Our God Is An Awesome God
Our God Is An Awesome God - just wanted to share this "God Story" with you before you read your mentoring moment for this week. Yesterday, at our luncheon, Kathy Wilson spoke on Mary's Heart and how God wanted that intimate relationship and time with us more than our service. Once we are in that one on one relationship with Him, He will show us where our service should be and it will flow from us. I wrote my mentoring moments a month ago and had no idea what Kathy would be saying yesterday. There was one thing I knew; I had ask God when I was doing these weekly mentoring moments what He would want me to share. As I listened to Kathy speak on Sunday, I was thinking, God You are so awesome. You aligned the mentoring moment being sent out this week with everything Kathy has just spoke on. WOW - that confirms to me why I should "lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways seek God and He will direct my paths"!! He certainly knows our needs Ladies and is caring for us in everything. Below is this week's mentoring moment.
“THE LORD WANTS OUR SALUTATION BEFORE OUR SERVICE”
SALUTATION – A gesture or utterance made as a greeting or acknowledgment of another’s arrival or departure.
WHEN LIFE IS “TOO BUSY” IT IS A SIGN THAT THE WORLD’S ACTIVITIES AND LURES ARE EDGING OUT GOD, AND WE’RE HEADING FOR A COLLISION WITH SATAN. WE MAY NOT HAVE TIME TO EVEN GIVE GOD A GREETING OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT!
THERE IS AN OLD SONG TITLED – “TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY”
TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY, SPEAK OFT WITH THY LORD; ABIDE IN HIM ALWAYS, AND FEED ON HIS WORD. TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY, THE WORLD RUSHES ON; SPEND MUCH TIME IN SECRET, WITH JESUS ALONE. BY LOOKING TO JESUS, LIKE HIM THOU SHALT BE.
I WILL INSTRUCT YOU AND TEACH YOU IN THE WAY YOU SHOULD GO; I WILL COUNSEL YOU AND WATCH OVER YOU. PSALM 32:8
“HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!”
Chris Unkefer
Mirror Mirror...In search of Fabulous -By Kim Dent
Mirror Mirror on the wall
What IS Fabulous...after all?
Is it skill or beauty?
Wisdom or Grace?
Is it a certain size or age
Or just a pretty face?
Can I find it in an outfit or a certain style of hair?
Can I buy it on the internet,
Can I win it at the fair?
What does fabulous look like,
Mirror, help my eyes to see!
Can fabulous be searched for...even in me?
Is it loud or is it quiet,
Courageous or humble.
Does it ever question?
Does it ever stumble?
Can fabulous be found within a broken shard?
Can fabulous still be “fabulous” when life gets so hard?
Mirror, mirror tell me
If you are so keen,
Can fabulous lie hidden
Or is it always to be seen?
What does fabulous look like?
Mirror help my eyes to see!
Can fabulous be found...
Even in me?
Prayers For An Unknown Sister
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me, and I will answer you.
And I will show you great and wonderful things
which you do not know.”
I am a “show me” type of girl. I am not prone to blindly accept things that I don’t understand. Raised in a conservative Baptist church, my first experience hearing someone ‘speaking in tongues’ during my college years left me wide eyed and wondering, “what in the world was THAT!”
Fast forward about 19 years. The tragedy of 911 brought me through the doors of a Spirit filled, Bible believing Church. I attended a weekly women’s bible study where we began a series on the “gifts of the Holy Spirit” At the culmination of the study, there was a time of prayer for anyone who desired to receive Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues.
Now, In my heart, I wanted to experience this gift. But in my head, I was afraid that the Holy Spirit would cause me to blurt out unintelligible words at the grocery store or my PTA meeting! I voiced this struggle and was quickly assured that The Holy Spirit is gentle and allows us the choice of when to use our prayer language. So I said “Yes” and we prayed a simple prayer for me to receive this special gift of speaking in tongues.
My experience was not dramatic. Little by little I noticed new words that I did not understand begin to flow quietly from my lips during worship. Soon I was happily singing and speaking my new Holy Spirit language in my personal prayer time.
As my fluency increased, I began to notice repetitions of words when I prayed. I had no idea what I was praying for in the Spirit, but one particular word began to be repeated within my prayer language... “Galia” Sometimes spoken as if I were encouraging a frightened child and, at other times, I sensed I was defending someone or warring against something. The word “Galia” consistently remained within my prayer language. I wondered what it meant so I called upon the Lord to show me.
God disclosed the mystery 6 months later while on a mission trip to Ukraine. A young woman came up for prayer following a conference on the gifts of the Spirit. Through the interpreter, she told us that she desired to receive the gift of tongues. I smiled, remembering my own request a few months earlier and marveling at His timing & the miracle that I was here now, praying for this unknown sister. I asked the interpreter to tell us the woman’s name.
She replied in broken English.....”Her name is GALIA.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, May we operate in the fullness of your Spirit every day we live! May we never be so grounded to the world that we miss the blessings reserved for those who soar with your Spirit. You are such an amazing God! Amen.
-Kim Dent
What Are You Serving Your King?
This morning, as I was getting my coffee creamer out of the fridge, my nose was
assaulted by a very disagreeable or more accurately, DISGUSTING odor! I am not
good at using the leftovers before they “go south” and today the culprit was a lone
piece of chicken hiding way in the back behind the milk.
I dug out the smelly poultry and quickly dumped it down the disposal and followed it with
a lemon chaser to be sure the stink was completely gone.
I settled in for some time with Jesus. I love how The Holy Spirit uses object lessons to
teach me truths in His word. This morning He decided the recent “chicken incident”
would coincide nicely with Malachi 1. (I can hear you saying “WHAT?” hang in there
with me...)
Here’s the scoop: Malachi was the last of the OT prophets. The temple had been rebuilt
for almost a century and the people were, once again, losing their enthusiasm for
worship. The sins that had led to the downfall of Jerusalem were rearing their ugly
heads once again; Contempt for God’s name, offering false worship and leading others
into sin. Oh and let’s not forget that they were also breaking God’s laws by offering
diseased and imperfect sacrifices on His Holy Altar. (smelly leftovers) Added to that list
was the sin of calling evil “good”, keeping God’s tithes and offerings for themselves, and
becoming arrogant hypocrites. Ouch!
OK, Before we shake our heads at the Israelites,let me ask you; Have you ever gotten
tired of waiting on the Lord? Ever lost your zeal for living the sanctified life? Ever fallen
back into the same old sin you were sure you had been delivered from just last week?
Have you ever worshiped or spent time with the Lord out of duty and obligation? This is
simply serving Him the dry leftovers of a heart that has lost it’s freshness in the
dailyness of life.
Come on girls, confession time. Have you ever had one of those days you just don’t
FEEL like cooking something new and creative so you warm up the old leftovers from
last week? While this may be occasionally acceptable at our family dinner tables, it is
NOT acceptable to our Holy God who commands us to love Him with our whole heart
mind, soul and strength.
Listen to God’s words in Malachi 1:6-7 (italics mine)
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the
honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me? says the LORD
Almighty.
“It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name.
“But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’“You place defiled food on my altar.”
“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’
“By saying that the LORD’S table is contemptible. When you bring blind animals
for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals,
is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! (husband) Would he be
pleased with you? Would he accept you?” Says the LORD Almighty.
Chapter 5 of Francis Chan’s book “Crazy Love” is entitled “serving leftovers to a Holy
God.” I can’t help but see the correlation here. The days that I am too busy, tired,
depressed etc. to serve Him my very first and best worship are days that I am choosing
to serve Almighty God that smelly chicken in the back of my fridge. My heart hurts as I
realize that I have done this to the Lover of my soul.
So, sisters...What are YOU serving your King? Is it your very best and freshest or are
you dragging out the leftovers?
Leftovers are never OK with God. He desires our whole hearts. Fresh and delivered
piping hot to His holy table each day. Yet, in His grace and mercy, He understand that
we are but dust and we do grow weary of the waiting. So God made a way for us to
revive our tired hearts to restore the freshness that the world would seek to destroy.
Jesus said “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28)
May we serve our King Jesus a beautiful, fresh and authentic platter of praise with a
delicious and heaping side of honor every day we live!
He is Holy. He is worthy of our VERY BEST!
I”m heading to the “grocery store of His Word” now... I hear His mercies are new
(FRESH) every morning! I need to stock up!
Let’s Pray...
Lord, Forgive me for the times I have served you the leftovers of my weary heart. You
deserve all of my praise and all of my heart and my obedience. I know that you are
willing and able to revive me when I am tired. I know that you are more than enough for
me. I know that you desire truth in the inmost places and that means you want my
authenticity which is precious to you. Help me to never serve you leftovers. I need you
to draw me deeper so that every day will be a new adventure with you. I desire for each
day to become a brand new menu of praise for You! I adore you, my King.
In the creative, inspiring name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
-Kim Dent
Little One
Give praise to the LORD, proclaim His name;
make known among the nations what He has done Ps. 105:1
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.
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
-Margaret Slabach
Don’t Feed the Wildlife
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
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...
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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)
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...
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!
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
"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
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
...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
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!
"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
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!
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)