God is so much greater than we could ever imagine. Not only does He love us unconditionally, the Bible says that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That means that it is without flaw. My mind has a hard time wrapping around that concept, because I have numerous imperfections that cast a shadow over my life. Being a human thwarts me from having a deep understanding of just how incredible my God really is. He has consistently stood by my side, even when I left Him in the dust.
What causes us to stray from His Love? Although the answer seems complex, it is based around one thing; selfishness. Humans beings are selfish. We care far more about benefiting ourselves than we do about God. As children we are told that if we serve Jesus, we will go to heaven and receive a reward. For some, that is the driving force in Christianity. Yes, heaven is something to look forward to, but our ambition should be to serve our Lord with all of our hearts. Webster's online dictionary tells us that the definition of 'all' is, “completely taken up with, given to, or absorbed by.” Our Savior deserves every piece of our being.
How can we learn to be more like Him, and less like ourselves? By consistently listening to His voice and following what His word says about being holy. We can never be as perfect as He is, but God can help us to live as close to Him as possible. When Christ looks at us, it is our potential that catches His eye. He doesn't look at us with disgust, but with love and understanding. He is the one who created us, after all.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
-Ephesians 3:20-21
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me
If you could change the world, what would stop you from doing it? Would it be pain or the fear of the unknown? Tell me, what is holding you back? Does it ever cross your mind that by not attempting to make a difference in any way, you are, in a way, influencing the world?
Everyone bleeds, everyone cries, everyone loves, and everyone has at one time been rejected. Not that this excuses us as human beings in any way at all. I mean, if we told ourselves that by experiencing pain we could act however we wanted, then that would be saying crime was excusable. How can you excuse an action, because of the emotions you feel towards something? That is like saying it is fine for you to kill a cat, simply because it hurt your feelings the day before.
Fear of the unknown is such a driving force, because it is the one thing that makes you feel completely victimized by life. It stops people from being in love, being happy, and just living life. We, as living souls, care so much about what is in front of us that we forget to take the time to drink in what is going on around us. It’s as if we are so afraid of falling off of a cliff we see in the distance, that we don’t realize we are about to fall into a deep hole right in front of our very own eyes.
How can we change the world? Is it by making a huge impact one time in your life, or by making little differences every day? Do we simply go to China a give $10,000,000 to an orphanage, or do we personally feed the starving individuals in our community by starting a soup kitchen? Whatever you do, make sure your heart is in it. Go to sleep at night knowing you tried your very best to somehow impact someone in your world. If that means staying up a couple of extra hours, than do it. Just make sure you are doing it for the good of others and not for yourself.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -1 Peter 4:10-11
Everyone bleeds, everyone cries, everyone loves, and everyone has at one time been rejected. Not that this excuses us as human beings in any way at all. I mean, if we told ourselves that by experiencing pain we could act however we wanted, then that would be saying crime was excusable. How can you excuse an action, because of the emotions you feel towards something? That is like saying it is fine for you to kill a cat, simply because it hurt your feelings the day before.
Fear of the unknown is such a driving force, because it is the one thing that makes you feel completely victimized by life. It stops people from being in love, being happy, and just living life. We, as living souls, care so much about what is in front of us that we forget to take the time to drink in what is going on around us. It’s as if we are so afraid of falling off of a cliff we see in the distance, that we don’t realize we are about to fall into a deep hole right in front of our very own eyes.
How can we change the world? Is it by making a huge impact one time in your life, or by making little differences every day? Do we simply go to China a give $10,000,000 to an orphanage, or do we personally feed the starving individuals in our community by starting a soup kitchen? Whatever you do, make sure your heart is in it. Go to sleep at night knowing you tried your very best to somehow impact someone in your world. If that means staying up a couple of extra hours, than do it. Just make sure you are doing it for the good of others and not for yourself.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -1 Peter 4:10-11
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Purposeful living
Sometimes I wonder where my future will lead me. Perhaps it’s more like; where is my present taking me? I feel so guilty when I read stories and wish harm on the bad guys. Is that really how I feel? That everyone who has ever wronged me deserves death, or to even suffer? Thinking about this is humbling, because Jesus allowed people to spit in his face and thrash his back with whips, while still wishing them a life of eternal luxury and paradise.
How can I master the love that God has so gently poured out for my life and project it into others? Am I somehow missing His purpose for my life, by getting so focused on the negativity surrounding me?
Philippians 4:8 states: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. “
Living in a society so focused on our desires, wants, passions, growth…and simply ourselves, has definitely placed its weight on my spiritual walk with Christ. I find myself wondering which career will make me the happiest, the college with the best campus, and even the friends who are the funniest to be around.
When Jesus walked on earth, he gave of himself to the lowliest, the weakest, and the hurting. How am I going to be able to somehow master his love, if I am focusing on myself? My goals in life have to be directed in what his desires are for me, and no longer how I look in my peer’s eyes.
People are going to disappoint you, and leave you with questions on the morality of life. They will hurt you so deeply that there will be times that you are sitting alone in the dark, wishing you could somehow pull yourself up for a breath of fresh air. It is during those times that we learn who we are and what is most important to us. We discover that life is so much deeper than other’s ideas, and more about what God has in store for our life.
I know that if I wouldn’t have been so stubborn when I was younger, it would have saved me from a lot trouble. Should I overanalyze my mistakes and tell myself what I failure I am? NO!
"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." -John 16:33
How can I master the love that God has so gently poured out for my life and project it into others? Am I somehow missing His purpose for my life, by getting so focused on the negativity surrounding me?
Philippians 4:8 states: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. “
Living in a society so focused on our desires, wants, passions, growth…and simply ourselves, has definitely placed its weight on my spiritual walk with Christ. I find myself wondering which career will make me the happiest, the college with the best campus, and even the friends who are the funniest to be around.
When Jesus walked on earth, he gave of himself to the lowliest, the weakest, and the hurting. How am I going to be able to somehow master his love, if I am focusing on myself? My goals in life have to be directed in what his desires are for me, and no longer how I look in my peer’s eyes.
People are going to disappoint you, and leave you with questions on the morality of life. They will hurt you so deeply that there will be times that you are sitting alone in the dark, wishing you could somehow pull yourself up for a breath of fresh air. It is during those times that we learn who we are and what is most important to us. We discover that life is so much deeper than other’s ideas, and more about what God has in store for our life.
I know that if I wouldn’t have been so stubborn when I was younger, it would have saved me from a lot trouble. Should I overanalyze my mistakes and tell myself what I failure I am? NO!
"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." -John 16:33
Monday, September 13, 2010
A new day has come
There are so many different events in life that make you who you are. Things so small that you wonder how they could leave such a big impact on the rest of your life. A smile on a sad day, a kiss to heal your wound, and even an understanding look.
It's starting to hit me what I should be focused on, and what I should choose to disregard. Mother Theresa has a quote that has left me wondering just how much I focus on my love for others. It simply states, "It is the not magnitude of your actions, but the amount of love that you put into them that truly matters."
After I came across this quote, I scratched my head and said to myself, "Kimberly, is love your priority, or simply what others think of you?" God has placed us all on earth for a reason. Although it is hard for us to grasp sometimes, we are all different on purpose. I must admit that I have been a bit critical towards other people's personalities and it distracted me from doing what God set aside for me to do.
I believe that we are all guilty of falling into a trap of exhausting ourselves with other people's problems to such an extreme that we don't have the energy to do God's tasks. Being positive of this very thing, I encourage you to set your priorities straight. Spend more time with God, simply because you love him. He has been around a lot longer than the rest of us, so his head a screwed on pretty straight. God's will is so much better than anything we could ever even start to imagine! If we would just remember to focus on what really matters, he has promised to take care of the rest.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" - Matthew 6:33
It's starting to hit me what I should be focused on, and what I should choose to disregard. Mother Theresa has a quote that has left me wondering just how much I focus on my love for others. It simply states, "It is the not magnitude of your actions, but the amount of love that you put into them that truly matters."
After I came across this quote, I scratched my head and said to myself, "Kimberly, is love your priority, or simply what others think of you?" God has placed us all on earth for a reason. Although it is hard for us to grasp sometimes, we are all different on purpose. I must admit that I have been a bit critical towards other people's personalities and it distracted me from doing what God set aside for me to do.
I believe that we are all guilty of falling into a trap of exhausting ourselves with other people's problems to such an extreme that we don't have the energy to do God's tasks. Being positive of this very thing, I encourage you to set your priorities straight. Spend more time with God, simply because you love him. He has been around a lot longer than the rest of us, so his head a screwed on pretty straight. God's will is so much better than anything we could ever even start to imagine! If we would just remember to focus on what really matters, he has promised to take care of the rest.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" - Matthew 6:33
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
I've got a pocket full of sunshine
This summer has been extremely busy for me. The first couple of weeks I lazed around the house, soaking up as much sun as I could. Then, I left for Journalism City. I absolutely loved it! I had the opportunity to speak with our state senator, and learned so much about writing.
After Girls State, I started right into camp meeting at my church. We had the Victory Trio as our children's workers, preachers, and song leaders. It was incredible to hear Judy Williams preach what could very possible be some of her last sermons. During that camp meeting, I was able to get tons of spiritual help!
Once our church's camp meeting finished, I went to Frankfort, Indiana for the Pilgrim Holiness youth and family camp. Our speaker was Travis Johnson, who is a youth pastor in there in Frankfort. He did an incredible job speaking to us about different issues that we have to face as teens now. I enjoyed hearing him tell stories about his missions trip to South Dakota. Family camp was encouraging for me, because God helped me so much during the evening services. I spent time with some of my best friends and that was really good for me.
Then, I came home and started my new job. I work at AmericInn as housekeeper and love it! It's great to have hours of solitude. Not only does it provide time to clear the mind, it also gives me a great opportunity to talk to God. I work with my sister Jenna, which makes the time go by faster.
I plan on taking my senior pictures in August with my best friend, Laura Hamilton. We will be taking shots at the Japanese Gardens in Sioux Falls, SD and many other locations. I can't wait! This summer is flying by, and I am interested to see what all God has in store for me in the future.
<3 Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. ~John Lubbock <3
After Girls State, I started right into camp meeting at my church. We had the Victory Trio as our children's workers, preachers, and song leaders. It was incredible to hear Judy Williams preach what could very possible be some of her last sermons. During that camp meeting, I was able to get tons of spiritual help!
Once our church's camp meeting finished, I went to Frankfort, Indiana for the Pilgrim Holiness youth and family camp. Our speaker was Travis Johnson, who is a youth pastor in there in Frankfort. He did an incredible job speaking to us about different issues that we have to face as teens now. I enjoyed hearing him tell stories about his missions trip to South Dakota. Family camp was encouraging for me, because God helped me so much during the evening services. I spent time with some of my best friends and that was really good for me.
Then, I came home and started my new job. I work at AmericInn as housekeeper and love it! It's great to have hours of solitude. Not only does it provide time to clear the mind, it also gives me a great opportunity to talk to God. I work with my sister Jenna, which makes the time go by faster.
I plan on taking my senior pictures in August with my best friend, Laura Hamilton. We will be taking shots at the Japanese Gardens in Sioux Falls, SD and many other locations. I can't wait! This summer is flying by, and I am interested to see what all God has in store for me in the future.
<3 Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. ~John Lubbock <3
Friday, May 14, 2010
End of school, beginning of my dream
This school year has gone by so swiftly, that it is incredible to me that in about a week, I will be done with my Junior year. Many things still need to be accomplished before I can finally kick back my legs and absorb the sunshine. As wonderful as being done sounds, it's very sad to me that this school year is coming to a close. There are many people who I met this year, and a couple that I have had to and will continue to have to say goodbye to.
I'm not sure how many people are aware of this, but my family's dog, Buster, was shot a couple of days ago, and we were forced to put him down. He was very special to all of us, and will stay in our hearts forever. It's been extremely difficult for me to wrap my mind around the fact that he is truly gone. He lived a very happy life, and I know that our transition to the country was a wonderful experience for him
I met a couple of people this year that I would love to tell you about. One of them would by my friend Christina Arabatzi. She is from Germany, and we met during marching band. Her life is so centered around God, that being around her literally feels like breath of fresh air.
The second person I met this year that I would thoroughly enjoy telling you about, is my best friend Laura Hamilton. She is from New Jersey, and is such an inspiring person. Every day, she makes a list of all of the happy things in her life, and literally focuses on them all day. Being around her has been such a priviledge to me!
This school year has all and all been incredibly rewarding for me! May 31st-June 5th, I will be going to USD for Journalism City. It is a special branch of Girls State, in which only 18 girls in the state are selected to attend. It feels as though all of my dreams are coming together now! I can't wait to see what the summer brings!
I'm not sure how many people are aware of this, but my family's dog, Buster, was shot a couple of days ago, and we were forced to put him down. He was very special to all of us, and will stay in our hearts forever. It's been extremely difficult for me to wrap my mind around the fact that he is truly gone. He lived a very happy life, and I know that our transition to the country was a wonderful experience for him
I met a couple of people this year that I would love to tell you about. One of them would by my friend Christina Arabatzi. She is from Germany, and we met during marching band. Her life is so centered around God, that being around her literally feels like breath of fresh air.
The second person I met this year that I would thoroughly enjoy telling you about, is my best friend Laura Hamilton. She is from New Jersey, and is such an inspiring person. Every day, she makes a list of all of the happy things in her life, and literally focuses on them all day. Being around her has been such a priviledge to me!
This school year has all and all been incredibly rewarding for me! May 31st-June 5th, I will be going to USD for Journalism City. It is a special branch of Girls State, in which only 18 girls in the state are selected to attend. It feels as though all of my dreams are coming together now! I can't wait to see what the summer brings!
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