Reminder of Love

I recently took pictures for a family, and when the photo shoot was over the little boy and Father began to play.

I was mesmerized.

You see everything about the way they interacted spurred my heart and mind on to the truth of God’s love for me.  It felt as though God was screaming to me, “Katy, do you see this!? This is me and you, this is how much I love you.” 

Have you forgotten how much God loves you? Do you need a reminder today?

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I love the reminder that God REJOICES over us; over me and YOU! 

He takes great delight in you.

Sometimes, like a child, I try to take steps that are too big for me. I try to climb mountains that are too high. I trip and stumble all the way up and down, but GOD IS ALWAYS THERE! Tears just fall when I think about his love. He is right there. Holding my hand, smiling, catching me, carrying me, lifting me up when I should be down.  Sometimes I cry, but he is there. Letting me rest against him, holding me tight. I'm never alone. He is always watching over me, guarding me, protecting me, teaching me, guiding me. If only I would always listen to his voice and walk in his ways.

"For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.' "Isaiah 41:13

"He will not let your foot slip---- he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm,he will watch over your life." Psalm 121:3-7

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" Isaiah 41:10

"Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." Matthew 10:29-31

 "I lift up my eyes to the hills.

    From where does my help come?

 My help comes from the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;

    he who keeps you will not slumber.

 Behold, he who keeps Israel

    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;

    the Lord is your shade on your right hand."

Psalm 121: 1-5

And then some days, I let go of his hand. I try to walk on my own. It's messy and ugly, but even then he never leaves my side. I am claimed and sealed until the day of redemption. I'm not ever escaping his love.  We serve a Father of Love and he loves you! If you need to know that today I can promise it. He loves you. His desire is for you! He wants a relationship with you. He wants to walk with you and be a part of your life. He wants to share and pour out his blessings on you. He loves you so much  that he sent his own son Jesus to live and die a perfect life as a sacrifice for our sins. Can you grasp his great love for you? I pray you that you can and that you love him too.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29

*Special thanks to my awesome clients for letting me share their pictures. 

Kindness that Leads to Repentance

I want to tell you something.
God is kind. Psalm 145:17
God is love. 1 John 4:8
God is good. Psalm 136:1
God is grace. 1 Corinthians 15:10

But please don’t misunderstand. This KIND, LOVING, GOOD, GRACE GIVING GOD, is not a pushover. His kindness, love, goodness, and grace is meant to LEAD YOU AND ME to REPENTANCE.

Please don’t pass over this life changing verse. Please don’t trample the spirit of Grace by abusing the truth of his kindness.

He his kind, but he is just.

He offers grace, but there are consequences to sin.

If you are in sin, walking in the flesh, turn from sin. Please, repent.

 “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” ~ Romans 8:2-6

Romans 2:4 The Voice (VOICE)

 Do you take the kindness of God for granted? Do you see His patience and tolerance as signs that He is a pushover when it comes to sin? How could you not know that His kindness is guiding our hearts to turn away from distractions and habitual sin to walk a new path?

Romans 2:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.

Fruit of Your Mouth

A couple of days ago I read through the whole book of Proverbs and wrote out every verse concerning the mouth, tongue, speech, and lips.  You see I recently found myself in a situation where I had to eat my words and they did not taste so sweet. I was ashamed and convicted for my lack of restraint. I decided I needed a little reminder of the seriousness of my words, so to help me remember and re-focus on how God wants me to use my mouth I went to the Proverbs. This was not some form of punishment, but a practice I felt led to do and was blessed by the study.

As I read through, underlined, and wrote out each verse I was reminded what a blessing or curse our words can be. They can be a source of LIFE or DEATH. We choose every time we open our mouths.

Do I use my words for the glory of God? To encourage? To build up? Or do I use them to tear down, exalt myself, or hurt others? I have discovered in this time period with social media sites we can even share things and sin without ever opening our mouths. With a simple click of a button we can SHARE something hurtful or untrue, and in the process tear down, shred hearts, and destroy lives.. I commit to being watchful and careful. How about you?

I don’t think any more of my words are needed on this topic, just the powerful word of God. I know it's a long read, but I believe you will be blessed by reading the verses specifically about the mouth all combined together.  (Forgive me if I missed any verses) 

PROVERBS

4:24 “Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.” 6:12 A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eye, signals with his feet, points with his finger.” 8:6-8 “Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.” 8:13 Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” 10:8 “a babbling fool will come to ruin” 10:10 “a babbling fool will come to ruin” 10:11 “the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” 10:13 “on the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found” 10:14” the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.” 10:18 “The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.” 10:19 “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” 10:20 “the tongue of the righteous is choice silver.” 10:21”The lips of the righteous feed many” 10:31” The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.” 10:32” The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.” 11:12” Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” 11:13 “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in Spirit keeps a thing covered.”11:22”Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.” 11:25” Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” 12:13” An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips.” 12:14” from the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good.” 12:17” whoever speaks truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” 12:18” the tongue of the wise bring healing”12:19 “truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” 12:22 “ Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” 12:25 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” 13:2”from the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good” 13:3 “ whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” 14:3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.” 14:5 “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.” 14:7 “Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.” 14:25 “a truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.” 15:1-2 “A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” 15:4 “a gentle tongues is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” 15:7 “the lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.” 15:23 “to make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” 15:26 “Gracious words are pure.” 15:28 “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” 16:13 “Righteous lips are the delight of a King, and he loves him who speaks what is right.” 16:17 “The highway of the upright turns aside from evil.” 16:23 “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” 16:24 “ Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” 16:28 “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” 17:4 “an evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” 17:9 “Whoever covers and offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” 17:27 “whoever restrains his words has knowledge.” 17:28 “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips.” 18:2 “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” 18:4 “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.” 18:6-8 “A fools lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels, they go down into the inner parts of the body.” 8:13 “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” 18:20 “From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 19:1 “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” 19:9 “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” 20:15 “”the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.” 20:19 “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with a simple babbler.” 21-8 “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.” 21:23 “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” 22:11 “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” 22:17-18 “Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.” 23:9 “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” 23:16”My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.” 24:26 “ whoever gives and honest answer kisses the lips” 24:28 “Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.” 25:11 “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” 25:15” a soft tongue will break a bone” 16:4-5 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 26:7 “Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.” 26:9 “Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.” 26:17-28 “Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.  As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.  The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.  Like the glaze covering and earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart. Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.  Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts rolling it. A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin. 27:1-2 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.  Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” 29:5 “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” 29: 6 “a righteous man sings and rejoices” 29:9 “if a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.” 29:11 “a fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” 29:20 “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” 30: 8 “Remove far from me falsehood and lying” 30:10 “Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you and you be held guilty.” 31:8 “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. 31:9 “open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the right of the poor and needy.” 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

The Call of Wisdom

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the market she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks; “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.” 

Proverbs 1:20-23

Scoffer. A word we don’t often talk about, but one that has been on my heart the past few days.  I have been guilty of scoffing and I would guess you have been too. The word translated "scoffer" in English can mean "one who mocks, ridicules, or scorns the belief of another.” When I study the definition of scoffer I immediately think of pride. We can only mock, ridicule, and scorn when we are struggling with a measure of pride. How hurtful this can be. Not only to ourselves, but to others.  

In Hebrew, the word translated "scoffer" or "mocker" can also mean "ambassador." So a scoffer is one who not only disagrees with an idea, but he also considers himself an ambassador for the opposing idea. He cannot rest until he has demonstrated the foolishness of any idea not his own. A scoffer voices his disagreement, ridicules all who stand against him, and actively recruits others to join his side. gotquestions.org 
The term is not getting any prettier is it?  Can you relate?

Scoffing often occurs in my own life when I think I know more than you. When I let pride creep in and arrogance lead. It happens when I do not get my way, when things out of my control happen that I disagree with it, or when you let me down. It can also be a form of protection when I feel insecure, jealous, or convicted. It’s the result of a serious sin problem called pride.  It’s sinful and must be stopped.

 

We live in a society that molds us to want control, authority, and esteem. We sinfully twist that into a competitive way of life where if you are doing better than me we are tempted to scoff.  If we feel convicted or threatened or less than, we scoff. I see it every day. In me and in you. 

“Be not wise in your own eyes” Proverbs 3:7
“Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate” Proverbs 8:13
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers" Proverbs 1:1

We must be watchful and examine our hearts.  Let us confess our sins, admit to arrogance and pride, seek forgiveness, and turn from our evil ways. When we catch our selves repeating old sinful habits, let's stop, turn, and set up guards to help us stay focused on our Savior. 
Maybe that means practicing silence. Or possibly taking time to fast for a period to pray and refocus on what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Try memorizing a verse. God’s word is our sword. We need to use it by hiding his word in our heart. That’s how we fight and win battles against the flesh.

When we uproot sin from our lives, walls fall down. The heavenly Father pulls us in and his presence floods our soul. Please, won’t you seek Him today and experience his great, great love?

Perfectly Calm

   I love to go to the ocean. I enjoy the sand, sun, and surf.  However, the idea of swimming in the deep parts of the ocean is very unnerving to me.  The idea of that much water beneath me, full of man-eating fish makes my toes curls. 

            Because of that fear I can relate to the disciples fears in Matthew 8:23-27. The scripture states, “When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.  And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep.  And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!”  He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.  The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

            While Jesus was here on earth his body was like man and he became tired and fell asleep. However, he was also perfect and without sin.  He fell asleep on the boat and a great storm arose. The disciples became afraid and cried to Jesus to save them.  And Jesus being fully God and fully man made the storm PERFECTLY CALM. 

            In Matthew Henry’s Commentary he says, “Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms.” I love that. As we journey through life storms WILL come. And sometimes it may seem like our Lord is sleeping. The pulpit commentary says, “The winds and waves were mastering their souls as well as their bodies.”  But we don’t have to let that happen to us!

            Psalm 121:4 says, “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”  Our God is NEVER sleeping. He is not bound to an earthly body.  He is fully awake to all the storms raging around this world.  We in our earthly and anxious minds often doubt that truth. We see bad things happen and wonder where God is; we may not ever understand the storm, but we can trust the TRUTH.  When it is time the Lord will rebuke the winds and the sea, and it will become Perfectly Calm. 

*“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16

*“Holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” Philippians 2:16

*“For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return.” Philippians 1:10

* “For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD." Romans 14:11

There is coming a day,

When no heart aches shall come,

No more clouds in the sky,

No more tears to dim the eye,

All is peace forever more,

On that happy golden shore,

What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,

When my Jesus I shall see,

And I look upon His face,

The One who saved me by His grace;

When He takes me by the hand,

And leads me through the Promised Land,

What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there,

No more burdens to bear,

No more sickness, no pain,

No more parting over there;

And forever I will be,

With the One who died for me,

What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,

When my Jesus I shall see,

And I look upon His face,

The One who saved me by His grace;

When He takes me by the hand,

And leads me through the Promised Land,

What a day, glorious day that will be

Hymn by: Jim Hill

The "Perfect" Family

 

FAMILY PHOTO TAKEN IN 2012

One of my precious family members recently described my family, on a social media site, as being “the perfect Christian family”. She meant well, and I felt her love over the miles, but my heart and mind cringed. Oh Lord, we are not the perfect little Christian family.  It’s so easy on social media and in public outings for us to form opinions and give off the opinion that some person or family has it all together.  And in my case I never intended to send the message that we are perfect. If you hang around me or my family, it will not take you long to see our many faults and failures.  We struggle. We are sinners. We are in need of a Savior.

Do you know why I started this blog? I believe God gives us talents, strengths, and abilities and I want to use them for his glory.  I love to encourage and I love to write and so in obedience to God I am trying to use my gifts. But did you also know I struggle with consistency in my daily quiet time. I struggle being consistent in the word and prayer time. I also struggle with insecurities.  On my own strength I would rather NOT put myself “out there” for all the world to read/judge/critique, but on Christ’s strength, I press on. I already am “alienated to the world” in some instances just being 1) a believer and 2) a minister’s wife and 3) an emotional, hormonal woman with a slew of faults; the thought of starting a blog to offer encouragement can send my mind down into a pit of insecurities of how I might be pushing myself in to an even smaller circle of people willing to let me in.  You see a friend of mine said, “perfection can make you unapproachable” and that is not ever who I want to appear or pretend to be.

In my life I have made some big mistakes. I don’t publicly share them all because I have not felt the Holy Spirit lead me to do that.  I can share with you lessons I have learned and what God has taught me, but please know it comes from a sinner saved by grace. I am the least of these. I am trash turned to treasure by the blood of Jesus Christ. You think I can’t handle your drinking problem, pride problem, gender identity issue, debt issue, depression struggle, marriage problem, addiction, affair—think again. I believe because of the life I have lived God has given me the ability to offer grace. When you share a problem, I don’t condemn or judge, I see you and I see your heart and I see someone who is struggling like me.  I want to be your friend. I don’t claim to be someone I am not. I am just one child of God, walking in the flesh, fighting to walk in obedience daily, like you. 

I am real. I am not perfect. But guess what. My heavenly Father sent me and you a Savior, Jesus Christ, who is perfect to live inside us and give us all we need to live for him.

May we never steal your glory by sending the message that “we” are doing something right or good. It’s all you Lord…all YOU. Thank you for picking up a lumpy piece of clay and re-working it into a beautiful instrument for your glory and honor.

Riding Piggy Back

I can remember it like yesterday. Everything was right in my world. It was a beautiful spring day in Carthage, Texas. I lived in a cozy log house, built by my Dad, with my Mom and big sister, and my grandparents lived in the lot next door.  It was the kind of day where everything was perfect.

            My parents worked outside in the yard while my sister and I played barefoot all afternoon.  I clearly remember that afternoon us walking over to my grandparent’s house and me being barefoot and needing a piggy back ride.  I remember my Dad scooping me up with ease, while I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his back while he carried me through the wooded path to my grandparents.  I remember how safe and secure I felt. I remember the complete trust and security I felt. I remember how fun it was to ride up high and catch a glimpse of my surroundings from a higher perspective.  I remember looking down at his feet and with each step hearing the crushing of leaves and sticks underneath his feet. I even remember thinking I like the way that sounds…I want to do this with my kids someday.  The sun was shining through the leaves and I had no fear.  I trusted my Dad’s strong arms and his love for me. I had no worries, no stress, no burdens, just the complete joy of being a child wrapped in the safe arms of her Father. 

            God brought this memory to my mind a few days ago and I can’t seem to let it go.  This picture, this memory, is a reflection of what I want my relationship with God to look like. A simple piggy back ride turns into an act of surrender; letting go of walking my way and letting God carry me His way.

   I believe when God calls me to trust and surrender my all to Him, it sometimes is as simple as letting go and allowing Him to scoop me up, trusting Him to carry me through this life. To give me a higher eternal perspective, to show me the sunlight of blessings shining through the trees, to wrap his arms around me and provide protection, love, and security.  He truly wants to carry me.  He doesn’t want pieces of me-He wants all of me.  He want me to trust Him completely—not worry over the future, but rest in His strength, goodness, love, and plan.  Trusting He will crush the enemy beneath me, and lead me to where He wants us to go.

            Initially it sounds great. Yes! Of course I want to ride piggy back Lord! But am I truly willing to let go of doing things my way and let him have complete control?  I pray that I will. I pray that I accept the invitation to ride piggy back daily.

            Psalm 18:1-3“I Love You, O Lord, my strength.” The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”

19 “But the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.””

35-36 “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and your right hand upholds me; and your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped.”

Psalm 19: 7-11 “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.  They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”

*Written on February 3, 2015