Hi everybody,
Last weekend was my precious mom's birthday so I decided a fun gift for her would be ME in the flesh...thankfully, she was so excited, she squealed over and over! (I know, like Mother, like Daughter :) So, here I am soooooo very blessed to be in Michigan for 4 short, beautiful days with my family.
As I stepped off the plane in Western Michigan, I was absolutely shocked by the nipping cold that greeted me. What a huge vacillation from Florida's 90 degree warmth! I must say, this trip has been total confirmation that, while I will always be a Michigander at heart, I am a Floridian in nature :)
Though it's only the end of September, the colors are beginning to change all around me here in the north. As fall's cool winds have settle in the area, leaves are starting to turn and the glimmers of summer are fading away.
As you may know, I'm hard at work on my devotional book and I thought I'd share a little nibble from the piece I was constructing today entitled, "Look To The Trees." I pray it would bring you encouragement amidst the changing climates and seasons your life may be facing today...
"...Seasonal trees are forced to endure the coldest of tempests, snow, and biting climates. In the bitter winter, trees are made to lay barren and naked where they once stood decorated in splendid greens, flowers, and fruit. From one season of bounty to the next completely undressed of everything, it seems the trees are stripped bare out of punishment, disrobed of all glory and apparent purpose. But, this is all part of the plan, part of their life’s cycle. They are standing tall, allowing a sway for the harsh winds of seasons. When it is time again for spring to peek up from frozen ground, each plant knows what to do when it is their time to grow and bloom. They inherently know when to awaken again to produce new life.
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons…” Daniel 2:20-21
Realize that God’s hand and breath changes the seasons; you do not. You cannot force the growth you want to see in yourself or in the people and world around you. You can’t drag your heels, pushing against life’s seasons because each is meant to turn in its proper time. You were not created to stress about the changes you experience in each season and you shouldn’t analyze every detail that shifts from day to day, week to week. Stand firm in your faith and rest all of your human thoughts, cares, worries, anxieties, and yearning for control upon Jesus, your Solid Rock..."
Amidst your current season and situations, I pray God will make Himself known to you in a very specific, special way today!
In His Love,
Katie Marie
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
WRESTLING...
Hi my friends,
Can I be straight up honest with you? I've got one word to say...WOAH. Okay, I've got a few more words to get out than that, but if today could be summed up into one word, it'd be "woah." Right now, in this moment and all through out the morning leading me to here, I've been truly overwhelmed with the weight of the calling placed on my life and pinned by my human weakness and unworthiness to do it.
I emphasized the word "placed" in the last paragraph because God truly did put my calling upon me. The gifts I have been given and the details of all I've been called to are nothing I ever sought out, dreamed of, or desired over the course of my life. God took the things I saw as least valuable in my gift storage and made them the very tools I use every day to touch others out there. Doesn't this so sound like Him?
I have been called to sing and to lead others into worship. I am constantly flooded with countless songs of raw, honest truth, pain, healing, redemption, and straight up worship. I can hardly keep up with the multitude of these songs and can't help but share them as they pour out. I've also been handed unique perspectives, words and a message to share through my speaking along with the passion of writing, journaling, and turning the lessons God shows me in my life into word pictures. I know, that's a lot of stuff...Again, I say, "WOAH." (Doesn't that word just feel good to say? :)
Since I've been called to so much and I have so many things constantly pouring out of me, I am bombarded at times. I have to release what's inside or I'll explode. I even tell those closest to me that sometimes I am so full I feel like my head's gonna pop off! Today was one of those days and I needed a good releasing session. As I was walking outside I felt the wave of an insatiable need to push and push hard. I just wanted to push, push, push. I had to push something...I had to exert. So I did.
There in my little community's gazebo, I threw my hands upon the creamy stucco wall and pushed with all my might. To be honest, I even gave that poor wall a little "Katie Marie kung-fu kick" (I'm sure it was a fun little sight to behold :). I pushed and pushed so hard that I began to cry and struggle. Upon that wall I poured out my tensions, anxiety, frustration, and pure energy. It was then in that silly moment I realized what I was fighting against. I was wrestling with God.
I was fighting Him just like Jacob struggled late in the night. In the story found in Genesis 32:22-32, Jacob wrestled with an unknown man (who ended up being God) with all of his might until daybreak. Through this match, God saw Jacob's passion, intensity, and powerful nature pour out. The Bible says "the man" saw he couldn't overtake Jacob, so he touched Jacob's hip to wrench it, causing his weakness and ultimate surrender.
Though it may have seemed to Jacob that he had lost due to his weakness, God saw him as an overcomer..."Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, (which means 'he struggled with God') because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Genesis 32:28. It's also important to read the story and realize Jacob wouldn't let God go without blessing him. WOAH. What a bold request for Jacob to make after he had just been "whooped" in an all-night wrestling match. Clearly he needed that blessing. Though he was seemingly overtaken because of his human weakness, God blessed Jacob for overcoming.
That same God blesses us for overcoming in spite of our shortcomings.
Apart from Christ, I am so unworthy and unequipped to take on this life I have been given. It's in this fact that I am so driven to Him. He has touched me to make me realize I am weak in nature. This is the very reason I push against random walls and throw my hands up with reckless abandon in worship. It's because of this weakness that I fall on my face at the honor of serving and loving Him in every way.
Were it not for Jesus, I don't have a single reason to sing or even the desire. He's the One who has always given me more songs than I can even handle, and the voice to carry the melodies into the air as HE opens my lips. To find the strength to carry this cross I tap into who I am doing this for...my Jesus. Whenever I wrestle with myself over my unworthiness, I close my human eyes to the fears attacking all around and focus my heart's eye on the beautiful face of my Resurrected King. I get away and shut out the world's chattering and distracting noises to hear my Father whispering. I have to or I can not make it through the fight until dawn.
I have to keep coming back to Him when I've lost the strength and courage to push on and endure my heavy, devastatingly awesome calling. I have so much passion, desire, fear, and angst trapped in this little vessel that it seems at times there's no other way to tap in than to get right down in the dirt and battle it out.
Today I wrestled with God. I needed Him to touch me; to wreck me on the inside, pour me out, and then rebuild me strong in Him. I longed for Him to speak to me in the quiet, tired, and hazy daybreak in the moments following our grapple. I needed Him to BLESS me. I pushed and pulled on Him until He did. I saran-wrapped myself around Him until He spoke the words I longed to hear...words of assurance, confirmation, and my worthiness in Christ. Lovingly He whispered, "do this just for me...love on me...sing for me...speak for me...write for me...be with me...rest in me..." That was it; simple and pure and it ended with "I Love you." *
Don't be afraid to wrestle with your Maker and Creator today. Search Him out and if you need to, get into the dirt with Him. Get ready to be passionately honest and raw and He will show up. I gently warn you, God will touch you and "mess you up," showing you your true weakness and frailty, but through it, you'll be blessed. You'll be given a new portion of bold humility and God-sized strength to pick up that cross of yours and walk on.
Oh, and don't you let Him go without blessing you; it's more than worth the struggle. He will give you what you longed for, and you will be released to resting in His mighty arms, feel even more secure and loved....wrestle on, my friend.
Consumed by the Call,
Katie Marie
* These last words were written on a sticky note and stuck on a pillow in my room. My best friend had written it and signed it - Jesus.
Can I be straight up honest with you? I've got one word to say...WOAH. Okay, I've got a few more words to get out than that, but if today could be summed up into one word, it'd be "woah." Right now, in this moment and all through out the morning leading me to here, I've been truly overwhelmed with the weight of the calling placed on my life and pinned by my human weakness and unworthiness to do it.
I emphasized the word "placed" in the last paragraph because God truly did put my calling upon me. The gifts I have been given and the details of all I've been called to are nothing I ever sought out, dreamed of, or desired over the course of my life. God took the things I saw as least valuable in my gift storage and made them the very tools I use every day to touch others out there. Doesn't this so sound like Him?
I have been called to sing and to lead others into worship. I am constantly flooded with countless songs of raw, honest truth, pain, healing, redemption, and straight up worship. I can hardly keep up with the multitude of these songs and can't help but share them as they pour out. I've also been handed unique perspectives, words and a message to share through my speaking along with the passion of writing, journaling, and turning the lessons God shows me in my life into word pictures. I know, that's a lot of stuff...Again, I say, "WOAH." (Doesn't that word just feel good to say? :)
Since I've been called to so much and I have so many things constantly pouring out of me, I am bombarded at times. I have to release what's inside or I'll explode. I even tell those closest to me that sometimes I am so full I feel like my head's gonna pop off! Today was one of those days and I needed a good releasing session. As I was walking outside I felt the wave of an insatiable need to push and push hard. I just wanted to push, push, push. I had to push something...I had to exert. So I did.
There in my little community's gazebo, I threw my hands upon the creamy stucco wall and pushed with all my might. To be honest, I even gave that poor wall a little "Katie Marie kung-fu kick" (I'm sure it was a fun little sight to behold :). I pushed and pushed so hard that I began to cry and struggle. Upon that wall I poured out my tensions, anxiety, frustration, and pure energy. It was then in that silly moment I realized what I was fighting against. I was wrestling with God.
I was fighting Him just like Jacob struggled late in the night. In the story found in Genesis 32:22-32, Jacob wrestled with an unknown man (who ended up being God) with all of his might until daybreak. Through this match, God saw Jacob's passion, intensity, and powerful nature pour out. The Bible says "the man" saw he couldn't overtake Jacob, so he touched Jacob's hip to wrench it, causing his weakness and ultimate surrender.
Though it may have seemed to Jacob that he had lost due to his weakness, God saw him as an overcomer..."Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, (which means 'he struggled with God') because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Genesis 32:28. It's also important to read the story and realize Jacob wouldn't let God go without blessing him. WOAH. What a bold request for Jacob to make after he had just been "whooped" in an all-night wrestling match. Clearly he needed that blessing. Though he was seemingly overtaken because of his human weakness, God blessed Jacob for overcoming.
That same God blesses us for overcoming in spite of our shortcomings.
Apart from Christ, I am so unworthy and unequipped to take on this life I have been given. It's in this fact that I am so driven to Him. He has touched me to make me realize I am weak in nature. This is the very reason I push against random walls and throw my hands up with reckless abandon in worship. It's because of this weakness that I fall on my face at the honor of serving and loving Him in every way.
Were it not for Jesus, I don't have a single reason to sing or even the desire. He's the One who has always given me more songs than I can even handle, and the voice to carry the melodies into the air as HE opens my lips. To find the strength to carry this cross I tap into who I am doing this for...my Jesus. Whenever I wrestle with myself over my unworthiness, I close my human eyes to the fears attacking all around and focus my heart's eye on the beautiful face of my Resurrected King. I get away and shut out the world's chattering and distracting noises to hear my Father whispering. I have to or I can not make it through the fight until dawn.
I have to keep coming back to Him when I've lost the strength and courage to push on and endure my heavy, devastatingly awesome calling. I have so much passion, desire, fear, and angst trapped in this little vessel that it seems at times there's no other way to tap in than to get right down in the dirt and battle it out.
Today I wrestled with God. I needed Him to touch me; to wreck me on the inside, pour me out, and then rebuild me strong in Him. I longed for Him to speak to me in the quiet, tired, and hazy daybreak in the moments following our grapple. I needed Him to BLESS me. I pushed and pulled on Him until He did. I saran-wrapped myself around Him until He spoke the words I longed to hear...words of assurance, confirmation, and my worthiness in Christ. Lovingly He whispered, "do this just for me...love on me...sing for me...speak for me...write for me...be with me...rest in me..." That was it; simple and pure and it ended with "I Love you." *
Don't be afraid to wrestle with your Maker and Creator today. Search Him out and if you need to, get into the dirt with Him. Get ready to be passionately honest and raw and He will show up. I gently warn you, God will touch you and "mess you up," showing you your true weakness and frailty, but through it, you'll be blessed. You'll be given a new portion of bold humility and God-sized strength to pick up that cross of yours and walk on.
Oh, and don't you let Him go without blessing you; it's more than worth the struggle. He will give you what you longed for, and you will be released to resting in His mighty arms, feel even more secure and loved....wrestle on, my friend.
Consumed by the Call,
Katie Marie
* These last words were written on a sticky note and stuck on a pillow in my room. My best friend had written it and signed it - Jesus.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
THE LIVING, THE LIVING
I was just sitting out on my balcony reading around in Isaiah 38 when I came across verse 19, "...the living, the living - they praise You as I am doing today." These words rang loudly in my head and then dove straight into my heart. I was moved to suddenly pen my own words in the margins next to God's Word. They were simple: "THANK YOU FOR MY LIFE." I then had to go grab my computer to share this with you, too.
It was in the moments leading up to writing those five tiny words that I realized something so obvious and yet so deeply powerful. Today, I am living. I was awakened this morning and the sun was rising yet again. My heart was still beating, my body still functioning, and my lungs were still taking in the air of this world. Each of us were given the gift of life today; some were not so fortunate.
I once heard a statistic of the amount of people who fail to awaken from night to day, and though I am not going to post it here, I remember it being a staggering amount. It devastates me to know that many people who walked this planet yesterday are not here with us today. I wonder what would they say if they were given the chance for a few more words. Would they be thankful for this day if they could have it to live out?
Today, I am setting out, first thing, and thanking God for my life. In Isaiah 38:18, the Bible talks about how the grave can not sing praises and that those who fell into eternal destruction can no longer speak of God's faithfulness. It is such a gift to be able to say to God, "thank You for my life!"
Don't get me wrong...my life is not made up of sweet strawberries and ice-cream (my personal fave) or any other sweet treat all the time, but I am so incredibly blessed. I am loved, cherished, chosen, saved, called, and living. I am thankful.
What blessings are surrounding you today? What is it you are taking for granted and want to lift up thanks for right now? If you knew you had but a few more hours to bask in thankfulness for all that surrounds you in life, what would you do? What would you say? And to whom? Could you set aside some precious time today, even if your schedule's jammed past full, just to get alone with God and love on Him for all He has done for you?
After you read these last few lines, take a moment and close your eyes. Pause all you are doing and take a deep breath. Stop to feel the beat of your heart. Notice how it feels to pull in that cleansing, life-giving air deep into your lungs. Realize that today you are living. Reflect on all you have to be thankful for, and then give thanks and praise where it is due...
Today, I am so thankful to be living right along-side you :)
Katie Marie
It was in the moments leading up to writing those five tiny words that I realized something so obvious and yet so deeply powerful. Today, I am living. I was awakened this morning and the sun was rising yet again. My heart was still beating, my body still functioning, and my lungs were still taking in the air of this world. Each of us were given the gift of life today; some were not so fortunate.
I once heard a statistic of the amount of people who fail to awaken from night to day, and though I am not going to post it here, I remember it being a staggering amount. It devastates me to know that many people who walked this planet yesterday are not here with us today. I wonder what would they say if they were given the chance for a few more words. Would they be thankful for this day if they could have it to live out?
Today, I am setting out, first thing, and thanking God for my life. In Isaiah 38:18, the Bible talks about how the grave can not sing praises and that those who fell into eternal destruction can no longer speak of God's faithfulness. It is such a gift to be able to say to God, "thank You for my life!"
Don't get me wrong...my life is not made up of sweet strawberries and ice-cream (my personal fave) or any other sweet treat all the time, but I am so incredibly blessed. I am loved, cherished, chosen, saved, called, and living. I am thankful.
What blessings are surrounding you today? What is it you are taking for granted and want to lift up thanks for right now? If you knew you had but a few more hours to bask in thankfulness for all that surrounds you in life, what would you do? What would you say? And to whom? Could you set aside some precious time today, even if your schedule's jammed past full, just to get alone with God and love on Him for all He has done for you?
After you read these last few lines, take a moment and close your eyes. Pause all you are doing and take a deep breath. Stop to feel the beat of your heart. Notice how it feels to pull in that cleansing, life-giving air deep into your lungs. Realize that today you are living. Reflect on all you have to be thankful for, and then give thanks and praise where it is due...
Today, I am so thankful to be living right along-side you :)
Katie Marie
Friday, September 17, 2010
"THANK YOU"
I just got done spending some really awesome time with God reading His Word along with another book about drawing closer to Him. As I closed both, I was filled with the overwhelming urge to thank my Heavenly Father and Sovereign Creator for all He has brought me through and even taken me through in my life.
Some things I've endured as a result of young, foolish choices, but some trials in the past years, I know, had His fingerprints caked all over them. They were His way of giving me the desperation I needed to run to Him with all my might. It's through these trials in particular that I'm finding the most purpose and thanks for. These are the seasons I had my eyes WIDE open to God so I could navigate to find my very next step and, in turn, come to understand what His purpose was in it all. I found I had more peace, satisfaction, joy, and love amidst the crazy winds stirring about me when I was desperate to just get to the heart of the lesson He wanted me to embrace and to seek Him out the whole time. All along, His ultimate goal was to bring me in closer and closer to Him...so I could know Him better, see Him in brilliant, living color, hear Him in captivating surround-sound, and feel His love for real. This, it seems, is always His goal.
I have come into the practice of thanking God for every road I've tread on and for every season I have buckled down to endure. It's in light of thanks and reflection that I have developed the ability to now see Him in every situation and type of weather I face. I see His glimmering Son amidst carefree, brilliantly breezy days and I even see Him peeking through the greatest hurricanes. I thank the Lord for making my life unbearably uncomfortable at times so I'd only find comfort under His wings and company. Don't get me wrong, I still, of course, absolutely love the perfectly beachy days more than those I get caught in the rain with no warning and no umbrella, spiritually speaking. It's also a lot easier to be thankful once the storm has cleared, I've dried off, and been warmed up by some sunny days. But, if we only said "thank You" when we felt like it, it wouldn't be a sacrifice and it'd probably never happen at all.
It isn't always easy to say those two simple words, but the more I do it and mean it, the easier it is. I thank my Father in Heaven for all of my life because today I stand tall in who I am and whose I am. I also thank Him for pulling me through, (though kicking and screaming at times), and drawing me closer to Him so I can share all I've learned with you.
Today I come as a little bird in your ear. God wants you to know He is RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE right now. He sees you in your greatest situations and in your smallest headaches. He sees and He cares...not only that, but He listens and acts. Please keep in mind: He does this in His own timing and way. After all, God's ways are certainly not ours and it's downright hard to understand them sometimes. Couldn't He just give us a "God Time" wristwatch to wear along with our "normal time" so we'd somewhat be in sync?? I guess not, or we'd never check in with Him. :)
Be encouraged today and be courageous enough to let Christ into every area you're facing, knowing all you are going through is not in vain; there is a purpose for it all. Be bold enough to step out and say "thank You" and mean it. He'll be delighted at your sacrificial gift, and you may find yourself surprisingly delighted in His reply. Watch for it and you will begin more and more to see God's purposes for His ways and celebrate the treasures He's given you as a reward for your trials and suffering. And always know I am right here, cheering you on... :)
"Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; He got you out in the nick of time. He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death. So thank God for His marvelous love, for His miracle mercy to the children He loves; offer thanksgiving sacrifices, tell the world what He's done—sing it out!" Psalm 107: 18-22 (The Message)
In Love,
Kate Marie
Some things I've endured as a result of young, foolish choices, but some trials in the past years, I know, had His fingerprints caked all over them. They were His way of giving me the desperation I needed to run to Him with all my might. It's through these trials in particular that I'm finding the most purpose and thanks for. These are the seasons I had my eyes WIDE open to God so I could navigate to find my very next step and, in turn, come to understand what His purpose was in it all. I found I had more peace, satisfaction, joy, and love amidst the crazy winds stirring about me when I was desperate to just get to the heart of the lesson He wanted me to embrace and to seek Him out the whole time. All along, His ultimate goal was to bring me in closer and closer to Him...so I could know Him better, see Him in brilliant, living color, hear Him in captivating surround-sound, and feel His love for real. This, it seems, is always His goal.
I have come into the practice of thanking God for every road I've tread on and for every season I have buckled down to endure. It's in light of thanks and reflection that I have developed the ability to now see Him in every situation and type of weather I face. I see His glimmering Son amidst carefree, brilliantly breezy days and I even see Him peeking through the greatest hurricanes. I thank the Lord for making my life unbearably uncomfortable at times so I'd only find comfort under His wings and company. Don't get me wrong, I still, of course, absolutely love the perfectly beachy days more than those I get caught in the rain with no warning and no umbrella, spiritually speaking. It's also a lot easier to be thankful once the storm has cleared, I've dried off, and been warmed up by some sunny days. But, if we only said "thank You" when we felt like it, it wouldn't be a sacrifice and it'd probably never happen at all.
It isn't always easy to say those two simple words, but the more I do it and mean it, the easier it is. I thank my Father in Heaven for all of my life because today I stand tall in who I am and whose I am. I also thank Him for pulling me through, (though kicking and screaming at times), and drawing me closer to Him so I can share all I've learned with you.
Today I come as a little bird in your ear. God wants you to know He is RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE right now. He sees you in your greatest situations and in your smallest headaches. He sees and He cares...not only that, but He listens and acts. Please keep in mind: He does this in His own timing and way. After all, God's ways are certainly not ours and it's downright hard to understand them sometimes. Couldn't He just give us a "God Time" wristwatch to wear along with our "normal time" so we'd somewhat be in sync?? I guess not, or we'd never check in with Him. :)
Be encouraged today and be courageous enough to let Christ into every area you're facing, knowing all you are going through is not in vain; there is a purpose for it all. Be bold enough to step out and say "thank You" and mean it. He'll be delighted at your sacrificial gift, and you may find yourself surprisingly delighted in His reply. Watch for it and you will begin more and more to see God's purposes for His ways and celebrate the treasures He's given you as a reward for your trials and suffering. And always know I am right here, cheering you on... :)
"Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; He got you out in the nick of time. He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death. So thank God for His marvelous love, for His miracle mercy to the children He loves; offer thanksgiving sacrifices, tell the world what He's done—sing it out!" Psalm 107: 18-22 (The Message)
In Love,
Kate Marie
Saturday, September 11, 2010
WE DO NOT STAND ALONE...9.11.2010
Hi friends,
I posted this online back on September 11, 2006, and felt led to share it again on this historic anniversary of our country and lives. God has not left us and He never will...run to Him in times of devastation and loss...be blessed today and always.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Hi again,
After SUCH a long trip home yesterday (and into the early morning today) from touring, I was so excited to revel in the comfort of my own bed this morning. After waking up a little, I turned my TV on and flipped thru the channels. Within 30 seconds, I settled on watching the Songs of Solomon Choir singing Josh Groban's popular "You Raise Me Up" live in New York City. To my dismay, the cameras switched from shots of the choir singing to scans of countless tear-streaked faces in the onlooking crowd.
I was immediately stabbed with the realization that the anniversary of one of the most horrific and unforgettable days our country has ever seen had arrived again for the 5th time. Today is September 11th.
Tears immediately welled up in my eyes as I watched mothers and daughters holding each other, both unable to stand alone, but finding strength in one another. There were those with their heads in their praying hands, and so many others who could do nothing else but stand and cry.
I sat in my room breathless, hearing those beautiful voices sing this familiar song, imagining the unspeakable devastation and loss these family members and survivors must feel every day of their lives, yet painfully brought to light even more on this very day.
The lyrics rang in my head, "I am strong when I am on your shoulders, you raise me up to more than I can be..."
I imagine those gathered today where the Twin Towers once stood didn't feel very strong. 5 years back, I'm sure many children in that crowd, both young and old, were left without their daddy who used to raised them up on his shoulders to see above crowds. Whose shoulders do they sit on now? I imagine wives and husbands were left without their partner's shoulder to cry on. Who catches the tears that have fallen since 9/11/2001? Countless parents must have been reminded, as if they could ever forget, of how empty they are without the children who once slept upon their shoulder. Who fills that seemingly unfulfillable spot? I don't understand how, but God takes on all of those roles, comforts their aching hearts, and hears their desperate cries.
It's unfathomable to imagine how many prayers are lifted up to God each day. But, think about this; how many millions or trillions more is He hearing today? How many people are throwing their unbearable hate and anger over the aftermath of 9/11 upon Him right now? How many are hounding Him with countless "Why"'s and "how could you's?" Humanity has not even come close to dreaming up the name for a number of that size.
How does He handle it all? How can He have the strength to hold up the entire world day in and out while still holding out His loving hand to catch the tears that fall from each eye? I don't know how, but this is the God I am so in love with. He's the one who shows us we are never alone; who tells us to take the weight of the world off our small shoulders and put it on His; to cast our worries and cares on Him. He's telling us He can handle it...all of it. He's whispering, "Lean on me; rest in me; trust me. I am strong enough."
What about those who don't believe in God? NEWSFLASH: He doesn't need our acknowledgment or accolades to be who He is or to do what He does. I'm so thankful that no amount of unbelief can take away His power or even His belief in us. We are all still standing each day because of Christ alone, even those who don't believe. Every person huddled at ground zero today was standing because Jesus was holding them in His hands. They may not have felt it; they may not have even sensed Him, but way deep down, woven into the very fabric of their being, they knew they were not standing alone.
He was there 5 years ago, holding His creation trapped inside the smoldering, teetering structures. He was there on those planes that were set out to destroy and marked to demolish our faith in our country and in Him. Jesus held each person who lost their lives that day, and is still holding the ones they left behind. He was there, He is here, He is...GOD.
The Twin Towers may have fallen into rubble 5 years ago due to unspeakable evils and grotesque hate, but God's creation will not end in a pile of dust and debris. No, no, no. This was not the first assault on mankind, and I realize it is probably not the last. On any given day, devastation and sadness sweep this fallen world. Yet, when the clouds of smoke and soot clear each time, amidst the rubble and ash, He is standing there, strong and unshaken. And, just as a single, vibrant blade of grass pushes its way through the blackened, charred remains of what once was, we rise again, because HE rose again. We do not stand alone. He won't let us. You see, in our weakness, His strength is perfected. We are strong because of His strength.
Over two thousand years ago, Jesus took the weight of the world, the sins of the world, the 9/11's of the world, upon His shoulders; upon His frame...and today He is still standing. We are still standing...WE DO NOT STAND ALONE.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
In Him,
Katie Marie
I posted this online back on September 11, 2006, and felt led to share it again on this historic anniversary of our country and lives. God has not left us and He never will...run to Him in times of devastation and loss...be blessed today and always.
Monday, September 11, 2006
After SUCH a long trip home yesterday (and into the early morning today) from touring, I was so excited to revel in the comfort of my own bed this morning. After waking up a little, I turned my TV on and flipped thru the channels. Within 30 seconds, I settled on watching the Songs of Solomon Choir singing Josh Groban's popular "You Raise Me Up" live in New York City. To my dismay, the cameras switched from shots of the choir singing to scans of countless tear-streaked faces in the onlooking crowd.
I was immediately stabbed with the realization that the anniversary of one of the most horrific and unforgettable days our country has ever seen had arrived again for the 5th time. Today is September 11th.
Tears immediately welled up in my eyes as I watched mothers and daughters holding each other, both unable to stand alone, but finding strength in one another. There were those with their heads in their praying hands, and so many others who could do nothing else but stand and cry.
I sat in my room breathless, hearing those beautiful voices sing this familiar song, imagining the unspeakable devastation and loss these family members and survivors must feel every day of their lives, yet painfully brought to light even more on this very day.
The lyrics rang in my head, "I am strong when I am on your shoulders, you raise me up to more than I can be..."
I imagine those gathered today where the Twin Towers once stood didn't feel very strong. 5 years back, I'm sure many children in that crowd, both young and old, were left without their daddy who used to raised them up on his shoulders to see above crowds. Whose shoulders do they sit on now? I imagine wives and husbands were left without their partner's shoulder to cry on. Who catches the tears that have fallen since 9/11/2001? Countless parents must have been reminded, as if they could ever forget, of how empty they are without the children who once slept upon their shoulder. Who fills that seemingly unfulfillable spot? I don't understand how, but God takes on all of those roles, comforts their aching hearts, and hears their desperate cries.
It's unfathomable to imagine how many prayers are lifted up to God each day. But, think about this; how many millions or trillions more is He hearing today? How many people are throwing their unbearable hate and anger over the aftermath of 9/11 upon Him right now? How many are hounding Him with countless "Why"'s and "how could you's?" Humanity has not even come close to dreaming up the name for a number of that size.
How does He handle it all? How can He have the strength to hold up the entire world day in and out while still holding out His loving hand to catch the tears that fall from each eye? I don't know how, but this is the God I am so in love with. He's the one who shows us we are never alone; who tells us to take the weight of the world off our small shoulders and put it on His; to cast our worries and cares on Him. He's telling us He can handle it...all of it. He's whispering, "Lean on me; rest in me; trust me. I am strong enough."
What about those who don't believe in God? NEWSFLASH: He doesn't need our acknowledgment or accolades to be who He is or to do what He does. I'm so thankful that no amount of unbelief can take away His power or even His belief in us. We are all still standing each day because of Christ alone, even those who don't believe. Every person huddled at ground zero today was standing because Jesus was holding them in His hands. They may not have felt it; they may not have even sensed Him, but way deep down, woven into the very fabric of their being, they knew they were not standing alone.
He was there 5 years ago, holding His creation trapped inside the smoldering, teetering structures. He was there on those planes that were set out to destroy and marked to demolish our faith in our country and in Him. Jesus held each person who lost their lives that day, and is still holding the ones they left behind. He was there, He is here, He is...GOD.
The Twin Towers may have fallen into rubble 5 years ago due to unspeakable evils and grotesque hate, but God's creation will not end in a pile of dust and debris. No, no, no. This was not the first assault on mankind, and I realize it is probably not the last. On any given day, devastation and sadness sweep this fallen world. Yet, when the clouds of smoke and soot clear each time, amidst the rubble and ash, He is standing there, strong and unshaken. And, just as a single, vibrant blade of grass pushes its way through the blackened, charred remains of what once was, we rise again, because HE rose again. We do not stand alone. He won't let us. You see, in our weakness, His strength is perfected. We are strong because of His strength.
Over two thousand years ago, Jesus took the weight of the world, the sins of the world, the 9/11's of the world, upon His shoulders; upon His frame...and today He is still standing. We are still standing...WE DO NOT STAND ALONE.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
In Him,
Katie Marie
Thursday, September 9, 2010
THE RAINBOW
Yesterday I witnessed something spectacular. I have never seen anything like it in all my life. Before my awestruck eyes, I watched as the God of the Universe worked out His artistry. There, suspended over the water beyond me rested the end of a brilliant rainbow. God not only hovered its right side over the water, but He slowly moved to settle its left side upon it, as well.
We’ve all heard stories of chasing the rainbow’s end to find its pot of gold or to come face-to-face with a peculiar little leprechaun outfitted in green velour. Apparently, not many others have witnessed a rainbow’s end so stories have been conjured up to capture its mystery. It’s true; there was definitely “mystery” involved in this incredibly rare and special encounter with God. I got to witness the majesty of His work while He revealed Himself to me yet again. I watched as the Lord clearly made His presence known to me...He was right there; right with me.
Most rainbows we see as the hope-filled bow God blesses the sky with after a hard rain or turbulent storm. This is the promise of God back from the days of Noah. After torrential downpours it’s always encouraging to scan the stirred skies looking for those brilliant colors suspended. This rainbow, though, was very special. It did not reveal a brimming pot of gold or a chest bursting with treasure; it did not come after the storm, as a promise the shower was over…it brought the rain.
My best friend and I stood together for the better part of 15 minutes staring in utter shock as we watched this beautiful rainbow’s end draw closer and closer to our balcony. The closer it got, the nearer the storm came, but it was beautiful. We wanted it to travel over to us so we could admire it more intricately. As I longed for the rainbow to draw in, deep inside I realized it carried a storm right along with it. I also knew there was nothing I could do to stop it, even if I wanted to.
My eyes were focused at the end of that rainbow until the last moment I was pushed inside to escape the hard rain and winds. I was given something beautiful to look upon as a nasty storm drew nearer and nearer until, at last, it was time to take cover. Within 10 minutes the front blew past, taking with it all of the overcast cover that once hovered over. Suddenly, off in the distance, brilliant blue skies shone through puffy illuminated clouds. It was breathtaking.
This life is filled with storms and turbulence; Jesus Himself said we would have trouble a plenty. No one welcomes it, yet still it comes. At times we can even watch the whirlwinds blow in, paralyzed in their path and unable to move out of the way.
As I look back on past downpours in my life, amidst the tears and pain, I have witnessed such breathtaking beauty. Over and over I’ve found God’s loving and tender fingerprints gracing the scene and I’ve gathered deep appreciation for His heart. God reminded me through that beautiful rainbow yesterday that even though driving showers will come to pelt some of our days, He shows up before each them to bless, prepare, comfort, and love on us. He will be with us through every moment of upcoming power failure, flashes of lightning, and frightening claps of thunder. He is already standing on the other side of the tempests with paintbrush in hand just waiting for the right moment to cast another brilliant masterpiece upon the sky’s canvas.
Of course, there is not always going to be a rainbow before a torrent or brilliant skies after, but this time there was. Storms aren’t always short, but this one was. Life’s showers and fronts won’t always pass quickly, but some will. Though it’s hard, we’re called to praise Him beyond circumstance.
I don’t have this road marked “life” figured out, but I do know the Mighty God who does; He’s teaching me to walk with Him day-by-day, moment-by-moment. With Christ’s grace as my shelter, I’m learning to gaze into the rainbows of God's promises to find beauty, even when it means He’s bringing on the rain…
We’ve all heard stories of chasing the rainbow’s end to find its pot of gold or to come face-to-face with a peculiar little leprechaun outfitted in green velour. Apparently, not many others have witnessed a rainbow’s end so stories have been conjured up to capture its mystery. It’s true; there was definitely “mystery” involved in this incredibly rare and special encounter with God. I got to witness the majesty of His work while He revealed Himself to me yet again. I watched as the Lord clearly made His presence known to me...He was right there; right with me.
Most rainbows we see as the hope-filled bow God blesses the sky with after a hard rain or turbulent storm. This is the promise of God back from the days of Noah. After torrential downpours it’s always encouraging to scan the stirred skies looking for those brilliant colors suspended. This rainbow, though, was very special. It did not reveal a brimming pot of gold or a chest bursting with treasure; it did not come after the storm, as a promise the shower was over…it brought the rain.
My best friend and I stood together for the better part of 15 minutes staring in utter shock as we watched this beautiful rainbow’s end draw closer and closer to our balcony. The closer it got, the nearer the storm came, but it was beautiful. We wanted it to travel over to us so we could admire it more intricately. As I longed for the rainbow to draw in, deep inside I realized it carried a storm right along with it. I also knew there was nothing I could do to stop it, even if I wanted to.
My eyes were focused at the end of that rainbow until the last moment I was pushed inside to escape the hard rain and winds. I was given something beautiful to look upon as a nasty storm drew nearer and nearer until, at last, it was time to take cover. Within 10 minutes the front blew past, taking with it all of the overcast cover that once hovered over. Suddenly, off in the distance, brilliant blue skies shone through puffy illuminated clouds. It was breathtaking.
This life is filled with storms and turbulence; Jesus Himself said we would have trouble a plenty. No one welcomes it, yet still it comes. At times we can even watch the whirlwinds blow in, paralyzed in their path and unable to move out of the way.
As I look back on past downpours in my life, amidst the tears and pain, I have witnessed such breathtaking beauty. Over and over I’ve found God’s loving and tender fingerprints gracing the scene and I’ve gathered deep appreciation for His heart. God reminded me through that beautiful rainbow yesterday that even though driving showers will come to pelt some of our days, He shows up before each them to bless, prepare, comfort, and love on us. He will be with us through every moment of upcoming power failure, flashes of lightning, and frightening claps of thunder. He is already standing on the other side of the tempests with paintbrush in hand just waiting for the right moment to cast another brilliant masterpiece upon the sky’s canvas.
Of course, there is not always going to be a rainbow before a torrent or brilliant skies after, but this time there was. Storms aren’t always short, but this one was. Life’s showers and fronts won’t always pass quickly, but some will. Though it’s hard, we’re called to praise Him beyond circumstance.
I don’t have this road marked “life” figured out, but I do know the Mighty God who does; He’s teaching me to walk with Him day-by-day, moment-by-moment. With Christ’s grace as my shelter, I’m learning to gaze into the rainbows of God's promises to find beauty, even when it means He’s bringing on the rain…
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sticky Notes of Love
Have you ever heard someone say, "God spoke this to me" or "He showed me today..." and wondered what on earth they were talking about? Maybe it'll help to think of it this way: when you love someone and you want to show just how much you love them, you think of unique ways to express your feelings.
While you will always be sure to include the audible words, "I love you," you may leave a favorite flower on the pillow before they awaken, stick a note in his or her bag, or tape a love letter on the mirror.
It's through these inaudible gestures that the person comes to feel and understand the true depth of our love for him or her; our actions speak so much louder than mere words. Through these actions, our love grows deeper roots and forms greater meaning in this person's life. This is similar to how God seems to express and embed His love and thoughts deep within each of us.
At times, God may paint a sunset that brings tears to your eyes, give you a dolphin in the water you're gazing upon, send a butterfly across the breeze in front of you, or speak His heart clearly through a close friend He's placed in your life. Imagine each of these expressions as God's little sticky notes of adoration; His love letters hand stamped and addressed directly to you.
Trust me; if you ask Him to show Himself clearly to you, He surely will. Just keep your ears highly attentive to His unique, adoring expressions and maintain eyes wide open to His sticky notes of love addressed straight to you...
In His Love,
Katie Marie :)
While you will always be sure to include the audible words, "I love you," you may leave a favorite flower on the pillow before they awaken, stick a note in his or her bag, or tape a love letter on the mirror.
It's through these inaudible gestures that the person comes to feel and understand the true depth of our love for him or her; our actions speak so much louder than mere words. Through these actions, our love grows deeper roots and forms greater meaning in this person's life. This is similar to how God seems to express and embed His love and thoughts deep within each of us.
At times, God may paint a sunset that brings tears to your eyes, give you a dolphin in the water you're gazing upon, send a butterfly across the breeze in front of you, or speak His heart clearly through a close friend He's placed in your life. Imagine each of these expressions as God's little sticky notes of adoration; His love letters hand stamped and addressed directly to you.
Trust me; if you ask Him to show Himself clearly to you, He surely will. Just keep your ears highly attentive to His unique, adoring expressions and maintain eyes wide open to His sticky notes of love addressed straight to you...
In His Love,
Katie Marie :)
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