Krista's Kronicles & Koffee Talk

A Good Book to Read

2012-01-15T10:36:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do is sit and read a book.
I'll cover with a throw, grab some coffee and my Nook.
I'll start to read and let the story take me far away.
For a little while I'm someone else, in another time and place.

I have my so many favorite authors and different styles of books to read,
but none can compare to the Author of the Living word. He's everything I need.
I've read so many of His stories and I have often played the part.
As I studied many people of the past, this Book captivated my heart.

From cover to cover, there's so much insight in these stories, so much we can apply.
He captures my thoughts. He stole my heart in the story where I watched him die.
I was in the town and I bowed my knees, as I cried Hosanna to the King.
In another story I played the harp and I lifted my voice to sing.

I've danced with Him in fire while He kept me safe, so I wouldn't burn.
Once I was among 3,000, sitting on the mountain side motivated to learn.
I was once a sinful woman, with many insecurities and misplaced fears.
He wooed me and redeemed me. With gratitude, I washed his feet with my tears.

Some time ago I was that dumb sheep, the one that slipped away.
You wouldn't let me leave you. You came after me and still tend to me today.
This Book I read is living. There is not another book of this kind.
Our Holy Bible; inspired by God, written down by men is truly divine.

Each time I read, You speak Your truth to me. I want to hear Your voice.
Each time I read, I find just for me those applications and reasons to rejoice.
Through Your Word I've worshipped. Given You my praise, my soul now satisfied.
I've travelled far with many people, read their story. I watched a dead man rise.

So many times You've sheltered and protected me, when I've failed to see Your plan.
Covered once by a cloud, an eagle's wing, in the cleft of the rock with Your hand.
You've stood with me through struggles, when in my flesh I have been so weak.
But there's times when my faith could move a mountain; when You are all I seek.

There was that time I had an issue. It was a problem that embarrassed me.
I pushed through the crowd, touched your hem. You said my faith would stop the bleed.
I've walked with you in gardens. We were friends sweetly talking, hand in hand.
Much later in the book, you have taught me not to build a foundation in the sand.

To wrap this up I'll just say I am very grateful for what your Book says to Me.
Your patience- it is wonderful. Full of grace and mercy, You always hear my plea.
Your Words can stir my heart, refresh my mind, restore my purpose and my resolve.
Jesus, You are the Word. You are living. An You are my all in all.

written by: Me.

Captured by His story,

Harry Hoggle...we miss him!

2012-01-07T09:43:00.000-08:00

A Repost, but one of my favorites:

Meet Harry, my australlian shepherd. He's a loyal part of our family and though he has a slight weight problem and is seriously motivated by food, we love him a lot. He has been a great dog!

We brought Harry home about four years ago from the Humane Society. He fit right in from the beginning and our family wouldn't be the same without Harry. We ride four wheelers at our house and in my husband's parents pastures.

For the longest time, we used to get so frustrated at Harry when we would ride because he would bite at the tires while running next to the four wheelers. We were afraid we would run over him. Then we put two and two together! Harry is a Shepherd dog; that's what they do. He was trying to shepherd us!

We've grown so accustomed to his "shepherding" us while we ride four wheelers and he loves to run with us. Yesterday while we were out in our yard, Harry was barking like crazy and trying so hard to get us to move (we were just sitting on the four wheelers and talking - that wasn't working for him). So...I grabbed my camera and took some pictures of Harry in action.

I was thinking about my good australlian shepherd and I started thinking about Our Shepherd.

Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Isaiah 40:11, "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

Jeremiah 31:10, "“Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him,and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’

John 10:11-16, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

Thank You, Jesus, that You are the Good Shepherd! Thank for laying down your life for me!

Aren't you so grateful for those times in your everyday life when Jesus allows you to see Him. I love moments like that.

Trying not to act like a sheep,
Krista

Not Luck, Not Chance and More Than Circumstance

2011-04-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Psalm 5:11, "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name, in You, may rejoice."

Written by: Krista Hoggle

Roll your dice and play the game. It's just a game of chance.
It's Yatzee, fun but no skill needed. It's a game of circumstance.
We raise the dice to our lips and blow them or give an overhead shake,
or chant out the number you want. Roll it and hope your luck won't break.

As it is in this game, for many it is in their life.
Blow out those candles, read your horoscope to avoid all strife.
But the wisdom of this world is foolishness in His eyes.
All our schemes and planning, our useless speech is a worthless disquise.

The things we think are hidden and covered up out others sight.
God sees them all and one day, He'll bring them all to light.
Dear friend, with hope and love I ask you to cast aside your mask.
There is a better way to live and all we have to do is ask.

The better way is Jesus, the sweetest and most controversial name I know.
God's Son humbled himself and became flesh and willingly died for a debt He didn't owe.
It was your debt He paid, your sins, your failures...and of course, also mine.
He died on a rugged cross, rose again to give us a way to one day in Paradise reside.

Not based on luck or resume, not considering our morals, deeds or virtue,
For if we all were measured by the law, than none could stand what we're due.
But it's by our faith in Christ, trusting that His death and resurrection paid our sin.
No waiting in line, no insurance card needed. Paradise will welcome you in.

And it's this Hope, not chance;
It's Christ, not circumstance.
that
I believe in times of trouble, I have a place to go for refuge.
He's more than my eternity, He's my Rock, my Fortress and the One I sing to.

For if you trust your luck, than your luck may soon run out.
You'll find yourself broken and defeated. Worried and full of doubt.

"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name, in You may rejoice!"

Hoping, trusting and rejoicing,

How Did I Get to This Place?

2011-03-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

It was getting dark and I was driving around in unfamiliar territory. This neighborhood had a humble appearance, modest homes, clean yards and friendly residents. As I drove through, I waved at a sweet elderly lady raking the leaves in her yard. "Okay. She looks nice." I thought to myself. Feeling better about this shortcut now, I kept going. Another couple blocks, a few more friendly people. There were some teenagers playing basketball on the street. As I sat at the stop sign, I watched them for a minute. My mind wandered off into that place I find myself sometimes; thinking...analyzing. I wonder where they live, what are these kids like, what are the parents like? Are they happy? Abused? Broken? I lost track of my direction as I drove aimlessly, lost in my thoughts. I didn't even hear the radio because my thoughts were much louder. A wrong turn here, a wrong turn there and I am completely LOST. I stopped in the road trying to grasp my surroundings. How do I get out of here? Where is the friendly lady or the kids playing ball? Where are nice looking yards and safe surroundings? Suddenly, I am aware that I have put myself in a bad place and the lady on this street doesn't look all that friendly. I ask myself this question, "how did I get to this place?" God's voice answers me in my heart, "I let you go there." Why? Because sometimes we have to go to ugly places to appreciate the beauty of other places. Because we are supposed to learn something of value that will be build good character in our lives.

Have you ever found yourself in this situation? I have. I sit and think about my life and the direction it is going. I think...too much, I'm told. I can't help it. I am who I am. You know what? I am who God wants me to be. God loves the thinker in me. Isn't He the one who created me? God loves me, Little Krista, the over-thinker, analyzer, worrier.

Lately, I sit back and look around me. How did I get to this place? My journey didn't start out here. When I began this journey it was safe, sweet, pleasant. The spot of my current location doesn't look so safe now, sweet now or pleasant now. This place now, looks like I settled for the dirt and debris of this ugly world. How did I get to THIS place? Busyness? Selfishness? Idleness? Whatever it is, I'm here. I have left my comfort zone. I have stepped outside of my box. In my box, I had Christian friends, Christian books, Christian music, Christian everything. Outside the box is the whole entire world. How did I get to this place? God brought me here. I think he wanted me to step outside my safe zone, but He wanted me perservere outside of it. And I have messed that up. He wanted my walk with Him to be consistent, steady and closer, no matter my surroundings. Sure, it is easy to be an awesome Christian girl inside your Christian world. Take one step out of it and you are faced with everyday choices. I took some wrong turns and I have found myself in a very ugly place (spiritually speaking). It's a place where I forget to pray, forget to have a quiet time with him, forget to praise. How did I get here? Me, a Sunday School teacher. Me, a worship leader. Me. Thank you, Jesus, that even though I feel lost, You know exactly where I am.

Inside or outside the box, I am still the same person. On the path to rightousness or off the path and in the direction of destruction. Either way, either direction. I am STILL the same person. I have to choose to stay on the right course though and it is not as easy when you are outside your comfort zone. I have forsaken the very person God designed me to be, in order to be the person that other people have wanted me to be. And why? Because they fulfill my life? Because they are so important? Because they are blessing me? Some people in my life do bring me fulfillment and they are all important.

This post, a whole year later than the last post, is about my relationship with God. On that road of life, I have followed the wrong signs. I have ignored the warning signs, the detours, the rough shoulder signs. How did I get to this place?

...and I still hear His voice, "because I brought you here."

I missed my quiet time with God the other day...and for a whole year it seems.

So I ask a new question, "Where do I go from here?" I hear my Jesus say, "Whereever I take you." But I think this time, I will let Him do the driving.

Sitting in the passenger seat,

His Republic - my girl.

2010-03-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

We will sing, sing, sing and make music in the Heavens.

We will shout Your name, lift high the name of JESUS.

Psalm 21:13,

"Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power."

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
That's my baby girl...beautiful in RED...
singing with all her heart.

Psalm 33:3...

Keep on shining!
"Sing to him a new song; play skillfully
on the strings, with loud shouts."

Psalm 59:19
"O my Strength,"I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love."

To me...she is the most beautiful girl in the world.
To me...She is giving and kind.
She's so much fun and full of crazy energy. ...she gets that from me.

How awesome is God that he would take so much time to make each person so different...there are no two fingerprints alike. Each hair is different.
Our teeth are each unique...everything about you, stamped with your name.

...there are so many ways, to countless to name, that He makes sure you are YOU.

As beautiful as she is to me, there is One who adores her even more than me.
Not only is she a doll outwardly.
She is a handful of absolute stunning radiance on the inside.

Isaiah 52:7

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,

who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,

who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Keep singing, Brandi! ...keep bringing good news

keep smiling because you are full of God's grace!

Keep telling who He is and what He's done

...through your unique, pleasant, beautiful singing voice.
Overwhelmed by His love,

Choices vs. Dreams

2010-02-17T20:45:00.000-08:00
Here I go again, my thoughts spilling over on this page. An email from a friend, coupled with a book I am reading prompted my thoughts, all two of them.

Faced with a choice several months back, she had to decide...
Faced with choices everyday, WE have to decide...

We make decisions daily and those decisions are forks in the road. Do you STAND OUT or FIT IN?

My thoughts started out like this: to be a friend or give up a friend? Be an ordinary woman or be God's extraordinary woman. Our plans vs. God's desires. Our mistakes vs. His love. Okay, look, those are not exactly my thoughts, I borrowed them from my book. But in typical Krista fashion, those thoughts went a little rhymie (I'm pretty sure that's not even a real word.)

Life is about change. And change affects our past, present and will affect our future. This book I have started reading is about discovering GOD'S dream created just for you because OUR dreams change...

Choices vs. Dreams
What I see in me versus what my God sees.
I see all my shortcomings. God still sees my dreams.

I get scared and run away. But God wants me to stay,
to pursue my relationship with Him, finding comfort in His embrace.

God knew His plans for me before He even formed me in the womb.
Sometimes I don't know them now, and this world can cloud my view.

It hasn't always been this way. My dreams the same as any other little girl.
We dreamed about being a princess, kissed by the prince who conquered the world.

I pretended I was beautiful. Chased by boys, being rescued and desired.
So long ago it seems, "make believe" and "pretending" grew up and are now retired.

Girls want to be pretty. We dream of fancy dresses, elegant parties, being loved and getting kisses.
With my wild imagination, I played house, held babies, I was a famous singer with anything she wishes.

Of course some dreams were big and hard to reach, I grew up and gave up on them.
God's dreams for me are even bigger, not to be a mystery and He's given me a Friend.

His plan for me is to live HIS dreams. Some the same, some different, but ALL abundantly blessed and full.
Never one moment absent his joy and peace. Storing treasures in Heaven, earning for Him another jewel.

Everyday has choices and God lets us choose for that day how we will live.
Pursuing dreams or giving up; being grateful or not; hold a grudge or to forgive.

Where are your dreams? Do they cross your mind? Do you still remember them?
They are within your reach. Can you find and reach for them once again?

Dare to dream! We are capable of more than just going through the motions.
God designed us intricately, with different talents and gifts as vast as the ocean.

Search mostly now for God's dream, discover His love and never forget to pray.
"Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today."
...last part a quote from James Dean.

Dreaming,

Shouts of Joy

2010-02-06T11:42:00.000-08:00
"The LORD your God is in your midst...He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB)

I read this verse and I am in awe that the Creator of the Universe would desire to spend time with me, much less that He "exults over me with joy." How can such a holy God look at me, a fine mess, and still exult over me with joy; not just joy but shouts of joy.

My testimony (posted earlier in the week) could be somewhat depressing, but I really am, MOST of the time a pretty happy and joyful person. I guess you could say I have just had a down week...month. And it appears that it's not over yet. Having a rough weekend with my teenager, who is precious and lovely most of the time. However, this weekend she was like a venomous spider. Ouch! She hurt me. I didn't know this, but evidently I don't like her and I'm mean. Wow! I just got a little meaner too. ...sorry, that's how it works. Guess that means I'm doing something right, right? When I see the mistakes that my children make, I do not exult over them with joy. I love them, but it's just so hard to look at disobedience and exult with shouts of joy. They may get the shouts, just without the joy.

This verse says two things to me. The first is that for a Holy, Loving, Perfect God to feel that way about me, my view of myself must be pretty distorted. How is our view of ourselves different from God's view of us? We, especially me, see all our flaws rather than radiant beauty that shines from a face that is so full of God that it's oozing out of our pores. A woman after God is a beautiful woman! And I have to say that when I am where I am supposed be spiritually, I feel just as radiant to.

I won't spend too much time looking at the "counterfeit thoughts" that go on in my mind; thoughts that tell me who I am. I've heard before that that money specialists don't study counterfeit money, they study real money. They test the way it feels washed, worn, torn, new, folded, front/back, etc. for hours in a day. By the time they are through looking at real money, they can spot a counterfeit pretty easily. My hope is that in studying only the truth of God's Word and learning and memorizing what His thoughts are, I will be able to recognize and cast aside the distorted thoughts that the enemy feeds on to make me insecure.

"but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are reflecting the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB)

I am memorizing these verses this week to replace words and actions from my past - either positive or negative - that sometimes swirl around me. The enemy wants to hit us where we are vulnerable, so we have to be able to argue with him. The word of God is the Sword of the Spirit, the only offensive weapon in the armor of God. So when the enemy says that our faults and failures are our true identity, God tells us that we are being transformed. (Look back 2 Corinthians 3:16-18.)

The second thing that verse (way up at the top of the page) said to me was that not only does God think I am beautiful, but He is in my midst. He is pursuing me, still. I am already His, but He wants more of me. He likes me. He actually loves me enough to be in my midst. There is no better feeling than feeling right with God and walking with Him everyday. There is no greater joy than to bask in the presence of the Almighty. And there is no better feeling to replace insecurity than to realize that God wants to spend time with me.

"You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence." Acts 2:28

And the icing on the cake is:

"This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 1 John 3:19-20

What is your view of yourself? Do you see insecurities or do you see what God sees? If He is filled with joy because of us, then I can defineately be filled with joy because of Him!

A "Well-spring of Joy",

The Quiver and the Ride

2010-01-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

Psalm 127:3-5, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." The point of this verse is that we, and I mean Christians, are "Children of God." God's quiver is full. The purpose of an arrow is to hit the target. If we are the "arrow"...what is our target? What is our purpose? Are we hitting it or missing it? For me...both.

I started this poem several weeks ago. Today is actually February 2, 2010. It's had many edits. But mostly, I think God wanted me to experience this poem first hand. To really understand what it's like to "do it by myself" and "wreck." I give things to God...but I don't completely let go. I have to either let Him have it or NOT. He created the universe...surely He can handle the piddly problems in my life! I don't always let him. It's not a conscious thought that, "I can handle this better than God." In my actions that is what I am saying.

In my most recent wreck, I have experienced His compassion and guide. I have also experienced the flaming arrows of the enemy, but I have "soaked my shield" and I am allowing God to "extinguish the flames." ...I'm a fixer, not a waiter. My current life lesson is teaching me to WAIT ON HIM. He will show up, He always does...like the father teaching his son to ride without training wheels in this poem. Enjoy the ride!

Warm summer sun, wild laughter from little boys.
"I can do this by myself," came his bold little voice.

The tires have been aired and this little horn is new.
A monumental moment when the training wheels get removed.

His bicycle set in motion with a push from the lawn.
Daddy's strong hand guiding him; now slowly being withdrawn.

Peddling fast, then faster. Smiling over his shoulder with pride.
Little eyes that show he realizes that daddy just let go and left his side.

His handlebars are shaking. He's off balance and topples to the ground.
His father there to help him, he looked up with eyes full of tears and frowns.

Compassion filled his father's heart, while he dusted off a scraped knee.
He explained to his son that trying and falling are part of riding free.

"At times your ride will be flawless, and at times you may crash or fall.
No matter how you ride, each and every time, there are lessons in them all."

And so it is with a warrior, his quiver full of arrows help prepare him to fight.
Past success and failure taught him how to pull back, aim and hit the target in sight.

In life, you must learn hard work and determination; let them be your guide.
You must try to be humble in learning and set aside foolish, selfish pride.

A child of God looking back, there are times my pride caused my Father to "release."
Those are times my He wants me to learn that on my own there is no peace.

Isn't God the mighty Warrior? Aren't we, His children like the arrows in His quiver?
Battles of daily life aren't against our flesh and blood, but rather between the enemy and the Giver.

The enemy wants to make my life a disaster. He wants to kill me and destroy.
Destroy good things for Christ, kill my witness, lose my trust and steal my joy.

Not today, o' evil one. Today my feet are firmly planted on the Solid Rock.
My Father will never leave me. He simply stands at the door awaiting my knock.

Father, I am knocking loudly. I need Your help and strong hand to guide.
Place me in Your loving protection. With your favor and blessing, help me enjoy this ride.

When, not if, I wreck. I will look to You for Your forgiving and outstreched hand.
Compassion fills Your eyes. You know my thoughts, my fears, my heart intimately. You truly understand.

Lord, thank you so much for this bumpy ride, for each lesson and every single wreck.
Because through them, I'm sensitive to Your leading, my joy's fulfilled, my strength in You and glory I reflect.

A perfect wreck,

My Branches...What Does the Gardner See?

2010-01-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

John 15:5, "I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

My Branches...What Does the Gardner See?
To the Gardner of my heart,
Through my daily living and each moment of sojourning with Thee,
That's where I find Your peace, Your love, Your power; Your strength in me.

Life's heavy toils and burdonsome snares have often set the trap.
The devil's scheme for sure, to make this journey polluted, to make me to stumble back.

Fall back to the life that I once lived; selfish, wasted, a life stained with sin.
How Satan would love to strip my peace, steal my joy and to guilt me once again.

My Friends:
There are many types of branches on every kind of tree.
What do my branches look like? What does the Gardner see?

Are my branches healthy? Are they rich in color and full of vibrant life?
Do they bear my Father's fruit or do they reveal my hurt and strife?

For what the Gardner sees surely determines each branch's destination.
My branches should be bearing fruit, abiding in His love and exalting in His Creation.

He tends to healthy branches with love as He begins to trim and prune -
Making every good branch better, for producing even sweeter fruit.

Yes, the Gardner looks at us with love. What does my Gardner see?
Does He see any bad branches? Are my branches dead and withering?

Those dead and withered branches; branches wasted, given up and expired;
No longer trying, producing and bearing. They are cut off and thrown into the fire.

That's not the type of branch that God's wants me to be. He desires my beauty and much growth.
Are you bearing more today than yesterday? Are you sharing seeds to sow?

Please take a look at your branches. Are you His disciple indeed?
Are you living, breathing and believing in the Truth? The Truth that sets us free?

Are you growing and progressing or has your fruit bearing reached a stall?
Open up your heart to Him again and listen for His call.

He calls to you with open arms, beckoning your heart to return.
So return to His Word, His love, His presence. An abundant walk with Him we yearn.

To his garden with love He glances. Abiding in Him we see
Branches multiplying in goodness, faithfulness and gentleness. With that, the Gardner is very pleased.

Written by: Krista Hoggle, 01/10/2010

Pruned with Love,

A Walk along the Way

2010-01-03T17:00:00.000-08:00
This is a poem I wrote to represent life's journey; our walk, our choices, our struggles, strengths and failures. I want to walk the path God has chosen for me but I fall short. I let life get me down. And then He gently reminds me who I am; who I am in Him. In Him, I can do ALL things because He gives me strength.

A Walk Along the Way:

She stepped out of her house and began her morning stroll.
As she was walking, she picked up a rock for all her unmet goals.
There was a Tree in the shade, a perfect place to find some rest.
Instead of rest, she picked up another rock to represent all her failed spirtual tests.

Going on still further, she came to a Stream. She didn't drink its Water; and neglected to refresh her soul,
but picked up a few more "burden" rocks. The weight now beginning to take its toll.
So focused on her failures, her shortcomings and her weight.
This little morning stroll proving to be more than she can take.

Only half way there to the Cross, the place she wants to go.
So far away it seems; an impossible uphill climb with all these rocks in tow.
Her muscles were straining. He legs were burning. There's no way this can be done.
And then He came to her and said, "My child, the battle's already won!"

"Where did you come from? I didn't hear you draw near."
"I've been here all along. I heard you cry. I collected all your tears."
"I didn't see you. You couldn't have been here with me today."
"I was the Tree, the Water, your conscious all along the way."

She began to cry. She felt so stupid, so useless. She felt like such a waste.
He wiped her eyes. "I wanted you to stop at that water, cup your hands and taste."
"When you were by the Tree, I wanted you to be still, and rest in my shade."
She looked up at Him with surprise and asked, "How can you help me with the messes that I have made?"

"Lord, I knew where I was going, but I am having trouble along the way home.
See, I am picking up these rocks and trying to fix my troubles on my own.
If I pick up all my problems and carry them everywhere with me.
Then they are tucked neatly away in this bag where noone else can see."

"May I have your bag of faults and failures. Your bag of bad memories?
I'd like to carry them for you and help you walk with ease."
"Why would you do that for me and what do you mean, the battles already won?
"Child, I AM who I AM. I Am Father, Spirit and Son."

"I died for all your failures, your sins to be precise.
I Am the only way up that hill. I'm the Way, the Truth and Life."
"As the shade Tree, child; you are the vine. I am the Tree.
I'll abide in you, if you'll just abide in Me."

"As the Water; come and taste. Let me satify your thirst.
Choose me! Stop picking up these rocks and just put me first."
"How can I say thank you? What can I do to show my praise?"
"Just keep walking with Me. Tell others and in all things, glorify my Name."

written by: Krista Hoggle
Have a nice walk today!

Hitting the Switchbacks

2010-01-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

I am beginning the New Year much the way I want to finish it...with the joy of the Lord, daily in His will, daily feeling His presence, and daily bearing the fruit that only He can produce. Bro. Daryl challenged us last weekend to reflect on 2009. What can we do differently? I have done just that over the past week and no matter what my personal goals are (lose weight, spend less money, pay off a lawnmower, etc.), it all comes back to one thing..."Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto to you."

I may have goals and goals are good. But the most important goal is to seek the Lord first everyday and seek His truth, His will and like the verse said, His righteousness. Reflecting over the past year, I have had some really good days . Blessed in abundance, fun times with family and friends. Things are going just awesomely at work. I have also had some bad days and hard times. There have been many ups and downs. What I realize is that during the good times, I am so happy that sometimes I forget to tell God thank you. Not fully appreciated that every good gift comes from above. During the hard times, I recall getting on my knees, bowing my heart and my will and seeking the strength, love and protection of the Lord. While I am so thankful that as a child of God, I can seek Him during hard times, I also need to seek Him daily, in both good and bad. Daily or how about moment by moment. I found this quote in a book I was reading,

"There is nothing, no circumstance, no testing that can ever touch me until first of all it has gone past God and past Christ right through me. It has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment, but as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing in my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret. For I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is!! That is the rest of victory." ..I shall rest in the joy of WHAT my LORD IS. That's an all-the-time kind of knowing.

I am so thankful for 2009 and all the wonderful things that happened during the year. I am also so thankful for the times that God decided to teach me something through a circumstance, a hurt feeling, a trial. Those were the times that He really blessed my heart with the feeling of His presence. "All things work for the good of those who love the Lord." I love the Lord! I am so ready to begin 2010, with Him.

Where are we going, Lord? Where are you taking me? I can't wait to see! Back to the beginning of the post, hitting the switchback, no matter what your plans are for 2010, no matter what your daily, weekly, monthly or yearly goals are, if we seek Him FIRST everything else will fall in to place! "...and all these things will be added unto you."

Filled with His Love!

Colossians 1:9-12, My paraphrase

2009-11-25T20:50:00.000-08:00
Yesterday, after being asked to pray for a friend, I starting thinking about "prayer." So...when I got home from work, I pulled out my journals and my Bible and started reading more about prayers. I found that Colossians 1:9-12, is a great prayer for your husband, family, friends, and yourself. So I made my poetic paraphrase.

Ever since I met you, since God brought you into my life;
I've never ceased to pray for you during good times and in strife.

I prayed for understanding and for the knowledge of His will;
That your life would please Him; His dreams for you fulfilled.

May your life continually and eternally bring glory to His name.
And if you wander...Lord, bring back your prodigal, it's Your name they claim.

I asked the Holy Spirit, to take over and produce much fruit for you to bear;
That in every good work, you're strenthened with power; a breath of fresh air.

Lord, give them patience, endurance and joy! You are glorious in might!Fill us and seal us with Your Holy Spirit and arm us to fight!

With thanks to our Father, these requests I have made.
You qualified us in the Kingdom of light and the Kingdom of Saints.

Paraphrased by: Me

"If life were predictable it would cease to be life and be without flavor." Eleanor Roosevelt

Unpredictably blessed,

Trial by Fire

2009-11-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I was sitting in my bathroom (this is not going to be gross) and cleaning out the magazine / book rack in my "Powder Room." It's a mom thing. It's the only place I could escape to tonight for some ME time. I came across an old book, Power of A Praying Wife, and as I flipped through the dusty pages, God wooed me to His Word. ...And His Word was like a healing balm on my sore heart this week. Yes...I have had a crummy week. Gossip, drama, work stress, hurt feelings, guilt... With every one of those thoughts the weight on my shoulders gets heavier, and HEAVIER. What did I do? A little touch up here and a little touch up there. Fixed! Right? Wrong. Because trials are not for me to FIX. They are for me to be refined because God loves me. I don't punish (I almost said "whip" but that would be politically incorrect) my kids or make them clean or give them chores or discuss "situations" with them because I want to make them miserable. I do these things because I love them. God allows me to be tested; to fall down and get back up. To be tested again and again. Why? Because I am beautiful in his eyes and He wants to refine me to the point that I radiantly shining for Him...without saying a word. I am so grateful!
Everyone goes through hard times. Some of it can be avoided and some of it cannot. Whether it's gossip, sickness, trials, temptations. Whatever the hardship...we will at some point go through it. Why? Because He see what we can be rather than what we are. Like gold, thrown into the fire gets refined and more valuable. It's the same for us. We can avoid a lot of our trials simply by praying. On the other hand, we can cry out to Him during our trial and watch Him show up and show out. We can thank Him. What matters most is our attitude. Sometimes our attitude is a response to fear or the unknown. "Is this situation out of my control?" I ask that sometimes. Then the next thought is, "How can I fix it?" I go out of my way to make it right. To tie the loose ends.
Is this causing me to be bitter? angry? Am I blaming God and complaining to Him? Yes, unfortuneately I do it all the time. When this is my attitude, things tend to turn out badly. I am thankful when God reminds me to REALLY give it to Him. He wants me to go through these hard times (when they come and they will come) with thankfulness and praise to Him. He PROMISES to bring good things despite my hard times. He PROMISES...and He never breaks a promise. He says, "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3.
Trials can be a purifying fire and a cleansing water [Power of A Praying Wife]. "You don't want to get burned or drowned; you want to get refined and renewed." We are more than conquerors.
God, You are my very present help in time of trouble. I come boldly to Your throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy and find grace to help me in time of need. [Power of a Praying Wife].
Psalm 37:23-24, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him in His hand." Thank You, Jesus that You are holding me in Your hand! What a comfort that is!
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:2-3
Thanking God for Trials by Fire, for I know that he is refining me and holding me up.
In His great mercy,

God and gods...

2009-10-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

2 Kings 17:33, "They worshipped the LORD, but they also served their own gods."

So it has taken me awhile to find the time to go on to the next chapter in my study, "No Other Gods." I'm hungry for God's Word. I want to be filled with His spirit. Yet, I struggle with my time. I find it hard to slow down, to be still and study God's word. I go, and go, and go.

Like a bug hitting the windshield of my car, God's revelation to me has just hit me square in the face. TIME. I give my worship to God but I am giving my service to other gods. How do I spend my time? How much time do I have? The same amount as you.

God gives me 1,440 minutes everyday. It's His gift to me. I get to choose how to spend it. I take an hour to get ready each day. I drive to and from work (1 hour). I work 8 hours. I check my Facebook. I read my emails. I watch the news. I cook dinner. I clean the kitchen. I help Drew with homework. I fold the neverending pile of laundry. I sing. I practice. I fall into bed exhausted. I get up and I do it all again. I didn't even mention that I watch TV, talk on the phone, exercise and more.

I take time to do a lot of things but I neglect to spend the time on the most important thing, my quiet time. I have a comfortable chair in my room that I sit in to study God's Word. I get my cup of coffee, my book or Bible study and my Bible. ...Or at least I used to. Five minutes. Can I not give Him five minutes? I would still have 1,435 left to do whatever I want with. Ten minutes? I waste that much time reading updates on Facebook, yet I find it too hard to sit with God that long. I love the Lord! I would never worship an idol willfully and purposely. However, the things that I am spending my time doing are most often the things that are most important to me. My family - important. My job - important. But is everything I waste time on really that important? I'm guilty. I have been worshipping God and serving other gods, less important gods. False gods. A hard pill to swallow.

I take time each day preparing my outward appearance so I can look presentable and pretty for work and church and other activities. Most days lately, I am neglecting the part of me that God intended to be the most beautiful; my mind and my heart. If I take the necessary time and steps to allow God to change my heart and my mind, God's glory will show radiantly through my face. You will see Him all over me. And that's beautiful.

Psalm 1:1, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night." Bless me Lord! I want your blessings. Help me to delight in Your Word, day and night.

Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...."

I am changing my daily patterns so He can transform my mind.

Allowing Him to renew my mind, refresh my spirit and change my heart,

No Other gods...

2009-09-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

A golden calf? Are you kidding me? I would NEVER bow down to that. I would NEVER worship a golden calf? How silly! How could they?

What self-indulgent people. They wanted a god they could SEE with their eyes and TOUCH with their hands. Moses was up on that mountain, gone a little too long. They just could not wait. They had no self-control. So, they threw gold into the fire and made their own god. How incredibly unbelievable! After all that God had done for them; still they had so little faith.

Is it really that unbelievable? Don't we do it everyday? In many ways? What can the TV do for me? Or a cute pair of shoes? Are my friends, my job, my family important? YES! Are they more important than God? Do they deserve more time and attention? All these things are good, but do they possess the power to change my life? Spiritually? Do they have GOD power? I would never worship a golden calf. True. In our everyday lives, we have have different "golden calves." Some of them are good things: Our family, our friends, the most current fiction book we are reading, a super awesome video-game. Some of the things that possess our minds and sadly our hearts are not so good: another drink at the bar, a picture on the internet, a mind-altering drug. Whatever it is, good or bad, if it is taking the place of God in your life, it's idolatry.

Exodus 20:1-3, "And God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me."

As a child of God, He had brought you out of _________ (you fill in the blank). Out of the land of slavery. What were you a slave to came to know the Lord? What has God delivered you from? What is He currently rescuing you from? He wants to take first place in your life; your everday life.

Ezekiel 36:24-28, "For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people and I will be your God." Emphasis mine.

A new heart...cleanse me from my impurities...remove my heart of stone...Your Spirit - in ME...I will be Yours and You will be mine!?! Does it get any better? Is there a better gift? Can your job do that for you? Can your addictions? Your hobbies? Habits? Friends?

1 Corinthians 10:31: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

So what happened to their golden calf? Moses burnt it and ground it into powder and put it in their water and made them drink it. What are you going to do to your idols? What am I going to do with mine?

"Moses ground the calf to powder,
Bid them lift their glasses high,
Toast their bogus god and drink-
Celebrate their idols and die."

Asking Him to renovate my heart,

Beautiful

2009-09-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

I get up every day and run through my morning routine; coffee first. I wash my face, brush my teeth, the whole nine yards.

I have noticed this year something new on my face, dark circles under my eyes. What in the world? Where did they come from? How is it they weren’t there last year and now, BAM, there they are. Did I win the drawing?

I never win anything. I see chances for shopping sprees all the time. I write down my name, address, phone number and drop the little slip of paper in a box. I wait and WAIT for someone to call me and say that I won. Never happens. Anyway…

I do all I can to preserve the quickly fading youthful features on my face. My friend, Cindy, even does an exercise video for her face! I use my sunscreen and thick, line filling eye cream. I exfoliate and moisterize and then I put on my make-up. At least I have a lot of make-up.

I move to the closet. What am I going to wear? Something modest, something cute; something with the absolute potential (cross that out!), the absolute ability to conceal all the “bumps” and “hills” in my figure that I do NOT want anyone to see.

Why? Why do I do all this? Why do I try so hard to look the best I can? Because I, like you and every other woman, want to look beautiful. I want Phillip to think that I am beautiful. I want to feel like I am pretty.

Every woman longs to be beautiful. We all want to feel like when we are all dressed up and ready to go (somewhere), that we look beautiful. And not feeling beautiful can hinder your daily walk and thoughts. It can take you on down hill spiral, fast.

You know what? I am beautiful! You’re beautiful! Don’t take my word for it, take God’s word for it. Trust Him. He thinks you’re beautiful, especially when you take as much time preparing the inside as we do the outside. As many steps as I take to look outwardly pretty, I need to take to look pretty on the inside. When you do that, here is what the Lord says about you. You are beautiful from head to toes when you adorn yourself with His grace. When you are bearing His fruits, you are quite lovely!

Isaiah 28:5, “In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people.” ESV (Emphasis mine) He makes us a “diadem of beauty.”

Proverbs 24:3-4, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” NIV (Emphasis mine)

Psalm 45:10-11, “Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.”

Are you convinced of your beauty? Are you looking on the outside to decide whether you are beautiful? That’s okay, but first spend that necessary time on the inside so that you can have that ‘free of charge’ glow in your face that radiates the light and love of Christ. Use the Bible as your mirror this week. There are so many more verses where God tells us we are beautiful, precious and desired by Him.
Beautiful,

I Give it To You!!!

2009-09-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,
Please help me not to worry,
to carry all this weight
of yesterday's gossip and trouble.
It's more than I can take.

I know that I'm not perfect.
I mess up each and every day.
Lord, I am so sorry,
Please take my sin away.

Why do we carry all this burden?
Why do we let him steal our faith?
We act like we have no hope,
You've already given me what I need today.

You are the Rock of my salvation.
My Redeemer and my friend.
You are the Alpha and Omega,
the Beginning and the End.

You're my shelter and the Lover of my soul.
You are the conqueror, the great I AM,
You are Hosanna. You are prophesy foretold.
You ARE Truth. You're the Lion and the Lamb.

Who am I to deal with each day's troubles?
You've given me a friend,
the promised Holy Spirit,
with me 'til the very end.

Why do I look to the world and it's distorted view?
Lord, I give you heart,
my mind, my strength and words.
I give it all to You!

Is it spreading like Gangrene?

2009-08-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 2:16-17, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene."

The old saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me." Is that true? I don't think so. The verse above did not come from me. I did not write it. God did. This past week has reminded me of two things:

(1) the damage the power of the tongue can cause; (2) well, that's another lesson for another day!

The power of the tongue: We praise God with it. We encourage friends and family with it. We communicate messages with it. We share a secret. We sing a song. We give well wishes. We spread a little gossip. We tell course jokes. We curse with it. We say mean things. Do you see the regression? Sometimes a word could be aptly spoken, like "apples of gold" and we withhold or begrudge someone a blessing. I wonder if my words are like apples of gold to my family (not always), my friends, our written words. I'm accountable for my actions and my words and so are you. Our words, written or otherwise, are not supposed to hurt. It's not OUR place. There's only one Holy Spirit and only One who has the power to convict me (or you) of sin. Funny thing about words...you can't take them back. They are out and the damage is done.

Happy Birthday. Be careful. Call me. I love you. I'm sorry. Pray for me. Happy Anniversary. I'll pray for you! You're sweet! You're beautiful. How are you? Have a blessed day. Can I help you? Are you okay? What's for supper? Why aren't the dishes washed? Go to your room. Stop fighting. Be nice. Singing praises to the King. Calm down. Grow up. Go Away. Excellent work! Answer the phone! Hurry up. Now! Can you get me a coke? Can I just have some peace and quiet. He hurt my feelings. You shouldn't have said that! ~ this is an inventory of some of my recent comments. Reflection is good for you. As I reflect on this past week and some of my words, I didn't do so bad. As I reflect...I didn't do so good either.
What do words do? One of two things: build up or tear down. During Upward Basketball season, I compared our words to an attic or basement. Some words lift people up. And some words bring you
down...
down...
down...
So...how are you doing this week? How am I doing this week? I'm still a work in progress and I'm so glad I recognize His voice. Props to Amy for helping me reflect. But like I said, I'm only responsible for ME. YOU are responsible for yourself. : ) That's just the way it works.

Is what you are saying true? Is it noble? Is is praiseworthy? Is it good, honorable? Loyal? Glorifying to God? If not, keep it to yourself. Is it going to help someone? Or hurt someone?
Trying to tame the tongue,

Worries and Fears

2009-05-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Another chapter in our study...another area of weakness for me. I am a perpetual worrier. Sometimes I put on "worry" like an article of clothing and I wear it all day long. And it crushes my spirit.

What do I worry about? It varies from day to day, but let's start here: Is Brandi making it to school okay? Will she have a wreck? Is Drew having a good day? Did he remember his bookbag, homework? Where is my dog? Why did she run off again? Is he / she mad at me? Did I do a good job at work today? Will my boss forgive me for messing up? My dog needs water. I need to lay out supper. The laundry needs folding. My car needs gas. I need to pay my bills. I need to balance my checkbook. My kids need new clothes. I've got to get groceries. My husband needs me to be still. Drew needs a hug. And a glass of tea. And to be tucked in bed...again. On and on it goes. Not so bad. Just the average day, right?

"When I take one day at a time, life looks like a piece of cake! But more often then not, my mind is stretching forward, and I begin to worry about my tomorrow. Don't you? I hope it doesn't rain for Saturday's game. I hope my new boss isn't a tyrant. ... What if the house burns down? What if the plane crashes. I wonder if we have enough life insurance? What if I lose my job? What if it's cancer? Will we ever pay off the second mortgage? Do we have enough money for retirement? Sure, we need to plan ahead, but don't go borrowing trouble from tomorrow!" (A quote from the book, Managing My Moods.)

Here's what David says about worry:

Psalm 139:23, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties" The God who knows our hearts so well understands we get worried. He sees our fears.

Proverbs 12:25 puts it like this, "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad" Constant worry can haul us downwards into depression. Conversely, fear can be driven away quite easily. All that is needed is a good word from a friend.

And my personal favorite..."In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?" (Psalm 56:4). No matter what might come - struggles, disease, conflict, death - none of it can really touch the part of us that will live forever.

As Robert reminded us Sunday, "Our God is bigger." He's bigger than my problems. He's bigger than my worries. He's bigger than any circumstance. He's bigger than the building I'm sitting in. He's bigger than time. He's the Creator, the Master of everything. The Chief Builder, The Cornerstone. Why in the world would I worry? Surely, I can trust Him.
Say something nice to someone today. Smile. Laugh. And no worries,

Our hearts are a...bar of soap?

2009-05-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Each Sunday evening, I study God's word with a very diverse and wonderful group of women. Each lady is unigue in personality and has something interesting to add to our discussion. We just started a new book study on a Women of Faith book called Managing Your Moods. I can almost hear you laughing at the title of this book! We're women...we have moods. And depending on what week it is, my mood varies. I can go from sweet to crazy real fast. I'm complex. That's how God made me. So are you. As I am going through this book, listening to the stories and studying God's word, I have experienced light snickering, guilt, encouragement, laughter, feeling like God is stepping on my toes and more side splitting laughter. We're women! We have some good stories! Our hearts are "a bundle of emotions."

"People can be described as hardhearted, softhearted, coldhearted, fainthearted or even heartless. Some people wear their heart on their sleeve. We know what it's like to lose heart, take heart, have our heart set on something, have a change of heart, and have our hearts skip a beat. We know what it's like to do something to our heart's content. We can be heavyhearted, halfhearted or lighthearted." We've known heartache, we've been heartsick. "We read God's Word and take it to heart."

Tonight we talked about two moods, happiness and anger. I will discuss anger next week when I'm not so angry. Just kidding. Happiness. Can we be happy always? We all experience the emotions listed above. There are times that we are just not feeling happy...but we can have JOY in the midst of any emotion. I think God explains it best.

People will say, "just trust your heart." But our hearts AND emotions deceive us. Deuteronomy 11:16, "Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside..." Turn aside...from what? Our pure devotion to God. To what? You fill in the blank.

We can't handle our "mish-mashed" moods, but God can. And He can help us. Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Whatever the mood is...cry out to Jesus. He wants to heal our humble and contrite heart. He wants to be our rescue.

and...drum roll...my favorite verse for the week...

Hebrews 10:22, "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." So why are our hearts a bar of soap. Because that is the treasure trinket we were given this week. A Bar of Soap - to remember that our hearts are slippery, no matter how much we want to hear from God and do His will.

Stay on guard this week and remember this each time you look at a bar of soap.

Word Filled Wednesday

2009-04-15T08:11:00.001-07:00

Thank You, Jesus that you hold the keys! My salvation isn't weighing on whether I am good or bad today. Your not looking at me shaking your head saying, "no way!" Instead, you look at me and see that I covered by the blood of Lamb, your precious Son. Christ is Risen!

Mark 16:61-62, "...the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."

Singing to the King,

Singing praises to the King...

2009-04-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

This my precious daughter singing with the youth praise team from church. She doesn't have a solo in this song, but the whole group is getting better and singing more. She sang her first solo this past week and it was beautiful. Sorry, no video. Brandi is wearing the red sweater in this video.

What a blessing to see your children serving the Lord!

Christ - The Gift of the Age

2009-04-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

How countless are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creation. Psalm 104:24
I pull in my driveway and I can see the dogwood trees blooming on either side of me. What a precious gift!
I walk up the walkway and I am surrounded by purple irises and bright pink azaleas, and blooming thrift. What a precious gift!
I sat in my car for a few minutes yesterday to watch the tiniest, little finch playing in my yard. He's so good to me!
I took a deep breath and thought to myself, "how amazing He made today."
We had drama practice yesterday. We are practicing for the play, "Christ - the gift of the age." I sang on the praise team with tears in my eyes as I watched these people TAKE ON the disciples, Mary, Jesus, Pilate. They weren't "playing," they took it full on. Wow! What a PRECIOUS GIFT - His blood poured out for me. My eyes are full of tears now. I am so grateful.
How wonderful is He to you? Bro. Daryl asked yesterday, "What is your response to Him?" That's not just the question for unbelievers, it's for believers too. What is my response to what he did for me? What was my response yesterday? What will my response be tomorrow? What is my response at work? Christ - the gift of the age... As good as my best day is, there was no greater day than the day he bore my guilt, and carried my cross. Celebrate the empty tomb this week!
Christ, my gift,

New Design

2009-04-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! This is my new blog look. I am loving it!
And it makes me want a coffee right now.
Not too much to write about tonight. Just spending time with my family. My kids are going to an Easter Egg hunt tomorrow at church. They are really excited. I am getting ready to go ride four wheelers with my hubby and several of our friends tomorrow. It's going to be a beautiful day. I am going to appreciate and thank God for all He's created while I ride through the trails and appreciate the woods. I'll have some good pictures and funny stories.
Have a great weekend!

Please be patient...

2009-04-03T11:32:00.000-07:00
...while we experience our blog makeover!

Thanks,

Lisa & Krista

Vessels of Silver and Gold

2009-04-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 2:20-21, "Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."

This was the verse that Bro. Daryl used last night during the message. It was another one of those "A-Ha" moments. I have read it before but have never made the application that he showed us last night.

Here it is broken down...as you read it, take evaluation of your heart. What kind of vessel are you? What kind of vessel do you want to be? You, if you are a Child of God, ARE one of these types of vessels.

"Now in a great house..." that is your church, the family of God.
"vessels" that's you and me.
"gold and silver" or "wood and clay," that is useful or unuseful. Honorable or dishonorable. Obviously vessels of gold and silver are more honorable to the Lord, it is more valuable to the Kingdom.

I want to be valuable to the Church, to the body of Christ, to my family of believers. Am I? Sometimes I don't feel so valuable. It's easy to get caught up in measuring your value by what others think. But that's not where I should measure. Am I serving God? Do I love the Lord? Am I using the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit that God gave me? Am I ready for every good work? Or do I withhold kindness? Do I flee from irrelevant and sinful situations? From foolish and ignorant arguments?

If you catch yourself being a vessel of wood and clay, don't give up yet. The verse also says that you can cleanse yourself from the dishonorable. Take time to evaluate your life, to purify yourself from the inside out. A vessel of honor will have a cleansed life, useful, prepared, equipped, gentle manner, and compassionate. That's so much better than the alternative.

Trying to be a vessel of gold and silver,
Krista

When Your Faith is Tested

2009-04-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

A Prayer in Spring by:Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird

That suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid-air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

The which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that we fulfill.

Each Spring, we see new life. The flower fights through the hard ground and begins to show signs of new life. After it's been watered and cared for, you see the beauty of the flower. Our life is like that too. Sometimes God will allow us to go through hard times to teach us to grow and grow us into something beautiful. I am reminded of this each Spring.

James 1:2-6, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Steadfast in His Love,
Krista

A Facelift

2009-03-30T15:41:00.000-07:00
I am so excited! My blog is getting a face lift. As I have been emailing my designer back and forth getting ready for the big unveil, I can't help but get a little giddy. My page has been so blah.... and it's time for something cute, something that reflects my personality. I'm not sure when it will be ready...but it's coming SOON.

As I have thought about what I wanted my page to look like, God has drawn for me a parellel. I LOVE it when He does that. He gives me something to write about from the heart and I don't have to work as hard to come up with something. God is SO good, all the time!

When you look at my new page, it should be a reflection of my personality. It will reflect those things that I enjoy. The picture will be of something that I like a lot (I'm not giving it away; you'll have to come back and see!) and the background, the font and the colors will all be revealing characteristics of ME.

But to those of you of who see the REAL me, not the BLOG me, what do you see? Maybe it depends on the day, but it shouldn't. You should see the Christ in me. You should see the glory of God and light of His love in my eyes. You should see His peace in my smile.

I'm sad to say that is not always what I look like. At times, I am reminded that I need to sink in to God's Word and give my heart a "facelift."

Galatians 5:18-22, "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."

That's what you should see! His love, His peace, His joy, His patience...you get it.

1 Peter 3:4, "Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

Praying you see the Christ in me and if you don't then God will give me a facelift,
Krista

It's Been Awhile!

2009-03-24T09:50:00.000-07:00
It's been about five months since I posted something. I started a new job in October 2008 and I stay really busy, but I have been missing my blog times and my bloggy friends. I have had a great week so far.

I have been praying about many things lately and I have seen God move in amazing ways. During my prayer time with the Lord yesterday, as I thought about all the things to say, 'Thank you' for, I was moved to tears. When you name your blessings and say out loud, "Thank you, Lord," you are reminded of just how much He has really done for you and how much He really DOES for you! It reminds me of the song I used to sing to my children, "Count your many blessings see what God has done. Count your many blessings name them one by one."

Here is what I am so thankful for today:
1. Friends - New and Old - I have prayed for my friends a lot lately and I have been asking God to bless me with some new friendships as well. He has provided!

1 Timothy 6:17, "...God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy."

He just wants us to ask, to talk to him and tell him what's on our mind; tell Him our hurts, our blessings, our dreams, TELL HIM EVERYTHING.

Brandi and I went shopping the other day (no surprise there) and I bought her a couple of things. In one particular store there were two shirts she wanted, but she only handed me one. I assumed she didn't want the other one. We paid and left and went somewhere else. Later, she mentioned that she really wanted that other shirt. She didn't ask for it or I would have bought it for her. It's the same way with God. He provides all our need and even some of our wants. He already knows them, but He wants that communication. He wants to talk to us and for us to talk to Him. Communication...another topic for another day. :D

Matthew 7:7-11, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

Well...that's all for now. More later...maybe.
Love to all!
Krista

A Beginning and An End

2008-10-21T18:38:00.000-07:00
Every crisis has a beginning and an end. It is for a season, not a lifetime. Our country seems to be in a financial crisis, but it IS for a season. We cannot know how bad it will get or when it will get better. What we can know is that God is still in control. He hasn't fallen off His throne!

2 Corinthians 4:16-17, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" Whatever comes my way is a momentary light infliction. It will produce for me eternal rewards.

My family's recent crisis with my husband's job seemed to be a big crisis, and while I hesitate to say it's over (because it might not be and it might get worse with rumors of lay-offs). I can tell you without a doubt that God has heard my prayers each week and he has provided in some awesome ways.

He allowed me to get a really great job that pays well and I enjoy; He has consistently provided my husband with overtime (while overtime is scarce these days); He has provided me with some professional clothes (both from the sales racks and from a dear friend who has been bringing me goodies each week - for FREE). I am learning more and more these days how God provides.

Our church this past week watched a young girl from our church family go through a very rough time. She was very sick but she is getting better and stronger everyday. I know that God provided for this family. I have seen His provision these last few weeks and He's still teaching me new things. While I have always known that He provides, He wanted me to take a closer look to really appreciate Him and His provision. He put this attribute directly in my path.

My ambition needs to be pleasing to God. 2 Corinthians 5:9, "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." No matter what I do. I don't want to offend the Lord in what I say, what I do, how I dress, etc. I want to be pleasing to the Lord. I am so thankful for all He has done for me, it's the least I can do for Him; to strive to please Him. I guess that's how we say thank you.

1 Timothy 6:17, "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy."

1 Chronicles 16:8, "Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!"

Humbled,
Krista

Turn on the Light

2008-10-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

"As I pause to help others, I am reminded that, just like Jesus, we are called to notice people around us and to bring a touch of hope into their lives." In the words of this quote that I am reading in What Happens When Women Say "Yes" to God I am reminded that we live in a "selfish, sin soaked culture."

What do we say "yes" to daily that causes us to look dim, dark and ungodly? At what point does black and white fade to gray? And at what point do we cease to let our light shine? We need to be challenged to "throw off the status quo." Our lives should make a difference.

UPDATE: I have a new job in a wonderful law firm with wonderful people. I have met some of the kindest people these last couple of days. I have made new friends and accepted help from others. I haven't posted in the last week because I was running around so much that the end of the day ended in my falling into a messy bed and not moving!

While I was at work today, I started wondering..."How much do they know about me?" I wonder if it is evident to them that Jesus lives in my heart. I wonder if His light is shining enough for them to see. I haven't told them much about me; goodness, we don't have much time to talk, but do they see Him in me? Without me saying a word, my actions should scream that I am different; that I am His child!

Isaiah 2:5, "O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord."

Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

The only way I can capture that radiant light to chase after righteousness and the source of righteousness. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

When I walk in my house at night and it's dark, I don't dare try to walk around for fear that I may trip over a skateboard or purse; or step on a creepy spider or something. Ewww. No...the first thing I do is turn on the light. I need to see! In the same way, we don't want to walk around with a spiritual light so dim that others can't see. The world is dark enough as it is!

At Christmas time in the past, our church has blacked out all the windows and we held our Tenebrae Service; a service in the dark. During the service, one by one a candle is lit providing a little light at a time. Soon with all the candles lit, you can see the faces of the choir singing. You can see stage, the backdrop, people sitting around you. It's an illustration of what we should be doing daily.

Be aware of the spiritual realm! There are things that we can't see happening all around us. Remember the devil is prowling around and he wants us to keep our light dim so that the darkness of this world reigns. He wants to keep people in the dark. But if we, one by one, will let our lights shine, then they will see.

This is a challenge. Take inventory. How are you doing? On a scale of one to ten (one being very dim and ten being very bright) how well did you do today? How much light did you allow others to see?

Pursuing Righteousness,

Krista

Thankful on Thursday

2008-09-25T05:53:00.001-07:00
Psalm 28:7, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

I am thankful today for God's provision. In our current situation, we have been trusting the Lord to provide. Phillip was looking at 8 hours missing from his next paycheck. God has supplied him with a little overtime this week. Now, we are only looking at 4 hours shy. Thank you, Jesus!
Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
I am thankful for the sword of the Spirit, God's Word, to strengthen me when I need it.
I am thankful for God's love. 2 Chronicles 6:14, "He said: "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."
I am thankful for this song.
Remember to give thanks today for all your blessings, even the ones we take advantage of everyday and forget to thank Him for!
With a Grateful Heart,
Krista

Whatever's Worth Most

2008-09-23T05:50:00.000-07:00
Worship: Simply about value.

"Think of it this way: Worship is our response to what we value most.

That's why worship is that thing we all do. It's what we're all about on any given day. Worship is about saying, 'This person, this thing, this experience (this whatever) is what matters most to me...it's the thing of highest value in my life.'

That "thing" might be a relationship. A dream. A position. Status. Something you own. A name. A job. Some kind of pleasure. Whatever name you put on it, this "thing" is what you've concluded in your heart is worth most to you. And whatever is worth most to you is - you guessed it - what you worship." The Air I Breathe by: Louie Giglio

I read that yesterday and it really got my attention. What do I think about the most? What is that "thing" that is most important to me today? Where are my thoughts? It could be different things at different times. It should be Jesus - all the time.

What are you worshipping today?

Worship as A Way of Life,
Krista

Trusting...

2008-09-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

Let me catch some of you up on what's going on in my life right now. Phillip went to work last week and found out that starting next week, Mercedes employees will no longer work on Fridays (that is, until production picks up - probably at the first of the next year). That doesn't mean 4 ten hour shifts. That means 4 eight hour shifts; which is a significant amount of money that we are out each month.

It is almost the equivelant of just taking a whole week of work off without pay each month. Last week, I felt like the rug was ripped out from under my feet. This week...I'm trusting in the Lord; that He will provide. Our situation certainly didn't take Him by surprise. He already knew. He knows what our plans are now; I just wish I did! I don't know how or where, but somehow, someway...we will be okay.

I am interviewing for local paralegal / legal secretary jobs. (Six one way; half a dozen the other). Please keep me in your prayers that God will open a door for me. He knows where I need to be. He knows which jobs will bring peace and which jobs will bring stress. Pray for the right job and soon.

I have so many friends who are encouraging me and praying for me right now. I want to say thank you to Cindy for this verse. Yesterday morning at church Cindy Gill wrote down this verse and handed it to me.

Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

I needed that reminder! I am feeling the "heat" but I cannot become so overwhelmed by the unknown that I cease to bear fruit. I will continue to read the Word and draw my strength from Him. He does care for me. He knew what was ahead for us and he knows how He will provide. If it's a new job that pays well for me, or if it's by other means. We will be okay!

Trusting,
Krista

Tagged A to Z

2008-09-18T06:27:00.000-07:00
I have been tagged by Marina!

I AM SUPPOSED TO SHARE ALPHABET STORY , THE A TO Z'S

A- attached or single? attached to the very sweet, most awesome guy in Calera!

B- best friend? I have so many friends; I can't pick just one. All my friends are the best!

C-cake or pie? Mmmm. Pie

D- favorite day of the week? Fridays (Ewww Yay - that's tomorrow!)

E-Essential items? coffee, my Bible, comfy chair, good book.

F-flavor of ice cream? Mint Chocolate Chip

G- gummy bears or worms? Neither

H - Hometown - Calera

I - Indulgences- love a massage, nails, and defineately Starbucks

J - January or July? January because that's my birthday and July because I love the 4th. Who says you have to choose?

K - Kids? Brandi Alayne (15) and Andrew Seth (8)

L - Last Movie? at home, One Missed Call At the movies, Mama Mia

M - Middle Name? Allison

N - Number of Siblings? 5; Dawn, Shawn, Shannon, Jeff & Carmen; but I'm the cutest! J/K

O - Oranges or apples? Strawberries :-)

P - Fear or Phobic? Phobic; spiders are of the devil

Q - Quote? The Bible is full of them!

R - Reason to smile? God's provision, God's love, God's grace, God's mercy. You get it! Oh...and my family, my friends, coffee and cool breezes. Do I sound like Little Miss Sunshine? (That's my nickname at church by the way!)

S - There's no "S". How could there not be an S? - SSSSS

T - Tag five more people - Tag! You're it! (If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged unless previously tagged by someone else.)

U - Unknown fact about me? Only me and God know, otherwise it wouldn't be unknown! Ha Ha Ha

V - Vegetarian or oppressor of animals? Animal Oppressor; I can't be a vegetarian. I would have to give up chicken and turkey and steak and burgers...

W - Worst habit? I'm perfect. I don't have any bad habits! HeHa

X - X-ray or ultrasound? No, thank you. I'm good.

Y - Your favorite food? Seafood, YUM

Z - Zodiac? Capricorn, but I don't read it!

Blessings,
Krista

A Complete Makeover! Before and After...

2008-09-17T03:30:00.000-07:00
What if I said that you are the recipient of a FREE makeover, would you bite? Only if you like to go from mediocre to WOW! I love, LOVE going to my friends make-up parties or the Merle Norman counter and sitting for my FREE makeover.

They make you wash your face to remove the make-up, cleanse the impurities from your pores and then add a splash of moisterizer just to soften things up. I LOVE it. Then they apply your make-up and lavish you with lovely colors and powders to make you glow. Do you know where I am going with this?

I have been doing some 'soul searching' this week, taking a look at what my heart looks like and the condition of the soul. And...I am so thankful for my God-given makeover. I want to lavish this on you! So...girlfriends...you are the recipient of a makeover. This is a treasure that I found during my quiet time today. Enjoy!

"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be

clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and

from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and

put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your

heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will

put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my

decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

(Ezek. 36:25-27)

Now that's better than new clothes! How did I miss that passage before and then read it today and feel completely refreshed and renewed. Today, God wanted me to receive a makeover. I am so completely, overwhelmed by His love.

This is my after shot (there's not really picture - it's internal),
Krista

What Exactly Can We Call Sin

2008-09-15T06:25:00.000-07:00
"Sin is always an act of wrong judgment. To commit a sin a man [or woman] must for the moment believe that things are different from what they really are; he must confound values; he must accept a lie as truth and see truth as a lie; he must ignore the signs on the highway and drive with his eyes shut; he must act as if he has no soul and was not accountable for his moral choices....Sin sees only today, never next month or next year. Death and judgment are pushed aside as if they did not exist and the sinner becomes for the time a practical atheist who by his act denies not only the existence of God but the concept of life and death." A. W. Tozer

After posting twice last week about the road signs we encounter while driving and the spiritual application we can derive from them, I was astonished to realize that I am not the only one making these comparisons. I am reading an excellent book right now for my quiet time and that quote was in the chapter I read yesterday. Read it again. Tozer makes reference to road signs! Okay, I thought that was way cool and I felt like God was speaking to me personally through the entire chapter. It reminded me of a quote we share with our Sunday School class regularly. "God's Word will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from God's Word."

Imagine a jar full of jelly beans.

What if I told you to guess the number in them? What would your guess be? Okay...since I downloaded this picture from the internet and have no idea myself how many jelly beans there are, let's just for fun say that there are 1,440. There are 1,440 minutes in a day. That's what we have to start with everyday. Imagine taking 15 jellybeans out of these jars.
Would it make that much of a difference? Could you even tell that some were missing? Probably not. So out of the 1,440 minutes that God gives us each day, can we take 15 out for Him? Does it make a difference? You betcha! But a difference for the good. He is the "author and perfector of our faith." It's kind of hard to perfect our faith if we aren't reading His Word.
Just another encouragement to pick up your Bible today and read something.
Have a blessed day!
Krista

Simple: Just commit thy works! No problemo...

2008-09-09T07:08:00.000-07:00
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3 ESV or how about the KJV, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Oh...okay...so that's all we have to do; commit thy works EQUALS established thoughts. Sounds so simple, so why is it so hard?

Am I the only one who ever struggles with "thy thoughts?"

Back to the sign analogies; how about detours? What is a detour? Webster says a detour is: "A roundabout way or course, especially a road used temporarily instead of a main route. 2. A deviation from a direct course of action. To go or cause to go by a roundabout way."

The good news is we may still end up where God wants to take us; sometimes we just choose another way because we think we know best. I think too much, sometimes. Over-evaluating a situation, misunderstanding someone's intentions, negative thinking, allowing a nasty, little thought to take root in my mind and having to cast it off later, so on and so forth. Thy thoughts are not always established!

Taking my kids to school on the back roads, I came across a little detour. I still made it to my destination, the kids got to school - eventually - late, but there! The detour caused me to ride in the car a little longer and take roads and turns I didn't plan to take. It would have been so much easier to just stay on the main road; without the detour we would have made it there so much faster. Of course, as I often do, I started thinking, "how often do I detour instead of staying on the main path?"

My kids, always willing to lend their mother some backseat driving advise, were having a discussion about which short-cut I should take because they may not have as much time for their pre-class, social schedules. Short-cuts rarely work for me. I try to beat the traffic and then find myself even further behind the line of really, slow moving drivers in Calera. Because if you drive under the speed limit, I promise, I will be behind you. It just sort of happens that way.

Anyway, my point. Stay focused. Commit to the Lord your day, everyday. Give him your schedule, your to-dos, your thoughts and He will make them established. Allowing God's word to guide us really is the best way. So...at least for now...no more detours and so-called short-cuts. This girl is staying on track!

Committing my works unto the Lord,
Krista

Warning Signs

2008-09-08T10:18:00.000-07:00
We are in the process of teaching Brandi to drive, as she is fifteen now. So far...so good. She has made a few minor mistakes, but she is proving to be a pretty good driver.

One day though, we were driving down the road to take her and a friend to the movie theatre. She completely ignored the red light and almost caused a major accident. Not only did it shake me up that day, but the spiritual picture I have had in my mind for the last few weeks has been shaking me to the core.

There was a red light; a warning to STOP. She ignored it. How many times do we ignore the warning signs in life? How many caution, wrong way, and dead end signs does the Lord show us during our daily walk. Like Brandi, sometimes we completely ignore the signs. What is it that God is warning me about; what is He telling me to stay on guard about? I am not exactly sure, but what I do know is that the enemy would like to "sift me like wheat." He would like to kill, steal and destroy...WHAT? Me, my family, my witness, etc.

Friends, don't ignore those warning signs. Watch and pray! Pray for your friends, your family and yourself. Pray that you will see and heed the warning signs. Thank God for that hedge of protection that He has around you, but stand guard for the attacker. We most defineatly get the warning signs - we just don't always pay attention.

Watching and praying,
Krista

Hidden Woman of the Heart

2008-08-27T03:00:00.000-07:00
What does the "hidden woman of the heart" look like? Do I look like the "hidden woman?" Hmmm. Something for me look at and ladies, I don't like what I see.

1 Peter 3:3-6, "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening."

Ouch! This hurts my toes as the Holy Spirit just stepped ALL over them! The attributes of the "Hidden Woman of the Heart," might look like this:

gentle
quiet
kind nature
selfless
Holy
hoped in God

And so far...I can not claim to have obtained those few attributes on a regular basis. I can pass them off on any given day to world around me as I come into contact with people, but in my home, is that how my kids or my husband would describe me. I sure hope so, but I'm afraid not. I am an ordinary person with ordinary responsibilities. But there's hope...because I WANT to look like this. I WANT the Lord to see the hidden woman of the heart in ME; I want to be "very precious" in His sight. Shouldn't that be my desire everyday? Shouldn't that be the MAIN thing that drives me? Trying to stay focused on the Lord is like trying to swim upstream. The currents of this world pull us back and make it hard sometimes to stay focused; keep moving forward.
The scripture I used today actually names Sarah as an example of the hidden woman of the heart. What do I know about Sarah? Here are a few summations to take to heart:
She wasn't perfect. She laughed when promised a child at age ninety. Okay, good...so far we are one for one. I'm not perfect either.
She did exactly as Abraham asked her. She was loyal to her husband and didn't criticize him for some of the wacky things he asked her to do. Okay...one out of two - not bad. Seriously, she gave her maid servant over to her husband because they thought they needed to help God fulfill His promises - before we make fun, how often do we try to "help" God when we manipulate life? Abraham sent her to make food (she made food); he told her to say she was his sister (she told people she was his sister). Not everything that Abraham asked his wife to do was reasonable, but she was submissive to her husband. She must have spent some quality time with the Lord in order to live such an example. Genesis is full of situations where Abraham gives instruction to Sarah.
She honored her husband. Me? Sometimes yes...sometimes not so much.
She spoke favorably about him and to him. I can speak favorably about him, no problem, but to him...sure, as long as he's not getting on my nerves. Not very pretty. I'm not measuring up so well am I?
She praised the Lord when he had done as He had promised and she told others what He had done for her.
She was trustworthy
She took care of the needs of her home and those in her home.
The point: she pursued holiness, she wanted to honor God by honoring her husband. She spent time making sure that she was beautiful on the inside. She must have; God used her as our example. I like it that she was ordinary, that gives me hope! And...she wasn't ugly. God is not telling us to walk around and scare people with our bare ugliness (not that you look as bad without make-up as me, but you know what I'm saying.) She was beautiful; remember the king of Gerar, Abimelech, who took Sarah because she was beautiful and wanted to make her his wife. She had obediently said that Abraham was her brother, so Abimelech took her, innocently, and then gave her back when God told him in a dream to do so. So...she took care of herself, she was pretty. There is nothing wrong with being beautiful and adorning yourself to look gorgeous; just make sure the inside matches the outside. Inward is where God sees.
I am so glad that we are allowed to be beautiful because I LOVE to fix my hair and make-up and dress up. I'm a girly girl! But I have GOT to make sure that I have the attributes of the "hidden woman of the heart" first; daily. So today...I'm...
Pursuing Godliness,
Krista, a hidden woman of the heart

Amy Carmichael Quote...

2008-08-25T06:39:00.000-07:00
Amy Carmichael was a Protestant Christian missionary in India, who opened an orphanage and founded a mission in Dohnavur. She served in India for fifty-five years without furlough.

When I first heard of Amy Carmichael years ago and read a book about her life, I was touched by her generosity and the life that she lived. She was an example-setter. She gave up her own plans and dreams to follow after God's will for her life.

Amy dreamed of being married and having her own children, but that dream never came true. She found her lifelong vocation in India. Hindu temple children were young girls dedicated to the gods and forced into prostitution to earn money for the priests. Much of her work was with these young ladies, some of whom were saved from forced prostitution. She became the mother to 1000s of orphans.

When she died, she had asked that no stone be put over her grave; instead, the children she had cared for put a bird bath over it with the single inscription "Amma", which means mother in the Tamil. God's plans for Amy were different than her own. Though she never had her own children, she was mother to many. God's plans were better. Here is the quote that had me re-reading about Amy this morning.

“I wish thy way.
And when in me myself should rise,
and long for something otherwise,
Then Lord, take sword and spear
And slay.”

How we could apply that quote to our own lives when we are tempted to make things go our own way; when we don't yield to the Holy Spirit. I thought about it this morning and asked the Lord to show those things that I am still holding onto and "wishing my own way." I asked him to take the sword (His word) and slay my thoughts until they are like His. I asked Him to help me let go.

His plans are better,
Krista

In Memory of Baw-Baw

2008-08-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

He was a great dad, from the start

I hold a special place for him always in my heart.

You taught us all to work hard, be honest, loving and kind;

We were proud of you, what you stood for and for the dedication of your time.

Always the life of the party. You knew how to have fun;

From speeding down the highway, dancing in the van to spending time with your sons.

We miss you dad! All of us do.
Just wanted to take time to remember you and say I love you!

December 15, 1940 - August 21, 2003

What Happens When Calera Baptist Ladies Say "YES" to God...

2008-08-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

We had a Ladies Banquet at our church last night and it was WONDERFUL! The youth did a human video, we had great music and a skit. Our Women's Minister, DeeDee, gave us a message that was very motivating. It was such a great night!

The women of our church are about to begin a Bible study, based on a book that Lysa Terkeurst has written. I have an extra copy of this book and will use it as a give-away soon! Check back next week and I will give you the rules for the give-away (when I come up with them....ha).

Here are some of the beautiful ladies from my church. These are some of my closest friends and I love them!

The picture above is Tricia, me and Michelle. Rhonda and I are in the picture below.

This is Rhonda, me and Cindy. Cindy's birthday is today. Happy birthday, Cindy!

This is Vanessa (who has been our church's self-appointed princess for about 8 years now) or did we make her queen? Someone remind me. Vanessa, Candace and me!

This is Disco a/k/a Darlene and me!

This is a very short post today! Phillip and I are headed off to Petals from the Past, PF Chang and then to pick the kiddos up from school and he's rushing me to get off the computer! And I still have to get a shower! Yea us! Celebrating 11 years today.

Thankful Moments and Anniversaries

2008-08-14T06:13:00.000-07:00
Today is Thankful Thursday. I have so much to be thankful for, I have to shorten my list.

I am thankful today that "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105
I am thankful that God's word is "living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword..." I need His word daily to penetrate the attitudes of my heart.
I am thankful that "the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 My father passed away five years ago. Daddy was the one that I always wanted to make happy. I always wanted his approval and for him to be proud of me. I was very close to my dad and this time of year brings 2 sides of emotions for me. (1) I am happy that he is with the Lord and I know that Heaven is a beautiful place and he gets to be in the very presence of the Lord...(2) but the second emotion is grief that usually accompanies that date fast approaching on my calendar. I miss him.
I am thankful for my sweet Phillip. We are about to celebrate our 11th anniversary tomorrow. Our anniversary is actually Saturday, but we are too busy that day to celebrate! LOL
I am thankful for my kids, my friends, a banquet tonight with the ladies at church and an evening (tomorrow night) with two of my closest friends.
Now...in honor of Phillip, Here are 11 things I love about him:
1. He's funny and does his best to keep me laughing.
2. He's a hard worker.
3. He is a great provider for our family.
4. We do everything together that we possibly can. I love his commitment to our family.
5. He reads his Bible every day and he is working his way through the old testament.
6. He's Drew's best friend.
7. He's teaching Brandi to drive and they are having fun doing it!
8. His favorite food is anything cooked in my kitchen. He just likes to eat!
9. He loves to ride his four wheeler - with me on the back!
10. He never gets mad. Seriously, he may get a little irritated, but hardly anything causes him to get mad.
11. He likes my friends!
Happy Anniversary, Phillip!

A Beautiful Song to listen to and ponder

2008-08-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

Singing for Him,
Krista

Eyes of Grace

2008-08-11T06:32:00.000-07:00
Psalm 36:7, "How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."

This is a book I read daily for a little bit of encouragement. The passages are short, so I read them in the morning. I like to put God's word into my heart each morning to get me on the right track. Then later, I really dig in for my quiet time. This little book has been such a blessing to me!

I have posted several times on how God sees us because at this time, God is trying to show me how He sees me. I guess I have needed a lot of reminders lately. So...that is what has spilled over onto my blog. If you are tired of this subject, hang in there, as soon I get it, I'm sure He will move me on to another one. =) Maybe, I'll get it soon.

So just how does He see me? How do I see me? (I guess that's what I've been struggling with.) Most times, I see myself legalistically; how well I'm doing, how many times I catch my self in a worldly cycle, how sweet or mean I am on any given day, how much gossip I hear, what music I listen to today or what show I have watched on television. Rules. Legalistic.

Thank you Jesus that you see me with "absolute accuracy." You understand me! My performance will never measure up to His holy standard. That's why He sees us with GRACE.

His love will never fail! He sees me in royal righteousness, radiant and lovely as I reflect His glory back to Him. He delights in me with shouts of joy! (Remember, I posted on that last month). He sees me as I am now and as I will be in heaven. That's why He can love me with a perfect, everlasting Love. As I begin to see myself the way He sees me, I will be able to see others the He sees them too!

Psalm 34:4-5, "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."

2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Blessed with His grace,
Krista

Football Friday

2008-08-08T14:59:00.000-07:00
Practice
Drills
Coaches
Pads
Hard hits
Tackles
Runs
Passes
Scrimages

One little boy puffed up like a little man
Satified by the end of the day; he met his coaches demands

Dirty launtry, stinky jersey - we won't even discuss the socks
Cleats caked with mud and grass; the mother of a junior jock

Get in shape! Push-ups, six inches; now run!
Isn't football so much fun?

Moms that cheer; dads that yell
Oh no! My baby just fell

Don't pick him up; don't ask if he's hurt
They're trying to make him tough as dirt

Throw the ball! Knock him down. Get him, Drew!
Football practice is almost through.

Written by: me

Football mom,
Krista

In My Grasp

2008-08-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

"To receive My Peace, you must change your grasping, controlling stance to one of openness and trust. The only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My hand." A quote from Dear Jesus.

Sometimes, I am guilty of trying to control things. I try to control what others think of me, I try to control the behavior of my kids, I try to control Brandi's driving lessons (even when I'm in the backseat and Phillip is sitting next to her). I caught myself doing it yesterday and I thought, "Wow, I sound really mean." So I'm working on this and I realize that I do it in other areas as well. What an embarrassing realization. Sure, if Phillip tells me 'no' to something I am trying to control; I yield and we go his way. But when it comes to order in my home, I'm like Burger King; I want it my way. It's not that I have this mean, militarian stance in my home or anything, I just catch myself trying to manipulate the circumstances so that things will go according to the way I think they should. It's my way of feeling safe. Grasping and controlling are counterproductive. The more I do it, the more anxious I am. I am trying to learn to trust the Lord, grasping only His hands so that I can receive all that He has for me.

This week, I am trying to pay attention to my body language when I realize I'm grasping again. I have asked the Lord to remind me each time. I need to literally open my hands and prayerfully release my circumstances to Him.

As I open my hands, I need to spiritually open my heart and mind to be in a position to receive blessings instead of anxiousness and then guilt. If I could just have the humility of a child and that childlike dependence! It will make dependence on Him a lot easier!

1 Timothy 2:8, "I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing."

Matthew 18:4, NKJV, "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you."

Grasping only His hand,

Krista

A Peek in the Past

2008-08-06T06:15:00.000-07:00
Inspired by my friend, Kelley's, blog, http://aromaofjoy.blogspot.com/

I have decided to take a peek back. See about a week ago, Kelley posted some really cute letters from her daughters while they were at camp. Loving the idea, I BORROWED it.

I don't have old letters, but I do have Brandi and Drew's old prayer journals. Drew's journal is...somewhere in my house! But I found Brandi's and I wanted to share some of the funny things she prayed about.

She was 7 at the time: "Dear God, You are great. Please forgive for my sins. Please help Pops from drinking beer [he can't drink them anymore without getting really sick - guess her prayer worked.] Thank you for answering my prayer."

"Dear God, Thank you for helping me have such a great day. I'm happy about You making me happy. And also, I'm happy about the Lord. Here's something that made me feel special today: going to church."

"Dear God, Thank you for making horses. I'm glad you made me because I have friends."

"Dear Heavenly Father, Please give me a horse. Please help my mom and dad say I can have one."

"Dear Father, thank you for bringing my family into my life they help me when I need it."

"Dear Father, I pray that you help me not to get angrey when [Drew] takes my stuff away. Please help me to share more." UPDATE: He still takes her stuff and she still gets angry. LOL

And my favorite, a confession:

"Dear Father, I'm sorry that I wasn't truthful about me eating Drew's cookie and telling mama that he ate it. Please forgive me. Father, please forgive me for shaking my fist at mama." She did what?

Isaiah 40:30-31 NASB, "Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles."

Brandi's 15 now. She still loves the Lord and she still writes in a journal (occasionally), yet I don't read her journals now that she is older. We homeschooled at the time she wrote those journal entries and that was part of her grammer lesson everyday. If she was going to write, I wanted her to write something worthwhile.

Enjoying all phases,
Krista

Calera Midget Eagles '08

2008-08-01T13:11:00.000-07:00
Here is a picture of Drew's first football practice - ever! You go Drew! He's the one with a green practice jersey.

The coaches are great, the parents are friendly and this is going to be a great season.

Drew's workout program this summer consisted of running long yards, carrying heavy artillery, riding his skateboard for hours up and down stairs, across rails, jumping over huge buildings into windows, etc. (all of which of course is done with his thumb on the "x" button of the playstation 2). So...these exercises wore him OUT!

Oh...yeah...when you forget what number you are on; you start over! Ha ha. I need to do a few of these too (of course, I mean the sissy girl ones where you are on your knees with your ankles crossed.)

Of course, all this hard work will pay off! I have seen the talent in these young athletes in just one short week. I can't wait 'til next week to see a little more. Check back on Fridays for my "Football Friday" posts! When the high school team starts playing, I will post their pics and scores and game photos as well.
His biggest fan,
Krista

Tagged - Six Things You Didn't Know About Me

2008-07-31T03:00:00.000-07:00
I was tagged by Tricia over at http://triciaschmidblog.blogspot.com/. I read Tricia's posts daily and I am encouraged by her words.

I am supposed to tell 6 random things about myself...Here are 6 random things about me that you may not know:
I used to play in the creek at Bull Run Park when I was little. I lived in Virginia and we lived within walking distance of the "Battle of Bull Run" park.
I grew up in the Brady bunch. LOL I have 2 older sisters, Dawn and Shannon; a younger sister, Carmen. Two brothers, Shawn and Jeff. And then there was Me. It was interesting always! Never a dull moment.
I recently sang the National Anthem at a baseball game. That was a first for me!
I love to cook, read and watch movies.
I love to rock climb! I'm like a little monkey! Rock walls, hiking trails, you name it; I'll climb it.
My favorite coffee drink is a tall, skinny, non-fat, 2 splenda mocha latte! Whew...you burn calories just saying that. LOL
Like Tricia said in her post, if you are reading this you can consider yourself tagged! If you don't want to post a post on your blog, just leave me a comment and let me know something about you that I do not know. I can't wait to hear from you!!
Sista Krista

Word Filled Wednesday

2008-07-30T03:58:00.000-07:00

Psalm 39:12, "Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers."

Psalm 56:8, "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?"

I love knowing that my tears matter to my Lord! He cares so much that he keeps my tears! He collects them because He loves me so much. If it bothers me, hurts me, helps me - no matter the occasion for the tears, He cares and He keeps.

Psalm 116:8, "For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling" What has He delivered you from? As you reflect, give Him some thanks!

Luke 7:44, "Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair."

Ladies, I can't tell you how many times I have laid at the foot of my bed and cried out to Jesus! Many times they are tears of worship, other times they may be tears for forgiveness, no matter the occasion - I am comforted to know that they are important to Him.

Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Looking ahead to that day!
Krista

Chosen

2008-07-29T06:09:00.000-07:00
God chose me. "In Him we were also chosen." Ephesians 1:11

He has mercy on me when I mess up; I am grateful for that! "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

These are some of the verses that I have been looking at this week. As I get to the point where I sometimes feel overwhelmed with life and responsibilities and start to question, "Can I do this?" (Whatever "this" is at the moment). The answer to my own question is, "YES! He can do it through me." I just have to stop trying to accomplish everything in my own strength. On my own, I may accomplish a lot for a little while. I may even accomplish His will well. But after a while, like my coffee cup, I eventually have nothing left. I'm empty. I HAVE to rely on Him. I have to constantly run to the Source. When I am feeling weak, tired, disorganized and discouraged, that's when I hand it all over to the Lord and say, "God, you have to do this - I can't do it without You." The funny thing is, I wasn't meant to accomplish any of my responsibilities on my own anyway. He wanted all along for me to rely on Him.

I got to that point yesterday. Honestly, I was a little discouraged and drained. Then He reminded me through His word, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:10

I can walk the walk only when I hold fast to Him and who He says I am. If I get to the point where I am completely empty, then I start to listen to the lies of the enemy. I start letting him tell me who I am and what I can't do.

Here's a quote from an unknown source, "I'm not who I think I am or who others think I am. I am who God says I am. And that is wonderful! Jesus thinks I'm amazing. Incredibly miraculous. Worth saving. Worth forgiving. Worth healing. Worth dying for. That's why he stretched out His arms and said, "I love you this much."

The verses I read in my quiet time were meant to refresh and renew me. To restore joy to my walk. I wanted to share that reminder of who we are in Christ with you.

Chosen, Reminded, Incredibly miraculous, amazing, worth saving, forgiving and healing!
Krista

Colossians 1:9-12, A Poetic Paraphrase

2008-07-24T06:05:00.000-07:00
Yesterday, after being asked to pray for a friend, I starting thinking about "prayer." So...when I got home from work, I pulled out my journals and my Bible and started reading more about prayers. I found that Colossians 1:9-12, is a great prayer for your husband, family, friends, and yourself.

So, I paraphrased it:

Ever since I met you, since God brought you into my life;
I've not ceased to pray for you; for wisdom during times of strife.

I prayed for understanding and for the knowledge of His will;
That your life would please Him; His dreams for you fulfilled.

May your life continually and eternally bring glory to His name.
And if you wander...Lord, bring back your prodigal, it's Your name they claim.

I asked the Holy Spirit, to take over and produce much fruit for you to bear;
That in every good work, you're strenthened with power; a breath of fresh air.

Lord, give them patience, endurance and joy! You are glorious in might!
Fill us and seal us with Your Holy Spirit and arm us to fight!

With thanks to our Father, these requests I have made.
You qualified us in the Kingdom of light and the Kingdom of Saints.

Paraphrased by: Me

"If life were predictable it would cease to be life and be without flavor." Eleanor Roosevelt

Unpredictable, Krista

Word-Filled Wednesday

2008-07-23T06:17:00.000-07:00
I was asked by a friend this morning to pray. I did pray for her and I pray for many of you. My friends at church ask me all the time, "Will you pray for me." I always say that I will and most of the time I do, but sometimes I have to be reminded. So here's a reminder for you all today to PRAY for those people who have asked for your prayers! Pray for yourself, your family, your friends, your church, and your community.

Ephesians 1:16, "I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers"

Ephesians 6:18, "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints"

Philippians 1:9-11, "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Praying for you,
Krista

50th Post - Just for fun

2008-07-22T06:20:00.000-07:00
This is my 50th post! So...just for fun I want to hear some entertaining yet thought provoking comments from you all. We do this with the youth at our church and it's always fun! It's called "candy bar" sharing.

For a Snickers bar(an e-bar), share something funny.

For a 3 Musketeers, share a story about friendship.

For an e-Almond Joy, share a comment about how the Lord has brought you joy this week.

For a prayer request about a situation that you need us to pray about, you get the most delicious e-Crunch bar:

I need your comments to make this fun! Oh...my funny story for the week was my coffee mishap; I know that's cheating but it's my blog so... ;)

Job 8:21, "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting."

Psalm 126:2, "Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

I want to hear about the "great things" He has done for you this week!

Laughing,
Krista

Update and Encouragement

2008-07-21T06:17:00.000-07:00
UPDATE: I spilt coffee on my laptop just after I finished writing that last post. See, I thought my cup was empty and I signed it "Just finished a cup, Krista" and then I grapped that so-called empty cup up and SPLASH! So...needless to say, my laptop now has an attitude. My Toshiba doesn't enjoy coffee like I do, that's for sure! Well...as of this morning, the hard drive [seems] to be fine, the mouse pad - fine, monitor- fine. It appears that the only thing not working at the moment is the keypad and hopefully that is easy to fix (or I'll just buy one that hooks up to the side of my computer assuming the connections work. LOL. I know I shouldn't laugh, but it won't help to cry. I'll keep you all posted on that! In the meantime, I am writing my posts by hand; AGGG, stone ages! and typing them when I get to work.

Time for some encouragement from a verse I read this morning and it really hit home! Romans 8:5-6, "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."

What is your mind set on? Do you think on positive things, things that are true, noble, worthy of praise; things that are pure? Or do you get caught up in the patterns of this world and adopt worldly thinking? The answer for me is both. I wish I could say that my mind is never set on the sinful nature, but that wouldn't be true. I WANT my mind to be set on what the Spirit desires, but I have to work at it.

I got up this morning at 4:50 and left my house by 6:00 so I could go work out at the gym. I did 30 sissy squats and 60 squats with a weight. I did 150 leg extensions and 45 each of lateral, front raises and overhead press for my arms. I did a million (not really) lunges, 45 push ups, 150 calf raises, and more. I feel like a wet noodle. One of the college students where I work is studying to be a trainer, so I'm letting him get the practice by helping me. I was thankful that he was there to push me to keep going, because if he wasn't, I would have quit! Here's my point, I had to PUSH myself to go work out. I am wanting and expecting some payoff for all this hard work. If I decide to just stop working out, I will be able to tell (and so will some of you).

I have to be just as disciplined in my quiet times. If I don't take time to read my Bible and study and memorize, then I will eventually run dry. I will be able to tell that I've changed, and you will too. Sometimes I'm tired or busy. Sometimes I get preoccupied with something else. Sometimes I am just plain lazy and just want to sit in front of the TV. I can feel it in my spirit when I need to turn the TV off and have my quiet time with the Lord. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I don't. But in the end, I can't go too long without my QT. If I am diligent to spend some time with Him; re-setting my mind on the things above, then it makes me stronger and more willing to press on in my walk.

I need to take control of my thinking, today and everyday. Our minds are capable of so much. We can create in our minds; we can remember; we can learn. We are capable of intelligence, but a mind running out of control is a mind set on the sinful nature. Those thoughts bring "death." We have the Holy Spirit to help us control our mind and our thoughts. Thank Him for that today. He will give us "life and peace" if we are steadfast to walk with Him. Take time today to ask the Holy Spirit to take over your thoughts.

Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Rejoicing with Him,
Krista

P. S. This second cup of coffee sure is good! I made it all the way through this post without spilling a drop. Mmm Mmmm.

Double Chocolately Chip Frappucino

2008-07-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Now, who wouldn't like to drink one of those? Doesn't that sound good? Well friends, my addiction to coffee has reached an all time low. I have done a very bad thing!

As my friend DeeDee says, "Confession is good for the soul. When you confess, punishment is less." (She doesn't say that me; she used to tell it to her kids and apparently got some pretty good confessions (some the right confession and some the wrong confession; but that's what makes it so fun). I've liked it so much, I BORROWED it from her. So...I'm confessing.

Coffee is something I used to enjoy with my daddy when I was little. I would wake up every morning to find him sitting at the kitchen table reading the morning paper and drinking his coffee with cream and sugar. I would plop down on one of his knees and finish his cup for him all the while pretending to read the paper too! This tradition continued on through my teen years (okay, maybe a little less my junior and senior year, but there were still occasions). See...daddy passed it on to me!

So...every morning, before I even go tinkle (can I say that on here? Oops, too late!), my coffee is brewing and the aroma is filling the air. I sit and drink one full cup without moving, only I do not read the newspaper, I am a Fox news fan. (I guess, sometimes I don't even know what they are saying, but I'm watching anyway.)

Then, we go from there to the second and third cup; so forth and so on. :)

Well...my daughter, Brandi, likes coffee too. Only due to the fact that she's too much of a princess to drink my morning brew, she is strictly a Starbuck's girl. So that's our thing. Many a days Brandi, Drew and I (Phillip would rather not) head over to our local Starbucks. I order the grande non-fat Latte (3 pts on WW), Brandi gets the Grande Mint Chocolate Chip Frappucino and Drew gets a cookie (because he's 8).

Well...a couple of days ago, Drew said, "Mom, I want a coffee too." (Caution: it is NOT a good idea to get your 8 year old wild child, little boy a coffee). I tried to talk him out of it to no avail. I said, "okay buddy, if you can order, you can have a coffee!" He's sooo smart! He said, "Fine, I'll have that Double Chocolately Chip thing; same size as sissy got." I forgot he can read. Duh. A deal's a deal; he got his double chocolately chip frappucino with whipped topping and not only did I pay for it at the window, but I paid for that frappucino ALL night long. ;)

Not only that, but I've created a monster. He has asked for one every day since! I have done a very bad thing and I am confessing my very serious coffee condition to my sisters.

I guess the tradition has been now been passed from my dad, to me, and to my children. I wonder if dad would have liked Starbucks. Hmmm. It's all his fault. Just kidding.

Just finished a cup,
Krista

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-17T06:03:00.000-07:00
Among the obvious things that I would be thankful for; my salvation, on-going relationship with Christ, my husband, kids, friends, church family and more, I am also thankful that about nine years ago, the Lord started me on a journaling journey! It has lasted that long, so far! Of course, there are gaps in my journals; weeks, even months that I didn't journal. Today, I am especially thankful for my journals.

Here are some worthwhile quotes from one of my journals on 6/22/05:

"It's easy to deceive ourselves into thinking, ___________ (you fill in the blank) and gloss over the reality that worry is sin. Worry says, 'I don't trust God, I don't believe in His ability to handle my child, my marriage, my health, my job or my lonliness."
- Linda Dillow

I haven't really looked at worry that way. It challenges me to rely on God more and worry less. God IS in control.

"It is not only wrong to worry, it is infidelity, because worrying means we do not think that God can look after the details of our lives, and it is never anything else that worries us."
- Oswald Chambers

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

A fearful mind thinks, 'don't let anything bad happen to me.' A steadfast mind prays, 'God, I know that in all things you work for the good of those who love you, who have been called according to your purpose. Romans 8:28

"God, I will say with confidence that you are my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6

I don't remember what was challenging me at that time, but I do know that when I read those words this morning they refreshed me all over again (and I don't even think I'm worried about anything right now!)

I am so thankful for my journals!

Writing things down,
Krista

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful Brandi (in yellow) and her friend Kirsten. Brandi is such a blessing and has such a sweet spirit. She is a lot of fun! I enjoy our times together. She loves the Lord and she loves her family and friends.

Lord, thank you for trusting me with this sweet child! Please watch over her and continue to draw her close to You. I pray that she would have a hatred for sin and evil and a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Thank you for blessing her with godly friendships. Help me to help her grow in godliness. In Jesus' name, Amen

Exults over Me with Joy

2008-07-15T05:00:00.000-07:00
"The LORD your God is in your midst...He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB)

I read this verse and I am in awe that the Creator of the Universe would desire to spend time with me, much less that He "exults over me with joy." How can such a holy God look at me, a fine mess, and still exult over me with joy; not just joy but shouts of joy.

When I see the mistakes that my children make, I do not exult over them with joy. I love them, but it's just so hard to look at disobedience and exult with shouts of joy. They may get the shouts, just without the joy.

This verse says two things to me. The first is that for a Holy, Loving, Perfect God to feel that way about me, my view of myself must be pretty distorted. How is our view of ourselves different from God's view of us? Yesterday's post was on God seeing me as beautiful because that is another distorted view that we women are subject to; seeing all our flaws rather than radiant beauty that shines from a face that is so full of God that it's oozing out of our pores. A woman after God is a beautiful woman!

I won't spend too much time looking at the counterfeit thoughts that go on in my mind; thoughts that tell me who I am. I learned Sunday from a missionary at our church that money specialists don't study counterfeit money, they study real money. They test the way it feels washed, worn, torn, new, folded, front/back, etc. for hours in a day. By the time they are through looking at real money, they can spot a counterfeit pretty easy. My hope is that in studying only the truth of God's Word and learning and memorizing what His thoughts are, I will be able to recognize and cast aside the distorted thoughts that the enemy feeds on to make me insecure.

"but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are reflecting the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB)

I am memorizing these verses this week to replace words and actions from my past - either positive or negative - that sometimes swirl around me. The enemy wants to hit us where we are vulnerable, so we have to be able to argue with him. The word of God is the Sword of the Spirit, the only offensive weapon in the armor of God. So when the enemy says that our faults and failures are our true identity, God tells us that we are being transformed. (Look back 2 Corinthians 3:16-18.)

The second thing that verse (way up at the top of the page) said to me was that not only does God think I am beautiful, but He is in my midst. He is pursuing me, still. I am already His, but He wants more of me. He likes me. He actually loves me enough to be in my midst. There is no better feeling than feeling right with God and walking with Him everyday. There is no greater joy than to bask in the presence of the Almighty. And there is no better feeling to replace insecurity than to realize that God wants to spend time with me.

"You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence." Acts 2:28

And the icing on the cake is:

"This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 1 John 3:19-20

What is your view of yourself? Do you see insecurities or do you see what God sees? If He is filled with joy because of us, then I can defineately be filled with joy because of Him!

A "Well-spring of Joy",
Krista

You are So Beautiful

2008-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00
I get up every day and run through my morning routine; coffee first. I wash my face, brush my teeth, the whole nine yards.

I have noticed this year something new on my face, dark circles under my eyes. What in the world? Where did they come from? How is it they weren’t there last year and now, BAM, there they are. Did I win the drawing?

I never win anything. I see chances for shopping sprees all the time. I write down my name, address, phone number and drop the little slip of paper in a box. I wait and WAIT for someone to call me and say that I won. Never happens. Anyway…

I do all I can to preserve the quickly fading youthful features on my face. My friend, Cindy, even does an exercise video for her face! I use my sunscreen and thick, line filling eye cream. I exfoliate and moisterize and then I put on my make-up. At least I have a lot of make-up. I LOVE my make-up. I think make-up is one of the best blessings God has given me. “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.” That’s my paraphrase, but it’s in James. I promise.

I move to the closet. What am I going to wear? Something...

To read the rest of this story and see how beautiful you really are, go to "Holding On".

Seeing my reflection through God's Word and "Holding On,"
Krista

What Would Have Happened?

2008-07-13T17:42:00.000-07:00
This is a 6 minute video, but if you watch it, it goes by quickly; the end of the video makes a powerful point; worth watching. It helps me to be grateful for my salvation and sympathic to the needs of the lost world around us.

As DeeDee says, you don't want to visit the land of "what if's" for too long, but a short visit to evaluate your walk with the Lord and how you can better serve Him.

Once again, I am grateful for my salvation. So for me, what would have happened if I had said yes to serving Him...(I will fill in the blank for me. What does the blank represent for you?)

A Child of the King,
Krista

Friday, Another Poem :)

2008-07-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Friday is most certainly the greatest of days.

The reasons it’s great are too many to say.

But with that said, I’ll try to explain

Why Friday is better than a day without rain.

You see on Friday, you can work with a smile.

You need only work, for a little while.

For the weekend is near and then you can play.

Much fun to be brought by the most generous of days.

And generous it is, as morning treats can attest

The cream filled donuts are definitely the best.

But don’t dare forget, the bagels are good too.

If there’s none in your office, that’s too bad for you.

Friday isn’t all treats and happy things.

There is but one obstacle the day does bring.

And that, my friend, is the slowing of time.

But if you can bare it, you’ll do just fine.

So join with me and laugh and cheer.

The work week’s end is drawing near.

Join with me and praise this day.

I’ve said what I’ve said, and I’ve nothing more to say.

Written by: Unknown (Sorry - I can't take credit for this one! I may work on one for Monday's though, so stay tuned!)

Take time today to enjoy your family and don't forget to spend time alone with the Lord, it'll make you sweeter! :-)

Fantastic on Friday!
Krista

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-10T04:52:00.001-07:00
I am thankful for blue skies, green trees and four wheeler tracks in my side yard, because that means my boys are playing. I am thankful for the view that I can enjoy and the different types of birds that I see while they are playing. I am thankful for the quiet peace!

I am thankful for good neighbors and their ponds. I am thankful that Drew and Phillip can skip rocks everyday and I can sit in the calm and take their pictures without them knowing it!

I am thankful for covered back porches and the hard work that Phillip put in to make it another place for us to relax and listen to the sound of the fountain. I am thankful for our new pond; I am thankful for a great hubby!

I am thankful that next year, where you see dirt, you will see blooming beautiful flowers! I am thankful for all the quiet times that we will enjoy on our back porch now. I am thankful that Brandi is spending the week having a great time at Camp Winnataska, a tradition for her!

If I could just add a hammock,
Krista

Like a Good Shepherd...

2008-07-09T11:48:00.001-07:00

Meet Harry, my australlian shepherd. He's a loyal part of our family and though he has a slight weight problem and is seriously motivated by food, we love him a lot. He has been a great dog!

We brought Harry home about four years ago from the Humane Society. He fit right in from the beginning and our family wouldn't be the same without Harry. We ride four wheelers at our house and in my husband's parents pastures.

For the longest time, we used to get so frustrated at Harry when we would ride because he would bite at the tires while running next to the four wheelers. We were afraid we would run over him. Then we put two and two together! Harry is a Shepherd dog; that's what they do. He was trying to shepherd us!

We've grown so accustomed to his "shepherding" us while we ride four wheelers and he loves to run with us. Yesterday while we were out in our yard, Harry was barking like crazy and trying so hard to get us to move (we were just sitting on the four wheelers and talking - that wasn't working for him). So...I grabbed my camera and took some pictures of Harry in action.

I was thinking about my good australlian shepherd and I started thinking about Our Shepherd.

Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Isaiah 40:11, "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

Jeremiah 31:10, "“Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him,and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’

John 10:11-16, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

Thank You, Jesus, that You are the Good Shepherd! Thank for laying down your life for me!

Aren't you so grateful for those times in your everyday life when Jesus allows you to see Him. I love moments like that.

Trying not to act like a sheep,
Krista

Psalm 40:1-5; A Poetic Paraphrase

2008-07-07T17:46:00.000-07:00
How much of our lives are made up of habits? No...how much of our daily walk consist of bad habits? I'm not talking about the obvious sins that can hinder our walk. I'm just talking about ordinary habits that take our focus and trust off of the Lord. Things like busyness, television, laundry, even our family. Not that those things are bad, they are not; but if we forget the simple yet profound command to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness than we can easily get stuck in the mud and the muck of this life. Forgeting about the holiness of God; forgeting that he puts our feet on the solid rock. Here's the psalm I read in my quiet time, poetically paraphrased:

Psalm 40:1-5:

Lord, help me - hear my cry
as I sit patiently waiting and standing by

The instance I call to You, O God You are there
lifting me up, dusting me off, all because You care

From out of the slimy pit I'm free
The mud and muck of this life no longer grip me

My God, You set my feet on a Rock; solid to stand
no longer captive to the pits that this world demands

Praise Your holy name! A new song will I sing!
Praise, glory, honor and blessing to the king of Kings!

Let all see my freedom. Let them see and fear You
Draw them close, woo them; that they put their trust in You too

How blessed You promise that we will be
for casting aside false gods and worldly things

To trust in Jesus only is the promise to be blessed
turn aside your pride as His Word suggests

Your wonders are so many; to countless to recall
There's no way to thank You, to thank You for them all!

Written by: Me

My friends, are you stuck where you are? Are you growing and thriving in the Lord? Are you having a dry spell or are you well watered by the Word of God. If you feel dull and dry, take time to reflect of God's goodness and countless blessings that we have. I encourage you to plant your feet firmly on the Rock.

Singing of His Glory,
Krista

Lake Pictures

2008-07-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun lake pictures!

We had a great time with our friends, Terry & Kristie, Cody, and Andrew! Have a happy 4th of July!

Bathing Suit Season - Is Anybody Insecure?

2008-07-03T06:23:00.000-07:00
It's a hot 91 degrees here today in Alabama. My family and I are going to the lake today to celebrate Independence Day (the day before - lol) with some friends of ours. Brandi is taking a friend with her and Drew has friends there, so it should be great day in the sun, out on the water and in the boat, shouldn't it? Then why do I dread putting on that swimsuit? Maybe it's because my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and I have not been taking the best care of this temple! Or maybe it's because my friend looks like a fashion model, either way, insecurity is weighing in (no pun intended).

See...I am on a major "count your points diet" and I am working out 4 days of week (2 with a personal trainer), so I'm getting there, just not there yet. As I confessed my insecurities to the Lord this morning and asked for forgiveness for not taking care of myself the way I should, God showed me something from one of my old journal entries.

Insecurity is Satan's control - goodness is God's reply. "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6

Insecurity is what Satan uses to make people feel worthless. There are lots of scenarios I can think of whether with ministry, friends, family or co-workers where I have felt inadequate or like a complete failure. I want to serve the Lord with all my heart and my desires and motives to be pure.

"Whatever the circumstance or situation [the lake for me today] insecurity is quick to answer the doubter's call. Satan begins with today's doubts and failures and weaves in yesterday's insecurities to render his victim powerless. Yet, all the while, a victorious and risen Savior calls us to remember His truths: God is and was and will forever be with us and for us." I can't remember the name of the book I got that from. Sorry.

Father, You are my Jehovah-Jireh, God my Provider. You are the source of all that I need. Fill me with Your goodness and produce the fruit of the Spirit in me today so that I am equipped to overcome my insecurities.

Isaiah 60:1, "Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."

God, You are the healer of my heart. Pour your living water into me and change me from bitter to sweet. God, I know that you understand me and you care. You are so awesome! Lord, my ears are open and my heart is ready for Your freedom that comes through Your promises.

Help me to abide in you so I can bear much fruit for Your namesake. You are holy and worthy, loving and kind. I praise You, forever. Amen.

An Invitation to Hear from God...

2008-07-01T05:56:00.000-07:00
That was the title of the message that we heard from Priscilla Shirer. She was wonderful! Priscilla allowed God to be heard and seen through her message of divine treasure. Do you know how much divine treasure is a available to us?

She used Exodus 19:9-11 to make her point, "And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” When Moses told the words of the people to the Lord, the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people."

God wanted to bring them face to face with Him. How awesome it would be to even see the back of Him, much less to see Him face to face. The Israelites wanted to be delivered. They grumbled and complained. And when they had a chance to experience the Holiness of our Savior; they didn't want that anymore. Priscilla encouraged us by this statement, "When you get to the place where you see God, realize that God is with you." God chose the wilderness for the Israelites, sometimes He chooses it for us too.

She used the example of rain. We pray for rain. We get discouraged by the drought, but when God sends the rain and you get caught outside in it, you run from the rain and run back to where you can stay dry! How often do we do that spiritually? We pray for rain. Spiritually speaking, we are dry!We ask God to deliver us from a situation or to draw us back to Him. We want to experience Him up close and personal and then, we He shows himself to us, we run right back to where we were to begin with. He struggle with a sin area; he delivers us and immediately, we turn right back to it.

When we were leaving the conference and we got off that last train, we walked outside and it started raining on us. Guess what we did? We were running and Michelle, http://michellecoxwell.blogspot.com/ said, "Just like Priscilla said, we are running from the rain! I'm not gonna run anymore; I'm going to enjoy it." She stopped running, as did the rest of us, as if we were playing Follow the Leader and we just walked in it (of course, it was just a sprinkle by then!) The rain was a fresh reminder of what God had just showed us.

There is so much that Priscilla shared with us and I can't write it all today, but one more thing to think about today; she made this statement and it's worth pondering. "Know who you are in Him. Knowing who I am comes from an accurate view of who He is." And who is He? I couldn't even begin to write all the names or references, but here is what I got,

He is the Creator; I AM who I Am; Israel's Guard; Redeemer; Sovereign Lord; Builder of Lives; Morning Star; Prince of Peace; Call from Sin; Strong arms that Carry; Promise of Peace; He brings revival; He is the Fountain; Healing in His wings; Messiah; Reigning Fire of Heaven; Freedom from sin; God of the Trinity; Mediator; Healer; Faithful Shepherd; He Was and Is and Always Will Be; He is Alpha & Omega.

We are encouraged to return to the scriptures and SEE who He is!

So who is to you? There are so many more references to who our Almighty God is. I didn't even come close to naming them all. I want to hear who He is to you!

Praise to the King,
Krista

2 Things...

2008-06-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the Deeper Still Conference in Atlanta. We had a great time! There were nearly 20,000 ladies and it was CRAZY. This is Cindy, me, and Rhonda.

This is our whole group. There were 29 of us in all! (Just 28 in the picture.)

As soon as I have time to process all the wonderful things that I heard, I will write some of them down for you!
Okay...now for the second thing. I am getting my hair cut tomorrow. My hair right now is the longest its been for a while. So...what do you guys think? Short, medium, leave it long? A bob, layers, or what. Oh, did I mention that I am getting it colored too? Just for fun, would you go blonde, brown, auburn, purple or what? Please leave me your fun comments and maybe tomorrow I will post something a little more spiritual than hair. And...maybe tomorrow, I will get my haircut the way you think it would be cute. Maybe.
Combing out the knots, Krista

Yea! It's Finally Here...

2008-06-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

Yea! It's finally here, the day I've been waiting for. I, along with 27 other ladies, are headed to Atlanta, Georgia for the Deeper Still Conference with Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer. And these are just the wonderful teachers we will hear.
Praise & Worship will be led by Travis Cottrell and Mandisa. This is going to be an excellent day!
Lord, my cup is getting empty, so I will sit at your feet today and hold my cup out for you to fill. Lord, I ask you to fill it so full that it overflows. I am ready to hear from you! Thank you for your love for me! In Jesus' name, Amen.

"How do I Measure Up?" and "Vile Floor"

2008-06-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

Maybe this post would be more accurately named, "Random Thoughts of a Scattered Woman." There are too many thoughts in my head for me to decide which one to write about to. The thoughts are like vultures circling around their dinner. Each thought competing against the other.

It only makes sense that my thoughts have to do with my children. They are constantly competing for my attention. One of my children will start talking and telling me something and the other one interrupts to talk louder than the other so that I can hear their story over their sibling and then it's just back and forth like that. Love it!

Brandi's not even home and their statements to me the last several days are still in competition. So...here are some thoughts from a random, scattered woman today. Starting with my youngest, Drew. Yesterday, we were outside together and he was recounting for me a vacation story (he just got back from the beach with his grandparents, remember). Wait...you need some history and background information.

I am a short woman. I am only 4'10". The kids at my church are always walking up to me, standing next to me with their shoulders tall, and then their hand in salute comes up to the top of their head and they say, "Look, Mrs. Krista...I'm almost taller than you." It's something I've gotten used to and it is kind of endearing because they know I love them and I don't mind if they show me how short (or how tall) I am / they are. I captured one of those moments on camera at one of our Upward Basketball games this past year. The picture is of me and one of our children at church. She walked over to show me that she's almost as tall as me. LOL

Back to the story...

Drew says, "Mom, we were going to ride the go-carts at the beach and Pop had to drive. I wasn't tall enough."

Me: "Oh...how tall did you have to be? Maybe next year you can drive, buddy."

Drew: "You had to be 58" to drive. Ha. You couldn't drive either, mom."

Me: Ahhh...Gasp..."YES, I COULD! I will have you know that your mother is exactly 58" thank you very much. I'm 35 years old, I've passed the driver's license test, and I am tall enough. I am absolutely positive that they would let me drive."

Drew: "Yeah...barely! Mom is a shorty, mom is a shorty."

So...we laughed about it and it was real funny to him that I almost didn't measure up. I started thinking, as I often do, "How DO I measure up?" Not in inches, but in Godliness. Another self-check moment...

I don't know...one of those thoughts running rampant in my mind. Something for me to ponder. How about you? How are you measuring up today? Just something to chew on.

Now...for my Brandi! Brandi is 15. Right now she is on a World Changers trip with the youth group. She has had a rather rough last couple of weeks, so I am excited that she will have this time of renewal and servanthood. For the last several weeks, her and a friend from another church, have had to defend their faith and themselves to a mean girl. She taunts them and calls them names because they are Christians. It got pretty bad at one point and the "mean" girl left some ugly comments on their MySpace several weeks ago; they have been deleted and "mean girl" has been blocked, per her mother's instructions. So...Brandi is serving the Lord through World Changers this week and experiencing Worship, Bible Study and fellowship that will leave her on a much needed spiritual high. She needs this time of filling up.

Yesterday, I get this text message (texting...another post, another day) from her, "I'm working. And _____ decided to let the air out of every air mattress and we slept on vile school floors last night." Okay...before you get worried, I checked with her...noone is mad at the air mattress villain. It was a prank, but they were a little annoyed. When you don't know what to say, you say...God love her! Bless her heart!

Baby, mama's praying for you and when you get home, mama's gonna take you shopping and buy you a latte! Bless your heart. God love you! Here are some verses for encouragement:

1 Peter 3:14, "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed." God's going to bless you for serving Him even though you had to sleep on the "vile school floor." However, your room looks a little vile itself so when you get home... :)

1 John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Any comments? Words of encouragement? Funny Words? Anything? I would love to hear from you all! Have a fantastic, praise filled day!

Krista

Word Filled Wednesday - Love Is...

2008-06-25T03:42:00.000-07:00
1 Corinthians 13:1-8, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends." (ESV)

If God is love and we are to follow God's example in all things, then we are also to BE this verse. How well does your life follow these verses. How loving and forgiving are you? We could all use a little forgiveness! When your friends or family are describing you to other people do they say, "Sally (?) is patient and kind. She's not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. I have never met anyone like her. She doesn't insist on her own way and she's not irritable or resentful. She rejoices with truth. She is loving, hoping, enduring, forgiving..." Wouldn't that be a great way to hear people describe who you are?

I know I would love for my family and kindred spirits to be able to describe me this way! What a compliment that would be. Yet, I know that I fall short of this description on most days. Just like my diet (another post); all I can do is get up the next day and start over. My goal today is not resemble a "clanging gong" but to live the life that radiates Christ's love to others. Like the sun to glow in the daytime, I should be shining with Christ's love. I want to be so full of Him that He spills over into the lives of anybody around me. I want to be described as a loving wife, a loving mother, a loving sister and friend. Forgiving and kind in nature. The only way to get that label is to walk it.

Meditate on God's Word today. Merinate in it and let it soak into who you are. Speak words that are loving. Show love to others in your actions and pray for opportunities to show your family and friends that you love them. I am praying for you, my sisters!

Until tomorrow...Singing Christ's praises,
Krista

Holding On and A Giveaway.

2008-06-24T06:10:00.000-07:00
Okay ladies, two things. I have both a post here (below) and I am at "Holding On" today. http://www.holdingontothetruth.blogspot.com/
Follow the link over!

Also, who wouldn't love to win a basket full of goodies? Head on over to the ladies at Internet Cafe and enter for your chance to win!
http://www.internetcafedevotions.com/2008/06/internet-cafe-is-serving-up-giveaway.html

Good luck!

Little Boys

2008-06-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

What do I say today? I feel like I've been hit by a mack truck. I'm just sitting here, eyes full of tears, and wondering what I'm doing. Yesterday was one of those days, moms. The kind of day where you just throw your hands up and surrender. I give up. I surrender. Drew, you win. Mommy loses.

He's been at the beach all week with his grandparents, so when I went to pick him up yesterday, I envisioned a sweet reunion full of hugs, non-stop happy chatter and excitement to see me. This is not what happened. Instead we began the battle of the PB & J sandwich. He was determined he was not going to eat it after he asked for it. I was determined that he was. At 7:00 last night, it still sat on the kitchen table. He still sat in his room. A battle of the wills.

My sweet DH lets the caged tiger out of his room (without eating that blooming sandwich). The caged tiger acts more like a sweet, loveable kitty for his daddy. I thought, "okay...maybe I'm just a meanie." All is going well (except I'm irriated that the sandwich is still uneaten and he basically just got his way). My DH had to run an errand and the second he pulls out of the driveway. I start getting the eye rolls, foot stomps, door slams. He slammed my pantry door because there was nothing there he wanted to eat. Uh-uh, no, no, no. Back to his room ("take the sandwich, you ARE going to eat it or wear it, one or the other. This sandwich is about to disappear.")

Either he knows how to work the system (me - I'm the system) or he's just the most precious 8 year old cutie I've ever seen. He brings a note of repentance. "Mom I [heart] you. I'm sorry for being so bad. I [heart] u." Awww. That's so sweet. I called him to the kitchen, thanked him for his note. "I love you, too, buddy. So...are you ready to eat your sandwich?..." Ding, Ding, Ding. Round three.

In the meantime, I am doing my Bible reading. I just started Hosea. Hosea marries Gomer (a former prostitute). He gives her the things that not only she needs but also some of the finer things. He takes her out the lifestyle of sin that she was living. I guess things were good for a while, because they have three children. Later in the chapter, Gomer leaves her husband though. She leaves the safety and security of that life to return to prostitution. That's not the part that I find amazing. I can relate to that (not the life of prostitution - but returning to sinful behaviors). We are FREE from the bondage of slavery. We are children of the King. The life that I once lived...I am FREE from that. We go back to it, though. We do things that we are free from. Why? Do you go back to that old life? Maybe not in the literal sense or to the extreme that Gomer did, but we do repeat old patterns. It's like we have to learn the lesson over and over again. Like my precious kitty/tiger. He was repentant. He was freed from the cage (his room), yet he went right back to the same old sin (and the same old room.)

Almost there...stay with me. By the end of the night, he was beating his head against the wall. Really. It just broke my heart. And I told him that what I was asking him to do was so much easier than banging your head against the wall, and less painful. All I wanted was his obedience. And that's what Christ wants of us. He was crying. I was almost crying. He ate that sandwich but made some terrible faces, like he was having to eat weeds from the yard. I was sitting in my chair in my room when he came in and brought me this note (a second note - awww) at the top of the page (I can't figure out how to put the picture where I want it). :)

Gomer had to be bought back from slavery after she returned to her former life. Hosea went after her and bought her back. He loved her that much. He forgave her over and over again for the sins that she kept returning to.

I had to forgive Drew over and over again last night. I was so weary. At one point, I wanted to say, "uh uh, no...get out of here...you are being bad." I just couldn't bring myself to say that. I'm thinking...70x7... This is such a picture of us with Christ. He has forgiven us for our sins, over and over again. He brought us out of the bondage of slavery. Yet, we get so easily entangled in it. Again and again. Such mercy and patience with us! Such grace! I have to surrender my frustration. I have to forgive; sometimes over and over again. I am thankful that God has more patience with me than I do with others at times. Grace...It's amazing. Thank you, Lord, for this lesson. Can we move on?

Jesus, I am so thankful that you love us enough to forgive us over and over again. Thank you that you don't leave us entangled. Your mercy and grace are indescribeable.

I would love to receive your words of encouragement or advise with my strong-willed little boy. Have a blessed day! Mother of the year, NOT!

A Poem for the Day

2008-06-20T18:26:00.000-07:00
Singing at the ball game, eating blueberry cake,
teaching Brandi to drive; how much can I take?

Sharing a pizza, sneaking bites to my dog;
sipping mocha latte, and updating my blog!

I am blessed by the sights that God let me see;
beautiful sunset skies and two deer running between the trees.

Quality time today-before she left tonight; it was just Brandi & I;
tomorrow she leaves for World Changers; tonight I said goodbye.

With well wishes, prayers, preparing kind notes and cards;
this daughter of mine, she truly has my heart.

Now I sit in the house all alone with random thoughts in my mind.
I guess I'll drink more coffee as I sit and unwind.

I read a book once; Lemonade Laughter and Laid Back Joy.
It shared advice to spend time with your girl and boy.

My little man left this morning with his grandparents for the beach;
I prayed with him when he woke; a spiritual lesson to teach!

Spend time with your family. Make the most of everyday.
Watch for all the wonderful blessings that God will send your way.

It's time to wrap this up. It's time to say goodnight.
I need to read my Bible, say my prayers and turn off the light.

Singing praises to the King! Krista

Unmasked, Tripped Up and On the Floor...

2008-06-19T05:16:00.000-07:00

a funny vacation story...

My kindred, Ann, LOVES scary movies. In fact, she's somewhat of a scary movie nerd. She goes to the movie theater to see all the latest thrillers with a friend from her church. In fact, their whole family loves them. While we were there, Ann decided to put in a scary movie. It was terrifying for me. I couldn't watch! I kept covering my eyes and screaming at every "boo moment." But I made it through the whole movie and at the end of it, I told Ann that I felt like I had just done a really intense ab workout, because my stomach muscles were so tight from the fear I had during the movie.

It was really late, so we decided it was time to turn in for the night. Drew was terrified too and crawled in the bed with me and Phillip. Poor fella! I was too shaken up to fall asleep and then I got scared of the dark (all because of that movie).

Unknown to me what was going on in the other room. John was putting on his scary mask to come scare the behegies out of me. Let me set the scene. It was dark; every light in the house was off. I can't see a THING because I had just taken my contacts out. John...hiding behind the big screen TV (didn't see Brandi laying on the couch). Brandi...laying on the couch (didn't see John behind the TV). Abby...the 75 pound bulldog blissfully unaware of anything at all. Ann sitting in the leather chair with a big stupid grin on her face just waiting for the excitement to unfold. Oh...it unfolded!

John was on his way to come scare me while I was simultaneously on my way out of the room; too terrified to lay down. He jumped behind the TV real quick to avoid getting caught. I walked right past him and didn't see him (I am blind without my contacts). He sneaks out from behind the TV to scare me, arms in the air over his head, scary mask, black clothes when all of sudden I hear the biggest THUD. John tripped over Abby and smacked the floor. John was grabbing his knee, I was staring at him like "what in the world," Ann was cracking up laughing. Abby was still blissfully unaware. It was really funny. We were all laughing, even John through his pain.

What's the point? When I returned home and was reflecting upon it, I had a thought I wanted to share. Isn't that how we are sometimes, hiding behind a mask or wearing a costume? What happens when the mask falls off and rolls across the floor and people see who is behind the mask? Does it hurt to be unmasked? It hurt John. Does Jesus still love what's behind the mask? Yeah...I think He does. He wants us to not wear our costumes. It's fun to play dress up as a child and pretend to be someone famous, or scary, or a princess. But as adults, the costume wearing days are few and far between. How well do you really know your friends? What secret or hurt are they hiding in the attic of their mind? Just something to ponder. Share your thoughts!

Redeemed, Krista

Good times with Good Friends

2008-06-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

I spent the last several days with my friend, Ann and her family. I use the word "friend" loosely because Ann is more like a kindred spirit than anything else. She even calls me her kindred. Since I have been home, I catch myself sitting and thinking about the good times that we have shared this weekend. We rode exciting and scary rollercoasters, we shopped, went to the beach, shared meals. We played dominoes; I lost. We played Blockus; I lost that too. But I wasn't playing to win. Well...okay, a win would have been nice. ;-) I was enjoying the time with my friends and my husband and I am truly blessed.

I am home now and life is back on the normal track. I get up. I go to work. I come home. I cook... You know the routine. What's funny is I am grateful for the normalcy of my routine too. I actually missed it!

I have been truly grateful this week for all my good friends. I thank God for you. I am so blessed by my friendships. During my quiet time today, I came across this verse.

1 Samuel 14:7, "And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”

Ann, and many of you reading my blog, are that special friend who is "with [me], heart and soul."

The book I am reading, For the Write Reason, says, "As I thought of all this, I began to pray and thank God for this person and her impact in my life." I sat back and started reflecting on my friendships. I thank God for all of you! I am blessed to belong to a church where the ladies are not just members that see each other on church days, but we encourage each other and are there for each other "heart and soul." I have so many great friends!

Hebrews 13:1, "Let brotherly love continue."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loves at all times."

1Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Thank God today for your friendships and send someone a card or email and let them know that you appreciate them! But most importantly, thank God for your friendship with Him! He's the only one who can satisfy the "thirst of your soul." (Dear Jesus by Sarah Young)
Have a great day, my friends! ~ Singing His Praises, Krista

Sticks and Stones...

2008-06-10T05:22:00.000-07:00
This past Sunday morning in Sunday school we talked about our words. We are still in Proverbs and their is a lot to learn from it. Have you ever heard the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me" or "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks." There are a lot of sayings that I remember hearing when I was little. Sticks and Stones is the one I want to talk about now.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt." It's a cute, little saying but it's not true. Words do hurt. Women speak 25,000 words a day and men speak about 12,000 words a day. How are we using our words? We played a game Sunday morning where the youth couldn't speak. They had to communicate a sign with their hands and pass it to a friend without the person in the middle catching them. It was a fun game, but the point was that whether your words are spoken or communicated without making a sound; they make a difference.

Just like God to teach me something personal, He did it again. Sometimes God doesn't just want me to study His word and go talk about it with the youth. Sometimes He wants me to walk it. So I have had an opportunity this week to see firsthand both how harsh and how kind our words can be. How do we use our 25,000 words? We can use words to heal or we can use destructive words. We can use words to praise God or to curse man. We can be good listeners or a friend separator. We can use words for harsh joking but only as long as it's not at your personal expense, right? Mmm. No. Let's look at God's word:

"A man will be satisfied with good by the words of his mouth, and the work of a man's hands will reward him." Proverbs 12:14

"There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise [brings] healing." Proverbs 12:18

"The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin." Proverbs 13:3

"A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions." Proverbs 18:2

"Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

Words really do have power. A righteous man uses words to help others, to lift them up sincerely and promote humility. Protecting the reputation of others, giving out helpful words, encouraging those who need it. Being kind with our words will bear fruit. When life gets serious, I'd much rather have a friend that I can trust and whose words are wise. God rewards those who follow his wise ways with their words.

How have you encouraged a friend lately with your words? I would love to hear about it.

70x7,
Krista

Today, I'm Holding On...

2008-06-07T06:07:00.000-07:00
Good morning! Today I am at “Holding On” Devotional Blog. Visit with me there.

Singing His praises &
"Holding on,"
Krista

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2008-06-03T15:51:00.000-07:00
I know it's not Thursday, but I have so much to be thankful for today. So today's blog should be titled, "Tuesday Thanks." It has been really crazy this week. My father-in-law had eye appointments on Tuesday and he will have one tomorrow. He had eye surgery today. I have to be at work at 7:30 and Phillip has to be at Mercedes by 6:15. So...I was worried about who would take care of Drew this week since his sissy is out of town. How could I get to work on time and get him to VBS on time, etc. I prayed about it and I knew that the Lord would provide.

The Lord provided Andrea this week. She has been taking Drew to VBS for me and since I have to leave so early and she doesn't like getting up that early; she's been my second daughter this week. We have had a fun time! But...last night I was telling Drew goodnight and Andrea was in Brandi's room (her temporary room this week) on the laptop. Drew was sitting up in his bed with his Bible and I asked him what he was doing.

He said something that blessed and melted my heart. He said, "I'm reading my Bible mom. I'm only reading 5 pages though." ONLY What a proud moment! Andrea heard us talking and said, "What is he doing?" I told her that Drew was only reading five pages of his Bible and she said, "That makes me feel bad." That's a good thing! Five years of teaching Sunday School and investing in young lives and Drew just accomplished more motivation in about 10 seconds.

I was thankful that Phillip was in our room reading his Bible and Drew was in his room reading his Bible and Andrea was in Brandi's room comtemplating reading Brandi's Bible. What a great moment! I got up this morning to drink my morning coffee and get ready for work. But first, I prepared my heart and mind for the day. Thanks, Drew for encouraging your mother.

Wisdom

2008-06-01T17:00:00.000-07:00
We are beginning a new study in Sunday School on the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is a book for everyone. When I first became a Christian many years ago, it was one of the first books that I studied. I read a chapter of Proverbs everyday as a devotional. Proverbs 1 tells us that it is for everyone, "To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth - Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance." Wisdom is a skill that is learned throughout life, but it doesn't refer to knowledge or intelligence. We talked about the difference this morning and I really gained insight from the lesson myself. I wanted to share a few thoughts from our Sunday School lesson.

Intelligence is the ability to learn and knowledge is a storehouse of facts, memories, and experiences that we can recall. Wisdom comes from observation and divine inspiration. Or in other words, from paying attention and the fear of God. We shared many examples, but one that we talked about is Proverbs 6:16-19. Solomon gives a list of things that God hates and then other things that he detests. We can gain wisdom simply by paying attention to the list. Then we learn wisdom by acting them out; or in this case not acting them out.

If I know that God hates haughty eyes then why would I do it? Of course on that note, in order to know what God hates, detests, likes or what pleases Him, I first have to open His Word and read it. I told them that fear of the Lord is like fear of mother and father; sort of. When we are young, we fear displeasing our parents because we know that we will be disciplined. It's like that with God too. So, as children, we tried (and they are still trying) to do things that make their parents happy (or at least to not upset them) because they respect their parents enough to not want the discipline. I know that I want God to be pleased with me. I know that I want Him to hear me when I pray. I know that to break fellowship with God doesn't feel joyous or fulfilling at all. So...to make sure that doesn't happen, I ask God for wisdom to know what pleases Him and what doesn't. And then I "walk it out." I told them that what we hear we are responsible for. So if they learn about wisdom, then they are responsible for what they learned. They have to do something with it. So do I.

So I left church this morning and I asked God to help me desire to spend more time in His Word. To ask for wisdom and then when God shows me something, I need to walk the walk. Pray for me as I seek to walk closer to God this summer. I am challenging myself to memorize more scripture. I think Drew can out verse me and that makes me ashamed. Maybe I need to go to Awanas!

Have a great week!

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-22T05:48:00.000-07:00
"Mighty is the Power of the Cross. It's a miracle to me; it's still a mystery. The Power of God to those who Believe."

Those are the words to a song I am listening to right now. "Where the Lamb laid down his life to lift us from the fall." I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord. I am thankful that He loves me and wants to walk with me day by day, moment by moment.

I am thankful for the power of the cross. Here are some other things I am thankful for today:

~ My family and friends
~ worship music
~ the ability to sing praises to the King
~ for the opportunities and blessings He gives me daily
~ for the start of summer
~ my new job
~ for the seniors that God has put in my life that are graduating.

What are you thankful for today?

So I got a little behind on my blog...

2008-05-19T14:28:00.000-07:00
Hello everyone! I have been pretty busy. I started my new job at the BCM. So far...so good. It is a very pleasant atmosphere and everyone that I have met has been very friendly. I am still in the phase of feeling a little lost. I look around and wonder...what in the world should I be working on. Ha. I will figure it out! I was blessed by a sweet lady who left me sticky note reminders on almost every file. Every folder I have opened has these sweet little notes written in pencil to make my life easier during the transition. Ms. Faye is a blessing! It's going to be a great place to work and Sean and Reagan are going to be great friends when I get to know them better.

I do miss Bro. Hal giving me a hard time everyday and I do miss those Caramel lattes, DeeDee. :-)

I also wanted to encourage everyone to go see The Chronicles of Narnia movie. It was very good. They portrayed God as Awesome and mighty as He is. The fighting scenes were very good. And...of course, Jesus was portrayed as the character Aslan again. It is every bit worth the ticket price.

Lucy's faith was the strongest again. I was moved by this movie. My little size 5 feet felt stepped on at times. I thought, "Why don't I have the kind of faith Lucy has?" Always trusting, never doubting. Lucy's character was sweet, gentle and patient with people that didn't possess the same trust and faith as she did. It was very good. I can't say anymore or I will want to give the movie away.

Anyway, with Disciple Now behind me and now that I have started my new job, I am trying to get back on track with my blogging. Not to mention I have a new laptop too.

Have a great day!
Krista

My Mind: What do I Believe?

2008-05-12T15:16:00.000-07:00
I am reading a fantastic book that I found on the Sovereign Grace Ministries website. It's called Worship Matters. The last chapter that I read had some really good scripture and thoughts in it. It talks about loving God; the truth of God. "We worship the One who says he is the truth and who tells us that the truth will set you free." God is all about truth. "God wants everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth. And he reveals his wrath against those who suppress the truth (Romans 1:18). Jesus said he would send the Spirit of truth and he asked God to sanctify his disciples in the truth which he identified as God's Word (John 16:13; John 17:17)." So why is this so important to me? Because the better I know God through His word, the better I can worship Him.

I also learned the difference between theology and doctrine. Theology is the study of God and Doctrine is what is taught about God. I am not sure why this struck me the way it did, but here is another quote that really hit home. "The study of doctrine isn't opposed to studying the Bible; it is studying the Bible. It's how we find out what God is like, what he wants us to believe, how he wants us to worship him. So that means we need to be reading. We need to be studying."

I don't know about you, but that just makes me hungry for more! Just wanted to share.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-07T05:33:00.001-07:00

Thankful Thursdays

2008-05-01T07:02:00.000-07:00
James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows."

Wow! That's all I can say when I read that verse. Everything good that we have in this world is a gift from God! If He didn't want us to have it; he wouldn't give it! He does not change like the shifting shadows. I love that. Friends will change, our appearance will change (ugh), circumstances change, but He will never change! That's one thing we can count on.

Sitting here this morning at work sipping on my caramel latte (thank you DeeDee), and thinking about the beautiful pictures that Jen took of us yesterday fills me with joy. I am bubbling over. God intended to bless me today and yesterday and I was reminded where those blessings came from. So...today, I am thankful for Caramel Latte, great pictures, good times, smiling children, praise music, family, friends, and God's Word (because without it, I wouldn't know who to thank!)

So what are you thankful for?

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

What did you want to be when you grew up?

2008-04-28T18:23:00.000-07:00
When I was little I wanted to be a singer. I played and pretended and totally thought my dream was attainable. We have been talking to our Sunday school class for the last several weeks about pursueing your purpose. What is your purpose? God has placed in us all unique gifts and talents. What are yours? Here is a poem I found and wanted to share.

In Every Heartby Ashley Reynolds

In every heart lies a dream,
to those it belong the world yet seen.
To one's own soul they one day wake,
and wake to find it childish and fake.
They try to hide it, bury it deep
in hopes to never surface
for they could not believe!

In every heart lies a dream,
to those it belong the world yet seen.
To one's own soul they one day wake,
but wake to find what God's ordained.
They embrace it and see it
as clear as day,
determination and purpose,
belief with a childlike faith!

To every heart, for those who dream
please don't hide
a dream that God has placed
in every heart, soul, and mind.
He created, molded, and shaped you,
for His perfect will and plan.
Give your dream back to Him,
place it in His hands.
So, you'll never have to worry
or wonder if it will ever come true,
Because it was Him who dreamt it first,
and placed that dream inside of you!

So...what dream did God place inside of you? What special talents or gifts do you have? I would love to hear from you.

Thankful Thursdays

2008-04-24T13:07:00.000-07:00
"I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips."

I am thankful for many things today. It is so pretty outside. I have a new metal roof on my house and it looks great! My yard is full of flowers and it's so full of color. I have the day off tomorrow and so does Phillip, so we are going to go on a day date! Yeah!

I am thankful for my kids. Drew told me this morning that "we go together like macaroni & cheese." I agree!

I am thankful that Brandi made it to Orlando safely with the band and that she gets to do so much! She is blessed with so many wonderful opportunities. Lucky girl.

I am so thankful for my friends who send me emails all day reminding that our God is mighty!

I am thankful today for some new opportunities that have come my way and for old ones that have been a blessing to me. More on that later.

I am so thankful for so many things today I can't name them all. I was singing in my car after lunch and I am thankful that praise music lifts my spirit.

Still singing...Krista

My kids

2008-04-16T07:39:00.001-07:00

My kids being silly (at different times).

Word Filled Wednesday

2008-04-16T06:28:00.000-07:00
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

There was a Bible study that I taught the youth about a month ago that has stayed in my mind. It was a video series. It showed a little boy on his bicycle. He father was teaching him to ride and the little boy didn't want to try. He kept falling off the bike and getting frustrated and it even looked like he was hurt at one point. The father kept making his son get back on the bike and try again and again. Never once did the father give up on his son or throw his hands up in the air say, "What are you doing?" I am sure the boy felt like the worse kid on a bike.

I thought it was a beautiful picture of our heavenly Father. While He is teaching us things; you know those life lessons that we all sit back and think, "I sure wish I would get this one so we can move on to something else." He never gives up on us and He never throws His hands in the air to say, "What are you doing?" Isn't that awesome!

Anyway, the verse came from this morning's Proverbs 31 devotion and it reminded me of the Bible study. I wanted to share. I know that verse may not apply exactly to my explanation, but nevertheless, that's what it reminded me of.

Have a great day!

"More of You, God"

2008-04-15T13:30:00.000-07:00
Okay, so I'm feeling a little down today. Do you ever feel misunderstood? I guess I'm feeling a little like that. So...inspired by Jenifer's looking back, I went searching for my old journals. I found two of them and started reading. I was looking for something to cheer me up. I can't say what it was specifically but eventually verse after verse, my spirit is "smiling."

Here is a Poem that I wrote in my journal.

More of You, God By: Lysa TerKeurst
In the morning when I wake,
when hard times come and my heart breaks,
Whatever Your will, whatever it takes,
More of You, God, more of You!

In the evening when I am still,
Break my spirit, break my will.
Whatever is not of you, but in me still,
More of You, God, more of You.

In times of success when I shine,
Let me not say the glory is mine.
Let all praises be only thine,
More of You, God, more of You.

In times of sadness when I'm down,
May my spirit still smile, never frown.
My hope in You, the eternity I've found,
More of You, God, more of You.

Then, when I live my last day,
I have one thing I hope you'll say,
"You did well, my child, when you prayed,
More of You, God, more of You."

Psalm 86:11-13, "Teach me Your way, O Lord and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord, my God with all my heart. I will glorify Your name forever. For great is Your love towards us. You have delivered me from the depths of the grave."

Have a blessed day!

Not Too Much to Say

2008-04-12T17:55:00.000-07:00
It's been a busy weekend. Brandi had World Changer Weekend Friday and Saturday night. I don't think they went to sleep all night. She fell asleep on my bed at 7:00 and she's still O-U-T!

Drew had a birthday party today. They did a scavenger hunt on a bicycle trail, so Phillip took him. They had a great time. Also, Drew's face is showing once again after his daddy took him for a long awaited haircut.

Brandi (and two of her friends) spent the day with me playing in make-up and fixing their hair like runway models. Brandi was trying to get on my nerves and announced to her friends that she was faster than me. She said she could outrun me. The little stinker threw food at me and ran! Her friends laughed at us because she said that I couldn't catch her. Oh, I caught her. I might be an "old" 35 year old mama, but that girl was eating some humble pie. Loved it!

Though we feel like we have gone different directions this weekend, Phillip and I feel very satisfied that we have all had some very quality family time and it was fun.

So, as we wrap up Saturday night and prepare for Sunday morning worship, the kids will be going to bed in a minute. (I guess Phillip will have to carry Brandi to hers). We will prepare for our Sunday School lesson and then go to bed.

So...I guess for not having much to say tonight, all I really said was what a great day!

Mitzi, this is for you. Thanks for the reminder! "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Thankful Thursdays

2008-04-10T05:47:00.001-07:00
It started out just a song I wanted to sing. Then I could feel that there was more to it. So, I started praying about this passion in my heart and asked God to show me what to do. Several days later, I went to Youtube and searched for the song, "Stained Glass Masquerade," and I knew I had to teach the youth a human video that I found.

It speaks volumes. The song is about taking off your mask at church and being real. Letting people see who you really are, what you are really struggling with. It's about not being fake or pretending. We all do it. We paint a smile on our face when we feel like crying. We cover up our struggle with sin so that noone will be disappointed in us.

I am thankful today for all the hard work that the youth have put towards displaying the truth of this song. I am thankful for people who have been helpful along the way. And I am thankful for the blessing I receive everytime I watch them. I don't know who will be sitting there Sunday who is struggling with the same sin that the youth are wearing on their shirts, or who may be able to relate to the "acting" that we do when we get to church.

The last few weeks of working with them has not been entirely smooth. It's hard work sometimes. But I am thankful that we "pressed on toward the goal to win the prize..." If you go to church with me, you are in for a huge blessing on Sunday! I am so thankful!

Krista

Morning Drama

2008-04-09T05:48:00.000-07:00
Isn't it funny how on the weekends your kids get up just fine. They are happy to see you and are in the best little moods. Especially for Drew, come Saturday mornings and he pops up out of the bed and those little feet hit the floor going about 100 miles an hour; usually before 7:00 AM! But no...Monday thru Friday...it's whah, whah, whah. "I don't like my shorts. There's a tag in my clothes. I'm tiredddd!"

And then there's my beautiful teenage Brandi. I am online this morning ordering make-up for her and I get sighs, eye rolls and a hand on the hip because, "Mom, where is your hair clip? I KNOW you have one."

Me: "I don't know. I can't find it either."

Her: "Thanks Mom! My hair...ughhhh."

Like I said, drama! I was just about to come unglued and teach them both a lesson about being grateful and then I realized that I was very ungrateful myself. Rather than focusing on the negative school morning attitudes of my children, I should have been focusing on how great a Savior I have and thanking Him for both of them. We shouldn't be thankful just when it's all rosy, but when it's not quite as rosy too. I should be thanking God that He is using these mornings to develop character in all of us. Things don't always go our way. But we were all able to get up this morning. We all have clothes to wear (even if they have tags in them). We can all walk and talk and breath.

So...I hugged them both (more eye rolls from both of them), laughed at them and turned on the praise music in the car. And as DeeDee always says, "Praise music, LOUD."

I wish this story had an absolute happy ending, but Drew never did uncross those little arms. Brandi did, however, start singing with me. It wasn't a total loss.

Still Singing His praises!
Krista

I've Been Tagged by Tricia!

2008-04-08T11:38:00.000-07:00
Here are the rules of the game:

1) Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog
2) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4) Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are 7 things you may not have known about me.

1) My favorite color is blue.
2) I LOVE Coffee drinks.
3) I wear a size 5 shoe.
4) I always wanted to be a singer. I used to stand on the side of the fireplace and pretend it was a stage.
5) I also wanted to be a writer.
6) My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip.
7) I met Phillip at an Alabama / Auburn party. He crossed over to MY side of the room (Auburn) but later changed me into an Alabama fan.

Here are my seven peeps (sorry no links):

Tricia, Jenifer, Darlene, Carmen, DeeDee, Julia, Jeff.

Have a most wonderful, great day!

Fun Friday

2008-04-04T05:46:00.001-07:00
I got up this morning to see if anyone has written yet today. I think I get up too early. But DeeDee already has a post on Helping Homes about Family Fun Friday. So, here are my plans for the day.

I have a date with Phillip. He took today off from work to get some much needed work done around the house and to get ready for our four-wheeling adventure tomorrow. I will NOT be putting pictures of that on here. He will have me a muddy mess and love every second of it!

But we are having lunch together today. That should be fun. He wants to go eat hot wings, so I have to work out before we go or they will get stuck straight on the hips! I fell off my diet wagon yesterday, so I really want to get back on today. I have lost 10 pounds these last 3 weeks but I have another 10 to go! I think I can...I think I can

That's all I have today! Hope some of you post when you get woke up!

Have a blessed day! I'm going to drink my coffee. Hey, maybe I'll squeeze some Starbucks in after hot wings. Oh, I better work out extra hard! Tootles!

Thankful Thursdays

2008-04-03T11:42:00.000-07:00
So ladies...do you post your thankful Thursdays on your blog or is there someone else to go?

Just in case you do your own blog for Thankful Thursday, here's what I am thankful for. Among the obvious (family, church, friends, etc.), I am thankful for Clorox pens. Yeah, you read that right. It's neat how God can teach us lessons through the mundane chores of each day. Today, like most any other day, I dropped something on my shirt and God decided not to waste it.

It was just a little spot but my shirt is new and it's white! I always do that! It's so frustrating. I went to the laundry room and picked up the Clorox pen and began erasing my eating mishap. I started thinking how thankful I am that I could clean up my shirt and keep it looking nice. Then, I felt it. I felt the Holy Spirit gently reminding me to be thankful for the forgiveness of my sins. Just like that Clorox pen erased my stain, Jesus erased and erases all my stains daily. I had to stop and tell Him "Thank You!"

It's such a small thing, but I was thankful that He spoke to me today.

Does God use objects to speak to you? Please feel free to share your object lessons!

Tootles, Krista