Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
HE ALWAYS DOES THIS...
Yesterday, I was reading through 1 Corinthians and came across this verse (17:7, The Message):
"And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life."
Don't you hate it when you're trying to be a good (maybe sometimes a little too mundane and complacent) Christian doing the everyday religious thing and God comes along and pimp slaps you in the face with Truth? It hurts like hell. But afterward, that raw, fresh, burning sensation somehow feels so good.
"And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life."
Don't you hate it when you're trying to be a good (maybe sometimes a little too mundane and complacent) Christian doing the everyday religious thing and God comes along and pimp slaps you in the face with Truth? It hurts like hell. But afterward, that raw, fresh, burning sensation somehow feels so good.
Friday, October 19, 2007
"THEY TRY TO MAKE ME GO TO REHAB, BUT I SAY, 'NO, NO, NO...'"
Almost as bad as Britney Spear's needs a few people to take away her crack pipe and smack some sense into her, I also need some serious intervention. I thought I had controlled my outrageous obsession last year...keeping it under wraps for most of the season, but it's back in 2007 with a vengeance.
For the past week, my ear buds have been glued to my head at least 9 hours out of each day. What have I been listening to, you ask? Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Doris Day, Mariah Carey...all warming my soul with the sounds of Christmas. And it's only mid-October!
Someone help. It's gotten so bad that I've thought many times of moving the date on my calendar that I plan to decorate my home for Christmas up to mid-November. Nay, I say....I'm trying to hold out at least until November 30. Friends, keep me in check, please.
For the past week, my ear buds have been glued to my head at least 9 hours out of each day. What have I been listening to, you ask? Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Doris Day, Mariah Carey...all warming my soul with the sounds of Christmas. And it's only mid-October!
Someone help. It's gotten so bad that I've thought many times of moving the date on my calendar that I plan to decorate my home for Christmas up to mid-November. Nay, I say....I'm trying to hold out at least until November 30. Friends, keep me in check, please.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
HOGWASH
"The 10 Best Things About Being Single"
By Wendy Bolton-Floyd and Judy Bolton
Singles often feel left out in our couple-driven society. Whenever you're tempted to feel down because of your singularity, remember these reasons why flying solo can be the best way to go:
1) You can make last-minute plans with your friends and stay out all night if you want.
2) You can lie on both sides of your bed and have all the covers to yourself.
3) You can flirt with the opposite sex without someone say, "Who are you looking at?"
4) You can make your own decisions.
5) You don't have to remember your significant other's birthday or anniversary.
6) You have no one to clean up after.
7) You can leave the toilet seat permanently up if you're a man, or permanently down if you're a woman.
8) You can make a list of things you always wanted to do...and actually do them.
9) You can listen to your favorite radio station in the car.
10) You can actually hold on to the remote control.
https://dating.personals.yahoo.com | September 19, 2007
By Wendy Bolton-Floyd and Judy Bolton
Singles often feel left out in our couple-driven society. Whenever you're tempted to feel down because of your singularity, remember these reasons why flying solo can be the best way to go:
1) You can make last-minute plans with your friends and stay out all night if you want.
2) You can lie on both sides of your bed and have all the covers to yourself.
3) You can flirt with the opposite sex without someone say, "Who are you looking at?"
4) You can make your own decisions.
5) You don't have to remember your significant other's birthday or anniversary.
6) You have no one to clean up after.
7) You can leave the toilet seat permanently up if you're a man, or permanently down if you're a woman.
8) You can make a list of things you always wanted to do...and actually do them.
9) You can listen to your favorite radio station in the car.
10) You can actually hold on to the remote control.
https://dating.personals.yahoo.com | September 19, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
Two Sightings in One Day
As Chuck, Whitney, and I headed to get some ice cream tonight, we got to experience another local celebrity sighting (two in one day for me)--the Belmont midget in the flesh (God bless his soul). :)
Celebrity Sighting
So...today I had to go to the Cingular store in Franklin (just 5 minutes from my job) to get my number changed. Apparently, my apartment peeps won't issue me a code to give out to family and friends so they can enter the gated complex without a number that has a 615 area code.
I went over my lunch break, so I was trying to make it quick before a 1:00 PM meeting. I got there around 12:15, and was immediately greeted by a nice young gentleman with an Australian accent at the counter. He pointed me to a representative down the way who quickly started the process to change my number.
During this time, I did happen to notice a guy walk in right behind me and come to rest at the counter just two feet to the left of me. He didn't waste time telling the sales associate that he wanted two iPhones with all the accessories. She quickly rang him up and blurted out a grand total of more than $900. He didn't blink an eye at the heavy price.
Immediately I thought to myself..."This guy must be a rich music producer or something of that nature."
Sure enough, in order to find out his identity, the sales associate said, "May I have your first name?"
The trendy fella with a chic faux-hawk and camo pants said, "Jeremy."
"May I have your last name?" she asked.
Without hesitation, he replied, "Camp."
A lightbulb went off in my head. Jeremy "Stinkin'" Camp? My eyes got as big as silver dollars and the 2-3 sales associates standing behind the counter noticed my reaction. They started snickering. It must've been a little too obvious.
He swiped his card and took off quickly with his purchase. But not before cordially thanking the sales associates and giving me a quick nod and a quiet "hello."
Upon his exit, the girl helping me out behind the counter said, "That's nothing. You just missed Carrie Underwood in here 45 minutes ago."
I love the Nashville area already. I think my shock and awe at wandering celebrities will wane in the near future. Hopefully.
I went over my lunch break, so I was trying to make it quick before a 1:00 PM meeting. I got there around 12:15, and was immediately greeted by a nice young gentleman with an Australian accent at the counter. He pointed me to a representative down the way who quickly started the process to change my number.
During this time, I did happen to notice a guy walk in right behind me and come to rest at the counter just two feet to the left of me. He didn't waste time telling the sales associate that he wanted two iPhones with all the accessories. She quickly rang him up and blurted out a grand total of more than $900. He didn't blink an eye at the heavy price.
Immediately I thought to myself..."This guy must be a rich music producer or something of that nature."
Sure enough, in order to find out his identity, the sales associate said, "May I have your first name?"
The trendy fella with a chic faux-hawk and camo pants said, "Jeremy."
"May I have your last name?" she asked.
Without hesitation, he replied, "Camp."
A lightbulb went off in my head. Jeremy "Stinkin'" Camp? My eyes got as big as silver dollars and the 2-3 sales associates standing behind the counter noticed my reaction. They started snickering. It must've been a little too obvious.
He swiped his card and took off quickly with his purchase. But not before cordially thanking the sales associates and giving me a quick nod and a quiet "hello."
Upon his exit, the girl helping me out behind the counter said, "That's nothing. You just missed Carrie Underwood in here 45 minutes ago."
I love the Nashville area already. I think my shock and awe at wandering celebrities will wane in the near future. Hopefully.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Waiting
My mom sent me this devotional a couple of months ago when I was going through some tough stuff in my job and really looking to move on. I love it. I'm such an impatient person--I always have been--so this is perfect advice for me put to good use on a consistent basis.
———————————————
Waiting is hard for me. I want answers now. Postponements perplex me; deferrals daunt me. I’m baffled by God’s delays, wondering why and when. “How long, O Lord?”
The prophet Habakkuk wanted answers as well, but God chose to take His time. “I will stand my watch . . . to see what [God] will say to me,” Habakkuk wrote (2:1).
“The vision is yet for an appointed time,” God replied. “Wait for it; because it will surely come” (v.3).
Faith never gives up. It knows that despite appearances, all is well. It can wait without signs or significant indications that God is at work, because it is sure of Him. “Each delay is perfectly fine, for we are within the safe hands of God,” said Madame Guyon (1648–1717).
We too must learn to view each delay as if it were “perfectly fine.” Postponements are reasons to pray rather than grow anxious, impatient, and annoyed. They’re opportunities for God to build those imperishable but hard-to-acquire qualities of humility, patience, serenity, and strength.
God never says, “Wait awhile,” unless He is planning to do something in our situation—or in us. He waits to be gracious. So take heart! If God’s answer tarries, “Wait for it; because it will surely come.”
—David H. Roper
Soon shall the morning gild
The dark horizon rim,
Thy heart’s desire shall be fulfilled—
“Wait patiently for Him.”
—Havergal
———————————————
Waiting is hard for me. I want answers now. Postponements perplex me; deferrals daunt me. I’m baffled by God’s delays, wondering why and when. “How long, O Lord?”
The prophet Habakkuk wanted answers as well, but God chose to take His time. “I will stand my watch . . . to see what [God] will say to me,” Habakkuk wrote (2:1).
“The vision is yet for an appointed time,” God replied. “Wait for it; because it will surely come” (v.3).
Faith never gives up. It knows that despite appearances, all is well. It can wait without signs or significant indications that God is at work, because it is sure of Him. “Each delay is perfectly fine, for we are within the safe hands of God,” said Madame Guyon (1648–1717).
We too must learn to view each delay as if it were “perfectly fine.” Postponements are reasons to pray rather than grow anxious, impatient, and annoyed. They’re opportunities for God to build those imperishable but hard-to-acquire qualities of humility, patience, serenity, and strength.
God never says, “Wait awhile,” unless He is planning to do something in our situation—or in us. He waits to be gracious. So take heart! If God’s answer tarries, “Wait for it; because it will surely come.”
—David H. Roper
Soon shall the morning gild
The dark horizon rim,
Thy heart’s desire shall be fulfilled—
“Wait patiently for Him.”
—Havergal
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Move to Nashvegas
NOTE: If the information below is too much for you to read in one sitting, then take it in slowly. Allow yourself breaks and come back to it later.
So, leaving Sugar Land was a little harder than I thought it would be. I can't believe I only lived there one year and one month. It feels like so much more time was spent in that part of Texas. But having looked back and reviewed how life has been over the past year, I realized that God orchestrated some amazing things in my life...
I met some incredible people that quickly became my family and whom I will miss with every fiber of my being:
Stephanie Click (and Piper, Avery, and Don)
My closest confidant, my kindred spirit, and beautiful mother of the two most precious kids I've ever encountered. Stephanie became like a sister to me—making it so much more pleasurable in Houston away from family and friends;
The Comm Team (Dustin, Fones, Hector, Jason, H.R., Steph, Rusty [even during the short three months he was with us])
My family away from my family. I can't imagine working with a better group of people. Even now, I miss the community we shared as Christians and co-workers. They are and forever will be some of the most creative, godly individuals I've ever met;
Adam Ellis & Will Colbert
Truly two amazing friends to me while I lived in Houston. I would have been a very lonely girl had it not been for these two;
Stephen and Amanda Miller
My spiritual mentors, hangout buddies, and great friends that counseled, encouraged, and lifted me up through some confusing times;
Pat Conner
Whether she knew it or not, she was a spiritual mentor/counselor to me and is one of the godliest ladies I know.
Nancy Curtis
Like a mother to me, she always made me feel like I was valued and loved. She prayed for me often, listened when things were rough, and showered me with love and attention when life was good;
Diann Hamilton
It didn't take long before I found out that I had a friend, encourager, mother, etc. all wrapped up in this wonderful lady. I love her with my whole heart and will miss her dearly!
Melissa Tirey
Women's Minister at Sugar Creek, she didn't just do her job as a staff member of the church because I'm a woman. We truly connected on a deeper level and I now feel as though I've made an amazing friend in her.
I got to be a part of the praise and worship team at church (thanks to Stephen Miller)--something I've always wanted to do, even if for just a short amount of time.
I gained valuable experience in communications--more specifically a crash-course in being a writer, editor, project manager, and director of communications all wrapped up in one and topped off with a not-so-confusing title--Communications Specialist. Makes sense, right?
I also learned what kind of leader I want to be in the future—very important to know.
And most importantly, I learned what it means to be completely broken and dependent upon the Lord. I think I could even probably be smashed and crumbled a little more, but before I moved to Houston, I was no where near the place where God has brought me today.
Before my move to Houston, my only satisfaction and joy came from my family and friends. I couldn't do anything apart from them. But I knew God was calling me to Houston.
For months, I fought and cried and begged and pleaded with Him to open up an amazing position in Dallas so that I could remain close to those I loved. But God said, "Kaylan, you've got to obey me. And I'm telling you to go to Sugar Land."
I remember wailing to my mom in the hotel room after my second interview. I begged her to talk to God for me and convince Him that I needed to stay back home in Dallas. But, my family and friends knew just as well as I did that I had to make this move.
After the move, I can remember reaching the most lonely state in my life. There were nights when I would lie on my living room floor and ball my eyes out asking God why He brought me to that awful place. But soon, I realized that those nights featuring the wailing and gnashing of teeth were becoming a blessing.
I found myself praising the Lord instead of screaming out my frustrations at Him. And it was in those times that I knew I'd never felt the presence of the Lord closer.I can now see why God did what He did.
If He hadn't called me to Houston, then I never would've experienced any of these people or things—even though some of the issues I faced were very tough to handle. God had to take me though that process of brokenness.
He is all-knowing and ever-present and worthy to be praised!
Last night, I went to Kairos--a mid-week worship service/Bible study for around 800+ young adults (mostly single), ages 23-35 (with a few others mixed in). It was amazing. The music was amazing. The teaching was amazing. The fellowship was amazing. Today is only day two, but I'm feeling good and I'm seeing God's abundant blessings being poured out all around me.
I'm very excited to be here. I love the people. I love the music. I love the area. I love it all. And I know that God is going to do great things in this new chapter of my life. I have a really good feeling about this place. I think I'm gonna like it here—ALOT.
So, leaving Sugar Land was a little harder than I thought it would be. I can't believe I only lived there one year and one month. It feels like so much more time was spent in that part of Texas. But having looked back and reviewed how life has been over the past year, I realized that God orchestrated some amazing things in my life...
I met some incredible people that quickly became my family and whom I will miss with every fiber of my being:
Stephanie Click (and Piper, Avery, and Don)
My closest confidant, my kindred spirit, and beautiful mother of the two most precious kids I've ever encountered. Stephanie became like a sister to me—making it so much more pleasurable in Houston away from family and friends;
The Comm Team (Dustin, Fones, Hector, Jason, H.R., Steph, Rusty [even during the short three months he was with us])
My family away from my family. I can't imagine working with a better group of people. Even now, I miss the community we shared as Christians and co-workers. They are and forever will be some of the most creative, godly individuals I've ever met;
Adam Ellis & Will Colbert
Truly two amazing friends to me while I lived in Houston. I would have been a very lonely girl had it not been for these two;
Stephen and Amanda Miller
My spiritual mentors, hangout buddies, and great friends that counseled, encouraged, and lifted me up through some confusing times;
Pat Conner
Whether she knew it or not, she was a spiritual mentor/counselor to me and is one of the godliest ladies I know.
Nancy Curtis
Like a mother to me, she always made me feel like I was valued and loved. She prayed for me often, listened when things were rough, and showered me with love and attention when life was good;
Diann Hamilton
It didn't take long before I found out that I had a friend, encourager, mother, etc. all wrapped up in this wonderful lady. I love her with my whole heart and will miss her dearly!
Melissa Tirey
Women's Minister at Sugar Creek, she didn't just do her job as a staff member of the church because I'm a woman. We truly connected on a deeper level and I now feel as though I've made an amazing friend in her.
I got to be a part of the praise and worship team at church (thanks to Stephen Miller)--something I've always wanted to do, even if for just a short amount of time.
I gained valuable experience in communications--more specifically a crash-course in being a writer, editor, project manager, and director of communications all wrapped up in one and topped off with a not-so-confusing title--Communications Specialist. Makes sense, right?
I also learned what kind of leader I want to be in the future—very important to know.
And most importantly, I learned what it means to be completely broken and dependent upon the Lord. I think I could even probably be smashed and crumbled a little more, but before I moved to Houston, I was no where near the place where God has brought me today.
Before my move to Houston, my only satisfaction and joy came from my family and friends. I couldn't do anything apart from them. But I knew God was calling me to Houston.
For months, I fought and cried and begged and pleaded with Him to open up an amazing position in Dallas so that I could remain close to those I loved. But God said, "Kaylan, you've got to obey me. And I'm telling you to go to Sugar Land."
I remember wailing to my mom in the hotel room after my second interview. I begged her to talk to God for me and convince Him that I needed to stay back home in Dallas. But, my family and friends knew just as well as I did that I had to make this move.
After the move, I can remember reaching the most lonely state in my life. There were nights when I would lie on my living room floor and ball my eyes out asking God why He brought me to that awful place. But soon, I realized that those nights featuring the wailing and gnashing of teeth were becoming a blessing.
I found myself praising the Lord instead of screaming out my frustrations at Him. And it was in those times that I knew I'd never felt the presence of the Lord closer.I can now see why God did what He did.
If He hadn't called me to Houston, then I never would've experienced any of these people or things—even though some of the issues I faced were very tough to handle. God had to take me though that process of brokenness.
He is all-knowing and ever-present and worthy to be praised!
Last night, I went to Kairos--a mid-week worship service/Bible study for around 800+ young adults (mostly single), ages 23-35 (with a few others mixed in). It was amazing. The music was amazing. The teaching was amazing. The fellowship was amazing. Today is only day two, but I'm feeling good and I'm seeing God's abundant blessings being poured out all around me.
I'm very excited to be here. I love the people. I love the music. I love the area. I love it all. And I know that God is going to do great things in this new chapter of my life. I have a really good feeling about this place. I think I'm gonna like it here—ALOT.
Thursday, May 4, 2006
Canine Parenting
Here are some senseless ramblings about life with my new pup--Princess Mia Antionette Thermopolous Renaldi Christopher (aka Mia, for short):
1. This is the last time... I mean it. If my little puppy doesn't stop chewing on everything is sight, it's going to drive me insane! I know that she's teething, but I've given her chew toys, rubber bones, blah, blah, blah...and she still goes straight for my heels first. Then the carpet, the laundry, Kirby's tail...anything she can get her little mouth on.
So far, she's destroyed four pairs of my shoes: Kenneth Coles, Sam & Libby's, Payless, and some flip flops. And even after I GAVE her the pair of Payless shoes to continue destroying...she still went after my expensive duds.
2. We have been working non-stop on this potty training thing. I finally found some treats she will eat and decided to use this tactic on teaching her to go to the bathroom outside instead of in the apt. While she's become very good at understanding that she'll get a treat when she follows through with "sit," "down," and "no bite, give kisses," she still doesn't understand that pottying outside equals lots of praise and a tasty treat. Maybe she'll get it someday...
3. Most all of my friends and family know that I am a PERFECTIONIST when it comes to the cleanliness of my apt. I'm actually borderline OCD and pratically a freak about how clean I can get it and how good I can make it smell.
Well, needless to say, I walked in the other day from running errands and I got my first whif of....you guessed it...dog pee. It smelled throughout the entire house from what I could tell. I was devastated. I had to sit down, analyze the situation, and almost started crying in the process. So I got down on my hands and knees and scrubbed my carpet until my back ached. Still no good, though. My place still smells like urine. So as a result, I'm using carpet powder, Glade plug-ins, and burning candles 24/7 these days.
4. I really couldn't be happier about my little birthday present. She is the best companion and has such a sweet personality. She never meets a stranger, which is good for meeting new people when we go to shop at PetSmart or anywhere else. :) She is always at my heels and always wants to be loved. Who needs a man when you've got a dog that adores you, right?
5. And finally...I have become obsessed with my dog's hygiene. She gets a bath every other day (and yes, I do put bows in her hair), I carry baby wipes with me for unexpected mishaps, and she has her own drawer filled with a few outfits, ribbon for her hair, her brush, toys, and treats. I know...it's sad and I'm extremely ashamed of myself.
I just had to share my frustrations and joys in parenting. So, is this what being a parent to a small child is like? If so, then I'll take back what I said about being ready for a family right now. Mia is more than enough for me to handle at this point in my life. I'm starting to appreciate my singleness more and more.
I think I'll go shopping now...thank goodness I don't have to call in a babysitter for my canine daughter...
1. This is the last time... I mean it. If my little puppy doesn't stop chewing on everything is sight, it's going to drive me insane! I know that she's teething, but I've given her chew toys, rubber bones, blah, blah, blah...and she still goes straight for my heels first. Then the carpet, the laundry, Kirby's tail...anything she can get her little mouth on.
So far, she's destroyed four pairs of my shoes: Kenneth Coles, Sam & Libby's, Payless, and some flip flops. And even after I GAVE her the pair of Payless shoes to continue destroying...she still went after my expensive duds.
2. We have been working non-stop on this potty training thing. I finally found some treats she will eat and decided to use this tactic on teaching her to go to the bathroom outside instead of in the apt. While she's become very good at understanding that she'll get a treat when she follows through with "sit," "down," and "no bite, give kisses," she still doesn't understand that pottying outside equals lots of praise and a tasty treat. Maybe she'll get it someday...
3. Most all of my friends and family know that I am a PERFECTIONIST when it comes to the cleanliness of my apt. I'm actually borderline OCD and pratically a freak about how clean I can get it and how good I can make it smell.
Well, needless to say, I walked in the other day from running errands and I got my first whif of....you guessed it...dog pee. It smelled throughout the entire house from what I could tell. I was devastated. I had to sit down, analyze the situation, and almost started crying in the process. So I got down on my hands and knees and scrubbed my carpet until my back ached. Still no good, though. My place still smells like urine. So as a result, I'm using carpet powder, Glade plug-ins, and burning candles 24/7 these days.
4. I really couldn't be happier about my little birthday present. She is the best companion and has such a sweet personality. She never meets a stranger, which is good for meeting new people when we go to shop at PetSmart or anywhere else. :) She is always at my heels and always wants to be loved. Who needs a man when you've got a dog that adores you, right?
5. And finally...I have become obsessed with my dog's hygiene. She gets a bath every other day (and yes, I do put bows in her hair), I carry baby wipes with me for unexpected mishaps, and she has her own drawer filled with a few outfits, ribbon for her hair, her brush, toys, and treats. I know...it's sad and I'm extremely ashamed of myself.
I just had to share my frustrations and joys in parenting. So, is this what being a parent to a small child is like? If so, then I'll take back what I said about being ready for a family right now. Mia is more than enough for me to handle at this point in my life. I'm starting to appreciate my singleness more and more.
I think I'll go shopping now...thank goodness I don't have to call in a babysitter for my canine daughter...
Monday, March 27, 2006
Every moment...
In happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
In difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
In quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
In painful moments, TRUST GOD.
In every moment, THANK GOD.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Detours
I was searching through my Bible this morning and found a comic strip stuck in the pages that a very dear friend mailed to me a year ago when I was going through a difficult time. It is so profound for my life right now:
"Along our path of life we get a series of detours and we all get frustrated and impatient when we feel we have to leave the path we've chosen. But what if the real path of life is really made up of all these detours and instead of learning the real lessons of life, we miss them because we were too busy being frustrated and impatient!"
Good point...
"Along our path of life we get a series of detours and we all get frustrated and impatient when we feel we have to leave the path we've chosen. But what if the real path of life is really made up of all these detours and instead of learning the real lessons of life, we miss them because we were too busy being frustrated and impatient!"
Good point...
Thursday, February 23, 2006
El Shaddai...All-Sufficient God
This has become my daily ritual. I'm up again at 4 a.m. praying and praising. I opened my Bible and found this:
The Power of God in His Deliverance of Israel
Psalm 114
When Israel went out of Egypt,
The house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
Judah became His sanctuary,
And Israel His dominion.
The sea saw it and fled;
Jordan turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
The little hills like lambs.
What ails you, O sea, that you fled?
O Jordan, that you turned back?
O mountains, that you skipped like rams?
O little hills, like lambs?
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
At the presence of the God of Jacob,
Who turned the rock into a pool of water,
The flint into a fountain of waters.
This psalm spoke to me so clearly of God's mighty and wonderful deliverance of His people. The sidenotes in my Bible say, "The Lord delivered them from bondage in Egypt, He parted the sea as they came out of Egypt, and He parted the Jordan River when they entered the Promised Land."
Sometimes in our lives, God has to deliver us from a situation...even though it may be a painful experience. There are times when He must pluck us out of our situations in order that we might see His majesty and tremble in awe of His power and presence.
I woke up this morning and God reminded me for the 47th time, "Kaylan, I am El Shaddai...I am All-Sufficient. I am much bigger than what you give Me credit for. Look at what I've done: I've parted the waters so my people could safely cross, I've turned a rock into a pool of water, I've raised a dead man from the grave. Do you not believe I can work a miracle in your life as well?"
Genesis 17:1-2 says, "Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, 'I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.'"
If anyone needed to know and understand El Shaddai, it was Abram. He and Sarah were childless, yet God had promised to bless him and give him an inheritance. But instead of waiting on God, Abram took matters into his own hands with a handmaid, Hagar.
Abraham moved forward on his own and didn't wait on the Lord. He didn't fully trust that God would fulfill His promise, so he found a temporary fix until the Lord was ready to come through for him.
Some time later, God finally revealed Himself to Abram as "El Shaddai" and commanded him to walk before Him and live blamelessly. In her book, Lord, I Want To Know You, Kay Arthur says, "God [gave] Himself to Abram, and then Abram perfectly [gave] himself to God, and by God [Abram was] made fruitful."
I have been struggling with whether or not I should move forward on my own to temporarily "fix" my situation or wait on God to fulfill His promises and plan for my life. I think I've found my answer.
All of my rambling just goes to show that I am finally recognizing what God is teaching me through all of this: He has delivered me from my situation, He is still the great I AM that works miracles today just as He has since before time began, He is my All-Sufficient Protector during this time of desperation, and I am to wait on Him to fulfill His promises in my life.
So for now...I am going to claim Genesis 17:1 (among the many other verses I've claimed thus far) and recognize that He is saying to me right now just as He did thousands of years ago to Abraham, "I am God Almighty...El Shaddai. Don't forget that. Walk before Me by faith and be blameless."
The Power of God in His Deliverance of Israel
Psalm 114
When Israel went out of Egypt,
The house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
Judah became His sanctuary,
And Israel His dominion.
The sea saw it and fled;
Jordan turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
The little hills like lambs.
What ails you, O sea, that you fled?
O Jordan, that you turned back?
O mountains, that you skipped like rams?
O little hills, like lambs?
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
At the presence of the God of Jacob,
Who turned the rock into a pool of water,
The flint into a fountain of waters.
This psalm spoke to me so clearly of God's mighty and wonderful deliverance of His people. The sidenotes in my Bible say, "The Lord delivered them from bondage in Egypt, He parted the sea as they came out of Egypt, and He parted the Jordan River when they entered the Promised Land."
Sometimes in our lives, God has to deliver us from a situation...even though it may be a painful experience. There are times when He must pluck us out of our situations in order that we might see His majesty and tremble in awe of His power and presence.
I woke up this morning and God reminded me for the 47th time, "Kaylan, I am El Shaddai...I am All-Sufficient. I am much bigger than what you give Me credit for. Look at what I've done: I've parted the waters so my people could safely cross, I've turned a rock into a pool of water, I've raised a dead man from the grave. Do you not believe I can work a miracle in your life as well?"
Genesis 17:1-2 says, "Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, 'I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.'"
If anyone needed to know and understand El Shaddai, it was Abram. He and Sarah were childless, yet God had promised to bless him and give him an inheritance. But instead of waiting on God, Abram took matters into his own hands with a handmaid, Hagar.
Abraham moved forward on his own and didn't wait on the Lord. He didn't fully trust that God would fulfill His promise, so he found a temporary fix until the Lord was ready to come through for him.
Some time later, God finally revealed Himself to Abram as "El Shaddai" and commanded him to walk before Him and live blamelessly. In her book, Lord, I Want To Know You, Kay Arthur says, "God [gave] Himself to Abram, and then Abram perfectly [gave] himself to God, and by God [Abram was] made fruitful."
I have been struggling with whether or not I should move forward on my own to temporarily "fix" my situation or wait on God to fulfill His promises and plan for my life. I think I've found my answer.
All of my rambling just goes to show that I am finally recognizing what God is teaching me through all of this: He has delivered me from my situation, He is still the great I AM that works miracles today just as He has since before time began, He is my All-Sufficient Protector during this time of desperation, and I am to wait on Him to fulfill His promises in my life.
So for now...I am going to claim Genesis 17:1 (among the many other verses I've claimed thus far) and recognize that He is saying to me right now just as He did thousands of years ago to Abraham, "I am God Almighty...El Shaddai. Don't forget that. Walk before Me by faith and be blameless."
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Worry vs. Faith
I'll be the first to admit it. I have always lacked self-confidence and worried about things in life. These two things are obviously detrimental in a devastating and desperate situation such as now. Tonight...I opened my Bible begging God for a fresh perspective on His next move for my life and I found this in the side notes:
"Worry is always wrong, for it paralyzes active faith in your life. When you worry, you assume responsibility for things you were never intended to handle. Jesus repeatedly taught: 'Do not worry,' even about the basic essentials of life (Matt. 6:25-34).
Worry divides your mind between useful and hurtful thinking. Worrying does not change anything (Matt. 6:27) except to draw your focus away from God and His faithfulness and
righteousness to concerns about the things of life, such as possessions and material goods
(Matt. 6:31).
Worry is a choking, harmful emotion that saps your energy and elevates human strength and ingenuity above God's strength and His purposeful plan. Sources of worry include change, lack of understanding, and lack of control over your life. Worry opens the door to
worldiness, that is, preoccupation with the things of this life.
Though the children of Israel had watched God split open the Red Sea to deliver them from Egypt, they could not believe He would provide water in the desert to meet their needs. Worry is the opposite of faith, suggesting that God cannot be trusted to take care of you or to provide what you need (Phil. 4:19). Worry causes fear to crowd out faith.
Thus, in the final reckoning, 'the cowardly' are listed alongside the 'unbelieving' (Rev. 21:8). Linking worry with unbelief, Scripture gives direction for a return to full faith. The road from worry to faith begins with recongition that worry is sin and confession of lack of
faith (Ps. 139:23), continues with deliverance (Psalm 34:4), and finally ends with the assurance that absolutely nothing can separate you from the love of God who is the great I AM (Rom. 8:35; Ex. 3:14-15).
In place of anxious thoughts, you then freely offer thanksgiving from a heart established with trust in God as all sufficient (Psalm 112:7-8; Phil. 4:6-7)."
Very wise friends of mine--Tom and Brenda Bailey--who know my situation probably better than almost anyone else, just today shared with me these words spoken by Jesus to His disciples (Mark 6:11): "And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"
Wow. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). I must remember that I serve El Elyon, God most high...and El Roi, the God who sees all things. He's not been surprised by any of this. Instead, He purposed it for my good and His glory.
"Worry is always wrong, for it paralyzes active faith in your life. When you worry, you assume responsibility for things you were never intended to handle. Jesus repeatedly taught: 'Do not worry,' even about the basic essentials of life (Matt. 6:25-34).
Worry divides your mind between useful and hurtful thinking. Worrying does not change anything (Matt. 6:27) except to draw your focus away from God and His faithfulness and
righteousness to concerns about the things of life, such as possessions and material goods
(Matt. 6:31).
Worry is a choking, harmful emotion that saps your energy and elevates human strength and ingenuity above God's strength and His purposeful plan. Sources of worry include change, lack of understanding, and lack of control over your life. Worry opens the door to
worldiness, that is, preoccupation with the things of this life.
Though the children of Israel had watched God split open the Red Sea to deliver them from Egypt, they could not believe He would provide water in the desert to meet their needs. Worry is the opposite of faith, suggesting that God cannot be trusted to take care of you or to provide what you need (Phil. 4:19). Worry causes fear to crowd out faith.
Thus, in the final reckoning, 'the cowardly' are listed alongside the 'unbelieving' (Rev. 21:8). Linking worry with unbelief, Scripture gives direction for a return to full faith. The road from worry to faith begins with recongition that worry is sin and confession of lack of
faith (Ps. 139:23), continues with deliverance (Psalm 34:4), and finally ends with the assurance that absolutely nothing can separate you from the love of God who is the great I AM (Rom. 8:35; Ex. 3:14-15).
In place of anxious thoughts, you then freely offer thanksgiving from a heart established with trust in God as all sufficient (Psalm 112:7-8; Phil. 4:6-7)."
Very wise friends of mine--Tom and Brenda Bailey--who know my situation probably better than almost anyone else, just today shared with me these words spoken by Jesus to His disciples (Mark 6:11): "And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"
Wow. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). I must remember that I serve El Elyon, God most high...and El Roi, the God who sees all things. He's not been surprised by any of this. Instead, He purposed it for my good and His glory.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Raging Storm
Dark, scary-looking clouds riddled with doubt and fear of what was ahead rolled into my life almost a month ago. Then the thunder came shortly after, and rattled the walls of my security sending me racing for some sort of shelter.
Needless to say, I've been running around frantically for three weeks trying to take cover...somewhere, anywhere.
But today, lightning struck leaving me in complete darkness with nowhere to hide. And almost immediately, incredible winds of circumstance blew in knocking me down and stripping me of what little certainty and foundation I had managed to hold on to.
In my time of weeping and sorrow today, I began to listen to praise songs and I came across a Casting Crowns song that described my situation perfectly—"Praise You in This Storm."
After I listened to every word, I made the decision to quit running around looking for the first shelter available. Instead, I decided to just stand out in the middle of the downpour with my arms outstretched and give what I have left—my praise and myself—to the Lord.
He is bigger, more sovereign, and more holy that I could ever imagine. No one can ever mess up His plans or thwart His purposes. And I must remind myself that I am blessed with a new day each morning that I wake up to serve Him foremost and fully, and not man.
Even though these are dark days for me and the storm still rages, I'm determined to praise Him in the midst of it all.
Needless to say, I've been running around frantically for three weeks trying to take cover...somewhere, anywhere.
But today, lightning struck leaving me in complete darkness with nowhere to hide. And almost immediately, incredible winds of circumstance blew in knocking me down and stripping me of what little certainty and foundation I had managed to hold on to.
In my time of weeping and sorrow today, I began to listen to praise songs and I came across a Casting Crowns song that described my situation perfectly—"Praise You in This Storm."
After I listened to every word, I made the decision to quit running around looking for the first shelter available. Instead, I decided to just stand out in the middle of the downpour with my arms outstretched and give what I have left—my praise and myself—to the Lord.
He is bigger, more sovereign, and more holy that I could ever imagine. No one can ever mess up His plans or thwart His purposes. And I must remind myself that I am blessed with a new day each morning that I wake up to serve Him foremost and fully, and not man.
Even though these are dark days for me and the storm still rages, I'm determined to praise Him in the midst of it all.
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