Monday, March 29, 2010

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.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

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

Monday, March 22, 2010

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-

Friday, March 12, 2010

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.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

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

Monday, March 1, 2010

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"