I think that having kindness and goodness in our lives as Christians are amazing fruits to possess, and that they will benefit our lives as well as others! Being kind and good to others, is one way to show love to them!
I remember one time, when I was at Teen Serve my first year. That year was really lonely for me, because while everyone was talking and laughing with their groups of friends, I had nobody, and would often be sitting by myself, bored and lonely. One day, a girl came up to me, and introduced herself, and started talking to me. It was only a few minutes of talking, and I don't really remember who she is, or anything about her, but I was so incredibly blessed in that moment by her kindness towards me, when I was feeling lonely!
Being kind doesn't have to be something grand, or important! Some of the things we do to show kindness to others seem unimportant, and really insignificant, when really, our small acts of kindness can brighten somebody's day!! Just simply talking to people, and making an effort to show that you care to talk to them really does make a HUGE difference!!! I'm sure that girl that came to talk to me, had to pull herself away from her friends and people she knew, to come and say "Hi!" to the awkward girl standing in a corner by herself!
Don't be discouraged if you can't find some grand deed to show off your kindness!! Jesus said "And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water
because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose
his reward.” in Matthew 10:42. Being willing to do small tasks or chores for people, is often the best and most efficient way to show kindness!
Goodness is pretty close to the same thing as kindness! One time when I was young, my dad ran to Starbucks to grab something through the drive thru. When he got up to pay for his things, he also requested to pay for the person behind him! It probably blessed the person behind us significantly! What if you drove up to the cashier to pay, having not so good of a day, cranky about a long day at work, and stressed out, when the cashier tells you "You're coffee is paid for! The person in front of you paid for you!!" I'm sure it brought a smile to his face.
My dad,being humble, had told us at the time to not tell anybody, that he didn't want to brag, for Matthew 6:3-4 tells us "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your father who sees in secret will reward you." I guess I'm spilling the beans now, hahaha!! This story has stayed with me for years, and whenever I think of kindness and goodness, this story pops in my head!! It might not be the most fun to use your money to pay for somebody's food or drinks, but it is an amazing act of goodness my dad showed!
I just wanted to use that story as an example that 1) The small acts of kindness/goodness are the most important ones! and 2) That we don't need to proclaim our good acts to the world, that God sees what we're doing, and he will reward us!
Try to think of ways to bless someone through small acts of kindness today. You never know what they are going through, and how much you'll make a difference in their lives.
~~Katie~~
Friday, September 26, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Day Three: Peace and Patience
To be honest with you all, I'm not a big expert on peace. I can write more easily on love, joy, etc., so to warn you ahead of time, I am learning a LOT in the process of writing this!!
One of my favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 14:33a "For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace." I find me saying this to myself when I am in a state of confusion, or not understanding. When I'm not really sure what to do in certain situations, I remind myself that God is NOT a God of confusion, but of peace, and it usually calms me down, and helps me to realize I need to put my situation(s) in His hands!
I actually have a story to tell, and it may be relevant, and it may not, but it was an experience I don't think I'll ever forget. One time, I was laying in bed as usual. Now this was quite a few years ago, I was eight or nine. I was laying in bed, and Johanna (probably about 4 years old) was being really annoying, and loud and disrupting Danielle and I! Of course, my mom had to come in and settle her down, but in the midst of all the chaos around me, I felt a sudden peace. It grew in the pit of my stomach, and felt warm and nice. I was suddenly happy, despite the fact that before I was really annoyed with Johanna. The one way I could describe this feeling was---- peaceful. It was a state of peace that I had never really experienced before.
This was so many years ago, I don't exactly remember all the details, and I don't know if I was just exaggerating, or if God put peace in my heart at that moment, because I'm human and I make mistakes, but it sure felt like something from God! I don't exactly know why He would have given me peace in that moment, but it really gave me a better understanding of peace, even though I was only nine!
I think that peace is an underlying feeling or emotion we Christians should have! Have you ever just walked into a fellow Christians house and felt peace? I have! It's not something we can obtain ourselves, but through prayer, His Word, and loving God and other, we can develop this peace in our lives!
Next... patience. Patience is something that is almost mandatory to have when you have a large family. So I admit, I have a little more patience to some extent when outside the family than I would if I didn't have a large family, but patience is something that God has been working on in me!
I actually have a really neat story to tell about this. Once, me and my mom got into a discussion about prayer. She mentioned that when you pray for things (such as patience) God will bring situations in your life to practice your patience, not just automatically grant it to you! Well, I decided to test this out, and every night I would pray for patience. Always, the next day, I situation would occur were I could have used patience, but blew it off, because I'd forgotten the fact that patience was something I was working on and praying for! One night, I finally decided to ask God to send me a little reminder, or a little nudge in the right direction when He brought a situation in my life where I could practice my patience.
The next day, we went to go visit my aunt who lives in Minnesota, and sure enough, with all the excitement of traveling and seeing my aunt who I hadn't seen in awhile, I totally forgot my prayer the previous night! Later that night, we went out to a Mexican restaurant, and Danielle and I were super hungry. You know how restaurants always, always ALWAYS take forever to bring you food? I'm not kidding, this place took about 3x that long... and it wasn't even that busy in there!!!!! Anyway, Danielle and I were getting to the end of our ropes.
"Whheeeenn are they gooinnng to beee heeerrreee??? They are taking forever!!!"
Danielle complained, as she held her growling stomach.
"Yeah-"
I started to agree and chime in with my complaint, when my aunt patiently responded. "Right now, we need to practice our patience. God brings moments like these, so we can learn to be patient throughout our life" Suddenly, my prayer last night came rushing back to my mind, and I wasn't so starving anymore. It was still hard to remain waiting to last 15 min. before they finally came with our food, but with my little reminder of my patience I was striving for, I was somehow able to concentrate on becoming patient.
I learned two important lessons that night. 1) I am NEVER going that Mexican restaurant AGAIN!! (Hahaha, just kidding. :) ) 2) God always answers our prayers in His own timing, and that I have a looong way to go before I have perfected the act of patience. :)
Now, this whole story was over a span of about 3 or 4 months, so don't expect to ask God for a reminder, and for it to happen every time!! (Trust me, I've tried, haha!!) I've learned that God works in ways that are the most efficient in His timing, even when it doesn't seem convenient for us, He knows the qualities we are striving for, and if we are really devoted enough (cause He sees our heart!), God will bring opportunities in our lives.
I'd better get on to more about patience, I've been rambling on about my story and prayer, haha!! Honestly, I am probably the least patient person ever. I probably would be even less patient, if I didn't have a large family that requires me to learn to have patience, and that test me on this quality specifically, daily! So, me writing this is mainly me trying to learn more about the subject of patience, and change this in my life!
Philippians 4:6 states: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
We need to patiently wait for His timing in our lives, and to pray!! I think one of the best things to do, is to look to Him and not towards our earthly possessions... easier said than done, I know, hahaha!! I tend to get anxious and overly excited about things! But this is one of the things God has been working on in my heart!!
Proverbs 15:18 says: A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. and James 1:19 agrees:
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
It's really easy when you're frustrated, preoccupied, or even doing nothing at all to respond to siblings, parents, and sometimes even friends with harsh, or sharp tone/attitude. This is the biggest area of patience for me, that I need to work on in my life. It's not easy to respond patiently with a humble and loving attitude, especially when you're having a rough day! It takes a lot of patience, and even self-control to regroup yourself and to tell yourself "It's okay. Calm down. There's no need to get frustrated, rude, or cranky!"
Like I've been mentioning, I don't have it perfect. I am working on obtaining peace and patience, so this post is more of me trying to encourage myself and you guys, that you're not alone, and to keep trying!!
I congratulate you on making it this far in this lengthy post. I hope you enjoy!!
~~Katie~~
One of my favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 14:33a "For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace." I find me saying this to myself when I am in a state of confusion, or not understanding. When I'm not really sure what to do in certain situations, I remind myself that God is NOT a God of confusion, but of peace, and it usually calms me down, and helps me to realize I need to put my situation(s) in His hands!
I actually have a story to tell, and it may be relevant, and it may not, but it was an experience I don't think I'll ever forget. One time, I was laying in bed as usual. Now this was quite a few years ago, I was eight or nine. I was laying in bed, and Johanna (probably about 4 years old) was being really annoying, and loud and disrupting Danielle and I! Of course, my mom had to come in and settle her down, but in the midst of all the chaos around me, I felt a sudden peace. It grew in the pit of my stomach, and felt warm and nice. I was suddenly happy, despite the fact that before I was really annoyed with Johanna. The one way I could describe this feeling was---- peaceful. It was a state of peace that I had never really experienced before.
This was so many years ago, I don't exactly remember all the details, and I don't know if I was just exaggerating, or if God put peace in my heart at that moment, because I'm human and I make mistakes, but it sure felt like something from God! I don't exactly know why He would have given me peace in that moment, but it really gave me a better understanding of peace, even though I was only nine!
I think that peace is an underlying feeling or emotion we Christians should have! Have you ever just walked into a fellow Christians house and felt peace? I have! It's not something we can obtain ourselves, but through prayer, His Word, and loving God and other, we can develop this peace in our lives!
Next... patience. Patience is something that is almost mandatory to have when you have a large family. So I admit, I have a little more patience to some extent when outside the family than I would if I didn't have a large family, but patience is something that God has been working on in me!
I actually have a really neat story to tell about this. Once, me and my mom got into a discussion about prayer. She mentioned that when you pray for things (such as patience) God will bring situations in your life to practice your patience, not just automatically grant it to you! Well, I decided to test this out, and every night I would pray for patience. Always, the next day, I situation would occur were I could have used patience, but blew it off, because I'd forgotten the fact that patience was something I was working on and praying for! One night, I finally decided to ask God to send me a little reminder, or a little nudge in the right direction when He brought a situation in my life where I could practice my patience.
The next day, we went to go visit my aunt who lives in Minnesota, and sure enough, with all the excitement of traveling and seeing my aunt who I hadn't seen in awhile, I totally forgot my prayer the previous night! Later that night, we went out to a Mexican restaurant, and Danielle and I were super hungry. You know how restaurants always, always ALWAYS take forever to bring you food? I'm not kidding, this place took about 3x that long... and it wasn't even that busy in there!!!!! Anyway, Danielle and I were getting to the end of our ropes.
"Whheeeenn are they gooinnng to beee heeerrreee??? They are taking forever!!!"
Danielle complained, as she held her growling stomach.
"Yeah-"
I started to agree and chime in with my complaint, when my aunt patiently responded. "Right now, we need to practice our patience. God brings moments like these, so we can learn to be patient throughout our life" Suddenly, my prayer last night came rushing back to my mind, and I wasn't so starving anymore. It was still hard to remain waiting to last 15 min. before they finally came with our food, but with my little reminder of my patience I was striving for, I was somehow able to concentrate on becoming patient.
I learned two important lessons that night. 1) I am NEVER going that Mexican restaurant AGAIN!! (Hahaha, just kidding. :) ) 2) God always answers our prayers in His own timing, and that I have a looong way to go before I have perfected the act of patience. :)
Now, this whole story was over a span of about 3 or 4 months, so don't expect to ask God for a reminder, and for it to happen every time!! (Trust me, I've tried, haha!!) I've learned that God works in ways that are the most efficient in His timing, even when it doesn't seem convenient for us, He knows the qualities we are striving for, and if we are really devoted enough (cause He sees our heart!), God will bring opportunities in our lives.
I'd better get on to more about patience, I've been rambling on about my story and prayer, haha!! Honestly, I am probably the least patient person ever. I probably would be even less patient, if I didn't have a large family that requires me to learn to have patience, and that test me on this quality specifically, daily! So, me writing this is mainly me trying to learn more about the subject of patience, and change this in my life!
Philippians 4:6 states: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
We need to patiently wait for His timing in our lives, and to pray!! I think one of the best things to do, is to look to Him and not towards our earthly possessions... easier said than done, I know, hahaha!! I tend to get anxious and overly excited about things! But this is one of the things God has been working on in my heart!!
Proverbs 15:18 says: A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. and James 1:19 agrees:
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
It's really easy when you're frustrated, preoccupied, or even doing nothing at all to respond to siblings, parents, and sometimes even friends with harsh, or sharp tone/attitude. This is the biggest area of patience for me, that I need to work on in my life. It's not easy to respond patiently with a humble and loving attitude, especially when you're having a rough day! It takes a lot of patience, and even self-control to regroup yourself and to tell yourself "It's okay. Calm down. There's no need to get frustrated, rude, or cranky!"
Like I've been mentioning, I don't have it perfect. I am working on obtaining peace and patience, so this post is more of me trying to encourage myself and you guys, that you're not alone, and to keep trying!!
I congratulate you on making it this far in this lengthy post. I hope you enjoy!!
~~Katie~~
Monday, September 22, 2014
Day Two: Joy
Joy is one of my favorite fruits of the spirit! Just the word alone resembles a spirit of happiness, and can bring light to a dreary day. Joy is also one of the most intriguing to me too, because I think one of the greatest treasures we can find being a Christan is joy!
Now, joy and happiness are actually not the same thing. Almost, but not quite. Happiness, is more of an excitement, energy, or in the moment feeling of joy! It doesn't last, it doesn't make us feel better after it's all said and done. Joy is true contentment in life, no matter the mountains and valleys God brings us in our life, and is truly an admirable fruit of the spirit to have.
Out of joy, we can have happiness throughout our life in the ups and downs, but having just happiness alone isn't enough for us as Christians. Even atheists can be happy when life is going good, there's no problems or complications, you have good people in your life who aren't causing any problems, poverty isn't an issue. But, when poverty does strike and people come in your life who hurt you, and cause strife and confusion in your life, we need to have constant joy!!
I'm definitely not saying do not EVER be sad! God gave us that emotion for a reason, just the same way he gave us anger. We need to embrace that that's who we are as humans, but don't need to drag it out and feel bad for ourselves, because then it becomes bitterness, discontentment and self-pity, and at that point, it IS a sin. People grieve and mourn, when life gets difficult and that's okay. Even David, a man after God's own heart, as God Himself declared, mourned in Psalms 69:1-3: "Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God."
He goes on like this for the whole chapter, until the last few verses: "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein."
In this section, he's proclaiming the goodness of the Lord God, and giving him the glory and credit, rather than wallowing in self-pity forever, and ever. In other Psalms, when things are going great for David, and life is pretty good, he still gives praise to God continually, and doesn't just forget Him in moments of happiness and prosperity!
James 1:2-3 states: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
I actually have a story about the apostles of Jesus when they showed this verse through their actions, and this story has really amazed me!!
Acts 5:40-42 tells us:
and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Okay... wow.. have you ever gotten in trouble before? Most of us have, haha!! How many times have you left after being lectured full of joy and cheerful?? Ummmm.. NEVER!!! I know I haven't! Especially being proud of being worthy to be persecuted and looked down upon the Pharisees for Jesus Christ. This is true joy in the apostles when they were preaching the good news to everyone! The joy in their hearts from serving the Lord Jesus shines still today as we read passages such as these, and can be encouraged in our life to be joyful!!
To be honest with you, being joyful is one of my greatest struggles in life. Being happy? Pshh.. that's easy... but when things aren't necessary going my way, or the easiest in life, I don't always have that constant joy to lift me up... and do you know why? Because it is literally impossible for us humans to obtain joy by ourselves. It doesn't matter how hard we try, it's not something our sinful natures can do. That's really discouraging, isn't it?
Now, here's the good news, by God, we can have joy in life. God is such an amazing, merciful, spectacular God, and the only way we can really have true joy, is through our Savior, who shone a light to the world through the joy he brought others, and displayed Himself. If we truly love the Lord God, our Creator, then He will give us joy in our times of need. Through seeking and thoroughly knowing His Word, prayer, loving Him and loving others, and obeying the commandments that He has given us, we WILL find true joy!!!
I really hope this post has uplifted and encouraged you through your walk with God! Continue to seek God and learn more about Him!!
~~ Katie~~
Here are a few good links to songs/articles about joy that I like!
http://www.faithgateway.com/25-bible-verses-about-joy/#.VCBFgRawW0o (( I haven't read this one completely yet, but it looks really REALLY good!!))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av3thaKk3Ac
Now, joy and happiness are actually not the same thing. Almost, but not quite. Happiness, is more of an excitement, energy, or in the moment feeling of joy! It doesn't last, it doesn't make us feel better after it's all said and done. Joy is true contentment in life, no matter the mountains and valleys God brings us in our life, and is truly an admirable fruit of the spirit to have.
Out of joy, we can have happiness throughout our life in the ups and downs, but having just happiness alone isn't enough for us as Christians. Even atheists can be happy when life is going good, there's no problems or complications, you have good people in your life who aren't causing any problems, poverty isn't an issue. But, when poverty does strike and people come in your life who hurt you, and cause strife and confusion in your life, we need to have constant joy!!
I'm definitely not saying do not EVER be sad! God gave us that emotion for a reason, just the same way he gave us anger. We need to embrace that that's who we are as humans, but don't need to drag it out and feel bad for ourselves, because then it becomes bitterness, discontentment and self-pity, and at that point, it IS a sin. People grieve and mourn, when life gets difficult and that's okay. Even David, a man after God's own heart, as God Himself declared, mourned in Psalms 69:1-3: "Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God."
He goes on like this for the whole chapter, until the last few verses: "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein."
In this section, he's proclaiming the goodness of the Lord God, and giving him the glory and credit, rather than wallowing in self-pity forever, and ever. In other Psalms, when things are going great for David, and life is pretty good, he still gives praise to God continually, and doesn't just forget Him in moments of happiness and prosperity!
James 1:2-3 states: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
I actually have a story about the apostles of Jesus when they showed this verse through their actions, and this story has really amazed me!!
Acts 5:40-42 tells us:
and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Okay... wow.. have you ever gotten in trouble before? Most of us have, haha!! How many times have you left after being lectured full of joy and cheerful?? Ummmm.. NEVER!!! I know I haven't! Especially being proud of being worthy to be persecuted and looked down upon the Pharisees for Jesus Christ. This is true joy in the apostles when they were preaching the good news to everyone! The joy in their hearts from serving the Lord Jesus shines still today as we read passages such as these, and can be encouraged in our life to be joyful!!
To be honest with you, being joyful is one of my greatest struggles in life. Being happy? Pshh.. that's easy... but when things aren't necessary going my way, or the easiest in life, I don't always have that constant joy to lift me up... and do you know why? Because it is literally impossible for us humans to obtain joy by ourselves. It doesn't matter how hard we try, it's not something our sinful natures can do. That's really discouraging, isn't it?
Now, here's the good news, by God, we can have joy in life. God is such an amazing, merciful, spectacular God, and the only way we can really have true joy, is through our Savior, who shone a light to the world through the joy he brought others, and displayed Himself. If we truly love the Lord God, our Creator, then He will give us joy in our times of need. Through seeking and thoroughly knowing His Word, prayer, loving Him and loving others, and obeying the commandments that He has given us, we WILL find true joy!!!
I really hope this post has uplifted and encouraged you through your walk with God! Continue to seek God and learn more about Him!!
~~ Katie~~
Here are a few good links to songs/articles about joy that I like!
http://www.faithgateway.com/25-bible-verses-about-joy/#.VCBFgRawW0o (( I haven't read this one completely yet, but it looks really REALLY good!!))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av3thaKk3Ac
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Day One: Love
1 Corinthians 13:13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Mark 12:31
"The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. There is no other commandment greater than these"
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and evil.
All of these verses are great examples of love. Honestly, by God's Word, and by my own findings in life, I think that love is the greatest action we can do in God's kingdom, and to further glorify our Creator. 1 Corinthians 13:2 says "And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
This verse is saying we can have EVERYTHING we want, we could understand the bible thoroughly, rattle off verses after verses we have memorized, and have crazy amazing faith, but if we don't do this in love, then it has no purpose. We are speaking empty words, not practicing what we preach, and doing this is NOT how we should show others our Christianity!
When we go out into the world to preach the gospel, people aren't going to listen to our "great sermons" or "powerful speeches". That won't change their mind or hearts for that matter. They will watch to see how we love the world, love fellow Christians, and they will sense a radiance of love coming from our hearts and mouth. We need to make sure we love with our hearts, and the rest will fall in place. The words we speak, the thoughts we think, and the way we approach others.
1 John 4:8 tell us "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.". That's pretty powerful!! We could study His Word daily, pray to him all we want, and if we don't love, we know nothing about God, because God IS love!! When Jesus came down to this earth to die for our sins, He did it out of love!! Not because we even came close to deserving that amazing sacrifice he made on the cross, but because He loves us, and rejoices in His children!! The best way to show others around us is love!!
Okay, so now we all know we basically NEED love to be a part of the kingdom of God... but how DO we love?1 Corinthians 13:4-8 has some REALLY good guideline on how we should love others!!
Love is patient and kind. How many times are we patient and kind when one of our siblings decide to spill water on your new dress? How are we patient and kind when our parents say "Not right now!" to something we really want? Being loving would be to have the right attitude, and realizing that it's okay that you have water on your dress, because what really matters is your love between you and your sibling, not a little accident, and that your parents know best for you when saying "Wait!" or "No!".
Love does not envy or boast. Okay... how many times have your seen your friend with those cute shoes that are just to DIE FOR??? Or you see someone with more friends than you? It's really easy to feel envious over an insignificant earthly object (such as shoes) or to look at someone with many friends, and to think that they have it all. In these situations, showing love to one another would be to truly care for them, and understand how you would feel in their situation. Feel happy for them!! Don't feel envious, realize that they're a person too, just trying to make it through life as well. It is the same for boasting. When you try to feel superior to other people by bragging or boasting, we are not truly loving them as Christ did. Apply Mark 12:31 in these situations (listed above).
I'm not going to go on about 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. You get the point. Try to think about the rest of the verse and apply it to your life. Love is such an important key in being a Christian!! I can't stress this enough in this post!!
Also, as a side note... I don't have everything perfect. I don't perfectly love others as I love myself. As typical human nature goes, I am selfish. It a constant battle to work and strive for, and this is exactly what I am trying to do when I write this blog post.
And remember "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19)... And do it in LOVE!!!
~~Katie~~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBvDiXCVkzwAnd here's a song about love that I really enjoy listening to by Kari Jobe.
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Mark 12:31
"The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. There is no other commandment greater than these"
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and evil.
1
Corinthians 13:4-8
Love
is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or
resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the
truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things.
Love never ends. As for
prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as
for knowledge, it will pass away.
All of these verses are great examples of love. Honestly, by God's Word, and by my own findings in life, I think that love is the greatest action we can do in God's kingdom, and to further glorify our Creator. 1 Corinthians 13:2 says "And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
This verse is saying we can have EVERYTHING we want, we could understand the bible thoroughly, rattle off verses after verses we have memorized, and have crazy amazing faith, but if we don't do this in love, then it has no purpose. We are speaking empty words, not practicing what we preach, and doing this is NOT how we should show others our Christianity!
When we go out into the world to preach the gospel, people aren't going to listen to our "great sermons" or "powerful speeches". That won't change their mind or hearts for that matter. They will watch to see how we love the world, love fellow Christians, and they will sense a radiance of love coming from our hearts and mouth. We need to make sure we love with our hearts, and the rest will fall in place. The words we speak, the thoughts we think, and the way we approach others.
1 John 4:8 tell us "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.". That's pretty powerful!! We could study His Word daily, pray to him all we want, and if we don't love, we know nothing about God, because God IS love!! When Jesus came down to this earth to die for our sins, He did it out of love!! Not because we even came close to deserving that amazing sacrifice he made on the cross, but because He loves us, and rejoices in His children!! The best way to show others around us is love!!
Okay, so now we all know we basically NEED love to be a part of the kingdom of God... but how DO we love?1 Corinthians 13:4-8 has some REALLY good guideline on how we should love others!!
Love is patient and kind. How many times are we patient and kind when one of our siblings decide to spill water on your new dress? How are we patient and kind when our parents say "Not right now!" to something we really want? Being loving would be to have the right attitude, and realizing that it's okay that you have water on your dress, because what really matters is your love between you and your sibling, not a little accident, and that your parents know best for you when saying "Wait!" or "No!".
Love does not envy or boast. Okay... how many times have your seen your friend with those cute shoes that are just to DIE FOR??? Or you see someone with more friends than you? It's really easy to feel envious over an insignificant earthly object (such as shoes) or to look at someone with many friends, and to think that they have it all. In these situations, showing love to one another would be to truly care for them, and understand how you would feel in their situation. Feel happy for them!! Don't feel envious, realize that they're a person too, just trying to make it through life as well. It is the same for boasting. When you try to feel superior to other people by bragging or boasting, we are not truly loving them as Christ did. Apply Mark 12:31 in these situations (listed above).
I'm not going to go on about 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. You get the point. Try to think about the rest of the verse and apply it to your life. Love is such an important key in being a Christian!! I can't stress this enough in this post!!
Also, as a side note... I don't have everything perfect. I don't perfectly love others as I love myself. As typical human nature goes, I am selfish. It a constant battle to work and strive for, and this is exactly what I am trying to do when I write this blog post.
And remember "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19)... And do it in LOVE!!!
~~Katie~~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBvDiXCVkzwAnd here's a song about love that I really enjoy listening to by Kari Jobe.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Appendicitis
Hey guys!!
I'm writing this post for all you out there who are wondering how everything went, or if you're just curious to see how everything happened, and I'll give you a fair warning, it'll probably be length-y, but I'll also have a smaller summary on my Facebook page. :)
Anyway, it all started Wednesday morning when I woke up feeling a bit nauseous and my stomach had some pains. It didn't start out too bad, but I stayed in bed until about 12:00 which is odd for me (not for Danielle, of course, haha, but I'm normally more of an early bird.) I woke up, took a shower and felt much better from when I woke up, but at 1:00 when my parents left with my grandparents to watch the younger kid's Tae-Kwon-Do class. I started feeling even more nauseous and lay on the couch for awhile before I went upstairs to rest. My stomach was hurting, but I thought it was bloating or gas, but it still felt a bit different, but I kind of expected it to fade out or something like that.
After awhile, I ended up have diarrhea and throwing up a lot, so I guessed that I had caught a stomach bug, or even had food poisoning, but my stomach was still hurting throughout the whole process, but I guessed it would go away over time, and that it was just a part of the flu, or even a sign of having food poisoning. We thought it odd that nobody else had the same symptoms or even any kind of sickness close to what I was having, but I had been out and about a lot over the past week, so we thought that I may have gotten something from somewhere else or, like I said earlier, food poisoning.
Anyway, Wednesday went by, and I was slightly uncomfortable with the pain in my stomach and nausea and had a very restless night, waking up every hour. On Thursday I stayed in bed for about until 10:00, only because it felt uncomfortable to try to sleep, and didn't feel very nauseated at all, but still noticed my stomach pains. I spent most of the day sleeping on the couch, or when I felt better, sitting at the dinner table chatting with my grandparents, or making sure I didn't get dehydrated by drinking lots of Gatorade, water, or Sprite. I still hadn't had much of an appetite for food though, and only snacked on 5 or 6 Cheese-Its.
I was grateful that my mom brought home some Mylanta which helps with indigestion, bloating or a sour stomach, and it helped a little bit. I rested a lot on Thursday, and during the evening I lied down and watched Hunger Games with Danielle and my uncle, Asa. I think during that period of time was when my pain became increasingly more noticeable, because afterwards I had a really hard time walking because of the pain, but ended up still laying in my bed and sleeping for an hour.
My parents knew I was having more pain, and knew for sure they were going to take me into the doctor's office the next day, but told me to MAKE SURE that I let them know if I need them to take me to the hospital during the night, and they also made sure that Danielle slept in the same room as me just in case she needed to get them. At about 1am, Danielle, being the awesome sister she is, woke me up and told me I was whimpering in my sleep, and asked if she needed to get my parents. I agreed, and they quickly came, and also looked up the symptoms of appendicitis, and they all matched up pretty well. The ride to Urgent Care was slightly painful with all the bumps in the road, but I made it there, and some wonderful nurses took excellent care of me.
I ended up having to take CAT scan, and it took about an hour to get the results back, but at that point they were sure it was appendicitis. I started taking some anti-biotics and some medicine to help with the pain, and felt much better after that. They had me take a ride in the ambulance to get to the Children's hospital for my surgery. Believe it or not, it took from 1:30am through 6:30am to get my antibiotics, take my CAT scans, get my results from the CAT scan and get a ride over to the Children's hospital.
I waited in the hospital for about another four and a half hours before my surgery actually started, and in between had many vital checks, medicines through IV, and also wonderful visitors!
The surgery was said to last about an hour, and the last thing I remember was laying on the table with a mask pushed to my face and then I woke up in the Recovery Room feeling very dazed and with very blurred vision. I know my concept of time was way off, because my dad came in to see me and it felt like three minutes, when really half an hour had flown by! I also had some crazy dream-ish things every time I closed my eyes, lol! I guess they would be considered daydreams, but it was still very strange, hahaha!!! :)
I was in a bit of pain after the surgery, but I quickly got medicine and lots of rest to feel better. :) It looks like I am going to be here at least through Monday, since my appendix was at the stage before rupture during surgery and they need to be sure that I don't get an abscess. If I don't, I'll be back home after the weekend, and If I do, then it might be another week here. :)
So... if you live in the Omaha are, I definitely will not mind visitors! :) I'll just be here at the hospital!
Thanks for enduring through this long blog post... I congratulate you for getting this far, lol!
Sorry if the grammer isn't the best or if I have some run-on sentences. I tried to fit as much info as I could in this post!
Thanks guys!
~Katie
I'm writing this post for all you out there who are wondering how everything went, or if you're just curious to see how everything happened, and I'll give you a fair warning, it'll probably be length-y, but I'll also have a smaller summary on my Facebook page. :)
Anyway, it all started Wednesday morning when I woke up feeling a bit nauseous and my stomach had some pains. It didn't start out too bad, but I stayed in bed until about 12:00 which is odd for me (not for Danielle, of course, haha, but I'm normally more of an early bird.) I woke up, took a shower and felt much better from when I woke up, but at 1:00 when my parents left with my grandparents to watch the younger kid's Tae-Kwon-Do class. I started feeling even more nauseous and lay on the couch for awhile before I went upstairs to rest. My stomach was hurting, but I thought it was bloating or gas, but it still felt a bit different, but I kind of expected it to fade out or something like that.
After awhile, I ended up have diarrhea and throwing up a lot, so I guessed that I had caught a stomach bug, or even had food poisoning, but my stomach was still hurting throughout the whole process, but I guessed it would go away over time, and that it was just a part of the flu, or even a sign of having food poisoning. We thought it odd that nobody else had the same symptoms or even any kind of sickness close to what I was having, but I had been out and about a lot over the past week, so we thought that I may have gotten something from somewhere else or, like I said earlier, food poisoning.
Anyway, Wednesday went by, and I was slightly uncomfortable with the pain in my stomach and nausea and had a very restless night, waking up every hour. On Thursday I stayed in bed for about until 10:00, only because it felt uncomfortable to try to sleep, and didn't feel very nauseated at all, but still noticed my stomach pains. I spent most of the day sleeping on the couch, or when I felt better, sitting at the dinner table chatting with my grandparents, or making sure I didn't get dehydrated by drinking lots of Gatorade, water, or Sprite. I still hadn't had much of an appetite for food though, and only snacked on 5 or 6 Cheese-Its.
I was grateful that my mom brought home some Mylanta which helps with indigestion, bloating or a sour stomach, and it helped a little bit. I rested a lot on Thursday, and during the evening I lied down and watched Hunger Games with Danielle and my uncle, Asa. I think during that period of time was when my pain became increasingly more noticeable, because afterwards I had a really hard time walking because of the pain, but ended up still laying in my bed and sleeping for an hour.
My parents knew I was having more pain, and knew for sure they were going to take me into the doctor's office the next day, but told me to MAKE SURE that I let them know if I need them to take me to the hospital during the night, and they also made sure that Danielle slept in the same room as me just in case she needed to get them. At about 1am, Danielle, being the awesome sister she is, woke me up and told me I was whimpering in my sleep, and asked if she needed to get my parents. I agreed, and they quickly came, and also looked up the symptoms of appendicitis, and they all matched up pretty well. The ride to Urgent Care was slightly painful with all the bumps in the road, but I made it there, and some wonderful nurses took excellent care of me.
I ended up having to take CAT scan, and it took about an hour to get the results back, but at that point they were sure it was appendicitis. I started taking some anti-biotics and some medicine to help with the pain, and felt much better after that. They had me take a ride in the ambulance to get to the Children's hospital for my surgery. Believe it or not, it took from 1:30am through 6:30am to get my antibiotics, take my CAT scans, get my results from the CAT scan and get a ride over to the Children's hospital.
I waited in the hospital for about another four and a half hours before my surgery actually started, and in between had many vital checks, medicines through IV, and also wonderful visitors!
The surgery was said to last about an hour, and the last thing I remember was laying on the table with a mask pushed to my face and then I woke up in the Recovery Room feeling very dazed and with very blurred vision. I know my concept of time was way off, because my dad came in to see me and it felt like three minutes, when really half an hour had flown by! I also had some crazy dream-ish things every time I closed my eyes, lol! I guess they would be considered daydreams, but it was still very strange, hahaha!!! :)
I was in a bit of pain after the surgery, but I quickly got medicine and lots of rest to feel better. :) It looks like I am going to be here at least through Monday, since my appendix was at the stage before rupture during surgery and they need to be sure that I don't get an abscess. If I don't, I'll be back home after the weekend, and If I do, then it might be another week here. :)
So... if you live in the Omaha are, I definitely will not mind visitors! :) I'll just be here at the hospital!
Thanks for enduring through this long blog post... I congratulate you for getting this far, lol!
Sorry if the grammer isn't the best or if I have some run-on sentences. I tried to fit as much info as I could in this post!
Thanks guys!
~Katie
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
God's Mighty Power!
We had an amazing Youth Group night tonight! :) I really felt God's peace, and it really encouraged and uplifted me. I had a few thoughts on my mind that I wanted to share, so I am going to blog about it!
One thing to know before I start, is that I absolutely love Kari Jobe's song, "Revelation Song". To me, it has so much meaning, and gives me chills every time I listen to it (in a good way! ;) ) This, fortunately, was played by our awesome worship team, and I loved every minute of it!
A few lines really stood out to me, two of them being "Flashes of Lightning, Rolls of Thunder", and "Jesus, Your Name is Power" In the way it is sung, it is proclaiming God's mighty power, and his breathtaking works of art on the earth He has given us!
These lines made me remember a chapter of Psalms that is sometimes called "Psalm of the Thunderstorm". :) This Psalm reads:
"Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
One thing to know before I start, is that I absolutely love Kari Jobe's song, "Revelation Song". To me, it has so much meaning, and gives me chills every time I listen to it (in a good way! ;) ) This, fortunately, was played by our awesome worship team, and I loved every minute of it!
A few lines really stood out to me, two of them being "Flashes of Lightning, Rolls of Thunder", and "Jesus, Your Name is Power" In the way it is sung, it is proclaiming God's mighty power, and his breathtaking works of art on the earth He has given us!
These lines made me remember a chapter of Psalms that is sometimes called "Psalm of the Thunderstorm". :) This Psalm reads:
"Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, “Glory!” "
~Psalm 29
This Psalm really emphasizes God's mighty power over the earth! A beautiful and admirable attribute to our powerful King of Kings! In the process of searching for this Psalm when I was reminded of it, I also came across another scripture that made me bear in mind an unforgettable experience I had with Danielle and my dad. :)
"When the waters saw you, O God,
When the waters saw you, they were afraid,
indeed the deep trembled,
The clouds poured out the water,
The skies gave forth thunder,
your arrows flashed on each side,
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind,
your lightning lighted up the world;
The earth trembled and shook"
~Psalm 77:16-17
Notice that I italicized "your lightning lighted up the world". This is the part of the verses that really stood out to me. :) All the verses really were about my experience, but for some reason, this one especially stood out to me. I'll clue you in on my story now. :)
One time there was a storm. The normal type of thunderstorm, with lightning and thunder (of course ;) ) and heavy rain. It was at nighttime, so the windows flashed and contrasted the dark outside.
After the storm had somewhat "passed" over us, we had strolled out to the deck to watch the lightning.
The sky somehow "shone" a brilliant, deep, majestic purple, with black complimenting the ends of the sky. All around us, fluorescent lightning randomly emerged from the heavens, branching out and disappearing. But it wasn't a situation in which every once in awhile, a deep, thunderous roar would signal the approach of a single branch of lightning.
The night was silent, and the crickets were beginning to chirp again. It was still, but you could feel the energy of nature at the same time. All across the sky, lightning bolts continually flashed, as if God Himself was composing it. In fact, it was EXACTLY as if the Lord was putting on a beautiful show for us to enjoy His beautiful works. It was random, but at the same time... not... haha, if that makes sense.
The silence and peace also added to the effect, and we all truly enjoyed it. We went inside before it ended, because just when it seemed like it would stop, it would continue stronger. My parents were worried about us getting shocked by lightning, and us staying up too late. I don't know how long it went on for, but it was still going on when I went to sleep. It was truly an amazing experience.
It astounds me, that a Creator so unique, and mind blowing would want to be with us and know us! :) That He would send His Son to die for us... and not only us, but for our sins.
So tonight I want to just take the time to thank our Lord for his stunning acts, and his desire to be with us, as sinning human beings!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Humility (Part Two)
In the bible, it shows us MANY examples of how to be humbe. There are people to obeyed God's word, willingly, and showed humility in some of the hardest situations. The first one I want to talk about is Mary. This is what happens in Luke 1:30-38
"But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the
angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. "
How would you feel if an angel asked you to give birth to the Son of God? Scared? Nervous? I know I would! Mary is the perfect example of humility in this situation! We should say, "I am the Lord's sevant" just as she did to every situation, no matter how hard it is to do. I know I really struggle with doing this.
Another great man of the bible is John the Baptist. He knew of Jesus coming, and clearly made it known that he is worthy, and that Jesus was much greater than him. Matthew 3:11 says
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
John the Baptist was humble by not thinking he was the greatest, and that is what made him seem so great! You see how humility makes you the best? Later, Jesus asked him to baptize him. John did, but not with pride. With humility. John was a great man.
"But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. "
How would you feel if an angel asked you to give birth to the Son of God? Scared? Nervous? I know I would! Mary is the perfect example of humility in this situation! We should say, "I am the Lord's sevant" just as she did to every situation, no matter how hard it is to do. I know I really struggle with doing this.
Another great man of the bible is John the Baptist. He knew of Jesus coming, and clearly made it known that he is worthy, and that Jesus was much greater than him. Matthew 3:11 says
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
John the Baptist was humble by not thinking he was the greatest, and that is what made him seem so great! You see how humility makes you the best? Later, Jesus asked him to baptize him. John did, but not with pride. With humility. John was a great man.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Humility (Part one)
- Humility (or being humbled) is where
you are below someone, acting somewhat like a servant, ready to help
with the little tasks God want you to do. *The word humus came from
the Greek word meaning dirt, so basically being humbled means to be
below someone.* That is from the amazing book Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends. I recommend anyone, yes, even if you are best friends with your siblings, to read it.
- The world has a different view than us
Christians. They don't want to be BELOW people. They want to be ABOVE
everyone which is impossible. Only God can fill that place. Imagine
this, a pyramid of people, stacked on top of one another standing.
The people at the bottom don't look very comfortable, with shoes
jabbing into their shoulders. The people up top are beaming, and
pleased with themselves looking down upon evryone else. What if the unhappy people at the bottom go
for a mad scramble to the top. What happens then? The pyramid
tumbles, and everybody falls. It fails. That would happen to our
world if we didn't have humble people. THE WORLD NEEDS HUMBLE
PEOPLE!!! Now, imagine the people at the bottom, beaming, along with
the people up top, even though they are uncomfortable. Pleased to
support people, even though they are the lowest. The pyramid stays up
and SUCCESS!! That is our world with a stable ground! What the world
doesn't realize, is that being humble gets you to the top! Not the
bottom. God has a plan for you, but being humble, is a part of the
plan... a HUGE part of it!!
- I was thinking. Why do we use humiliation, to descride embarassment? So I decided to search it on Google, and the first thing that came up was this defintion:“Humiliation is
the abasement of pride,
which creates mortification or leads to a state of being humbled
or reduced to lowliness or submission.” Humiliation is basically, when you're prideful and say
or do something, that brings you down, makes you humbled. It
embarrasses you. It is like me standing up saying, "I am an
awesome big sister, the best ever," and I was bragging about it. Than
Danielle comes up and starts to list my faults in front of
everyone. I would be made humbled. (Sorry, I know it isn't a very good example, but do you get my point?) It doesn't mean that this is the
Christian way to be humbled. To be humbled like a Christian is to act
lower than other people, but do it with a good, happy, serving heart, and to do it because you love God, and not for praise!
Matthew 6 1-3 says, "Be careful not to practice your righteosness in front of other to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. " So this verse says, that God will reward you for the things you think no one knows about. He has seen you and is pleased. Showing off will not make you happy, just prideful. Just remember, God will be proud and delighted in you, his servant! There are some things, that you can't help people notcing your good acts. As long as you aren't bragging or making a huge deal of it! Everyone has done that at times, though. Also, just a thought,What do you think of other people who brag? Do you want to be like them? What do you think of people who are humble in secret?
When I went to Peter Sarpy Elementary School, we did single file lines to get from one place to another. I remember always wanting to be the first in line. Everyone wants to be up
front. So imagine the world as a single file line.
The rockstars, VIP'S, and actors/ millionares are up front. The Christians are in
the back. Some may be trying to get up to the front, and some are
content with where they are. The Christians that are trying to get up
front, end up totally neglecting the Christians in back, wanting to look great to the world, in the front of the line. All of the sudden, when we get to
heaven, the line is turned around! The people in the back, are now up
front, and the people up front are now in the back! This is what will
happen. Like Matthew 20:16 says, "So the last will be first and the first will be last".
Monday, December 31, 2012
A Dwindling Light
Sitting by the fire
Watching the flames grow higher and higher
With this great light I cannot see
The small candle that is dwindling
By my side it stays
Long day after long day
So intrigued, fascinated at the flames
I do not see how I've turned away
Yet through this time, the fire grows dark
Bringing forth a great test, a test of the heart
And when the fire has blown away
The dwindling light is here to stay
It guides me through the cruel darkness of night
And at this time is even more bright
Then the fire that had lead me astray
This dwindling light had shown me the one way
And is here to stay forever and ever
One thing I know is that I will never
Turn my back on this dwindling light
With that I would now trust with my life
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
A Christmas Story: A Poem I Wrote
The Christmas
Story
Once upon a time, there
was a rich, spoiled girl,
Who had among her, many
diamonds and pearls,
Whenever she asked for
something, it was there,
yet with all her wealth,
she had no kindness to spare
she didn't realize it yet,
but she was on a search,
for something of a bigger,
better worth,
something that gold and
silver can't buy,
she didn't realize it,
until another girl caught her eye,
the girl she saw shone as
brightly as the sun
a quality that comes from
only the attitude of God's son,
she served her heart with
kindness and joy
the rich girl decided,
her, she wanted to employ,
so she went over to her,
with a nasty smirk,
saying, "At my
palace, you will work"
The girl stared at her,
her face looking amused,
"I'm sorry," she
said, "I think you're confused
I have to stay here, my
father is sick,
If I left to your palace,
the results would be tragic,”
The rich girl had no
sympathy, you could see it in her eyes,
she glared and her, and
gave her a reply,
"I want you at my
palace, and I want you there now!
so be there tomorrow, and
maybe I'll allow,
you to visit you father,
once a while,"
She had on her face, a
sick, cruel smile,
and continued on saying
her mean threat, "And if you refuse,
what would happen to you
would not be good news,"
The nice girl, knew that
the other was a person of power,
that she could make you
miserable, in less than an hour
so the next day at the
palace, the kind girl was there,
hoping, she's left her
dad, with great care,
the rich girl said, “Come
and sit by this Christmas tree,
from you I want to hear a
Christmas story”
the nice girl took a deep
breath and said
“Okay, here it goes,
I'll go right ahead
Jesus was born in a manger
fast asleep
Laying next to the horses
and sheep
Mary and Joseph looked at
him in awe
That little baby was a
king that they saw
And all through the night
a bright star shone
To show three wise men
where to go
Bringing each a gift of
myrrh, frankincense, and gold
For the newborn king to
behold
An angel came during the
night
And said to Joseph "Do
not fright
But go to Egypt, and stay
there and hide
For baby Jesus, King Herod
has spied"
The rich girl questioned
"What? Who is this guy?
what is this all about a
bright star in the sky,
I want to know how, and I
want to know why!"
The nice girl smiled, and
then replied,
"Well, Jesus, our
king, he had no pride,
He layed his life down at
this earth,
and showed everybody how
to find our life's worth
he was tortured when he
died,
and although he was a
king,he made a great sacrifice
to us, people who don't
deserve his grace
but not only that, he
loves us, he accepts us, and to us, he embraces
So please, follow me in my
fellowship with Jesus,
He is somebody who will
come and lead us
And take of us, the sheep
of his pasture,
your life with gold and
riches, will all pass, your
life with Jesus will
always last!"
The rich girl thought, she
thought with care
and finally said, "You
said He will always be there
and that He loves us, and
for us he would even die
I think maybe I'll give it
a try,
right now, you shouldn't
be here!
Go to your father, and to
him be near,
what you have shown me
during this time,
shows that my whole entire
life has been a crime,
Do you think He'll accept
me, do you think he loves me?
I have been so wrong,
maybe if I plea
He'll take me to be, His
beloved child,
do you think he'll accept
me, or say I am too wild?"
The nice girl said without
hesitation,
“Yes, He loves you, and
even this entire sinful nation
the sins that you've
committed he'll forgive
and you, my friend will
always live
Just bow your head down,
and give him a prayer,
My friend, trust me, he's
already there!"
With that she left to see
her father
leaving the rich girl,
alone and unbothered,
the next day when she saw
her, she was bright as the sun,
and the nice girl could
tell, what Jesus had done.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
No Season Like Winter
Advancing
forward in a white wonderland, I take in the glistening, beauty of
the snow. Mystifying, detailed flurries finish working their way to
the ground, clinging onto my hat and coat. The fresh, untouched snow
radiates, like twinkling stars contrasting the darkness of night.
Pale and dove-gray, overcasting clouds hover over my head, as the
last few snowflakes drift to the heavy blanket of snow. The sound of
carolers break the silence, their outstanding voices carrying on in
the air. After listening to them, I casually stroll inside, smelling
a welcoming, peppermint and chocolate aroma, while peeling off my
winter gear. Accepting a cup of steaming hot chocolate, I plop down
beside our glowing Christmas tree, thinking, there is no season like
winter!
The King of the House
I write these descriptive paprgraphs in my Write Shop class, and I wanted to put them on my blog so I can store them all together and be able to look back at all of them...
Peering down the
stairway in pride, my cat, Benny, appears to be the king of the
house. Mint-green, and affectionate, my feline's eyes beg for
attention and love. Whiskers swoop down off the fur ball's face and
feel smooth, like fish line. Perched off Benny's head, a light pink
reveals the inside of my cat's ears, and turn back to the slightest
noise. Soft, padded paws lightly tap the ground when he stalks,
barely making a noise. Atop ivory fur, charcoal spots look as if I
sprinkled pepper all over them. Pridefully, my cat holds up his
gold-flecked and ebony striped tail with dignity and confidence. An
important part of my life, my cat is the last living being I see
before I drift to sleep, and the first ball of loving fluff when I
wake up.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Stop, Look and Love
Have you ever been so crazy busy you don't stop to think? And when you do, it's something about something exciting coming up? I do that. A lot. When it happens, I need to stop myself, and think about what really matters. I look around me. I see many little faces. I see a roof above my head. I see a pantry and fridge filled with food. I see two loving parents, and my best friend, Danielle. I see a bible, and a painting about love, and faithfulness above our piano. I see all these things and think I am lucky. I hear Mattthew's sweet little laugh, and Lisey's voice (that never stops). I look at Johanna's "things" she's always inventing. I hear Danielle laughing hysterically at something, and telling me all about it. During this time love filles me up like a balloon. I need to keep that balloon of love filled up. I get tht love from Jesus, who has endless amounts of love that pours into me. Sometimes, my balloon pops too soon. Like let's ay during that moment, I realize Johanna is using MY paints to do her project. Or Danielle's laughing because of something she read in a book, and it really doesn't seem funny to me. Or Matthew and Alaina start fighting. That moment fades, and I start to get irritated. Sometimes I catch myself and only think about the good in the situation, like I am lucky I have paints, and a best friend, and a brother. I think of just how precious they are to me, and that balloon, it just fills right back up, and I smile, happy for my family. That feeling is the best ever.
All I have to do is stop, look, and love.
All I have to do is stop, look, and love.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Prayers
"Dear God,
I thank you for this day. I thank you for my family. Please help my rash get better, and please help us have a baby brother, and ,um, a swimming pool in our backyard, and a doggy named Max.
In Jesus Name,
Amen"
~Matthew, age 3 (almost four)
This prayer, in some type or form, has been prayed almost every night at bible study. We had been hoping for about a year for some things, and a little less than a year for others, for a baby brother, a swimming pool in our backyard, and a dog (hasn't arrived yet)!
We have always wanted a boy, us, kids, for a brother, and my parents for a son. When Matthew came along, we were overjoyed. Then came another concern. A brother for Matthew! So then we got Elise, and after that, our family started bible study, and everyone remembered to pray for him, since other times sometimes my siblings and I forgot. Now, about a year later, my mom is big and pregnant, ready to have the baby BOY in about a month. How exciting!!!!!
Somehow, I go my mind set on having a swimming pool (not just those kiddie ones that Elise splashes around in, but a BIG one I would enjoy too!) in our backyard. I asked my parents, and of course, the answer was no. I was motivated and kept persistent to my plan to save up money, and ask for the pool for Christmas (this was during the summer, I think..... ?).
My mom's friend Kelli decided to come and visit us, with her two kids. She was here during the swimming pool drama ( and I actually think that she started the idea). After she left, she called my mom, saying that prayer helps! Something she had been praying about ( and seemed inpossible to do), had happend, and she encouraged me with the idea, to pray for the pool! We had just started bible study, and I started a chain reaction when I decided to pray for it that night. I prayed, then Danielle, Johanna, and down the line, each of them praying for a pool.
Now let's fast forward in time. A year later I am sitting on this computer typing about how excited I am, to finally have the permission, to save up for the pool!!! Everybody has donated money to it (including Lisey) and we now have only forty dollars to go, to have a 10' x 30" pool in our backyard!! How exciting is that!!!
Many prayers are answered, if it's the right thing, at the right time. I won't even go into our new piano and violin! We are just waiting for a dog now!!! :)
I thank you for this day. I thank you for my family. Please help my rash get better, and please help us have a baby brother, and ,um, a swimming pool in our backyard, and a doggy named Max.
In Jesus Name,
Amen"
~Matthew, age 3 (almost four)
This prayer, in some type or form, has been prayed almost every night at bible study. We had been hoping for about a year for some things, and a little less than a year for others, for a baby brother, a swimming pool in our backyard, and a dog (hasn't arrived yet)!
We have always wanted a boy, us, kids, for a brother, and my parents for a son. When Matthew came along, we were overjoyed. Then came another concern. A brother for Matthew! So then we got Elise, and after that, our family started bible study, and everyone remembered to pray for him, since other times sometimes my siblings and I forgot. Now, about a year later, my mom is big and pregnant, ready to have the baby BOY in about a month. How exciting!!!!!
Somehow, I go my mind set on having a swimming pool (not just those kiddie ones that Elise splashes around in, but a BIG one I would enjoy too!) in our backyard. I asked my parents, and of course, the answer was no. I was motivated and kept persistent to my plan to save up money, and ask for the pool for Christmas (this was during the summer, I think..... ?).
My mom's friend Kelli decided to come and visit us, with her two kids. She was here during the swimming pool drama ( and I actually think that she started the idea). After she left, she called my mom, saying that prayer helps! Something she had been praying about ( and seemed inpossible to do), had happend, and she encouraged me with the idea, to pray for the pool! We had just started bible study, and I started a chain reaction when I decided to pray for it that night. I prayed, then Danielle, Johanna, and down the line, each of them praying for a pool.
Now let's fast forward in time. A year later I am sitting on this computer typing about how excited I am, to finally have the permission, to save up for the pool!!! Everybody has donated money to it (including Lisey) and we now have only forty dollars to go, to have a 10' x 30" pool in our backyard!! How exciting is that!!!
Many prayers are answered, if it's the right thing, at the right time. I won't even go into our new piano and violin! We are just waiting for a dog now!!! :)
Friday, March 16, 2012
A Poem for Holly
A beautiful girl with long red flowing hair,
And bright blue eyes with skin so fair
Ballet shoes touching the floor with grace
Pink, with bows and ribbon and lace
Through a paintbrush comes a beauty that touches the heart
That, is definetily a great piece of art
A leader that leads the young with care
Compassion, Love, so many good fruit you bear
This poem could go on and on
But by that time all my paper would be gone
I wrote this poem, because I love you, because I care
I love everything about you (like your love of panda bears)
And bright blue eyes with skin so fair
Ballet shoes touching the floor with grace
Pink, with bows and ribbon and lace
Through a paintbrush comes a beauty that touches the heart
That, is definetily a great piece of art
A leader that leads the young with care
Compassion, Love, so many good fruit you bear
This poem could go on and on
But by that time all my paper would be gone
I wrote this poem, because I love you, because I care
I love everything about you (like your love of panda bears)
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Cute/Funny things Elise says
Ok, so I got a new room with Lisey. The guinea pig is in the closet (which is big) and Lisey and I are trying to convince him to come out of his cage. Benny walks in, ruining the chances of the guinea pig coming out. So I say "Beeenyyy, Get outta here!" Elise hits Benny on the back and says "Benny! Get outta here!" in that sweet litle voice of hers. It was soooo funny to watch her, but I tried not to motivate her to hit him more, by laughing at her.
Also, a few days ago, she couldn't get a key chain off my backpack by tugging it as hard as she could. So she says "Ugh! I can't! Dang it!". She copies EVERYTHING.
This morning I was watching spiderman. I hear "Katie" in Lisey's sweet voice. I turn around to see her smiling right in my face!! LOL!
I was making pancakes a few days ago. Sharing a room with Elise, my alarm went off at 6, and she had to get up with me. I asked her if she wanted pancakes and she said "Yes!". So as I am making it I am talking to her about the process of making them. I hold up the pancake mix, and say "So basically this is what you're eating". She glares at me and says "No!". lol!!!
Actually awhile ago, when she didn't really understand responding to questions, or what things meant, because she was just learning to talk, she brings up a go gurt to me and says "Haaaaaave........THIS!!!" and holds it up. My mom ,behind her, is motioning no, because it is too messy. So I tell her "No, Lisey, it's too messy. Do you want something else?" She responds "NO!" and starts crying, and doesn't stop until she had something else to eat. Lol!
I will definetily write more stuff with Lisey (that happens daily) on my blog. <3
Also, a few days ago, she couldn't get a key chain off my backpack by tugging it as hard as she could. So she says "Ugh! I can't! Dang it!". She copies EVERYTHING.
This morning I was watching spiderman. I hear "Katie" in Lisey's sweet voice. I turn around to see her smiling right in my face!! LOL!
I was making pancakes a few days ago. Sharing a room with Elise, my alarm went off at 6, and she had to get up with me. I asked her if she wanted pancakes and she said "Yes!". So as I am making it I am talking to her about the process of making them. I hold up the pancake mix, and say "So basically this is what you're eating". She glares at me and says "No!". lol!!!
Actually awhile ago, when she didn't really understand responding to questions, or what things meant, because she was just learning to talk, she brings up a go gurt to me and says "Haaaaaave........THIS!!!" and holds it up. My mom ,behind her, is motioning no, because it is too messy. So I tell her "No, Lisey, it's too messy. Do you want something else?" She responds "NO!" and starts crying, and doesn't stop until she had something else to eat. Lol!
I will definetily write more stuff with Lisey (that happens daily) on my blog. <3
Friday, February 17, 2012
John 3:16 A poem I wrote
There once was a little boy
Who in him had a great joy
His friends were stumped
His teachers confused
So they asked him, and he said "I have the Great News
It says in the New Testament, it says it right there
This Great News makes me not despair!
This specific verse, it says it all,
It's John 3:16, I can recall!
"For God so loved the world
he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life!" "
With a grin and a nod and a wink of the eye
This little boy said "Good-bye!"
Ans skipped very merrily away
And gave something for them to think about, to say!
Who in him had a great joy
His friends were stumped
His teachers confused
So they asked him, and he said "I have the Great News
It says in the New Testament, it says it right there
This Great News makes me not despair!
This specific verse, it says it all,
It's John 3:16, I can recall!
"For God so loved the world
he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life!" "
With a grin and a nod and a wink of the eye
This little boy said "Good-bye!"
Ans skipped very merrily away
And gave something for them to think about, to say!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Acts 5:40 and 41
"They (The Jewish leaders) called the apostles in again. They beat the apostles and told them not to speak in the name of Jesus again. Then they let them go free. The apostles left the meeting full of joy because they were given the honor of suffering disgrace for Jesus"
Wow!!!! Let's back up a little. In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the disciples followed Jesus, left everything behind right there and then when Jesus came to them and asked if they wanted to join him. After listening to Jesus' teachings for awhile, and following him and witnessing miracles suddenly he was taken and suffered and died on a cross. Afterwards, the apostles go, and preach and share the Good News, after seeing what the leaders did to Jesus. Just a brief summary.
So after ALL that drama happened, they were overjoyed when they got beat and spoken to harshly (I assume) by the leaders who killed Jesus, and could easily do so to them as well.
You know, when I was reading this in Acts I did NOT see it coming. I was shocked!
Imagine all the tiny things, we can overjoy in if they were happy with their punishment. Imagine if we could have joy in every single chore because Jesus died for us. In the bible, it says that we, Christians, are going to be hurt by the teachers of the law or people in authority of us. We see many examples of this in the bible, and the apostles are a great example of how to treat this kind of situation. They were so faithful to Jesus to the end. The story of Jesus dying on the cross is the nost told and the story people look at in awe. I think we should look into the apostles lives and books they wrote after Jesus died and honor that as well. "Wow" is what that verse is.
Wow!!!! Let's back up a little. In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the disciples followed Jesus, left everything behind right there and then when Jesus came to them and asked if they wanted to join him. After listening to Jesus' teachings for awhile, and following him and witnessing miracles suddenly he was taken and suffered and died on a cross. Afterwards, the apostles go, and preach and share the Good News, after seeing what the leaders did to Jesus. Just a brief summary.
So after ALL that drama happened, they were overjoyed when they got beat and spoken to harshly (I assume) by the leaders who killed Jesus, and could easily do so to them as well.
You know, when I was reading this in Acts I did NOT see it coming. I was shocked!
Imagine all the tiny things, we can overjoy in if they were happy with their punishment. Imagine if we could have joy in every single chore because Jesus died for us. In the bible, it says that we, Christians, are going to be hurt by the teachers of the law or people in authority of us. We see many examples of this in the bible, and the apostles are a great example of how to treat this kind of situation. They were so faithful to Jesus to the end. The story of Jesus dying on the cross is the nost told and the story people look at in awe. I think we should look into the apostles lives and books they wrote after Jesus died and honor that as well. "Wow" is what that verse is.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
A Spring Poem
Spring is awakening from the long winter rest
Little birds are chirping, in their nest
Bright sunlight shines through the blooming apple tree
All of this beauty for me and you to see
Dew in the morning, clinging onto grass,
The fresh spring smell, has finally come, at last
The bright green grass, and the blooming pink flowers
Such a beautiful day, especially this hour!
The big blue sky, cloudless, and sunny
The foals, the calfs, and the little baby bunny
Are all being born in this special season
Everything in spring, is all so pleasing!
Little birds are chirping, in their nest
Bright sunlight shines through the blooming apple tree
All of this beauty for me and you to see
Dew in the morning, clinging onto grass,
The fresh spring smell, has finally come, at last
The bright green grass, and the blooming pink flowers
Such a beautiful day, especially this hour!
The big blue sky, cloudless, and sunny
The foals, the calfs, and the little baby bunny
Are all being born in this special season
Everything in spring, is all so pleasing!
Friday, January 13, 2012
"I love her"
Well, this was acually a while back, but one time, after a long grocery shopping trip I was getting some bags to put in the cart. As I was grabbing it, I looked up, and across from us was a lady who had no ear, just a little bump. Well, I thought "Wow, I wonder what happened, it looks kinda weird." After I thought that, immediately God told me, "I love her". As I thought about it, I realized that she is God's child, no matter how her ear looked. And like any parent would, he loved her. I suddenly felt compassion for her, and said a short prayer. I'll always remember this experience.
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