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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
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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 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.~Psalms 19:14
Have you ever prayed for something and it happens, but then it’s not all you expected it to be? Well over the years I’ve found myself in this situation once or twice and it’s left me second guessing my decisions. You pray things like, “God use me to do your will,” and as a result you go through pain, suffering or even rejection along the way. Then you begin to think maybe, I should have prayed for the painless shortcut route, but what I’ve learned over the years is nothing worth having comes easy our without some sacrifice. There will always be self sacrifice with God because in order to be more like him, you must die to self. I often pray this scripture because along time ago I asked God to use me for his glory, so when I write or speak to people it’s my desire to give God glory and that usually means walking a very narrow path. However there are someday that I just want to be Kay when people expect Jesus, and when your expecting Jesus, Kay maybe a little more than you can handle. So on social media I have personal pages and company pages, separation of church and state if you will. I try to keep our brand strictly what God gives me to say and express myself a little freer on my page. It is a heavy burden to be a mouthpiece for God, especially on those days when everything is going as planned and you just want to tell it like it is. But God’s wisdom says, “people cannot handle it, so you take a different path. I always want people to hear me and my heart when I share things information, but it’s important that when it’s God’s turn you give him the floor. Who would have thought that being yourself could back fire, but everything has its price, timing and place the trick is to be present enough to understand it. Walking with God grants you an influence over people, that creates an awareness that what you say matters. Influence is something that can be used for good or evil. Knowing that people follow you and really hear what you say adds another layer of responsibility when your goal is to love people. You don’t want to lead anyone astray or cause further damage, so you become more mindful and tell God instead of sharing your deepest thought and feelings with people. Often being who God’s called you to be may not be glamorous or gain you a million followers but it has its rewards. A godly life is often lonely, leaving you with a very small circle of friends, but the peace that it yields is priceless. A godly life does not require perfection, but progress. Be quick to listen, ready to forgive, slow to anger and open to give and receive love. Best, Kay 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.~Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV) I remember reading somewhere that patience was a virtue and I thought just what does that mean. Surely my virginity is not tied to being patience🤣? So I looked it up and one definition said virtue is a quality considered morally good or desirable in a person; which lead me to consider how people we care for know better but choose not to do better. To watch potential wasted is truly a difficult thing and to realize that the people you care about know better and yet choose not to do better is often mind boggling, or just plan heartbreaking! Often we find ourselves in situations or in relationships with people that have the potential to be great but for one reason or another they’ve decided to go a different route. This just seems to be a normal occurrence in life and everyone I know is dealing with it in one form or another. Maybe you have a loved one that has not realized their full potential, and no matter what you say or do they continue on the same destructive path. Or you have a dream and no matter how much you work on things it just don’t seem to go right. Although everything you see and feel is contrary to your desires you just have to stand and believe God. I know it’s difficult to watch the people you love self destruct. Often I compare it to watching a bad horror movie, when you know what’s going to happen and you find yourself yelling at the TV. You know they cannot hear you but you do it anyway. Or when you watch your favor movie and you pray that it ends differently. It’s that same hope of a better outcome you hold for that person or project you love. If they mess up 100 you still believe that 101 will be different. And although you hope for better there are still somethings you have to do to support them differently. We can not be enablers or continue to be fixers. Sometimes we have to let go and watch the bad movie to the end, letting them find their way. So what can we do? We can pray. I truly believe prayer changes things. What do you pray for? You pray for God’s covering, protection as they go through, spiritual awakening and for deliverance from whatever is keeping them stuck in brokenness. I pray their eyes be opened to God’s truth of who they really are and that they find a better more exciting way of doing things. So on today no matter what that dark situation looks like keep hoping and believing for better. Scripture say it only takes a mustard seed of faith to move mountains, so trust and believe for better. Best, Kay 9 I say to God, my rock: "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 10 As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, "Where is your God? ~Psalms 42:9-10 (ESV)
Just about everyone of us has been in situation that have made us bitter with someone. Someone else's actions or in action has caused us to be in a predicament that we just did not want to be in and as a result someone had to take the blame. Although it seems as if it is much easier to blame others and remain bitter, its not always as easy to examine your role in your affliction or place blame were it truly belongs, with you. Don't get me wrong people do things that hurt us all the time and bitterness may even be justified; but what we must all consider it that the decision to remain bitter forfeit your power to enjoy life. We waste energy holding on to somethings that we can not change and in most cases the other person goes on living, unbothered by our bitterness. I have spent years holding grudges against people and when I finally got up the nerve to deal with them the other person did not even remember this thing I have been clinging to for years. Until this day I have never understood why we choose to place blame and bitterness before we get to self examination and change. We find it easier to be angry at someone else before looking at our role in the situation. The truth is every action has an equal reaction. As I look back over my life, 80% of the situations that I choose to remain bitter over or not to forgive were ones where I was not free of guilt. Whether it be choosing the wrong friends, giving up my control in a situation, or just holding people to higher standard than I should have. I choose to be bitter rather than deal with my poor decisions and coping practices. It's coming down to the realization that the only behavior you have control over is your own. We can not change other and without God's help we cannot change ourselves. Bitterness is defined as an anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment. As believers in Christ we must grow beyond these fleshly emotions and own our responsibility in these situations. There will always be thing that we can be bitter about but lets choose joy. Don't allow the enemy a foothold into our destiny. It's human to be angry but its godly to let go and evolve. Blessings, Kay |
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