Sunday, April 29, 2012
A MOMENT FOR GOD
Almost two years ago, I vividly remember a walk I took in God's creation. It was one of those times when I couldn’t help but pick every new flower and admire each unique feature and vibrant color. Each blossom was so completely different; yet they all worked together to finish a live portrait of extravagant beauty.
As I strolled along, I remember spotting a small cluster of dandelion puffs by the road to my left. I was intrigued to pick one up and study it, too. As soon as I plucked it, I was hit with a memorable image. With this small, seed-loaded dandelion in my hand, I realized I had an option...to use my breath to help scatter its seeds or let the wind carry them to wherever they were destined to land. Do you see the spiritual lesson we can glean from this?
There are opportunities each day along the road of life to help God reach every one of His beloved children. We can choose to take the time to nurture that person whose life has crossed our path, or we can walk on by...leaving God to work through another vessel.
What moments are we all missing by keeping our heads down, busied in our days? I can recall so many times when I began my day asking the Lord to use me to touch someone else’s life. Each time, He faithfully answered those prayers. Along with those windows of opportunity, I was also presented the choice to step out and act on them or continue along on my own way.
Isn't life too short to pass by the seed puffs planted along your life’s path? And aren’t people’s lives too important to ignore the opportunity to reach out with kind eyes, an encouraging word, and a sweet smile?
Dandelions can be an absolute nuisance. You know, many people see the Gospel as a dandelion in their yards...Jesus continues to cross their paths, springing up in the most unlikely places. And though He is a true gentleman, never forcing His way into someone’s heart, He will not give up. It's true; we can pluck Him from the front yard, but somehow He'll surface in the back! Christ is the loving Savior who seeks to be welcomed and planted in our lives.
Today, I’m asking you to consider dandelions from another angle. Allow them to be a reminder of God's awesome plan for the redemption of His creation. We are each called to carry forth the love and light of Jesus, spreading His gospel to the farthest reaches of this world.
I encourage you to take a small step of faith today. Make a commitment to yourself that the next time you see a dandelion puff along your path, you’ll pick it, pray for God to use you to carry His love into this lost world, then blow the dandelion’s seeds into the air. Follow them as they ride the wind and envision each seed as a life you can touch.
You’ll most likely notice joy bursting from your heart and a perma-grin beaming from your face…
Smiling a Little Wider,
Katie Marie
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
PENNIES...
My beloved friend,
Today, I pose an elementary question to you...what is the face value of a penny? It is quite simple: one single cent. But what is the redemptive value of a penny to you? Do you keep a close eye on the pennies in your pockets, purse, or wallet? What about when you spot a lonely cent on the ground; is it worth your time and energy to interrupt your day, bend over, and pick it up? And if you do hold onto that coin, do you ever get around to depositing or redeeming it?
Chances are, even if you rescue that penny from the pavement, its next home will not likely be in your bank account or a merchant's cash register. Sadly, it will probably fall again to rest between the cracks of your car seat or sofa along with gum wrappers, dust bunnies, and stale cheetos.
It's just a simple fact of life: a penny isn't very valuable. Have you ever wondered why we have such insignificant little things? After all, it takes 100 of these copper coins to become a dollar. Even a dollar doesn't hold much esteem these days. How much less is assigned to a single cent? To build up to a dollar amount that is even somewhat significant, it takes tens of thousands of those little coins.
To collect such a staggering amount by happenstance would be far too time consuming and exhaustive. There are many more productive and meaningful tasks we can all partake in. Loose change is all around us scattered about the planet. When redeemed, it does have value, but is it equal to the energy spent holding onto it? And so, I ask you the question: pick up the penny or pass it by?
We humans could very easily imagine ourselves being seen by our Creator as millions of pennies scattered upon the earth. Even the Bible says that apart from God we are worthless, expendable, fragile, and ill productive. And yet, with Him, we are more than conquerors, infinitely valuable, and able to do all things! Almighty God takes it even a step further – because of His boundless love and passion to be near us, He has chosen to make home right within our hearts. Considering this, we little pennies must hold far more value than we see in each other and ourselves.
Today you may feel like a penny strewn upon the worn pavement of life, completely overlooked by passers by or even by God Himself. Does it almost seem as though people peer down and spot you in your condition, but they lack the impetus necessary to reach down and pick you up? No matter - you have infinite value in the eyes of your Creator. Though it is possible to feel cast away by another person, it is IMPOSSIBLE to be discarded by your Heavenly Father. You are more than worth the effort and sacrifice needed to be rescued and redeemed. Each of us must come to truly grasp and continue to call upon this truth, regardless of what our eyes or emotions are telling us. That condemning voice within is always looking for opportunities to deceive and mislead our interpretations of situations. We, however, can choose not to believe the lies...
A penny may be just a single cent, but you, a fragile, created, and purposed being, are worth far more than you can fathom. You’re worth the sacrifice of another’s life. I speak not just of any life that was given to redeem you, but the very life of the one and only perfect Son of God!
Jesus stepped down from Glory because you caught His eye right where you were on the ground, and He found you lovely! Christ Jesus lowered Himself, lifted you up, and redeemed you eternally. No matter the face value you imagine when you see your reflection, you are a priceless treasure in the nail-scarred hands of your Savior; the crown of God’s creation.
So pick up the penny or pass it by? The very next time I find one, in remembrance of God's perspective concerning my eternal value, I think I might just bend down, pick up that lonely little penny, and deposit it straight into the bank...
TREASURED,
Katie Marie <3
Today, I pose an elementary question to you...what is the face value of a penny? It is quite simple: one single cent. But what is the redemptive value of a penny to you? Do you keep a close eye on the pennies in your pockets, purse, or wallet? What about when you spot a lonely cent on the ground; is it worth your time and energy to interrupt your day, bend over, and pick it up? And if you do hold onto that coin, do you ever get around to depositing or redeeming it?
Chances are, even if you rescue that penny from the pavement, its next home will not likely be in your bank account or a merchant's cash register. Sadly, it will probably fall again to rest between the cracks of your car seat or sofa along with gum wrappers, dust bunnies, and stale cheetos.
It's just a simple fact of life: a penny isn't very valuable. Have you ever wondered why we have such insignificant little things? After all, it takes 100 of these copper coins to become a dollar. Even a dollar doesn't hold much esteem these days. How much less is assigned to a single cent? To build up to a dollar amount that is even somewhat significant, it takes tens of thousands of those little coins.
To collect such a staggering amount by happenstance would be far too time consuming and exhaustive. There are many more productive and meaningful tasks we can all partake in. Loose change is all around us scattered about the planet. When redeemed, it does have value, but is it equal to the energy spent holding onto it? And so, I ask you the question: pick up the penny or pass it by?
We humans could very easily imagine ourselves being seen by our Creator as millions of pennies scattered upon the earth. Even the Bible says that apart from God we are worthless, expendable, fragile, and ill productive. And yet, with Him, we are more than conquerors, infinitely valuable, and able to do all things! Almighty God takes it even a step further – because of His boundless love and passion to be near us, He has chosen to make home right within our hearts. Considering this, we little pennies must hold far more value than we see in each other and ourselves.
Today you may feel like a penny strewn upon the worn pavement of life, completely overlooked by passers by or even by God Himself. Does it almost seem as though people peer down and spot you in your condition, but they lack the impetus necessary to reach down and pick you up? No matter - you have infinite value in the eyes of your Creator. Though it is possible to feel cast away by another person, it is IMPOSSIBLE to be discarded by your Heavenly Father. You are more than worth the effort and sacrifice needed to be rescued and redeemed. Each of us must come to truly grasp and continue to call upon this truth, regardless of what our eyes or emotions are telling us. That condemning voice within is always looking for opportunities to deceive and mislead our interpretations of situations. We, however, can choose not to believe the lies...
A penny may be just a single cent, but you, a fragile, created, and purposed being, are worth far more than you can fathom. You’re worth the sacrifice of another’s life. I speak not just of any life that was given to redeem you, but the very life of the one and only perfect Son of God!
Jesus stepped down from Glory because you caught His eye right where you were on the ground, and He found you lovely! Christ Jesus lowered Himself, lifted you up, and redeemed you eternally. No matter the face value you imagine when you see your reflection, you are a priceless treasure in the nail-scarred hands of your Savior; the crown of God’s creation.
So pick up the penny or pass it by? The very next time I find one, in remembrance of God's perspective concerning my eternal value, I think I might just bend down, pick up that lonely little penny, and deposit it straight into the bank...
TREASURED,
Katie Marie <3
Sunday, April 15, 2012
MY BLESSING...KEEP REACHING!!!
Hello my faithful friends,
I just wanted to let you in on my blessed weekend. I had the unforgettable gift of spending 3.5 days in the rolling hills of Kentucky near Cumberland Falls with some of the most beautiful, Jesus-loving women I have ever encountered.
What a blessing it was to raise my hands in worship with my new sisters in Chrit and watch as the Almighty God of the universe Himself grabbed hold of each of their hearts in the most loving and personal ways...witnessing Him move and reveal Himself over and over again was indescribable.
To each of you priceless ladies who attended our KEEP REACHING Women's Retreat, you have found and will forever hold such a special place in my big ol heart...thank you for celebrating the King with me, laughing in the silly moments, embracing my exuberance for Jesus, and even holding me up as I led you in worship standing on random chairs in stiletto heels!!! :)
My girls, until we meet again either upon this earth or in glorious eternity, continue REACHING and running with hope and intention...remembering who you are, WHOSE you are, and just how beautifully He sees you. He is actively pursuing you and longs for a moment by moment love walk with you!
And if you should ever need a lil giggle, just ponder my gloriously unforgettable horse cantering story, all of our random awesomeness, and maybe even give a lil Kung fu kick or two for Jesus :)
I love you all beyond words!!!
Katie Marie
I just wanted to let you in on my blessed weekend. I had the unforgettable gift of spending 3.5 days in the rolling hills of Kentucky near Cumberland Falls with some of the most beautiful, Jesus-loving women I have ever encountered.
What a blessing it was to raise my hands in worship with my new sisters in Chrit and watch as the Almighty God of the universe Himself grabbed hold of each of their hearts in the most loving and personal ways...witnessing Him move and reveal Himself over and over again was indescribable.
To each of you priceless ladies who attended our KEEP REACHING Women's Retreat, you have found and will forever hold such a special place in my big ol heart...thank you for celebrating the King with me, laughing in the silly moments, embracing my exuberance for Jesus, and even holding me up as I led you in worship standing on random chairs in stiletto heels!!! :)
My girls, until we meet again either upon this earth or in glorious eternity, continue REACHING and running with hope and intention...remembering who you are, WHOSE you are, and just how beautifully He sees you. He is actively pursuing you and longs for a moment by moment love walk with you!
And if you should ever need a lil giggle, just ponder my gloriously unforgettable horse cantering story, all of our random awesomeness, and maybe even give a lil Kung fu kick or two for Jesus :)
I love you all beyond words!!!
Katie Marie
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