Understanding your SHAPE

I watched a message given by Pastor Rick Warren tonight and it parallel our message at church regarding How to Not Waste the life we were given here on Earth. Some insight that I've taken away from the last few weeks:
~We need to learn to GIVE our life away.
~Turn our jobs into a service to others and God's glory.
~Learn what spiritual gifts we have and have a passion to pursue it in our life. 
~You can waste your life, spend your life or invest your life!!!
~Love God and SERVE people!!

I liked Pastor Warren's description on how to SHAPE our life:

S: Spiritual Gifts
H: Heart (What your passionate about)
A: Abilities
P: Personality
E: Experiences (Vocational, Family, Educational, Spiritual, and most importantly Painful)

Listen to this audio: Understanding your SHAPE from Pastor Rick Warren to understand more about learning to live our BEST life.

Small Stuff Matters

I have had numerous old and new friends recently encourage and love me by posting on Facebook, txt or email me to point out my obvious love for God, noticeable life change and loving friendship.  I don't think we realize how much it means for people to put forth a small amount of energy to compliment and encourage someone with simple acts of kindness.  I thank all of my friends that have taken the time to LOVE me and really make my life more and more BLESSED to have each of you in my life!
We Really Can't Do This Alone!!!

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (NLT)

Passionate Pursuit

 

I remember the video clip posted below being played this time last year at a small group that was studying the series/book Not a Fan.  It really left a lasting impression on me and what it means to passionately pursue a relationship with Jesus. I love the story of Kyle Idleman (the author) riding a "borrowed" bike across the state (he didn't own a car) to be with his girlfriend because he missed and loved her THAT much.  This analogy stood out in my mind because it made me think of all the times I had pursued lots of things with such determination and passion but had I really LOVED Jesus enough to go to "crazy" lengths to be with Him.

The other comment that Kyle quotes at the end of the video clip REALLY made me have an Ah Ha moment: "We raised her in Church but we didn't raise her in Christ."  This was an epic statement for so many people in that study because it is so easy for loving Christian parents to misguide their children into focusing on a religion rather than the relationship God wants to have with each of us.   

 





Trails of Victory

Read the following tonight in a devotional and thought it was worth sharing : The Bible says that every trial you face is an opportunity for God to show His goodness to you and for you to become more like Christ.

Dear Lord, I ask tonight that the trials of my life become trails to victory rather than trials of defeat. Thank you for carrying me when I was tired and cheering me on when I was back on my feet. Teach me to enjoy the journey on the trail of life rather than feel like I lost a race every time I stumble along the path.
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Amen

Just keep swimming!!!

I have had the "Dori Mantra" for several years now....Just keep swimming, just keep swimming but I've felt recently like I had finally found the sea anemone to rest my family in. 

However, it really does take one phone call, one accident, one decision to make the tide change again....requiring us to fight the sharks and jellyfish; requiring us to change all over again. 

We don't have to swim out to the Drop off to unprotected open water like Nemo did.  We will have times where we ride the EAC (East Australian Current) and rest in stability of life provided by God's blessings. So I'm sticking to my Just Keep Swimming mantra and enjoy the journey...I've always wanted to go to Australia!!!!

Who wants to go eat at the buffet or luau???

I keep getting reminded in several different circumstances how important it is that our souls be fed.  I realized today as I pulled out a journal that I wrote in a month ago about wants, prayers and wishes that I am spiritually fed and ecstatic with my progress.  I contribute it to going to a church that teaches me how to have a relationship with Jesus here on Earth and I intentionally prioritize personal time with Him for gaining strength and wisdom for God's will in my life.
If you feel alone, overwhelmed, resentful; then I personally feel like you just need to sit down and Feed You Soul.  Don't just eat the appetizer (southern) or pu-pu's (Hawaiian) and run off....stay for the buffet (for my southern friends) or a Luau (for my Hawaii friends).  It's worth it...I PROMISE!!!
I pray that any of my friends/family that want to understand more of this would reach out to me or join me at church on Sunday.  I want to share this happiness and fulfilment to everyone!!
kendrasavedbygrace@gmail.com

BFF

I am learning so much each day that I seek to follow Jesus's plan and will.  As I learn more, I am clarifying so many myths that I had about Jesus.  I'm realizing that Jesus is seeking a relationship with all of us and NOT seeking a particular religion.  He isn't trying to put a set of rules on followers  but He is wanting to break our bondage with sin.  I'm realizing Jesus isn't this awkward, boring, judgmental man sitting up in Heaven waiting for me to sin and send a lighting bolt to strike me dead.....Hum...who knew!!!  He is a witty, clever, joking, faithful and forgiving BEST FRIEND!!! 

Instruction Manual

I was reading my Bible today and I realized that when we are "born again" God has left us, his own children, an instruction manual....The Bible. When I read the Bible with the perspective that He is my father in Heaven giving me instructions on how to stay safe, have a blessed life and feel unconditional love it really has made a difference using that perspective.

P.I.T.

As I began this journey of my life outside the "pit" I found myself in for so many years, I am starting to realize what the pit stood for:

                            P: Patience 
                            I: In

                           T: Transition

I am realizing daily some of the lessons God wanted me to learn while I felt so "alone".  The valleys or pits of life are put there for many reasons.  We may not see them translated for years and we may never totally understand why God had us in that situation.  We really do have to believe that His plan is what is best for us and sometimes he puts us in the pit to protect us and teach us to be patient while waiting!!