
Blame it on Jet lag or adjustment to getting up much earlier than normal, but the last two days have proven to be a struggle for my mental powers. My jumbled and overloaded brain was trying to hold everything in it, and I didn't have time to share the data, talk through the details, or type up the solutions. On top of that, I had some preparation to do at home in the evening, but found myself falling asleep before I could get to it.
My state of mind opened up the door for spiritual attack that I wasn't strong enough to address directly, and I found myself comparing my ministry to others', and stressing over my negated expectations and personal failures.
In an effort to regain steady ground, I called out a quick prayer that the Lord would take my confusion and disappointment, and replace it with humilty and proper thinking.
This is when I began to take back the spiritual ground that I had let slip, and refocused on God and His best for my life, and witnessed His miraculous hand at work for the BEST in my life.
Over a year ago, I put myself on a strict scripture memory platform. Each verse that I worked on had been typed up in color, and tacked to the note board in my office. I would refer to them throughout the week for centering and focus on the eternal. Yesterday, I looked over and my eyes fell on these verses from Romans 12:3-5 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."
Conviction! My spiritual goal is to be like Christ, in EVERYTHING that I do; ministry, relationships, and in business. When I allow my eyes to drift to those around me and what God has called them to, I fall short in my calling and diligence to obey God's calling and purpose in my own life. That is disappointing and defeating. God has given me gifts to use that aren't always going to be what I think they should be, based on performance or results. But that's not the point.
Eternal significance is found in doing what God called me to do, in the way He prescribes, and in His timing. Anything other than that might be good, but it is never best.
Today, as I continued working through the debate in my heart, I received completely out of the blue, an encouraging note that not only proved God's omniscient care for me with His perfect timing, but also validated my ministry involvement by saying: "God sees, and He is working in you and through you, even when you can't see the immediate results."
How amazing and profound is our God, who loves us at all times, sees us at all times, and wants us to grow. Not just when things are visibly right, but especially during those times when the results are invisible and we're acting completely in faith.
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:2
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Exciting Reading, even for short attention spans
One of my most favorite short stories, and always good for a second read!!
http://fiction.eserver.org/short/the_most_dangerous_game.html
Read it? Let me know your thoughts.
http://fiction.eserver.org/short/the_most_dangerous_game.html
Read it? Let me know your thoughts.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
My 2 cents have become 8 . . .
"The most exciting way to live is in the hand of God.
The most challenging way to live is daily with the Spirit.
The most rewarding way to live is minute by minute in the shadow of our Savior."
"How much more life could we live if we gave it all up today?"
"Are you spending, or investing your life?"-Chip Ingram
"Will you be remembered for your weight in gold, or your wait on God?"
"Earthly living; heavenly minded."
" Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." -Colossians 3:14
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot
"If Christ returns tomorrow, what will you wish you had done today?"
My heart is overflowing with gratitude, excitement, joy, and conviction as I think about all God has done, and will do in and through my life if I continually seek Him and put Him first. Greater are His ways than my ways, and His thoughts than mine! -Kari
The most challenging way to live is daily with the Spirit.
The most rewarding way to live is minute by minute in the shadow of our Savior."
"How much more life could we live if we gave it all up today?"
"Are you spending, or investing your life?"-Chip Ingram
"Will you be remembered for your weight in gold, or your wait on God?"
"Earthly living; heavenly minded."
" Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." -Colossians 3:14
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot
"If Christ returns tomorrow, what will you wish you had done today?"
My heart is overflowing with gratitude, excitement, joy, and conviction as I think about all God has done, and will do in and through my life if I continually seek Him and put Him first. Greater are His ways than my ways, and His thoughts than mine! -Kari
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What I Want to Do as a Grown Up, i.e. Adventures I Would Like to Have
Okay, this is a little bit of insight into "Kari's Innermost Secrets." The following list will continue to grow at times and shrink at others. I'm hoping to cross items off even as I add more. Please share your comments and wisdom regarding any you may have experienced!
Ready? Here Goes!
1. Skydive
2. See the Grand Canyon
3. Snorkel
4. Cruise
5. African Safari
6. Ride a gondola in Italy
7. Ride a helicopter
8. Go to a Professional Football Game
9. Be an extra in a big screen movie
10. See the pyramids
11. Go to Israel
12. See a Broadway Musical in NYC
13. Paris
14. London/England
15. Visit all 50 states
16. Publish a book
Note: Bold items have been accomplished
Ready? Here Goes!
1. Skydive
2. See the Grand Canyon
3. Snorkel
4. Cruise
5. African Safari
6. Ride a gondola in Italy
7. Ride a helicopter
8. Go to a Professional Football Game
9. Be an extra in a big screen movie
10. See the pyramids
11. Go to Israel
12. See a Broadway Musical in NYC
13. Paris
14. London/England
15. Visit all 50 states
16. Publish a book
Note: Bold items have been accomplished
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
It Is Ok to Talk to Yourself!
One of my most vivid memories from chapel in college was a sermon Pastor Schettler preached on Psalm 42. I don't remember all the points in his sermon (he was very good at purposefully giving messages with alliterated points), but what I took away from it was the importance of being in control of your emotions. He painted a picture in my mind of him, talking to himself, as he used this passage of scripture.
The Psalmist is struggling, at the least with discouragement if not even depression, and opens his heart before God. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar." (Vs 5-6)
Pastor Schettler gave us the image of making your spirit, talk to your soul. "Why art thou cast down?" Challenge the negative thoughts and emotions in your heart; try to identify what is causing the sorrow. But then, speak the truth of God's promises into your soul; "Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him . . ."
Another thing I love about this scripture, is the Psalmists openness before God. He doesn't pretend not to be upset or struggling, and in fact, whether we should or shouldn't be struggling sometimes isn't the point. But once we acknowledge that we are, we should ask God to seek out our hearts and show us what is ailing us; what areas we are falling short in. And then, give ourselves a pep talk. It may seem like the team is losing in this inning, but we know that God has the victory, therefore, we ought rejoice in Him at all times!! He will give us the strength to endure this hour, this week, this season, this life.
Not always do our struggles stem from sin either. Sometimes we struggle simply to bring about God's glory in our lives, and to grow us and those around us into stronger servants. Even in these times we must put ourselves in a chair, and speak (out loud if needed):
--"God is good. All the time. You have saved me from the fires of hell, and even now, I have the freedom to come before Your throne, to know You personally, and to lean on You. Even as I struggle, Lord, please help me to choose the right thoughts, the right actions, and the right attitude. You have blessed me, may I serve you even in this circumstance, and in spite of my sin, as You have promised not to give me more than I can handle."--
Let's hear some chatter!!!
The Psalmist is struggling, at the least with discouragement if not even depression, and opens his heart before God. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar." (Vs 5-6)
Pastor Schettler gave us the image of making your spirit, talk to your soul. "Why art thou cast down?" Challenge the negative thoughts and emotions in your heart; try to identify what is causing the sorrow. But then, speak the truth of God's promises into your soul; "Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him . . ."
Another thing I love about this scripture, is the Psalmists openness before God. He doesn't pretend not to be upset or struggling, and in fact, whether we should or shouldn't be struggling sometimes isn't the point. But once we acknowledge that we are, we should ask God to seek out our hearts and show us what is ailing us; what areas we are falling short in. And then, give ourselves a pep talk. It may seem like the team is losing in this inning, but we know that God has the victory, therefore, we ought rejoice in Him at all times!! He will give us the strength to endure this hour, this week, this season, this life.
Not always do our struggles stem from sin either. Sometimes we struggle simply to bring about God's glory in our lives, and to grow us and those around us into stronger servants. Even in these times we must put ourselves in a chair, and speak (out loud if needed):
--"God is good. All the time. You have saved me from the fires of hell, and even now, I have the freedom to come before Your throne, to know You personally, and to lean on You. Even as I struggle, Lord, please help me to choose the right thoughts, the right actions, and the right attitude. You have blessed me, may I serve you even in this circumstance, and in spite of my sin, as You have promised not to give me more than I can handle."--
Let's hear some chatter!!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Get Real
I love the challenge to take our Christianity more seriously. It is easy to get comfortable in our routines of devotions, church, work, over and over again.
After the first couple of weeks of our Bible study, I found myself thinking a bit along the lines of "maybe the girls should have done the Pursuit of Holiness too?" I have gone through part of it before, and I know it challenges and convicts.
However, this week in my study I have seen how in some ways, the two studies are paralleled. Maybe ours isn't as intense or in-your-face, but it is challenging me to look at my sin as SIN: bad attitudes and selfishness equal to murder and thievery. Not just a bad habit or a weakness, or another item for the prayer list. Sin, that completely displeases God and revolts His very nature of holiness. Have I really forgotten the childhood memory verse from the Roman road that teaches "the wages of sin is death"? Paul doesn't specify certain sins, he just says, the wages of sin: death.
John Bunyan said, "One leak will sink a ship; and one sin will destroy a sinner." That is all it takes, and everyone fits into the "one" category. Including me.
A challenge for me this week is this thought: "How evil is my sin to me?" Nancy DeMoss included this prayer from the Puritans in the 17th and 18th centuries:
"Unmask to me sin's deformity, that I may hate it, abhor it, flee from it. . . Let me never forget that the heinousness of sin lies not so much in the nature of the sin committed, as in the greatness of the person sinned against." (Underlining added)
My prayer is that I will confront even the "littlest" sin in my life. For the cobwebs of many small, unacknowledge sins clutter and block our view and experience of God's power in our lives as much and sometimes more than great big one. How many blessings have I missed, or caused others to miss because of my bad habit, or laziness? "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9) What a great promise. He will use us, and cleanse us: We just need to get real!
After the first couple of weeks of our Bible study, I found myself thinking a bit along the lines of "maybe the girls should have done the Pursuit of Holiness too?" I have gone through part of it before, and I know it challenges and convicts.
However, this week in my study I have seen how in some ways, the two studies are paralleled. Maybe ours isn't as intense or in-your-face, but it is challenging me to look at my sin as SIN: bad attitudes and selfishness equal to murder and thievery. Not just a bad habit or a weakness, or another item for the prayer list. Sin, that completely displeases God and revolts His very nature of holiness. Have I really forgotten the childhood memory verse from the Roman road that teaches "the wages of sin is death"? Paul doesn't specify certain sins, he just says, the wages of sin: death.
John Bunyan said, "One leak will sink a ship; and one sin will destroy a sinner." That is all it takes, and everyone fits into the "one" category. Including me.
A challenge for me this week is this thought: "How evil is my sin to me?" Nancy DeMoss included this prayer from the Puritans in the 17th and 18th centuries:
"Unmask to me sin's deformity, that I may hate it, abhor it, flee from it. . . Let me never forget that the heinousness of sin lies not so much in the nature of the sin committed, as in the greatness of the person sinned against." (Underlining added)
My prayer is that I will confront even the "littlest" sin in my life. For the cobwebs of many small, unacknowledge sins clutter and block our view and experience of God's power in our lives as much and sometimes more than great big one. How many blessings have I missed, or caused others to miss because of my bad habit, or laziness? "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9) What a great promise. He will use us, and cleanse us: We just need to get real!
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