Saying Goodbye to my 2013 Word

Pondering here at the end of the year with my 2013 word of the year GIVE. At the end of the 2012
year I began to pray about my word and Give is what the Lord gave me. Here is just a piece of what I wrote in my first blog post for the year 2012. . .

I want to give

 

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

 

At Easter time I did a 40 day giveaway on FB. Each day I gave one thing of mine away. Did I miss any of those items? No

 

I gave of my time and love each Tuesday evening at the Homeless Outreach at the bridge. Did I ever begrudge going? No

 

I gave of my energy to ones who are hard to love. Did I ever mind. Well. . .we'll come back to this one.

 

I gave of my smiles, and words and encouragement. Did I mind this? No

 

And how can I say no to these questions? Because I ponder each day how God has given to me. Oh, He gives so much more than I ever could but because of what He has given me, I want to give back.

 

Back to the question up above I hesitated on. That's just me being human and honest. But after pondering and praying, I can say that yes, I did give of my energy and when I focused on God, the giving of that energy became easy.

 

It wasn't easy for Jesus to hang on the cross, to take the sins of the whole world upon Him, to be mocked, to have His Father turn away for that specific time. I can't even imagine.

 

So when someone difficult comes around, I remember what was given for me and I can look into the other's eyes and give what the Lord leads me to give.

 

And when it came to my wanting to give more of my praise. . .I did. I always wanted to freely praise by raising my hands in church when the spirit would move but being the quiet, reserved person I have always been, I made my hands stay down at my side. This year they raised and I cannot tell you how freeing it is to worship in the true sense of the word, unencumbered, not worrying about the people around you who might stare, just giving praise with all of your being to the One who deserves it.

 

I know many of you out there give in so many ways. Thank you for all you do. This is not about look at what I gave. It was just about me being more intentional myself to look out instead of within and give in whatever ways I felt led to. I didn't want to hang onto things, to money, to myself. I wanted to give to my Father in Heaven however many ways I could because I love Him and because it's my way of saying, 'I love you, to Him.

 

What did I learn? I learned by giving, I can let go. . .of many things. And in the letting go, sometimes God chooses to give back. And whether anything comes back or not. . .there is blessings in the letting go, in the giving. It's not about what you will get back in return, It's all about freeing yourself up and blessing others and pleasing God. There is just no better feeling than that! 

 

God helped me to give in so many ways. Some easy and some not so easy. But as this year comes to a close, I know from now on, no matter what my new words will be, give will always be a part of me. . .because it is a part of Him. . .and I want to be all I can be in Him.

 

So it's not really good-by to the word give. It's hop on word, we've got new ones to pick out and places to go. Come on! 

 

Will you join me?  Pray about a specific word God has just for you. Then do share. It's fun to see how God works in all of our lives.

 

May you all have a wonderful, happy New Year

and may it be full of wonderful words

GIVEN

by the WORD Himself.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
 

The Final Piece

In 2011, a big, dark man on a downtown park bench yelled out to my husband, "I'm homeless, there's a lot of homeless people down here and someone needs to write our stories." He was an answer to a six month prayer of mine. I went to meet Greg the next week-end and he stole my heart. We became a team, he introducing me to many of the homeless in our town and I wrote down whatever they wanted to say. A veil was removed from my eyes and I began to see more.

This is also a story about the power of God and if we would just step out in obedience and leave the outcomes up to HIM, the glorious things that can happen. He took an ordinary housewife with no writing experience at all and moved me with passion to start learning. I poured over writing web sites for hours and hours over days, months, years. A wonderful proofreader and my husband helped.

STOP RIGHT HERE. . .

Now let me move you to just an ordinary day. . .NOT!

I got up the other morning to run errands in town. I had been told there was a homeless lady sleeping in her car in a certain parking lot. I decided to go see if I could find her. I did. I wrote down information on a piece of paper and just wanted to talk with for a few minutes and handing her the information. As I approached her car, a very loud, vicious sounding dog inside was going ballistic from seeing me. Her car was dead so she could not roll down her window to take my slip of paper, so she opened the door just a little. But this dog's huge head was so strong that within seconds he whipped around her pushing the door open more and took a bite out of my finger.

Blood went everywhere, I start to feel nauseous and faint. I managed to tell her to call the numbers I gave her and they could help. I went back to my car, called my husband and he rushed over to me from work and took me to the Urgent Care Clinic. While I am in the back office with two nurses and a doctor working on my wound, my cell phone rings and I see it is the publisher I had sent my manuscript to. I answered and he said he would like to talk about my book. I laughed and said I would love to but it really wasn't a good time. I explained to him what happened and he asked if I thought I could be ready to Skype with him 3 hours from then. You know I was sure to be home by then!

Three hours later I'm sitting in front of my laptop, praying and trying to settle my stomach down. The doctor had given me a tetanus shot which was making my arm hurt, my wound was stinging and the antibiotics they gave me to take was messing with my stomach. Just as I felt a peace come over me, the phone rang and the publisher comes on to let me know my book will be published!!!

As he is telling me, BOTH of my boys walk into the house. If you've known me for long, you will know why that meant so much to me. Both sons of mine and I celebrated the wonderful news together and my oldest hugged me and said how proud he was of me. My heart was just about to burst!

SO. . .

2 1/2 years after beginning a book,  I'm floating on cloud nine, praising my Savior all the day long, dog bite and all!

The book will not be called a feel good read. It is full of sad stories but there are also inspiring messages between the lines. I have grown so much through this process and I'm pretty sure that was one of God's goals,  ;)

From day one I have told you all that I felt God was handing me puzzle pieces and over time, I could see they were all fitting together but I did not know what picture was going to come out. I did not even know for a long time, what this puzzle was going to be. As more and more time went by, I began to see in my mind how this final puzzle piece might look and I prayed my hearts desire to the Lord for this, but I always ended the prayers with, "Your will be done." Because as Christians, that is the goal, is it not? To have HIS will be done and for all glory to be for Him. That is my desire and my prayer.

God handed me the final puzzle piece and I would like to share it with you. . .

(It will be out sometime in the beginning of new year)

There are so many others out there with not a book to their name who are much better writers than me. This just goes to show that phrase I say so much is true. . .

God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

 

He is calling you. He calls all of us. If you have heard and stepped out, great!

If you haven't because you are scared, please don't be. I do understand. It can feel risky. We think about failing. Let this story encourage you.

Where God calls, He will be there with you to provide what you need.

Start taking the risk. Grab hold of those puzzle pieces He is handing you.

I can't wait to see what your picture looks like!

Ya know what I'm say'n? 

HOPE Everywhere!

I love the little things! I always have but being a counter of blessings, learning to write them down after Ann Voskamp's dare. . .I seem to notice all the more. And I believe that was one of the points, to notice and give God glory for all, even the microscopic. Sometimes the microscopic actually is enormous if we just not look, but really see.

The name of my church is Living Hope. We have a non-profit organization in our town that helps the homeless and needy whose name is Hope House. I am part of a Bridge Outreach Ministry for the homeless, a place where they can come for Hope. It is a dear place in my heart.

When I began to look for a publishing company for the book I had written, I chose one in Nashville and sent my manuscript there. A couple of weeks later, I received a very nice, encouraging but none the less, a rejection letter. But I was not dejected. I had hope because I believed in what I had written. I really believed the story came from God himself and I had the privilege of writing it out. So I prayed for the next publishing company. I believe I was directed from Hope Himself to the next place. I sent my manuscript off again. Three days later, I was accepted. The word hope is in the name of my publisher.

I am not surprised. God has amused me so much through my journey into the homeless community and through this journey of writing. I had no experience in either and there have been so many mishaps and yet, success happened. I have experienced so many blessings through new friendships out on the streets, seeing and feeling grace, growing in my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. When I thought I couldn't do something or I was scared, I always heard the whisper, "I can do it through you, I will be with you."

That is my Hope. . .Jesus. He is the  true Living Hope and it's His House I will dwell in forever because I received the gift, the gift that came into a manger and the same gift who hung on a cross.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. . .

First Peter 1:3

Hope in the stable. . .Hope on the cross. . .Hope in my heart. The four letter word may be small, but what it is, Who it is, is not. I am seeing Hope all around and not just in the names of things.

Do you see it?

If you are one who has not seen hope, felt hope, know where it is, please write me. Hope is all around. If you cannot see, I will point you in the right direction and we will pray for you to see. It would be the best Christmas present you would ever receive, a Christmas present that is not just given one day a year, but each and every day.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

 

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.

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

 

A Real Live Gentleman

He is one of the last World War ll veterans. He was in the Korean War. But like most of these men, he never talked much about it. It wasn't that it was not important, it was very important. . .but some things you just keep to yourself.

I have always known him as a very quiet man but with a quick, dry wit. When you least expected it, he would shoot something from the mouth that would send you off laughing. I think it was even funnier coming from him, because it was so unexpected.

He has always been such a dignified, sweet, gentle man. In fact, put those last two words together and that is the perfect picture of my Uncle Ed. . .a true gentleman. He is one of the rare birds who always opens the doors for you, holds out his hand to help you out of the car, takes you by the arm in so gentle of a way and walks next to you, not in front, not behind, but by your side and then steps out of the way to let you enter a building or room first. He is so respectful and thoughtful.

He is my father's brother. My mom and dad divorced when I was a little girl and dad was completely out of mom's life after that. But his brother, my Uncle Ed and his wife, my Aunt Shay were not. They were in her life and mine forever.

Aunt Shay and mom were best friends until Aunt Shay's passing in 2003. She told my mom once years after the divorce, that my dad is the one who divorced her, not her and Ed. I've always thought that was remarkable. My uncle did and still does help my mother financially every month. He doesn't have too. He wants too, because he cares. Remarkable!

I'll always remember him as the man of few words but I'll never forget the scene in the hospital in 2003. He and I were standing in the room looking out the window together as his wife lay dying behind us. He had his arm around me and said, "We love you Kristy." It was the first time in his 82 years, in my life, that I heard him say those words. But I always knew it. He took care of me in one way or another over my years whether it was having me come out to their Colorado home one summer back in the 70's when my mother was going through a difficult time. He knew that was a difficult time for me also and wanted to give me a break. Like the time when one of my first cars I had as a teenager had brakes that went out and I was a broke teen. It was my uncle who left money on my dresser, quietly, so I could have the brakes fixed. As I was growing up, it was he and my aunt who bought me new clothes to start out the new school years. And every Christmas I receive a card with money in it. He never forgets. Such a quiet man but so full of love.

He is 92 today. He has been living in Texas with his daughter and son-in-law for the past four years. The son-in-law, Doug told me the other day on the phone that he is a better man because of Ed. I have no doubt! I'm sure everyone in Uncle Ed's presence is a better person because of him. I know I am.

I hope the art of being a gentleman does not die off. This world has changed so much since World War ll and the days of dressing up to go to a movie. But Uncle Ed never changed and I am blessed to have had the privilege of seeing up close a real live gentleman and being loved by one.

Happy Birthday Uncle Ed! I love you too~

Kristy

J. O. Y.

When Jesus said "Come as a little child", I don't think this is what He meant. . .

(this picture cracks me up every time)

 

But, I do come to Him like this picture at times. And this is when I feel He lifts me up and puts me in his lap and holds me as a child, comforts me, and says, "Now, now there, it will be alright my child.

 

I've been told by very mature women at least two decades ahead of me with much more white crowning their head than my own, that they still have these moments and they still crawl up into His lap and are always comforted.

 

I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one. We all just need to cry sometimes and I want everyone to know that there is a wonderful Savior who picks us up, holds onto us and says, "Now, now there. . .come to Me and I will be with you and it will be alright.

 

It may not be perfect, but it will be alright. And when we walk hand in hand with this Savior, when He becomes our Lord, we don't just have to hold the letters of J. O. Y. We carry joy in our heart. We may still cry at times, but the joy never leaves because HE is our joy and He never leaves.

 

JOY to the world! It's there within reach. . .do you have it?  Do you know Him?

Don't just see the word. Hold it in your heart.

 

JOY to the world, the Lord has come!

 

Go to him and crawl if you have to. He will pick you up.

 

I know!

Thumbs and Blankies

Have you ever wanted to just sit down and put your thumb in your mouth?  Carry a blankie around for comfort? 

Yes, I just watched The Charlie Brown Christmas Special and I just love Linus.  He on stage at the end telling what Christmas is all about has to be one of the all time greatest scenes.  Yes, I really am 51 years old J

There are days when emotions and bewilderment just get to me, and I just want to do what Linus does . . .sit down with my blankie and stick my thumb in my mouth.  But no, I am a grown woman, so I don’t do that, even though I do wear footie pajamas from time to time.  THAT, I can get away with! 

Having a prodigal and not knowing why, seeing despair through the homeless community, too many deaths going on around me, it can just do one in.  But as Linus tells on that great stage of what Christmas is all about, the emotions become settled as I ponder again on the One who came long, long ago to give us a hope like no other, a love like no other, and a promise that we would never be alone even when we are going through the fire, or the emotional draining situation, we will not drown if we keep our eyes focused on Him.  And He is so good, even through my emotional downs, He picks me right back up with His blessings of His promises, the friendship of special women, the love of my great husband, the funny, silly, quacky humor and love of my other son, and then that indescribable peace settles in once again. 

The downs become ups once more and I can take that make believe thumb out of my mouth and toss the blankie.  I have something better to put into my mouth.  God’s Words. And His words are comfort like no blankie out there.  I may plop on the floor, but with my bible in hand instead of my thumb in my mouth.

Yes Linus, I do know what Christmas is all about. I know who Christmas is.  I will never forget.   

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

Luke 2:11

p.s.

Someday I'll grow up completely and throw away those footie pj's. . .

I'm just not ready yet. :)

My Name is Kris And I'm A . . .

GOOFBALL!

Yep, again! I mailed my manuscript to another publishing company. I had a Skype interview with the very nice Mr. Edward Andrews and it went very well. He told me to go ahead and mail him the manuscript. I was elated! I packaged it all up, taking my time to make sure everything was in order, checking all in the cover letter, checked and rechecked everything on the outside of the envelope. Mailed it off Priority and with tracking numbers because I was not going to have this one lost like the other.  I was feeling pretty good until the next day. . .

I was reading the publishing site once again just to familiarize myself with them when suddenly I noticed the man's name at the bottom. This is how I must have looked. . .

Yikes! The man with two first names. I had the sinking feeling that I addressed my cover letter and the envelope to a Mr. Edwards. Sick, sick, sick to my stomach. I decided it would be best to immediately e-mail him and hope he found it amusing. I apologized for turning his name around and asked for forgiveness. I haven't heard back yet. I'm praying he just hasn't checked his e-mails yet or it was just so silly, he laughed and thought nothing more. Haven't we all messed up people's names at one time or another?  Haven't we?

I thought, I may be a goofball but I'm not an idiot. Something told me to go do a google search on this eight letter word. Here is what came up on my screen. . .

Urban Dictionary: goofball

www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=goofball

 

 total idiot, someone who lacks any intelligence at all.

 

Sigh!

 

I'll Be Home For Christmas

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 32 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 10 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.

 

All I Want For Christmas Is. . .

(a repost but doing again this Christmas)

. . .one goat,

Two chickens. . .

five ducks. . .

and a couple of mosquito nets. . .

After being around the homeless, reading books such as Revolution in World Missions, Radical, and Kisses from Katie, materialism has taken a back seat for me. For over a year, closer to two, the Lord has been laying it on my heart to live more simply and do without anymore store bought things. I haven't shopped in a mall in a long, long time. When I do go into a store and see all the pretty trinkets that I used to ooh and ahh at, now almost give me a sick feeling. My mind goes to all the ones who don't even have enough food to eat and the thought of buying a trinket just doesn't feel right anymore.

I am not condeming those who do, please don't hear that! It's just that the Lord has layed this on MY heart and He has shifted my desires and so I feel this is how I need to and want to be now.  . .and it has been so freeing!

I received a catalog from World Vision

 

and was excited to think that this Christmas instead of gifts underneath the tree for me, I wanted the money that would be spent on me to be spent on a goat, two chickens and some mosquito netting.

The world's deadliest creature, the mosquito, kills nearly 800,000 people every year. While preventing this malaria infection in inexpensive by U.S. standards, it's out of reach for poor African families who must watch helplessly as their children suffer and die. One of the best ways to protect children from Malaria - bed nets - as well as critical education for prevention and control.

The ducks and chickens will produce hundreds of nutritious, protein-rich eggs to feed a family year round. And both eggs and ducklings can be sold for extra income.

Dairy goat milk provides great protein to help children grow. The family can sell surplus milk, cheese, and yogurt at the market to earn money for medicines and other necessities. Plus, fertilizer from goats can increase the amount of vegetables grown in a family garden.

To me, this sounds more beautiful than a pretty trinket or something for my home that would collect dust.

If you would like to consider giving in this way please go to the online website of World Vision at http://www.worldvisiongifts.org/ and see what you could give this Christmas season to a family in need.

Another wonderful place to go to shop is http://www.amazima.org/. . .you can buy beaded necklaces made by the Ugandan women and the money goes back to them so they can support their families. With this, you do end up with something pretty around your neck or can give to a loved one.

These kind of gifts change lives. . .these kind of gifts can save lives!

And if you would like to give a gift to the homeless, instant coffee or coffee bags would be a wonderful gift, maybe along with a coffee mug. Hot chocolate and cider bags would be great. Also a great gift would be warm, wool socks.

Please pray about what God would have you do this Christmas shopping season. Let's give a Merry Christmas to those who really need it. The cheer will come in the giving.

words from Katie from her book Kisses From Katie. . .

"Lord. . .help me to never be too busy or too comfortable to rememeber the people who suffer. Help me to never stop desiring to do something about it. Lord help us to remember that as the body of Christ, this is our responsibility. Thank you for loving us even when we forget."

May we never forget. . .

for our backyard neighbors and for precious ones like these. . .

It's priceless!

(For all who have donated to our Blanket Ministry and for the Bridge Christmas bags, I shout out a great big Thank You from the bottom of my heart!)

I'm In The Wrong Era!

I know good and well God does not make mistakes. BUT, if He did, it would be putting me in the wrong era. I was doing really well to use the computer. Then I got my own laptop. I've had to learn how to copy, paste, photoshop, and then came blogging and learning to link things. I thought I was doing pretty well. Then after a year of fighting it, I got onto Facebook. Yes, I caught on and I enjoy that. I was really happy in my little world and then I kept being asked if I twittered.  "No," I would say, and I don't want to tweet. I'm happy in my own little world of the laptop and Facebook.

But I've come to realize by wanting to be writer, I've got to step it up. SO, I got myself a Twitter account. I couldn't see for a long time how this was much different from Facebook. My mother would ask what the difference was between the two and I really couldn't answer her intelligently because I really didn't know. But all the experts say I need to Twitter, so I got Twitter. I seem to twit to a different audience, a much bigger audience than FB. Don't ask me why? You probably already know. You can explain it to me. But again, I was back to being happy in my little world of computer, Facebooking, and Twittering.  AND THEN,

A publisher I had contacted wanted to talk with me only on Skype. SAY WHAT! 

 

I do not Skype. I don't know how to Skype. I don't even have a camera on my computer.

 

 He told me it was simple to set up a Skype account and the camera was not needed, we could just do audio. I'm thinking then why can we not just talk on the telephone. I realized later, it would probably be a conference call with others on the other end of the line.

I googled Skype. Setting up the account was not as intimidating as I made it out to be. But then they wanted me to download and a box popped up saying this could harm my computer. My computer had just been healed of a horrible virus. I didn't want to go through that again so decided to wait for my husband to arrive home and let him do it. In the mean time I sent my son to Best Buy to buy a camera for the laptop. If I'm going to Skype, I might as well see the people too. After it's all installed, I will have to learn how to use it. Pray for me!

Oh, and then there is the smart phone. I don't have one. Do I really need it? I will probably find out one day that yes, I do. But for now, I am perfectly content to hold on to my dinosaur of a flip phone.

Did God leave me out of the wrong era? I used to think I belonged in the era of long, flowing dresses and button up shoes and carrying just the right parasol.

 But then I have a hot flash and think, No, no long dresses for me and the button up shoes would take too much effort to put on each day and the parasol thing would get old after awhile.  That era also had none of the wonderful items I enjoy today. Things like dishwashers, washer and dryers, toilets and paper to sit right beside them.

I guess each era has their own good and not so good. Each era, there are things to learn.  I guess one of the things the Lord wants from me is to use my noggin and start learning all the wonderful things out there that make this world move forward and that includes facebookin', twitterin', and skypin', all for His Glory, always for His Glory!

I figured out the first two. Surely I will figure out this third one and just hope nothing else comes to me before I master it. One thing at a time is my motto! There's a FB status.

 

 Better late than never.  You can tweet that ;)

 

 

The VERY Beginning of Christmas

Have you ever wondered like me, how it was in Heaven just before Christ left to come to Earth as a babe in the manger. Max Lucado obviously has too, for he wrote a book about it called Cosmic Christmas.  Here is what the inside cover says . . .

. . .do we know the whole story?  What about the hidden happenings that might have led up to the Savior's birth?  Was the arrival of Jesus a quietly profound event?  Or could it have been the result of heavenly battles, angel armies, and a scheming Satan?  Envision a confrontation in heaven between the King of creation and the rebellious Satan.  Threats.  Challenges.  A gauntlet laid on the floor of the sky.  And then the passage from heaven to earth.  "There was a war in heaven" the Bible states in Rev. 12:7.  Angels battling Satan's armies as they transport the essence of heaven itself.

The back cover reads. . .

The two stood facing each other, God robed in light, each thread glowing.  Satan canopied in evil, the very fabric of his robe seeming to crawl.  Satan rose slowly off his haunches. Like a wary wolf, he walked a wide circle toward the desk until he stood before the volume and read the word: Immanuel.

Immanuel?  He muttered to himself.  "God with us?"  The hooded head truned squarely toward the face of the Father.  "No. Not even you would do that.  Not even you would go so far.  The plan is bizarre!  You don't know how dark I've made the Earth.  It's putrid.  It's evil, It's. . .

"It is mine," proclaimed the King.  "And I will reclaim what is mine."

"Why?" Satan asked.  "Why would you do this?"

The Father's voice was deep and soft.  "Because I love them."

Wow!  This gives me goose bumps.  And you know what I think?  Anyone out there who is wondering if they are worthy, please just let me shout a great big "Yes!"  The angels and Satan battled in Heaven for you.  God let a part of himself leave the comfort of a holy home to come to this Earth for you and for me.  Why?  Because He loves us.  Yes, you are worthy.  You are special.  You are loved.  Let's live our lives showing Him that we think He is worthy, that He is special,  that He is loved by us.

As a new month begins, let's prepare our hearts by thanking Him, our Heavenly Father, for the battle that was won on our behalf, the battle that was fought before that very first Christmas tree went up, before there were wreaths on the doors and bells ringing from the churches.

Thank you Father for loving us so!

It is going to be a Merry Christmas

My Mother's Hands

After two years apart because of many miles, this past week I was able to hold my mother's hands. . .in greetings, in love, in honor.

These hands, frail from time and work, are precious to me and others.

These hands have prepared many delicious meals, baked mouth watering delicacies, sewn wonderful creations to give beauty, pressed dried flowers to send to her grown daughter miles away because she knows it makes the daughter smile.

These hands of hers have folded in prayer so many times. They have lifted in surrender to her Lord, they have folded on behalf of others, they have held on to dear ones and squeezed little children with love.

These hands have gone through much in life, much of not being easy, and yet these eighty-two year old hands live in grace, give grace, give thanks, and even wonderful backrubs that would make the toughest of tough purr.

These hands embrace God's Word, embrace her grown children, embrace the little ones who live next door, makes the little ones birthday cakes and decorates even though they are filled with pain because her giving to others is more important than the aches in the fingers.

This daughter knows when her momma folds her hands in reverence, the Lord hears and seven hundred miles plus down the road, the daughter knows, the daughter feels, the daughter is blessed.

After a week, I had to leave to go back to my home. My mother and I say good-bye the night before as I lay in bed with her. She held me, I held her. Then I quietly left the next morning as she slept. We say goodbye this way because we know we'll both cry and it's easier this way.

The next morning as I rode down the highway for the first 20 miles of hundreds in front of me, my stomach lurched as I shed tears as I thought about my mother and her hands. I knew how much I would miss her. Her hands are precious but even more so is her heart. I pray as the arthritis creeps into my own, I'll always remember the soft touch and love coming from my mother's hands no matter what and how it made me feel. May my own always reach out and touch as hers do and that the beating of the heart comes through as hers does. Mom, you are a shining example. May I follow well.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:31

The Story of Thanksgiving

I'm glad I'm not eating at their tables. . .no brussel sprouts for me or potato chips in my stuffing.

We received sad news last night. My husband's brother suddenly died and so we will be leaving for Oklahoma to be with family. I am happy I get to be with extended family for the holiday but we are sad that one will be missing. We rejoice in knowing that he is in his heavenly home though. Would you mind saying a prayer for the wife, Jenny and for their son and daughter, Michelle and Brian? Thank you my sweet friends!

I pray your table is full of tasty treats and your chairs are full of family and your hearts are full of gratitude. And I'm sure your bellies will be full so remember to wear elastic waistband pants. . .you'll be sorry if you don't ;)

from

 

the Bridgman Family

The Guitar Man

"The transformational journey is a lifelong journey that begins with a change of heart and leads to a changed perspective, a changed leadership process, and changed personal practice. It is lived out on a daily basis, with a sense of purpose and expectancy as the servant leader joins God in the work He is doing in the world. How are you living and leading today in light of eternity?" 

Lead Like Jesus, a Blanchard ministry

 

When you are dealing with a frustrating person, try to have a ministry mindset and remember that something is bothering them inside which is making them that way. Are they stressed, hurt, grieving, depressed? Think about how to help them turn to Christ to find healing inside. A ministry mindset will melt your anger toward that person, so you don’t explode with fiery words that will wound not just their heart, but yours and God’s. From the Devotional Time With God

November 5, 2013, on a Tuesday I posted this to Facebook. . .

To all who show such an interest in the Bridge Ministry but cannot help, OH, but you can! I believe the backbone of any ministry is prayer. Would you consider making it a habit each Tuesday to pray for this ministry, for the guests who show up and for all the volunteers. That the Lord would do a mighty work in each of us out there and as volunteers, that no matter what the circumstances, we would have the mind of Christ. That the love of Christ would touch whoever out there needs a touch from Him and that we would all be sensitive to that need. And for provisions to be met whether that be monetary or other. Thank you so much sweet people! I'm thanking God for all of you!

 

This man at the bridge told me last night that he and I have lived two completely different lives. Later in the conversation he told me about a fear. This man used to scare me, I did not like him and I avoided him for weeks. Awhile back, God told me to go talk with him. After I stomped my foot a couple of times, I went. Guitar man and I talked about many things. He said again how different our lives were and I told him the ground is level at the foot of the cross and he teared up on me. He wanted to hear that again, and so I repeated, "The ground is level at the foot of the cross."  He thanked me sincerely and then played for me.

 

We continued to talk as he softly played his beautiful music. He asked me to throw a scripture at him. I did. I asked him to throw one at me. He did. We did this a couple of more times. We laughed. I shared with him what God's Word says about fear. He listened. He nodded.

 

He put the guitar up as people were starting to leave. He looked far off and then at me and said,

"I wish I could do something for God but. . .I can't do anything." I told guitar man,

"You've been playing beautiful, soothing, peaceful music the whole time we've been talking. You come back here each Tuesday and play for God. That will honor Him and it will bless all of us out here." He stepped back and said, "Really!"

"Yes, Really!"

 

As we got up to part ways, I turned to him and said sincerely, "Thank you.". He came up to me, touched my arm gently and with tears in his eyes, he said, "No, thank you.". 

It was a wonderful time! I'm so glad I listened to God and not my own fear. The man seemed convicted and very moved. I know I sure was. . .moved AND convicted! I walked away trembling inside and thanking God for making me move when I didn't want to. I asked you all a week or so ago to commit to praying for this ministry on Tuesdays. I could FEEL them this night. Thank you! 

Then LeeAnn, one of our volunteer nurses wrote this to me. . .

 

  Guitar Man had rubbed me the wrong way for months. I thought he was abrasive, rude to Janice and harsh with other guests. I avoided him a lot. I prayed about my response to him and one of the nights we did the survey- I made a point to go talk to him. He was isolated on the bridge and I spent the most amazing 30 minutes talking to him! He is a passionate believer and a proud vet. Both of those character traits speak to me! We now have a friendship that I treasure- he asked me to sit with him for a few minutes tonight so he could play the guitar. He hugs me and even started coming to our VA clinic! God changed my heart for him- he is a tough guy, with a soft heart- and I love Goliath too. (his dog) 

I found out later from LeeAnn that Guitar Man is a vet and he had lost the love of his life, his wife of 20 years to cancer. The beautiful music he was playing was a song he had written for her.

 

LeeAnn and I had a changed perspective, a changed heart because we decided to look him in the eyes and look not with our own human retinas but with those of Jesus. It's amazing how things look different through those lenses. 

 

The next day I was listening to Beth Moore in the car as I was going into town and she made this statement (not about homeless but just people in general). . ."Dignify them by noticing them." I cried out to myself in the car saying, This is what I've been writing about for the last two years. Yes, notice them, talk to them, listen to them, show they are worthy to be heard, share the incredible love we have received with all who God brings into our path, even if they are hard ones to love. Who knows what has hardened them. But Jesus love can soften, melt and dissolve that hardness. Not only can a transformation happen with them, but it can happen for us, just like it did for me and Lee Ann with guitar man, tough guy with a soft heart. The blessings come not only for them, but for you and me who get to watch it happen right in front of our eyes.

Next time God tells me to move towards someone, I will not stomp my foot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

$4.19 A Day...Could You?

WARNING!

Telling the cold, hard facts. If it sounds tough, please forgive me!
But sometimes we just need to hear. . .and to understand.

The average SNAP (known as food stamps until 2008) allocation per adult in the state of Kentucky is $4.19 a day.  Think about when you go out to lunch or dinner, how much do you spend on your meal, just for yourself.  And think about what you spend if you're paying for your family.  I know, we do it too.

But my mind goes to my friends out there on the streets.  Many of them eat because of SNAP.  Do you think they feel hunger pains?  Do you think they get to have treats like we give ourselves?  If they do have the treats, then they are not getting a good meal.  And a good meal for them would be a bologne sandwich and maybe an apple.  This doesn't sound too bad, but if that's all you got to eat, how would you feel?  Would you get cranky over time?  Would you start to feel bad physically?  Would you be prone to falling into depression?  I know I would just start to really crave a good juicy steak, potato, salad, and bread and tea after awhile.

But most people I befriend out there do not complain.  I have heard a few complaints about the food at the one shelter in town but other than that, only one complaint came from the bridge when we ran out of food and that man apologized later. He was taken care of.  I hear people who have MUCH complain about such silly things, things that do not hurt their comfort, and yet complain, complain, complain.  And then I hear ones who complain about the ones out on the street. . . "if they would just get up and get a job, they wouldn't have it so hard". . .if they would just and on and on and on.

I would like to challenge those abundant complainers to walk in the others shoes for one week and see how they feel. With no shelter, little food, feeling unloved, everything we take for granted stripped away. On top of that, imagine if you had been beaten the years you grew up by people who should have loved you, raped by men who thought only of themselves, parents who thought more about there booze than their child, or parents who didn't even care for you and left you in the foster care system, taking your chances on who got you, having to drop out of school, never graduating because your parents needed you to make money, or you needed money because they weren't taking care of you.  Your self esteem might just be stripped down to the bare bones.  If you had a sense of humor, it just might have fled. If you were considered friendly, you just might change after awhile in these conditions. They pay a pretty high cost for their upbringing.

And yet, these people are resilient.  Some have kept their sense of humor in spite of the former beatings and rapes and other abuses.  They have a toughness about them and a fighting spirit that keeps them going.  Yes, some fell into addictions.  They fell into something they thought would take them away from it all.  Most of them now, after years of this kind of abuse, have gotten away from that or are trying to. If you ask them, how do you do it, more times than not, they will tell you Jesus or point up to Him and smile.  Jesus paid the ultimate cost.  Some of them are starting to believe this. Some who believed as a child and ran away are coming back.  Some still need time. They all need love. And they all go on eating on $4.19 a day and they all still smile at me when I come around and give me hugs.

Could you live for months, years on $4.19 a day?  

Some of our workers have taken the 4.19 challenge. They multiplied 4.19 x 7 and that is all they are eating on for one week. That means they have had to cut out soda, coffee, and tea. They are eating P&J sandwiches, lots of eggs, drinking water. They have been getting headaches, cravings, and are missing the things they like to have on a daily basis. I bet after awhile, they just might get cranky. But after a week, they can go back to their regular way of eating.

Next time you go out for a meal, give thanks, and then please, pray for the homeless and hungry. And if you would like to take it a step further, please donate food to the food banks in your community.  In ours, two of those places would be HOTEL INC and Hope House. A little compassion goes a long way.

Thank you!

 

When I was hungry, you gave me food. . .
Matthew 25:35

Written by one who had the church bring her food when she was a little girl. Written by one who had a glimpse long, long ago.
Now she sees others and shares their stories.

The One Thing

I've been asked by some why I do what I do. They think working with the homeless is too hard, not rewarding, that you're not appreciated.  First of all, for the most part, that is not a true statement. I would like to share the story of one of our bridge guests from a year ago written by the director of HOTEL, INC. Rhondell, a friend of mine who asked if I would like to start a Bridge Ministry to which I said yes. The first winter at the bridge, we met Michael. I will let Rhondell tell the rest. . .

My walk with Michael began in September 2012 at our Homeless Outreach. Michael was struggling with addiction, trying to find work and sharing a tent with a friend.

He began attending AA meetings and working the 12 Steps of Recovery. Through AA, he met his current wife. I lost touch with him over the summer which caused me great concern.  Just last week he dropped by HOTEL, INC. to see me; a wonderful surprise. I could tell things were going well for him. He had put on some much needed weight and had a big smile on his face. Mike wanted to share with me how much God had blessed him over the past year. He, his wife and stepson, now own a small farm in the country.  They are both working full time and she is also a student at WKU.

 

He shared how at the Homeless Outreach, he saw the goodness of people; people emulating Christ to him and others. He said, "I began to try to emulate that in my life to others and God began to pour out an over abundance of blessings.  The blessing of a family, jobs, homeownership, recovery. . .he shared how he is overwhelmed each morning with how his life has changed in the past year. Mike and his wife own a small mobile home in town and he asked me if I knew someone he could offer this home to while they were getting on their feet again. Today, someone who would have been homeless is living in the mobile home. Mike left by saying, "Who knew-from homeless to homeowner in a year!!!"

 

Emulating Christ. . .the words rang in my ears. As director of HOTEL, INC, I am so blessed to see this daily through our volunteers, staff, and many of our clients.

Rhondell 

 

 

This is one of the reasons we do what we do. We are to share the love of Christ with whoever God puts in our path. And when one makes it, succeeds in getting his life back, we rejoice! And we continue to love on the others and let the Lord do His work. It can be hard, it can be frustrating at times, and we get weary at times. We are weak but HE is strong. It can be a learning experience for us which just makes us stronger in many ways . . .stronger in grace. . .something we all need to experience and this is experienced at the bridge and it can make a difference and that makes it all worthwhile. When we were thirsty, we were given grace. We should not withhold it from those who still thirst. Why do I and the others do this? Because Someone came down and gave us that ever quenching gift and never let us go. There there are those out there who need this touch, this drink of Grace.

GRACE

Grace throws parties for returning prodigals without saying a word about their sins.

Grace pays everybody the same regardless of what time of day they began to work.

Grace restores dignity to whores that everybody else wants to stone.
Grace hugs the diseased leper (or aids patient) that nobody else wants to touch.

Grace looks past a person's behavior and sees the person for who they are in the eyes of God.

Grace is irrational to the thinker.

It is unfair to the judge.

Grace is foolishness to the achiever.

It is a waste to the selfish.

Grace is a mistake to the disciplinarian.

It is a shame to the religionist.

But it is a stream of water to the thirsty.

It's freedom to the imprisoned.

It is life to the dead.

Grace is rest for the tired.

It is another chance to the failed.

It is hope to the despondent.

It is a way out for the lost and a way in for those who can see the door.

Grace. It's not a theological premise.

It's not a doctrine.

It's not a philosophy.

It's not something to be balanced with anything else.

It's not even the most important thing.

It's the ONE THING - The Only Thing.

It's a Person-a Person who has held you in His heart before the first molecule existed and One who will never let you go.
 

Fielding GoHarvest

 

That's why.



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Ten Things I Don't Do

I love to read other's blogs! People are so interesting! Some are serious, some are funny, many are insightful and inspiring and some just have really good ideas. One out of many ladies I like to read is Amy Sullivan. She is giving, she is funny, she has a real servant's heart and she has fun things on her site. One that inspired me to write this post. She actually got this idea from. . . well, I just let her tell you . . .

One topic Donald Miller talked about at the Storyline Conference was freeing ourselves from unrealistic expectations by making a list of all of the things we don't do.
Why hide our quirks and flaws? Embrace them.

Miller's point to this activity was to get us to accept things we don't do instead of wasting energy fighting them. Good point.

She said to be funny or serious or both, so here I go, just off the top of my head. . .

 

1)  I don't run. . .because it makes my knees hurt, makes me breathe hard and I'm just not in that big of a hurry to get anywhere.

 

2)  I don't watch television. (I'll let you guess why on that one;)

 

3)   I don't drive by myself outside of 50 mile limits. . .because I don't have a GPS and I don't do maps.

 

4) I don't eat cooked spinach. . .I think that is self explanatory.

 

5)   I don't chew gum. . .because it makes my jaws pop and snap which makes them hurt and when I was little, while chewing gum, someone told me I looked like a cow chewing cud. Well. . .a cow is not what I want to resemble!

6)  I don't smoke. . .because it smells bad, is expensive, yellows
the teeth, and ages the skin. (I don't need any more help with aging, thank you very much)

7)  I don't talk politics. (I pray about it and I vote, but I just don't want to be in those conversations)

8)  I don't watch football.  ("WHY?" I hear you asking. Because I don't get it and I have no desire to learn. Please don't hate me!)

9)  I don't memorize (I used to but the memory chips in my brain have all burned out)

10)  I don't tell jokes. . .because I will always crack up before telling the punch line. (Not good for joke telling)

11) I'm going to throw in an extra just because I can. I don't apologize for being weird. I might have in the past, but I have matured. Yes, you can be mature and weird at the same time.

There you have it. Ten, oops, eleven quirks and flaws of mine I used to not like admitting, but I embrace them now as just being a part of me. My quirks may make me weird. I like to think unique is a better description, but I can go with weird, because remember, I have matured;)

Yes, God can change us and make us stronger and He has with me in many areas.
But I do not believe being a football fan would make me any more pleasing in His sight and I am not ashamed anymore to say this. I embrace it.

TO MY SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FULL OF FOOTBALL FANS. . .PLEASE LET ME BACK IN NEXT SUNDAY!
I know we can love each other with the love of Jesus in spite of this ;)

SO, do you want to share with me some of your quirks?
Oh go on, let's not hide. Embrace them!





God Came To The Post Office

As many of you know, I have spent the last two years writing a book. I was never a writer, but God said to so I did.

After two years, I finished and mailed it off to the publishers. It never reached them. It was lost out there somewhere. I freaked out, for just a minute. Then I asked my prayer warriors to pray. They did. Peace came over me. I thought to myself, God is bigger than the postal service.

This book is His, not mine. He has directed this from day one. OH, the stories I could tell about that! But I will wait until another day. Because today God met me in the post office and I have to share.

I packaged up the book again along with all papers required by the publishing company and went into the post office again. This is a little post office run by one young woman. When she came into this position, I felt drawn to her and decided to try and have tiny chats each time I went in. This day she told me about her mother being sick and going into the hospital. I could see tears though they never fell. I told her about my mother and I could see the love this girl had for hers. I told her I would pray. I did.

As I had my hand on the door to leave, a gentleman walked in and looked right into my eyes and asked if I was a neighbor. I smiled, telling him I just lived up the road. Then he spied my envelope on the desk and asked about it. I told him what was inside. He seemed very interested, asking me all about it. I told him all about it, the book that started this whole journey for me, the ministries,  the writing, Greg, alcoholism. I could see tears even though they never fell. He shared with me that his dad had been an alcoholic.

He then preceeded to say a lot of nice things to me and then asked if he could pray for me. The young girl bowed her head too. I began to tremble inside as I knew this was a God moment. The gentleman took my hands and began to pray for me, for the ministries, for the book, for it's safe arrival and to be a blessing to all. The whole time I was there, no one else ever walked in.

He and I were complete strangers, yet he took the time to look me in the eye as he walked in and talked with me. He listened. He prayed. When I left I knew we were not strangers anymore. And neither was the young woman behind the counter. This pastor that walked in the door was her pastor and the Lord united the three of us right there in the post office. It was a holy moment.

I didn't want to write in the beginning but the Lord would not leave me alone until I obeyed. After stepping out in obedience, His desire became my desire. I have learned to trust Him at every step, every corner, every path of this book journey He has taken me on and it has deepened my relationship with Him even more than it had been. My hearts desire is for this book to be published. But if God had other reasons for me to write it than for it to be published, I will be ok with that, because He has blessed me so many times with incidents, people, prayers, with God moments galore, and has deepened my intimacy with Him, that all of this would be enough.

When I left the post office and got into my car, there were tears, and these tears fell. I was so grateful, so thankful for what God had just done. And for the fact that He loves me enough to see me in this journey and walk with me through it, even into a post office. As for my package, I have a good feeling it is going to make it's rightful destination this time.

I wondered last night about why would my first package have gotten lost. The address was correct, the postage was all correct. Today I ponder, hhmmm, I wonder if God delayed it so I would walk back into that post office this morning so I could find out about the young lady's mother and pray and so I would run into the pastor.  Maybe it was a test He was giving me, to see how I would react, to see if I would fall apart or would I lean into Him, giving it all to Him, because after all, it is His.

You just never know what or how God will show up. But I do know that we need to be always having our eyes and ears open, to not be so busy that we don't focus on others, to grow in our relationship with Christ each and every day so we will not miss those awesome God moments. Experiencing God on a daily basis is how we can grow stronger, grow stronger in our faith, grow stronger in our relationship with Him, grow stronger in life. Experiencing God on a daily basis, whether it's a great big God moment or a tiny one. . .with Him each encounter is a blessing, whether it's in our quiet time, whether it's in a church building or out in the world at a bridge, in the grocery store, in our back yards, or in a post office.

Lord, thank you for meeting us anywhere and everywhere. No matter where we are, there You are. May our eyes and ears always be open, always be in tune with You for experiencing You Father God, in the ultimate experience that we get to have every day. May we never miss a moment. And thank you Father, for loving us so, that you would give us You, give us Your son Jesus Christ, give us Your Holy Spirit, give us those holy moments and intimate moments. Thank you for letting us experience You....God.

 

In Jesus Name,
Amen

just a side note. . .A week ago my husband and I went for an evening walk down the street and around the corner, walking down to the end of that street. There is a little, white church there that we pass all the time. As usual, I had my camera with me and felt drawn to take a picture of the steeple. I smiled when the pastor in the post office today told me the name of his church. It is this one that I mention. And this is the steeple.

 

 

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