
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Seeing a glimmer of Hope....

Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Busily focused on school

Tuesday, August 02, 2011
I am a new person
It truly has been a process becoming a new person and putting off the old self, that has certainly been the case, during my whole Christian life so far. Where am I at today? Over the last few weeks-during my course here at GBC - I am discovering some new key information. First and foremost is that I am totally dependent on Christ-I have known this for sometime, but through my studies and meditation is has infiltrated deep into my heart and mind. In the past I have worshipped my will (unknowingly) and now realize that I need to depend on the Holy Spirit within me.
I need to put off the expectations that I will do everything perfectly or that things must always “go” perfectly. I need to judge people less, I do not—do so—speaking to other people, but I make judgments in my own thinking. I need to realize that we are all on our own journey and no two people are going to be in the same place or at the same level. When I learn new things I do not need to jump out and tell everyone I meet. I recently lost sixty-three lbs. But I am still fighting against addictions to food. I have always been an emotional eater and I want to put that off and seek God when I need emotional comfort. Help me Jesus! There are more things that rear their ugly head from time to time, but the layers have been coming off. Thank you Jesus!
I have new habits in place that I have been building up and committing to doing that are helping me—set my mind on things of God. I would like to expand my prayer life and have always felt the pull to intercede for others. I look forward to using my imagination more and allow Jesus to show me how to use the idea of flash prayers (which I learned from the book—Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster.) I recommend that book to anyone reading this. I hope to use flash praying on behalf of others in my life, while I am at the store, church, or wherever. It has only been the past year that I have discovered God’s still small voice and I want to learn to listen, really listen more—to what God wants me to do in every situation in life. I want to have more solitude and silent time with God. Right now I have enough with studying what we are assigned at Grace Bible College , but in the future I plan to study works of C.S. Lewis.
I love the Spiritual Journal that we have to submit and I plan to continue, expanding on the whole concept even after it is not an assignment due, but I love the accountability. I have been using notebooks to write various thoughts and reflections by hand while I am doing devotions, etc to. I plan to daily put myself into the place where God can transform me. I look forward to seeing his work in my life as I know it is going to be immeasurably above any of my attempts in the past. I have been good at doing it Monday through Friday, but I want to incorporate it into Saturday and Sunday too. Leading children’s worship or going to the service is not enough; I believe I need at least, maybe smaller snippets of what I do during the week.

Monday, August 01, 2011
Grace is the Free Power!!
Pursuing
Righteousness
Over
Changes
Encountered
Solely through the
Spirit of God.
Galatians 3:3 [Amplified] Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?
Grace is upon us: And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 ESV
Grace is seen in us: When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, Acts 11:23 ESV
We can continue in grace: And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43 ESV
Even Christ depended on grace: But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9 ESV
For he prayed: if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:42 ESV. May we follow in his footsteps by the grace of God.
Here are some other scriptures that jumped out at me that you are free to study on your own and let God speak to you personally. You can even do so at BibleGateway.com
Romans 5:2; 5:20; 6:15 | 1 Corinthians 15:10 | 2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9 | Ephesians 4:29 | Colossians 3:16 | 2 Thessalonians 1:12 | 1 Timothy 1:14 | 2 Timothy 2:1 | Hebrews 4:16 | James 4:6 | 1 Peter 4:10; 5:10
[[[[May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go with you.]]]]

Monday, July 11, 2011
Buckets of Grace!!!!

Thursday, May 12, 2011
Will you "Set your mind"?

Tuesday, April 26, 2011
God's Expectations of our Conversations with Him.

Monday, April 18, 2011
I gave the devil a foothold....Oh my!
Revelation 12:11 says,
They triumphed over him [satan]Following my folder of things that help me to stay in the midst of peace with God. I have a prayer where I ask Him everyday to hasten me if I need to pray against any unclean spirits. I hadn't had any days so far, but I believe we are protected by God--but be warned--only when we follow His commands. Last week I had a couple days I didn't do my routine. I started to hear the eloquent prayers of the woman at Bible study--felt that I should be able to do the same. Rather than reading my scripture prayers, I started to attempt eloquent prayers on my own. My attention span and praying began to fall apart. Now- I know I should have prayed from my heart additional prayers, while still continuing with the powerful scripture prayers-as this would have kept me in my routine. Getting out of the routine led to other bad choices, causing many things to escalate by Saturday.
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
My shoulder and back have been hurting me-the plan was to take a couple easy days-letting it rest. We have Netflix and for some crazy reason I chose to have a marathon day of "Heroes." Kat and I also went to the library to pick up a couple books the next day. In this time I started to feel I was in a "dark place". That is the only way I can describe it. Saturday morning I began reading one of the books I picked up the day before. I like Sci-Fy | Fantasy, but you have to be cautious- as I was reminded that day- because this book had some pure evil-real like witchcraft stuff in it. By the time I got to the third chapter, I put the book down and said to my husband, "I am not reading that book any longer, we have to take it back today."
That day, from the get go, was off to a bad start. The spirit within me acknowledged that God was worthy of praise and my faith in Him didn't waiver, but I was clearly in a "dark place" and had no ability of anything positive on the outside. The negativity began even before I started reading the book, continuing for 3-4 hours that day. I was not very nice to my family, unusually worse, than what any of us have done. Finally it was time for me to take a shower, where I was convicted by the Holy Spirit, to claim the blood of the Lamb, against evil spirits. I felt freed from being bound, but still in a dark place and quieted to ponder throughout the rest of the day. We had community group that night,where I only spoke when spoken to and asked a question. Throughout the evening things gradually became lighter, but it wasn't until we were getting ready to sleep that Owen looked at me and said, "Now that is beautiful." I had no idea what he was talking about, but I didn't even realize that I had a big smile on my face for the first time that day. He said, "You are smiling."
From that moment, I was able to talk about what I was experiencing that day. I said to my husband, "God tells us to think of things excellent and praiseworthy, pure, lovely and put it into practice--for a good reason. Today I believe its a command, in fact, that is what God convicted me of first thing when I woke the next morning.
I experienced first hand, loud, and clear about the foothold which the dictionary states: "is a firm or secure position that provides a base for further advancement."-boy did satan advance on me for a couple days. This hard lesson taught me to be very choosy of what I am going to watch and read. I think back to many times in my past, where I felt in a dark place, but I couldn't explain it. I know now--the answer is that I was filling my mind with the things that God has warned us not to ponder on. The horrible show that I watched, was for Nine hours, yes NINE. I believe that is why- I had such a strong bond keeping me in darkness.
I care about everyone who reads this entry. Please take to heart God's command to be careful of what you are filling your mind with. Ask God to convict you, to stop watching the TV show or reading a certain book, if its needed. Ask Him to show you excellent and praiseworthy things to replace it with-He will. Don't give satan a foothold to run havoc in your life. Today's bible study was on satan's lies and I believe one of his lies is about various TV shows, many of us all watch. He can convince us that they are not that bad, but they ARE.
The other statement that stood out to me when re-reading the devotion by Proverbs 31 was:
"God never meant for us to be in control, strong in and of ourselves. We were meant to show His strength in our weakness as He provides for our needs. We were created to live like little children, dependent on the care of our heavenly Father."Don't rely on your own strength to overcome your desires for TV shows that don't line up with the Word of God, surrender to Him, Who will give you strength. The same applies to every area of your life.
Go in Christ's strength today!!

Saturday, April 09, 2011
What does "God's Names" mean for you?
I came across an online bible study with Suzie Eller, while browsing through utube songs....that was no accident. I haven't purchased the book yet, that it coincides with, but the title of this series intrigued me so much. I decided to move forward and listen to the series, then I will get the book later after I finish my current book which is Heaven is for Real
. This title series is called Push Past your Past. I have known for sometime now that I have things that I still hold onto that keep me a victim, because I use them as an excuse or to explain my sinful behavior. Are you like me and ready to move into victory today and stop holding on to the pain from the past? One of her exercises included a few names of God and what that means for you and me? The example she used was If God is the healer then I am healed. Then she left two more blank ones to fill in.
1. If God is my refuge , then I am safe, protected from danger, I have a helper.
2.If God is my banner , then I am led by Him.
I decided to take it further and deeper, by adding some more, as there are so many names for God. I encourage you to come up with some of your own, as well. Feel free to leave a comment with additional ones you come up with. Learning what I have about afformations, I believe reading some of these with music would be a fantastic idea to imprint them in our hearts-another project coming soon - I am certain.
If God is My Abba Father: then I am in a complete loving relationship with Him.
If God is Author of my life: then my life had already been written and determined.
If God is Author of my Faith: then I have faith because he wrote it for me as a free gift.
If God is my Branch: then I do bear good fruit.
If God is my Comforter: then I am comforted when I hurt, so that I can comfort others.
If God is my Counselor: then I am given advice and direction when I need it.
If God is my Creator: then all that I am was determined and known by Him.
If God is my Deliverer: then I am delivered from my enemies and trouble.
If God is Faithful: then I can always count on Him and He will never leave me.
If God is the Gentle Whisperer: then I can hear His loving voice when I am still, peaceful, and quiet.
If God is my Guide: then I am always led in the best way to go.
If God is my Hope: then I never have to lose heart.
If God is Love: then I am complete and He covers all my wrongs.
If God is LORD of my Righteousness: then I have a King that rules over me and works Righteousness into my every day.
If God is Merciful: then I am shown mercy every day.
If God is my Peace: then I have peace.
If God is my Potter: then I am molded and shaped, broken and re-shaped until I am made into exactly what He wants me to be.
If God is my Purifier: then I am pure.
If God is my Redeemer: then I am paid for and forgiven of my sins.
If God is my Shield: then I am protected from the fiery darts of the enemy.
If God is my Teacher: then I am taught by perfection and can learn to be more like Him every day.
If God is the True Light: then I am never in total darkness again.
If God is Truth: then nothing God has said, to and about me, is a lie.

1. If God is my refuge , then I am safe, protected from danger, I have a helper.
2.If God is my banner , then I am led by Him.
I decided to take it further and deeper, by adding some more, as there are so many names for God. I encourage you to come up with some of your own, as well. Feel free to leave a comment with additional ones you come up with. Learning what I have about afformations, I believe reading some of these with music would be a fantastic idea to imprint them in our hearts-another project coming soon - I am certain.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Challenge to all my Facebook Friends!!

Friday, April 01, 2011
Who Am I Lord?
God is amazing when it comes to all the intricate ways in which he made us. Our mind works best within a realm of questions and searches diligently for the answers at a subconscious level. Most of the time because of sin we tend to lean more towards the negative. We either - have been rejected, or people have put us down, it could even be through various failures of achieving what we set out to do. We develop a negative image of ourself that I know for myself is at times conscious, but it starts in the subconscious part of our brain. What if we can use our brain in the way it was created to work, but from a positive point of view? I have fantastic news for you, we can!!
In my previous post I spoke of afformations, which are "positive" questions that allow your subconscious mind to start working on the answers, and of course, I allow God to do the leading. His leading - is what I consider to be the greatest key - in being certain that everything lines up to his will. There have been several afformations that I have recorded myself reading, included some uplifting music in the background that I listen to everyday. In addition, to what I listed in my previous post, the last set of afformations in Noah St. John's book, "The Secret Code of Success" are:
In my previous post I spoke of afformations, which are "positive" questions that allow your subconscious mind to start working on the answers, and of course, I allow God to do the leading. His leading - is what I consider to be the greatest key - in being certain that everything lines up to his will. There have been several afformations that I have recorded myself reading, included some uplifting music in the background that I listen to everyday. In addition, to what I listed in my previous post, the last set of afformations in Noah St. John's book, "The Secret Code of Success" are:
- Why did I find my purpose?
- Why am I living a purpose driven life?
- Why do I know why I am here on Earth?
- Why did I find my Ultimate Why-To?
- Why is it so easy for me to focus on what I really want?
- Why am I on course and on target?
- Why did I never, ever, ever give up?
- Why is everything going according to plan?
- Why does God bless me with unprecedented favor today?
- Why am I fundamentally unstoppable?
One of the first things my mind began working on was who am I? I needed to know why I was here, so that I could live within the purpose God has for me. I have wondered those things before, but I never felt like I found the true answer. Listening to the afformations began to really drive me to find the answers. This has made me an instant believer in them, they really do work. I didn't have to wait until I had enough energy, or motivated, I woke up motivated and on fire for some answers.
God led me to a blog that morning suggesting to sit down with a blank piece of paper. Then Start writing down ideas that come to mind of what you think is your purpose, and keep writing until you start to cry. I had to be still and quiet for 45 minutes of writing down ideas and even came to the point of crying out to God wanting the answer around the 1/2 hr mark. I know now why he suggested writing until you cry.
When you truly discover what your purpose is you can't help, but cry because God built it into our heart. In my case I have been starving to know what God truly wants me to do. I was always close, but it never felt right on the mark. I never would have come up with this on my own. "To use my strong faith in the Lord, to encourage others to believe in Him, with faith that doesn't waiver, letting them know that there is always HOPE."
To confirm and seal the deal with me there was a bracelet sitting on the floor in the living room I hadn't noticed before, it was yellow my least favorite color, but I picked it up and it said strength on it....right then I started crying again and got the biggest hug I have ever experienced from God. I love Him so much.
I never saw myself as a woman of strong faith....He gently said to me, all that you have been through...the rejection...the unknown....pain...I have strengthened you so that you can strengthen others. You have no idea- the bubbling over with joy- I can hardly contain it... that I have been experiencing ever since.
God has made me creative, which opens up unlimited possibilities on how I can live this out. I can write, create art, work with music, and who knows how many ideas I am still yet to discover. He is amazing! There are no words- that can describe or grasp all that he is.
One thing I do know, writing is a huge thing that makes me happy because I get to share my heart with you and others. I get to come along side you, strengthen , and guide you to a place where you can have some of the same things in your heart. Reaching out to others I can take what I have learned and experienced, reaching out to someone who, might be going through the same thing, sharing the hope I so joyfully hang onto. God is never-failing, your circumstances may seem like... nothing good is going to happen, but in the end that is all that God is capable of doing for you--"Good". You can send me a comment if you struggle and I will believe enough for both of us until God can show himself faithful to you.
I recently heard about another contest to win a scholarship to the She Speaks conference in July. This would be my second contest opportunity that I am applying for. Financially going there on our own budget would be impossible, so this scholarship would be such a blessing. I am trusting in God, that if I am supposed to go, he is going to make a way- however he sees best fit. What is impossible for man is SO Possible for God!!
The conference would help me to grow as a writer, encourage me to be a leader. Being in the same room with 1000's of women, who share with me a love for God sounds fabulous. A time to learn other's testimonies, to gain wonderful tools to improve myself, and draw closer to God.
Link to She Speaks contest by A Holy Experience. I enjoyed my visit with A Holy Experience, with relaxing music and be sure to get to know her more by clicking on Meet Ann Voskamp. Thank you for this opportunity.
God led me to a blog that morning suggesting to sit down with a blank piece of paper. Then Start writing down ideas that come to mind of what you think is your purpose, and keep writing until you start to cry. I had to be still and quiet for 45 minutes of writing down ideas and even came to the point of crying out to God wanting the answer around the 1/2 hr mark. I know now why he suggested writing until you cry.
When you truly discover what your purpose is you can't help, but cry because God built it into our heart. In my case I have been starving to know what God truly wants me to do. I was always close, but it never felt right on the mark. I never would have come up with this on my own. "To use my strong faith in the Lord, to encourage others to believe in Him, with faith that doesn't waiver, letting them know that there is always HOPE."
To confirm and seal the deal with me there was a bracelet sitting on the floor in the living room I hadn't noticed before, it was yellow my least favorite color, but I picked it up and it said strength on it....right then I started crying again and got the biggest hug I have ever experienced from God. I love Him so much.
I never saw myself as a woman of strong faith....He gently said to me, all that you have been through...the rejection...the unknown....pain...I have strengthened you so that you can strengthen others. You have no idea- the bubbling over with joy- I can hardly contain it... that I have been experiencing ever since.
God has made me creative, which opens up unlimited possibilities on how I can live this out. I can write, create art, work with music, and who knows how many ideas I am still yet to discover. He is amazing! There are no words- that can describe or grasp all that he is.
One thing I do know, writing is a huge thing that makes me happy because I get to share my heart with you and others. I get to come along side you, strengthen , and guide you to a place where you can have some of the same things in your heart. Reaching out to others I can take what I have learned and experienced, reaching out to someone who, might be going through the same thing, sharing the hope I so joyfully hang onto. God is never-failing, your circumstances may seem like... nothing good is going to happen, but in the end that is all that God is capable of doing for you--"Good". You can send me a comment if you struggle and I will believe enough for both of us until God can show himself faithful to you.
I recently heard about another contest to win a scholarship to the She Speaks conference in July. This would be my second contest opportunity that I am applying for. Financially going there on our own budget would be impossible, so this scholarship would be such a blessing. I am trusting in God, that if I am supposed to go, he is going to make a way- however he sees best fit. What is impossible for man is SO Possible for God!!
The conference would help me to grow as a writer, encourage me to be a leader. Being in the same room with 1000's of women, who share with me a love for God sounds fabulous. A time to learn other's testimonies, to gain wonderful tools to improve myself, and draw closer to God.
Link to She Speaks contest by A Holy Experience. I enjoyed my visit with A Holy Experience, with relaxing music and be sure to get to know her more by clicking on Meet Ann Voskamp. Thank you for this opportunity.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Changing my negative reflection to a positive one
I recently completed the book by Noah St. John called secret code of success. Have you said affirmations to yourself before? No matter how many times you have said them, you haven't truly believed or implemented them into your life. That's because your mind doesn't work with facts, instead, it works with questions. Many of us have negative questions that have built up in our minds-over the years- giving us a negative reflection. Most of the negative questions are dealt with in the subconscious mind. So, the great news is, that if we retrain our conscious mind to learn positive questions- for our minds to work on at the subconscious level-we will begin to succeed in many areas of our life. Noah has named these Afformations--I love them!! I have begun reforming my mind. Here is a list of 25 that I came up with today. If you know me, I would love to hear your input and thoughts. Let me know if I am seeing myself accurately or if there are other skills that you see in me. I would appreciate it!!
- Why do I love writing?
- Why is my writing improving?
- Why do I enjoy learning about writing?
- Why do I keep getting more creative with writing?
- Why do I have so much joy when writing?
- Why do I come up with encouraging cards?
- Why do I come up with fantastic card designs?
- Why do card sayings keep coming to mind?
- Why do I have fun making cards?
- Why am I great at making wordart?
- Why do I attract more creative people?
- Why do I share creative ideas and work with other's so easily now?
- Why do I enjoy synergizing?
- Why do I meet more people who inspire my creativity?
- Why do I celebrate my creativity
- Why have I slowed down and enjoy the journey of life?
- Why do I quiet my mind more and listen for God's voice?
- Why do I see Who I Am through God's eyes?
- Why do I follow God's leading?
- Why do I trust that He knows best what I need to do with my next step?
- Why do I make God a priority?
- Why do I make family a priority?
- Why do I make friends a priority?
- Why do I make people a priority?
- Why do I make goal-free moments a priority?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
If I MUST! So be it.
I- never- want to come to a place in my life where I am not completely dependent on God. It is in suffering, unknowns, and impossible circumstances that we ARE totally dependent on God. Pain seems to be the thing that God uses to keep me, where I have asked Him to. He is merciful in giving me moments of refreshing and rest from it, but I can be certain the return is around the corner.
I am there again today. Lord help me endure as it seems no matter what I do my back hurts. I stand up and move around for while-it hurts. I sit down with a heating pad-it hurts. I try my massage bed-it hurts. I try the inversion table-it hurts. I sit and say Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over and over again. I sing great is thy faithfulness, to the best of my memory- then switch to my fear of God playlist. Finally I am to the point where I can begin to relax enough and focus on writing a book I am working on. The distraction was nice and pain just in the background. See total dependence on my Lord. Now I am standing again to write more of this post...the pain returns! *Big Sigh* I am going to go soak in a hot shower.
Well a shower and a chiropractor appointment later- that I finally broke down and made- I am feeling quite a bit better. I was being so stubborn and not wanting to spend money on his services. He said bare minimum I should do one adjustment per week until the adjustment keeps and then every other month after that. Lord I ask for the every other month to come quickly, as you know our budget will be stretched with this.
Lord I finish by praising you through this pain, as YOU are what matters. My relationship with You and acknowledging that I can't do it without You. You are my faithful, loving, and sovereign God. You only allow what is for my best and what I can handle.
Thank You!!
I am there again today. Lord help me endure as it seems no matter what I do my back hurts. I stand up and move around for while-it hurts. I sit down with a heating pad-it hurts. I try my massage bed-it hurts. I try the inversion table-it hurts. I sit and say Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over and over again. I sing great is thy faithfulness, to the best of my memory- then switch to my fear of God playlist. Finally I am to the point where I can begin to relax enough and focus on writing a book I am working on. The distraction was nice and pain just in the background. See total dependence on my Lord. Now I am standing again to write more of this post...the pain returns! *Big Sigh* I am going to go soak in a hot shower.
Well a shower and a chiropractor appointment later- that I finally broke down and made- I am feeling quite a bit better. I was being so stubborn and not wanting to spend money on his services. He said bare minimum I should do one adjustment per week until the adjustment keeps and then every other month after that. Lord I ask for the every other month to come quickly, as you know our budget will be stretched with this.
Lord I finish by praising you through this pain, as YOU are what matters. My relationship with You and acknowledging that I can't do it without You. You are my faithful, loving, and sovereign God. You only allow what is for my best and what I can handle.
Thank You!!

Monday, March 14, 2011
His Leading....I don't go blindly.
I am so glad I don't go blindly through life. Its so freeing knowing that a "good" God is in control, even more so, when I give it to Him daily. I don't need to be swished this way and that by the waves. Instead, I can go each step of my day in the faith of knowing that God is leading me. I can check the desires and ideas against the word of God and when it lines up move forward. Since I am learning to sense His voice I can double check and confirm things too. I have begun a journey of writing a children|teen book that will have lessons to learn. It will be in the genre of C.S. Lewis. I hope to learn from him and other authors like him to produce another great book, that will enhance the lives of the youth, planting a seed that draws them to the Lord. As always I covet any prayers on my behalf, in regards to my writing. That I will mature and strengthen my skills everyday.

Wednesday, March 09, 2011
God Planted Desires
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4I believe God puts His will into our hearts as we delight in Him. When we give Him the control of our day, trusting He knows best, He leads us into His will.
For the last 10 yrs I have been slowly learning ways to "kreatively" cultivate my delight in Him. When I follow the principles that He has shown me, my joy is abundant because I am living within the desires He has given me. Often times I would fall back into the trap of being self sufficient. I would take the control back over my life and the joyful peace, goes right out the window. Things may go smoothly at first, but suddenly one morning I would wake up and say to myself, "How did I get here again?"
The key has been putting Him first in every day through a prayer giving Him control. I have to persevere without exception, no excuse making. Continually I have to say, "No!" To any distractions until this is done.
So what desires has God placed into my heart? I am experiencing the most joy when writing. My joy becomes abundant when I am encouraging through my writing. The element that has me the most in awe of Him, is the fact, I fall short in the grammar department. I stumble over my thoughts while writing. I have often been told I write sentence fragments, run ons, place punctuations in the wrong place, and the such. I was a member at writing.com a few years back and now have since rejoined again. This place has been a great encouragement and learning tool for me.
My Mom believes in me, God has told me over the last few weeks that he really believes in me. I am working through a book called, The Secret Code of Success. It has been teaching me how to get rid of the "head trash", and to take my foot off the break that keeps me from success. I have been following the suggested steps and have seen wonderful changes happening.
Yesterday I received an email from my mom about a scholarship contest to the "She Speaks" conference. I immediately slammed on the brake. My first thought was, "I won't be able to write good enough to be able to win something like that." For 2-3 hours I went back and forth between crying to Him, "I am not good enough", to hearing Him say, "I believe in you, write from your heart." Then I finally asked, "Why do You believe in me?" In my silence for some time I finally heard, "I created you." "You don't need to believe in yourself, you need to believe in ME." "I will help you."
Will I win this contest? Only God knows the answer to that. Will I learn from it? You betcha, if nothing else I am taking the leap of faith. Regardless of the outcome God is going to take me on my next step, that I can know will be for my best. He wants me to write, that I know perfectly clear, so my "why" is because He wants me to. I need to give the how this will happen to HIM.
The "She Speaks" conference sounds like a fantastic step into the process of improving myself. As many others, we can't afford it. If it is God's will He is going to work out the how. For those who read this I certainly appreciate your prayers.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Exhilarating Joy!
Precious Lord, my creator, it is with great awe, that I ponder on the things in my life that you have been showing me. It may be through a book or two that I have read, or an email that was sent to me. It may be a website you led me to, or words spoken by another faithful believer of yours. You died just for me to have eternal life.... with You, the Father, and the Holy Spirit who has been placed IN me. You love me so much that it wasn't enough to be with me, you went a step further in intimacy by taking permanent residence within my heart.
I have a life so full of abundance, bubbling over with joy. I have moments where I see into the full extent of the freedom that you have already purchased through your blood. Complete freedom that draws, and strengthens me to persevere without exception. The exhilarating thing you showed me today is that even when my days start to look the same they, in fact, are not. On the surface things may be boring, insignificant, same old same old, dull, ho-hum, uninteresting or another day of unanswered prayer. Looking deeper, its another day to glorify You God. To walk in the purpose you set aside just for me, there are things only I can do to complete your will.
May I never look at each day the same again. You hear my prayers and I can count on you working towards the details in the unseen. Whether you answer with what I asked, or what sometimes can be even better, what is best for me and for my good. God you are a good God. In the Cosmic Christmas book I read by Max Lucado, you even offer Satan a chance to come back to you. God, you truly want no one to perish.
I have a life so full of abundance, bubbling over with joy. I have moments where I see into the full extent of the freedom that you have already purchased through your blood. Complete freedom that draws, and strengthens me to persevere without exception. The exhilarating thing you showed me today is that even when my days start to look the same they, in fact, are not. On the surface things may be boring, insignificant, same old same old, dull, ho-hum, uninteresting or another day of unanswered prayer. Looking deeper, its another day to glorify You God. To walk in the purpose you set aside just for me, there are things only I can do to complete your will.
Psalm 139:16-17 says Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts,God! How vast is the sum of them!
May I never look at each day the same again. You hear my prayers and I can count on you working towards the details in the unseen. Whether you answer with what I asked, or what sometimes can be even better, what is best for me and for my good. God you are a good God. In the Cosmic Christmas book I read by Max Lucado, you even offer Satan a chance to come back to you. God, you truly want no one to perish.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011
You are held together by the cross of Christ
An email that has been going around since 2008, I received it today. God you are amazing.
It read,
A couple of days ago I was running (I use that term very loosely) on my treadmill, watching a DVD sermon by Louie Giglio...and I was BLOWN AWAY! I want to share what I learned.....but I fear not being able to convey it as well as I want. I will share anyway..
He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is...how He spoke the universe into being...how He breathes stars out of His mouth that are huge raging balls of fire...etc. etc. Then He went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating God ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. At this point I am LOVING it (fascinating from a medical standpoint, you know.) ....and I was remembering how I was constantly amazed during medical school as I learned more and more about God's handiwork. I remember so many times thinking....'How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???'
Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart...how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.
And then I lost my breath.
And it wasn't because I was running my treadmill, either!!!
It was because he started talking about laminin.
I knew about laminin. Here is how wikipedia describes them: 'Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.' You see....laminins are what hold us together....LITERALLY.. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell.. Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already. But what I didn't know is what laminin LOOKED LIKE..
But now I do.
And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)....
Here is what the structure of laminin looks like...AND THIS IS NOT a 'Christian portrayal' of it....if you look up laminin in any scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see...
Now tell me that our God is not the coolest!!!
Amazing.
The glue that holds us together...ALL of us.....is in the shape of the cross.
Immediately Colossians 1:15-17 comes to mind.
'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth , visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things HOLD TOGETHER. ' Colossians 1:15-17.
Call me crazy. I just think that is very, very, very cool.
Thousands of years before the world knew anything about laminin, Paul penned those words. And now we see that from a very LITERAL standpoint, we are held together...one cell to another....by the cross.
You would never in a quadrillion years convince me that is anything other than the mark of a Creator who knew EXACTLY what laminin 'glue' would look like long before Adam even breathed his first breath!!
" Faith is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing who holds the future."
I wanted you to know and to undertstand that YOU are being held together by the cross of Jesus Christ. His love. His forgiveness and His marvelous power.....
thanks for reading
It read,
A couple of days ago I was running (I use that term very loosely) on my treadmill, watching a DVD sermon by Louie Giglio...and I was BLOWN AWAY! I want to share what I learned.....but I fear not being able to convey it as well as I want. I will share anyway..
He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is...how He spoke the universe into being...how He breathes stars out of His mouth that are huge raging balls of fire...etc. etc. Then He went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating God ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. At this point I am LOVING it (fascinating from a medical standpoint, you know.) ....and I was remembering how I was constantly amazed during medical school as I learned more and more about God's handiwork. I remember so many times thinking....'How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???'
Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart...how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.
And then I lost my breath.
And it wasn't because I was running my treadmill, either!!!
It was because he started talking about laminin.
I knew about laminin. Here is how wikipedia describes them: 'Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.' You see....laminins are what hold us together....LITERALLY.. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell.. Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already. But what I didn't know is what laminin LOOKED LIKE..
But now I do.
And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)....
Here is what the structure of laminin looks like...AND THIS IS NOT a 'Christian portrayal' of it....if you look up laminin in any scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see...
Now tell me that our God is not the coolest!!!
Amazing.
The glue that holds us together...ALL of us.....is in the shape of the cross.
Immediately Colossians 1:15-17 comes to mind.
'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth , visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things HOLD TOGETHER. ' Colossians 1:15-17.
Call me crazy. I just think that is very, very, very cool.
Thousands of years before the world knew anything about laminin, Paul penned those words. And now we see that from a very LITERAL standpoint, we are held together...one cell to another....by the cross.
You would never in a quadrillion years convince me that is anything other than the mark of a Creator who knew EXACTLY what laminin 'glue' would look like long before Adam even breathed his first breath!!
" Faith is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing who holds the future."
I wanted you to know and to undertstand that YOU are being held together by the cross of Jesus Christ. His love. His forgiveness and His marvelous power.....
thanks for reading

Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Amazing Lembeh Critters
Here are some divers in the Lembeh which is located in the top of north Sulawesi in Indonesia. It opens up my wonder to how many more amazing creatures God has created. He has an abundance of creativity than I could ever "imagine" having, but I am delighted that I have even a small portion of that part of his image. You can also go to utube and see some more longer footage. How can anyone believe God doesn't love us, he gave us amazing things to explore and discover.
Thanks for looking

Friday, January 21, 2011
Take me to a place of Reverence utube playlist
These songs have helped in taking me to a place of mindful reverence and into his holy presence.

Thursday, January 20, 2011
Praise and Worship utube playlist
Here is some music for when I want my focus on the Lord and be uplifted at the same time. These song remind me of how good our God is.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Encouraging Music utube playlist
Here are some uplifting songs I have put together when I am in need to be livened up.

Thursday, January 06, 2011
Find Inner Peace when applying these principals daily
Yes Daily...I can't say I do every single one of of these daily, but many of them. Sometimes by the time I get the 30-40 min. of the prayers, read through a page of who I am in Christ...life starts to get busy and I don't remember to get back to the rest of it. Each day there might be a thing or two that will be left out, but I persevere to do them all everyday and set my goal at the highest to that I reach as high as I can go everyday. As you start, do so in small baby steps and build up...I did until I built up to having some days that I do them all and those are my fantastic days!! I am in the works of writing a book that will go in depth on these principles and how you can apply them to make them active in your life rather than just knowing about them.
I Identify who you are in Christ
N Never live a day without your Spiritual Armor
N New Mercies are given each day, accept them
E Eat the word of God feed the spirit within you
R Remember God's love and faithfulness with thanksgiving
P Pray and memorize scriptures
E Earnestly seek to be obedient
A Allow God to be in control
C Cultivate positive thoughts and praise
E Everyday forgive all offenses
thanks for reading you can read the rest of this at:
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1749974-Innerpeace-relationship-with-sourceGod
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1749974-Innerpeace-relationship-with-sourceGod

Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Come Connect with a God of Relationship
My name is Karla with a "K" and so I added Kreative Konnection with a "K" too for the title of this blog. I have personally discovered some creative ways in which I was able to connect "more and more" with God all throughout the day. I had to get creative because otherwise the day was done and *hitting myself in the head* I would find I had no time for him within my schedule.
Over time as I have included him "more and more" I have found the principals to be invaluable and precious. I have reaped incredible rewards. As I write this entry I am thinking this is one of them....fantastic ideas like this blog, poetry, and leading others to Christ. I have so much joy when I consume my day with my Papa God.
I have also found that the more time I spend with him he becomes "more and more" addicting... What a great addiction to have huh? He has been so faithful in showing me that if I am faithful in spending time with him. He will be faithful in creating more time for me to get the things done that I need to. There were many times in the past where I looked back on my day. It seemed I had accomplished nothing and kept hitting road blocks left and right. What I noticed is that I hadn't taken any time with the Lord, so my whole day became a waste. Instead if I had taken the time first thing with the Lord I would have accomplished a whole lot more like the other days I had done so.
On that note I would say its most important to give the first fruits of your day to him. I understand that it doesn't work that way for everyone's schedules, but I have found it to be the best option through my own experience.
Start with baby steps I certainly did, but START. Now that its a new year its the perfect time. I will be praying for all my visitors. I believe God will hear and answer because it certainly is his will for you.
Over time as I have included him "more and more" I have found the principals to be invaluable and precious. I have reaped incredible rewards. As I write this entry I am thinking this is one of them....fantastic ideas like this blog, poetry, and leading others to Christ. I have so much joy when I consume my day with my Papa God.
I have also found that the more time I spend with him he becomes "more and more" addicting... What a great addiction to have huh? He has been so faithful in showing me that if I am faithful in spending time with him. He will be faithful in creating more time for me to get the things done that I need to. There were many times in the past where I looked back on my day. It seemed I had accomplished nothing and kept hitting road blocks left and right. What I noticed is that I hadn't taken any time with the Lord, so my whole day became a waste. Instead if I had taken the time first thing with the Lord I would have accomplished a whole lot more like the other days I had done so.
On that note I would say its most important to give the first fruits of your day to him. I understand that it doesn't work that way for everyone's schedules, but I have found it to be the best option through my own experience.
Start with baby steps I certainly did, but START. Now that its a new year its the perfect time. I will be praying for all my visitors. I believe God will hear and answer because it certainly is his will for you.

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