January 28, 2014 - "Living in My Praise"

Leaving this morning to go and see my husband in NC, so our chat today will be short. Thanks to those who have informed me that you're coming Sunday. Gonna be a GREAT Healthy4U! Life Group. See ya at 6. Today let's allow the scripture to confess the truth of our heart. As we prepare for the weekend, let's remember all that God is to each of us. I can NEVER recall a time when he "jumped ship" during my rough storms. Just the opposite. Listen as David proclaims the same thing and then take a moment and ponder on the faithfulness of God in your own life and present circumstances. Hope to see you Sunday evening! PK Psalm 34:1-7 1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. 4 I prayed to theLord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

February 27, 2014 - "The Value of Pruning - PT. 1"

I am sorry about yesterday, I was semi "out to lunch" from a 3 day conference and decided to go AWOL. :) Feeling better this morning and wanna talk about a first time experience for me - pruning. Perhaps there are "master gardeners" among you, but I am not that. My husband usually tends to the yard maintenance (he LOVES it) and I simply drink UNSWEETENED, mint tea and enjoy the beauty. However, due to his work situation, he is unable to fulfill that portion of the marriage contract - well, at least in this season. (wink) So I decided that pruning couldn't be that tough a feat. Right? My husband said, "watch a few youtube videos and read a few articles and you'll get it." That is SO not how I learn, but I had no options. After a couple of days, I was more confident that I could accomplish the task and was determined to see my rose bushes healthy. I did know enough about pruning to understand that it makes plants healthier and more productive and beautiful roses make me smile every time! As I began to prune, the picture and reason God was allowing me to embrace this experience emerged. One of my main goals as a Christian is to be healthy and productive for the Kingdom of God. Even in my natural realm, I feel strongly about sending things to "heaven" that have lost their effectiveness and are simply in the clutter stage. Taking up space and needing attention is not an option. God feels strongly about this as well as evidenced in John 15:1-4, which reads: 1“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." Okay, so why prune? Sometimes branches die and must be cut away. The plant may be "leggy" — spindly and weak. Pruning a plant like this corrects its growth, causing it to put out new shoots in other places, and ultimately strengthens it. The gardener may find disease or insects. Pruning removes the infestation, keeping it from spreading to the rest of the plant. With some plants early growth must be cut back several times for the maximum number of flowers to appear. To keep arms from crossing the center and not following their designed path of flowing outward to the sun. Well, well...as I mixed the passage from John with my combined research on pruning, I had no choice but to examine my own life. Now, as I pruned, I first spent time examining and testing each bush. I immediately focused on the woody arms (as they looked the most dead) and cut deep to see if any life remained. I continued to cut down until the woody part stopped, if it did, and a green and white interior showed forth. I wondered, "where are the woody arms in my own life that need to be examined and cut deep? Check it out - green symbolizing new life and white symbolizing a cleansing from the old. I could imagine that being cut several times might not have been the desired wish of the bush, or me, but unless that which no longer produces life is destroyed and separated, new, emerging life is given little to no hope. The verse in John records that God cuts off every branch that does not bear fruit. In the natural, allocating energy to something dead is a waste of time? In God's kingdom - He is the one cutting off the non-productive branch. He alone knows, but God help me to understand this process in my life no matter how painful it can be at times. God - the master gardener - examines, determines, and cuts. Sometimes He cuts those things which we may not suspect are dead in order to bring increased purpose into our lives. I may not enjoy the cutting process, but I trust God and my heart's desire is to display Jesus well. Here's how we'll end today - if pruning brings more of Jesus to a lost and dying world - I want it. Let's continue this tomorrow - but please re-read the "why prune" above with your spiritual eyes. See anything that relates to you? Have a great Thursday! PK

February 25, 2014 - "All Things In Moderation, Right?"

In the past several weeks I have heard 5 or 6 people comment, "all things in moderation." In fact, it happened just yesterday morning with some of our interns and provided a wonderful, teachable moment that I hope will provide a sticky truth for a LONG TIME. For many years I lived right within that statement and consoled myself with its "truth." However, three years ago I chose to rid myself of sugar and starch and gain the freedom that being healthy offered. As I shut and bolted certain doors in food-related areas of my life, people began to confess over me that I was tormented by the spirit of fear simply because I said, "I CAN'T eat _________." Isn't it amazing that things we won't allow in our lives, when others do, can be viewed as fear in some twisted way? I care what others eat, but I don't care to make people feel ashamed of what they do and do not eat. BIG DIFFERENCE! Many times I would simply smile and say, "I am not afraid to eat - I totally eat EVERYTHING I choose. Just because I don't eat sugar or starch doesn't mean I have allowed an eating disorder to consume me." I hope you hear my heart in this. Recently this "all things in moderation" statement has caused me to really question what is actually being said and do I agree with it. At first, I simply dismissed it. A couple of days ago, I attacked it. Actually, in my opinion, the statement is a lie. I hate to be blunt or rude, but sometimes we need a friend to help us see the truth and challenge our colloquialisms. Right? So, let's consider the statement "all things in moderation." Often I hear this announcement used in reference to eating smaller portions of anything desired. It takes discipline to say "no" to the desserts; but saying "all things in moderation," as we cut 6 small pieces of various desserts on the buffet, allows us to move the boundaries of discipline, doesn't it? Would you taste a pot of soup containing a singular drop of poison? That's the definition of moderation for many - simply a small amount. If certain food items have been proven to be harmful to one's body - like aspartame - is a moderate amount allowed? Not for me - but let's widen the "all" in that statement beyond the realm of food and give a close look. Is a little adultery in moderation okay? How about murder? Or perhaps lying - well we do call those "white lies," but they are still rooted in deception although often easier to excuse for many. Do I really want to teach my grand children "all things in moderation?" Is a little sex before marriage okay or a moderate amount of stealing? NO! I am certainly not trying to be the police here, but simply encouraging me - and maybe you - to consider those sayings we use without question. Are they carrying truth and are they principles by which we want to live our lives? Our words are so powerful! I am asking the Lord to help me practice the discipline of silence and carefully examine each word that journeys from my mouth. I want to speak LIFE on all levels. Perhaps these passages will help us this day to examine the weight of our statements: Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Proverbs 10:19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. Proverbs 12:13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 21:23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Have a blessed Tuesday, PK

February 24, 2014 - "The Mighty Warrior Dog"

Good morning and can you believe we are already concluding February this week and a week later changing to Day Light Savings Time? Can someone shout, "slow down?" Remember, this is LIfe Group Sunday and I am making pizza. YUM! Let me know if you're coming and, if possible, what you will be contributing so I can plan enough pizza. I acquired some YUMMY recipes last month from our group and have already started making some of them. We start at 6pm. Come and have a meal with a group of healthy eaters who are just crazy enough to believe healthy food can actually taste good! PS - the pizza is made with almond flour and actually very good. Bring a friend. This weekend I had my first three day, over-night sleepover with the grand puppy. Yes, I said grand puppy. Teree and the girls headed to Florida for the last few days of winter break and guess who was on grandma duty with their dog? Me. Macy is a small cocker spaniel who is two and very smart. VERY SMART. On Saturday while I was walking her, now remember she's small, she happened to jump upon a large stick and it "kicked up" at her. She jumped about 6 inches and started baking hysterically and growling as she crouched and "sized-up" the enemy. She slowly began to bark with authority as she crawled ready to defend herself and her Nina (that's me) from the enemy. She never realized that the enemy (the stick) had no power to attack her, as she had caused it to kick up, but with every passing second she became more the warrior. She progressed from being the crouched down, shy "I might be scared of you" dog to this champion with a bowed chest and piercing bark. She turned her head and dared that stick to move. All I could do was laugh. Then the wind blew and a sound came from the leaves around the stick...and the mighty warrior dog jumped back and cowered again still pawing the ground and trying to gain her, "I'm not scared of you bark." Eventually, she inched closer again and confidently reminded the enemy who was boss. Tears filled my eyes from laughing so hard. But aren't we a lot like that sometimes? An issue in our life jumps up at us - sometimes without provocation and sometimes because we made a mistake - and it can appear to be the monster of all issues and fear grips our heart and torments our mind. I have been there. How about you? However, we must always remind ourselves that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7) There is no issue in our life that God cannot handle and the Holy Spirit help us through. But sometimes when the issue rises up multiple times, we can begin to lose hope that God sees and God will never leave us. Courage can run out the window. What really happens is that our faith in God can begin to dwindle and if He is removed from the defensive strategy, our mind seems to default to fear again. Can I share with you my definition of courage: "Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is trusting God in the presence of fear." God shared that with me several years ago and it really kept me to the truth. No matter what our feelings say - God's Word says He will never leave us nor forsake us. FOREVER. Our issues are simply places to gain maturity in God's eyes. He's always present in our present issues. While I might not see the stick (back to Macy) the way God does, I can rest assured that as long as I am connected to God (as Macy was on my leash and I was right there with her) I have nothing to fear. Had the stick been a real threat to Macy, I would have rescued her. Remind yourself today: Power, love, and a sound mind all come from my being connected to God and the issues of my life are but inanimate objects to the Creator of the universe. That's a great way to start a week! PK

February 21, 2014 - "The Real Truth about Watermelons"

Good morning to you all. It's great to round out the week with warmer temps here and the smell of spring is in the air. I had someone introduce me to the small, baby watermelons yesterday and I about flipped out. Where have I been? Many of you who have traveled with me for many years know that I am a freak about that fruit. I could eat it everyday and throughout the day and pronounce, "THIS is a good day!" So I did some research last night to see if I was running this fascination on taste alone and was impressed to discover so many wonderful benefits. The following article comes from National Geographic Daily News. The link is www.nationalgeographic.com I KNEW I loved this fruit - but now I love it more! I always say, "some people shop for shoes - I shop for watermelons." God's Word teaches in James 1:17 that every good and perfect gift comes from above and in my heart watermelon is both. :) (that is of course a stretch, but I know God loves me and knows I never want to use His Word wrongly) Anyway...my favorite fruit is back at home and I AM A HAPPY GIRL! I pray that your weekend be filled with laughter, hope, encouragement and the confidence we have in knowing Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Let's chat Monday. PK Five Reasons To Eat Watermelons 1. It soothes sore muscles. According to a new study in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, drinking watermelon juice before a hard workout helped reduce athletes' heart rate and next-day muscle soreness. That's because watermelon is rich in an amino acid called L-citrulline, which the body converts to L-arginine, an essential amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. The study's seven participants, all men, were given 17 ounces (500 mL) of either natural watermelon juice, watermelon juice enriched with additional citrulline, or a placebo drink an hour before their workouts. Interestingly, the natural juice was just as effective as the enriched juice. The researchers also determined that intestinal cells can absorb more citrulline from watermelon juice than from citrulline supplements, especially when the juice is unpasteurized. 2. It helps heart health. Postmenopausal women experienced improved cardiovascular healthafter six weeks of taking commercially available watermelon extract supplements containing citrulline and arginine, according to a study published earlier this year by Florida State University physiologist Arturo Figueroa. And in a 2012 study—also led by Figueroa—such supplements helped alleviate high blood pressure in obese, middle-aged adults. (Not surprisingly, he's received two grants from the Watermelon Promotion Board.) 3. It could be a natural Viagra. Improved circulation can benefit more than just the heart, as at least one watermelon researcher has pointed out. But you'd probably have to eat an awful lot to achieve the desired effect--and eating too much could cause unfortunate side effects, since watermelon has long had areputation as a natural diuretic. 4. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, but low in calories. Given its name, you might assume the fruit has little nutritional value—and it is more than 90 percent water. But a 10-ounce (300-mL) wedge of watermelon packs in about one-third of the recommended daily value of vitamins A and C, as well as a modest amount of potassium (9 percent of the daily value). 5. It could even combat cancer. Watermelon is among the best dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, although scientists are still investigating the details of that connection.

February 20, 2014 - "Don't Hide Trouble"

Yea, it's Thursday and we are walking toward the pools being opened and our summer shorts being pulled from the attic and placed in our drawers. Are we ready? I want to encourage you to weigh daily and keep your calorie content in check. I always remind people, "Five pounds is a lot easier to grab than 50." Let me remind you, unless you are weighing you have NO TRUE measure of whether your health goals are really working. I know, I hate to weigh as well, but truth is truth. I don't get upset about fluctuations, as they will occur, unless they start peaking above 3 pounds for several days. Then, it's probably not a water or stress issue but an over-eating issue. If you are in a starving phase, keep tons of veggies on hand and grab as many as you like. This really works. Yesterday, I had 2 apples back to back because I was extremely hungry. Let me encourage you to plan ahead before trouble arises in the form of serous temptation and the ONLY thing you have on hand are chocolate kisses. :) Proverbs 22:3 says it this way: "When you see trouble coming, don’t be stupid and walk right into it— be smart and hide." The wise King Solomon should have placed my name in capitals within that verse yesterday. For many years, I didn't hide FROM trouble, I HID trouble. Not good! It's the annual cookie sale for the young ladies we all love and adore, and for much of my adult life this was a temptation I PLANNED for. I laughed with a friend on Tuesday, I actually bought the cookies for "humanitarian reasons - being a kind person" and absolutely made a "plan" to ration them by placing them in baggies in the freezer so I couldn't consume them all at once. That never worked for me. I tried to HIDE trouble - but duh...I always knew where trouble was hiding and could reach trouble quickly. You know this procedure? When I got healthy, I had to decide that I couldn't allow TROUBLE access into my house, pantry, or body. Saying "no" is easier, but I still have to run from trouble. It is a conscious effort. If stupidity overcomes me, I pay. I always said, "it's horrible to pay money for something I know will eventually harm my body." As Proverbs states - that's walking right into trouble. Today - I don't purchase, carry home, or hide trouble. I cannot. I am following the advice of King Solomon and hiding FROM trouble. The good thing is that hiding from trouble means we don't have to hide at the pool or in our shorts. YEA! My encouragement today - rid your pantry, fridge, cabinets, office desk drawers and car of all hidden trouble and declare that you are smart, just as God's Word teaches. Life Group meets next week. Hope you can come. PK

February 19, 2014 - "I Made Myself Do It"

GMA, We are half way through another week and wow, it felt soooo much like spring yesterday. I am sharing one of my devotionals from the morning as it's too good to pass. EVERY one of us have completed tasks that we absolutely didn't want to complete. Yes? I found myself there yesterday. I never thought about how completing tasks we really can't stand actually tests our character. I find there are still so many areas I need maturing in. :) I will move this flesh a little quicker next time and REMEMBER that life is not always going to hand me "things I want to do." Completing the DO NOT WANT TO COMPLETE LIST, with a right attitude, gives a brilliant opportunity to remind this flesh, "you're not the boss of me." Willingness and attitude toward the task - huge in maturity. Right? Have a good Wednesday! PK This is from My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers): Taking the Initiative Against Drudgery 02192014 Arise, shine . . . —Isaiah 60:1 When it comes to taking the initiative against drudgery, we have to take the first step as though there were no God. There is no point in waiting for God to help us— He will not. But once we arise, immediately we find He is there. Whenever God gives us His inspiration, suddenly taking the initiative becomes a moral issue— a matter of obedience. Then we must act to be obedient and not continue to lie down doing nothing. If we will arise and shine, drudgery will be divinely transformed. Drudgery is one of the finest tests to determine the genuineness of our character. Drudgery is work that is far removed from anything we think of as ideal work. It is the utterly hard, menial, tiresome, and dirty work. And when we experience it, our spirituality is instantly tested and we will know whether or not we are spiritually genuine. Read John 13. In this chapter, we see the Incarnate God performing the greatest example of drudgery— washing fishermen’s feet. He then says to them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). The inspiration of God is required if drudgery is to shine with the light of God upon it. In some cases the way a person does a task makes that work sanctified and holy forever. It may be a very common everyday task, but after we have seen it done, it becomes different. When the Lord does something through us, He always transforms it. Our Lord takes our human flesh and transforms it, and now every believer’s body has become “the temple of the Holy Spirit.”

February 18, 2014 - "I Remember"

*** On March 1st, I will no longer post to this site but to my website. I will share that link several days next week. I have decided that God allowed me to be born in the exact era that best fits my personality. I was watching a movie Sunday afternoon and the "ladies were retiring to the parlor to resume their pleasantries," so the Lady of the House exclaimed. The men kissed their foreheads with the "go play cards and do the lady thing" mentality and I had to smirk. Gotta be honest. The daughter, however, considered herself to be "modern." She balked at the mold and refused to be silent about her opinions. My kind of girl. The movie progressed through the journey of this young woman standing for her opinions, beliefs, and firm commitment that life was better in America where land was being given away for those strong enough to posses it. Determination times 17 is what I thought. I wondered as I watched the struggles to overcome yield to discouragement what I would have really done in her position. I realize all over the world people are suffering and sometimes I have to stop and ask myself, "what would I REALLY do?" It's easy to say how we would respond, but I am convinced that none of us know our exact response until the exact confrontation arises. Sometimes I wonder what it would have really been like to live with Jesus. Do you? Would I have been strong enough to face persecution for the truth I had discovered and embraced? I tried to read today about the process of being scourged and I honestly could NOT complete the reading. The details were so horrific I literally covered my eyes and finally closed the book. The description was beyond what I could imagine and I wondered - how did Paul endure that not once, but twice? How did Jesus endure such a beating for someone like me? Could I, as his mother, have watched such a sight? So many questions in my heart. In several of the Gospels we read that Jesus gathered the disciples together the night before he was betrayed. He had witnessed scourgings as well as many crucifixions, as they were common practices in his day. And yet Luke records "they reclined at the table" as Jesus shared the passover meal with them. He told the men that night that he must suffer and that his body would be broken and his blood poured out for them. Actually the text reads, "for you." Can you smile as you digest the you - is you? It's me. How powerful a concept that Jesus would willingly to suffer so that the broken fellowship between God and each of us was restored. His command that evening - "as often as you do this - remember me." That seems so simple an exchange for His suffering. Each of us faces our own daily struggles and sufferings. I know - me too. However, as we remain - abide - develop - in or relationship with our Eternal Father (THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR MAKING THAT POSSIBLE) at least we will never have to face the torment of being plucked from His hand or spend a moment separated from Him. Suffering is never easy, but realizing that Heaven is my home and Jesus left this Earth to prepare a place for me gives me the courage to endure. Let your heart be at rest today as you remember! Have a blessed one - PK

February 17, 2014 - "I Don't Do Confusion"

Sorry this is late - I have been so hard at work both studying the Word and working through my task list that I haven't had time to stop until now. But I need some time to breathe and let my brain "rest for a moment." Do you ever do that? I must admit that Valentine's Day this year had more chocolate displays than I've ever seen. It almost became a game with me to see which type of candy could be re-packaged for this lover's holiday. Then, as I entered a store yesterday to get a few things I discovered the Valentine chocolates were reduced in price and the chocolate Easter bunnies out for grab. REALLY? I thought yesterday was still included in the Valentine's weekend, but I guess the retailers feel differently. I walked the store yesterday and considered again how powerful packaging and marketing are. Now mind you I rarely see whole foods offered during holidays with such extravagance. Can you picture a display of carrots shaped into an Easter bunny in the front of your favorite store as opposed to the chocolate ones? Probably not. I had so many people comment they found themselves powerless to say "no" to chocolate. I wondered about that - what type of inanimate object has that much control over us? Have you ever thought about it? Several years ago I used to say that chocolate was "calling my name, and I simply could NOT resist." Yes, I said it in fun, but after this past holiday with ALL the comments about the power of chocolate I really shook my head. Does chocolate really have that strong a voice? NO, not the object, but the TASTE. Taste triggers our mind into feeling a sense of pleasure as if we are being treated to something desirable. Remember, sugar sedates and comforts. So chocolate candy is a three-fold bomb - sedates, comforts, and tastes great. YIKES - what a deadly combo. Yesterday, while out to eat with my family, I designed my meal at a restaurant to accomplish my health goals. It really wasn't what I "wanted" to eat. However, I smiled at my brother and said, "this a great steak!" We all laughed, but how many of you know we simply cannot satisfy our flesh at every meal. Taste is a fabulous plus, but being healthy has to out weigh taste. The problem is that chocolate tastes good "for a season" but it quickly settles on our belly and thighs. Then, we often feel bad and opt for more chocolate to comfort us only to repeat the process. It's a viscous cycle! We have to decide we want off! Once we have made a tough decision to never return to the sugar wheel, often every issue (or holiday) in life lines up in our house and our mind reasons, "YOU NEED SUGAR! THAT'S THE ONLY WAY TO ENDURE THIS ISSUE." That is so not true! When we continue to rationalize truth and make excuses for our weaknesses - we weaken the boundaries of success. Slowly we return to the old way of thinking, even though we KNOW the truth. You see the Bible, speaking of truth, could actually read "the truth you know INTIMATELY sets you free." Why? Because when another voice speaks to lure us from the truth we are able to say, "that voice brings life - that one brings death," and we are able to decide without confusion. I don't do well with confusion. How about you? Have a great week, PK

February 14, 2014 - "God's Valentine"

Happy Valentine's Day and praise God for the sunshine. These past couple of weeks have really reminded me of how much I love and need the light. There's something special about the rays of the sun hitting my eyes that make me smile. Maybe you too? FYI - my editor contacted me yesterday and things are progressing rapidly. I would really appreciate your prayers as my journey may change a bit. I am not certain how God is going to use this devotional cookbook and combine it with my heart's desire. But His Word teaches us that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart. (Psalm 37:4) I have held that close in my heart for years. Matthew Henry comments on that verse in this manner: To delight in God is as much a privilege as a duty. He has not promised to gratify the appetites of the body, and the humours of the fancy, but the desires of the renewed, sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and serve God. Commit thy way unto the Lord; roll thy way upon the Lord, so the margin reads it. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, the burden of thy care. We must roll it off ourselves, not afflict and perplex ourselves with thoughts about future events, but refer them to God. By prayer spread thy case and all thy cares before the Lord, and trust in him. We must do our duty, and then leave the event with God. The promise is very sweet: He shall bring that to pass, whatever it is, which thou has committed to him. As we talked yesterday, waiting on God and determining that our best efforts never compare with the richness of His plan and His eternal love for each of us gives me continued assurance that time IS NOT WORKING AGAINST ME. Maybe someone needs to hear that this morning. God has heard and taken note of your prayers and life, and delay is not always denial. UNLESS...God, who knows you best, realizes the potential harm in your petition. I would never give one of my kids something catastrophic no matter how they pleaded. As the adult, I am more knowledgeable so saying, "no" is easy. They continue to ask because they don't know the potential danger. Often, for children, the answer of "no" can be misinterpreted as "I don't love you." ABSOLUTELY not true - in fact, it could totally the opposite! God's heart and love for each of us is BIG enough to say "yes, no, or maybe" as He needs to. Our duty is to delight in Him...regardless. God gave us the best Valentine gift in the form of eternal life and then asks that we share the good news with a world who simply sees Valentine's Day as a box of chocolates. I know that excludes many of you but the world, without Jesus, sees this day as chocolates and fancy dinners. As we give our Valentine gifts today, may they have the Spirit of the Lord attached that speaks clearly, "I'll love you forever...no matter what!" Have a great Friday and smile as you remember that God knew you before He fashioned you and chose you! Much love, PK

February 13, 2014 - "Waiting on God"

Well, we survived the "catastrophic" ice event and I'm telling you it was a challenge to stay on routine while sitting in the house all day. Anybody identify with that? I did get my exercise in and a few emails answered, but certainly not what I planned. One of my grand babies asked, "Nina, why am I so tired? All I did was lay around today." I reminded her of a basic, scientific principle - energy creates energy. We actually see that principle worked out in so many areas of our lives and not simply living beyond couch potato status. It was a great time to reinforce that getting some exercise in daily is vital to a healthy life style. I love those teachable moments. This morning let's examine Isaiah 64:4. Isaiah 64:4 Amplified Bible (AMP) 4 For from of old no one has heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who works and shows Himself active on behalf of him who [earnestly] waits for Him. Let's consider that word - waits. Often we have been taught "we make our own destiny...or...no one will work on our behalf as we would...or...it's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil." Have you ever heard or said any of this? And while I understand this clearly with my type A personality, SOMETIMES I can get ahead of the game and suffer due to not allowing the variables to all come together before I "make" the conclusion, especially if there doesn't seem to be one. When I read this verse this morning, I was confronted with this truth...I work and yield my own results or I wait on God and reap His results. That's really a no-brainer. Right? I must be honest, though, sometimes I can really get impatient for the answer to the problem and miss the BEST solution. There are many solutions sometimes, and settling for a good answer means I don't reap the benefits of the BEST answer. Our verse this morning clearly teaches that NO ONE throughout the duration of time has ever seen a God like ours who works and shows himself active on our behalf. Yes...but there's the end of the verse...who earnestly WAITS for him. I went to the Hebrew this morning and found that the word waits, in this context, means to wait or long for. I was reminded that while we love ALL our children equally, those who seem to have a particular love and longing for us as their parents, those who wait on us for guidance and help, seem to have a larger measure of this focus on a regular basis. It's all about relationship, isn't it? A further study of the word lead me to "being bound or tied down." Odd? However, as I pondered I could see how sometimes we could run ahead of God's BEST solution unless we are bound and tied to the TRUTH that He really is at work in the major AND THE MINOR details of our lives. Just because we didn't get the answer we asked for, doesn't mean God isn't at work. God's BEST answer could take longer to manifest than we have allowed and pre-determined it should. SOOO...I am reminded that I need to wait on God and allow Him to work on my behalf just as this verse says. And, while patience is not my best virtue, it is the one God allows me to work on most. I wonder why? :) PK

February 11, 2014 - "Preparation!"

**** Remember, at the end of this month, I will be posting to my website and no longer here. For those of our family who don't live in Georgia, we are preparing for what the weather people are calling a "catastrophic event." I am a girl who likes to prepare, so I joined the ranks of those who listened and have a plan in place in the event they are correct. As I listened to the early reports this morning, the weather man conveyed that, "with every set of incoming data the event becomes worse." I was glad I made a plan last night but as I lay quietly this morning, I shifted my focus to things which happen daily, all around each of us, with the potential for catastrophic impact. Much of that goes unnoticed by the masses and yet shapes the inner workings of our heart. Doesn't it? Sometimes these "catastrophic-event makers" seem insignificant - unless they are happening to us. Consider these daily event-makers we are required to filter: 1. rejection 2. fear 3. failure 4. ugly comments about our kindness 5. family drama 6. anger And the list goes on. Each of these singularly impact things laying deep within who we are but often are joined by others exponentially impacting our spirits. Wouldn't it be great to announce, "I'm never bothered by these." Fabulous - please pray for me, as I am. Yes, when these unwanted visitors arrive, I find truth from God's Word and combat their advances. However, as with this ice event, sometimes they are random - hard to detect - and "weigh down" our power source (God's TRUTH). I thought this morning, making a daily plan to meet with God early, read His Word daily, pick up the weapons of our warfare (Ephesians 6), which are not carnal, and remain alert are all critical to surviving the "catastrophic-event makers" that Satan uses to keep us from moving forward in the full confidence that we have been redeemed and declared free by the blood of Jesus. That makes me want to shout! The weather people normally present "happy news" and rarely "catastrophic events." However, successfully navigating our day means we are preparing for those daily arrows the wicked one slings. They come - and they come daily. I cannot wait to fight until they arrive; I make a plan each morning. It's cool that the Holy Spirit, our eternal weather man, is sending the signals and the alert notices throughout the day. The questions is: what is our response? Let's not be trapped by denial, or fueled by drama, but stand firm in God's assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us! Amen! Stay warm! PK

February 10, 2014 - "Wisdom and Understanding"

I had the BEST time at our Healthy4You! LIfe Group last night and we had some yummy, HEALTHY foods. It was awesome! I ended up with 6 new recipes and that makes me a happy girl. Beyond an evening of eating healthy sits the key component though - dialogue. Dialogue builds relationships and relationships are critical in the winning combination for great health in my opinion. I need others giving support and accountability especially on the days when I feel weak or tired. How about you? Healthy relationships have now taken on new meaning in my life. I am grateful that so many are now opening their minds and hearts to the benefits of staying on the path in spite of..... I so enjoy sharing a meal with people who have a desire to use food for its designed purpose and not to cover hurts and emotional scars. Our Freedom Connection #2 lesson challenged us to find JOY IN the journey to health not along he way or occasionally - but actually dig deep into our God-given JOY when the journey toward health isn't always the easiest or most enjoyable path. And let's be honest, a cheeseburger with fries is sometimes easy AND desirable but NEVER the best option. So when we say, "no" to that choice, sometimes we have to battle our own pity party and smile as we remind ourselves that our spirit is stronger than our flesh and being healthy in our spirit, soul, AND body is joyous. Yes? However, in the battle with our flesh sometimes joy is far from our mind. Let us remember this is a journey, our journey, and we will find JOY! We are not alone. Proverbs 4 lists the benefits of gaining wisdom and understanding. It's one of my favorites! At my age I am finally applauding wisdom and understanding - it took me a while though. :) Let's conclude today with this passage and chat again tomorrow. I pray your Monday is filled with wise choices that come from a profound level of understanding. PK Proverbs 4 (NIV) Get Wisdom at Any Cost 4 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” 10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. 14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. 16 For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. 17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18 The path of the righteous(V) is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. 20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

February 7, 2014 - "The Benefits of Listening Well"

Just a reminder that Healthy4You! Life Group meets this Sunday and it is our Valentine gathering. I am making a NSA red velvet cake with a cream cheese icing and crab cakes. My mom always told me to never try something new on guests - only family. WELL...I have made these once, they are a work in progress, and you are family. (PS - they are low fat and not fried, but taste pretty yummy for just a few calories) So I make no declaration, but I need to keep tweaking them for my next set of recipes. Listen to that - YIKES. I better get one devotional cookbook published first. Yes? This Sunday evening we will weigh in (those who want to), share our meal and recipes, and I will be sharing Freedom Connection #2 - JOY in the Journey. Please connect with me if you're coming so I can prepare adequately. See you at 6. We've been talking this week about how God communicates: through His billboard in the sky, His Word, His church, His Son. When Adam and Eve broke fellowship with the Father, He began a journey of seeking to touch His creation (including us) daily with whatever means necessary to communicate His eternal affection. God concludes His Word with the book of Revelation and in there we find an admonishment from John the Revelator, "to him who has ears to hear, let him hear by the Spirit of the Lord." We find this to be the consistent directive to the seven churches mentioned in chapters 2 and 3 of that book. Now certainly John knew they had natural ears and that is not what he was questioning. As I have examined this passage for the past couple of days, I have asked myself the question, "do I have ears to hear by the Spirit of the Lord?" You see I totally believe that God speaks is so many unique and wonderful ways and often in our busyness, we miss His voice. I absolutely believe that God's desire is to be the voice we hear first and last each day. I wonder if I am listening? Are you? God spoke and the earth was created. I wonder what He spoke and created in my life yesterday? Yours? What will He speak and create today? I don't want to take a sunset or sunrise for granted, or the power of a storm, or the words in red in the New Testament. My heart's desire is to know Father God in such an intimate way that His still, small voice speaks loudly to me. There are often many voices that cry out to us in a 24 hour period, but the Bible clearly teaches in John 10: 27-28 "27"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;28and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.…" Praise God we can hear His voice, He knows us, and we are following him. Right? Be encouraged this day that God is speaking because He knows us and plans to reward us with eternal life. YES! See you Sunday night, PK

February 6, 2014 - "Send Jesus to the Door"

Have you ever really thought about the HUGE difference between being tested and being tempted? Testing is usually called upon to prove something good...like do we believe what God is saying or how deep is our love of God. While being tempted desires to reveal a character flaw or a weakness contrary to the Spirit of the Lord. Temptation is a luring to submit to some issue of the flesh. Testing is one tool that God uses, but not temptation. There is an evil bent in temptation and we must learn to quickly discern the difference. Who is speaking and allowing things in our lives and can I tell the difference? Let's read some scripture this morning. That always helps me see clearly: James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces ... because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ... for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ... Deuteronomy 13:3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet ... ... prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. ... Hebrews 3:8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion ... do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness ... Luke 4:13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left ... When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. ... James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." ... When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone ... 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." I love this quotation by Billy Graham that helps to clearly give us some help when working through being tested or tempted because we will face BOTH and sometimes in the same day. Scripture tells us that God tempts no one. Temptation always comes from the devil. God will test us and allow us to endure the temptation, but the devil does the tempting. How do we overcome it? A little girl once told her method. "When the devil comes knocking at the door," she said, "I don't answer it. I send Jesus to the door." And that is exactly the way to take care of it. Send Jesus to the door! Billy Graham The Bible never promises that we will endure life with no periods of being tested or tempted. God uses various tests to prove certain things about either Himself or us, but He does know our limits and promises to never go beyond them. I don't know about you, but during some of those tests I was convinced that God must have a lot more faith and belief in me than I could ever have in myself. Thank you, Father, for knowing my limits and providing a method to endure. Remember this today - God may pass out the test, but Satan is offering the cheat sheet. Send Jesus to the door! PK

February 6, 2014 - "God Speaks"

**** Just a reminder that this is the last month for me to post using blogspot. Starting in March I will transfer to my own website. I will supply the link at the end of February. Yesterday we examined the beginning of Psalm 19 and spoke of the heavens as God's billboard. God is always communicating with mankind and has since He created us. The Bible declares in Genesis that God walked in the cool of the garden with Adam. Doing what? Communicating. I can't begin to imagine what walking and talking with God in the Garden of Eden must have been like. The closest thing, for me, would be the late afternoon walks along the shore of the beach with just God and I. Oh well... God spoke to Noah and Abraham and changed the course of history. God spoke to Moses from a burning bush and delivered His chosen people - over three million of them - to display His glory and honor His word. Throughout the course of time God has used many, varied techniques to communicate with His creation He so adores and still looks for ways moment by moment to communicate with each of us DAILY. David writes in Psalm 19:1-6 of how God communicates without words and NO ONE can escape His display. There is no language barrier when the sun, the moon, and the stars speak. People around the world comprehend without the symbolic combinations that often limit our human interaction among the nations. Not in the heavens. However, then David reminds us of how God uses the spoken and written word to direct our lives and give us the best hope for right living. Check this out: Psalm 19:7-9 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of theLord are true; each one is fair. Each of the bold words expresses another attempt by God to communicate. Often people celebrate the beautiful sunset and see God speaking to His creation but the LAWS of God can sometimes communicate something not so beautiful to a host of people. But how many of you know a land without laws = lawlessness = confusion, chaos, and disorder. God's Word, His Laws, His commands are given to help us - not hurt us. In order to receive the instruction of the Lord through His statues, we often need the revealing grace of the Holy Spirit. Or I do. David ends this Psalm declaring how valuable the communication of God really is to us even in the form of a law. He declares, "they are more precious than the finest gold." Let's be honest - when is the last time one of us looked at the commandments of the Lord and saw them as finer than gold? Or sweeter than honey from the honeycomb? I think today we should pause and not simply be grateful for the beautiful sunrise which God uses to say, "good morning." But we should thank Him that He created boundaries and decrees that help keep us morally secure in a world where lawlessness is fashionable. God is speaking in many ways. Are we listening to them all or selecting the easiest frequency? PK

February 4, 2014 - "God's Billboard"

**** At the end of this month, I will no longer be using bloodspot, but will post to my new website. I will post a link soon if you choose to continue having "coffee and the Word" with me each morning. :) Have you ever tried to really figure out the mind of God? Isn't that a HUGE undertaking? Sometimes I think I have a few wisdom tokens under my belt only to discover that God is so much bigger than my understanding. I have been pondering these spring birds and hyacinths that seem to have no sense that it was snowing and frigid last week. I walked outside and thought, "do you have any clue that it's icy and snow is everywhere?" Their little song was so filled with life and animation. I remember thinking that as cold as it was, they are always the first responders to announce the spring is coming. Then, through the snow beside our front door, I noticed the green leaves from my other first responders - the hyacinths. I feel especially sorry for them for unlike the birds, they bloom only once and are gone. I wanted desperately to inform them that perhaps this isn't the most suitable climate for making an entrance. However, they have not listened. Yesterday they were blooming forth and making their stand joining with the spring birds to be the first to respond with the good news. This year perhaps GREAT NEWS, as it's been a long, cold winter. Spiritually, God's creation arrives on the scene daily to announce the glory of God. Psalm 19 records it this way: Psalm 19 (MSG) A David Psalm 19 1-2 God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening. 3-4 Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. 4-5 God makes a huge dome for the sun—a superdome! The morning sun’s a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape. 6 That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith. I really do love the fact that God has a plan to remind us throughout the day, announce if you will, that He is the one responsible for creating the world as we know it, including each of us. The grand display in the skies is His billboard. He uses it to make us smile, but also to keep us informed. Each day let us lift up our eyes to see what Father God is sharing for this segment in His time table. As the verse above records, "unspoken truth spoken everywhere." God help us to see what you are speaking in the earth in these days! Let's talk tomorrow? PK

February 3, 2014 - "Walking in the Natural and according to God's Plan"

Good morning to you all and it's it great to be on the other side of a super-sized party? I love going to the Super Bowl parties, but honestly without a team I know in the mix, I am simply enjoying friends at a party and not an active participant in watching the game? It is FUN, however, to hear the roaring cheers and watch everyone chatting and visiting. I love community! Speaking of which, our Healthy4You! Life Group meets THIS SUNDAY evening at 6pm at my house. Please let me know if you'll be coming. Find something healthy to share and let's enjoy party#2 this week. I will be sharing Freedom Connection#2 following our time of healthy indulgence. :) As I type, I have the front door opened and the sounds of the birds amidst the cool breeze shouts change to my spirit. There are always signs of change - God planned for us to not wander (walk) in darkness, but be children of the light. And yesterday, before heading to our Super Bowl party, my daughter and I went for a walk. Isn't it amazing that Tuesday we had snow and yesterday we were walking in shorts and t-shirts around the track? Things can change quickly. But the truths of God's Word never change. As we grow in maturity, our experiences may broaden our understanding of certain passages but that doesn't mean they changed. I have chosen several verses from Ephesians 5 (AMP) this morning to emphasize that walking on a track is great BUT walking in God's truths is BEST! God not only desires that we read His Word, but that we move out - WALK - in them so that others may come to know and love Him as we do. Ephesians 5: 2, 8-10, 15-16 (AMP) 2 And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. 8 For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. 9 For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. 10 And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]. 15 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), 16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. So today as you get your exercise video started, remember that your WALK throughout the day (lived out in front of others) communicates, in a non-verbal manner, whose you are. Walk well my friends! PK