God is in Control

Last week, the United States was shaken by the Boston Marathon bombings and the explosion in West, Texas and reminded of the tragedy of the Columbine Massacre, the OKC bombing and Virginia Tech Massacre. In my life, I believe God placed these tragedies to remind me that I live in a sinful world and that I need to focus on Him. While I was in shock of the bombings in Boston and appalled that what seemed like an action movie was unfolding in real life, I turned to these verses. I hope you will find the encouragement I did.


"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." -John 10:28-30 (ESV)

"As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?" And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
-Matthew 24:3-13 (ESV)


-K

Storms...

I was reading Matthew 14:22-33 tonight and like many passages in the Bible, discovered a new way of thinking about it.
I have been to the Sea of Galilee and can tell you that it does, in fact, exist.

The interesting thing about the Sea of Galilee, especially in the context of this passage, is that it is more of a lake (often called the Lake of Tiberias) than a sea. So, if you think about it, it is hard to imagine a storm that made Jesus' disciples fear their lives coming across a lake. When they saw Jesus, He told them to "Take heart...Do not be afraid". Although I have no doubts that this situation actually happened, I think God is just as evident in our own situations. When I feel like I am drowning in life, He just reminds us me that He is near! Sometimes, we just need to seek God diligently enough to recognize that He really is in every situation.

This passage is just another one of God's clever ways of showing us that even in small situations that we view as the end of the world, He is always there. 

I really needed encouragement this week, even though it's a short week, and I found it in this passage. 

I hope you do, too! 

-K

Life with Integrity

I am currently reading a Youversion Reading Plan called "Altar Ego", which is based on our Pastor's new book.
One of the readings was from Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
The dictionary definition of Integrity is "the state of being complete or undivided."
So, I am going to live completely devoted to God, not divided between the world and Him.

-K

Randomness

Why do I go so long without blogging?

I guess because I've been insanely busy. 

I realized something as I was reading through my blog posts from the past year or so.

I stress out trying to do things on my own, but God always comes though for me!

I am planning to finish the degree I originally planned to (Management Information Systems) in the Winter of 2015. It's crazy how God works things out!

Someone who has really encouraged me through this school year is the Pastor of the church I attend in OKC (LifeChurch). Craig Groeschel has written tons of books and lately I have been reading Altar Ego. His books are so encouraging and inspiring. I am thankful that God placed his teaching in my life when I've needed it most. You can watch his sermons here.

I also have been extremely encouraged by Colton Dixon's music.

I hope it encourages you as well!

-K

God's Plan is Greater

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, 

but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

 -Prov. 19:21

     I am currently watching a memorial for my cousin. Today marks 1 year after he suddenly passed away. He was an amazing man of God and was respected in his church for living as such. People of the world would have questioned why a man with a wife and two young children would be taken so soon.  His family and church chose to turn to God to find the answers. Although I wasn't extrememly close to him, I miss him and I wish I would have known him better when he was on earth. The awesome part of this story is that he was going through the Bible with the elders in his church and believed that God has a plan for everyone's lives.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. -Psalm 121:2

     The Jesus Calling devotional from that day reminded his wife that God is higher and that God knows the plans that He has for us, plans to proper us, not to harm us. Plans to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). The fact that this passage was the Jesus Calling devotion for the day of his death is no coincidence. God knew that Kip's family would need this encouragement that very day.

"Making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and on earth." 

-Ephesians 1:9-10

     Today, I am just reminded that no matter what our plans for our lives are, God's plan is greater and will prevail. Even though deaths don't make sense, they are part of God's plan and He showed this through Kip's death. Kip affected many people with his legacy, especially his family and elders of his church. Kip's passing encouraged so many people to turn to God and His Word to try to make sense of everything.

     Today, I am also reminded that I need to remember who I am living for. If I am living for the world and not for God, no one will remember me. From this point on, I am going to live for God and leave a legacy for Him.

-Kathleen

Summer...er....school...

Well, my March-July break from school had to come to a close... I started 2 college classes online the first week of July.
Wouldn't you know, my babysitting schedule took off at the same time?
Now, I move into college in 10 days, work over 50 hours before then, have to write a 7 page research paper and do TONS of homework....
Oh yes, and actually pack to move in...that'd be a good idea.

I'm pretty sure God's trying to tell me to lean on Him.....ya think?

-K

Crazy Life

Hey there,

So....I started 2 summer classes this Monday.

My comp class is stressing me out because I don't know how to write "like a college student".

Then there's my health and wellness class. I had to do a 1.5 mile run to test my abilities.
I almost died  felt pretty good running in the 90 degree humidity.
Then I got home and figured out what my minute per mile score meant....
I got the lowest score possible....I basically failed.
But, hey. I ran, didn't I?
And on the plus side, out of shapeness does not count in this class!

My weekend is going to be crazy babysitting, but hey. It's okay! (hey, that rhymed!)

I can no longer think. After 4 cups of coffee, 3 very energetic kids and a run in this heat, I am done.

I will leave you with my verse for the week:


Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
-Philippians 4:6 (NASB)