Tag god

No Matter Where We Travel To When God Wants To Teach Us Something We’re Going To Get The Lesson

If you’re looking for God these days, you’re bound to find him.  It seems we’re always so busy.  Even though we’re all desperately trying to find an answer for what our world is going through right now, some of us still haven’t learned that the true “answer” is found in the day-to-day.  In fact, He’s found in the EVERY DAY and the EVERYWHERE.  We can’t escape him, especially when He’s trying to get our attention.  Our adventures are lessons that God sends us on so He can teach what He needs us to learn.

Sometimes, when our minds are set in a certain thinking pattern, that He wants to change in us, He will show up in the least likely places.  Even when we travel 15 hours from our homes.  He WILL show up and you’ll learn the lesson you were meant to be taught.

Negativity is so rampant! My goodness, it’s in the news, social media, it’s even in our own homes amongst our loved ones. It seems like it’s everywhere these days.  It’s almost like we’ve lost sight of what’s most important.  In a crazy weird, way this chaos that we’re going through, right now with the Coronavirus, is in a roundabout way bringing us back to our roots and giving us a firm foundation again.

I have two extremely cynical family members.  When I’ve asked them in the past if they believe the world is a bad place full of bad people they always reply with a big, fat YES!  Every time.

I emphatically disagree.

Fearful Mindsets Will Make You A Prisoner And Hold You Captive

If you watch the news 24/7, which I used to do, then yes you will believe the world is a dangerous place full of hardened criminals just waiting for you to leave your home so that they could rob you and steal all your belongings. 

Or worse yet,  your fearful mindset stays is a place of thinking you’re always on the verge of being harmed, leaving you to figure out how you are going to recover from the trauma and get on with your life.  You become a prisoner to a negative merry-go-round of thoughts.

While I do believe there are people out there that wish us harm and will hurt us if, given the opportunity, I believe more strongly that the world is full of really good people.   Folks who just want to live their lives in a positive way helping others and just show kindness.

I’ve traveled around this great big beautiful country, even outside the U.S., and I wholeheartedly believe love trumps hate and good trumps evil.  Every time.

Case in point.  While visiting New Mexico several years ago, where my husband was working at the time,  I needed to drive up to Albuquerque to get a new phone because mine had broken.

On this particular day,  on my way from our campground in Belen, New Mexico (which is a good 35-minute drive), I stopped on the outskirts of Albuquerque at a gas station to fill up and get a drink. I might go ahead and add here that when I travel alone I am very cautious and careful.   Traveling alone as a woman I am constantly aware of my surroundings.   My husband has instilled in me to always pay attention in case I run into a situation that warrants quick action.

God Will Place You In Situations In Order To Teach You The Lesson You Are Supposed To Learn

It was early morning and while I pumped the gas, I noticed a man walking from car to car asking for money.   He was with his wife and baby.   Unfortunately, their car was out of gas.    I overheard him say that they needed to get to Socorro, New Mexico.   Socorro was at least another good hour from where we were.

I  watched him walk from person to person and prayed that he would not come over to me.  Watch out what you pray for because sometimes God has a different idea in mind for you.   

With a sincere smile, the man walked over to me, and politely asked if I could spare any money for him and his family to buy some gas.

I quickly said I didn’t have any cash on me. It was being honest.  I didn’t have any cash on me AT ALL.  That part was true.   But I did have my debit card.

Again with utter politeness, he said “Thank you and God bless you” and then he walked away.

While I finished pumping my own gas I wondered if this was a scam or did they REALLY need gas money.

My heartstrings got yanked and I mean YANKED!  I opened my console where I found a bunch of change and filled my hands and walked over to the man. I told him that this was all I had but he was welcome to it. Again he said, “Thank you and God bless you.”

It’s In The Little Things Where Adventure Lives

That little bit of change just didn’t seem like it was enough. Not just enough for him, but enough for God. Was I doing God’s work?  Was I doing what God asked me to do?  My head told me, YES but my heart was impressing upon me NOT.

I paid at the pump but something pulled me into the actual gas station.  When I got inside there was a line of people waiting to donate their money to this man’s cause.

When it was my turn at the window, I told the clerk I wanted to give the man five more dollars.   The two men in front of me were each giving him ten dollars. 

God Uses Strangers Sometimes As Messengers To Teach Us The Lessons

While I waited in line,  the young man in front of me and I started discussing the act of giving.   He said these words to me that I’ll never forget.

He said, “My mom always told me never to judge others.  And when I give something to someone I am to let it go and not worry about what they’re going to do with it. What they do with the gift is between them and God.   And our giving from our hearts is between us and God.”

Wow.  Just wow.

Keep in mind that although this young man was around my son’s age, I couldn’t believe the wisdom coming from this young soul’s words. I was impressed with knowing that there is a generation younger than my own that still believes in God.   And that still believes in giving from the heart. I wanted to pat him on the back or hug him or something but I chose to just tell him I agree and that his mother raised him right.

As I walked back to my car the man who needed the gas money came up to me with a smile and said,  “Thank you.”

Was it a scam?   Was it the actual truth? Who knows.   And really who cares. The truth is that it is between him and God. It is also the truth that my giving and the tugging at my heartstrings were between ME and GOD!!!! No one else.

As for my two negative family members I chose NOT to tell them about my experience mostly because I just didn’t feel like listening to the negative feedback I would receive. I wanted to revel in the goodness that I witnessed and just enjoy the fact that I was right.  There is more goodness in the world than there is bad.

Let us always remember this young man’s mother’s words…

“My mom always told me never to judge others.  And when I give something to someone I am to let it go and not worry about what they’re going to do with it. What they do with the gift is between them and God.   And our giving from our hearts is between us and God.“

I still believe, today, that there is more goodness in this world than we can even imagine.  And because we’ve read our Bibles and know how the story ends…we know that evil loses the battle. We should have peace about that.  That alone should give us the strength to continue the good fight in life.  We should be encouraged to travel around this beautiful world that we’re living in and spread kindness as often as we can.

Tips That Will Not Only Get You On Your Way To Learning How To Read The Bible But Will Also Make It Enjoyable

With an ever-changing world that seems to be turning uglier by the day, it’s not surprising that so many people are doing an “about-face” and turning toward God. And turning away from the constant negativity that it seems we’re witnessing in our culture.

I don’t know if it’s just my imagination but I see a tide-turning. Several Hollywood elitists, rappers, and sports figures, are turning to Christ and professing their newfound faiths.

It makes my heart happy to see Kanye West.

Not only is he giving his life to Christ but also rolling up his sleeves and getting out there to bring others to God. Through his new music and testimony, Kanye is changing others’ lives with his life.

He is leading by example. And in doing so he is showing others the Truth of the Gospel and is bringing people to follow Jesus.

How awesome is that? And in doing so, don’t you know that all those new believers are heading to Lifeway and Mardel, purchasing new Bibles and trying to get it all figured out.

It wasn’t that long ago that I was one of those people. I was a foreigner to understanding the Bible, and didn’t know which one to purchase or where exactly to get started.

Although I had amazing support surrounding me, I still had to actually do the work of understanding it. I had to wrap my head around just exactly what it was that God was trying to say.

Everyone has their own way of learning and understanding, I would like to share with you what works for me.

Learning to read and understand the Bible is not hard at all. I’ve had so many people over the years say to me “it’s too hard to read” or “I just can’t understand it.”

However, my favorite is “the Bible is boring and it doesn’t pertain today.”

If there has ever been a time that the Bible truly pertains to…it’s NOW! And boring? The Bible is a far cry from boring. It’s full of as much drama and dysfunction than any mini-series.

If you think the Bible is old, frumpy, outdated, and boring then it’s high time you open it up. I’ll show you just how to get started.

Let’s Get Started: Picking Out a Bible

If you’ve ever been to a Christian book store or looked online at Mardel or Lifeway then you know that there are a plethora of Bibles and different translations to choose from. My personal preference, however, is the NIV, the New International Version.

I’m not knocking any other version or translation, I just prefer the NIV because it’s easier for me to understand. I own what is known as a “parallel Bible” which has two versions that are columned side-by-side for easy comparison.

I continue to purchase new Bibles “in the midst of a moment” but always return to this one. I’ve even bought the EXACT same Bible in a different color, thinking I would use it more. I always return to the one I originally bought.

Next Up: Cute Little Supplies

I am all about being set up with supplies before I begin anything. It helps even more if they’re cute. Highlighters are a must when it comes to learning and studying. If you haven’t been to the store lately, there are some super cool ones out there.

My favorites are the Bible Gel Highlighters. These highlighters are acid-free and do not bleed on your pages. There are 10 different colors so you can highlight different themes.

Do NOT be afraid to write or highlight in your Bible. It’s yours. I used to think it was going against God if I wrote in my Bible. Not at all. In fact, I think God jumps for joy when he sees us so involved in learning the Bible that we’re marking in it in order to remember His Word.

Another item I have a lot of are magnetic bookmarks. Amazon has a bunch to choose from. personally, I like the ones that have scriptures on them. It makes it easier to try and memorize my favorites.

Christian Art Gifts has a pack of 12 that are really cute and at an affordable price. The great thing about the magnetic bookmarks is that they never fall OUT or fall DOWN.

You can’t really lose them. They’re easily moved from one page to another without the fear of ripping or tearing. An absolute must!!!

Bible Study Guides Make It Fun and Easy

Studying the Bible with someone is an excellent way to spend time. And also to learn something you didn’t know before.

When you’re sharing the learning process with another person it just seems a little bit more fun. You remember not only the content but the silly memories made along with it.

My daughter, Kirsten, and my daughter-in-law, Ali, and I have completed several Bible studies. We meet up weekly at coffee shops and talk about that week’s lesson.

It’s a great way to make time to be together plus fellowshipping in the presence of God.

I’ve got certain authors that are my favorites. Kelly Minter, Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, Lysa TerKeurst, and Lisa Harper are a few of the women that I love to study from.

“The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer is the first study guide I ever did. It was based on Ephesians 6:10 and putting on the armor of God to ward off the enemy’s fiery darts. It’s one of my very favorites that I highly recommend.

Kelly Minter’s “No Other Gods” is another good one.

My all-time favorite will probably always be “David – Seeking A Heart Like His.” This study was on King David from his beginning to his death.

I actually cried when we finished this one. It’s funny how you can spend 11 weeks on something and miss it terribly when it’s over. David felt like he was part of my family when we got to that last page.

Media and Apps Are Also An Option For Really Digging In And Learning to Understand the Bible

Although I don’t really use any Bible apps, I know that there are a few out there that are popular. I, personally, like having my big, old bulky cumbersome Bible with me. If you want to keep in simple use a smart device to do your learning. You’ve got some great options.

Tecarta and Daily Bible Verse are two that I’ve used. If you click here you can see a complete list of the most popular out there today.

Online is where I go to watch sermons and Youtube has it all. Elevation Church is a church out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and it’s Pastor is Steven Furtick.

I LOVE this pastor and the sermons that he preaches. I’ve never heard a pastor who brings the Bible to life as he does.

I’ve probably learned more about the Bible from him than anyplace else. I actually put visiting Elevation Church on my bucket list. Last summer, while in North Carolina, I was able to attend a service there. I was on cloud nine and the sermon was just what I needed to hear that day.

Elevation Church has an online store where you can purchase DVDs with sermons on them for ANY amount. If you don’t have access to the internet these are perfect to put in your DVD player to watch. That makes it easy and gives you no excuses.

If I had to do without any of my references, DVDS would NOT be on the list. If I can’t get to my YouTube or my DVD’s, I’m lost.

Last But Not Least And My Favorite: Prayer Journals

Prayer journals are important. Having a journal to write my prayers and sermon notes has had an impact on how I retain scriptures.

I have already completed several prayer journals, which is a feat in itself. I’m bad about starting a journal and then never finishing it. I’m proud to say that I’m on “Number Four.”

I like Tuscany leather journals. I love the smell and the feel. After watching “War Room” I decided that I wanted to start writing my prayers down. Prayers led to sermon notes which then led to writing down and highlighting my favorite scriptures.

It’s interesting to go back to your first journal. You’ll see just how much you’ve evolved in your walk with Christ. It’s also fun to see how God answered some of my prayers.

Whatever avenue you choose to go down, I can guarantee that it won’t be boring. You might just have some fun.

Surround yourself with like-minded people. Make sure that you have a strong support system helping you find your way on your path.

Reading the Bible and actually understanding it takes patience with yourself. Set aside quiet time to be able to hear what it is God’s trying to impress upon your spirit.

Most of all enjoy the journey. It’s not meant to be rushed. Take bite-sized pieces and chew slowly. Savor the flavor of God’s Word and let each scripture resonate in a place in your heart.

You’ll find favorite scriptures and you’ll share and pass them on to people who need them. And best of all, before too long you’ll be like me, sharing what you’ve learned, with folks just like you…Baby Christians.

Inspire others and use your life to lift up another person. Light the way for someone living in a dark place 🙂

We are God’s handiwork and we were created for His glory!

Remember that!

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Putting on the Armor of God

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”

You know, that damn devil does prowl around. He prowls around looking for strong people, strong families and knows where you’re weak and he’ll do everything in his power to distract and immobilize you. He will get you to question your faith in God in order to steal your soul.

I love the phrase “sober mind” in this scripture because although it means self controlled mind, I believe there are times when we are tempted to turn toward “numbing mechanisms”, such as alcohol, to temporarily alleviate pain in a situation we’re trying to handle alone..

First, and foremost, DON’T go there. Don’t go down that road. Nothing good ever comes from being incoherent, or out of your rational mind. You need to be ALERT to be one jump ahead of that devil.

Consequently, generational alcoholism runs deep in my family and I’ve watched all too well how that avenue leads to more misery and pain. Just don’t. It’s NEVER an answer!!!

Secondly, and most importantly …YOU ARE NOT FIGHTING YOUR SITUATION ALONE! In fact you aren’t even the one fighting your battle…God is! Exodus 14:14 says ” The Lord fight for you, you need only to be still.”

If I’ve learned anything from studying the Bible, it’s to have my favorite verses to pull out when I need them. Satan is vying for your soul. I hate to be blunt but he is. He will distract you, feed you lies, try and destroy your relationships, and prey on those places you are weak. Right now, recognize your weak spots.

For me, he knows he can’t tempt me with typical addictions. I’m strong in my faith but I can be easily offended so my relationships are where he hits me the hardest.

Although, I KNOW THIS, I still forget it most of the time and fall for his lies and deceiving more times than I should.

We have weapons, tools, to battle him and ward off his fiery darts. If you have never opened a Bible I’m telling you that Ephesians 6:10-17 is a great place to get started. ❤

Happy Monday 🙂

Kelly

Finding Your Strength During A Family Struggle

 

“Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and daughters, and your wives and home.” – Nehemiah 4:14

My heart is heavy this morning as I make my daily post because today is a day that I remember every year…my son’s birthday.   Because I am an advocate for using our lives to make a positive difference in the lives of others, I have to believe in using both the good stuff and the not so good stuff…those trials and tribulations that we all experience.

Funny that during hard times I don’t always think about others, more about myself.  But today my hope is that  God will use my pain to help another mom or dad who is struggling with being estranged from their grown child/children and maybe bring light to someone’s dark situation. I ask you to grab a hold of my hand, join forces with me, and let’s fight for our children together 🙂.

Although my battle has been ongoing for almost 4 years now, I try not to lose hope as hard as that is sometimes. God’s Word and fervent prayer really are key to any battle plan.

Luke 12:53 tells us that in the last days families will be divided.  Anybody else feel like we’re in the “last days” when you’re watching the news or scrolling through your social media accounts?  I definitely do.

“They will be divided, father against son, son against father, mother against daughter, and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Although that looks bleak we don’t have to fear it because God is all knowing and He’s in control.

In Matthew 10:21 we’re told that “Brother will betray brother to death and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.” I don’t know about you but at times, although I am not actually dead, it sure feels like my heart has quit beating.  Our kids can sure rip our guts out.

“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn…and I would heal them.” Do you ever feel like your child’s eyes are blinded to you and that they are looking at you through eyes of someone else? I know I do. But we must stay the course and pray like never before and learn God’s Word and those scriptures that we can use in battle. We are soldiers!!!

The armor of God can be found in Ephesians 6:10-17. I love the book of Ephesians!!!  So powerful and so much information in these few verses:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark work and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to, stand. Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Fighting for our families is hard work and at times it seems like it’s for nothing. But it’s not for nothing…it’s for something…something BIG. The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10) but Jesus comes to give us life abundant. Satan knows his time is limited so he’s going to wreak as much havoc as he can in the short time he’s on earth. That’s why we have to be alert and have a plan of battling him in place. Remember that we’re not fighting our children, we’re fighting against darkness. It helps if we can remember that and then use our weapons (armor of God) to fight the enemy successfully…with God’s Word. Memorize scripture and then rebuke the devil with those Words. Yell them out loud if you want to. My favorite part of the movie “War Room” is when the mom is yelling at the devil and rebuking him from her family! I love that part!!

Remember that souls are on the line. Satan wants as many as he can take with him when his time is up! And I believe it’s getting close! But God is a MIGHTY God and He’s tougher and more powerful than anything and He is ALMIGHTY!!! We all know how this story plays out!! Not good for the devil.

Let’s join together in prayer and please know that you are not alone in your struggles. Others are where you are and fighting the same fight. If you would like for me to pray for you personally, I would love to. Send me a message and I’ll get started on it immediately. Prayers and lots of love and hope for all reading this!!! We are warriors!!! Get that armor up!!!

*While typing the scriptures, my IG account and computer have shut down several times. This also happened  to me the other day while posting scriptures. That’s a sign to me that ol’ liar Satan is trying to keep me from getting this message out.  Go figure!

Prayers up!!!

Kelly

 

#nottodaysatan

Robert Frost said it best when he said “Never cut what you can untie.”  One of my favorite quotes ever and such a good way to live life. Don’t sever a relationship that’s not meant to be permanently cut off over squabbles and misunderstandings. Life is short and even shorter when you are in conflict with others that you love. Work through the trials, especially when it’s

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