eyes of a fool

Wisdom is with the one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

- Proverbs 17:24 (NLV)

 

Are you a spontaneous person that sees something that you want and immediately obtain it through what ever means necessary, and later you experience buyer’s remorse?
We don’t need everything. 
We don’t need the things our neighbor or friend has. 
I was in the store last weekend and overheard a conversation between a mom and her child.
Child: Mom, where did that girl get that balloon? 
Mom: I don’t know, maybe someone gave it to her. 
Child: Why? 
Mom: I don’t know. 
Child: Well, I want one. 
Mom: Not today sweetie, we have too much going on. 
Child: I don’t care. I want a balloon. (child’s voice starts to rise) I want THAT balloon and I want it NOW.  Go get it for me or I will hate you.
There were several other items in the cart that were probably for this child. 
I watched this mom, it was obviously not her first rodeo, she walked up to a store employee and said, “Sir, could you help me?”
The child has this triumphant look on his face, as though he had won and was about to get the balloon.
The store employee smiled and said “of course! What can I do for you?” 
Mom said “I need to leave the store right this minute, but I did not want to leave my cart full of items (she had quite a bit) just sitting here. There is nothing perishable, so if you could take it to customer service, here is my business card, I will be back to pick it up in a few hours or so, I promise I will be back before you close tonight.”
The store employee agreed and took the cart, the mom took her child by the hand and started to walk toward the store’s exit.
The child started howling “Whhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyyy!!!” and mom calmly said, “we can’t always have what we want, and there are consequences when we think that we can. I’m taking you home, and I will come back later and buy the only things that our family needs from that cart.”
The child had no response.
It was rather dramatic, but wow, I am so proud of that mom, because even though it probably inconvenienced her, she taught the child a lesson.
We can’t always have what we want. 
And only a fool sets their eyes on the things they can’t have.  

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

fire

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

- Proverbs 17:3 (NLT)

 

As children, we are taught not to play with fire, lest we get burned or inadvertently harm another.
“Fire bad” is a quote in several movies and TV shows. 
But fire is good too, when used correctly. 
In a pinch, fire can purify a tool to make it nearly sterile. 
Fire can fuse items together to make them stronger (think welding). 
Fire keeps us warm and allows us to have hot food. 

But fire is often used to describe trials.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fire as punishment, but they were protected.
We often say we are running through a fire when faced with adversity. 
That is where we are being tested. 
God tests our hearts. 
Through the circumstances we face and our reactions to them, God knows where are heart will be.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

the same but different

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

- Romans 12:16 (NLT)

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat other people.

It should not matter if they are ringing up your groceries, bringing food to the table, giving legal or medical advice, running a large company or ruling a country.

We are the same, even though we are different.
People are not beneath you just because they are providing a service.
You are not below others simply because you hold a position of power.

Honestly, we are all ordinary people, no matter what our name tag or office door says, we are all the same on the inside.

The next time you get mad at a waiter or waitress for messing up your order, make sure that you have not made any mistakes recently.

Every person on the planet is still human and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

little things matter

But a generous man devises generous things, And by generosity he shall stand.

- Isaiah 32:8 (NKJV)

 

Little things matter.
There is a story by Loren Eisely about a little boy walking on a beach: 
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one.”

It doesn’t have to be a big thing, little things matter.

In 2018, Josh Wilson released his song Dream Small.
In an interview he said “I wrote my new song ‘Dream Small’ as a celebration for all the people who are quietly changing this world one simple act of kindness at a time. This is for moms and dads who are loving their families, this is for students who are choosing compassion over bullying, this is for those in ministry who day in and day out show the love of Christ with little to no thanks.

This song’s for YOU. You have the chance to change the world like nobody else can. If you’re like me maybe you get overwhelmed with the great need you see in the world but all we have to do is open our eyes to the opportunities that are right in front of us.”

One simple act of kindness.
It doesn’t have to be a big thing, little things matter.
This verse in The Message version of the Bible reads: But look! A king will rule in the right way, and his leaders will carry out justice. Each one will stand as a shelter from high winds, provide safe cover in stormy weather. Each will be cool running water in parched land, a huge granite outcrop giving shade in the desert. Anyone who looks will see, anyone who listens will hear. The impulsive will make sound decisions, the tongue-tied will speak with eloquence. No more will fools become celebrities, nor crooks be rewarded with fame. For fools are fools and that’s that, thinking up new ways to do mischief. They leave a wake of wrecked lives and lies about God, Turning their backs on the homeless hungry, ignoring those dying of thirst in the streets. And the crooks? Underhanded sneaks they are, inventive in sin and scandal, Exploiting the poor with scams and lies, unmoved by the victimized poor. But those who are noble make noble plans, and stand for what is noble.
It doesn’t have to be a big thing, little things matter. 

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

time

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

- Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

I came home from vacation on Sunday around midnight and have been running nonstop ever since.
This Sunday, I attended my home church for the first time in six weeks.
The theme of the sermon was “The Time Barrier”. 

“I don’t have time” is a lie.

Even though we tell ourselves that we will make time for what is important, we don’t.
I don’t know about you, but my life seems to be planned and dictated by everyone but me.
My husband suggested that I write one line today and then the verse.  
  After an extremely busy past seven days, I am overwhelmingly tired.

  Be still, and know that I am God.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

good

You are good and You do good. Teach me Your Law.

- Psalm 119:68 (NLV)

 

“It’s all good”.

Yet another phrase that we hear quite often.

But it isn’t always good, in fact, humanity can be quite the opposite of good, and we can go through some terrible and frightening times.
Still, in the end, it is all good. 
Why? 
Because God is good. 
In 2021, Francesca Battistelli wrote the song God Is Good, she wrote this when a friend of hers was going through a horrible experience, she wanted to encourage him that God truly is good. 
Here are the lyrics of God Is Good: 
Third grade

I drew my dreams on a blank page

My own silver screen

Painted sun, never rain

And love without pain

It's funny

That life I designed never played out

Like I had in mind

Had some highs hit the ground

Some ups that went down

But one thing that I figured out

Joy comes, tears fall

I'm learning there is beauty in it all

It's not hard to find it, you just have to look

Oh, God is good

I've said

Hellos and goodbyes and I've held my

friends while they've cried

Tasted bitter and sweet

Those moments between

Oh, He's had his hand on everything

Joy comes, tears fall

I'm learning there is beauty in it all

It's not hard to find it, you just have to look

Oh, God is good

We're all young, then we're old

Kids have kids of their own

And the days just keep moving, moving

If there's one thing I know

True wherever I go

He is with me forever, through it all

Joy comes, tears fall

I'm learning there is beauty in it all

Joy comes, tears fall

But I'm learning there is beauty in it all

It's not hard to find it, you just have to look

Oh, God is good

Oh, God is good
There really is a lot of truth in those words. 

Especially the part about not hard to find it, you just have to look.   
Look all around you, every day, every where, it’s not hard to see the good.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

twice as nice

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)

 

This is a verse that I have used several times in reference to an anniversary (happy late anniversary, Mom and Dad), and I think I will plan to use it if I ever get to perform a marriage ceremony (I was licensed in Christian Marriage earlier this year). 
It’s so very true, this verse, 

We can walk alone, but there is no one to pick us up when we fall.

We can curl up under a blanket, but we get warmer when we have someone there with us.

We can fend off a wild animal, but two people have a better survival rate.

We can do life alone, but we were not made to do life alone, we were made to support each other and build each other up.

My husband’s family, especially his parents, have shown me that there is strength in numbers.

They have been an amazing inspiration to me, in their marriage in the way they raised their kids, in how they treat their grandkids and pretty much everything they do.

I am so thankful to God that they are in my life, they are truly a gift, they change hearts and lives wherever they go.

I have seen them accomplish so much, I think it is because they always work together, and God is the very center of their lives.

Two humans are better than one, but when you have God there, you are unbreakable.

I truly believe that we were all brought together not by circumstance, but by a greater plan of an amazing Father.

I encourage you to come on this journey with me, spread God’s love and let’s do life together.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

run!

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

- Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)

 

I went through a phase where I liked to run (yeah, me).
I ran several 5k races (I didn’t do real well, but I finished each one), and I even ran a 10k once.
For several races I ran with my friend Toni who inspired me to start running – that girl ran marathons y’all, she is amazing!
She was kind of a mentor and friend for running, and when I would get to the point of wanting to stop, she would encourage me to set my sights on a goal in the distance like a mailbox or a sign and keep running.
Great advice from a very smart woman. 

However, spraining my ankle at the very beginning of the 10k and then a few years later breaking both bones in my lower leg resulting in a plate and eight pins in my leg kind of put a damper on running. 
That’s ok, it really was not that much fun anyway. 

But let’s talk about a different kind of race.
The Message version (MSG) of this verse reads Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Oh wow. 
Jesus never lost sight of where He was headed – that is good advice too. 

We need to remember to run, not walk, to the finish, never give up along the way and never lose sight of our goal.
Jesus ran that “race” to make it easier for us, and in the end, at the finish line of our race, we find ourselves face to face with the King.
He is right there along side of us, cheering us on, falling over and over, 
He is there. 
We can run from sin and endure the race when we’ve got Jesus. 

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

a big circle

The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.

- Isaiah 32:17 (NKJV)

 

Peace.
It is a beautiful word, and it is an even more beautiful experience. 
I treasure the moments of peace that I have, whether I am curled up with my coffee and a book, sitting quietly next to my amazing husband, or riding through God’s country on a motorcycle (ok, motorcycles are not exactly quiet, but there is a certain serenity when you are riding). 

The new International Reader’s version (NIRV) of today’s verse reads Doing what is right will bring peace and rest. When my people do that, they will stay calm and trust in the Lord forever.
I love that idea. 
We can have peace in our lives by following the word of God, and doing what is right. 

When we do the right thing, no matter the situation, we do find peace.
When we are at peace, we seem to trust Him more, and when we trust Him, we are doing the right thing and having peace.
OOOOO – do you see the circle?  
Today, I wish you all peace. 

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

give an answer

 *last one!!! I took time off and left you with some of my favorite “daily bread by Kitty” posts.  Thank you for hanging with me while I was out, I’ll be back live tomorrow!*  

 

give an answer (Tuesday, October 18, 2022)

 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

- 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

 

Everyone has something to say and an opinion about everything.

Some people do not understand how to say things with gentleness and respect.

I have had many people over the years ask me why I have so much faith in a god I cannot see, especially those who know some of the things I have been through in my life.

First let me say that there are many out there, some that are reading this right now, that have been through far worse than I have, and they too, still have faith in God.

I have hope because I know the promises my God made.

I have hope because I have seen His miracles.

I have hope because I know my Redeemer lives (oh yes, that is a song reference).

I will share those reasons with anyone who inquires.

In May of 2020 the COVID quarantine was going strong, families were tired of “sheltering in place”, people just wanted to celebrate things again.

I participated in three parades to make people happy.

One parade was for a little boy from our church celebrating his 6th birthday during this first part of the pandemic.

We gathered up some of our biker friends from the Christian Motorcycle Association and a few random motorcycle enthusiasts plus probably 20 cars belonging to church members.

The second was sponsored by the city of Pea Ridge and the parade went through the entire town!

It was amazing to see all the families sitting or standing outside waving and thanking us for joining the parade, I’m sure there were nearly 100 bikes!

The third was for a little girl also turning 6 years old, her Grandma and Grandpa ride and arranged a parade for her.

The biker community came through and I think there most have been 75 bikes roar past her house.

The cool thing about these parades is the wide variety of representation that joins in, there were members from Tribe of Judah Motorcycle Ministries, Combat Vets Motorcycle Association, Christian Motorcycle Association, Polecats MC, and many others wearing their colors proudly.

The organizers prepare the group for 30-40 minutes for a 20 second ride past someone’s home.

What if you had 20 seconds to tell someone about the Gospel?

Are you prepared to share His Word, His teaching, and show them that Jesus is the way?

I hope that people see my CMA colors and ask me about Christ, because I want to continue to “change lives one heart at a time”.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

fixing myself first

*I’m taking some time off to spend with family, so I hope you will enjoy these reflections of “the best of daily bread by Kitty” They are some of my favorites over the years. Thank you for reading and I’ll be back before you know it!*  

 

fixing myself first (Wednesday, November 2, 2022)

 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

- Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

 

“We can’t fix others; we can only fix ourselves.”

These are the words spoken at a seminar I attended recently on conflict resolution.

It kind of hit me hard.

In most cases I feel like I am right, and I have trouble seeing the truth, that I might actually bewrong. 

Another thing the speaker said is “In the adult world, unsolicited advice is not heard”.

Most of us don't like being questioned or tested, especially by someone with whom we have conflict.

Asking God to search us and test us is not a stretch since He knows us inside and out, He has been with us from our conception.

We need to know that God is not there to condemn or punish, but to cleanse and redeem so that we can be led to His eternal grace.

I want to be the woman that God intended me to be, and if that means being searched and tested to be lead on the right path, then that is what I ask.

If this helps me to fix myself then so be it.

God is my salvation.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

prioritize what matters

*I’m taking some time off to spend with family, so I hope you will enjoy these reflections of “the best of daily bread by Kitty” They are some of my favorites over the years. Thank you for reading and I’ll be back before you know it!*  

 

prioritize what matters (Thursday, November 13, 2022)

 

Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

- Luke 12:34 (TLB)

 

Today we have all these electronic calendars and gadgets to help us organize our lives, we even have wearable devices that tell us to stand up when we have been sedentary too long.

We can set reminders on our phones so we don’t forget to take out the trash, some vehicles even have an audible reminder to check the back seat before you get out.

I still use paper calendars and a Franklin Planner to track where I am supposed to be and when.

It is scary how busy my life is, some weeks I feel like I don’t get to breathe because there is always another meeting, another event, somewhere that I am expected to be.

We have to prioritize what matters.

Actually, I was quite angry when someone told me that earlier this year.

I was at an event planning meeting and every date that was suggested I had something else going on and would not be able to attend.

After the meeting I had a separate conversation with the leader who not so kindly suggested that I needed to perhaps stop doing so much with other parts of my life so I could focus on this part.

I am no longer involved with that organization even though it holds a special place in my heart because I know that I am where God wants me to be.

I am still quite busy, but I make sure I am available for what I consider my treasure: my family (this includes people that are not related) and God.

If you are facing challenges with where you spend your time take a moment to put things into perspective, decide what your treasure, ask for God’s guidance, seek counsel from others. 

Your heart and thoughts will lead you.

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

banish anxiety

 *I’m taking some time off to spend with family, so I hope you will enjoy these reflections of “the best of daily bread by Kitty” They are some of my favorites over the years. Thank you for reading and I’ll be back before you know it!*  

 

banish anxiety (Monday, July 3, 2023)

 

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.

- Ecclesiastes 11:10 (NIV)

 

OK, the first thing I thought of when I read this version of this verse was here we go again, do not fear. 

No matter how many times I hear it, I still have fearand anxiety and what is this about youth being meaningless?

so, doing the thing I do, I looked up other versions of this verse.

The New King James Version: Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, And put away evil from your flesh, For childhood and youth are vanity.

Sorrow.

The New American Standard Bible 1995: So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.

Anger.

I have difficulty with all three of these things honestly.

Solomon tells us that it is God’s will that we enjoy our lives during the time of our youth, but we must still be accountable for our choices and our behavior.

We don’t stay young forever, but we need to remember while we are out having fun that we still need to answer to God.

We tend to get so involved in hustle and bustle of our busy lives that our busy-ness is distracting us from focusing on what is most important.

Solomon reminds us with this verse that living in the moment is fine so long as we realize the spiritual ramifications our decisions have over time.

Let us live without regrets so long as we understand that peace and freedom are found when we die to self and embrace God's Word as our fountain of life.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

prove it!

*I’m taking some time off to spend with family, so I hope you will enjoy these reflections of “the best of daily bread by Kitty” They are some of my favorites over the years. Thank you for reading and I’ll be back before you know it!*  

 

prove it (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)

God has shown His love to us by sending His only Son into the world. God did this so we might have life through Christ.

- 1 John 4:9 (NLV)

 

I can distinctly remember many times growing up and hearing the words “prove it”.

Most of the time it was kids trying to “one-up” each other – “oh, you can do 40 push ups? Prove it!”

As I got older it was a little riskier “oh, you can get your car to 115mph? Prove it!”

Even as adults “you can do this job better than me? Prove it!”

Sometimes it frustrates me that people cannot simply believe what they are being told, but the must have it proven to them.

God loves you.

Prove it?

Look what He did.

For you.

That should be proof enough.

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

you can tell a lot about a person

 *I’m taking some time off to spend with family, so I hope you will enjoy these reflections of “the best of daily bread by Kitty” They are some of my favorites over the years. Thank you for reading and I’ll be back before you know it!*  

 

you can tell a lot about a person (Thursday, September 14, 2023)

 

Those who do what is right take good care of their animals. But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean.

- Proverbs 12:10 (NIRV)

 

Anyone that knows me knows that I love cats.

I love all of God’s creatures (except spiders and snakes, but that is another day), but cats are my passion.

I worked with a couple of rescue organizations for a while, and let me tell you, I have seen some of the worst of humanity while working in rescue.

God created us to care for His kingdom, and that includes His animals.

That means, food, water, shelter, and love.

Granted, we are not living in the days when people relied on animals for their living, plowing fields, transporting goods, turning mills, but we still need to care for animals.

All animals.

And it is not just a matter of being kind on the outside – God knows your heart.

To all my single friends out there – when you are looking for a potential mate, watch how they treat animals - like the verse says, the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

And if someone is going to mistreat a cat, a dog, or a horse, how are they really going to treat you?

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

letting your thoughts wander

 *I’m taking some time off to spend with family, so I hope you will enjoy these reflections of “the best of daily bread by Kitty” They are some of my favorites over the years. Thank you for reading and I’ll be back before you know it!*  

 

letting your thoughts wander (October 2, 2023)

 

Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth.

- Colossians 3:2 (NLV)

 

Stop for a minute, look around, what do you see?

Are you in an office setting, seeing computers, stacks of work, and to-do lists?

Are you at home and see a pile of laundry, dirty dishes and a floor that needs vacuumed or swept?

Are you in an altogether location with other items of interest around us (bless you if you are on vacation in a great or exotic place!).

Or – and hear me out here - are you in an office setting and see that you are blessed to have a job?

Or – are you at home and see evidence of a well-loved family living there?

There is a squid in the ocean called a cockeyed squid that has two extremely different eyes . . . scientists have discovered that over time this squid’s left eye develops and becomes considerably larger than the right eye. 

It is thought that this happens because this species of squid lives in the darkest part of the ocean, and the smaller right eye is used to seek the depths for food while the larger left eye gazes upward toward the sunlight that barely filters through the deep waters.

What happens when we start looking with a larger eye, toward God (the Light)?

We need to keep smaller eyes on what is happening around us, get our work done and get through each day, while keeping larger eyes focused on God, put our mindset to always look up and see Him and all His glory and the things He is doing for us each day.

The more we set our minds on God, the easier things of this world are.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

qualifications



*I’m taking some time off to spend with family, so I hope you will enjoy these reflections of “the best of daily bread by Kitty” They are some of my favorites over the years. Thank you for reading and I’ll be back before you know it!*  

 

Qualifications (November 9, 2023)

 

We know we are not able in ourselves to do any of this work. God makes us able to do these things.

- 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NLV)

 

Quite often we experience things in life that leave us perplexed, scared, nervous and definitely thinking“I’m not qualified for that!”.

Seriously, most of us parents weren’t “qualified” to be parents when it happened.

The first day at a new job can be quite daunting, obviously, we met some standards or criteria or we would not have been hired, but were we qualified on that first day?

God is amazing in that He qualifies us to do His work.

There are many examples in the Bible of God calling on people that were not what we would call up to par for the task they were called to complete.

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

Remember that next time you are facing a challenge that leaves you thinking that you can’t do it, because if God called you, He will qualify you.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

don’t do it

 *I’m taking some time off to spend with family, so I hope you will enjoy these reflections of “the best of daily bread by Kitty” They are some of my favorites over the years. Thank you for reading and I’ll be back before you know it!*  

 

don’t do it (January 4, 2024)

 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

- Romans 12:21 (NKJV)

 

Difficult people are everywhere.

At your work, at the store, driving on the roads, in your family and even in your church!

I read somewhere that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: Don't become what you hate.

We aren’t talking about hating the difficult person, it means that we don't want to become evil, wicked, petty, vindictive or sinful in our actions and motivations.

We don't overcome the devil by underhanded and dishonorable means.

We don’t treat others poorly just because they are horrible to us.

We overcome evil and drive it back by doing what is right and filling our hearts and lives with goodness.

There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus.

He is the best overcomer of all.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible