Happy day to you!
Have you ever read a verse from the Bible and been shocked to realize it was the first time you’d ever seen it? Have you been more astounded that you don’t recall ever hearing it? This one hit me today:
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Cor 5:20
Wow…if I could sum up my own interpretation, it would be: “Meet Him…then LIVE Him.” As I was thinking about this short, power-packed phrase, I really realized a mistake we Christians often make. Sometimes we’re so caught up in speaking out about Jesus that we forget to take some time and investigate the atmosphere we’re putting out in the world. Is the message we’re sharing evident and visible to a complete stranger brushing by? If our words were taken away, do our lives still convey His powerful gift?
We are clearly called and required to share Christ’s gift of salvation with everyone we cross paths with. But, if we are just talking a lot without evidence of His real love, grace, freedom, and power in our own lives, what are we? A resounding gong, it seems. We’re just another voice in the crowd, talking a “good game.”
This world is full of talkers…people who speak just because they enjoy hearing themselves. I do NOT want to be one of those people. Who on earth wants the life we have in Jesus if all they hear is talk and never actually experience Christ through us? I don’t want to be just a chattering noise for Christ, void of real life and joy.
Jesus said, “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 (Message) Who wouldn’t want that? IT’S AWESOME!
It blows my mind, but this is the life we are freely given to live out and to offer others. Let us not just talk a “good game,” but as Ambassadors for Christ, let’s each take some time to review our relationship with Him. As essential as it is to speak of our Mighty God’s Salvation, it’s just as important to stop and investigate the atmosphere we are cultivating in our circles of influence.
So how do we do this? How do we powerfully radiate Christ’s love, compassion, freedom, power, and grace? We seek HIM, first and foremost above all else. We search Him with all our hearts, we set our minds and thoughts on what He thinks about every single situation, and we simply love on Him.
It seems simple, but I believe when we do this, all else falls into place. God rewards us for our hearts turned in His direction and He responds by opening His floodgates. He sprinkles our Divine conversations and interactions with His anointing and POWERFUL things happen…lives are changed eternally.
Suddenly, we experience a deep joy bubbling from deep within our cores and we can’t get our minds off Christ. In turn, we can’t seem to do enough to show others how much He loves them, too. We even catch glimpses of Jesus as we pass our own reflections and smile thinking, “Wow, there’s Jesus in me…”
That sounds pretty powerful, don’t you think? “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
Experience…investigate…then radiate.
In Christ’s AWESOME love,
Katie Marie :)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
HANDS
"Your hands made me and formed me..." Psalm 119:73
Hi awesome friends,
As I was reading through Scripture this morning, I caught a glance at this verse. My eye was drawn to a tiny note I had penned next to it almost a year ago. Simply put, I had written, "You did not speak me, You touched me..." I'd like to expound on this for you today.
God explains in this portion of His love letter that His heavenly hands made us and formed us...WOW. Do you realize what he could have done? This is the God of the Universe - He could have simply breathed, spoken, struck a random rock upon a mountain, or coughed to create us, for that matter. He could have chosen any means He wanted, but none of those were good enough for our Heavenly Father. No, out of His great love, He longed to touch us with His own hands...to mold and form us from absolutely nothing into who we see reflecting back in the mirror each morning. Considering these things, doesn't this verse just drip with God's love and sweet adoration?
"Your hands made me and formed me..." Psalm 119:73
Now, not only did God take the time to knit and form us each with His hands (Psalm 139:5, 13), He also reminds us of His method for our creation over and over in the Bible. Why? So we would know just how prized, beloved, and treasured we are in His sight. We are His blessed children...the crown of His creation.
You, my friend, have been touched by the very hand of God. I speak of the One and only God who knows the exact number of hairs on your head this moment, precisely how many millimeters your fingernails have grown over the last 6.5 hours, and is keenly aware of all details surrounding your precious life.
Take a moment to stop and look down at your physical self. Each extremity and part you see, even the intricate systems you don't, have been lovingly touched and formed by the hand of Almighty God. He loves you, so much so, that He wouldn't settle for a second-rate means to create you. It wasn't enough to speak you into being; He wanted to touch you...to be involved in every single step and detail of your formation. Wow, what great love and undivided attention has been poured into each and every cell of your body! Will you recognize this today? And with a heart of thanks, will you lift your praise to Him who formed you?
When God created you, He touched you. This is still His desire...to be an invaluable part of your existence; your day-to-day everyday. There is no detail too small, no issue too huge for God's attention and care. After all, He is already present in the midst just waiting for You to let Him in. He wants you to share all of your life with Him.
God is the ONE faithful Father who is always there, intensely gazing, carefully listening, and deeply longing to share this life with you. His hands are the beautiful instruments that molded and formed you. Let Him touch you again today...
In His Great Love,
Katie Marie
Hi awesome friends,
As I was reading through Scripture this morning, I caught a glance at this verse. My eye was drawn to a tiny note I had penned next to it almost a year ago. Simply put, I had written, "You did not speak me, You touched me..." I'd like to expound on this for you today.
God explains in this portion of His love letter that His heavenly hands made us and formed us...WOW. Do you realize what he could have done? This is the God of the Universe - He could have simply breathed, spoken, struck a random rock upon a mountain, or coughed to create us, for that matter. He could have chosen any means He wanted, but none of those were good enough for our Heavenly Father. No, out of His great love, He longed to touch us with His own hands...to mold and form us from absolutely nothing into who we see reflecting back in the mirror each morning. Considering these things, doesn't this verse just drip with God's love and sweet adoration?
"Your hands made me and formed me..." Psalm 119:73
Now, not only did God take the time to knit and form us each with His hands (Psalm 139:5, 13), He also reminds us of His method for our creation over and over in the Bible. Why? So we would know just how prized, beloved, and treasured we are in His sight. We are His blessed children...the crown of His creation.
You, my friend, have been touched by the very hand of God. I speak of the One and only God who knows the exact number of hairs on your head this moment, precisely how many millimeters your fingernails have grown over the last 6.5 hours, and is keenly aware of all details surrounding your precious life.
Take a moment to stop and look down at your physical self. Each extremity and part you see, even the intricate systems you don't, have been lovingly touched and formed by the hand of Almighty God. He loves you, so much so, that He wouldn't settle for a second-rate means to create you. It wasn't enough to speak you into being; He wanted to touch you...to be involved in every single step and detail of your formation. Wow, what great love and undivided attention has been poured into each and every cell of your body! Will you recognize this today? And with a heart of thanks, will you lift your praise to Him who formed you?
When God created you, He touched you. This is still His desire...to be an invaluable part of your existence; your day-to-day everyday. There is no detail too small, no issue too huge for God's attention and care. After all, He is already present in the midst just waiting for You to let Him in. He wants you to share all of your life with Him.
God is the ONE faithful Father who is always there, intensely gazing, carefully listening, and deeply longing to share this life with you. His hands are the beautiful instruments that molded and formed you. Let Him touch you again today...
In His Great Love,
Katie Marie
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
COME AWAY
Hi, precious people!
I just want to share a cool little moment and insight I had this morning. Today I ducked away with God to the end of a very special private pier extending into Lake Michigan’s waters. At its concrete and metal edge stands a lone light pole with white power-pox attached. In the night, it brightly shines its red beacon to welcome boaters and announce the pier’s presence...hmmm - much like God, don't ya think?
This is the scene where I absolutely love to be, with arms wrapped tightly around this thin pole, perched atop its little power-source. This my beloved “Jesus Spot.” It’s the place I love most in this whole world to sit and hang out with my Savior King. Through countless seasons and years, God has faithfully met with me here. I’ve never once been “stood up” for one of our dates, though many times I was long, long overdue for our rendezvous. I guess that’s why He’s God and I am not ☺
As we sat there this mild, sun-soaked morning, my Creator wrapped me up in Divine comfort and drenched me in His unmistakable love. I couldn’t help but close my eyes, as I always do, to take in the gentle noise of the waters lapping as they hugged around the massive pier’s head. I looked out upon the open waters splayed out before me, watching the sunlight dance upon the rolling waves and knew I was being delighted in my Father in Heaven. The chilly winds of late fall nipped away at my cheeks, but I didn’t mind…I was warm everywhere else.
There I was, so fulfilled and enveloped in love, yet I found myself still desiring something more from God. I wanted hear His sweet voice echoing back at me…I wanted to know what was He was planning to unfold for my day, week, year, and life. I thought I needed Him to tell me what was on His mind for me for that moment...I did. Though His words came out differently than I expected to hear, He whispered forth the phrases I needed to hear most.
As my eyes followed the waters being pulled along by the channel’s current, God suddenly spoke so tenderly: “Come away with Me…don’t think about another thing, don’t take another step today; just come away with Me.” I clung tightly there to that trusty light pole and, yet again, released all of my designs and plans. I unraveled every strand of my tight-knit will for the umpteenth time.
Though sometimes, God reveals His plans and steps to me, today He wanted me to simply sit…to come away with Him. He wanted me to search out our own little nook in the world, away from the clutches of life, free from the tick-tock of time, and just sit in His loving arms. My Heavenly Father wanted to take me away to that special place…His embrace. That’s it.
This point is simple, but God sometimes is simple. He’s incomparably creative, complex, and mysterious, but every once in a while He strips all of that away to get down to the bare bones of it all:
He just wants you…
He just wants me…
He just wants us…
To come away.
Cozy up in your favorite blankie and oversized chair; sprawl out on your back and gaze upon the illuminated numbered and named stars; hike to your favorite overlook; bury your toes deep into your favorite beachy sands; grab the keys and take that one special drive only you and God know about. Whatever you do, wherever you go, whenever you can, carve the time out and get away with God.
Then close your eyes to hear Him gently calling out to you much like He did to me today: “Come away with Me; don’t think about another thing, don’t take another step…just come away with Me.”
I just want to share a cool little moment and insight I had this morning. Today I ducked away with God to the end of a very special private pier extending into Lake Michigan’s waters. At its concrete and metal edge stands a lone light pole with white power-pox attached. In the night, it brightly shines its red beacon to welcome boaters and announce the pier’s presence...hmmm - much like God, don't ya think?
This is the scene where I absolutely love to be, with arms wrapped tightly around this thin pole, perched atop its little power-source. This my beloved “Jesus Spot.” It’s the place I love most in this whole world to sit and hang out with my Savior King. Through countless seasons and years, God has faithfully met with me here. I’ve never once been “stood up” for one of our dates, though many times I was long, long overdue for our rendezvous. I guess that’s why He’s God and I am not ☺
As we sat there this mild, sun-soaked morning, my Creator wrapped me up in Divine comfort and drenched me in His unmistakable love. I couldn’t help but close my eyes, as I always do, to take in the gentle noise of the waters lapping as they hugged around the massive pier’s head. I looked out upon the open waters splayed out before me, watching the sunlight dance upon the rolling waves and knew I was being delighted in my Father in Heaven. The chilly winds of late fall nipped away at my cheeks, but I didn’t mind…I was warm everywhere else.
There I was, so fulfilled and enveloped in love, yet I found myself still desiring something more from God. I wanted hear His sweet voice echoing back at me…I wanted to know what was He was planning to unfold for my day, week, year, and life. I thought I needed Him to tell me what was on His mind for me for that moment...I did. Though His words came out differently than I expected to hear, He whispered forth the phrases I needed to hear most.
As my eyes followed the waters being pulled along by the channel’s current, God suddenly spoke so tenderly: “Come away with Me…don’t think about another thing, don’t take another step today; just come away with Me.” I clung tightly there to that trusty light pole and, yet again, released all of my designs and plans. I unraveled every strand of my tight-knit will for the umpteenth time.
Though sometimes, God reveals His plans and steps to me, today He wanted me to simply sit…to come away with Him. He wanted me to search out our own little nook in the world, away from the clutches of life, free from the tick-tock of time, and just sit in His loving arms. My Heavenly Father wanted to take me away to that special place…His embrace. That’s it.
This point is simple, but God sometimes is simple. He’s incomparably creative, complex, and mysterious, but every once in a while He strips all of that away to get down to the bare bones of it all:
He just wants you…
He just wants me…
He just wants us…
To come away.
Cozy up in your favorite blankie and oversized chair; sprawl out on your back and gaze upon the illuminated numbered and named stars; hike to your favorite overlook; bury your toes deep into your favorite beachy sands; grab the keys and take that one special drive only you and God know about. Whatever you do, wherever you go, whenever you can, carve the time out and get away with God.
Then close your eyes to hear Him gently calling out to you much like He did to me today: “Come away with Me; don’t think about another thing, don’t take another step…just come away with Me.”
Friday, November 5, 2010
WALLS OF WATER
Hi everybody!
I wanted to post an excerpt from the devotional I wrote this morning...I keep thinking I'm done with the content of my book, but then God decides to download more!!! What can I do? I'm just His lil typist...hope you enjoy!
Excerpt from "Walls of Water"
Looking at my life and the lives of those around me, I have come to conclude it is rare that we are completely satisfied with our place in life. Much like the Israelites, we have each been redeemed, justified, protected, and delivered; yet it is not enough.
Some of you are free from your oppressors, but today you awakened to realize God has led you into the desert. This arid climate you find yourself in can be an uncomfortable place…wildly vacillating temperatures and conditions leave you questioning your resilience and ability to endure. Food can seem scarce…spiritual, emotional, and even physical sustenance can be hard to come by day-to-day.
You may seem to have no sense of direction or plan for escape. Which way is north? South? East? West? Is there a purpose and plan in all of this? There must be…there IS.
If the Lord of all Creation is your God, He has chosen you…set you apart, and placed you exactly where you are today. He wants you right where He has you and though we may not understand why, we have to trust and KNOW that He does understand why.
There are so many awesome lessons and insights we could glean from those faithful saints who have walked the paths of faith and trust before us. There are countless generations who have put their every decision and moment into the hands of God and allowed Him to lead…wherever, however, and whenever He decided.
We cannot get caught up in the discomforts of our current roads and climates so we become distracted and impatient. It breaks my heart to read the countless stories of the Israelites in their desert times…how time and time again, God rescued and provided for them…how He led them faithfully and loved them despite themselves.
“He divided the sea and led them through; He made the water stand firm like a wall. He guided them with the cloud by day and with the light from the fire all night. He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas; He brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers.” Psalm 78:13-16
More to come, my friends...thank you for staying with me on this journey we call LIFE!!!
In His AWESOME Love,
Katie MArie
I wanted to post an excerpt from the devotional I wrote this morning...I keep thinking I'm done with the content of my book, but then God decides to download more!!! What can I do? I'm just His lil typist...hope you enjoy!
Excerpt from "Walls of Water"
Looking at my life and the lives of those around me, I have come to conclude it is rare that we are completely satisfied with our place in life. Much like the Israelites, we have each been redeemed, justified, protected, and delivered; yet it is not enough.
Some of you are free from your oppressors, but today you awakened to realize God has led you into the desert. This arid climate you find yourself in can be an uncomfortable place…wildly vacillating temperatures and conditions leave you questioning your resilience and ability to endure. Food can seem scarce…spiritual, emotional, and even physical sustenance can be hard to come by day-to-day.
You may seem to have no sense of direction or plan for escape. Which way is north? South? East? West? Is there a purpose and plan in all of this? There must be…there IS.
If the Lord of all Creation is your God, He has chosen you…set you apart, and placed you exactly where you are today. He wants you right where He has you and though we may not understand why, we have to trust and KNOW that He does understand why.
There are so many awesome lessons and insights we could glean from those faithful saints who have walked the paths of faith and trust before us. There are countless generations who have put their every decision and moment into the hands of God and allowed Him to lead…wherever, however, and whenever He decided.
We cannot get caught up in the discomforts of our current roads and climates so we become distracted and impatient. It breaks my heart to read the countless stories of the Israelites in their desert times…how time and time again, God rescued and provided for them…how He led them faithfully and loved them despite themselves.
“He divided the sea and led them through; He made the water stand firm like a wall. He guided them with the cloud by day and with the light from the fire all night. He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas; He brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers.” Psalm 78:13-16
More to come, my friends...thank you for staying with me on this journey we call LIFE!!!
In His AWESOME Love,
Katie MArie
Friday, October 22, 2010
PICTURE PERFECT
Hi Beautiful People,
Today, atop my balcony, I happened to look upon a young woman sitting at a picnic table next to the water. She was apparently out for a stroll with her dog and stopped for a moment to take in the view. As I saw her, she was in the process of snapping her own picture in her camera. With camera turned around to face her, she captured her image. She quickly turned it back around and viewed what she had just taken. As she hit a few more buttons and rearranged her hair, it was evident she wasn’t satisfied with what she had seen.
Taking a look behind her to be sure her background was perfect, she pulled her hair around to her front and primped a few more things. She re-took the photo and apparently approved of it enough to stand up from her table and walk away from the scene, puppy trailing behind.
We have all taken our own picture and have seen it done by others many times. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this…God just allowed me to catch this brief moment to hear His heart today; to latch onto a simple truth in a whole new way.
It was as this young woman was adjusting her hair, making sure everything was as perfect as possible, that it hit me…we are not satisfied with how God sees us.
So many of us are living our lives as if we are trying to create the perfect picture of ourselves to capture the moment so we can take the image back to God. “See, Lord? It was a beautiful day and look how pretty I can be…are You happy with me? Do you like what You see? Do you now love me more than You did before? Am I worthy of You now?"
Most times, this analyzing spills right over to affect the people in our lives. These questions can begin to contaminate every area surrounding…
Life is not a still-frame photo and we are not images that can be airbrushed, quaffed, or adjusted with our own secret tweaks. We are all broken people and we are all dealing with our own imperfections. No one can see these human flaws more than the One who made every single part of us. We need the Lord’s truth to shine upon us to cleanse, perfect, and transform us. We cannot be changed apart from Him…
“For we [Christians]…worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances—“ Philippians 3:3 (AMP)
Today, let us not strive to take our own “perfect” picture for God. Let us not torque our placement around to find the perfect background setup. Let us not delete the picture of who we are in this moment in order to try to hide what we see. This day is not the “end all, be all” of our story, but it is where we are today. Realizing this, we can then turn and run with all our might into the loving, faithful arms of Christ just as we are. We can bring our cameras loaded with “perfect” images trying to impress our Heavenly Daddy, but this is not what He wants. The truth of the matter is, Our Almighty Father sees us at all times, in all scenarios, whether hair is awry or every piece is exactly in place. He sees us in every way and HE STILL LOVES US.
This God we love and know as Abba, Father, is already proud of us, abounding with love, and delighted over each of His children. He doesn’t want us to airbrush our images or freeze-frame our “got it together” moments and bring them to Him for approval.
Erase the pictures you’ve snapped and saved with Perfection’s eye in mind and just bring yourself - camera still in hand to your loving Creator today. He wants to capture the truly perfect picture of Him just holding you…
In His PERFECT Love,
Katie Marie
Today, atop my balcony, I happened to look upon a young woman sitting at a picnic table next to the water. She was apparently out for a stroll with her dog and stopped for a moment to take in the view. As I saw her, she was in the process of snapping her own picture in her camera. With camera turned around to face her, she captured her image. She quickly turned it back around and viewed what she had just taken. As she hit a few more buttons and rearranged her hair, it was evident she wasn’t satisfied with what she had seen.
Taking a look behind her to be sure her background was perfect, she pulled her hair around to her front and primped a few more things. She re-took the photo and apparently approved of it enough to stand up from her table and walk away from the scene, puppy trailing behind.
We have all taken our own picture and have seen it done by others many times. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this…God just allowed me to catch this brief moment to hear His heart today; to latch onto a simple truth in a whole new way.
It was as this young woman was adjusting her hair, making sure everything was as perfect as possible, that it hit me…we are not satisfied with how God sees us.
So many of us are living our lives as if we are trying to create the perfect picture of ourselves to capture the moment so we can take the image back to God. “See, Lord? It was a beautiful day and look how pretty I can be…are You happy with me? Do you like what You see? Do you now love me more than You did before? Am I worthy of You now?"
Most times, this analyzing spills right over to affect the people in our lives. These questions can begin to contaminate every area surrounding…
Life is not a still-frame photo and we are not images that can be airbrushed, quaffed, or adjusted with our own secret tweaks. We are all broken people and we are all dealing with our own imperfections. No one can see these human flaws more than the One who made every single part of us. We need the Lord’s truth to shine upon us to cleanse, perfect, and transform us. We cannot be changed apart from Him…
“For we [Christians]…worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances—“ Philippians 3:3 (AMP)
Today, let us not strive to take our own “perfect” picture for God. Let us not torque our placement around to find the perfect background setup. Let us not delete the picture of who we are in this moment in order to try to hide what we see. This day is not the “end all, be all” of our story, but it is where we are today. Realizing this, we can then turn and run with all our might into the loving, faithful arms of Christ just as we are. We can bring our cameras loaded with “perfect” images trying to impress our Heavenly Daddy, but this is not what He wants. The truth of the matter is, Our Almighty Father sees us at all times, in all scenarios, whether hair is awry or every piece is exactly in place. He sees us in every way and HE STILL LOVES US.
This God we love and know as Abba, Father, is already proud of us, abounding with love, and delighted over each of His children. He doesn’t want us to airbrush our images or freeze-frame our “got it together” moments and bring them to Him for approval.
Erase the pictures you’ve snapped and saved with Perfection’s eye in mind and just bring yourself - camera still in hand to your loving Creator today. He wants to capture the truly perfect picture of Him just holding you…
In His PERFECT Love,
Katie Marie
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
EXCITING BOOK UPDATE!
Hi everybody!!!
I wanted to update you on the Devotional Book I'm finishing up...around the end of December I will be entering my work into a Women of Faith Writing Competition!!! If my book is the winner, I will receive publishing and distribution through a really great company. My book will be sold to retailers and bookstores AND through Women of Faith through their various outlets, conferences, and events across the globe. Even if I am not the top winner, the publishing company may still wish to pick up the book for publishing and distribution. EXCITING stuff!!!!!
I was just entered into the competition YESTERDAY and already I had an awesome conversation with my personal contact for the publishing company!
Thank you so much for your constant prayers, support, and love for me and all God is doing. It is so encouraging to hear how my writing blesses and strengthens your walk with Christ. He has given me everything I write and I do it all because of Him! From there, I am drawn to share what pours out of me and I pray you are impacted in whatever ways HE desires.
I am diligently working on finishing this book that has been in the works for the last two years. What a celebration it will be when it's finally done and in your hands!!! Please pray specifically that I will be able to finish up the content and editing phases and that every word meant to be included will be...not ONE word more or less!
I'll be updating you on the competition as my deadline draws nearer. I love you all and pray you are having an especially blessed day with our beautiful Jesus!
In His Love,
Katie Marie :)
I wanted to update you on the Devotional Book I'm finishing up...around the end of December I will be entering my work into a Women of Faith Writing Competition!!! If my book is the winner, I will receive publishing and distribution through a really great company. My book will be sold to retailers and bookstores AND through Women of Faith through their various outlets, conferences, and events across the globe. Even if I am not the top winner, the publishing company may still wish to pick up the book for publishing and distribution. EXCITING stuff!!!!!
I was just entered into the competition YESTERDAY and already I had an awesome conversation with my personal contact for the publishing company!
Thank you so much for your constant prayers, support, and love for me and all God is doing. It is so encouraging to hear how my writing blesses and strengthens your walk with Christ. He has given me everything I write and I do it all because of Him! From there, I am drawn to share what pours out of me and I pray you are impacted in whatever ways HE desires.
I am diligently working on finishing this book that has been in the works for the last two years. What a celebration it will be when it's finally done and in your hands!!! Please pray specifically that I will be able to finish up the content and editing phases and that every word meant to be included will be...not ONE word more or less!
I'll be updating you on the competition as my deadline draws nearer. I love you all and pray you are having an especially blessed day with our beautiful Jesus!
In His Love,
Katie Marie :)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
GIVE WHAT YOU GOT
Hi, Friends :)
I went for a walk along the ocean with Jesus today, on the beaches of San Jose, California. As I spent some awesome time loving on my Creator, I was so fed as I felt pulled and tugged on by the tide’s ebb and flow; as I sensed the weight of the waves crashing just beyond the reach of my Asics.
I love walking beside massive expanses of water because I am forced to realize just how small, powerless, and insignificant I am. I am simply a speck upon its seemingly endless shores, and yet, my Heavenly Creator and Daddy knows right where I am; He knows exactly which “speck” I am. I love it – feeling so small and overlookable, and yet, so noticed, validated, and irreplaceable.
As I walked along this morning, my eyes were suddenly drawn to a tiny, whole sand dollar lying on top of a pushed up pile of sand. Looking back on it, I think I was so excited, I audibly said, “No way, Jesus!” (I will never suppress my excitement and thanksgiving when God does sweet little things for me. It’s my praise! WARNING: It’s very addictive, but you should try it!)
Now, if my memory serves correctly, I have only found one whole sand dollar like that in my entire life. Perfect, unbroken sand dollars are very rare to find, and there I was with a sweet little perfect treasure peering up from my chilled hand. It was exciting!
I continued on my journey, and as I was stopped far down the coast by a little inlet, I was blown away to find sand dollars scattered everywhere! Most were broken, marred, dark gray. Some were even still furry due to the little creature’s recent death. But, there were some that were perfect and white, reflecting God’s Glory from where they lay. I picked up as many as I could find and turned to head back.
I passed some sweet little children digging holes in the sand at water’s edge as their daddy admired their work. Just after I passed by, a few sand dollars thudded to the ground as they fell from my pocket. They must have made quite a noise because I even heard them over my Ipod. As I turned to see what had happened, there the little escape artists were, scattered on the sand. I picked them up again and put them back from whence they came, when a sudden urge hit me. I felt led to turn around and give some of my treasures to those little children.
Quickly, I shook off the feeling and continued putting distance between us, but I didn’t like denying the feeling I had. I had a moment of selfishness pass over me, thinking of how I have never found such sand dollars in my life and justifying it because there are so many loved ones back home I’d love to give them to. Yup, it was a classic case of straight-up human selfishness and fear of giving something “important” away. Wow, how silly and trivial, and yet it happens all the time.
Today, I chose to turn these little feet around and shine some Jesus on the people He put in my path. I headed back to the daddy standing by, and asked him if he’d like to give them to his kids. With three in my hand, I bent down to the little girl digging right under me and she picked out her favorite. How perfect the number three was, because she had a sister and brother just up the beach who would love their own sandy treasure to take home.
They thanked me and I said, “God bless you.” I never really got a response to that final send-off greeting, but it didn’t bother me. The Lord reminded me that I was simply doing what He had prompted me to do and the rest was up to Him. After all, those weren’t my treasures…Almighty God is the One who formed each sand dollar and the One who allowed me to come upon them. And who knows the seeds I planted in that tiny act of sandy kindness today? Well, God does, and I think that’s really awesome.
I wish I could say I jump at the chance each time I feel like I’m supposed to do something for or say something to another person…I don’t. Every once in a while, when I just don’t “feel like it," I let the opportunity slip through my fingers. These are the moments I find myself wondering about, long after the chance has passed. I don’t like those kind of "what if's?" Not when they have to do with God and His awesome ways! I don’t want to miss these sweet sand dollar days. I don’t want to pass up that abounding joy I felt as I walked away from those people today. I was so full of His love for those precious ones He created, and I knew I was shining His love upon them.
I wanted to share this story with you today, not because I’m a Sand Dollar Superhero, but because I am a simple human, living my life out for Jesus. I wanted to show you how I struggle to love as He does, and how I wrestle daily with following His ways instead of my own; how heavy it can be to carry my will over His! I want to help you as I learn it’s much better to put Him in the driver’s seat from the beginning, instead of waiting until you’re broken down at the side of the road, calling out for a rescue (spiritually speaking).
My prayer today is to get myself out of the way so Christ can step in and take over. I want to shine His light until it permeates even the hardest of hearts. I want to be His hands and feet today, no matter what “treasure” I have to give away. That’s all I want to do…shine Jesus and be His “little helper.” If He’s given something to me and asks me to give away, then I better doggone do it! I trust Him to take care of me no matter what.
Even as I sit here at the kitchen table where I’m staying, I realize how blessed I am. I am pouring my heart out to you, listening to the ocean roar and waves break outside in the company of 11 more little sand dollars God’s letting me take back home. What a sweet, awesome God we serve...
Join me, and give what you’ve got today :)
"Freely you have received; freely give." Matthew 10:8
In His Beautiful Love,
"Sand Dollar Katie Marie"
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