change

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

- Hebrews 13:8

 

Change can be completely overwhelming, even the tiniest change.

We need to remember that change can bring hope for a better future, even if we don’t see it in the moment.

Sometimes, change causes us to feel as though we have lost everything, and we can’t see any good, and happiness.

It is when we are struggling through those changes that we need to remember that Jesus is consistent, constant, He never changes.

God knows our every step before we take it, He knows the beginning, middle and end of our stories, He is not surprised by anything.

We need to trust in the unchanging One, rather then putting our trust in a fallen world.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

identity?

Long ago, even before He made the world, God chose us to be His very own through what Christ would do for us; He decided then to make us holy in His eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before Him covered with His love.

- Ephesians 1:4

 

Who are we, really?

There are so many song references here I can’t even begin to name them all, much less throw the lyrics in this post, you would be reading (and singing) all day!

We are Children of God, His creation, the ones He made in His image, the ones that He loves.

He loves us. (oh, how He loves us)

He loves me. (this I know)

He loves your best friend and your worst enemy. (the overwhelming never ending reckless love of God)

Who am I that He is mindful of me? (I am a friend of God, He calls me friend!)

I am who He says I am (I’m a child of God, yes I am!)

Do you wonder who you are?

Pick up the Bible and start reading any of the letters Paul wrote, you will see a recurring theme – God loves us.

Child of God, daughter of the King, that is my identity.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

advice

Wise people can also listen and learn; even they can find good advice in these words.

- Proverbs 1:5 (NCV)

 

We all need advice from time to time, I know I seek advice quite often.

Where do we turn when we need advice? 

Most of us will mention our spouse, parents, siblings, friends or even our pastor or an elder at the church.

How many of us actually turn to the Word of God when we need advice?

The Bible has many verses and stories that offer advice, encouragement, peace and comfort.

You can use google and say “what does the Bible say about. . .  ” or “Bible verse for . . .”

You might be surprised in what you find, wise people can indeed listen and learn.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

presence

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

- Psalm 16:11

 

Have you ever felt the presence of God?

I mean really, just felt that presence?

I have, and it was like something washed over me, and I just felt overwhelmed, like every fear, trouble, all pain was washed away for the moment.

Song reference:

Found in Your hands

Fullness of joy

Every fear suddenly wiped away

Here in Your presence

All of my gains now fade away

Every crown no longer on display

Here in Your presence

Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders

The kings and their kingdoms are standing amazed

Here in Your presence

We are undone

Here in Your presence

Heaven and Earth become one

Here in Your presence

All things are new

Here in Your presence

Everything bows before You

Wonderful

Beautiful

Glorious

Matchless in every way

Wonderful

Beautiful

Glorious

Matchless in every way

Here in Your presence

We are undone

Here in Your presence Heaven and Earth become one

Here in Your presence

All things are new

Here in Your presence

Everything bows before You

I want to always be in His presence, I feel so safe there.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

look up

While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud.

- Exodus 16:10

 

I kind of wish that this verse said that they looked up. 

The whole community was frustrated at this point, having left Egypt and they were about a month and a half into their travels, feeling like they would have rather died in Egypt than going to the desert to “starve to death”. 

The Bible says that the Lord hear their grumblings and said He would provide food, and as Aaron and Moses were explaining this, the Lord appeared in the cloud.

God was there the whole time, the Israelites just needed to look up!

Song reference!

Where are You now

When darkness seems to win?

Where are You now

When the world is crumbling?

Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say

I hear You say

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Where are You now (where are You?)

When all I feel is doubt?

Oh, where are You now

When I can't figure it out?

Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say

I hear You say

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Look up

You're not threatened by the war

You're not shaken by the storm

I know You're in control

Even in our suffering

Even when it can't be seen

I know You're in control

Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say

I hear You say

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Look up

It is really that simple, folks.

When we don’t think that He is there, He is! 

We just have to look up.

When we are feeling alone, in the dark, feeling doubt, feeling like the world is falling apart around us, we just have to look up.

He is there.

Always.

Look up.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

mine!

But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

- Isaiah 43:1

 

“It’s MINE!”

I’m pretty sure each one of us has heard those words out of the mouths of children whether it was our own children or someone else’s kids or even as siblings growing up. 

We still hear it today out of some adults along with the justification of “possession in nine tenths of the law”.

Three interesting facts here:

1. the origin of that phrase is thought to be an old Scottish proverb “ possession is eleven points in the law, and they say there are but twelve”.

2. the principle was applied in 1878 to decide the dispute between the Hatfields and the McCoys over ownership of pigs and

3. modern courts do not formally observe the “nine tenths of the law” principle.

All of that history stuff aside, I am so glad that God is very clear that I am His.

Just like a child is possessive of a much loved toy, God is possessive of His children.

He loves us and will do everything to protect us, we are His.

Reading deeper into chapter 43, we find that God promises to protect us from water and fire and He will gather His children together for His glory.

“You are mine”.

Those are very comforting words to hear in this world full of turmoil.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

poor

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

- Proverbs 28:27

 

“Homeless, hungry, anything helps.  God Bless”

We see people holding signs like that at busy intersections all across the country, at entrances to shopping centers and even at gas stations.

In 2019 the figure given for homelessness in the US was a staggering 567,715 individuals and I am sure it has increased since the pandemic as so many people lost their jobs as a result of social distancing due to Covid 19. 

In a 2017 survey it was revealed that 94% of panhandlers do use the funds they receive from donations to purchase food they need and only 3% of panhandlers do not want some form of permanent housing. 

So how do you know when you see that person holding a sign that they are one of the 94% that are legitimately homeless and in need?

You don’t.

There will always be people that try to take advantage of the generous nature of others.

So how do we determine to whom we should give our help so that we follow the word of God?

I believe we should listen for His voice. 

Many times when I see someone holding a sign, I will say “God, what do I do here?” and often I hear Him say “help them”.

I have been known to buy groceries or a meal and my husband has taken people to the gas station and filled their vehicle with gas. 

We may not always hear God’s voice telling us to help specific individuals or we may simply not be comfortable handing them money or speaking with them, but there are other ways to help. 

Check into donating or volunteering at a local soup kitchen, food pantry or homeless shelter.

We can’t solve homelessness but we can take care of God’s children.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

unspoken prayers

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

- Romans 8:26-27

 

Quite often I see requests for “unspoken prayer, God knows the need” posted on social media and various websites.

Isn’t it wonderful to have the peace of mind that God knows our heart, body and mind?

That we can sit in complete silence and God hears our broken hearts, understands our deepest needs and yes, answers our prayers.

We don’t have to make our requests out loud and in public, we don’t even have to share our needs with other humans.

God knows what we want and what He has planned for us, even when we can’t see it He is still answering our prayers, leading us where we need to be and listening to our cries.

Unspoken prayer is still heard by our mighty God.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

my right

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”

- 1 Corinthians 10:23

 

We humans seem to believe that we have the right to do and say anything we want to do and say regardless of how it may affect others.

Something that is offensive to one person may not be offensive to many others, but today’s culture has deemed that if one person takes offense then all must take offense and the offending item, words, books, movies, plays, they are all eradicated from our society no matter the historical significance.

While we can’t always please every person at every moment, we also can’t forget where we started. 

We can’t erase the mistakes we made, and we should not forget them, because we don’t want to repeat them!

We have the right to do and say anything we want, but we do need to THINK.

Is it True

Is it Helpful 

Is it Inspiring

Is it Necessary

Is it Kind   

In our history we didn’t always THINK.

In our present we don’t always THINK.

We can’t erase the past and we shouldn’t forget it, but we should strive for a better future for everyone.

THINK.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

rock solid

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

- Matthew 7:24-27

 

There is a place in Spring Green, Wisconsin called “The House on the Rock”.  It was built by a man named Alex Jordan in the 1940’s and 50’s, opening to the public in the 1960’s.

The house is structurally designed to emulate Japanese building styles, surrounded by Asian inspired gardens and Jordan incorporated the natural rock formations of the Wisconsin hills through the house. 

Inside, there are many rooms with eclectic collections arranged by type, including the world’s largest indoor carousel, a doll carousel, an aviation room, Streets of Yesterday and an Infinity Room among many others. 

It’s definitely an all day trip, it took us 5 hours to go through and is amazing to see all of the collections and hear the story behind the house.

If you know anything about Wisconsin, you know the winters can be harsh and brutal and that house, built on any other foundation but rock would have fallen years ago.

The Infinity Room extends 218 feet out over the valley with glass walls and a section at the end with glass on the floor and through that, looking out (or down) you can see miles of God’s amazing work. 

Just as Jordan build his house on the firm foundation of rock, we too must build our faith on a firm foundation. 

We can’t be on a shifting journey with a strong belief one day and limited belief the next.

The Bible tells us to hear the words of Jesus and put them into practice.

Where are you building your house?

 

#dailybreadbykitty

peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

- John 14:27

 

Over the years my favorite time of day and day of the week has become Saturday mornings.

For the longest time I would wake up before anyone else, gab a cup of coffee and a book and curl up on the couch with a cat and a blanket and just soak in the peace.

God’s peace surpasses all understanding, He gives us His peace, expecting nothing in return.

Peace means many things to many people, it can be quiet in a world of turmoil, it can be freedom from the pain of disease or addiction, it can be a simple touch when we are lonely.

Peace should fill out troubled hearts, overtaking everything sad that is in there.

Peace can be found by simply seeking the Father.

Peace.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

taxes

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

- Romans 13:6-7

 

In case you needed a reminder, today is tax day in the U.S.

Some people are excited about getting their taxes done, because they always get money back.

Other people are not so excited because they have to pay in, or for whatever reason the government retains their refunds.

Still others really don’t have an opinion either way because they have figured out how to get the most out of their taxes and the amount they get in their state return covers what they owe for federal. 

Regardless of how we feel about taxes, it is the law that we pay them, both government law and God’s law.

I am glad that most tax collectors are nicer today than they were in Jesus’ time.

God directs us to give what we owe, and that is often more than just money, it is also about honor, respect and even love.

You can’t expect to be honored, respected and loved if you don’t show the same to others.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

healing

He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.

- 1 Peter 2:24

 

We as humans go through a lot.

We have physical injuries, emotional meltdowns, serious pain, caused by many different things, the sins of others and often our own sin.

We have healing though, in Christ Jesus, no matter our sin, no matter our pain.  Song reference (chorus only this time)!

No matter the bumps

No matter the bruises

No matter the scars

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

No matter the hurt

Or how deep the wound is

No matter the pain

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

We don’t have to go through our lives hurting, we can turn to Christ for healing.

No matter what.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

gently

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

- Philippians 4:5

 

I used to foster kittens and cats, we have had 29 litters and a total of 142 kitties come through our doors.

I only adopted 4 of them, but believe me I wants almost all of them.

I enjoyed having people come over to meet the kittens and I enjoyed working adoption events.

When young children would want to hold the kittens, almost inevitably the parents would warn them “gently, you have to pet/hold the kitty gently”.

I like to think that as children of God, He is being gentle with us, loving us and holding us.

Since we are made in His image, we should in turn be gentle with other, human or animal.

The way that we treat others reflects directly on us, and in return how others treat us is based on how we make them feel.

Maya Angelou is quoted as having said “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

So be gentle, make people feel God’s love through you.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

happy anniversary

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

- Ephesians 4:2-3

 

Today marks 24 years of marriage to my wonderful husband.

That is a long time!

Together we have learned a LOT of things, how to raise kids, how to be a family, how to be individuals, how to love God.

We have made mistakes along the way, but we are still very much in love with each other.

The Bible talks about marriage from beginning to end, in Genesis there is reference to Adam and Eve, Ecclesiastes talks about marriage being a lifelong commitment, Ephesians clearly states that husbands and wives are to love and respect each other. 

Isaiah tells us that an ideal marriage relationship mirrors God’s loving relationship with His people, Proverbs says a strong marriage relationship is precious.

Marriage is of God, he instituted marriage and blessed marriage.

I am completely blessed that God gave me my husband, as far as I am concerned he is my perfect soulmate.

We have a lot of years ahead of us, it won’t always be a smooth ride, but as long as we have each other and God, we can survive the bumps.

I love you, honey, happy anniversary.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

hi Mom!

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

- Ruth 1:16-18

 

People tend to feel like most moms are pretty neat, someone to love you, care for you, keep you safe and stand up for you when things get crazy.

Mothers-in-law over the course of history have gotten a bad rap though, portrayed as evil, manipulative and sometimes downright nasty.

My mother-in-law is so far from that stereotype – she is simply top notch.

She raised three amazing children (my husband included), while working very hard supporting the family business and keeping house.

She is the best grandma, baking cookies and making sure grandkids have fun at her house.

She taught me a lot of cooking, sewing and family tricks and tips.

She, along with my amazing father-in-law taught me the most important thing in the world, they taught me who God really is.

My mother-in-law is celebrating her birthday this weekend, and I just want her to know how much I love and appreciate her.

I thank her for raising a wonderful son to be my husband, for being patient with me when I was learning how to treat him like a wife is supposed to treat her husband, for helping us to teach our children, for walking with me and gently prodding me when I was falling off the path God wants me on.

Thank you Mom, happy birthday, I love you.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

 

no more crying

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

- Revelation 21:4

 

Repetition is one of the ways that we learn.

I often feel like if I hear or see something more than once, that maybe God telling me “let that be a lesson to ya”.

I have heard this particular verse many times over the last few weeks, so there must be a lesson in it, as it comes at a time in my life when I am doing a lot of crying and having a lot of pain, and yes there is mourning too.

Perhaps God is telling me that it is ok to cry, for now.

Because things will get better.

Maybe not today, tomorrow, next week, month or year, but things will get better.

Good things will come, because God is in control.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

unfinished

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

- Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

 

I see lots of cute pictures of little kids or baby animals that are a mess with a quote about being patient with them because “God’s not finished with me yet”.

It’s true, He is not finished with us yet.

We are His creation, we might be having a season of sadness or tragedy, we might be feeling hopeless or lost but the bottom line is He. Is. Not. Finished.

Song reference!

I was born in Tennessee

Late July humidity

Doctor said I was lucky to be alive

I've been trouble since the day that I got here

Trouble till the day that I disappear

That'll be the day that I finally get it right

There is hope for me yet

Because God won't forget

All the plans he's made for me

I have to wait and see

He's not finished with me yet

He's not finished with me yet

I never really was that good in school

I talked too much, broke the rules

Teacher thought I was hopeless fool alright

I don't know how but I made it through

It's one of those things that you've gotta do

But I always had a knack for telling the truth

There is hope for me yet

Because God won't forget

All the plans he's made for me

I have to wait and see

He's not finished with me yet

He's not finished with me yet

Still wondering why I'm here

Still wrestling with my fear

But oh, He's up to something

And the farther on I go

I've seen enough to know

That I'm, not here for nothing

He's up to something

So now's my time to be a man

Follow my heart as far as I can

No telling where I'm ending up tonight

I never slow down or so it seems

But singing my heart it's one of my dreams

All I gotta do is hold on tight

There is hope for me yet

Because God won't forget

All the plans he's made for me

I have to wait and see

He's not finished with me yet

There is so much future ahead of us!

When things get tough we have to remember that this situation we are in, it is not the final chapter, God is not done yet!

 

#dailybreadbykitty

 

not for a moment

May the Lord our God be with us as He was with our ancestors; may He never leave us nor forsake us.

- 1 Kings 8:57

 

King Solomon built a temple for the Lord, and the Ark of the Covenant was brought up from Zion to be placed in the inner sanctuary of the temple.

Solomon said a prayer of dedication over the alter and turned to the people of Israel and blessed them, reminding them of all that God had done.

God does not leave us.

When the going gets tough, He does not get going!

In fact, God does not leave us for a single moment. Song Reference!

You were reaching through the storm

Walking on the water

Even when I could not see

In the middle of it all

When I thought You were a thousand miles away

Not for a moment did You forsake me

Not for a moment did You forsake me

After all You are constant

After all You are only good

After all You are sovereign

Not for a moment will You forsake me

You were singing in the dark

Whispering Your promise

Even when I could not hear

I was held in Your arms

Carried for a thousand miles to show

Not for a moment did You forsake me

After all You are constant

After all You are only good

After all You are sovereign

Not for a moment will You forsake me

Not for a moment will You forsake me

And every step every breath you are there

Every tear every cry every prayer

In my hurt at my worst

When my world falls down

Not for a moment will You forsake me

Even in the dark

Even when it's hard

You will never leave me

After all

After all You are constant

After all You are only good

After all You are sovereign

Not for a moment will You forsake me

What more reassurance do we need?

God will not leave us, we need to understand this and run to His arms when we feel ourselves falling. 

 

#dailybreadbykitty