The next 2 weeks…..Please pray with us! Asking God to heal the joint in Drew’s toe. Pray when they take the pin out, that it would be stiff, healthy and able to be rehabilitated with therapy for continued use and motion.
Thanks Friends, Kristi
Drew, I need to share my heart with you, and since I cannot be there today….
I was thinking about how one week ago, you were planning your day, just waking or maybe you were worshipping with your Body of Christ? Where were you going that day? Why did you take the scooter and not the car? Were you enjoying that ride? I don’t know those answers. Why did the scooter malfunction? Why was it not in good shape? How did all of this lead to your accident?
But, I have to know that God was and is ALWAYS IN CONTROL, nothing is random! Our God doesn’t work that way….So I had to go to truth of His word for answers. So I am sharing this with you…..
Last Sunday – As your day went on, Our Great God, was walking with you.
He knew the events of this day, and how your need would be great, and He was walking with you each step.
David cried out and wrote this Psalm to our God:
PSALM 139:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Drew, Before you cried out – or the realization you were crashing or the shout to the woman to look for your toe – He knew it –
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, syou know it altogether.
When you and Caleb left our home, I found great comfort in this verse . Going from knowing all about you, your schedule, what you wore that day, what you would eat, and whose house you would be at – Then it was all gone and that controlling MOM, that knew it all, had to rely on the truth that God would be your guide – and I could trust He would not allow anything into your life that was not filtered through HIM!
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
It brings me great comfort to know that He was there before and behind you last Sunday! His hand was upon you, and still is.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
God knew this day, and He has allowed it – I hate that you are in pain and suffering, burnt skin, facing each day a cleaning of your wounds.
Suffering.
Then I remember you and Ryan Delmore’s song:
I know that you are still with Him, and that He is “seeing” you, He is Jehovah – El Roi – the God who Sees….
17, 18:
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
I pray your thoughts and dreams will be filled with these truths, and when you awake,
You praise Him that He never sleeps, it’s never dark to Him, Darkness and Light are the same and He is still with you, holding you in His hands. I love you and am thinking of you constantly…
MOM
It’s been a year since I posted anything on my blog! My last post was all about moving into a new home, and that was a year ago this month! I guess no one really missed it, or at least no one said anything. So, I decided that I didn’t need to write any more.
But as this year has progressed, I asked myself if God did anything in my life this year?
Did He get the glory for His faithfulness to me?
Did He get the glory for His goodness to me?
Did He get the glory for His mercy and grace to me?
This is reason enough to write, not for you or me, but for His glory! He is worthy of my praise and delight, my focus, and absolutely what is due Him.
So, I will write again…when I began my blog in 2014, I had just moved to the SHOWME STATE OF MISSOURI. I love that phrase, because it is what Moses asked of God in Exodus 33:13 & 19, “…show me your ways, show me your glory!” Moses, was the first Missourian, wanting to see all God had for him.
And so, if this is your first time to my blog, this is where I got my title and will continue to call it
Show me again, Lord.
My Pastor taught me in a recent sermon, “To the extent that we get on board with God’s agenda, is the extent that God will use us to accomplish his purposes.” What is God’s agenda? Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God…”. Notice it does not say, “In the beginning man…” Genesis 5:1 says, “When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.” This is saying we are made in His image. We are image bearers. His agenda is simple, “reflect me”. (Romans 8:28-29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 3:9). Thank you Daniel Hood for this exhortation.
So that is why I am writing to reflect God in my small network of people, friends, and relatives who know me best, see me fail, fight, procrastinate, fall, repent, begin again and see God’s faithfulness even when I am not. When you look at me, may you see our Great God, not me.
So, as I write, may this tool be a place for truth of God’s Word be held high. May it be an encouragement to you, but may it glorify the good, good Father.
Yours and His, Kristi (kb)
Blogs I should have written this past year:
- Summer House Guests that should have stayed longer
- World Series Champions – 1985 – 2015 – being there for both!
- Teaching Disciple Makers to make disciples – M28
- Texas Family Christmas Blizzard 2015 – ‘who needs electricity?’
- I finally went to Europe!
- Falling hard for Essential Oils
- The appearance of a congenial church plant
- Six Amazing Disciples
Future Blogs:
God’s sovereignty in a Church Plant and a new job
Can a marriage work when 90% apart from each other?
What is a weak woman? Am I?
Springtime in Springfield, MO – Our new home!
We are thankful and praising God for the opportunity to purchase a new home here in Springfield!
This brings our total number of moves to 37 ! Yes, I know – that is unbelievable for most of you to grasp. For me too! It was never our plan to move that many times. Some of them were from a one bedroom apt. to a 2 bedroom, or a rental while building a new home, and then a desire for more land. But the big moves from Texas to California, then back to Texas; and after nine months – back to California; and now back to the Mid-west, to Springfield, MO. They were some of the most stressful, painful, costly, joyful and many other emotional times of our family life.
There are some of those forks in the road I have regretted our choice. If we had only …, then maybe we wouldn’t …..? If we had only waited…..then maybe another job would have surfaced? God were you leading us? Was my influence on my husband pure? Was I prayerful? Did I follow or lead? Were our emotions ruling our heart? Were we discontent? Was it out of control? How could it be if God is in control? Were we listening to our own heart, God’s heart, Satan’s roadblocks?
Honestly, there are yes answers, and no answers to those questions. There were wise choices and unwise choices. Some decisions were reactions to situations completely out of our control; like an economic downturn, lack of work, and the necessity of re-inventing yourself. There were some moves that we can look back and see how God was weaving our lives in and out precious people, family and friends that continue to be a gift to us. I cannot guilt myself, and I must continue to believe that God is sovereign over it all!
For years I’ve said, “the journey is our home”, I even have it above this blog as a theme. We are just passing through this life. If we get 85 years of living, that would be a good long life, and then the real home, that is being prepared for us will be realized! Keeping this perspective has served me well, as I say my good byes, and purge precious items to simplify the load.
So as I begin to pack again…those same questions and decisions come. I take these through a grid I learned a long time ago, and recently shared it with a few of the ladies I am privilege to disciple. It is based on a little book called, “Found: God’s Will” by John MacArthur. In it he shares that God’s will is not lost! He’s not saying, “…your getting warmer…hotter, now colder”. Like it’s a secret He’s keeping from us! No, His Word has direct things that we can be sure are His will. So when asked, how to know God’s will, scripture gives us that answer.
John sums it up that God’s will is that we be:
SAVED, SPIRIT-FILLED, SANCTIFIED, SUBMISSIVE, SUFFERING & SAYING THANKS.
WARNING! IF YOU HAVE ALREADY LEARNED THIS – CLICK YOUR BACK BUTTON NOW, CUZ THIS MAY BE TOO LONG FOR YOU TO READ…BUT IF YOU NEED TO KNOW GOD’S WILL – CONTINUE!
SAVED – God so desired that people be saved, He gave the One whom He loved the most, His Son, and sent Him to die on a cross.It shows the measure of His love for us and how much He wills that people be saved. Found: God’s Will, MacArthur
I Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
I Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
SPIRIT-FILLED – means that we live in the conscious presence of the indwelling Christ. If you are a believer, you have all of the Holy Spirit you are going to get. He doesn’t come in doses! Romans 8:9 says, ” If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, He does not belong to Him.”
The Holy Spirit is a Person, who lives inside of you. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (I Cor. 6:19) Ephesians 5:17-18 “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery,(def: excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures) but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” As we empty or yield our lives, He continues to fill us, just like a glass, poured out, can be filled.
SANCTIFIED – This means, pure, holy, set apart, Christ like. God desires every believer to be sanctified. Now, there are many avenues that He does this work in our lives. It can be through challenging circumstances from our children and parenting issues, to how we respond to persecution from a co-worker, neighbor or family member. It may be a long season of adversity, or a battle with sin, or just a long wait for something we desire.
We were made righteous when Christ’s righteousness was imputed to us (Justification), We know how this ends, with our glorification. But the in-between time, is the sanctifying time. It is the process God uses to make our practice, match our position.
In the letter Paul wrote to the Church at Thessalonica, he had a lot to say about purity, 1 Thes. 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;” The discussion is clearly about pleasing God in your body. It is an on going work of God to make us holy.
I Peter 1:16 DOES NOT SAY, “Be ye Happy, as I am Happy”. It says, “Be ye Holy, as I am Holy”. Ultimately, we will be completely holy and no longer struggle with sin. But now we are being sanctified. It is the will of God.
SUBMISSIVE – We are told to be submissive to many in scripture. To our parents, our husband, elders/leaders in the church, employers (masters) and our government. I Peter 2:13-15 says, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people”. I Peter 2:17 sums it up, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
The world watches how we conduct ourselves, obeying the law and those in authority over us. (This is one reason I don’t have a christian bumper sticker, or fish on my car). The only exception is when the law violates God’s clear revelation and commands, do not obey them. (Acts 4: 18-20)
SUFFERING – If you are a christian living a godly life in an ungodly world, you will suffer. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” Phil. 1:29 says, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” I Peter 5:10 says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. It’s not IF YOU SUFFER, it’s WHEN YOU SUFFER. Don’t fret, it is in those times, your faith is proven, as your faithful Lord carries you through growth and abiding with the joy Jesus spoke about in John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full,” is fully realized.
SAYING THANKS (Gratitude!) This may seem easier than suffering, but gratitude doesn’t seem to be our natural bent. We are selfish and complainers. I Thes. 5:18 says, ” In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Everything? In everything that concerns me give thanks? That’s what it says, and what it means, so choose to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness, a practice of thankfulness, an obedience of thankfulness.
Now, take all of your decisions through this grid and if your choices can pass the test, then GO FOR IT! Will it lead to 37 moves? I hope not. You are not God’s robots that He say’s “jump”, “eat”, “live”!
He gives us His word to know His will for our lives, and gives us a great deal of freedom of choices to live our lives as well. Yet He remains in control! Now I don’t understand all of that, and it seems opposite, but He is God, and I am not.
So I am going to enjoy this blessing of a new home, and look for ways we can make it a blessing to those He brings to it! Love to have you come! 1636 E. Camino Alto Springfield, MO 65804
Blessings,
Kristi & Stan 
Last time I shared about the women that discipled me and invested in my life. Guess this is why I am so passionate to continue to exhort women to look around and ask God to burden women for this kind of ministry…it’s a command, not a suggestion! ONE ANOTHERING – Woman 2 Woman
In the absence of “one anothering” each other, women are looking to blogs, Facebook, Ellen, Oprah, Dr. Phil or Dr. Laura to get wisdom – because we are not doing our commanded job… Let’s take a real honest look at why we must obey scripture and be discipling each other.
WHY WE DON’T DO IT:
Reasons I hear: rejection, pride, life is busy, don’t see the need…but what are the real issues:
DO YOU NEED TO overcome SOME ISSUES?
Fear:
Sinful fear keep us from building any of our relationships the way we should.
Some older women may assume that it would be impolite for them to start telling younger women how to manage as wives and mothers or how to practice self-control and kindness.
They may think that since culture is always changing, and what is common for women today was not when they were the same age, they have nothing pertinent to offer.
They may fear that they will give the impression that they are know it alls.Privacy issues: I don’t want anyone to know my business: Eph. 5: 8-14 – shining the light – exposing the “secret” ? Do we have a mask on? Do we always look like we have it together? We post the ‘best of’ on Facebook, but hide the real us.
Independence – “I can do this on my own! I don’t need any help.” Women need each other. We are not meant to do this walk of faith alone, it’s a community.
Said of Phoebe, A servant of the church at Cenchrea; Romans 16:2 “help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many and of myself as well.”
Individualism – Don’t wait for a church to do an “official program”, ask the Lord for ways you can begin building relationships. OPEN UP & BECOME TRANSPARENT – It isn’t all about you!
From Women’s Ministry to the Local Church” by Susan Hunt & J Ligon Duncan
“The leaders of a women’s ministry must be unyielding in their commitment to the principles of discipleship presented in Titus 2. They must be equally diligent in calling and equipping women to assume their generational responsibility to learn from older women and to train younger women. Whether women are teaching a women’s Bible Study or a class of teenage girls, chairing a women’s retreat committee or singing in the choir, decorating for a women’s outreach event or serving on the church’s mission committee, they should be intentionally training or learning from other women. Women discipling women is not just a program – it is the covenant lifestyle of redeemed women. And it is the responsibility of the women’s ministry to equip them for this mission. Someone is teaching women’s principles of womanhood. Is it the church or the world?
Above all, leaders of women must pray for the women they lead. Pray that God will raise up a generation of women who will declare, “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation” Psalm 71:17-18
WHY DO IT?
It’s a command, not a suggestion! But it is a powerful blessing as well!
Instead of older women feeling useless, they will be respected and honored in the church. Rather than younger women feeling frustrated and alone in learning about life, they will feel the support and care of the more experienced women. The church will be stronger and healthier as its members minister to each other biblically. What could be a more worthy goal?
PSALM 145: 4 “One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.”
I THESS. 2:7-8 “Be we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.”
Blessings, Kristi
Brief testimony: I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ since my early 20’s. I heard the gospel preached even earlier that that. From fourth grade, I spent my early years thinking I was a Believer, until I realized I was trying to earn my salvation by “doing” a lot of things. I had a lot in my head, but not in my heart. That changed in when I recognized my sin, and that I could do nothing to bridge the gap to a Holy God. Salvation was all Him. It was then that Jesus snatched me from the darkness and brought me into the light of the truth of the Gospel. It was, and is such good news. Grace saved me, not my works. Grace keeps me now, not my works. He doesn’t love me more if I sit before Him, read His Word, or talk to Him. He doesn’t love me less either. He just loves me. I am grateful for many teachers who have taught the purity of the Gospel, and shown me more about knowing God.
DISCIPLESHIP – MY THOUGHTS:
Disciplemaking Disciples is what we are to be. For men, for women, its the same mission. Our church has just shifted its mission statement to this focus. “We exist to glorify God, by making disciples, through the Bible and relationships.”
That is why I have made Second Baptist Church, Springfield, MO, my church home. Today, I was asked to share in our service as our Pastor did an interview with me and one of “my girls”, Amanda. I love sharing my heart and passion about discipleship. I have always had a heart for coming alongside of women to help them live what they learn.
Let’s agree, we are the most informed, educated, learned society in all of history. We have podcasts, conferences, retreats, Bible Studies, revivals, great teaching from pulpit and internet. Yet, when we see more marriages failing, church kids turning away from God as they enter college, disobedience, disrespect, eating disorders, premarital sex (hooking up), addictions, lack of ambition, purpose, or godly bent to lives.
So where is the disconnect?
We’ve learned it, we know it, but why don’t we live it? I believe it’s the disconnect and lack of true discipleship one to one. Men to men, and women to women.
I will forever be thankful for the men and women in our lives who connected the learning it to the living it. May I introduce them to you and share how they invested in my life?
- Imogene – An older Christian co-worker, who asked me if I’d like to go on a walk a few days a week at lunch time. These walks became our time of discipleship. She was a gentle, wise women, who encouraged me to be in the word, and to read deeper authors, who would challenge me.
I’ll never forget how she showed me the perspective that trials were gifts especially wrapped up for me from God. And also that I should live my life, in a manner that if someone was looking at me, they would see Jesus. - Billy & Danielle – The only couple who ever took an interest in our marriage and saw some things we were doing that would ultimately hurt our marriage, and were willing to take the time to help us. As newlyweds they taught us
to ‘fight fair’
how to listen to each other
How to lead and make decisions
How to let husband lead how to follow – even when it didn’t seem like He knew where we were going!
How my hormones were affecting our marriage
How to grow in studying the Word on our own
How to manage our finances
How to be content if God never gave us a child
We ate dinner with them often, baby sat their young sons, house sat for them, and each opportunity we had together they did life in front of us and were transparent with their own relationship, so we could learn from their mistakes and avoid damage from hurt. They always pointed to the scripture to back up what they were saying.
Elizabeth George – Before Liz was an author and Bible Teacher/Conference Speaker, she was just a godly mom, who invested six weeks that were so precious. She prayed for me and helped me learn how to deal with my infertility, hope for adoption, and how to organize my prayer life. - Mentor Mom – Janet
Janet was a seasoned mom of four children. I was a new mom with no parents near us. I was so grateful to know how to deal with a sick child, how to get my son to sleep through the night, how to deal with chaos at meal time. She was a phone call away, and welcomed my questions and calmed me when I was parenting out of emotion, not truth. She pointed out my inconsistencies, need for routine, and how to make the best choice for my time, and choose a quiet time, even though short, rather than fold clothes. - Jan – She recognized I had a speaking gift and gave me opportunities to teach women. I wasn’t a good speaker/teacher, but because of her encouragement and help, I began to be effective in this role. If she had not been willing to come alongside, how would that gift be cultivated. We served together on Women’s Ministry Team, and she eventually passed that baton of leadership to me.
- My Roosters – Jacqueline, Denise, & Gail
Remember the rooster that crowed out the warning to Peter, “cock will crow 3 times”, Jesus warned him about? Well I had some great roosters in my life, warning me, crowing at me and holding me accountable. We met weekly and I don’t think I would have made it through the years of teenage sons, without these faithful friends. Praying for them, and for me. Crying together as we prayed over cancer discovered, rejoiced over cancer beat, broken friendships, loss of friends, and their children, and what to do when depression threatens to overtake us. These were the dig down deep friendships that we are discipling each other. - Joan – Joan was my personal prayer warrior for my mouth. As God gave me more opportunities to share with women my gifts, I found that I lacked compassion, and needed prayer to love those God would bring to me for counsel. Rather than just ‘cutting to the chase’, I needed to listen and love the women before me.
- Eunie – Eunie was a partner in ministry, 10 years older and wiser, a mom of sons, and served behind the scenes, supporting my more public role. She taught me patience in prayer, long suffering, how to see God’s plan at work, when I couldn’t see it at all. She taught me how to research better when preparing to speak. She continues to bring new books, authors, sermons, equipping me for what is next.
- Nina – Nina was another older women, who we lived in her guest home for 2 years, and I learned up close how to manage my home in a new way!
She corrected years of my wrong way of managing my home!
This was my philosophy : When and if there was an event, dinner, party, holiday, planned, then we would ready the home. Clean, plan, shop, prepare.
Nina’s was: Get it ready now – because God is going to send someone here. I saw it happen over and over. She never procrastinated on her tasks to ready the home, and always had something ready in the freezer or pantry. And as she was faithful to make her home ready, God used that home mightily in so many lives. Not just for a meal, but for real life changing, refuge needed, rest or counsel. I ready my home in a different way now because of Nina.
I have had wonderful women investing in my life. And as always, God brings those who also need this in their lives. What happens when we don’t make the time to do this? How dare we not give out what we have received. We must be obedient!
I am burdened for God to raise up women, who won’t allow Satan to hinder these kinds of relationships. Don’t be too busy or prideful to ask a women to disciple you, and don’t be too busy or prideful to think there is nothing for you to share with someone else. These are lies from the pit. Satan knows how powerful discipleship is. He knows that if he can keep a weak lamb out away from the flock, he can devour them. Come close, and lets do the “one another’s” of scripture with each other. It will take time, and sacrifice, but what other eternal thing can you do? Passing a legacy of godliness that is the Great Commission, as well as the command of Titus 2 –
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Titus 2:1, 2-5 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
Vs. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Blessings,
Kristi! 
And as a side note – I found this today, and have used these two terms interchangably, but not any more! From Relevant Magazine
Discipleship Isn’t Mentoring.
As we allow others into our lives and let them help us obey Jesus, we also need to reach out and disciple others. But that doesn’t mean we are mentoring others.
Mentoring has to do with what the mentor can offer to someone else through their own wisdom and experience; discipleship has to do with what Jesus can offer to someone else through His wisdom and presence.
You don’t need to have a slew of qualifications to disciple someone else, you just have to be following and obeying Jesus.
This is why you don’t need to have a slew of qualifications to disciple someone else (The original 12 were just “ordinary, unschooled men,” remember?)—you just have to be following and obeying Jesus in your own life and be willing to help someone else do the same.
Read more at http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/what-christians-get-wrong-about-discipleship#d8yoZZXqXLwsLD1h.99
I listened to the speech, all of the rah,rah and applause, and felt like I was hearing a halftime coach speech…I am not very political, I know the prophecy of Scripture and that God is still on His Throne. He is Sovereign over all, leaders, battles, the end of our days here, persecution and my life. So I share this blog in my blog, because I have great respect for Joel Rosenberg. He is Jewish, he lives now in Israel, he is an advisor to the Prime Minister of Israel and is always consulted on Middle East issues. So how can I as a woman with no real influence, no book written and no platform, just a woman who loves God, His Church, His Word. What can I do? Well Joel gives me some suggestions for prayer and action. Blessings, Kristi
(Costa Mesa, California) — “America, for all that we have endured; for all the grit and hard work required to come back; for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this: The shadow of crisis has passed, and the State of the Union is strong.”
So began President Obama on Tuesday night in his 2015 State of the Union address to the nation and to a Joint Session of Congress.
He was not the first American President to declare the state of the union “strong.” But with all due respect, the President is wrong.
When a nation murders 57 million innocent babies, the state of the union is not strong.
When a nation overtaxes and overregulates and over burdens the economy and drives manufacturers and other businesses overseas and leaves 92 million Americans out of the labor forcewith no jobs and few prospects to get a good-paying job, the state of the union is not…
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I hope by the end of this blog, my attitude and joy will be restored because right now I am having a difficult time. I’m not writing to vent, but to get the proper perspective for my heart that is filled with sadness and fighting not to move into anger. The tears have already flowed, but come back to my eyes and I am able to blink some back. All of my plans for this day, Christmas, have fallen apart right before me.
It was such a good plan and going so well. We were going to spend Christmas in San Luis Obispo, CA with our son Drew and his wife Anicia…Caleb would join us and after being a part for almost 2 years at the holidays, I was so excited. I made my plane reservations, which is easy and even a delay in Denver didn’t hinder anything. The real tricky part would be for Stan to be dispatched to California, and routed close enough to spend a day or even two with us as he would still be training a student, so staying under a load would be necessary….but it could happen. Stan’s company tries really hard to honor a request for their drivers.
It was all falling into place well! He was actually in California before my flight landed. He had a Fed Ex load from Portland to Oakland and would deliver early AM on Christmas Eve. I spoke to him at 12:30 AM on the 24th and all was well. He was rolling south and would deliver as planned. No weather delays, loading delays or any other problems. I hung up feeling so excited we would meet in San Luis and all be together! I went to bed smiling.
I was awakened by a text message notification! It was from my mother in law sending our family traditional greeting on Christmas Eve….”Christmas Eve Gift” which her family called out to each other on this day, and tried to be the first one to say it! Well, in a text of course she won! Then I texted back “that wasn’t fair!” and it doesn’t count on text! But she got me! As I continued looking at my phone, I did my “find my IPhone” App and looked for the location where Stan was. This has been a great way to “track” him as he drives all over the country. But as I looked, it was no…”When what to my wondering eyes appear” moment. It was an “oh no!” moment. He was just south of Salem, OR. He should be in Oakland, CA by now. As my heart began sinking, I looked at an App that shows dialogue between his dispatcher, I found what was happening.
He had broken down! Our brand new truck, that’s never had a problem was down. As I spoke to Stan, he was in “dealing with it” mode. It started at 3:30 AM. Sensors began to go off indicating a problem, and then the truck began to lose power. He got down to 2 MPH, and limped into a truck stop. His first priority was to get the FedEX load transferred, and that was going to be a wait, as there were no Prime Trucks near. Next, get towed to the nearest Peterbilt repair shop, 100 miles away near Medford, OR. He explained they would be open until 5 pm so there would still be a chance to get the DEF repaired. I won’t explain what that is, cuz I couldn’t even if I wanted, but I was holding onto, ITS POSSIBLE!
But after a diagnosis was done, there wasn’t enough time for a repair by closing time…so right now, Christmas morning, Stan is not coming, and the repair won’t happen until tomorrow, the 26th. Caleb will go back to So. Cal, and all of my plans have been thwarted.
So, keeping perspective; here is the truth, he was not in an accident, he isn’t alone, his student is with him. We might still see him in a couple of days. But…and this is the truth…I’m fighting hard to see the Sovereign plan of my King Jesus that I celebrating today! He is in control, and must have some reason for this timing. I cannot see it, I am fighting for joy in this. I am fighting to see how this is good. I am fighting with God on it.
I know it’s not a loss, a death, a tragedy in perspective to what so many others are dealing with. Experiencing their first holiday without a spouse, or a child, or a parent, or sibling. I can think of a person with each of those situations today. It’s all about perspective isn’t it?
It was just a great plan that was so close to perfect, my plan. I’m trying to see that Plan B, His plan is best. I am looking for blessings to count and there are many. Technology to see Stan and share our gift exchange, to be able to lay in the floor of Drew’s Studio and listen to his new songs he’s going to add to a new album in 2015. Seeing my sons share kind encouraging words to each other, share a delicious meal prepared so carefully by my sweet Daughter-in-law, and take my new Grand ‘doghter ‘ Junie B on a walk in the sunshine of the Central Coast.
These are my gifts this year and I am thankful. I don’t write for your sympathy, or empathy, but as a confession to the King of trying to sit on the Throne, He only can sit. Emotions try to rule my heart’s throne, not truth. He loves me and knows what was best or this Christmas Day.
Proverbs 16: 9 says “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Daniel 4:35 “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
Proverbs 19: 21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Lord, May your purposes be accomplished in my heart and the heart of my family today. And thank you for loving me so much to teach me again how to teach myself the truth of the Gospel and your reigning over all.
Kristi 
HAGAR AND ISHMAEL
Living here in the ‘Show Me’ state of Missouri…and near (250 miles away from the famous Ferguson, MO, I am saddened by all we’ve been “shown” across media coverage. It’s a picture of the heart of man, deceitful and desperately wicked, no matter what the color or race. We all need the alien righteousness of Jesus to come in and from the inside out – transform the heart. I see more blame shifting than anything.
I wonder if you’ve felt like I have…God, do you see this? God, do you see me? I want to assure you of this truth – He sees.
His name is Jehovah El Roi – the God who sees.
Ps. 139:16, 23,24 “You have searched me and known me, know when I sit down, and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from afar, you search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways!”
Have you ever been so oppressed by the situations of this life, that you cannot see any hope? Has your life been full of tragedy, disappointment, frustration, sorrow as you face each day? Is it getting harder to believe that God is sovereignly ruling over the nation and your personal affairs?
THIS IS TRUE OF ALL OF US!
In our darkest of times,God is plotting for His glory and our GOOD! John Piper
In our blindness we feel like God doesn’t see us!
Have you ever felt this way? God where are you? What are you doing? Have you forgotten me? Are you hearing my prayers? I’m at the end of my rope God! We again have to teach the truth of God to ourselves…Let’s ask the question that I have asked of Him…
DOES HE ALWAYS SEE? Yes! It’s His name = Jehovah El Roi, the God who continually Sees.
Hagar – Gen 16:7-11 “You are the God of seeing”
Moses – Exodus 3:7-9 – I have seen the affliction of my people.
Samuel – 1 Sam. 16:7 – Man looks at outward, God see the heart
David – Ps. 139:16, 23,24 “You have searched me and known me, know when I sit down, and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from afar, you search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways!”
Ps. 32:8; “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you!”
Ps. 33:18,19 “The eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in the steadfast love.”
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Heb. 4:12,13 “12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
TRUTH #1 – SOMETIMES YOU ARE SO BLINDED BY YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES TO SEE HIM!
“A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?” Proverbs 20:24
TRUTH #2 – GOD IS PLOTTING FOR YOUR GLORY!
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
TRUTH #3 – GOD IS GRACIOUS AND SOVEREIGN EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1b-3a)
HAVE YOU HAD THOSE MOMENTS WHEN YOU KNOW GOD IS SEEING?
I have had many, but sometimes I don’t put them in that category of God seeing me. An answered prayer, his protection, his provision, his daily holding my world together in the palm of his hand. Many times I don’t see credit Him with being intimately involved in my daily life. I take credit, or give it to a human, but it is all from His seeing eye upon me and his loving hand holding me.
Hagar to Ruth, to Mary, the Woman at the well, and to me, He sees, He is in control, and nothing is in chaos or darkness to Him.
The better question is recorded in Ruth Chapter 2 raised by Ruth to Boaz… it’s a question we all need to ask God –
“ Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
We have a sense of entitlement – We expect kindness and are shocked or resentful if we don’t get our “rights”. Here we see Ruth – humble foreigner, and expresses her sense of unworthiness by falling on her face and bowing to the ground.
John Piper said, “Proud people are not amazed when they are treated well – there is no deep gratefulness, but humble people do! They are amazed at the grace they have been shown!”
Amazing Grace –
Isn’t it amazing that we can look back on those situations we have felt abandonment, and with 20/20 vision see how Jehovah El Roi was at work during the silence and we can see the plot He was weaving clearly now.
For Ruth and Naomi –
The Lord stopped the famine
He bound Ruth to Naomi in love
He preserved Boaz for Ruth –
He does see – He is the God who sees, that we can take refuge under His wings and be astonished at his grace!
Next I will ask the question “GOD, DO YOU REALLY LOVE ME?”
BLESSINGS FROM BAREFOOT BLOGGER
KRISTI
As I write this, I am enjoying a cold, beautiful Sunday afternoon as we enjoy our first snow here in Springfield, MO! Guess I am in a reflecting time, and have a little bit of a beef…please know I don’t want to hurt anyone with this blog, but may it be an exhortation to be intentional of our mission.
I have been guilty of being in charge of a lot of Women’s Events in the last 20 years through amazing churches I have been a part of. So as I share my heart on this topic, please know, I have asked God to forgive me for wasting many opportunities to grow and disciple women and obey the command we’ve been given to do Titus 2. Not a suggestion, a command.
I’ve never been a woman who likes a lot of fluff! Oh, I enjoy a beautiful environment, a well set table and centerpiece, a wardrobe that is stylish, or a decor of a home that reflects a woman’s heart and passions. I appreciate the gifts that so many have to make a space inviting and comfortable. I really like pretty! But, I wonder when a woman takes the time to attend a retreat, Bible Study, conference, or ladies night out, or movie night, why is she there? Is she there because she is needy, and wants to see her God and hear truth that will be steps of transformation,(sanctification) for this life, or give her something to cling to during a difficult season she is facing. Is she there, just hoping someone will go a little deeper and teach her, or ask her something that will lead to transparency, and not just surface chit chat?
I am no different from any other women who needs truth and answers for this life and all we face. During my honest, heart to heart prayer time, journaling back to God, I pour out to Him my concern as I see such opportunities that seem to be wasted by giving women answers that can be found in most psychology lectures. Changing behavior from the outside isn’t what I want to hear! I want to know the transforming power of the Gospel through this Bible I read and study. I want a Godly woman to speak into my life what God says. How do I live out the Gospel that saved me, but I have no victory? What is the answer to hard questions my daughter is asking me? How do I mentor someone? How do I deal with my sin, when I hate it, but can’t stop?
Can I know the answer to this question….God, Are You ALWAYS good? When my child is taken at 15 yrs. old, or 19 or still born, how can this be good? When my husband who served every Sunday, as an Usher at our church, leaves me for another women, how can this be good? When a mother of young children gets breast cancer, fights hard, but it still goes to her brain and she goes to heaven, leaving her devastated husband to be both mom and dad. How is this good?
That’s what I need answers to. Give me perspective, show me eternal things, help me live with my sorrow, adversity, weariness of being single or alone, or facing big decisions, crisis and pain.
So in my frustration and desire for more, for depth, for doctrine, truth to hold onto, I want to take this short opportunity to answer four key questions. This blog will deal with the first one I need to know….Question #1 GOD, ARE YOU ALWAYS GOOD?
Psalm 25:8; “Good and upright is the Lord;
100:5; “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.
135:3; “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name for it is pleasant!”
145:9 “For the Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
Ps. 145:7 “They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness”
Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble”
Psalm 84:11: For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Psalm 34:8-10 NIV: 18 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Ex. 33:18-9 – Moses asks – SHOW ME YOUR GLORY! …18Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!”…19And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
I must go back to these promises even when I, Kristi Barefoot, who thinks she is in control, who thinks she knows the best plan, who calls the shots in so many areas, who wouldn’t have done it that way, complains to my husband how I don’t like our situation; and to God; and dares to ask, Why?
I am on the sidelines now, not in charge of a ministry, or Bible Study, so I am teaching back to myself the Doctrine of God, and pray back to Him, all He says He is and just as David did in the Psalms, come back full circle to GOD, YOU ARE ALWAYS GOOD. “Help me to believe it and remind other women of your goodness”.
Blessings from a Baby Blogger,
Kristi
PS, Next Question #2 – we will tackle – “God, Do you see me?”
ShowMeAgain Lord- @KristiBarefoot 