No Excuses...

Hey Y'all! Have you forgotten me? If the two of you have given up checking the blog for an update...I don't blame you one bit! Truth is I have no excuse for slackness! I just haven't felt bloggy lately! Since I took my new job and was travelling I haven't read a single blog or had anything to share here...my "normal" has been all out of whack.

Today in Sunday School I had an "ah ha" moment and funny thing it did not relate at all to the lesson. It was just a very small piece of the discussion but it took my back to some Henry Blackaby words. When you feel yourself slipping into a spiritual slump...and you aren't getting clear direction from God...go back to what you did last and make sure you finished it. And for me in my heart I felt Him say that would be...encourage the blog world! Something told me somebody needed something that I have to say...so here I am...telling you nothing but that I am back...missed you and will try to at least get a few posts a week out here while I try to figure out my new "normal".

I do have one announcement...registration is open for the Ladies Caswell Retreat in February. Phyllis Foy is speaking again this year and Cindy Johnson is back to lead worship. They are two of my favorites! If you want to go with us the cost is $132 (i think and i am too lazy to go look right now...so don't hold that number as firm...might be $137). A $75 deposit is due by the end of Dec. You do not have to be a member of our church...we will gladly take anyone who needs a spiritual renewal weekend with a bunch of Bible Believing ladies!

Y'all have a great night...

Good to be back!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Homeward Bound...God is GOOD!!! and SMC

Good evening ladies! Well, it's actually your afternoon ;)

Please pray for travelling mercies for me...I am heading home early...yeehaw! I finished up my meetings today so I am flying out tomorrow! I am so excited! It has been a long 8 days! And I am ready to run...literally...Jill if you read this get your shoes ready!!! seriously...

But I survived and I actually enjoyed most of it. You want to know how I survived? 'Cause Sunday came!

First confession...I am (was) WAY behind on my Bible Study homework. I don't know what happened. Normally I stay on top of it...but I didn't this time. Granted I do not think God wanted me to get behind in my homework but I do believe God gives you exactly what you need when you need it. In fact sometimes I think He re-writes the pages of Bible Study to custom fit my situation.

You don't agree? Check this...this is what was in my homework on Sunday the day after my meltdown of homesickness...I should have done this homework on week 5 (currently we are on week 7 but two weeks ago I was at home probably surrounded by family and friends)...

"Solitary places can be used by God or satan". ummm..what did you say Beth Moore? "Solitary places can be used by God or satan". And the question was "In the margin list a few ways we might know if our times of isolation are being used by God or the enemy". ahhhhhhhhhh

You see I truly believe this trip is the VERY first time I have ever been in complete isolation. I have never traveled out of the country by myself. On a different time zone to talk to anyone I love. In a place where my language is not the primary language. And everyone on the street nods but doesn't want to speak when you pass by.

On Sunday when I read that I could have gone outside and screamed...God is so GOOD. And so AWESOME. And so IN CONTROL. Even when we feel like things are out of control. Things are in God's CONTROL. His PERFECT CONTROL. And in isolation if we seek HIM with all our heart...He will meet us...right there in isolation.

So I made good use of Sunday...loving Jesus...and on Monday...I had one of the best days ever!

See y'all sooner than planned!

In Him,
Kristy =)

PS - My verse is...Ps 33:4 "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does".

Greetings from across the pond!

Hey Y'all,
I am in denmark for my new job. It is going very well. I have seen a lot of amazing things and gotten enough rest and decent food to eat. I was really worried about the food...haha

I won't lie though...I miss home! The weekend has been hard. During the week you are so focused on work and learning and networking that the days go quickly...but the weekend has been kind of long. I am ready for Monday (thought I'd never say that!).

I have been able to find American tv shows to watch sporatically, but a lot of it is trash. So I listen to the voices and then move on...lol Yesterday I had a coworker tour me around Copenhagen but today I have explored on my own. This morning I walked to an old church. The service was starting but I was afraid to go in because 1) I would not know anything they were saying and 2) what if it was like a 4 hour service and I was in there not understanding anything with no way to sneak out! haha

Anyway, I decided to walk through the garden. It was a cemetary for family plots. It was unlike anything I have seen in America. Each one was manicured with a hedge around it with paths cut through it like you see in a movie. I took some pictures. I will share later.

Hope everyone has a great week...I am off to more Sunday School lesson time with Beth Moore =)

In Him,
Kristy =)

SMC - Nov 1, 2011

I finally chose. I narrowed the list to 9 and played innie, meanie, miney, mo =)

Seriously, I chose this scripture because it never hurts to remember to stay humble.
James 4:10 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. "

But then the blog crashed and I lost a long story and had to start over. So maybe I should have picked James 4:7 which was also on my list..."Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Because satan needs to FLEE from my blog attempts! ha

Stay in His Word ladies...

In Him,
Kristy =)

Rainy Monday - Happy Halloween

It is pouring. My children announced that Jesus doesn't want folks trick or treating. =)

It made me laugh...they are their mother's children. *grin*

I need y'all to pray for me. I am changing jobs. I start at the new company this coming Monday (11/7) and then travel to Denmark on Tuesday (11/8) ALONE. I am very nervous! My hubby has been picking on me...I don't travel well...and I sure don't do it spontaneous! LOL 3 weeks of notice to go to another country for 10 days is stressing me. I went shopping though so I will be the best dressed redneck in Denmark! Pray for safe travels, witness opportunities on the long flight...and my family to survive the 10 days without me! I am sure they will be fine...but I am the main taxi =)

Tomorrow is scripture memory day...and I don't have one picked yet. That is highly unusual for me.

That is it...very random and nothing to really share. haha

See ya tomorrow with a verse!
Sweet Dreams!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Lost Your Cutting Edge?!?

I finally got to participate again in one of my FAVORITE church activities…packing the backpack buddy bags! It is kind of silly but I just L-O-V-E putting that food together for those children. The last few weeks my hubby has been out of town so I have had to run taxi duty for the kids and we have skidded into church at 6:59pm just in time for service! But last night…I was back to packing and it brought immeasurable joy to my soul.
And this sight nearly made me lose it…just a baby feeding babies…how precious! The littlest gets it when most adults don’t!!! Melts my heart!

Last night in service Pastor Tim spoke about whether or not we have lost our “cutting edge” for Jesus. It was a really good message taken from 2 Kings Ch 6 (I think)…the story of the ax head that fell into the river and Elisha made it float to the top to be recovered. He related losing our “cutting edge” to the student’s tangible cutting edge (ie the ax head).

Ironically, I had been thinking about my cutting edge for quite some time now. A couple months ago I probably would have told you I was losing it. You see, I don’t do drama very well. My motto that hangs on my filing cabinet at work is “just put your big girl panties on and get over it”. (I think Vicki B gave that to me years ago...and I loved it!)

Anyway...I had been sucked into some drama…and I am so bad at drama that it was taking a toll on my whole life...including my spiritual walk! =(

My Granny Capps always told me that life was hard and you just needed to deal with what you were given and move on with it…that every season of life was temporary. And everything will not always be exactly the way you want it...but deal with it and move forward. Never look back on it. (She liked the Apostle Paul *wink* ). And she said don’t hold a grudge because it robs your joy and the other person doesn’t get affected one bit. You are the only one that suffers from the grudge you hold. But a few months ago…I slipped...I had a grudge because I was looking back on circumstances and I was no longer looking forward with my eyes on Jesus. I had lost my focus. And it was robbing my joy and stealing my cutting edge!

Several weeks ago I gave it over to Jesus. I started listening to the advice I tell Peyton and Caleb – “he/she is God’s child not yours…God will discipline them when the time is right…you just move on and leave it up to God to correct...you are ONLY responsible for your actions and words and no one else's”. And then my new memory verse put me over the top Ps 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall”. And voila grudge gone…after all they are God's children not mine...satan loses and my joy has returned! Praise the Lord!!!


What about you? Have you lost your cutting edge for the Lord? Check your “spiritual toolbox” as Pastor Tim put it last night…when did you last read your Bible, pray for someone other than yourself, memorize a scripture, use your spiritual gifts for Kingdom work, etc. If you can't move on...get help! Get someone to hold you accountable for memorizing one verse...just one is all it takes to show you you can do it and you can live joyfully and victoriously! I will hound you...I mean hold you accountable... if you need it! =)

After all, the first sharpening stone for your cutting edge is the Word of God…so get back to it today if you have strayed!

And help with backpack buddies…the shelves are empty and children are hungry…

In Him,

Kristy =)

a sweet saddness...

Last night we celebrated the life of sweet Mrs. Peggy. Y’all it was so sad. I started crying before the family even came in the room! And I didn’t have a tissue so I had to borrow one! She reminded me sooooooo much of my Granny Capps! They could have been siblings easy! I hope when Mrs Peggy crossed over my Granny was waiting to hug her and thank her for being a part of my life.
Ooooh tears again…gotta move on! lol

And that Pastor Billie is amazing. He preaches the best funerals I have ever heard…and ask my friend Val…I have heard a lot of funerals in my short life! She used to swear I was paid by Parrish’s to be a mourner because 1) we know so many people! and 2) I am SO good at crying! Haha In all seriousness…that funeral was precious! It makes you appreciate Pastor Billie so much! And I think Beth Moore prepared me for the passing of sweet Mrs. Peggy. Sunday night in Bible Study we talked about how sometimes life just is not fair…but God is always just and in control. And I think her message held me together a little better. Still a bucket full of tears…but better! =) And the coolest thing. Mrs. Peggy had written Pastor Billie a letter with her wishes and get this…THREE of my memory verses were included in her preferred readings…I just loved that!!!

Tonight is church night…yay! I have missed two Sunday mornings in a row plus been in nursery a Wed night and prayer room a Sunday night…so I desperately NEED refilling! See ya there!

Be a blessing to someone this week!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Ready for the weekend??

Hey y'all,
I thought I would hop on here really quick and wish you a Happy Friday and awesome weekend! My week has been a little crazy. Lots of changes coming in the Gardner household which tends to stress me just a tad! I am a stress eater and I have gained 12 pounds back! You would think as much as I run that I could maintain...but when you eat like I do...it is inevitable to gain!

And Fall is so busy for most families. We drive thru WAY too often!

Anyway, I hope you have time this weekend to relax and soak up some Jesus! The weather is going to be wonderful...so enjoy!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Backpack Buddies

I wrote an entire 2 page post on two things:
1) a weekend recap which was pretty lame (except that the WMU Fun Run was FUN!)
2) the lack of support for our Backpack Buddy program.

The #2 was the bulk of the post. Then I decided it was filled with bitterness and frustration and aggravation and spite...so I deleted it...and satan loses. And you get this instead...

Hungry kids need your donations...please support the Backpack Buddy Program as often as you can.

In Him,
Kristy =)

SMC - Oct 15th 2011 (a little early!)

I have another funny story about the song I posted about yesterday (Strong Enough to Save). Well not really about the song but more involving the song. =) This morning I got work and that song came on as I was pulling in the parking lot at 8:04am. It is my favorite y’all so I decided I would listen to it in the car before I came in. I mean you are already 4 minutes late…what is 3 more!

When I parked I noticed a man get out of his car on the row in front of me and just stand there looking at my car. So I assumed what every good woman running late would assume…”oh dear I must have cut him off or followed him to close!” Well he continued to stare and by now the song was well into the chorus and I was feeling a bit uncomfortable. So I decided to crawl out and face whatever horrible driving I had done. I got out and headed across to the building and I noticed he was gaining on me and was just about behind me (it was like a horror film in an alley!! I kid you not!!!). And then he spoke…”excuse me”. And I said “yes” with my most pleasant I-didn’t-mean-to-run-you-off-the-road-or-whatever-horrible-thing-I-did expression. And he said “I noticed your Run Disney sticker…have you run one of the Disney marathons before”? I almost fell on the concrete y’all from the anticipation and then confusion. I said “huh?” And then I was like…ummm no…a friend of mine brought it to me but I was seriously considering running there this year until I realized it was in January. So he said he was registered for January…blah blah blah….have a good day.

So that has nothing to do with anything but it was so funny…and ironic that it was the same song.

Tomorrow is the WMU Mission 5k. I am excited…the t shirts are SWEEEEEET! If you did not register you can tomorrow at 8:30am at South Smithfield Elementary….and we will probably place a late t shirt order if folks want one after the fact. I only ordered 10 extras so I wouldn’t waste money.

And in case I am crazy busy tomorrow between the 5k and baseball and my daddy coming to visit…here is my Oct 15th memory verse.

Ps 55:22 (NIV)
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall”.

Amen!

In Him,
Kristy

Unstable

Unstable…sometimes I think that describes me best. =)

My friend, Tammy, shared an article thingy on Habakkuk today and the power of Praise! A line in it made me almost spit my Cherry Coke Zero on my desk…”the assumption was that if somebody laughed, cried, shouted, swayed, jumped, danced, waved his hands in the air or acted remotely undignified in a worship service, he was theologically off base and maybe even mentally unstable.”

This morning on my way to work…several people thought I was unstable at best. You see one of my new favorite songs is Strong Enough to Save by 10th avenue north. Anyway, last night it was on and my strong willed little boy was determined to ruin the listening enjoyment of his mother…so I missed most of it amongst his yelling “turn it down I don’t like it” (and yet he knows every word…go figure).

But Jesus knew I needed it so this morning by myself in the car BLARING I sang with hands raised high…I think that is why the dude beside me had eyes as big as baseballs…both hands were raised high at one point!!! The biggest struggle for me is I sing in church with my eyes closed…hard to remember when driving to keep at least one open =) I will post the lyrics below in case you haven’t heard it yet.

What makes you praise God? Is it music or word or picture or what? No matter....whether you praise silently or loudly like me…just praise Him ladies! He loves it when we do!!!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Strong Enough to Save by 10th avenue north
[Verse 1:]You fought but you were just too weak so you lost all the things you try to keep now you're on your knees, you're on your knees But wait, everything can change, in a moments time you don't have to be afraid, cause fear is just a lie open up your eyes
[Chorus:]And he'll break open the skies to save those who cry out his name the one the wind and waves obey is strong enough to save you
[Verse 2:]Look now is not too late lift up your head let the rain fall on your face you're not far from grace, your not too far from grace
[Chorus:]And he'll break open the skies to save those who cry out his name the one the wind and waves obey is strong enough to save you[Repeat]
[Bridge:]I know the weight of this world can take you down like gravityI know the current of yourself can take you out, out to sea but hold on, hold on
[Chorus:]And he'll break open the skies to save those who cry out his name the one the wind and waves obey is strong enough to save you

Checking in...

I realize that I haven’t blogged in forever! I have no excuse…just haven’t had encouraging words to share these days I guess!

I hope both of you readers had a great weekend. Mine was wonderful! Full of baseball and running and eating…three of my favorite things! If only we’d had a dance event thrown in it would have been perfect! Ha! And you couldn’t order better weather…I love fall!

This Saturday is our WMU Mission 5K Fun Run. I have to confess I am a little disappointed in the registration numbers. After 137 last year I just knew this year would be close to 175. Right now we are at 52…there is still time to sign up but no guarantee of a t-shirt after 2pm today. =) It will be fun despite the size of the crowd…last year was awesome! And missionaries will receive clean drinking water through our donations…and God will receive glory! Amen!

http://wmbc2011wmu5klate.eventbrite.com

Have you ever prayed for specific direction from God? And been so convinced where He was directing you…only to end up a little confused and overwhelmed? I have been praying for CLEAR direction on something in my life…and you know what…I think God has a sense of humor because He is answering me with MULTIPLE CHOICE! I went from no options to 3 options and maybe even a fourth! I desperately don’t want to pick the wrong option! So I am continuing to pray…and would appreciate y’all praying for me! I am standing on Jer 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know”. I need to know! =)

Have a great week! Hope to see you Saturday morning!

In Him,
Kristy =)

SMC - Oct 1st 2011

Howdy!

I am repeating my last scripture because I did not get it down yet!

Isa 41:10 NIV"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".

the Word of God

This is one of my favorite sights...
And honestly it took 3 tries to get the socks on the floor out of the top of the picture... ;)

I sent the picture to a friend last night and she probably thinks I am crazy. But she was sweet and said "cool". She was probably thinking...and I care why? haha But I was so excited that I just needed to share it! You ever felt that way? Like you just had to tell someone how excited you were over doing something? Not to be bragging about it or boastful or prideful or anything negative like that...just genuinely excited about it. Not to mention....it helps for someone to be there to hold you accountable on days when you want to skip! (I desperately need a Weight Watcher partner...ha!)

Then I sent my quote buddy the best quote of the day "The Word of God is alive and powerful! It remains unexciting only when we remain detached from it". Amen.

Are you detached? As a woman seeking God's own heart...how are you accomplishing that? Are you seeking Him through His Word?

Life is crazy and in most households the woman holds the keys to the organizing and stabilizing (except yesterday when I set the house alarm without giving the sitter the code and I was unavailable in a meeting...so the sheriff deputy came (within 10 minutes...they rock!) - and it was utter chaos...caused by me!).

Sometimes I think women struggle with finding time to feed our spiritual growth because we are too busy tending to everyone else's every kind of growth! Do we do ourselves an injustice? I think so. If we aren't grounded in His Word our household is a sitting duck for satan to attack. The only defenses we have are in Eph 6:10-18 (or so). And the Word of God is our sword. Without it you are basically...defenseless and just deflecting the fiery darts from the evil one or running for your precious life! You can't stand in the fight for very long without a sword to fight back with!

So I ask again...are you detached??? If so, it's not too late to come to Discipleship Training!!!! =)

In Him,
Kristy =)

PS - Travis Cottrell has a new cd out and one of the songs is "the Word of God Has Spoken"...and y'all it is AWESOME!!!! Listen if you get the chance...

New Book and Discipleship Training

I finished a book in record time (less than 2 nights!). Heaven is for REAL. It is about a preschooler who has an emergency appendectomy and the months/years following the procedure he talks of going to heaven and back in great detail…things he had no other way to know. It was a very easy book to read and it is full of hope. My sister-in-law that lost her premature baby girl recently bought everyone in the family a copy. It speaks of miscarried babies and it absolutely gave her hope that she wanted to share with us. As you can imagine…I cried through a good bit of the book. It is an amazing event to read about. If you don’t have anything reading right now…check it out! You can borrow my copy when Travis finishes. =)

I am so excited about discipleship training starting Sunday night! If you don’t get our emails at church I will throw in my testimony at the bottom of this post so you can understand why I get so excited – it is long winded like everything else about me…but you might get something from it so I will include it! If you are here from another church and your church does not offer any classes…come with us Sunday nights at 6pm. We would love to have you!

That is all I wanted to share today...have a great wet weekend!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Email to WMBC:
Sunday starts our Discipleship Training Fall Session.

For those of you who might not know...Discipleship Training classes are offered soley to give you a way to draw closer to Jesus. Some folks can study their Bible on their own with no guide necessary. Others of us (like me!) need a plan to help us stay focused on our Bible Study and fellowship with Jesus daily. Discipleship Training IS that plan.

I wanted to share a brief testimony (those who know me well however know that there is no way for me to do anything "brief") so indulge me...I spent many adult years thinking that I was doing good as a Christian. Saved as a teen but never "growing up" in church, I was a good parent intending to raise my children in a church family so they would have the support that I did not. Overall...I was a regular Sunday attender and thought I had the church thing down pat. Then I went to a Discipleship Training course offered at WMBC and realized I was CLUELESS! I was actively "doing" church and volunteering to help out at church but I knew nothing about a relationship with Jesus. I expected Pastor Billie to provide me what I needed to live as a Christian in his sermons. And I took really good notes!

My relationship with Jesus was about as close as my relationship with my hair dresser. Y'all I like her A LOT...and have been going to her for hair cuts since I was four years old. She would kill me for telling you that is over 30 years! Can't imagine anyone else cutting my hair. She always comes through in a hair crisis and is always a phone call away! She knows everything there is to know about every hair on my head and lots of personal details of MY life. But...I have no clue what her favorite color is, her favorite food, if she still sings in her church choir, how her kids are doing in college, etc. And that is what my relationship with Jesus was like before Discipleship Training at WMBC. I knew who Jesus was, and I liked Him a lot. He knew everything about every hair on my head, but I knew nothing personal about Him.

9 years later of Discipleship Training classes 2-3 times a year...I not only know some things about Jesus...I can quote some of His words, I can recognize His ways, I understand when I am in and out of His Will for my life, I thank Him for the 2x4 He has to use some days to get my attention...I have an active, intimate, loving relationship that I feed daily, not because I have to but because I WANT to. I desperately want to know more and have SO much more to learn! And I have found that my passion in life is to show other women what they are missing and how to get it. I don't want anyone else wasting the years I wasted focused on self instead of Jesus! If you would have told me 10 years ago I would eat, sleep and breath my Bible...I would have laughed out loud! Funny how God changes you if you ask Him...and seek Him. He is amazing. And now I can't imagine not reading my Bible cover to cover every year.

There are 3 different classes being offered this fall that ALL focus on Jesus. Get in one. You will NEVER EVER waste a minute on Bible Study. I promise. He rewards that precious time spent seeking Him in ways you could never imagine. In case you can't tell...Discipleship Training excites me. Ask me...I have so much more I could tell you...but most of you have probably stopped reading by now =) And I really am sorry it was so long. I just want you to be excited too! =)

Missed you

Howdy Ladies,
I have missed you lately. Life has been super busy and posting has taken a backseat. Which reminded me of something else busyness has caused to suffer...I have fallen off pace sending my Monday morning "Phyllis Jr" emails to the Caswell girls! For those of you that didn't go with us, Phyllis Elvington challenged us to stay in His Word every day. She specifically challenged us to get in His Word before we left the house every morning. And she said she couldn't be accountable for all 300 of us so we needed accountability partners. Well I took the challenge and was sending an email every Monday morning to all 45 of our ladies with the roll call question...Did you spend time in His Word before you left home this morning?

Well....did you? =)

I know everyone is as busy as me...but stay in His Word ladies. It is crucial to survival in this world we live in. My Granny Capps used to say something like "when people get to heaven they aren't going to know how to talk to Jesus because they haven't spent this lifetime preparing for it. Some people who think they are the holiest probably won't even recognize Him because they don't know His voice and what kinds of things He says". You know...I wonder if there is truth to that. At work, I talk to a girl at RTP almost everyday. The first time I met her face to face, I picked her out of a crowd of 20 women because I knew that voice with my eyes shut. Never had a clue what she looked like...but I knew that voice and I knew she always said "awwwwwesome".

Could you pick Jesus out in a crowd? Do you know His voice? Do you know the words He says?

I think lots of times that folks are clueless what a true relationship with Jesus is...I can say that because I was clueless for SO long. And I thought I had it together. I thought I knew. I thought I was a good Jesus girl. I thought I had all the answers. I think that is the crazy part. In my heart and mind I thought I was doing GREAT. And then one day...unexpectedly...the scales lifted. And I realized I was living clueless. I ate some humble pie and it never tasted so sweet! I think that is the key to the relationship...you must come humbly seeking Jesus. Otherwise...it is a wasted effort. Pride has no place in a relationship with Him and I think that is where folks like me get all messed up. I think the first clue is...if you THINK you know enough, spend enough time, pray enough, give enough, serve enough...then...you might want to evaluate yourself more closely with the backdrop of the cross! It puts many things in perspective! I evaluate myself daily...and still regularly fall short...and digest more humble pie...and enjoy the sweetness of the relationship! Psalm 34:8a "Taste and see that the LORD is good"

Seek Him ladies...spend time in His Word. Know Him...don't just know of Him! (If you don't understand that there is a difference...come see me! We need to talk!)


In Him,
Kristy =)

SMC - Sep 15 2011

Running late...still at work!

Isa 41:10 NIV
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".

Amen ladies...

Ramblings...

God is good! Today we got awesome news from my friend Tammy. You may remember she is battling pancreatic cancer that had already metastasized to her liver when they found it in late Feb. She has fought and given it over to God and has daily declared His power and glory in her life. Today she got MRI results that were encouraging. Praise the Lord for His healing touch! She still has a battle to continue but she is making progress and God is providing the healing and holding her in His “righteous right hand” along the way! (Isa 41:10)

Do you know what time it is???? It is TIME for Fall Discipleship Training classes to begin! Yay!!!! I am so excited this year because we are re-offering Beth Moore’s “Jesus the One and Only”. I can’t wait to see her hair! LOL It is an old one but somehow I missed doing it. There are two other good options but I can’t remember the names…sorry! If someone knows please post a comment. =)

Speaking of Beth Moore…the Simulcast was AWESOME! I took my 10 year old daughter because she has been asking for years to go see Beth and Travis, but I have been afraid to take her on an overnight trip for fear of her getting restless. She is a very mature 10 so I opted to try this one and aside from having to explain what the word pornography meant (thanks Beth! Ha)…she had a BLAST! She is dying now to go on a two day trip…lol She proudly wore her Living Proof t-shirt to school today. And thank y’all for the prayers for strength…I managed to watch a good bit of my little man’s baseball games and still only miss a wee bit of Beth’s speaking! It was truly a miracle from above! =) And Princeton Church of God was a great host site! I hope they will host again in the future! The way they set everything up was just perfect! I liked it much better than previous Simulcast sites I have attended. And there were some homemade chocolate chip cookie/oreo cookie/brownie bars that I would fight you over…so delicious!!!

Don’t forget to sign up for the 5K (link is at the top of the blog page).

Tomorrow is church night…come get refilled!

In Him,
Kristy =)

BUSY!!!!

Y’all it is here…finally! Football season! I know most of you could care less (like my hubby)…but I enjoy it! But I don't hold it too closely...I missed kick off last night and all was well. I watched about 30 minutes and went to bed. I don't love it enough to lose sleep or anything crazy! HA

And you know what excites me most about it this week? That means FALL is around the corner! Yay!!! I am ready! Fall is my favorite season I think. I like the cool mornings but warm afternoons. Dressing is a little challenging but it is worth it! And life gets back “on schedule”. It takes a few weeks once school starts back to get in the groove of life again…and since I live by a day planner…I like the controlled chaos to return…it makes me feel “normal” again! If that even remotely makes sense =)

One of my favorite scripture passages is Titus 2:3-5:
“3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

If you are new to the blog…I wrote a post here about the realization of being the “older” woman in the passage...
http://wmbcwomensminstry.blogspot.com/2010/10/news-flashi-am-older-woman.html

Anyway, this passage is the foundation for Women’s Ministry in my opinion. I believe if we mentor young Christians and teach them these simple principles, the church would be much more effective as the Body of Christ.

And I love the way they stress being “busy at home”. But I think it is important to understand what kind of busy that Paul is likely referring to…busy in things that bring glory to God. Busy taking care of your family and your house; making sure everyone around you is getting what they need. The "busyness" that bears good fruit! I am firmly convinced if you focus on the RIGHT things that keep you busy that you have no time for the kind of busyness that breeds TROUBLE! =)

And while on the topic of busy… I think it is kind of funny that Paul points out in TWO places not to be a busybody! I believe he knew this would be a problem for our generation!

1 Tim 5:13
“13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.”

2 Thes 3:11
“11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.”


So what do you do at home? Are you busy in the things that bring God glory? Are you idle? Are you a busybody? Pray for me that God will show me where I am idle or a busybody and keep me focused on the busyness that He wants me to focus on!

Enjoy your weekend!
Go see Beth Moore speak…I have tickets to Princeton Church of God if you don’t have yours yet!

And speaking of I have a prayer request…it is a small thing…but I am going to try and juggle the Beth Moore Simulcast, hubby’s birthday supper and a double header baseball game tomorrow…I need STRENGTH! Luckily it is all in a 5 mile radius but I will be dashing in and out of everything!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Living LIFE

I finished my Power Suit book last night. I got some major affirmation for some situations I have been facing and whether they were spiritual warfare battles or just my imagination…let’s just say if you think you are imagining someone is spiritual attacking you or a loved one…suit up and get ready for battle. I think the best advice was at the end of the book when she talked about how many people know the tools but do not use them. She also had great suggestions for methods of Bible Study and scripture memorization. A couple were new to me and I can't wait to try them!

We all know the Word of God defeats satan every time, but how many of us use the Word of God daily to strengthen and sharpen us? So many people expect the pastor to educate them in everything they need to know about Jesus on Sunday morning and it just does not work that way. An intimate meaningful relationship is more than a one day a week large group session meeting. Think about relationships with your closest friends versus folks you just know of. It would be the difference in my relationship with my best friend Val versus me insisting I had a meaningful friendship with Cam Newton because I watch him play football every Sunday. It's a one day a week commitment I have to Cam watching him play for 3-4 hours on Sunday but he does not know who I am. Showing up to meet Jesus on Sunday morning for one hour and then living daily life without him is not a relationship. Do not fool yourself. And your pastor cannot provide your relationship with Jesus for you. He can only preach the Word of God so that the Holy Spirit can convict you and bring you closer to seeking Jesus on your own. The preacher does not convict, save, condemn, etc...he preaches. The Holy Spirit does everything else! If you don’t know Jesus intimately…you have MISSED the point.

Intimate relationship is key not only to salvation but also abundant life and joy and peace and all of the other positive aspects of life in the Spirit. Without the Spirit living in you and an intimate relationship with Jesus…it is “just life”…and that is sad. And yet 90% of church goers are just living life…without the Spirit…and they do not even realize there is so much more. It grieves me. That’s why I am so passionate about women’s ministry and mentoring and discipleship training…I want other women to see what I realized 8 years ago…so they don’t waste the time I wasted “just living life”. So what kind of life are you living? If you don’t get it…let’s talk!!! Ok enough on the soap box!

I can’t wait for the Beth Moore Simulcast Saturday. If you do not have a ticket yet and would like to go to Princeton Church of God I still have some tickets to sell. It is less than 15 minutes from Smithfield on 70. Very easy! Just email me kgardner1@aol.com. They are $20 and include Chick-Fil-A lunch. The event is from 10-5:30 and I know it is going to bless our socks off!

Also I am very excited about the WMU Mission Fun Run! I admit that I am a little stressed because there are not many registered folks yet. Hopefully registration will pick up soon. So please spread the word. Here is a link to the on-line registration…http://wmbc2011wmu5k.eventbrite.com/ please forward to all your friends...whether they exercise or not…ha!

Tonight is church night – PRAISE JESUS! Come get filled!

See you there!

In Him,
Kristy =)

We are not supposed to be Strong Enough

Ever read something in a book or Bible Study and be so convinced that God sent it to you that you check someone else’s workbook to see if it says the same thing convinced their copy will be different? Not saying that I have done that a dozen or so times, but someone less grounded might…*wink*!

Or have you ever hear a song and THINK…oh my! God sent this song to someone to write for me specifically for this season in my life!

Well…I can tell you…He does.

Eph 1:4 says “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight”. And then read Ps 139. I will spare you from copying the entire thing in…but read it all of it…it has sustained me this week and I think it will bless you too. (Verse 23 and 24 are on the memory post yesterday if you need a memory verse *grin*)

OK…so last night I was working WAY too late which happens form time to time in the life of a plant accountant at month end and I had KLove blaring and a song came on that I have sung a million times and already knew the words to…but last night God told me to shut up singing (off key mind you) and LISTEN to the words because He had sent them to Matthew West to sing to me TODAY. And y’all I about fell out of my chair.

I am humbled daily that we serve a God who cares for me the way He does. That He knows my breaking point is very close and I am about to fall off the edge and in the knick of time He says…”shut up singing and listen…I am Here and I am all you need. You are NOT supposed to be strong enough to survive in this life without Me. If you could…there would be no need for the grace and mercy that I give you daily. Stop trying to be strong alone and let Me be strong for you. Ignore everyone around you and focus on ME and the strength that I try to give your hard headed self”

Sing with me ladies…and thank you Matthew West for being obedient!

Strong Enough by Matthew West

You must, You must think I’m strong
To give me what I’m going through
Well forgive me, forgive me if I’m wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own

I know I’m not strong enough to be
Everything that I’m supposed to beI give up, I’m not strong enough
Hands of mercy won’t You cover me?
Lord, right now I’m asking You to be
Strong enough, strong enough
For the both of us

Well maybe, maybe that’s the point
To reach the point of giving up
‘Cause when I’m finally, finally at rock bottom
Well that’s when I start looking up
And reaching out

I know I’m not strong enough to be
Everything that I’m supposed to be
I give up, I’m not strong enough
Hands of mercy won’t You cover me?
Lord, right now I’m asking You to be
Strong enough, strong enough
For the both of us

‘Cause I’m broken
Down to nothing
But I’m still holding on to the one thing
You are God
And You are strong when I am weak
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
And I don’t have to be strong enough
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
And I don’t have to be
Strong enough, strong enough
Oh yeah

I know I’m not strong enough to be
Everything that I’m supposed to be
I give up, I’m not strong enough
Hands of mercy won’t You cover me?
Lord, right now I’m asking You to be
Strong enough, strong enough
For the both of us


Amen!

SMC - Sept 1 2011

Happy Thursday! I can’t believe it is Scripture Memory day already!!

On a side note…cause I like to digress…I am already half way through the new book. It is really good. I have highlighted something on about every other page. And I have been sending quotes to my “quote buddy” left and right. Finally I gave up and took this picture and sent it…cause I wanted to text the entire paragraph but I knew that would take me 3 hours on my smarty pants phone (and that assumed I would remain in Princeton while I typed lol) Check out the pink line…


Can you quote it ladies???? (nice lead in, huh?)

My memory verse today is:
Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

I need to pray this daily…continuously. Sometimes I can feel myself losing my focus on Jesus. It’s very clear when things are out of control and I am spazzing too. And I know that it is because my heart gets cluttered with the world and the people of the world. Once my focus returns to HIM…no matter what is going on around me…I feel the peace. And I know without a doubt who is in control and I praise HIM for it!

What’s your verse?

And if you were missing a reason to be thankful today…there you have it…that you are not my quote buddy when I am elbow deep in a convicting book that I want to share with the world…haha

And PS – last night was my last night teaching Acteens…don’t faint…but I think I am going to miss it!!! I have come to love those girls and they have taught me so much in our 10 weeks together! I have truly been blessed from the experience.

Be a blessing ladies!

In Him,
Kristy =)

do you wear a "Power Suit"?

I am reading a new book…*gasp*! I had fallen behind on my reading because well…I don’t really know why. Normally I juggle a couple books and a Bible Study at the same time but this summer I only did the Bible study and daily Bible reading. But over the weekend we had our JBA WMU Training (in the hurricane with no participants showing up…only staff and guest speakers) and anyway bless our JBA WMU Director’s heart she brought the book store contents anyway in the wind and rain and BOY WAS I GLAD!!! I bought me a couple books for personal use and a couple for ministry. And I received the greatest blessing from sitting informally and hearing the testimonies of the guest speakers…it was truly priceless. And I am so glad I went even though I was showerless and looking thrown away!

Anyway about the book. I believe I may have mentioned that I felt satan had been attacking me every which way I turned…well guess what the book is. “Power Suit - The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame”. It is based on Eph 6 putting on the armor of God - get it power suit...armor of God...yes I am tired these days :) Eph 6 last week was the ONLY thing that kept me hanging on. I have read that section of scripture so many times the last few weeks that you would pure laugh at me. Well, on Saturday afternoon by candlelight I read 2 chapters of that book in less than an hour. Y'all it is great! And it is so timely. Granted I could have used it two weeks ago as well…lol! But God provided it…just when I thought I was at my rope’s end…the rope grew longer and God assured me to STAND FIRM…even when everyone else seems to be falling away…stand FIRM! I am learning to put on the "Power Suit" in lots of circumstances! I’ll share some quotes with you later this week…but here is a teaser…
”Not acknowledging God renders us foolish and destroys our moral judgment. God will allow us to slide away from Him of our own free will when we decide to change the truth of God into a lie.”

I reiterate Pastor Billie from Sunday morning…look at where you are today…God has not moved. (How is that for a timely message to go along with my new book??? coincidence...I don't think so...I don't believe in coincidence or luck for that matter...lol...only Divine intervention!)

God’s Word is and will always be the truth and it will never be moved or shaken. If you are not near Him...look at your footprints and trace them back to where you went astray!!! He was waiting for me when I returned with open arms….full of grace and mercy. Praise Him!

No transition for this but I am dying to tell you…it is time to start registering for the Pure Water Pure Love Mission 5K…here is a link: haha yes I need to work on my literary skills!

http://wmbc2011wmu5k.eventbrite.com/

Please register and encourage others to register as well! If you have your own blog, or facebook or tweet or any of those other fancy modern technology things…please pass the link along =) Missionaries are relying on our financial support for clean drinking water…and we could all use a challenge to get more exercise…so sign up to walk, run, jog, stroll, etc!

One other thing…sorry this post got really long…please continue to remember my sister-in-law and brother-in-law in your prayers. We buried their first child Friday. Born prematurely and received immediately into the loving arms of Jesus. This is one of the hardest things I have watched our family suffer and feel so helpless. Sickness and death are never easy, but something about a baby never getting a chance makes it very different. God has been present all the way...and their faith has grown through the process. But it still breaks my heart for them. Your prayers are not wasted on them.

Be a blessing this week! And thank you for the privilege to serve Christ with you at WMBC! It humbles me more than you can imagine...

In Him,
Kristy =)

Somewhere in El Paso...

Hope everyone has a great weekend…please come to church tomorrow night (Saturday 8/20) for the community Gospel Sing to benefit Backpack Buddies! Singing begins at 7pm cost to enter is either a can of Ravioli or a monetary donation if you prefer. I understand there are at least 5 local churches represented. I know it will be a blessing!

Also if you have a dirty car…bring it by the church tomorrow (Saturday 8/20) between 8am and 4pm and get it washed by the Youth for a fundraiser for the Humphries family!!! They are also selling BBQ sandwiches, pints of BBQ, and something about some shoulders…lol! The Humphries have a 16 year old diagnosed with bone cancer. The fundraiser is to help with expenses travelling back and forth to Chapel Hill for treatments. (And please pray for the family!!!)

On a side note…do you know how pathetic we are becoming as a society? Or maybe I am the only one…I have become so dependent on my smart phone that without it I am a mess. Y’all know I am borderline OCD…well maybe not borderline…ha! And little things grate on my nerves. Like data…I like data being displayed to be correct. Like 9am on my clock is in tune with Direct TV because 9am is different than 9:05am. I know…crazy. Just this week the Acteens and I discussed pet peeves and how to overcome them! And I am struggling!

So today my phone starting showing “El Paso” as the location…and I was so freaked out that I spent way too long trying to figure out how to fix it. When I fixed it finally…I realized how stupid the whole ordeal was…I mean really…how could I be so obsessed over something so insignificant? Six months ago I had no clue that Clayton was 88’ with intermittent clouds at 12:05pm….and I was surviving! But suddenly my world is crumbling because for a few hours I was in El Paso with mostly sunshine and 78’. I actually said “what if I need the navigator and it thinks I am in TX!”…Y’all I kid you not when I leave work I am going to church to set up chairs and then home…do you think I will need a navigation system to guide me?

So now that I am looking back I can’t help but shake my head and roll my eyes…can you imagine what Jesus thinks as we get so caught up in little things like smart phones? Do smart phones have eternal value? Will having a smart phone leave a legacy behind when I die? Granted they are nice and make life more convenient…but I don’t read any Bible stories about Jesus’ life being convenient. In fact I am ashamed. One of my memory verses a few years ago was James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the widows and orphans in their time of distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”. Ouch. I think I am polluted in ways I never imagined!

Lord, help me remember to keep material things like smart phones in perspective. Give me your heart so that I can love others instead of things. Amen

Bless someone!
In Him,
Kristy

Ramblings...

Ok today I cannot believe that school starts back in a week. My kids are going to D-I-E when they have to get back in the routine. I on the other hand, cannot wait for the routine to return! I love to be busy and on schedule! I like to call my life “controlled chaos”…although it mostly resembles chaos these days!

I don’t know if it is currently having a kid on crutches or just my normal ADHD tendency kicking in overdrive but lately I don’t seem to sit down once I get home! And it is so frustrating. By the time it is time for my nightly Bible Study I can barely hold my head up and stay focused. I hear God saying “Be still and know that I am God”…but I just can’t be still until time to crash and then the focus is a lost cause! Anybody with me?

And this morning after I ran my week day 5k…I FELL ASLEEP!!! Hello…how many folks can run over 3 miles come in the house and lay across the bed and go back to sleep all sweaty with an exercise heart rate and not wake up in time to get ready? I normally read my Bible during that time of cool down early in the stillness of the morning but today I read my eyelids. Which means I skipped my morning quiet time!!! Which might explain why my day has TOTALLY tanked!

But I will not fear because it is Wed…and tonight is church night – Praise the LORD! And those Acteens will teach me something for sure!

Pray with me…Fill us up Lord so we can survive the remainder of the week! Amen!

See ya tonight!
In Him,
Kristy =)

SMC - August 15 2011

I cannot believe it is already August 15th! Where does the time go?

I finished my Summer Bible Study homework last night. I am so silly…it makes me so sad to finish a study and move on. And I know that is crazy…but it is me. We meet tomorrow night to discuss the last week…and let me tell you how TIMELY my God is! The study was about finding the delight in time with God rather than seeing it as a duty. And it was really good…the first 5 weeks did an excellent job laying out that topic. The material was nothing I didn’t know already but it was presented in a unique way and it was a nice reminder/encouragement!

Then week 6 was random…and y’all it made me cry. She starts out the homework by saying that she has no clue why she is including a week of homework on spiritual warfare when it wasn’t really related to the topic…well I will tell you why she included it…I NEEDED IT LAST WEEK!!! It brought tears of praise to my eyes! I have never felt more humbled at God’s perfect timing and perfect provision. He gave me exactly what I needed to hear on exactly the week I needed to hear it. It was scary crazy! We started the Bible study exactly one week later than the original schedule…so I know without a doubt it was God’s plan for her to write that week of homework JUST FOR ME! Because in a week where I felt spiritual warfare all around me and in almost every conversation I had…I needed to keep my face planted in Eph 6! And stand on His Word to get me through it! And last night all the pieces came together and satan was rebuked. Praise Jesus!

OK…so I am the random one today…back to the task at hand…Scripture Memory!!!! Woohooo!

This week I choose Joshua 3:5 NIV “Joshua told the people “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you”.

Ladies….He is amazing and He alone can and will do AMAZING things among you…IF you seek Him wholeheartedly and live by His Word.

Pray for me (and our other church leaders) this week if you have a spare minute…church leadership can wear on you this time of year…but I rest in knowing that the new year is coming…and God has BIG plans for our church!

2nd verse same as the first but with a little more determination...

Peyt came home from GA camp singing a song that we have laughed many times at this summer. It's called "you can't ride my little red wagon" and you repeat the same verse a ton of times but each time with a different tone, attitude, etc. And you always say "# verse same as the first but this time with a little ...." And then you make your voice match that thing...like opera, meanness, sadness, happiness, valley girlness, etc. You get the picture...if not...ask Peyt to sing it...LOL

Well...remember when I was back "on the plan and in the groove" a few weeks ago (click on it if you forgot)...it lasted about 3 days because no one was holding me accountable for my out of control eating habits! So today is a new day... and I need to find me an eating accountability partner. Because call me the Apostle Paul...I am human and I lack self control. Over the weekend I was catching up my Bible Study homework and it referenced the section in Romans 7:14-20 where Paul goes on and on about doing what he doesn't want to do and not doing what he knows he should do and how he is only rescued and delivered by Jesus...and it reminded me of my eating habits!

Read it as it relates in my life today...(changed the words in orange)
14 I know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I eat. For what I want to eat I do not eat, but what I hate I eat. 16 And if I eat what I do not want to eat, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who eat it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to eat what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not eat the good I want to eat, but the evil I do not want to eat—this I keep on eating 20 Now if I eat what I do not want to eat, it is no longer I who eat it, but it is sin living in me that eats it.

So today it is 2nd verse same as the first but with a little more determination...I am on a mission to find the perfect Weight Watchers accountability partner. Not that you care...but I imagine most women struggle with some kind of self control issue as well...and we can learn A LOT from the Apostle Paul.

Continuing in Romans 8 we learn that in order to overcome the slavery of sin (in my example - the sin of lack of self control)...by the grace and mercy of Jesus and living in the Spirit. Our Bible Study homework talked a lot about that concept this week, but I have a CD of Joyce Meyer on the subject that explains it best...I love the way she simplifies it into this...sowing to flesh reaps death, decay and destruction, sowing to the Spirit reaps everlasting life, joy and peace. (Not sure which translation she uses to say it this way but it is a little different than mine). I want everlasting life, joy and peace!!! So pray for me to make more Spirit filled choices! Because it is our choice whether we sow to flesh or spirit...no one can make the choice for us!

I am going to try a new tactic today. Every time I want to eat I am going to write a prayer out in my food journal and let God guide me if I am really truly hungry or if I am just eating to eat. If nothing else at least I will pray more today (because I eat A LOT)...and maybe just maybe I can practice some self-control today! Check in and I'll let you know how it goes!

Be a blessing today ladies!
And I will try to post more this week...last week was C-R-A-Z-Y busy at home and work and church for that matter! LOL

Your fellow Spirit sowing Sister,
Kristy =)

SMC - August 1 2011

My verse this time comes from the Charlotte LPL with Beth Moore.

Rev 3:11 (NIV)
"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown."

I think this was in the section where she talked about "S" - satan wants what you have (but I might be wrong). At any rate I think it was the point I mostly related to because I fight satan daily to hold on to what I have. I am sure you fight daily as well. We all fight different fights but the enemy is probably the same. And our weapons should be the same (Eph 6:10-20). And one of those crucial weapons is "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (vs 17b). When satan tempted Jesus in Matthew chapter 4...Jesus answered his every temptation by quoting scripture. It was one of the most powerful weapons that Jesus used to combat satan.

So if you are not actively memorizing or at least meditating God's Word...then you are short a weapon...a very crucial weapon and satan knows it! You are vulnerable to the enemy.

So....what's your verse this time? ;)

Hold on to what you have...ladies!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Hold Fast

Hold Fast…those were the two words Beth Moore shared with us last weekend. She took the message from Deu 10:11-21. The basic premise was that to hold fast means to hold tightly…different than just hanging on lightly. Some definitions were to stick to, to cling to, to cleave, to adhere as if with glue, to be stuck together. (kind of like Caleb to my leg at preschool!). Then she used the coolest example…we are to hold fast to God in the same way a leviathan's scales are described in Isaiah...with no room between them for even air.

And she used an example of an alligator’s scales. And she talked about the tv show…Swamp People!!! I have never laughed so hard and felt so close to a complete stranger…lol My children would have been so proud of her! If you have never seen Swamp People…it is quality tv…lol…well maybe not quality but there is no sexual content or immoral behavior…just a few bleeped words and a lot of shooting alligators. Y’all know I don’t watch much tv…but it is just so interesting to me. I mean for one it is an American tv show that has to run the words at the bottom of the screen so you understand what is being said!!! Troy and Lizabeth are my favorite hunting team. I love to hear Mr Troy say “choot em lizaebth choot em”!! Total excitement! It is family friendly entertainment for the Gardner’s! And it is funny because we don’t aim to watch it (don’t even know when it is scheduled to come on) but if we flip through it…you can bet we are glued! =)

Ok I digress…The first thing she said that I LOVED was from Deu 6:23. She pointed out that it says “He brought us out…that He might bring us in”. And there have been many times God has done that same thing to me! =) We also learned a lot of Greek words (she likes that stuff). I won’t give them to you unless you ask me…haha

One quote I found extremely toe stomping was “God holds fast to us for our eternal security but unless we hold back we have NO earthly security.” Amen! And she asked “He is holding tight to you but are you holding tight to Him?”

And then the acronym…we discussed 8 points throughout Deu 10:11-21.
H – His affection is set upon you
O – Only He is your promise!
L – Loving Him awakens your true heart.
D – Doing His will does us good.

F – Fleeing to Him means fleeing with Him!
A – Any tighter embrace will also replace
S – Satan wants what you have!!!
T – The Lord is your life!

And we even had a cheer… H-O-L-D-F-A-S-T God has set his love upon me!!!

Other random quotes that I thought needed to be tattooed on my head included:

“When we withhold serving our local church, we rob the Body because our gifts are not for us.” “What God is working for good in us is meant to be good for the community too”.

“You cannot hold fast with one hand! You must let go of everything to hold fast to God with ALL your might!” “ We get in trouble when we get hung up in holding onto worship styles or religious disciplines…we are hanging onto something about God and not to Jesus HIMSELF!” “The man God gave the most wisdom to (Solomon) became a fool (he took many wives). We can also hold onto people tighter than God”.

“The more we put off our obedience the more we lose our spiritual strength”.

2 Sam 23:9-10 is a passage about David’s Mighty Men. It tells us that one of them stood and fought so long and hard that “his hand froze to the sword”. That is how we are to stand and fight satan.


That’s it…in true random form =)

Hope you have a blessed day!

In Him,
Kristy =)

our one and only ROCK

Howdy Ladies!
I wanted to tell you that I am planning to share my notes from the Beth Moore event in Charlotte last weekend. It was a timely and amazing message and I took 8 pages of notes! haha! But I haven’t had time to compile them yet! Hopefully by the end of the week…I just know someone else can be blessed through her message...even 2nd hand!

In other news tonight is Summer Bible Study session 2 night…wooohooo! I can’t wait! I shared a portion from our homework Sunday night in church…it goes something like this... The author (Tammie Head) was facing depression and out of the clear blue a friend came by with a huge rock. She handed the rock to Tammie and said “God told me to give you this rock”. And that was pretty much the entire visit. After she left Tammie prayed for God to show her why on earth He sent her a rock. He told her clearly to put the rock beside her bed and every morning wake up and stand on it and know that He was her one and only Rock. It gave me goose bumps and made me flash to a previous scripture memory verse Ps 78:35 “They remembered that God was their Rock, that God MOST HIGH was their Redeemer”.

And I wonder….how many of us need a physical rock in our house to remind us who is our one and only ROCK? How many times has God tried to show me to rely on Him and Him alone to be my Rock? Oh I hope we can remember daily!!!

Hope you have a fabulous day! Church night is tomorrow! Don’t miss out!!!!

In Him,
Kristy

Power of Prayer!

God is good…All the time!
You know what I love better than seeing God work in my life? Seeing Him work in the lives of others! There is just something about a good “look what God is telling me to do” story that just gives me goose bumps. I got to hear one today and had goose bumps like you can't imagine. And I’d like to share one too. In case one of you two readers is feeling hopeless on a prayer request that seems to not be getting answered in your time. =)

If there is one thing God has shown me in the last 8 plus years is that life is not about me but instead about how I influence others to seek Him. I can remember when I first started in Women’s Ministry…God had to teach me some painful lessons on His plan vs. my plan. His glory vs. my glory. It was ugly y’all…talk about a 2x4 to the head…it was that bad! I was so focused on winning approval of other women to be thought of highly that I missed the whole point. Then it happened…I realized my call was to grow women closer to Christ but I was failing miserably because I was not close enough to Christ myself! And I had to change many things about me… my focus, my amount of study and prayer, my attitude, and even some of my friends, lots of changes! Not that I am spiritually perfect now by no means…but Jesus keeps me in check when I slip!

So anyway, I started planning women’s prayer events and Bible study opportunities. And my friend, Lisa used to joke with me that my theme verse was Matthew 18:20 “where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them” because the events were so poorly attended. And I was discouraged but her and a couple others encouraged me to continue because they were getting something out of each event. And God told me to hang in there for the ONE…not the MANY. And that my selfish ambition could not handle “many” and still stay focused on Him! So I began to pray for God to show me “the ones”. The “ones” who are desperate for Him but need encouraging…that I might could fan a flame of learning and seeking Him in them. And help them grow towards Him in ways they did not know were possible. Not to bring me glory or favor but because I truly feel called to Women’s Ministry and growing women disciples closer to Jesus. The phone call today…was from one of “the ones” I had been praying for. And get this…it was for not one of my prayer request but TWO prayer requests…answered in one phone call!

The power of prayer ladies…do not under estimate it. He will knock your socks off long after you give up on Him. Prayer can be frustrating if it is not answered immediately especially the way we live at warp speed today! But as an example one of the prayers answered today I have been praying since March and I was feeling hopeless and accepting that the answer might be no answer…and then BAM…He laughs at me today and says…”gotcha! And here’s another answer in case you think I am weak…child, don't put Me in a box”

and the goose bumps pop and all I know to do is just PRAISE HIM!!!! Not my strength but His! Amen!

See ya at VBS!

In Him,
Kristy =)

VBS FUN!

Summer Bible Study is awesome this year. Not that other year’s have been bad, but this year I particularly like the homework. I love seeing Old Testament and New Testament stories collide. And that is exactly what the author is doing in Duty or Delight?. I hope everyone else is enjoying the homework as much as I am. If you didn’t participate…shame on you…just kidding! Seriously, you can do it on your own…you don’t need a small group to do this Bible Study and I highly recommend it for personal development.

In other excitement VBS is in full swing and it is crazy BIG this year! I cannot believe we had 180 participants registered on night #1 (plus about 100 staff!!!). I can’t wait to hear the new totals from last night (yes I was a slackard and did something else!). We have 21 and growing riding our bus ministry. This is something we had talked about off and on for a few years and this year it just came together (Praise God for it!) and it is AWESOME! It is touching children’s lives in ways we may never know on this side of Heaven.

And speaking of please pray for our bus children and their families. One of them asked for leftovers from supper for their mom because they don’t have any food. It absolutely broke our hearts. Personally I have been fortunate to never experience true physical hunger and I cannot begin to imagine it. When I think of the food wasted by Gardner’s alone…I feel sick. We are so spoiled and wasteful.

Our VBS offering this week is to benefit our Backpack Buddies program but this experience shows us that the need is far greater than we could ever imagine. There are people all around our church that are hungry physically (and spiritually!). Have you ever been truly and honestly physically hungry? Not the “I’m starving” that my kids tell me and then turn their nose up and want something better…but the hunger that keeps you awake when you try to sleep.

If you have extra cash sometime or any of the items listed below…get them to me or the church and we will use them for Backpack Buddies. We will be thinking of more ways to impact the community…and feed the physical hunger so that folks will be able to listen and hear the Gospel to feed the spiritual hunger. I would think it is hard to grasp Jesus when your stomach has been empty for a long time. Any ideas are welcome!

One idea coming in August is an old fashioned Backyard Bible School complete with a hot dog cookout. I am excited to see what God does in our community through events like this! We are collecting school supplies for it but after this week’s experience I am going to suggest we do some non-perishable goodie bags too! In fact my Summer Bible Study girls voted last week to do a service project and collect some of the school supplies needed for the Backyard Bible school…maybe we can do food bags instead! I think I like that idea!

Be a blessing today ladies!!!

In Him,
Kristy =)


Backpack Buddy List:
Chef Boyardee type meals (individual serving cans)
Ramein Noodles
Individual serving cups of Fruit and Applesauce
Individual boxes of cereal
Granola Bars
Pudding Cups
Gummy Snacks

SMC - July 15th 2011

Happy Friday Ladies!

I have decided I am done learning the Love series because after verse 7 it's not all about Love anymore. And if you remember the reason I was learning it was because in the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan, he had challenged us to replace the word "love" with our name because we were supposed to represent love to the world. So after the very first part of verse 8...Love never fails...there isn't any love talk left to be replacing my name with...haha

So today I am moving to Eph 1:4. This one came from last week's summer bible study series I am hosting at my house, "Duty or Delight?" by Tammie Head. It is a truth that we need to know without a shadow of a doubt so that we can be confident in God's love for us.

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Eph 1:4 (NIV)

Soak that in...he CHOSE us. We did not choose him. He chose us all along...knowing every sin we would committ, every bad choice we would decide...He knew all that we would say and do in life and still chose us before he even created the world. Mind boggling to say the least!

So live today knowing that God chose you FIRST...makes you smile doesn't it????

Let's hear your verses!

In Him,
Kristy =)

On the plan and in the groove...

Well…I am back on the plan…the weight watchers plan, that is! And can I tell you when you stop counting points and writing down everything you eat and just go with the flow…you really get messed up. All these weeks since I stopped actively tracking every bite I have been telling myself how good I have still been doing. But after logging it for just yesterday…I was FOOLING myself! I have been eating like there was no tomorrow…and was clueless at how quickly you do slip back into that old pattern! It is really a conscious effort to not snick-snack all day long.

I think Bible reading and Bible Study is like that too. When it is discipleship training time in the fall and spring I am in the groove. Nothing stops me from doing my Bible Study homework for 30-45 minutes and sometimes longer. But in between sessions and especially during the summer I rarely get more than the daily 15 minutes of reading in…very rarely any true “study”…but I tell myself I am doing so good. And I believe it. And I wonder why folks fall off track…when in reality I am myself de-railed and at the bottom of the valley.

And then discipleship class starts again and I realize that I have done NOTHING in the way of study to speak of since the last session several weeks or months ago. And then I am ashamed of myself and down on myself and mad at myself…and satan wins a little battle because he messes with my head. (Of course he can NEVER win the war…see John 10:28! It REALLY says ”never”…and thank Jesus for it!)

So how do you stay in the groove all the time? Is it even possible? I like to think so. And I am determined to stay in it despite satan’s attempts to de-rail me. What about you? Are you in the groove right now? Or do you long to be in the groove? You can be…starting now…

Let me know if you need help getting started…I have a Bible Study to suggest =) And I can't wait for Summer Bible Study tonight!

Be a blessing today!!!!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Happy Friday

I don't have anything to share. I know you are shocked...me too actually! ha
I have some profound things to share...but I haven't quite formulated it into thoughts yet...maybe tomorrow!

Y'all have a great weekend!

See ya Sunday!

In Him,
Kristy = )

The Privilege of Praying...

I experienced something Sunday that is indescribable. I have been trying to figure out how to put it into words all day yesterday but I am still at a loss for how to explain…that alone should tell you the power of a miracle! *wink*

I spent Sunday morning worship service in the Prayer Room at our church with another prayer warrior. Our task was to pray throughout the entire service. I was a little apprehensive at first…I will not lie. You see we started a small Prayer Team at church and I missed the kick off meeting while on vacation and have been a little stressed ever since because I didn’t feel like I knew what to do! Generally, if I commit…I am committed 100% and I want to analyze the opportunity to death to make sure I am fully aware and understand everything! Not to mention provide my 2 cents on how I think things should be done…and offer a spreadsheet…it’s just IN ME!!!

And an hour plus service is a long time and I was afraid I would run out of words…like that’s going to happen unless God intervenes! Haha I had crazy thoughts like what if the other person wanted to pray silently instead of out loud? Or vice versa? Any random thought that satan could put in my head last week…you can bet he did. And so all week I prayed for what I would pray in the prayer room…how funny is that???? But God delivered…satan got not one single foothold in that room. He tried…but God won…He always does…so there! =)

Anyway…back to the experience. Y’all…it was amazing!!!! The other partner and I prayed together over the entire service, the pastors and leaders, the music, the technical folks and their button pushing/clicking fingers, the congregation and their hearts and minds, the children’s leaders and the children, the babies in the nursery and the folks rocking them…you name it and we prayed over it. We prayed over the various ministries and leaders at our church and the child care center and all the upcoming events. I was mentally tired after the service. Well…mainly because you know I cried through a lot of it!!! It was truly one of the most amazing and beautiful things I have EVER experienced at wmbc. Humbling and amazing. That is how I would describe it.

I think that the privilege to pray should not be taken for granted. For a long time I took it for granted but Jesus died to give us the privilege and we should hold on to it tightly. If not for Jesus bleeding and suffering and dying on that cross so that He might RISE on the third day…we would still be trying to live under The OT Law. God knew we could not do it. I can’t even keep the big 10 consistently every single day…much less even imagine knowing when and what to sacrifice and how often and for what sin. Thank you God for sending Jesus to save me!!!!

So how do you pray? Do you only pray in a crisis when nothing you can do can fix something? Do you ever pray just to say thank you for sending Jesus? Do you pray for lost folks that you do not know? Do you pray regularly? Or do you pray just at night before bed…”now I lay me down to sleep”? If you can’t or don’t want to answer some of these questions…come see me and I will get you a copy of the book the Prayer Team used to start up. It is excellent in guiding you to build and improve your personal prayer life. And it is very easy to read…nothing too heavy or hard to understand.

And today or any day if you don’t have anything to pray for…PRAY FOR ME! You will never waste a prayer on me…and I will appreciate every single one of them! Today specifically pray for perseverance…the race of life is long and sometimes hard…I want the stamina of Paul…pressing on toward the goal…forgetting what is behind...eyes on the prize!

Be a blessing to someone ladies!!

Love ya!
Kristy =)

SMC - July 1st 2011

Happy 1st of July!!! and FRIDAY!!!

Hope everyone will have a safe and happy 4th of July as well. I have to work on the 4th but hopefully not all day!

I am continuing learning the love series from 1 Cor 13. I am going to try and do verses 6 and 7 this time so I can finish up on the 15th with verse 8.

1 Cor 13:6-7 (NIV)
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. "

Let's hear your verses!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Solomon's Wisdom

In case you live near me and you don’t remember what this looks like…it is rain!

I was so hoping to wake up and have to run in the rain or at least on damp pavement…oh well…still not our turn. Maybe next time =)

I was reading in 2 Chronicles early this morning and I was struck by Solomon’s request for wisdom. Not because I had never read it or known it…but just because I never thought long and hard about it. Basically God gave Solomon a blank check. God said in 2 Chron 1:7 “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” And Solomon picked wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people. As I sat there thinking several thoughts popped in my head…so I will share them and you can laugh at how RANDOM my brain functions.

1 – Why didn’t Solomon ask for something selfish? Most humans would ask for riches, power, good health, long life, or even safety from enemies (I mean his crazy brother had already tried to steal the throne to be sure Solomon was scared someone else might turn against him and try to hurt him)…so why not something selfish? Why something that would benefit countless others?

2 – I wonder if Solomon had heard so many Moses and stiff-necked Israelite stories as a boy that he knew it would take lots of wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s chosen people. Maybe he was afraid without wisdom he would buckle or snap when they started whining again.

3 – What would I ask for? Would it be something to benefit others or just myself? What is the true desire of my heart? Is it in line with God’s will for my life? And how can I daily ensure my desire and God’s Will are in line? Is Bible reading and prayer enough…or am I missing something obvious that I need to do?

So I prayed…go read it (2 Chron 1) and put yourself in Solomon’s place (that is my FAVORITE way to read the Bible by the way…in first person…what would I do/say??)…and then you pray too…because I already prayed for you this morning. Love you ladies!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Self-Disciplne...lately I lack it =(

So yesterday I decided to FINALLY get around to going through my entire scripture memory binder to make sure I was still retaining them all. I was sorely disappointed in myself. The first 24 I learned I could still spout out like nobody’s business. The second 24 I struggled a bit. And this year’s 12 were rough to say the least. So I made a commitment to get back to the ways of the first 24. The reason I still know them so well is because once per week I said them all…rarely missing a week. But now that there are so many and it takes a longer amount of time to say them…so I make up excuses for lack of time and I get lazy…and it shows! I tell myself that I will review them in line at the grocery store since I go there weekly…but…I shop at Princeton Food Lion and in 4 years I have waited in line maybe 2 times…or maybe even only once. So needless to say…I am lying to myself that I will find time at the gro-sto!!! I need to get to the root of the lack of memory skills…self-discipline!

It is amazing how lack of self-discipline can be so disastrous in so many areas of my life and most times I do not address or correct the situation because then I would have to accept responsibility for whatever is going wrong…and I’d rather ignore it or blame it on someone else. =) (just being honest!!) So I spend time making excuses and justifying my inability to do whatever I need to do and never own up that it is something totally controlled by ME! Anyone with me? If I would instead exercise a little self-discipline and just do the thing I try to avoid or avoid accountability for…life would be simpler.

Yeah…that got a little rambly…do you get the point? Actually I might have lost it myself. *grin*

I guess the cliff notes version is that so many things in life require just a little self-discipline and after you exercise it…God will bless that act of self-discipline (i.e. obedience) beyond your wildest imagination…but lots of times we miss the blessings because we lack self-discipline. And there is no one to blame but US!

Take daily Bible reading for example…y’all know that is a hot one for me. In the last 4 years as I have steadily read through the Bible using a daily reading guide…God has made those scripture take on new life and used the stories in my life in ways I could never explain. If I had not exercised a little self-discipline and stayed true to the reading (even on days/weeks I wanted to just STOP and read something more exciting than Deuteronomy or as this week…1 Chronicles!)…I would have MISSED so many blessings...and some in the form of witness opportunities…which provides a double blessing (one for me and another person)!

So I will try a new approach to my scripture refreshing method…the ride home from work EVERY Friday afternoon. It might get a little dangerous these first weeks while I am having to cheat and read some of them…so look out between Clayton and Princeton. But Friday afternoon is a consistent time alone for 20 minutes…so I dedicate it to scripture refreshing…ask me how I am doing in a few weeks...please and thank you!

What is something you lack self-discipline in that you can practice with me???? I’ll hold you accountable if you hold me accountable =)

Be a blessing ladies!!!

In Him,
Kristy =)

Just Checking In...

I’m back…did ya miss me? I missed y’all.

My family took a short vacation…just the right amount of time away. We have never been week long vacationers…we just don’t roll that way. Personally, I like taking long weekends and stretching my vacation days out over the entire summer. =) Last year we took a full week and we were about nuts by day 5.

We went to see the Atlanta Braves play the Texas Rangers and then to Myrtle Beach with Travis’s parents. The Braves game was awesome! It got rain delayed so we bailed and went for supper instead of hanging in there for the over 5 hour ball game! But supper was good and 5 innings is enough at one time for my crew. And I took some really good pictures of Josh Hamilton like we are BFF’s or something. I told Travis they were so good that I should send them to his momma. And he just shook his head. Maybe he thinks she has better pictures from ESPN or something…hmmm oh well.

The beach was also awesome. It always reminds me of how BIG that God is! And I love the sand and salt…and so do my children. That is one thing they definitely get from me because if we NEVER went back to the beach my hubby would be just fine with that. The weather was perfect and the sunscreen worked well so we made the most of our two days hanging out with Meema and Papa. And there is just something special about reading your Bible at the beach…it’s just so serene and calm (when the kids are IN BED that is!!!).

I am ordering the Summer Bible Study today…so if anyone last minute wants to jump on with us…come on…see this post…http://wmbcwomensminstry.blogspot.com/2011/05/exciting-announcement-and-misc-news.html

Just reply to the comment or send me an email if you want me to order you a book.

Hope you all have a Jesus-filled week! Its church night…go somewhere and get refueled!

In Him,
Kristy =)

smc - June 15th 2011

Good morning ladies!
I hope everyone is having an awesome week and is ready to be at church tonight to get filled up to survive until the weekend! I don't know how folks make it each week with no Wednesday night service. If you don't have a Wed service...find one! ha

OK...not much time to chat today...so here we go...I am continuing my 1 Cor 13 LOVE passages this time.

1 Cor 13:5 “It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ” (NIV)

Let's hear your verses!

Stay in His Word!
In Him,
Kristy

King David's dying...and I am about to be crying...

David’s dying this week and I am so sad about it. I almost cried this morning reading how fraile and weak he is. And regardless of his lack of strength...he is still worshipping God from his bed.

I am finishing up the last week of Beth Moore’s David: A heart like His Bible study and it is crazy to me at how sad I am that David is dying. I mean…I have read the books of Samuel and 1 King’s at least 4 times now (four years in a row on the Annual Bible reading plan…come join me…*wink*) and I still am sad to see King David die. I guess it is because he is my absolutely, positively favorite OT character. And I want so desperately to be similar to David and be seen by God as a woman after His own heart!

Anyway…it makes me wonder if other folks get as wrapped up as I do in the lives of Bible characters while you are studying them. I catch myself praying “Lord let it be different this time”. Please tell me someone else does that and I am not completely crazy…

See ya back tomorrow for the Scripture Memory Challenge =) I can’t believe how quickly the 1st and 15th rolls around!

Be a blessing today…tomorrow is church night…woohoo!

In Him,
Kristy =)

PS – I sent my oldest to GA Camp alone for the first time and I feel a little strange! I drove away yesterday thinking…WHAT AM I DOING????? But I didn't cry...thought about it...but didn't! haha So if you have a spare prayer…throw one up for me to be at peace and for her to be having a blast!!

Motivation

Last night we had our first lesson in our new Acteens Bible Study! It was really good. I think I enjoyed it as much if not more than the girls! We had six participate and the discussion was fun and enlightening! I think I will learn a lot from these girls over the next 10 weeks!

In other randomness…have you ever thought about what motivates you? I am weird so I think about stuff like that sometimes. And while I really want to say that I am motivated by some deep theological notion…today I am afraid that I have decided it is probably something un-holy like spite or stubbornness. Here’s why…last night I was laying out my running clothes while knowing that my running partner could not make it this morning. (and you need to know that I was like 3 minutes late meeting her yesterday because I hit snooze once). So I commented to my hubby that I was “pretending like I might actually get up and run by myself at 5am” and I laughed. He commented back “you can’t even get up when you have someone meeting you how do you think you will do it by yourself”. So…whether he was kidding or not…I got up and ran alone…3 ½ miles. =) You can stop laughing...

I think I need a t-shirt that says “I run…because he said I wouldn’t” =)

Seriously…what motivates me? Is it the world, my flesh, or something bigger? I think until we realize that only Jesus matters…we will never be motivated by the right “forces”. It is a daily struggle for me to look past the world and see Jesus in the back drop and do everything in His Name and for His Glory. It is much easier to just trudge along being motivated by worldly pleasures and flesh…there seems to be less conflict when you fit in to the world around you and blend in being motivated by worldly things.

But at some point we must realize that we don’t fit in. We were never made to fit in. It’s not in THE Plan.

I think one of my favorite stories is the first story of Abram. Genesis 12 captures the story. God tells Abram to leave his country, people and father’s household to the land I will show you”. Verse 4a says “So Abram went, as the LORD had told him…”. That is it. Abram went. No question, no discussion, no let me pray about it first, no give me a sign. He just went.

What do you think motivated Abram? Clearly not logic, clearly not worldly possessions (such as land or a nice house), clearly not family closeness (he only took Lot and Sarai and the people and possessions they had acquired…not his mom, dad, in-laws, etc. not his buildings), clearly not self-ambition or political power, clearly not anything relating to friendships, or local community ties because he simply left. I would say the thing that motivated Abram was…obeying God!

What motivates me? What motivates you? Think about it…

In Him,
Kristy =)

Minutes - wasted or invested?

The other day I mentioned “waiting”. I wanted to come back to it and elaborate for the two of you reading along. =) Waiting sounds like a word that describes nothing…specifically doing nothing. Waiting sounds like a boring word because mostly we relate to it as the boring time leading up to tasks. Like waiting in line at the grocery store, waiting for a table in a busy restaurant, waiting at a stop light, waiting for your month end job to finish running so you can move to the next report =) or waiting for a child to be born when you are two weeks past due and have been in labor FOREVER…you get the point. We think of waiting as boring, nerve racking nothingness.

What if we took all of the time we spend “waiting” and turned it into eternal minutes? You know, minutes that we spend investing in our relationship with God instead of wasting them on worldly pleasures and things.

A year or so ago I received an e-mail devotion from “Girlfriends in God”. It was regarding TIME. The first statement was really all I need to read…”Every minute of every day is either wasted or invested.” Whoa! The devotion went on to discuss setting priorities, scheduling those priorities, and sticking to them among the changing chaotic environment we call life. When I started looking at my minutes…I admit I was ashamed. I always thought I was very organized and great at time management…but when you break it down so simple…to how many minutes you invest vs. waste…I was shameful. So I began praying Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom”. (NLT)

Here is another excerpt from the devotion that I would like to share with you… “Time is a precious gift! Every morning we are credited with 86,400 seconds. No balance is carried into the next day and every night erases what we fail to use. If we use it in the wrong way, that time is lost forever and cannot be reclaimed. Un-budgeted time gravitates to our weaknesses, is stolen by others or wasted on the unimportant. We must budget time, just as Jesus did.”

God freely gives us 1,440 minutes per day. How many do we invest and how many do we waste?

Think of ways we can use our “waiting” minutes to draw nearer to Christ in a busy world. Some ways I thought of were to take my scripture memory cards with me everywhere and practice them while in lines (grocery store, bank, doctor, etc), let the kids quiz me on the scripture cards in the car ride home (they LOVE to do that!), crochet a scarf for the cancer center while waiting at ball practice, and read my Bible at night while waiting for bed time (instead of TV!!!).

What ideas do you have? Please share!

Be a blessing this week!

In Him,
Kristy =)