how can i grow?

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

—2 Peter 3:18

Some of you know that I have recently decided to go back to school to get my degree in ministry.

I know that there is so much I need to learn to continue on my path.

Where do you need to grow in your walk with the Lord?

I didn’t think about it before, but in addition to all the classes I need, I also need grace.

We need both grace and knowledge and so often we pursue one or the other.

I notice though, that something just isn’t right in my soul when either of those becomes more important than the other.

I know that I need to keep grace and knowledge together because I see them together in our Savior.

Have a blessed day! 

wait!

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

– Psalm 27:14 

OOOOOOOOO waiting . . .

This time of year waiting is especially tough. 

Our youngest son just left after visiting for the Thanksgiving holiday, but I find myself counting days until he is home for Christmas.

Little kids use Advent calendars and other fun activities to count down the days until Christmas.

Adults pray and pray for answers, and wonder why it is taking so long to get those answers.

It takes strength to wait for the Lord.

We want answers now, but sometimes God is found in the delay.

He uses waiting to form things in our soul that we won’t get any other way.

There have been a lot of things that I have prayed for, that I didn’t get, and now I realize that God was right in not giving me everything I wanted.

It is better to take heart and wait upon the Lord than to take things into our own hands.

Have a blessed day!

i want to go

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

– Psalm 84:1-2

Song reference! (you knew it was coming, didn’t you?)

How lovely is Your dwelling place

Oh Lord Almighty,

For my soul longs

And even faints For You

Oh, here my heart

Is satisfied

Within Your presence

I see beneath

The shadow of Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

This is passion for the Lord.

I don’t know about you, but I love my Sunday mornings - I can remember feeling like I “had” to go to church and now I WANT to go!

I mean, as a humans, do we long for the place where God meets us, or do we see our place of worship as an obligation?

Sometimes it is the place we attend, sometimes it is the people that go there.

Sometimes the difference in how we feel about attending church is not in what happens at a church building, but what happens the rest of the week.

If you had a rough week maybe all you want to do is sleep in on Sunday.

Try this: make the Lord your center during the week and see how work and life in general becomes a little less “have to” and a little more “want to”.

Have a blessed day!

there is so much more . . .

And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.

– 1 John 2:28

So you have decided to be a Christ follower – good for you, and glory to God!

Just bear in mind that Christianity is not a one-time event.

There is so much more than just saying that you are a follower!
You can’t declare yourself for the Lord and think that it is done . . . you need to continuously learn and grow.  

Studying Scripture, prayer and paying attention to those around us – you would be amazed at the things you can learn from the people that don’t outwardly share their thoughts.

This is what it means to “continue” in Jesus Christ.

When we focus daily on His Word, focus daily on Him, we gain a spiritual momentum that will provide confidence on that final day.

Don’t worry, you are not alone.  I am learning too.

Have a blessed day.  

Be generous

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

- Proverbs 11:25

We are created to be generous, God made us so that giving is a refreshing act. 

Why?

Because God is generous and He made us in His image. 

Have you ever been given something you need, and when you offer to repay you are told to pay it forward? 

There is a worldwide phenomenon called “pay-it forward” that started with drive-thrus.

It’s a pretty simple concept, you go through any drive through, place your order, and when you get to the window, you tell the cashier that you are also paying for the person in the car behind you.  

Sometimes, if you drive away slow enough, you can see the look on the person’s face in the car behind you, it’s rather rewarding!

You can do the same thing with non-tangible things. 

When you see someone that needs a smile or a kind word, give them one. 

It doesn’t cost you a thing and it may make someone’s day a little better.   

One time I needed something from someone at work and the precise moment that I went to that persons desk, the person had just finished a telephone call where disturbing news was delivered.  

We talked, we cried, we comforted, we prayed. 

When I got ready to leave, the person commented that I had arrived at the perfect time, because they really needed someone to listen.    

God knows when you are needed. 

Be still and listen, He will guide you where you need to be.

The Bible says that the action of giving to others sets into motion a sense of satisfaction, so don’t hoard what you have, give, and watch all of the creative ways that you will prosper, both in soul and body. 

Have a blessed day!

Thanks!

=^..^=

Kitty Matz -  Senior Release Engineer & Notary Public  
RT - Store - Health & Wellness/Specialty Release Team
phone: 479.277.6177

Kitty.Matz@walmart.com

Walmart - David Glass Technology Center 805 Moberly Lane Bentonville, AR  72716 Save money. Live better.

thanks!

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

—2 Corinthians 9:11

It is Thanksgiving day.

I am so thankful, it would take me hours, no days to list everything for which I give thanks.

While we should be thankful every single day, it seems that on Thanksgiving day people examine their blessings more and (hopefully) give thanks to God for His wonderful grace. 

But let's take a moment and ask why God has blessed us so much.

God's people are blessed to be a blessing.

You got that right? 

When we bless others, we are blessed!

Let's make sure we are not just recipients of God's blessings.

Let's commit to be conduits of those blessings to others.

Have a blessed day!

celebrate and give thanks

I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.

– Psalm 69:30

Song reference!

O praise the name of the Lord our God

O praise His name forevermore

For endless days we will sing Your praise

Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

Thanksgiving is tomorrow!!!

It is a day set aside to reflect and be thankful for all that God has given us.

Fun facts for today: although we mostly consider Thanksgiving Day to be something that is celebrated only in the United States of America, did you know other countries celebrate similar holidays and feasts? For example:

• India celebrates harvest in various regions
• Canada celebrates thanksgiving in October
• The cornucopia is traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It comes from Greek mythology and was said to be a “horn of plenty” that was given by the Greek god Zeus. The horn was believed to magically produce an endless supply of anything desired by the one who owns the horn.
• The Chinese Festival of “Chung Ch’ui” — on this day many in China eat moon cakes (small yellow cakes) to celebrate the harvest moon
• The Jewish feast of Sukkot is observed during the harvest season
• Ancient Egyptians had a feast in honor of Min, the god of harvest and fertility
• Lamas Day, was celebrated in the British Isles. On this day people would take a loaf of bread to church. The loaf was baked from the first harvest.
• Harvest Festival is celebrated in the UK and as time goes on many of the American traditions and foods are added to celebration dinners.
• Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in Croatia on August 5th. But rather than a thanksgiving holiday it is really a memorial to the day that the city of Knin was seized by the Croatian Army during the War of Independence.
• Other countries such as Germany, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria and Korea also have thanksgiving and/or harvest festivals

We should not just be thankful one day a year, but celebrate the greatness of our God with thanks every day!

Have a blessed day!

it's all in the giving

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ 

– Acts 20:35

As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, be reminded that it is not so much what we get, but rather much more what we give.

Helen Walton was quoted as saying that what is important in life is not what we gather, but what we scatter.

Let’s make our goal to bless someone each day in a small but special way.

When the world is filled with worry and sadness, we have a huge opportunity to be light, joy and hope this Holiday season.

Many people think that thanksgiving is for giving thanks but what if it means giving because I am thankful? 

We can’t out give God, but we can follow His model by giving.

Have a blessed day!

do you have . . .

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

-  1 Thessalonians 5:18

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving day here in the U.S. and I am sure that many of you, myself included, are busy planning and preparing and perhaps traveling to celebrate this day with family and friends. 

As we prepare for the food, fellowship and football, don’t miss the greatest gift that you already have - Love.

Be thankful for your home – many are homeless.

Be thankful for food – many are hungry.

Be thankful for warm blankets and clothing – many are cold.

Be thankful for friends and family – many are alone.

Be thankful for pets – many have never known unconditional love.

Be thankful for courage – many live in fear.

Be thankful for freedom – many have died for your rights.

Be thankful for your car – many have to walk miles every day, no matter the weather.

Be thankful for children – many have been taken.

Be thankful for police, firemen, and EMTS – they are working while you enjoy your day.

Be thankful for the military – many will not be with their family and friends this year.

Be thankful for education – many don’t have the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for your faith – many are persecuted for their beliefs.

Be thankful for this email – many can’t read.

Be thankful for the annoying Christmas music that started November 1^st – many can’t hear.

Be thankful for your job – many are unable to find employment.

Be thankful for laughter – many know only pain and sorrow.

Have a blessed day, and a wonderful holiday week.  

how wise are you?

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
- Proverbs 9:9-11

Today is kind of a shout out to my wonderful husband, because his birthday is Sunday.

Over the years we have learned that wisdom can preserve life naturally and practically.

We have had many wonderful teachers along the way, I personally thank his parents and grandparents for being role models and showing us the rewards that a life lived for God can bring.

Instructing the wise can be a daunting task and teaching the righteous is a challenge, what can I possibly teach someone else, someone that knows more than I know?

Live life like you are going home to God tomorrow, people see this and learn from you.

I am thrilled that my husband takes what he already knows and teaches others, but still learns from others along the way.

Happy birthday, husband, please continue to share the things you have learned with others, and may God add many days and years to your life here on earth.

Have a blessed day! 

what DO you believe?

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.

—1 Thessalonians 4:14

Song reference! (I seem to be on a roll!)

Our Father everlasting
The all creating One
God Almighty

Through Your Holy Spirit
Conceiving Christ the Son
Jesus our Savior

I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the name of Jesus

Our Judge and our Defender
Suffered and crucified
Forgiveness is in You

Descended into darkness
You rose in glorious life
Forever seated high

I believe in You
I believe You rose again
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the name of Jesus

I believe in life eternal
I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the saints' communion
And in Your holy Church
I believe in the resurrection
When Jesus comes again
For I believe, in the name of Jesus

It’s not just an Easter thing, folks, Jesus' resurrection was just the beginning!

His resurrection means that those of us who have faith in Him and who trust in the Father that raised Him from the dead can have confidence that those who belong to Him, whether they are living or dead when He comes, will also share in His victory over death.

Personally, that is all the assurance I need (oh! That could be another song reference “Blessed Assurance”, but I will spare you today!)

Have a blessed day! 

i need a place to hide

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

—Psalm 32:7

Song reference! (I am 3 for 3 this week – LOL)

You unravel me with a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance from my enemies
'Til all my fears are gone
I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

Do you have a “safe place”?

As a child, I would curl up on the floor of my closet, usually with a flashlight, a book, a pile of pillows and my cat until I got through whatever was making me feel unsafe.

As an adult, it is kind of frowned upon for me to take my blankie and my cat to the closet (the cat is less than impressed as well).

We need to find our strength and protection in our holy God!

Make God your hiding place, your source of security, and your hope in times of trouble.

Have a blessed day! 

it is up to me to overcome

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

– Revelation 12:11

Song reference!

Seated above, enthroned in the Father's love
Destined to die, poured out for all mankind
God's only Son, perfect and spotless one
He never sinned but suffered as if He did

All authority
Every victory is Yours
All authority
Every victory is Yours

Savior, worthy of honor and glory
Worthy of all our praise, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever
Awesome and great is Your name, You overcame

Power in hand speaking the Father's plan
You're sending us out, light in this broken land

All authority
Every victory is Yours

Savior, worthy of honor and glory
Worthy of all our praise, You overcame, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever
Awesome and great is Your name, You overcame, yeah

We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony, everyone overcome

Being a Christ follower is not about comfort, though it can be comforting.

Being a Christ follower is not easy, though it lightens our burdens.

However, being a Christ follower IS about testifying to what we have seen and heard, what has touched our lives and how we can touch others.

We don’t overcome by shrinking back from our faith; we are called to go forward, even when the road is hard and we may feel all alone.

Over the years I have found myself becoming more vocal about my faith. 

I would hope, that hearing my testimony will lead someone, just give a little nudge, toward a path with my Father.

It is up to us.

How can you help someone today?

Have a blessed day!

i'm so tired

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

—Matthew 11:28-30

I am so tired.

I really thought that life would slow down once we became “empty nesters”, but in all honesty, we are busier now than when we had three kids in three different schools!

Song Reference!

I'm tired
I'm worn
My heart is heavy
From the work it takes to keep on breathing

I've made mistakes
I've let my hope fail
My soul feels crushed
By the weight of this world
And I know that you can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn

I want to know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that's dead inside can be reborn
'Cause I'm worn

I know I need
To lift my eyes up
But I'm too weak
Life just won't let up
And I know that You can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn

So about this “come unto me” thing . . . 

To follow Christ means that we give up everything and follow him.

To follow Christ means that we receive untold blessings in this life and eternal life with God in the life to come.

So why is it so hard to give up everything to Him?

Simple - life is hard.

But, the burden is light, because we know our lives are not lived in vain, that we are living life as God intended it, and when life is over, it isn't really over!

We get to go home and be with our Lord!

I think that I will put away my social calendar for a bit and focus on Him, letting Him give me rest, mending my torn heart.

Have a blessed day! 

are you low on love?

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

—1 Thessalonians 3:12

"I'm not sure I can love them any more,  my supply of love is gone, my capacity to love is exhausted."

Yes, there are times when it seems others will exhaust our ability to love, either because of their need being so great or because of their unwillingness to love in return.

How do we go on?

We need a community of love; other believers who will support and love us.

We need brothers and sisters in Christ who will pray for God to increase our capacity to love.

We need to trust that in response to all of our prayers, God will pour more love into our hearts through His ever flowing stream of grace, the Holy Spirit.

When love is low, don't withdraw or give up.

Draw near to God and draw near to His people asking for His grace to help in your time of need.

Have a blessed day! 

what are you thankful for?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's November, and anyone that is on social media has already seen a million people posting "30 days of Thankful" or something along that line.

Some people find it hard to come up with 30 tangible things for which to be thankful.

Who says it has to be tangible?

I'm reading a book right now One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

So far it is very eye opening, i am sure i will have more on that later, but understand that the basis of the book is "a dare to live fully right where you are".

Holy catfish people! - That means being thankful for everything.

But wait - the first part of today's verse is "be joyful always".

I am sorry, but i find it difficult to be joyful in every circumstance - there is so much sadness, tragedy and pain all around us - how are we supposed to be joyful?

When i have talked to friends that are hurting and tried to put a "count the blessings" spin on an event, i am sometimes met with "how could i give thanks? You don’t know my circumstances. I have absolutely no reason to give thanks for what happened to me".

There is truth in that BUT . . . in not giving thanks we relegate ourselves to the tyranny of a broken and fallen world.

Let me ask you this: where does your heart live?

Is there a constant awareness in your life that God is present?

Is He the unseen but always present companion in all your ups and downs?

OR . . . is God here when it is convenient (like when we hurt) and gone when everything is okay?

True joy comes from knowing we are never alone, remember that prayer is the ongoing conversation we have with God.

Being thankful and seeing the joy in things are the great reminders that we have been blessed no matter what.

The Bible speaks of a fallen creation that needs rescue.

Giving thanks reminds us and aligns us with God’s rescue plan for our lives.

What are you thankful for?

Have a blessed day! 

real power

God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.

—2 Timothy 1:7

Song reference!  

Would you be free from the burden of sin?

There’s power in the blood, power in the blood.

Would you o’er evil a victory win?

There’s wonderful power in the blood!

There is power, power,

Wonder working power

in the blood (in the blood) of the lamb (of the lamb),

There is power, power wonder working power

in the precious blood of the lamb.

Power! We like that concept.

Godly power is accompanied by love and self-discipline.

These three together make a person's life effective, constructive, and corrective.

Live life to its fullest: not as a closet Christian afraid of standing true and firm, but one who lives by God's power, shares God's love, and displays God's virtues.

Have a blessed day! 

we are reconciled

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

– Colossians 1:21-23 

Thanks be to God for His mercy!

God has reconciled us to Himself even when our minds were antagonistic against Him.

The hope of the gospel is not in us, but in Him.

God rescued us, is rescuing us, and will continue to rescue us!

Those who continue in this faith toward God will be established and firm, for they know that the power of the cross is eternal, even when we are inconsistent.

Have a blessed day!

are you called?

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

– Jeremiah 1:7-8

We are quick to disqualify ourselves to be used of God.

But God wants to use those who feel the least qualified to display His glory and mercies to the earth.

You may feel like you are not mature enough or smart enough, but those are not the requirements that God is looking for.

It is the one who is willing to obey what they clearly know to do, even if it is beyond their comfort level.

These people are best qualified for the Master.

Remember, God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Have a blessed day!