Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Living.
Living = Risks. With every decision, we risk whether or not it was the right one, the best one or the only one. You can't change the past but you can definitely learn from it!
Life.
Life is full of challenges. The question is, are you willing to prepare for those challenges? Are you willing to look fear in the face and kick it out of the way? Or are you going to just let life pass you by and only day dream of where you'd like to be?
Life is full of disappointment. The question is, with whom will you be most disappointed in? Will you allow others to dictate what you can and can not do or will you look deep inside yourself, pull out the inner strength needed to achieve your goals and learn to accept that not everyone will have your back?
Life is full of decisions. With each new sunrise, you're demanded to choose how you'll live that day. You're never promised tomorrow and you can't change the past, so ask yourself, "How can I make this day count?"
Life is full of discovery. In the dawning of a new day, we witness God's artistic beauties as light dispels the darkness. What terrified us in the night, with it's creaking shadows and taunting gloom, is exposed revealing we were safe all along.
Life is full of tears. Whether we laugh until we cry or cry until we laugh, life offers the opportunity for both. Facing its challenges, understanding its disappointments, realizing there are times when you don't know what decision to make, so you trust your instincts, you discover that life is really what you make it. It's about perspective. Don't casually watch life pass by, embrace it's ups and downs and when you get knocked down, get back up, brush yourself off and keep going. As long as there's breathe, there's hope. As long as there's life, there's an opportunity to live and make a difference. Are you ready?
[Woke up with these thoughts running through my head this morning.]
Life is full of disappointment. The question is, with whom will you be most disappointed in? Will you allow others to dictate what you can and can not do or will you look deep inside yourself, pull out the inner strength needed to achieve your goals and learn to accept that not everyone will have your back?
Life is full of decisions. With each new sunrise, you're demanded to choose how you'll live that day. You're never promised tomorrow and you can't change the past, so ask yourself, "How can I make this day count?"
Life is full of discovery. In the dawning of a new day, we witness God's artistic beauties as light dispels the darkness. What terrified us in the night, with it's creaking shadows and taunting gloom, is exposed revealing we were safe all along.
Life is full of tears. Whether we laugh until we cry or cry until we laugh, life offers the opportunity for both. Facing its challenges, understanding its disappointments, realizing there are times when you don't know what decision to make, so you trust your instincts, you discover that life is really what you make it. It's about perspective. Don't casually watch life pass by, embrace it's ups and downs and when you get knocked down, get back up, brush yourself off and keep going. As long as there's breathe, there's hope. As long as there's life, there's an opportunity to live and make a difference. Are you ready?
[Woke up with these thoughts running through my head this morning.]
Thursday, July 29, 2010
This Place Called Desperation
Here we go again, same destination as before. The sign reads “Desperation”. Oh I've been here before. I had hoped I’d never see this place again, but to my surprise, I had no choice in the matter so I’ll just buckle up and drive.
The city streets are full today. I guess there are a lot of others just like me; they’re searching for answers, frantic to find a lead. God, if Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, why am I seemingly driving in circles? I’ve tried to do the math. I’ve ended up on Lonely Street more times than I’d wish to share, but here I go again, just a few more blocks and I’ll be there.
What’s going on with me? Have I lost my sense of direction? I thought by now I’d be anywhere else, instead I’m here at the corner of Pain and Persecution. Where are “Dreams Come True” and “All Goals Reached”? Those are the places I had in mind. What? I don’t understand. Take a look at this sign. “Humility Lane three blocks ahead” God, I just don’t understand. I’m waiting now at the corner of “Patience” and “Wait”, please tell me this is all part of Your plan.
I sat for a spell, wailing in anticipation. Will I ever leave this place, am I’m doomed to die here on the parkway, Frustration? There! You win! All my defenses lay crumbled in defeat. I’ve arrived at Mercy Station and I lay here humbled at Your feet. The road’s been long and now I see, why I’ve been led back to this place. For it’s in this place called Desperation I see you face to face. No mask or masquerade, I'm transparent and revealed and in this place called Desperation, I'm in your presence renewed and healed.
The city streets are full today. I guess there are a lot of others just like me; they’re searching for answers, frantic to find a lead. God, if Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, why am I seemingly driving in circles? I’ve tried to do the math. I’ve ended up on Lonely Street more times than I’d wish to share, but here I go again, just a few more blocks and I’ll be there.
What’s going on with me? Have I lost my sense of direction? I thought by now I’d be anywhere else, instead I’m here at the corner of Pain and Persecution. Where are “Dreams Come True” and “All Goals Reached”? Those are the places I had in mind. What? I don’t understand. Take a look at this sign. “Humility Lane three blocks ahead” God, I just don’t understand. I’m waiting now at the corner of “Patience” and “Wait”, please tell me this is all part of Your plan.
I sat for a spell, wailing in anticipation. Will I ever leave this place, am I’m doomed to die here on the parkway, Frustration? There! You win! All my defenses lay crumbled in defeat. I’ve arrived at Mercy Station and I lay here humbled at Your feet. The road’s been long and now I see, why I’ve been led back to this place. For it’s in this place called Desperation I see you face to face. No mask or masquerade, I'm transparent and revealed and in this place called Desperation, I'm in your presence renewed and healed.
Friday, July 2, 2010
More Than A Confession
"...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:9-11 NKJV
many years ago.
Though I've made mistakes along the way
You've never let me go.
What more could I ask for?
What more could I desire?
I invited You to be my Lord
when I was but a teen.
Lost and bewildered
I surrendered and received You, my King.
What more could I do?
I was all I had to give?
Today, I've walked and talked with You
As I have for all these years.
But today seems so different
I feel more intensely, You drawing me near.
What You have in store for me
I'm not quite sure.
I'll accept new challenges.
I'll follow where You lead.
You are my best friend, Lord
You are all I need.
You're more than a confession
You're everything to me.
Written By: Kimberly Waters
July 2, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Faith Staring Adversity in the Face!
Mark 4:35,37-40 NKJV,
"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” ...A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
There are days when our faith is shaken and all we've known and held onto seems to calapse around us. It's as if, we've somehow become color blind and all we see are the dark, gray circumstances threatening to capsize us, leaving us gasping for air in the sea of life. As we're tossed about by the waves of change, doubt and fear, we call out to God for help. Will we cry out with accusations or trust Him to help us?
I read a quote once that read, "When you can't hear God, read God!" How true! May we grip ever so tightly to His written Word when it seems we're deafened by the howling winds and crashing waves.
Written By: Kimberly Waters
May 14, 2010
Standing on the Word:
"For the word of the LORD holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust. He loves whatever is just and good, and his unfailing love fills the earth. The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He gave the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Let everyone in the world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. The LORD shatters the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the LORD’S plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken." Psalm 33:4-11
"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” ...A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
There are days when our faith is shaken and all we've known and held onto seems to calapse around us. It's as if, we've somehow become color blind and all we see are the dark, gray circumstances threatening to capsize us, leaving us gasping for air in the sea of life. As we're tossed about by the waves of change, doubt and fear, we call out to God for help. Will we cry out with accusations or trust Him to help us?
I read a quote once that read, "When you can't hear God, read God!" How true! May we grip ever so tightly to His written Word when it seems we're deafened by the howling winds and crashing waves.
Written By: Kimberly Waters
May 14, 2010
Standing on the Word:
"For the word of the LORD holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust. He loves whatever is just and good, and his unfailing love fills the earth. The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He gave the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Let everyone in the world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. The LORD shatters the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the LORD’S plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken." Psalm 33:4-11
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Take A Moment
I invite you to take a moment
Perhaps to walk by a beautiful stream,
Stop and smell the roses,
close your eyes, rest and dream.
Reminisce of days gone by or
Ponder thoughts for today,
Go ahead and plan tomorrow
While you're warmed by the sun's rays.
Forget your fears and past regrets
Embrace the joy and peace
As the breeze blows through your hair
Find your sweet release.
Can you feel Him right beside you?
Can you hear His voice so dear?
He's singing over you, my child.
Listen! Can you hear?
Such a beautiful voice He has
Much more pleasing to the ear
Than all the songs the birds can sing
As His love draws you near.
Dwell here in His presence.
Do not rush away.
Captivate this moment
Cradled in His arms stay.
Your Faith will be strengthened,
Your passion rekindled as well,
Here in His presence
Because you stopped, listened, beheld.
No where else can you find
A more restful place to be
Than in His presence
Surrounded by His peace.
Written By: Kimberly Waters
March 30, 2010
Perhaps to walk by a beautiful stream,
Stop and smell the roses,
close your eyes, rest and dream.
Reminisce of days gone by or
Ponder thoughts for today,
Go ahead and plan tomorrow
While you're warmed by the sun's rays.
Forget your fears and past regrets
Embrace the joy and peace
As the breeze blows through your hair
Find your sweet release.
Can you feel Him right beside you?
Can you hear His voice so dear?
He's singing over you, my child.
Listen! Can you hear?
Such a beautiful voice He has
Much more pleasing to the ear
Than all the songs the birds can sing
As His love draws you near.
Dwell here in His presence.
Do not rush away.
Captivate this moment
Cradled in His arms stay.
Your Faith will be strengthened,
Your passion rekindled as well,
Here in His presence
Because you stopped, listened, beheld.
No where else can you find
A more restful place to be
Than in His presence
Surrounded by His peace.
Written By: Kimberly Waters
March 30, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Year of Transformation!
"James saw an epidemic of worldly living among his readers. In 4:1-10 he warned against worldliness and showed its effects on the prayer life of his recipients. In 4:11-12 and in verses 13-17 he showed, respectively, that worldliness produced a critical spirit and a godless self-confidence.
In describing the effect of worldliness on the prayer life, James showed that his friends resorted to scheming, quarreling, and striving in order to obtain their wishes. They failed to receive what they truly needed because they did not ask. Whenever they did ask, they failed to receive because their request was tinged with self-will (4:1-3). James’ description of God in 4:5 demonstrated that God tolerated no rivals and wanted complete commitment from His followers. God could make heavy demands on His followers, but He could also provide the grace to meet those demands (4:6). In 4:7-10 James uttered in rapid-fire fashion ten imperative appeals to submit to God and avoid worldliness.
One evidence of worldliness James cited was the presence of a critical spirit (4:11-12). He saw that Christians were defaming one another in the same way that the ungodly defamed Christians (4:11; 2:7). James warned that those who belittled fellow Christians had set themselves up as judges and had assumed a position that rightly belonged only to God (4:12).
Probably the arrogance James denounced in 4:13-17 came from self-confident Jewish businessmen who planned their lives without reference to God’s will. James warned his readers that life resembled a transitory vapor and that all of life must be planned with reference to God’s will (4:14-15). The sin James described in this paragraph is an example of a sin of omission."
- Holman Bible Handbook: (James 4:1-17) The Avoidance of Worldliness
I'm persuaded that when we become so critical of others that we choose to point out their flaws, we blind ourselves from our own and deceive ourselves into becoming self-righteous hypocrites. Setting ourselves up as judges, we will be held accountable to God for every idle word we speak. I've been guilty. How about you?
"... do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 NASB
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