Come Grow With Us

Little One

2012-02-07T11:54:00.001-08:00

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim His name;
make known among the nations what He has done Ps. 105:1

On January 6th I had the privilege of meeting my newest granddaughter for the first time. What a joy to finally hold her! Yet it was with great concern that we observed her way-too-tiny frame. Her big brown eyes captured my heart immediately.
The chances to hold her were few because she was again admitted to the hospital. When we talked to the pediatrician at the hospital, he guessed her age to be about 4 1/2 -5 months. She weighed about 8 lbs. The basic diagnosis- failure to thrive. We felt so helpless. Needless to say when we left that hospital room, our hearts were very heavy with concern for her health. We had to put her in God’s hands.
We returned home, my daughter-in-law tried to find a family that was going to Ethiopia to take special formula for her but there was no one going for a couple of weeks. She checked into a shipping company who told her they could ship it for a few hundred dollars. However they were honest with her, telling her it would most likely sit in customs until some government official decided to release it- no guarantees!
The thought crossed her mind, “I wonder if God wants to do something special here?” My verse to her was that our God was a God who can do more than we can even imagine. I think He really wanted to show us
So “randomly” she Googled “sending formula to Ethiopia”, having no idea of what she would find. Up pops a website, www.intothestreetsofethiopia.com, a Christian organization that sends formula to Ethiopia. Jodi called them and they immediately put out an urgent email and FB message asking if anyone was going to Ethiopia. Within 24 hours an attorney from Arkansas was on his way with $525 worth of formula donated by his family’s pediatrician. You have to understand this formula is special and comes with a hefty price tag.
The next hurdle was finding someone over there that could go to the airport to meet him rather late at night and get the formula; he was only passing through. Again God answered prayer! God faithfully worked out all the details and she has been getting the formula for 2 weeks.
God is so amazing! While we were there, we met a young mom who is patiently- probably impatiently by now- waiting for her embassy appointment. Chrissy has graciously gone out of her way many times to visit our little girl and make sure she is getting her special formula and that everything is being done properly. Even though her appointment has been delayed, she has been a God-send to our family! Please pray that she gets her appointment soon and that everything goes smoothly for her. She has blessed us so much.

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows”. Matt 10:29-31

Somehow, when I think of what God has been doing for our special little one, I am reminded of the sparrow. In the eyes of the world, she is just a little girl that really doesn’t matter. BUT to God and our family she is special and He knows every hair on that small head with the big brown eyes and He is taking care of her until we can bring her home.
We just received a weight report and she is now 10.5 lbs!!

To be continued....

-Margaret Slabach

Don’t Feed the Wildlife

2011-11-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

     As I stood at the crest of the hill, God’s beauty lay before me. It was as if God was painting a beautiful masterpiece just for me. The sun was beginning to rise and the sky was splashed with vibrant color. Standing alone with my God that morning, I marveled at who He was. Wanting to get closer to this breathtaking sight, I began my descent down the hill towards the sunrise, singing and worshipping to my awesome God. Birds joined in with their sweet melodies as I
walked along. God’s glory was all around me. Along the roadway, families of deer had emerged from their forest hideaways but seemed oblivious to the beauty that lay before them. Their focus was on eating at that moment and the stranger passing by.
     Coming to the bottom of the hill and rounding the bend, I started my ascent up another small hill. I noticed a sign up ahead of me and, as I got closer, I could read the words written on it in bold print – “PLEASE DON’T FEED THE WILDLIFE”. I immediately laughed out loud because only the day before had I seen many well-meaning people throwing bread and crackers to a group of deer that had ventured near. How ironic I thought that this sign was at a place where few people gathered. I understood the necessity of the sign as the park’s rangers didn’t want the wildlife to become dependent on people for their food and sustenance.
     Continuing on my walk, the Lord impressed upon me the importance of a sign like that for the animal world. But in our world where we live as Christians, God doesn’t put up signs like that. In fact, he wants us to do just the opposite. God wants us to “FEED THE WILDLIFE” – those who are unbelievers, who don’t know God and who don’t have a personal relationship with his son, Jesus
Christ. God wants them to become dependent upon Him not only for their food – their daily bread – but everything else they need as well. God tells us in His Word to “feed the hungry” and those who are living the WILD LIFE are hungry for more than the world has to offer. So as you get ready to start your day, remember to pack some extra “bread” because you may run into some “wildlife” who are hungry and you’ll have just what they need.

John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

-Ann Ford

Roots...

2011-06-11T08:03:00.001-07:00

Looking out the window this morning I immediately noticed the small burrow of dirt in the garden. It stood out in irritating contrast against the beautifully manicured flower garden. Two long stems of tangled roots were exposed and laid bare within the dirt spewed hole...no doubt the remains of a rabbits dinner the night before! As I think about roots I realize that, underneith the lovely magnolia tree and the vibrant white and red geraniums, twisted and enmeshed below the tall whisps of acacia grass and dancing tiger lillys are the true reason for all this beauty. The stark, unlovely, tangled mess of dirt clumped ROOTS!

No one would choose to sit and "ooh and ahh" over a display of roots, yet without them there would be no growth, no flowers, no trees, no beauty to behold, no tiny green shoots of hope in the spring. I think about Jesus.. "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. Isaiah 53:2".....OH but He is our root! Apart from Him we have nothing. He is our life source and we,surrendered and connected to Him, are the beautiful display of His glory...His flower garden!

Today: Seek out and appreciate the vast array of beauty in everyone you meet and within yourself....and thank the ROOT of it all, Jesus!

Blessings!
Kim Dent

Under Construction

2011-06-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

One day last summer, I had to take one of my son’s to the airport in Cleveland. He needed to be there by 6:00 a.m. so we had to leave home before the rest of the world was stirring. As we began our journey, traffic was at a minimum and I was able to travel at the posted speed limit. Soon, however, orange construction barrels lined the middle of the highway. It wasn’t necessary to change lanes or even slow my speed. There was no evidence of any construction work going on at all. The barrels came to an end and all was back to normal. About halfway into our journey, the construction barrels appeared once again and this time it was evident that construction was taking place. There were mounds of dirt, torn up pavement and construction vehicles along the roadway. The barrels now required me to slow my speed considerably and change lanes. Soon I had to cross over the median to travel against oncoming traffic….not something I enjoy doing especially while it’s still dark but with minimal traffic, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. After traveling at a slower speed for several miles, the barrels finally directed us back to the right side of the highway. Within a few minutes, the barrels were completely gone. We resumed normal speed and arrived at the airport with time to spare.
After dropping my son off, I headed back home traveling down the same highway. I knew I would encounter the barrels again but was confident I could maneuver through them with little trouble. While I drove along, the Lord reminded me of how our lives are always “under construction” and will continue to be until we meet him face to face. Sometimes the construction is at a minimum. The barrels are there and the Lord is at work but we don’t always see the construction taking place. The Lord may have put up the barrels to move us from one path to another in order to reconstruct some area of our lives. The barrels may show up in order to get to slow down and refocus our attention. He may allow us to return at some point to the road we were traveling or He may have us take a completely different route. Whatever happens, we can be assured the He is at work and He will continue to keep us “under construction” for His greater purposes and our greater good. So when the barrels pop up on the road you’re traveling, don’t fear. Just embrace the construction work the Lord is about to do in your life.

-Ann F.

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

   Spring is finally here. Can you feel? Can you see it? The temperature is beginning to climb. The birds are singing their early morning melodies. The trees and flowers are beginning to awake from their winter slumber. What an exciting time of year! Everything is coming alive again. Even we humans are getting excited. As the weather begins to get warmer, we emerge from our wintertime cocoons and find ourselves heading outdoors to prepare our yards and flower beds, practice our golf game or maybe start walking to shed that winter weight gain.
   At this time of year, I always think of my mom. She would decide that one week she would “spring clean” the entire house. Most of us don’t even think about such a thing. It’s hard enough to clean on a weekly basis. This cleaning, however, was unlike the weekly housecleaning she always did. During ‘spring cleaning’ week, she would disassemble each room and clean it from top to bottom. No corner or cupboard or curtain or dresser was left untouched. Furniture was moved and dust bunnies that had collected over the past year were swept away. All bedding and curtains were washed, hung outside to dry, ironed and returned to their proper place. Knick-knacks were taken down from shelves, washed and dried, then put back sparkling clean. You could tell that something inside the house was taking place because of the fresh clean smell. Mom was exhausted by week’s end but there a certain satisfaction with a “job well-done’.
   As I was doing my devotionals one morning, the Lord impressed upon me the importance of a good “spiritual spring cleaning” in my own life. He reminded me how necessary it is to clean out the junk that I’ve let accumulate in my life. And believe me, it does accumulate, sometimes on a daily a basis. It is so important to deal with things as they come up instead of hiding them in the deepest, darkest corners of our lives and hearts. This spiritual cleaning should take place more than once a year like cleaning the house does. When we do this cleaning, we need to look into all those hidden places, dig out the stuff that’s buried down deep, and bring it to the surface so it can swept away just like the dust bunnies. We don’t have to do this alone. God is there to help us with the cleaning. He will do his part but we need to do ours. Are you uncertain about what needs to be cleaned up and cleaned out? Prayerfully ask the Lord to reveal those things to you and to “create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me” – Psalm 51:10. Just as the house had a fresh feeling after the spring cleaning, we too will feel a difference in our lives. As we make this cleaning a part of our daily spiritual walk, we will know when, and if, a deep-down cleaning needs to take place. Don’t you want to feel spiritually clean all the time? Why not start your “spiritual spring cleaning” today. You’ll be so glad you did.

-Ann F.

Love Bombed

2011-04-04T02:43:00.000-07:00

KRISTIN’S BLOG "LOVE BOMBED"

Last week, I was home with Little Man. I got a call from Miss Preschool. She was my daughter’s preschool teacher over 4 years ago. The preschool is in a church up the street. Miss Preschool began to tell me about a problem she was having and she didn’t know what to do. “Kristin, there are these two young people sleeping outside the doorway to the preschool. They were here yesterday. The church wants me to call the police and have them arrested. But, I just don’t feel right about it. You came to mind.” I asked Miss Preschool a couple of questions and gave her some suggestions, it was then I heard it in her voice. Fear. “This is so far out of my comfort zone. I don’t know what to do,” she said. I asked her, “Do you want me to come up there and help?” I heard a sigh of relief. “Would you?”

I quickly turned on the cast iron skillet and cooked up some eggs and ham. I toasted a couple of English muffins and made sandwiches. I loaded Little Man in the car. When I got there, the couple was still asleep under their blankets. They had a stroller loaded with all their possessions. I went in to get Miss Preschool and drop Little Man off to play with the kids. We went outside. “Good morning!” I said. “I have a hot breakfast for you! Time to get up.” I heard the couple mumble under their blankets, “Really?” “Yup” I said. “But, you have to get up.” Miss Preschool and I waited for the drowsy couple to pull themselves together. It’s kind of weird to be so close to someone’s personal space. I mean, how many friends have you stood over when they were waking up?

They sat up. I introduced myself and Miss Preschool and handed them their breakfast. We sat down on the lawn and waited. As they started to eat, I began to ask them about their story. *Mary said they had been on the streets for a couple of months. She had gotten in a fight with her dad because her dad didn’t like her boyfriend *Tim. I asked if they were looking for a place to stay…had they tried the shelters? Tim said, “They won’t let us stay together in the shelters because we’re not married. We don’t want to be separated.” I asked them what they needed. “How can we help you?” I don’t think they get asked that question very often. They just looked at me. Then Mary spoke up, “Can I use your bathroom?” “Sure,” I exclaimed as I hopped to my feet.

Miss Preschool was a little concerned that the church wouldn’t be happy with me inviting her in. I said, “I’ll take the heat for this one!” About 15 minutes later Mary emerged from the restroom looking freshly washed and changed. I was so glad to have a few minutes with her. You see, I’ve been working with a friend on starting transitional housing for under aged girls who want to leave the sex industry. I’ve been receiving training and basically just having my eyes opened to the reality of how prevalent this industry is. I was pretty sure Mary was working the streets to help (said) boyfriend. She denied it of course, but all the signs said other wise. I asked her what she needed. Again, she wasn’t sure how to answer. “Do you need clothes? Shampoo? A clean towel?” She slowly began to roll off a list. I gave her my number and told her to give me some time to pull it all together.

Miss Preschool and I walked her to the door. I let Tim and Mary know that even though I understood they needed a place to sleep, they couldn’t sleep in front of the preschool. We said our goodbyes.

I went inside with Miss Preschool and she began to cry. “This just breaks my heart,” she said. “But, Kristin, you made it look so easy, so natural.”

It doesn’t take much to make someone feel special, even for a moment. I can’t solve their problems. They really didn’t want to change their circumstances. But, for a moment, they received a hot meal (not peanut butter and jelly), I asked them about themselves and what they need. For a moment, they were treated with dignity and shown a little love. Have you everLoveBombed someone? Would you?

*Names have been changed.

Shifting Shadows

2011-02-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

Recently many folks who follow their "zodiac sign" got a rude awakening. Many had to shift to a new sign due to the movenment of the planets around the sun. I can imagine the confusion when they opened the paper to read thier horoscope only to find that they are no longer a "Libra" but are now a "Taurus" or a "Leo"

You see, thats the problem when we pin our identity on anything of this world...everything here is temporary, everything here changes. But Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." What a comfort to know the One who is unchangeable!

Have you ever consulted your horiscope to figure out what is in store for you? Do you seek the council of the zodiac signs before you make a decision? The Word says, "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:16-17) .

So, We are deceived if we place our trust in "heavenly lights" or stars that shift and change. Instead, put your hope in the One who created the stars! He doesn't see you as a member of a particular zodiak sign. He created You and calls you by name. It's personal with Him. He sees into your heart and knows more about you than you do! He created you to shine like stars not worship them!

Hey! Here's a better idea than following a shifting horiscope in the paper...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways aknowledge Him and He will direct your path! (Prov 3:5-6)

Caretakers of God...

2010-12-25T16:44:00.000-08:00

All alone in a darkened cave with only the light from a small candle, Mary and Joseph pondered how this baby, so tiny and helpless would save the world. Yet the warmth, joy and peaceful glow eminating from this child somehow calmed their wondering, anxious hearts.

The night was filled with an electric expectation- hard to comprehend except to say that the supernatural was with them. Emmanuel. Mary and Joseph sat in awe, soaking in the impossibility of this moment...God in the flesh, kicking and cooing before them.

What would tomorrow bring? How does one begin to parent God? Will he wake frightened in the night? How does a human comfort the King of Kings, creator of all that is created? Serious questions and a lifetime to seek the answers as hand in hand and heart to heart, Mary and Joseph became the caretakers of God.

Christmas Blessings to you and may you experience His presence in ever increasing ways in the new year!

Falling...on purpose!

2010-11-08T04:05:00.000-08:00

Falling. This word brings back visions of embarrassing moments. Falling up the steps as a freshman in highschool... books whizzing everywhere. Classmates tripping over me and my book avalanche. It was like a 10 car pileup on the highway but add teenage hormones and several "mean girls" to the mix. Ugh! I remember "falling for" the cute popular boy in 5th grade who never knew I existed. ouch!
Later, as a Realtor, I walked through a dark doorway to find a lightswitch only to fall into the homes sunken living room! Not the best way to point out this architechtural feature!

But I have also experienced a falling of the supernatural kind. On Sept 11th our country's false sense of security was shaken during a surprise terrorist attack. My personal illusions of security and "having it all together" tumbled that day as well. This surprise attack brought up memories that I had been running from all my life. Emotions that I had long since burried overwhelmed me as I grieved for the people in those buildings..somehow identifying with them.

At that moment, as that first tower fell, I sank to my knees and williningly surrendered my life, again, to Jesus. Falling on purpose into the arms of my gracious God. But this time, no one laughed at me. There was no pile of books to pick up while my face burned with shame. This time, I didnt fall for a self absorbed popular boy who didn't know I existed...This time, I fell for Jesus. Jesus, who knows every detail of my life and loves me. I discovered that Jesus had always been reaching out to me, ready to support, comfort, steady and love me if I would have only laid down my pride and self sufficiency and grabbed hold of what He offered to me.

I have found that falling on purpose has been the most significant decision of my life. Oh, I may still trip on a step or step off a curb wrong once in a while but no matter what, my soul is held secure as I hold tightly to my Lord's strong and loving hand. No matter what trials this life may bring, He promised to never let me go!

How about you? Could you use a hand today?

Psalm 37:24 Though he stumble he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with His hand.

A Good Morning Kiss

2010-09-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

I am standing on the shores of Lake Erie in the wee hours of the morning. A vivid orange sunrise has begun creeping over the expanse of the waters. It is quiet except for the occasional sing song of birds as they awaken to a new day. The aroma of water and sand swirls around me in the gentle morning breeze and I smile, enjoying it's sweetness.

Yes, this promises to be a good day....a "God day". I whisper a silent thank you to My Lord as I sleepily stretch my arms up to the heavens in a gesture of surrender. Just when I think the moment could not be more perfect, I lift my eyes and behold a breathtaking sight...a simple cross spread majestically across the blazing sky. Stretching high above me, yet seeming to bend down from the heavens... a good morning kiss from my loving Savior!

I Dare You

2010-08-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

I recently had the honor and priviledge to co-facilitate a weds night Bible study. We were studying Romans 12 with Chip Ingram in a Bible study entitled. "Living on the Edge. Dare to experience true spirituality." Well, I love a dare! Especially one that will bring me closer in my relationship with The Lord and my brothers and sisters in Christ.

We started out as students in a classroom, seeking to grow spiritually. When Chip challenged us to begin to open up and come to grips with our authentic selves. To actually share out loud some of our struggles in our Christian walk, something "divine" began to happen in our group...

First, We got nervous! One person voiced what many of us were thinking. "Wait a minute I just wanted a nice Bible study, I didn't know we had to share our stuff!" We each struggled in our own way with the questions in our hearts... "Is this a safe place to share?" "What will they think of me?" "Does anyone else feel the way I do?"

Then, in week two, we were challenged with a surrender question..."Are You All In?" We talked about what complete surrender to Jesus would look like. We shared some of our biggest barriers to living a surrendered "All In" type of life. We dropped our church masks, took some risks, and for the rest of the study, "got real" with The Lord and each other. Sharing our stories, our trials, pain and triumphs.

Well, The Lord honored our willingness to be vulnerable with Him and with each other and has knit our hearts together in love...In 10 weeks we went from fellow classmates to a living, active, caring family. We prayed for each other, gave to those who were in need and are going to serve together at a shelter this week. Not because of works but because The love of Christ compells us and honestly, we enjoy being together!

This is "true spirituality" this is the church Christ desires. Nothing flashy, just a bunch of regular, non-perfect people who love Christ and made a decision to trust Him and live authentically. People who took a chance to say "I'm all in" and see what God would do.

He did not disappoint us!

Go on, I dare you....today, will YOU say to God, "I'M ALL IN"?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in veiw of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship. And do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but BE TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your minds. Then you can test and approve what God's will is, His Good, Perfect and Pleasing will. Romans 12:1-2

Interested? go to LivingontheEdge.org for more info on this wonderful study of Romans 12.

Stripping Wallpaper

2010-06-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Stripping Wallpaper

Kim Dent

Have you ever had to tear off old, stuck, ugly wallpaper? It's NOT a fun job! I remember our first house was completely covered in wallpaper in every room...and not just one layer! It seemed we would finally steam, scrape and peel our way through one layer and another hideous pattern would be revealed!

Mark and I spent weeks steaming, scraping and sweating to restore the walls in our little house to their original state. Many times I just wanted to give up and slap some paint over the layers of paper and call it "good enough". My husband wouldn't allow it...he somehow always kept the vision of what it could be and he would encourage me to keep working with him...he never even entertained the thought of taking the easy way out...

We eventually got the walls scraped, sanded, primed and repainted. They were beautiful...probably even more so to us because of the great effort it took!

I wonder...has The Lord been after you to do a little re-wallpapering of the walls of your mind? Those old habits, hurts and hang-ups that have been occupying prime space in your thought life, like old ugly wallpaper, need to go! Be prepared, they won't go easily. Those old thoughts, lies and beliefs that are so deeply rooted in us will take honest, hard work to strip them off of our mind's walls. Like the old wallpaper in my house, these old thoughts often have a "Strong Hold" on your mind.

Thankfully, Our Lord knows the plans He has to restore the walls of our minds (Jer. 29:11) He keeps the vision and is continually encouraging you and I to "Keep working with Him" He will never let us slap the paint of religion over the old lies, beliefs and thoughts that keep us from the abundant life He has planned for us. He will do what seems impossible (Matt. 19:26) but we must work with Him! We must not just hear the Word but actively DO WHAT IT SAYS! (James 1:22)

So, are you ready for a fresh start? Jesus has all the tools (weapons) you will need to demolish the ugly, tacky strongholds papering your mind. (2 Cor. 10: 3-5) He is waiting for you to get serious about the business of re-wallpapering your mind, no more short-cuts. He will do all the heavy lifting but you and I must Work With Him! The end result will be a Beautiful Mind!

Re-Wallpapering

Tearing down my mind's wrong beliefs

Replacing with Truth!

(Haiku by Margaret Slabach)

Humility

2010-03-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way" Psalm 25:9

I recently got into a "discussion" with a dear friend. I had become concerned about behaviors that I had perceived to be a cry for help. I also had unknowingly taken up an offense and "in the name of the Lord" wanted to right the wrong and help my friend to see the error of her ways. (funny, I didn't even see the log in my eye at the time!) I lifted her up and asked for God's help as I set out on my own self imposed mission . Yet I didn't inquire nor wait on the Lord. I had made up my mind that I needed to "speak the truth in love" and I simply asked God to bless my own plans and didn't bother to listen for His input on my idea. (note to self...bad idea!)

Well, I spoke the truth but it wasnt received in love. In fact my words did little more than poke a lion in it's cage and unleased a barrage of anger and misunderstanding toward my well intentioned yet ill prepared mission. I cried out to God, later that night, feeling very misunderstood and unjustly attacked, I sensed Him remind me that even the best intentions will backfire and cause needless pain if we do not first submit our plans to the Lord and discern His timing and His will. He is our guide and He teaches us His ways...which are oh so much higher than ours!

Thankfully we both immediately sought the Lord and each other for forgiveness. God was gracious to bind up the wounds we each inflicted and open the way for reconcilliation. We have both emerged a little wiser and a whole lot more humble...although not without some battle scars.

Oh Lord please direct my path, my plans and my mouth today. Teach me Your ways and help me to always wait upon You!

eating humble pie...
Kim

Engraved

2010-03-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

...I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands... Isaiah 49:15-16

Lord, I long to be engraved onto your hands. To be so close to you that I sense your breath, feel your emotions, hear your thoughts and delight in the things that bring you joy. Engrave your love upon my heart so that, when seasons of testing come, my prodigal heart may always find it's way home to you.

Engrave my mind with your truth, Father...that no lie may settle there. May your Word overcome every shadow of doubt that threatens like distant thunder. Engrave me. Let my soul be transformed as you enter into my darkness and flood my being with your marvelous light.

I am yours My King, engraved upon your beautiful scarred hands. Your extravagant love has forever marked my heart, my mind and my soul. I am forever engraved...forever yours.

KD 3/2010

So Long Insecurity!

2010-03-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

"Insecurity among women is epidemic, but it is not incurable. Don't expect it to go away quietly, howerver. We're going to have to let truth scream louder to our souls than the lies that have infected us." Beth Moore from her new book, So Long Insecurity.

Hey Girls,
Grab a sister, friend, mom, mother in law, daughter, co-worker or aunt (or all of them!) and join us at Beth Moore's upcoming simulcast; "So Long Insecurity"

When: April 24th
Where: Deuber United Methodist Church
645 Deuber Rd Canton, OH
phone: 456-8357
Time: 9-4
Cost: 15.00 includes lunch!

Contact Deuber church to reserve your tickets now!

Let's give Insecurity the boot!

"And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free." John 8:32

Divinely Designed for Connection!

2010-03-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

I had the incredible blessing of sharing with some wonderful women from Church of the Lakes last week. Christy and Nancy pulled out all the stops and made the women feel loved on and special with pretty table settings, wonderful food and a warm welcome. Several members from the Church's contemporary worship team were there and opened up the morning with joyful praise to our God! It was fantastic!

While preparing my talk, "Divinely Designed for Connection!" the Lord reminded me of playing the game "Red Rover" as a little girl. Courage, boldness and unity (we called it "girlpower" back in the day!) was never so evident as when my 5 freckle faced, pig-tailed girlfriends and I linked arms on the playground and dared the "enemy" to break through our ranks.

We have come a long way from the days of Red Rover on the playground, but we still battle an enemy. Satan tries to break through our ranks with insecurity, lies and deception. Yet God calls and equips us to connect with the wise women He has placed within our reach. The Lord calls us to "link arms" through our Faith, our prayers, our encouragement and our love for Him which is our super glue! Colossians 2:2 in the Message advises that we be "woven together in a tapestry of love"

The enemy would love nothing more than to disconnect you and I from each other and from God...Isolation is his favorite trick. Don't fall for it! Ask The Lord to show you the girlfriends He has placed in your life and then "link arms" and feel the power of unity, connection and security in Christ! Now that's some SUPERNATURAL Girl Power!

Ecclesiastes 4...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Romans 8:35 says; "Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? NO. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!"

Red Rover anyone?

Blessings!

Kim Dent

Baby it's COLD outside!

2010-02-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

It just dawned on me that perhaps God gives us snowdays so that we will be forced to...
slow down,
breathe,
appreciate shelter,
appreciate warmth,
and appreciate neighbors...especially those who own snow blowers!

May your joy in the Lord and your grateful heart be a blessing to those who feel cold inside. Warm a cold heart today with a random act of kindness!

Go ahead...It'll make God smile.

Blessings!
Kim

He promises to hold our hand...

2010-01-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

God guides us...He leads us step by step, from event to event. Only afterwards, as we look back over the way we have come...do we experience the feeling of having been led without knowing it, the feeling that God mysteriously guided us. -Paul Tournier

Dear Friends,

As we move into a new year, take a moment to look back over 2009 and notice the hand of God all over it. Offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for His leading thus far and realize the miraculous fact that He is lovingly watching over us and guiding us as we venture into a brand new year. Take a moment and consider the dreams within you. Is there something you long to do but fear has kept you from acting on the dream? Do you long for more adventure and to see more of God's miracles and supernatural power played out in your day to day life? Me too!

I pray that 2010 will be the year that we dare to take off our fluffy slippers of faith, pull on our hiking boots and Believe God! May we step off the safe, familiar paths and allow Him to lead us into a brand new adventure with Him...Go ahead! Take a step! Your promised land is waiting......

... Still a little afraid? Don't worry, He promises to hold your hand.

"I will lead the blind in ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths, I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

Isaiah 42:16

Blessings and abundant adventure to you!

Love, Kim

Come to Me, all you who labor and are weary...

2009-12-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

We recently had the pleasure of a house packed to the brim with out of town family members for Thanksgiving weekend. Although it was great to connect with family we hadn't seen in a while, it also had moments of stress as toddlers cried or had tantrums, periods of irritation as the dog was let into the house multiple times covered with mud or exuberant little ones took to the new sofa like a trampoline!

Oh there were times of joy and laughter as we played family charades and had an ongoing card competition. Joy and fun at watching the kids visit with Santa at the mall. There were also times of peace and calm when the boisterousness of the day gave way to napping and reading.

But even so, a house full of guests it is difficult. I dont remember ever feeling able to just relax and rest. There was always the next meal to prepare, towels to wash, bathrooms to straighten up and my neice's pacifier to locate or rescue from the Dog about every other hour! I love my family but I need to tell you I was ready for them to head to their own homes. I was simply worn out!

The Lord knows all about our busy days. He sees us when we are serving our families. He notices when we are up late preparing that batch of cookies to give to the neighbors. He knows when we are weary and when we need to stop and rest. He reminded Martha in the midst of all her many dinner party preparations that it would be better for her to take a rest and sit down at His feet with her sister, Mary. But we are women! We LOVE to multitask!

Matthew 11:28-30 is one of my favorite verses. (Probably because I tend to go overboard in busyness and even in serving.) Jesus said: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are weary and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upoin you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Next time, BEFORE I find myself feeling worn out and weary, I want to go to Jesus and learn how to take a real rest! I don't want to run myself ragged like Martha. I want to exhude peace and love and calm joy when loved ones come to visit. Don't forget to sit at the feet of Jesus this Christmas Season...The sweet peace of Christ is bound to rub off on another weary soul!

Sweet Blessings to You!

Kim