Have you ever noticed that people are in our lives for a season? As much as we promise our best friend who moved across country that we'll never loose touch, inevitably, it happens. But even distance isn't the only reason we loose touch with our loved ones. Sometimes it's in God's will for us to surrender our relationships because He needs to use us in someone else's life, and the others need to be used to reach those around them. If you'll stretch yourself to think about this, I believe God sometimes removes people from your life because you've idolized them and it's become too unhealthy spiritually, physically, or both.
The Bible says there is a time and season for everything under the sun, and we need to learn to be okay with that. We need to learn to let go. The relationships in our lives are gifts from our Heavenly Father. He gives and takes away, and He can do that because He's God. He knows what's best for us and who we need in our lives during each season.
When someone close to you is transitioning, or even moves away, and you fear that you'll loose touch, seek God's heart first to make sure He even wants you in that person's life anymore, at the same level of relationship. You have to remember that yourr connections with believers are always eternal, so you'll see them again in Heaven, but God may choose to separate you and your loved one for a period of time, or even the rest of the time on Earth. That doesn't mean your memories stop, or that you can't stop by the new place if you're in the area, or even that God has rejected you. It just means that God knows you better than you know yourself and had you in close relationship with a special person for a season that is now overdue.
I've heard God tell me He wants me to support my loved one's transition in any way I can, and it wasn't until weeks later that He revealed His plan for the relationship to me. I still talk with my old church family in Pennsylvania and communicate with them from time to time, but they are not my primary family anymore--my new church in Virginia Beach is. I was spiritually nourished, encouraged and developed in that church, but it was time to move on to something greater God had for me. When I lost those close relationships in Pennsylvania, Abba immediately brought the right people into my life in Virginia Beach. You have to understand that if He takes you out of a season, there's always a new one awaiting you. Remember that as believers, we are created to be in community with one another, so if you find you're not building relationships as soon as you thought, don't wait around for people to invite themselves into your life. Be intentional about spending time with people who can teach and edify you.
I've realized recently that God is stripping me of those who were in my life for a season. For the longest time I've been trying to figure out why a lot of people in my life disappeared and seemed to have "backed out on me". God revealed to me that they were in my life for a season--and that season is overdue. Recently, I've been noticing that I'm around an entirely different group of people than I've been this past year. New people came into my life, and I'm growing and developing even more with them. Sure I miss my old friends here, a lot actually, but if we aren't as close as we used to be it's probably either because life just got too busy and we neglected our relationship, or they were just in my life for a season.
If you're hurting and feel like you've been forgotten, neglected and denied by those you love because of seasons in their life, remember that it's likely just as hard for them as it is for you to let go. You may feel like you mean nothing to those you adore for a time, but you must remember that you mean EVERYTHING to Someone who has promised to never leave you. Use that time to make Him your everything!
Whatever the case, you have to trust that God brings people into your life for a reason and a season. If there's something He needs to get across to you through someone who's surrendered, He'll cross your paths. Same goes for those in your life God has entrusted you to minister to and spend quality time with. He doesn't just use your current relationships; there are ones awaiting you that you have no idea about just yet. Embrace the seasons in your life, and remember what God has worked in and through you in those seasons. Learn to be satisfied in Christ alone if God chooses to keep you in a "dry" season for a short time. Like John Piper said, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him :)
Monday, September 1, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
A night in jail? Or God's favor? .... I pick God's favor!
Wow, I never thought I'd come so close to being thrown in prison! Katie and I decided we wanted to be bad tonight, since we don't get to do it very often, so we intentionally sat at a forbidden lake.... I'm KIDDING! Well, about the being bad and "intentional" part ;)
We grabbed Starbucks and wanted to find a nice place outside to sit and chat for a while. We hadn't seen each other for over a month and Kate thought we should check out Lake Christopher......... BAD IDEA! (but I still love ya, girl, ha)
It was dark when we got there, and since we were already talking, we didn't even think about looking for signs at the lake. We saw another couple sitting by the water, so we figured it was okay. (Another bad idea) We also had no idea it was illegal to be at that particular lake if you didn't live in that neighborhood...
We'd been talking for about an hour an a half when an extremely vicious (and I mean VICIOUS, she had no mark of mercy on her) officer walked up to us and told us we were breaking the law by trespassing. I asked her if we missed signs, and with the cauckiest attitude I've ever experienced she said "uh, yeah, about three of them over there"... Then she commanded us to get our ID's, which were in my car (which I also couldn't find at the time because we had walked so far, which also did not look very good on my part). On my way over, my spirit told me Virginia law is much different than Pennsylvania law (HA..HA.... re-heally, Kellie?) so I prayed for favor with this mean lady as I grabbed our purses. When I got back her personality completely changed; she was like "You're lucky I'm in a good mood now for some reason, otherwise you'da been fined $2500, arrested and thrown in prison for a year for criminal trespassing... I need you to sign this as a suspect, but it's just a warning. If I see you again, I won't be so nice" ....... ??!!!!! What??!!! I started praising Jesus in my head as I nodded and said "yes, mam"!
Katie and I looked at each other and smiled because we so knew we both just individually prayed for favor and got it. Whew, those "arrow" prayers that Nehemiah shot to heaven during his talk with the king are POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE! Just like the prayer of a righteous man! I hope I mean something to you and you're as grateful as I am that I'm not locked up for a year ;)
Lesson learned? God's favor is incredible (as always) and, ALWAYS LOOK FOR SIGNS!!!! ;)
We grabbed Starbucks and wanted to find a nice place outside to sit and chat for a while. We hadn't seen each other for over a month and Kate thought we should check out Lake Christopher......... BAD IDEA! (but I still love ya, girl, ha)
It was dark when we got there, and since we were already talking, we didn't even think about looking for signs at the lake. We saw another couple sitting by the water, so we figured it was okay. (Another bad idea) We also had no idea it was illegal to be at that particular lake if you didn't live in that neighborhood...
We'd been talking for about an hour an a half when an extremely vicious (and I mean VICIOUS, she had no mark of mercy on her) officer walked up to us and told us we were breaking the law by trespassing. I asked her if we missed signs, and with the cauckiest attitude I've ever experienced she said "uh, yeah, about three of them over there"... Then she commanded us to get our ID's, which were in my car (which I also couldn't find at the time because we had walked so far, which also did not look very good on my part). On my way over, my spirit told me Virginia law is much different than Pennsylvania law (HA..HA.... re-heally, Kellie?) so I prayed for favor with this mean lady as I grabbed our purses. When I got back her personality completely changed; she was like "You're lucky I'm in a good mood now for some reason, otherwise you'da been fined $2500, arrested and thrown in prison for a year for criminal trespassing... I need you to sign this as a suspect, but it's just a warning. If I see you again, I won't be so nice" ....... ??!!!!! What??!!! I started praising Jesus in my head as I nodded and said "yes, mam"!
Katie and I looked at each other and smiled because we so knew we both just individually prayed for favor and got it. Whew, those "arrow" prayers that Nehemiah shot to heaven during his talk with the king are POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE! Just like the prayer of a righteous man! I hope I mean something to you and you're as grateful as I am that I'm not locked up for a year ;)
Lesson learned? God's favor is incredible (as always) and, ALWAYS LOOK FOR SIGNS!!!! ;)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Needed to be loved by others?
So, yeah, God's love is SUFFICIENT, but I'm learning more about that "needed to be loved by others" thing... like, the whole purpose of the church thing... haha
I guess since I've known the Lord, I've never thought about what it would be like to loose my church family, be without them or apart from them for a time. I've been in ministry since I met the Lord, so others are always in my life, for me to pour into. And I love it. But it's not always the other way around (this is why I hate when Life Groups and Bible studies break for extensive amounts of time). That's one of the many struggles of being in ministry alone (as in personal, individual ministry God has burdened my own heart for). Please hear me, I'm not saying being in the secret place with Jesus isn't enough; I'm simply saying the need to be loved by others is totally natural, and when that's lacking, I lack.
But right now, I kinda feel like "okay, what happened? where did you all go?" It's like everyone fell off the face of the Earth at the hardest time in my life (many who I consider close to me, anyway). Life changes, transitions happen and people just get busy--it's expected, and I understand that. And people are in our earthly life for a season, not always forever. Maybe that's just a little hard for me to understand right now, especially when I need friends the most and they've seemed to vanish.
Although I don't like that busyness has infected my friendships (on my part, too), this is certainly a good place to be. Like I always say, "It's me and Jesus, baby!" haha I know since I'm dependent upon God He'll fill me to the overflow, for ALL my needs, but also, I understand that need to be loved and needed by others is still very much real, and very much felt, or non-felt in my case right now. I hate to say it this way because it sounds so terrible, but I'm beginning to feel what some people say they feel when they leave the church--betrayed or abandoned by those who claim to be Christ's love on the Earth. (Please don't think this is my way of saying I'm abandoning God and leaving the church--it is totally not! I am NOT going anywhere--My wired spirit is gripping God too tight!) I'm just saying that I feel like I'm identifying with how they feel a little bit. And it doesn't feel good.
Rachel and I were talking the other day and she mentioned the Five Love Languages. Since I haven't read the book and have no idea what they are I told her she needed to spill the beans ;) If this even is one, I'd have to say one of mine is definately that when I get invited to a get together by someone I know, love and trust, I feel completely adored and loved. When I don't, and I hear about get togethers that I wasn't invited to, or see my friends hanging out without me, especially by those I consider to be good friends, it doesn't make me feel valued by them. And it hurts. I'm someone who receives affirmation well in action. So when someone makes a clear effort to invite me somewhere, I feel incredibly loved, but when it's a last minute invitation once the party's started, I don't feel loved. When someone does something for me, it means everything (Jesus demonstrated that perfectly on the cross). Sure I'll gladly go, but I don't feel like the person thought about actually wanting me to be there, and that pierces my heart.
This has really made me examine MY level of friendship and support to the "others" in my own life. I am surely one of "those" that I'm referring to; I know some relationships that have been compromised in my own life due to school, work, and life in general. I know it's not easy to keep up with so many people. I'm just praying, "Lord, show me the balance..."
It's still good to know that my God is with me and that He'll never leave me or forsake me. He wants Kellie time, and Kellie wants Jesus time.
...Do you ever notice how He uses your passions to re-fuel your spirit? I got invited to ride with some friends at the ranch tomorrow... ah, being at the ranch with the horses is enough to make me smile :) Daddy knows what I need before I even ask Him ;)
I guess since I've known the Lord, I've never thought about what it would be like to loose my church family, be without them or apart from them for a time. I've been in ministry since I met the Lord, so others are always in my life, for me to pour into. And I love it. But it's not always the other way around (this is why I hate when Life Groups and Bible studies break for extensive amounts of time). That's one of the many struggles of being in ministry alone (as in personal, individual ministry God has burdened my own heart for). Please hear me, I'm not saying being in the secret place with Jesus isn't enough; I'm simply saying the need to be loved by others is totally natural, and when that's lacking, I lack.
But right now, I kinda feel like "okay, what happened? where did you all go?" It's like everyone fell off the face of the Earth at the hardest time in my life (many who I consider close to me, anyway). Life changes, transitions happen and people just get busy--it's expected, and I understand that. And people are in our earthly life for a season, not always forever. Maybe that's just a little hard for me to understand right now, especially when I need friends the most and they've seemed to vanish.
Although I don't like that busyness has infected my friendships (on my part, too), this is certainly a good place to be. Like I always say, "It's me and Jesus, baby!" haha I know since I'm dependent upon God He'll fill me to the overflow, for ALL my needs, but also, I understand that need to be loved and needed by others is still very much real, and very much felt, or non-felt in my case right now. I hate to say it this way because it sounds so terrible, but I'm beginning to feel what some people say they feel when they leave the church--betrayed or abandoned by those who claim to be Christ's love on the Earth. (Please don't think this is my way of saying I'm abandoning God and leaving the church--it is totally not! I am NOT going anywhere--My wired spirit is gripping God too tight!) I'm just saying that I feel like I'm identifying with how they feel a little bit. And it doesn't feel good.
Rachel and I were talking the other day and she mentioned the Five Love Languages. Since I haven't read the book and have no idea what they are I told her she needed to spill the beans ;) If this even is one, I'd have to say one of mine is definately that when I get invited to a get together by someone I know, love and trust, I feel completely adored and loved. When I don't, and I hear about get togethers that I wasn't invited to, or see my friends hanging out without me, especially by those I consider to be good friends, it doesn't make me feel valued by them. And it hurts. I'm someone who receives affirmation well in action. So when someone makes a clear effort to invite me somewhere, I feel incredibly loved, but when it's a last minute invitation once the party's started, I don't feel loved. When someone does something for me, it means everything (Jesus demonstrated that perfectly on the cross). Sure I'll gladly go, but I don't feel like the person thought about actually wanting me to be there, and that pierces my heart.
This has really made me examine MY level of friendship and support to the "others" in my own life. I am surely one of "those" that I'm referring to; I know some relationships that have been compromised in my own life due to school, work, and life in general. I know it's not easy to keep up with so many people. I'm just praying, "Lord, show me the balance..."
It's still good to know that my God is with me and that He'll never leave me or forsake me. He wants Kellie time, and Kellie wants Jesus time.
...Do you ever notice how He uses your passions to re-fuel your spirit? I got invited to ride with some friends at the ranch tomorrow... ah, being at the ranch with the horses is enough to make me smile :) Daddy knows what I need before I even ask Him ;)
A soothing night... you should try this
You should really think about keeping worship music playing in your room or apartment all the time... last night my roomates were up until 3am laughing and goofing off (gotta love 'em, they're young freshman enjoying their new college experience), but I just wanted to have a peaceful night to feel God's presence and fall asleep thinking about Him, so I played worship music all night. I laid in my bed and couldn't help but smile... it felt so good to think about Daddy, talk to Him, and fall asleep knowing His angels were encamped around me. I woke up this morning feeling so refreshed and well rested.
I think I found a new cure for sleep apnea ;)
I think I found a new cure for sleep apnea ;)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Worshipping with Eddie J
...Eddie J & his ministry from IHOP led worship tonight at church. It was the final celebration for the month of prayer. And WOW, I can't even describe it. It was incredible. Although lately, I've been feeling a shift in my spiritual and natural life--I'm not as energetic or crazy as I usually am. Maybe it's just because of all that's going on, or maybe it's a spiritual season God is harvesting, but while everyone else was jumping around, laughing in the Spirit, and dancing, all I felt the need to do was stand there and worship. There's nothing wrong with that, but it stirred me because I'm like "Lord, this isn't the Kellie I'm used to... " Usually I'd be the craziest one there haha Maybe He's teaching me reverence... and just wanting me to rest and reflect. Shortly after, I heard Him tell me to pour out what He's poured into me--He told me to go to the alter and pray over those who were there. I'm like "hmm, okay, you haven't asked this in a while, but yep, I'm all over it" So when I got to the alter, the prophetic poured OUT of me! God was ministering to people left and right through me; it was powerful! Lots of tears and and confirmations. Whew, work it, Daddy, work it!
Things are looking up!
God has proved Himself faithful yet again!
I started to get really concerned about the fact that my pot of money is about to run out, and as hard as it was, I just kept telling myself that my God would take care of me. (I love how making yourself praise Him builds your faith.. it's absolutely beautiful) With every last breath I had, I was speaking in faith that He is more than my rock, refuge and shelter; He is my provider. He knew I really did not want to tap into my "marriage/college" fund ;)
Found three checks in the mail... they will hold me over for another month until I get a job :) Thank-you, Daddy!
And, so many people have been offering to buy or make me a meal (particularly guys... I guess all you have to do to get a guy to ask you out is proclaim your poorness haha). I haven't had to buy groceries for a few weeks--THAT is a miracle considering I go to the store every week! It's really incredible! Lelia prayed over me a few weeks ago asking God to burden people to provide meals for me--I think He an
swered ;)
Seriously, do we REALLY have reason to doubt our God? No, we don't. He promises to be faithful, ALL the time. And He is!
My buddy, Jonathan, took me out for dinner, a night of "pirate" put-put at the oceanfront and a stroll along the beach last night. I really needed it. Could I ask for better friends?!?!
I started to get really concerned about the fact that my pot of money is about to run out, and as hard as it was, I just kept telling myself that my God would take care of me. (I love how making yourself praise Him builds your faith.. it's absolutely beautiful) With every last breath I had, I was speaking in faith that He is more than my rock, refuge and shelter; He is my provider. He knew I really did not want to tap into my "marriage/college" fund ;)
Found three checks in the mail... they will hold me over for another month until I get a job :) Thank-you, Daddy!
And, so many people have been offering to buy or make me a meal (particularly guys... I guess all you have to do to get a guy to ask you out is proclaim your poorness haha). I haven't had to buy groceries for a few weeks--THAT is a miracle considering I go to the store every week! It's really incredible! Lelia prayed over me a few weeks ago asking God to burden people to provide meals for me--I think He an
swered ;)Seriously, do we REALLY have reason to doubt our God? No, we don't. He promises to be faithful, ALL the time. And He is!
My buddy, Jonathan, took me out for dinner, a night of "pirate" put-put at the oceanfront and a stroll along the beach last night. I really needed it. Could I ask for better friends?!?!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Living with transition...Prophetic Word! Part 4
Oh my gosh... I was flipping through some old journals tonight and found an entry I made on January, 6, 2008:
"When I was at home for Christmas this year, God woke me up one night at 3am and told me 'The church will go through a period of trial and pain', so I immediately began praying for us. ...When I was at One Thing (a conference in Kansas City) He said 'I'm about to shake the earth' and I've been feeling this in my spirit for about 3 months prior--that He's doing something HUGE in '08. Later, the leaders at OneThing said "God is about to shake us and the Earth!' I feel like He's called me to intercede for so many different things it's crazy! Crazy good!"
I believe that trial and pain has hit a lot of the church--I've been hearing non-stop about church members walking through tremendous trials and pain, and I am included. God's moving big time, people! Be prepared!
"When I was at home for Christmas this year, God woke me up one night at 3am and told me 'The church will go through a period of trial and pain', so I immediately began praying for us. ...When I was at One Thing (a conference in Kansas City) He said 'I'm about to shake the earth' and I've been feeling this in my spirit for about 3 months prior--that He's doing something HUGE in '08. Later, the leaders at OneThing said "God is about to shake us and the Earth!' I feel like He's called me to intercede for so many different things it's crazy! Crazy good!"
I believe that trial and pain has hit a lot of the church--I've been hearing non-stop about church members walking through tremendous trials and pain, and I am included. God's moving big time, people! Be prepared!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)