One of those days...

I know we all have days where nothing seems to go right. I'm not asking for any sympathy; I just need to get this out of my system.

It all started this morning. I rushed out of the house to go to work, and 5 minutes later realized I forgot my cell phone. So I turned around, came back home, and started out again. So, of course I'm running late to work, and cannot find a parking spot anywhere!!! I finally park (no joke) at least a mile and a half away, and just hoof it.

Okay, so then I wasn't going to let it ruin my day... but things kept happening. One of my agencies got audited, and got written up for some incorrect procedures with federal grants. Therefore they had to submit corrections to me. Well, fifty-two pages came in about lunch time, and it all had to be manually entered into the system by 5:00, because the federal fiscal year ends tomorrow. (Not like anyone cares!) Anyways, I was majorly stressed out, and did not get anything done except for those corrections.

Well, okay fine. Not the end of the world. I had to run out at lunch and get a card for a friend in the hospital (more on that later), and when I came back, what do ya' know? Of course, someone took my parking spot. So I had to park even farther away, and be late back from lunch!!

Well, I left the office and headed for the hospital to see my friend, whom I thought was having not-so-major surgery today. Well, I get there and find out there were complications that caused the surger to last 9 hours long! and he was in ICU, so only family could see him. Okay. Wow. I guess I'll try again tomorrow....

So I get home, and mom says she's going out with the girls, and dad's going out with the guys. No food in the house b/c she hasn't been to the store. Well, okay. No big. I call up a friend and we hit Taco Bell. I was planning to stop at the ATM since I never have cash, and Taco Bell is one of the only places left that takes only cash! I guess I didn't get the memo, but apparently the drive-up ATM is THE PLACE to be on Thursday evenings---the line was wrapped around the building!!! Forget that--just hope my friend has a couple extra bucks. Well, she was thinking the same thing! Ha ha. So, we had to just each settle for about $3 worth of Taco Bell.

Well, then she told me that something I had said the night before had hurt her. Aaaahhh, great. Gotta work through that one. So I invite her home to have some leftover cake and ice cream (the only food left in the house). Well, we get all the way back to my house, and the cake is gone!!!! My dad took it to the guy's get-together thing. Wonderful!

Oh well, nothing left to do but go hit the gym for an hour or so.

I think I'll hurry and go to bed before anything else can happen.

Oh, and p.s.--major cramps on top of all this. (I know nobody wanted to know that, but it seemed to add tons to the negativity!!!)

okay, now that I said all that, I'm beginning to feel better. It's not so bad. I think God gives us days like this every once in a while so we can see how inadequate we are even for the simple things we face every day in life.

I'm planning to post tomorrow on the subject of Interracial Dating for the Christian, so be thinking about it!

Do you need a hug?

A friend sent me this a while back. I have no idea who wrote it, but I read it every time I just need a hug. Imagine getting a hug from Jesus Christ Himself. Wow!

I read about how you touched them, and they were healed.
Or even if someone just touched your cloak, they were forever changed.
You let a broken woman bathe your feet in her tears,
And you washed your best friend’s feet.
I’m just wondering though, did you ever just hug people?
I mean, I know it’s a silly question and all; I’m sure you would have,
(why wouldn’t you have?)
But it was one of those things that was never mentioned
And it got me thinking about it.
And how if there ever was a touch from you,
Sins were forgiven and sickness fell.
I think I’m caught up with my sins,
And last time I checked all my body-parts were properly working…
Nothing special here.
I’m just a kid with a heavy heart in these passing sunrises and sunsets.
I don’t think that our encounter would’ve ended up
In your gospels or anything,
‘Cause all I really need is a hug. I mean that’s O.K. to imagine right?
That’s not going to be conflicting with any sort of theology, is it?
O.K. good, then hug me.
But not one of these sideways-“one arm around the neck”-type hugs,
Or the “ghetto right handclasp fist elbows to chest pat-pat on the back-back”,
Or the “you put your right arm over my right arm
And I put my left arm over your left arm”
And we make this weird sort of diagonal thing.
No…none of those. BEAR HUG ME MAN!
Take your old school carpenter arms and throw them around my upper body, Leaving my arms dangling underneath yours somewhere,
And I can barely move them ‘cause you’re squeezing me so hard.
(But don’t pick me up and make my back pop
Because I hate it when people do that.)
And hold me; hold me here in your arms till I start to cry—
CAUSE I WANT TO CRY!
But I just can’t seem to do it on my own.
I’ve been teary-eyed once recently, but not even enough
For a drip down my cheek.
There’s just hurt in my soul that needs to be purged,
So hold me in this hugging pose
Until the pain is flowing from my eyes and nose.


Update: Since I posted this, I have learned the author is Bradley Hathaway.

Missing You

I believe God has feelings. The Bible makes it clear that He gets angry, He grieves, is jealous, weeps, delights, is pleased. This leads me to believe that God probably misses us when we become distant. You know how much you miss someone when you've been in a close relationship with them, and then they break it off, or go on a vacation, or just become distant? You can't wait to hear their voice again, or see a text message pop up, saying they miss you too, or see their face, and catch up on all that's been going on.

Sometimes we forget that God is personal. He misses us just like that when we go all day without talking to Him, or listening to Him talk to us. We kind of just shove Him into a back corner, and promise to get around to talking to Him later on. Well, how would you feel if someone you loved treated you like that?

Is God missing you today?

P.S. Congratulations to the Carolina Gamecocks on their 45-20 win over Troy on Saturday! =)

Security

Okay, I'm going to stay away from any deep theological issues today, and ask for your imput on this question--male or female, it doesn't matter.

Premise--Security is one of the biggest needs (if not the biggest need) for a woman in a relationship.

True or False--A woman naturally bases her security upon her emotions.

What do you know about the Kingdom?

We've got an interesting discussion going on over at Kc's blog about the Kingdom. It has captured most of my thoughts for the past 2 days, so I don't have any thing fresh to post about just yet. Check it out, and add your own comments about the Kingdom.

Overwhelmed by Grace

If you have never let yourself get overwhelmed by God's grace, you should!! I think grace is the most powerful of God's characteristics that I have experienced thus far in my life. It is what saved me in my lost and sinful state, it keeps me, shows me how to live, and one day will let me live forever in heaven!

Have you ever prayed for something, and deep down, you knew you did not deserve what you were praying for, but you also knew that God is able, so you prayed in faith anyway? Then God answers that prayer, and even though you knew He could do it, you are still a bit surprised? Wow. The grace of God. He daily gives me what I do not deserve. If God treated me like I treat Him sometimes, I would deserve for Him to be unfaithful, uncaring, disinterested, disloyal, unwilling to listen, etc.

Praise the Lord we don't get what we deserve. Praise Him for His grace. I really don't understand these people that say grace teaches people to live however they please. What??? Every time I stop and consider God's grace, I get convicted to try harder and do better to live a life pleasing to my Savior.

Identify, please!

Last night I was reading some passages from the Gospels, and I came across the story of the prodigal son. As I read the first few verses, I thought, "O Lord, this is me. Why am I content to feed on the cornhusks, when I could be dining at Your table? Please help me to get out of the mire and muck of this depressing world, and enjoy the blessings of the Christian life."

Then I proceeded on to the end of the story, and now I identified with the older son! So many times it seems like blessings come to those whose lives are not anywhere near what they should be, and instead of rejoicing in God's love and care for the sinner, I find myself with a proud, envious attitude like the older brother. I think "God, I haven't messed up my life nearly as bad as that person. I'm trying to serve You and love You and do my best. That person has been living in sin, and they make one right choice finally, and Your shower of blessings come down. But what about me? I'm still trying to do right, and I don't get those kind of showers!" What a rotten attitude! But then I noticed what the Father said to the older son: "Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is Yours!" Wow! Hello! Those showers of blessings are right at my fingertips, every day. All I have to do is claim them. God is a wonderful Father!

Who do you identify with? The younger or older son? Or both, like me?

Football, the beach, old friends

I love the fall time. Fall weekends mean one thing--Football!! My boys disappointed me Saturday, but they will get better!

I went to the beach again. It was really nice. I got pinched by a huge crab--I mean huge. He was probably about a foot wide. It totally freaked me out! Going to the beach means one of two things--Taco Bell or Starbucks (and sometimes both). This week was Taco Bell! Mmmm-Mmmm good!

And, I received a phone call from an old friend serving in Iraq. Very good to talk to him. Keep Jason in your prayers (as well as our other soldiers) when you think about it. He is on the front lines of the quick reaction team in Baghdad.

I'm just going to keep this light today. I don't think my brain can handle much more on a Monday!

Talk to ya'll soon.
Kristi

Life's Moments were meant to be Shared.

Sharing Moments

Sunrise on the beach...
Lazy Saturday afternoons
Feet dangling over the pier
View from a mountaintop
City skyline lit up at dusk
Hearts beating madly in love
Taking a hand and saying I Do
Sleeping around a campfire
First glimpse of your baby boy
Laying your loved one to rest
Taste of freshly-baked pie
First kickoff of the season
Church on Sunday morning
Fingers interlaced in prayer
The doctor's bad news
Fireworks on Independence Day
Leaves changing colors in the fall
Christmas carols and hot chocolate
Midnight swims
Playing with your kids
Quiet times alone at night
Looking in the eyes of the one you love
Mom's good ole cookin'
Holiday gatherings
Helping a hurting family
...Sunset on the beach

Selah--meditate on this...

I read this recently somewhere (can't remember where) and it has stayed on my mind.

"To forgive is to open the door and set a prisoner free, only to realize that the only prisoner was yourself."

Take a few minutes, and really wrap your brain around that one! You may find yourself forgiving others a lot more easily!

Ultimate Triumph

I cannot wait for the day when the devil has his head crushed by Jesus Christ. He ruins so many lives. He blinds so many eyes. He uses sin to take so cause so many Christians to stumble over and over again in their walk with God. He tells so many lies. I am sick of him!!! My Jesus is so much more powerful than he. Jesus is loving and kind and truthful and wants my best. So why do we have such a struggle of who to listen to when it's so obvious Who we should listen to?? I have earnestly started praying for "Thy kingdom to come". I should have been praying this all along. Now I see how important it is. Can you imagine the sound of the praises in heaven when that old serpent, the devil, the prince of the powers of this world is finally and ultimately defeated? Praise the Lord!

Whew!

What a weekend!! There is so much going on inside of my head. . . I need to just be quiet for now, and sort it all out. Life is really weird sometimes, ya' know?

Hey Christian, is this your attitude?

I ran across this poem recently and after reading, thought, "wow...imagaine the impact we could make on this world if all of us Christians had this attitude." So many lost are completely turned off to Christianity because of our stinkin', hypocritical, better-than-you attitudes!


"Christian"

by Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost,"
Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow.

Left Behind

Have you ever been stuck in a phase of your life, seeing no end or relief ahead? I feel like God is trying to teach me something, and has been trying to teach me this certain lesson for a long time. I must be a really slow learner, because I feel like I'm not moving. People around me are--they apparently had no problem learning their lesson . They are graduating from college, getting married, finding good jobs, serving the Lord in the ministry, having kids, etc. etc. I know God's plans are different for each person, and His timing is perfect. I just wonder if it is my fault that I'm still way back here on this lesson when every one else has moved ahead. Have I just really messed up one too many times and missed out on God's will? Maybe this is my punishment. Always seeking something and waiting for it, and never having it.

I guess the reason this is such a struggle for me is that I feel like I am wasting time. I know I'm not going to be who I am now and doing what I'm doing for the rest of my life. I need to just be content and wait on God; but at the same time, I wonder if I'm not doing something right, and that's causing me to have these feelings of uncertainty.

Really, I think it all boils down to fear of the unknown. The fact of the matter is, we are typically scared of what we don't know. I don't know what my life will be like in 6 months or 1 year, or 5 years. I guess, to a certain degree, that uncertainty will always be there, but when you are already married and have your family, it seems like that fear wouldn't always be in the front of your mind.

I need to just enjoy life today, and make today count, and not worry about the future. God will keep His promises. There is no need to worry.

Sorry for all the randomness today. I have basically just been writing these things as I was thinking them. You can clearly see the battle between flesh and the spirit!

The Truth about Katrina

Click here to read a very well-written, eye-opening view of what is going on in the gulf states from an insider whose opinions haven't been altered by our bias media!

Hold on or Let go?

This was a weekend of new developments. It seemed like several new opportunities arose for rebuilding past relationships. I'm struggling with knowing what to hold on to and what to let go? How do you know? I'd like to be able to see before I make a decision, exactly how it will impact my future! Wouldn't that be nice? But then, I suppose that would make faith an unnecessary component of our lives. My problem is that I can't focus on building a new relationship, when I'm still holding on to a past one. Should I really let go of it? What if there is a chance that it may still work out? Will I ruin that chance if I let go? AAAAhhhhhh! So many questions! I guess it all comes back to faith! Trust God. Yeah, that's real easy to say! The "super-spiritual-sounding" idea came to mind that I should let go of everything, and hold on only to God. Well, how do I do that in real life? I honestly do not know how to make that concept reality. Any ideas?

Friendships

Christ, Our Friend
By Me =)

Friendships are desired and valued by all.
Companionship, a highly common call,
Bids us all respond. We do so, wishing
To share, to laugh, to love; but still missing
The greatest Friend and companion of all.

Then these friends walk away, leaving behind
Our broken heart, which yet yearns to find
Someone who’s loyal, who listens, who loves.
Failing to find that one, we look above
Blaming God, because He our lives designed.

Yet this God feels our pain and sorrow,
He sent One to be in each tomorrow
We face—to care, to help, to guide—this Friend
Is Christ, Who to our lonely heart will send
Great satisfaction which knows no sorrow

With this new Friend, great heights of joy we reach.
We learn so much from all He has to teach.
Christ is the answer; He fulfills our needs.
In our time spent alone with Him, He leads
Us, others searching for this Friend, to reach.

Now that others have found this Friend so true,
With them we begin relationships new
Because Christ is our precious Bond of Love.
He sends peace to our hearts straight from above.
You see, because of Him our friendship grew.

Do you value the friends that God has given you?

Comments

If you tried to comment here earlier and had problems, I hope I fixed it. I don't know what happened, but hopefully it's taken care of. So, go ahead and try it again! Thanks!

Please Pray

A pastor in Decatur, TX lost his son in a terrible motorcycle accident yesterday. Please pray for the Isbell family. This is very difficult for them, as you can imagine. The church is Eagle Drive Baptist, and the youth pastor there is a friend of mine, Jorge Vasquez. If you would like to get in touch with them, email me, and I will get you the phone number. Thanks.

Also, I know all the folks impacted by Katrina covet your prayers. Our national leaders also need much prayer as they lead us through this horrible crisis. Commit yourself to being a prayer warrior today!

One more item for prayer--the Carolina Gamecocks need to win tonight! Watch them on ESPN tonight! =)

A Letter to You from Satan

This hypothetical letter will make you want to kick yourself for all those times you doubted whether it was worth it to serve God or not! (At least it does me)

"I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you didn’t even bless your meals, or pray before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful—I like that about you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living. Fool, you are mine.

Remember, you and I have been going steady for years. And I still don’t love you yet. As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate God. I am only using you to get even with God. He kicked me out of heaven, and I’m going to use you as long as possible to pay Him back.

You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me, and I’m going to make your life a living hell. This will really hurt God.

Thanks to you, I’m really showing Him who’s boss in your life with all the good times we’ve had. We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people out, stealing, lying, being hypocritical, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, being judgmental, back-stabbing people, disrespecting adults, no respect for the church, bad attitudes. . . Surely you don’t want to give all this up to live for the One who saved you.

I’ve got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I’d like to say “thanks” for letting me use you for most of your foolish life. You are so gullible; I laugh at you.

When you are tempted to sin, you give in. HA HA HA—you make me sick. Sin is beginning to take it’s toll on your life. You look 20 years older, and now, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke, get drunk, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and live being as selfish as possible. Do all this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that.

Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I’ll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somewhere, confess your sins, and live for God with what little bit of life that you have left. It’s not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still living for me is a bit ridiculous. Don’t get me wrong, I still hate you. IT’S JUST THAT YOU’D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR CHRIST."