Out of Focus

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#GodIsGreat, Bible, Chrisitan, Chrisitianity, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Devotion, Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, God, Grace, Inspiration, Journal, journey, Life, Morning Musings, parenting, prayer, Quiet Time, Scripture

OUT OF FOCUS

³⁸ Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; ⁴² but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:38-42 NASB)

But Martha was distracted by all her preparations

In the amplified it reads…But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!

This rang true to my heart maybe because of the “busy-ness” of my days maybe because I tend to be like Martha.  I start out with great intentions but then my focus deviates and I begin to fret… thinking this has to be just-so, and that needs to be done. My priorities may somehow get a bit out of focus.

The kids have homework (which means they need my attention and help at times).  I need to spend time with both and listen well to what happened in their day.  Then of course,  they have clubs, classes,  sport practices & games….we have to be here for this or there for that (even when you limit the activities of your children, there is still so much to do). There is this event happening at the church and I really want to go.  My friend calls and wants to catch up over lunch, I would absolutely LOVE to… but where will I find the time?!

Oh and then there is “this” that is not finished or “that” which STILL needs to be done, “oooh look at this house what a disaster”.  Overwhelming thoughts – I must be the only mom who can’t possibly do all that needs to be done (nor do it well).  Are my kids the only one who can be in a clean room for 5 minutes and it look like a Tornado has left a path of destruction and chaos?! 😛   Why does it all seem to hit like a tidal wave, all at once?  How can I be expected to get all of this done? Is it EVEN HUMANLY possible??   Yikes!! Frustration overload  Just like Martha my vexation overflows – and it spills out in my attitude,  my actions, and my words (Sadly).

I can completely relate.  I too have an ever-growing list of concerns that over occupy and make me too busy- it distracts me and keeps me from focusing on what is best. From what/WHO should be FIRST.

Reflecting on the passage – I know she had many preparations – she had invited guests in her home and wanted to provide for them during their stay and make them comfortable. However, if Martha continued in her over-busy-ness with her complete focus on getting her “to-do” list (her own agenda) done, then what would she or anyone else remember from this visit?  Her frustrations? Her snippy attitude and remarks (maybe even complaining)? Would she be so self focused because of her frustration that she wouldn’t even enjoy her time with the Son of God? Serving others, keeping your home well, hosting guests, etc are all wonderful. However they can’t be our focus.  We must realize that all things here, on the earth, are temporal and fleeting.  What truly matters are not temporal things. 

In a quite distressed moment with Jesus  she overflows with frustration and anxiety.  Jesus’s reply is merciful, patient and loving.   He simply and matter-of-fact states the TRUTH.  Jesus points out that her point of view is “off”… her focus is the wrong direction.  She is consumed worrying and stressing over on the wrong things (temporary, minor details)  Her agenda and her mind were focusing ONLY on the here & now. Her focus needed to be redirected to the will of God.

It is easy to be consumed in the busy minor details.  Would it be that we seek God today and let him show us when our focus is off.  That we would have an open mind to hear him when he reveals that we are on a path after our own agenda instead of one that he is leading.  Let us desire to have our minds, our eyes, our energy and our focus on what is MOST important….

 

*********************

Thank you for checking our my Studio Felicity Inspirations Blog today….

You can also check out my personal blog at  https://kymberleeblogs.wordpress.com/

Through A Valley

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#Valleyofthesheep, balance, Christian, Devotion, Encouragement, Faith, fitness, forgiveness, God, Grace, health, Inspiration, Journal, Life, lifestyle, Musings, proverbs31obs, valley

Near Still Waters

I read the words then re-read the words over and over mulling over them in my mind.

“In the valley of the sheep, David learned to depend on God. God’s presence, provision, and power accompanied David wherever he went and people could see it.” … “Maybe you’re in your own valley of sheep right now. Maybe you think you are going unnoticed and your assignment is not what you want it to be. Just remember we must go through the valley, where we humble ourselves before God, before we can go out for God…” – Derwin L. Gray in his book Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future

Had David not spent time in the valley with the sheep and experiencing what God had for him in the valley would he have become the courageous person who faced the giant? I am sure that he gained wisdom in the valley that he would draw from years later when he was king. We can all take courage that our God is infinite and awesome exceeding human expectation. Now, not all of us will be king, nor will we all take our place in history for slaying a philistine giant. However we do have dreams God has placed in our hearts and we all have/will have valleys where we can humble ourselves, drawing closer to God, gaining wisdom and experience. We don’t know what the future holds for any of us but we can be sure of one who does.

A few years ago, I began a weight loss journey through eating and fitness modifications. My weight loss in less than a year was about 130+ pounds. From that point I continued to learn from many wonderful trainers and friends more about nutrition and fitness. I began to realize I had a passion for helping and encouraging others to pursue fitness and health. I enrolled in a program to become a personal trainer.

Then my path was diverted. My children experienced some health issues, my finances tightened further, and I began to inexplicably gain some weight. I had not made changes in my eating nor alterations to my fitness endeavors but I was gaining weight and becoming totally frustrated. In total I gained almost 30 pounds. We tested for a variety of possible explainable health causes to weight gain – but Nothing. Nothing that is except stress. Stress, worry, and anxiety have repercussions on a body as well as mind.

As I sat in my frustration I also looked over my life – Wow I had become COMPLETELY out of Balance. My eating was very rigid (more of an extremely restrictive diet than a plan I could live with the rest of my life). My kids were great about my gym time and encouraged me. The gym had a daycare the kids could hang out while I worked out which is great. However I was always on-the-go hurrying here to there. Yes they saw the value “I” placed on fitness and being healthy but for my family was I helping them to be active and healthy? There was way too much emphasis on the “I”. Where was our quality time? Was my life teaching them proper perspective? Please don’t read this wrong… I believe in hitting the gym, working out and staying fit. And I DO believe everybody, parents included (especially us single parents) need some “me” time –and gym time is a great stress reliever for me. But I had taken it beyond “me” time to an EXTREME- and it needed to be adjusted.

I paused in my pursuit of being a personal trainer – I felt inept.

This year was the breaking year for me; with better balance I began to again pursue my fitness and health goals with my kids along side. Instead of pursuing self –glorification, I choose now to seek after honoring God more through my fitness and nutrition endeavors. In stewardship, I want to take care of the body I have been given. I still hit a gym when I can- and I work out at home. I’ve been able to shed many of the pounds I had regained. Moreover, I am eating more balanced and living life a bit more fully.

A couple months back, someone asked me whether I ever finished the personal training certification – I dropped my head and said “no”. In my heart I still had the calling, the passion to encourage and help others but because of the set backs I had allowed myself to be defeated. I had just a couple weeks left to finish the course but had no intention to do so – self doubt and fear can be very crippling. A few days later, my daughter and I were discussing the personal training. I rattled my excuses… my gaining a some of the lost pounds back and my frustration with it, my desire to be closer to my goals, and every other reason I could think that would cause me to fail. This child is my cheerleader in every sense of the word it is a gift God has blessed her with. In her sweet way she can speak words that hit me directly in the heart. “Mom, I guess I don’t understand….Don’t other people have the same struggles? Don’t they get frustrated? But then that means you “get it” – you’ve been there and come through it… Right?? You can understand and help them…” This mom just had to stand there with her mouth open- WOW!!! Why did it take my daughter to speak it for me to see it?

So one week before the expiration of the personal training course I still had to pass a few more chapter tests, the finals, and work studies in hopes to get the certification. Again, God blessed and saw me through it successfully. The last piece, a CPR/AED certificate, has to be in place for me to be able to say that I have my completed ISSA Personal Trainer Certification and that class is scheduled for this upcoming Saturday. While I know, I am still a work in progress – (but aren’t we all?)- I am excited to see what the future holds and very thankful that the dream he placed was not allowed to just fall to the wayside to later become a regret or “what if”. I am hopeful, maybe God can use me, to inspire and encourage others as they face similar struggles in their lives.

Then and Now Then and Now

While I CANNOT say my venture through this valley the last couple of years has been pleasant or fun, I CAN say it was humbling and needed. I can look back and say that the trip through the valley made me come to the realization that I didn’t have all the answers and had absolutely no control. It required me to put away pride,(that had seeped in and taken hold) look up, and place it all in God’s hands, seeking him for direction and answers. Today, with complete sincerity of heart, I can tell you – I am thankful for the journey through this valley. I am thankful for what I am learning everyday.

Check out my other blog Kymberlee Blogs and my website: Studio Felicity.com

Kymberlee Blogs       Studio Felicity

You can also follow me on Twitter 🙂 ~Kymberlee

May I encourage you to also check into the Proverbs 31 Bible Study & Blog Hop

On Line Bible Study: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies

Blog Hop: http://proverbs31.org/images/OBSBlogHop

(((Repost from my personal blog May 30 2014)))

 

Mountain Air

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Christian, Christianity, Devotion, Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Journal, journey, Life, Morning Musings, Musings

 

 

Sovereign in the Mountain Air-
a view from Clingmans Dome

I enjoy hiking and on a recent trip to the mountains we visited Clingmans Dome.  I just stood there gazing at the beauty of God’s Creation. …

As I looked out over the view the words to this song played over and over in my mind ….

so I thought I would share this inspiration with you….

Sovereign in the mountain air
Sovereign on the ocean floor
With me in the calm
With me in the storm

Sovereign in my greatest joy
Sovereign in my deepest cry
With me in the dark
With me at the dawn

In your everlasting arms
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end
I can trust you

In your never failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

Sovereign in the mountain air
Sovereign on the ocean floor
With me in the calm
With me in the storm

Sovereign in my greatest joy
Sovereign in my deepest cry
With me in the dark
With me at the dawn

In your everlasting arms
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end
I can trust you

In your never failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

All my hopes
All I need
Held in your hands

All my life
All of me
Held in your hands

All my fears
All my dreams
Held in your hands

All my hopes
All I need
Held in your hands

All my life
All of me
Held in your hands

All my fears
All my dreams
Held in your hands

In your everlasting arms
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end
I can trust you

In your never failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

 Isn’t it beautiful?  From Beginning to the End – I CAN trust Him!

I don’t always understand the pieces, the twists, the turns and even some of the brokenness that comes about in my life and in the lives of those close to me but I can know that through it all I CAN Trust Him.

take a listen below…

Sovereign by Chris Tomblin – Youtube video by Kristen Herr

 

Another View from Clingmans Dome

 

Why make a Studio Felicity Inspirations blog? It’s all about the journey

Tags

Bible, Faith, God, Grace, hope, Jesus, Journal, journey, Life, Philippians, prayer

I enjoy when I get the opportunity to study in the Bible, to worship with my fellow Christians, read books by Christian authors, listen to songs of faith, and spending time with God in prayer.

This does not make me perfect.   This does not make me “better than” another person or any more “righteous” than another.

I am NO saint.  My words aren’t perfect, Nor are my actions always best.

I am just like any other person …. I have good and I have bad.

It’s a progressive Journey, Not always easy, There will be some wrong turns -There are valleys, streams, mountains & trails … But it’s a beautiful Journey!

I can make a GRAND mess of things!

I sometimes have a shorter fuse than I’d like to admit.  Sometimes I would be better to hold my tongue with patience than to respond quickly.

 I don’t always choose wisely. 

I have failed and continue to have days where I wish I had handled/reacted to things very differently.

But it’s Okay – GOD STILL LOVES ME  (and He Loves You too) – Even at our Absolute Worst!!! – Nothing that happens is a surprise to him!

I enjoy sharing my faith journey.  I write from the heart and from experience.  

To be quite honest with you it took some soul-searching, prayer,  and time to consider whether to make Christian posts and put my faith out on social media.  In my initial planning of Studio Felicity Inspirations page a mere status post comment brought a quick out-lash from a self-proclaimed atheist which took me by surprise, so I procrastinated..

1- I feel inept at what to post at times.

2- I realize that posts of faith and religious views can be a real barrier for people and can an easy area of offense.

3- I sin – <sigh> There, I said it – I admit it….  We all do! – Even after we profess and intend for God to be the Lord of our lives, sin sneaks in on us all.  Life doesn’t necessarily become easier.  Daily, we continue to strive toward becoming more like Christ.  I pray that in my humanity I would not become a stumbling block for others.

My hope is that God would use the Studio Felicity Inspirations page to encourage others to read, pray, study God’s word and bring the message of grace to hearts that need a word of hope.

((Philippians 3: 9-12 *NASB : and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from  the  Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which  comes  from God on the basis of faith,  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;  Not that I have already obtained  it  or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.))

Philippians 3:9-12 (Amp)  :  And that I may [actually] be found  and  known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.  [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]  Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp)  and  make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me  and  made me His own. 

My Application….

I want to be found in Christ and others to be able to see Christ reflected in my life.  Not for anything that I have done, not for anything I have obtained, Not for any rules that I follow, Not for putting a check in the box beside all the things a “Christian” should do, Not for any effort on my part.  There is NOTHING- ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that I could do to become in right standing with our Holy God.  I can not be “GOOD ENOUGH” to EARN good standing with God.  I can only posses that righteousness through God’s grace.  By my coming to him through saving faith in who he is and what he has done for me.  My purpose is to become more acquainted to Christ –  it’s a progressive journey that will continue as long as I breathe.

 You remember the song from childhood… “He’s still working on me – to make me what I ought to be”–  well, I’m not there yet and by the looks of things there’s still quite a bit of work ahead.

– I desire my life to reflect more of Christ every day but this is a daily struggle with my own sin nature, my own weakness, my own pride, and my own heart.  I am NOT perfect and WILL FAIL and FALL (and so will each of you). I am so very thankful for a forgiving and merciful Lord.

** As a background note:  I grew up Conservative Southern Baptist and only read the KJV.  However as I have learned to delve into scripture to gain understanding I research in a variety of versions when I study.  I like to consider  KJV  alongside the NKJV, NASB, NIV for their ease of reading.  Often, I will consult and reference commentaries, studies, and the Amplified.  I realize that many have definite opinions about which version to use and some are mixed. In my postings,  I am not going to fixate on a specific translation of the Bible. Instead, I,  intend to focus my attention to what God would have me learn from the verses he has provided and how I might apply it to my life.

Speak …. L I F E

Tags

Bible, Chrisitianity, Christ, Christian, Devotion, Encouragement, Faith, God, Inspiration, Journal, Life, Love, Morning Musings, Musings, Scripture

Some days, life feels perfect.
Other days it just ain’t workin’.
The good, the bad, the right, the wrong
And everything in between.

Its crazy, amazing
We can turn a heart with the words we say…

Some days the tongue gets twisted;
Other days my thoughts just fall apart.
I do, I don’t, I will, I won’t,
It’s like I’m drowning in the deep.

Well it crazy to imagine,
Words from our lips as the arms of compassion,
Mountains crumble with every syllable.
Hope can live or die.

Beautiful Lyrics from Speak Life by Toby Mac
Songwriters : James L. Moore, Toby McKeehan, Ryan Dale Stevenson

I was thinking about the truth in this song. How many times this mouth/tongue says things without very much thought. How often as mom, friend, acquaintance, employee, supervisor I say things reactively instead of with wisdom???

May I endeavor more each day to seek God’s wisdom and to see with eyes of compassion those around me. God knows when they are going through things that aren’t evident. Oh to hold/control my words so that they could bring life/healing/caring instead of hurt/fuel to the fire or even at times be completely empty and useless. I certainly never mean for my words to be that way.

God grant me the ability to bridle my tongue and give me wisdom in my words and actions each day. Help me to be a reflection of you and your love/compassion to those who know me and those who don’t.

Pour out your hearts to him…Our fortress

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Bible, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Devotion, Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, God, Grace, Inspiration, Jesus, Journal, Life, Love, Morning Musings, Musings, Scripture

Monterosso Castle

Trust in him at all times,
you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Psalms 62:8 NIV

Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts before Him.
God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower).
Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Psalms 62:8 (amplified translation)

He is my Fortress, My Refuge, My High Tower…

This morning my heart meditates on these thoughts.

May your day be filled with encouragement and blessings!

~Kymberlee

Take Heart !!

Tags

A. W. Tozer, Bible, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Journal, Musings, Scripture

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace {Perfect Peace & Confidence}.

In this world you will have trouble {Tribulations, Trials, Distress & Frustration} .

But take heart! {Take Courage, Being Confident, Certain, Undaunted} I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

Photo/Art Credit: .free-hdwallpapers.com

As I think on this comforting verse I am reminded of A.W. Tozer’s words…“We habitually stand in our Now and look back by faith and see the past filled with God. We look forward and see Him inhabiting our future; but our Now is uninhabited except for ourselves…We talk of Him much and loudly but we secretly think of Him as being absent…”

But God is ever-present, a continuous flow … through our past, flowing in our present, and continuing to flow into our future. (paraphrased from A.W. Tozer’s Fiery Faith)

He was – He is – He Ever shall be…. Take heart – be of confidence and undaunted by the temporary trials that are Sure to come our way.  We can put our trust in Him – the Alpha & Omega – The one who has overcome the world!

May I ever be mindful that he is with me always. He is here during the sunny days and the midst of my storms … he is with me in my Now.

Thanks for stopping in on this blog and allowing me to share my faith journey with you.

 

Call

Tags

Chrisitianity, Christ, Christian, Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Jesus, Life, Map

This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name:

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things (hidden things) you do not know (recognize, distinguish, have knowledge of and understand).
Jeremiah 33: 2-3

Our Children’s Sunday School Group at Hickory Harvest, recently learned a song for Jeremiah 33:3 … As I walked on the beach last week it rolled through my mind again and again. 

As I walked and looked out across the waves my eyes scanned the horizon….

When do I call to him?  Do I take him a wish list…. with all MY PLANS and Solutions mapped out  ?   Do I go to God in my everyday ….with all the little things?  Do I wait until a catastrophe?  Do I take my praises to him?

Do I celebrate those unanswered prayers/ those prayers where he knew what I needed better than I?

When I call on him… Do I TRUST him? Do I Trust his timing? His Answer??? All too often I am impatient and childlike…. I want what I Want NOW…. But God knows what I need – he Knows that what I think I want I may not truly see for what it really is.

His Wisdom far surpasses anything we could dream up. And he is not a dreamer he is the creator.  The LORD is his name  🙂  Oh Just to think on these things for a while ….

Seeds Worship Music – CALL TO ME: JEREMIAH 33:3

What time I am afraid, I can rely in confidence

Tags

Christian, Encouragement, Faith, fear

   What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You.
  By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?
   All day long they twist my words and trouble my affairs; all their thoughts are against me for evil and my hurt.
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they watch my steps, even as they have [expectantly] waited for my life.  Psalms 56:3-6

Although there are immense differences between our lives, battles, and lifestyles….
David’s words are very applicable and real to me. 

There are fears and anxiety that arise in me …. I am to make the stand for what is right and true  speaking the truth in firmness and Christian love concerning in things I have observed. I am to hold to my integrity and not waiver.   But there are those in my life that will twist my words, and plot to cause me problems.  Those who would like me out of their way.

  Yet those people are mortal. ..They are flesh. What can they truly accomplish? Why would/should I fear them or the consequences of their actions? If they succeed what is their accomplishment….they could cause me to lose my jobtatt (yet God is more than capable of providing for me or opening a door that exceeds my expectations). If truly seek God and follow his directing then I MUST trust the sovereignty of God to bring me through.  I can not know the mind of God nor will I know his timing and plan yet I can put my faith in him that His will WILL be accomplished.  May his name be lifted and glorified.  May I lean on , rely on, and in complete confidence put my trust in him and put away any fearfulness.  May I thrive each moment today in boldness and confidence in my Lord and Savior and his direction for my life. 

Hope these scriptures bring encouragement and comfort to you today as they did to me. 

Heralding a NEW Day…

Tags

Bible, Christian, Devotion, Encouragement, Faith, God, Grace, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Morning Musings

Spending some time this morning thinking on Rev 22:16 Jesus as the Bright Morning Star ….

“I,Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root (the Source) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and brilliant (bright) Morning Star.” -Amplified Translation

Just the thoughts of the Morning Star in the span of the darkness just before dawn heralding the beginning of the newness of a new day. Bringing comfort that the light is about to breakforth.

Proclaiming light to a dark world. Bringing hope, forgiveness, mercy, and promise into each new day to each of our lives.

————————-

I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.

In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;

He tells me every care on Him to roll.

Refrain…
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,

He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

(Verse from Lily of the Valley)