WILDERNESS BLESSING/ Reflection

 WILDERNESS BLESSING/ Reflection

Saturday November 28th 

WILDERNESS BLESSINGS

“He brought His people out like a flock; He led them like sheep to the wilderness. 

Psalm 78:52 

When the children of Israel left Egypt, miracle after miracle happened in the desert. God parted the Red Sea - and they crossed on dry ground. Then God defeated the Egyptians as they drowned in the sea. then God gave the Israelites food from the sky and water from a rock. Over and over again, God miraculously delivered them. 

But could they see it? Not exactly. They'd been delivered from physical slavery in Egypt, but when they look toward the promised land, nothing but isolate wilderness stretched as far as I could see (Exodus 16). 

The Wilderness was a vast place of unknowns, yet it was also a land of great purpose. In the wilderness God gave His people the opportunity to trust Him, to walk in faith, to remember His goodness, to develop thankful hearts, and to become people of worship. But they constantly stumbled and complained. They weren’t quick studies. 

Let's try to do better. If you are in the wilderness right now, look around you. Look for the ways He is providing for you in the desert. As you keep moving forward, trust God, walk in faith, remember His goodness, become more thankful, and develop a heart for worship. Trust him that He is leaving you through. 

Lord, I choose to be thankful in this wilderness season. Thank You for all the ways You are providing for me.

Reflection

I absolutely love this! it is so easy for me to encourage others when they are in wilderness encouraging them to trust God, but when I'm in a wilderness it seems to be desolate as far as I can see, but I have to remember that is precisely when I need to run so I can get as far as I can see faster and begin on to the land where I'm only trusting God ... actually I'm pretty sure if I just start trusting God right now, before I get as far as I can see, it'll be good just like I'm at the end of what I can see. (Oh my I crack myself up!) Okay maybe I'm only hilarious to myself but that's all right I needed that giggle! Instead of using the energy to be sad, I am going to use it to trust God. If you liken trusting God to smiling and leaning on your own understanding to frowning-- scientifically it takes more muscles to frown (not trust in God) than it does to smile….I needed to read this and hear that from God!

After making that connection, I have often been asked why I smile so much, and it’s because life’s easier when you smile (trust God)!

Throwback/Throwaway Thursday/ NEW ROOTS/ Reflection/ Kimi's Kitchen/ TBA

Throwback/Throwaway Thursday/ NEW ROOTS/ Reflection/ Kimi's Kitchen/ TBA

Throwback/Throwaway Thursday

'Tis a Throwback Thursday as I reminisce on Saltillo High

but it is also a Throwaway Thursday as the bad day yesterday is in the past--

sayonara, goodbye!

I seem to have forgotten that I like quarantine as I'm forced to stay in my house,

ride my trike and contemplate life- journal 

Praying my mind would be quiet as a mouse!

I am writing this Wednesday night, so excited to ride my trike,

I will start out inside and maybe after lunch I will take it outside if I'd like

I'm not sure that's very poetic but it's almost midnight and I am tired. God bless you guys and I hope you have an amazing day!

NEW ROOTS By Christine Caine

“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 

Joshua 24: 15

Once, when I was in England for a women's conference, I stumbled across a small shop with the sign that read, “Discover your roots - family history available inside.” Since I was adopted, I decided to try the name “Caine,” as my husband Nick,  is from a good English stock. Who knows? I thought. Maybe I married into royalty! I was startled from my daydreams when the woman behind the counter handed me the results. 

Turns out, Nick’s ancestors were far from royal. The list was dotted with criminals, convicts, paupers, and pirates! Although Nick's family tree was gnarly, looking at the past gave me a new perspective on the future. The lives of our future descendants would be so different. I laughed, knowing that because we had chosen to follow Jesus, our lives and future generations would be changed. A family history that had once been defined by immorality, poverty, alcoholism, and criminality would now be characterized by faith, love, peace, and joy. 

We all have the power to leave a legacy. Whatever our past, it never has to limit our future. Because of God, we always have the power to chart a new course. We can fulfill our destiny and realize our dreams. We can impact and influence future generations. 

God, thank You for including me in Your family tree. I pray that I will leave a legacy of faith, love, peace, and joy for future generations.

Reflection

Who and what determines what is considered the “past”? Time? Life changes? I ask this honestly as my brain injury has skewed my perception of time. This can be hilarious at times but can be annoying at others. I have encountered many “Christians” who judge based on my past/current labels which is complete nonsense.

It is almost crazy that people who dislike labels seem almost adamant on me wearing one, as if my somewhat obvious disability isn’t one enough. At the same time, the same people know that the situation that caused this label would not have happened in “normal” circumstances.

I am constantly reminded of this as I come across people who make snap judgements. It is my fault for disclosing too much information giving the option of making such judgements and drawing conclusions.

What I don’t (always) realize is that my situation is a blessing...a blessing, what? Yes, without much effort the wrong people are weeded out of my life.  

Kimi’s Kitchen

https://www.jumprope.com/g/instant-pot-breakfast-burritos/nnh8CnQm

TBA

Kimi's Kitchen/ Terrific Tuesday/ Giving Thanks/ Reflection

Kimi's Kitchen

Tuesday Tornado

• ¾ fruit

• Banana

• 1 cup milk

• Add yogurt

• Add ½ scoop Orgain protein

• 1 scoop power food mix

• 1 teaspoon hemp hearts

• 1 teaspoon flax seed

• Add some avocado oil

Mix for 5 seconds and fill up with juice to fill line

Terrific Tuesday

Today is a terrible Terrific Tuesday although we all have to keep our head up, 

Covid is spreading like wildfire so I just sit home and mix in my cup! 

Today I made a Tuesday Tornado and another shake that I have no name, 

GIVING THANKS By Christine Caine

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

I want to point out something today that may be a relief to you. You know we are to be thankful in all circumstances, right? But when life is difficult and your heart is breaking, you aren’t expected to run around wildly thanking God for the painful circumstances. God doesn't call you to be some kind of spiritual masochist. nor does He nor does he call you to deny what you are feeling . but what He does call you to do is to thank Him IN everything - not FOR everything - in the midst of whatever is going on in your life. 

In other words, we’re to remain thankful to God for all He has done in the past and is doing now. “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God wants us to give thanks because He is good when our situation isn't.

When times are difficult, you can be thankful that God has an overarching plan for your life that will not be diverted. He is a sovereign and gracious God. Remembering his faithfulness to you in the past helps you not be so thrown off course by life’s mishap. Thankfulness is a gift He gives you that changes your heart, gives you strength, and keeps you moving forward. 

Lord, giving thanks reminds me of Your great love. I give thanks to You for You are good.

Reflection

Magical MondayTHE POWER OF THE CROSS/ Reflection/ Kimi’s Kitchen

 Magical MondayTHE POWER OF THE CROSS/ Reflection/ Kimi’s Kitchen

Magical Monday

This a Magical Monday magic like you've never seen before

with the Coronavirus infecting those near and far it could be waiting at your door.

So do us all a favor and limit your travel and also your activities

I will ask you once and now I'll ask you again and I'll even beg you please please please!

If you do your part-- 

Hopefully like magic this virus will go away, 

but if not you might as well get used to your mask mask 

because the virus is here to stay.

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 1:18

We hear so many voices telling us to be strong, to assert ourselves, to give it all we've got. What we don't hear so often is where that strength is supposed to come from. We can scrape the bottom of our barrels to muster enough power to change things, to control things, to protect ourselves, but there's no reason to rely on our own limited power - when we can relax and rely on Christ’s unlimited power - which is freely available to us. 

To live a life transformed by your gracious God, let go of your preconceived power. When you find yourself struggling, remember the power of the cross - the resurrection power that brought Jesus back to life.

Focusing on the power of the Cross is an essential and hope-giving practice. After all, you can't heal yourself from your past hurts, but the cross reminds you of the resurrection power shown in Jesus's victory over sin and death. God uses the same power today to bless His people - to bless you and me - with the ability to forgive with healing and with transformation. 

Lord, thank You for the power of the cross and Your victory over sin in and death. And thank You for using that power for my own good, to bring healing and freedom, to make me more like Jesus.

Reflection

After waking up very extremely late in tears, I was reflecting on life. Contemplating whether to make a Starbucks run or not. I ended up running errands for grandpa and stopping by to see my nephew. Although I had dictated the devotion this morning, my mind was stressed-- naaa, discombobulated-- naaa, overwhelmed-- maybe. I read this deviation and realized I can’t heal myself from past hurts, but He can!

I didn’t reflect and realize it then, but after the events of the day had passed, I realized that God had taken all my worries away. I am amazing at doing what I do even though it is not always fabulous and professional-like. My kitchen is a disaster and I love cutting, pouring, and mixing in my sink. Giving tips on ways to prepare food, I serve those who are often overlooked or don’t have the courage to attempt activities.  I have learned that asserting yourself doesn’t always mean being loud and obnoxious (which I can be), one just needs to be confident.

I'm not saying or claiming that I'm doing something the proper way or the way that a certain dish should be prepared, I'm just confident that I am making a mess and that I am preparing something that is going to be amazingly wonderful to my palette.

Kimi’s Kitchen Monday Magic 

Brussel sprouts 

Red bell pepper 

Grape tomatoes 

Parsley flakes 

Rosemary 

Kikkoman soy sauce 

Bertolli extra virgin olive oil 

Bake in oven on 450° Until done...hahaha