4 Oct 2013

31Days: (4): One way to enjoy marriage

by | posted in: marriage, Uncategorized | 0

Campbell Christmas 842

“Enjoy your husband!” – Cara Croft – The Pastor’s Family

In the next few days we will be celebrating our two year anniversary. So much has happened in two years, but that is not what this blog is for. One of the joys of my marriage to the Mister has been meeting and getting to know this couple: Brian and Cara Croft – who wrote the new book The Pastor’s Family.

I remember before getting married, the Crofts came to Durham for vacation and we sat together for a meal at the Mister’s home. I felt like I had known them for years and I’m glad they approved of me (or the Mister may have had second thoughts).

Anyway, this blog is not to talk about the Crofts either. I want to give you an assignment for the weekend:

ENJOY YOUR HUSBAND

Whatever that will look like for you. It will look differently for every person. Encourage him, spend time with him (inside and outside of the bedroom), put his needs before your own or the kids, make his favorite meal, laugh with him, watch one of his favorite shows, enjoy the fall weather outside with him taking a walk or a hike.

“For your love is better than wine, your anointing oils are fragrant.” – Songs 1:2-3

Be creative! Just love on the one you have married!

31days

1 Oct 2013

Competition Doesn’t Belong in Motherhood or the Gospel

by | posted in: mothering, parenting, Uncategorized | 1

Motherhood is a crazy race that many of us women run daily – with the bottles, diapers, car-pooling, homeschooling (if that’s your thing), soccer practice, ballet, etc. It is so easy for us to compare our lives with others and realize we either are better or that we don’t quite measure up. Here is a little bit of what I’m reading, listening to, and learning about this dangerous cycle.

I was reading this morning in Glimpses of Grace by Gloria Furman. My husband later asked me what I read in it that was encouraging me. I had to struggle not to compare myself with others or be sarcastic (which he appreciated) and I told him about these two dangers she points out:

1. I’m a terrible housewife (pg 31). Those days when I’m giving in to laziness, playing too many candy crush saga games, or right now when I have more legitimate excuses like contractions or exhaustion from being three weeks from my due date, I usually complain like this when the Mister arrives home: “I didn’t get this done. But, someone else would have had a 4 course meal on the table, all the laundry done, and the kids dressed in new outfits.” Or it would be something like, “Love, I’ve been exhausted all day – only one load of laundry got done.” My tendency is to compare myself with others when I want to hide my own sinful habits and ask for sympathy instead.

2. I’m an amazing housewife (pg 32). Honestly, I don’t fall into this category that much right now. Because I don’t have it down. I think this tendency will come when I lose this baby weight (from two back to back babies), have perfect stylish clothes on, have my schedule down, don’t cry very much, hormones are back to normal, and cook healthy foods for myself and others. But, I know so many others who do have this tendency. One of the ways I do see myself doing this is Sunday after Sunday I don’t ever see Little Mister’s nursery number put up on the screen. I seem to take pride in the fact that he is such a good toddler in the nursery.

Both of them are pride – and both have them need to be put to death by the blood of Jesus on the cross.

And here is where we fall short: not only do we compare ourselves with other moms, but we also compare ourselves in our place in the gospel story. That is how the connection came to me this morning. We often look at our lives and our homes/jobs/ministries and compare them with others and see that we don’t struggle with sin near as much as ______ does.

As I was driving to a park to walk this morning with Little Buddy, I replayed my friend Daniel Renstrom’s Amazing Love (on Jesus Wants My Heart, a stellar family worship album). Such a conviction of sin:

No condemnation now I dread

Jesus and all in Him is mine

Alive in Him, my living head

And clothed in righteousness divine

Bold I approach the eternal throne

And claim the crown through Christ my own

No matter the size of the crown that is mine when I get to heaven – it won’t be because of anything I’ve done. It will be because of the amazing love with Christ lavished on me. I didn’t (and still don’t) deserve anything of his merit or grace. He is gracious to me beyond anything I could ever do to deserve his love. I am in the same boat with all the people that I compare myself to.

As part of Mister’s prayer this morning as we started our day was a sweet sentiment of the love that Little Buddy will have for me as he gets older – that he won’t compare me with other moms, etc. I love that sentiment, but know that it is somewhat unrealistic. I compared my mom to other moms all the time – not that it was fair or right, but that’s what my sinful heart did. I pray that I can be the Mom that not only my two little buddy’s need – but one that will find my only boast in the Gospel of Jesus.

16 Sep 2013

Prayers for the Journey

by | posted in: marriage, Prayers for the Journey, Uncategorized | 1

Prayers for the Journey - cover

One of the most important daily things that a wife can do for her husband…is pray for him. I learned this concept almost 17 years before I actually got married, but believe me – it is so true!

I can tell the days I pray for my husband, and I can tell the days that I don’t. Prayer is our conversation with a God who daily is involved and the leader of our lives. Jesus is interceding for us, and the Spirit helps us when we don’t know what to pray.

That is why I’ve created Prayers for the Journey. These free downloadable journals are yours for the printing. It is a journey through a specific book of the Bible, with a Scripture, a prayer, a journaling space, and additional verses or helps. I figured if I didn’t know really how to pray the Word for my husband, some others may not know either. These journals are designed for you to pray the Word specifically for areas you know your husband needs them. You are his greatest prayer warrior. You know him best. So, who best to pray for him daily!

My husband and I wanted these booklets to be a resource for you. So, if you use it and like it – make it available to other women (in your church, women’s ministry, neighborhood, small group, family, etc).

The walk of marriage you are on with your husband is indeed a journey – live it to the fullest!

Here are what some friends who have already read it have said:

From Phyllis Robshaw (married 35 years)
I can’t say it enough. Soak in the Living Word and claim these promises that are so beautifully expressed here. Ooo yes, personalize them for your loved ones. You are praying in HIS will and the answer is always “yes!” His timing, His way, but “yes!” The Holy Spirit taught me to do this early in my marriage and after almost 35 years, I am more passionate about it than ever!!! O how FAITHFUL our God is! Expect a harvest!!

From Renee Fisher (www.reneefisher.com, author, married about 2 years)
Kimberly understands the importance of praying for your husband. I prayed for 12 years, 10 months, and 24 days from the day I knew God promised me a mate to the day Marc proposed. Regardless of where along the journey you are praying for your husband–Kimberly recognizes prayer and reading the Word is important. Definitely check out Prayers for the Journey. You will be blessed you did!

From Amelia McNeilly (single, www.mywalkofgrace.com, agent)
Prayers for the Journey by Kimberly Campbell is a must read. It is 30 day devotional based on praying for your husband using passages from Ephesians. Each day highlights a different passage and a prayer. This is an ideal prayer resource not only for wives but single women as well. As a single person, this book is a great encouragement, because these are prayers that can can currently be prayed for my future husband. I’m already looking forward to Kimberly’s next book!

From Jennifer Sharpe (married for 15 years, editor of Treasuring Christ Curriculum)
Our husbands need our prayers. Kim’s fresh approach to praying for your husband will ignite your passion for being his most faithful prayer intercessor. I urge you to take this journey through the book of Ephesians and discover a deeper love for your husband.

I had serious help with this.

First, my husband read it and was blessed by it – but also gave some constructive criticism.

Second, my mentor for almost 20 years, Phyllis, is the one who taught me by example how to do this in the first place.

Amy Torcasso of Treasuring Christ fame and a blessing of a friend did all the design work.

Sarah Bowen, to be married this weekend, was a great editor. I look forward to her living out these as she gets married to her husband in just 5 days!

16 Sep 2013

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 1

pumpkinspice

No more need to go to Starbucks! 🙂

You can make this very easily with items you already have on hand and enjoy this lovely drink (iced or hot) – all year long.  I tried it first yesterday and it was 98 degrees here in Little Rock, so – I had it both hot and cold!

I found a recipe online that was adapted from many other recipes, so I adapted it myself, and even would make changes to what I did this first time. (The following recipe indicates changes).  I’ve shared the Pumpkin Syrup and have also enjoyed this recipe iced or hot and frothy!  Another great use for our Ninja – which we love!

 

Recipe: (serves 2-4 adults, depending on the size of your mugs)

 

2 cups whole milk

4 Stash Chai Tea bags

1 T vanilla bean paste

3 T pumpkin syrup (recipe below)

Fresh grated cinnamon and nutmeg to taste

1 T sugar

 

Heat milk, sugar, syrup and tea bags on stove until not quite boiling (over medium heat so you don’t scorch your milk) – because who wants burnt milk?

Take off heat and add in vanilla bean paste and spices.  Then remove the tea bags.

Pour into a blender of some sort and turn it on until frothy!

Pour in mug or over ice in a glass and enjoy!  I didn’t have any whipped cream or I would have added it – but I did sprinkle some spices on top!

 

Syrup:

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 cinnamon sticks and whole cloves

nutmeg and ginger to taste

3 T pumpkin puree

 

Heat sugar and water until sugar is dissolved, add in flavorings and puree. Heat until almost boiling for about 5 minutes.  Take off heat and let sit 10-15 minutes.  Pour through a mesh sieve and then store in container in fridge.  Use as much as you want!

3 Sep 2013

Creatives: Pretty Philosophie

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 9

IMG_1425

A helpful place to start when being a creative is: KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS.

My strength is not typography or painting.  Of course I can see and know what I like and pick out quality lettering, but I don’t have the artistic hand like some people do.

The “some people” I am talking about today is Karisse and Kristel.  Karisse and I go way back to Flagler College where we studied and did ministry together.  Kristel is her younger sister.  This sister-duo now owns an Etsy shop that specializes in canvas art: Anne of Green Gables (oh which I love so much!), Old Hollywood, Quotes, and lovelies that they make custom made for you.

That is what they did for me.  I needed Sebastian’s artwork of his life verse done for his room.  I started trying to do it myself and knew that it wouldn’t turn out “hangable”.  So, I turned to Karisse.  Let me just tell you – the finished product is amazing. My husband and I both love it and can’t wait to get it hung on his nursery wall (which is also the guest room for the next few years – if you want to come visit).

Karisse and Kristel use their creative abilities to make your home, office, nursery, etc a beautiful place – and they have some deals for you – KD316 readers!

1.  Free shipping!  You can get free shipping on any order or custom order using the coupon code: KD316. The code will be valid from Sept 3 until September 10. Special ordered pieces will be made and delivered by the end of September.

2. Giveaway!  We will have 3 small canvases for you to give away to the winner of a drawing.
Faith Hope and Love on ACEO size Canvas - Hand Painted
1.  Go to the Pretty Philosophie Etsy shop and “like” your favorite item- then write in the comments of this blog which is your favorite item and why.
2.  Follow Pretty Philosophie and comment here saying that you are a follower and leave a Scripture suggestion for a future painting for a second entry.
3.  Follow KD316 (on Facebook), or KD316 for a third entry.
Drawing will be September 10th.
30 Aug 2013

kd316 Creatives

by | posted in: creatives, Uncategorized | 2

IMG_0992

September brings another new month – and a new time in this blog.  This blog, no matter the name, has been going on for almost 10 years in some form, and it is time for a change.

As I have been reading Jess Lively (a life blog) for a few years now (and loved her jewelry JessLC) I’ve come to know one thing about my blogging: I need to write about what brings me joy and love what I write about.  I love theology – but lately, for reasons that I’ll keep between my husband and myself, I will choose not to spend much of my time writing about theology.  Believe me, some posts will still exist: especially book reviews and CBMW topics and how to incorporate the Word into life, but this will not be my focus on this blog.

In the past months, I’ve been thinking about all of life as a creative.  We were made in the image of our Creator and everything comes from Him.  Our creativeness flows from Him.  I love being creative: not knitting or crocheting or scrapbooking – but that’s just not my thing (and if it is your thing, keep doing so for God’s glory).  I’m more creative in decorating, cooking, baking, food photography, photography in portraits and nature, traveling, style, writing, encouraging, etc.  I also love seeing those around me see their world in a creative mindset and bent.  So I will feature other creatives on this blog as well. I have many talented and creative friends all over the globe! 🙂

That is what this blog will be from now on.  A mixture.  I hope you enjoy the newness!

27 Aug 2013

W&BT #1: Name Above All Names Week 7

by | posted in: Books, Uncategorized, Women & Books Together | 0

We come to the final chapter of the Begg and Ferguson book on the names of Jesus.  I hope if you have read this book along with us (or just read it in general) that it has been a great encouragement to you and given you new eyes with which to see your Savior.  And if you haven’t read it – I pray that you will soon pick it up and renew or get a fresh glimpse of who Jesus is.

The authors have chosen to end this book with the last book of Bible: Revelation.  Don’t let this book scare you – but allow it to show you the true and glorious look at Jesus as the Lamb on the Throne.  Here are some thoughts I took away from this chapter:

1.  Will we ever be like John the Revelator?  As the authors talk about John – he is one who was faithful to the gospel as it had been revealed to him – and he was in trouble with the law for it.  As we continue in a time of a governmental structure and world who don’t see the supremacy of Jesus – let us be bold in our sharing and believing of the gospel.  We don’t have to go look for ways to be persecuted and imprisoned or exiled, but let us also be faithful to the gospel of Jesus.

2.  Jesus’ whole life was in accordance with the Scripture.  As Begg and Ferguson have pointed out many times before in this book – Jesus isn’t just a NT star.  He is the agent of creation and continues His work all the way through the remainder of the Bible even to His supremacy in the book of Revelation and throughout eternity.  I love how the Word is not contradictory or going in all different directions!

3.  “Weep no longer, John!” (pg 165)  The idea of no more tears or weeping in the presence of God is an overwhelming thought to me – especially right now as my hormones have me crying at least once a day!  But, we usually think that there will be no more pain or sin, so that is the reason there will be no more weeping.  And that is correct.  But, another reason – maybe more of the central point to no more weeping – is that Jesus is doing what He was given power to do: reveal, open scrolls, defeat sin, and all in the presence of His Father and the saints who have been saved by His blood.  There is no more searching!

4.  “God is much simpler than all that!” (pg 171)  The authors illumined something very important about the reading and understanding of Revelation and prophecy and the time to come.  We don’t know for sure.  We can think, scrutinize, be obstinate about our beliefs, or refuse to hear any other way of thinking.  Books have been written throughout the modern era that all look at the end times and heaven and prophecies in a different way.  We don’t know.  What we do know: God will be there.  He is good.  Jesus and the Spirit will be there.  Let us focus and hold to what we do know for sure.  The authors have declared Jesus to be beautiful and worship-worthy – but sometimes we get so focused on the unimportant stuff that we will never figure out that we forget to look at the One for whom all is due: Jesus.

Let us focus on Jesus – the author and perfecter of our faith – as the writer of Hebrews says!

14 Aug 2013

Replacing Lies with Truth

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 2

“My soul finds rest in God alone

My rock and my salvation

A fortress strong against my foes

And I will not be shaken

Though lips may bless and hearts may curse

And lies like arrows pierce me

I’ll fix my heart on righteousness

I’ll look to him who hears me”

Townend/Keyes – Psalm 62

Does anyone doubt we struggle against not flesh and blood but against a great and powerful enemy, who is known as the Father of Lies, who loves to feed God’s children with the lies of his mouth?

In the book I am reading, Name Above All Names, the authors Begg and Ferguson talk about the great conflict that is throughout the entire Bible.  Starting in Genesis 3 and ending in Revelation – the conflict is always between Jesus and Satan.  Good and evil.

Around me, in friendships I have all over the world – there is sickness, death, doubt, lie believing, struggles, unrepentant sin, tears.  A friend has been praying for her children the truths of Psalm 119 that her children would not believe the lies of satan but would instead cling to the words of Truth found in Scripture.

Wherever you are this morning, this weekend, or whenever you read this – I pray that these truths that have been an encouragement to me to be used by God to diffuse the lies that Satan is feeding you: legalism, defeat, untruths, doubt – fix your eyes on the Word, the Gospel, the Victor – and you will not be moved even when the storms come (Matt).

Psalm 119:31-32: I cling to your testimonies, O Lord, let me not be put to shame!  I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

Psalm 119:159: Consider how I love your precepts!  Give me life according to your steadfast love!

Psalm 27:1-4: The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?  When evildoers asail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.  Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise against me, yet I will be confident.  One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of The Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of The Lord and to inquire in his temple.

Isaiah 60 1-5, 9: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.  For behold darkness shall cover the earth and thick darkness, the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.  Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.  Lift up your eyes all around and see, they all gather together, they come to you…then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and exult…for the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar; their silver and their gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because He has made you beautiful.

Matthew 7:24-27: Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it didn’t fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

What other Scriptures do you use to defeat the rehearsing of lies from the enemy and encourage your heart with Truth?

 

13 Aug 2013

W&BT #1: Name Above All Names Week 5

by | posted in: Books, parenting, sin, Uncategorized, Women & Books Together | 0

On the first page of this chapter in Begg’s and Ferguson’s book, Name Above All Names, I have scribbled, “this chapter resends hope to me on every page”.  What an encouraging page to head back to after having read it many weeks ago – especially on a day when my pregnancy hormones are crazy and it seems like every email or text I receive just hits me in the wrong way.  HOPE

Here are some thoughts from the chapter on Jesus: Son of Man:

1.  “We are struck by how deeply embedded some of their character traits seem to be” (pg 103). As a parent – do you wonder what traits you are passing to your children?  I think about that often now that I have two loveable boys of our own.  My husband often says that is one of the hardest jobs in parenting: seeing your sin looking back at you.  I think my parents did a good job of raising me – but as an adult I see where some of my traits come from and it is scary to think that I too could pass on some less than desirable or Godly traits to my boys.  This is where hope comes in.  God is a God of bringing hope and change into a family.  Just because your family is one way doesn’t mean that those traits and cycles have to continue to the next generation.  Sebastian’s life verse ends in hope for the children in the coming generation – the good of the Lord (Jer 32:39)  Do you parent or live like there is hope in breaking the sin cycle in your family?

2.  “The kingdom of God will overwhelm all other kingdoms.  The Kingdom of God will be established and will endure forevermore” (pg 105).  I already dislike seeing ads for the Presidential race in 2016.  Good that a new president will be coming either way, but not looking forward to the next 2+ years where the backbiting and slander will happen everywhere.  And when the bad news comes on the news or as I watch previews for certain coming shows or movies – previews that revel in betrayal, sin, murder, affairs – I know that God is still on His throne and He will make all things right in His time.  That brings me hope.

3.  “The Son of Man is coming to the source of ultimate authority.  It resides exclusively in the Ancient of Days, who is seated on the throne.” (pg 107).  I’ve learned recently from Rob Rienow that any question of sin or dysfunction in this life is really a question of authority.  Who is the ultimate authority in your life?  Who is the ultimate authority in this world?  If our answer is not God – we are wrong.  Some will think and say and live and believe that they are their ultimate source of authority – but God created and gave life to everyone of us, so He is our ultimate authority.  That is very hope-giving to me.

4.  “The remarkable thing about this picture of Jesus is that He is never isolated from His people” (pg 108).  I’ve actually thought much about this in light of some of the “suffering” and tears I’ve had over the last two months.  Not all of my tears are hormone related.  And one of the things that brings me the most comfort is that Jesus suffered.  He had people slander him.  Yet He believed and taught and lived truth and was planted firmly in the hand of God His Father.  This brings me hope when I am going through trials.

5.  “Kingdom grace brings more than forgiveness.  It brings freedom from the powers of darkness and restoration to new life” (pg 118).  My husband would probably like me to frame that quote.  It was probably one of the most powerful in this whole book to me.  Grace is the only thing that sets us free from the tyranny of listening to others, or repeating harmful lies to ourselves, by letting others’ thoughts control us, or by living in destructive habits that control our lives.  Walk in light.  Dwell in freedom.

7 Aug 2013

Marriage, Ministry and Hospitality

by | posted in: life together, marriage, Uncategorized | 0

Eating, and hospitality in general, is a communion, and any meal worth attending by yourself is improved by the multiples of those with whom it is shared.

Jesse Browner

Marriage includes many joys!

One of the highlights of marriage and ministry for my husband is the idea and general enthusiasm I have for hospitality.  He is a very hospitable person – but how “odd” is it for a family from your church to come to lunch at the home of a bachelor?  Even one who keeps his home immaculately and can cook a great meal.  E was grateful for marriage for many reasons but one of them was his increased opportunity to practice hospitality.  I’m all for it.

Most anytime I mention an idea I have to practice hospitality, my husband gives me the thumbs up.  Here are some that we’ve had the joy to do in our home, yes, with an infant, yes, moving to a new town.

1. Write the Word parties: where a group of women come over one night every other month to talk about the word and write out or journal a specific book of the Bible.  All I need is chairs and maybe extra pens.  What is optional: coffee, tea, water, evening goodies.  My husband hangs out with the little mister so I can focus on talking with the women who come over.

2.  Worship Ministry Birthday Parties: My husband is a worship pastor and loves pastoring those in the choir and orchestra.  And I am not a part of his choir, but I do want to be involved in his ministry.  So, each month we pick a night to have the birthday people for that month (and their immediate families) over for a dessert time.  I love to bake – sometimes I get to be creative, sometimes I don’t.  But each month it has been a joy to get to know families – no matter how many birthday people can make it that month.

3.  Men’s Discipleship Groups: Every other week my husband would meet with a group of men from the church to discuscuss a book on church ministry and leadership.  I loved exploring some new breakfasts with this group, but I have to admit this one was the hardest because I experienced first trimester through this one.  Early mornings were rough, but the men were gracious as was my husband.  They survived some weeks on bagels or store bought muffins.  And with this one, much of it could be prepared the night before and ready for Eric to welcome them in the morning.

4.  Hang Out times:  This one I’m sure many of you do anyway.  I love being able to have women in our home during the day while E is at work.  Baby can be sleeping, or other babies can come along and join in on the fun. Especially helpful if you just have something to drink on hand – but that is not necessary either.  Fellowship in your home doesn’t require anything but an open door and a welcome smile.

5.  Sunday Lunches: Our Sundays are long days as you can imagine, but the crockpot comes in handy for this one!  Or you can always pick up a pizza on the way home!  Pick a different single, couple, or family.  This one with my family where it is right now is easy – because right when we get home little mister goes to bed, so he sleeps through almost anything.  The afternoon is cozy and good for conversation.  We don’t do this one a lot because of the hecticness of Sundays, but it is fun when it happens.

6.  Porch Nights: This one is about to start.  We have many single ladies in our church and I love ministering to them, discipling them, and getting to know them.  We have a great porch with plenty of room.  So, we are having a quarterly theme for the single ladies to get together and hang out – no agenda necessary.  We are doing appetizers in August.

This post was meant to be a help to you – to know that you don’t have to have a big house, lots of money, a love for cooking, or home decorating to practice hospitality.  I love opening our home to others.  And God gives us the command to be hospitable to others!  Have fun fulfilling this command!