Jesus is More Than Just Vitamin D

March 11, 2014March 11, 2014Leave a comment

New day. The sun is rising a tad later this spring; however, that means it sets later as well. There is nothing like driving home from work with the sunlight actually beating down on your car. I missed this sensation during winter.

Our bodies need the vitamin D that the sun gives off. Believe me, my body has been missing this sweet vitamin. You can take all the supplements you want; but, there is nothing like the real thing.

Yesterday, singing to the radio was glorious. I had so much energy and joy inside my soul. I did not just have a supplement – my body was feeling the effects of the real sunshine.

A supplement is defined as something ‘extra or added on to.’ Thinking on this, I wonder to myself: how often do I treat my Lord as a supplement God?

I call to him when my life feels void and in jeopardy. I bow my head when I don’t feel his presence.

But, God is not a vitamin. He cannot be taken in place of the real thing. He is the real thing. He is not something extra to my life. He is my life.

As Romans 7 points out, ‘there is nothing good in me but Jesus.’ He is the sunlight and everyday – he shines his face on us. He is not like winter. He does pick and choose the times to shine forth his brilliance. He always radiates great heat.

It’s just our choice to look up and recognize those beautiful beams shining on our face. They shine every day. There is no need for a supplement. God is not an addition, he is our being. He wants to not only complete you; but he wants to be in the blood running through your veins and the air that fills your lungs.

Be still my beating, love is whispering your name. There were years suffering in the dark, fighting back the tears and pain. But love has kept me safe and sound. Those days that seemed like endless nights cannot be found, they’re behind me now.

– Point of Grace

New Testament Bible Reading Plan: Giving & Gaining for Lent

March 5, 2014March 5, 20141 Comment

Lent. I hate to admit this; but, I’ve never really stuck to my lent promises. I have lofty goals and ambitions. Like last year, I wanted to give up Facebook {epic fail} and the year before, I think it was coffee. Yeah right, I gave in.

The practice of giving something up for God was not commonly talked about in my southern Baptist church in Texas – especially during this season.

We talked about fasting and other things like that. But taking these 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday never resonated with me until now. The meaning really did not set in my spirit until this moment.

This year – I feel like it’s time to stick to my promises to understand the true meaning of lent. It’s time to meditate on what Christ suffered and endured for me. It’s time to think about his sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. I can lay aside one of my world indulgences for the one who bled for me.

That should not be hard. Yet, it is- because we are human.

So, my mind is made. I am giving up something for my King and reading through the New Testament these next 40 days. My church passed out a reading plan last week that will be extremely helpful in accomplishing this goal.

It takes 30 minutes a day. I should spend that time already in prayer. But, God’s still working on me. Childhood anyone?

{You can check out the awesome reading plan here.}

And a big shout out to NCC for putting this together. The goal is this – to give something up and replace it with the Word of God. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. –John 3:30

So, what are you giving up in order to come closer to the throne room of grace this year?

I Love the Person I’ve Become, Because I Fought to Become Her

February 21, 2014Leave a comment

I love the person that I’ve become, because I fought to become her.

There is something about this quote that resonates within my soul. It incites pictures of war, battle, scars, flaming arrows – but also peace, healing and strength.

The battle of life is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. Every day, we need to suit up in our battle armor to face the day, darts and push backs of the world. As Ephesians 6 says, we need to put on the ‘full armor of God.’

It is a common concept to say – God will fight for me. And, he will – that’s for sure. But, we need to take the first step, pick up the sword and lace up our sandals. The battle is already won in Christ Jesus; but we need to be willing to trust his way and his guidance.

Abraham picked up the knife to sacrifice his son – Isaac, in obedience, and God sent a lamb instead. Joshua led his troops to encircle Jericho and march, and God gave them victory. Esther approached her husband, the King, in desperation, and he listened to her.

These people were led by God; but, they had to be willing to move their physical self forward.

What if these mighty ones had chosen not to take the first step? What if they were paralyzed with fear? Would God have been glorified so greatly?

Have you truly fought to become the person that you are today? You may actually have to move to become her.

Of course, God is the wind in your sails; but, have you let him fill your sails with his goodness? Do you have the faith to fly? You may have to flap your wings in order to soar on the heights.

Sweet Child of God, fight with God, by your side, to become the beautiful person he has destined you to be. We are called soldiers of God for a reason. March on – don’t let battle wounds scar you. Allow them to mold you into a vessel of strength and promise. They make you who you are.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Ephesians 6:11

VIDEO: I AM, Holding on to You

February 19, 20141 Comment

There is nothing like being at the feet of Jesus. You feel humble, broken, grateful, lifted high and complete. So many emotions – redemption, hope, acceptance, joy – I could continue on and on.

I wonder to myself – why do I not take time to do this more often? To be still, meditate and worship the man who died for me – for my ugly sins. I am a broken vessel – He made me whole.

It takes dedication to enter into the throne room of Christ. It takes release – to truly let go of your fear, to live in the moment, to throw away regret and shame and just breathe in the presence of the Living Lord.

I did that today, and it was grand.

There I sat, in my apartment sauna – in tears. Not because I was sad; but, because I was experiencing the presence of my Christ. I envisioned his face. I pictured his love – and it made me weep tears of joy.

I worshipped, lifted my voice and sang to the heavens:

There’s no space that His love can’t reach. There’s no place that we can’t find peace. There’s no end to Amazing Grace. Take me in with your arms spread wide. Take me in like an orphan child. Never let go, never leave my side. I am, Holding on to You. I am, Holding on to You. In the middle of the storm, I am Holding on, I am! – David Crowder

There is nothing like shedding tears out of love. They are watery conduits of thankful expressions. They are waterfalls of gratitude for unending grace and mercy.

What love is this that the Father has lavished upon us! There in that steam room alone, I felt honored to be in his presence. I felt blessed to sing from my gut – not worrying about if others in the gym could hear me. What a moment that was with my King!

Take time Dear One – to sit alone and worship God. You will enter his illuminate presence when you let go of all that burdens you. Your God will take your load – so you can fall on your face in the glorious presence of Jesus Christ. He’s holding on to you. Reach out for Him.

Listen to this song – and really envision the lyrics. Enter into God’s throne room of grace, Dear Child of God:

We All Feel Bruised From Time To Time

February 4, 2014February 4, 2014Leave a comment

Wounded. We are all wounded at some point in our lives. We carry around scars of guilt and regret. We wear shades of sadness and cover ourselves in sackcloth. We cry out of pain and grief. We feel abandoned by people – and the sting of the pain is like coarse sea salt in the deep lesion.

Discarded. We can feel like no one cares about the silent pain we face daily. Thrown out and good-for-nothing, set out by the dumpster – to ruin in the rain. We can feel worthless.

Shattered. We can feel this way. We can feel like a broken pot – discarded in the junk yard of rusted metals. Covered in fresh dirt and clay, we can feel broken and alone.

After all, we are human. Made of clay – that is prone to break.

But, Dear heart – God restores the broken.

His Word uplifts the bruised. His grace unshackles the guilt ridden. His love caresses the bleeding hearts.

His life and death gives hope to the hopeless. His sacrificial hands give power to the weak. His eyes look past failures and sees unending potential.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. {2 Corinthians 4: 7-9}

Let God hold you today. Let his mercies pervade your body. Listen to His still small voice. Sing to the heavens and praise His faithfulness.

If you feel wounded and shattered, come drink at the waters of his never-ending stream of affection. He loves you with an everlasting love. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. {Psalm 147:3}

It’s ok to feel wounded, discarded and shattered. You live in a world that is comprised of these feelings.

However, you are not fueled by feelings – but truth.

You are not destroyed. You will never be destroyed in Christ Jesus. Take heart in that promise.The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD. {Proverbs 21: 31}

I intended to write on my new fab recipe for sweet potato broccoli soup today; however, things change and the Lord really laid this word {above} on my heart. So, not to worry little foodies – a recipe for this delicious soup is coming soon (but not today.)

Daughters of Daylight – We Belong To The Day.

February 2, 2014February 2, 20141 Comment

Galloping forward, I ride with a vision.

To share of His love and endless provision.

God’s called me His Chosen, a child of the light,

And I’ll ride with this message into the night.

A breastplate of faith coated in affection,

Hope is my helmet – sharing true resurrection.

I hear His voice, so I must answer the call.

My God shed blood for me – he’s climbed up walls.

Face like a beacon, He says, shine my daylight!

Speak truth to the broken – the hearts so contrite.

My direction comes when you seek out my names.

Daughter, step forward – and my promises reclaim.

I will give you power when you admit you are weak.

Search for me, beauty, and I will speak.

-Kimi

But since we belong to the day, we must be serious and put the armor of faith and love on our chests, and put on a helmet of the hope of salvation. {1 Thessalonians 5:8}

We are children of the day. So wake up sleeper, lift your head. We were meant for more than this. Fight the shadows conquer death. Make the most of the time we have left. –Kari Jobe

Don’t Look Back. You’re Not Going That Way.

January 8, 2014January 8, 2014Leave a comment

The past haunts many, many people. We dwell in it. We hide ourselves in that murky outhouse of regret and breathe in past mistakes.

If you are anything like me, you circle back through right and wrong choices and try to play them out differently in your head. Rectifying the problem in your mind; but, somehow, bearing that guilt and apprehension in your heart.

Let’s remember – we are flesh vessels. We are tangible clay pots that can break and crumble in the elements of this world. Dry winds beat on our frame and freezing rain encompasses us with its ice tentacles. It is natural to feel despair when our flesh wins out.

However, dear heart, it is unhealthy to dwell in past mistakes and regrets. This actually holds back your effectiveness. Don’t let tears be your food, like the Psalmist in Psalm 42:3.

We are told to – ‘forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead!’ {Philippians 3: 13-14}.

Today is a new day – it’s a new day to strive to be like Christ and sprint toward the goal in the shining distance. Don’t look back. I think of Lot’s wife in this situation.

She and her family were living in one of the most sinful cities – and God gave them a chance to get out. Yet, there was one stipulation. They were told to ‘flee for your lives! Don’t look back…’ {Genesis 19:16}. And, as the story goes, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.

Of course, it is important to learn from our mistakes. We all make them – and there should be some learning involved there. But, it is detrimental to live in those mistakes. In Christ, you are not defeated – and you carry within you the light of him.

Forget what is behind you and press on in his loving kindness. Jesus came to save the sinners and the lost, and sin is not pretty. Paul, one of the most influential for Christ, had a past filled with regret and guilt. Yet, he pressed forward and lived in the Spirit of the Living God.

Jesus came for redemption. He died to give life to sinners great and small. Walk forward and don’t look back. Flesh might hinder us – but it should not hold us back from walking forward on the trail blazed for us by Christ Jesus!

He says to me, “This is the way –walk in it.”

January 3, 2014January 3, 2014Leave a comment

Lord – you make the stars. And, I stand in awe every night looking up to the sky. Hands raised, I release my life to you. I’ve said it from the beginning – Father of Love, you can have me. I need direction and clarity Lord.

I see your shining light in the distance and everything within me wants to race to that light. It’s my utmost desire that your beams of warmth and radiance touch my skin. I want to glow with your Light of Love. Not my will – but yours Lord. Not my way – but yours.

I am a clay vessel, prone to mistakes and cracks. But, God – I crave to be a cistern of your holy water. Your goodness –fills up my life like the abundant bread you fed the five thousand. You keep giving and giving your goodness. And, Lord, I will continue to receive all you have to give me. I am overjoyed to breathe in your blessings.

I long to repay you in some way – for this overabundance! But, you hold my head in your hands and say, Daughter, I’ve already paid for you in full. Just walk in my truth. Love others. Love me.

Who is this Giver of such good things?

Does he not see my faults and flaws? Does he not see me stumble, fall and struggle?

Yet He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) He makes his daughter – strong and able. He lights a fire in my soul. And, I will stand for truth, even if it’s fading in this world like embers after a Christmas fire.

His wind of provision coats my tongue. And, I will speak though my voice shakes. For truth cannot sit idly by –it is meant to be exemplified! The banner of the Lord will go before me (Deut 31:8). He’s promised this. I want to dance in the parade of His endless direction.

He says to me, “This is the way –walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:12) May I be able to recognize his beautiful voice and follow my Life Leader into the garden of His endless grace!

Kindness Speaks Volumes

December 30, 2013January 4, 20142 Comments

Kindness is roses from Trader Joe’s for someone in a difficult situation. A $3.99 bouquet can mean the world to someone.

Kindness. It is a word we say often; yet, it’s meaning and legacy speaks volumes to others lives.

A simple smile of kindness, words of comfort and a touch of empathy can change a person for a lifetime.

As human beings, we experience ups and downs, trials and triumphs and praise and criticism. These emotions weigh heavy on the heart and they can either make you stronger or drag you down.

Let’s pray they make you stronger! And, trust me, it is easier for this to happen when you surround yourself with kind people.

It’s important, as a Christian friend, to be in tune to these emotions in others.

As God’s children, we are called to love others (we are all children of the King). However, loving others in their moment of distress can be difficult. It definitely is not a walk in the park.

Hurting people will do one of two things: push you away or cling on to your strength and drain your energy.

When people push you away:

Often times, people who are hurting push you away. It is important not to get offended when this happens. As I have been taught, hurting people hurt people. Yet, the pain they inflict can be damaging. Try not to let this affect you. Which is easier said than done.

A note of encouragement means a lot to a hurting individual – especially if it hurts to be around them. Slip it in a book they are reading, send a card via snail mail. Encouragement is a great act of true kindness. Tell them what their friendship means to you, remind them of fun times you’ve had together, comment on their contagious smile. This might just touch them forever. Words carry weight. So, it’s important to choose them wisely.

When people cling on to you:

It is easy for people to cling onto your strength when they are going through a difficult time. First of all, they want the strength they see in you – so try to grab hold of it by being with you and needing you all the time. While this is flattering to some degree, it can zap the life out of you.

It is important to set boundaries with this type of person; because, if you don’t, you might end up hurting yourself or your family members. Set aside a time just for you and that person (but that’s all). Maybe it’s one coffee date a week – or a 30 minute phone call. Do not exceed the allotted time. You can be kind without being walked all over. If this person needs more time than this (excluding family members) they may need to seek professional help.

Kindness is never the wrong choice.

A single act of kindness goes a long way. Choose kindness this week. Smile at a stranger, buy the coffee in the car behind you. You never know who’s life you could be impacting. Love your neighbor as yourself – but be good to yourself at the same time. Being a healthy person breeds kindness toward others.

Christmas is Completely Empty Without Christ

December 9, 2013December 9, 2013Leave a comment

One of the most powerful images – of the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is Completely Empty Without Christ. This phrase hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. It literally just popped in my head, while listening happily to Christmas music and straightening my hair. The idiom weighed on my mind like a profound thought.

Yet, it’s really not all that profound.

Christ’s name is in the word – Christmas; however, we {and I am including all Christians here} have really commercialized this holiday.

The great present chase consumes our weekends. Getting to and from family homes is scheduled and fretted over {esp on icy roads and if across the country}. We decorate our homes from top to bottom in flashing lights and make sure the stockings are ready for that overnight candy drop.

We drive around neighborhoods and look at illuminated houses adorned with dancing snowmen. We sip on hot cocoa and laugh in fellowship or lace up those skates for a lap around the frozen rink. We think of Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr. Christmas songs and swoon over their voices.

But, where is Christ in all this hustle, bustle and fun? We sings carols of “the holiday season,” but forsake or just ignore the true meaning of why we give gifts to each other and travel light-years to be with our families on this one special day.

I know its cliché – and especially if you grew up in church; but, “you can’t spell Christmas without Christ.” That’s a song I used to sing as a little one. Somehow it was easier for me to digest this at a young age – and now, harder as an adult. Responsibilities consume us as adults – and we get lost in the all consuming checklist: work, travel, gifts – check.

But, I don’t want to lose sight of the baby that was sent to this world to die for me. We sing ‘O Holy Night’ – but, what a holy night it truly was! God entered this world as flesh and blood – and it was all for us. It meant redemption, forgiveness and relationship. We can’t place those gifts under a Christmas tree.

How loving – Jesus is the ultimate gift; yet, his birth was a gift to us. His first breath outside of Mary’s womb was the greatest gift. He gave us a gift on his birthday. Our Christ was born with a purpose, and that purpose was to save the souls of men and women.

I pray we look at our Nativity scenes with new eyes this Christmas. I pray we don’t buy into all this holiday politically correct mumbo jumbo. Christmas is not just a holiday – it the day our lives changed forever. It’s more than a little celebration of great cheer, where you roast chestnuts and drink that warm cider.

Christmas is a life altering date. It is the day that our Savior chose to be born into this world – to begin his ultimate mission – all for love. Let’s not forsake such a beautiful sacrifice. Let’s not get lost in candy cane gifts. December 25^th means painful death. It means glorious life – and the greatest of all eternity with our Lord and Savior. Amen.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2: 9-11