tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866400016754364102024-02-19T00:52:57.026-08:00Deuman FamilyThe happenings of Jason, Judah and Jocelyn's life through the eyes of me, the wife & mom!Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-89534700464048720322015-05-12T11:14:00.000-07:002015-05-12T11:14:15.330-07:00Tears and WisdomLately tears.<br />
Tears for days are pouring from Jason and I.<br />
Not bad ones.<br />
Just tears over almost everything all the time.<br />
We have turned into weeping puddles.<br />
What gives.<br />
<br />
We watched a video of Jocelyn cheering on Jason when he graduated with his masters. He wanted a video of the kids cheering. I'm so glad he asked for that. I took the video of Jocelyn and Jason's sister heather took one of Judah. Jocelyn and her adorable 3 yr old self saying "Thats my daddy. Thats my dada" over and over and she saw him on the big screen watching him walk across the stage.<br />
Tears for days.<br />
<br />
I got a card for mothers day.<br />
Well i got several.<br />
But an unexpected one handed to be from our executive pastor left me in tears for literally days.<br />
Yesterday Jason asked what i was crying about.<br />
"The card" I said. "I just keep re reading it".<br />
Tears for days.<br />
<br />
We had staff chapel yesterday. A day were it enables the staff at Creekside to encounter God not on a Sunday because Sundays can be busy. And although we encounter God on Sunday something so wonderful about not being strapped to microphone. It was a beautiful time where we cried and cried.<br />
Jason cries quietly just slightly wiping his cheek.<br />
I however need all the kleenex in the land, mascara everywhere and need to take my glasses to a professional washer because they are covered in makeup and tears.<br />
Yet it was a beautiful time of God's presence and all we had was a simple guitar.<br />
Tears for days.<br />
<br />
And i do what any Christian does.<br />
I try and think: God. Did we pray for brokenness?<br />
Tenderness?<br />
The last few days all i can remember asking God for is clarity and wisdom.<br />
We need more wisdom than our brains can hold.<br />
<br />
And then God smiled and i physically went...ah. I see.<br />
<br />
Wisdom to a person who's heart is not broken before the Lord can seem as if they are full of themselves.<br />
Wisdom to a person who's heart breaks at the very thought of Jesus being born to save a world is wisdom the Bible speaks of.<br />
<br />
James 3:17-18<br />
'But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness."<br />
<br />
Well smack me over the face.<br />
Here i prayed for wisdom because we need answers to problems and we need direction and my list of needs is forever long.<br />
I needed selfish wisdom.<br />
<br />
God wants our hearts.<br />
<i>Oh how far my prayers were off from God's heart but he has still given me what i asked, just not how i thought he would.</i><br />
<br />
The list James gives us of what wisdom from above looks like is the reason we cry.<br />
It's the reason our hearts break over what seems meaningless things yet it's so meaningful to our heavenly Father.<br />
It's the reasons our hearts are shedding tears down our face.<br />
<br />
I prayed for wisdom.<br />
God is giving me pure wisdom.<br />
peace loving wisdom.<br />
Gentle wisdom.<br />
Yielding to others wisdom.<br />
Merciful wisdom.<br />
<br />
That's like my God to use my selfish prayers to prune my selfish ways even more.<br />
I want to flourish under his care. To do so i have to pay attention to gentle ways of pruning me. What was an innocent prayer turned to be selfish at it's root and he is gracious to pluck it out and replace it with his loving gifts.<br />
<br />
Praise be to God for seeing me worthy of his affection.<br />
I love being His daughter.<br />
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-75809438600366035952015-03-02T10:50:00.001-08:002015-03-02T10:50:26.369-08:00DwellI recently had a coffee couch chat with one of my favorite people, Livy. Livy is a friend I've had for a long time. Our husbands were youth pastors at the same time and we did lots of camps and such with them.<br />
<br />
Livy and I view life and ministry a lot alike and i always enjoy sitting and talking with her about life, ministry and everything in between.<br />
<br />
Livy asked me the question that many of my friends do "So Kathy, How are you with Jason as the lead pastor."<br />
<br />
Until my conversation with Livy i didn't really have an answer.<br />
I didn't really have a way to explain my heart and mind.<br />
Well maybe i did have an answer, but i think i was embarrassed of my answer feeling that it wasn't right. Yet as i was processing it with Livy it became so perfectly clear.<br />
<br />
A few weeks, maybe a month ago, not sure, time has never really been my thing. So awhile ago, God laid the word Dwell on my heart. And i used that word to explain my feelings about my life.<br />
<br />
I told Livy i haven't looked up yet.<br />
Jason's job is overwhelming.<br />
My role, whatever that is beyond the home, is overwhelming.<br />
So i dwell. I stay still. But is that bad?<br />
<br />
I feel as though looking up and taking on a "role" is something i can't do. The thought of all that goes on in a day in the life of ministry is to much for me.<br />
So i dwell.<br />
I focus on the things Jesus has given me a passion for and pursue them with everything in me. Dwell doesn't mean i sit and don't take action.<br />
<br />
By dwell i mean my nose is in the Bible.<br />
I sit in the presence of Jesus.<br />
I bask in his peace and covering.<br />
I dwell.<br />
I'm still to listen to his voice whisper to my heart.<br />
<br />
I can't look up yet.<br />
For me the goods are found in praying over my husband and children.<br />
That God would protect their comings and goings.<br />
That God would supernaturally open the heavens and move in a community we so deeply love.<br />
The goods to me are found in this safe cocoon.<br />
This safe covering of the Lords presence.<br />
<br />
I believe there is a time to break out.<br />
But i know that time isn't now because when i look up and try and understand the mantle on which my husband holds i become paralyzed.<br />
So i know the time isn't now.<br />
I know my place is to dwell.<br />
<br />
My place in this life may always be to dwell. To sit. To pray. To be.<br />
And i'm ok with that.<br />
<br />
dwell : to linger<br />
<br />
So this Monday finds me lingering over the things of Jesus. Praying over the work God is doing in our future campus pastors. Lingering over the details in prayer.<br />
<br />
My eyes are fixed on Jesus. And for now, probably forever, that is a state in which i am. Moving the works of Jesus forward one prayer at a time. And looking around it seems to be working.<br />
<br />
Psalm 26:8<br />
I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells.<br />
amen.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-59800208958671817902014-12-03T11:56:00.000-08:002014-12-03T11:56:19.354-08:00This ChristmasJocelyn and I have been playing Skip Bo a lot lately. At least 2-3 games a night. Judah is usually building legos close by or making blow up noises with his fake guns. Jason is grading papers or reading comic books. We are all in the same room. Together. Yet busy doing our own thing.<br />
<br />
Last night I gave Judah the Jesus calling book for Kids and had him read to us the story of Jesus being born.<br />
He started reading and the skip bo game continued and Jason continued grading.<br />
<br />
Slowly. As the story unfolded.<br />
As this story of Mary finding a place in the hay came to life.<br />
As Joseph named the son of God, Jesus.<br />
As Mary held her son who would save the world.<br />
As Jesus cried his first cry.<br />
<br />
As words were read the skip bo game slowly stopped...<br />
Jason took his eyes off his computer...<br />
And we all seemed so captivated in the moment. In Judah reading the story that changed our lives forever.<br />
The birth of our Savior.<br />
<br />
I've been wanting a moment where we can all sit in awe of what it really means that day we celebrate Jesus being born. It's so much more than gifts. Our world can be downright overwhelming and ugly. The world this baby came to save often seems like it doesn't recognize it's King.<br />
Deep down i longed for us to remember and wonder what that night would have been like. To watch Mary and Joseph bring Jesus into this world as a human.<br />
The wonder as a child i remember so beautifully.<br />
I desperately wanted my children to see in amazement all that went on and wonder "how and why did God chose this way to save us".<br />
<br />
Why was a baby born a king mom?<br />
Why did we need a Savior?<br />
Wasn't Mary so young?<br />
Wasn't Mary so scared, Mom?<br />
<br />
All those questions as kids we wonder and ask. I wanted my kids to wonder. To ask. To dig deep and ponder all their parents believe. All they believe.<br />
<br />
Christmas is a time to wonder. Its a beautiful time to ask questions.<br />
Yet often my only answer is a smile.<br />
Other times my answer is "did you feel that? Did you feel those chills when you said the name of Jesus? Did you feel the Joy rise up when Judah read that Jesus had his first cry? Thats it! Thats Christmas. Thats Jesus! He is alive. He is real. He is here. He is God with us. Immanuel."<br />
<br />
I pray this Christmas finds you in the midst of your everyday life and you have a moment to stop and remember all Jesus is to us. To your family and friends. And to this world he so longs to be in relationship with.<br />
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-76706799367005884122014-11-10T13:46:00.001-08:002014-11-10T13:46:16.683-08:00ToasterI keep trying to figure out what i want to write. I know I need to blog. I know i have so much to say. So much to update. So much swirling in my heart.<div>
I can't seem to get in the flow.</div>
<div>
There is a total flow when it comes to writing and if you don't have it, well you don't have it. </div>
<div>
I could write about my children.</div>
<div>
Jason's new position.</div>
<div>
Our van which found a new home.</div>
<div>
I mean. Really the possibilities are endless. But. Nothings coming.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So ya'll...i'm off to buy a new toaster. </div>
<div>
Yup.</div>
<div>
Our toaster after 10 years has decided in perfect fashion to burn one piece of toast and the other slot won't even cook. I mean. Can you even imagine! </div>
<div>
It actually felt good to put it in the garbage today. I'm kinda over messing with it.</div>
<div>
I mean. I've tried.</div>
<div>
I. Have. Tried.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't want to be one of those people, you know, who throws toasters away to early. Because who in their right mind throws a toaster away to early. For the love. I can't even.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But not evenly toasting my bread? </div>
<div>
We all know.</div>
<div>
The relationship had to end.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So i'm taking my Bed Bath & Beyond coupon and getting a new one...</div>
<div>
A new toaster that is. Not a new Bed. Or bath. What is even the Beyond?..</div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-33359376669753243322014-09-20T19:48:00.001-07:002014-09-20T19:48:29.742-07:00His steady handRecent changes with Jason's job have necessitated me to pull back and dig deep to see God's hand moving in our life.<br />
I say Jason's job.<br />
Yet, i deeply know it is a calling and far more than just a job. Peoples lives are on the line. Hell is real.<br />
<br />
Almost a year and a half ago Jesus spoke to Jason and i separately. We had been praying about our position at Creekside and asking God what was next for us. Asking God how we can continue to serve Him. And asking God if this is where he would want us to spend the next years of ministry. This is something we do often. All the time actually. It is nothing new. We are always wanting to stay in the will of God. We are always asking God to widen our territory. People need Jesus.<br />
<br />
And for almost 2 years now Jason and I have been in a heart process. A change of sorts. God has been steadily readying our hearts for the task he has laid out before us:<br />
Creekside church as a whole.<br />
The Lynnwood Campus.<br />
Jason being interim lead pastor.<br />
All of this.<br />
<br />
God has been steadily working to ready our hearts. Never did we know what for. Yet he was so gracious to speak so clearly to our hearts to say "Change is coming. You will know it is me. Be on guard, be prayerful, stay vigilant, I am moving." And we have done so, together. We have stayed faithful with palms open to the Lord and how he would use our lives to further His mission.<br />
<br />
I stepped away from Facebook due to some issues with anxiety i was having. (See previous blogs) And honestly needed to just pull away from people. There are seasons God asks us to speak up, and seasons God asked us to take a moment and relive our love and desire for him.<br />
<br />
I stayed in Gods word daily. Listening to it on my phone. Reading it in my Bible. It was my lifeline. I would pick a verse and just ponder it all day. Sometimes weeks. Just letting it soak deep into my heart.<br />
<br />
One night i was crying. Knowing my dad was going to leave as the lead pastor and all the weight that would be transferred to Jason's shoulders, even in the interim. I was scared. I was incredibly afraid to the core. The lead pastor is a wonderful shelter for the people. For the staff. They are a spiritual hedge around the flock. Their face is in the devils mind daily.<br />
Yes our God is greater. Bigger. Stronger.<br />
I was still scared.<br />
<br />
And then.<br />
Alone in my living room.<br />
Kids at school.<br />
I just cried to God.<br />
"God i am so desperate for you presence. Your tangible presence in my life. I need to feel you. I need you to go before me. I need to know your hand is physically sheltering our life."<br />
And in a moment.<br />
It came.<br />
A Vision.<br />
Clear to this day this picture has replayed in my mind over and over.<br />
<br />
It's a vision of Jason with his arm around me, walking on a path. He is looking ahead, never to the side, never down, never up, always straight ahead. And i am only looking at Jason smiling at him. Praying over him. Never looking ahead always at Jason.<br />
We are on a path and we can only see our next step. All around is fog...<br />
And on each of our shoulders is a hand.<br />
Jesus stands between us and has a hand on our shoulders guiding us one step at a time.<br />
<br />
And a rush of the strongest wave possible of peace came rushing through my body. A tangible sense of the Lord came over my body.<br />
And from that moment on i have never felt alone.<br />
I have always felt his tangible presence.<br />
<br />
I share my experience to say God is always at work in our life. Always gracious to give space to grow in our relationship with Him. How gracious he was to whisper to our hearts a year and a half ago that change would come. Be ready.<br />
<br />
If you struggle, as i do sometimes, to hear Gods voice.<br />
Maybe your life is to loud.<br />
Maybe you have your ears to crowded and your heart to full to sense the tangible presence of God.<br />
He's calling.<br />
And i'm so thankful his steady hand has been with me and will continue to be with me through every season of change.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-30735130770798466482014-09-15T10:33:00.003-07:002014-09-15T10:35:40.975-07:00oh no you didn't<div>
Oh yes you did.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I encountered 2 different people this past week that thought it kind to tell me they never thought I would be the child to live a life in ministry.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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To which i smiled.</div>
<div>
Laughed to myself, because i too never thought it would be my life.</div>
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And moved along.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So to everyone this Monday morning punching fear in the face.</div>
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Charting a course unknown.</div>
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And doing all God has called you to do with people on the sidelines cheering you on or people scowling wondering why you're even in the race.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Carry on people.</div>
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Keep your head up with who God has called you to be</div>
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Push the anxiety aside.</div>
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And know we only have an audience of One. Jesus.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And if someone merely wants to stand on the sidelines to cheer or stand on the sidelines and scowl, this is for sure, you won't ever find me on the sidelines. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Stay in the race brave ones.</div>
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<br /></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-56863523625049096732014-08-19T09:42:00.001-07:002014-08-19T10:51:47.548-07:00Silence is the new megaphoneFor days.<br />
Maybe weeks i've been trying to write a blog.<br />
<br />
I really do dislike the english language.<br />
I struggle to find words that fit my heart.<br />
I can't seem to come up with the exact word for my exact emotions. I often rely on Jason to tell me my feelings. Sounds pathetic. I'm just not good with words.<br />
<br />
Yesterday my friend Sarah came over to grab a bible study. Love that i have friends who call me to look through my stash of Bible studies.<br />
We got to talking for an hour or so about many things one being my recent breakup with Facebook. A couple weeks ago i deactivated my account. I have many reasons. Yet Sarah said a word that just sparked my heart.<br />
<br />
<b>Exposed.</b><br />
<i>exposed: visible, typically by uncovering it. reveal, uncover.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The line of work my husband does, can leave our family feeling exposed. Often it is ok. Often i don't mind. And <i>often i view life as an extreme privilege to get a front row seat to all Jesus is doing.</i><br />
<br />
Yet there are times my spirit grows weak.<br />
I become critical of others.<br />
I feel empty.<br />
<i>I lack the emotional margin to help others because i myself have become so exposed to the negative things around me.</i><br />
<br />
It can be a dangerous place to be.<br />
<br />
I knew i got there when the panic attacks started. And when they seemed to only get worse i literally for days cried to God asking how i can get these to leave me. They are seeming to ruin any fun plans we had. They are leaving me constantly fearful of when the next one would come.<br />
<br />
It was very clear as to what i needed to do.<br />
1. i needed to tell trusted friends what was going on at the deep levels of my heart. I needed to share what brings these on, how long i've been dealing with them, and how they could help.<br />
2. Get off Facebook.<br />
<br />
Telling trusted friends happened over e-mail. I was to scared and to tearful to make any sort of phone calls. I wrote it and heard back that same night from 2 close friends in how they would walk with me through this, be by my side, and be an ear to listen to the anxiety that seems to take over.<br />
<b>"The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense." Proverbs 27:9</b><br />
Yes.<br />
The sweetness of my friends putting their spiritual arms around me. Linking arms with me and reminding me that they will fight the battle with me <i>immediately eased my heart</i>. You can have good friends. That is nice. S<i>piritual warfare friends is where the goods are found.</i><br />
<br />
For whatever reason for 2 weeks i sat on getting off of Facebook. Facebook is now a way to communicate with people. Its a way to stay in touch. Its a way to rally the troops around a great cause. Its become part of life.<br />
<br />
That was the problem.<br />
<br />
I started to become critical of peoples posts.<br />
<i>Another parenting blog?</i><br />
Does anyone ever go to the Word of God for guidence?<br />
<i>Another rant about the kids they can't handle?</i><br />
Did you sit in prayer over this? Did you take a moment to yourself before blasting the inter webs with your feelings?<br />
<br />
Oh how gross my heart was. What evil was creeping into my head and out my mouth.<br />
And if it was coming out of my mouth and into my head then surely it was in my heart.<br />
<br />
No way to get it out but cut it at the source.<br />
<br />
Peoples posts are not the problem.<br />
Peoples rants about kids or parenting blogs or food or a clean house are not the problem.<br />
<br />
Ladies & gentlemen<b> </b>i am the problem<b>.</b><br />
<b>My ugly heart is the problem.</b><br />
<br />
It had grown critical.<br />
unloving.<br />
uncaring.<br />
judgmental.<br />
and i'm sure the list can only go on so i'll spare you the ugliness.<br />
<br />
So Facebook went down.<br />
No i didn't warn the masses.<br />
No i didn't provide other ways to get a hold of me.<br />
<br />
For awhile it'll just be me and Jesus.<br />
Jesus most definitely has a work to do in my heart. And it always starts with being obedient to what the Holy Spirit is telling me to do.<br />
<br />
I wake up and read my Bible.<br />
I crave my Bible.<br />
The Bible is alive again.<br />
My spirit is aware of my surroundings.<br />
<br />
People i cried leaving Fred Meyer the other day because there are 2 groups of people that live in their campers and they just move around lynnwood. That made me cry. It should make me cry.<br />
<br />
<i>When we rid ourselves of outside voices and outside garbage God and his Spirit have room again to open our eyes to the people who need him</i>. And isn't that what this world is about? Isn't it about the audience of one?<br />
Jesus.<br />
He is our only audience.<br />
He is who we strive to be like.<br />
He is who's name we share with the world.<br />
He is who is reflected in our hearts, our smiles, and our voices.<br />
<br />
Cut the outside noise and the outside voices and it's as if Jesus found his megaphone and is yelling in my ear all day long.<br />
It's a good yell.<br />
Its a voice I've craved to hear in a world that is hard to hear anything in with all the media that blasts our ears.<br />
<br />
It's our choice as to how loud Gods voice is in our life.<br />
It's our choice as to how our heart break for what breaks His heart.<br />
It's our choice.<br />
<br />
<b>Silence is the new megaphone.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-31365602700031655062014-06-05T09:24:00.001-07:002014-06-05T09:24:28.455-07:00Flesh by Hugh Halter"Christians often make it sound like Jesus came only to die for sin and then make converts, grow a religion called Christianity, and make more converts. But God never wanted converts, church attenders, prisoners, or parishioners. <i><b>He wanted His family back</b></i>."<br />
<br />
"The incarnational way of life is not about conversion.<i> It's about adoption</i>"<br />
<br />
"This understanding is so important because if you miss it, you'll head out your door in the name of Jesus and make prisoners instead of priests, converts instead of cousins, and pharisees instead of family members."<br />
<br />
These are excerpts from the book Flesh by Hugh Halter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-44473347900282518932014-05-28T13:57:00.000-07:002014-05-28T13:57:32.512-07:00Brave<b><i>Brave: ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage.</i></b><br />
<br />
I called Jason this morning and he didn't pick up. I knew what that meant. I couldn't ask him for help. I had to go ahead and do this on my own. So i did.<br />
I signed my name.<br />
Wrote some numbers down.<br />
Got my license out.<br />
Got in the car.<br />
Drove up to the bank window and proceeded with heart pounding to cash a check.<br />
<br />
To some you can laugh. That's ok. Jason did.<br />
To others you know the fear of doing something you haven't done in a long time can provoke a fear and anxiety in you that can make a small task seem daunting.<br />
<br />
Jason called me after to which i quickly said "no worries. i was brave. i cashed the check myself!"<br />
He said good job and on my way i went.<br />
<br />
Being brave doesn't always have to be a big production. Often times its the every day parts of life that we know bring pain, bring growth, bring endurance, and take courage.<br />
<br />
Apologizing to your kids for going over board about a lost coat.<br />
<i>Brave.</i><br />
Speaking up when it is needed but easier to stay quiet.<br />
<i>Brave</i>.<br />
Crying when the tears want to come but others will see you.<br />
<i>Brave</i>.<br />
Loving people past the point of your own comfort so Jesus can be the hero.<br />
<i>Brave</i>.<br />
Helping launch a campus.<br />
<i>Brave</i>.<br />
<br />
Enjoy this song. It's amazingly beautiful. Listen all the way through.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/6Hi-VMxT6fc">You Make me Brave</a><br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-79862705854062027942014-04-10T10:28:00.000-07:002014-04-10T10:28:06.175-07:00Spring BreakSpring break.<div>
A time of rest. A time of adventure. A time to be family.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
When spring break goes anything but as planned what do we do? When sickness of Judah comes in it caused our family to pause.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We put a 500 piece puzzle together around the kitchen table for 3 days.</div>
<div>
We laugh.</div>
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We tell each other "good job" and "i think i can help you find a place for that piece."</div>
<div>
We sit for what seems minutes but in reality is hours.</div>
<div>
We are together. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We play legos.</div>
<div>
We built bases and castles and attack one another.</div>
<div>
We crush each other castles and build more castles to fight again.</div>
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But this time with ships and airplanes and places to hold extra men.</div>
<div>
Attacking new ways is fun.</div>
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Imagination at it's finest.</div>
<div>
We are together.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So today is thursday and we have yet to leave the house.</div>
<div>
We aren't bored.</div>
<div>
My kids understand rest and the need to lay low.</div>
<div>
We build margin into our life for moments of rest and moments of stillness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We read.</div>
<div>
We play video games and are joyful at new levels passed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm writing this down because i needed this rest. </div>
<div>
Maybe even more than my children.</div>
<div>
Yet i didn't know i did.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Currently my heart is smiling.</div>
<div>
Jocelyn put a ballerina costume on and has the radio turned on and is dancing in her room.</div>
<div>
Judah is making star wars ships and carrying on in only missile noises.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These are my joy filled days.</div>
<div>
The noises.</div>
<div>
The movement through the house.</div>
<div>
Together is the best of all.</div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-679979149065897642014-03-31T12:56:00.000-07:002014-03-31T12:56:35.195-07:00ListeningYesterday I woke up alone.<br />
Jason already gone to church and the kids at my sisters house. It was wonderful.<br />
I had some good moments in my bible and listening to Jesus speak to my heart.<br />
<br />
I felt the impression to write a blog about a conversation i had with a friend over a year ago. Wasn't sure if i was able to share our exchange.<br />
Its rather personal for her.<br />
I didn't want to cross any boundaries.<br />
<br />
So i sent her a Facebook message asking if she would be willing to let me share our exchange of the time God spoke to me and i followed through and did what he asked.<br />
<br />
Then i went to church.<br />
The prayer focus was listening.<br />
*Cue chills and weird feelings that my entire morning spent with the Lord was around the same word*<br />
When i got home i got on Facebook and saw that my friend Holly was willing to let me share our brief, yet powerful exchange for this blog.<br />
<br />
My hope.<br />
My prayer in all of this is that you see what listening to Jesus and his promptings can do for the world around you.<br />
What you think is a fleeting thought of a person.<br />
Or a quick moment of reflection.<br />
That when prompted by the Spirit to share with that person your thoughts can have an impact.<br />
<br />
****<br />
<br />
A little background on Holly.<br />
Holly is someone i have really only known from afar.<br />
She is great friends with my sister in law Heather.<br />
She is beautiful.<br />
She has the best style.<br />
She is funny.<br />
She is Mother to 2 daughters and 1 boy on the way.<br />
She is graceful.<br />
And this is just what i've seen from afar.<br />
<br />
Sometime ago Holly lost her first daughter. Georgia. And since we are truly friends from afar, i have only witnessed Holly's grief, pain, and grace in losing her daughter through Facebook.<br />
Through what Holly has shared of her daughter Georgia's passing, i have seen a woman lean into Jesus and his strength.<br />
<br />
I wasn't a person Holly called in a time of need.<br />
We don't even have each others phone numbers.<br />
Our relationship is beautiful because social media let me get a glimpse into the spirit of who this woman is as she has shared her journey with the world.<br />
<br />
Now cue what i wrote to Holly over 1 year ago this month.<br />
<b>First is me writing to Holly</b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #dbedfe; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"First forgive me for not telling you this YESTERDAY!
Yesterday I woke up, and your Georgia was on my mind.
I told God, how weird to wake with something, for me so random. A sweet girl I've never met who has lived her life in heaven. To which I prayed and asked God, what to do with this.
To which I felt he replied, I was to just tell you.
If yesterday was a special day. Awesome. If yesterday was a random day. Awesome.
God loves you. God loves your precious girl. God loves your family.
There. So sorry i was to do that yesterday. Then in pandora, a song Georgia on my mind came on... And Ahh! It was a divine God moment as a reminder on what I forgot!
Forgive me!
Be blessed!
Kathy"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #dbedfe; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>This is Holly's reply:</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh my word! Wow. Thank you, Kathy! Such a beautiful thought shared.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You're so sweet to share your words and thoughts from God. Thank you! You have made my night and day! </span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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Yesterday was actually a really tough day. Missing both of my girls while at work. Gosh. I just don't even have words. Just some tears welling up.
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Is this exchange not the coolest?<br />
I love that i got to be a part of God loving his children.<br />
<br />
Do i always get it right?<br />
No.<br />
As you can see i was to tell her the day before but got cold feet thinking "who me?".<br />
<br />
God's ways are divine.<br />
They are perfect.<br />
They are timely.<br />
<br />
I didn't say anything life changing.<br />
Georgia, Holly's daughter came to mind, and i pondered her little life for moments, and then prayed a simple prayer of "God, how am I to use these thoughts?"<br />
And God was faithful.<br />
<br />
This is my encouragement to listen to what God has prompted you to do.<br />
To follow through.<br />
To live this life not for yourself but to bring God, his love, to people who need it.<br />
Each day.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-79322102457808141152014-02-25T11:48:00.002-08:002014-02-25T11:48:35.874-08:00#tellyourstoryOur church is doing a hashtags #tellyourstory as we share how Gods love has changed us and transformed our lives. This is a story of a girl who doesn't have a massive turnaround story but a daily walk and a daily life trying to do my best to live Christ in a tangible meaningful way. He's uses us all.<br />
Heres my story.<br />
<br />
Grew up in church. Pastors kid who always loved Jesus and his church thanks to the influence of my parents and the local church.<br />
Growing up its easy to say i'm sure i was the most disciplined child of the 3. I can tend to be pretty mouthy and have a raw attitude.<br />
<br />
I was baptized at 12 or 13 in Bellingham at a church we were attending. Our family had stepped out of ministry for a few years after an incredibly difficult time at a previous church. I remember vividly trying to come to grips with my dad not being the lead pastor anymore. My faith could no longer be tied to him. It was now my own. Baptism for me was that statement.<br />
<br />
We moved down to Seattle and I met Jason at the young age of 16. He always wanted to be a pastor and I always wanted nothing to do with ministry. I had had enough of the spot light, or so i thought.<br />
<br />
We dated through high school and college and then started our life together. Me a nurse and him a youth pastor at a local church. My faith again was tied to work. Church was a good thing, but i didn't do it out of a love of God's church but out of dedication for the youth we were serving.<br />
<br />
We struggled under the leadership and eventually gave notice and left the church without another job.<br />
<br />
Ive never felt God so vividly in my life give us instruction to do something. I could see Jason slipping away as he felt devalued. We didn't love God's church anymore, we loved the people. I wanted to love both.<br />
<br />
My dad after a few months called Jason up and said they were looking for a youth pastor and that started our journey with Creekside.<br />
<br />
As you can see my Faith is wrapped up in the church. It can be sticky at times to separate my personal faith with the direction God has put our life on.<br />
<br />
If you see us today you would see a couple surround my family and friends. As we are. But i hasn't always been that way.<br />
<br />
Youth ministry at this church was lonely. I sat alone in church for years. Years. The pastors daughter who's husband was also a pastor, feeling alone and out of place. That's no ones fault but my own.<br />
Our church was small and declining at the time. The pay cuts, staff leaving, and no friends took it toll on me.<br />
<br />
I found myself desperate for something to come alive in me. I started reading blogs and listing to sermons by John Piper. He has a quote that changed my life forever.<br />
<b>"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."</b><br />
That changed my entire life almost 5 years ago. My entire outlook on life, on circumstances, on whatever comes my way would now go through this filter.<br />
I am satisfied in God alone. He is my joy. He brings me peace. He eases my anxiety when it cripples me many days. And because I am satisfied in him, he is glorified through me.<br />
<br />
It is so simple yet so profound of a statement.<br />
<br />
Anxiety cripples me often. My only source of hope is God's word. Those who are intimate with me know this to be true. It can be a joke at times but I face the reality of it in my own life and mind daily. God is my only hope and strength. I am satisfied in who God says he is. And an overflow of me being satisfied in God is God is glorified in me and through me.<br />
<br />
That's my story that hasn't ended yet.<br />
Whats your story?<br />
#tellyourstory.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-73654878254063140612014-01-13T12:02:00.005-08:002014-01-13T12:02:57.420-08:00ReliefI have this friend who asked me a few weeks ago straight up "Kathy have you been in God's word?". Through the response of tears obviously the answer was no.<br />
<br />
Almost 2 weeks my beloved Bible i hold dear was on the floor of our mini van.<br />
Un touched.<br />
Un un opened.<br />
Unless however someone needed to put their feet there, i would move it then.<br />
<br />
It's important to be in the Word.<br />
That's not what this blog post is about.<br />
<br />
This friend took it upon herself in a moment which the Holy Spirit meant to happen and spoke up into my life and reminded me of the importance of time in the Word of God. She reminded me that my life is founded on the principles there.<br />
She reminded me the anxiety swirling around in my head would cease to take over my day had my mind been rooted in God's word.<br />
She reminded me that the interruptions i see as annoyances would change into moments where God meant for them to be more than an interruption.<br />
She reminded me God's not out to get me, he surely wants to walk beside me.<br />
<br />
Calling someone out brings life.<br />
Sometimes Repentance.<br />
And often times <i>relief</i>.<br />
<br />
I have had friends tell me things before and wrap it in "iron sharpens iron" nudge nudge "Just had to tell you".<br />
<br />
Vomit.<br />
<br />
W<i>hen truth is not laced in grace and the timing of the Holy Sprit it sits gross on the tip of our tongue. </i><br />
<br />
If we ourselves aren't daily rooted in the truth how can we spur others on to grow in Christ?<br />
We can not.<br />
<br />
I so deep down needed Sarah to reach out that day and say "where have you gone?"<br />
I so needed someone to say "This isn't you." <b>Get up</b>.<br />
<br />
<i>Friendships rooted in the grace and truth of God and timed with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit are life changing. </i><br />
<br />
Life chaining friendships bring truth.<br />
Bring grace.<br />
Bring life.<br />
Bring <i>relief</i>.<br />
<br />
<i>Relief</i> is my word this year.<br />
The word i'm focusing on.<br />
Finding my <i>Relief </i>in people is not gonna happen.<br />
Finding relief in Food is no more.<br />
Finding relief in conversation unpleasing to God is no more.<br />
Finding relief from this swirling mind is a daily process.<br />
Finding relief in my husbands walk with God and riding his coat tail is no more.<br />
<br />
<i>Relief comes through surrender to Jesus.</i><br />
He is all the relief I need in this world.<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-51552800581854449842013-11-18T09:27:00.001-08:002013-11-18T09:42:16.206-08:00Parenting with a VisionI had an awesome time at the Leading and Loving it Retreat in Nashville this past week. It is for Pastors wives and Women in Ministry. It was just a great time of refreshing and being with like hearted people. It was amazing. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had a time of breakout sessions where we got to choose who we heard speak. I chose to go to a parenting one by Julie Richard. She and her husband are lead pastors at a church in Texas. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I grew up in Ministry, as my parents were pastors. I grew up serving the church and love the local church. But how my parents raised me to then want to invest my life into the local church, i just don't know. And Julie's talk gave me such insight in how to raise my kids in a way that</div>
<div>
1. They Love the Lord</div>
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2. They Love his Church</div>
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3. They Love his ways</div>
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Now my kids may grow up and never work for anything church related. No problem. That is not the goal. The goal is for Jason and i to raise kids that love his church and see value in serving, beyond dads paycheck.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So how does one raise kids to love the Lord, Love his church, and love his ways?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. <b>We start with a vision for our family and our children. When we have a vision, we then parent off that vision.</b></div>
<div>
I have specific visions for my children. They are unique to each child because each child is gifted with different personalities. </div>
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When we have a vision for our child, we then parent and discipline toward that vision. </div>
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If your child is acting out, if your child is talking back to you, if your child throws a tantrum, if your child yells at you, you parent them with the vision in mind and where you see them in 20 years and you discipline off of that. You don't want a 27 year old throwing a tantrum because his mom and dad didn't give him what he wanted. No my VISION for my child should dictate how i discipline my children. Not the people around me watching.</div>
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The second big thing was a smack in the face.</div>
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2. <b>My Children are drinking the overflow of my fountain.</b></div>
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Meaning what comes out of my mouth is what seeps and fills my children's heart. Do I talk negative about God's church? Do my children hear me whine about serving or getting up to go to church? Do my children see me read my Bible? Do my children know that Jesus is in every decision we make?</div>
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<br /></div>
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How i live my life and the things that fill my heart are the very things that seep into my children's life.</div>
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If i model that it is important to serve in the church, my children will love to serve the church. If i model that Jesus is my everything in speech and love then my children will drink that from my overflow.</div>
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Now to some you may shake your head and think i've gone all bible belt and crazy, but this is truth and Godly wisdom i just had to share!</div>
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<br /></div>
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We don't have to live in a world where we fear if our children will love the Lord or if our children will listen to His ways. We can sew Godly seeds into the lives of the precious beings God has entrusted to our care. Children don't naturally bend toward wanting to serve, give their time, and listen to authority. No these are taught behaviors and it starts with a Model, which is us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Proverbs 29:8</div>
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Where there is no vision the people perish<br /><br /></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-80557767560599951322013-07-23T14:45:00.000-07:002013-07-23T14:45:04.539-07:00anger messes you upI get frustrated when certain things are out of my control.<br />
Often not just frustrated.<br />
Angry. I can get angry.<br />
<br />
Not the angry where i lash out at others. The angry where i grow bitter in my heart. I withdraw. I don't seek prayer. I tell God to screw it.<br />
<br />
Anger messes you up.<br />
<br />
I went to read my Bible but the verses were no help.<br />
So i went and spent some time in prayer after texting a good friend for some prayer.<br />
<br />
See.<br />
I was earthly focused.<br />
Me focused.<br />
My agenda focused.<br />
<br />
It takes work to stay mission minded.<br />
It takes work to stay focused on Things of God and of heaven.<br />
It takes work to keep my heart ready for the things of God.<br />
It takes work.<br />
<br />
If i'm unwilling to put in the minutes and hours of prayer to see God move in an area of my life then i really don't want God to move. I'm really just hoping God will move how i see fit. ugh.<br />
<br />
Praying big things for the 6pm service. Praying it's a channel of Creekside that people are saved and come to know a loving Father. Praying God uses Jason to preach boldly and to love people like he has never loved them before. Praying we stop having so many holes in the greeter team. Praying we don't have any holes in the children's wing anymore. Praying people will be open to the promptings to come to the 6pm and they would listen, they would jump in, and they would be on mission.<br />
<br />
i'm praying.<br />
<br />
#conviction<br />
<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-41654436263672455592013-06-20T09:15:00.001-07:002013-06-20T09:15:43.915-07:00Wake up heartI'm sensitive.<br />
You don't need to know that about me. It's personal. But whatever.<br />
<br />
Yesterday.<br />
Today.<br />
Both day i woke up with a feeling of Blah.<br />
I hate those days. And i've very sensitive to them.<br />
<br />
I hate when i feel nothing. Nada. Empty.<br />
<br />
But i've been following Jesus long enough to know that he doesn't operate on feelings. <i>He gave me feelings as indicators, not dictators (Thanks Lysa Terkurst).</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Jason's been gone all week 8-5 after a month of him home. We are gearing up for another 3 weeks of travel. My mind is racing fitting all the shopping trips into our budget when i have stepped back from working.<br />
<br />
Judah finished school and has seriously thrown me for a loop with his depressed state. Its made me cry on the phone to friends. When my kids feel; I feel. I can't help it. I adore them and want to help. I can't help the missing of school buddies. Well, i kinda can. Play date scheduled today.<br />
<br />
<i>Oh but my heart.</i><br />
I want to reach in and wake it up. I want that Joy, that presence i felt making the macaroni salad. I want it all the time. And nothing. Doesn't come. I'm in the word. I'm praying. Still. Nothing.<br />
<br />
Seasons of faith are weird.<br />
<i>They don't come like the weather. They aren't a pattern. They are unexpected. They are probably meant to be unexpected or we wouldn't feel at such a loss and rely all on Jesus' strength.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Anyone getting me this morning?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Enough blah!<br />
<br />
Off to start the day. Enjoying the moments good and bad. The lessons in-between the highs and lows of life. I'm still in the palm of the Fathers hand, and really, that's the only place i need to be.<br />
<br />
Happy Thursday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-6253894592932358552013-06-17T14:24:00.002-07:002013-06-17T14:24:17.010-07:00Jesus and macaroni SaladYesterday was Fathers day. My job was to bring a macaroni salad to Jason's family BBQ. The weekend prior was busy with some girlfriends on Camano Island and i hadn't made it yet come Saturday night. Jason lovingly went to the store to pick up all the ingredients for the salad, and i went to the kitchen to make the salad.<br />
<br />
As the kids were in bed and Jason was watching TV or reading or something in the other room, <i>i got a huge wave of the presence of Jesus.</i><br />
<br />
Maybe you think i've crazy and it's something you've never felt before. <i>But stick with me.</i><br />
<br />
You see. For weeks, maybe even a month i have felt <i>disconnected and at a lost</i>. Jason's sabbatical has taken us to different churches each week and it's been a struggle to stay connected to Jesus amidst the broken up sermon series. <i>It's been hard</i>.<br />
<br />
So to catch a wave of the presence of Jesus during macaroni salad making basically made my day. Better than anything that happened during the girls night away, better than the reunion of my husband, a quick wave of Jesus and i felt refreshed.<br />
<br />
In the 6 minutes it takes elbow macaroni to become al dente <i>Jesus came</i>.<br />
<i>He came like this:</i><br />
<br />
The <i>anxiety</i> that has been swirling around Jocelyn's attitude subsided. <i>God gave me clear instructions</i> to raise a young woman who had confidence in her decision making skills. And I got example after example of situations in the prior days where i could have done better. And <i>Jesus gave me clear direction on issues</i> i was to let Jocelyn take the lead in making decisions, and also ones i should keep battling.<br />
<i><b>It. Was. Amazing.</b></i><br />
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As i started mixing the ingredients i realized all the weight i had been feeling and all the mental battles i'd been trying to fix around how to handle this little 4 year old mini me, it was solved. Cooking macaroni solved my heart ache.<br />
<br />
Will there still be more moments where i feel disconnected to Jesus?<br />
<i>Yes</i><br />
Will there still be more times i make mistakes in parenting?<br />
<i>duh. of course.</i><br />
<br />
But serioulsy. No issue is to small or large to take to Jesus. He wants to do life with us. So refreshing so i thought i would share.<br />
<br />
Also. i have the best macaroni salad recipe. Ask and i will share it with you!Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-10267176389028789672013-06-05T21:52:00.001-07:002013-06-05T21:52:26.714-07:00End of school year. Schools out in a few weeks. This has been a year of tremendous growth for Judah. I wanted to get it all down and not forget.<br />
<br />
Dear Judah:<br />
<br />
In few weeks you'll be a second grader. Where did time go? I don't know. You were so confident when i dropped you off, sure that being away from me the entire day was no big deal at all. You were right, it was no big deal. Although you didn't "miss me" in the way most kids did, you did miss me. The daily trips to the nurses office for a band-aid or to just talk about what happened in kick ball. That was missing me. The time you smelled something funny at the lunch table and it made you throw up. You went to the office and asked the nice ladies to call your mom because "she'll understand". They called me, and you're right. I understood.<br />
<br />
You braved kickball everyday both recess with boys much taller and stronger than you. You were a part of the team. I'm proud of you for that. You came home everyday and only remembered the moves you made in kick ball and if you were on the grass team or the dirt team. It was awesome.<br />
<br />
Your teacher Mr. Kerani taught you chess. You got along so well with Mr. Kerani. He saw something very special in you and took time with you to get to know your eccentric ways. if you needed it quieter to think, he let you go to the hall to think. If you needed to stand at your desk and jump for a few minutes, he let you do that too. He listened to your stories of kick ball over and over. He e-mailed me about your successes. He boosted your self confidence in yourself and made you want to do better at writing and reading.<br />
<br />
Which your reading is taking off. You're into comics like your daddy is and you can't get enough of them. Daddy always said he learned to love to read by comics, and you're doing the same. You and daddy have that in common, a love of all things found in comic books. Your special world you share with him. How sweet.<br />
<br />
You never lost your kind tender heart. When someone called you stupid you told me it was ok, he was still your friend. You said mom, dont worry, he can still be a nice guy. I wanted to punch him to the ground, and you wanted to give him the hand up.<br />
<br />
You teach me and everyone around you about the kindness of Jesus in how you live your life at the age of 7. You're an amazing boy Judah Timothy and i'm so blessed to be your mom.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to spend the summer with you. Letting you sleep in. Letting you kick a ball in the neighbors yard then start a search party with the neighbor kids to find it. I can't wait. I wish the years would slow down but they aren't going to. i couldn't be more proud of the boy you're becoming. The kid that is everyones friend and always putting his hand out to help the next one up. You're incredible Judah.<br />
<br />
Love you bunches.<br />
mommaKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-36874841016056806822013-04-02T13:42:00.002-07:002013-04-02T13:42:26.294-07:00A YearA year ago we took a family trip to the Ocean the week before Easter. Easter is a busy time for our family. <i>We had been stressed out and needed some time away</i>. So away to Ocean shores we went to one of our favorite spots.<br />
<br />
On the drive there God impressed on my heart to have a conversation with Jason about me returning to work full time. A conversation i had been thinking about and talking with God about but didn't want to have it with my husband.<br />
<br />
You see, <i>i already knew God called me to go back to work full time</i>. And i knew jason would 100% support that call. But i personally, with every fiber in my being did NOT want to return to work full time. I wanted the opposite. I wanted to quit work.<br />
<br />
After wresting with God and coming to Jason frustrated at what God had asked me to do, we talked about it. Over the few days at the ocean <i>God gave me clarity and a peace.</i><br />
<br />
The first week of May i returned to work full time.<br />
<br />
This May marks 1 year of me deciding to do what God has called me to do, Against every fiber in my being. I dragged my feet and stubbornly went back to work full time. Working to pay off debt and be better stewards of our money. <i>Full well knowing God's best for me isn't always what i see.</i> And I trust the God who created me enough, to <i>put my stubborn shoes aside</i>, and do what he's asked me to do. So i did.<br />
<br />
This May, after 1 year of working full time. Not always happily. Not with a huge smile on my face. And not always with joy in my heart. <i>I will be done</i>. <i>May 10 marks my last day as a full time working mama. </i>I have taken a job at Evergreen (Same floor and same shift) as an "on-call" nurse. I am to only fulfill 2 shifts a month and i can choose the days. (Did i mention nursing is a great job?)<br />
<br />
This past year has brought frustration. I was involved in a situation at work for almost 8 months which was terrible and has left me feeling incredibly burnt out. Why i was part of this situation, only Jesus knows the answer to. It took an emotional toll on me as a nurse and an emotional toll on me as a Christian working in a non-Christian environment. The situation has since fizzled out but it's toll on me was great.<br />
<br />
I will not always understand the depths of why i went back to work full time or the possible (praying) impact it may have had on my co-workers whom i care for deeply. But i love the career of nursing. I love what i get to do. And the love for my job this past year was tested in the things i saw and the things i went through.<br />
<br />
So not only is my goal to be home more and spend more time with our family. Since lets face it, i've worked Jason's days off since we had kids, which will be 7 years. It's time for some consistent family time! But i have a goal in the next few years to find a spot of nursing which i love and to let that job guide me into my retirement.<br />
<br />
So i end by saying <i>Thank you to Jesus</i>. <i>Who's timing is always better than mine.</i> A year ago we didn't know Jason would have a sabbatical for 2 months starting the same week i cut back at work. Jesus knew. <i>He knew</i>. And for that i am deeply grateful and blessed beyond belief.<br />
<br />
<i>Jesus knew</i> the weariness would seep in. <i>He knew</i> how thick it would be. <i>He knew</i> my heart has been tender toward my children and the desire to be home. <i>He knew</i> my job would take me down roads and through situations i didn't want to go. Yes <i>he prepared</i> me and walked me through. And i couldn't have made a better ending to this year of full time than the one <i>He made for us.</i><br />
<br />
<i>God is faithful to take our desires and our dreams. Our wants and our "out of reaches" and hold them close till the perfect time and then release them.</i><br />
<br />
He is a Father. He desires to love us.<br />
I am so thankful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-74233812831288630312013-02-17T19:21:00.001-08:002013-02-17T19:21:11.340-08:00today was rough4 week of sickness is to long.<br />
4 weeks of coughs, sore throats, missed work, sleepless nights, and all that sickness entails.<br />
<br />
Today the urgent care opened at 8am.<br />
I took the kids there while Jason was at church. I didn't tell him until i was all checked in. It's his birthday. I didn't want him to worry about us.<br />
<br />
My fears were true. Judah has bronchitis. the 4 weeks of coughing had finally turned into an infection. Antibiotics for him.<br />
<br />
The dreaded "It's just a virus" was what i got for Jocelyn who has a new croupy cough but her ears and lungs checked out fine. The doubled edged sword, i'm glad she's ok but i know she will take the same course as Judah has so, a wasted copay is how i felt.<br />
<br />
A wasted copay from a mom who's only worked 4 days the entire month of February. A mom who doesn't run to the doctor every cold but trys to use my 4 visits i get a year wisely.<br />
Fail.<br />
At least i felt I had failed.<br />
<br />
Oh.<br />
And today is Sunday.<br />
A big day in this pastor family.<br />
A day i like to be present.<br />
A day i like to feel "On".<br />
To be at my best.<br />
<br />
Well. Today i needed to be a member. I couldn't really hear because of my ear and sinus infection (i'm not contagious, no worries!). I thought Andy's mic was off at first, i almost was going to motion to him i couldn't hear it.<br />
Oh yea, Kathy, It's you--your ears are still plugged 4 weeks later.<br />
<br />
So i worshiped.<br />
oh i worshiped.<br />
I needed to sing to Jesus.<br />
I needed to take my eyes off myself.<br />
<br />
I apologize for the missed conversations or the awkward glances i may have given because my eyes were teary or i couldn't hear. Lets be honest. I couldn't hardly think straight after i was up since 5am and doctors and pharmacies all before 9am.<br />
<br />
But church.<br />
I needed church.<br />
<br />
God Bless my fabulous mother who took my kids home so i could soak in God's presence.<br />
<br />
And his presence was thick.<br />
<br />
<b>So Kathy Remember this tomorrow when you wake to sick kids again for the uncountable number of days:</b><br />
You are loved.<br />
You are cherished.<br />
You are accountable to no one accept Jesus.<br />
You don't have to be "on".<br />
You don't have to smile when the creases in the corners of your mouth just can't seem to make their way upward.<br />
You don't have to feel like you let people down.<br />
Your first job is a daughter of Christ.<br />
Your second job is a wife & mother.<br />
You fulfilled those this past month, regardless of what your work attendance shows. You done well girl!<br />
<br />
Thanks Jesus.<br />
I needed the pep talk tonight.<br />
I'm missing my husband preaching at the service he just took over. Put a knife to my heart.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-10800246098392822342013-02-13T23:56:00.002-08:002013-02-13T23:58:09.239-08:00Valentines Day with JJJ<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have a lot of people i love but 3 particular ones whom i adore with all my heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jason.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My one and only Valentine whom has been by my side since i was 16. He is the love of my life. My best friend. My constant. The calm in my chaos. My retreat. My spiritual leader. My protector. My confidant. The best person to laugh uncontrollably with.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love you J.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Judah.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My 6 year old amazingly wonderful Valentine. You make my heart sing with your tender heart and love for others. You made me a mom and my heart will always be yours. You're a gem. You're a gift from God and we cherish all the moments we have here on this earth with you. You can drive us crazy with your pickyness but we wouldn't change you for anything. I love you</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jocelyn.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My joy. My beautiful girl. God knew i could only have 2 kids and he saw to give me a priceless princess like you. What a Joy! You make being home all day so much fun. You are laughter and joy to our home. You are bright. You are witty. You make jokes when no one thinks you are even paying attention. You have opinions and they are known. You are the perfect addition to our family. I love you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-k-</div>
</div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-18543020677717716742013-01-29T11:14:00.003-08:002013-01-29T11:14:56.705-08:00VoicesI battle my brain almost every day.<br />
Constant.<br />
The nagging voices are a constant reminder of my shortcomings, my to do lists, and my comparisons. Not every day to they take much time to retreat. Other days it's constant. <i>Especially in the silence.</i><br />
<br />
I don't hear voices. I don't have faces to the voices. But they are constant.<br />
<i>And i give them room to be heard.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I have control</i> but i continue to battle them in my mind.<br />
<br />
I have free time, so i sit. I grab my phone and listen to the voices. <i>Facebook. Twitter. Instagram.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I have a moment so i pick up a magazine and look around my house and suddenly feel inadequate at what i have made.<br />
<br />
See the problem really isn't the voices.<br />
It isn't facebook.<br />
Instagram.<br />
Twitter.<br />
<br />
The problem is me.<br />
<br />
Because i have control over what i put in my brain. I have control over my thoughts. The thoughts that come in and the thoughts i give light to. The fleeting thoughts of inadequacy can be just that, fleeting. Yet i give them light when i keep my mind on them. I keep my focus on me.<br />
<br />
So today i have pumped the worship music loud.<br />
I have sang at the top of my lungs.<br />
<br />
Because when i praise Jesus, <i>those thoughts aren't heard.</i><br />
<i>My shortcomings aren't short</i>.<br />
<i>My comparisons are void</i>.<br />
<br />
We were made to worship. And freedom from ourselves, comes in worship.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"In Christ Alone</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I place my Trust</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And find my Glory in the Power of the Cross</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>With Every Victory,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Let it be Said of me:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>My Source of Strength</u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>My source of Hope,</u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Is Christ Alone."</u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-22289932794265642912013-01-26T06:16:00.001-08:002013-01-26T06:16:17.483-08:00ProudSuper proud of my husband these past two weeks. My dad has been down with the flu and then pneumonia. He has been basically out of commission for the past 2 weeks. Jason has picked up a lot around the church office as well as the past Sundays 3 serivces and this coming Sunday he will be preaching as well. <br />
We are relaunching our church next week to and he's spent countless nights up working on the new website he is doing.<br />
<br />
Today (his day off) he's teaching a class to our church's community group leaders. Last night i asked him if maybe someone else could take this off his plate. He responded no, he loves to talk about groups.<br />
<br />
I love that Jason loves what he does. When times of stress and times of crazy schedules could take over our life and leave us very overwhelmed. He always is able to remember that he loves what he does and is blessed to serve this community at Creekside and help move the mission forward.<br />
<br />
It's all about our outlook! Stay postive. Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-62237613987567116202013-01-23T10:51:00.002-08:002013-01-23T10:51:58.712-08:00Unglued. This morning met me with a terribly overwhelming feeling.<br />
<i>I couldn't shake it</i>.<br />
I woke up at 7:30 and was met with Jason's phone <i>buzzing off the hook</i> with text messages and him on his ipad. I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat there like "an angry cat" as Jason so <i>lovingly</i> calls me in the morning.<br />
<br />
I stared at the papers all over that Judah brings home (<i>Needless papers i tell you, Needless!</i>), the coffee table piled high with everything that should either be in the sink, garbage, or the kids rooms. I stared at the laundry that was clean and dirty, MIXED and was now overflowing into my kitchen. My bathroom had scum i could SEE with clothes everywhere.<br />
<br />
OVERWHELMED<br />
<br />
Then It happend. I came unglued.<br />
<br />
See. I saw a box that was Jason's to take to recycling..on SUNDAY. It was sitting on the coffee table. Mind you, along with all of<i> my</i> things as well. <i>But that is not the point here. </i><br />
<br />
So i said "Jason, please take this before you leave to the recycling". He said ok and put it by the front door.<br />
<br />
The same front door i watched him open, say goodbye, and forget THE BOX! Yes, he FORGOT THE BOX.<br />
<br />
In my head i went a little cray cray and a little "Oh no He DiDnT!" on him.<br />
<br />
I promptly (<i>Lord forgive me for my actions that were to quick to stop</i>) opened the front door, look to make sure Jason would see what i was about to do (<i>oh yes, i did</i>) then took my right foot, lined the box up perfectly as if i was about to shoot a goal with a soccer ball and BAM! Kicked the box from the front door, missing the porch entirely (<i>thank you very much!)</i>, and landing perfectly where he could see it on the sidewalk.<br />
<br />
Then i slammed the door.<br />
<br />
Goodbye sweetie. Your wife just came totally unglued.<br />
<br />
You can laugh. I am now laughing. Can't wait to start the Unglued community group. So lets hear it! When is your most funny unglued moment?<br />
<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586640001675436410.post-33818549721517707382012-10-22T17:08:00.004-07:002012-10-22T17:15:57.318-07:00Bloom Where You're Planted<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JER.29.4" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JER.29.4" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JER.29.4" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">J</span><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">eremiah 29:4-7</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JER.29.4" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">4</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JER.29.4" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This is what the L</span><span class="sc" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-variant: small-caps; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">ord</span></span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JER.29.5" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">5</span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.</span></span><span class="verse v6 selected" data-usfm="JER.29.6" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">6</span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JER.29.7" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">7</span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the L</span><span class="sc" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-variant: small-caps; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">ord</span></span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JER.29.7" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JER.29.7" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This is a verse where Jeremiah is writing to the captives in Babylon. He's telling them to move ahead with their lives even though they are in captivity. He's telling them that life can not grind to a hault, even in distressing situations, and unpleasant times, you must keep moving forward.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JER.29.7" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JER.29.7" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This week i've encountered a lot of troubled people, especially others in ministry. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JER.29.7" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>People feeling empty.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JER.29.7" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>Dry.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><i>Without Hope.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><i>Lost trying to reach lost.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><i>Distressed.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><i>Burdened.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><i>Done.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><i>Just Done.</i></span></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">Bloom: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">flourishing,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: pointer;">healthy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">condition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333;">the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333;">time</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333;">or</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333;">period</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333;">of </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">greatest</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">beauty,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">artistry,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">etc</span></span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Wouldn't it be great, no matter where you are in life, you could bloom? You could be at your healthiest physically, mentally, and spiritually. It would be looked back as your greatest time of beauty?</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I know i struggle with this. This isnt' a call to not have struggles and to love the pit of mud you are shoulder deep into.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">But it is a call to change your perspective on the way you view this life.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Just like Jeremiah called out to the captives who didn't know how long they would be in captivity to plant, to grow their family, to seek peace and prosperity of their city and to blossom. So God is calling you.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">In your <i>deepest</i> moment of despair.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">In your overwhelming job.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">In your laundry pile that will be back tomorrow.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">In your 3 kids all crying at the same time.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">In your husband that you feel disconnected to.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">In your church where you're sick of serving.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">In your friendships that seem a one way street.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i>God is calling you.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i>Bloom.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i>Be beautiful.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i>Be of greatest beauty.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i>When their is no hope, be the hope Christ has planted in you. </i></span></span></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18088743879382535786noreply@blogger.com0