SIMPLY BLOSSOM:
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41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”~ Luke 10: 41-42
It is so easy to get distracted. We spend our whole life praying for others, especially our children that we put ourselves on the back burner. I recently found myself struggling in my current life status. As my husband & children are reinventing themselves, accepting new opportunities and promotions my role is forever evolving both personally and professionally as a support person. I find myself experiencing what in my human eyes seems to be set backwards in my career, and I find myself wondering how did I get here? Or even more so what is God doing here? I find myself always second guessing my choices and decisions because I have always put family first. Although I am extremely grateful for answered prayer, there is still this little voice of doubt and dissolution with my current station in life. Much like Martha I have worked hard my entire life taking care of everyone and I find myself wondering when is it my turn to have God shine on this very dry area of my life? My career has been the thorn in myside, the thing that has suffered and I have struggled with as I fulfilled my many roles as wife and mother. For you it maybe something else, relationships, mental or physical health. We have all done the right things for seemingly all the right reasons, and then asked the question when is will it be my turn? The truth is when we have done all that is humanly possible to position yourself, it's time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen, like Mary. It humbling to realize that you are not the captain of your ship and allow God todo what he does best in HIS TIMING but that's what we must do. You can only take yourself so far and no matter how much we smile on the outside, God sees the frustration raging on the inside when we do all the right things for what seems to be the right reasons, and do what just needs to be done instead of asking God's what should be done? So now the ball is in our court, what is our next step? How will we navigate through this season that seems like a set back, just settling, or continue to just doing what needs to be done? Knowing that the choices you have made have not yielded the results you desire no matter how needful the work is? The start of change is to stop focusing on what everyone else is doing, and even what you need to be for everyone else, and just be who God created you to be. Perspective is very subjective. What we see as a set back, in God's eyes is a set up for better. Sometimes the answer is be your best self, while taking better care of yourself and let God be God.
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But to all who have received him--those who believe in his name--he has given the right to become God's children ~(John 1:12).
Who am I? How many times have you asked yourself this question? If you are anything like me you have asked this question way to many times to count and the answer may have changed every time you answered. Mostly because you have seen and been through some things and the image of who you are has changed, hopefully for the better. However we all know that life has a way of showing us just who we really are. The great part about this is that it really helps us to discover who we truly desire to be. However at the center of it all the true answer to this question is I am who God says I am. Everyday that we live we continue to evolve, grow, change and recognize things about our true identity. I think most of us never begin with knowing who we truly are. Our identity evolves from understanding who we really don't want to be. We see things in other people that we don't like or we witness the paths that others take and we decide this is not the friend, parent, partner, sibling, or coworker that I want to be and we adjust. We spend years of our life trying to not be like someone else, until we ultimately stop trying to discover who God created us to be. Its important that we recognize that knowing who we don't want to be is important to our becoming who God created us to be, but more importantly we must be aware that knowing who we are is pivotal to reaching our destiny. Another way that we fall short and lose our way is by trying to be who we think people want us to be. The simple truth is unless we are truly being ourselves we won't have peace. Peace ultimately opens the door to the joy authenticity brings that surpasses happiness. I almost said be happy but I need you to understand that happiness is temporal, a feeling that comes and goes like the wind. We want joy! Something that is sustainable when the storms of life are raging and we want to give up. As you begin to understand the true value of authenticity and how it guides us to become who God created us to be, you begin to become more confident in who God has create you to be. You begin to understand your value and worth as an individual and a member of the Body of Christ as a whole. Like everything else its a process and as children of God know that you have been given an inheritance and realizing its full potential hinges on your ability to accept that you are who God says you are without doubt. Best, Kay "Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. "Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. ~John 16:21-22
I know over the last year or so, pain has shown it face in many different ways in all of our lives. We have all suffered loss, grief and disappointment, but I want you to know that it wasn't for nothing. The things we have experienced had purpose, whether we understand it now or not. Life's shifts and changes come for different reasons. Often they come to create a new normal, new opportunities or simply to move us from a place of complacency and dependence on thing or people to a true reliance on God. In order for us to grow and evolve we must realize that God is our source not our parents, jobs or even ourselves. God should never be our backup plan or a contingency. He is the author of our life journey and the navigator of our ultimate outcomes, however it may take sometime for us to come to this truth. This like anything else is a process. This scripture really reflect this process of life in a clear way, at least for a women that has experienced child birth. Personal evolution is painful, but I have learned that the pain is part of the process. If we never experienced pain we would never appreciate the joy's of life. Without adversity we would never learn who we truly are or realize our true potential. There is an appreciation of life that comes from the journey and ultimately getting to the other side of hardship. When we give birth to the dreams and visions that we've held near and dear to our hearts there is a sense of accomplishment. So on today I want to encourage you, as I encourage myself that everything we have gone through will work for our good. Don't get stuck in what was or even what is in this moment. Look forward to what will come. Best, Kay 12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.’ ”~Matthew 21:12-13
When I read this verse of scripture I always image DMX Party Up playing in the background, lol. Even then the church had lost its way, so can you imagine what Jesus is saying today? But seriously, there is no perfect church and if there was one it became imperfect once we stepped foot into it. I can honestly say that every church isn’t for everybody, nor is organized religion, but I have found that my relationship with God has helped me to get past the things that people do and say. Relationship with God has helped me to move past church hurt, and see hurt as an equal opportunist. People stop going to church because they get hurt. However my question to you is when people hurt you in other places do you stop going there? Do you no longer go to work when you are offended? Most of us learn from the experience, adjust accordingly and keep it moving. So why is it so difficult to move past church hurt? I think we have unreasonable expectations of church people, because the truth is people are simply people whether they go to church or not. So how do we minimize church hurt? I always advise people to make a list of the things they want in a ministry, keeping in mind that you are ultimately the church. You are never going to find a ministry that checks all the boxes but you will find a place that checks some of them and has the potential to become so much more. You need to see yourself being able to grow with the ministry and feel that you can add value. My challenge to you today is to not blindly follow the establishment, know and utilize the word for yourself because men will use it to justify whatever they want to say. Churches were designed to be a meeting place. A place to be introduced to God, not the only place you ever spend time with him. Don’t get caught up in people, be swept away in relationship with God. People will be people no matter where you meet them, but know that God will always be God and if you know what he says for yourself he will help you through any hurt. Best, Kay I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.~Psalms 34:4
We all have struggled with fear along the way, some of us more so than others. From the occasional battle to life long phobias, fear can be paralyzing keeping us from living the life desires for us. However its amazing how when we get to the other side of whatever we where terrorized by, it never is as bad as it seemed to be when where in the thick of it. I think fear of failure has been one of the greatest giants I've had to face over the years. As a person who struggles with rejection and abandonment issues, for me the only logical outcomes for failures were these two options. But as I've grown older, I have discovered that there are so many other outcomes before we reach these two endings. I came to this realization when I began to talk to God about my fears. I asked Him to show me why I was so fearful of failure? I have learned that the fear that I was clinging to was a secondary emotion, the emotion I felt comfortable expressing rather that what I was truly feeling. I discovered that the failure was not what I was afraid of, it was how people would not love a failure. I had to work through the emotions that we causing me to fear to reach my breakthrough. So I began to change my prayers from God show me why I am so fearful to God help me to heal from past hurts that resulted in me feeling the fear. As I began to work through my fears of failure, I began to understand that fear was not the only barrier I would have to face. I had to work my way through other barriers that I had constructed in the name of protecting myself. I would say things like, " If I don't love people as much as they love me, it won't hurt when they leave." Or I would just refuse to engage at all. In my mind, I was being proactive, but I never consider I was standing in the way of my own healing. The truth is that I was only punishing myself through my actions. What I thought was trying to protect myself, in the end result isolation and loneliness creating new barriers for me to breakthrough. What I found is that the more I began to love, the greater my capacity grew to love and be loved. The disappointments hurt less because I had so many more joyful experience to outweigh the negative ones. What I have learned is the only true way to overcome the disappointments of the past and overcome fear of whatever flows from our ability to love again, taking life's lessons and choosing to love differently, but without restraints can conquer any fear with God's help. Best, Kay Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."~ Jeremiah 1:5
Whenever I read this verse I get chills. Just to think that God loved me so much that He took the time to know me inside and out. He created every detail that makes me who I am, His own unique treasure. I just get overwhelmed thinking about it, but what overwhelms me more is that people don’t realize how special and precious they are in God’s sight. I have one question for you today, do you think God would have put so much time and detail into something that had little value or purpose? Just because it’s not apparent to our finight minds what the value and purpose of others is doesn’t mean that there isn’t one. Let’s even make this personal, because you don’t understand your purpose and value in this world, it doesn’t make you any less valuable. It makes you unaware of who you were created to be. Why is it so difficult to believe what God’s says about us? When I read the Bible it tells me all these positive things about who I was created to be and I still find them hard to believe. Even when people say nice things about me, I find myself down playing what they say instead of just saying thank you. What happens between the time God created me to be this unique treasure full of purpose to now when someone says that’s a beautiful scarf that I have to down play it? In a word life. The enemy is a worthy adversary. He systematically strips your idea until you forget who God has created you to be. It’s like taking a chisel and carving away at your true identity until it ultimately becomes something else. But let me share a secret with you, I know someone that has the original blueprint and even better than that He is in the restoration business. It begins with a desire to get back to the true you. It’s a willingness to let go of all that you have been taught, told, and relearn who God created you to be. Psalm 115:129-130 say,"Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple" (ESV). It’s choosing to take hold and internalize what God has said about you and just walking that thing out everyday. It’s choosing to trust God even when it doesn’t makes sense. When you realize that everything that you go through has purpose, your perspective changes. I know when your going through it doesn’t feel good at all, but as I look back over my life through the pain, bad decision, testing, and trials I love who I have become. If I had to do it again, would I? I wouldn’t want to, but if there was no other way to get to Kay, I would. My journey back to the present has opened doors I never would have imagined. You can only evolve into purpose if you’re living in the present. Are you ready to take the journey? That my friend is the first step to restoration and healing. Best, Kay The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you,and whoever curses you I will curse;and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.~Genesis 12:1-3
So many people look at the Bible as a collection of stories, but it so much more than that. It’s an instruction manual for life, blessings, and preparation for destiny. It’s book of hope and encouragement, but above all it is a collection of letters by God’s children to His children. Honestly, Genesis is really the only book in the Bible I have read effortlessly because it like a soap opera. Adventure, twist & turns, and scandal grips you to every page, but Abrams’ story has always been special to me. I have always felt a kinship with his pilgrim journey, maybe because I could relate. My husband and I left home about 28 years ago in search of more and have gotten more that we could ask for; however we are still on our way to destiny. What I love about this particular scripture is that it provides clear instruction; this is what you must do to get what I have prepared for you. So let’s take a look. You have left everything you know, stepped out on faith to get what I have in store for you. I will defend you and your seed, and put you through the process that prepares you to handle what I have in store for you. And because of your obedience I will bless you, making you a blessing to others, and just in case that wasn’t enough I will make your name great. Wow! Notice that there is an order to this. You must submit to the process before you receive the promises. The process prepares you to receive what God has for you. We must have the right motives and attitude to receive God’s promises, so good character is key. What I love most about this scripture is that with the promise comes protection. As you live for Him, He will not only bless you, but protect you as well. I no longer have to defend myself, just praise Him. So today begin to see the Bible as a tool in your arsenal for victorious living. Know that it is a manual to guide you to destiny, ultimate blessings and protection. Best, Kay Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”~Matthew 26: 39
I never really understood why people thought that Christianity was like a magic wand that makes pain and suffering go away. I mean the Bible doesn’t promise any such thing. In fact it promises that you will suffer a while (1 Peter 5:10), endure temptation (1 Cor. 10:13), tribulations and persecution (Mark 4:17). But what I love most about the Christian walk is that it is discomfort with purpose. We live in a world where meaningless pain and suffering happens everyday. People experience needless pain and suffering of various types due to bad choices, poor planning and decision making of themselves and others everyday. As we walk with God, we may experience challenges but the results seem to get us to a desired ending, destiny. As I look back over my life I can find purpose in every experience. Whether they were good or bad I have used what I learned to grow, change, and make better choices. John 15:2 says, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. This process is not comfortable or easy, but I have grown to appreciate its benefits. I love the person I am becoming, even if I don’t like or fully understand the process. The process birthed this beautiful person that I barely recognize when I look in the mirror, but I am so excited to meet her each morning. When people ask me what I would change in my life I can honestly say nothing. What I have come to realize is that the sum of my total life experience makes me who I am and if I go back and change anything I may not be the person I am becoming. When we grow beyond the emotion of our circumstances we learn to focus on the benefits and the intended outcome, not the pain of going through the lessons. It really just comes down to do you really want to be who God created you to be or not. That dirty word we all hate to hear submission is the cornerstone of becoming your true self. When submit to the process, you commit to being your best self and allow God to do the rest. Although it is not always easy, you are worth the time and investment. Begin to meet life’s trials with a hopeful, be open to look for God’s true intentions, and watch your life change. Praying for you and with you. Best, Kay And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.~ Philippians 4:19
Honestly, I have a love hate relationship with this scripture. I love what it promises, but I hate when God doesn’t mean in the way that I interpret it. His idea of provision and mine don’t always jive. His provision sometimes comes with a lower threshold than mind; I’m thinking steak dinner and he is like combo meal at Arby’s. My husband likes to say I have champagne taste on a beer budget. Granted my beer maybe someone else's champagne, lol. I can go in any store and go to the most expensive thing on the rack every time. So often I ask God why he made me this way in my current season of beer and he says, "because if I gave you champagne now there will be nothing to aspire to." It is the journey that makes you appreciate his blessings. They say that wisdom is waste on the young, but I disagree. At least in the since that young people are like sponges even if they don't let you see it they soak up everything you say and do for later. I cannot tell you how many times my kids have quoted me at their convenience or held me hostage with my own words. Almost everything I do now is something I saw when I was younger being done or something I saw and opted not to do. As we grow and mature we learn to appreciate the simple things in life like high thread count sheets and a good pillow. The things we work for and not so much what we are given have much more value. I thinking I appreciate these things more because I remember a time when I did not have them or when I did not know that there was a difference. I get pleasure from blessing people and meeting the needs of others rather than personal gain, but this was not always my testimony. I longed to fill a god-size void with material things, leaving me unfulfilled and in debt. I looked for self acceptance and love by "treating myself, because I was worth it." But in hindsight I had a bunch of stuff that I can no longer wear and things sitting on a shelf that I no longer use. So today know that fulfillment comes from within and relationship with God. So the next time before you go shopping ask yourself is this a need that I can fulfill or a temporary fix for something else. There is no sweeter treat than God's love and self acceptance. It will make my world the most beautiful place. Best, Kay Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27 Over the past few years God has been doing an amazing work in the lives of my family. Although it may look differently for each one of us, the transformation has been life changing. It has been as if God has truly redeemed the time, accelerating our paths toward destiny. The one thing that has been consistent with us all is that the paths that God has placed us on are very specific, skill set oriented and they fit jointly to help people to reach wholeness. He has made it clear that we were not made to blend in, and that we were set apart for a specific purpose. The details of our purpose has not always been clear, requiring us to step out on faith doing things we have never done before, putting us in places that we know are seasonal to serve others; however we know they are not our forever homes, merely training grounds for destiny. So how do you learn to serve in temporary places giving God all the glory? Places that you just don't fit or even feel comfortable in? First you must accept that if it is God's will, it most likely won't be comfortable. God never lets you get comfortable because you won't progress forward. Comfort is a form of prison, keeping you from reaching your full potential. In order to become more like Christ we must continue to grow, stretch, and be molded into his image. I don't know about you but none of these things have been comfortable or felt good in my experience. Secondly, you must understand wherever you may be it is for a purpose or reason. In every season of life God is challenging us to grow and be better than we where before or developing a skill set needed for destiny. And unfortunately a part of this process is not being received, accepted, or utilized in the area God has called you to. But God is not a waster of time, everything we experience has purpose. In most cases in order to lead you must learn to be follow, learn to deal with rejection, holding on to the promise, and above all else learn to love those that despitefully use you (Matt 5:4). Finally, God is training us to not get thrown off by the conditions or circumstances we find ourselves in but to focus on him and the promise. Reaching destiny takes focus, faith, and familiarity with God's modes of operation. All of these qualities increase our ability to believe God even in the fiery furnaces we call life. As our faith builds we trust God to sustain us through all things. So today when you look around things may not be all you hoped for but know that God is with you. Stop focusing on the problem and begin to focus on the one who has the solutions. Look for purpose in the storms of life, by letting go of past experiences. Know that just because God did it one way last time, it doesn't mean he will do it again the same way this time. Be open to receive and never judge anything by its appearance alone. God will use anyone or anything to get you where he needs you to be. Many Blessings, Kay |
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