This Said It All

1 Peter 4:8-11 New International Version (NIV) 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.  Peace, Kelly

In Need

Last night we had a wonderful revival service at our church.  Brother Cliff said something that struck me. He made a comment that we should give to others out of our own needs.   I began to think of what that really meant and  the things that I really “needed”; acceptance, love, forgiveness.  I began to realize that I was not the only one who needed these things.  And so out of my needs, grew a simple conviction; I was going to give what I needed not just some of the time, but all of the time.   

I need acceptance, therefore I will accept others.  I need love, therefore I will love others, I need forgiveness, therefore I will forgive others.  I need hope, therefore I will give hope to others.  The list could go on and on. Do you think that God may have some of His own needs? Maybe not, but I do believe He has His own wants and desires.    He desires for us to be close to Him so He is close to us.  He desires for us to seek Him, so He seeks us.  He desires for us to listen to Him, so He listens to us. He desires for us to love Him, so He loves us.  If you are like me, you get your “wants” and your “needs” mixed up from time to time.  Simple fact is, all we need is Jesus, and all He wants is us!

Peace,

Kelly

Let's Have A Talk

Sunday I had the privilege of sitting in on a wonderful Sunday school class at our church.  The topic was prayer and the lesson couldn’t have come at a better time for me.  I must admit that I struggle with praying.  We were all asked to pray for our upcoming revival for 30 minutes periods, and my time was late at night.  The last thing I wanted to do was pray..besides God knew what I was going to say anyway.  Why did I need to stop what I was doing, (or not doing like sleeping) and pray?  Against my will I sat down feeling like I was doing something out of obligation and tried to focus at the task at hand.  My heart was willing, but my mind was somewhere else.  Then I had an idea.  I like to write, why don’t I just write down what I was thinking.  Part of my problem (and guilt) was the fact that really hadn’t prayed to God for a while.  As our Sunday school teacher said, I was using God like a drive thru..expecting a fast order, and even faster service.  It was time I “went inside” and savored my requests.  So I began to write my letter to God.  I wrote and wrote!  I thanked Him, confessed to Him, told Him my needs and wants.  Before I knew it my 30 minutes turned into several pages of conversation with an old friend.  I realized through all of this that I was staying in touch with my children and husband better that I was staying in touch with God.  I talk with my girls everyday and miss it so much when they don’t call.  I should have that same desire and need to talk to God.  There are so many ways for us to stay in touch these days.  E-mail, cell phones, and yes the good old fashion way..letter writing.  Next time you don’t know what to say to God or you think it is useless because he already knows, stop and find your special way to communicate with Him.  He misses you like He missed me!

Peace,

Kelly

His Will His Way

I heard this phrase today as I was flicking stations on the TV.  A mindless act that I admit I do way too often.  Anyway, the words struck me.  His will, His way…I thought about the Lord’s Prayer.  How many times have I recited the words “His kingdom come, His will be done”?  A lot!  And what does that really mean?  His will be done?  Well it hit me.  It means what it says.  His will, not mine.  That’s a hard concept for a control freak like myself to accept.  Do you mean to tell me that I have to give up my right to control my own life and turn it over to God?  Wow.  Can I really do that?  Can you?  WE can!  We can let God take the burdens of everyday life off our shoulders and lay them on His.  We can allow Him to do some of the worrying.  All we have to do is trust.  Trust His will, and let Him do it His way!

Peace,

Kelly

The Spoken Cross

I was thinking of the upcoming Holiday season this morning..Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Hard to believe that a new year will be here before we know it.  Then a thought crossed my mind.  Easter..I love Easter.  I love it for the obvious reasons; the end of a cold winter and the beginning of Spring. There is nothing more exciting for me than to see the world come alive again with beautiful flowers and leaves.  Then I couldn’t help but think of what it really should be about..the cross, the “Spoken Cross”

Over 2000 years ago God spoke to his people once again.  It wasn’t through a flood, or the burning of a city, or even plagues of famine and death.  It was at the cross.  He sought us out, gave us another chance, and laid our sins on His son’s shoulders.  He loved us so much that He allowed His son to pay for what man did then, and what man still continues to do.  You know the old saying “actions speak louder than words”;  well the silence of the cross spoke louder than all the cries of the angels in Heaven that day so long ago.  It spoke of confusion, regret, and forgiveness.  It spoke of starting over and second chances.  It spoke of a love so great yet so misunderstood by some. And it spoke of coming to Him for eternal life.  The cross spoke through the blood stained wood and rusted nails.  It spoke through the crown of thorns and the sharpen spear.  It spoke through the laughter, the ridicule and the tears.  What are you saying today? What are you going to say tomorrow? What will you say when you see Christ for the first time?  The cross spoke for us, now it is time for us to speak for ourselves.  It is time to live each day as if it is a new Easter in our lives.  I hope not to carry the image of the broken cross with me in my heart, but rather the spoken cross that shouted out to the world, “You are forgiven”.  Speak loudly!

Peace,

Kelly

Accountability

Well so much for this blog holding me accountable. I started it a few months ago in hopes that I would be more intent in having a quiet time and sharing my thoughts with others. But time and others things got in my way. I can say I had a busy few months with two weddings (including my own) and moving, but aren't we all busy? Of course, but what a relief that God is never too busy for us! As I was reading in Romans this morning, I realized that not only will others hold me accountable, but more importantly, God will hold me accountable for actions (or lack of them) and deeds. Romans 14:12-13 also made me stop and look at myself. Even though I depend on others, or things of this world to make me do "what is right", I shouldn't depend on others, or things of this world. Makes sense? Well I guess we can have it both ways. However I need to remember that while I can turn to others for encouragement, and accountability, the responsibility lies with me and me alone. Jesus used the fellowship of his disciples for comfort and companionship at times, but he didn't depend on them to help him have a personal relationship with His Father. That was his desire and need. I hope that I can begin, continue, and live a life of accountability before Him on my own and in the company of follow believers

Peace,
Kelly