Not to us, (Luke 14:12-24).

We had a appreciation banquet at my job the other day for the third shift employees. When Disney does something, they go all out. It was so beautifully decorated, and the food (oh my god, words can’t describe) was plenty. At the entrance of the door, they even rolled out a red carpet. I stood at the door and welcomed the guest, and said, “This is all for you.”  Well after saying that, this song popped into my head, and I couldn't stop singing it.
 
Then I thought of Luke 14: 12-24 and that story of the great banquet, where many guest were invited.  The host planned a large feast, with room for a great number of guest. In Verse 18, many of them made excuses why they couldn't come. The host was angry at this, but didn't give up on the invitation; He wanted His house full, Verse 23.
 
God desires, “All men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth,” 1 Timothy 2:4.
My job really went all out for this event, and all who attended couldn’t thank us enough. It was all in appreciation to them and their service.

Well God will be the Host in the end of this time on earth. Anyone who accepted His invitation, will be His guest at the biggest banquet we will ever see, and it will never end, (and we won’t gain weight) J .
 
We should sense God’s hurt and urgency from this story in Luke, and also in John 1:10-13. I hope it moves you to share His heart and invitation to the lost.

You don’t have to worry about offending someone if God is telling you to go. He will take care of it.

“Not to us but to His name be the Glory!”

Grace and peace to you
Kim

This love doesn't run.

Psalm 27:11, Teach me your way oh Lord and lead me in a straight path…
 
If we are not seeking God for guidance, we are leading ourselves. Maybe that’s why we go from job to job, and relationship to relationship, because we don’t have that relationship with the one who wants to lead you out of your Egypt, (bondage).   Exodus 15:13 - Don’t keep going in circles.

My conversation with a friend of mine who works at Publix, inspired me to write this. He works full time at Publix, was married and searching for happiness. He just got a part time job at Disney and loves it. His face was all a glow when he told me what he does, and how much he loves it. He was so excited. Then in the very next sentence he said, “But I’m not staying here, this place has nothing for me.”

I’ve spoken to him several times about Jesus, and how John 4:13 says that no one is ever satisfied until they have this true relationship and love that never leaves you.  We could run from state to state, and from relationship to relationship, but you will always come up feeling empty. The only place that has nothing for you, is a heart and life without Jesus. So why not ask yourself, “Do I have this relationship?"

Say a prayer: Jesus, I’m tired of running my own life. I need you, and want you to direct me. I believe you died for my sins, and you are the risen Lord, the Son of God. I need you to be my Savior. Come into my heart and lead me into real life in a way everlasting…Psalm 139:24

When you take hold of the steady, skillful hand that Psalm 78:72 talks about, you will have true peace, and stop running.

God understands we all want to be happy at our jobs, and in a relationship, but it starts with Him… Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things should be added to you.” When we get the order of life in line with Him first, then our life will fall into place.

So if you find yourself always asking God why, ask God, “How do I get right with you? I want who you have for me, and what you have for me to do. Direct this life you’ve given me. I’m yours.”
 
Grace and Peace
Kim

Be consistent, like the air you breathe.

I have been a personal trainer for about 15 years. So I try to help people stay motivated in exercise, and eating right. I always try to tell them that I know that it is hard to get going, but just think about how good you feel when you are all done. Then they always say, “I feel GREAT, I’m so glad I came.”  Just like the food we eat; We do good all week and blow it on our days off, (And I mean every meal of that day off or days off).  If there were only one cheat day, then a meal wouldn’t be so bad. Then the response to that is always the same, “Why did I eat like that, I feel horrible, like all this workout is for nothing.” I tell them, you know how good you feel when you stay consistent, and the great results, and you know how bad you feel when you blow it. You need to choose.

It’s just like our relationship with Jesus. It should be like the air we breathe to live; consistent.

Remember how great you feel when you spend time with Him, and how you feel when you don’t. Jesus is a feeling that doesn’t go away! He’s so much more!

We should try to live a healthy lifestyle by what we take in and put out, and try to be consistent with it.
This body is God’s Temple - 1 Corinthians 3:16 & 6:19 - Knowing this Truth, should be another motivator to treat our lives as the precious gift it is.

So what we take in our physical health is very important. Just think how much more important our Spiritual food is - what gives us the strength we need everyday. To keep our eyes away from things we shouldn’t watch, to stop us from being in situations we shouldn’t be in, to keep our minds focused, to resist temptation from over eating… to say it better, or sum it up: To resist the devil who tries to tear us apart, and weaken us in every area of our lives!

I hope and pray you will want to experience the best meal of your life; His daily word.  Let it be like the air you need to breath.
 
Much love, peace, and strength… “You can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens you”
Kim

Listen to, "The voice of a Savior."

Where do we try to find acceptance, love and happiness? How do we fill that hole of emptiness, to feel complete? Before I really came into a relationship with Jesus, boy did I struggle with this. My parents loved me, and did the best they could to lead me, especially my mom.  But I guess there is a time in all our lives where God wants to completely take over, and that means parents trusting Him with our kids. So my mom had to trust the Lord and be still, Psalm 46:10.

That’s when God began to show me consequences, as a teenager. Like it says in Proverbs 1:7 and Hosea 4:6, I thought I knew everything.  My mom never gave up on me, but I knew it wouldn't be long before she was going to make me choose: either move out, or be obedient to her rules. I chose to go, and got into things to fill what was really missing (Jesus).  I tried to find it in relationships, drinking, even some drugs. All along Jesus still reaching for me, all I had to do was open the door, Revelations 3:20.  I am so thankful to the people who never gave up on me, because I finally surrendered to Jesus who completed me. He is enough. We were meant to draw our life from inside us, not around us.

As a parent I see how God uses us, but we also have to trust Him with what we went through, and what He gave us to lead our children, Deuteronomy 11:18-20.

As a child I was taught right from wrong. As a teenager I had to make that choice on my own. When I asked Jesus to help me to follow Him, my heart told me that giving into temptation was a sin against God.

I am thankful for my parents, and all the “voices” God sent with His word, John 10:4.  His promise came true for me.  I love this one... Jeremiah 29:11-14.

I hope and pray you get closer and closer to Jesus, by spending time with Him, and all the other voices become faint.  I know where I was without Him, and I know where I am now, FORGIVEN!  2 Peter 3:8-9

Grace and Peace to You
Kim

A Legacy

I work for banquets at Disney, and we have servers and coffee break people who wear gold vest. A while back we had what you call captains, and they were dressed in a black vest so you could tell them apart. I remember when I first started working there, I asked the captain, “Why are you dressed in a black vest?”
He said, “So you could tell us apart from the regular servers. We are leads of the function.”

Every year Disney has an award they give out to a few chosen cast members. It is called The Legacy Award. It use to be called Partners of excellence. This award was given to cast members who stood out from the rest for guest service. I happened to receive this award one year. I couldn’t believe it. I also received an award for women’s body building contest, (back in the day).  Whoever was more disciplined in their weight training and diet, it showed. I have 2 trophies in my life, and I will never forget receiving each one of them.

One day I will receive a greater reward, that moths and dust won’t destroy, and thieves can’t steal, a reward  talked about in Matthew 6:19-21 and Colossians 1:10-13.

When you come into a relationship with Jesus, you will be different from the rest, on the inside.  The old is gone, and Jesus is making a new you, 2 Corinthians 5:17. People will wonder what is different about you. You still look the same, you just act differently. They might even ask you, “What’s different?”  It opens a GREAT conversation!

My prayer for you and me, is that we live to put a smile on God’s face. What breaks His heart should break ours. Matthew 5:14-16 Says we should want to shine for Him, with all our hearts.  Matthew goes on to say that Your heart will be changed, and how we live and speak will show what’s on the inside.  So build your Spiritual muscles by feeding on God’s word, and maybe you wear black on the outside for a work costume, but you still could SHINE LIKE GOLD from the inside.
 
Grace and Peace to you
Kim

Audience of One.

I have had many conversations with people who think most Christians are hypocrites - We praise Him on Sunday, and live like everyone else during the week. We say one thing, and our actions are doing another.

1 John 2:19 Says, “They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.”  We don’t know what’s in the hearts of people who say they are Christians, or even who make up the church, but Jesus does give us more than enough information in His word on how to see this. When we obey God by the, “Power of His Spirit,” we please Him. It also builds the confidence in our hearts that we belong to Him.  1 John 2:3-6 - ”By this we know that we are in Him.”

We are all sinners in need of a savior. If we think of salvation as an invitation to sin, and have this attitude that says, “He will forgive me, I’ll just say I’m sorry later,” You are so wrong, and on the wrong track. Our desire should be to please God, to hunger for knowing Him more. To have a right, holy, respectful fear of the Lord.  Our desire to satisfy self is changed into a desire to please God. Our old self was crucified... Romans 6:6 / Romans 7:14-20, There will always be struggles inside us. The bible tells us it is a war between the flesh, and the spirit, (what we want, and God protecting us from it). We will slip up at times, but you won’t do it purposely, or make excuses for knowingly doing wrong. You will be quick to say I’m sorry. There are hypocrites out there, but Jesus isn’t! He NEVER changes, ALWAYS wanting to please His Father. He will help us to do the same. We owe everything we are to His Grace.

John 16:13-15… So be guided by Truth, and from your heart you will want to please Him in every way. Your audience of, “ONE.”
 
People learn more by how you live, than what you say.
 
Grace and peace to you
Kim

Slow fade

We all know the definition of temptation: To entice someone to sin, and it starts slowly. The devil is real good at this. So be on guard.
 
God’s word says in Hosea: 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

Seeking Him, knowing His voice, that still small voice in the back of your head, of knowing right from wrong.  Either sin will keep you from God’s word, or God’s word will keep you from sin. We can pick our sin, but we can’t pick the consequence that comes with it... and it will come, because sin leads to consequences and heartache.

Being a teenager in the dating game - to being an adult and mother wanting to spare her kids the pain she knows so well.  It starts with holding hands, a kiss, being in a car too long after a date with the goodbye being longer than it should be, to going to each other’s house when parents aren’t home...

Matthew 26:41 says that you may think your strong, but one thing does leads to another. God’s word is there to protect us, not harm us. He is our father, and loves us so much. What parent doesn’t want to spare their children pain and harm? He knows what consequences can come from doing the things His word warns us not to do: Sexually transmitted disease, unwanted babies, abortion.

You may be in a marriage and sometimes feel so alone, and unloved. So then your eyes and heart start to wander, looking for comfort in everything else but Jesus.  1 John 2: 15-17, Don’t let that spark become a RAGING fire. God is always there for you, to protect you. Sin is truly a slow fade, and it starts at a glance - 2 Timothy 2 :22-26  - Don’t fall into the devils trap, and you will, if the God who created you is not your Father.

From the moment you tell Jesus that you’ve given yourself to Him as your Savior from sin, God becomes your father, and you become His child. Have you told Jesus He is your only hope? If not, don’t wait another second - John 10:28 - You will never be snatched from His hand... Don’t run your own life, give it to the One who gave it to you.
 
We are weak but He is STRONG!!!!!
Kim DeCarlo

Show me what it means to follow...

I use to teach a kickboxing class, and I have to say it was tough. I needed to get certified to teach this class properly. People would come and pay guest fees who weren’t even members to take this class. That made me feel so good. I spent so much time getting the right music to keep them motivated all through class. I would do the routine over and over again in my head to make sure they wouldn’t have a hard time following me. I would tell them before the class started, to do the best they could, and don’t let impossible be a reason not to try, or give up.  Matthew 19:26 / Mark 9:23 - If you stay devoted and press on, you will love the results.

God doesn’t want our perfection, He wants our brokenness. He wants to know we need Him, He doesn’t want our religion, He wants our devotion that is more than just routine. Now when I hear a song, God puts His lesson together. I hope you are looking up the scripture and listening to the songs. Make your time with God true devotion, not routine, and He won’t let you miss a step in your day if you choose to follow Him.

I tell people I meet, look to Jesus. He is the only perfect one. Press on, Philippians 3:14, even when it’s hard, even when you want to give up, don’t give up on Jesus. He will never give up on you - Matthew 28:18-20 - The gains are amazing if you stay devoted and believe in your heart and don’t doubt, Mark 11:23.
 
I hope this song moves you inside and out, to follow.
 
Love and Grace to you
Kim DeCarlo

His, "Great name."

A friend of mine that I train at the gym, told me about this vision she had of a big heart with arrows going through it and pointing out, (as you usually see them). They were pointing out at all these concerns we have. Thoughts and worries that weaken us and can tear us apart: sickness, bills, being unimportant, being alone, divorce, why don’t they love me, I’m not good enough, not pretty enough, I can’t lose the weight…

That is exactly what 1 Peter 5:8 says the devil does; but the verses 6-7 before that tells us what to do; Cast our cares and anxieties under Gods mighty hand. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed in our thinking. So then we need to point those arrows inward where Jesus wants to be.  The bible tells us, “In Christ,” we are more than conquerors. We will have troubles in this world, 1 John 16:33, but Jesus promises He will never leave us, Hebrews 13:5, The troubles of this world can tear us apart. So rise your thoughts above those things that steal your joy, to who Jesus is wanting to be, “In you."  Ephesians 6:10, Be strong in the lord and the power of His might. He is more that a match for Satan.

I hope and pray you find peace of mind in His Name, “Jesus.”
 
Grace and peace to you
Kim DeCarlo

Lead me... A real man of God.

This man in this video has it right; do not be afraid to ask directions.

Did you ever wonder why the angel in Matthew 28:5 appeared to women first?  Well here's what I think. Most men hate to ask directions, and most women like to gossip.  I mean, that’s the way I usually see it.

Let me tell you what happened to me at work: I am a concierge, and I meet and greet people. A gentleman came in, and I said, “Can I help you?"
He said, “No thank you.”
Well he walked by me two times, then finally asked where the bathrooms were.

Then, in our break-room at work, the guys are usually watching TV, and the girls are usually the ones talking on about things. Seems true, doesn't it?

I think the angel appeared to the women first, because He knew that the news of our risen Lord would travel fast.  Seems like it's mainly women leading their kids to church anyway, I could be wrong, but that’s just how I see it.

God's word in Ephesians 5:22-33, talks about how the women are to submit to their husbands, and how the husband should love their wives. Satan's attack on relationships are happening more and more; he knows how to get to the families - by attacking the men. The more women I talk to, the more they talk about feeling alone in their marriages; not feeling appreciated, loved unconditionally, or even getting a compliment once in a while. It is hard to submit when you are not being loved like Gods word says you should be.  Believe me, I sympathize with you.

Relationships start to weaken when we don’t follow Gods direction.  Love is written about in the book called Song of Songs, its so beautiful. The love spoken in this book is precious, even from chapter one.  If you’re one of those women who are single or feel unloved, or unappreciated in a relationship, I want to tell you to RUN!  Instead, maybe you should pray.

How many times will your heart be broken?  We can pick what we want, or have what God wants to give us. You'll know a man who's after God's heart, if you are a women after Gods heart.  My sister could testify to this truth. She picked what she wanted in two marriages. After MUCH prayer, she is now in her third marriage to a man of God, and happier that I have ever seen her in my life. The outward appearance is what attracts us, but Jesus says real beauty is on the inside. Don’t be fooled. Like in Matthew 7:15-16 - beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.  How's the old saying go? “You've had the rest, now try the best.”

So pray, trust, and wait.

Everyone today has a GPS for directions to someplace. God’s word gives you all the direction you need for EVERYTHING in your life! He will not lead you wrong. We lead ourselves in the wrong directions. Follow God's lead, not your own.

God’s grace and peace
Kim

I could only imagine...

Well it’s that time of year for all the doctor visits. The one that scares me the most, (but I’m getting better) is my mammograms. I go every 6 months because I have what you call a cystic breast. I have had biopsies done about 4 times now. Thank God every time the lumps have been negative for cancer, there are friends and people I work with who have been diagnosed. They have inspired me so much by how they are going through treatment and surgery, or have already gone through it.

About 6 months ago, I was invited to a breast cancer support  group at my church, to show these ladies some upper body strengthening exercises. Some of them have been through major surgery. These ladies have strengthened me more on the inside than they know.  Just by listening to them, and sharing their stories of what they have been through, and some still going through.  

Hebrews 11:1 - What faith! To not really know the outcome, but press on, in hope, and trust.  They may need strengthening for their bodies, but it's what’s inside that gets them through: Faith, hope, and trust in God.  Psalm 62:5-8.

It has been about 2 years now that my husband is cancer free. Every year we go to this event called, “Relay for life.”  It is a all night event to help raise money for cancer.  People share their stories, there are games and food, and people walk all night long (a relay). Their stories would just touch your heart in a major way.

I remember one of my friends telling me, “If the worst that comes is death, the one thing I’m sure of is I’m going home where Jesus has a prepared place for me and my loved ones who believed John 14: 2-3 and    2 Corinthians 5: 1:  No more pain, no more treatment.”  Praise God she is still here, and a relay-walking testimony of the strength of God; glorifying Him by showing me, (and many others) that she is not the one in control. She said she put herself in “the hands of our ALL KNOWING God.”

I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for how your stories of faith have made a change inside of me. 2 Thessalonians 1: 3-5

Grace and Peace to you

Kim

God, is God.

Colossians 1:16-17, All things were created for Him and by Him.  We can only see a part of the picture God is painting of our lives, so we should rest in the fact that He is in control of it all. Hard to do sometimes isn’t it?

We are in a world that is not our home.  It’s hard to pick out a single verse in the book of John chapter 16 and 17. I hope you read it. I pray it will help you to understand all the wickedness in, “This world.”  To pick just a few: John 15:18 - John 16:33.  "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” Jesus said, “We will.” not maybe... will.  John 17:14, Jesus said, “They are not of this world, as I am not. My prayer is to protect them from the evil one.” 

God knows the Christian life is not easy; It sure wasn't for His own BLAMELESS Son.  He endured the cross, and lives in us so we can endure ours. We are not on this road alone. You are alone, if you have not given your life to Jesus. We are given many chances to know Him, and give our self’s to Him. The evil one is NOT going away as long as this world still exists. We may retire at an old age, but he doesn't.

There are things in this life that happen that are out of our control. All the horrible things we see on the news, injustice, murder.  Wickedness will not continue forever, nor will they get away with it.  Psalm 37:12-19 explains very well the wicked, and the blameless. We always blame God for things. How we live, from the beginning of time, has always been a personal choice.  In Deuteronomy 30:19 and John 12:25, Jesus says, “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” 

I believe God uses all the out of control circumstances in our lives to get our attention on Him, since the beginning of time. Things sure do seem to be getting worse in the world, and they are. Only few are turning to Jesus for life.  I hope and pray, you will find peace in knowing we are not home yet, and that you are one of the few, who Jesus says, is entering through the narrow gate and telling others about our Jesus, Matt 7:13-14.

We don’t know what the future holds, but find rest that God holds it! If you don’t have that rest, seek Jesus.

Peace and Grace to you,

Kim

Wear Him on your sleeve. No more, no less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i09zpoSUWDw

Luke 6: 46 - Jesus says, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?” He said we should put His words into practice.

Do you remember the day you invited Jesus into your life to take over?  Or have you ever?  Maybe you were very young, or in your thirties like me.  I’m now 52, and I am still learning, hungry for more growth, and so in love.  That’s what a relationship is.  Spending time with someone.  How could you say you love your spouse, but not want to spend time with them?  It’s like being married and living in separate rooms, and seeing each other once a week. Sounds crazy doesn’t it? That’s what some people do with Jesus.

Malachi 4:1-2 talks about those who are arrogant, and those who revere Gods name.  He sees how we are living, choices we make, how we talk to people. You can’t fool Jesus. As you go through life with Him, you will learn more and more things that you should give up to His Lordship. If you are seeking, and have a relationship with Him, you should know the words He speaks and put them into practice.  Not wait till later, or make excuses for living how you choose.

We can’t label ourselves a Christian, or say we follow Jesus, and not give Him full authority over our choices. Let His Lordship GROW with your life.

He didn’t pay for our sins with His life to think we have a pass to keep sinning, or a pass into eternity with Him... 1 Peter 2 :24 - He paid to have authority in your daily choices.

Revelations 3: 15-16 - God does not want luke warm. We are on fire for Him, or not. Some of us have to relight that fire again. Some of us really need to understand what Jesus means when he says he wants to have a relationship with us, not religion, or someone who says, “Oh, Jesus knows my heart,” and living like everyone else.

He is not a piece of jewelry we wear around our neck. Like the song says, we should, “Wear Him on our sleeve,” On fire!

Grace and peace to you

Kim

"Why," this road?

I have heard a lot of stories from Christian artist, speakers, and ministries who go all over the world, some carry heavier crosses than others. It probably isn’t the way they would have chosen, but God did. They serve God with everything they got. They don’t give in, or compromise. They don’t even worry about their life.  This Christian artist was born blind.  

We all will have our own cross to carry, Luke 14:27.  It is for the glory of God. I don’t know what your cross is, or will be, but if we say we follow Him, we will have to bear something in our lives that we may not have chosen, but for Him we will press on.  Find comfort in Psalm 119:50 - His promise preserves our lives. In Matthew 16:23-26, Jesus talks again about carrying our cross, “for what good is it to gain the whole world, and forfeit out souls.”

We start off in this world self reliant, and self absorbed, and God said in Isaiah 55: 8-9, he allows crises to shake our world, and our way of thinking.  His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, so how could we understand them?  Proverbs 3:5-6.

I have asked all the, “Whys,” you could possibly ask God.  Why this road, this load?  Even when it comes down to the Christians who serve Him with all their heart, I get the same answer every time: “Why my Son?” Then I say, “For me.”  

It quiets all my questions. 

You will shake your fist, and you will question God at times. But praise Him, it is just for a moment in the flesh. He has pulled me out of those pits, that would last for weeks. All my anxious thoughts, fears, and questions. It takes time, trials, and troubles, and seeking Him in His word, to get thoughts from our heart, and mind, to our soul being satisfied, Deuteronomy 8:2-11.

I went around the mountain many times, forgetting the things that God has brought me through.  This scripture is always a great reminder of His faithfulness: “Be careful you do not forget the lord your God.”

We all have a cross that makes a story. That’s what made our bible. Stories of pain, joy, and victory. So tell everyone about your story, and your Jesus who carried the load.

 

Grace and peace...

Kim

You are Love... Everlasting and Never ending!

1 John 4:7-8 “ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God: and everyone who loves is born of God. He who does not love, does not know God, for God is love."

God created human beings with fellowship in mind; First with Himself, then with others. We have it backwards, we go for others first before seeking God.  We cannot fully love, until we ourselves have experienced love of God. We need to surrender to His call to be our Savior, Lord, and friend... Then see how things go for you. Whatever problems you face, He will face them with you. He will give you a peace in your heart that you never imagined, even with the same problems. Psalm 34:10 “Those who seek the Lord, shall not lack any good thing.”

The part of this song that I love is, “Everlasting, and Never ending...” That’s not what love looks like today, because so many people go by feelings and conditions being right.  Love isn't just a feeling; it’s a commitment. People today treat relationships like a car that you could trade in because it doesn’t look like it use to, or run like it use to. I love what my pastor said one Sunday “The grass is not greener on the other side, just pull the weeds in your own yard.”

Love dies to self.  1 Corinthians 15:31 - Romans 8:4-13 - Galatians 5:16 - Galatians 2:20. Walk in the Spirit, NOT THE FLESH, (Daily)!

So many of us live beneath our blessings because we don’t die to the flesh desires, and live in the Spirit,(DAILY)!  When you fail to die to self daily, is the reason why (even Christian people) cheat on their spouses, and commit other sins against God. True believers don’t knowingly sin. We can’t stand not feeling God's presence.  Sin draws us to repentance: “His forgiveness for every confession,” Not making excuses for it and saying, “Oh God understands” That’s taking His grace and Mercy lightly.

Dying to self is a choice you have to make.  It is the act of surrendering your life COMPLETELY to Christ. John 3:16 says He gave up His life for us...  “So by this all men will know He is love” as the song goes.

Our life with Christ is not for an hour or two on Sunday, it’s a 24 Hour, 7 days a week decision.

 

Grace and peace to you

Kim

Our Cruise. "My Ocean."

Psalm 8:3-4, When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon the stars which you have set in place…

 

I don’t know how to begin this because I am embarrassed, but, I love the lesson God taught me.

Sometimes His lessons could be gentle, and even funny.  We went on our first cruise this year with most of the family.  I had all this excitement in me on how my quiet time, and closeness with God was going to be so much better than at home. You know, the sunrise, and sunsets, that big blue ocean, all the stars in the night sky that everyone says is so beautiful.

One of the things I couldn’t wait to do was snorkeling, and see all the beautiful fish.

Well, let me begin by telling you about the quiet time that I thought was going to be so much better than at home.  It didn’t happen.  Not that I didn’t thank Him every day and night of our 6 day cruise, but out of the 6 days (and here’s the embarrassing part), I only got up once to spend quiet time with Him, and that was because I felt I had to. And as for all the stars to see in the night sky, would have been nice I guess, but every night was cloudy, except one. 

Now let me tell you about my snorkeling experience. It started to rain, and the water got real rough. I got so scared and panicked when I jumped in the ocean, I thought I was going to drown, because I swallowed so much water. I did get to see beautiful fish after the panic was over, and after I got all the water out of my snorkel.

All in all, It was a really great vacation with my family, but there was something to learn about God, and me thinking I was going to be closer to Him.

Well we got home and I started my devotional time with Him, which I cherish so much. I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t the same though.  It really started to bother me with every day that went by.  So I kept praying, “God where are you?”  Psalm 3:4, When we call for help in Jesus name, we invite His power into the situation…. Clear as could be I understood. My time with Him at home, in my quiet place is… GENUINE.  He showed me I don’t need a big blue ocean, or a mountain top to think I could be any closer to Him. He is ALWAYS with us.

I was so grateful to God for how sweet this lesson was to me. I love sitting in His lap right at home, and I know He does too, because it’s true devotion with Him, not because I feel I have to.

Psalm 33:6, By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth - Psalm 33:13-14 - From Heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth… What a HUGE God, and He wants to spend time with me. That amazes me!!!!

Next time I go on vacation I know my time with Him will be REAL, even if my words are few.

He is our ocean, our sunrise and sunset, and all beautiful stars.  He is EVERYTHING.

His Grace and peace to you.

Kim

Change inside of me.

I love when people ask me, “How could you smile all the time?”  Oh my God, this video is the best.  I even told my kids, sometimes I want to stand out on the busiest highway and do just what this video shows, because you don’t want to contain it!!!

1 Peter 3:15 says, “always be prepared to give an answer.”  When they ask me why I’m always smiling, I tell them, “I just had time with my best friend, JESUS.”

I work for Disney World at conventions, and I work with a lot of different people and cultures.  I love where God has placed me; my days aren’t always perfect, but God is.  2 Samuel 22:31, it is a joy when you have a mind set (an attitude of your heart), when you work in thanks to God for everything.  Galatians 1:10 - Colossians 3:23,24 - If God has given you health and strength (and breath), for each day to go to work, then you have everything.  I know that this is hard sometimes with the attitudes of people we work with, and even people who take advantage of your goodness...  DON’T CHANGE!!!!  Remember it is a mind set on thanks to God, 1 Thessalonians 5:15-16 - Romans 8:28 - You were put where you are for His purpose; Don’t have the 'eye for an eye' attitude in work, or life... Please God!  There is a battle to face every day when we wake up. So spend time with Jesus, and let that rub off onto others.  He is bigger than anything you face.

Remember, it’s not about anything with anyone else, everything is between you and God.

I hope we all feel and want to be like this guy in the video, and really feel that joy that just bubbles from inside you. You won’t need the sign.

Love and Peace to you

Kim

Truly Faithful

God truly is Faithful.

I believe we learn and are taught His faithfulness, in our relationship with Him as we grow through the good and bad times: never giving up on Him and how He is trying to teach us, and grow us, into the likeness of His Son - the wonderful Father that he is. He has given us free will, but not without a manual to become the blueprint for this life. THE BIBLE.

From being bottle fed and not being satisfied there anymore, to really eating the meat and wanting more and more of Him...  A more beautiful walk with Him as we desperately seek His face in good and bad times.

Some of His beautiful promises; 

“if you seek me you WILL find me,”

“My Grace is sufficient,” 

“My Peace that passes ALL Understanding.”

Psalm 23:1-4, The Lord is my Shepherd I lack nothing... The more time you spend with Him the more promises you will learn and claim.

 

Do you remember the day His Grace came upon you?  I do.  I was such a mess; every day I woke up so empty.  Not even thinking of that day as another day of precious life, another day He has given me to know Him and my purpose.  I am so grateful for His patience and unconditional love, and that He never gave up on me.  I am so grateful for people God put in my life to speak the truth to me. I never realized he was using them to come to know Him personally.  My  kids and their unconditional love for me, and what I saw in them, kept me going. I wanted what they had - a relationship with Jesus.  

I always took my kids to church, but they led me to Jesus.  Now I want to be a part of giving that hope to others, and try to tell them to stop trying to fill that hole with everything else, it’s only found in Jesus.

My favorite promise is when Jesus said, “I make ALL THINGS NEW.”  He truly does, and is truly faithful.

 

I hope you enjoy the song.  Please share this and your own encouraging stories of how God is working in your life and pass on.

Much love

Kim

"Thank You."

Sometimes all I can say is “thank you, just for loving me Lord.”

“Thank you Father for sending us the greatest gift into this world to save us. For loving us so much, you gave your one and only Son.” John 3:16.  He looked beyond all our faults, and showed us Mercy.

His love is so amazing, it will change you.  I hope this season is a start to a deeper meaning of Christmas, and relationship with Jesus all year through. Rise, and open your heart to Him; raising your hands in worship will follow with a deep meaning.

I know this isn’t a Christmas song, but it should be a song we sing to the Lord everyday for ALL His blessings, and faithfulness.

I thank God so much for the people He placed in my life to show me who He is through them.  All the prayers that covered, and comforted me.  For the hands that dried my tears, unashamed, to take my hand anywhere, anytime, and pray over me.  Just the love I felt from them, non judgmental, but truthful, led me to wanting Jesus more, and more, for myself.

Now I can’t help but want to give back thanks with the greatest gift, Jesus working through me. He is a gift, we all should be sharing in some way through our lives. We are all partners in the gospel, and spreading God’s message.  His work in, and through us, began when we first believed. The Holy Spirit enables us to be more like Jesus every day.  The work that God is doing in us, and through us, He will complete. Remember this scripture if ever you feel discouraged, or incomplete.  Philippians 1:3-6, “I thank my God every time I remember you… I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel… He who began a good work in you, will carry it on…”

What others did for God in my life, made a difference in my eternity. How will you be remembered?  One day, don’t you want to hear from our savior, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

Show thanks… Share the gift of Christmas, “Christ.”

Kim

Trials we don't understand, can be "Blessings," in disguise.

Most of you know how passionate I am with Christian music, and how much it ministers to our hearts.

I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be without trials, pain, loneliness, fears, worries, and so on…

Jesus never promised us we would be without any of these things, He promised He would ALWAYS be with us through them.

Do you feel Him?  Matt 5:8, ”Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Pray that you could look at whatever you are facing through Spiritual eyes. It’s not a now and then kind of thing, it is a lifestyle.

It really helps to feel the presence of God, rather than the pain of the situation.

My marriage is my testimony to the power only God has to hold it together. My husband is a alcoholic, and still is, even after God tried to get his attention.  I would have ran a long time ago, and sometimes even now I want to run.

He has been healed from cancer that almost took his life. God showed me healing sickness is a piece of cake for Him, it is the heart that is the True Healing and that is a choice we all must make. Being healed from a sickness, but not being healed spiritually, is really not being healed at all, if you know what I mean. Some people in time of desperation look for God for what He can do, and then really don’t want Him after that. Just a part time relationship. So how could I expect more from my husband in this relationship if God isn’t even getting it. I love, and pray for him all the time, and will never give up. God has taught me how to love with His heart, and see through His eyes. It is still hard at times, but feeling Him so near is worth the hurt and sleepless nights. He truly is “The well of living water” Nothing in this world could satisfy like Jesus.

Pray and pass this on to who God lays on your heart.

Kim 

Calmer of the Storm.

This devotional is by pastor, Charles Stanley…

After preaching a sermon on disappointment, several men and women approached me with the same reaction: “I desperately needed to hear those words.” Countless people feel defeated and let down by disappointing situations. But our response can make all the difference. Frustrations can be either an opportunity for spiritual growth or a destructive blow.

A right response to disappointment begins with resisting the natural tendency toward bitterness. If someone else was involved in the situation, don’t be quick to judge his or her conduct. We can’t fully understand what is going on in others’ lives or what motivates them to act as they do. Our second step should be to ask the Lord, “How am I to respond?” God can guide us to a wise and righteous reaction because He has all the facts.

Third, follow His direction, even if it isn’t what you want to do. Oftentimes the Lord’s way contradicts our own desires and the advice of friends. However, His plan is the one that will bring about growth and result in our greatest good.

And finally, keep your focus on God and His higher purpose in your life. People are prone to dwell on their hurts and the harm that comes to them, which is what makes disappointment so destructive.

There is only one healthy method for dealing with letdown—pursue the Lord’s way and His will. Though human plans can be derailed, nothing alters God’s purpose. No matter how deep your hurt goes, He will shepherd you through setbacks and sorrows while growing your faith...

After I read his devotional, I thought the song below went well. I hope it warms your heart, and brings you peace J

Just like God told the ocean it could only come in so far, is the same thing with the waves of life, they WILL come in and out, He will only allow them to come so far.  HE IS… the Calmer of the storms in our life, and again they have a purpose. The waves are His business, and He will bring the rainbow after them. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not at the waves like Peter. That’s when he started to sink.

Please share this with others who God puts on your heart. God can go a long way by email J

Much love and peace

Kim

God knows EVERYTHING about me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNfR3mQHxkk  CLICK on to listen.

When I heard this song, I thought of the full body scans that they are using at the airport; they reveal a lot of what no one else can see.

  

That is nothing compared to what God can see and knows about us; Past, present and future.  I am so glad that He is an all forgiving God, but not until you realize you need Jesus.  God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus, Romans 2:16.  Everything about my life, is and will be exposed to Him…

I don’t claim to be perfect, but while I’m here on this earth, I am being made perfect.  I am a sinner who needs a Savior.  I love Spending time with Him and finding my way through this life. Without Him I couldn’t do it.  I know I still do things wrong, but what I love about His word is that it convicts me, and leads me in the right direction.

If you are someone who feels empty inside, and you are looking to fill that emptiness with everything else but Him, I’m sure you know by now it doesn’t last.

Try calling out to Him. Tell Him you need Him. He wants to make your heart His home. You will never be the same.

Much Love and Peace

Kim

Merry Christmas to you all... and a BIG Thank You!

I see most of you more than my own family.  It only seems right to share my heart, joy, (and as we are discussing), a positive image for the New Year.  Life takes us through a lot.  The valleys, and the mountain views.

I’ve been through seeing the joy of some of you having your first child, and grandchildren of your own, as well as myself.  Some of you have been there with me through that very hard year while my husband fought stage 3 cancer.  I felt strength from your prayers, and I thank you.  Praise God, he is cancer free for 2 years now. Some of you have had trials of your own. Some of you were there, and blew my mind, with my first cruise surprise, and also when I received Partners of Excellence.  Talk about magical moments, and memories, you guys are GREAT!!!!  I have been blessed! It’s great to have a work family too.

We all know children shine a whole different light in our world.

“Joy came to our world as a baby,” and this baby changed everything, including me.  John 3:16 “God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son...”

Each day is a gift. Another day to give, and show thanks.  I believe in showing thanks through how we live our life each day as best we can, and that includes work.  You can’t help but smile, and project a positive image when you have your health, and a job to go to.  I hope I project this image to you all, and our guest. What a great company, and team I have been able to work with. It’s been a blessed 9 years for me here at this location. I have been touched in my life by each of you. Thank you for “ALL” you do.

Merry Christmas—See you in the New Year---Stay safe

Kim

"When love was born."

Before Jesus came to this world, it was already spoken of in the Old Testament.  Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel, (God with us)."

In the New Testament, Matthew 1:18-25, you can read about how the angel appeared to Mary, and then Joseph. In Matthew 2: 1-23, you can read about their visitors, and escape to Egypt.  I hope you read the story of Christ's birth.  Now close your eyes for a moment, and picture the night Love was born.

Through Bethlehem’s small door, came the hope we all waited for; God’s gift to us.  This perfect, sinless child, born of a virgin, came down for you and me.  To light the way inside our hearts, and be the light to this world.

To change us from the inside.

From the time Jesus entered this world, it was forever changed, are you?

Don’t let it end with just knowing the story of the birth of Christ, let Him grow up in your life and you will have Christmas every day.

Hallelujah He is Christ our King

Merry Christmas

Kim

Jesus, you can have me... do we mean that?

To the young lady who came forward in church this Sunday: You inspired me to send this song out with a little message about the love in your heart for Jesus, and wanting to know if you were truly a follower.  I thank God for our conversation.

The pictures in the beginning of this video says a lot.  Are we willing to give up, “things” so when we say the words, “you can have me” do we really mean them?

As my pastor has been teaching; are we fans, or followers?

The one command most important Jesus, said to “Love.” 2 Peter 1:7-9 - John 15:13.  Apart from Jesus, this is impossible.  To love and pray for those who hurt you, to love and pray for that co-worker that makes you so angry, to love and pray for that spouse who blames you for everything and loves you only if the conditions are right, to forgive that mom or dad who didn’t love you as they should, to look at this case that takes up most of daytime TV (Casey Anthony), and really pray for her (and her family).  Oh, to be humbled and pray...

What I want is the promise that comes with all this... and it starts with me. A fan or a follower?

God said, “my people.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.  If my people who are called by My name, humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SINS AND HEAL THEIR LAND.  I want what Jesus wants, the lost to be saved, the hurting to be healed and find peace.  

Are we really His?  Or only when we want to be, or only when the conditions are comfortable?  I want His love to MOVE me.  None of this is possible apart from Jesus.

Read John chapters 14 and 15… Find time, you will be blessed.

Much Love

Kim

You love me anyway.

This video is only minutes of what our Lord and Savior went through - for hours - for you and me.  Some parts are Very graphic, just bow your head and listen to the song, and remember: He did it all so we didn’t have to.

This song made me think of the story of Jesus and the 2 criminals on the cross, Luke 23: 39-43.  One of them hurled insults at Jesus, “aren’t you the Christ, save yourself and us!”  The other said, “Jesus remember me when you enter your kingdom.”  One with a selfish, me attitude... the other realizing he was guilty and deserved his punishment.

What is our response?  What will we say to God when He ask us, “what did you do with my son?”  None of us know the horrible things that those criminals did.  But it didn’t matter for the one who acknowledged Jesus as Lord; Jesus looked into his heart and said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”  WOW!!! Cleaned up right there, by realizing that he deserved to die for the things he did.

So if you are a Christian, pray for those who are in need of a savior.

If you haven’t come to Jesus because you think you don’t deserve anything that Jesus has to offer, read the story, and maybe seek out a church and someone to talk to.  Contact me if you want.  None of us are good enough, or could do anything to get into Heaven.  Jesus did it all, and He is the ONLY way.

Remember to pray for Casey; Only the truth could set her free for eternity.  Just think, with all the people who are watching this on TV.  Just imagine if she stood up, and out of the blue broke down and said, “I need Jesus, I can’t go on anymore.”  Nothing is impossible with God, if it's in His will. I know this is thinking really big, but MY GOD IS REALLY BIG!!!!!!!

Much love and peace

Kim

This house He's building.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjX7c4sx8Pg

When I listened to this song this morning, I thought of driving with my youngest daughter yesterday, to see the house she is having built.  All that was there was a pile of dirt, and I told her I prayed over it; That they were making the right choice, that it would be built on a firm foundation, that she would have nice neighbors, a safe neighborhood, and so on; all the wonderful things you would want for your kids and their first home. I remember praying this for my older daughter too, hoping both of them would be making the right choice, and be blessed.

Anyway, getting back to praying over the pile of dirt.  I thank God everyday that both my girls don’t just know Jesus, they have a relationship with Him.  They made the choice to follow Him the best they know how.  We all are still growing in Him, and hungry for more, until the day He takes us home.

We really are all homeless you know... a pile of dirt, four walls in need of a cornerstone - of a solid foundation - to be built from the ground up, (or better said, from the inside out).  Jesus keeps calling us in many ways, to a Home we've been needing, the house He’s building in us.  We need Him.

If I wouldn’t get in the way of a professional builder who knows what he is doing when it comes to building my home, (I hope), why would I get in Gods way?  The Creator of the universe; I know He knows what He is doing.  I should have faith and trust in the God who is building me and my family.

It took me time to learn this lesson with my family, and myself.  All the questions I had.  I seek Him by His Word, then step back and trust Him with my prayers.  He has been answering everything, in His time.

LUKE 6:48 - 2 Timothy 2:19 - Matthew 7:24  (thanks Mary)

Jesus truly is where you find your beauty, and meaning.

Much love and peace

Kim

It could be our last day, or even last minute...

If this was my last day, I wouldn’t sit all day on my days off being wrapped up in this Casey Anthony case.  I would rather be wrapped up in what was important to God.  Not that this isn’t, but He already knows the truth, and the end, as well as the beginning, and all the in between.  He knows who’s lying, and who’s telling the truth. He is the Real judge and Jury!

Read John 3:16-21.  Verse 19 says that this is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Verse 20 - Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. This is covered in Psalm 37:1-9 too!

It is unreal how wrapped up everyone is in this case. Not that it isn’t important, or we shouldn’t be praying over it, but the only time I don’t mind being told to shhhhhhhhhhhh!! is when I’m in the movies, in church, or my grandson wants my attention.  I come home from work on my husband’s day off, and I’ll ask him one question, and all I hear is “be quiet, the case is on!”  In the break room at work, no one wants to talk to you because the case is on, ALL DAY.

  

Now 6 days a week, and probably the holiday, poor jury.  Thank God it's not on Sunday or I’m afraid half the church would be empty.  I’ll even call my mom, which I do every day, in case it is my last, and she even tells me, “can’t talk, the case is on.”  I mean this is getting crazy, and I want to talk about something else with people.

After ALL these days and HOURS, we will all know the verdict in one day, one minute, and a few sentences… So ALL the in between time this is taking, if it was my last day on earth, I don’t want to spend it wrapped up in this case 24-6, ( and I don’t mean to sound insensitive).  Like I said in the beginning, God holds the true verdict!

We will all face Him one day and the truth of our lives will be exposed before Him.  He will be our final Judge and Jury too.  If you truly asked Jesus into your heart, to follow Him, and be Lord of your life, then the verdict will be “Innocent,” and covered by the blood of Jesus.   

Read Romans 8:9-14 - Romans 10:9-15.  John 14:6

I am sending this one out, because I am off on the weekend.  Please have a good one.  Spend time doing something memorable.

Love and Peace

Kim

She knows "I AM," look at her face.

I had another great experience at the altar call this Sunday; a 10 year old, little girl.  When our pastor did the altar call, this little girl practically ran down front. I have never seen anyone that young so sure of what they wanted.  Her mom said she even had to tell her to wait till pastor was done talking. 

It brought these verses to my mind, Matthew 19:14 - Mark 10:14-15 - To receive the Kingdom of God like a child.  When I talked with her, I will never forget her little face with her BIG smile, and her excitement to be baptized.  She said, “I know Jesus died for my sins.”  When I tell you I have talked with several people at this call (and they are all special), but I guess because of her age, and her unforgettable smile, it was just extra special to me.  Psalm 34:5, Those who look to Him are radiant.  Exodus 34:29

What a treasure little children are!  And this little 10 year old will grow to learn what a treasure Jesus is all through her growing years.  From Jesus being her elbow healer and broken-heart mender, till it’s time to go home.  At least when she goes through all the ups and downs in this life, SHE WON’T GO ALONE!!!

Grace and Peace to you.

Kim