Friday, April 30, 2010

"Fruitfilled Friday" #3 Peace

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace... (Gal. 5:22)

Know Jesus... Know Peace
We've all heard... Love not Hate!... Peace not War! Are those just sayings; or is Peace possible? There never will be "World Peace"... until our Saviour comes again. But, why not be "the Peace" in your inner circle?!
It takes 2 to have a war... One act of "love" can end it... " Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins." (Proverbs 10:12) We can all think of someone we need to "mend the fence" with. Imagine, there's this HUGE fence you've built between you. Some have done more of the "building" than others! The "fence" has been damaged; but not beyond repair... you can each begin to "mend" your side. In the beginning the "other" side won't even know your working on it! It all begins in your own heart. Forgiving the "damaging hurt" is the hardest part of all! But, then you can begin the mending. You may end up doing much of the mending yourself! Keep on going!
Today happens to be "National Honesty Day". Keeping with the day; be Honest about your true hatred! Don't just try to cover it up. "Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool." ( Prov. 10:18) As you finish mending the fence you will see the other person; hopefully, in a new light. Even if they refuse to accept your offering of Peace; you will have a Peace within yourself. So, no matter what! You will have conquered and WON the War!! "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger,clamor,and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31) Maybe, just maybe... we can all bring a little Peace to this hate filled world... tell HE comes, again!!

In HIS Peace,
JKEST- Vicki

No Jesus... No Peace!!!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Jesus Weigh #3: Rainbow Way

God said, "I have given you every plant with seeds on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with seeds. This will be your food. (Genesis 1:29) Foundation of a Healthy Diet

Lycopene- a bright RED carotene; an antioxidant & (possible) cancer preventative
*found in Tomatoes, (sauces); watermelon & papaya

MiNi Meal Sug.: Mini Whole Wheat Bagel + Laughing Cow Cheese lt. + *Tomatoe = 150 cal
110 cal.; 3 fib.; 5 pro. 35 cal.; 3 pro min. cal.
Try adding your choice lean lunchmeat...
Great Way to start Day!!

Try pairing Apple slices + Peanut Butter = 200 cal.
100 cal. 1 TB. 100 cal
4 fib. 1 fib. 4 pro.
Personally, I try to consume on average 1,600 calories = 100 calories per 1 hour awake
400 cal. meals/ 100-200 cal. snacks
Always try to include: Healthy Fiber & Protein 2-gether

Continue increasing strength, endurance, and duration through Exercise!!

Decreasing-4-HIM!!!
JKEST Rich!!!!!

He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

"Two Thoughts" Tuesday: AUTISM



As April comes to an end... most will forget about the "Awarenesses" that are given exposure during the month of April. Our "Awareness" will still continue, moment by moment. I'd like to use my "Two Thoughts" today to explain... What God Thought When He Created our Boy, and others like him!!



A wesome

U niquely

T alented

I ndividual

S pecially

M ade-N-HIS Image


He Cares!! Jesus Understands!!


Everyone who is called by MY name, whom I have created for My glory, I have formed him, yes, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7


Praying your fully "aware" of the Love God has for YOU!!!

JKEST-Vicki!!!!!

Monday, April 26, 2010

"Marriage Matters" Monday #3: Love is not selfish

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. (Romans 12:10)

I recently read an article telling about a Disney Cruise. The writer, her 3-year daughter, oh! and her husband went on. It seemed the "cruise" was pretty much about the "girl." I'm sure "Mom" got "paid" to write the article....
Well, it reminded me of the one and only cruise my Beloved and I took. Similiar stops... The main difference was the "Characters." Allow me to take you on a short meander on a "typical" cruise.
Upon stepping aboard you are "greeted," possibly by cheers or applause... Every morning the captain will greet you if you care to "listen," (over intercom); you may opt to turn it off. You will be served like Royalty, (almost). You will want to read your itenirary daily; to know the direction the ship is heading that day. You will want to know when to embark from the ship. There will be "treasured" places to explore; and once in lifetime experiences to be had! Some may wish to try their luck at the casino. You will enjoy great banquet feasts at dinner. The views will be stunningly breathtaking... Then, it will be over!! I'd like to tell you about a different cruise...
There too are "many" different "characters." You will be Heralded upon receiving your "passport." The captain will personally greet you, as often as you like... he's never too busy! It's also a good idea to check your itenirary daily; to see where your going. There are many yet unseen "treasures," waiting for you to find. The "dealer" will tell you, "your debt has been paid in full," if you ask. There is a Banquet Feast awaiting you!
This ship is called Life! Were all welcome on board- headed to the same destination. "Our captain," Jesus Christ! Some will never make it... they've fallen overboard and refuse to accept the "Life Saviour." Others may feel they still have time... and never get on board. We all have a Passport with our name on it... we just have to accept it! Destination Heaven... R-U- on Board?!

*Bonus* Tips for a "Smooth cruise"
#1. Listen to the "Captain"... The Lord will guide you continually...(Isaiah 58:11) He loves to be greeted daily. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)
#2 Look to your "itenirary" often. "The Word" serves as a "map" to guide us on our quest for "hidden treasures." "Your word is a lamp to my feet; And a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

*Love Dare* Love your fellow ship (mates)...
"rather, serve one another in love" (Galations 5:13) On this cruise "we" are the "servants". Servants are NOT selfish. Imagine how smooth our life would be if we served each other like Royalty!? Treat your "Best Mate" to a mini cruise... your the ship staff. "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3)
*Greet your Mate Lovingly. Make their Fave meal... without complaining about the clean-up, after! Get the house as "ship-shape" clean as possible! (This one will take the most prayer for me!) Phil. 4:13... Take an "excursian" together... personally our budget is $00... some of you may have more to spend. Be creative and do what's within your budget! Most importantly "Be Self-less... for as long as possible!!

Serving HIM!!
JKEST Vicki

Friday, April 23, 2010

Fruitful Friday #2: JOY!






My brethren, count it all JOY when you fall into various trials. (James 1:2) Joy! such a tiny word; but the with the power to turn even the saddest frown around! Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) In this world trials, are guaranteed. How we react to the trials is our choice. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) So, how we react to sorrow (loss) depends on whom we get our strength from! (Psalm 81:1) says: Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. What does it take to bring us to the point of JOY! Do we allow our circumstances to determine our joy?! Do we depend on others to be our source of joy? I like to think of JOY as... 1st beginning with Jesus. Without Him you will never find True lasting Joy. All things began with Him... and are created by Him.


JOY is others centered. Speaking in these terms I'd like to add a 2nd word. I'm sure most, if not all of us have said, "This is MY Pride & Joy!" Do we realize what we are saying?! Def.- Joy: pleasure; be glad. Pride literally means- conceit,self-esteem, egotism, vanity, vain glory. Pride clearly focuses on Itself. The opposite of Pride: Humility, which means- lowliness, meekness, submissiveness. ( Proverbs 16:18) states- Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. When we fall how do we get back up?! (James 4:10) says... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Humbly look to Jesus; push Pride aside and bring Joy to the "Others in your life." This should be the beginning of Lasting JOY for Yourself. Keep in mind, prIde serves Itself; JOy serves Jesus 1st, followed by Others;
before yourself! Enjoy this song from Cheri Keaggy..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcspX7oNRM&feature=PlayList&p=C8BC43D0B8ED3F60&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=9

Serving HIM-N-JOY JKEST!!!!!
Vicki

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Jesus Weigh Wednesday #2

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Does anyone ever get weak when dieting...? I know that I used to get excited for about the first 2-3 days, maybe a week at the most... But then fizzle out when I didn't see dramatic results. I would think to myself it's not worth it. I was looking for the quick fix. The fact of the matter is I didn't get this way overnight, I could not be fixed overnight either. I had to realize first, I needed to be fully dependant on God. He does not want us to waste away our bodies on things that are not beneficial to us. He desires for us to be healthy, but I realize that sometimes healthy things aren't as appealing as unhealthy things. We cannot look at eating as an enemy of ours nor do we just stop eating all together. God created food to help us. Though he did not create all the variety of junk food that fill our shelves, He did create things that are beneficial to our bodies. Think of all the things that are grown from seeds, all the vast variety of vegetables, fruits that are good for us. Fruits and veggies are things that need to be incorporated in our daily meal plans. They are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that God intended our bodies to need to strengthen and cleanse it. He also created our bodies with a metabolism that is intended to keep it healthy. Weight gain occurs when we take in more calories than the body can burn in normal daily activities. So with the increase of calories there needs to be an increase in metabolism to off-set it. In future Blogs, I will be posting a few healthier meal or snack options; that will help in our quest to live stronger healthier lives. In line with eating healthier we need to get active through excercise. We need to use the natural resources that God has given us such as, Sunlight which produces vitamin D, and also helps aid our bodies. And as always Depend on God to be your strength and to sustain you in your journey.

Jesus Weigh Tip #1 - Jump start your metabolism by excercising 20-30 min, as early as possible setting the tone for the day. In addition try to find different opportunities throughout the day to remain active.


In His Strength, JKEST
Rich

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Two Thoughts Tuesday: Mule coins & Autism

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27

Today I Thought of how we are all from the same mold. Jesus Himself gives us our stamp of approval. Kinda like the coins in the movie I recently saw... "Dear John". We all start out so bright and shiny, our edges perfectly beveled. Rarely, a Mule coin gets minted with an obverse or reverse design; not normally seen on the same piece. This can be intentional or produced by error. This type of error is highly sought after, and examples can fetch steep prices from collectors. In the particular movie, I found myself marveling at similiarities of "Mule" coins... comparing people with autism to these rare highly prized coins. Jesus is the coin collector- keeps His mules close to His heart. We all end up getting tossed around, dirty, flawed and knicked. But Jesus can restore us if we allow Him too! Just as a coin has two sides, both valid, so Jesus Christ has two natures, both valid. He is presented in His humanity as the Son of Man, (see Gospel of Luke); he is portrayed in His deity as the Son of God, (see Gospel of John). I slowly began to see how Jesus portrays His nature in all of us. I am learning to see Him in Our "rare mule"; the son that He has chosen to give us to care for. He too, is stamped and minted in "His Image"... NOT an error; but intentionally produced by our Loving Master!!

JKEST
HIS Daughter, Vicki

Monday, April 19, 2010

"Marriage Matters"... Monday #2 (Love is Kind)

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.- Ephesians 4:32

Kindness is love in action... Going back to last week; how many of you had your patience tested?! Or do you feel you passed the test?! This week we have the chance to put our love into action! Patience is how you REact to a situation; Kindness ACTS in response to a situation. We use patience to avoid a problem; Kindness can become the right Blessing needed for one particular moment! The Blessing can be YOU!! Kindness comes from a loving heart. The Bible states the importance of being "Kind": "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3:3-4) Kindness has 4 main ingredients:

Gentleness: (Def.) kind; NOT severe,rough, or violent; meek & mild (kinda like Jesus) Oh! How even our best intentions can turn SO wrong. When our patience wears thin... with spouse or kids; after a looong day, the last thing we want is to be Kind! (1Peter 3:4 reminds us) rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight if God.

Helpfulness- (Def.) giving or rendering aid or assistance of service... this makes me think SERVant! My Beloved husband is MY Perfect Example of this! At all costs there is nothing he doesn't do! Not just cause he's "unemployed" either. He has a Servant's Heart... gets kids up and ready for school, picks them up. Helps with homework.... after doing dishes & laundry! Does grocery shopping, when I ask... at times with ALL 5 kids...which I find difficult with one! Will bathe kids, if I need him,too... Puts them to bed, which is a task in itself! OK! get the pic.. I have a "Perfect Husband" LOL!!! NO, He just "gets" it!! He has the "Right attitude, gentle spirit, Helpful-Servant's Heart. So, you think I must be lazy and do nothing... I do what I can, when I can. Unfortunately Fibromyalgia gets the "Best" of me. But, I Pray everyday the Lord Blesses me with the strength I need for the day. HE has given me just what I need in my Beloved husband!!! (2 Timothy 2:24) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

Willingness- (Def.) Cheerfully consenting or ready... Wow! CHEERfully Ready. We must be ready and happy to be kind. Again... see MY example above. Be ready and willing to listen to your spouse and their needs. Then act on them if possible! A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (Proverbs 15:13)

Initiative- (Def.) an introductory act or step; leading action... Kindness thinks ahead, then takes the 1st step. Kindness greets 1st, serves 1st, and... Forgives 1st! This is one I personally, find I must bring before the Lord! I am not naturally affectionate... this takes effort. Serving takes energy... which I often lack. Lastly, forgiveness never comes easily to any of us... but Oh! how much better we feel when it's all said and done! Let HIM lead you in initiating your act of kindness. HE will not fail you! Even there Your hand shall lead me, And your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:10)

For the Best Example of Kindness of All.... I encourage you to look in the Bible at; Luke CH.10. Jesus describes the kindness of love in His parable of the Good Samaritan. One simple act of Kindness brought two actual enemies together. Gently. Helpfully. Willingly. Taking the initiative, this Good Samaritan demonstrated true kindness in every possible way!!
How would your Loved ones describe you on the "Kindness Scale?!" Would they say your harsh... or gentle and helpful? Do you wait to be asked, or do you take the initiative to help? Be the ONE to Be Kind FIRST!! You must first learn to demonstrate Kindness, before you can learn Truelly; how to demonstrate Love!

*Bonus* Commit this week to prioritize just a few minutes of time with God every day. Try to include prayer and Scripture reading. My personal recomendations... Proverbs, Psalm, & John

Love Dare! Continue with the Patience and Positive thoughts and words, But also this week Do at least ONE UNexpected gesture as "An act of Kindness" for Your Loved One! Whatever "Shows" Kindness...
Kindly Yours,
JKEST, Vicki
Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Friday, April 16, 2010

Fruitfilled Friday: #1 Love...

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
(1 John 4:7-11) NIV

The next 9 Fri. blogs focus will be on the 9 Fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Def: LOVE:noun
a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent,child or friend
-affectionate concern for the well-being of others (neighbors)
the benevolent affection of God for His creatures or the reverent affection due from them to
God.

As I thought about how best to convey Love as a Fruit of the Spirit... I began thinking; acronym! I find this comes fairly natural to me... and easy to remember. So, I will be breaking down the word Love by each letter.
L- Love Lord; The Bible clearly tells us to Love Him 1st and foremost... And "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)
For ME this includes prayer, personal devotions... for myself this goes along with my blogging... no bible reading, scripture hunting and use of other biblical based books... no blog! Oh! how HE teaches and convicts me as I write... all so I can change and LOVE! Regular church and Bible study attendance is also a Must for me!
O- Open & OH! Boy ... Others! Am I the only one that finds this SO hard to do!? Hope not.

Def: LOVE: verb- to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in
- to need or require; benefit greatly from.
*example- Plants love sunlight -*
Going back to our Bible verse ... And the second, like it is this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." "There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31)
This is a clear command from God, we are to Love Others, only 2nd to HIM!
As I discovered in my def. if we Love someone we will like them-STRONGLY, and take GREAT pleasure in them! I'm sure we all daily, have moments of STRONG DIS-like; or GREAT DIS-pleasure;(DIS-Pleasing) with some OTHER! Spouse, child, housemate... other etc.
So how do we change this nature of ours? Personally I find it a MUST!... to Pray- for my attitude to change and pray, for the Other person! Yes, it's still hard, remember it is God's job to change Others NOT ours. Also ask HIM if it may be Your Heart or attitude that needs changing!?
2nd part of def. NEED or REQUIRE ... WoW!! We are suppose to need and require LOVE! The Lord built this into us, were the ones that mess it up so often! Ex. I've seen or heard about... Mates decide they no longer Need or Require one another... ends in divorce. Ironically they end up needing and requiring another! A parent decides they don't need,require their child... worst scenerio... ends in murder of child! But many other cases inbetween... hence our foster parenting years. Reasons children end up in foster care vary.... but our experience points to, the parent choosing their needs over their child's needs of Love etc. It may be choosing a lover, drugs, gambling etc. over mate or children. For some it may be choosing things over our families well-being. Do Others benefit greatly from you... as the last part of our def. states?!
Ex. as stated with def. Plants love sunlight ... My analogy... We are to be the plants that Others are attracted to, because of HIS SONlight, that shines in and thru US! The last part of "O"- Open... simply put we are to have Open Hearts, Open Minds... if we are to Love HIM & Others!
V- Value: def- relative worth, merit, or importance, significance...
Do the "Others" in your life feel the "Worth" of your Love? They merit, feeling Important and Significant to you! LOVE does that! We are all Worth Love; (Romans 5:8) says... But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us... What Worth!!
E- Enjoy & Embrace
Enjoy spending time with God, your mate, your children... how I struggle with this, the selfish part of me says "I have other things to do with MY Time! Oh, but is it OUR Time?! It's not if we give it to HIM! He will "Bless your time and give you enough for what you need for the day. Make TIME for HIM; HE is our Faithful Time Keeper and Friend.
Embrace- God, your mate, your children and Others.
This means embracing all... faults included, as hard as it may be. The IMpossible, becomes POSSIBLE if we willingly, Embrace God and HIS Love.
N-HIS-LOVE, JKEST
Vicki
The link below will connect you to todays: Fruitfilled Friday song... Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUHl3dhQjhk

*Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6*




Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Birth stories...

A time to be born, And a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:2


Birth and death are the only two guarantees in this life! We were all born to mothers'... some kicking and screaming more so than others...lol; and we will all one day die... guaranteed! Other than that we are guaranteed much else. We all have a "birth story"... we don't know our own, cause we were babes! Oh! but our mothers surely remember the day! Without them living as an incubator for 9 months, (most)... we would not be here! I know my own mother was surely overjoyed when I arrived... one month early... so it's really not supposed to be my Birth Day today lol. I was a tiny 4lb package. Oh and after having 2 boys, 5 years apart, she was Blessed to finally get her girl... my 3rd brother came along 6 years later. So some of us are more cherished than others lol!! We are ALL equally cherished by our Heavenly Father! He Created us as we are... and we are all HIS favorites!
I won't bore you with all the details, but a few... my personal birth stories! My 1st born... longest labor...sickest all around preg. 24 hours... everything poss. done to me... only 5 cm. after being 10 days late! Finally ended in 1st and last C-sec. Stubborn and shy coming out... stubborn and shy to this day! A close replica of her Mom! Oh! 6lb. 13oz.; tiniest one I would have... will be smallest of her sibs... just like me! Isn't God Awesome?! Baby girl #2 most normal birth... she was my 1st V-BAC... helped make the path easier for her sibs. lol... She's my littlest big girl Hunnies! Oh! and my 1st of 3; 8lbers... Baby boy #1... How he let the world know he was here! Shortest labor... easiest all around! I know God knew at the time what our life consisted of! At the time we were caring for a total of 6 kids... our girls were 2&4... plus 2 little girls; and 2 school age boys! We were Blessed to have been foster parents at the time... once Elijah arrived we were parenting and caring for 7 kids... 5 under 5!! Praise Jesus!!! So, that only lasted 3 weeks, phew! Then the boys left, leaving us with just the 5 under 5! So when our boys Day came, things had to happen certain ways! Quick and easy was the order, God put in for us!lol.. After being sent home from Kaiser... 4 cm... arrived home. Hubby took the 2 foster boys to there dad's... cause babies coming soon! I took a shower... baby wanted to "play" with water... immediate transition labor! Just didn't know til later! Hubby's gone... I'm home with Mom and girls... it took 1/2 an hour to walk to car, parked outside, your not supposed to be walking at this stage normally! lol... Had to go to Mom's to meet hubby. So, by the time we got back to hospital... same "know-it-all nurses"... tell me to get out of wheel chair and give them a "sample"... you want a sample of my pain?! HELLO! The sample ended up being the entire, intact bag of waters!! I told you my boy liked playing with water... after being sprayed...lol! I think the nurses got the point! This boy was going to be born NOW!! hmm... 8 cm! Oh no!! To the LDR... Never! tell a woman in full labor NOT to push... when her child is making his own grand entrance! I don't think those nurses saw me more than 15 minutes! God was in control; he was and is still in control! Even when we knew this boy was different... later confirmed as Autism...He's still our sprinkler boy today. We Thank our Maker for Blessing us with our 2 girls 1st... this enabled us to knowing what was considered normal... this helped us catch the signs sooner!! Without Buddy's problems...mainly not being able to breastfeed... or much else! We wouldn't have our Boomer! Our biggest baby... all 10lb 3oz. of him! Yes he too was born completely naturally... no pain meds...no epidural, just ALL God!! Prayer works wonders! Lastly our baby Sweet P.... She's ALL sugar and spice!!
Ok 'nuff about that... Hope your still with me! In preparing for the birth of our children, (most) of us plan what baby needs. We want everything ready and just so for our new bundle of Joy! But, one famous birth had no such preparations... Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18 ) So as we read, not even Mary herself had a choice in the matter of carrying Jesus! Read the entire birth story in( Luke 2) But, God NEVER makes mistakes... I personally know some of you may feel like you were a mistake or failure; do to wrong choices made by your birth parents. Always remember we have a God that is BIGGER than all our mistakes and failures! He is the Biggest erasure of ALL!! We are all born into this world, with no choice. But, we are all given a free-choice to be born again into the kingdom of God. Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' John 3:3-7 So, according to The Bible... we are all to be born twice!! The 2nd time is our choice! The guarantee remains...And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27) Jesus mother arrived at the appointed destination for Jesus birth on a lowly donkey. He was born in a stable... a manger for his bed. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. He was born 2-die for our sin. Jesus entered this world humbly; but oh the preparation he is making for us! (John 14:2-3) says; In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. I like to call Salvation; Adoption... I AM an adopted daughter of "The Most High King"... That makes me HIS Princess... Hope your one, too! Guys, your Princes of course! God's Blessed me with the Best Prince of all.... that's all the "gift" I need for today... My Earthly Birth Day!!

JKEST Blessings Friends!!!!!
HIS Princess, Vicki

Monday, April 12, 2010

Marriage Matters Mondays #1



Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak,and slow to anger. James 1:19







Patience vs. Anger









Love is Patient and is Kind; Love never fails.






As we begin our weekly series on Marriage, I (Vicki) find myself rather excited! First keep in mind I am completely new to computers... never even having an e-mail, til recently! How things have changed since my husband was laid-off! I have gone from a facebooker to Blogger... overnite! God is amazing! I now Pray as HE faithfully gives me the words to type,you will somehow find a nugget to take with you to better yourself,your family and Others that you may encounter thru-out your day!

For reference purposes... We are using The Love Dare 40-day & The Love Dare Day-By-Day books; as seen in; "Fireproof The Movie". The plan is to do one "Love Dare" a week from the 40-day... plus take info from the 2nd book and blog what the Lord puts on my heart. This is really to help my hubby and I actually get thru ALL 40 days once in our life! So we figured, why not take some friends along on our journey?! WARNING!!! This blog may be Life changing.... STOP Reading NOW!!! if your NOT up for change. L.O.V.E. No marriage is successful without it. Love is built on two pillars; patience and kindness. We will begin with patience. Patience is a choice. But so is anger. When we choose to remain patient during conflict, we can calm a raging storm of emotion. Patience stops anger in it's tracks! It is your choice to control your emotions,instead of letting them control you.

A lack of patience can cause a war-on the Home front. Showing patience will surely bring peace and quiet. Of course the level of Peace and Quiet depends on how many kids or Others, live in your home... which currently for us happens to be our 5 kids, plus one Other adult & 2 girls! Yes, that's 10 peoples. Patience allows faults... nobody is without them! Patience will give you the ability to hold on during the tough times in your relationship rather than bailing out under the pressure.

Anger can fuel strong feelings of hatred in a man or woman's heart. Love and patience can spark kindness in the heart. What does Love cause you to do for your mate? Would you lay down your life for them? God Himself had His only Son die for your sins. Do you fight for your marriage?! Or do you feel it's just not worth enough to fight for! Do you Pray relentlessly for your mate... Oh! How I myself fall short of this!

If Love is the fuel for your marriage, what is it lacking? What do you need to do, to make it run more smoothly? What can you do, to successfully drive it to the next level? Who? or what? is the Driver in your marriage?! If the answer isn't Jesus... I ask why not?!

Our marriages are ALL works in progress... we are all in the race together!





A Matter of the Heart lesson #1: Read the following verse and replace the words "love" or "it" with your 1st name: (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Prayer: "Lord, teach me what real love is and make me a loving person!"



*Bonus: Love Dare #1*

Since words reflect the Heart... Resolve, today to show patience by, saying nothing negative, demeaning putdowns, or raised voice, to your Beloved mate, no matter what! Choose to say nothing rather than regret saying something unkind. Do this all week and share what happened next week. *Note* Unmarried?! Do this toward somebody significant in your life.

JKEST N-HIM!!!!!

Vicki





Sunday, April 11, 2010

Choices

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

So many things did not have a choice as to their existence...
Everything is and was God Breathed and God Ordained! However else did everything come into existence?! Or... did some BIG HUGE BANG happen. WoW! What a Bang was she!!! Would you rather believe we just "happened" cause that would surely take one "Great Faith"... it's interesting how the people who choose not to believe in God... have to have a greater Faith than say some "Christian" like myself.
I rather choose to believe a Loving God chose to... hang the moon and the stars in the sky... set the day and the night. He placed the Sun as the Light, and to warm us. This same God gave us His SON to Light our way, to lead us and guide us on the narrow way... if we Choose to... (Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. Matt. 7:13) This same SON is True to His name... He is Light! and so "Warm" and full of Love for us!
We could not have chosen for Him to die on the cross, solely for Our Sins! But, we can choose to Freely Accept His Loving Sacrifice! He took our blame... our shame... on the Cross!!! Jesus Chose to obey and do the will of His Father. ... (And He went a little farther saying, O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Matt. 26:39) He Chose to take "the cup" for our sake. We ALL have a Choice... Choose Eternity... Choose HIM!!!

JKEST Blessings N-HIM!!!!!
Vicki

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,
But as for me and my house, We will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15






Friday, April 9, 2010

JKEST What!?

Some of you may have wondered where JKEST came from... Wonder No More!
It began with a persistent wife... Whose husband loves to start projects but never seems to complete them. So after a few years of a half completed painting project in our living room
it began again. Removing 13 years of outdated paneling was the order of the day. Under (boxed in stairs) paneling was removed only to reveal a flawed wall. We well knew this to be a hollow wall. I thought maybe I could get some built in book shelves made to hide the flawed wall. Ultimately this would create more work for the husband. This is kind of what Jesus does with us... He cuts away our flaws and makes something usable out of our mess. Once the wall was cut away an empty space was revealed, it was dark and dusty but after some work it was made habitable. We all have such spaces in our hearts that Jesus wants to clean up and fill with His love. This space is still a work in progress, kind of like us all. So of course all 5 kids became excited about this new "room"... Not being conventional, too small for a bedroom... Although I thought about it, aww my own space!? LOL! It could have made a rather interesting closet... What to call it? JKEST, first letter of each kids name... Don't ask... Then the Lord gave it to me! Jesus Keeps Everyone Spiritually Together.
This "room" happens to be in the exact center of our home. We have used it to do family devotions. Everyone has to pay attention... No distractions, packed in like sardines. It reminds us of how close Jesus wants us to be to Him. We are all works in progress and will never be finished until the Master Carpenter signs-off on us... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6 And says ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’Matt 25:21.