It's A Wonderful Life

Everything looked different in McMinnville under a covering of ice fog yesterday. The ice covered world made it appear to be more like a winter wonderland.  Even so, I am holding out for the whole Bedford Falls-it’s a wonderful life-covered-with-snow type of day. I want and wait for it every winter, hoping for a true wintery transformation.  I’m not going to lie, it rarely happens in the world I live in.  But.  When it does, I insist on having a cup of hot chocolate to watch the snow come down while quoting great statements from one of my favorite movies about perspective of life, Frank Capra’s, It’s A wonderful Life.  The movie tells the story of how George’s problems had blocked his view of the gift of life, it did not seem worth living to him.  In the end, George comes to see he has received the gift of a wonderful life.There are some great lines like: “You've been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.”

We see things differently when we look beyond our circumstances.  When you get down to it, our perspective is driven by whether or not we see the presence and power of God. When we let an encounter with God impact our perspective to the point it changes us, we see the gift of life and know nothing is routine when we live with God.  I’ve learned this kind of perspective comes from trusting God fully, without any reservation.  When we hold back trusting God, we mess things up.

Trusting God is looking beyond the stuff and seeing the unseen work of God purposefully bringing all details together for good. 

Mary’s life changed after she encountered God. Most likely, if, she had gone back home, no one would have seen the presence of God in her, but instead they would have viewed her as a sinner.   Consider what Luke wrote in his account:
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.(Luke 1:39-44, NAS)

The word, haste, speaks of the urgency Mary had.   The harsh reality for a young unmarried pregnant woman was shunning, stoning, and even death.  Mary needed to be with someone that saw the bigger picture, the gift of the presence of God.  She had to trust God to guide and work out her circumstances. The Spirit of God confirmed through Elizabeth, Mary’s elderly cousin, God was present.  Her circumstances were the same; however, she knew God was present and at work in her life.

Do you see God?  Refuse to let your circumstances block your view.  We see God through trust, regardless of how messy life gets. Surrender all that is holding you back from trusting God; give every detail to Him. The thing is . . . when we trust God in all of it . . .  we see a wonderful life is not based on our circumstances but on the presence of God.  Celebrate: God is present. It's a wonderful life!

Learning to Kickstart the day seeing the gift of a wonderful life.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Dark Storms

Can you imagine the emotional storm Mary, the mother of Jesus, experienced?   She most likely stayed awake at night making plans for the day she married Joseph?  She certainly thought about having a family, settling down in their community, Nazareth, and sharing life with their family and friends.  But.  Life changed.  God came to her.  And.  She willingly stepped into God’s plan, which not only changed the course of her life but humanity’s history. Big.

The thing is . . . being a part of the big plans of God is never easy . . . there’s always a storm brewing behind the scenes as darkness attempts to extinguish the Light of  God.    

When the storm of darkness gathers strength, when dark clouds of oppression cover the light of day, when the high winds of adversity blow in, and when the rain of resistance strikes with force, a struggle ensues against our heart and soul, even when we know we’re on God’s path.  

I have no doubt Mary battled this kind of dark storm on her journey to Bethlehem, most certainly feeling the pain of rejection from family and friends who did not believe her, wondering who would help deliver her baby, wanting the familiar women back home to help as she struggled with the bigness of her assignment to be the mother of the Messiah.  

And, yet, there is an insight to her perception of the power of  God’s plan for her and the world:
But Mary treasured these things and continued to think about them (Luke 2:19, NCV).

Luke, a physician, writes this sentence after writing about the details of the birth of Jesus through his perspective as a doctor.  He understood this was hard stuff. So, he uses the word, but, to help us to understand Mary did not give into the storm of darkness.  When the storm's pain of rejection, childbirth, and an unknown future collided, Mary treasured what God was doing, focusing and thinking on the divine gift.  It was not only helped her to weather the storm but transformed her into a strong and courageous woman.

You and I are not exempt from the dark storms; however, we will not only make it through but become stronger, by seeking God, focusing on His work, and holding on to our faith that the darkness will not overcome the Light.

Refuse to let the darkness of the storms of life to overcome you.  See the storm as a way to grow and become strong and courageous.  So. Look for the work of God, treasure it as the gift of the day.  

Learning to Kickstart the day treasuring what God is doing even during the darkness of a storm.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Reconciliation At Christmas

A friend is in the process of reconciling with family.  It has been a matter of prayer for years.  This is the year of reconciliation for them.  Christmas Eve is their target date; it's been years since they celebrated Christmas together.  But.  The death of a family member caused them to reconsider their separation.

Have you noticed how relationships are more important than ever at Christmas to most of us?  At the same time, Christmas seems to highlight severed relationships, causing great pain from rejection and loss.  

It makes me wonder about Mary, the mother of Jesus.  I'm sure Mary had seen what had happened to young women who had become pregnant before marriage by another man.  There's no mention of her mother or father helping her through the pregnancy or delivery.  Most likely they had some kind of blow up, some kind of drama, some kind of bad ending.  And. We know Joseph was ready to divorce Mary after being told she was pregnant by God.

The truth has always been extremely important to me.  Tell me the truth.  We will work out the rest.  Lie to me and it won't go well with me.  And.  It clearly seemed Mary was lying when she pulled the God-card, "God did it."   So, with these things in mind, consider:
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1: 18, 19, NIV)

For Joseph, obeying the law was premium:  He was faithful to the law. And we know he was a good man:  He did not want Mary exposed to public disgrace. But.  He would've done what he had to do:  Divorce her.   Imagine the pain Mary had, she was not believed, but rejected by the one person who had pledged to live with her the rest of her life.

God stepped in: 
 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 20, 21, NIV).  

We are not told about any other reconciliation stores between Mary and her friends and family. But.  We have insight into the reconciliation between Joseph and Mary.  Joseph not only received word from God, but believed and surrendered to the truth of what God said.  We know they reconciled and their relationship was restored.  So.  We know Mary had to extend Joseph forgiveness, grace, and mercy for the not believing her and rejecting her.

Reconciliation is why Christ came, it's the reason for Christmas, to reconcile humanity with God. In the end, true reconciliation is the work of God.  There are some relationships that seem too painful to ever be restored.  But.  With God, nothing is impossible.  It begins with surrendering to the forgiveness, grace, and mercy of God, willingly extending it to the very one(s) who may have caused the greatest pain in your life.  When that occurs, reconciliation has begun and you will receive the peace of God, regardless of what the rest of the story looks like.  

Reconcile with God and others through the power of Christ.

Learning to Kickstart the day through the reconciling power of God.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Last Day

Tiffany called to tell me about the funeral of her school's student, Calli, who died tragically in an accident last week along with her stepfather.  One friend told the story about a day in the summer when Calli talked about heaven, asking her to have a relationship with Christ, to make sure heaven would be her destination, and to look forward to life in heaven.  Others talked about her passion for life, her energy, and her decision to ask Christ to come into her life after attending a camp at Triangle Lake.  And.  Then.  Calli's mother stood and spoke about her daughter and husband. This brave woman is left behind with two children and a baby.  Can you imagine the courage and energy it took to prepare her words and then to share them with the thousands that came?  And, my niece, Natalie, one of Calli's friends, sang with a couple of others to give tribute to her friend.  It had to have been extremely difficult to sing with the heaviness of sorrow rather than her usual joy.  The suddenness of death, especially in one so young, leaves an indelible mark. We grieve for the loss and for what might have been.  And.  We are comforted with the fact that Calli lived so well in such a short time, making each day count. The Spirit of God reiterated a familiar message to me as I listened to the stories of Calli:

Live like it's your last day. Do not die with regret. 

Consider: 
 . . . The Lord has told you what is good,
      and this is what he requires of you:
   to do what is right, to love mercy,
      and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8, NLT).

None of us know when our life on earth will end. It would be heartbreaking to die on a day which had not been lived well.  God's words speak to living the day as if it's your last day, a gift to be invested:  "Do what is right.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with your God." If, we live in this manner, we will live the day as it's meant to be lived and die without regret. 

Do what is right.  Seriously, we know what's right.  If, it aligns with who God is and what God says, then, it's right.  Even so, we seem to struggle with what's right.  I believe we are created to know what's right: what's honest, honorable, trustworthy, and just; however, we struggle with doing it, trying to tweak it to align with our individual needs and desires.  You've done it and I've done it.  There's nothing pretty about the mess that occurs from not doing the right thing.

Love mercy.  The thing is . . . mercy is an action, which I define as the collision of love, grace, peace, and compassion . . . which transforms a life.  Certainly mercy is not  based on what's deserved, but rather on what's on the heart of God.

Walk humbly with your God.   To be humble, we must surrender the stuff, confessing it all to God, going the way God goes rather than our own way.

Refuse to waste one day.  Remember each day is a gift.  Live the day the way God says to live it.

Learning to Kickstart the day by living it as if it's my last day.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Before You

This past weekend was filled with epic proportion incongruity . . . a school party with Tiffany's fourth grade class, "Breakfast at Tiffanys” . . . welcoming twin babies home from Ethiopia . . . attending a decorating cookie party with Miss Madelyn . . . celebrating anniversaries of friends and family . . . a renewal of vows ceremony . . . Tim's homeday celebration . . . mourning with a couple suffering from miscarrying their twins . . . grappling with the news of cancer with an individual . . . loving a family who is dividing. . . encouraging a friend who lost a friend.

Life.  Sometimes the stuff is too much to process.  But.  God entrusts us with what is before us, all of it.  

Consider  Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (NIV).

We are able to move forward without fear or discouragement when we believe what God says: "I will go before you."  Nothing we do or experience has gone unchecked; God has covered what is ahead of us with His presence and made a way through all of it.  

Change your perspective of the next moment.
Trust God has gone before you.
Go forward with courage--God has been there.

Learning to Kickstart the day trusting God has gone before me.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Wanting

Wanting reveals the two sides of the Christmas season.  It's one thing to want something that will not bring purpose and meaning to our life and another to want what comes from the heart of God.  

At this time of year we often talk about ridiculous spending which seems to go hand in hand with preparations for Christmas.  But.  I believe when it comes down to it, we know in the depths of our heart that all the possessions in the world will never compare with what God gives to us.

It's part of who we are, regardless of how hard we fight it, to want to know God is God, to focus on the purpose of our life, to make a difference, to believe when we breathe our last breath on earth there's something more. 

We want to be set free from the power of the stuff, to be focused on the tangible daily presence of God. We want to be our true self, to be accepted and loved for who we are.  We want to be freed from our past and healed from our hurts.  The thing is . . . when we realize what we really want . . . we want Christ.

Consider what the man named Paul wrote to the new church at Philippi in the ancient days:
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death (Philippians 3:10, TNIV).

Paul had come to the point where all his wants converged together to want to know Christ. Doesn't his ultimate wanting to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and suffering, inspire you?   It's what our lifetime is to be about . . . to want to know Christ so well . . . that life is Christ, knowing nothing else compares.

Want Christ more than anything or anyone.
Want to know Christ.
Want to know the power of Christ's resurrection.
Want to participate in the sufferings of Christ.
Want to be like Christ in His death.

  Learning to Kickstart the day wanting Christ.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

When Nothing Makes Sense

Tiffany, the elementary school staff she works with, and their community are devastated with grief.  One of their former students died, along with her father, in a car accident on the way home after a school basketball game. A wife and a mother is left to grieve with three children and a lifetime of questions. Nothing in this tragedy makes sense.

There are many things in life which disrupt what we thought was meant to be, things which do not make sense, causing us to grieve.  Grief weighs us down, putting an ache in our heart, and a deep sorrow in our soul.   There’s a silent narrative of questions that start with the word, why, which comes with grief.   The possibilities and potential of life seems to disappear as grief settles in.

The storms of grief are often unexpected and come with a force that knocks the strongest of individuals down. 

Consider what Jesus said:
 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NLT). 

When nothing makes sense, when the stuff of life brings pain, when the storms of grief come your way, wearing you out and weighing you down, Jesus simply says, "Come to me." There's no stipulations, requirements, or demands; however, there's a powerful promise which comes with the invitation,  "I will give you rest."   Accept the invitation. Rest. 

Learning to Kickstart the day with rest when nothing makes sense.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

God's Words For You

They're waiting for news which will impact their life, regardless of the outcome.  Whether it goes their way or not, it's their trust in God that matters.  The thing is . . . they are waiting with trust . . . trying to disregard the fear which keeps knocking at the door of their lives.

It's easy to fear that  one moment, one problem, one situation, will make or break the rest of our life.  

Consider God's promise:
I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
      until your hair is white with age.
   I made you, and I will care for you.
      I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:4, NLT).

In the waiting times of life, when everything seems to be resting on one thing, when you think you can't go on, stop and receive God's recorded words in Isaiah 46:   "I will care for you.  I will carry you along.  I will save you."  Your perspective will change when you accept God's words, and you will see all things working together for good regardless of how difficult, messy, and down-right hard it all seems. 

At the end of the day, we must determine if we will trust God to move us through it all or if, we will fear the moment, the problem, and situation.
Stop.
Refuse to fear whatever is coming your way.
Look at the situation through God's promise to care, carry, and save you all of your life.

Learning to Kickstart the day trusting God's Words.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

When Darkness Comes Into The Day

I listened to him and heard his pain.  He made a mistake and wanted to move on.  But.  It would never be that simple. It was the kind of mistake that some will never forget. It came with a cost, he lost the only life he had known, including the respect he had earned over the years. He described feeling separated from his co-workers and other leaders.  As he talked, I recognized the feelings that he could not seem to define: loneliness.  It’s a common feeling but rarely discussed, for some it’s fleeting, for others it lingers and even tortures with the sense of being abandoned and rejected.

The thing is . . . whether it’s recognized or not, loneliness . . . is a powerful component of depression leading to hopelessness. 

Consider the words of Jesus as he suffered death on the cross. Imagine the moment darkness came into the day, hearing the despair of Jesus when heaven and earth abandoned him as he bore the biggest mistake of all humanity:  separation from God.
From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around mid-afternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" (Matthew 27: 45-46, The Message)

The moment of utter aloneness, changed the course of history for every human being.  It brings breath to the words we’re promised throughout God’s message, repeated in Hebrews 13:5-6:

   “I will never fail you.
      I will never abandon you.”
So we can say with confidence,
   “The Lord is my helper,
      so I will have no fear.
      What can mere people do to me?”

One thing I know to do when darkness comes into the day, when things seem too tough to handle, when there seems to be no one left standing with you, is to stop and turn from it all, allowing the words of Jesus to enter and take residence in your heart, “I will never fail or abandon you.”   You will receive supernatural confidence as the Light of truth pushes the darkness back, changing the way you see reality and face the day, giving you power to say, “The Lord is my helper, I will have no fear.”  

Learning to Kickstart the day even when darkness had come, trusting God not to fail or abandon me,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Put It In The Grave

I sat with individuals who discussed their past.  It was difficult to think of them doing the things they described because of who they are now. Their conversation reminded me, once again, that being sorry for what we have done is different than repentance.  Right. I said repentance, a little used word, which seems to have taken on a religious-rule-keeping definition, and makes many of us think of big-hair, stern looking, finger waving, preachers.  In reality, repentance is a gift, bringing freedom and peace.  When we repent we turn completely around from what we've done, opening ourselves up to transformation from the inside-out and liberation from whatever has had power over us.  The thing is . . . we may be sorry . . . but not transformed.

When we're sorry but not repentant, we struggle with the need to repent especially when being sorry shifts to shame, blame, anger, or bitterness.   When we repent, turning away from the stuff which has gripped our heart and pulled us away from God, we enter into the reality of grace, empowered to put the stuff into a grave, ready for the experience of supernatural transformation.  

Consider: 
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.  For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.  (Romans 8:12-13, NLT).  

When you get down to it, whatever takes our time and attention from God is sin.  To draw closer to God, we must turn away from sin. Most of us put cheating, lying, stealing, and harming someone on the list.  Yet, we may not think of something simple, such as shopping or eating or exercising or a sport or an attitude could separate us from God; however, whatever consumes our thoughts and time, needs to be examined.  The power to break away from the stuff is given to us when we invite the living and present Christ into our personal life.

It's hard to imagine, but God gives us the same power which raised Jesus from the grave, from death to life.  In other words, the power of Christ turns us away from the things that bring death, enabling us to leave all the stuff in a grave, making all things possible, including a transformed, new life.  

Open yourself up to a changed and new life.
Repent, turn away from the things that bring death in your life.
Leave the stuff in a grave through the power of Christ.
Celebrate the gift of the day---new life.

Learning to Kickstart the day repenting, putting whatever needs to go in a grave,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Humbled

Miss Madelyn and I will be ringing the bell in the mall for the Salvation Army tonight, a tradition for our family during the Christmas season.  But there's more in our reason for ringing the bell than tradition, we want to be a part of what Salvation Army does, helping the poor based on the message of hope, making a difference, small as it may seem, in this world, believing freedom from oppression in this world comes through Christ, humbled to be a part of something God is doing.  The things is . .  most of us in the Western world feel we are entitled . . . rather than being humbled by the gift of living the day.

 The word, humble, is a rare word.

Consider what James wrote: 
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor (James 4:7-10, NLT).  

How we live is on us, either on our own terms or through the way God directs us, humbled by God's presence and power, grateful to be alive. 

Let's face it, most of us have experienced life both ways. We have a responsibility of how we live the day, which requires a humble mindset and spirit.  James 4 says it plainly, "Humble yourselves before God."   A simple definition of humble includes the words, respect and surrender.  In other words, we are to respect God as God, surrendering to the Spirit's direction, refusing to be divided by believing God's way but not living it out, turning away from the darkness of sin, falling to our knees in utter humility, grateful for each moment of life in Christ.

Live humbly.
Respect God.
Surrender all to God.
Be grateful for the gift of the day.

Learning to Kickstart the day humbly,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Humbled

Miss Madelyn and I will be ringing the bell in the mall for the Salvation Army tonight, a tradition for our family during the Christmas season.  But there's more in our reason for ringing the bell than tradition, we want to be a part of what Salvation Army does, helping the poor based on the message of hope, making a difference, small as it may seem, in this world, believing freedom from oppression in this world comes through Christ, humbled to be a part of something God is doing.  The things is . .  most of us in the Western world feel we are entitled . . . rather than being humbled by the gift of living the day.

 The word, humble, is a rare word.  

Consider what James wrote: 
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor (James 4:7-10, NLT).  

How we live is on us, either on our own terms or through the way God directs us, humbled by God's presence and power, grateful to be alive. 

Let's face it, most of us have experienced life both ways. We have a responsibility of how we live the day, which requires a humble mindset and spirit.  James 4 says it plainly, "Humble yourselves before God."   A simple definition of humble includes the words, respect and surrender.  In other words, we are to respect God as God, surrendering to the Spirit's direction, refusing to be divided by believing God's way but not living it out, turning away from the darkness of sin, falling to our knees in utter humility, grateful for each moment of life in Christ.

Live humbly.
Respect God.
Surrender all to God.
Be grateful for the gift of the day.

Learning to Kickstart the day humbly,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Fresh Perspective

I love early mornings.  It's my opportunity to start all over again, to have a fresh perspective, to receive a new word from God, to anticipate the gift of the day, to seek God's view on life.   And, yet, there are times that the day wears on me and my perspective becomes focused on the stuff.  I'm reminded this morning or the importance of intentionally stopping, to see God,  and to develop a fresh perspective.

Consider this reminder from Isaiah: 
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28, NRS)

These words were recorded after a horrific time of history . . . 586 B.C . . . . the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem . . . burned the Temple . . . invaded the land . . . killed . . . enslaved . . . drove the people from their homes. Darkness spread over their lives.  Everything seemed hopeless.

The words bring perspective to what they had to learn and we must learn to live the day.  At the end of the day, all that matters is living in a true authentic relationship with God, trusting and believing all things are possible in the power and presence of the Creator of everyone and everything.

Meditate on the words from Isaiah 40: 28 and develop a fresh perspective.

Stop.  Refocus.  Let go of the thoughts about your present circumstances.  Become aware of the everlasting God surrounding you.   Be still and know God. 

Breathe.  Look around you.  No matter what things look like--this world is God's creation.  

Remember.  God is in control.  God never grows tired of the stuff.  God always wants something more for you. 

Trust that God gets it.  His understanding is unsearchable.  God is continuously working on your behalf. 

Learning to Kickstart the day with a fresh perspective,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

The Way of Wisdom and Worry

It was a treacherous drive home last night in ice fog with low visibility and slippery old country roads. As I cautiously made my way home, I thought about the times I've not been sure where I was going or how I could get where I needed to be.  There are seasons, like the one I am in now, when I'm trying to figure out the next step on a daily basis.  The thing is . . . when we know God is present . . . we are able to relax, to be confident, and to have a sense of anticipation of what's next.   But, it means when we're in "treacherous" conditions, we must intentionally stay close to God.  In these times we often become so focused on trying to get through the day that we are not as diligent in our study of the Word and spending time in prayer, allowing worry to come into our life.  There is wisdom in seeking God first.

Consider the wise but tough words of James:
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-7, NASB).

When we seek God first, when we ask God for wisdom with boldness, we receive wisdom without reproach.  But.  When we worry there's a better way than the wisdom of God, doubting the wisdom of God, thinking there must be something more to know, we lose our way.

 Taking action by seeking God first is the wisest way to getting through the treacherous times of life.  But.  Too often, we let worry rule the way we should go, which never leads us to the pathway God has for us.  It comes down to making the choice to courageously risk our life through trusting God or to be weakened with worry, losing our way. 

Remember you will get to where you need to go through the wisdom of God, worry will lead you down the wrong path.
Refuse to worry.
Choose to seek God first.
Trust in the wisdom of God.

Learning to Kickstart the day through the wisdom of God,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Walking In the Light

I hear their stories on a daily basis and I'm continually struck with the magnitude of the dark battles individuals fight, requiring inordinate strength, courage, and trust.  The thing is . . . many of these individuals have experienced living life in the darkness, understanding it's power . . . however, they've learned through the grace of God, they're able to move out of the darkness into the Light.  These individuals have become my teachers and heroes, the ones who face the darkness, rather than hiding or running from the fierce battle that moves furiously towards them.  I'm in awe of their trust in God, their belief that no matter what occurs, the Light of God will overcome the darkness in their world.  And, they're right.  The battles, big and small, are always won when we remain in the Light.

I'm reminded, over and over, God is always present and will fight any and all of our  battles; the Light of the world always overcomes the darkness. 

Consider words written by the prophet Isaiah:
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine (Isaiah 9:2, NLT). 

The darkness of this world attempts to block our view of the miracle of living in the Light of God with the argument we do not deserve anything but what darkness brings. But.  The grace of God empowers us to move out of the darkness into the Light. It does not mean the darkness will not come at us; however, it means we can be sure that we are able to overcome the darkness when we turn away from it and intentionally walk in the Light.

It's important to remember that through the grace of God nothing is impossible, all things are made new, and regardless of where we've been or what we've done in the darkness, we're able to walk in the Light each day with confidence that the darkness will never triumph over the Light, even when it appears the darkness has won.

One thing I know to be true, is we need to accept the gift of grace, refusing to let the darkness rule our thoughts or emotions, remembering fear, discouragement, and depression are not of God, receiving the Spirit of God's strength and courage, intentionally walking in the Light, regardless of how hard life becomes, trusting that the Light has come to win our battle with darkness.    

Receive the amazing grace of God each day.
Walk in the Light of God.
Celebrate the day.

Learning to Kickstart the day walking in the Light,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Celebrate Miracles

We celebrated . . . his first full day home . . . his eighth birthday . . . his adoption . . . his new life.  We could see the miraculous plan of God in this little boy, born in Ethiopia, living in an orphanage, praying for a family, believing God would provide for his dream of having a family.  At the same time his family prayed specifically for a seven-year-old boy from Ethiopia to join them.    His family had to decide what their life was about and risked changing their own lives in order to add to their family. Their lives came together in unexpected ways, only explained by the mysterious intervention of God.  The day finally came, when his adoption went through; however, red tape, government obstacles, and poor communication collided. Bringing him home looked impossible.  But. After months of praying for heaven to move earth, the word finally came they could bring him home from Ethiopia, a miraculous gift to be celebrated.

It's a story that most won't hear about during this Christmas season.  But.  The truth of the matter is that the story of life is a series of miracles strung together. And, after all, this is the season of miracles.  The thing is . . .  miracles are never earned . . . but given and received.   

Consider: 
”Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.(James 1: 17-18, NLT)

In this imperfect world, there's a perfect love handed to us, a miracle to be received every moment of each day.

The miracle is issued by God, declaring us to be his prized possession.  

Even so, circumstances often block our view of the miracle. But.  It's there for us to receive, even when it does not make sense.  Then, again, miracles do not make sense.

The day we receive the miracle of being the God of Light's prized possession is the day we really live. Our new perspective gives us the ability to trust God to do more than can be imagined, bringing everything together for His good and perfect plan.  So.  Celebrate the miracle of life today.  Celebrate for a family and their son from Ethiopia.  Celebrate.

Learning to Kickstart the day celebrating the miracle of today,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

The Plan

It was one of those days.   I did not realize I set  my down-coat close enough to a lamp that my sleeve cradled its' warm bulb.  I thought something was wrong with the heating system when the room smelled like something was burning.  But.  Turns out, the heat of the light bulb burned a hole through the lining of my sleeve, leaving a burnt oder, providing a pathway for the coat's feathers to escape.   Seriously, there's nothing professional about a pastor leaving a burnt fragrance with a trail of feathers behind while attending meetings and visiting people in the hospital.  The unnecessary, ridiculous, annoying interruption plagued me and entertained many people all day long.

  The point of the day needs to be remembered.

Consider what Jeremiah wrote in his book: 
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

~The thing is . . . if, we believe God . . . then, we must trust God's got each moment of the day covered.  In other words, God uses everything that comes our way,  including unnecessary, annoying, ridiculous interruptions, to put His plan into place.  Today is a part of the plan of a future and hope which has been issued from the heart of God; it gives reason to celebrate each moment.~

In those days when you pray, I will listen. (Jeremiah 29:12, NLT)

~Communicating with God  throughout the day is vital. The Creator of the universe promises to listen.  It's a part of the plan.~ 

 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:13, NLT)

~Focusing on God changes how we live . . . giving us a perspective beyond any distractions . . . because we will find God. And then, we realize there's so much more to the day because God has planned for us to find Him.~ 

Regardless of unnecessary, annoying, ridiculous interruptions, our day is about the presence and power of God, trusting there's an issued supernatural daily plan.
What holds our attention is a choice.  Focus on God and the issued plan for the day, believing God will use all things, even a burnt coat leaving a trail of feathers, as part of our future and hope.

Learning to Kickstart the day believing the plan for the day has been issued from the heart of God,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

The Battle of Discouragement

People often come to my office because of discouragement, a common ailment that does not escape anyone. The thing is . . . discouragement is not of God . . . it's used to attack the gift we receive each day, the gift of Life.  Now, I've been in the Word most of my life and I know God's message is repeated over and over:  Do NOT BE DISCOURAGED.  And, yet, I've let discouragement rule some of my days. To refuse discouragement takes faith, which can be a struggle when problems invade our day.

Discouragement attacks the mind and soul, focusing on issues, pressures and problems, stopping us from doing what we are meant to do, leading to negativity and the feeling of being a failure, destroying the hope of today and tomorrow, taking away the life we are created to live.  In reality, discouragement stands at the door of our life on a daily basis; however, it's our choice, if, we let it in or not.  Without a doubt, it seems easier to let discouragement cross over the threshold when things are not going the way we want them to go.  It requires faith to in the "more" of God to refuse discouragement.

We often fail to see discouragement as a compromise of faith, a matter of fear. 

Consider the words from Deuteronomy 31:8, a scripture that encouraged me when our oldest daughter experienced a battle for her health:
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT).  
The reason it's possible to not fear or to be discouraged, regardless of how hard or difficult life becomes, is:  God is present and already in whatever comes next in our life with the promise He will never fail or leave us.  It's an incredible day when we live beyond the stuff, aware of the presence and power of God in our life.

Win the battle of discouragement and experience the gift of the day regardless of pressures and problems.
Refuse to see life through fear.
Readjust your perception by seeing the presence  and power of God through eyes of faith.
Remember God is with you and will never leave or fail you.  Never.

Learning to Kickstart the day winning the battle of discouragement,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

God-centered Thoughts

I have a friend who routinely reports the latest news with a tagline of  how the days ahead will be darker than ever.  I'm never encouraged by his thoughts of the latest world reports.  The thing is . . . our thoughts merge together, creating a map . . . directing us in the way we go in life.  I do not want to live with a hopeless mindset.

 I've learned the importance to begin the day with prayer and  meditation on the Word, which directs me to a supernatural perspective, beyond the pressures and weight of the stuff of life.  

Consider:
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5, TNIV).

Romans 8:5 is really an "if, then," statement.  If, we live in the way the Spirit leads, then, our mind is set on what the Spirit desires. Another words, when we're God-focused, we're engaged with God-thoughts; however, when we're focused on self, our thought process is limited.

Whatever dominates our thinking will dominate the outcome of our day.  When you get down to it, one of the greatest components to a successful day is developing God-centered thoughts. This requires daily reformatting, through prayer and mediation on the Word.  So.  We need to dump worry, fear, and dark thoughts from our mind, handing them over to God on a daily basis, thinking the way God desires us to think: with strength, courage, and hope. 

Be successful today.
Ask the Spirit of God to form your thoughts, directing you in the way you should go.
Dump the things that don't belong in your thoughts.
Commit to developing God-centered thoughts through prayer and meditation on the Word.

Learning to Kickstart the day with God-centered thoughts,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Live A Life That Matters

The people I admire most are the ones who do not give in to the stuff of life, but live courageously moment by moment for Christ.  These are the individuals who understand why they're put on earth, living purposefully in the moment.  As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of many people, young and old, who've walked through my life, with the simple mission to love and to serve.  One individual, Chuck, a pastor by title, a true healer of souls, has used his gift of listening with compassion rather than condemnation to change the world.  I know, because even though he lives several states away and is technically retired, he continues to listen to me, encouraging me to do things that require faith, reminding me not to become complacent or comfortable, to live purposefully for Christ.

The thing is . . . I've wasted days of my life . . .  doing things that really don't matter.   Wasting time comes from a lack of living fully in faith, engaging with God moment by moment.

There's so much more God has planned in a day than for us to just live it.  

Consider the words of Jesus: 
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20: 26-28, NLT). 

Christ came to love and to serve.  And, through love and service, Christ changed the world forever.  To be a servant is to live a life that matters.  It requires looking at the day differently than most of the world does, to see God has purposefully marked each day of our life with the opportunity to love and to serve.  When we're faithful with the time God gives us through love and service, we can be certain we're living a life that matters. 

Refuse to just live.  Live a life that matters.
Begin each day by asking God what to do and where to go.
Intentionally love and serve others as Christ demonstrated.
Change the world.

Learning to Kickstart the day to live a life that matters,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

HOPE

Seriously, it's inconceivable to think we've entered the Christmas season.  It seems time moves more quickly than ever before.  Or, maybe I'm just getting older. Anyway.  Life changes for many in the Western world during this season; people not only schedule decorating, buying gifts, and going to parties, but look for ways to help others.

While there is the well-worn worthy argument of being too busy, buying too much, consumed with trying to make a perfect picture moment in time, most of us have the underlying desire to be a part of what Christmas is about: HOPE, the "more" of God.  

Hope continually surprises me. There's more to be found in each moment when we live with hope, when we are surrounded with its optimism, confidence, and conviction, when we turn away from discouragement and depression, when we live with expectancy in what "more" God has planned.  When you come down to it, we either accept the gift of hope or reject it.  While hurt is often an obstacle to living with hope, I've been amazed at the people I've met along the way, who despite their suffering, have held onto hope with tenacity.  There's so much more to experience in life when we keep our grip on hope.  Conversely,  our story changes when we let go of hope, allowing discouragement and depression to take over.

The thing is . . . hurt and pain often creates fear of more of the same . . . so, hope is refused.   

True hope, the kind that does not disappoint, is found through Christ.
Consider.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary (Hebrews 6:19, NLT). 

Hope is strength, an anchor, stability in this changing world, leading us close to God.
Meditate on hope each day during this season.
Invite hope to invade you, allowing it to be your anchor, and the power that opens the door to live the day with the "more" of God.
Make it your goal to be a part of the message of hope to the world.


Learning to Kickstart the day in hope,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Bold

There are things I know are mine to do; however, I spend time defending my reasons why I'm not to do something rather than taking the time to strategize and plan how to get it done.   The issue must be addressed.  There is a world around us that hears and sees our response, waiting and wanting a touch from God.  People never forget when we reach beyond our comfort.

Years ago, I was asked to voluntarily help out a friend who needed nurses to care for her at home so she could spend the last days of life with her husband and three boys.   I knew I needed to do it.  But. It seemed too much  She was my friend; I did not want to be her nurse.  And.  I was busy, too busy, with two baby girls, work, ministry, and general day-to-day stuff.

I finally said yes, not because I saw the light and surrendered everything, but because I knew it was a divine request from God. And, since I knew God is God, I said yes.  In the end, no matter how difficult or how much sacrifice something requires, when we say yes to God, we can be sure all of the details will work together.   God calls us to reach out regardless of our comfort level, many times to do something  beyond our comprehension and ability.  I will admit, after agreeing to help out, I still thought of reasons not to do it.  I felt relief when I imagined myself saying I could not do it.  There were two problems that stood between myself and God's request:

1. I did not have enough space in my life to do the things that really mattered.  So.  I needed to let go of some things that were not mine to do. I've often thought our schedule should look more like crisis living, when we have no choice but to clear out the stuff that does not matter, doing only what is ours to do.  
2. I saw myself on my own rather than in partnership with God.  I needed to trust the Spirit to be at work in and through me.   

And, finally, I'm just an idiot if I fail to miss out on living a Spirit-led life.  Consider the problems Christ followers had as they formed the Early Church.  I'm sure there would have been a sense of relief to step out of the battle so they could live a quiet and comfortable life.  But.  We are told in Acts 4 they were given boldness to go forward.
Consider:

After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31, NLT).

What a difference it makes to pray so intently as the Christ followers did in Acts 4, waiting for the intense power of the Spirit. God gives us supernatural boldness, if, we are willing.

All the details worked out so I could go to my friends house; however, I still dreaded going.  Until. I touched the door.  It was amazing,  I would literally be given the strength and power to enter in and care for my friend.  The funniest moment occurred after she repeatedly asked me to sing.  I explained each time she asked me, "I don't sing."
 But.  She was dying.  So.  I timidly sang "Amazing Grace." After singing the chorus, she interrupted me and said, "You don't sing."
We laughed for a long time.  And, then she said to me, "Thank you for bringing life into our house."  I promptly told her it was not me, but Christ.  And.  She said.  "Yes, I know. We now have Christ in our home."
There's no doubt, I've missed several opportunities to experience the work of the Spirit of God because my personal comfort, schedule,  and limited abilities became self-imposed obstacles.  It's clear to me that we must build space in our schedule to be available for the supernatural work of the Spirit, to be willing to be bold despite our personal struggles, and to say yes, regardless of how difficult it all seems.  With God life is an adventure waiting to happen.
Be ready.
Be bold.
Learning to Kickstart the day boldly through the Spirit of God,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Just an idiot?

I started in full-time ministry twenty years ago.  In the beginning, I found myself driven by the pressure to perform. It's been a journey to learn there's a difference between being driven by pressure and living  in the power of the Spirit.  While it might seem ridiculous, Christ followers often live powerless.

It happens.  

During those first few years of full-time ministry,  church services were more formal than most are today.  It was in those days when I experienced the memorable life-lesson of what it means to be an IDIOT.   It occurred on a Sunday.   To say it was a big-deal day is an understatement.  I sat on the platform, we did that in that era, on a three-seater pew situated on the side.  I was positioned nearest the edge of the platform, our senior pastor on the other end, and in the middle sat a general superintendent, an individual highly regarded, who was in charge of Nazarene churches in part of the world. Notice the two words, “the world.”    Yep.  Big deal.  The massive choir, positioned on risers filled the rest of the platform, making everything seem even more intimidating.  By the way, all of us, the men, the women, and the children, looked the same, stiff and formal.  And, yes, this self-proclaimed hippie had given in.  I not only wore a suit but I had really big hair, the kind that would not move in an  earthquake, hurricane, or tsunami.  It all seemed so important, a really big deal.

There we were, big hair and all, standing and singing out of our well-worn hymn books until the music pastor motioned for us to sit down as the robed choir began their “special."  But.  Turns out, I did not sit down.  As the two men sat down, the end of the pew went up,  launching me up into the air, past the steps, and on to the floor.  About half of the thousand people saw it happen and, of course, spontaneously erupted into loud laugher.   I lay on the floor feeling like an IDIOT, slowly picking myself up, and repositioning myself onto the pew.  People laughed for days afterwards.  Seriously.  And. There's more.  To add insult to injury, the two men had kept their eyes on the choir, ignoring the laughter, never realizing I had been missing.  To this day, I don’t remember anything else about the service except feeling like an  an IDIOT.

No one escapes life without seeing themselves as an IDIOT at one time or another.  I love the fact that the word, IDIOT, was used in the original text in the book of Acts.  Dr. Luke, one of my favorite Biblical writers, wrote the Gospel of Luke describing the life of Christ and then the sequel, Acts, giving a glimpse of the birth of the church. In both books, Dr. Luke wrote as a doctor would, giving a report of the situation and the resulting outcome.  In the book of Acts, he is very persuasive in explaining our need for the Spirit of God to take complete hold of us.

So, it comes as no surprise that in chapter 4, he describes the reality of the battles the early church faced and how the Spirit of God empowered and enabled the Christ followers to win over everything they encountered.  And.  There it is, chapter 14, verse 13, the New Testament Greek word, "idiotes,”  which Dr. Luke uses to contrast Peter and John, two disciples of Christ, as individuals who did not have any special skill, education, or position to do what they did except through the Spirit.

Consider Dr. Luke's writing:

The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13, NLT).

These two sentences, describe a profound difference in how life can be lived.  The leaders of the day considered the men to be  IDIOTS.  But.  The Spirit-filled men held the attention of the leaders, visibly filled with power, enabled to speak boldly.   Luke makes the point that it was recognized they had been with Jesus.  Simply put, their relationship with Christ had not been discontinued when Christ ascended to heaven, they remained in relationship through the Spirit, living in supernatural power, on fire for their assignment on earth, so bold that they amazed the leaders of the day.  To put it succintly, they won the battles and changed the world because of their boldness which came from the Spirit of God.

The thing is . . . we are invited to live in the same way . . . we don't have to be just an IDIOT . . . but we can be bold, changing the world we live in.  Even so, the stuff of life can become an obstacle, leaving us with the feeling that we are IDIOTS, unable to do anything.  I'm often reminded that I need to be launched from the pew, the place in life where I'm living within the constraints of my limitations, being driven by the pressure to perform, missing out on what more God has for me.

I'm convinced we need to break through the need to be someone we're not, to be liberated to be who we're created to be, to understand that on our own we will accomplish nothing that matters in the end, regardless of how important something seems.   When we surrender it all to God, when we determine to live not by our own strength and power, but by the Spirit, when we determine not to waste one moment, we discover the freedom to be bold and to stand firm with courage, despite our circumstances, even when we're IDIOTS.  

Most importantly, the world is changed far beyond our own reach because it's Christ in us who has empowered us to do more than can be imagined.

Learning to Kickstart the day not just as an idiot, but living boldly for Christ,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Light From Heaven

Some days seem to be more out of our control than others when there does not seem to necessarily be one thing more chaotic than the other, when everything collides to make one very messy challenging day.  And, though I seem to be living in a season of collisions, experiencing things that don't make any sense or serve any possible good, I've learned to step back, to be still, and to intentionally know God is present.

One of the most important things I've learned is this: if we try to make it through the day without God, the problems and stuff of life will eventually overpower us, holding us down and eventually ruling everything we do, but if we intentionally move through the day with God, there’s nothing better or sweeter.

When I'm intentionally aware of God . . . I am able to believe there is possible in the impossible, to respond in faith rather than fear, to have peace rather than worry, and to have confidence there's more to see and to experience . . .  because God is God.

Consider: 
“Because of God's tender mercy, 
the light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness 
and in the shadow of death, 
and to guide us to the path of peace." (Luke 1: 78-79, NLT).

The moment, regardless of how messy it seems, changes when we move out of the darkness into the Light.  I'm not saying difficulties are easy but-- when we realize God is in our story, we are able to walk through it with courage and peace as the Light from heaven breaks upon us in the midst of it all.

• Move out of the darkness into the Light. Stop.  Be still.  Intentionally know God is present. Let the Light from heaven break upon you.  

Learning to Kickstart the day in the light from heaven.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Grateful?

Life isn't always easy, especially when the hard stuff of life comes at us without warning.  Yesterday was one of those days.  Until.  The guys I work with decided we needed a break from it all.  So.  We left work and spent a couple of hours together.  My perspective changed as we connected away from the stuff.  I saw the gift of friendship at work.  And, I'm grateful.

The thing is . . . the simple act of being grateful . . . changes how we manage life.   Gratefulness is important for our health--body, mind, and soul.   I've always been amazed how my perspective of life changes when I intentionally give thanks.  When I focus on the messiness of life, I can easily be irritated and feel a little crazy.  But.

Gratefulness, even for the most simple things, is powerful.   

One of my favorite and often repeated words of reminder to be grateful comes from Psalms 100--the Message has a great way of explaining the action of telling God thank you--which is really the best place to start with gratitude:
Psalm 100:
On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, 
sing yourselves into his presence. 


Know this: God is God, and God, God. 
He made us; we didn't make him. 
We're his people, his well-tended sheep. 


Enter with the password: "Thank you!" 
Make yourselves at home, talking praise. 
Thank him. Worship him. 


For God is sheer beauty, 
all-generous in love, 
loyal always and ever. 
(The Message)

When we're grateful, we're unable to be passive, we've got to get on our feet and applaud God in celebration for being in the presence of divine and complete generosity.  

Get on your feet.
Be grateful.
Use the password all day long: "Thank you!"
Thank God all day long--it will change the way you see and respond to life.

Learning to Kickstart the day with gratefulness.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

ATTITUDE

Sometimes my attitude is well . . . an ATTITUDE.  A few nights ago, I reacted to something I have to do.  But.  I shouldn't have to do it.  I tried to tell myself that "what is . . . is."  I began to feel an ATTITUDE developing in me.  I was wise enough to have time alone to work it out with God rather than letting it impact others.  I'm not always wise when it comes to my ATTITUDE.

When my attitude becomes more of a reaction than a conviction, when it's more about getting my way than impacting others, when it's about self and not Christ, I've missed the point of the moment.  

The thing is . . . attitude is the power behind our words and actions . . . which communicates our message of life.  Words and actions will either heal or harm, encourage or discourage, inspire or deflate, bring hope or leave others hopeless.

And.  We know attitude is a choice, but often fail to even think about its power until we mess up with an ATTITUDE, leaving victims along the way, changing the moment from good to bad in an instant.
Consider.
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:23-24, NLT). 

We're told to let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes.  In other words, the Spirit is present and ready to give us God-like thoughts and attitudes; however, it's our choice to let the Spirit be at work within us.

• Be aware of the power of your attitude in each moment. 
• Evaluate how your attitude is impacting your message in the moment.
• Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 
• Put on your new nature--intentionally choose for your attitude to be like Christ. 

Learning to Kickstart the day with a Spirit-filled attitude.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

"Whys" of Life

They're waiting for their adopted son to come home.  His homecoming has been delayed because of the inefficiency of two governments.  So. A U.S. senator tried to kickstart the process.  Even so, the little boy remains caught in the sludge of bureaucracy.   It doesn't make sense.  It's one of the things that I've added to my "why" list.

There are times the stuff of life doesn't make any sense.  The list of "whys" is long and challenging. BUT.   Despite our unanswered questions, God will make a way through the "whys" of life.  Throughout the years I've learned more about how to get through the "whys" including the time we waited for our son to come home during the adoption process:

• Completely trust God.  We will get through the "whys" when we trust God, even when something doesn't make sense. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding.
in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV). 

• Believe God is always at work. The "whys" produce the opportunity to look beyond our immediate circumstances, developing a perspective through God's promise to bring all things together to accomplish His plan, which has been set before time. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, NIV).

• Be strong.  There's unexplainable divine strength given to those who trust God.   The ancient Hebrew language explained the word, strength,  as the process of an army being equipped and prepared for battle.  So.  When we're armed with the strength of God, we're in an ongoing process of receiving what we need to win the battles of the day, even when we have more "whys" than answers. 

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
      They will soar high on wings like eagles.
   They will run and not grow weary.
      They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31, NLT).

God will make a way through each and every "why" of life.  Trust.  Believe. Be strong.

Learning to Kickstart the day with trust, belief, and strength in the midst of the "whys" of life.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Value

I've been engaged in discussions with people who have felt dismissed as they've aged.  There's often a disconnect between the young and the old when it comes to doing life together in our culture.  Years ago, I had a very heated discussion with a doctor about my grandmother, who had been hospitalized with several health issues.  When I asked him about the plan for her, he responded that there was not much left to do except to ask hospice in  and make her comfortable in the last few weeks of her life.  I had no idea she was at the end of life; however, he explained that there was nothing to do because she was old.  I was mad and responded, "Someday you will be old and sick.  I wonder if you will want people to give up helping you because you're old."

But.  My response was nothing like my grandmother's reaction.  She was furious, dismissed hospice, and lived six more years.  The doctor would be in his eighties now.  I wonder how he sees himself now.  Just saying.

The thing is . . . it seems the youthful spirit is often dismissed . . . because  of an aging body.
One individual told me to look at top photographer web sites.  I did.  The sites do not showcase anyone with wrinkles.  It's eye opening and worth thinking about our own responsibility when it comes to how we perceive aging.

And, when you come down to it all, how we perceive aging reveals how we see the gift of life.  God has something more for us to experience each day of our life.  We have a daily opportunity to powerfully be used by God in the most simple ways wherever we're at in life.  

Consider. 
 I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
Your old men will dream dreams,
Your young men will see visions.
Even on your servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days (Joel 2:28-29). 
And.
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty (Zechariah 4:6, NIV).  

I love how the book of Joel tell us the Spirit will be poured out.  It creates a picture of a powerful connection between heaven and earth for all,  changing who we are and what we do as servants of God.  And.  Zechariah 4 makes it clear that we are not to measure ourselves or others by what we do on our own.  What really matters comes from the presence of the Spirit.  

Look at the true gift of life.
Determine your own value as well as others to be from God.
Receive the Spirit pouring out in the day.
Live through the Spirit . . . dream and see beyond the moment. . . empowered to be and do more than any could imagine in the most simple ways.

Learning to Kickstart the day as God pours the Spirit out.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Step Back

I don't want to minimize anything; however, sometimes we need to step back and take another look at life.  It seems to me that we need to look at all of life to be a good gift, including the difficult times of life.  Writing this statement makes me stop and underline the fact that I don't want or welcome hard times.  There are times when nothing feels easy, making it hard to put one foot in front of the other, painful to do what needs to be done, tiring to do the most simple tasks.  Even so, I've come to realize that life itself, regardless of what's faced, is a gift.

Turns out, no matter what, believing life is a gift, focusing on the Giver of life rather than on self, brings a new perspective and ability to manage what comes at us. 

In the ancient days, the people sang Psalm 92 on the Sabbath, the day they stepped back to focus on God, rather than on the stuff of life.  Consider:
For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; 
   I sing for joy at what your hands have done (Psalm 92: 4, TNIV). 

When we step back from the pressure of the moment, taking notice of the presence and work of God, we're changed, released from thinking we need to control it all, freed from fear, able to move forward in faith, focused on God rather than the stuff we're facing.

We're renewed and refreshed, despite the challenges, when we step back and acknowledge God with the simple words of gratefulness from Psalm 92:4:  "You make me glad!" 

When we come to the place where we know God is present regardless of our circumstances does not remove the "whys" of life but gives us the perspective that regardless of how things are going, God is present, faithful, and will not leave us, which is reason enough to be glad rather than to move into a distressed state of being and missing the gift.

So.  I'm not saying the battles of life disappear when we step back to focus on God, but that our perspective changes, enabling us to face all things differently, trusting God to oversee the "whys" of the day, glad for the gift of His presence.

• Refuse to be driven by the circumstances of the day, acknowledge the Giver of the good gift of life. 
• Intentionally step back. 
• Focus on the gift of the day.
• Tell God, "You make me glad."

Learning to Kickstart the day stepping back to see the presence of God.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Time

I have this thing with keys.  I lose them.  All the time.  I don't pay attention to where I put them and then spend a ridiculous amount of time looking for them.  Friends and family know I have this problem.  So.  They go about doing their own thing while I'm frantically searching for my missing keys.  It happened again last night.  I'm not sure why I've let this bad habit continue for so long, wasting a good portion of time.  It's time to make a change.

There's no reason to waste any amount of time, which is a divine gift given to each one of us.   

The time of our life is to be lived well.  But, and this is a big but, we often are confused about our responsibility with the time we're given, thinking we've got to do everything.  It requires a change of thinking:

Time is not given to do it all but to do it well.  To live well, we must turn away from the mania of wasting life with things that don't matter, giving our time to what counts for the purpose of why we are living today.  

There's a process in changing some things in our life to intentionally say no to the things that waste time.

Consider: 
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him (Colossians 3:10, NLT).

The verse is clear . . . we put on the nature of Christ, studying the way He used time on earth, intentionally changing what needs to be changed, with the goal to live like Him.  The word, "put," not only indicates an intentional action but a choice to do it.   To make a complete change we need to evaluate each area of our life, honestly determining what we've done with the gift of  time.   Change requires intentional action . . . removing what does not belong . . . purposefully putting on the nature of Christ, determined to make time count.

Live well.
Evaluate how your time has been used.
Determine how you waste time.
Change what needs to be changed to live like Christ.
Put on the nature of Christ.
Study the Bible, learn how Christ lived on earth.
Make each day count.

Learning to Kickstart the day determined to live well.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

"Breathe."

"Breathe."
I often tell people to just breathe.  Their stress is obvious.  The thing is . . . the stuff of life collides with busyness and overbooked schedules . . .  which opens the door to stress invading life.  No one is immune to it, everyone needs room to breathe in order to experience the gift of the day.  But.  When we're not attentive to slowing down, to pacing ourselves, something will tip us over.  It's usually something that's not a big deal, something that's a part of the ordinary stuff of life, something that's nothing but becomes everything, pushing us past the limit of the manageable, leaving us breathless and questioning the point of it all.

So.  We need to breathe . . . to be aware of the presence . . . the power . . . and the peace of God.  It's a powerful moment when we let go, surrendering all of it, trusting God to be God, living in the midst of the miracle of the day rather than on the edge.  

Consider what Jeremiah wrote in the book of Lamentations, a story of high stress in the midst of devastation and hopelessness:

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:19-21, NIV)

The Spirit has used these words, over and over in my life,  reminding me of God's all consuming love.

 I imagine Jeremiah to be speaking the words of Lamentations 3:19-21, loudly reminding the world to stop and breathe, to refuse to let the stuff of life to be all-consuming, to intentionally wake up each day to God's great love, to trust this great love to be fresh and new every morning.  These words capture the gift offered to us each day.  It makes me wonder how often I've wasted this gift on stuff that doesn't matter.  

So.

• Stop.  Stop right now. 
• Breathe.  Take another breath.
• Intentionally become aware of God's great love surrounding and invading you.
• Take note of the gift throughout the day.
• Tell God "thank-you" with enthusiasm and genuine gratefulness. 
• Celebrate the gift of each day.

Learning to Kickstart the day taking a breath,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Not Yet

Parents are waiting for governments to give the okay to come pick up their children and begin their life together. The wait seems long.  So.  We had a party for two of the babies, twins, who need their legal consent to be released to their waiting family.  Waiting for the "not yet" of life is a life-changing reality.

In some ways waiting feels like we're holding our breath until something happens as, if, life has paused.

Even so, waiting is a time of growth, a season of asking the "whys" and "what" of life when we realize we're not in control of the world around us, when we struggle with what we want and what might be, when we beg God to work circumstances out, when we want more in the "not yet " than what we see in the "now," a time to decide whether or not we will trust God.

Consider:
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31, NKJ)

Look at the picture Isaiah depicts when we wait.  It's a picture of movement towards God, believing what Jesus said, "With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)."

To live well in seasons of waiting, we must seek God first, surrendering what we want and when we want it, trusting God to be God in the "not yet" of life, receiving supernatural infusing strength and power to manage it all, believing all things are possible.

So.
Wait on God, renewing your strength to mount up above the stuff of life with wings like eagles, running without weariness, walking without becoming faint.

Learning to Kickstart the day trusting God for the "not yet" of life,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

To-Do

I'm a list maker.  I love to make a to-do-list and to check it off.  Even so.  A list is a list.  There's always something to do, there will always be more tasks to do than time to get it all done; however, the gift of the day will be missed when our priority is checking off the list.

We need to know what's ours to do and what is not.  And.  I've learned, especially in the last few months, to enjoy the process of doing what's mine to do. 

Of course, doing too much is nothing new.  It was an issue for Moses in the ancient days.  Consider what Jethro, his father-in-law, told him:
You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. (Exodus 18:18-19, NLT)

Moses needed to make a change in his life.  He had become burdened by the doing, unable to see beyond the tasks.  When we focus on the to-do-list we'll eventually experience stress, feeling overwhelmed.  In other words, we become enslaved by what needs to be done, weighed down by it all.  So. It's imperative to seek God first, asking for wisdom and direction, letting go of what's not necessary to do.
Experience the gift of the day, refusing to miss it. ~Change the way you see what needs to be done. ~Lay down the burden of doing. ~Ask God what's yours to-do and what's not yours to-do today. ~Enjoy the process of doing what you're given to-do.

Learning to Kickstart the day freed from the burden of doing.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

The Word

I love hearing the stories of people finding God.  No one has the same story; however, it's always miraculous to hear about an individual meeting God for the first time.  So.  There's been another miracle.  It occurred a few weeks ago when a teenager feeling alone, lost in the bigness of problems, needing direction, wondering what to do, heard God for the first time. And, he listened, receiving the divine words. In that moment, peace came.

The thing is . . . in one moment life changes . . . when we listen to God.    

I love how Mother Teresa explained it:
"There is a light in this world, a healing spirit
more powerful than any darkness we may encounter.
We sometimes lose sight of this force
when there is suffering, too much pain.
Then suddenly the spirit will emerge
through the lives of ordinary people
who hear a call and answer
in extraordinary ways."

 A radical shift occurs when we hear and receive the Word of God.  The darkness of this world no longer has power over our life, we're freed from anything that's claimed our attention, we're freed from it all.
Consider: 
In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1, NCV).

• Ask the Spirit of God to speak to you right where you are at today.  Receive the Word.  Let the Word change you.  Respond to the Word in extraordinary ways . . . in peace, in joy, in kindness, and love  . . . live in the miracle of hearing the Word.

Learning to Kickstart the day listening to the Word.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

God-produced Opportunities

Sometimes the best advice I give to people is to stop, breathe, step back, and refocus.  The times I've followed this advice for myself are the times I've seen opportunities in the crises of the day.   I like how the Chinese write the word "crisis" with two characters:  One character means danger, the other, opportunity.

Our perception of a crisis directly impacts the outcome of a crisis.  Is it possible to see an opportunity when all things seem too hard?  

Consider how the report of twelve spies sent to determine the condition of the land God had promised them.  Ten reported the land to be dangerous, filled with giants.

"The land we explored will swallow up any who go to live there. All the people we saw were huge.  (Numbers 13:32, NLT )

Two others, Joshua and Caleb disagreed:

Joshua and Caleb, two spies of the twelve saw it differently: And Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the Israelites, "The land that we went through as spies is an exceedingly good land. (Numbers 14:6-7 , NLT )

Ten perceived the people would not survive if they went forward into the land; however, two saw the land not only as good, but exceedingly good.  Both Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes, emphasizing their distraught over the others' point of view.

Our perception becomes our reality.  

And.  The people chose to follow the report of the ten spies, missing out on the opportunities God had planned for them in the land.  They were blind to what God could and would do.  How many opportunities are missed because we do not see in faith?

Sometimes we need to take a breath, step back, and refocus, looking for the God-produced opportunity in a crisis.  It requires perceiving life through faith, believing God is able to more than what anyone would ever think possible, making all things new, changing a dangerous place of life into a great opportunity.  Then, we must trust God to give the necessary courage and strength to step forward and enter into the opportunity.

Look for the God-produced opportunities of the day.

• Stop~Breathe~Step back~Refocus~Choose to see with faith~Step forward and enter into whatever God has planned for you. 

Learning to Kickstart the day looking for the God-produced opportunity.
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

The Reality of Surprise

I've always loved surprises, all kinds and sizes.  The greatest surprise has been the revelation of the presence and goodness of God, especially when life does not make sense and things are not going as planned.   I've often thought, if. we were able to watch episodes of our life with the full vision of the presence of God as well as angels surrounding us, then, we would see life differently, realizing living in faith is not a risk but the wisest and best life.

I know for sure, we would see there's no room for fear, if, we could see the reality of the supernatural.  The thing is . . . God is never contained . . . despite our limited perception of what is.   

But.  When we see life through our limitations, we miss the surprising miracle of living.

Consider the Message: 
If I were in your shoes,
I'd go straight to God,
I'd throw myself on the mercy of God.
After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts;
there's no end to his surprises. (Job 5:8a, The Message)

When we hang out with God, we're changed.   We step into the realization God is not only present but will not leave us, entering the space of life that allows us to receive the unexpected and surprising activity of God into our daily life.  It's the place where more is experienced than what could be thought, asked, or imagined with the promise that there's more to come.   Trust comes and worry dissipates as we become more aware and attentive to the great and surprising active work of God on our behalf.

• Stop seeing life without God~Go straight to God for everything~Refuse to see life through limitations. ~Believe in the unexpected work of God. ~Live in the reality of surprise.  God has more planned for you than you've ever asked for, thought about, or imagined. 

Learning to Kickstart the day in the reality of God's surprises,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Longing For God

Sunday is a busy day for me.  Busyness is a reality for all of us.   I ran into an elderly couple.  Literally.  I was running into the church building as they were going out.  We laughed and talked for a moment.  Their to-do-list was long, however, their peace was evident.  Too often, we allow busyness to take away our peace.

The thing is . . . the key to our peace is not based on what we are or aren't doing . . . but being in the presence of God.  

Once again, I've been reminded that in each moment of the day, irregardless of the level of activity or how important or unimportant a task may seem, we're invited to be engaged with the presence of God, experiencing divine peace and power, living with a purpose beyond what's seen.  Even, so.  Somewhere along the busyness of life we lose our attentiveness, our desire, our thirst and hunger for God.  There are seasons of life when the stuff of life gets in the way of what our existence is all about.

When we're immersed in what must be done, worried about what's ahead of us, and consumed by busyness, we find ourselves overwhelmed, driven by the stress of it all.  In seasons of stress, it's wise and necessary to stop in the midst of the chaos and craziness of the busyness and seek God.
Consider:
As the deer longs for streams of water,
      so I long for you, O God.
 I thirst for God, the living God.
      When can I go and stand before him? (Psalm 42: 1-2, NLT). 

There's an amazing interaction of peace and energy within an individual who longs for God.  The chaos and craziness coming from the stress of busyness no longer take precedence as the Spirit answers the longing, revealing the fullness of life, giving hope, making all things possible, transforming endings into beginnings, issuing peace in the all-consuming stuff of life.

~Intentionally long for God.  ~Thirst for the living God.  ~Live each moment in the presence of God. 

Learning to Kickstart the day longing for God,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Daily Legacy

Are you ever ready for someone that focuses on the negative of life?  Seriously.  It's a challenge to spend much time with an individual stuck on what's wrong, unable to see what's working.  I don't know all the reasons an individual allows the negative to become all-consuming, but I do know it comes from a place of hurt.   Eventually a negative individual is unable to see there's more to life than the negative.  The day is definitely impacted by the individual who lives in the negative places of life.

The thing is . . . negativity is contagious . . . and the challenges of life make anyone susceptible to it. 

How we live is how we impact others on a daily basis.  Whether, it is intentional or not, we leave a legacy each day. So.  Ultimately, the message of our life is our choice, regardless of the negative stuff that's been a part of our personal life.

Consider the Message: 
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone (Ephesians 1:1-12, The Message).

Christ transforms our story, changing our daily legacy from negative to the supernatural good and great of life.   It's a process to step away from living in the negative of life and to live new each day, but we're given the supernatural gift to see the day as a new beginning and the ability to purposefully give up negative thoughts, intentionally keeping quiet rather than complaining, learning to build others up rather than to destroy with negativity, focusing on the message of Christ as our daily legacy.

    "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!!" (2 Corinthians 5: 17, NLT)

Start the day fresh.  The old is gone, the new has come!
Purposefully see the day as a marker of becoming new.
Give up the negativity.
Make your daily legacy to be the message of Christ in you.

Learning to Kickstart the day leaving the message of Christ as a daily legacy,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)