So, I crack open a brand new journal this morning, and ponder the fact that this is the third journal in the last year. So much has gone on between God and I! Then, I flip open a devotional 'My utmost for his highest" and begin to read the thoughts for today. Wow. Blown away. It is so incredibly moving to me, that I am actually going to include the entire thing here today. I must!
It's entitled "GOD'S PURPOSE OR MINE?"
"He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side. . . " Mark 6:45
"We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God's purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we ARRIVE at a particular goad is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself!"
"What is my vision of God's purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power NOW. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish - His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see "Him walking on the sea" with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see "Him walking on the sea (6:49). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God."
"God's training is NOW, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for something in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself."
"God's purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in Mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious."
Ok, so it has been a year since Timm and I have felt stirred towards pursuing the call to plant a church in NY. In our estimation, we would have been there by now, or at least in the process of moving. We are not. We are here. So, I could conclude that we have failed because we did not meet the goal we thought God set before us! But, instead, I am fine. Because when I reflect on the past year, I am literally BLOWN AWAY. God has done incredible things in our lives. I wouldn't trade a THING.
My faith is stronger than ever, my relationship with Christ more real than ever. My husband is a transformed man of God. My kids were baptized. We've shared our faith with more people than ever before. God has released strongholds of sin in my life and Timm's (I won't go into detail here). My prayer life is completely new and powerful, we have made incredible friends, we made God the Lord over EVERY area of our lives, we have shifted priorities. We have recently decided to home school the girls. I am enjoying an incredible summer with new appreciation for our home and our families. God is in this process! Wherever He takes us is fine with me! We put God in the driver's seat, and we are along for the ride. Honestly, I couldnt' be happier. Our lives are in His perfectly capable hands, and I am at PEACE.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Common Theme
Did you ever notice a "coincidental" common theme popping up in your life? I recently explained this phenomenon to Alli. When God wants to teach us something, sometimes he will place the message repeatedly in front of us through multiple sources. But, it helps if we are seeking out those sources. Maybe you hear a message at church and it really resonates with you. Then, the next thing you know, your daily devotional speaks the same message to you. Then, you turn on a radio program, and the same message comes pouring out. Finally, you stop and think. . . "hey, I'm starting to get this!" Seriously, how can God be so patient with us idiots?
This week, God has flooded my life with a common point. Guess I needed to learn it! It's not that the information was necessarily new to me, but just that I needed to apply it better. You see, what I "learned" is that God can only answer our prayers and do works through us if we are completely submitted to Him and if we are NOT harboring ANY SIN. Did you get that? NO SIN. Seems impossible. But, what he wants is for us to ask him to reveal our sin to us. Then, he wants us to deal with that sin. So, regardless of whether you are consciously holding onto some sin behavior and making light of it, like it's not a big deal. Or, you know it's a big deal, but can't seem to stop. Or, you don't really see any sin. If you stop and ask Him to reveal it to you. . . he will. And that's scary. Cuz then you have to work on getting rid of it. And, as much as we like to keep God inside the warm and fuzzy box of love and mercy and grace. . . the truth is that if you look in scripture you will find that he does not provide those things to us if we are not willing to be working on obedience and getting the sin out of our lives.
So, that's what this week has been about. On my knees, asking God to show me the ugliest side of myself. Fun, aye? But, it's SO COOL. Because, once I identify the garbage, that's when I get to experience GRACE! Because, the junk I think i just can't deal with, He steps in and takes care of it for me. Really. It's true.
So, aside from that. Timm had an interview this week. Could possibly be an opportunity for him to work in Detroit for a year before heading to NY. We aren't sure. But, we're just waiting to see.
Lowered the price of the house again. Had one showing this week.
Feeling more and more confirmation to home school the girls this year. Seems a little weird. But, also comforting to know we could be totally mobile and ready to "go" if that's what we need to do.
Having fun waiting on God's timing. Loving summer life. Enjoying every day with my girls. Praising God for every good gift he gives! Thanking him for peace.
This week, God has flooded my life with a common point. Guess I needed to learn it! It's not that the information was necessarily new to me, but just that I needed to apply it better. You see, what I "learned" is that God can only answer our prayers and do works through us if we are completely submitted to Him and if we are NOT harboring ANY SIN. Did you get that? NO SIN. Seems impossible. But, what he wants is for us to ask him to reveal our sin to us. Then, he wants us to deal with that sin. So, regardless of whether you are consciously holding onto some sin behavior and making light of it, like it's not a big deal. Or, you know it's a big deal, but can't seem to stop. Or, you don't really see any sin. If you stop and ask Him to reveal it to you. . . he will. And that's scary. Cuz then you have to work on getting rid of it. And, as much as we like to keep God inside the warm and fuzzy box of love and mercy and grace. . . the truth is that if you look in scripture you will find that he does not provide those things to us if we are not willing to be working on obedience and getting the sin out of our lives.
So, that's what this week has been about. On my knees, asking God to show me the ugliest side of myself. Fun, aye? But, it's SO COOL. Because, once I identify the garbage, that's when I get to experience GRACE! Because, the junk I think i just can't deal with, He steps in and takes care of it for me. Really. It's true.
So, aside from that. Timm had an interview this week. Could possibly be an opportunity for him to work in Detroit for a year before heading to NY. We aren't sure. But, we're just waiting to see.
Lowered the price of the house again. Had one showing this week.
Feeling more and more confirmation to home school the girls this year. Seems a little weird. But, also comforting to know we could be totally mobile and ready to "go" if that's what we need to do.
Having fun waiting on God's timing. Loving summer life. Enjoying every day with my girls. Praising God for every good gift he gives! Thanking him for peace.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Latest
Wow, is it hard to stay on top of things in the summer. I am simply going to give an update on the Kelly clan. No frills.
Last week the girls did VBS at St. Pete's in Richmond. Excellent program. Love it! They had a great time. My niece and nephews were incredible helpers. I did not help this year, which was strange, but a nice break. I had other things going on.
On the weekend, Timm had men's poker night, the girl's visited a friend on the Communitas team and "helped" with her estate sale. OK, so we didn't help a bit, we just invaded her home and brought dinner and overstayed our welcome. We also celebrated my niece's 15th birthday on a gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon.
This past week was crazy fun. My sister hosted "5-day club" in her backyard. My niece helped teach (as she has attended training through Christ Evangelical Fellowship for two summers) and my nephew led games (he learned from his aunt Char!). So, every day from 10-noon my girls were blessed by the outpouring of love and leadership by their cousins, aunt, and others.
But, that's not all. We also had a fun visit with the visitors from Tenessee. Timm's aunt, cousin, and the offspring! We even ventured out to the DRIVE IN. It was so fun. We loaded up big red and 9 of us chugged out to the Miracle Twin Drive in near Flint. Stayed out until 2am. CRAZY!
But, that's not all. We also made our annual trek to CEDAR POINT, America's roller coast. Ride on! (We missed one day of the kid's 5-day club). We took off on Tuesday afternoon, checked in to the Maples motel, swam, ate pizza, tried to get to bed early. Then we got up Wed morning and headed straight to the point! Played ALL DAY until 11pm, and piled into the van for the ride home. Got home at about 1:30. Come on, do we know how to party or what?!?!
OK, so that brings us up to Friday night. The girls had their very first sleepover with their best buddies from next door! They slept in the motorhome, in the yard, with daddy! They had it all planned out. They ate junk food, watched a movie on the portable thingie, and stayed up laughing. Now, it is Saturday morning, and they are running around in their jammies, flying high on the intoxication of friendship and sugar cereal.
Today we head out to Detroit for the monthly BBQ with the homeless. Should be a good day for it. Hopefully storms will not invade.
Other updates? Strange thing. The night before last, I was putting the girls to bed, and Timm was out playing tennis with MG. THe girls suddenly started reminisching about Pedro, our old doggie. Because he moved to Tennessee with the family who was visiting, we learned that sweet old Pedro was not well. He is quite old and we learned of his heart problems, breathing difficulties, and overall poor health. For some reason, the girls were literally overcome with grief. They expressed their anger and frustrations about us giving Pedro to a new family. They cried big old tears about missing him and never seeing him again. It broke my heart, but I was able to explain that sometimes you love something or someone enough to set it free. And Pedro DEFINATELY had a better life with them in Tennessee. Thankfully I really believe that, or I would have been smothered alive in guilt. Well, we all had a good cry. And here is the strange part. The next day, we recieved a phone call that Pedro had passed away. At the very time that the girls brought him up and mourned his absence. That very same night, at about that time, he died. Only the daddy of the family he lives with was home. So, the rest of the family was spared from finding him. Oh, it just stinks. Anyone who has loved a pet knows what I mean. You don't want them to suffer, but it's so sad when they die. So, for those of you who knew and loved Pedro. . . he is no longer struggling to breathe and remain the playful pup he always has been at heart.
On the job hunt front. . . Timm had a phone interview with National Heritage Academy. Charter school organization. He is being moved forward in the interview process. Next Wed he interveiws all day in Grand Rapids. This organization is opening two new schools in Brooklyn for the 2009 school year. They are also placing someone as a resident in a Detroit school for the 2008 school year. So, potentially, Timm could secure a paid residency in D-town and be in place for the Brooklyn school next year. Interesting. . . .
A final note. Timm and I are being thrown for yet another loop in our "plans" for our family. After much prayer and discussion, we are seriously considering home schooling the girls this year. We had already discussed the possiblity of doing this when we move. But, we have really felt like God is calling us to do it now. Sooooo, just another wacky twist in the story of our lives! It really is more fun with God in the driver's seat. What an adventure he has laid out for us!
If you made it this far in my lengthy account of our lives, God bless ya. Get back to your life now. I'll try not to be so lengthy in the future!
Last week the girls did VBS at St. Pete's in Richmond. Excellent program. Love it! They had a great time. My niece and nephews were incredible helpers. I did not help this year, which was strange, but a nice break. I had other things going on.
On the weekend, Timm had men's poker night, the girl's visited a friend on the Communitas team and "helped" with her estate sale. OK, so we didn't help a bit, we just invaded her home and brought dinner and overstayed our welcome. We also celebrated my niece's 15th birthday on a gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon.
This past week was crazy fun. My sister hosted "5-day club" in her backyard. My niece helped teach (as she has attended training through Christ Evangelical Fellowship for two summers) and my nephew led games (he learned from his aunt Char!). So, every day from 10-noon my girls were blessed by the outpouring of love and leadership by their cousins, aunt, and others.
But, that's not all. We also had a fun visit with the visitors from Tenessee. Timm's aunt, cousin, and the offspring! We even ventured out to the DRIVE IN. It was so fun. We loaded up big red and 9 of us chugged out to the Miracle Twin Drive in near Flint. Stayed out until 2am. CRAZY!
But, that's not all. We also made our annual trek to CEDAR POINT, America's roller coast. Ride on! (We missed one day of the kid's 5-day club). We took off on Tuesday afternoon, checked in to the Maples motel, swam, ate pizza, tried to get to bed early. Then we got up Wed morning and headed straight to the point! Played ALL DAY until 11pm, and piled into the van for the ride home. Got home at about 1:30. Come on, do we know how to party or what?!?!
OK, so that brings us up to Friday night. The girls had their very first sleepover with their best buddies from next door! They slept in the motorhome, in the yard, with daddy! They had it all planned out. They ate junk food, watched a movie on the portable thingie, and stayed up laughing. Now, it is Saturday morning, and they are running around in their jammies, flying high on the intoxication of friendship and sugar cereal.
Today we head out to Detroit for the monthly BBQ with the homeless. Should be a good day for it. Hopefully storms will not invade.
Other updates? Strange thing. The night before last, I was putting the girls to bed, and Timm was out playing tennis with MG. THe girls suddenly started reminisching about Pedro, our old doggie. Because he moved to Tennessee with the family who was visiting, we learned that sweet old Pedro was not well. He is quite old and we learned of his heart problems, breathing difficulties, and overall poor health. For some reason, the girls were literally overcome with grief. They expressed their anger and frustrations about us giving Pedro to a new family. They cried big old tears about missing him and never seeing him again. It broke my heart, but I was able to explain that sometimes you love something or someone enough to set it free. And Pedro DEFINATELY had a better life with them in Tennessee. Thankfully I really believe that, or I would have been smothered alive in guilt. Well, we all had a good cry. And here is the strange part. The next day, we recieved a phone call that Pedro had passed away. At the very time that the girls brought him up and mourned his absence. That very same night, at about that time, he died. Only the daddy of the family he lives with was home. So, the rest of the family was spared from finding him. Oh, it just stinks. Anyone who has loved a pet knows what I mean. You don't want them to suffer, but it's so sad when they die. So, for those of you who knew and loved Pedro. . . he is no longer struggling to breathe and remain the playful pup he always has been at heart.
On the job hunt front. . . Timm had a phone interview with National Heritage Academy. Charter school organization. He is being moved forward in the interview process. Next Wed he interveiws all day in Grand Rapids. This organization is opening two new schools in Brooklyn for the 2009 school year. They are also placing someone as a resident in a Detroit school for the 2008 school year. So, potentially, Timm could secure a paid residency in D-town and be in place for the Brooklyn school next year. Interesting. . . .
A final note. Timm and I are being thrown for yet another loop in our "plans" for our family. After much prayer and discussion, we are seriously considering home schooling the girls this year. We had already discussed the possiblity of doing this when we move. But, we have really felt like God is calling us to do it now. Sooooo, just another wacky twist in the story of our lives! It really is more fun with God in the driver's seat. What an adventure he has laid out for us!
If you made it this far in my lengthy account of our lives, God bless ya. Get back to your life now. I'll try not to be so lengthy in the future!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Summer Fun
Lots to share about the past week.
Probably best to share with pictures.
Some highlights include: Baptism of Kelly girls, Brithday party for Tyler and Courtney, Surprise 40th anniversary party for Tim and Sharon,
Campfires and singing, hanging out with the GA family, and just hanging out and acting stupd! I could write a separate blog on each detail, but I simply do not have the time. Life is full of God's rich blessings!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hip Hip Hooray for Independence day!
Just a quick hello. We are alive and well. Timm's brother and family came into town this past weekend, and are staying with Timm's parents. We have been hanging out over there daily. And Timm took the motorhome over there several days ago. He and the girls haven't come home since, but I have been going back and forth. However, I am home to pack a bag and head over there for a long weekend of camping.
Nothing like a long weekend in July. They sure picked a great time of year to sign the declaration of independence. We need the long weekend between memorial day and labor day! Hope you all enjoy your weekend. I'll be sure to post soon about our weekend adventures.
Sunday we are having the girls baptized!!! I'm very excited about that.
Gotta run!
Nothing like a long weekend in July. They sure picked a great time of year to sign the declaration of independence. We need the long weekend between memorial day and labor day! Hope you all enjoy your weekend. I'll be sure to post soon about our weekend adventures.
Sunday we are having the girls baptized!!! I'm very excited about that.
Gotta run!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)