Thoughts from 2011

I lost my chronologically oldest friend Ms. Anna. (age 90)  Let me rephrase, she is not lost, I know where she is, she went to be with the Lord,  Jan. 15. (I'll introduce you to her in a post soon) 

Nothing can stop two people from bonding regardless if they are ebony and ivories, regardless if there are many decades between them.  The Lord can entwine whoever He chooses.

Feb. 16, our beloved pastor Dr. Day, from Edmond, Ok died.

Around 700 + blankets were given away at the beginning of this year.

Christopher got accepted into WKU (Mar. 23)

Read awesome book and began my list of 1000 blessings.  (1000 Gifts)

Learned a new word. . .eucharisteo (thanksgiving)

When God doesn’t answer a prayer, say. . .for like 6 months. . .or 9 years. . .trust in His timing

When the answer comes and He says “GO”, you need to go.

I had no idea I would receive so much love through the blogging world.

Planking was a funny fad that seemed to pass by quickly.

Befriended another “ebony”, an ex con, 6’3, a surprise and a blessing.

Watching and listening to one come "into the fold" is the best thing ever!

Am just as in awe and thankful for my own salvation this year as I was 37 years ago. 

I can really speak in front of a hundred women and not throw up.

A goat, chickens and ducks are more fun to buy than sparkly trinkets.

You can survive the loss of a beloved pet, although it’s painful and I cried like a baby in the office.

My vet is compassionate, offering Kleenexes and mailed us a Sympathy Card.

Read another awesome book that changed my life even more than the above one, Kisses from Katie.

Becoming a part of a new Coalition for Homelessness is something I never thought I would be a part of. . .but so glad I am.

Read two other books that I loved even though very convicting. . .we should be convicted right?  (Revolution in World Missions and Radical)

I can cut a 1000 strips of paper for a Christmas party craft and still use my hand. . .with the help of Aleve.

I tried Greek food for the first time this year. . .liked it!

When asking for donations, be specific. . .ended up with gallon sized bags of condoms and pregnancy test kits.

You can still love looking at the empty plate at the dinner table.

Pain hurts but doesn’t kill.

College finals week puts a mother on her knees.

You can still be friends with people who think Dr. Pepper is horrible.

My memory is getting worse.

Sticky notes are my new best friend.

Three year olds think if you miss your dog buried in the back yard, you should just get them back out.

God continues to pull me out of comfort zones.

Never, ever, thought I would be in a newspaper or on the radio!

My voice will never sound grown-up.

Sitting in an emergency room with friend for over 3 hours is enough to make one want to drink!   We prayed instead.

Dust bunnies are not really bunnies, more like little devils and just continue to grow.

Got me a “shark” that eats those little devils.

Never thought I would be teaching people how to cut, strip and roll plastic bags into “plarn”.

I didn’t even know what plarn was until this year.

I have some of the best friends ever!

Jesus Calling was my new favorite devotional this year.

Mother-in-law was given a terminal diagnosis.

In my 20’s, 30’s and some into my 40’s, would have shopped till I dropped.  NOW, I have no desire to go into another mall.

Simplicity is sounding more and more like Heaven.

I need to become more disciplined in many areas.

I think discipline and simplicity will go hand in hand.

It all ready became some this past year.  That’s how college got paid with cash.

The yard does not HAVE to have flowers.

Looking for the blessings is not so much a matter of looking as it is just being aware.

When we are not being aware and focused, we miss SO much.

I cherish my quiet time and solitude.

I met the greatest couple this past year and am so blessed to know them.

Decisions need to be Spirit led and not people pressured.

I have learned more about grace through the “least of these” than from anywhere else.

The hands can be filthy but the heart can be gold.

Judging from appearances is SO not right!

Patience can make SUCH a difference!

Compassion can make SUCH a difference!

Sharing Christ's love with no judgements can make a grown man cry.

If sainthood medals were given to husbands, mine would definately have one.

Love being able to say, "I've been married for 30 years."

God continues to show up in the smallest of details.

Each time I needed a shot of boldness, He gave it to me.

I was invited to go on a blog tour starting this next January with a Christian author and entrepreneur along with others.  Not sure what all this means, but am excited to find out.

When one waits, God fills the empty places with blessings.

"One joy scatters a hundred griefs."

Throwing a Christmas party for the homeless some told me, was the most rewarding Christmas they have had in years.  This makes me smile.

Going outside of oneself is the best trip one can make.

I’m turning 50 this next year and I’m ok with that. . .no, I am grateful for that!

I’m so thankful once again, for another year of my Lord being with me, walking through the storms, the fires and trials, standing on the mountaintop with me as well as in the valleys of shadows and doubts.  With Him, I have no need to fear and with Him I have everything to praise Him for.

To God Be The Glory!



Hallelujah and Amen!
May your new year be filled with God's presence wherever you are, whatever your circumstances and may you be filled with His peace that passes all understanding and joy that spills over into your smile.
God bless you!

I Am Thankful For My God, Why?

Because. . .

1)      He forgives

2)      He is caring and compassionate

3)      He fights for me

4)      He will pass through the waters for me

5)      His words are trustworthy

6)      He shows unfailing kindness

7)      He continues to love me when I am unlovable

8)      He is the same yesterday, today, and forever

9)      He is faithful to His promises

10)  He watches over my loved ones when I cannot

11)  He will wipe away every tear

12)  His right hand sustains me

13)  He is my rock and my redeemer

14)  He restores my soul

15)  He drives out fear

16)  He lifted me out of a slimy pit

17)  He gives a peace that passes all understanding

18)  He lights my path

19)  His judgments are true and just

20)  He heals the brokenhearted

21)  His grace is sufficient for me

22)  He teaches me to be content whatever the circumstances

23)  He gives me rest when I am weary

24)  He gave His Son as a ransom to set me free

25)  He raised His Son from death to conquer and gain the victory

26)  He is bigger than the storms

27)  His love is based on His character and not my performance

28)  He is a reconciler

29)  He is a friend giver

30)  He and only He offers eternal life.

"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?" Psalm 106:1-2

WE CAN!

Change

I had to change the light bulb the other day and got to thinking about all the things that change. Some we do ourselves, others we have no control over, like the changing of the weather.  We change out batteries, we change the sheets, new momma's change the diapers, daddy's change the channels.  Some change their spouses, others change their jobs and houses.  Out with the old and in with the new.  Just like the number of our changing years.

Circumstances can change and at times when you least expect it.  My family changed years ago in a way that I didn’t like.   The precious first born walked away and I was devastated.  I wanted to crawl up in a fetal position and hide. . .and I did for awhile.  But my God, who does not change, was there with me and would not let me stay in that position.  He met me and taught me to stand up and be strong in Him, that my life goes on to live for Him no matter what.  He said, “Leave your changes in my Hands to deal with and go on to live, go on to serve.”

In the last five years, so many changes came with this first born child of mine.  Every time my mind reeled, God brought me right back in to Him.  The God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and forever, only with Him could there be peace in the chaotic changes this world brings on.

Change can be bad, good, scary, exciting. Change always brings about some kind of emotion.  I’m so thankful for a God who does not change with the winds of emotions, and the changing of circumstances.  My God is strong, He is solid, He is steadfast and loving always. He is always there to hold me up and give me blessings, sometimes when I am least expecting.

First born came over our threshold again after many, many months of silence. He got a hug from his momma.  As the lights twinkled on the Christmas tree, he pointed to a bag with a tree on it and said, “That one’s for you.”  I opened it up and drew out a beautiful shiny black box with an even more beautiful silver engraved label with the inscription on top, “Love you Mom”. 

First born immediately got a hug from his momma.  Then I opened the shiny black box and found a beautiful pen with a quote he had inscribed on it. . .

 “One joy scatters a hundred griefs.”  So true!  First born got another hug from his momma. 

He said to me, "I know you like to write, so I wanted to get you a nice pen."  A thoughtful thought from him. . .he got another hug from momma!

Change. . .I never know from one day to the next what will happen around me, but I’m sane because I serve a mighty God who never changes.  I find comfort in that.  I find strength in that.   

What changes will tomorrow bring?  I don’t know but God has it in His hands.  And I will always hold that Righteous Right Hand of His and it will all be ok.

Do changes scare you?  I'll be honest, they scare me sometimes, I'm only human.  But I know from experience to look to the One who never changes and call out to Him.  He’s right there.  He is a light that never needs changing. Let's take His Hand and never let go. Through the changes we don't like, holding His hand, we can learn from them and move on. And for the good changes, let that joy scatter the griefs and let's praise His Holy Name!



The Golden Ornament ( Christmas is Over. . .Or Is It? )

As I contemplate taking down the Christmas tree and all the decorations; packing and putting away, I wonder about the New Year and what it holds in store for me.  What circumstances will I be a part of, what people will come into and or leave my life, how will the Devil try to attack me this year?  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not worrying, just wondering.

As I see the packaging boxes in my garage waiting to be filled with Christmas, it’s always a little sad.  So last year I kept one of the golden ornaments out and kept it hanging in my entry way all year.  It will stay there from now on.  Even though the Christmas holiday is coming to an end, the Christmas spirit can go on forever and the glistening of that ornament is just a symbol of that.  Again, don’t get me wrong, I never need a reminder of my Lord, He is with me always, but when those hot, humid months roll around, the feeling of Christmas, good tidings, good cheer, the giving spirit that we feel in December, sometimes, somehow gets lost by June. 

I must not be the only one with these thoughts because of the quotes I found.  Here are just a few. . .

“I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”  Charles Dickens

“Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”  Calvin Coolidge

“Keep your Christmas heart open all the year round.”  Jessica Archmint

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”  Charles Dickens.

Christmas is not just a time on the calendar, but is the baby in the manger who came to save mankind.  Peace and joy is not just for December but for always if we accept the one who came to offer it.  As I think about the coming New Year, I look at that golden ornament with the light flickering from it and know that the true light of Christmas is within me, so I look forward with anticipation and eagerness to start it, knowing that Christmas is with me always.  Let’s not say farewell to good tidings, Christmas cheer, a giving spirit, peace and joy.  That can be with us for 12 months, year after year. 

I have seen people I know along with strangers come together in love and compassion to help the less fortunate this Christmas season.  My heart leapt for joy every time I saw a new donation for the homeless and needy children.  That is truly a gift; a compassion flowing forth to those who need help, need love spread all over them, need the touch of Christ from another fellow human being.  May this keep going on month after month.  And if I ever start to forget, may the Lord use the sparkle of light from my golden ornament to remind me of Christmas, Christ in the every day, of giving, spreading good cheer, feeling joy that only comes from Him, and peace that passes all understanding; reaching out and loving the lovables and the unlovables. 

May you all have a bright and shining New Year.  And don’t be surprised if you hear me say “Merry Christmas” in June.

The Bridge Christmas Party

December 25, 2011 we met at the walking bridge.  They came from under the bridge, from an old, abandoned barn, the woods, one walked miles from who knows where and others came from out of nowhere; lonely people who came to be at a party given in their honor to celebrate the One we give glory and honor to.  My friends, family and strangers with big compassionate hearts who wanted to help became like little elves bringing in tables, food, hot cocoa, hot cider, and hot coffee to serve our cold guests.  We had a pianist and a violinst to serenade us with Christmas music. We even had a Christmas puppy out there to pet, cuddle and smile over. We all caroled together, even the homeless joining in with us, seeming to enjoy the company and the feeling of Christmas. . .the feeling of love, something they say they don't feel too much of.  One stood to the side for the longest time, checking us out, but slowly made his way over to us.  I caught him smiling, but not for the camera, as he talked with me and others, enjoying the hot drink.

My heart leaped with joy when several came up and said how wonderful it was to see people out there for them, that they would take the time and effort to throw a party for them, that they would spend some of their Christmas day for them.  They live in a part of the world where they only see selfishness, people who want to hurt them or shun them or steal from them.  I think it was a gift for them this day to be around a group of people that just wanted to welcome them, love on them, that they could relax and know they were not going to be hurt, that they could visit and join in the music and have a real Christmas Day filled with love and joy. As they walked away, they were given a big green tote bag filled to the brim with goodies.  They received gifts in many ways.  So did we.

May they take that feeling and keep it in their hearts and remember the words to the Christmas songs we sang about our Lord and Savior, and to remember that Christ in the heart is the greatest gift of all. 

 

 

 

 

 

~have to share this story~

When we were packing up these 40 goodie bags for the party a few days beforehand, we somehow came up short 8 beanie caps.  A couple of days later, a friend of mine from Texas mailed me a box, not knowing about this, just that we had a blanket ministry.  I opened it up and guess what I found???

Eight beanie caps!   Along with gloves and jackets.

Don't you just love how God does that, taking care of the details!?  :)

linking with

Are You Ready?

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked in the last couple of weeks,  "Are you ready for Christmas?"   What they are asking is if I have all the presents bought, wrapped and under the tree, is all my grocery shopping and baking done.

But, when I close my eyes, I can hear my Lord's voice asking, "Are you ready?"  I don't believe He is wondering about wrapped gifts and food.  He wants to know, am I ready to celebrate His Son's birthday, no matter what.  Is my heart prepared?  Have I kept Him in my mind during the shopping trips, driving through traffic, going to shows?  If the yule log wasn't ready, or if I couldn't find that one particular gift, or if my loved one did not show up, would I still be ready?

One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Mary, Did You Know?"  I can just hear that unmistakable voice whispering to me,

 "Kris, do you know, that when you're in the traffic, I am with you too?

Yes Lord, I know.

"Kris, do you know when people get impatient, I will give you grace to handle all situations?"

Yes Lord, I know.

"Kris, do you know when you are missing loved ones, I am here to comfort you?"

Yes Lord, I know.

Kris, do you know when you are weary, I will sustain you?"

Yes Lord, I know.

"Kris, do you know no matter how many sweets you eat, they can't fill you up like the sweet love I have for you?"

Yes Lord, I know.

"Kris do you know that when the tree comes down and all the wrappings are thrown away, when those things rust and fall away, my gift to you will always be?"

Oh yes Lord, I know.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul.

"Kris, do you know. . .the babe in the manger grew up into a man, died and rose again and is here for all mankind?

My gift is for all but they have to be told, everyone...young and old.

The people need to feel my love

Please be my hands and feet and tell them it is from above.

Tell them I am here for them if they would but just look

Share my words with them, give them my Book.

Tell them the greatest gift is theirs, just believe

All they have to do. . .just repent and receive.

Kris, do you know?

Yes Lord, I know. . .I will.

O reader. . .do you know?  Are you ready?

linking with

This is 90.7

This is for all you out there that hear God calling you to step out of your comfort zone but you are reluctant to do so. . .please listen.

I grew up painfully shy and quiet and I was never one to speak much.  I always wanted to be at the back, to blend into crowds.  And this was not a pleasant way to live.  So why do we do this?  For me, I believe I let the devil whisper those insecurities into me so much that I believed them more than I believed God's promises.  As I became an adult, let me say an older adult, I began to realize where those feelings were coming from and I began to stand up to the enemy, fighting him with the strenghth and power of the Almighty God.  I also realized that in those insecurities, I was thinking soley of myself and finally realized just how selfish that really was.

Over the last 12-15 years, God has been empowering me little by little, pulling me out of comfort zones of one kind or another.  And with each one I stepped out of, blessings abound and I became a little bit stronger.

Never in a million years did I ever think I would go onto the radio waves for ALL to hear.  But I had a passion that God layed on my heart for a group of people and those people became more important than myself.  God has been taking blinders off my eyes for quite awhile now and it is so liberating to see, feel, and share with the love of Christ.  As I grow, He is giving me more and more opportunities to do just what I never wanted to do. . .be out there in the public's eye.  But now instead of feeling the old insecurities, I stand strong on the promises of God.

December 15, 2011. . .I stood on those promises once again and found myself about to enter this place. . .

I walked through the doors and saw this. . .

I thought I better go to the little girl's room and have a quiet time.  I went in, shut the bathroom door, and this is what I saw taped to the back of it. . .

Ok. . .I am ready to step out of the box and into the radio booth.

This is 90.7 Christian Family Radio and in 3-2-1

WARNING!  My Oklahoma drawl and the Kentucky southern influence may have blended just a tad bit .

I'll Be Home For Chrismas

I was born, raised and married in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  So even after moving to Arkansas and later to Kentucky, I would always refer to home as back in Oklahoma.  After all, that is where I grew up and all my family and my husband's family still live there.

But as I was re-reading the book of Ruth, I ran across something I had underlined 30 years ago.

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  Your people will be my people and your God my God.  Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried."  Ruth 1:16-17

These words were a part of our wedding vows.  I was reminded that wherever my husband was, that was my home.  He and I became one all those years ago and as fond as I am of Oklahoma, my home is wherever he is.

When my husband Keith asked me almost 8 years ago how I felt about moving to Kentucky, I cried.  After living in Arkansas 4 1/2 years , we moved back to Oklahoma in a town just an hour down the road from Tulsa.  For 13 years, it was easy to make week-end trips there and the family up the road to see us.  When I learned there would be over 700 miles between me and the rest of the family, I thought it might as well be at the other end of the world.  No more week-end trips.  More like one week out of the year!  But there's that leaving and cleaving thing, and I took it seriously when I made those vows.  While still upset about moving, I went to my BIble and read the Ruth verse again.  I took a deep breath and said,

"Ok Lord, I'm ready to go."

Home is right beside my husband, wherever that is.  So yes, I'll be home for Christmas. . .right beside my sweetie.



O Christmas Tree

Surely the Lord is in this place.  No, I'm not talking about a beautifully decorated church building right now.  Right now I am talking about a cold, windy place by a bridge where the homeless reside. 

Because love came down from Heaven to a manger, because that love was invited into hearts, love on this day walks down a grassy path to a bridge. . .to lonely people who are cold.  Love came in to warm just a little with hugs and tinsel, Christmas balls and bells.

You may think we were the givers of gifts.  In a way we were, but in the giving, we received a gift that no bow can be put on.  The gift of a smile, that appreciation, the gift of sharing the greatest love of all, the gift that came to all of us on another night long, long ago. Oh, no amount of presents with bows can match the gift we received this day.  We heard from one of the lonely ones. . ."This is the most beautiful tree I've ever seen! "

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!          

Thou tree most fair and lovely!
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
The sight of thee at Christmastide
Spreads hope and gladness far and wide
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Thou tree most fair and lovely!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
Thou dost proclaim the Saviour's birth
Good will to men and peace on earth
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

You stand in verdant beauty
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
Your boughs are green in summer's glow
And do not fade in winter's snow
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
On Christmas Day you stand so tall
Affording joy to one and all
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety

He was happy and loved the tree. . . 

by the world's standards not so beautiful a tree, but to us it was!

His birthday is tomorrow and he is coming to church with us.  No better present than that!  Except for the babe in the manger.  This man said he invited Jesus into his heart when he was a little boy, 9-10.  He grimaced as he told me he needs to get Jesus back in there.  I think he knows Jesus doesn't leave us once we've asked him in.  It's us who leave Him.  Tomorrow he might just be taking the first steps back as he walks into church with us.  Please pray for him, his name is Chris.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, the site of thee at Christmastide

spreads hope and gladness far and wide. . .


Linking with

&