tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83867844941303895812024-02-06T22:02:17.344-08:00365daystogrow365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-75494048295923036432013-02-11T22:48:00.002-08:002013-02-11T22:48:47.424-08:00Spiritual maturity=Christlikeness<br />
Measure yourself against Jesus, measure your growth in him. If we take such pride in our growth in life, why not in this? You mark lines on the door frame for height, weigh yourself to see that your gaining muscle, watch your bank balance grow. All of these things we take pride in, so why not take pride in our spiritual growth and our nearness to Jesus?<br />
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Why not continually go through the process of transformation and draw nearer to Him and take pride in that?<br />
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We often think about maturity as having to do with the amount of knowledge you have and what you know. Its not necessarily its how you use that knowledge. My pastor made a point to say that spiritual maturity=Christ likeness. The knowledge you have just puffs you up, but when you allow that knowledge to change your mind, and enter your heart, and transform your life and then you are able to re-release that into the world, then that is true maturity, and something we should measure. So let us all grow and enter this process of transformation that will renew our minds and our lives, and bring us closer to Jesus and His likeness. So, as part of our 30 day challenge at church, this week we are called to become more like Jesus.<br />
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So to become like Him, what was Jesus like?<br />
-doesnt judge, instead offers compassion (woman at the well)<br />
-generous (fed 5000 people)<br />
-selfless (knew no sin,but died on the cross for US)<br />
- hospitable<br />
- true to his word (covenant with Abraham)<br />
-walks by the Spirit to become loving, patient, kind, self-controlled (Galatians 5)<br />
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These are just a few characteristics of who He was. But it is an interesting way to read the Bible, to see each story for who Jesus is in it, to see His likeness. It will help give you a new perspective on who the Lord is, but also who you should be as your draw nearer to is likeness. So I challenge you to pick up your Bible and compile a list of all that you think Jesus is based off of readings, and strive to become more like Him as you walk with the Spirit and with Him. It will renew your mind and help you to move towards more spiritual maturity. So go now! pick up your Bible and get reading, and then pray!<br />
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Love Kristy<br />
365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-66942331477321121752013-02-07T20:30:00.001-08:002013-02-07T20:30:28.555-08:00Give God His CakeHello there,<br />
I havent been writing much because I dont feel I have many readers and therefore I dont see the point in going on to post all this separate from my diary entries, but I figured this is important for anyone who happens to read so I will share.<br />
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My church is doing something called the thirty day challenge in which we are trying to change and transform ourselves and the congregation to better embody the first church that is described in Acts. Every week one of our pastors institutes a new challenge, and we attempt to carry it out personally and as a congregation. This week the challenge surrounded worship and I thought the points were wonderful.<br />
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One thing Pastor Lance said, which many fail to do is that worship should not just be something that is done on Sundays while in church. We should be worshipping all throughout the week whenever we can. Our worship reflects well on our maker, and shows our gratitude and love to the One who gave us life, and everything we have.<br />
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The second part to this is that we should be worshipping with our very lives. You could be the loudest most joyous worshipper on Sundays. Maybe you have a beautiful voice or play an instrument and you even help lead worship time, but what about your life? Are you drinking constantly? Treating your body poorly, engaging in sexual deviance and sinning the rest of the week? These things don't reflect well on your Maker, they dont reflect well on you either. They are counter productive to your Sunday worship time, and to the life Jesus wants you to live. The best worship you can give to our Lord is that you live your life every day, the way he demands and that you offer him your very best all the time. He is not a God of left overs, He is a God who demands and deserves your best.<br />
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That leads me to the final point, and the title of this post. Imagine your wedding day. You say your vows, and then retreat with your new spouse to a private area before your entrance as husband and wife. You come down to greet your guests only to find they have already eaten your beautiful wedding cake and left you only crumbs. They say "oh but we left you a piece!" What would your response be? you would be so hurt and offended because it was your cake and as husband and wife you only wanted the FIRST piece and then you would have given them the rest right? This is how God feels if we offer Him the left over parts of our life and of our worship. He deserves our first and best piece, every second of every day. This is the best way we can offer worship to him, and move closer to the Church and people we are supposed to be in His name. So give God His cake!<br />
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Love,<br />
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Kristy<br />
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ps I stole the analogy from my pastor, so no credit there haha365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-79382798100996848912013-01-21T20:33:00.001-08:002013-01-21T20:33:12.661-08:00Choose the Path of LightHey there,<br />
Still steadily reading my Bible passages and cooking, I am just finding it hard to write. I have school, placement, my job, church, Campus for Christ, exams etc. Quite the hectic life I lead. However instead of telling you what I am thinking of the scriptures again because it would be an information overload, I will instead share with you my thoughts on a sermon my pastor gave from a while back. They are still relevant especially because of the new year so enjoy. It enjoys some personal notes, because as you will see I broke up with the very boy who helped bring me back to God. Ignore that if you want, the message will still be clear.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Pastor John spoke much today of small openings that can allow the devil to wedge himself inside of you. Selfishness, doubts, hatred, bringing another down. all of these things allow the devil to step inside you, no matter how close you were to the Lord before.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Judas sat almost directly as Jesus' right hand man, and yet upon his takng of the morsel the devil entered into him. He was a disciple, and had been within Jesus' presence for 3.5 years, and even then allowed the darkness inside? So what chance do any of us have?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">it is hard but I have faith that if I am to stay postive and remain on the path that the Lord has so clearly set out for me, then I will in fact stay clear of the darkness. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Segoe UI, Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">the other thing that stuck out to me today about the service today was the idea of forgiveness for last year, and of new plans for this year. of making each decision by founding yourself first in Jesus. Not making a single decision unless you feel as though you would have His full blessing. And that is how I have faith in Caleb and I. I prayed to the Lord often for guidance pertaining to him and I, for a hint of what to do. I had my worship time, and offered to him my love in return for His, and in return for the wisdom he would bestow upon me. And I feel as though He is in full support of what I have planned for Caleb and I, that if he could forgive me for what I have done to hurt the path he has chosen for me, that others will as well. Pastor John said that the path we choose for this year should lead us to the light, and take us farther away from the darkness, and that decision for me is Caleb. Pastor John also spoke of taking the scenic route rather than the fastest. </span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Drawing upon Psalm 23 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;">My other thoughts were surrounding David. David committed adultery, and murdered</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;"> for personal gain, and was truly corrupted. He repented, and the Lord forgave him. If this level of forgiveness is possible then surely so is mine? Surely if others can believe that David was good and that he was worthy of forgiveness than so to am I. this gives me great hope. The Lord asks us to humble ourselves and not compare ourselves and our faith to other Christians, to say that we are better or worse than they. but I do not believe as though this is the context in which he meant, for surely He would like for us to draw hope from the holy scriptures. </span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Next pastor John made reference to Ephesians 5 </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">1 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">AND EPHESIANS</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">6. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">These both got to me today. if I step into the world and outfit myself with the armour of God then I can stand against all. I can help the thoughts of darkness to perish in my heart, and cast the devil from my life forever. If I am to live in His image, then I am to live a holy blessed life. This has really got me to thinking...probably more on this later. I do my best but I am not perfect, and I am not close to living in his image yet, but I want to be, and one day I will be. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Finally came his talk of the Lord choosing the one you are to be with, choosing your life partner (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 Corinthians 6:14</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">) He said simply that you should let Jesus make the decision for you when you are ready. That He would know best of all who you should be with, and to that statement I wholeheartedly agree. I feel as though the hardships set before Caleb and I were designed not simply to torment us, but to bring us closer together, to draw us closer to one another and to the Lord. That the Lord has blessed our union so that we may set upon the path he has designed for each of us. I ask anyone to try to stand against Him on this matter. I tried. I left Caleb, I said it was too hard and that I could not do it anymore. I let the devil inside. I let myself be led astray by doubts, and fears, and the selfishness of my own self preservation. I let these consume me, and instead of turning to the one person who I could trust to turn me back onto God's plan for me, I left him. I left Caleb with no say in the matter. I wont do this again, I wont turn my back on my Father's plan for me, when he is so clearly pointing me to Caleb. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">A friend and I have been talking lately of ridding our lives of all that goes against God's word, even if this means people as well. People who will try to lead us astray, or who do not accept us as we are, as followers of Christ. those who purposefully try to lead us from this path. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Anyways, these are my thoughts about the sermon,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Segoe UI, Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Love,</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Segoe UI, Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Kristy</span></span>365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-49876444047525141652013-01-16T23:04:00.000-08:002013-01-16T23:04:00.693-08:00Set Backs, and an amazing unconditional loveHello internet friends,<br />
If anyone even reads this, then you will for sure see that I have not posted in quite a while. Seeing as a lot of this surrounds my ideals of "new years resolutions" you might think that I have already given up or that I have fallen behind. I assure you this is not the case. I am currently up to page 70 in the bible, and am enjoying reading Exodus which is what I am now on. The set back however came because I was in the hospital for a little bit, and that once released have been on very heavy antibiotics that make me quite dizzy. This has made it hard to want to sit down at a computer and type. However, I am back now. Instead of trying to bombard you with an insanely long post, or catch you up on all of the thoughts I have surrounding the scriptures I have read, I am instead simply going to share a story and two pamphlets.<br />
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I havent had a normal upbringing as I have mentioned, so I get myself through a lot of situations.When I went into the hospital via emergency room, I was alone. I was waiting for hours and hours and feeling quite lonely. Everywhere I looked around me, people had someone to sit with them. Friend, husband, mother, sister etc. Whatever the case may be. I was literally the only one sitting there alone. This began to weigh pretty heavily on me, especially because I was scared. In general, hospitals just freak me out, and in Dec. when I had gone into the hospital I ended up getting surgery. With all of that on my mind, I leave my seat and go to the bathroom. When I come back, no one had sat in my seat so I went to sit down again.There on the chair I had just previously been sitting on, was one of my favourite pamphlets. It is called "Father's Love Letter". Have you seen it? It is written as though it is a love letter from God to you as His child, and is made up entirely of scriptures. When I was first getting into my faith, Caleb's mom actually gave me one, and I cherished it. It was just what I needed then, and again just what I needed in the hospital. Here it is,<br />
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My Child,<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You may not know me,<br />but I know everything about you. </span><br />Psalm 139:1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I know when you sit down and when you rise up. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalm 139:2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am familiar with all your ways. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalm 139:3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Matthew 10:29-31</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For you were made in my image. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Genesis 1:27</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In me you live and move and have your being.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Acts 17:28</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For you are my offspring. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Acts 17:28</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I knew you even before you were conceived. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Jeremiah 1:4-5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I chose you when I planned creation. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Ephesians 1:11-12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You were not a mistake,<br />for all your days are written in my book. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalm 139:15-16</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I determined the exact time of your birth<br />and where you would live. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Acts 17:26</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You are fearfully and wonderfully made. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalm 139:14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I knit you together in your mother's womb. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalm 139:13</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And brought you forth on the day you were born. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalm 71:6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have been misrepresented<br />by those who don't know me.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />John 8:41-44</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am not distant and angry,<br />but am the complete expression of love. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />1 John 4:16</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />1 John 3:1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Simply because you are my child<br />and I am your Father. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />1 John 3:1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Matthew 7:11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For I am the perfect father. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Matthew 5:48</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />James 1:17</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Matthew 6:31-33</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Jeremiah 29:11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Because I love you with an everlasting love. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Jeremiah 31:3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My thoughts toward you are countless<br />as the sand on the seashore.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalms 139:17-18</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And I rejoice over you with singing. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Zephaniah 3:17</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I will never stop doing good to you. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Jeremiah 32:40</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For you are my treasured possession. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Exodus 19:5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I desire to establish you<br />with all my heart and all my soul. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Jeremiah 32:41</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And I want to show you great and marvelous things. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Jeremiah 33:3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you seek me with all your heart,<br />you will find me. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Deuteronomy 4:29</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Delight in me and I will give you<br />the desires of your heart. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalm 37:4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For it is I who gave you those desires. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Philippians 2:13</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am able to do more for you<br />than you could possibly imagine. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Ephesians 3:20</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For I am your greatest encourager. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />2 Thessalonians 2:16-17</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am also the Father who comforts you<br />in all your troubles. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />2 Corinthians 1:3-4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When you are brokenhearted,<br />I am close to you. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Psalm 34:18</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As a shepherd carries a lamb,<br />I have carried you close to my heart. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Isaiah 40:11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One day I will wipe away<br />every tear from your eyes. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Revelation 21:3-4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And I'll take away all the pain<br />you have suffered on this earth.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Revelation 21:3-4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am your Father, and I love you<br />even as I love my son, Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />John 17:23</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />John 17:26</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He is the exact representation of my being. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Hebrews 1:3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He came to demonstrate that I am for you,<br />not against you. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Romans 8:31</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />2 Corinthians 5:18-19</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />2 Corinthians 5:18-19</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">His death was the ultimate expression<br />of my love for you. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />1 John 4:10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I gave up everything I loved<br />that I might gain your love. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Romans 8:31-32</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,<br />you receive me. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />1 John 2:23</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And nothing will ever separate you<br />from my love again.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Romans 8:38-39</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Come home and I'll throw the biggest party<br />heaven has ever seen.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Luke 15:7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have always been Father,<br />and will always be Father.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Ephesians 3:14-15</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My question is…<br />Will you be my child? </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />John 1:12-13</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am waiting for you. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Luke 15:11-32</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Love, Your Dad</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Almighty God</span></b></div>
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wow, how amazing is that? It is always a comfort to me to be reminded of how much my Father loves me.I am always a believer that God comes to me when I need Him most, and speaks directly to me in any way He can. He is the Great Comforter, and Encourager. So to find this on my chair, I knew that God was saying hey, you may physically be alone, but I am ALWAYS with you. I am here, I am holding your hand, and it is in Me that you can take comfort.<br />
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Inside the love letter however, was a smaller pamphlet that also helped while in the hospital.It was entitled "In Times of Trouble" and inside said the following.<br />
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First: He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this difficult place: in that I will rest<br />
Next: He wil keep me here in His love ad give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.<br />
Then: He will make the testing a blessing, teach me the lessons He intends for me to learn, and working in the grace He intends to give.<br />
Last: In His good tie He can bring me out again, how and when He knows.<br />
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Say: I am here...<br />
1. By God's appointment<br />
2. In His care<br />
3. In His training<br />
4. For His time<br />
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"And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me" Psalm 50:15<br />
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Wow. Two simple little pamphlets that someone placed on my chair, but what a lasting impact they will have. I encourage you to read these fully a couple times, pray about them, meditate on them. Whether or not you are reading this from at home, at work, or heaven forbid a hospital bed, contemplate the essence and very depth of God's love for you. Even if you're not worried or in need of comforting, do the same. After all He loves us at all times, when we are at our very best and our very worst. Shouldn't we marvel at that frequently and often regardless of our state?<br />
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Love,<br />
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Kristy<br />
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365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-65969423412235396812013-01-07T17:31:00.002-08:002013-01-07T17:31:49.108-08:00Day 7: Genesis 19:1-25:11<br />
I fell a little behind on my readings as I was quite sick and my migraines made it hard for me to even keep my eyes open long, but I am catching up today.<br />
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I started at Genesis 19:1-25:11<br />
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in this there are multiple tales, but most i found to be background stories that will lead to more.<br />
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Sarah finally has Isaac an decides she wants Hagar and Ishmael to be cast away from her, which I found quite selfish of her considering she was the one who told Abraham to father a child with Hagar before God blessed her with child.<br />
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Hagar and Ishmael are then blessed by God and given kingdoms to rule, which is nice to see here because they did nothing wrong.<br />
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You learn how Lot's daughters wanted to continue on his lineage and got him drunk and then slept with him to father his children. You also see how Lot originally offered them to the soldiers who came to his home as a prize.<br />
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These two passages reminded me of the feminist issues I once harboured towards religion, and Christianity. Number one, lot offers them as though they are his possession. Of course they would simply lay with any man he chose for them, how could they say no?<br />
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and then because his daughters are painted in a disturbing, plotting, devious light that sins and ends up with children.<br />
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but I have to remind myself of the simple fact that many years ago, this was the truth of life.Women belonged to their husbands and fathers and were not considered people of their own rights. Its harsh but its reality, and I cant judge stories for falling what was so acceptable at the time, least of all the tales of God.<br />
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the major part that first stuck out to me was Genesis 21:22<br />
which shows Abimelech and Phichol saying to Abraham, "God is with thee in all that thou doest"<br />
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how scary a thought this may be for some! to think that they can hide from God. Hide their lies, their lack of love, their sins. But if he knew you before you were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5) then how do you think you could ever hope to hide from him?<br />
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knowing that God is with me in all that I do is a comforting thing to me. Not only because I trust it to keep me more on track, knowing that he is always there. But also because it means he is always listening.<br />
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I am one of those people that talks to my Father all throughout the day. Not just when I wake up, or for a few hasty minutes before bed. but always. I've been criticized because I have conversations that are so far beyond the norm of praying "dear Father, I ask that you lift me up in your name etc etc"<br />
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Im not saying these are bad or wrong, they work for some people. But He is not just a ruler to me, He is also my friend, my confidant, or more intimiately, he is Abba, Father. In believing this I talk to him like that.<br />
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"Dear father, I just wanted to thank you for providing me with wisdom in that conversation, and allowing me to deal appropriately. That customers was very rude and I didnt think I had the patience not to scream, but you were here so thank you. I love you, amen"<br />
<br />
It may seem childish or silly to some, but I feel closer than ever to God with these conversations. So because I send them out so frequently during the day, I like knowing He is there with everything I do.<br />
<br />
Just like Hagar, who left Ishmael alone because she had accepted his death but didn't want to watch him die, God is listening and will often come through when we least expect it. At the very last moment, in the nick of time. But He will come through.<br />
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These passages also covered Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifice, in which the Lord comes through right at the end, and saves Isaac. That is an amazing part, but I think even more amazing here is Abraham's love and fear of the Lord. That he would sacrifice his only true son to Him. I do not wish to sacrifice any of my kin, but I do wish yet again to have Abraham's level of devotion. How true is his love and fear that he would raise a blade to his child's throat, without even a question! Such absolute devotion. and for 315 years Abraham was rewarded on earth, and you can bet an eternity by His side. Glory!<br />
______________________________________<br />
<br />
On a side note and sticking to my other resolutions, I have made contact with a few teachers regarding guitar lessons which is exciting. Also, I cooked not one, but threeeeee new recipes this week. I made spiced teriyaki fajitas, greek quinoa salad, and a pot roast for the first time :)<br />
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Fajitas:</div>
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Thinly slice: One red bell pepper</div>
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-Half a red onion</div>
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-5 large mushrooms</div>
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-1 chicken breast (or buy the pre sliced)</div>
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I then mixed a bottle teriyaki sauce, with a little Worchesteshire, paprika, and cumin for the sauce</div>
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I fried it in the pan on high with a little EVOO and continuously moved it around for about 6-8mins until everything was soft and the chicken was fully cooked.</div>
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put it on a pita with some lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and salsa, and voila. yummy,easy, and fast. I got about 5 fajitas from these portions :) a dinner and lunch today for me.</div>
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For The Greek Quinoa Salad:<br />
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This was super easy and turned out amazing. My room mate is a vegetarian and he was so happy with it, said it tasted and looked restaurant quality. Yay!<br />
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I put the quinoa to boil with two cups of water, and about half a cup of low calorie greek salad dressing actually in the water. This infused the dressing right into the quinoa itself rather than just throwing it on after words. It also made my salad less oily! After it boiled I turned te heat down and left it to simmer until all the liquid had been absorbed.<br />
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While it was simmer I finally chopped:<br />
-half a red onion<br />
-20 kalamata olives<br />
-20 cherry tomatoes<br />
-half a large cucumber<br />
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and I used a package of pre cubed feta cheese.<br />
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Once the Quinoa was done boiling I let it cool, fluffed it with a fork, and added all of my chopped veggies and the feta. Add more dressins as desired. Portions are at your control depending on how much you want.<br />
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The pictures are just from my phone so excuse the quality, but I promise its good! Happy cooking,<br />
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Love,<br />
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Kristy<br />
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365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-49611901744317295992013-01-04T20:56:00.000-08:002013-01-04T20:56:01.368-08:00Day 4:Genesis 14:1-18:33<br />
Alright I didnt write yesterday because I was quite sick, and had read more the day before so I thought it would be ok. So these were my thoughts on today's readings.<br />
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<br />
Genesis15:1<br />
"I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward"<br />
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How great a thing to be told! I often dwell upon the fact that the Lord is my armour. But he is also sword and shield, and all that protects me. I like this passage because it says directly that not only is He our great reward, but he exceeds it. Doesnt it make sense that a God who is so great beyond our comprehension would also then exceed the greatest ideals we have surrounding a reward? I, and we, must remind ourselves of this everyday. He is not only our greatest gift, and reward, but he will exceed all expectations we have.<br />
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The rest of what I read today was the blessing of Abram who became Abraham and his wife Sarai who became Sarah. When the Lord tells Sarah she will have a son, she laughs and does not believe it because she is old and so is Abraham. Also because she is "past the time of women" as it says, which I believe is to say that she is no longer menstruating. I read this, and am saddened that Sarah laughs at Him, and is so unbelieving of his power, but it causes me to stop and think too. How many of us would respond in the same way? If i were 99 and told I would have a healthy son even though I was no longer menstruating and had previously been barren would I simply be able to take that at face value and say ok, i will? I dont think so. But I want to get to that point.<br />
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It is one thing to believe that the Lord can perform miracles, do anything. But another to believe it when it pertains to your own life, to your own struggles. So what is it that you dont believe our Father can do for you today? I ask that you trust in Him and you lay that problem at His feet, because believe me He can. If he can do all the miracles of the bible, and give Sarah a son, do you not think he can deal with your problems too? I do. So tonight I lay mine at his feet. I will not laugh in His face, for I wouldnt want Him to laugh in mine when I seek entrance to His eternal kingdom.<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
Kristy<br />
365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-84747316739447628842013-01-03T00:42:00.001-08:002013-01-03T00:42:29.270-08:00Day 2-Genesis 5:8-14:1<br />
So as it turns out I read more today than I needed to. I got quite caught up in the story of Noah, and then Abram.<br />
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They are simple stories that most know, especially of Noah and his ark. But I was taken aback by the sheer love and trust that Abram had in the Lord. He did all that was asked of him and trust that his Father would provide for him. He did so even when there were not easy decisions to be made. He moved multiple times, separated from his nephew, almost lost his wife to the pharoahs, and still yet he loved and worshiped our God. Praise! what true devotion and love he showed in these beginning tales. What a great example. My prayer for today is that I should be more like Abram whenever possible, and lay my worries and troubles at His feet, trusting that He will provide for me. I will not try to pick these troubles back up if they are taking long to be resolved, nor will I believe the Lord is incapable. Because all things are possible through God,<br />
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So on this day after such simple readings, I ask that I be blessed with Abrams devotion and trust in the lord, that I too shall see Him as my just provider.<br />
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On a side note I began the preparations to begin guitar lessons today, and am well on my way towards these new years resolutions. I feel starting off positively is a good thing.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Kristy<br />
365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-73239565251518872372013-01-01T20:46:00.002-08:002013-01-01T20:46:23.879-08:00Day 365-Genesis<br />
So in keeping to my resolutions so far, I mathamatically determined that I will need to read on average four pages of the bible per day, in order to finish it in a year. So with that, I read the first four pages of Genesis.<br />
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wow.<br />
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I know this story, the creation of earth and man very well as it is one often repeated. But have you ever stopped to marvel at it?<br />
In 7 days, God created evvvverrryyything. He did not simply create rocks or sand, but life forms. Everything from the fish to Adam and Eve. All in the short time span of 7 days, isnt that incredible? It makes me wonder why people do not trust in him more wholeheartedly. I mean he created the entire world and all its life forms in 7 days, who are we to think he cant handle our insignificant problems? How can we niot trust him to protect us and look out for us? Our God is great, this I know, but I am awestruck out the simpler points I havent considered in a while.<br />
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The second thought I had in reading these passages are whow truly vile and dirty and sinful we are as humans. So quickly after being given life, did Adam and Eve sin against their Father. We are given the ultimate provisions and love, and yet we disobey. Why is this? I know that none are perfect but God himself, this is written throughout the entire Bible, but I dont know that we all make a valiant effort. And yet God loves us unconditionally and gave up his only son that our sins may be washed clean, so that we may be covered by his grace. Jesus died brutally on the cross, humiliated and alone so that we could have entry into heaven. When you hear this what do you think? Oh well? Thats nice? I personally think that I will spend everyday trying to earn and deserve that love, to be a true representation of God himself. If we were created in His image, than I shall try to live in His image as well.<br />
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Thats all for today, very simple thoughts but powerful ones to think about. Until tomorrow,<br />
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Love,<br />
Kristy<br />
365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-67766694096820697652013-01-01T07:23:00.000-08:002013-01-01T07:23:05.832-08:00The ResolutionsWell, if there is anyone reading, here are the ten resolutions I made.<br />
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1. Read the Bible cover to cover<br />
2. go to church every Sunday despite fatigue<br />
3. go to Campus for Christ again<br />
4. cook one new recipe every week<br />
5. stick to some kind of work out regime<br />
6. take guitar lessons<br />
7. learn French through Rosetta Stone<br />
8. see specific friends more<br />
9. leave more time for my creative side i.e. drawing, poems etc rather than games and books<br />
10. be a better Me.<br />
<br />
Obviously, the first three are to help me walk more intimately with God, and to foster more positive community in my life. I will need to read on average 4 pages of scriptures per day. In a normal book, 4 pages is nothing. But, this is a steep challenge for the bible considering how many scriptures and lessons there are to be absorbed within 4 pages. So everyday, including later today, I will be posting my thoughts on these, and what I learned.I feel working through it step by step rather than just jumping around to scriptures I feel like reading is a better way for me to learn, and absorb.<br />
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The rest of my resolutions all have to do with number ten, becoming a better version of myself. I will be posting the results of my recipe weekly, including the recipe itself and how it tasted. I will also share with you any poems I may write (I swear I'm not terrible!) and how I'm doing progress wise with the other things. My hope is that 2013 and on will be amazing for me, and I hope you will pray for that to happen. Please feel free to share your resolutions with me, maybe we can work on them together and keep each other motivated! This will also allow me to send prayers for you, and you can never have enough of those. Anyways, that's it for now. I will post my thoughts on my readings later today. For now I must bid thee farewell so that I can clean my house and start the year off right,<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Kristy<br />
365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8386784494130389581.post-48493036403234990512012-12-31T02:37:00.002-08:002013-01-01T07:23:35.363-08:00So it begins...<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I want this year to
be different, be better. However, for 2013 to be better than 2012 I have to
first say what was wrong with 2012(and before), especially since you don't know
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So let me take you
back...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Until the age of
eight, I grew up going to Church fairly often, and with a Christian grandmother
who taught me how to behave like a little lady. I went to Sunday school, I
learned that Jesus loved me, but I was young. So, when I was placed in foster
care at the age of nine, I didn’t hold tightly to this life. I tried to
maintain going to church, but my foster family made me feel as though it was a
chore. I soon began to feel like I inconvenienced them. One day my foster mom (an
Atheist) asked me a question that stuck in my head for years to come. She said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Why do you
believe in God if he let this happen to your family?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was a goner. I took
this in my little head, and said well, either there is a God, and he's a huge
jerk, so I don’t want anything to do with Him. Or, there is no God. I took the
latter and ran with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So from the age of 9-17 I was a hard-core Atheist.
Even regrettably, making fun of those who I deemed "bible thumpers".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I partied, I hated
religion, I denounced God, I had sex with people just because I thought I loved
them. I dabbled with marijuana, I thought for a long time that all I had to
offer were my looks and body because it seemed the thing guys were drawn to. I
mistreated my friends, and I had an unparalleled trucker’s mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Don't get me wrong, I
wasn't a terrible human being. I put my friends and family before myself most
often, I worked and did well in school to get into university. I even forgave
my family despite the horrible life they had dealt me. These good points were
true, but just because I wasn't terrible, doesn’t mean I was good either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Looking back, I
wonder if the selfless acts were truly selfless or more because I felt others
deserved more than me, were better than me. Because the one thing I know for certain
is that I left these years feeling lonely, broken, used and dirty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But here's the thing;
throughout my rebellious adolescence God was in a passionate and ferocious pursuit
of me. Even though my life was so messy, so tainted and full of sin, He wanted
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, when I was 17 my
journey back to God started when I was far from home. I was in Italy actually,
on my first trip anywhere. I had saved money for a year and a half to go with
my school, and I was finally enjoying the fruit of that labour. However, while
visiting the Vatican after having had mass, I was saddened. I was looking
around at the statues and paintings of Christ, and this little voice inside me
asked "Why did I give up on God?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So there I was
standing alone, looking at a painting while asking this question, when I feel a
weight on my shoulder, as though someone is resting their hand there. I turn
around expecting to find my good friend and rooming buddy there, and instead
there is no one around me within a 20ft radius. I immediately broke out in goose
bumps, and then burst into tears. When my friend found me ten minutes later I
was so hysterical I couldn’t tell her why I was hysterical. I wasn’t even able
to talk about it until weeks later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Lord had
comforted me. He had laid His hand on my shoulder as though to say, all is
forgiven. I believe this to be the greatest truth in my life. It scared me at
the time, hence the hysterics, but now I look back in amazement. I had never
known a God that was forgiving! Sunday schools had simply taught me; sin, and
go to hell, refrain from sin and go to Heaven. Could it be that this was the
true God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I went away to ponder
this for many months. I began privately looking at this new God, and what he
stood for. I was being pulled closer and closer to Christianity, but I still
had my reservations. The biggest one was that as a feminist, I knew that
religion had often persecuted women, and I wasn’t ok with this. Didn’t Christians
blame women for all sin in life because it was Eve who first tasted the apple
and tempted Adam?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was so naïve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This second to last
stone that had been my wall between Jesus and I fell in late February of 2010.
I was taking a course with the most hard core feminist teacher at my
university. She had warned us that we were going to be discussing religion, and
that she would be ripping apart every religion, even Judaism which was her own.
If we didn’t like it, we could leave. She raged for weeks about the various religions
and how awful they were for women. How they persecuted females, and criminalized
the innocent. Finally, my last class before my second trip overseas, I walked
into a lecture title that I will never forget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Jesus was a Feminist”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wait, what?! I was
shocked. Was she actually defending a religion? What does she mean He was a
feminist? Was I wrong all along?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Turns out I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus coined the term
“Daughters of Abraham” when it had only been sons before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He taught women
thousands of years before it was acceptable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He treated everyone
equally, and conversed with them as such.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He healed even those
who had become pariahs in society, especially women (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8386784494130389581" name="2439024399"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">see Mark 5:25-34)</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">These points shattered the frail
pieces of my barricade that I had left standing, and sent me on my trip to
Costa Rica with a lot to think about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The third, and final stage of me
coming Home was the boy I met on my trip. Though despite his age, man is a far
better term. When I was so full of questions, and turmoil; nothing but a
newborn fawn on shaky legs, God placed a gift in my path. That gift’s name was
Caleb. Prior to my trip Caleb and I knew
each other as mere acquaintances from the camp we had both gone to. This camp
was now doing an overseas trip, hence us both being there. At three years my
junior, Caleb and I were an unlikely couple. But isn’t that how the best love
stories start? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was something about him
that captivated me from the beginning. He was so quiet and reserved, and far
from my type. I had always been into the popular jerks, the outgoing guys, and
always people my age or older. However despite my very best efforts, I couldn’t
fight the pull I felt towards this young man, especially as I got to know him
more. We became friends and hung out a lot on the trip, and all the while I had
no idea he was a Christian, or believed in God at all. I delighted in the way
he seemed more open with me than others, at how I could make him laugh. I felt I
somehow brought a light out in him, and he somehow made me want to be better. Upon a four day separation during our trip (a
small group of us backpacked on our own for a bit) I realized I missed him
terribly. When we reunited with the group, I threw myself into his arms briefly
but immediately pulled back and fought to supress my feelings once more. As a
social worker in training I knew that our age difference was acceptable
legally, but as a girl, I felt strange. What would people think? Why on earth
would he ever feel the same? Am I some kind of creepy cougar? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The last was a little far
reaching, but something I felt at the time. Despite all this, I found out the
last night through some intense late night conversations that he in fact did
feel the same. On the plane ride home secretly holding his hand, I was heartbroken
knowing we were leaving one another, and how far he lived. I had chalked it up
to a spring break fling so to speak, even though nothing physical had happened.
After all, how could we possibly make it work back in the real world?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Caleb, brave amazing guy that he
is, was having none of that. His heart broke upon our departure, but he sought
to mend it by fighting for me, fighting for what we had begun to build. He said
that if my feelings were as strong as his, that I would fight with him, and be
his. I agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Little did I know what a battle
it would be. This is when I found out that not only was he a Christian, but he
was from a rather strict and protective Christian family. We thought to keep
our relationship secret for a while until we were more settled ourselves but
this lasted only about 2.5 weeks until his mother found out. Miraculously,
despite the age difference of me being in university and her son in highschool,
she decided to meet me and form her judgements then. So, I met his parents at
the beginning of April, and through God’s will they somehow approved of me. Don’t
get me wrong they put me through the ringer regarding my intentions towards
their son, and asked if I would be willing to attend church with them, but in
the end they approved and I was invited to Caleb’s baptism that weekend. It
would be my first time in a church in almost eleven years!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nervous beyond belief, I
travelled over an hour for the second time that weekend to attend Caleb’s
baptism, and I was overwhelmed by the love and acceptance I found within that
church. While singing, my nerves suddenly let up and it was almost as if I
could see the love in the building, that’s how tangible it was. I had told Caleb, and his parents that I was
on my own journey of seeking God, but I didn’t know at the time how close that
journey was to ending. They approved of me partially for this reason, to help
me in my path to God, and I’m forever grateful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A couple weekends later on my
third trip to church, our Pastor delivered the sermon that changed my life. It
was Easter Sunday and at the last moment Pastor John had changed his morning
sermon to speak specifically about God’s overpowering love and forgiveness, to
say that anyone who seeks Him can walk beside Him forever more, because we are
covered by His grace. He spoke to the entire congregation, not knowing that in
the very back, the Holy Spirit was using him to speak directly to a young girl
whose final issue was her own self-worth. A girl who still said, I know his
love is relentless and unconditional, but can he truly love me despite my many
flaws, and sinful time away from him? Can he truly succeed where countless
people, including my parents had failed, and love me unconditionally? I was
told he could, and on that day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour quietly
on my own, and gained the love of the best parent I could ask for, Jesus
Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After reading that (provided you
stuck with me) can you truly say that He was not relentless pursuing me? That these events were some weird coincidence
that I read too far into? If you can, I feel bad that you don’t know Jesus, and
I hope that you will one day. Because to me it’s clear, he was there all along,
I was just ignorant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now that I have overwhelmed you
with background information (sorry about that), it is time to get to the point
of this blog. These past 20 months I have been professing my faith and love for
Jesus, but have not truly been the best example of a Christian, or of myself. I
have made mistakes still, some that cost me love, or friends, and others that
have brought me further away from Jesus for a time. I have made time for
prayer, and scripture reading when I can, and turned God into someone I simply “fit”
into my schedule. This is not how it should be, nor how I want it to be. I want to pursue my Father as whole heartedly
and relentlessly as he pursued me all those years. I want to remember every day, that I was not
home, or full or healed, until I had Jesus. I want to love Him passionately
above all else, and walk more intimately with him. So this is how my journey
begins, as a girl simply trying to better herself and love Jesus more. Hopefully love herself more along the way as
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I have designated ten New Year’s
resolutions for myself this year, hefty I know. But, I want to stick to them
all. Many involve my faith, but others are simpler and surround things like
cooking, health, creativity and relationships. I will be writing about them as
often as I can, if not everyday and </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I'm</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> inviting you to join me on this journey
and hopefully take a journey of your own. At the end of it all I want to be a
better version of me, and I hope you can grow and be a better version of you. So
instead of 365 days to go until next New Year’s, I say there’s 365daystogrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kristy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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365daystogrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07955212527889996983noreply@blogger.com0