pray.

Give me strength to be everything I’m called to be.
Shine through me so they know this isn't about me.
Fill me up so I can pour back out.
Be everything that my life is about.
Show me the way to stand for Truth and desire You.
Forgive me when I fail to praise You like I should.
Humble my heart before Your throne.
Lead me, cause I know I can’t do this alone.

Amen.

i am thankful for...

You and y'all.

First and foremost, thanks God for being awesome despite my emo, over-analytical, self-consumed heart. To say that last week sucked would be the biggest understatement of the year. It started with assumptions becoming misunderstandings which led me to feel pretty helpless. ps If gossip had a face - I would punch it.
Lesson: Just because man gives you an opportunity to speak, doesn't mean you should. Seek Truth from the source. Confess and Repent. Always be honest, always.

I lost my job. I felt defeated, humiliated and blindsided not to mention... insecure, discouraged and anxious. I've been praying about my job - where God wants me. He answered my prayer, just not in the way I wanted. Lesson: Desire Humility. Recognize that everything is God's. He can give and He can take away. Appreciate what you do have, esp when times are dark. (I have a new job in a different dept at the same place for right now)

Spiritual warfare. The most intense sleepless night of spiritual warfare that I've ever experienced. I began fighting and reading scripture until the hours passed and I was exhausted. I gave up. I put my Bible down and felt a lack of peace. I walked away doubting what I read and then I was literally pushed down by evil, gasping for Jesus to hear my cry for His mercy on my rebellious soul. When I was finally able to speak and breath, I felt Him. Lesson: God allows us to experience things to teach us important lessons that we need to know. Don't give up. Fight. God is there. He saves. He rescues. He restores your soul.

Next was family group vacay. Honestly, I confess to a part of me not wanting to be in/with community. I wanted to carry on being useless and alone since that's how I felt. Thankfully, God is good and He told me to confess my resistance to Him and friends and repent before Him.

This was one of the best weekends I've had in a really long time. God did work through the 4 guys that spoke, thanks team. Everything about the weekend was epic. Maybe I'll elaborate later on the teaching but for now just know that I am thankful that God is faithful despite my faithlessness. I am thankful that God keeps His promises even though I struggle to trust His Truth. I am thankful that my worth isn't based on what I do but in who I am in Christ. I am thankful that He loves me despite my selfishness of trying to place other things on the throne of my heart when that throne is meant for God alone. All glory is His and not to be shared. I am thankful for His grace that washes me daily in my fight to again see light rather than the darkness that awaits to devour me.


-kristie-

my soul finds rest

I posted this in my status a while back, it has become a Sabbath time favorite of mine. In case you haven't heard it... it's worth a listen. The song is called My Soul Finds Rest/Psalm 62.

the hardest place to stand...

is at the place where words are lost in silence.

The poetic aspect of my soul strives to decorate my thoughts with delicate word choices. I am attracted to intentional over articulation and prepared sentence structures. In my weakest form, I have a loss for the concept of letters and word meanings all together. In such moments of overwhelming weakness, Christ gives me strength to stand. In His strength, I am moved beyond mere verbal expressions of existence. When I fall into a speechless void, He catches me in the scriptures of His spoken promises. I stand, only because of His love.




"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9


<3

giggle

when you are worn out.. it's not the best time to work on tricks. clearly. i wasnt supposed to fall like that. ha

oh. my. hilarity.

a) I find this both disturbing and hilarious.
b) Prepare to be confused.
c) Prepare to laugh.



you're welcome.

ABDC

that's what's up.

Just joined a dance crew and I couldn't be more jazzed. (no pun intended)I love to dance and I love to make new friends and what better way to do that than to join up in a city dance crew. I've been praying for an opportunity like this for various reasons and paaazah! - there it is. Thanks God!

a beautiful mess

just a chill, surface song that is stuck in my head this morning.

notes to self

It's midnight, my prime time of thoughts and reflections.
Here are some random thoughts I'm thinking to myself:

*don't settle for standing still (be alert with readiness)
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." - Ephesians 6:14-15

*Be constant in growing & maturing in faith:
"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" - James 1:4

*understand who you are pouring into and recognize opportunities for both discipleship and outreach.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

*don't be "that" person (the one that states the obvious/complainer.. etc)
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing" - Philippians 2:14-17

*follow through on your intentions in obedience to Christ.
"Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." 2 Corinthians 8:11
and
"Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one" - Matthew 5:37

*do what you do out of passion, Christ deserves our passion.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Col 3:23-24

<3

blurry sneak peak

blurry sneak peak:

just wait...

kineticness

fun fact: I used to volunteer for Mad Science to "teach" kiddos via crazy fun science experiments with the intentions of making learning fun. In reality, I called it time to "play" and make stuff blow up. I worked at a child developmental center around this time too so my scientific name of "kinetic kristie" carried over to the crew at my job to imply that I was characterized by energy in motion.

Truth be told, I used to think it was a tragic flaw of mine to be so naturally hyperactive and energetic. What I've come to realize though is that being active is ok - it just depends on how you use your energy. Am I using that energy to be effective for the Kingdom or am I using that energy to pour into broken cisterns of sorts? It's a good question to challenge yourself with, at least it is for me. Am I living out the Gospel and is my kineticness glorifying God?

I'm about to start packing up my room to get ready to move in a few days. Yesterday I found out when I needed to move out of my current house and thankfully, I found a new place to stay... all within an hour. God provides, never doubt that He is the ultimate Provider.

Before you ask, yes - for one reason or another I've moved around Columbia every year since I've lived here. It's not something I plan for.. as fun as packing and unpacking sounds. I love traveling but not quite in this fashion. In all seriousness though, The Holy Spirit makes certain things really clear to me and one is in regards to where I am located. Plus, He likes to keep me on my toes. If I get too comfortable, I'll get lazy. It's His grace that keeps me motivated in motion. I'm not sure what this is all to prepare me for but in the meantime, I'm just trying to be obedient.

About two years ago, I read a book and the idea of being a part of a church plant and helping to cultivate Biblical community/fellowship fell on my heart. I have no idea where or when or if that is even something that will present itself as an opportunity for me at some point. It's obvious to me right now that I'm in Columbia for a reason and honestly, prob for a while - I do have a feeling it wont be forever. Either way, I'm more than ok with being here. I love this city and more than that, I love the people in it.

As I pray to grow in the area of relational ministry - I've been given the opportunity to move into the community I'm trying to really connect with and love on. I dig God's creativity in how He is getting me over there... ask me what I mean later if you are curious what I mean.

My Mom gave me this encouragement on my birthday.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

So while I never know where I'll live or for how long, I take comfort in knowing, I'll never be without God... and that's all I need to know.

Question?

I feel secure in saying that when the answer that you want is within the tone of the question that you state.. you've 98% already made up your mind. I find that in situations like that, we only ask questions to either further validate our decisions or to simply hear ourselves talk.

Lets be honest:
"Is this a bad idea?" - yeah, it usually is.
"Should I do this?" - no, probably not.

We put ourselves on the front lines of war when we let our convictions spark justifications instead of repentance. I think all too often we ask poor, empty questions. It's a dangerous day when we let a rebellious childhood mindset trick us into thinking we have metaphorical chains to break. We flirt with the temptation of "how far can I *insert sin here*" and in so, we subject ourselves to an unguarded battle against the enemy. Yikes.

When I've found myself guilty of justifications, it's because I was being lazy. Confession: the cliche hyperactive kid's default broken response is apathy. Praise God that He allows the Holy Spirit to change the lackadaisical sinner into a passionate believer. Praise God for forgiveness and grace.

Ok so back to my point: Rather than asking questions like "what can I get away with" we should maybe be asking ourselves.. "does this glorify God/Am I glorifying God in this moment/again, is this for God's glory?"

ps If you want clarity... start by being clear.

<3
-kp-

if grace is an ocean..

..we're all sinking.

I 2nd what I said in my last post.

It's really unfortunate how quickly foolish pride blinds us from the grace of the cross. I need to continually repent of what I think I deserve because truth of the matter is.. I don't deserve anything.

Ephesians 2:1-9

thought of the week:

The realization that it simply shouldn't matter what obstacles are put in my path. What actually matters is how I respond to the obstacles that God gives me the opportunity to face.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1: 2-4

a perfect shade of dark blue...

...have you ever been alone in a crowded room?

Last night I went to a wedding in Charleston to help celebrate the marriage of two of my good friends. Typically, I would've brought a girl/guy as a fake date to have someone to talk to/eat with/dance with.. etc.. but alas, I went alone. Anyway, I'm a cheesy romantic of sorts and one of my favorite things to do is to watch the groom's face when the bride makes her grand entrance. Tears filled my eyes upon seeing his love for her through his beaming smile aaand my heart melted. What a beautiful picture of Christ's love for the church and to think... that's just a glimpse of it. The ceremony was beautiful.

If you know me at all, you know that sitting still isn't exactly my specialty... so I walked around during the reception and caught up with friends from college. The most popular question of the night was.. "are you here alone?" By the end of the night I couldn't seem to shake the tone of those questions. Before I headed back home, I sat outside in the warm breeze of the night and had a lil quiet time.

I was blindsided by loneliness... but why? The relationship that I need, I have. God alone is what I need and what my soul craves. Christ longs to be what fulfills us and He does with His grace and all consuming love.

I trust Him as comforter and provider for what I need to better tell His story. As always, thanks Jesus for bringing me back to the big picture... You.

I support the AHA

Just to be clear... I watched that video I posted yesterday about 10 times and laughed each time. Something might be wrong with me.

On a completely different note:
I tend to either buy organic or AHA approved foods for my daily life. I won't push on the organic as much as I want to push on the AHA. I have to check for these things when I purchase foods to help take care of my heart. I was thinking to myself recently... I should inform my friends about the lil heart stamp of approval too because.. I want y'all to be healthy too! My hope would be that everyone would check for the American Heart Association's heart-check mark on food packaging in the grocery store going forward... to promote a healthy beating heart.
(go to this link for more details: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4973)

On a fake related note:
I think I'm shopping at the wrong store:

laughter

Today was a very heavy day.
There is a time to soak in the weight of things and there is also a respected time to laugh. You might not think this is funny but I think it is hilarious. This episode really aired.. this dramatic.. thank goodness for...

dance

so last night I saw Twitch dance live. eeeeeeeeeeeee!
Who is twitch?
This guy: (I'll upload my video from last night soon)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdcLDVZVP-s&feature=related

Today I watched a video of ppl trying to jerk & reject.. and it was painful. if you dont know how to do them - ask ppl that actually know.. otherwise your friends are just playing a joke on you! (and yes, after watching.. I'm dancing in my living room by myself doing these steps... go figure)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46BsgpnioTc&feature=related

smile like you mean it

Three great dental care items that I like:

1) Aquafresh: iso-active deep impact, whitening foaming gel.
(you know the hand soap that foams when you put it in your hands.. this is like the same thing for your mouth! it foams. brushing your teeth will never be the same again!)

2) Crest: glide comfort plus mint floss.
(it has a freshness about it and it's very soft as to not destroy your gums.

3) Listerine: total care, 6 in one antiseptic mouthwash.
(it's a purplish color.. just trust me.. go big or go home with your listerine products and I'd pick this one!)
*not shown in photo bc i only have two hands

reflect

-pic from a retreat i went on a few weeks back

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him"
— John Piper

6:52am

Over the last 4 years I've had a habit of changing my hair style/color a bunch simply because... well... it was fun for me. I'm pretty sure that I've grown out of that stage though cause I just don't have that desire anymore. It might be because I've done about everything but regardless world, you can just get used to my current bc it's my default. It is fun though to look back at previous hairventures (see above) to see what all I've done.

when you dig, dig deep.

One of my most favorite things in life = fellowship within Biblical community/ intentional conversations with others. I long for moments of authentic intimacy traced by questions about what God is doing/where the Holy Spirit is at work.

As slapstick as I can be, I have been told I have a tendency of getting deep pretty quickly in conversations. It's only because I want to know the hearts of the people in my life. I'm not ok for settling for surface banter when an opportunity for depth is at hand.

So, with that - I just want to take a second to say thank you to my lifegroup. Thanks for being willing to get deeper than you ever thought possible. Sometimes even deeper than you'd like to know you are able to go. Thanks for sharing your hearts, confessing your sins, repenting and seeking accountability within the group and for always pushing each other back to Jesus. The transformations that I see daily literally blow my mind. Thanks for being open, for listening, for being respectful, for being willing to let God use you... so.. ultimately, thank you for being the church. I've said it before and I'll say it again because God is worthy of such praise.. I am so encouraged and thankful to know each of you. God is awesome!

budget.

every second of every day

without Him, i am nothing.
seriously.

so, this morning I woke with these lyrics in my head.
feel free to mediate with me today on these Truth inspired words:

Cause I know that you're alive
You came to fix my broken life
And I'll sing to glorify
Your Holy name, Jesus Christ

You bought my life with the blood
That you shed on the cross
When you died for the sins of men
And you let out a cry, crucified
Now alive in me

These hands are yours
Teach them to serve
As you please and I'll reach out
Desperate to see all the greatness of God
May my soul rest assured in you

I'll never be the same
No I'll never be the same

You've changed it all
You broke down the wall
When I spoke and confessed
In you I am blessed
Now I walk in the light
In victorious sight of you

Fire fall down
Fire fall down
On us we pray
As we seek
Fire fall down
Your fire fall down
On us we pray

Show me your heart
Show me your way
Show me your glory

id rather have friends than fans

**Before you read this, let me be super clear. My thoughts come from both experience and observation. I have to constantly check my heart before speaking encouragement to make sure my words aren't glazed in a coward's attempt at flattery**

Empty words are like cavities to the soul.

Flattery is shallow and damaging to the spirit.
I think all too often people confuse flattery with encouragement but in actuality, there is an epic difference.

Mindless gibberish/validations can quickly clutter our perspective. When we are the subject of such undeserving praise it feeds our wicked default of glory hungry, egocentric behavior. When we are the ones pumping someone full of ill motivated empty words it's almost the equivalence of taking them and pushing them straight into a brick wall... over and over again. Why? Bc you aren't building them up as much as you are passively breaking down their hearts. Yep, you can crush people with positive words just as much as with negative ones if your motives are vapid.

Maybe we should take a minute to understand what each word means:
flattery - insincere or excessive praise
encouragement - the act of giving hope or support to someone, the expression of approval and support

See the difference?

Hebrews 3:13 tells us, we are called to encourage each other daily.
Immature manipulations masking flattery inside of fake encouragement doesn't do anybody any good. Strive to be legit with genuine words of hope and support. Encourage each other - see where God is at work - and praise Him for He is worthy of our praise!

-kp-

be encouraged:

“But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Is it just me.... or is this treasure that Jesus gives us here a bit ridiculously freeing and exciting? Fo'realz! I know this is prob a verse you've heard more times than I can count if you've grown up in the church.. but.. I urge you to not water it down. Let this encourage you today!

-kp-

everything else > jelly.

There is no way to spice up taking a bit of a sandwich so if you watch the video... prepare yourselves for nothing super exciting going down. haha

Ok so sometimes I like to wake up and make lunch using whatever I see around the kitchen.

today: pbandj with banana on toast.
The biggest element of this was the jelly bc I don't like jelly.
I tried to slightly mask it with large banana chunks.

Overall, it's a Saturday lunch win.
*if you haven't tried it with cheerios you are missing out.


sidebar:
I don't like "grape" anything.
Even candy that is grape flavored. Yep, I will not eat it.
I traced my dislike back to the years spent as a child being force fed dimetapp so that I would go to bed. My insomnia started when I was young and at the time, this is the only way the Dr told us to handle it. Blah!

14 years ago today.

While the tragic event happened over the Easter holidays of my 6th grade year... it was this day 14 years ago that my dad slipped into eternity.

The day.

The day I stood next to a hospital bed and said goodbye to my unconscious father.
The day I felt his hand turn cold as I fell into a numb and confused state of mind.
The day I will never forget and not for lack of trying.
The day that sparked a sequence of events that God would later use to help break, shape and mold my character. Yep, God showed me in high school that I went through what I went through so I could use those experience to in turn further His kingdom. That's hard to articulate but if you ever want to talk, I'm open about my life and what Jesus has done for me. Let me take this moment to share... God is 100% good despite unsettling events.

I am thankful for the 12 solid years of memories I had with my father. Some people don't even get that opportunity. I am truly blessed.

I found this picture of him when he was younger.
It says "to Cindy" in the corner.. yep, he gave this pic to my mom.


The other picture, is one that I took upon a visit.

My day of reflection doesn't bid me a bitter heart but more of a thankful one.
I know to most people that probably sounds a bit bizarre but my hope, my hope is in Jesus Christ and with that hope comes peace. He knows whats up. Death did not overcome Jesus - in Him we are alive forever.

In the blink of an eye - everything around you might fall apart and disappear. Fear not, God is constant and has plans to proper you - not to harm you. Trust Him

hope through the pain

I don't usually reread things that I write or must less re-post them... but after reading my post from Good Friday last year, I'd like to stand by it again.

"Oh yes, 3 days later God was like... boom. done.
Jesus came back! Easter! WHAT?!

Jesus died a death I deserved to die for. For the sins I commit. For the sins you commit. I'm talking about the little things and the big things. With every whip across His body, with every nail that pierced through His tender flesh, with every drop of blood that hit the dirt.... it was for you and me.

Please let the reality of that sink in a bit.
I know we can't fully understand the complete magnitude of grace we are given but at least attempt to meditate on that concept.

victory."

For the entire blog/story go to: http://kristiepearl.blogspot.com/2009/04/good-friday.html

This weekend, though incredible as it is can be incredibly difficult for me too. This weekend holds the reminder of the deaths of:
John Thomas Flynn. (my father)
Brady Thomas Flynn. (my nephew)

It's almost chilling that these deaths center around Easter. And for that, I have had to deal with some serious issues with God in the past. This does not mark the day of death for my dad but Good Friday is the day in 1996 that everything suddenly started - leading up to his death a few days or so later. That time of life is a bit of a blur but I do remember random people giving me Easter baskets in failed attempts to numb the pain. I'm so thankful that my Mom showed me Jesus and I was able to see how He provided her strength during her weakness. Jesus is the Almighty Healer.

Alas, God is good and with death comes life and a new hope. It is in this promise that I trust that they are in a grand place where neither of their hearts hold pain or unpleasant circumstance. Praise.

Our time is short and when our purpose is fulfilled, we are sealed to joining Him in His kingdom. I want to encourage you to take heart in this season of your life and let people know how you feel about them. Be open and honest - you have nothing to lose. If you let that moment slip away - it may be the last one that you ever have here on earth. Nothing happens by accident so don't deny what is and live with purpose.

With death - comes new life.
I praise Jesus for what He became for me.
Rescuer, Savior, Redeemer

Hope.
Faith.
Love.

.kp.

thanks for the memories

jordan & i said farewell to a classic pop punk band on saturday.
here is our tribute.

tribute note:
j-ro drew a tear on her face
my shirt says: break dance not hearts.

ps ignore the watermarkish fun that randomly pops up. it's bc im using a trial program for converting file formats.. aka.. mac imovie to windows media. yep, ghetto with a touch of legit.

im more than ready for spring

the harsh winter aside, im taking the night to do a bit of reflecting over this last season of my life. ive been steady praying for/over certain avenues of my future and I can't wait to see what God does and provides.

and yeah, im ready for spring.. it's my favorite =)

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven"
-Ecc 3:1

God > us

...to to be less self-absorbed and more God consumed...

I have both experienced and observed the reality that self-seeking desires/motives/etc will leave us no less shallow than that of a 3-yr-old's pool. In other words: nothing leaves us more hollow than being full of ourselves.

I feel like we almost always forget the incredible & merciful debt that was covered on our behaves. A debt so grand that we can't even begin to fully grasp it. Perhaps since we can't feel the weight of the cross on our backs - we naturally lessen the actualization in our minds of how amazing grace really is? Luckily, we are blessed despite our foolish pride and we are still compassionately adopted into Christ's kingdom. Being crucified & clothed in Christ - we freely receive God's desire that we not only know Jesus but that we are also set free in Him. We get to share this Gospel of grace that we get but don't deserve? Oh yeah, this is truly an epic win!

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24


-kp-

heart check-ups:

As I sat there... alone... on the super-thin-paper-sheet-style examination table.. I couldn't help but think about the medical condition of my heart. Yes, medically speaking - my heart is considered pretty weak. *insert emo heart with a band-aid over it*

I can't deny the fact that my heart pumps about three times as much as yours does. I can't deny that my body has a natural tendency to produce tainted blood with improper levels of cholesterol. I can't deny that two vital organs (heart & liver) are subject to high amounts of hardcore medicine that I take in order to keep my artery ways from blockage.

Yet despite this, fear not. God has totally used my genetic magic to deepen my faith, obedience and trust in Him throughout the years. Look at it this way... it's easy to put neosporin on a cut you can see but when things are literally internally out of your control - you are left as it should be: turning to Jesus for healing. Fact: no worldly distractions/quick fix applications apply here. It's pointless. I'm thankful for this. I rest comfortably and secure in His desire for my life of servant-hood for His Kingdom. He has proven my existence by my simply being alive and I refuse to question it. I've already been told I am a "medical marvel" for being the healthiest unhealthy person ever but I'm not at all shocked by this. God performs miracles all the time. Just open your eyes a little bit wider and allow for the sensitivity to witness them.

This "condition" is something that I will always have to be aware of but God will never give me more than I can handle. I trust in His promises. This stuff doesn't define who I am or what I am capable of but it def has played a significant role in my relationship with Christ over the years. See, the beauty of circumstance comes when you can stamp out the difference between God's voice and satan's lies. Satan has told me before that I am sick. God is quick to rebuke that statement with the understanding that my life is alive and complete in Him. When you discern the promises of the Gospel Truth you can then truly appreciate the grace that we are given. Me? I could drown under the grace that God pours out over me. Luckily, He washes me in it rather than makes me tread frantically beneath it.

The only reason you would know I have anything like this going on in my life is if you are a close bestie of mine. I don't talk about it much because I feel 99% fine most -if not all- of the time. Isn't that rad? Jesus will be the Healer you desire if you let Him be. Make no mistake, I still have this "condition" and sometimes it causes me pain but how my body responds to it and how I react- totally God at work.

Anyway, after the blood was drawn I finally let myself breathe. God must giggle at me quite often. I openly admit that I get anxious over things I can not control at times. While I was waiting on the Dr. to come back in for his final words - I began thinking again... but this time... not about medical things but rather the spiritual condition of my heart. That's the most important thing that I would want people to know about me. Do I reflect Jesus in my daily walk? Am I an example of Christ's character via my actions and speech? My desire is to let His light shine through me. Alone - this wouldn't be possible but the Holy Spirit can totally use you & me to be lights in this dark world, let Him do work!

A few simple questions to ask yourself:
1) where do you find your worth
2) where are your thoughts
3) what is your focus/mission
4) do you pray - often - daily

I share this because I think we all need heart check-ups.
Don't wait until you feel sick to evaluate the condition of your heart.

Check it often. Stay accountable.

<3

ps Just got results back from my tests on Monday and my cholesterol went down. Best results I've had in a long time, yep - it's looking good :-) Praise if you get a chance for this is truly a situation to stand up and give thanks.

welcome to my saturday

Sabbath time, swimming, laundry, waho with my mom & aunt, starbucks, watched a movie, guitar action and then more time with Jesus.

obviously, im not on my way to boston (of course... a part of me wishes i wasn't 25 and able to go... since that's my fav city -other than cola- to kick it in) but i absolutely had a great day here. a day of "make no plans until they happen" proved successful!

kp

beauty in the breakdown

just a few thoughts in my head..

i stand before you a sinner redeemed through crimson grace...
God's sacrifice of Jesus, removes the dirt that once stained my face...

beauty from the breakdown:
God working in hearts and rescuing people from death to everlasting life.

bruised from failure now stronger from hardships
fractured by separation now complete in Christ
broken by lies now firm in the truth
sore from doubt now rebuilt in faith
torn by guilt now redeemed by conviction
cut from pride now clothed in humility


"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

God, I love you.
Thank you!

kp

from inside the looking glass

it is one of those nights where it felt right to sit back and reflect.

tonight I focus on my singleness and what God has been teaching me - esp over the last year. i examine, what i am doing with my time and if I am serving with everything i have - to seeing His kingdom grow.

i want to follow scripture. i want to one day be the wife that I hope that God will bless me to be. for now - the Lord says, "kristie, focus on Me and fret not about timing for My timing is perfect and worth the wait. promise"

while you were sleeping

It was 4:30am and I couldn't sleep... so I thought I'd mess with some new edit features on my moviemakermedia.

basically.. while you were sleeping... I did this for kicks:

God... please check yes or no.

In true commercialized holiday fashion, if you are single - you are probably more aware of your status during the month of February than any other month of the year. Point blank: I am single and yes, I am well aware.

You may know this about me already but I am pretty anti-hallmark for two reasons.
1) I like to make my own cards for friends.
2) I am not a fan of marketing on someone's emotions

So now that we've got commercialism out of the way, lets talk about the awareness aspect. My advice? Try not to let the reality of your singleness consume your heart/thought-life. This may be a foreign concept to you but singleness is actually a gift - not a curse. From a Biblical standpoint - think of this season of your life as a time where God is molding, shaping and preparing you for what will bring Him the most glory. (and c'mon, that's a pretty special place to be... you are meant for great things through Jesus!)

Here is a bit of perspective: Ok so you know how at Christmas you always get that one gift that you could have done without? Well, a lot of people feel that way about their gift of singleness. Here is a perspective that shakes me every time I let a thought like that creep into my mind:

Your doubt reflects your trust in God. (I know right. Simple but true.)

It's so hard to be patient when you establish to yourself that you like someone. You then analyze everything to a point where even the word "hey" could be taken in like 7 different ways. I'm a girl so I'll speak to girls... girls - just do your thing and be yourself. Trust God. Trust that He knows what is BEST for you and that if you wait, He'll show you what that means. Don't settle. And hey, if you like someone - pray about it, pray for him, tell your close friends and trust their discernment. Don't pursue him and cheapen it. Give it to God and be patient. That man will step-up if he is supposed to.. right?

I can't speak on behalf of guys but according to my friends.. when they actively prayed for finding a wife, they found one. Each story I know centers around them finding their wives from already established friendships that God gave the green light on. They would say to other guys: If you like someone - pray about her, have close friends pray/discern the potential relationship, pray for clarity... and then either pursue or move on. Random aside: If a friend suggests for you to consider dating someone - that's great but just be careful not to give your friend expectations of God. Take it to Him.

If you like someone - take your vision list to God and ask him to check yes or no on this person. If you aren't sure of who this person is.. ask for Him to open your eyes to discovering this person.. then.. pray. wait. respond accordingly. In the meantime, trust that God knows what you need and let Him provide. Take advantage of your gift.. you never know when God will be around the corner waiting to give you another gift. And I'll be the first one to admit that I'm excited about that day.

- kp -

in short: don't get so focused on your frustrations that you miss out on all the blessings.

do you know?

Do you know.. that I'm a dork at best?

*pause project playlist to the right*
*que ping-pong song*



<3
-kp-

something to sing about

After lifegroup, I sit in my den for about an hour or two and just - reflect.

Tonight as I sat in the den - I couldn't help but notice my freshly tuned guitar awaiting my attention. After having a staring contest with it... I realized that the only songs I thought of... I had no clue how to play. Well, God def sparked something in my heart. Words came to my mind and after writing them down.. it came out like a sing/songish prayer. I don't know about you... but I love when God does things like that. I wanted something to sing so He helped me to just simply articulate my thoughts.

I titled it, "Something to Sing About"

To be more of You and less of me
break my heart consistently
For it’s You I long for, You I need
Protect me from complacency

cause it's You I long for
It's You I need
Be my, be my
everything

To lose myself in search of You
Reveal to me your unfailing truth
Speak to me and consume my thoughts
Fuel my compassion to reach the lost

(repeat chorus)

To never forget the weight of sin
And the price You paid to let me live
Redemption pours down and Your blessings flow
You my God, I desperately follow.

(repeat chorus)

-kp-