AWESOME

I was looking through some old things on my computer this morning and came across this blog I wrote back in 2007. I had no idea it had been that long since this had happened to me because it is still so fresh in my memory. I decided to share it here because most people that will read it here never saw it where it was before. There may be a few that have read it but not many. Read it and let me know what you think about it.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

AWESOME – Really? Are you sure?

Wanted to share something with everyone tonight that the Lord put on my heart a while back. The way I use the word "Awesome". Now, please read everything I have to say here and don't get your back all "bowed up" and get mad - I'm just sharing what the Lord spoke to MY heart - no one else's. But I just wonder if some out there may be like me and never really stopped to think about it. I know I hadn't until one day I was saying something was "Awesome" and man - I felt my spirit quicken immediately!!! It was like "Really? That's awesome? Are you sure? Do you realize that you talk about what an 'AWESOME' God you serve and how 'AWESOME' God is? Do you realize that you are now saying this thing you just called awesome must be as good as God? WHOA! Did THAT ever get my attention! Now, I'm gonna be honest - as I always try to be - I have slipped a couple of times and caught myself saying or about to say something or someone is 'Awesome' but then I remember what I felt in my spirit that day and I immediately change it. It's easy to change when I'm online and typing but it's harder to catch myself sometimes when I'm actually talking. But I'm getting better about it. It really quickened my spirit to think that I would give anyone or anything down here on this earth the same status that I give my Lord and Savior! My Father! He is truly AWESOME!

Anyway, just thought some of you might want to think about that - it's really scary to me how flippant I seem to be sometimes when talking about my Father. I am really trying to become more conscious of this - Yes! He loves us! Yes! He cares about us! But He is still, after all, GOD! And He deserves more respect than anyone or anything that I know on this earth.

What do you think?

Love y’all,

Kathryn

WHY DOES GOD STILL AMAZE ME???

I KNOW how God works. I've seen Him work in my life more times than I can count. So, why does it still seem to "blow my mind" when He does the amazing things? Let me tell you about the latest. . .

On 04-21-10 I 'tweeted' that I was FINALLY starting on my blog about my first time experience as a volunteer at an E-Women's conference. Well, that same day, the blogger for @EWomen asked me to keep her posted as she would love to link to it.

On 04-23-10 I posted my blog. I sent the link to @EWomen on twitter and also sent her the link by Facebook. Never heard anything from her.

In the meantime, it seemed that my plans for volunteering at the Birmingham conference were falling apart and I began to doubt if I was even supposed to be there. I started questioning myself, questioning God, trying to figure out how I could still make it. Also, at the back of my mind, I was thinking - well, if the lady that blogs for them read my blog about my experience and didn't think it was all that great, maybe I just don't need to be there anyway. Who do I think I can help? (I know it was the enemy attacking, but I'm just telling you all the thoughts that were going through my mind.)

On 04-28-10 I posted a comment on the EWomen's blog. Just asked her if she'd received the link I had sent her and, just in case she hadn't, I posted the link there also.

On 04-29-10 my car started making a HORRIBLE noise and I knew I was gonna have to get it checked out. So, on 05-01-10, I was on my way to leave my car at the shop. I still had all sorts of thoughts going through my head - maybe He just wants me to go to the conference in Birmingham by myself. See, my daughter and I had both signed up to volunteer, but then she had a conflict come up and can't go. FINALLY, I just prayed and said, "Lord, if you want me at that conference, YOU make the way. YOU show me how."

Well, Iguess you already know - that's all it took. Once I finally let go and let Him have it, He took over and took care of everything!

When I got back home from leaving my car at the shop, I saw where Mary (the EWomen blogger) had left a comment on my blog. She actually thought it was good! LOL

I sent her a message on facebook and asked her to please be in prayer for me. I told her about some of the things that had me doubting if I was supposed to be in Birmingham or not and just asked her to pray that He would show me what He wanted.

The next day, 05-02-10, she posted on facebook - "Next stop - Birmingham, AL! I hope to see you ALL there!" I noticed that there had been several comments already and I did something that I don't usually do. (Yes, I KNOW it was God 'nudging' me) I clicked to view all comments and began reading. I think it was about the third or fourth comment I came to - someone named Amber said she was gonna be there but was looking for someone to sit with. Kind of caught my attention, but I kept reading. Then I saw one left by a Milissa that was looking for a roommate. Well, I sent both Amber and Milissa messages just to see what would happen. VOILA! God at work for sure! Amber had not bought her ticket yet and was VERY interested in getting a free ticket. She agreed to take Jessica's spot volunteering - WOO HOO!!!! However, she lives too far away for me to be able to carpool with. That's okay - I'm just glad we found someone to fill in for Jessica and now Amber will have plenty of people to sit with! Then I heard from Milissa. Come to find out, she lives a couple hours away from me so I'll still have to do some driving, but I can drive to her house and then we can ride together from there. Thank You, Lord, FOR SURE cause I was REALLY dreading trying to drive in Birmingham! So, you see, once I LET GO AND LET GOD, He was able to work His plan.

Like I said, I've seen Him do so many things in my life and the lives of others, I should not be so amazed anymore. Then again, I think He likes it that I AM amazed every time. What do you think?

Looks like He wants to use me in Birmingham after all. So, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your prayers. Please pray that I will continue to be willing to let Him use me in whatever way He wishes and, while you're praying for me, pray for all the speakers, musicians, singers, attendees and all other volunteers that will be in Birmingham on May 14 and 15. He is definitely setting me on a new path. It is exciting and scary all at the same time. I don't know what all He has planned for me, I just want to be sure I'm ready and willing to be in His will each and every day.

Love to all!
Kathryn

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE AS AN EWOMEN VOLUNTEER

WOW! Where do I start? There are so many "stories within the story" that I really don't know where to begin. I don't remember exactly when I started feeling like God was "nudging" me to volunteer at the EWomen's conference in Pensacola, FL this year but once I did, it went from there. My daughter also volunteered for the first time.

For the first story, I guess I should give some background information about what else God was doing in my life. I'd been feeling like He was wanting to move me to another church for a while. But, stubborn as I am, it took me a while to actually make the move. I loved the church I was in. Loved all the people, knew everyone and was very 'comfortable'. Uh-oh! FIRST warning sign - I was comfortable - LOL  Well, I'm sure most of you know how He LOVES to move us out of our comfort zones, right? So, as of March 14, I am in the church that He moved me to which is WAY bigger with LOTS more people. I've jumped in with both feet and tried to make myself 'get in there' and get involved so I'm learning SOME people but still have a long way to go!

Soooooooo - back to Friday, April 9 sitting at the table in the volunteer's meeting before the conference started that night. A lady came and sat at our table and I thought 'she looks familiar' but couldn't figure out why. My daughter and I had volunteered to work at the product tables and I was assigned to Angela Thomas' product table. Jessica's assignment is yet another story within the story and we'll get to that later. (I may even see if I can get HER to write that part) We get finished in the meeting and go downstairs to where the product tables are set up. I'm sitting at Angela's table and in walks the lady that looked familiar to me earlier. She says "Don't you go to Grace?" You got it - she's a member of the church I am now attending and THAT is why she looked so familiar! I had seen her before but had never actually had the chance to meet her or talk to her. So, we were able to talk and start getting to know each other a little better. Let's just say it was DEFINITELY no accident that we were put at the same table - God is already up to something there and I'm a little nervous about what He's doing. I am just trying to stay strong in my resolve to let HIM lead my steps, even if it's WAY out of my comfort zone.

STORY TWO: As for working at Angela Thomas' product table - WOW! Again, no accident. I am still attending the Ladies Bible Study at the church God moved me from because we had just started it. What Bible Study? Angela Thomas' "When Wallflowers Dance". As I began studying for the first week's session, God began to put ideas into my head about how to make it more interesting and/or fun for everyone. One idea He gave me, after I went to Michael's, (a craft/hobby store) was using these wonderful flower clips by putting different things on them that Angela talked about. Angela had seen the pictures on my facebook page and commented that she loved what was done. So, I told her I'd bring her one of each flower to the conference in Pensacola - and then I was assigned to her table. Coincidence? I think not. She loved the flowers and used them to decorate her product table. (AFTER her assistant took pictures of her wearing some first! LOL)

Angela makes a WONDERFUL model, don't you think?

Angela Thomas Pharr is one of the most "down-to-earth", genuine ladies that I have ever met. I first met her years ago in Mobile, Alabama - first time I'd ever heard her speak and she blew me away! Since that time, I always make it a point to go and hear her anytime she is close and there is any way possible for me to make it. I absolutely loved it when she began to put out Bible Studies through Lifeway. I have bought all three of her Ladies' Bible studies. I bought them at EWomen conferences in the past in Pensacola. I can't tell you how honored I was to be able to work at her product table. I love the way she loves all the ladies that come to the conferences.

It was such fun working at her table and meeting so many different people. I enjoyed being able to, confidently with first-hand knowledge, tell everyone that asked how wonderful her products are. I've done all three of her Bible Studies (well, working on third one now), read most of her books and listened to her CDs as well. I know it was no accident that God placed me at her table that weekend.


As for Beth Cleveland and Lindsay Crosby - well, I didn't really get a chance to see Lindsay much and I only heard Beth at the volunteer meeting, but fell in love with her, too. How can I NOT fall in love with someone that cries at the drop of a hat just like I do? LOL

Just seeing how much the conferences mean not only to the ladies attending; but, to the ladies behind the scenes was amazing. They put so much thought and PRAYER into each and every conference. All because they hope to reach at least one lady for Jesus. To help at least one lady that might be having a rough time remember that God loves her and that she is special. Just thinking about it as I'm typing this makes my heart feel so full! I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be involved in as many conferences as I possibly could. I had already signed up to be a volunteer at the Birmingham conference but had just signed up to work at a product table.

However, after the weekend at Pensacola, I know that God might want to use me for something else. So, after I got home, I sent Beth and Lindsay an e-mail and told them that, even though I had originally signed up to work a product table, that I am willing to work ANYWHERE I am needed - whether it is at a product table, as a team leader, an encourager - ANYWHERE! I feel so honored that God is allowing me to be even such a small part of this wonderful organization. My heart truly is for hurting women - I guess because I was one for so many years. But it is just amazing how full of love your heart gets when you FINALLY realize that God REALLY loves you and that it's okay for you to love you!

I can hardly wait for May 14th and 15th to get here. I am praying that I will keep my eyes and ears open so that I can see and hear what God wants to show and tell me. I pray that He will be able to use me to help at least one other person at the conference in Birmingham. And, if it be in His will, that He will allow me to also be a part of the conference in October in Macon, GA. I shouldn't be so amazed at how He works after seeing Him do so much - yet, I am.

I know I rambled a lot trying to get this all down - but He fills my heart so full it makes it hard to get my thoughts together and get it to all come out right! I mentioned earlier about my daughter's experience, but I'm hoping I can get her to write her own story. It is definitely a testimony of how He works His plan out, even when we think everything is going wrong!

So, stay tuned and maybe in the next day or two, she will post her story here. If she doesn't have time, I'll get her permission to share it with everyone here.

Love you all and please be praying that I will continue to let God work through me and be open to HIS WILL for my life - that is all I truly want.

Blessings,
Kathryn

I HAVE DECIDED

to follow Jesus! LOL - I can't help it - that song just came to my mind when I typed in the subject line! Seriously though, it does fit - because Jesus IS the only way I can decide ANYTHING - or even have a thought, for that matter. He got my attention yesterday. I FINALLY remembered to get on the scales yesterday morning to see just how much damage I'd done over the last four months - sad to say, A LOT! HOWEVER, I am NOT going to beat myself up over it. There's no gain (or loss, as the case might be - LOL) in that. It DID, however, jolt me out of the 'fog' I've been in for the last four months. I'm not gonna say I'm not disappointed - I am. But, we all go through things and I think that I had just been pushing myself so hard in so many different areas for so long that I just kind of "shut down" for a while. I don't really even know how to explain it. It wasn't just my weight loss journey that I shut out. It was my church family and even my responsibilities at home. Hey - I even forgot to send in my Avon order last week and that's the first time I can EVER remember just not sending in an order. It's almost like I went to sleep for four months and now I'm finally waking up. (Although I AM sleepy as I'm typing this. It IS just 4:45 a.m., after all - LOL) I guess my 'brain' just wanted a break. I don't know - all I know is that now, through the Grace of God, I am awake again and ready to tackle things again. I realize that I can not do this on my own. I HAVE to rely on Him to get me through and I am not setting unrealistic goals for myself, either. I am simply going to take it ONE DAY AT A TIME. I am not going to think about tomorrow or the next day or next week or next month - I am simply going to concentrate on TODAY - this minute that I've been given - because I am NOT promised another day or even the next minute. I will praise Him for every minute He gives me and continually ask Him to help me use it the way He wants me to use it.


I am going to TRY to keep a better "public" record of things because that seems to help me. It makes me feel more accountable and gives me extra reason to remember Who is in control and Who is the reason I'm even capable of doing any of this. He will give me strength because I have asked Him for it. I will also need and am asking now for all of you to pray for me - I will take ALL the help I can get. So here we go...............

I will start with yesterday because that is when I 'woke up' and I'll go from there and TRY to post every day. I may not post much but just simply how the day went as far as me being 'productive' in the things that He has entrusted to me, including my weight.

DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010

This morning I got on the scales and saw just how much 'damage' I'd done over the last four months. On my last visit to my PA, Sept. 15, 2009, my weight was down to 246. It had been down to 241 in July so I had gained 5 pounds over two months. Well, yesterday, on my home scale, I weighed in at 262. Sooooooo, I've got a good ways to go to get back to where I was before I "fell asleep". LOL

So how did it go on Wednesday? I think it went fairly well. I kept my calories down to 1300 (sounds like a lot, but that's good for me right now), I walked for 30 minutes and I drank my 8 glasses of water. When I got home from work, I worked on getting information put into my 2010 calendar (birthdays, anniversaries, etc) until time to go to church. When I got home from church, I finished with my calendar and then it was time for bed.

So, I'll do my best to post another update tonight and just take each minute as it comes.

Love you all and pray that you each remember that GOD is the ONLY way to do ANYTHING :)

Please lift me up in prayer every time He brings me to your mind. That's all I ask. Thank you for 'listening'.