1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Sorry to say I've let life (and some bad choices on time management!) get in the way of blogging regularly. Can't believe it's been almost 2 months since my last blog - time flies! OK - on to the good stuff!
This verse has intrigued me for about 6 weeks now. I didn't understand the punishment part of it. When I dug into the Greek, the flood gates opened!
The Greek word for punishment (torment in the KJV) is "not enjoying love". Does that not blow your mind? "Perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with not enjoying love." I know I'm guilty of blaming other people for not loving me the way I think they should. But God has put this one back on me. How often do I get caught up in my own expectations, my own desires, my own circumstances and stuff that I completely miss how much God loves me and delights in me - even over the little things that I don't think will matter. He sees everything and is the only one who knows how the little things we think, say and do will impact others.
Don't hear what I'm not saying - I'm not saying "don't have expectations or desires and reactions and responses to life's circumstances and stuff". Experiencing those things lets us know that we're really living. Just don't let that stuff get in the way of you enjoying God's amazing, extravagant love for you.
So here's my question - Are you enjoying God's love for you? I mean really enjoying (to take pleasure or satisfaction in) God's love. If not, then take some time to rest there until you are enjoying His love. If you are, great job, but how are you going to abide there. This is definitely a choice that you alone can make.
Picture this: What does loving God fearlessly look like? (this is where you pull out your journal and write about the pictures and stuff that God gives you!)
For me, it's a picture of trust. God holding out his BIG hand and me resting in the middle of it. Trusting that He will be who he said he would be and do what he said he would do. Now, each situation in my life - the "resting" part is probably the hardest. Sometimes I have to wrestle with God in order to get to the resting place. Sometimes I go compliantly. Other times I don't rest and I miss out on taking in and enjoying His love because I'm so busy focusing on other stuff.
Next question - How do you love others? Do you love others fearlessly?
How about your spouse? How about your kids? How about the person at work that gets on your last nerve? What about the people that don't look or think like you?
Now, I'm not saying be stupid and give your heart to everyone! Ask God what this looks like (another journal opportunity!). If you're in an abusive relationship, then yes, you need to get out and not love your abuser fearlessly - leave that up to God - He's bigger! Loving others fearlessly to me means not expecting anything back - just giving and letting others enjoy the fact that they are loved by God becuase ultimately it's Christ's love through me that makes me even capable of loving others, much less loving others fearlessly with no thought of getting anything in return. This one to me is even harder than the first question. The good thing is that love is a fruit of the spirit - can only be done with and through Jesus!
Be brave! Be bold! Be you!
Love & Prayers,
Kim
Romans 15:13
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Clinging
Psalm 63:8 - My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.
It's funny how God grows us. I wrote a lot of what I'm about to share about a year ago. Recently God has expanded my picture of what clinging is and looks like.
I was having one of those sweet mornings. I had a few moments to read my Bible. My sleepy-eyed three-and-a-half year old little boy slowly walks to the living room and simply says, “Mommy, I want to hold you.” How can you resist that?! So, we snuggled on the couch, chatted for a bit, got breakfast and watched a little bit of TV. Then we got ready for school/daycare because mommy had to get to work. The meltdown began and continued intermittently until we got to the school parking lot. The message he kept giving me in his pathetic, little whiny voice was, “Mommy, I just want to hold you.”
It was just a rough morning, for both of us by this time. I told his teacher he was a bit clingy this morning. She started tickling him while I made my escape, which made me so sad.
Then as only our sweet Heavenly Father could do, He reminded me of what being clingy really means. So, I looked up the word “cling” in the dictionary. Here’s what it said:
1 a: to hold together b: to adhere as if glued firmly c: to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously 2 a: to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence
Wow! I thought how much I long for my children to cling to me, but how I want them to grow into strong, God-fearing, God-loving independent men. In our human-ness we can’t do or be both. However, God simply reminded me that clinging to Him is a great picture of what he wants our relationship to look like. He wants me to eat solid food, get more nutrients, take responsibility for my actions and attitude, but at the end of the day if I don’t cling to him, I have no strength – nothing to give.
So what does clinging to him look like? For me, it looks like this…
When I’m struggling with that sin that I keep choosing to do, I must cling to him to overcome its hold on me.
1. When I’m scared and uncertain about the future, I must cling to him because he holds the future. I must talk with him and listen to him so I know what my next steps will be.
2. When I’m overwhelmed with doing to much, I must cling to him and ask him what needs to go in my schedule and then refer to #1 so I can be obedient.
3. When I don’t know where to turn, turn to the one who knows the best directions and the best plans for you.
4. Take a look at all of Psalm 63 – It’s a good picture of clinging! All in all, it looks like a sweet child resting in her Father’s arms. Enjoying the time together. Savoring His presence.
5. Take a look at John 17:10-18. In verse 17 Jesus tells Mary Magdalene to stop clinging to him because he has not yet returned to the Father.
I noticed that sometimes I cling to so many other things than the One who oversees the universe. Other times I cling to parts of Jesus, but not the complete Jesus. This is what I mean - Mary Magdalene was clinging to a relationship with Jesus even though it wasn't complete. He still had to go be with the Father so the Holy Spirit could come for and be with us. Who or what are you clinging to? Are you clinging to a relationship the way you remember it or are you embracing the way the relationship really exists (or doesn't exist) now? It's hard to cling to the new normal or the new comfort zone. The more we know who Jesus is, the more we have to cling to.
Join me in the journey of living a life clinging to Jesus.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Despereaux
OK, it's been too long! Getting into the swing and trying to find my groove with my new normal - a husband, 2 boys and work. Did everything get more demanding while I wasn't looking? It's all good though!
I must say that right now my walk with God mirrors my kids. Ian is learning who is the boss and how to be a good listener and follow through with obedience. Ryan is starting to teeth, so full of pain and wanting to cry and scream. But then a moment later he is so full of pure joy and he gives you a big coo and the biggest smile ever. I'm amazed at the parallels our sweet Daddy gives us in life!
Speaking of parallels, last week's Bible study was on Hannah (quite appropriate for Mother's Day). While teaching, Scott asked, "What is your heart sorrowful about?" Then he talked about handing it over to God, just like Hannah did. I was struck with the hurt of my heart with missing my boys and just where life has us right now. It is good, it just hurts. There is such freedom when we hand our hurts over to our Daddy King. He's the only one that turns mourning to gladness and makes things new each morning.
Then my sweet sister, Traci, bought Ian a new movie and it has quicly become one of my favorites ever! The Tale of Despereaux tells the story about a brave mouse. http://www.thetaleofdespereauxmovie.com/splash/ He has been made for nobleness and is honorable, but everyone around him lives in fear. He's the one who breaks out and rescues the princess. It's awesome! So here's to freedom, boldness and fun in Jesus!
Be blessed!
Love & Prayers,
Kim
I must say that right now my walk with God mirrors my kids. Ian is learning who is the boss and how to be a good listener and follow through with obedience. Ryan is starting to teeth, so full of pain and wanting to cry and scream. But then a moment later he is so full of pure joy and he gives you a big coo and the biggest smile ever. I'm amazed at the parallels our sweet Daddy gives us in life!
Speaking of parallels, last week's Bible study was on Hannah (quite appropriate for Mother's Day). While teaching, Scott asked, "What is your heart sorrowful about?" Then he talked about handing it over to God, just like Hannah did. I was struck with the hurt of my heart with missing my boys and just where life has us right now. It is good, it just hurts. There is such freedom when we hand our hurts over to our Daddy King. He's the only one that turns mourning to gladness and makes things new each morning.
Then my sweet sister, Traci, bought Ian a new movie and it has quicly become one of my favorites ever! The Tale of Despereaux tells the story about a brave mouse. http://www.thetaleofdespereauxmovie.com/splash/ He has been made for nobleness and is honorable, but everyone around him lives in fear. He's the one who breaks out and rescues the princess. It's awesome! So here's to freedom, boldness and fun in Jesus!
Be blessed!
Love & Prayers,
Kim
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Picture This...
Over the weekend our sweet Father gave me a vision. So, I'm being obedient and putting the plans into place! I'll be adding a blog in the next few weeks titled: Picture This. It will be a series of topical blogs that will encourage journaling and asking God the hard question of "what does it look like" - hence the Picture This title.
Again, the timing of this makes no sense! I start back to work next week. What is He up to?
I have no idea what God will do with this or how it will bless and impact your walk, but I'm sure we'll all find out his plan together. I appreciate your prayers with this new adventure.
Love & Prayers,
Kim
Romans 15:13
Again, the timing of this makes no sense! I start back to work next week. What is He up to?
I have no idea what God will do with this or how it will bless and impact your walk, but I'm sure we'll all find out his plan together. I appreciate your prayers with this new adventure.
Love & Prayers,
Kim
Romans 15:13
Friday, April 3, 2009
Extravagant Love
Matthew 28: 20 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
My little Ian is having a hard time putting himself to sleep. Now I take my part of the responsibility for some bad habits at bed time. You see I lay in bed with him until he falls asleep. I’m the “sleep prop”. I was working on breaking this for a long time before Ryan was born. It all went out the window, when Ryan arrived. So now, we’re adjusting.
It appears that Wednesday morning Ian took comfort in knowing that I checked on him several times throughout the night (before I went to bed at 10:30, when I got up to feed Ryan at 3 and when I got up again at 5). When Scott woke up he asked Ian how he slept. Ian replied that he slept well and that his mommy checked on him a lot. When I was talking it over with Scott, I was almost brought to tears with the spiritual example.
You see I am only human and can only check on my son in his sleep physically when I can get to his room, one moment at a time. It is an intentional choice. God is omnipresent. He is present everywhere all the time intentionally. He purposely watches over me all the time everywhere I go. I am humbled. It’s hard to imagine or understand being loved that much, but we are. Father, thank you for loving me and all your daughters and sons so extravagantly. WOW!
When thinking of Abba Father’s extravagance, I’m reminded of an occasion that I was speaking with a small group of women. I had asked them to close their eyes and imagine themselves at the wedding feast celebration. I asked the question, “What are you wearing?” Unfortunately, a woman in the group answered that she was wearing rags. Her answer made me very sad. I understand where she was coming from. Maybe she thought she was being super-spiritual by seeing herself as unworthy of anything but rags. Here's the truth: Yes, we are deserving of rags, but our sweet Father chooses to give us so much more -- grace. Here's what it looks like: You see in Isaiah 61:1-4 and 10 is a promise to make our garments new. This is how I interpret the scripture. Once we become a daughter of the king, we are a princess. He adorns us with a gown made especially for us. Unfortunately, we will make bad choices (sin) which will result in stains or rips in our dress. We must go to God, who gave us the dress and made us and the dress, and confess our bad choice(s). When our Abba Father forgives us, he either cleans the dress, patches the dress or gives us a whole new one.
Always with us. Intentionally watching over us and caring for us. Making us more beautiful, like Him every day.
If you have a moment, listen to Casting Crowns' "Your Love is Extravagant" or Michael W. Smith's "Deep in Love with You" and dance with Jesus, the Lover of your soul.
WOW!
Love & Prayers,
Kim
My little Ian is having a hard time putting himself to sleep. Now I take my part of the responsibility for some bad habits at bed time. You see I lay in bed with him until he falls asleep. I’m the “sleep prop”. I was working on breaking this for a long time before Ryan was born. It all went out the window, when Ryan arrived. So now, we’re adjusting.
It appears that Wednesday morning Ian took comfort in knowing that I checked on him several times throughout the night (before I went to bed at 10:30, when I got up to feed Ryan at 3 and when I got up again at 5). When Scott woke up he asked Ian how he slept. Ian replied that he slept well and that his mommy checked on him a lot. When I was talking it over with Scott, I was almost brought to tears with the spiritual example.
You see I am only human and can only check on my son in his sleep physically when I can get to his room, one moment at a time. It is an intentional choice. God is omnipresent. He is present everywhere all the time intentionally. He purposely watches over me all the time everywhere I go. I am humbled. It’s hard to imagine or understand being loved that much, but we are. Father, thank you for loving me and all your daughters and sons so extravagantly. WOW!
When thinking of Abba Father’s extravagance, I’m reminded of an occasion that I was speaking with a small group of women. I had asked them to close their eyes and imagine themselves at the wedding feast celebration. I asked the question, “What are you wearing?” Unfortunately, a woman in the group answered that she was wearing rags. Her answer made me very sad. I understand where she was coming from. Maybe she thought she was being super-spiritual by seeing herself as unworthy of anything but rags. Here's the truth: Yes, we are deserving of rags, but our sweet Father chooses to give us so much more -- grace. Here's what it looks like: You see in Isaiah 61:1-4 and 10 is a promise to make our garments new. This is how I interpret the scripture. Once we become a daughter of the king, we are a princess. He adorns us with a gown made especially for us. Unfortunately, we will make bad choices (sin) which will result in stains or rips in our dress. We must go to God, who gave us the dress and made us and the dress, and confess our bad choice(s). When our Abba Father forgives us, he either cleans the dress, patches the dress or gives us a whole new one.
Always with us. Intentionally watching over us and caring for us. Making us more beautiful, like Him every day.
If you have a moment, listen to Casting Crowns' "Your Love is Extravagant" or Michael W. Smith's "Deep in Love with You" and dance with Jesus, the Lover of your soul.
WOW!
Love & Prayers,
Kim
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Mourning and Joy through the fear
Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Warning – I don’t want this message to be a downer – so work with me!
Mourning is part of life, just as death is. I’m struck today by the tragic story of actress Natasha Richardson. She was learning to ski on the bunny slope with her family in Canada. She fell, got up and was laughing about it and called it a day. About an hour later, she complained of a headache and now she’s braindead. No warning. No signs. Just like that. There are many others I’m sure that you know personally that are nearing the end of physical life here. I can think of two right now: Scott’s grandmother and a young woman, Jennifer, with 2 children and brain cancer.
We also mourn things in life: dreams, experiences, expectations and more. While I was pregnant with Ryan I remember telling Scott how bittersweet the last month of pregnancy is. It’s filled with anticipation of meeting this child and sadness because you’ve had this blessing all to yourself (I knew when he moved, kicked, punched, had the hiccups). I also knew that this would probably be the last time I’d experience it (I’m no spring chicken, you know!). Scott wisely shared, “Isn’t that the way it is with Heaven? Kind of bittersweet.” We long to be there to be in the presence of God, our Father and others who have gone on before us. But yet we don’t really want to leave this life either because we have family and friends to care for and share things with and dreams to dream and new adventures to experience.
I remember being a young, single woman living alone in my apartment. Sometimes I would get fearful of what could happen. Maybe I’d be raped and murdered (you know your imagination runs rampant with stuff like this). Then I’d snap back into reality and tell myself, “What’s the worse that could happen? I’d go to Heaven.” Although I understand that thought, it now makes me sad. Heaven is God’s answer to death and mourning. Heaven is joy, new adventure – it’s God! I now long for Heaven. Not in a way that I’m going to do something tragic to myself so I can go now, but just yearning to be in God’s presence with no distractions, total peace continuously – WOW!
The funny thing about mourning is that it proves we’re alive. When we mourn a dream, experience, job or expectations or whatever it may be, we have to own all the emotions involved in that situation and hand them over to God and say, “here they are. I don’t know what to do with them. Please take them and show me what things look like now.” We must feel them. We must go through those feelings and sort them out. Then our sweet Father delivers a new adventure. It’s an adventure that can generate new life and joy if we let God do what he wants to do.
Some things I’m mourning and the new adventures that go with them:
Date night with the love of my life, Scott = It will return shortly. It’s only gone for a short season.
More time with my little man, Ian = Intentionally dedicating time and planning activities with Ian
More time with my little man, Ryan = intentionally dedicating time and planning activities with Ryan
Being a stay-at-home mom = I get to live vicariously through Scott who will be a stay-at-home dad for a while.
The luxury of being a 2-income household = tightening our belt and trusting God a whole lot more!
Maternity leave = Returning to work and learning a new balancing act
Sleeping through the night = it’s only for a season (hopefully shorter than longer!)
The verse says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” If He makes me do it, it sounds like I’m not so willing to do it sometimes. I think we only become obedient through mourning our loss and then letting ourselves receive the joy that comes with the new life he gives.
I guess you could say it’s kind of like coming to know Jesus or really any transformation. The process is hard, scary and sometimes demanding. But at the end of the day, He does make things new every morning and joy is part of it.
What are you mourning today?
How do you feel about it? What are you feeling?
How is God bringing joy through it? (and it’s ok if you don’t know yet, just be anticipating the joy because he promised it.)
Warning – I don’t want this message to be a downer – so work with me!
Mourning is part of life, just as death is. I’m struck today by the tragic story of actress Natasha Richardson. She was learning to ski on the bunny slope with her family in Canada. She fell, got up and was laughing about it and called it a day. About an hour later, she complained of a headache and now she’s braindead. No warning. No signs. Just like that. There are many others I’m sure that you know personally that are nearing the end of physical life here. I can think of two right now: Scott’s grandmother and a young woman, Jennifer, with 2 children and brain cancer.
We also mourn things in life: dreams, experiences, expectations and more. While I was pregnant with Ryan I remember telling Scott how bittersweet the last month of pregnancy is. It’s filled with anticipation of meeting this child and sadness because you’ve had this blessing all to yourself (I knew when he moved, kicked, punched, had the hiccups). I also knew that this would probably be the last time I’d experience it (I’m no spring chicken, you know!). Scott wisely shared, “Isn’t that the way it is with Heaven? Kind of bittersweet.” We long to be there to be in the presence of God, our Father and others who have gone on before us. But yet we don’t really want to leave this life either because we have family and friends to care for and share things with and dreams to dream and new adventures to experience.
I remember being a young, single woman living alone in my apartment. Sometimes I would get fearful of what could happen. Maybe I’d be raped and murdered (you know your imagination runs rampant with stuff like this). Then I’d snap back into reality and tell myself, “What’s the worse that could happen? I’d go to Heaven.” Although I understand that thought, it now makes me sad. Heaven is God’s answer to death and mourning. Heaven is joy, new adventure – it’s God! I now long for Heaven. Not in a way that I’m going to do something tragic to myself so I can go now, but just yearning to be in God’s presence with no distractions, total peace continuously – WOW!
The funny thing about mourning is that it proves we’re alive. When we mourn a dream, experience, job or expectations or whatever it may be, we have to own all the emotions involved in that situation and hand them over to God and say, “here they are. I don’t know what to do with them. Please take them and show me what things look like now.” We must feel them. We must go through those feelings and sort them out. Then our sweet Father delivers a new adventure. It’s an adventure that can generate new life and joy if we let God do what he wants to do.
Some things I’m mourning and the new adventures that go with them:
Date night with the love of my life, Scott = It will return shortly. It’s only gone for a short season.
More time with my little man, Ian = Intentionally dedicating time and planning activities with Ian
More time with my little man, Ryan = intentionally dedicating time and planning activities with Ryan
Being a stay-at-home mom = I get to live vicariously through Scott who will be a stay-at-home dad for a while.
The luxury of being a 2-income household = tightening our belt and trusting God a whole lot more!
Maternity leave = Returning to work and learning a new balancing act
Sleeping through the night = it’s only for a season (hopefully shorter than longer!)
The verse says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” If He makes me do it, it sounds like I’m not so willing to do it sometimes. I think we only become obedient through mourning our loss and then letting ourselves receive the joy that comes with the new life he gives.
I guess you could say it’s kind of like coming to know Jesus or really any transformation. The process is hard, scary and sometimes demanding. But at the end of the day, He does make things new every morning and joy is part of it.
What are you mourning today?
How do you feel about it? What are you feeling?
How is God bringing joy through it? (and it’s ok if you don’t know yet, just be anticipating the joy because he promised it.)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Resting through the fear
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Well, we're adjusting to our "new normal" after baby Ryan arrived with a grand adventure on February 3, 2009! All is well here and I'm trying to get back in the groove of things in between naps, feedings and normal chaos.
Our sweet Father had a nice chat with me today. I use the term nice loosely... it was really one of his grace-filled, gentle scoldings. I love how you can be scolded yet encouraged at the same time. It's a God thing!
Anyway, as many of you know, our family has grown with the birth of Ryan about 5.5 weeks ago. My husband, Scott, was laid off in October and has yet to find any job that would be feasible to have 2 kids in day care. Since this journey began last fall, we've seen the hand of God deliver, provide, reassure and WOW us daily. We're keeping a long list of God moments from this season to show the boys and remind us of His power.
Speaking of that, it's funny how much like an Israelite I am. Scott and I were talking today about a situation that at this moment has no definitive solutions. Those types of situations (you know the ones that you can't develop a planned strategy to solve the problem) just make me anxious. So, I was operating in the flesh with this situation and then the enemy saw an opportunity to tack another one on. I started to fret about the pending medical bills, which we haven't even received yet. The Holy Spirit quickly brought Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:6 to my mind. Immediately, our sweet Father questioned me, "Why don't you trust me with these things? Haven't I been faithful so far? Trust me!"
Today's verse choice is really all about trusting. It's fun to see how this blog is transorming from a focus on fear to trusting God. Hmmm... maybe that was the point! I remember really digging into this verse (1 Thess. 4:11) and not liking the idea that I had to lead a quiet life. I'm an enthusiastic talker and the thought of being quiet sounded boring to me. So I really struggled with this verse. Then I looked up the Greek word for quiet and it means peaceful or at rest. Praise Jesus! It made so much more sense. The more I trust Him, the more at peace I am which ultimately results people who don't know Him seeing Him through me. And I come to the understanding and freedom that I am dependent on no one but Jesus himself.
I'm reminded of the verses in Luke that describe the vine and branches. It's a great picture of surrender, rest and trust. I'm trying to live there more each day!
Be bold! Be brave! Be you!
Love & Prayers
Kim
Well, we're adjusting to our "new normal" after baby Ryan arrived with a grand adventure on February 3, 2009! All is well here and I'm trying to get back in the groove of things in between naps, feedings and normal chaos.
Our sweet Father had a nice chat with me today. I use the term nice loosely... it was really one of his grace-filled, gentle scoldings. I love how you can be scolded yet encouraged at the same time. It's a God thing!
Anyway, as many of you know, our family has grown with the birth of Ryan about 5.5 weeks ago. My husband, Scott, was laid off in October and has yet to find any job that would be feasible to have 2 kids in day care. Since this journey began last fall, we've seen the hand of God deliver, provide, reassure and WOW us daily. We're keeping a long list of God moments from this season to show the boys and remind us of His power.
Speaking of that, it's funny how much like an Israelite I am. Scott and I were talking today about a situation that at this moment has no definitive solutions. Those types of situations (you know the ones that you can't develop a planned strategy to solve the problem) just make me anxious. So, I was operating in the flesh with this situation and then the enemy saw an opportunity to tack another one on. I started to fret about the pending medical bills, which we haven't even received yet. The Holy Spirit quickly brought Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:6 to my mind. Immediately, our sweet Father questioned me, "Why don't you trust me with these things? Haven't I been faithful so far? Trust me!"
Today's verse choice is really all about trusting. It's fun to see how this blog is transorming from a focus on fear to trusting God. Hmmm... maybe that was the point! I remember really digging into this verse (1 Thess. 4:11) and not liking the idea that I had to lead a quiet life. I'm an enthusiastic talker and the thought of being quiet sounded boring to me. So I really struggled with this verse. Then I looked up the Greek word for quiet and it means peaceful or at rest. Praise Jesus! It made so much more sense. The more I trust Him, the more at peace I am which ultimately results people who don't know Him seeing Him through me. And I come to the understanding and freedom that I am dependent on no one but Jesus himself.
I'm reminded of the verses in Luke that describe the vine and branches. It's a great picture of surrender, rest and trust. I'm trying to live there more each day!
Be bold! Be brave! Be you!
Love & Prayers
Kim
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