Slow month? Not exactly!

katiesjams — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:28:00 +0000

Glancing at my blog for the month of August I feel like it was a slow month as far as the number of my posts. But in reality, it was far from a slow month! Spiritually, August had its ups and downs. But overall, I feel like the reason I blogged so little was because I was learning so much. I couldn’t narrow down my thoughts to one comprehensible post!!

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying “The Hole in our Gospel” and wish I could copy and paste everything I read.

Honestly, I’m still trying to find out what this blog means to me and what I’m supposed to do with it. Sometimes I get insecure about it. It’s “authentic,” yes. But I’m now subscribed to 19 blogs and follow 98 people on Twitter, most of whom are excellent Christian writers, speakers, artists, and authors. Its intimidating because I sometimes envy the ease with which it seems other people can write and communicate so effectively what they want to.

Anyway, my own insecurities won’t keep me from growing spiritually. I just have the desire to develop my writing and see what happens. I may not become a published author but I want to do my best to tell others about the Good News I know that changes my life each day.

Borrowed: "A Golden Opportunity"

katiesjams — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:36:00 +0000

The following is from a blog I stumbled upon this week (have I mentioned how much I love Twitter and that resources it has given me?) that is incredibly profound, relevant, and well-written. The post can be found here http://bit.ly/VrQDV but I also pasted it below for you:

It all happened so quickly. I certainly didn’t see it coming. I was knocked off my feet and hit the pavement, all in the matter of a few seconds. We walk our dogs just about every morning. It was a beautiful day. I had put our Golden Retriever, Precious, on her leash and we headed down toward the end of the driveway to wait for my husband, Steve, and Joe, our Chesepeake Bay Retriever. Joe came charging around the house. He ran at full speed to greet us. Unfortunately, he ran right into Precious’ leash and I was catapulted onto the rough cement of the driveway. Thoroughly stunned, I slowly stood to my feet and grabbed my right elbow. Instinctively, I had broken the impact of the fall by putting my hands out in front of me. Even so, my right elbow had managed to take a pretty hard hit.

My husband was afraid I may have broken my elbow, which by now was swelling and bleeding from some minor abrasions. I stumbled into the house to get an ice pack from the freezer. Although it hurt, I was still able to move my arm; so with ice pack in hand, I told my husband to go ahead without me. I was surprised to hear the door open just a few minutes later. Steve told me that he had tried to walk the dogs, but that Precious would only walk a few feet before she’d stop, and turn around to look back toward the house. After trying to coax her forward a few times to no avail, he brought both dogs back home.

I imagine that’s one reason they’re called, ‘man’s best friend.’ How sweet to think that my puppy was so concerned about me that she was no longer interested in taking a long-awaited walk. It certainly gave me food for thought. How often have I listened to the prayer request of a troubled friend, brought the petition before the Lord once, and then forgotten all about my friend’s need? Am I really concerned about what burdens my friend? Or am I more focused on my needs? It’s so much easier to rejoice with friends who are rejoicing, than to fulfill the second half of Romans 12:15, to “weep with them that weep.” (KJV)

The Bible is replete with countless examples of Christ’s prayer life. Since He was so often surrounded by people, He made it a practice to get away by Himself to spend time with His Father in prayer. Matthew 14:23 reveals, “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” (KJV) The book of Mark puts it this way, “And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.” (Mark 6:46, KJV) He was so burdened for mankind, that the book of Luke says, “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountin to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12, KJV) What a passion for people! What a model for us to follow. I’m reminded today of the power of prayer and the Almighty God who answers it. Will you be faithful to intercede on the behalf of others until God answers? Be sure to stop and praise Him when He does!

John 17:24-26, New International Version

katiesjams — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:33:00 +0000

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

“Garden” by NeedToBreathe

Won’t you take this cup from me
‘Cause fear has stolen all my sleep
If tomorrow means my death
I pray you’ll save their souls with it

Let the songs I sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words I say profess my love
Let the notes I choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

In this hour of doubt I see
But who I am is not just me
So give me strength to die myself
So love can live to tell the tale

Let the songs I sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words I say profess my love
Let the notes I choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

Father let my heart be…
For you

Let the songs I sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words I say profess my love
Let the notes I choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

Psalm 119:161-168, The Message

katiesjams — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:54:00 +0000

I’ve been slandered unmercifully by the politicians,

but my awe at your words keeps me stable.

I’m ecstatic over what you say,

like one who strikes it rich.

I hate lies—can’t stand them!—

but I love what you have revealed.

Seven times each day I stop and shout praises

for the way you keep everything running right.

For those who love what you reveal, everything fits—

no stumbling around in the dark for them.

I wait expectantly for your salvation;

God, I do what you tell me.

My soul guards and keeps all your instructions—

oh, how much I love them!

I follow your directions, abide by your counsel;

my life’s an open book before you.

School has started again for many friends of mine who are either students or teachers. I miss school on a regular basis. I like the semester/winter/semester/summer schedule and I’ve never gotten tired of learning new things. Now I know why people choose to continue their education through masters degrees, certifications, and doctorates. Sometimes I find a restlessness of sitting in the same place doing the same thing day after day with no end in sight to motivate me.

But, then again, I’ve always been a self-motivator and it’s not like me to wait for something or someone else to put a fire under my feet so that I can get things done. I can do a lot when I put my mind to it. Granted, this “quality” about me can also be my fall. I struggle with pride and independence. Both can be used for good, but my struggle is when I become so self-reliant that I’m not receptive to God’s voice or the counsel of my friends or family.

That’s why these verses stuck out to me today. I want to relish the Words of God and sing His praises all day. I know first-hand that when I actively participate in the scriptures and love hearing the wisdom of the Lord in the pages of the bible, “everything fits” and makes sense. No more floundering around like a college student without a major, no more second-guessing, say goodbye to my shaky foundation of self-reliance — God is my stability and I wait expectantly for His words.

True Love by Phil Wickham

katiesjams — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:06:00 +0000

Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave His only Son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers Broken Heart
Tears were filling Heaven’s Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died,
The day that True Love died

Search your heart you know you can’t deny it
Come on, lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave His only Son just to save us

The Earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt The Fathers broken heart
Tears were filling Heaven’s Eyes
The day that True Love died,
The day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died,
The day that True Love died

Now, Jesus is alive

Jesus is alive!
Jesus is alive!
Jesus is alive!
Jesus is alive!
Oh, He is alive -
He rose again!

When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died,
The day that True Love died

Come close listen to the story…

Jonah 2:8, NIV

katiesjams — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:37:00 +0000

Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

Today I thoroughly enjoyed reading another two chapters in The Hole in our Gospel. Richard Sterns’ thoughts on what God expects of us have been convicting and relevant. Too often I find that I am guilty, just like Jonah (in the above verse), of clinging desperately to my worthless “idols” and missing out on the grace that allows me to live freely and have things of immeasurable worth.

I’m still trying to discover and admit what my idols are – I’m very good at being unaware of my flaws.

My mind tries to tell me that clinging to these idols is security – it’s safe. But if you look at the story of Jonah, you see he tried to convince himself of the same thing but only found safety in the times when he was obeying God. “God can’t give you the blessings He has for you until you first put down the others things you are clutching your hands.”

And no excuses about “I don’t have the time or resources to adequately serve God,” or “I’m not spiritual enough.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 – …for My power is made perfect in weakness…

God doesn’t call the equipped -He equips the called.

Closing thoughts from the chapters I read today: “Mother Teresa once said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” She had it right. We’re not authors, any of us. We are just the pencils. Once we understand that, we might actually become useful to God.

A "Regular"

katiesjams — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Have you ever walked into a shop or restaurant where the owner and/or employees gave you such a nice and genuine welcome that you were glad you chose to go there?

Do people feel like that when they go to your church? What about your small group?

Psalm 94:18-19, NIV

katiesjams — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:44:00 +0000

When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your love, O LORD, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.

I allow anxiety to permeate my life in several ways last week. As evidence by my lack of blogging (and thus, lack of spending time with the Lord), I clearly didn’t seek the correct way of handling my anxiousness. The consolation that scripture gives does bring joy to my soul and I know the truth that says “be anxious about nothing but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Yet, even with this head and heart knowledge, something stubborn (or forgetful?) inside my spirit still chooses to fret and worry before ever remembering to sit and pray about it first.

Like a habit that is impossible to break, my “self” still defaults to this way of handling stress. Can there ever be relief from this cycle? I am often convinced that it’s all part of our human condition on earth and that it won’t get better until we’re no longer foreigners, until we get Home to heaven. At the same time, I can’t make excuses. I can work at this and force my worldly and selfish habits to not be my initial response. This is impossible for me, but not for God, He can work it out in my life if He sees fit and I’m pretty sure He would encourage me to seek Him first.

So I’m going to work at it, pray about it, and start responded to stress by telling God about it and looking in the Word for the answers.

Saturday Mornings

katiesjams — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:23:00 +0000

It’s a Saturday morning and I feel very blessed to be at home alone with buttermilk waffles, fresh strawberries, and coffee. On the rare and random mornings when I find myself home, I typically turn on the television and, if I’m lucky, I get to watch a re-run of I Love Lucy. If watching the mishaps of the Ricardos isn’t an option, I waste my time watching infomercials for products like the Windshield Wonder. However, this morning I realized that I have a wonderful DVD collection of my favorite movies and yet I never take the time to sit down and watch them! Therefore, this morning’s selection was a comedic fantasy that has been on my top 10 list for years – Big Fish.

“They say when you meet the love of your life, time stops, and that’s true. What they don’t tell you is that when it starts again, it moves extra fast to catch up.”

This morning’s realization (remembering to take the time to watch a favorite DVD again) got me thinking. Just like the DVDs I love and have collected, but rarely watch, how many things in my spiritual life are also collecting dust on a shelf – other “forgotten favorites?” Some of my favorite things to do with the Lord I don’t schedule or prioritize. They’re collecting dust of the shelf of my heart. Things like more consistent time in the word, creative worship, spiritual retreats, and full-time ministry. I’m not sure why I do this. These are the things that remind me of the Lord, His love, and excite me about sharing Him with others.

I’m inspired today to take the one to two hours to dust off a favorite “God time” hobby. A forgotten favorite can again be remembered again as we spend time with our timeless God.

The Son

katiesjams — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:02:00 +0000

“I believe in Christianity as I believe in the sun- not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” – C.S. Lewis

I depend on its consistency
to get me through each day.
When its hidden by a cloud,
My spirit starts to feel gray.

A light that can’t compare
its too magnificent to stare.
It exposing my inner weakness,
I fight my pride like a dare.

The SON is of whom I speak
the very Name makes me weak!
Do you know of the knowledge found in Him?
Do you know it’s Him you need to seek?