I'm a What???

There is something all my writer friends say I should do. . .that I MUST do.  I even have a proofreader who says I must. They've been telling me for a long time now and I just couldn't do it.  I was afraid.  I didn't want to come across as having a big head. I didn't think I deserved it. I play around on the keyboard of my laptop and I learn but I'm not THAT!

Sitting down to put words to paper, or screen has been a learning process. I'm with John Piper who said. . .

"I count myself as one of the number of those who learn as they write and write as they learn"

When I started the blog and up to this day, I pray for the words to come and they do.  I give God the credit for whatever is good here on the screen. It is HIM I want to honor. But then I was told something, and I pondered on it, and I think maybe they were right.  God gives me thoughts and ideas and has given me a brain to use to put it all together. When someone becomes a nurse, they call themselves a nurse.  When someone is an engineer, they call themselves an engineer.  When someone is a mother, they are called a mother. God is still there with us, blessing us with our capabilities and when we choose to, we work side by side with Him. We are given titles whether we like it or not.  And I should not afraid to use mine since God is the one who told me to do what I do. He gave me the title and I should be proud to wear it. 

William Faulkner wrote,

"A writer needs three things-experience, observation, and imagination. . .any two of which, at times any one of which, can supply the lack of others."

 

Ok.  I'm thinking I have experience (some), observation, and sometimes imagination and when I don't, hopefully the others will kick in.

So, I tell fear to get behind me. . .I am moving forward with my Lord.  I am SO thankful for Him pulling me out of this comfort zone and allowing me to put down words, sharing them with others and I am so grateful for all who come to read. . .Thank you!  Ok, Ok. . .now I am stalling. Deep breath. . .here I go. . .

 

 

 

I am a writer.

 

 

 

Whew!!!

 

Are ya'll still with me?

 

Ok, I know that last line was not a good sentence from a writer; that's just my southern drawl kicking in.

 

The writers also say to find your OWN voice and well. . .that's just my voice:)


So there you go.  I held onto His Hand, kicked fear in the pants once again and I'm still breathing.
I still shake when I hit the "publish" button, I pray like crazy, and I keep hold of His Hand as I let go of a writing.

So into the new year I go with my new title.  It's one thing to write it out but it's another to say it out loud.  Don't hold your breath waiting to hear me SAY it.  That may take another year.

 

What fear have you kicked in the pants?

Oh do share!  It just may help someone else to do the same.

Thanks!

 

My One Word for 2013

OK. . .confession time.  My one word for 2012 was discipline and I don't know what I was thinking when I picked it.  I was going to be more disciplined in eating healthy. . .that lasted about two weeks.  I was going to be more disciplined in exercising. . .that lasted about a month.  I was going to be more disciplined in drinking water. . .well. . .

But I'm not going to beat myself up.  Some would say I was very disciplined in other areas, so maybe the word was not totally wasted on me.

But I'm going to do better with my next word.  I prayed about it, I wanted it to be something I could be intentional about, I wanted it to be fun and worthy and not so easily given up on. I prayed much and one word kept coming back to me over and over again so I have picked it, or maybe God has "given" it to me.  Here it is. . .

I want to give in many ways. . .

 

of my time

of my possessions,
of my praise,
of my love,

 

of Christ's love

of my energy,
of my words,
of God's words,
of my smiles,
of encouragement
of my. . .whatever God leads me to give.

You may ask. . .don't you already give of these things? Yes, but I want to be more intentional and make it even more of a priority and open the hands as wide as possible. I want to feel more free from things, possessions, from me. I want my heart to be more His.

I want to declutter my thoughts, my emotions, my attic :)


I want to not hold on to anything but be able to open up the hands and let the gift of giving flow out, however that may take place.

1 Chronicles 29:9
Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart. . . 

God gave something most precious. . .His Son.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him wouldn’t perish, but would have eternal life.

How could I ever hold on to something, when giving it could be a greater thing.


Bonhoeffer said. . ."What cost him (God) much must not be cheap in the way we live.

I don't want my life to be cheap when it could be more rich for Him.

I felt in order to give more in whatever way God leads, I needed my husband's blessing so I went to him with my first

"giving" and asked if he was alright with it.

The first words out of his mouth were

"Why don't you give even more?"

 

~The final confirmation that I had picked the right word~

(bless that man! :)

I know God has lessons for me with this word. I don't know what they are just yet, but I'm open to whatever they are and I'm excited to see what's around the corner. I've learned in the last couple of years to be even more grateful than I thought possible, to enjoy and be content even more with the simplicity of life. The word give just seems to fall into place. I'm ready to see how He wants me to do more of this.

Acts 20:35

. . . the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

And that is my one word for the new year.
 

May the year 2013 be a blessed year for you, giving and receiving the giving richly. . .honoring God in both.

 

 

If you would like a beautiful One Word blog button with your own God given word, jump over to Melanie's place.  She will make you one:)

 http://www.onlyabreath.com/2012/12/theyre-here-free-one-word-blog-buttons/

 

 

 Did you pick a One Word for 2013? 

I would love to hear what it is.

 

 

 



The Golden Ornament

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 pondering.

As I see the packing 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 will be coming to an end, the Christmas spirit can go on forever and the glistening of this ornament is just a symbol. 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.

 

 

 

Bridge Christmas Party #2

December 25, 2012 was an overcast, cold day at the bridge but warmth flowed all around.  It was Christmas day and a party was going on for the ones without a home and no family around.  Because of the Homeless Outreach Ministry meeting at the bridge for the last several months on a weekly basis, we have become friends with many of the homeless.  In our time, we have seen many move into homes.  We have become family with all these sweet people.

On this day, the ones who still live out in the cold, the ones who have moved into their own place and new ones showed up to our Christmas party. It was like being around a second family. One of the volunteers, Natalie, who planned the party, brought the dinner. . .ham, corn, green beans, hashbrown casseroles, desserts from others and drinks from another.  So many people with great big hearts and warmth to boot, sharing themselves, their friendship, and their time.

We caroled...yes, we all sang Christmas songs.  And one very special moment happened with a little munchkin and a giant.  If you don't know this story, please go here first.  Then come back. . .

The munchkin's aunt wrote and illistrated a book about Justin, the munchkin, the giant, the green coat, and the friendship that was formed between the two.  The book was given to Justin as a Christmas gift and a copy of the book was made for Mike, the giant.  Justin gave the book to Mike at the party.  His mother asked me to read it to them all which I did.  It was a beautifully written story in ryme with beautifully illistrated pictures.  Mike was very touched and there were some glistening eyes and I heard sniffles. . .and it wasn't from the cold!

The bridge has offered many blessings and this was just one of them. A friendship between a little three year old and a very tall man out on the streets.  All the people coming to the bridge are not sure what they will find. What they find is this. . .smiles, hugs, prayers, friendships, listening ears and caring hearts, along with food to eat and blankets and other necessities for survival in the cold winter months.

I was touched at the end of the evening when two of our bridge friends were worried about Gary, one who said he would be at the party but didn't show up.  He lives down the street and across a field in an abandoned barn.  The two gentlemen walked over to the barn in the dark carrying two of the green Christmas bags we had filled with food.  They found Gary inside trying to stay warm in the hay in his sleeping bag and surrounded by blankets.  He had no food.  The gentlemen left the bags of food with him and wished him a Merry Christmas.  When they came back to me at the bridge, they said it was a God thing that we had the food and they found Gary and was able to give him the bags. They felt good that they were able to give and gave God glory for the provisions. Yes, God watches over all and understands about men and hay and barns.

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 two big green tote bags 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.

 

I won't identify who is who because we are all the same

we are all created by God and loved by him

we are all friends and family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in love."

Hamilton Wright Mabie

 

 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people

Luke 2:10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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.
 

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

 

           

I Just Wanna Be A Big Kid Now~Part 2

(a repost...remembering a fun way that God came in to heal sad hearts. . .)

There have been many, many things that have brought healing to our sad hearts from the storm that we have gone through. And it is so interesting to see what God will use on a daily basis for that healing. His Word says that laughter brings healing, and I can attest to that.

Our household for about 4 years became very serious, very sad, very hurtful, with no fun, no laughter of any kind. This way of living can make a person sick, and it did for our family. After about three years, the three of us left in our household, were on the mend, good things were happening, and we were moving on, but still not much laughter had taken place. Then God stepped in in such an unlikely way.

Jena, a facebook friend who I have never met, posted pictures of herself and her little boy in footie pajamas. They looked like they were having so much fun. I didn’t think too much of it until not long after viewing those pictures, I was at Target and saw footie pajamas that would fit me. On a whim, I bought them.

I came home and put them on. I was all alone in my closet, looking at myself through the full length mirror in those silly pajamas with space ships and stars all over them. I busted out laughing. Here I was a grown woman in her mid 40’s wearing these ridiculous pajamas, although they are very comfortable! I decided to have some fun and went and found my teen-age son and husband who is always carrying a camera. I asked him to do a photo shoot. I told my younger son to look like he was disgusted but I noticed he had a hard time keeping the grin off his face. I could not, and neither could my husband. This is the first time I remember the three of us having such a good time together since our first born had left. It was a good evening! But it got even better later!

It was late when my husband and I got ready for bed. Yes, I went to bed with these pajamas on, my husband actually likes them! I had gotten ready first and climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to my neck as it was December and a very cold night. My husband came in about 15 minutes later, turned the lights out to where it became totally dark. He yanked the covers back to climb into bed exposing my new pajamas, and WOW, what a surprise we had. I did not know when I bought them, that when exposed to the darkness of being under the covers what would happen. It had activated something. He pulled those covers back in the pure darkness, and all the stars on my new duds from neck all the way down to my toes, were glowing brightly. It was such a sight, and caught us both off guard so that we busted out laughing, laughing hysterically, the kind that brings tears down your face. Oh my, that kind of laughing hurts, and yet it felt so good.

Our home had been so serious for so long. But all because a girl hundreds of miles away decides in her good humored nature, to wear footie pajamas and post those pictures on facebook, God allowing me to see those pictures, leading me to Target, a place I don’t go to very often, leading me to those silly pajamas, leading me to buy them, something I wouldn’t have normally done, kept me from seeing the truth of those delightful stars at the time, gave my husband, younger son and I a fun evening filled with laughter. Just what the doctor ordered; no, just what God ordered and filled; SO much better than prescriptions from the pharmacy.

The depression has lifted, life is good, not perfect, but getting better, and I will always be grateful to Jena, to God, for laughter, and soft, warm footie pajamas with space ships and glow in the dark stars.

You just never know who, what or how God will choose to work around and within you, so always keep your chin up, your eyes open, and be ready to go anywhere he leads. . .even if it’s to Target.

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy and they said. . .The Lord has done great things for them.”

Psalm126:2

 

Wanna share something silly with me?

Go ahead, we could all use a laugh right now;)