Sorry I forgot to share that I gave out the first two batches of the Christmas Story books...and I got one thank you at each location and a couple odd looks, and several no responses...not even eye contact. Which is basically the response I was expecting!
So y'all pray for the hearts that received books this weekend, and the 8 more next weekend. Pray for their hearts to be softened and eyes to be opened to Jesus. There are so many hurting people. My heart has really been burdened of late for folks that I love that would not go to heaven today if Jesus came back. I just want to shake them.
In Him,
Kristy
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday Ramblings
Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful day in Jesus' house yesterday! We had a baptismal service last night and it was awesome! Morning church service was good too, but there is something so special about baptizing that I just love. And it helped that Brian and Beth sang specials...I could listen to them ALL night! They are so talented!
It did not make it in the bulletin...but if you are planning to go to Caswell on the ladies retreat (Feb 25-27) I need to know ASAP. $50 deposit due as soon as you can pay it (payable to the church but hand deliver it to me)! I need to make sure we will fill all 30 spots before I pay the deposit. So if you are interested let me know even if you cannot pay the deposit right now. If you are reading from another church you are welcome to go with us...it is so much fun!
Go be a blessing today!
In Him,
Kristy
It did not make it in the bulletin...but if you are planning to go to Caswell on the ladies retreat (Feb 25-27) I need to know ASAP. $50 deposit due as soon as you can pay it (payable to the church but hand deliver it to me)! I need to make sure we will fill all 30 spots before I pay the deposit. So if you are interested let me know even if you cannot pay the deposit right now. If you are reading from another church you are welcome to go with us...it is so much fun!
Go be a blessing today!
In Him,
Kristy
Friday, December 10, 2010
So I am a little blog happy this week...BY DESIGN!
This is the most I have posted in a week...ever. I just have so much to share..maybe it is because TG is in travel mode right now and the kids do not let me talk to them enough. haha So in return...y'all suffer =)
So last night I thought it would be a good idea to run...at 8pm...with it below 30 degrees. I think I may have frostbite on my ear. But it was kind of strange that you sweated but it didn't run down...lol Anyway, the Nike Plus gadget must not be calibrated quite right...because when I hit 3 miles and pressed the button that aggravating thing said 2.82 miles...so I kept going for an extra culdesac. So I have to try and calibrate again...I know you are surprised.
This is random, but here is our group picture from the OCC work day. It was cool to crouch down surrounded by those boxes. It is such a humbling, blessed experience. It is hard to describe...please go with us next year!
OK...so the reason I logged on was because I wanted to share something that I got from Mark Batterson. And yes I realize how sad it is that it took me 1/2 a post to get to it....(Batterson wrote "In a Pit on a Snowy Day with a Lion" and "Primal" - two books that changed my life forever if you don't know of him). He sends out a little blog devotion thing from time to time and today it made me stop and go WOW!
Default or Design
Posted: 09 Dec 2010 04:35 AM PST
There are only two ways to live: by default or by design. I'm guessing that 90% of people live 90% of their lives by default. In other words, life happens to them. They live in reactive mode. The other option is to live in proactive mode. Living by design is establishing priorities and then living by them. So what's the difference between default and design? Well, in financial terms, a budget may be the difference between default and design. In experiential terms, life goals may be the difference between default and design. In spiritual terms, a Bible reading plan may be the difference between default and design. And in relational terms, a scheduled date night may be the difference between default and design. The common denominator is a plan. When I'm frustrated spiritually or relationally, it's often because I'm in reactive mode. I'm just reacting to the circumstances I find myself in. And that's when you default on life. When I'm feeling fulfilled, it's usually because I'm proactive. I'm going after goals or executing a plan or living out my priorities.
----------------------------------------------
Oh my Word! As Beth Moore would say...that was a "Fresh Word" for me! I want to live life by design. It was so timely because just yesterday a friend and I had lunch and discussed a planning system that would allow us to organize our priorities to match God's priorities. And to schedule specific acts of service and kindness in our planning system would draw us nearer to Jesus. When I read the Mark Batterson email today I just laughed out loud. God is so funny to me when He sends you basically the SAME message in several ways and from different people. He knows me well enough to realize that I MIGHT not get it the first time...haha Clearly right now His message to me is to plan more wisely and consistently so that I can live for Him in a clearer, intentional and consistent way! So let me go plan something!
Happy Friday! Be a blessing to someone today!
In Him,
Kristy =)
So last night I thought it would be a good idea to run...at 8pm...with it below 30 degrees. I think I may have frostbite on my ear. But it was kind of strange that you sweated but it didn't run down...lol Anyway, the Nike Plus gadget must not be calibrated quite right...because when I hit 3 miles and pressed the button that aggravating thing said 2.82 miles...so I kept going for an extra culdesac. So I have to try and calibrate again...I know you are surprised.
This is random, but here is our group picture from the OCC work day. It was cool to crouch down surrounded by those boxes. It is such a humbling, blessed experience. It is hard to describe...please go with us next year!
OK...so the reason I logged on was because I wanted to share something that I got from Mark Batterson. And yes I realize how sad it is that it took me 1/2 a post to get to it....(Batterson wrote "In a Pit on a Snowy Day with a Lion" and "Primal" - two books that changed my life forever if you don't know of him). He sends out a little blog devotion thing from time to time and today it made me stop and go WOW!Default or Design
Posted: 09 Dec 2010 04:35 AM PST
There are only two ways to live: by default or by design. I'm guessing that 90% of people live 90% of their lives by default. In other words, life happens to them. They live in reactive mode. The other option is to live in proactive mode. Living by design is establishing priorities and then living by them. So what's the difference between default and design? Well, in financial terms, a budget may be the difference between default and design. In experiential terms, life goals may be the difference between default and design. In spiritual terms, a Bible reading plan may be the difference between default and design. And in relational terms, a scheduled date night may be the difference between default and design. The common denominator is a plan. When I'm frustrated spiritually or relationally, it's often because I'm in reactive mode. I'm just reacting to the circumstances I find myself in. And that's when you default on life. When I'm feeling fulfilled, it's usually because I'm proactive. I'm going after goals or executing a plan or living out my priorities.
----------------------------------------------
Oh my Word! As Beth Moore would say...that was a "Fresh Word" for me! I want to live life by design. It was so timely because just yesterday a friend and I had lunch and discussed a planning system that would allow us to organize our priorities to match God's priorities. And to schedule specific acts of service and kindness in our planning system would draw us nearer to Jesus. When I read the Mark Batterson email today I just laughed out loud. God is so funny to me when He sends you basically the SAME message in several ways and from different people. He knows me well enough to realize that I MIGHT not get it the first time...haha Clearly right now His message to me is to plan more wisely and consistently so that I can live for Him in a clearer, intentional and consistent way! So let me go plan something!
Happy Friday! Be a blessing to someone today!
In Him,
Kristy =)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Happy Thursday!
It feels like Friday and I have no clue why...I am going to be so disappointed in the morning when I have to get up for work...haha
I hope everyone is having a good week so far. If you are healthy...then you are having a good week whether you know it or not. I had to take Peyt to the doctor this morning and there was a young couple coming in with an infant carrier and it was covered with a blanket and the daddy was wheeling the biggest oxygen tank I have ever seen beside it and the tube went under the blanket. And the mom smiled but looked exhausted. I don't know who they were or what they are facing but please lift them in your prayers today. God knows their name and what they need.
I am VERY excited about this Christmas. I get excited every Christmas because you may not know that...I am a "giver". Since I was little teeny my favorite part of Christmas was surprising others. And as I get older my favorite part is surprising them and them not knowing. Not just at Christmas...but all year long! Anyway...I almost lost my point. lol So this year I am doing something different for the season. Christmas has lost the meaning in most families. And I want to put Jesus back in the focus where He belongs. We do not exchange gifts with our "adults" in the extended families anymore but this year I have something to give every single person in our family...28 of them in all. It is the NIV Christmas Story family Bible that "Aunt Tammy" shared with me.
You can order them here if you are interested...they also have a hard back collectors edition that is gorgeous (it is more expensive but still only $5).
I hope everyone is having a good week so far. If you are healthy...then you are having a good week whether you know it or not. I had to take Peyt to the doctor this morning and there was a young couple coming in with an infant carrier and it was covered with a blanket and the daddy was wheeling the biggest oxygen tank I have ever seen beside it and the tube went under the blanket. And the mom smiled but looked exhausted. I don't know who they were or what they are facing but please lift them in your prayers today. God knows their name and what they need.
I am VERY excited about this Christmas. I get excited every Christmas because you may not know that...I am a "giver". Since I was little teeny my favorite part of Christmas was surprising others. And as I get older my favorite part is surprising them and them not knowing. Not just at Christmas...but all year long! Anyway...I almost lost my point. lol So this year I am doing something different for the season. Christmas has lost the meaning in most families. And I want to put Jesus back in the focus where He belongs. We do not exchange gifts with our "adults" in the extended families anymore but this year I have something to give every single person in our family...28 of them in all. It is the NIV Christmas Story family Bible that "Aunt Tammy" shared with me.
You can order them here if you are interested...they also have a hard back collectors edition that is gorgeous (it is more expensive but still only $5).OK...so here is what God laid on my heart for these books. We have some lost family members that we have prayed over many times. We also have some saved family members who do not live for Jesus anymore. So each family is getting one of these paperback books (less than $3 each!) and a note from us. Not an intrusive or demeaning note, but a note that tells them we love them and the greatest gift ever was Jesus and if they have never accepted this gift then we hope reading this Christmas Story as a family will open their eyes and heart to the gospel. And if they have received the gift of eternal life...then we hope it is a blessing for them to read the Christmas Story together with us.
So this Christmas that is what is exciting me. Our families already think I am completely crazy...and this may confirm it for them but at least it will confirm that I am crazy over Jesus! I figure if they throw it in the trash I am out $3/copy but I have the peace of mind that I gave it to them. And each night when my family reads the devotion we will pray for others who are reading at the same time or who have a book in their possession. And there is power in prayer!
So what are you doing this Christmas in Jesus' name? Do you have any other ideas I can steal? I mean ask permission and adapt...haha
Love you all!
Kristy
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Mentoring Opportunity
Titus 2:3-5 (NIV)
“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. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 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.”
This is one of my favorite scripture passages. I think the most sobering reality in my life of late is that the writer is not necessarily referring to the physical age of the older women versus younger women. (Well that and where the WMU trainers told me I was old. hehe)
God has shown me over the years that physical age does not matter in His eyes...He is more interested in whether we are growing older spiritually. I think it takes older spiritual women to impact the lives of younger spiritual women in a unique way that you don't get from regular discipleship interaction. Discipleship is very important, but learning to cultivate relationships with Jesus and other believers pays huge dividends as well.
The past year we have been piloting a One to One Women's Mentoring program. The blessings have been endless and we want to expand it in 2011 by creating more one on one groups.
If you are spiritually "older" and would like to meet weekly to complete a 12-24 week Bible Study (depending on your speed) with a spiritually "younger" woman please contact me. Also, if you are spiritually "younger" and feel like having a mentor would help hold you accountable and help guide you in being a Christian woman, let me know. I'll pair you up and get you going in January down a very exciting road of growing and building relationships!
I know some of you reading this are members of other churches...feel free to participate with us. Maybe we could help you start it at your churches.
In Him,
Kristy =)
“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. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 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.”
This is one of my favorite scripture passages. I think the most sobering reality in my life of late is that the writer is not necessarily referring to the physical age of the older women versus younger women. (Well that and where the WMU trainers told me I was old. hehe)
God has shown me over the years that physical age does not matter in His eyes...He is more interested in whether we are growing older spiritually. I think it takes older spiritual women to impact the lives of younger spiritual women in a unique way that you don't get from regular discipleship interaction. Discipleship is very important, but learning to cultivate relationships with Jesus and other believers pays huge dividends as well.
The past year we have been piloting a One to One Women's Mentoring program. The blessings have been endless and we want to expand it in 2011 by creating more one on one groups.
If you are spiritually "older" and would like to meet weekly to complete a 12-24 week Bible Study (depending on your speed) with a spiritually "younger" woman please contact me. Also, if you are spiritually "younger" and feel like having a mentor would help hold you accountable and help guide you in being a Christian woman, let me know. I'll pair you up and get you going in January down a very exciting road of growing and building relationships!
I know some of you reading this are members of other churches...feel free to participate with us. Maybe we could help you start it at your churches.
In Him,
Kristy =)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
It's Over...and OCC ROCKS!
It is a sad night tonight...our Bible Study ended. The NOGS had their last meeting. And I have been blessed beyond imagine from our small group of four! I never imagined that doing a Bible Study without a dvd leading you would be so rewarding and grow me closer to a group of Bible believing women. I confessed to them that every time I end a Bible Study a feel so sad. Which is especially funny since I normally have couple going on simultaneously. I don't know what it is...it just makes me ache.
In other news...Operation Christmas Child is AWESOME! We went and worked at the processing center in Charlotte on Saturday. 13 of us. It was quite the adventure. Who knew it would really snow here while we were gone...lol We decided it was certainly a memorable trip. Not only do you feel so blessed from participating which makes it memorable enough...but in addition...
1 - The church van got pulled on the way out of Raleigh for failing to move over when a State Trooper was on the left side of the road. We were in a row of three...I got over as I passed him, vehicle # 2 was half way over, but the van had no where to go because of traffic. Can you believe he actually told them they should have come to a complete stop in the left lane of I40 and waited until it was safe to get in the next lane....HELLLLLLOOOOOO that would have caused a major pile up! He let them go with a warning...thank God! And the van had no registration paperwork so it could have been much worse for us!
2 - The van window would not go back up after they were pulled and we had to get one of the guys to work on it because it was FREEZING!
3 - The van had only 1/2 a tank of gas because I did not think to check it so we had to stop in Mebane. Road Warriors we are! haha
4 - We were about 10 minutes late to work due to traffic, and patrolman, and gas, etc!
5 - Vehicle #2 lost his keys at the processing center! We realized it when it was time to go and although they tried to tell us to leave...I could not imagine leaving folks stranded to wait for Triple A. So we asked Pastor Billie and Lorraine to pray while we searched (they were at home) and 10 minutes later someone came forward with a set of keys they had found...PRAISE THE LORD!
6 - We had a marathon hour and a half meal at Ruby Tuesdays after being delayed by the keys!
7 - And when we got to Greensboro and saw the snow we were shocked!
8 - We got back to church at 12:15am Sunday morning!
9 - Then I got stuck on Highway 70 in Pine Level due to a terrible accident that had just happened moments before and did not get to Princeton until 1:30am!!! Praise God for protection and timing! 10 minutes could have made me a victim!
Ahhhh...the memories...LOL
If you have never gone to the processing center you will have another chance next year...take advantage...it is so worth it!
Sleep well!
In Him,
Kristy =)
In other news...Operation Christmas Child is AWESOME! We went and worked at the processing center in Charlotte on Saturday. 13 of us. It was quite the adventure. Who knew it would really snow here while we were gone...lol We decided it was certainly a memorable trip. Not only do you feel so blessed from participating which makes it memorable enough...but in addition...
1 - The church van got pulled on the way out of Raleigh for failing to move over when a State Trooper was on the left side of the road. We were in a row of three...I got over as I passed him, vehicle # 2 was half way over, but the van had no where to go because of traffic. Can you believe he actually told them they should have come to a complete stop in the left lane of I40 and waited until it was safe to get in the next lane....HELLLLLLOOOOOO that would have caused a major pile up! He let them go with a warning...thank God! And the van had no registration paperwork so it could have been much worse for us!
2 - The van window would not go back up after they were pulled and we had to get one of the guys to work on it because it was FREEZING!
3 - The van had only 1/2 a tank of gas because I did not think to check it so we had to stop in Mebane. Road Warriors we are! haha
4 - We were about 10 minutes late to work due to traffic, and patrolman, and gas, etc!
5 - Vehicle #2 lost his keys at the processing center! We realized it when it was time to go and although they tried to tell us to leave...I could not imagine leaving folks stranded to wait for Triple A. So we asked Pastor Billie and Lorraine to pray while we searched (they were at home) and 10 minutes later someone came forward with a set of keys they had found...PRAISE THE LORD!
6 - We had a marathon hour and a half meal at Ruby Tuesdays after being delayed by the keys!
7 - And when we got to Greensboro and saw the snow we were shocked!
8 - We got back to church at 12:15am Sunday morning!
9 - Then I got stuck on Highway 70 in Pine Level due to a terrible accident that had just happened moments before and did not get to Princeton until 1:30am!!! Praise God for protection and timing! 10 minutes could have made me a victim!
Ahhhh...the memories...LOL
If you have never gone to the processing center you will have another chance next year...take advantage...it is so worth it!
Sleep well!
In Him,
Kristy =)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
SMC - Dec 1st
The next two weeks I want to focus on reviewing everything in my memory binder. For a long time I recited them weekly, and lately I have not been disciplined in doing that. So I am not picking a new one this week. I want to master some of my previous ones that I only partially have memorized or haven't quite gotten down. If you have been a little slack about fully learning your past verses then I challenge you to do the same. Or...let's hear your new verse! =) Either way...check in!
In Him,
Kristy
In Him,
Kristy
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