Saying Goodbye to 2013

Good morning from COLD, cloudy Cashiers, NC. I know our blogs are scheduled to resume tomorrow, but I really just wanted to tell each of you that as we close this year I feel such an excitement for 2014. I have NO IDEA what this is, but there is such joy within me. As you wrap this year and unwrap another, remember that as long as we are breathing change is still available. Never quit, never settle, and never stop reaching for your best health and BEST you. Were there things in YOU that you wish could be settled and over? Today is the day. Write your new commitments on the tablet of your heart and ask God for His wisdom and implementation strategies. Much love to my friends - I will begin blogging again tomorrow if you'd like to join me. PK

December 20, 2013 - "The Main Character" (last one for 2013)

Good morning fam and Merry Christmas (early), This will be our last blog for 2013. I have WAY TOO MANY events lined up in the next 2 weeks as well as family coming in town and a trip planned to NC. BUSY - so, I will be seeking God for new blogs and His heart and words for us as we begin 2014. Look for my next communication on 1/1/14. :) I pray these days together have blessed you. I have enjoyed our chat time, been encouraged by your thoughts and prayers, as well as challenged by your tenacity to walk in freedom in all areas of your life. I applaud you! These next 11 days can be really TOUGH on our health journey. Plan ahead and plan well. Let's commit to a Christmas filled with joy and family as opposed to tight jeans and guilt. Yes, we can do this! Don't forget that Sunday, January 5th, we will have Life Group at 6. We are adding a few new components, so grab a friend and come join the accountability team for 2014 that evening. :) This morning let's talk about the MAIN character of the Christmas story. I got up today with Isaiah 53 in my heart and I want us to examine a few verses from the Message Translation: Isaiah 53 (MSG) 53 Who believes what we’ve heard and seen? Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this? 2-6 The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost. We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him, on him. There are several things as I read this that jump up at me: 1. From vs. 1 - "who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?" A BABY - Jesus was full on from the morning he was born. He was the Savior of the world from that moment. Can we stop and celebrate a little deeper that God doesn't do things like most of us? 2. Jesus wasn't what Fortune 500 Company powerhouses look like and yet his journey and sacrifice was the greatest, single event in history. 3. Re-reading this stirred me again to remember - Jesus had ME, and YOU, on his Heart and in His mission from that moment He was born. It didn't look pretty, but we are made whole. We walk in health and freedom because of His submission to the plan of God the Father. 4. While I was wandering and doing things wrong, Jesus was doing something right. Praise God I am FREE because He is RIGHT. Now let's look at Titus 3: 3-7 (NLT) for a second: "3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” The MAIN character this morning IS the revealed kindness and love of God the Father, the Light of the World, our Hope and Salvation, and our admittance into eternal life. Jesus, the baby, taught us many things from the moment of His birth (my pastor said yesterday). I agree. As we celebrate Christmas, let's journey in our mind to the feeding trough where Jesus was laid and remember. This baby came to seek and save the lost. I was in that group. And this Christmas I intend to be more deliberate with my praise and thanksgiving. My connection with Jesus declared me righteous. What a gift! Actually, it's the best gift I've ever received. Much love to you all and Merry Christmas, PK Talk in 2014? I look forward to it!

December 19, 2013 - Your Christmas Treat

Just a brief conversation this morning as our coffee time has been deep the past week or so. (we will visit another Christmas story character tomorrow) This morning I decided to give you a "taste" of one of the recipes in my upcoming devotional cookbook for your Christmas treat. You are always welcome to share my blogs, send others to my blog site (kathyshcgfamily.blogspot.com, which contains all my past blogs), share your comments with me and join my life group. In January we will add another layer or accountability as we will weigh each month. We WON'T share with the group - simply whether we gained or lost. I would love to have you join us monthly. We meet at my house the first Sunday of each month at 6PM. Come and bring a friend! Let's walk toward spring together. Here's one of my favorite recipes, especially at Christmas. have a GREAT Thursday, PK Guilt-free Fudge Ingredients: 16 ounces light cream cheese, softened 3 unsweetened chocolate squares (1 ounce each) melted (in microwave-safe container) and cooled (for about 5 minutes) 1/2 cup xylitol 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or peppermint ½-3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) Preparation: 1. In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and xylitol well until there are no lumps. 2. Add the slightly cooled chocolate and vanilla and mix until smooth. 3. Stir in pecans. 4. Pour into 8-inch square baking pan lined with foil. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Turn the fudge out onto a large platter and peel the aluminum foil from the back. 5. Serve chilled, as the cream cheese will soften at room temperature. Nutrition Facts 16 Servings Amount Per Serving Calories 157.6 Total Fat 14.0 g Cholesterol 20.0 mg Sodium 110.0 mg Potassium 30.5 mg Total Carbohydrate 8.5 g Dietary Fiber 1.5 g Sugars 1.3 g Protein 3.4 g

December 18, 2013 - "No Room In The Inn"

Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to arrive in a city where you have no relatives, no place to stay, or no plans and the birth of a child is immanent? I imagine Joseph was diligent as he searched for a room where Mary could give birth. But the prophesies given concerning the birth of our Lord had to be fulfilled and Luke 2:6-7 records, "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." (NLT) No quest room, some translations say "no room in the inn," for the son of God who was the hope of the world? I wonder exactly how many inns posted the No Vacancy signs that night before a weary Joseph finally pleaded and was offered a stall? I am grateful an inn keeper somewhere said, "yes." How about you? In the Jewish culture, it was common for people to share their homes and meals with travelers - strangers if you will. In fact, it was expected. Families were never afraid to bring others into their homes. We often don't see this in our culture, do we? I totally understand that times are very different and yet I feel we are obliged to share with others from our belongings as often as possible as well. After Jesus' death, great persecution broke out among believers. Many were forced to leave their homes and journey to new lands for protection. Again, the expectation was your home was an open and safe venue for those in need. This was such a strong reality that the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy that all church leaders should be "given to hospitality." It was a pre-requisite if you will. Again, the Greek translation of the word hospitality makes it clear this is not about entertaining associates or acquaintances. This really challenged me as I contemplated my response to the passage. Then, if we consider "given" to hospitality the plot thickens. The word given, in the Greek, means to aggressively pursue something; to ardently follow after something; to hotly pursue until you catch it. So coupled together "given to hospitality" means to aggressively love strangers like a friend. Yikes! I do pretty good with associates but can't say I'm polished in this area as it pertains to strangers or those in need. I absolutely give when there's a need - willingly - but can I say I aggressively pursue? Probably not as much as I should. This Christmas, I need a reminder that God loved me when I was a stranger and made His home available and I want to love others in this manner. I want to leave you today with a passage from 1 Peter that is a great summary for this concept "given to hospitality." I want God's bright presence to replace any NO VACANCY signs that I may have posted. All are welcomed into my heart and home. Have a great Wednesday, PK. 1 Peter 4:8-11 The Message (MSG) 7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, andhe’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

December 17, 2013 - "Insights From The Life of Joseph"

We have now seen how obedience to God can be played out and affect various ones in various manners - Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, and the shepherds. As I have said many times in recent days, God is at work and our best response is obedience. It proves our love and devotion to our Creator. And as we study the scripture, we can certainly see how God responds to our obedience. Today, let's continue to examine the Christmas character's stories. Let's take a look at Joseph. Scripture doesn't say much about Joseph - but how many of you know he had to be special to be allowed to be the earthly father of Jesus? I would imagine that just as Mary was hand-selected, so was Joseph. The following passage from Matthew 1:18-24 allows us to see the probable reasons Joseph was selected for this awe-filled task. Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son (NIV) 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. I can't imagine living in a society where pregnancy outside of marriage was considered an offense punishable by stoning. But this is the context of our story. Joseph is a man who has fallen in love with the woman of his dreams and has asked that she be his wife. I'm certain every time he looked at Mary he smiled. She must have made him feel complete as he prepared to share every aspect of his life with her. I cannot imagine how he felt as Mary conveyed the news that she was pregnant, and he was not the father. Did she love another man? Did everyone in the village know but him? We never read his reaction, but the Bible does hint that the goodness of this man's heart overstepped his "right" as a husband. His mortal plan - private divorce. But God's plan did not include this. The torment of Joseph's heart is comforted in a dream as the angel makes known the plan of God through a supernatural birth that would confound many - but not this God-fearing man Joseph. As soon as the morning light caused the dream to end, reality began and Joseph immediately moved into the plan of God and his new role as a father. Joseph, the protective man, the obedient follower, the servant of God who walks in faith and no longer fears makes haste to prepare for this miracle birth to occur in the city declared by the prophets of old. I want to remind you today that often the things of God can be scary and beyond our human understanding. But God ALWAYS desires that we see beyond fear. I remember a song from my childhood, "trust and obey." Did you ever sing that? Any way, God always knows when His BIG plans are scary to we, His children. And just as He comforted Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, Elizabeth......"FEAR NOT," His Fatherly response has not changed. Is there an area in your life today that seems beyond the realm of possibility? Ask God to show you His plan. He has one. Can you even conceive that God's best plan includes you, as it did Joesph, and that God has some special assignment for you. I would love to be someone's Christmas miracle. How about you? PK

December 16, 2013 - The Story from the Shepherds

Happy Monday and happy pre-Christmas week! I don't know about you, but this week leading up to Christmas is filled with gatherings, challenges and choices. I went grocery shopping yesterday and shook my head at all the HUGE meals sitting in front of me. Then, I caught myself smiling and rehearsing, "no one chooses for me." Even though the schedule is tight - I will choose to exercise. Even though the meals are numerous - I will choose to consume foods on plan. Even though the challenges are great - they are "not the boss of me." Right? Let's do this together. Last week we spoke of Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah. This morning let's look at the story of the shepherds from Luke 2: 8-16 (AMP): 8 And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. 11 For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! 12 And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find (after searching) a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. 13 Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. As I re-read this passage, my eyes filled with tears several times. While this story happened many years ago, God included it in the Bible so we, in the year 2013, could see truth. Here are some truths I see: 1. It's interesting that when the angel needed to make that initial, Christmas announcement, he chose shepherds. Why not kings or rulers? Why not influential people who could have made proclamations? Isn't it like God to choose ordinary men who knew how to take care of things just as Jesus would come and be our good shepherd. I LOVE that about God! 2. These shepherds were sitting in the DARK keeping watch. You can rest assured that during your dark seasons, God will be watching and tending to your life. Do you love it? 3. When the angel senses they are afraid, he comforts them and doesn't rebuke them for being human. Can you pause and find a voice that comforts you and hear that sound, as if God was speaking, reminding you this day, "Don't be afraid. I have a plan for you and it's really good news. It's for you and your family and ALL your friends." 4. Have you ever wondered if the shepherds who heard this announcement were immediately converted? There was no denying that the baby was the fulfillment of the prophesies they had heard. They never tried to disagree or question - they left immediately to go and confirm. And God delivered. He ALWAYS does! 5. And how about the booming sound from the army of heaven singing and worshipping as the King had arrived, just as God had promised? Their song announced that men and women, you and I living in 2013, would now have a chance to experience REAL Peace whose name would be Immanuel - God with us. JOY, JOY, JOY! 6. And finally - we don't know what happened when they arrived, but they did. They found Peace, their Good Shepherd, Truth, Fulfillment and much, much more that beautiful night. Even now my eyes fill with tears AGAIN. They found Him - just as I did and he rocked their world as He did mine. There's something about seeing Jesus and realizing that my life would be very different if I hadn't. The shepherds came to know this first hand. As you read this passage, can you see them as they stand at the manager? I can. Let your week be filled with moment after moment of seeing Jesus as YOUR shepherd. PK

December 12, 2013 - "RSVP"

Good morning and happy Thursday. I cannot believe how fast the days are coming and going and that Christmas is really here. I get up every morning and plug-in the lights on my tree. I have since I was a child. There is something magical and romantic about drinking coffee beside the Christmas tree. Just being a girl here, I know. :) We spoke from Mary's story yesterday, and I'd like to examine some of the stories intertwined with hers if I may. It always amazes me that people read the stories of the Bible and smile like, "good story, but not real." Seriously? One of the things I love most about the Bible is I KNOW the stories are real and they speak to me in places where MY real issues need to know there's hope. Reading the stories and seeing how God interacts with His creation stirs something deep within me. Mary was chosen of God for a very special purpose. But so are you! We are simply ordinary people allowing God to bring HIS STORY to a world that needs hope through us. Very humbling! Can you hear the cry of my heart concerning this? The Bible says in Ephesians 1:18: "My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people." I understand that just because God chose us, that doesn't mean we have no responsibility. Our love relationship with God is the cornerstone through which obedience occurs. The more we LOVE and OBEY God, the closer and tighter our relationship. The tighter our relationship with God, the more we want to obey. This cycle has been displayed throughout the pages of the Bible clearly and is still being worked into the fabric of our lives daily. Somebody say, "amen!" So Mary found herself overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and immediately goes to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who is carrying a child we will later come to know as John the Baptist. Strange little guy who eats funny food and wears strange clothing, but also chosen for a specific task - to baptize our Savior. WOW - here's Mary carrying Jesus and Elizabeth, a relative, also giving birth to a special baby. The gospel of Luke records that Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah were descendants of Aaron - a priestly order of people - and were both upright in the sight of God because they observed all the Lord's commands and regulations blamelessly. You remember the story of Zechariah being silenced for the duration of Elizabeth's pregnancy because he doubted and yet Elizabeth responds so differently to the same revelation. Her response, "The Lord has done this for me - he has shown His favor and removed my disgrace." Same blessing - two responses - two different results. YES? Isn't it interesting that Gabriel ALSO says of Mary, "You who are highly favored - the Lord is with you." Wouldn't you love to know that God was pronouncing that over you today? I smile even as I type. God is working around us constantly. I wonder what our response to Him indicates? I wonder if we even realize that God is working in our lives especially when the variables seem too impossible? Gabriel reminds Mary, "Nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37) My prayer for each of us today is to look carefully at all the things God is doing daily in our lives and respond well. Being healthy is a positive response to God's help in my fight for freedom from obesity. So is your health. Keep responding out of FAITH and not FEAR. PK PS - no blog in the morning as I will be out of town with limited pockets of internet service. Let's chat again on Monday.

December 11, 2013 - "Mary's Worship Song"

I don't know about you, but I love worship. I love lifting my face toward heaven and declaring that I love no other like I love God. But I REALLY love coming together with other believers to worship. Even the most simple of songs can be so powerful. I was doing missionary work in the country of Estonia one spring and our team was visiting one of the 20 churches the lead missionary ministered in weekly. It was a Tuesday afternoon in a wooden hut and it was freezing outside. The house where this small church gathered was plain and tattered, the walls not sealed well. In fact, I could see through the slats in the wall and began to smile as I saw people walking in the snow on that afternoon to hear about Jesus. My eyes filled with tears. But the crocodile tears began as we started to worship because they were singing a tune I knew, "You deserve the glory and the honor. Lord, we lift our hands in worship as we lift your holy name. For you are great, you do miracles so great, there is no one else like you......" Over and over and over. The longer we sang, the more I cried. (as I type I find myself placed in that room and the love of God is flooding everyone even in those difficult circumstances.) It's amazing how people can be facing crazy situations and yet our souls push PAST our fleshly reasoning and we return to the Lord with a song in our heart. Think about Paul and Silas. Have you ever really considered their plight? I know it's early, but were they allowed to be unchained for bathroom privileges? Anyone other than me ever wondered that? When was their last shower or walk around the park? And yet their worship brought freedom in so many ways. Yes? Today I want to offer you another worship situation seated in controversy and yet so pure and free. Mary, the mother of Jesus, a young teenage Jewish woman who surrendered to the will of God at the threat of being stoned. In this period of time, the personal cost could have been great. Her story certainly captures the magnitude of God. God chooses, God draws us into HIS story, and God watches over those who say "yes" to perform His will. God is constantly at work throughout the earth via the Holy Spirit to bring His will to pass. He is simply looking for those who are available. Mary said, "yes." Paul and Silas said, "yes." Abraham said, "yes." How about you and I. Have we said "yes" recently? Saying "yes" doesn't mean we are saying yes to the easy street - often it means quite the opposite. But pure worship is always buried within humility, as I believe no one can truly worship without it. Our lives must reflect the fact that God is our eternal father and that in every circumstance we trust Him. God never promised a life without suffering, but He did promise to help us through those difficult places. Mary was in a difficult situation as the angel announced she would give birth - as a virgin. How will Joseph and her family respond? How will the towns people accept this? I'm certain that she remembered that she could be stoned or exiled. What would her mother say? And yet, her response says it all. But have you ever wondered IF after the angel Gabrielle left and she was alone, were there questions? Did she reconsider? Did her fleshly fear arise? We read no account of any of this, only that she pondered these things in her heart. What we actually read is that she left to be with her cousin Elizabeth and then sang a song that says, "yes." I can almost see that sweet face lifted to heaven with tears streaming as she vocalizes again, "yes." Mary’s Song of Praise 46 Mary said: With all my heart I praise the Lord, 47 and I am glad because of God my Savior. 48 He cares for me, his humble servant. From now on, all people will say God has blessed me. 49 God All-Powerful has done great things for me, and his name is holy. 50 He always shows mercy to everyone who worships him. 51 The Lord has used his powerful arm to scatter those who are proud. 52 He drags strong rulers from their thrones and puts humble people in places of power. 53 God gives the hungry good things to eat, and sends the rich away with nothing. 54 He helps his servant Israel and is always merciful to his people. 55 The Lord made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his family forever! This song has no fear, only faith. My word of encouragement for each of us today is to sing and rejoice in all the GOOD things God does daily for each of us right in the middle of controversy. The news can declare troubled waters, but our God is faithful! If there are those of you who have been praying about saying "yes" to a situation, I think today is a great day! I say "yes." PK

December 10, 2013 - "Cooking For My Memory"

I want to begin today and share some great news. Many of you ask on a regular basis about the status of my devotional cookbook. Saturday, I received the edited/proofed draft for me to begin reading and adding comments. I burst into tears as the sobering moment consumed me. I did text a few of you, but wanted to share the news with the remainder of my health family. I went following church on Sunday and had a spiral bound, hard copy produced as the publisher asked. Cool to go back to pick it up and see your first manuscript laying on the counter of Office Depot. But the coolest thing happened when several of the Life Group members arrived Sunday evening. All of the sudden we realized that several of us, several of you, have played a role in this journey. Your love and support is priceless to me! Paulette and I burst into tears and grabbed each other in tight hugs. It was quite a moment! Also wanted to share, we had a GREAT Life Group meeting! The light mac and cheese with quinoa noodles was a hit and the red velvet cake, as Mary said, "tasted illegal." Our next meeting will be January 5th and we will add the next layer of monthly accountability. We will weigh-in. We will not share how MUCH we weigh, only if we have lost or gained from the previous month. Spring swimsuits - here we come. (wink) As you know, we have been working through the "Experiencing God" series on Wednesday nights and I have really been challenged in some areas. One of them is in memorizing the weekly verses with each unit. I would love to announce that memory work comes easy for me. Oh no - really have to work at it. I have to make mental pictures, create links in my brain, tease myself and rehearse a lot. Then I have to reason with myself that I have an IPhone and an IPad and a Mac. Who needs memory? Right? I am so used to going to the favorites on my IPhone and calling, I have a hard time remembering my friend's cell phone numbers when asked. Am I the only one? But I am reminded that keeping my mind sharp through memory exercises is a great component of my long-term health. I was reading an article that actually suggests that the process of cooking and planning meals is one of the best exercises to keep one's memory sharp. The article stated that as easy as most of us feel cooking is, there are a lot of cognitive steps involved. Even simple things like cooking 2 eggs over easy requires reasoning and memory. Go figure. So the moral of today's blog - cook. Cook for your heart - cook for your mind - cook for your long-term BEST health. And...I wonder if going through the drive through is not only adding to our hip measurements but decreasing our ability to remember? HUM????? Talk tomorrow - PK

December 9, 2013 - "Shades of Truth"

I know many of you have walked through the past three years with me as my inner, "healthy adult self" came to life and took control or my unhealthy life. January 24th will be my 3rd year health birthday. You may find that odd that I keep up with this date, but living means everything to me. Most of my life, I began my day with several different medications to help me "live" and I spent the rest of the day abusing what little health those meds offered me. (vicious cycle!) The real longing to live emerged when I finally made the decision to be healthy and never look back. I do still take vitamins and herbs, but that is a far cry to my other journey. Amen! I don't know about you - but I need some sunlight. These past, five gloomy days are beginning to mess with me. UGH! Light is critical in so many ways - both naturally and spiritually. I was praying about a situation yesterday and the constant emphasis was light and truth. I am a firm believer that so many spend their lives living in shades of truth. And sometimes, if we're honest, we have probably found ourselves in the "I prefer not to know the truth" group. I gotta be honest - I have. I hear parents of teens say frequently, "if mine are doing that...I don't want to know." Ever heard that? I think in my stupidity, I have said that on occasions. Ever heard, "what they don't know won't hurt them." REALLY? I have been thinking about this in my own life and my own journey as I am convinced that knowing the truth, intimately, equals freedom. For many years I would "occasionally" read an article about health or listen to what some healthy person would share. But for me - in my mind - it was unattainable and therefore could never be "truth" for ME. How many of you know that just because you can't see something as true in YOUR life doesn't mean it isn't true? How many years did I hear others speak about the value of water and smirk as I drank my diet coke with aspartame? TOO many. How many years did someone say, "if you could just lose 10 pounds, you could start coming off some of this medication." TOO many. I need the truth about life in order to navigate well. The truth offers me light which allows me to see in those darks areas and around dark corners. Actually we all do. And, we need it sooner than later. I was thinking about the Titanic this morning. By the time the captain received the information that an iceberg was in front of the ship, it was too late to adjust and thousands of people suffered. I am convinced that a portion of our daily petitions to the Lord should be asking for HIS truth and light in every area of our journey. And then we need to make the changes quickly. The truth is not always easy to see or hear, but to me, it brings the greatest chance of a healthy future. If the news of the iceberg in front of the Titanic had been received earlier, a course correction could have been made and the events of that night would have been very different. One of my constant prayers is to ask God, "show me Your truth in this situation and what am I supposed to learn from walking in this truth." As TOUGH as that prayer is, I hate the darkness and icebergs! I don't need my own understanding or truth, but supernatural and divine revelation. You need some? It's as simple as asking. This week is gonna bring illumination to several of you in some areas. Praise God for that! PK

December 6, 2013 - "Birthday Reflections"

Happy Friday and praise the Lord for another day of life. Today I turn 57 and while I never thought I'd say this about being close to 60, I am grateful to have lived long and finally found "some" truth about the meaning of life. The older I get, the more I appreciate all that God IS in my life as well as a deeper understanding of the variables of life. As a younger person, I lived from one meal to the next and never really stopped to value the meal. Do you know what I'm trying to say? I lived from one planned moment to the other, and never really stopped to BREATHE in the moment. On this side of 50, my approach to every day is different. Yes, I still plan, but the plan doesn't consume the moment - I can ALWAYS eat an apple. :) As I reflect this morning, here are a few of the things I'd like to share with you: 1. Moments can be critical - take the picture with your mind's camera so you can replay the moment when life is acting crazy! You'll be glad you captured the tear in someone's eye or the hug that lasted more than one second. 2. Relationships drive life, so fight for them and never give in. Some may need to rest for a season but as long as people are breathing, they can change. Throw the matches away that you use to burn the bridge. 3. Being healthy affects EVERY area of my life. Eating well and sleeping well touches my spirit which touches the components of my day. Eating and sleeping are foundational stones which, when turned sideways, cause the path to feel unstable. 4. Being quiet and reflecting on my attitude, daily, helps me realize what a mess I can make of my journey without the Holy Spirit. Then, in humility, I petition for wisdom and boundaries from Heaven. 5. "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." Submitting to the plans of God for the EARTH and more personally, my earth. This prayer from Matthew 6 is BIG in me in this season. 6. Never take yourself as seriously as you feel others do. People really don't have the time to study our weaknesses as they are walking through life as well. However, the enemy of our soul is constantly trying to remind us of our failure(s). Tell him to shut up and go play in someone else's sandbox. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the condition of your heart. The truth lies there. 7. Place the imprint of your spirit on those following you - children, grandchildren, your "Timothy." There is not enough of "us" to give to everyone, but our legacy must be developed. Who are you imprinting? 8. Speak well of others, even when you don't want to. If you can't...stop and PRAY. Allow the Holy Spirit to be the one who hears the negativity. I am SOOOOO working on this right now. The more I read "Let Go" the more I realize there's still too much of my flesh in the mix. 9. Love WINS! Every time! Maybe not in the way we think or see or feel, but none of us know the long-term effects of deeply-rooted love. I am asking God to show me how He loves people who, in my small book, act "crazy" and yet receive His love freely. The Bible says it's the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. I want that God LOVE that touches people, like me, who make mistakes and need forgiveness. These are just a few of the things I have been pondering in the past few months. Maybe some of these are in your heart also. Have a fabulous weekend - I am off to play for my birthday. PK

December 5, 2013 - "Cheating"

GMA, Remember we have LIfe Group at 6PM this Sunday. Bring your Christmas share-a-dish and a recipe. ALSO, please bring your Bible. Feel free to invite a friend who wants to CONNECT to Freedom and WALK in health. in January we will begin a new curriculum that I am writing - Freedom Connections. Hope you can come. Please let me know ASAP, so I may prepare. It seemed that everywhere I went yesterday my eyes were drawn to candles. (if you missed yesterday's blog, you can go to my blogspot and catch up) I do want to say that serving as a decoration can be "one" of the purposes for a candle, but it was not their created/intended purpose. I think when electricity was invented, the intended purpose for the candle shifted. I certainly understand. However, there is something powerful and inviting when candles are lit and producing light as opposed to sitting. I am available to God and as such would love to be fired-up and powered-up daily. Sometimes we need to remember that being fired-up could be as simple as taking an extra 10 minutes to listen. Look for the simple ways each day to partner with God. Then poof - you're ignited and a container of purpose. This morning, I want to talk briefly about cheating. People frequently ask me about that in the area of my health. People are amazed that I don't "cheat." I addressed this a couple of years ago, but it seems to be a revolving thought. Let me speak to this again today. Also, I realize that "cheating" with foods over the holidays is different than cheating on your spouse. However, both walk from a place of stability to a place of instability. Right? Could I encourage you to remove the "I cheat occasionally" from your thought processes and declaration? I decided to check the dictionary this morning for the definition of cheat. Here you go: cheat |CHēt| verb 1 [ no obj. ] act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, esp. in a game or examination: she alwayscheats at cards. • [ with obj. ] deceive or trick: he had cheated her out ofeverything she had. • informal be sexually unfaithful: his wife was cheating onhim. 2 [ with obj. ] avoid (something undesirable) by luck or skill:she cheated death in a spectacular crash. • archaic help (time) pass: the tuneless rhyme with which thewarder cheats the time. noun a person who behaves dishonestly in order to gain an advantage: a liar and a cheat. • an act of cheating; a fraud or deception. ORIGIN late Middle English: shortening of escheat (the original sense). I actually don't like any of those definitions. You? I really feel what we should say is, "I eat differently over the holidays." IT'S OKAY TO SAY THAT. Somehow declaring that we cheat occasionally could lend itself to deception or manipulation, I feel. And you and I both know - there is NONE of that with our health. The more I read and study, the more convinced I am that our daily health endeavors keep a score card. We often feel we can "cheat" a little, "fudge some," and "relax the boundaries." I understand - I REALLY DO. But do you want to really "cheat" your health? I don't. "Everything in moderation....." Really? Does that include poison? Just asking questions here. :) I tell people all the time, "I never cheat. I eat exactly what I WANT TO." That's the real truth, isn't it? If we didn't want the candy, we wouldn't eat it. I am trying to bring you a word of encouragement today - eat and don't cheat. Determine what your health will allow you to consume and smile as you do. All the "cheating statements" do is bring guilt which often fosters another "cheat." Let's be FREE of that. Eat what you choose and CHOOSE well. Right? I eat what I want - what I choose. No cheating. Praying for your holiday parties this weekend. Choose lIfe and eat to live - PK

December 4, 2013 - "Love Deep, Pt. 2"

Good morning and hope you all rested well. I am a HUGE proponent of "eat well, sleep well, and laugh a lot!" I think if we would try each day to work these angles more, we would find our bodies actually living longer and having more life-long relationships. Don't you like to be around people who laugh? Not "try to laugh," but those with a light spirit. I realize we will all have days where laughing is the LAST thing we want to do, but kindness and laughter are such medicine that we can offer ourselves and others. Preach! Last night while I was exercising, I started looking at my Christmas decorations and noticed only a few of my candles had ever been lit. Now if you have walked with me over the past three years, you know I have a candle story. About 10 years ago I was admiring my pretty, decorative candles at my other house and I felt the Lord speak to ME about denying them the fulfillment of their purpose. What? "If I light them eventually they will have to be replaced," I replied. Then the Lord reminded me that I didn't understand their purpose was to give light and without my igniting them, they would only be decorations and not candles. OUCH! So last night as I was smiling at my beautiful, white, circular candles again the Lord taps me on the shoulder. Yes, yes...but these are round, and white, and may be hard to find...perhaps they are out of stock. Can you see where I am going with this? Then I began to meditate on the candles and I felt the Lord showed me that we represent them. He actually comes and places His touch upon us through the Holy Spirit and once ignited, we actually become that light on the hill to fulfill our purpose, God's purpose in our lives. God actively pursues us and allows us to partner with him to convey the good news of the Gospel. The candles CANNOT LIGHT THEMSELVES. The scripture yesterday from Ephesians 3 points us to the will of God to bring about His purpose within each of His children. The Bible teaches that He chooses us - He calls us - He ignites our hearts for His good pleasure. God does not withhold his touch. He knows we will be consumed with His flame and He LOVES it. The cool thing is that a candle will be consumed and need a replacement. We, on the other hand, while being consumed with God's love will come to understand that the more we give that love away (display His light) the longer we burn and the stronger we get. Go figure! Let's check out the passage again: Ephesians 3:19 [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! 20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far overand above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— 21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Henry Blackaby writes, "You will find the call to a relationship with God is also a call to be on a mission with Him." Yes, I'm teaching tonight and this is in my lesson plan. :) God's plan in the earth includes us. How cool is that? Can God light your candle this morning for His purpose today? I say, "Yes, LORD!" What say you? Have a bright one - PK

December 3, 2013 - "Love Deep"

Ever awakened and decided you would lay in bed and pray for a moment? Then, drift to a place of sleep and find an hour has escaped? Yikes! Well, I certainly intended to touch the LORD with my prayers this morning. I welcomed the Holy Spirit into the day and then said 3-4 times, "and help me hear well, speak slowly, and love deep." When my pre-dawn nap was completed, I felt a wee bit connected with the disciples in the Garden of Gesthemane. Anybody else? Anyway, that simple prayer continued as soon as I came for coffee and look where it took me: Ephesians 3:16-21 May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened andreinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. 17 May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, 18 That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; 19 [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being) unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! 20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far overand above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— 21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Notice the highlighted red parts. One came from my prayer (as simple as it was) and the other came from the lips of the Apostle Paul over each of us this day, but the Holy Spirit connected the two. I was blown away at how this happened. As I close this morning, pay close attention to vs. 20 that reminds us that the action of God's power within enables us to carry out all that He purposed for our day. We can be healthy, we can hear well, we can speak slowly and we can LOVE DEEP. I need God's help. How about you? PK Pastor Kathy Hill New City Church "God has not changed HIS mind about you!" email: kathy@newcitychurch.net blog: kathyshcgfamily.blogspot.com

December 2, 2013 - "A Rose By Any Other Name"

Good Monday morning! I pray your Thanksgiving was filled with life as was mine. I was tying to explain to someone at church Sunday what a sugar-free, starch-free Thanksgiving tasted like. I am not certain they comprehended how wonderful our lunch was, as their faces spoke volumes. That's okay. I did enjoy left over turkey last night, however, but added an apple and some celery. I was satisfied without all the "other" stuff. Our health is certainly worth the break from tradition, huh? Anyway, Life Group is this Sunday evening at 6. Pretty dishes, colorful stemware and great, healthy Christmas dishes. Can you bring a healthy item and a recipe to share? That would be great, but if you are still learning to cook healthy, come anyway. Get some recipe ideas for THIS YEAR'S CHristmas. Paulette has asked that I share the mac and cheese with quinoa noodles. GREAT dish although the noodles have a slight texture issue. But my family LOVED it! I may also do my sugar-free, starch-free red velvet cake. Hope you can come and bring a friend. This is our last one of 2014. As we sat at the table on Thanksgiving Day, there was a discussion as to "where we came from." I have always been told that I have Cherokee Indian heritage from one side and an Irish heritage from another. Thursday I also discovered that my father's people came from Scandinavian decent and therefore so did my green eyes. As I am not a genealogy buff, I really haven't done the research and it all sounds good to me. I know this...I came from somewhere. LOL But today I read from Ephesians that all family names, once coming into God's family, have their origin in Him. Ephesians 3:14-15 (AMP) 14 For this reason [seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name]. I know people spend mega dollars trying to determine their family name, crest, and origin. And that's ALL GOOD. But Paul informs us this morning that my family is named from God's family. I don't know another family name I would desire to be connected with more than God's. How about you? The third chapter of Ephesians is addressing the issue of family names between Jews and Gentiles. In God's kingdom, there is His name and we are brought into His family in spite of our earthly origin. The next time someone asked about my family name and origin, I will simply say my name comes from God. Can you imagine what our family crest will be like when we arrive in Heaven? Now that makes me smile this morning. As you go throughout your day, be reminded that God brought into His family through the spirit of adoption with His son, Jesus Christ. And regardless or your location all around the world, when God brought you in He gave you His name. He is the Father of all fathers and my name and origin comes from Him. Praise Him - PK