Every Believer Needs there own space...

"Each one should use the gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms."

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

"...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us...." Romans 12:5&6 (NIV)

The text goes on to say use whatever God has given you use it in the best way you can cheerfully, to glorify God. In short we all have jobs to do that will build and help other parts of the body of Christ grow and function at their best.

Yesterday, I went back to my surgeon for a 2 week follow up check up. In the past two weeks I've felt better and am functioning better than I have in a long time. Since August of 2008 I lost control of my bladder. I wore a patch to keep me from wetting my pants. I was taking medicines to try to clear up abscesses on abscesses in my urinary tract and bladder. I was bleeding and hurting more than most of you can imagine.

Along with that, my only bowel was strangulated between mesh, muscle and my stoma. I was literally trying to evacuate my one and only bowel. All this made ridding in a car excruciatingly painful. The tears would flow from the vibration, just traveling down the road.

Amazingly, since surgery I can ride, and walk without too much pain. Mesh and muscles were weighing on my bladder and urinary tract. I don't have to wear the pee patch anymore! Yeah Hey!! My bowel was taken out of the muscle and stoma and Dr. Binderow reconstructed it. It still hurts, but wow what an awesome relief!

I'm telling you all this to remind you, every part of the body of Christ needs it's own space to function. We can help each other by allowing the other members to function without extra pressure. No two people will do things exactly a like, that's okay! We're different for a special season, that's enough reason! We also need to remember, it's okay to let others help us when they can. But no one can carry your load for you. Just like my bladder and bowel needed relief from other pressing, overbearing parts; other believers can't be put under pressure to the point of death.

Look around you in your family, your church, and your Christian friendships; are their stresses that may lead to pain or even death? If there are, try to help fix them. Be a helpful body member. ;)

PS... I know I've overtaxed some of you with my heavy load in the past. I'm so sorry. Be blunt-let me know if I do it again. I wouldn't hurt you for anything. I love you.

But the Greatest of these is Love...

"All the brothers here send their greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss." 1 Corinthians 16:20 (NIV)

So many times in the old and new Testaments we're told to greet one another (other believers) with a kiss. Nothing, sexual or nasty just a family hello, I'm glad to see you, kiss on the cheek.

It's a proven fact that I've read many times in psychology books, magazine articles and Internet articles. Hugs and feeling love increases blood flow and stimulates endorphins that help the reasoning process. Over all love just helps you and the other person get through the day a little easier. Go ahead make someones day give them a hug!

Love is the one thing I am not stingy with. I can honestly say the more I give it, the more love is returned. Occasionally, I have extended my love to a few characters I regret giving it to. (Some took it it in a way that was never intended. So we do need to be careful.).

But, there are so many more people in my own family and close friends I wish I could hug today, but can't because of miles or other circumstances. If you're reading this and you're one of them consider yourself hugged from my heart to yours and with lots of love! :)

Stay in the Light

"Teach me O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart." Psalm 119:33-34 (NIV)

"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice and. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me." Psalm 55:16-18

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

It's amazing when I wash my windows how much clearer everything looks inside and outside. That's what God's word does for all our circumstance and everything in life. We can go there for clarity, guidance and comfort. It helps us see dirty parts of our lives we need to clean up with God's love and grace.

There is nothing that will ever happen to you that with God and you can not handle. You have what it takes, draw from His source, His word, and do what needs to be done. You and God can make the best of the worst, I promise. Seek His will in prayer and the Bible.

We are not promised ease, or a pain free life. We are not even promised to escape an earthly death. But we are promised Salvation from a second death, and we have a God that never leaves or forsakes us through it all. That alone is worth your devotion and love for Him. Give God the Glory Christian you never walk alone!

Our Awesome Heavenly Clan! :)

"Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord."

1 Thessalonians3: 7 & 8 (NIV)

..."May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does from you.

May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." 1 Thessalonians 3: 12 & 13 (NIV)

When I read this I know what Paul was feeling. I've heard, and received mail from people in four different churches today. I can't tell you how much like Paul I long to be with all of them, to hug them and just tell them how much I love them. But even more than that I long to encourage them to keep growing and going in Christ Jesus! We have an awesome Heavenly Family in Christ Jesus! What a blessing and privilege it is to call you my brothers and sisters in Christ. Friendships in Christ have eternal ties that bind, and will never end.

God has blessed us beyond imagination! Praise God from Whom all blessings Flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above you heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen

We may go through trials here below, but what an awesome Heavenly Father that more than supplies all our needs according to His great riches, in Christ Jesus. Bless be those ties that bind, and thank you my dear family in God! I love you all dearly!

Family is a Wonderful Blessing!

My parents left yesterday. We had such a wonderful visit. My Mom even made me some of her southern fried chicken, which was mighty fine! We all had such a good time. :)

There is so much to learn from our parents wisdom and the lives they've lived. No life is perfect, but by walking in God's grace, love and life can be an awesome fulfilment. I really believe before we born God had a journey for each of us to take. When we walk in the Light of his word, and accept His grace, life becomes a wonderful, beautiful story that takes place over a small period of time.

Be careful with your time, it passes so quickly. Give each day to God, accept and be a part of His family plan. You're just one child in a big family with many members and gifts. Love and be loved. Forgive and accept forgiveness. (That means learn, but move on from the mistakes.) God makes everything beautiful in His time!

God Bless and keep you today and Always! Remember your Heavenly Father Loves you more than anyone on earth ever could or would, see Psalm 31!

"But I put my trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God. My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love."

Psalm 31:14 and 15 (NIV)

Happy Valentines Day

"My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely." Song of Songs 2:14 (NIV)

"My lover is mine and and I am his..." Song of Songs 2:16 (NIV)

I hope you've had a Special Valentine in your life at least once! Love between two people is an awesome gift to give each other. It's multiplied beyond imagination when God is in the center of that love.

If you're blessed with that treasure take some time to read the book of Song of Solomon together. Sexual love can be very gratifying! More than sexual love I hope you can connect on a very intimate spiritual level. Why limit the splendor to physical bodies? An intimacy level, not limited to earthly pleasure can allow two souls to unite and soar in heavenly realms!

Christians should experience the most satisfying love together in Christ. We have the freedom, love and ultimate satisfaction when we unite in Christ and marriage. Grow together in Christ. Enjoy what God has given you! There's no sin in pure marital love!

I will write as soon as I can

I'll be going to the hospital for some surgery in a little while. I may be there a few days I'll write as soon as I can when I get home. Kathy

You are an awesome art work!

I'm sure some of you wonder why I am so fascinated by rocks, streams and water falls. I know my own family get tired of the"nature walks and talks." But I am continually amazed by the way God parallels life in His artwork in Nature.

I often go to a place called Hurricane Shoals that's only about 20 minutes from my house. I am always amazed to see what God has changed in the shoals. Every time I go there are subtle changes. I can almost imagine God the Father swirling His finger in the pools of water to make the changes.

He never stops working on us either. Lovingly He adds or subtracts little things in our lives to change who we are. His Love, like the water constantly flows over our souls. As believers it's important to remember to love as He loves. Love and the word of God will not return void if it's constantly present.

When I think about how the water constantly rushes over the rocks, over a period of time the rocks crack, or erode into a whole new shape. That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it, you will change over time, and some things instantly!

God's word and love will make your life's canvas change. Keep reading, loving and moving on. So many are watching your transformation. Some will come to know Christ because of your life. You're an awesome workmanship created in Christ Jesus.

"I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands, I have hidden your words in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:10 and 11 (NIV)

"Now to you who believe, this stone is precious, But to them who do not believe,

"The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall."

They stumble because they disobey the message-which is also what they were destined for." 1 Peter 2: 7 and 8 (NIV)

"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:10 (NIV)

Yeah though I walk through the valley...I will fear No evil for thou art with me.

Around three o'clock on Monday afternoon they'll put me to sleep again for another surgery. As the anthologist puts me to sleep they always ask me to count to ten backwards. I smile and shake my head, but I always start reciting the 23rd Psalm instead. Counting backwards never reassures me like God's Word does. :)

If you think of me, I'd appreciate your prayers. Pray that Dr. Binderow will once again have the patience to untangle the mesh messes and hernias that he'll skillfully untangle, repair and recreate where he needs too. Isn't it amazing the wisdom and skill God gives doctors to fix these temporary bodies?

I am thankful that I've been with you all so long because of medical wisdom, guidance and patients with me. I often feel like Humpty Dumpty. I lift to much, and bust my gut, and the Dr. Binderow puts me back together again. ;)

I really appreciate all of you loving and putting up with me as well. I'm not very nice when I'm really hurting or hungry. Some of you have endured so much with me, I love you dearly. Thank you for your prayers. I know that without your love, prayers and encouragement I would have quit a long time ago. God Bless and keep all of you.

Most of all I'm thankful to my wonderful Savior and God. As I say the 23rd Psalm, I'll be climbing up on His lap. Where I'll escape this body and pain. Again His open arms will hold me until the physical pain subsides. What a sweet and perfect place to be! Have you ever heard that song: "Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He hold his child?" Personally I'd rather be held, because when He holds me that's when I know How much He loves me. Does that make since?

Never fear what life holds for you, simply reach up and take your Fathers hand!

Life and Love are Awesome, but knowing God is the best! So with that I'll gladly let Him put me through the test!

But the Gift of God is Eternal Life!

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 (NIV)

How true that is, thinking back on my life it is so amazing that God has allowed and given me breath this long. I have had the pleasure of fast cars and some crazy adventures in them. My dad clocked me going over 110 mph one day on my way to work on route M-66, in Michigan. Frankly, the speed and lack of real skill, at 17 wasn't as terrifying as my father catching me.

Needless to say that day quickly revoked my driving privileges. But I loved racing, and it's fair to say I didn't have enough common sense to fear death at the time. Through the years God's mercy and grace have revealed major flaws in my character and habits. And then, I was blessed with a son and daughter who really put the fear of God in me about radical driving, dare devil stunts, and lack of common sense around dangerous people.

I am rarely afraid of anyone I may encounter, or what I will say to them. Unfortunately, my daughter is even less intimidated by any person. I ask God every day to watch over my children. Michael loves a fast car even more than Mark, or I do. Heidi has a beautiful smile and a pretty face, she fears no one. She's a missionary over seas. She travels and meets all kinds of people.

The fear of something happening to one or both of my children is some times overwhelming. Yet, they both like me know Jesus as their personal Savior. Because He lives and holds all our futures I can face tomorrow. With confidence, I know that one by one we shall all die in these temporary bodies. But because Jesus lives, we too shall live in permanent bodies in heaven, with Him. Eventually we will all meet up again in heaven.

The best gift I ever gave my children as a parent was introducing them to Jesus. Once they asked Him for forgiveness of their sin and ask Him to be their Savior they were His. I can never out love, or out give my Lord. My family is in the best of hands. God holds their hearts, bodies and souls! That's an Awesome blessing As a Mom!

Carry on my Wayward Son....There will be peace when you are done!

As those words run through my head I can still hear one or both of my parents screaming, "Turn it down, or turn it off right now, Kathlene!" I still love that song. If you listen to the words it is so true for Christians.

We are all God's wayward sons or daughters. We try to stay on the straight and narrow and please God. But before we know it, we've slipped into sin again. Sometimes we get so discouraged, and even depressed. It's so important to encourage one another. As we help each other on the journey, this life can be productive and even fun. It's so good to meet in God's house, the church. We all have different sins, but we can encourage growth and happiness in Christ.

Should you encounter the lofty believer who thinks they have no sin, remember God loves you. He's here for you and so are other believers. Remember the woman who had several different husbands? Jesus, the only person without sin confronted those pompous people in such a tactful way.

"When they kept questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any of you is without sin let him be the first to throw the first stone at her."

John 8:7 (NIV)

One by one they all walked away. After they all were gone, Jesus said to her, "go and sin no more." God does not expect perfection. He just wants you to try to walk in the light. As you grow in love and grace through His word, it will become easier to do what's right.

Never forget you have a Savior who loves you more than anyone ever could on earth. He holds his arms out to hug you. Let Him pick you up when you fall. We all fall down; the real issue is do you try again or just give up?

Put your Faith where it Belongs!

" for God's gifts and his calling are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all." Romans 11:29-32 (NIV)

Do you see what Paul is saying here? Believers in God have a calling, it is irrevocable, but the only difference between a sinner saved by grace and an unsaved sinner, is that believers in God, have accepted God's grace through Christ's death, burial and resurrection. But even after we accept God's grace, from our sin, we all still fall into disobedience again, but God again extends mercy and grace. When we fall down He picks us up.

You can not put your complete faith in any person who has walked the face of this earth,except Jesus Christ. Because we are all bound to fail, and fall from grace. You can put any human life under a microscope, and I promise you will find short comings, failure and fault. In my life, you would not even have to look beyond any given day; I promise you will find several human flaws. Stop putting your faith and hope in mere men. You will only find contentment, peace and security in Jesus Christ.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up." James 4:10 (NIV)

Stop searching for what only God can give in and of Himself. You were created to serve and worship God Almighty, not any person or thing. If you've accepted God's mercy and grace, extend love and forgiveness to others, so they can see Christ in you. We all fall down, it's the common bond that binds us together. Only Christ can pick us up, but forgiveness and love cover a multitude of sins.

"He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 (NIV)