I carried my 18 month old cousin on my hip, watching the sun rise. My other cousins were splashing in the waves or chasing seagulls, but she sat on me, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. I stared out at the ocean, seeing out as far as I could, knowing there was still more water than I could even imagine in the ocean. "Wata," She suddenly exclaimed. I smiled and took the pacifier out of her mouth to let her talk. "Watar," she repeated, this time clearer now that the pacifier was out of her mouth. Even she was fascinated by all the water, constantly reminding me every few seconds that there was 'watar' around us.
Like the ocean, God's grace extends everywhere. You might not always notice it, or you might take it for granted, but it's there, gently nudging you a reminder that you don't have to be perfect because of God's grace. He was willing to send down His sinless Son to die for our sins. Because of His great grace we don't have to be perfect to get into Heaven. Thank goodness for that, because I know I wouldn't get to Heaven if I had to be sinless and perfect. God's grace is huge, don't take it for granted.
Kayla Joy
Friday, December 30, 2011
Beating Dandelions or Bowing Before a True King
To freshly cut blades of grass, a dandelion must look like a huge towering giant. If each green grass blade was a person, they'd probably elect someone much bigger and more powerful--such as a dandelion--as their king. But to the human eye, dandelion's are one of the littlest, most harmless things there are.God's probably looking down on us and wondering why we tend to get frustrated with our presidents. Because to Him, those presidents and leaders are just like dandelions. They might be bigger than grass, but compared to God, they're nothing--just dust in the wind. Why spend time beating up on our presidents? In reality--they're just like us. They're humans. They mess up--sometimes big, sometimes small--and they need God's grace too. Don't spend time naming their mistakes, instead spend time bowing and awing in front of the real King--He won't make any mistakes.
Kayla Joy
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sparkling Examples
One thing I've noticed about South Carolina is that the pavement sparkles with silver. Wherever you are. Even people's shoes sparkle with silver because they walk on the cement. I mentioned this to my cousins, as I've never seen it sparkle before, but they said it sparkles all the time in Illinois. To me, this was an amazing discovery, as I've never seen pavement sparkle silver glitter in Ohio before. None of our pavement stands out, it's all alike.
In our Christian walk, are we blending in too much with the world? Are we calling ourselves the title of Christians, but not acting like one? If we're truly acting like a Christian, we will stand out in the world, much like the glitter stood out to me. A person who walks by will be able to tell that there's something different about you. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Before we were Christians, we acted like the rest of the world. Now that we're Christians, we need to show the world what is important to us. Let's be sparkling examples for Christ.
Kayla Joy
In our Christian walk, are we blending in too much with the world? Are we calling ourselves the title of Christians, but not acting like one? If we're truly acting like a Christian, we will stand out in the world, much like the glitter stood out to me. A person who walks by will be able to tell that there's something different about you. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Before we were Christians, we acted like the rest of the world. Now that we're Christians, we need to show the world what is important to us. Let's be sparkling examples for Christ.
Kayla Joy
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Key to Stress!
I sat in the back car, stressing about schooling on vacation. Stressing about my math test. Stressing about my computer being broken. And in the midst of it, suddenly something I'd read online a few nights ago came back to me. The person said it helped them when they were stressing to praise God. So I tried it, not fully expecting it to work. But it did!
When you're stressed, you're worrying about something. Whether it's worrying about something you have to deal with (which it most commonly is), or worried about something for someone else, it's worrying about one thing or another. When you're focused on that one thing, sometimes it's hard to get your mind off of it. It was for me. But when you're praising God, you're focusing on Him. You're ignoring your troubles. Sure, you will have to deal with them. But you're putting them aside for the moment and giving praise to the Maker of the universe.
I know, it's easier said than done. I certainly don't feel like praising God when I'd rather crumble up in a corner and complain about how unfair life is. One thing that's helped me when I feel that way is singing songs of worship. Singing is a beautiful of bringing praise to God. Another way is reading scripture. Reading in a book like Psalms shows you how David was praising God, even through hardships. And lastly, if you're still having trouble giving genuine praise to God, try listing all the things that He's given you. Start with things like family, friends, food, blankets, warm house. Then move on to things that you often take for granted, such as breathing, walking, skipping, seeing, hearing. I have yet to find it possible to try all of those things and not feel genuine thankfulness to God. I'm giving praise where praise is due, and in the meantime, as a special bonus, I'm not stressed. I went from the state of ready to rip my hair out in stress, to smiling and praising God. The next time you're stressed, try refocusing that energy on praising God.
Kayla Joy
When you're stressed, you're worrying about something. Whether it's worrying about something you have to deal with (which it most commonly is), or worried about something for someone else, it's worrying about one thing or another. When you're focused on that one thing, sometimes it's hard to get your mind off of it. It was for me. But when you're praising God, you're focusing on Him. You're ignoring your troubles. Sure, you will have to deal with them. But you're putting them aside for the moment and giving praise to the Maker of the universe.
I know, it's easier said than done. I certainly don't feel like praising God when I'd rather crumble up in a corner and complain about how unfair life is. One thing that's helped me when I feel that way is singing songs of worship. Singing is a beautiful of bringing praise to God. Another way is reading scripture. Reading in a book like Psalms shows you how David was praising God, even through hardships. And lastly, if you're still having trouble giving genuine praise to God, try listing all the things that He's given you. Start with things like family, friends, food, blankets, warm house. Then move on to things that you often take for granted, such as breathing, walking, skipping, seeing, hearing. I have yet to find it possible to try all of those things and not feel genuine thankfulness to God. I'm giving praise where praise is due, and in the meantime, as a special bonus, I'm not stressed. I went from the state of ready to rip my hair out in stress, to smiling and praising God. The next time you're stressed, try refocusing that energy on praising God.
Kayla Joy
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Hand Picked by God
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." ~John 15:16-19
God chose us. Not because we're worthy of His love, since we're obviously not. Not because we're selfless, because we're obviously not. Not because of any sacrifice from us. He chose us, He appointed us, because He loves us. God loved us enough to pay for us.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first." God is saying, 'Hey, I know what you're going through when the world hates you. I've been there, felt that. But it's okay for the world to hate you because of Me. I'm the One who paid for your price, not the world. So why even try pleasing the world?' If the world loves us, we're trying to please the world, not God. If the world hates us, we must be doing a pretty good job of showing Who we belong to. God chose us--we belong to Him. Are you showing that you belong to Him?
Kayla Joy
God chose us. Not because we're worthy of His love, since we're obviously not. Not because we're selfless, because we're obviously not. Not because of any sacrifice from us. He chose us, He appointed us, because He loves us. God loved us enough to pay for us.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first." God is saying, 'Hey, I know what you're going through when the world hates you. I've been there, felt that. But it's okay for the world to hate you because of Me. I'm the One who paid for your price, not the world. So why even try pleasing the world?' If the world loves us, we're trying to please the world, not God. If the world hates us, we must be doing a pretty good job of showing Who we belong to. God chose us--we belong to Him. Are you showing that you belong to Him?
Kayla Joy
Friday, December 9, 2011
Imitators of Love
As humans, we tend to be selfish, caring only about ourselves, and always want to get something out of every favor. Remind you of anybody? Sadly, with our selfish motives and sinful nature, we sound a lot like we're imitating satan. Satan wanted power. He was selfish for it. We want control. We can get selfish for it.
Ephesians 5:1-2 says, " Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." If we call ourselves Christians, why aren't we acting more like Christ?
Kayla Joy
Ephesians 5:1-2 says, " Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." If we call ourselves Christians, why aren't we acting more like Christ?
Kayla Joy
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Giving Everything to the One Who Made Everything
I flipped the page on a book, enraptured in it. Suddenly, what I was reading didn't make any sense. I flipped back and checked the page number, only to discover several pages were missing. Throughout those pages, the plot had changed drastically. What good is a half a book?
Sometimes, we tend to give only some of ourselves to God. We figure we can please Him in the big stuff, but convince ourselves He doesn't really care about the little things. Truth is, He cares about it all. He wants all of us devoted to Him, whether we're doing something small, or doing something huge. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." God wants all of us dedicated to bringing Him glory and praise. What good is half of us?
The amazing thing is, He knows we're not perfect. He knows we mess up. He knows we fall flat on our faces sometimes. Even though He knows all that, He still wants all of us, every single one of us with all of our faults, sins, and mistakes. God doesn't ask for perfection. He asks for every part of us. Considering He made everything in us, shouldn't we willingly give Him what we have?
Kayla Joy
Sometimes, we tend to give only some of ourselves to God. We figure we can please Him in the big stuff, but convince ourselves He doesn't really care about the little things. Truth is, He cares about it all. He wants all of us devoted to Him, whether we're doing something small, or doing something huge. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." God wants all of us dedicated to bringing Him glory and praise. What good is half of us?
The amazing thing is, He knows we're not perfect. He knows we mess up. He knows we fall flat on our faces sometimes. Even though He knows all that, He still wants all of us, every single one of us with all of our faults, sins, and mistakes. God doesn't ask for perfection. He asks for every part of us. Considering He made everything in us, shouldn't we willingly give Him what we have?
Kayla Joy
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Ordinary Vessels
"Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her." ~Luke 1:28-38.
Mary was an ordinary teenage girl. She had made mistakes in her life. She had messed up. Yet she was a willing servant. She was willing to be the Lord's vessel if that was God's plan for her life. Are you willing to be that kind of servant to God?
Kayla Joy
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her." ~Luke 1:28-38.
Mary was an ordinary teenage girl. She had made mistakes in her life. She had messed up. Yet she was a willing servant. She was willing to be the Lord's vessel if that was God's plan for her life. Are you willing to be that kind of servant to God?
Kayla Joy
Friday, December 2, 2011
Guard Yourselves from Toxic Hearts
I walked into the dark kitchen and grabbed my cup of water that had been sitting out. I started to drink, but immediately spat it out in the sink. The water tasted nasty...dirty, strange, bitter, definitely not like the water I was expecting. I flipped on the lightswitch and peeked inside my cup, only to find, to my disgustment, dirt floating around. After asking, I found out someone used my cup to pour chemicals into our orange tree. Toxic chemicals. And hadn't bothered to put my cup in the dishwasher.
Proverbs 4:23-25 says,“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” If we're around people who are speaking corruptly, before long we'll start talking like that. You can take in dirty things, or you can take in good things. Your heart will show the results of which you chose. Which will you chose to take in?
Kayla Joy
Proverbs 4:23-25 says,“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” If we're around people who are speaking corruptly, before long we'll start talking like that. You can take in dirty things, or you can take in good things. Your heart will show the results of which you chose. Which will you chose to take in?
Kayla Joy
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Hustle and Bustle A Different Direction this Year
A bitter wind cut through the air, making me walk faster. Sammy stopped walking and cheerfully sniffed a tree, finding it very intriguing. I, on the other hand, wasn’t very happy about this. I tugged at his leash to make him move forward faster. If you know Sammy, you know he can be as stubborn as he is sweet. He was determined not to budge. I was determined to make him budge. He dug his nails into the concrete, seeming to enjoy my frustration. Eventually, my force was stronger and he slowly trailed behind me.
As the Christmas hustle and bustle season approaches, it can be easy to forget the real reason for the season. The real reason for the season--Jesus--gently pulls us one way, while the commercial Christmas pulls us another way. Jesus reminds us that it’s not about giving the best gift, it’s not about getting the best gift, it’s not about beating the Christmas rush for shopping. The commercial Christmas sharply tugs us in the opposite direction, trying desperately to convince us that it’s about buying the best presents, impressing our friends, and shopping till we drop.
This year for Christmas, remember the real reason for the season. Don’t let the commercial Christmas tug you into lies. Christmas isn’t about presents. Christmas is about Jesus.
Kayla Joy
As the Christmas hustle and bustle season approaches, it can be easy to forget the real reason for the season. The real reason for the season--Jesus--gently pulls us one way, while the commercial Christmas pulls us another way. Jesus reminds us that it’s not about giving the best gift, it’s not about getting the best gift, it’s not about beating the Christmas rush for shopping. The commercial Christmas sharply tugs us in the opposite direction, trying desperately to convince us that it’s about buying the best presents, impressing our friends, and shopping till we drop.
This year for Christmas, remember the real reason for the season. Don’t let the commercial Christmas tug you into lies. Christmas isn’t about presents. Christmas is about Jesus.
Kayla Joy
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