Thrive Christians

Kay's back

2011-08-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Bloggers Can't Stop....But Sometimes They Stall

Warp speed living is slowing down to steady run and I am back to writing this blog. I am thriving on the inside and that was the call of this blog from day one. On the outside everyone is being challenged in this "new world" of upside down finances.

Christians' know their source is God. Therefore we are called to walk in peace ... no matter what.

How's your thriving and peace walking going for you?

Overwhelmed Helps

2010-01-31T06:33:00.000-08:00

My new management job is pushing me to the limits. I love the work and I believe in the importance of the mission. This is a one year position so I keep telling myself "You can do anything for only one year."

I am using every project management gem of wisdom I have ever learned.

Since I have little time to do anything but work I am calling on bloggers.

You are the smartest folks I know!!!

So what works for you when deadlines are overlapping and a staff looks up and asks "What's next?"

I'm all into Gantt charts, post it notes, datebooks, Outlook and anything I can work on in Excel and Access.

Champs....I can't wait.

Fussy?

2010-01-15T03:45:00.000-08:00

Oswald Chambers' daily devotion gets me where I need "getting."

Yesterday I was all into "my" stuff in my head. As I read the day's wisdom nugget I felt the pinch of conviction. Chambers wrote that whatever initiates a believer to abandon their self efforts will eventually drive them to a time alone with God; ready to hear Him.

Chamber's word for "stuff" was fussy things. Yes, again, Chambers nailed me. Today I rest in God being all He says He is in His Word. I trust Him. My life of possible worries...fussy man-created chaos...will not steal my joy and strength.

Away with the fussy! On with what truly matters forever.

In God I trust.

Neglect Will Bite

2010-01-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

I have neglected this blog. My laptop broke. My new job as manager in Census 2010 takes most of my time. So...I put off this blog until LATER.

Some sexy little poster littered the blog. Isn't that what happens in all kinds of places when we fall into neglect?

I'm back. Perhaps I'll only post a word...but I will not fall back into neglect. It's just too dangerous with litter so prevalent in cyberspace.

Happy New Year.........Thrive Christians, and don't fall into the valley named NEGLECT.

I Thank God I Can Hear!

2009-11-26T06:41:00.000-08:00

Last evening after work I got a manicure. Beside me was an old friend in her early sixties. She is a vibrant smart active woman that makes the world better. But I noticed she was watching me intensely as I talked. She apologized and then showed me hearing aids in each ear. She doesn't know if she has 1 or 5 years of limited hearing before she is deaf. She uses every moment of hearing and seeing to fine tune her lip reading. She has sought out other deaf women to learn how best to navigate this new world she is entering.

Wow!!! Smiles on her face and hope shining through her eyes she told me how she is pursing her writing dreams. We celebrated her great love of reading. But her attitude centered me on what matters this day. She shared with me how God is showing her He is with her and He will speak to her forever...no lip-reading needed.

This day of Thanksgiving in America I have a long list of all I am thankful for, but I have decided to concentrate on the blessing of hearing. I will treasure every sound I hear: good or bad.

I can hear!!!

Power of One

2009-11-02T02:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever imagined the power of your smile; word of encouragement; or small monetary help to another?

My life has drastically changed since I became Quality Assurance for this 7 county Census 2010 office. Change brings immediate emotions good and bad to me. I've felt somewhat guilty because I'm not plugged into the church ministries I have become accustomed to being an active partner.

Last night I was praying and asking God if all was well with me. Suddenly I remembered the week: There was the phone call to a new hire... she needed someone to hear how much she appreciated this job. She went on to tell me how dire it had become for her. I never rushed her.

One of my friends is in a new place. Her husband is permanently disabled and they have extreme financial issues. I took some of my increased pay to buy Angel Food groceries for them each month.

Fellow workers have had different things come up and I've had the time and energy to help them out.

I know my order of priorities: God, family, church and work. I'm finding wonderful ways to stay connected with my grown children. In fact, we seem closer because I can more easily identify with their work life.

My church appreciates my increased tithe and offerings monetarily. But I am developing new connections for some of the ministries that will open doors for resources, etc.

Amazingly, I am seeing that God is using me with the little I have after work powerfully. As I looked at all of this it hit me that I have "adopted" this one family with a disabled husband. They know when the hot water heater blows I will be their bridge/patch until they can pay me back with money or services. Sometimes God directs me to bless them with surprises such as the monthly groceries. I cannot help any more families this way and survive myself, but I am loving "being there" in Christ, for this one family.

Wonder if God calls on those of us working with "enough" to adopt one family to be their backup? No medals, no speaking of it....just quietly in the name of Jesus Christ: Being There. The Power of The One in one!!!

I am called to do the works of Christ - John 14:12

Trusted and Tried

2009-10-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

some census workers from our spring operation were called into the office today. It's been months since I had seen or talked with any of them. Decades separate us in age but oh, the experiences we share from the tough work makes us "family." One young man said, "I feel like I ought to hug you, Ms. Kay." So we did an imaginary hug several feet apart....you know all those rules about behavior etc.

The bond between us can only occur in the heat of a severe challenge or a battle. We are all looking forward to being team members again. I thought all day about the power of the trust we each have earned in the heat of it all.

I committed today to treasure that trust as I assume this new expanded responsibility among my tried and true friends and team members. Completing the mission accurately and on time is key, but simultaneously honoring this trust and faith in one another we each now have is eternally important.

Got a tried and trust story?

2009-10-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

Wow! You bloggers rock! Listen to my dialogue...can you tell I'm getting to hang out with some young people?

Thanks for coming back. After that extended pause in posting I had resigned to bouncing back by starting all over again. I'm still short on time, but I have a reservoir of posts in my draft file that I will dispense day by day. Perhaps the connection will only be that to me they speak of living life fully and thriving! That is my mission on this blog...for you and me.

Here goes one from a year ago.... Many years ago my mentor would listen to my rant of all my “spiritual” works and my fatigue; and when I would finally pause, she would speak slowly with authority, “Kay, rest in the Lord. Rest, rest Kay.” Being a driven striver I had no idea what she was talking about. We still have chuckles remembering my fight to get to the rest of God. I literally laid down and felt only boredom. Blonde, eh?

Through her prayers and much Bible mining I live in the rest of God. I seek to live and abide in that beautiful rest every moment of my life.

In Hebrews 4:1-3 Paul helped me with these words, “Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest.”

In Strong’s concordance this Greek word for rest is katapausis (Strong’s G2663): Putting to rest; calming of the winds. A resting place; metaphor: the heavenly blessedness in which God dwells, and of which He has promised to make preserving believers in which God dwells, and of which He has promised to make preserving believers in Christ partakers after the toils and trials of life on earth are ended.

Since that struggle with my mentor over resting in the Lord I have faced much greater issues, but I have not struggled and suffered as I did before I had this revelation of living in rest. "My soul finds rest in God alone"

Psalm 62:1. Rest in this verse is the Hebrew word - damiy -- quietness. Charles Spurgeon said this about this verse "The presence of God alone could awe his heart into quietude, submission, rest and acquiescence.”

After years of seeking with a passionate struggle I finally collapsed from self effort, looking to other people and trying to earn my right to the “rest and peace of God.” Finally I realized that my main problem was unbelief... Verse 19: "They were not able to enter [God's rest] because of unbelief."

Until I faced that I believed in my problems more than I believed in the power of God and that He was on my side, I had no rest. Now I fear unbelief more than I fear my problems or other people. My question now is, “Is God able?” If I believe He is in all things I am in His rest.

I live everyday diligently placing my mind on the awesome God I surrender all to. It is my intention to see every problem and challenge through my knowledge of God in my life, God in the Bible and God working in others’ lives. I work at remembering His promises instead of dwelling on the calamity of the day shouted through the media.

This does not come to me automatically. I come to my day with healthy fear of God and diligently trust Him anew in all things. That great sermon of Stephen as the “stoners” were warming up said, "the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands" (Acts 7:48), and quoted God's statement from Isaiah 66:1: "'Heaven is My throne, and earth is the footstool of My feet; What kind of house will you build for Me?' says the Lord; 'Or what place is there for My rest (Greek katapauseos)?'" (Acts 7:49).

Those of us are in the "household" that Jesus Christ has built (3:6), in the church of the living God, in Christian people. Having "Christ in us, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). I see this individually and corporately.l Years ago I was so conflicted with church religious performance and the inner "rest" of relying on God's grace. Through the love of God, and my mentor; God led me to Himself. I accomplish more these day and my work is my delight (most days it doesn’t feel like work). Oh could we all comprehend Paul….” "the better rest of God" and cease from their "works" as God has rested from His works in Hebrews 4:10. Jesus Christ is enough.

Rest in the Lord Always

Kay's back at the keyboard

2009-10-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

Blogging friends, I have missed you. Life filled up for me and I truly had no time or strength to write a post. On the last post I shared with you that someone in my family was ill.

The good news is that the doctor got the tests back and was relieved his fears were not confirmed by the tests. A slight nutrition changes is all that's needed. Whee! Thank you for your prayers.

Then my new management job Assistant Manager for Quality Assurance cranked up and I have been in intense training out of town continually for weeks. I love this work in management with census and I have an extremely important job overseeing several hundred workers in 7 counties. I know there is no way I could be selected for the job with so many people needing work unless God's favor had been working in my life. I am focused to give this position all that it needs for me to do my job well.

I could have written a post on Thursday or Friday, but procrastination raised his head. As I write today I wonder why, but then it hits me. After so much time away I wanted to wow you and me. Ain't it just awful how that ole' performance monster comes in and messes with us?

Vanilla, plain and no drama.......but life is good. I've never needed my Lord more and appreciated Him and all who live with Him as Lord of their lives. Thriving as His daughter is still my passion. As I live this life I want to live it wide open in Christ. I have some challenges facing me in a few weeks with this assignment with the census that will only be accomplished as I lean into Him. May you begin this week with me: Knowing He is Enough...no matter what!!!

My Prayer is Moans & Groans; But Hears Me

2009-09-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

A dear loved one received bad news from the doctor this week. Six huge vials of blood were drawn to be sure no horrific diseases are working in this person. For many I am viewed as the mighty never fail prayer warrior. After all we've been through in the last few years all I can do was moan. Thankfully the Bible tells me the Holy Spirit interprets my moans and groans and sends word to Heavenly Father God.

But I wantto pray....I've tried to pray. Finally I phoned a mighty man and woman of God who have been there for me for decades. These pastors are well known and I will not divulge their names, but we have prayed for one another and God has always been faithful.

When I heard his voice; I calmed down. When she came on the phone I felt we were in a group hug. Heaven came down and the one thought that had remained in my mind was what he spoke what He was believing God in doing in this matter. Whew!!

He will phone this person wrestling with the what-if's until we hear on Tuesday. Since my husband was a great physician we feel his loss the most when one of us is ill. He would spend whatever time needed talking us through all the possibilities, etc until we were calm. Now we're just patients and the great doctors give us reasonable time; not daddy/hubby doc time.

I sit here in peace today. With this couple on board all in my family are back at work. All of us are concerned, but not overwrought.

BE THERE for one another is so key to thriving christian living. I've been there for this couple and now they are there for me. Knitted together through the years we have a seamless relationship with prompt loving responses. Plural is a key word in thriving Christan living. It is tempting to pursue God as a solo might warrior, but it can't work. These times come in every one's lives. Tight loving relationships are God's plan and I believe they are what He uses to bless and protect us.

Locally I have a group who work in ministry with me. They are all praying and many others connected to my family. I feel like a Verizon commercial with one huge Heavenly component: through Jesus Christ all of Heaven is backing up this miracle.

I'll moan and groan with all that is in me. I'm just the backup singer to the main ones calling up to God and thanking Him for what He has already done!!! Wholeness, healing, and manifestation of His Glory is going on in this hurting place.

Starting is Easy...

2009-09-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

Starting is Easy Finishing is hard.

I have this saying hanging over my desk. In my kitchen redo this could be my motto. Hoping all would be completed this week I began to get ready to enjoy my new kitchen. But the counter top man didn't complete his work and now everyone has to wait on him.

Finishing becomes harder when anyone on the team fails to deliver their part on time. I hope I hold the disgusted looks on the plumber, carpenters and appliance workers as we discovered the promised counter tops were not ready. Why do I want to hold onto those looks? If possible I never want to be the one who holds up the rest of team from completing tasks on time.

Finishing is hard, but it will come sooner and easier if we all work to best performance, on time.

Tiny Things Matter to Greatness

2009-09-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm tiling a bathroom floor and cutting tiny pieces to finish the design is critical to the overall look and use of the floor. As I tediously measure and cut I remind myself that sometimes I see myself as a tiny insignificant part of society, church and life. In American culture age is not an asset. I never want to be anything but American but I do look at Oriental cultures are turn a bit green. My white hair and wrinkles speak to the Orientals as wise and experienced. If I pay attention to the media I'd feel utterly over the hill.

But I as I carefully cut these last pieces I will treasure those times that I may only have a little to give in tithe in the offering plate. Perhaps my strength is limited in some offerings for jobs coming up in ministry. I don't exude youth and vitality in my appearance. But I matter as does every single person.

The tiling of this floor is getting to be more fun now that I identify with the tiny finishing pieces!!!

I have so much sweat and time in this bathroom I'm threatening to make it a toll only use bathroom!!!

Do You Know What You Want?

2009-09-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

"She's easy to get along with," one of the electricians said to his buddy when I answered a question this morning in the kitchen redo.

"Oh, yeah because she knows what she wants. She's got a plan in writing that she is working from and she has already explored the possibilities before we arrived. Oh, if all our clients would do this for us and themselves," he declared.

He's right, on this kitchen, I've done my homework. I have a written sketched plan and when asked a question I'm quick to tell you what I want. But in other areas of my life I need to:

Do my homework
Explore with God my possibilities
As the Bible exhorts me: Write the vision and make it plain...Habakkuk 2:2
Destiny, ministry, life work and life investment....I need to know who I am, what I want and what I hear God wants

Good friend, do you know what you want?

Have you done your homework and put your vision in writing?

Can You Dance?

2009-09-03T04:08:00.000-07:00

In the middle of my total kitchen renovation I'm finding I can still "dance." 'Every day the carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and others throw me a new surprise. This old house built in the sixties has a surprise at many turns.

Thank God, I can still "dance" and I'm not undone when the plan doesn't work. A few times I've tripped over my own feet, but I remove myself and take a breath and lift a prayer. I come back to the chaos and together the pros and I work out a new plan.

It hit me this morning that I need to hold onto this "dance" beyond my kitchen redo. Life in USA in 2009 is most unpredictable. I need to dance when the flu spreads and DHEC directs some changes in community life. FDIC is running out of money and there may be some bank "holidays" coming up to accommodate all bank closings. October 1st I start my new management job with 2010 and I need to be sure I'm wearing my "dancing shoes."

In the blog world it's not all about me. I throw the question to you: Can you dance?

Watch it! Do You Know Who You're Talking To?

2009-08-31T01:46:00.000-07:00

Do you think much about your conversations with your self?

This morning I was reading my daily devotion from Rabbi Pliskin and I was impacted by these words:

Speak To Yourself Serenely

You are the person with whom you talk to most often. To become a serene person, consistently talk to yourself serenely.

Become aware of the tone of your voice when you speak to yourself. This often is so automatic that many people never consider it an issue. But it can be a major factor in whether or not you are usually serene.

(From Rabbi Pliskin's book, Serenity, p.37)

I am careful with my words to "me" and what I say out loud about me and mine. This was not always the case. But a few years ago I heard a message that changed my life. It seems our own voice may have more power over us than any other voice. Think about it. You've been hearing your voice all your life. Your brain picks up on the familiarity of your voice. When I truly want to recall a new teaching I read the material aloud to get it etched on my mind. That one exercise should direct me to only speak over me and mine what I hope will occur.

Not even in jest do I ever speak what I would not want in me and my loved ones.

What do you say?

Can I Handle Blessings?

2009-08-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

The last twelve years have been challenging. If you're new to wholehearted Christianity let me interpret that phrase for you: Life Has been Hard!!! There were times I wasn't sure I'd make it, but God showed up at every turn just in time. How bad was it Kay? Well some things are personal but let me take all the air out and list a few challenges:

Family: brain tumors, lung cancer, marriage crisis, money fears, other health challenges, witness to child molestation,

unsure of career direction, hearing God's call to write but not finding my voice to fulfill call, mother's illness and then becoming her total care-giver in my

home for several years, husband's sudden illness and death, handling the closing of busy medical office suddenly.....CHALLENGES.

In the last few weeks I have been blessed financially, answered prayers for family and friends, great new job, writing opportunities, help remodeling my home, and a sense of rest in God

I've prayed for.

But yesterday I was phoned by my cpa to setup an appointment. I sighed when he called. My greatest fears must have been realized, the IRS wanted more money than I had anticipated. But he wanted the meeting to go over some possible medical group investment that I might be eligible to receive money from since my husband had died.

I should have been elated, but I had no where to place all this. I have been in "make it" mode for so long I had no familiar coping for one favor and blessing after another. A friend phoned me immediately after this call with a need for prayer on some difficult times in her life. Then I felt guilty that she had this hardship and I was being blessed.

I happened to have "Everyone Loves Raymond" on the television. The episode playing showed Raymond winning writer of the year. He was sharing his good news with his family. By the time his dad and mom picked it apart he was deflated and they accused him of bragging. When he got back to his home his wife gave him the bad news that his new position would force him to cover the sled races in Alaska. This was a terrible assignment. Ray smiled and la

ughed. His wife was puzzled. Raymond explained, "For a few minutes I thought I could believe this award and promotion meant I was in a good successful place. This was new for me, but just maybe it was my turn. But now that you tell me this I realize I'm not the one who has things work out for me. I live in a hard place; life is always hard for me."

Sadly, I could identify with Raymond. The fear of disappointment can cancel out the joy in a time of blessing. God is having to help me learn how to receive all of His blessings at one time. I've been climbing up hill with danger all around for many years. I, like Raymond, got accustomed to walking with trouble. The Bible shows this same mindset in the Israelites after God delivered them. I refuse to act like the Israelites who couldn't embrace the unfamiliarity of the Promised Land, because they got too accustomed to desert living.

Yes, I know the "desert," but I am adaptable and I know the giants are big in this new land. But the faithful God in the desert is also faithful in the Promised Land. I don't walk in my own knowing; no, I am surrendered and belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank You, Lord, for the life You give me. I know You in loss,

pain, and when nothing seems to be working. Lord, I thank You when blessings come my way that can logically seem impossible.

This is the day that You have made and I rejoice in it!!! New terrain, new skills, and thanking You, Lord God, for all things:

up, down
cold, hot
peace, war
lack, plenty
solitude, crowded
full, empty
heard, ignored
validated, invisible

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24

Watch It Lady, Don't Break in Line

2009-08-25T03:51:00.001-07:00

"The end of the line is way back there ...the guy with the orange bill hat is now the end," I sternly informed a poor book laden shopper Saturday. I must have looked like Lucy in the "Peanuts" cartoon. It was as though I assigned myself position as referee of line protocol. A lady in front of me chuckled. That really fired me off.

"It goes back to being a skinny little school girl. I hated line breakers, and I still struggle with this. This is a good test of integrity. If you break in line, you stole someone else's time. You just exposed your integrity," Lucy-like Kay proclaimed.

Holy Spirit has my ear and suddenly Lucy-like Kay was deflated. Thoughts filled my mind of all my integrity showing behaviors that would make a line-breaker give me a lecture. Oh, don't worry, my human flaws are not shockingly immoral and definitely not illegal. But I'm still a work in progress.

Whee...thank God for Heavenly grace and mercy. I took off my black and white referee shirt and ditched the whistle. I didn't even look back at the 40 person deep line to be sure all was well.

My favorite one day super fundraising book sale for literacy was a wisdom packing day. Oh, the books will be great to "chew" on all year. But the hurt little girl Kay from decades ago who must have been pushed back over and over in school lines finally gave up the fight. I may just purchase a collapsing chair so I can stand or sit in line for a long time and never break a sweat. If God needs someone to oversee the integrity of line standers He'll have to enlist someone else. I humbly resign.

I'm so humbled by the "video" He showed me in my mind on Saturday that I am busy cleaning closets and tending to my to do list. I have much to do on ME; I really don't have the energy or time to police anyone else.

Could this be what He meant when He said:

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3

Playing Control Games in the Name of Love

2009-08-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

Control writing is limiting my control of my life: Ha! Can't you tell from reading posts here at Thrive Christian that I've battled the control traps? I cannot casually write or speak on this subject because of the joy of freedom from this bondage and understanding that the Christian community appears to struggle with getting real on this issue. As I read through the last week's posts I need a break and I never meant to preach on this blog. Yesterday's post reads "preachy."

But enough is enough. A few months from now I will return to this subject because I've heard your passion for interest in this area of relationship wisdom.

Two key words come to my mind as I wind this series down: Love and Action.

LOVE:
Months past I shared that my favorite hymn is "Jesus Loves Me." When I am full of the truth that Jesus loves me; wart's and all, my heart is full and running over with love. God only empowers me when I lay healthy boundaries in relationships with love. St. Paul wrote this truth so well in I Corinthians 13. We can use the best principles in our relationships but if we don't have love that lines up with God, we're wasting our time.

ACTION:
I'm a well practised procrastinator. At the beginning of this year I found a book titled "Taking Action." I dare now to do action even if I may mess up; rather than postponing it. Action is key to everything in my life. I'm a trained speaker: talk can be cheap. In my relationships I am working on "action" in love that syncs with what I hear in prayer.

As I close this I recall some game playing with my late mom toward the end of her life. Mother loved to eat out. No matter how busy life became for me I had lunch or dinner out with Mother in my planner and no one took priority over her. But regretfully I should have played the "Where shall we eat" game with Mother. She would try on outfits for days leading up to our outing. I'd pick her up and the game would begin:

"You choose where we eat this time, Kay. Pick out a place," she would suggest with smiles across her face.

"Mom, every time I pick a place you come up with all your indigestion reasons why my choice cannot work for you. I eat out all the time and this day is for you. I've got an iron-clad stomach and I'll enjoy any place you choose. Where do you want to eat?" I would matter-of-fact plain vanilla bottom line no affect reply.

Mom would sigh with disappointment and say, "Now, that's is not what would happen. Come on tell me where you want to eat today."

Years past I would suggest a place and sure enough she would moan and say, "Oh, honey I can't eat there because their food is so greasy. What do you think about Red Lobster?"

Those times she was giggly with joy. I was so immature I was unhappy for being reeled in again.

Later I refused the game. Now, my mom had persistence down pat. We might go back and forth for 15 minutes before she would realize I wasn't playing. Off to one of her three favorite restaurants we would go but she wasn't' as excited about it.

Today I would do that differently. Yes, this may sound the opposite of this whole week on control, being controlled, passive aggressive deception, being honest, open, transparent and laying clear boundaries....but I loved my mother. Sometimes eighty something retirees deserve a little power brokering as long as the one being played knows what they are laying down. Loving action would lead me today to pick up my mom all dolled up and this is how that conversation would flow....

"Mom, you look fantastic. Is that a new outfit?"

"Oh, this old thing. I've had it for years. Do you think it looks o.k?"

"You amaze me, Mother. You look half your age. Where do you want to eat lunch today?"

"Oh, I picked out our last spot. You pick somewhere today."

"Sullivan's Cafe downtown is a new place. I've heard it's great," I would reply.

"Oh, Marie said they didn't have anything on the menu she could eat. Their air conditioner was too cool on her head. I just don't think I'm up to trying that after her review. What do you think about fish today?" Mom would probably say.

"Oh, fish sounds good to me. Where did you have in mind?" I would eagerly ask her.

"Red Lobster with those cheese biscuits and grilled flounder sounds good to me. But I want you to pick out a place," Mom would gleefully suggest.

"I want to go to Red Lobster. Will that be o.k. with you, Mom?" I would sincerely reply.

"Yes...oh yes, Kay, darling you have come up with a perfect suggestion," Mom would declare.

Regrets...sometimes playing a game of control is a loving action. I'm learning every day; our Heavenly Father surprises me with His mercy and how I can live an abundant life as His merciful daughter.

Got a thought on loving action?

Skin Crawling Term: MY MINISTRY

2009-08-18T04:05:00.001-07:00

MY MINISTRY: is a term that causes my skin to crawl, my anger to perk and revulsion to jump in me. I can hear the wise people "nutting up" when they read this. I recall when I was all into MY MINISTRY. God used "Experiencing God" Bible study to set me straight on that term. I learned that anyone called of God is in partnership with Holy God in any ministry that they participate in. The power is God's through His anointing and the only thing you or I offer is availability and surrender.

My church life became loving and harmonious once I got this truth clear in my mind and heart. I perceive that pride and self adulation is 100% of all conflict issues in church life. I'm sure I have such a strong reaction because initially in God's call on my life I was consumed with being the best, excellent, etc. Knowing me, I had a "holy" tag on all that nasty pride; but it was pride in me nonetheless. Now I understand each of us has destiny in God and no one can change that. We can get in the way with attitudes, disobedience, etc., but no one can stop God working in me for His destiny through me.

I started this series with statements of surrender. Control cannot operate in flesh and sinful ways when I am surrendered totally to Holy God.

C. S. Lewis wrote,

"Christ says, 'Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You.

I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it.

No half-measures are any good. I don't want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out.

Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires that you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked...the whole outfit.

I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will you Myself; my own will shall become yours."

A Year with C.S. Lewis: Daily Readings from His Classic Works, Edited by Patricia S. Klein (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2003) 219.

Control......God wants you and me to surrender control. I remember when God brought me to the place where He challenged me to surrender myself totally to Him. I had acknowledged Him as Lord, and He had come into my life and I had given Him certain parts, but I was still in control. Then a crisis came internally in me. Thank God for mighty mentors that wouldn't give in to me fighting dying to self. Finally I came to full surrender to Christ. He holds my controls....hallelujah.

Mike Breaux of Willow Creek, "Jesus was an important part of my life, but He was like one spoke of a wheel. There were other spokes too...my ministry, my career, my marriage, my children, my love of sports. But although He was one of the important spokes, I was the hub. Then during a time when I was on a retreat by myself, He confronted me and said, 'Mike, I don't want to just be a spoke. I want to be the hub. I want to be at the center of everything you are and do. Will you turn your life over to Me in such a way that I'm the hub?'"

Is control an issue for you? Does surrender all make sense as the answer to controlling or being controlled to you?

Control Issues Count Most in Family

2009-08-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

There is no pain like the pain one family member can inflict on another family member. I keep studying controlling and being controlled because it matters in staying close and intimate with family members. Church life is family to me also. Probably aside from my mom, my deepest hurts have come through misunderstandings in church. To me this makes good sense. When I read in the New Testament what we the church are in God's eyes the closeness is God' s love and power working through us; yet in this is also our vulnerability with one another.

Two Christian writers have helped me in church life most profoundly:

Francis Frangipane in his writings on becoming unoffendable.
R.T. Kendall in Total Forgiveness

In an intimate time of personal worship God summed up all these teachings and freed me from being overly upset with anyone in church . One day I was praying for a true problem I had detected in my church.

As I would list the issues my thoughts would be interrupted with this thought, "Do you know the condition of your body?"

"Well, yes, Lord. I'm overweight, I'm not in good physical condition from lack of exercise, and I need to overhaul my eating habits. How did we move from Your best in church-life to gluttony?" I responded.

Then I went on and on about what I had discerned that didn't line up with scriptures. I felt I was an intercessor praying in line with God because I had no personal issues in the problems I was praying about. Heaven just had to be cheering such a "holy" saint like me! But then...."Kay, do you know the condition of your body?"

"Yes, Lord, I'm overweight, under exercised; what do You want me to see Lord?" I asked most puzzled.

Then this thought came to me, "If you a woman of limited skill can determine the condition of your body why do you think I'm unaware of My Body?"

Whoa.......that set me straight on church life. Church was never man's idea. Church is God's creation. The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church; which Paul wrote of as His Body. Once I had that clear in my mind through this revelation I pray more and have answered prayers that are amazing. I pray in a positive manner thanking God that He is working in ways I cannot see and with timing that is perfect. When I share this with pastors most of them break out with a bit of sweat and their breathing speeds up. The ones close to God know they are appointed and anointed by God; not a set of deacons, elders, or money backing power brokers. Nope, church is God's idea and He manages His Body with or in spite of us.

I honor the theocracy of church in God's theocratic kingdom. No where in the Bible is democracy and voting a part of God's manner of operating His Kingdom and His Body/Church. I surrender in love to all in church. I seek God in prayer without gossip when I pick up on something out of line. I can't share the answered prayers because that wouldn't help my local church should some people read this, but trust me, God has answered prayers that line up with His love, mercy and the best interest of His Kingdom here on earth. I honor those in positions of authority and I look to God daily as I fulfill any work in my positions of authority in church.

I apologize for lengthy posts, but I'm so passionate about controlling and relationships. My plan is for 2 more posts on controlling. Again thank you for commenting. I have truly felt "out of control" in writing these posts. As I pray before posting I have changed my plan every day as God has led me to His working in me on control. I love it! May He bless you also.

Doubt God? Take Control Begins

2009-08-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

Controlling or being controlled is directly connected to lack of faith of God directly working in my life.

I ask myself often, "Am I trying to control this situation or this person?" I know the need to be in control is present in all folks in many different methods. For over 20 years I have worked with mentors, quiet time with the Lord to overcome my controlling and being controlled coping methods. Freedom in Christ is the only way to live!!!

Here are a few danger signs I've learned:

* Need to know all answers up front; and cannot wait patiently to how events evolve or what other people have planned in their lives.

* Lack trust in other people's competency or the power of God to care of details in life.

* Constant questioning, badgering and second-guessing of others' decisions.

* Believing no one can have a plan as good or better than my plan.

*Feeling I have the right to tell others what they need to do.

* Easily becoming irritable, frustrated or angry when others don't do what I wanted.

Now that I know God is intimately involved in my life I don't fall into these traps. I believe the basis of the problem for most controlling people is really the lack of trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

The Bible shows us over and over God is trustworthy!!!

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Of course God is the One Who is in control anyway. Matthew 6:27 states,

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

A controlling person begins to relinquish control when they surrender their concerns to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 challenges people to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

What do you say about control issues being directly related to trust or the lack of trust in God?

Control: It's Not Personal, But It Feels Personal

2009-08-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

Relationships gummed up with controlling issues are complicated. As I write this series I recall all the pain I came through as God freed me from these coping means. As I've mentioned in earlier posts I was born in a home struggling with addiction issues and mental illness. The scientist would label my

upbringing as dysfunctional.

My mom handled her tough issues with passive aggressive behaviours. As I studied this for today I was hit up the side of the head with my own passive aggression. I was a bit surprised. Truth is that we all have some of these behaviors and in moderation this can be a cultural nicety. But I hope we can see the serious control factors that these behaviors hold that can prevent us from the free life Jesus Christ has secured for us.

According to MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia -

“Passive-aggressive personality disorder is a chronic condition in which a person seems to passively comply with the desires and needs of others, but actually passively resists them, in the process becoming increasingly hostile and angry."

According to Wikipedia-

It can manifest itself as learned helplessness, procrastination, stubbornness, resentment, sullenness, or deliberate/repeated failure to accomplish requested tasks for which one is, often explicitly, responsible. It is a defense mechanism and more often than not, only partly conscious. For example, people who are passive-aggressive might take so long to get ready for a party they do not wish to attend, that the party is nearly over by the time they arrive.

Passive Aggressive controllers could say or think the following:

When I am frustrated I become silent, knowing it bothers other people.
I am prone to sulk or pout.
When I don't want to do a project I will procrastinate. I can be lazy.
I do things in my own timing and if I am too slow or if I do things in a different manner, then others are just going to have to adjust to my way.
If they don't like it, that's too bad.There are times when I am deliberately evasive so others won't bother me.
I sometimes approach work projects half-heartedly.
When someone talks to me about our problems, I'll say what they want to hear then do what I want to do.I complain about people behind their backs, but resist the opportunity to be open with them face to face.
Sometimes I become involved in hidden misbehaviors.
I may not follow through on the favors people want me to do as a way of letting them know I didn't want to do them in the first place.

Passive aggression is usually caused by a need to have control with the least amount of accountability. This form of anger is different from suppressed anger because the person is deliberately doing something knowing it will agitate the other person involved. Also, when people use this form of anger, it represents a fear based manner of handling conflicts.

Healthy relationships welcome openness, but passive-aggressives fear

that openness will be accompanied by too high of an emotional price.

(This came from http://www.drlescarter.com/angerpassive.asp

Dr. Les Carter, author, of The Anger Trap)

What Is the Behavior of a Passive-Aggressive Person?

Here are some of the obvious ways in which a person expresses anger or aggression passively.

Lateness and Forgetfulness: One of the traits of passive-aggressive behavior most difficult to tolerate is the person’s tendency to be late for appointments or other scheduled events. Being late may reflect both the person’s need to have the control in a situation and underlying feelings of inadequacy. And there is always an excuse...like, “I forgot what time it was”...when the person wants to explain away his or her actions or avoid an obligation.

Procrastination: The passive-aggressive person will commit to a project or deadline...and simply never get it done or else complete the task much too late. Other people who depend on the work being done, meanwhile, become infuriated.

Sending Mixed Messages: The person seldom communicates clearly and unambiguously, so that he or she can’t be pinned down. For example, “Maybe we can go out for dinner Friday night,” could be a plan or maybe just a suggestion or perhaps it’s just a way to keep you guessing. If you make a definite plan to go out, then the person can come back and say that he or she was just thinking out loud, and if you don’t make plans, then you are blamed for never coming through.

Pouting, Sulking and Lying: When the passive-aggressive person fails to keep promises and is confronted, a common response is to sigh, to withdraw from interacting, and to act as if they are being blamed unfairly. If they must give a response, there is often a fabrication of reality involved...and it is masterfully done. Open, constructive communication is virtually impossible when the other person is emotionally unavailable or deliberately distorting reality.

Feeling Victimized: When you finally put your foot down and expect a firm commitment, then you are the one to blame for trying to be controlling and demanding. The passive-aggressive person acts as if he or she is the helpless victim.

No one lacks value. Each of us is unique and precious.

Showing up, being present, being on time says, "I am worth your time, and you are worth mine." Jesus Christ spent His pain, His

life, His blood to prove worth and value to each of us. There can be no question that each person believing in Him is of incredible value.

Today may we all be mindful of our time and pray for God to show us how to be responsible in using our time. May we please the Lord with our time. Human control needs: hands off. Our time is in His hands!!!

From Powerless to Powerful in Christ

2009-08-13T03:05:00.000-07:00

If you feel power-less in some relationships I am believing you can come to being

powerful in Christ. I'm learning absolute surrender to Lord Jesus Christ opens up life with open hands and heart with others.

Before I surrendered all I tried to protect myself and I lived much of my

life with clenched fists. No...not to knock out folks; to guard myself, feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Seems I had a hard time saying no to requests and I would end up overwhelmed in activities for family, church, school,

community and work. I was tired and frustrated. Learning about boundaries and praying for God's best in my life was my breakthrough. My prayer today is that I can share what is working in my life. Hopefully, God will show you His

perfect way to untangle any areas of control and passivity in your life that block you from His thriving abundant life.

Yesterday I used my pastor's analogy of how a river can be a

powerful body of water if its banks are strong and keep the water contained to flow instead of seeping into the surrounding ground and make a swamp. The Bible tells me a river of living water will flow out of my belly. With eternal destiny in mind, I will use this river word picture throughout this series.

I'm discovering that boundaries:

define who I am
say what I want
mark out what I don't want
state my goals and purpose for life and safeguard them
say where I end and another person starts

My "river" has its banks. Other people can do whatever they want to in their "river" but they can't control the activity in my "river." These river banks are set and no one may redefine these parameters except me and the Lord.

Jesus Christ lived in His "river" beautifully and powerfully:

- He left the crowds that clamored for His attention to care for Himself.

- He did not allow His person or agenda to be changed or be redirected by anyone.

- He stayed Himself regardless of what anyone else wanted.

- He could not be tempted or swayed away from His purpose.

He is my example of staying true to oneself.

I study His last hours often. He chose when He would even speak to all His interrogators when He was on trial; and when He would remain silent. That is ultimate refusal to be controlled on anyone else's agenda. In that intense crisis, He maintained His "river." He never gave up His control.

I had lived in reaction to others so completely I had a difficult time figuring out how to openly set my boundaries. I sneaked whatever control I had over my life through procrastination and other passive/aggressive means. Upfront planned conscious stating of boundaries was foreign to me. I am a Southern woman........we pride ourselves in never breaking a sweat or wrinkling our clothes with anything but perfect grace. Ha! I do have a bit of that in me; and it was a stumbling block to getting free in Christ.

I recall one time many decades ago. My husband and I hit one of those tough times in marriage and an older woman was counselling me asked me, "What do you want, Kay?" I was speechless. I had a thousand ought's, should's, Bible verses, etc., but I was clueless on what I, Kay, wanted as a woman (not necessarily the wife, mother, church leader). The beginning of setting boundaries involved me searching my heart in prayer with Christ to discover;

What I want
What I don't want
What I like
How I can best use my time, how I won't use my time.

I imagine Jesus Christ living out my life and I imagine what boundaries would He insist on in this life. Once I had written all of this I had a "river" to start building the banks to hold it in place and prevent erosion that makes a river a swamp. It has changed in these years. Now, I am a widow and a writer. My boundaries of 20 years ago would not hold in this river to be powerful.

Now that I know what I want and don't want in my life (my borders) then it is easier to say "yes" to what fits and "no" to what does not so that I can pursue the Lord's plan for my life.

Boundary establishment probably brought the most change and the greatest pain of anything God has called for in my transformation as a Christian. The freedom and the peace of mind is more than worth it's cost, but I would be amiss if I didn't write that the pain was intense. Once my boundaries were in place I stopped letting others step on my toes. I was no longer pushed into doing anything that was not best for me in God's plan for my life. On top of all that; I did it (in time) guiltless! Oh hallelujah to the rid of guilt!!!

Discovery # 1: Folks didn't like not being able to tell me what to do and how to do regularly. No matter how politely I declined church volunteering opportunities that I had before done to make leaders happy; I had folks on the outs with me.

Discovery # 2: Controlling people revved up their tactics to try to push through my personal parameters. This was especially true of my mom.

Discovery # 3: I had to keep my guard up and keep my calling clear in my mind or I would hand over my controls and find myself pressured and manipulated into something I shouldn't be doing.

Obviously I'm not "done" yet. A friend at church asked me to alter some clothes for her. She assured me there was no time pressure. But she emailed yesterday that she now realizes she needs them for this weekend. Bam! I was up until very late wrestling with an aggravating sewing machine and finally I sewed the last stitch. I mean the last stitch. New rocks in my river boundary...no more sewing favors unless Holy God directs me to do it. I have a adult child in a tough place needing my undivided attention for a few days. Now, I'm tired and what would have been peaceful ministry will be ministry with fatigue. Perfect example of letting down the guard.

Good things can get in the way of best things.

Boundary establishment was my beginning of understanding how I never give my life controls to anyone but God. Developing my boundaries has given me understanding of other's boundaries. I'm convinced you can't overcome being controlled until you face where you are also controlling of others. Tomorrow I will jump into the ways I found I feared situations and I was the controller. Hold on, before this series is finished I may show you ways you subconsciously control others. In Christ you and I can truly handle all that comes to us in life. Fear has no way to drive us to surrendering our life controls or trying to control others.

Boundaries, control, and transparent honest living have to do with my faith in God, His Word and His promises to me. Lack of faith opens up the dangers of life lived out of fear. Shame and fear are the main backbones of all control coping. Shoot down shame and fear; control has no purpose.

Until tomorrow.........Live in peace!!!

Honest Moment

2009-08-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

The promised series on controllers will begin this week. I'm stalled in posting because I am struggling with writing this from my heart. Blogging has again surprised me with opening up parts of me that I didn't know existed until I began to respond to your comments.

Some of you have written to me offline with requests for more information on getting free from being a controller or being controlled by someone

else. This dialogue has touched my heart and my mind.

I sense I need to lay down some Biblical principles that lead me daily before we open up this serious discussion on living honestly in relationship without resorting to manipulation or deception.

My first giant step in this truth was in understanding Jesus words in John 5, "

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise."

For years I pondered how divine Jesus would need to look to Father God for all His actions. But now I see in part that Jesus came fully God, fully human, to model life for us. As He lived He and Father God were one and did all things from Heaven's perspective and in Heavenly power with Holy Spirit working in and with them.

Why was this so key in my understanding of free living without manipulation? I don't look to my own resources in living now that I am in Christ. I live every minute looking to Jesus who is looking to Father God; on what needs to be done this moment. When I am clear on this focus I am not prey to giving into people pleasing; acting like savior wonder woman Kay; needing to prove my greatness; competitiveness of wanting to be best; fear of what others might do to me....on and on and on.

I am moved by Heaven's unction!!! My trust is in God. Only in understanding this one verse was I free to dare to live with openness, and manage living with all people; even those who operate out of fear, shame and bullying.

Recently our pastor has been preaching on strong healthy relationships. He has spent much time on teaching us how to establish boundaries in our living. He said, "A river is a healthy flowing

life giving body of water because it has banks that keep it contained. If the banks erode as in Hurricane Katrina; a river becomes a stagnate swamp without life giving strength."

Tomorrow I will post the first portion of the trap of trying to control and manipulate others in our lives. I'm pouring my heart out and I am being blessed by your response. Here on Thrive Christian Blog your input is key to God moving us to truth to His Thriving Life in Jesus Christ. Please speak up on this touchy subject....I need to learn from you.

Whose Holding Your Life Switches?

2009-08-10T03:04:00.000-07:00

"You're making me miserable. I won't allow you to take control of this club. You can't control me," snarled a leader of a writing group to me.

"Take control? I have no desire to control this club, you or anyone else. But I will not be controlled by anyone but the Lord Himself. If you handed me your control panel; take it back because I don't want it. I never requested it. But I still stand by the boundaries I laid down for me. If that is a problem I will discuss this with you later," was my calm response to this perfectionist overwhelming leader.

She went ballistic. I was smiling a strange smile that only God and I understood. My fellow writers jumped in to try to calm the strong leader who was accustomed to people coming to attention when she barked loudly enough. She was ranting about this and that, and I truly was unaffected except to be concerned for her goodwill. Finally a new writer just swept me up in her arms and physically loved on me.

My smile...

My calm...

My surprise in my own words....

were part of God's tutoring me on how to manage life. For all of my life I had danced to the rhythm of anyone around me that exercised the most control or need. My mom had many emotional problems and I sense I was encouraged by aunts and family to keep her "calm" and happy. Now, I see well meaning folks gave a little child the responsibility to keep her mother sane. Wow! That's a biggee.

Bit by bit I developed mechanisms to please folks; no matter what. In that mindset I lost me; and what truly mattered to me. The poor writer's club leader just happened to be the first "controller" to encounter Free Kay! I had come through work with a Christian mentor and weeks of time in Bible study on being a strong healthy balanced Christian woman. I'm sure I needed some fine tuning in delivery, but I didn't buckle under and I didn't resort to her tyrannical manner.

I'm sure I didn't handle responsibility in full balance up until this point. My mom had displayed a manipulative passive/aggressive manner throughout my life. Now, I was laying down boundaries in my life. I had prayed on my purpose, destiny and the priorities in my life that pleased God. That week I had laid some big ones down with my mom. She came totally unglued, but then in the end she got it. That began some of the best interaction we had had together. So, this encounter with the group leader was days after I had been clear with my mom.

The vivid image of taking my writing club leader's control panel was repulsive to me. The weeks of seeking God's best in my life as a mature woman had been painful. Daring to confront my mom on being upfront and straight forward in our interactions had been painful for her. The leader had no idea what was going on with Kay. She was accustomed to the "yes" girl. Whatever anyone wanted Kay would try to do. But now Kay was laying down some boundaries. The leader's need for ultimate control was challenged and she reacted with loud forceful orders.

She was right on the point that I was no longer in her control. From that standpoint I was controlling her agenda. She had been accustomed to counting on 100% unconditional submission from me. Now, I was laying out times, assignments, etc. that worked for me with the other responsibilities in my life.

If controllers are hurting your life be prepared for new pain if you come into God's plan for living free. If you have lived as a people pleaser more than a God pleaser; there is hard work ahead. But ....hear me; the payback is amazing. No one holds my life control panel but God and me!!! Don't you want to live free?

Tomorrow we will explore how anyone ever falls into the trap of becoming a controller. Remember our goal is to get free; utterly free. When you are free in Christ you can truly love and pray for the controllers.

Do you have a story of being controlled, controlling or being free from either case.

We were designed to worship something, and when we fail to worship God, we create gods (idols) to surrender ourselves to. E. Stanley Jones said, “If you don’t surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos.” You’re free to choose what you surrender to, but you’re not free from the consequences of that choice: “So give yourselves completely to God” (James 4:7 NCV).

Having a Rough Time With Controllers?

2009-08-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Blogging thrills me when comments flood in on certain posts. I get it...ya'll are having some difficult time with controlling people in your life. I'm working on a series to begin Monday on ways I have learned to work effectively with "controllers" and how God has melted my heart on this one serious relationship issue.

Stay tuned....I offer my life tested wisdom. Keep reading the last post and know I love it when you fire back all fired up!!!

Psst....here is a visual hint for more to come in next week's series.

How Do You Love Controllers?

2009-08-07T04:05:00.000-07:00

"Oh, no, Lord, even You don't expect me to love someone who tries to control people around them constantly. Oh, no....I can't. Ummm, You don't have a backup plan, eh? Well, Lord, I need some serious help as soon as possible," was my prayer conversation in my mind many years ago. Today I find myself counselling many who struggle with this issue.

The way the Lord helped me was to realize in myself that I can try to control my environment and people's dealings with me when I am fearful and/or shamed. The experts in behavior science agree with this truth. That one little nugget helped me love the most dogmatic or manipulative passive/aggressive controllers.

Where I can't find anything to love in a controller or manipulator; I have no strain feeling empathy for someone afraid or ashamed. I choose to look beyond the offensive front of a controller to see into their pain of fear or shame. Recently I spent time with a young woman who is having difficulty working with a passive aggressive complaining controlling older woman. The controller has come through abuse emotionally and physcially from an abusive spouse.

I'm convinced the emotional and physical abused women have scars that can have lasting fear of someone else hurting them. This painful unfair treatment is doubling damaging because it comes from the man they loved and chose for a lifetime partner. "When you look past her actions...when you listen past her words and attitudes....perhaps you can feel her pain, " I shared with this young woman.

As we left one another we came up with a plan that will give the controller many ways to "control" unimportant decisions while this young woman prays for their relationship. Hopefully God will bless them with trust and the controlling manner won't be needed for the hurting woman to work with this younger woman.

Do you have ways that help you work with the "controllers" in your life? When do you find yourself trying to control others around you?

Heroes Are Real People

2009-08-04T02:45:00.000-07:00

I laughed and cried listening to Micca Campbell speak last year at She Speaks conference. Just beginning life as a widow she gave me hope for life I needed right then. Her humor gift and her communication skills were so excellent I felt like we two were the only ones in a room actually filled with hundreds of women. Yep, right that minute she became my heroine to emulate as I began this new walk as widow Kay.

A few days ago at this year's conference she was talking with one of my new friends. The friend, Carol Davis, pulled me over to introduce me to Micca. Carol is amazing (check her out on her daily radio show: http://www.wmit.org/programming/matt_in_the_morning.html.)

I tried to be cool and calm, but I couldn't. In typical Southern country unsophisticated style I began to ooh and ah. I told Micca I wrote up her story from the last conference on my blog. She looked a bit worried.......now that started me worrying. I had terrifying thoughts whirling through my head. Which lawyer should I call ... who won't mind me phoning them on Saturday? Oh, no ...I've messed up this time. I'm new at blogging and I began to think, "Oh, no my heroine is going to sue me for some lawyer-4-syllable-breach of something."

But...........drum roll, there is a happy ending to this saga. I sent Carol a link to the post I wrote on Micca. Just as I had assumed, Carol forwarded it to Micca. I felt like I needed to open up and let whatever was going to happen to get on with it. Here is that post and if you look at the comments my heroine, Micca, left a beautiful edifying comment. Whew! I'm thrilled she approved, but I'm relieved she didn't want to do something else.....ain't life wild in litiginous USA in 2009?

Here's a Micca!!!

Never Let 'Em See You Sweat!

My Aunt Eunice frequently told me my best self defense strategy was to keep my cool, no matter what. I think Aunt Eunice had read far too many mystery stories because she constantly had self defense on her mind in a quiet valley with only family within several miles in either direction.

But I did end up in some dangerous spots and no matter what, I could almost hear Aunt Eunice, "Girl, walk like you don't have a care in the world. Don't let them see your fear; keep your cool. Don't let them see you sweat." I'm navigationaly challenged and getting lost comes up often. Once I was having a ball in the Garment District of New York when I took a wrong turn into an alley that was terrifying and somehow I was no longer in the Garment District. But, I walked like I knew exactly where I was going and finally I circled back into the street I knew.

Today I'm paying tribute to Micca Campbell who is the queen of "Don't Let Them See You Sweat." She was a keynote speaker in the She Speaks Conference (http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/) this past May. Enjoy her story and see if you agree that she is the "queen" since she kept coming back around these folks after this incident. Micca Campbell, was the conference's last keynote speaker. This beautiful young woman had me laughing minutes after taking the mike. Since I hope to develop humor here and in my presentations I listened intently to Micca's stories. As nutty as some of my most embarrassing moments have been, she’s topped me with this one:

Micca rushed to get to the hotel for the She Speaks conference several years ago. With no time to freshen up for a leadership preliminary meeting she threw her clothes on. When she entered the ground floor elevator alone she realized she had this tiny bit of time to straighten her clothes properly.

With the wood paneling surrounding her she faced the door, flung off her shoes, bent over, and threw her skirt up on her back. Now, she had time to get her twisted pantyhose on straight. She started working her stretchy clingy panty hose on properly from her toes up to her waist. She made sure everything was just right.

She sighed with some relief....Whew....oh no! Suddenly Micca realized the surrounding walls of the elevator were now glass. Those solid wooden walls she noticed on entering the elevator were permanent fixtures to the ground floor only. Once the elevator rose to the second floor the true glass walls were her only surrounding. She peered behind her to look into shocked diners' faces in the main dinning room below her. All those high paying diners got their meal and a show!!! Talk about a floor show.

Micca's re-enactment of her bending over and wrestling with her pantyhose cannot be described....it must be experienced. For several years Micca has returned to speak at She Speaks in the same hotel. Aunt Eunice would have applauded her checking into the hotel and the staff elbowing one another, "That's the elevator lady." She just walked right by and never gave into the temptation to try to explain any of the matter. Finally She Speaks changed meeting sites and Micca said checking in was so pleasant this year.

She may have become a legend: that elevator lady; but she knew how to handle it as a true Southern belle: Never let them see you sweat!

Micca is a treasure in the Kingdom of God that I am truly thanking God for today. Her website is http://www.miccacampbell.com/. Thank you, Micca, for your heart, your soul and your gift… and the laughs. You were the laughter Rx I needed.

Comments:

Pinkshoelady said...

Hi Kay,
I was there when she told that story. I laughed until my side hurt.
Are you going to She Speaks again?
If you are I'd like to meet you in person.

Thanks for all your encouragement and helpful advice.

I will be speaking on some of that advice in a post coming soon...hopefully this weekend.

Love to you
Pamela

October 17, 2008 4:29 AM

Micca said...

Dear Kay, It was a treat meeting you at She Speaks. I had to look you up. Before I could, Carol Davis sent me this link! I read your story about me and laughed out loud!

I hope you enjoyed She Speaks and will return again next year. You exude joy!

blessings,
Micca

August 3, 2009 1:03 PM

2009-08-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I'd heard it all my breath was taken away at dinner at She Speaks Conference. A beautiful woman seated near me was sharing how God had been her husband when her life fell apart. I've heard so many stories I was listening 2 chairs over, but I was so startled by her words, I was sitting straight up and hanging on every word.

This lovely woman in her mid thirties shared how several years ago she and her husband had completed foreign missionary seminary training, etc. They both felt called of God to serve in this remote foreign village in China. All was going well whento her shock her husband suddenly lost his faith and fell off the track. He renounced the Lord and forsake her and all he'd ever known.

I felt such a tug on my heart I was undone. The main thing she shared was the goodness and the nearness of God to her as she gathered up her belongings and made her way out of the mission field to return home without husband and no understanding of what to do next. Over and over she smiled that wondrous smile that only a saint can smile that knows close up and personal Jesus Christ Holy Spirit being her all when her world implodes.

She divorced her husband and he's still in China. She has married a wonderful loving Christian man, but she believes God will draw her ex husband out of this unholy lifestyle someday. He lives in China forsaking his family and faith. She was not resentful, bitter or wishing harm on him.

I'm being blessed wonderfully in this conference. But somehow I just don't see how anything to come will impress me as much as my time with this amazing God filled woman. When I see the glory of God manifest in a soul such as this one I am forever changed.

Thank God I am here at this Christian women's conference. Perhaps I'll return home a better speaker and writer. That would be nice, but oh, I return home a better believer. I have been blessed to hear a testimony that has enlarged my faith. God will never ...never....never forsake me. As He met this wife's needs; He will meet mine...no matter what!!!

Out of Work in 2009

2009-07-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I encountered three young men who had much in common. They were under 40, bright, considerate, intelligent, educated, attractive and each of them would be positive members of any company or staff. BUT....big but....they were looking for meaningful job placement. In 2009 I am seeing the most unlikely people pushed out of jobs and careers.

I don't have any great insight concerning this situation in our topsy turvy

economy. But I do have personal experience of having my world erupt with no meaning. I can still recall that first night when life kicked me in the stomach and knocked the breath out of me. So, as an old woman concerned with these young men and others in that strange place when life falls off its tracks I offer what got me through that dark time.

1. If you don't know God personally, cry out to Him. If Bible reading is not your daily diet, begin by reading the Psalms out loud. Dare to read the book of John and Romans. Challenge God in your prayers to show you Who He is to you.

2. Once you know who you are in Christ everything takes on a totally new perspective. Even your crisis pales compared to life in Him.

3. Open up to God to show you what He will do in your present circumstance. I daily ask Him, "What will please You today, Lord? That is my supreme desire; to please You." That could sound as though I am a sacrificing martyr. No, I have discovered my most fulfilling, thriving, and fun filled life comes about when I get into that place of hearing God and obeying Him to the point that He is pleased.

4. Find joy and laughter wherever it shows up. Laugh out loud every moment that you can. The rx that healed so many of my ails lies in that one truth. I even rent movies that make me laugh when times get dark. I

have a specific group of

dvd's and books that can bring me to chuckles.

5. If you are out of work and have time on your hands find a way to spend yourself helping others. Time spent focusing on yourself will make you sick. God has an amazing way of networking His people when they are pouring out in service to others.

6. Trust me on this one....this crisis will pass. Nothing lasts forever. This won't either. I don't know what America and the world will look like when all the dust settles from this economic shift, but God is changeless. I know we who look to Him will have what really matters: peace, acceptance, hope, faith and most of all love.

7. Love is the most important part of living. The longer I live I know this to be true. I pray daily to receive the Lord's love....only out of His love filling me

will I have love to pour onto others. Paul spoke ultimate truth in I Corinthians 13....without love everything we say and do is like a clanging cymbal....redundant chatter and noise.

2009 has many out of work who did all the right things in their youth to prepare to never be laid off. It's not fair. You're right. The Bible doesn't promise us life will be fair. The Bible promises us abundant life and victory in what matters; now and eternally. There is no one who can fill your vacuum when life kicks the air out of you....But God. Seek Him. He never, never, never denie

s anyone who sincerely calls out to Him.

2009 is challenging, but for some hard heads like me (I didn't come gently to the Lord, I only came when nothing else would work) 2009 may be the year that is personally the most wonderful year of your life. 2009 may break down every

scaffolding that's been holding you up on your own. Leaning on the Lord and living life wide open in Him is the greatest life ever!!!

Jesus Christ is Lord

What is She Speaks?

2009-07-23T02:44:00.001-07:00

She Speaks Conference begins in Charlotte, NC next week. In my grief stupor I attended last year. I prayed for a way to get away from the black cloud of pain when my husband passed last spring. I hit the website of She Speaks
and managed to fill a slot vacated by someone who cancelled. I had no idea what I was dropping into.

500+ women gathered in the elegant Embassy Suites from all over the nation, and a few countries. Passion to fulfill the call of God on

their lives was our one common connection. Estrogen ruled and enthusiasm shook the foundation of that grand hotel. My faith in God stirring the hearts of the next generation was established that weekend. Sometimes I worry about apathy I encounter on my day to day life. But She Speaks pulled together purposeful speakers, writers, bloggers, women's ministry leaders and Christian women seeking where God wants them to work. If anyone was apathetic, I never saw or heard them.

This year I have a new friend from my county riding with me. I have several wonderful blogging friends I can't wait to hug and "see" in reality and connect them to the "virtual" knowledge I hold for each of them.

Get ready for "new" Kay. I'm going to She Speaks to receive whatever God has for me. Last year I was blessed, but I was escaping the pain of every

ne grieving with me over my husband's death. No one in Charlotte knew me or John. I didn't tell anyone how short a time I had lost him until the last day. This year: I have healed greatly and I am going as a sponge to soak up all the blessings and teachings I can absorb. Last year I was in the speakers'

track because I am more confident speaking than writing. But God has called me to write.

I plan to overhaul this blog. I hope to learn how to blog; I just ju

mped in last summer after She Speaks and I love it. That White haired talker in this picture is yours truly. Now, I want to know how to blog right!

Pray for all of us. Pray for the speakers and teachers (who pay for their own expenses, travel, hotel, etc.

and receive no money for their time).

This is not your typical speakers, writers conference. If I've triggered your curiosity check it out on the sidebar of this blog. They opened up registration in January and were sold out in a few weeks. It is my honor to know about this gathering and for God to bless me to be able

to participate.

Laughter & Tears Heal Broken Hearts

2009-07-18T04:05:00.001-07:00

A "Time To Laugh" comedy group premiered last night to a small crowd of mentors, leaders and residents of transitional housing for exoffenders. Having had only a few rehearsals I was preparing myself for a "fall on your face" with grace moment. All week I knew if God didn't work a miracle through us we could be "trying" to be funny and just look stupid.

They laughed from the beginning to the end. They laughed at things that weren't funny....I mean not to us. On the set we caught ourselves wanting to say....no, you laugh in a moment. There was a connection with these beautiful seekers beyond my writing skill to describe. Our title was HALT: don't get

too hungry
too angry
too lonely
too tired

It's an old addiction prompter to keep from triggering your cravings for a fix. We tied it into any behavior that is less than God's best for believers.

We actors are children born in trauma (my term for dysfunctional home). Ryan, Stacie and Laura are siblings and their dad was addicted to drugs and drinking as my dad was. Both men acted out in drunken raging violence on their wives. Our stories take different routes, but as survivors we've had similar struggles. God has mercifully delivered us from our pain and He has used the very pains to develop unusual strengths in each of us.

We concluded with Ryan giving his unbelievable capture when he was addicted to drugs. Mouths gaped open and the Lord moved on that crowd so beautifully. We concluded with a time to honor all fathers; to forgive and to receive forgiveness. All were blessed, but the mentors, pastors, and leaders were the ones weeping the most in the end. God had his way and weights were dropped off of His saints to free them to "run the race!"

Again......thank you for your prayers: they laughed!!!!

Dare To Speak In Jesus Name

2009-07-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

How dare I and my fellow members of "A Time To Laugh" stand up this coming Friday night and present our comedy "H.A.L.T." to a gathering of folks? My speaking appearances have been limited to business meetings in this last year since my husband died. But when I was speaking to Christian groups on a regular basis I never took it lightly.

I recall those early years when I would be so concerned about how I looked, sounded and was understood by the audience. Loving merciful God taught me my errors in that mindset quickly. No, it truly was not about me beyond knowing I was a vessel for His greatness. In order to fulfill my main objective: others seeing Jesus in me; I might have to flub, mess up, miss a step. He is the main thing.

Old woman that I am, I advised these fantastic young folks to push all that performance pursuit to a close second in priority. In these few days leading up to our premier we will spend time in prayer and meditation with God. We will cry out for Him to prepare the hearts of those coming. We will pray for Him to give us His love for each of them. Then...He's in control; and all is His doings! Naturally whatever happens will be to magnify and glorify Him. If in any way we get IN THE WAY with our stuff, it will be a waste of time.

I happened onto a book this week: A Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer by John Dillard, How Lay Ministers Can Accomplish Great Things in God’s Name.

These sentences speak to me this week:

“Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!”

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Imagine what would happen if all Believers lived their lives unafraid and willing to do God’s bidding when prompted. Freed from the chains that bound them, we would be free to do the bidding of Jesus Christ. Nehemiah’s story is about how one man, a layman, listened to God and did what all thought impossible. Nehemiah, sought the favor of a king, who provided the needed resources he needed to accomplish his task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s broken down walls in just 52 days,"

God have your way!!!

Done! I've Had It....

2009-07-08T23:28:00.001-07:00

Lately I hear a recurring word: "Done! I can't go on this way any more," is a lament I hear from spouses with a strained marriage, folks in debt and miserable people of all ages and situations. Working on a comedy skit for an upcoming performance of "A Time To Laugh," comedy troupe which I'm a member of, we decided to incorporate this phrase: "Done!" in each segment of our skit.

I've realized on my spiritual journey that breakthrough's come when I'm "Done!" with my own self efforts to rid myself of poor habits or attitudes. It seems merciful, gracious Holy God gives me all the room I need to spin myself empty. Then when I finally reach the end of

my strength/rope I cry out desperately for His help.

Bam!! It's like He was waiting on that pure humble submissive cry. In younger years I would beat myself up for using my own strength before crying out to God. As an older woman...hopefully a bit wiser; I see my end is God's beginning point. I wonder if working things out with my best human efforts may be necessary to know this truth, "

John 15:5 Jesus said "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me,

and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

"Done!" on something significant in your life? God isn't surprised and He isn't disappointed in you or me for giving our best and coming up with zero. Throughout the Bible He shows men and women failing forward to come to know He is the only way to life that matters. When all we desire is to do all for His glory: all is well.

Done!!!

Annoying Blessing

2009-07-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

"Ms. Kay, I was praying with my young son as I was putting him to bed. I thanked God for his anointing and that God would continue to bless him with anointing for him to reach his destiny in God."

"After amen, he asked me why I was thanking God for annoying," shared one of my "funny" guys in our comedy troupe, A Time To Laugh.

Don't you just love the spontaneity and delight of children? I keep imagining this very active "real" little boy peeking through his fingers to watch his Dad being thankful because he is annoying. He probably was coming up with a hundred ways to help God fulfill that request!!!

Have a laugh and be free as only a God saved saint can be!!!

This is the week to celebrate being free forever!

Peace of Mind is Thriving

2009-06-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

Thriving No Matter What

I try to encompass the abundant life that is secured for me through Jesus ;and yet I know I never fully grasp it's truth. Today I ran across an article by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin in the Daily Lift. I love reading interpretation of Hebrew wording because I find it helps me understand the Bible more clearly.

Rabbi Pliskin wrote on tranquility. He explained there are two terms for tranquility - "shalvah" and "menuchah." He points out that they seem similar but in truth, they contradict each other.

Shalvah refers to a situation in which a person is not missing anything in life. He has everything he wants and therefore has no worries. He has a nice house with all the furnishings he can ask for. He has a large amount of cash handy to purchase whatever he wants. His business is going well, and all of his property and possessions are entirely safe. He has no enemies who would want to cause him harm. There is peace in his world. He is entirely healthy. He is respected and people accept his opinion. He has no competitors who are striving to diminish is stature. He has no obligations to others. He is successful at whatever he does. This is shalvah.

And it's a negative trait.

Why? Because if you feel that everything must be perfect, you are in danger that if the details of your life are not to your liking, you will suffer. The many difficulties that arise in your life will prevent you from experiencing pleasure and peace of mind.

Menuchah, on the other hand, is a virtue. It is a state in which a person lives with peace of mind since he does not need anything! Not because he has all he would wish for, but because his attitude is one of accepting his present situation.

He will be aware that all benefits and damages in life are dependent on the will of the Almighty. He has trust that whatever is decreed for him is what will occur. If he has what he would like, that is good; and if he is not able to get it, that, too, is for the good.

He does not feel anxiety about possible misfortunes. He knows that "every bullet has its special address," and he wants only that which the Almighty chooses for him. If you attain the trait of menuchah, you will feel inner peace regardless of your financial situation and whether or not you have the approval of others.

The person who has reached this level of not needing all that he would wish for is saved from all kinds of frustration. People will not have anything to criticize him for. Even if someone does wrongly accuse him of anything, he does not take it to heart. He knows that he is being accused in error, and is able to feel an inner joy. This level is called menuchah.

This blog, Thrive Christian, is written with a focus on celebrating the life Jesus Christ redeemed for me and all other believers. As I read Rabbi Pliskin's words I realized this is THAT attitude that sets Christians apart from the world. Menuchah: is perfected peace of mind that Jesus secured for me.... no matter what my $, health, or life looks like.

This one verse is core to my life: John 10:10 (New King James Version)
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

In this anxiety filled world do you know this peace? Thrive Christian Blog is wanting to hear about peace no matter what's going on in your life.

A Time To Laugh

2009-06-26T03:16:00.000-07:00

Doing vs. Talking

Last night 3 wonderful funny Christian young people (young ... compared to me; seems everyone is young compared to me!) met at my home for our first work session on "A Time Laugh" comedy troupe. For over 6 months we have discussed turning our zany coping humor into a ministry. Recently someone asked me how I walked out my call to minister. I shared all the burning passions in my heart and to my surprise this woman asked if the comedy group would give a presentation in July.

We have a gig (hope I got that right), and last night we came together to brainstorm ideas. In my writing and in this venture I have concluded that to intentionally try to be funny IS NOT FUNNY!

But last night was powerful. I don't know when I've ever laughed so much in one evening. The four of us range in age from 26 year old Ryan, 30 year old Stacie, 38 year old Laura, and me: a card carrying senior of 65. You'd never put us together, but God did. We have some common threads in our histories: born in trauma, issues with challenging beginnings, and from earliest childhood we recall laughing in the middle of crisis. But most of all we share a passion for doing whatever we can for others to know the peace and joy and fulfillment we know through Jesus Christ.

Talking about pulling off "A Time To Laugh" has been replaced with action. Rehearsal on our brainstorming is coming up soon and I can't wait. Hopefully I've stirred you up with a dream in your heart that you will do more than talk about it. Take Action...jump in, the water's fine!!!

Impact Resistant

2009-06-23T03:09:00.000-07:00

"Impact resistant knives!" hawked the infomercial on the TV. I was dusting furniture and I didn't notice the news show had been replaced with this knife commercial program. Over and over the presenter shouted "Impact resistant!"

I'm pondering if I have sought to become impact resistant to avoid pain. How else could a compassionate responsible woman go on about my day to day living without spending more time praying for the needs of others? I don't want to fall to pieces, but the alternative is worse: I could become impact resistant.

Coming through the grief process of my husband's death and some other losses I fear I've become so concerned with surviving, I may have become too cautious about my emotional well being. When I read the statistics on how little time folks pray, I'm ahead of the average. I remember a time when I prayed with passion every day for all those laying heavy on my heart.

Today I pray for God's ideal in my heart sensitivity. Daily I'm setting aside a specific time to pray with empathy for those around me. Whatever impact resisstance I have developed in self surival, I'm believing compassion takes over and God brings me to be what pleases Him.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." ( John 13:34-35)

Flashlight in the Darkness

2009-06-19T06:12:00.001-07:00

Census phase is completed and my old crew is out of work and little hope of a job in sight. We met together to celebrate our success last month. May I brag a bit: We completed our assignments before anyone else in SC and our work was deemed excellent in accuracy!!! They were amazing workers...they made me look good.

But it didn't take long after the hugs and hello's to feel the pain of the need of jobs. I work for the extras in my life as a retiree. The rest of this crew needs to work for necessities. One woman suggested we form a support working group to meet together regularly to fine tune resumes and practice interview techniques, etc.

Now, we have a schedule to meet every other week to network with one another to learn each other's skills and desires for full time employment. As we birthed this little work group I suddenly realized I can head this group with great ease and delight. I've been schooled for decades in small group leadership for ministry and business.

For a few years I've felt God calling me to KNOW that each moment I'm living is the most important moment of my life. I can tend to dream of the future longingly or nostalgically look back in the past. But if I live in Christ fully in each moment in the NOW I take care of the past as it comes moment by moment and the future is most unpredictable.

So...last night was the fruit of me living in the NOW. I have 20 people who enjoy following my lead. They have a common goal of needing full time or part-time work. By far, they are the best team of committed smart positive workers I've ever seen. I have contacts and people of influence that I can bring to this group. In a dark time I sense God is shining His light onto us all. I may only be pocket-size flashlight in these folks' darkness, but when the lights are dim or out, any light is a help.

You smart blog readers may have helps for these unemployed sharp motivated workers. Please send in your advice, website addresses, book titles, etc.

"Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven..."

Shine where you are. Jesus shining through you and me is Heaven come to earth.

Weeds and Yard Flowers

2009-06-16T08:43:00.001-07:00

Majesty and Summer Glory: That's what happened when I was in charge of decorating a huge gym for a ten year celebration of a wonderful ministry to the homeless, hungry, ex offenders.

In prayer I realized the humble hydrangea and Queen Anne's lace and other roadside weeds could work. But it turned out that seeing it was only part of the wonder. Seems hydrangeas will wilt on you if you don't know how to handle them. So days before the event I was out harvesting these gorgeous blooms.

Here's the trick to keep Hydrangeas from drooping:
1. Cut early in the day.
2. Cut on the diagonal.
3. Pierce with pin
4. Dip in boiling water for 20 seconds
5. Place in cool water and let sit for 2 days
6. Add Sprite to the water

Weeds and Queen's Anne lace:
1. Cut early in the day
2. Let soak in water for a day

Organza cloths made from cloth bought at bargain basement sell out and thousands of blooms in thrift shop vases turned a gym into a summer wonderland.

A week of work paid off. Senators, volunteers, bank executives, state officials, graduates of ex offender programs and their families, etc. were blessed with a wonderland evening of celebrating the goodness of God in miraculous ways.

Those in charge of the food prepared the most delicious and beautiful food. What a night!!

Somehow those weeds and yard flowers make me think of some of our saints who have come from the most humble places. I'm one of those!!! It's taken a lot of preparation to get me to be a use able part of the Body of Christ. Somehow I don't think Apostle Peter or Apostle Paul were easy parts of the Body!!!

Those hydrangeas and weeds were more beautiful than the most expensive florist's flowers I've ever seen. I hope I hold that image in my mind forever. When a troubled soul needs much preparation to be a part of the Body of Christ may I learn from Holy Spirit how to keep them "hydrated" and prevent them from "wilting."

Procrastination Fungus

2009-06-11T02:39:00.001-07:00

Procrastination works like an ever growing fungus in my life.

Procrastination almost got me again. As I was blessed with promotions in my recent census job I failed to send in my application to She Speaks Speaking & Writing Conference. I devoted most of my time to the urgent needs of my job.

Get this: I was working my census job partially to make the money for this great conference. When I went to their website I discovered they were sold out. I signed up for the waiting list, but I didn't have great hope for a place opening up. How many times do I have to go down this road: Tending to the urgent; and overlooking the important matters?

BUT yesterday the email arrived telling me a cancellation had opened a spot for me. My immediate reaction was Yahoo!! Yippee! Then reality rushed in and I realized my procrastination had worked a number on me again. I have several writing projects partially completed. I have 6 weeks to finish these to be in place for the conference. I've come a long way in slaying this internal dragon: Procrastination. It's obvious to me I still have to fight to rid myself of this self sabotage.

My funniest procrastination saga is my dream to publish a procrastination blog that will offer wisdom and helps for other strugglers. I've had this dream in my heart for over a year. Perfectionism has joined forces with procrastination to entangle my dreams. Best I can figure it will take a sharp machete to cut the vine jungle down to free myself to take action.

This blog was one the fruits of my first She Speaks Conference last year. Women from all over the nation and a few other countries come together to earnestly pursue the dreams and visions God has placed in their hearts. The passionate love of the Lord teamed with a fervent willingness to work set this conference apart from many others I have attended.

Blog posts will probably shorten up while I'm smoking away on this laptop to make up the time I spent digging into housecleaning and decorating. Got to go.......God bless you all.

Road Rage Ain't Saintly

2009-06-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I 'fessed up to my fleshly unsanctified attitude with line breakers in waiting lines. May I say it bugs me the most in conference or church settings. Last night I discussed this with a friend over dinner. She didn't give me one ounce of mercy. Oh, no...my dear friend pointed out how upset I got driving on our recent trip to a large city.

Oh, my she's right. Not only do I need to confess and repent of bad attitude anger in waiting lines, but now I've got to look at the real me in some traffic situations. I know you blog readers will understand:

We were lost. My Tom Tom gps was "running his know it all mouth," the red light turned to green, and we took one little moment to think and "toot!!! toot!!!" blared the horn behind me. I quickly made a left ...well, I was in the left turn lane. Then the car rode my bumper for two whole blocks laughing at me. You guessed it! Mild mannered Kay turned into nose pumping smoke red faced non-cussing hothead. I got in the far right lane as soon as possible and let the impatient rude impertinent road hog menace get by me. Ain't it wonderful to see how well I have processed all of this? Anyway I then got behind this car. I wanted to repay like with like, but then something...probably Merciful Gracious Holy Spirit...got my better self in line. My friend laughed and laughed and still laughs about Saint Kay behind the wheel in downtown traffic.

Well with my halo slipping off my head I ask "Is God still working on any of you being 'ticked off at the little things'?"

I hear a soft whisper in my thoughts, "little foxes." In Song of Solomon 2:15 God speaks, "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom."

I am a crisis queen: give me a full blown crisis and I will amaze you. But in the everyday hum drum I don't always walk in ways that emulate Christ. Marion Bond West Acuff, Guidepost writer and friend, once told me that she and I reigned so well in crisis we probably create one just to wear the crown. Oops... I think I'm past that drama need, but I do see I have much to learn in "being angry" on what warrants it from God's perspective and walking it out in honesty and maturity for the good of all involved.

Today I'm processing all those little foxes placed in my life to steal my blessings and fruit of the Spirit. My dryer broke last week and my disposal is frozen but that's o.k. I won't act like it hasn't happened, but it will get the attention it warrants...no more.

It's summertime down here in Carolina. I ran across this poem that speaks of little irritants in the summer.

The chigger is no bigger
Than the end of a small pin;
But the itch that he raises
Simply amazes.

Don't sweat the small stuff!!!

Silly Stuff That Ticks Me Off

2009-06-09T05:22:00.000-07:00

I get ticked off when someone sneaks in ahead of me in a waiting line. I don't mean slightly irritated; I mean smoking mad! If people could see past my pleasant smile mask ;they would see smoke pumping out my nose, and a firey mouth spewing out flaming words of disgust and fury. A little over the top? Oh yeah...but in my mind you stole my time when you decided to "slide" in ahead of me.

What's up? Kay, I thought you were the loving Christian who writes on strong gentleness; surrendered to Jesus as Lord; and loving your enermies. Yes, that's me. But in this process of growing in Christ; that part of old me still has to be harnessed. I've been writing on anger for a few weeks and I pondered yesterday on ordinary situations that tick me off. Line breaking hit my number one spot on stupid stuff that tempts me sorely.

God's command: be angry, but sin not; calls me to examine my anger. As I look at my foolishness I'm asking why this bugs me so much. I'm the first one to always insist that people in the grocery line to go ahead of me if I have a full shopping cart. I love being generous and gracious in driving or shopping situations to wave people on ahead. Why would I have to suppress all kinds of poor behavior when somene in lines jump ahead of me?

Looking back on my childhood I may have a clue for this irrational anger. I changed schools 8 times in 12 years; and usually those where extreme crisis situations. Somehow I sense that this irritation stems back to school days and my low status of being the "new" kid in class. Seems I recall loving the teachers that would not tolerate line breakers. As I write this I'm smiling at the absurdity of caring if someone goes ahead of me if I'm in no time crunch. Perhaps this self examination is a piece of "be angry, but sin not."

Most irrational behaviors or mind traps have a root in our childhood (so the behavior experts say). Dare you share your recurring ticked off stuff? Remembering I'm gathering data for a book.

What ticks you off?

God's Commands: 1: Fear Not 2: Be Angry

2009-06-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

Anger musings continue...

As I'm thinking and praying about anger and being whole in Christ I suddenly find myself thinking on what the Bible shows us God commands us to do; and what He clearly warns us not to do:

Be angry, but do not sin.

Fear not.

I've read that there are 365 instances of God telling us His people "Fear Not."

I'm encouraged that He says this over and over; I can't be the only one that deals with fear in some way or another 365 days in the year.

I bring up fear because I'm convinced that anger and fear occur together when we become "unglued." Self control of anger is tied to faith and trust in God to replace our fears.

Most Christians I know are never ashamed of their fears, but they deny any anger and would prefer for no one to know they've ever been angry.

Help me out ... have we flipped His design for us?

Avoid Conflict At All Costs

2009-06-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

My mom and my husband were two of the most important people in my life. They were both dear wonderful people, but they hated conflict. They actually feared conflict. I sense I may refuse to deal with anger in healthy ways because I lived my life trying to accommodate my mom or my husband.

You blog readers have been terrific lately in responding to my anger prompts. Please don't let me down now.

What do you think about this...anger gets masked, ignored or stuffed trying to avoid conflict. Then in the "dark" it grows like a fungus.

Yes, I'm Angry, Mad, Ticked Off...And Still I'm A True Christian!

2009-06-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

Your blog comments on anger have triggered many thoughts in me. Recently I've queried several folks on their thoughts on how to handle anger. These conversations along with your comments show me American Christian women may be the largest group struggling with repressed or misappropriated anger.

Yesterday David from Red Letter Believers said...
I have a person in my life who I recognize anger in, but she says she isn't angry, she's "not happy" or "disappointed in me" or "discouraged by my actions."Anger is anger and appreciate you calling it what it is!

A few weeks ago I fired up with anger that actually frightened me. I shared my experience in: Be Angry but Sin Not!!!

The drawing to further explore this comes from the positive benefits I have personally received by facing my anger; not dodging it; not rationalizing it and processing it in meditation with God. I am reading good Christian books to uncover what God means in commanding us to BE ANGRY, but sin not.

I read that scripture all my life this way:

Be angry, BUT SIN NOT.

For me the main thing was to do whatever I could in my own power to be sure unequivocally, that under no circumstances, in any instance, with anyone, that I absolutely did not sin with my anger....and oh, yeah, be sure before I went to bed or before the sun came up ... I did NOT go to bed or sleep still angry!

As my faith grows that God is who He says He is in the Bible, I find I am willing to dare to be honest and true with little ole me. Instead of sugar coating what's going on in me; I dare to look at it head on. In Christ, I am willing to admit "I'm angry."

God's mercy and compassion have become clear to me in the last year. If I had one thing I would hope to convey to any of you reading this today it would be: You cannot measure how great is His love and understanding of your honest pursuit of pleasing Him no matter what breaks, blows up or flips upside down. Perfection isn't His command. Receive His love and love Him back and trust Him in all things.... this makes for the most glorious life.

Anger...God placed anger in His original plan for men and women. I'm praying, listening and learning what His design for anger is; and how we can comply with our original Manufacturer's intent!!!

Saint, What Do You Do With Your Anger?

2009-06-01T03:12:00.000-07:00

"I'm not angry, I'm hurt," a young woman confides to me.

"What if hurt is anger turned inward?" I ask her.

Shock fills her face; and a flash of "maybe" shows in her eyes as I share, "Unmet needs are usually felt in hurt, offense, or anger. Let's look at your unmet needs. We will pray for God to show us reality: true need as opposed to wants or perceived needs."

I know this "place" myself and I've ministered to many folks with ruptured relationship problems. I've begun to research misused anger and poor physical and emotional health. I am feeling a strong drawing to write about anger and Christians. Recently I think I "got it."

Ephesians 4:26 (NKJV) "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

I've been afraid to dare to truly own my anger most of my life. I rationalized away true anger and came up with comfortable emotions for a Bible-believing-baptized-church member-leader. In this complex dodge of my true feelings I've overeaten, needlessly shopped, developed depression with repressed anger and missed what God intended totally.

I've decided to explore how we can please Father God honestly when anger erupts in our emotions. You blog readers are my first line of investigation of viewpoints and experiences on obeying God "to be angry" and not sinning. The greek word for "sin" is to miss the mark. Could we be missing the mark in our denial of the God given emotion of anger?

I'll start this sharing with why I may have been afraid to "be angry." In my early childhood home my dad was a violent alcoholic. Finally this spiraled into destroying our home. My mom had emotional breakdowns. She was left emotionally crippled and at home she had a short fuse when it was just the two of us at home. I have feared emulating either one of them and going "postal" with no control...."just give me another piece of cake," or "I'll take a nap," or "I need to shop a while." I think I've sinned trying not to be angry.

I'm writing a book on BE Angry....I truly need your viewpoint. Speak up, please.

Talk to me about your anger.........or your avoidance of your anger.

Ordinary to Extraordinary

2009-05-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

A true friend is such a treasure. In the last 2 days I've connected with 2 dear friends each day. Each of them had a trial they were working through but as we "played" the day away wonderful life came into both of us.

Somehow it was the leading of the Holy Spirit that led me to invite them to join me in my process of catching my breath and relaxing after a hard three months of intense work. Each of them has been battling more serious challenges than my hard work schedule, but on each day we two women were blessed by one another's presence, listening, laughter and sometimes tears.

Oh, shall I ever learn that God works in His children in ways we never fully understand....He just calls us to listen and obey His callings. When we do, He will use the most ordinary parts of life to do extraordinary wonderful things in our lives.

Rest in the Lord always.

Listen To My Life

2009-05-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

Reading an old book today (Now and Then) and I ran across this line:

"Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and the heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." (Now and Then, p. 87)

Frederick Bruechner wrote this in his Book Now and Then. Thriving in the abundant life Jesus died to give each of us can only be received and lived out when we embrace the whole of life as "good." Pleasant fun days are important, but the challenging days that may hold tears will make sense to us when we are with our Heavenly Father.

A few years ago in my greatest tragedy I sensed God calling me to "thrive." There was nothing going on around me that would encourage living, much less thriving. The economic changes in our world are pressing in on most of us. The pressure is evident everywhere I go. Nerves are on edge and people are quick to snap at one another. But to those of you who "Know" the Lord Jesus Christ as your foundation and hope in life ... this is your time to show the world your Source of life.

Laughter and seeing the light side of life is my new pursuit. I'm working on ways to write humorously, but that's not a laughing matter. In my everyday life I laugh quickly and I see the funny spin on most things quickly. But learning the skill to communicate humor in written language is challenging for me. I thank God for calling me to write and speak humorously. As I listen to life around me I sense a need for joy and laughter...especially in Church.

Back to the beginning of this post........listen to your life. Bruechner worded a truth that is powerful in living the abundant life of a Christian. Dare to embrace all of life without rationalizing the bad things to seem pleasant to you. Some stuff hurts, angers, disappoints, or threatens us. I'm finding that Truth does indeed set me free. Truth about me, Truth about my family present and in the past, Truth about the world around me, Truth about my church. As I dare to look with eyes wide open and ears keenly alert I dare to know the Truth as I see and hear all through the filter of the Word of God: His Holy Bible.

Life...I'm listening.

Balance in Life

2009-05-23T01:22:00.000-07:00

Bloggers, thank you for your advice in winding down. Yesterday was my first "calm" day. I'm on a "sane" schedule and will be for a couple of weeks and then the project is complete. My housework will fill my hours with much work, but I am soooooooooo looking forward to reconnecting to friends and family. A little rest will be a welcome treat.

I took a couple of hours to just walk in the sun and pray yesterday. I've been praying for urgent needs for weeks. But yesterday I just strolled and thanked God for all He is to me. As a widow I have the capacity to love the Lord in ways I've never known before. To any of you fearing having to be alone let me assure you the Bible is not speaking figuratively...He will never forsake us, His own.

I love to read; so as David of Red Letter Believers said...
Wow...looks like you got a gift. Ice Tea. A good book. and a long nap. Enjoy!

Now, this is where you can help me out. What is a great book you've read lately? Name a decent movie I can rent or go to that you enjoyed.

Letting go of the time structure needed for this intense project is beginning to feel great. Oh, to find God's ideal balance of tension, rest; concern, joy; up, down....the good life in Christ.

Remember I'm looking for titles of books and movies.....

Winding Down How to's

2009-05-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

Juggling a hundred balls in the air at once is coming
to a screeching halt. I think I'm ready, but.....

My temporary fast paced pressure packed supervisory job is ending. That's great news, but I'm like a tightly wound spring that must unwind and relax. BUT I'm now used to every minute is accounted for and now I must come down to normal living.

HELP...I feel it now. I've been here before and I know I will have difficulty making the transition. All of you wise readers must have some clues to make this easier. Blogging offers me this awesome community of wise counsel.

How do I progress from fever pitch to tranquility?

BIG Things Crowd Out the MAIN Thing

2009-05-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Rush....Pressure....Deadlines....Important Matters: all of these can crowd out the most important part of living: respecting those around us. This new job has me back in the place of responsibility and pressure. Long ago the Lord showed me everyone is significant to Him; so they are to me. I've been living with this truth in my heart for a long time; so it comes natural to me.

But we don't live in a time where my philosophy of respect is commonplace. In the workplace, church ministry, or family projects the challenge to always be respectful becomes great as the pressure from time and resources tightens. BUT that is the place where the sacrifice of self needs lays down the opportunity for great things in relationships to occur.

Jesus shows us over and over in the Bible what to do when the pressure rises: He laid down everything for His friends and all of us who would receive Him as Savior and Lord of our lives.

In John 15:13 He said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

I'd love to hear what you say on giving respect and honor to others when the pressue is on.

Hear Me, Please

2009-05-15T03:27:00.000-07:00

For a few months I've been working in a supervisory position in the marketplace. I make this distinction because much of my work as been in church work or non-profit community work. Last night one of my strong faithful smart leaders told me she was resigning. Her reasons were over issues above my authority.

My heart sunk because I respect and depend on this woman regularly. Suddenly I realized how much work would land on my shoulders with no good person in mind to take her place. I resigned myself to the situation and I just sat and talked with this woman. We talked about what life would be like for her without this job.

I truly had accepted losing her and compassionately I listened to her situation. She still needed her paycheck and we explored what she could hope for in this job market.

AS I listened to her intently I realized I had assumed one thing was her last straw, but as I heard her I saw I had been mistaken in her main gripe. Once I "got it," I offered to change some things I do have authority to change. "Can you do that?" she asked. "I am doing it; and I might have to explain it. But you are so valuable to this operation I can argue your worth with persuasive enthusiasm. I'll take the heat if you'll stay on," I assured her.

The smile on her face was beautiful. The sigh coming from me let her know her value to me. We laughed and planned our next few days on our upcoming projects. Truly the Lord gave me the capacity to forget my burden to invest myself in this employee that I thought was losing. That compassion opened dialogue that uncovered her main gripe.

Some days I suspect God is using me more in this secular position for His Kingdom work than I ever had opportunity to do within the church. May I never forget the power of heart felt listening. I want to HEAR when people speak.

Just Give Me Jesus

2009-05-11T00:28:00.000-07:00

Anne Graham Lotz wrote a beautiful book several years ago titled, Just Give Me Jesus. Her great insight comes to me today. My last post here came from my inspiration after hearing a message on the Kingdom of God by Pastor Miles Monroe. I thought I wanted to write on this DEEP message for a few posts.

Umm...Monday morning gives me hesitation to dare to dig in this deep mystery on the worldwide web in this blog. I'm always astonished at the arguments Christians have fallen into for centuries over theology.

Well............it appears where the Church, Jesus Christ's Bride, and the Kingdom of Heaven (God) which Jesus Christ is the King of, is one of those BIG MYSTERIES that my limited study shows the arguments and "wrangling" over words are still at fever pitch.

I was a champion debater in high school and college. One of the great life lessons the Lord got across to me early after my conversion was NOT TO WRANGLE over WORDS!!!

So, I sigh with Lotz, "Just give me Jesus..." He is the Head of the Church, so I pray to Him to know my place in His body. I honor Him as King of Kings and the Lord and ruler over the Kingdom of Heaven; the Kingdom of God. That settles it for me....I lift up Jesus Christ!!! He will draw all men unto Himself.

After reading all the "wrangling" over words I end this post today with a little help on that ongoing sin of debating "mysteries" of God.

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes (battles) about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless (NASB: Lockman)

A little greek may help us know how serious Ap. Paul saw this problem. He uses the word 3544"s periistaso for avoid.

Amplified: But avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and wrangling about the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

Phillips: but mind you steer clear of stupid arguments, genealogies, controversies and quarrels over the Law. They settle nothing and lead nowhere. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: But stupid questionings and genealogies and wranglings and contentions about laws turn away from and shun, for they are without profit and in vain.

Ap. Paul used periistemi figuratively in his command to Timothy to...
Avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness (see note 2 Timothy 2:16).

In both Titus 3:8 and 2 Timothy 2:16 periistemi is a command in the present imperative which calls for a continual action on the part of Titus and Timothy.

The charge is to shun these things, deliberately and habitually avoiding them. "Turn yourself about so that you will avoid these things". "Continually place yourself at a distance from these and stand aloof from them."

The middle voice speaks of a reflexive action, one in which the subject initiates the action and participates in effect of the action. The idea of "reflexive" is that it expresses action directed on oneself......... You yourself do this is the idea.

Charles Spurgeon's devotional on Titus 3:9...

Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions.

After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise men avoid them.

Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid, but fairly and honestly meet, such as these:

Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind?

Am I walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit?

Am I growing in grace?

Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour?

Am I looking for the coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant should do who expects his master?

What more can I do for Jesus?

Such enquiries as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all given to cavilling, let us now turn our critical abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be peace-makers, and endeavour to lead others both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions." (Morning and evening)

Today, I say.....Just Give Me Jesus....in His presence all comes together and I live in peace and joy!!!

Kingdom or Church?

2009-05-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Last evening Myles Monroe of the Bahamas spoke to 5000+ at my church expounding on the Kingdom of God. Jesus told us that He came to bring the Kingdom of God here on earth.

What are your thoughts on the beginning and end of church within the Kingdom of God?

Ever thought about the differences?

Oh, celebrate because of the King.........we are in the Kingdom of God!!! Oh, the wonder of the Kingdom of God and the King chose me...He chose you!!!

...Thy Kingdom Come...Thy will be done!!!

People Matter

2009-05-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first meeting with the supervisors I now supervise. I prayed for the word to begin this new 6-8 week project. The Lord faithfully gave me the word: people first, project second.

I know the pressures and complications of these supervisors' jobs. I just left their role to assume this one. My crew accomplished more in less time than others in the state. Legally I couldn't say "The Lord did this..." but He did. He had to flip my priorities. I started off the planning for this role with the mission and vision first! I am an intentional goal oriented person. I love people; but I can get caught up in the mission and put people second.

This time the Lord caught my attention early and I made sure each of the 20 people under me knew I had listened to them; I knew some of their main needs; I had observed their strengths and I praised them often for their accomplishments. When necessary I quietly and privately suggested ways to improve their work. But I made sure I let them know they were the power that was needed to accomplish the important work.

Last night I shared with these committed conscientious leaders to take a breath on the mammoth task before them. Regroup and flip their priorities and focus on the people. We took the majority of our time together to identify what mattered most to the workers and we developed strategies to keep those issues running smoothly. I know the lagging numbers of production are going to turn into soaring numbers of great work.

When any of us know we

are noticed as important
belong to the group
appreciated for our contributions
are backed up by leadership
our work is significant
our voice is heard

we will work hard and carefully. Then we want the team to succeed and we hope our leaders look good to management.

Attending this meeting were some experts from a regional office. One of them told me later that everything I mentioned and focused on have been found to be the most significant motivators for this agency's workers. She mentioned no one had ever "packaged" it the way I did, but she thought this focus I chose for my leaders: people matter; then they will own the mission and see to it that it is accomplished....was easily understood and should work well.

The Lord is showing me how Jesus Christ poured Himself into 12 disciples. He could have poured Himself into 100; a thousand or more. He is God! But He listened and worked with 12. He knew those men better than anyone else knew any one of them. Are we not to look to Him and then emulate His work?

I've missed the main thing many times by putting community work for the poor; church work for the Kingdom of God; etc. as the first priority. Oh, to have known that the people embracing the vision were the main thing for me as a leader to show them:

They mattered to me

They belonged to our group

I would always have time to listen to them

Their input was key to accomplishing the goals.

People Matter

What About Me? Dangerous question when angry

2009-05-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

Righteous wrath or selfish tantrum? May we continue our dialogue on anger by looking at healthy anger versus irresponsible immature acting out.

The Bible seems to discuss the folly of selfish anger more than ways God means for us to express anger.

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." (Col. 3:8).

"Fits of rage" is listed as one of the deeds of the flesh in Galatians 5:20. "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins."

(Prov . 29:22) ". . . a quick-tempered man displays folly." (Prov. 14:29)

As I look at myself and others close to me I sense that the anger that is totally self consumed is usually on a wrong track. When I see it's all about "me" I need to get alone with God and fall on my face for His rescue.

When I'm convinced I'm grabbing self protection I need to look at my heart. "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. "(Lk. 6:45).This verse shows me that what I'm saying is directly connected to what fills my heart. If my heart has an evil treasure the overflow will be evil.

Self protection is a farce to me at this stage of my life. I have so totally surrendered to God, He is my Hope in all things. So when I get into "me" I must repent. First I must cry out as King David did in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

When God searches my heart He always shows me where I've missed the truth I need. Once I see where I've missed His best I confess and repent.

Then in His mercy He cleans me up from my heart out to my mouth!!!

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one an other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I Jn. 1:7,9).

You'd think I'd have this down pat at my age. Oh no. I'm bone tired from this new job ... I just received a promotion so it's even more time consuming. A good friend called last night and we discussed theology. That's not a good idea when I'm in H.A.L.T (hungry, angry, lonely or tired): I was hungry and tired and suddenly I was frustrated with his viewpoint being so far from mine. I shot back to him with opposite Biblical understanding. I didn't wrangle but a few minutes. But I shouldn't have argued with him. Neither of us moved, but I was frustrated and we both knew we ended the conversation without peace.

What was that about? It was all about me and my right to be right! HOW UTTERLY IMMATURE AND DUMB. I was hotly angry, but what is usually a great interchange with this dear friend was a disconnect in our spirits.

This morning I'm rested and at peace. I see the absurdity of either of us tugging on our interpretation of a spiritual concept. God's in control and He is running His Kingdom perfectly and our little minds can never completely embrace what He is doing. He never called me to understand all He's doing. He called me to hear Him and obey; trusting Him in everything.

Anger is powerful. I pray to learn what God wants me to do with this gift He placed it in me for His purposes. I pray not to use it to protect and elevate me; He perfectly protects and raises me up for His Kingdom purposes. May Jesus be lifted up above all.

I need to know I'm not alone on needing to understand anger. Dare you to open up on your viewpoint on anger?

Blog Surprises

2009-05-02T02:39:00.000-07:00

Blogging has been a wonderful new experience in my life this year. I wrote daily for months and that brought it's own wonder. My new job gives me little time to write blog post. With only one or two posts a week, I am being surprised by your faithful reading and your great responses.

Your comments to my sudden anger last week were great learning opportunities for me. In my Christian journey I have felt at times some of my temptations and trials were mine alone. Blogging blesses me with your responses showing me I am not alone.

Anger.................................................

Anger has baffled me much of my life. My folks had some serious issues and anger was never understood in a healthy way. So, as a little girl I must have felt that it was uncontrollable. I must have concluded that the only way I could live well and please God was to never get angry.

I study the Bible daily because I love the Word and also in obedience to the Lord's command to "eat of the Bread of Life" daily. I dig deep into the Bible for my life answers. My attempt to suppress anger due to my fear of my misuse of anger runs counter to the wisdom in the Bible regarding anger.

Thrive Christians will focus on Christians and anger for a few posts. I sense in myself and in your comments that we are needing to "know" how God desires us to use His gift of anger.

As I listen and look at the world around me I wonder if sex would be the no. 1 marketing approach to sell any and every thing if Christians knew how to use anger. Would marriages be healthier if Christians knew God's design for spouses' anger? Parenting would empower children to their destiny if mothers and fathers operated in healthy anger and discipline as they oversee their children....maybe? Business managers could lead employees to execute greatness if they knew how to use anger or frustration on unmet goals and needs...maybe?

Could the confusion of God's purpose in placing anger emotions within us be a piece of the answer why our culture has eroded so far from God's ideal for us?

I'm studying many great writers' viewpoints on anger. You have this forum to express your thoughts and layout your questions on anger. Please keep the comments coming.

Anger: what is the good of it?

There has to be good because God never designs anything unless it is good.

Surprise me again............please.

What do you say about anger?

I'm Ticked Off and Angry!!!

2009-05-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

I'm angry...now what?

The post: Be Angry but Sin Not!!! fired you readers up with great responses.
I have benefited from my anger release last week and I'm ready to see the saints free and healthy. I am daring to rip off the denial blanket on anger among Christians. God gave us the emotion of anger and I fear I've been afraid to "feel" and walk in my anger.

How about you?

Like David at Red Letter Believers ...
"I am not one to get angry -- at least externally. Instead, I keep it inside and build resentment. Boy...is that healthy!I've stuffed anger inside."

Anger suppressed can become depression and illness.

I live to please God and I fear I''ve pretended I really wasn't angry, when I was.

I've observed myself and others to realize that no one blows off steam of suppressed anger except on folks perceived as "safe." Example: Husband is furious at work and swings open the door at home grouchy to wife and kids. Mom is furious with her husband but has no patience with her children. So, I've concluded we can control anger enough to be sure we pass it down the line to people we believe cannot fire or greatly hurt us.

I'm staying on this subject for as long as it takes for us to see God's truth. I am sensing from my own recent experience that God's original design for anger in us is key to freedom to be His children in strength and purpose.

I can hear some of you, "Kay, anger is bad. Christians are kind and gentle at all times. We cannot be angry and holy at the same time."

Ummm....the Bible says:

"Be angry..." (Eph . 4:26,NKJV). But that is often where people stop. They ignore the next part that says, "and do not sin."

Some Christians have the first part of the command down pat; but no working knowledge of the second half.

There are other verses that can be interpreted to allow anger. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..." Again, that indicates that if you just don't fly off the handle, that's okay.

But again, the following phrase adds some light to the subject.

"For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:19,20).

It's no mystery in this angry culture we're puzzled on how to live holy lives and express normal anger in ways that please God.

As I look to God's Word I sense:

I can be angry if:

1. I do not sin

2. I don't go to sleep with it

3. It is anger from God and not man's anger

4. It achieves righteousness

5. It comes slowly.

If we were more sophisticated, we could say that psychologically it is better to release our anger. Pent up anger may well give us ulcers. Of course, if we release our anger, others may get ulcers. It rarely occurs to people that there may be a third option: taking our anger to God.

Can we get real? Dare we admit to God that we are angry, that if it is not going to achieve His righteousness, we do not want it? With this confession, our anger is removed from us, we may continue our life in the joy of the Lord and nobody gets ulcers.

" A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." (Proverbs 29:11, NIV)

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. "(Romans 12:12, NIV)

What do you say about your anger?

Someone near you gets angry and you're hurt by it....I truly want to hear from you on this touchy subject.

Be Angry but Sin Not!!!

2009-04-26T12:01:00.001-07:00

Anger...where does a God fearing saint put anger?

I felt I could blow flames out of my mouth this week. My anger was not for my needs but those that work under me. The Mamma Tiger came up in me. Thank God, Self control was present. I never said a word.

But I stewed for a day or two. I feel so much better about many things that came up in this fire blast. I won't go into details but it has stirred my thoughts on how we misunderstand ourselves.

I think I fear being angry. I'm wondering if I assume all anger is bad. That cannot be so, since God gave us anger. He Himself tells over and over in the Bible how He becomes angry and Jesus Christ displayed anger.

What do you do with anger?

Faith Shows Up in Fear

2009-04-23T01:50:00.000-07:00

"Why don't we come together in agreement in prayer for you to be released from this pressure at work?" I asked an overwhelmed woman dear to my heart yesterday. She had ranted for 10 minutes that she was losing her mind at her job.

To my surprise she quickly said, "No, I'm not ready for that yet."

I was a bit taken back when suddenly I realized she KNEW God would move in her situation if we came in agreement in prayer. This young woman has been close to me for over 40 years. She's alive today because of answered prayer miracles in saving her life a decade ago. In the past she's seen God move to level some mountains hindering her life as we have prayed together.

I calmly replied, "Well, I love you and I agree this job is hurting your overall life. When you're ready I'll pray for God to release you by strengthening you to handle the burden or take you out of the job. Just call when you're ready."

Folks, that's faith!!! I hear many people flippantly say, "I'll be praying for you. Or please pray for me." I don't see them operating in any awareness of the power of prayer.

BUT this young woman called me off because of her faith in God in our joined prayers. She's still stressed to her eyeballs. She hates her job, except for the paycheck. She encouraged my faith by her caution. She wasn't quite ready for the rush of wind and the dramatic way God might answer our prayer. No, she wants to hold on to the side of the wall and steady herself for a move of God!!!

How's your faith? Do you stand in awe of the possibility of God instantly answering your prayers?

Purpose to Stay In Christ No Matter What

2009-04-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

Rush, minutes to think few and far between, BUT....I purpose in my heart to pull away and dwell on those things that are of God. I intentionally see myself In Christ. My work is at fever pitch pace. For a short while that will be o.k., and in times past I neglected my quiet devotional time with the Lord. But I'm older and wiser now. I may not eat leisurely, but I will make a way to have that time with the Lord.

Today I hit on this in one of my journals. This will frame my busy busy day. No matter what torpedoes fly past me I will purpose to frame my
mind and actions with this Word!

Galatians 5:22-23

NIV .................................The Message
Love............................... Affection for others
Joy .................................Exuberance about life
Peace .............................Serenity
Patience ........................Willingness to stick with things
Kindness ........................Compassion in the heart
Goodness .......................Basic holiness is in all things
& people
Faithfulness.................. Loyal commitments
Gentleness .....................No need to force my way
Self-Control ....................Able to direct energies wisely

"The sad reality is that most of us will not go forward until the pain of staying where we are is unbearable."

"O God, I thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. If it were not for You, I would not even be aware of You or my need for Your transforming work deep beneath the surface of my life. Lord, give me the courage to be honest and to allow the Holy Spirit's power to invade all of who I am below the surface of my iceberg so that Jesus might be formed in me. Lord, help me to grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is for me personally. In Jesus' name, amen."

page 21 Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero Thomas Nelson Inc.

Emotional Health is concerned with :

1. Name and recognize and manage my own feelings

2. Identify with and have active compassion for others

3. Initiate and maintain close and meaningful relationships with others

4. Break free from self-destructive patterns

5. Be aware of how my past impacts my present

6. Develop the capacity to express my thoughts and feelings clearly, both verbally and nonverbally

7. Respect and love others without having to change them

8. As for what I need, want or prefer with clarity, directly and respectfully

9. Accurately self assess my strengths, limits, and weaknesses and freely share them with others

10. Learn the capacity to resolve conflict maturely and negotiate solutions that consider the perspectives of others

11. Grieve well

12. Contemplative spirituality

13. Awake and surrender to God's love in any and every situation

14. Position myself to hear God and remember His presence in all I do

15. Commune with God, allowing Him to fully indwell the depth of my being

16. Practice silence, solitude, and a life of unceasing prayer

17. Rest attentively in the presence of God

18. Understand my earthly life as a journey of transformation toward ever increasing union with God

19. Finding the true essence of who I am in God

20. Loving others out of a life of love for God

21. Develop a balanced harmonious rhythm of life that enables me to be aware of all that is sacred in all of life. Live in committed community that passionately loves Jesus above all else.

You are Above All, Jesus, I lift You UP!!! Amen

Christianity Works Best with Us; Not Me

2009-04-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Today I spent a few minutes with a wonderful young man I mentored last year. He had been through an ordeal that could have complicated his life unbelievably. He saw how people let him down, but I saw the strategy of our number one enemy in this spiritual warfare. From my viewpoint I saw the devious strategy of the sneaky attacks on this young overcomer. BUT just in time; Truth came forth and he acted quickly and he was totally spared.

I almost danced a jig.... right there in the clothing store where this young man works. He saw my joy; and he got it! Heaven swept down in time to save him right in the middle of the mess. "I never looked at all that, Ms. Kay. But I see it; I was spared and I praise God for protecting me."

As I left, I thought of times others have helped me see the "bigger picture" in my spiritual journey. I'm convinced God means for us to be there for one another in ways beyond worshipping and Bible study together.

The author of Hebrews warns us of trying to make it alone:

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. "Hebrews 10:25 King James Version

"Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 AMPLIFIED

I found a wonderful blog article by Alan Knox: He tells the God's truth beautifully on "being there for one another."

So, the opposite of "not forsaking" is "encouraging". This also is very important. The author wants the readers (and us) to think seriously about how to stimulate other believers toward "love and good deeds".

How does he expect us to do that? He does not want us to "forsake" our meeting together, but instead he wants us to encourage one another. Apparently, some were already "forsaking" their meeting together. (I have previously published an examination of this word "forsaking" in a post called "Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together". In that post, I argue that "not forsaking" means something like "not giving up your responsibilities".)

The author of Hebrews expects us to lead others toward a life of love and good deeds. In order to do this, he understands that we must encourage one another. Instead, he finds that some of the believers are giving up their responsibilities when they meet together. This could happen in several ways, at least two of which come to mind.

First, the believers could stop meeting together. If this happened, then they would not be able to carry out their responsibilities toward one another; they would not be able to encourage one another. They would be "forsaking" their meeting together. This is usually the only case that is considered, and it is usually assumed that this "meeting together" must be an official meeting (sometimes called "Sunday Morning Worship Service").

However, this is not what the text says. Instead, the author could have any meeting of believers in view. If the readers stopped meeting with other believers at all, then they could not encourage one another.

Second, the believers may have been meeting with one another, but they were neglecting their responsibilities toward one another. In this case, they were still guilty of "forsaking" their assembling together. In other words, attendance alone does not allow a believer to keep this command.

Meeting with other believers plus encouraging other believers is necessary to carry out the meaning of this passage.But, when we gather together, surely believers are encouraged even if we do nothing, right? Yes, but that is not the point here. Other believers may have drawn near to God, but that does not mean that I have. Other believers may be holding fast to the confession of faith, but it doesn't mean that I am.

Other believers may be thinking about others and how to stir up love and good deeds within them, but it doesn't mean that I do that.Just as the other commands are individual requirements ("draw near" and "hold fast"), so also this command is an individual requirement.Think about this carefully. If this examination is correct, then no group, church, leader, organization, pastor, preacher, etc. can carry out this requirement for you.

God expects each individual believer to build up other believers by thinking carefully about them and stirring up love and good deeds within them, by not neglecting their responsibilities when they meet, but by encouraging other believers.I am afraid that in many cases, believers have neglected this command, and have handed their responsibilities over to others. Many times, believers are happy to sit, sing, and listen, because they think they are obeying God by attending.

Is God interested in attendance? No more than he was interested in burnt offerings and sacrifice. God is interested in obedience.One more point before I finish. Notice that, in this passage, there is no particular meeting in view. This means that anytime believers get together, they have responsibilities toward one another... whether they are gathering officially on Sunday mornings, or whether they get together for coffee.

We must never neglect our responsibilities toward one another, but instead we must encourage one another.
http://www.alanknox.net/

Word Anemic Saints

2009-04-15T03:40:00.001-07:00

"When can I study the Bible...every minute is taken by the urgent!!!" That's my gut feeling with this new job. This phase of work will be over in 8-12 weeks, but it's moving like a loaded train down a steep hill. I'm thanking God for the pressure because I mentor working mothers and I tell them continually, "You won't make it as a Christian without your daily "Bread;" the Bread of Life." Preaching that is quite simple when you live a steady semi-retired life. Living my preaching isn't easy now that I'm back in the captain's chair with people above me pressuring me with new deadlines; and people below me catching what I have to pass down to them.

BUT...I know if I don't feed on the Word of God, I'm done for. I learned that in the trenches as a working mom and wife. I rise early to have quiet time and Bible study with the Lord to cry out to Him for the wisdom and strength to do this work.

I have dealt with anemia a few times in my life and I sense that the lack of private time in God's Word is similar in a spiritual sense to anemia in my physical health. Anemia would sneak up on me when I was younger. I'd being going along fine, and then I felt like someone poked a hole in my gas tank and I was running on empty. Recently I read in a medical article that people usually don't notice the symptoms of anemia, because it develops slowly and the symptoms may be mild. It's only when it gets worse that the symptoms are severe enough to seek medical help.

In my case it was a dietary need. I know in this time pressured job if I am not careful with my spiritual and mental diet, I will risk anemia. I live by the Word of God and God's call in my life NOW. A Word that came to me in the past blesses me; but His fresh Word is what sustains and lifes me.

I rise early to have the quiet time to "eat" and "chew" on the Bread of Life: God's Holy Bible. I dare not put off the main sustenance in my daily life for fear of "spiritual anemia."

Got a word on the Word?

He's Alive

2009-04-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

He's Alive!!!

Finally I Discover How To Call A Large Prayer Meeting

2009-04-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

Last night I dropped by Wal Mart about dusk. Finally I was ready to check out and head home when suddenly the heavens roared and the wind blew the heavy doors open. People in front of me were frightened because a friend called with news a twister was spotted in Salem, SC. One woman teared up and admitted she panics in storms. Then they got news that a funnel cloud was spotted in Clemson, SC only 15 miles from us.

I decided not to go home. I found a good doorway with several walls between the outside and the interior walls and planted myself. Brave folks ran out the door while fierce winds were blowing debris and water into the store. Soaked to the bone, they ran back in warning the rest of us not to try to leave.

I began to pray in a soft voice when another Christian came over and prayed. Finally there were three of us softly praying. People started gathering and silently chose to stand near us. I smiled Heavenward and thought, "So, this is how you get a large number to show up for prayer!"

For years I've noticed at conferences that prayer groups or prayer studies are always small in number. Bible students that accompany me to meetings are always surprised Christians don't choose to show up for prayer times or prayer studies often. And without fail we show up for prayer emphasis and we could gather in a closet no matter who the speaker may be. So, I usually try to title a gathering with something other than "Prayer study, or come to pray."

Well, last night's storm motivated people to want to gather to pray. They wanted to be standing near praying folks. So I get it: you have to have a crisis to have a large enthusiastic prayer meeting.

We're all safe. I was shocked driving home; no traffic lights for miles and a huge.... 100 foot tall oak tree had been pulled up from the roots and was totally blocking the main access to my drive way. I wondered if I had tried to make it in the storm would I have been at that point coming home when it fell? I don't know; but I wouldn't be writing this had I been at that spot at that moment.

I've made peace with small prayer groups, but I'm glad I know what motivates large numbers of people to pray together!!!

Keep The People First and Project Second

2009-04-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

I'm dragging and writing this with my last ounce of energy. But I want to write this while my heart is full. Today my class of recruits for a new work just completed a hard week of tiresome training. I worked on this training for weeks. I got focused on the mission at hand and I had my act together.

I prayed for God to direct me and a few days from the beginning of the classes I was hit with thoughts showing me I was focusing on specifics of the project to the point I was not thinking of the people who would be coming to the classes. From that moment on I switched my priorities.

The class had a final exam hours ago. It was quite difficult and 99% passed and a few were nearly perfect. They were thrilled to pass and they all told me as fast paced as it was they had a great time. God impressed upon me to keep their attention, their needs as a group and individually foremost in my mind. I'm being paid to instruct, but people learn best when they're relaxed and they know they matter.

What a great week....I'm slam tired, but I'm so thankful I was teachable enough to change gears in time. The project was a roaring success because it took its rightful place: number 2. Once the people knew they were number 1, they wanted to fulfill the mission. With the priorities in proper order the project goals were not only met but exceeded.

Thank you, God, for keeping me in line with You. I pray that You always keep me centered on the main things that matter to You. Amen.

Night Folks..........I'm done.............really done with a smile on my face.

Ouch: Walking The Talk

2009-04-05T02:27:00.000-07:00

Faith and trust in God was the underlying theme of this week's posts. Yesterday I shared some of my tests of my faith that God shows up. But it ended up being a hard hard week. I won't share the details, but I ended up having to live out what I was "preaching."

Wherever you and I shine the glory of God we must know that we will be tried and tested on our testimony. I am always listening to Heaven and seeking God so that in all things I am in place with what pleases Him.

If you are new in teaching, writing or speaking let an old woman clue you into a sure fact. Whenever you sense God is calling you to communicate patience I promise you that you will be pushed to the limit of your patience while you preparing and delivering that message. When you close and all of you say "Amen," you will know patience to a greater level than you did initially.

I can only guess what Bruce Wilkerson went through in his study and writing of "The Prayer of Jabez," since Jabez's name means pain and suffering.

I never back off when I begin a project or even a post here at Thrive Christians, but I do brace myself for the testing. As I was keying in the ending of yesterday's post "In God We Trust," I thought, "Oh boy...wonder what's next?" Within minutes the storm kicked up and I had to trust God or despair.

The good news: He went before me. He was with me. In the end, life is better for all of us working through this challenge. I will be blessed greater than before because of this storm. Nowhere in my Bible does God tell me His Way is easy, but He tells me, in Him I can do all things.

I've never loved God more and I've never seen Him work more miraculously in my life and others. Easy; NO....amazing life .... OH, YES!!!

This week I keep thinking of the disciples near the end of Jesus life on earth wanting front row seating in Heaven. James and John's mother asked Jesus to position her sons in the "best seats."

Matthew 20:22-23 But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’* They said to him, ‘We are able.’ 23He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’

Walking out our testimony and teachings involve "drinking the Cup." Sad to say on days like yesterday I used to feel heroic. But now, I know this is privilege. To share in the sufferings of Christ is my reward.

Henri Nouwen, "Drinking the cup is an act of selfless love, an act of immense trust, an act of surrender to a God who will give what we need when we need it."

Trust Related to Meekness

2009-04-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Talking about meekness has opened many of you to share your struggles as Christians to be teachable and workable. As I read your comments I thought of "trouble" at home or in church or at work. Relationships break under the pressure of the unteachable, arrogant, self-protective mindsets.

Since all of us know these truths why do we keep stiffing up to be sure we always look good and blameless? Why do we keep ourselves foremost in our own minds?

As I prayed about this I felt my problem is my lack of full trust in God. When I know that I know beyond any doubts that He is with me and the battle is His; I can lay down my personal needs for His Kingdom and the good of others.

Sometimes it seems impossible not to look out for no. 1. One day last week a friend was devastated with a job loss and dire money needs. She phoned sobbing on the phone. I was undone. I think I scored a D as far as being an encouraging prayer warrior. Alone I prayed and a puzzling thought kept coming to me as though God was saying "Will any of you ever trust Me?"

Later as I prayed for this friend I sensed that I needed to believe God would meet her needs. I felt I needed to be careful from falling into any judgment of what I might think she could have done better. I also began to feel guilty for my own new job and how much I am enjoying the challenge and the pay. Somehow I felt she needed it more than I did. Up and down my emotions went like a yo yo on a string.

She phoned in a day with a lift to her voice. Miraculously they called her back to the job, and in the few days she was out of work another company called her for a one day job. Everything was better than could be expected. Suddenly the thoughts of my prayer came back to me, "Will any of you ever trust Me?"

Why do we quickly fall into despair when trouble hits? Why do we have so little trust that God is with us? Why do we panic and feel hopeless when it appears all is lost? Is it that we don't believe Heaven can make a difference in this harsh cold world?

When Jesus Christ is number 1; we are submissive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and strong gentleness could best describe us. Then...

We shine hope where there may not be any visible evidence for hope.

We don't have to be right.

We never need to shift blame when we err.

Others' needs matter as much as our needs.

Pleasing God by living out what we "see" from the Bible sets our day.

Love is the core of our life.

Being seen, heard or known takes a backseat to Jesus being seen, heard and known.

Meekness/teachable living is impossible for mere humans. I strongly believe we may only cry out for God to crucify our flesh and then when we abide in the Presence of God. As we live continually in Him, we can be like a great powerful horse. A neck rein trained horse will respond to a slight touch of a rein on their neck and their power is never wasted. They never break loose in destruction and racing randomly. Imagine if we die to self and come alive in Him how our talents and strengths will bring His Kingdom here on earth now.

Getting to meekness costs us the pain of letting go of self mastery. I'm not there, but I'm willing. My mastery and control of me doesn't work. I trust Him. I choose to believe His Word: Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

At times, I tend to be afraid to let go. When I let go, I'm giving up control. I don't like feeling a loss of control. But I finally get it: I never am truly in control at all; otherwise, I wouldn't be struggling and worrying without progress. I must remember He is God! He gives me peace: Jeremiah 32:27 "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"

In God We Trust

Meek? Me...? Why?

2009-04-02T03:55:00.000-07:00

Meek: Jesus and Moses are the Bible's greatest examples of meekness. Your comments yesterday fit my own reaction years ago when I felt God calling me to meekness. Who me? "People will run over me and I'll be finished," were my first thoughts.

Our English language limits our grasp of the Bible's call for meekness in saints. Mistakenly we assume that God is calling us to being "nice" at any price. That spells weakness to me. But the Bible tells us that Moses and Jesus were meek. Neither of them demonstrate weakness on any level to me.

I use the term "Strong Gentleness" often and that is my desire at all times. Meekness in the Biblical sense is a virtue that is compatible with strength under control: strong gentleness

True meekness is always measured by Christ's meekness. Jesus' humility, patience, and total submission of His own will to the will of the Father exemplifies meekness.

Charles H. Spurgeon, a Protestant preacher of the nineteenth century, comments, "The way to rise in the kingdom is to sink in ourselves" (The Gospel of the Kingdom, p. 21).

It is this realization of our utter unworthiness, a sense of spiritual need and destitution, that drives us to seek Christ to lift it. As I walk in meekness I know moment by moment I need the Lord in all things.

I grasp deep meanings of words by exploring opposites. Help me out with opposite words connected with meekness as the Bible calls us to be meek like Jesus and Moses. Please add to my list....

Pride in self/knowledge........Meek

Arrogant/Know it all.................Teachable
Rough,uncaring........................ Gentleness
Self-concern .....................Awareness of others
Self-protection................ No need to always be right
Speak mind quickly....... Listen compassionately
Tough guy/girl ... ..........God controlled strength

I love dialogue; add to this list. May we embrace God's call of meekness.

4 Letter Word That Makes Saints Squirm

2009-04-01T01:49:00.000-07:00

Meek is a word that can turn off the best of us saints. Honestly opening myself to areas I can grow and become more Christ-like is painful. Years ago in a leadership conference I was blessed with an evaluation by John Trent. In preparing for my supervisory position in my new job I prayed for God to lead me to His excellence.

On my bookshelf was that old binder holding my personal evaluation. There are many points of my strengths, but the part I haven't wanted to concentrate on are also there. I am using this year long job to grow in those areas that were pointed out to be weaknesses.

Weakness, lack, less than best...why do I resist looking at these areas as opportunities? I look at them, but it's usually when I'm having a "poor ole' Kay" day. I've spoken of the power of meekness in a saint in earlier posts. But I will never grow in Christ unless I am meek: teachable. Since I'm dead to my flesh (wanting to promote ME above all else); why am I so self protective? Isn't this what God promises? He will take the weak to demonstrate His glory...my weakness is where His supernatural can be manifest. Others who are keenly aware of my weaknesses can be blessed if I am meek/teachable. As they see Christ come in my human limitations they may see Christ.

2009 is a squeeze for everyone in the world! When we are squeezed our limitations are revealed. I'm opening up for Holy Spirit to teach me His ways when I see MY ways limited and poor. Meekness is a virtue I treasure. Teachable is who I hope I am; teachable is who I pray work under me.

Where are you on the meekness: teachable scale?

Handling Change

2009-03-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

My new job with Census is getting off to a roaring start. I'm having to change most of my daily habits. Change shakes us up, eh? Stirring up things can be thrilling and frustrating. I've got to admit I like some of my settled patterns. But I believe I'm being blessed by this shake up.

As I'm processing these changes with my new job I am thinking of how many people are having major changes thrust upon them in this new economy. God has made us with flexiblity and innovation within us. I am working on finding a positive mindset with my new changes.

I wonder how much I have added onto my life by resisting changes that would were meant to be for my good. In the past I fear my first reaction to change was to stiffen myself in resistance: Pain Avoidance!

What do you say about the shake up of life's changes?

Since we can be assured life will always throw us some changes, how does a thriving strong Christian handle change?

Face to Face with the Jobless

2009-03-28T04:45:00.001-07:00

Early Friday morning at the One Stop Job Security office I faced hundreds of jobless. My new Census job required me to assist in a training session in a nearby job security office. Rain was coming down in torrents and I ran in to get out of the mess. Then I faced them: hundreds of men and women in lines and sitting in every seat. I wasn't ready for the pain and hopelessness on their faces.

It's one thing to read the statistics of the jobless, but seeing individual men and women blew me away. I prayed for God to give me a million dollar loving smile. I passed by each of them locking eyes and my smile brought the most beautiful responses. Oh, how I ache with each of them.

My training class went well because we all have jobs and hope. The men I'm working with are fantastic and we had terrific new hires. But I can't get all those faces out of my mind.

I'm going through the Psalms in intense study for my personal daily Bible study. Today's Psalm on my schedule is Psalm 5. In verses 11-12 David is singing to the Lord and intermittently playing on his flute these words,

"The description and destiny of the righteous.
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield .

All I felt I could do in that state facility was smile, but oh how I wanted to "preach" God's hope to those hurting folks. Oh, that they could hear from King David that when your "enemies" are chasing you down to destroy you, God will be there. King David's son Absalom was chasing him down; these people see debt and lack of resources for necessities chasing them down.

In verse 11 " Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You" It's not their words, but trusting in the Lord that brings hope and joy no matter what. They rejoice, they shout for joy, and they are joyful in the Lord. I've known the greatest joy in my life in the darkest tunnels. God has shown up with unexplainable joy to strengthen me (check out Unexplainable Joy ).

King David is shouting for joy as he hides in a cave. "A touch of enthusiasm would be the salvation of many a man’s religion. Some Christians are good enough people: they are like wax candles, but they are not lighted. Oh, for a touch of flame! Then would they scatter light, and thus become of service to their families. Let them shout for joy." Spurgeon.

Why not? Wouldn't we know we are true reviving of God if the proper people began to shout Hallelujah! Glory to God! Oh yes!!!

"My friend, shout if you feel forced to do so. (Here a hearer cried, ‘Glory!’) Our brother cries, ‘Glory!’ and I say so too. ‘Glory!’ The shouting need not always be done in a public service, or it might hinder devout hearing; but there are times and places where a glorious outburst of enthusiastic joy would quicken life in all around. The ungodly are not half so restrained in their blasphemy as we are in our praise." Spurgeon

It's more than o.k. to rejoice... even in an unemployment line "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You." It's o.k.; you won't be a nut. "You have here a ticket to the banquets of joy. You may be as happy as ever you like. You have divine permission to shout for joy." Spurgeon

I felt I could smile to encourage the waiting. Oh just one loving hopeful joyful person can impart a drop of hope...maybe? "If you lose your joy in your religion, you will be a poor worker: you cannot bear strong testimony, you cannot bear stern trial, you cannot lead a powerful life. In proportion as you maintain your joy, you will be strong in the Lord, and for the Lord." Spurgeon

This Psalm calls us to joy. "God promises joy and gladness to believers. Light is sown for them: the Lord will turn their night into day." Spurgeon

In verse 12 we read, " You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him." When the severe times of testing and trial come (and they come to everyone) God promises to protect and shield us. When Martin Luther was on his way to face a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church to answer for what they said were his heretical teachings, one of the Cardinal’s servants taunted him saying, "Where will you find shelter if your patron, the Elector of Saxony, should desert you?" Luther answered, "Under the shelter of heaven."

Oh, yes, Census sent me to that unemployment office. But Holy Spirit sent me to see those faces and to pray. I prayed while I was there for the job seeking people and for the overworked workers in the Job Service. I am still praying. But I find this Psalm in light of these images blesses me. I will rest under the shelter of Heaven!!!

Unexplainable Joy

2009-03-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Suddenly this week I was humming and dancing around in my house; and I thought "What am I so happy about?" There is no reason for my joy. In fact, someone had just stolen some cash out of my car minutes before this joy burst up in my spirit. I truly began to question my sanity.

When things like this happen to me I pray. I cried out to God, "Why on earth am I dancing around here with euphoria?" Then the verse in Nehemiah came to mind, "The joy of the Lord is my strength."

Ummm...the joy of the Lord....the joy OF THE LORD...in the past have I assumed my own joy was like the Lord's? Folks, I'm no theologian or Biblical scholar. I have no credentials, titles or certification, but this is new for me.

Send me anything you find on this and I'll write it up here on the blog, but I have never read of such a clear distinction between my natural joy and this effervescent joy that gurgled up in me for no explainable reason.

I believe in the past I have proclaimed this verse and called my natural joy the Lord's joy coming to me. But this experience this week burst through my natural feelings and was a beautiful surprise.

This joy has strengthened me. I have wept this week since this is the anniversary week of my husband's cancer diagnosis. But oh, this new joy coming up in my spirit over-rides the grief and sadness that tries to creep up in my mind. God's amazing grace is wonderful.

To all you readers I encourage you to pray for God to give you HIS JOY and may it strengthen you in whatever you are going through or aspiring to. He is a loving Saviour and Father to us all.

Hallelujah!

Living Life God's Way

2009-03-24T03:40:00.000-07:00

Sinatra's greatest hit "My Way" seems to be a life theme for many today. What do you think of these lines?

And now, the end is near;

And so I face the final curtain.

My friend, Ill say it clear,

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain.

I've lived a life that's full.

I've traveled each and every highway;

And more, much more than this,

I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught.

To say the things he truly feels;

And not the words of one who kneels.

The record shows I took the blows -

And did it my way!

Those lines actually cause me to shudder. As an older woman I've been with several friends and family members in their last hours. Trust me; no one was singing a song like this at the end. Those that loved the Lord had peace no matter what....the "My Way" singers were weeping in regret and apologies for all their loved ones they had injured living "my way" no matter what.

Continuing from the last post on Ken Smith's It's About Time:

"Obedience is an attitude, a state of the spirit. We are either obedient or not obedient. It's not so much what we do as it is who we are. Yes, we all have little areas of disobedience...of doing what we know is not God's best for us. But if we have an attitude of obedience...a spirit-deep commitment to being the person God wants us to be...we can conquer those little pockets of disobedience." p.35

Smith has a great line...."Obedience isn't always easy, but it's always beneficial." p.33

Time, talent, treasure are my test of obedience. What about you? Do you live with an attitude of God's way? or your way? Could you sing a duet of "My Way" with Sinatra with your whole heart? Or is "I Surrender All" your heart song?

T Day: Time * Talent * Treasure

2009-03-22T01:13:00.000-07:00

T Words are my focus today. Moving from flexible commission based work as a director of a business networking company to full time supervisor of Census work covering three large counties I am alert to using my time with precision.

If you've been dropping by here very long you must know I "seize the day" with gusto. I love life, people and find the tiniest things most fascinating. This makes for great living, but focus and staying on the main thing at the right time is my calling.

Time, Talent, And Treasure...!!! All that I have is gift. God, Himself, is a generous Creator, who has graced me with life today. He calls me to Thrive. No government entitlement holds my life. I never want to casually look at this great gift of life and misuse it.

God has given you and me assets of Time, Talent, and Treasure to use for the advancement of His Kingdom: to spread His love in places where it seems not to exist...

H has chosen us to participate in His great work of LIFE, and looks to us to become dependable stewards of the Bank of Heaven from which all treasures flow...!!!

So I throw these 3 T'words out today: God has filled the Bible with words of wisdom on how He calls us to spend our time. He spends equal words warning us of the consequences we may face if we ignore His calling. I welcome this challenge. I have been in similar positions, but I was younger. That would greatly concern me, but this time I'm not juggling the role of wife and mother of young children. I'm ready for this work with only me and my companion dog to care for.

Lord,

Open up Your people in a time that life seems to clutter our minds and our lives. I pray to hear You on what pleases You in my use of time, talent and treasure. I have life itself eternally because You graced me with the gifts of gifts. I pray for Your revelation for excellence in stewardship of time, talent and treasure in 2009. Touch Your people where they need to hear You on best use of all You have given them. I thank You, that You chose to have me live in such a time as this. I know many will seek You; keep me close so that You will shine through me and they will See YOU!!!

AMEN.

Thrive: I see that I thrive as I pass the test of stewardship of time, talent and treasure in ways that honor God.

For a few weeks I will be referring to my favorite book of time use for Christians: It's About Time by Ken Smith ISBN 13: 9780842317320

I recall the gratitude I felt when I discovered this book and this humble transparent writer who God graced with unusual insight and wisdom on how to navigate the time issues of our modern times. If I've whetted your appetite you can read more on his website:

http://www.csmin.org/programs/lms.aspx

I counsel many young people and I hear them lament the very words Ken uses in his website header:

No time? No life?
It doesn't have to be that way. Christian Stewardship Ministries can help!

Today I leave you with this question: What's working for you in managing your time in ways that please God and enhances thriving life for you?

Contentment & Balance

2009-03-21T06:54:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was blessed by a comment from Marcy of Blessings each day. A few days ago I confessed I became concerned when my blog analytics showed readers dropping by had declined. Simultaneously I realized with my new supervisory position with Census 2010 that I would not be posting daily. The core truth of that confession was that to Thrive as a Christian I am not driven competitively which is my natural bent. Here is Marcy's wisdom:

Hi there!I am here to increase the visits to your blog, I guess...new to blogging, I didn't realize that there are "dips" that could cause concern.May I suggest visiting other blogs and leaving comments to increase visits? It just intrigues me to find nice blogs like yours which make comment leaving so easy.blessings to you,Marcy

I wrote this reply to Marcy:

Thanks, Marcy, Yes, dips shouldn't concern a balanced contented Christian that Thrives. I started this particular blog out of a call of God to "write," and this seemed to be the way I could manage financially and easily. Thriving as a Christian also comes as a call from God. In my greatest life crisis I looked up to God and asked for a word to guide me. The word that came to my mind was "thrive." I actually laughed because in the middle of the mess that was the most unlikely word. Again I prayed and "thrive" came to my mind. I did thrive with nothing in the exterior looking like it was a time for me to thrive. I now live with that word in my mind and believe Jesus Christ redeemed me and secured abundant life for me because I am His. As I surrender all to Him; He releases His all to me. Inside I thrive; even though outside can hold crisis or lack. Thanks for this comment....I just decided this note to you is today's post. Be blessed and know you have greatly blessed me today. Kay of SC

So.......am I the only striver...contender....excellence at all times person that prays for balance and flowing in Christ no matter what?

What has life taught you about "thriving" when life turns upside down?

Talk to me....I'm hungry to hear from you (hey, it'll make my personal analytic blog indicator go up if you comment here....it is all about me, isn't it?..........that was my lame try at humor.) Be blessed and thrive and rejoice in our mighty Lord of Lords this beautiful Palm Sunday weekend.

Fun Friday: Tough Day At Work

2009-03-20T04:22:00.000-07:00

I'm back in the daily workplace. In my training class this week I shared some of my war stories from Census 2000. Seems I can be minding my own business and suddenly an "event" happens.

My worst story revolved around inspecting a lot where a house had burned down. I drove into an overgrown dirt driveway and felt a tug under my car. Several black tubes were hanging under my Buick Park avenue. I secured them with a seat belt and let them hang just under the car. I finished my assignment of approximately 10 miles of travel. I drove to my mechanic's shop. They put the car into the main garage building and suddenly his wife, the secretary, asked me what was wrong with my car. "You've done something big, Kay. Look, they're rolling the car outside and all of them are moving back but Jim."

It seems I had run over a limb that had pulled my entire gas line loose from the car. One spark would have fried me and the car to toast. Jim came in and told me he'd have to replace it and the cost would be $125.00.

All of the mechanics were staring into the office to see my reaction. I literally went into praise to God for all those angels keeping me alive in spite of my ignorance and poor judgment. I was euphoric!!!

Jim said, "You seem mighty happy. Did you hear me, the parts alone will be $125.00?" I replied, "Compared to the alternatives I see I am one blessed woman. Honestly, I never knew God would go to such lengths to keep me alive in spite of my foolishness." He nodded..."Yep, this time I have to agree with you. This has to be a miracle."

Here is one of my favorite stories of a bad day at work. I must admit I've never had this tough a day.

"Dear Sir:
I am writing in response to your request for additional information in Block #3 of the accident reporting form. I put "Poor Planning" as the cause of my accident. You asked for a fuller explanation and I trust the following details will be sufficient.

I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the roof of a new six-storey building. When I completed my work, I found I had some bricks left over which when weighed later were found to weigh 240 lbs.

Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley which was attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor.

Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went down and untied the rope, holding it tightly to insure a slow descent of the 240 lbs of bricks. You will note on the accident reporting form that my weight is 135 lbs.

Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rapid rate up the side of the building.

In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel which was now proceeding downward at an equally impressive speed. This explains the fractured skull, minor abrasions and the broken collarbone, as listed in Section 3, accident reporting form.

Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley which I mentioned in Paragraph 2 of this correspondence. Fortunately by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope, in spite of the excruciating pain I was now beginning to experience.
At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground-and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Now devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel weighed approximately 50 lbs.

I refer you again to my weight. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the building.

In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, broken tooth and severe lacerations of my legs and lower body.

Here my luck began to change slightly. The encounter with the barrel seemed to slow me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell into the pile of bricks and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked.

I am sorry to report, however, as I lay there on the pile of bricks, in pain, unable to move and watching the empty barrel six stories above me, I again lost my composure and presence of mind and let go of the rope."

###

Please laugh at the funny stuff in your life. Along with the laughs praise our Mighty Lord as He brings you through the tough moments. Delight yourself in the Lord and Live with Vigor and Thrive: We're Alive and God is with us all along the way.

Time Redeemed?

2009-03-19T04:54:00.000-07:00

Time and how to redeem it has become critically important to me since I was hired for my supervisory job in Census 2010 last week. 10-11 hour days in intense training has been a wake up call for me and my time use. I'm loving the challenge, but hear me; this is becoming a challenge to make good use of my time.

The Bible tells us God means for us to redeem the time. What does that mean to you globally, eternally and personally?

My understanding of redeeming time is to put every available moment to best use. As a totally committed Christian I'm aware of doing what is most spiritually profitable with my time.

I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work. John 9:4

I must seize each moment without allowing any to to slip out of my hands.

Are you challenged with this Bible command: redeem the time?

Higher Quality with Less Quantity

2009-03-14T04:20:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my first day on the job in Census 2010. I applied for job A and was hired for job B. My work will be highly detailed and I will have many people from a large area reporting to me. So, today is the last "daily" post on Thrive Christians blog.

Last year I committed to write here daily with all my heart. This is blog number 278. I sensed it was a year long commitment, but I know now I have to make adjustments to be free to do my work in excellence. For you writers that contemplate whether blogging can help your writing, I must say I write with much greater ease on #278 than I did on #1. A dear friend told me that I have gained clarity in my writing for her reading.

I'm looking forward to this new work. I am a proud American and I can definitely put the money to good use. As a history buff I know the census has great influence in this nation on distributing the power and the resources. When I worked in Census 2000, you'd have thought I was on a mission of world significance. Interestingly enough, I've been employed in quality control. I do care that it is done accurately and as well as humans can do the massive task.

In Census 2000 one of my dearest friends who was independently wealthy, served under me just to have the privilege to contribute to her country. She was killed by a speeding youth that hit her head on. I had just finished talking with her on the phone...about how God can help us when frustrations of aggravating people get on our last nerve. So to Jane, I'm giving it my best. I cared before I met you; but I care even more after seeing what you gave to do the job right.

Less can be better; and in writing less usually is better. I will have plenty of time scattered between meetings and I plan to make Thrive Christians an important priority in those "in between" times. Sure hope this less of me catches on to my appetite. Ummm that would truly be better.

God bless you all this weekend.

This time of the year is the most significant remembrance time for all of us Christians.

Oh, Jesus...without you I'm sunk. All my sins; of action ... inaction...thoughts....attitude are covered, redeemed, wiped clean, gone...in Your blood. I will never get over You choosing me before I even knew You; You know me better than I know myself and You still love me. Oh, Redeemer, You are enough for me forever. Nothing matters as long as I am Yours and You are my Lord and Savior.

AMEN

Fun Friday: Acts 2:38

2009-03-12T15:14:00.001-07:00

Communication Mis-hit:

A woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services , when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled:

'Stop! Acts 2:38!'

(Repent and be Baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ , so that your sins may be forgiven.)

The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done.

As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar:
'Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you.'

'Scripture?' replied the burglar.

'She said she had an Ax and Two 38s!'

Remember: Knowing scripture can save your life - in more ways than one!

Guaranteed Perfect Blog Stats

2009-03-12T04:21:00.000-07:00

Competitiveness is not necessarily a bad thing; but I have to keep it in perspective. Lately my blog stats are dropping. The glorious saint would probably not pay that any attention; and I try to be mature and say it doesn't matter. Truth: I look at those dropping numbers and start asking myself questions like:

"Did I offend someone?"

"Should I jazz my blog up with some bells and whistles?"

"Do I need to reach out and join some blog carnivals and promote my blog to win new readers or gain back the old ones?

The only question that lines up with my calling is the first one. I looked back over the last few weeks of blogs and I can't say I missed what I heard God calling me to write. So, if you're offended...I never intended to offend you; and with the blogosphere you cannot take it personally. I pray and look to the Bible with each post.

I'm here for one reason. God called me to write last year in the middle of my heart wrenching grief of the sudden loss of my husband of 43 years. In fact, in the wee hours of Palm Sunday last year he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Blogging was a funky term I knew little about. I learned a bit about it at a women's writing/speaking conference that I escaped to while life was so hard with people missing my husband and wanting to help me. Running off to be with people who knew nothing about our tragedy gave me a weekend to breathe.

Thrive Christians was launched after that weekend. Old competitive Kay showed up shortly after I began blogging. I would stew and study how to expand the readership of my blog. I attached analytic measuring devices to monitor activity.

But in prayer I felt God calling me to relax. I was missing the purpose of my blog: Thrive Christians. This writing is an obedient response to God's calling on my life: write from my heart and spirit as He directs. I am thinking of you readers; but your traffic here does not drive my writing. Jesus Christ is the focus.

He is my source of all good life. He has given me a thriving life from birth in places where living wasn't sure; much less thriving. Widowhood has been another "desert" where all the surroundings look like death, not thriving life. But, in Him, I am thriving.

Stats are down....how far down? 27% Do I plan to change anything? No. I know why I'm here and I know Who appointed and anointed me. He and I are fine.

Why am I sharing this with you? I know from your comments that I'm not the only one with some residual over-competitiveness working on my sense of value. As my mentor groans when I dare to share some of these thoughts with her,"Oh, honey, I thought that flesh was dead in you. Well, just go to killing it. You can't tame it. Life'll be so good when it's dead and you're totally alive in Christ."

St. Paul agrees with her....“I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

So kill it! Anything in flesh that takes away from the life giving indwelling of Christ within us!!

Status Report of Goals Achieved at Thrive Christian blog:
all goals met.
Writing: humanly imperfect.
Heart condition: totally sold out for God...mission achieved.

Maintaining Alignment

2009-03-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we connected alignment with Heaven to receiving our promises from Heaven. Again your comments were rich. But as I pray and think about staying in Christ and empowered supernaturally I'm hit with Jesus' first words of prayer in His model prayer:

Our Father....

Getting along with one another in the family of God is missing so often wherever I go. I spend much time listening to hurts and needs of folks requesting prayer. I expect selfish lying manipulating folks in the world. But the selfishness I see in Christians and blatant harsh words about and against one another is opposite to anything in our Bibles.

These two words hold volumes of information for us to know how God plans for us to operate. Solo superstars are not the ideal; and I know this because Jesus did not begin this prayer with: My Father...no, He specifically used the word: Our.

Then He calls on God as Father, but actually the greek word is Abba which is an endearing term such as Papa or as we would probably call our father Daddy. We're brothers and sisters in this family of God. I'm an only child and so was my husband. I prayed before our son was even conceived for our two children to be close and supportive to one another. I was aware with John and me having no siblings that there would be no uncles, aunts or first cousins for our children. They are nine years apart but I've never seen such healthy close adult siblings. It is beautiful and amazing.

As I watch them interact and observe other sibling relationships I see that it's a close tie, but rivalry seems to be a tension that has to be addressed...always. When I look at the Christian church family I see that who's best is a tension we have to pray about continually.

To maintain our alignment we must get along. "Who's best?" is a sibling relationship killer. Jesus tells us to begin our praying with, "Our Father who art in heaven." These first words remind me that I am not alone...the plural tells me this is a spiritual journey linked with others; as close as family. Maintaining alignment with Heaven must mean getting along.

Apostle Paul summed up our best policy with our "siblings" to maintain alignment with Heaven:

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

May the windows of Heaven open up and flow to you and yours.

Alignment

2009-03-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a quiet day of drudge work. I had plenty of time to think in the quiet of cleaning out the pantry and relining shelves with paper, etc. I caught myself thinking of others in time past going through tough financial times. My own family has shared the scarcity of jobs and many luxuries, but they thrived in the main things of life.

I believe everything we will ever need, 2009, and any other time, is already on a waiting dock with our names on it.

There is one catch: The "GO" shoot doesn't open up until we here on earth are in alignment with Heaven.

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray were they not seeking this alignment? With that in mind may we read His model prayer:

Jesus tells us to begin our praying with, "Our Father who art in heaven." These first words remind me that I am not alone...the plural tells me this is a spiritual journey linked with others; as close as family. Getting in alignment must mean getting along.

Let's go over this prayer ...Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

When alignment is pleasing to Father God: His Kingdom comes...here. "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Alignment for me will not look exactly like your alignment. But God has alignment for each of us that will always line up with the Bible and suit our bent. When I trust Him utterly and obey Him immediately: Heaven's Windows Open and Flow to fulfill this prayer and scripture.

I'm busy aligning ... for me cleaning out this pantry and doing some other unpleasant "musts" are part of what I'm hearing God tell me is serious spiritual business.

Do you think we get out of alignment by becoming so "sparitual... and religious" that we ain't aligned for much here on earth on in Heaven? Maybe that's just my condition.

I pray alignment with Heaven for each of you. I pray that you are in place to fulfill your purpose and destiny. I pray you spend time and passion with God to the point that you are moved by the Spirit of God in all you do.

Be blessed.

Only Believe

2009-03-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

ONLY BELIEVE... are my words for everyone on everything after my last two days.

On Friday I ministered to some people who were in great pain. Hope was fading away from them. With each one I felt I had to ask them what was the one thing God asks of us: Only believe. Each one broke down in their concerns and admitted they didn't feel it ... we agreed our faith of belief goes beyond our emotions of feelings.

Yesterday I traveled to Atlanta to meet with a writing group. A new member read a poem she had been commissioned to write titled: "Only Believe." In her beautiful rhythm she crafted words that transcended feelings or doom and the conclusion was "Only Believe."

I love IKEA, so I made sure I had enough time to have my fun time in that fabulous store before heading back on the two hour trip home. I'm digging through the "As Is" section when I notice a man praying for a woman in a wheel chair. I silently prayed without bringing any attention to myself. We ended up in line together at the checkout. I mentioned seeing him praying and we celebrated our Christianity. He spent those minutes glowing on how God is showing him that all is well if we "only believe."

So today........to all of you, I have two words:

Only Believe

Where Did Fun Friday Go?

2009-03-07T02:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was so full of concerns that funny wasn't in me. To make it up to you readers that love getting a good laugh here at Thrive Christians I am planning an entire fun week.

What consumed me to the point I changed the blog schedule? This week I have spent time with folks strained to their last penny, a woman whose husband is in an adulterous affair and she senses God calling her to stand, a family with serious disabling disease in one spouse and they don't know how they'll live with the cost of their meds and the money they receive, and that's just a few of the people in my life calling on me to join them in prayer.

What hit me was how differently each one was processing their dire circumstances. The ones who are disciplined to stay in God's Word and pray without ceasing had hope, but that was not the case of the "sometime" saints. I feel I've lived in all these camps at one time or another. But when I was slapped down and didn't know if I could get up many years ago, God scooped me up and from that time on I've never believed He wasn't bigger than anything coming at me. He is my life and my way: so reading His Word and praying daily are not options but the way I live. But in America I sense that the worship, praise and Bible study are many times motivated by feelings.

I sense that in America we are more prone to this need of a feeling than Christians in other cultures. Our ancestors were not "see ya' when I have that feeling, God" people. Your comments are wonderful. Readers, you need to go back to yesterday's post and open up the comments. I was blessed by all of them.

After I reflected on some folks throwing in the towel I imagined satan celebrating how easy it is for him to operate in America. If saints read only the Bible passages that have to do with a study class they teach or attend and pray only when the crisis hits they are easy picking for the enemy. St. Paul was clear over and over that we war against powers and principalities. If it's war, shouldn't we have the mindset of warriors?

In light of this I wrote a poem...poetry is new for me; so be kind. Picture an overly dressed gaudy dude in black and white spat shoes with a shiny suit and a watch with a chain. He's in a bar laughing it up. He's arrogant and bragging about the ease of his job in the USA with believers who are undisciplined in personal Bible study, worship and prayer. I can see him licking his chops and twirling his watch chain with a victory shuffle.

Life's Easy In The USA

The devil sneered, "These days life is easy in the USA

Oh yeah, times are different now.

Years ago saints drove me mad,

Praying, Praising and Reading the Word of God.

I commanded thousands of troops from sea to sea,

To distract the called and chosen.

Daily they mined treasure from the Word.

Without fail, prayers were continually on their lips.

They were untouchable in the USA.

Now, life's so easy in the USA.

They're saved and baptized on Sunday.

By Wednesday they're leaders;

Bogged down with church work.

They have no time to pray or seek God in His Word.

They scramble to study the Bible for their church work.

It never occurs to 'em to read the Bible
To hear a "now" Word from God.

The noise and chatter from tv, cell phones, ipods, and computers

Keep 'em distracted. One less chore for me.

They work as many hours as they possibly can.

That keeps 'em away from joining in prayer

With one another.

They give me credit for their lack of peace and despair.

I'm just lounging around while their neglect does my job.

This fight doesn't take troops of demons anymore.

Life happens, and down they go.

As weak as they stay, I don't call in any calvary;

A feather'll do.

I fear somebody will wake 'em up.

If they realize their strength comes in praising the Lord,

Abiding in His presence, and proclaiming His Word...

No matter what....then I'm back to having to work.

Then my life won't be easy in the USA.

I remember the old days when saints

Knew their Source was God.

They lived in praise, power, and protection.

They would stand without fail,

And they'd overcome my best shots when life happened.

But for now I've got it made.

I get the credit for everything wrong;

And they blame me for their own neglect.

Drinks are on me. 'Cause I'm celebrating

That life's so easy for me and mine in the USA.

Subtle ... naw. But I can listen to what you say. Talk to me and may we encourage one another to fall on our faces and cry ...

Abba Father. Fill us with Your presence, empower us to stand, and we will praise You forever. This land of the USA began with Your name on the lips of those who first sailed from far away lands to our shores. Feelings matter but Lord, show us how to live without our feelings dictating our daily life disciplines. Have mercy on America and on Your people throughout the world.

In Jesus Christ's name: AMEN

Boundaries Hold Thriving Life

2009-03-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

As a Christian I thrive as I look to Jesus Christ. Calling myself Christian shows that I am His follower. Thriving is in direct proportion to my belief in Him as King of Kings and above all.

Talkng with some different folks this week I am sensing a careless attitude to the discipline of Bible study and private prayer. As I've heard them I can relate to the depressed one who doesn't have the energy to pick up any books. I know what it is to have a schedule packed with so much you don't feel you have any spare moments.

But I also heard how life is coming apart for these same folks. Is there legal ground for satan to torment a believer who makes no time for communing with God? I have my opinion, but I honestly want to hear from some of you.

What does a thriving Christian life look like privately and publicly?

Does it matter what we choose to do since Jesus came with mercy and grace to all of us who believe in Him?