Disrupted and Changed

A friend of mine planned a business trip to Egypt.  She should be there right now; however, the trip was canceled. It seemed, to my friend, that the time spent preparing fo the trip had been wasted.  The thing is . . . she is one of the best time managers I know . . so, time is not something to be wasted in her realm of life.

Crisis occurred in Egypt at the same time she was to be there.  Disruption. Chaos.  Anarchy.

Looking backwards, the fingerprints of God can now be seen in the changed plans.  The path God had for her did not include being in Egypt during the fragile state of affairs. That said, there are people that are in the midst of the chaos in Egypt, whose lives have been disrupted and changed.


So.  How do we manage the times our plans are disrupted or changed?

I believe we need to learn to respect the path God has planned for us to take.  No one can imagine what each day holds, of course, but we have the choice to not only believe, but respect, that God is in control and has a specific plan.    

Respect, Webster's Dictionary explains, is a transitive verb that means we are to consider something or someone of high regard and to refrain from interfering with it. The writer of Psalms 37 gives clarity to how we respect the plan of God.
Consider.

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good;  dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture (Psalm 37: 1-3, NRS).

 It is hard to imagine at times.  But. We are told, do not fret.  We should take note that these three words are repetitive in Psalm 37, indicating the importance.  Trust is what needs to be our first and last response when plans are disrupted or changed.  Our first impulse is to be frustrated . . . worried . . . anxious . . . stressed . . . which comes under the category of fretting.  Mistakes are made when we fret and eventually interfere with what God has planned.  So.  We must consider the plan of God with high regard.

When plans change, respect the plan God has for you.  Do not fret.  Trust God. Take time, look backwards, and see the fingerprints of God when your plans are disrupted and changed.

Learning to Kickstart the day respecting the plan of God,
Kerrie

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

Seize The Day

I believe God gives more to life than we realize.  I have learned a lot about what we miss in life by listening to people. The list of hard things can be so long, that life is missed.  At some point, all the things that could have been . . . all the accusations . . . all the hard things . . .  . . . will need to be surrendered in order to experience life.  Surrender is necessary to break through the obstacles and see what is on the other side.

Surrender often comes when we do not know what to think . . . say . . . do . . . imagine . . . or even pray.  Surrender is necessary to see more to life, to get rid of the toxic thoughts, emotions, and feelings.  Surrender allows us to seize the day and live to the fullest. Surrender takes us to the new things God has for us.  

Consider.
Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up, do you not perceive it?
(Isaiah 43:18-19).

Surrender means we need to let it go . . . forget it . . . not dwelling on what was but what will be. It seems impossible when we are entrenched in the hard stuff of life, but, surrender changes how we live.  God will do a new thing.  I have experienced it in my own life and walked through it with others.

I don't know the details of the future, but I know there will be a new thing in our life when we surrender what does not belong.  Rather than taking matters into your own hands, give it to God.  Surrender.  Position yourself for a new thing. Look for it. Seize the day, or as my friend says, carpe diem.

Learning to Kickstart the day surrendering . . . ready for a new thing . . . seizing the day,
Kerrie

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

The Space of Silence

I love the early morning hours, especially before dawn.  Before you reject the idea that there is something to love about the first hours of the day, let me give you my side of the story with the assurance that sleeping to the last possible moment has great merit in my life.  But.  In the darkness of the early hours of the day, there is a period of silence when the world seems to shut down for a small amount of time, as if there is a pause in activity.  And, it is in those moments that there is a sense of renewal and a new beginning as the world waits for the light to break into the darkness.

Silence, is a rare thing in our existence. Silence is uncomfortable for most of us; the world is so noisy that silence makes us feel like something is wrong.  We often want, desperately want, to fill in the spaces of silence.  Even so. There are times we are desperate enough for something in our life to change and to experience something new that we know we need to become silent, shutting out the noise of problems, pressures, and people.

It is in those times . . . the times of waiting for something different to happen, hoping that God will deliver us and will bring something new into our life, releasing us from what is . . .  to what could be  . . . that we create space for silence because we recognize our need. 

It is in the silent times that I have learned to listen to God.  Silence removes me from the noise of the world, freeing me to be more aware of the presence of God. Silence, no matter how uncomfortable it makes me, brings me to a deeper place with God. Silence is a gift to be experienced.

Consider.

Be still and know God (Psalm 46:10).

Silence gives us the space to be still and know God.  It is possible for us, especially in the time we live in, to be so immersed in the stuff of life that we miss the gift of silence.  When I have been exhausted,  unable to imagine how I can possibly begin another day, I have learned the silence in the early morning hours allows me to become still and know God.  And, there is something in that space of the day that connects me to Christ, knowing after a busy day, that He got up early in the morning, while it was still dark, and went to a place to pray (see Mark 1:35).

Create space for silence. Be still and know God.  Receive the gift of renewal and new beginnings.   Experience the light breaking into the darkness.  Live in the newness Christ brings you in the space of silence.

Learning to Kickstart the day with space for silence,
Kerrie

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

Words

I sat across the table from a man, considered an icon, known throughout the world for his work with the poor and needy.  I could not wait to hear what he had to say.  I was poised, ready to change, and experience, whatever was necessary to impact others as he had done.  His few words have spoke volumes into my life.

I know.  I can be wordy.  I love words, a lot of them. One thing I know is that words, good and bad, leave a mark on our soul.  And, a few words can change the way we live.

His few words were the kind of words that bring hope and make a difference: God has a plan. God never fails.  God will never leave you.  Live your life in God's plan and you will never fail, even, if, the whole world thinks you have failed.   Why?  God has a plan.

Those words have helped me to move through the darkest places of life.  He was right; no matter how bleak life becomes, it does not need to be the end of our story.  It's easy to think that failing will define the rest of  life.  But.  When we step into living with God, we step into living in His power that makes us not only conquerors of the stuff of life, but more than conquerors.

Consider:

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then can condemn? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:21-34, 37 TNIV).

The things we look at as failures will be used in our life.  Failures are not the end of the story; the words, telling us that we are more than conquerors, make it clear that God has a plan beyond what we see. God is with us.  God will not leave us. God is for us.  So. Who, or what, can be against us?

Press into the words, God has a plan.  

Every night after the household chores are done . . . put your feet up . . . breathe . . . review the day . . . and remember the words, you are more than a conqueror.  God has a plan.

Learning to Kickstart the day believing the words, God has a plan, which makes me more than a conqueror,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Lighten up. Laugh. Have some fun.

I know the little incidents of life appear to be nothing to people who are in the midst of managing the unthinkable and the devastating stuff of life.  The thing is . . . all facets of life  teach us . . . if we are open to the lesson to be learned.  Taking time to study the big or small, consequential or inconsequential, the rip-your-heart-apart or the moments-that-produce-a sarcastic-word-or-two will produce more thought and understanding to who God is and what He will do with our life.

One of those small, inconsequential, moments that produced at least two sarcastic words occurred a few years ago.  A new semester in seminary had begun.  The one day that no one is late to classes is the first day of a new semester.  At least for that one day, students respect the professor's time. I left earlier than usual, not knowing I should have left hours before.  I take being on time seriously. We were fairly new to our small community, McMinnville, situated in the heart of the Willamette Valley in Oregon.  I did not know that the main road leading out of town would come to a stop for hours if anything happened.  Ice happened.  Everything stopped.  So.  I followed others onto side roads.  For you to know, I am directionally challenged, which means I don't always know where I am going.

Time moved faster than I did.  By the time I had found my way to school, I was an hour late to my three-hour class. The parking lot was full since everyone shows up the first day.  I parked a few blocks away, grabbed my stuff, and ran, slipping and sliding until I reached the door, Disheveled, but present, I found the class. The professor was, of course,  in the middle of his lecture.  My entrance was big . . . I tripped . . . my lunch came out of its sack launching my apple into the air . . . my books slammed to the floor . . . and my laptop hung precariously from my bag.  The professor who had a dry sense of humor, kept on with his lecture as the students, all men, picked up my stuff . . . provided a place for me to sit . ... and plugged in my laptop.  Then.  The professor looked straight at me and said, "Are you ready?"  Bedlam.  Laughter.  Sarcasm.  Fun.

The lesson?  I need to take another look at my life with fresh eyes.  I need to take myself less seriously . . . lighten up . . . laugh . . . and have fun along the way. 

Consider the letter to the Philippians written by the Apostle Paul.  He talked about the joy of living in Christ, reminding the early church to have joy.  In it, he said:

 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NLT). 

Joy is essential to experiencing life to the fullest.  It means we must take our eyes off ourself and focus on Christ.

It means we are grateful for the life we have.  It means we trust God more than our circumstances.  And, it means that we enjoy the ride of life.  

Are you ready for more?  Have you taken life so seriously that you have forgotten what it means to enjoy and even have fun on the journey?   Christ came to free us from living a self-absorbed-pressurized-problem-focused life.   I am the first to say that there are more serious problems than ever in this world.  Even so.  We need to take a break along the way and enjoy the life we have received.  I like what Elton Trueblood said,  "Never trust a theologian who doesn't have a sense of humor."

Join me.  Take a break from the serious stuff today.  Look at life with fresh eyes.  Take yourself less seriously. Develop a healthy sense of humor.  Laugh at least once today.  And, have some fun.

Learning to Kickstart the day taking laughter breaks along the way,
Kerrie

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

Margin

An accident occurred yesterday.

Paramedics were called.

Surgery today.

Rehabilitation for weeks, if, not months.

As I walked away from the hospital, I knew if it were me, I would be focused on the things that needed to be done.  A crisis in life often forces us to stop, helping us to see what is necessary and unnecessary.   The thing is. . . it is necessary to leave margin in our day in order to stop . . . to breathe . . . and to be grateful for the gift of the day.  Margin is referred to as Sabbath in the scriptures, not crisis.  

Sabbath is about

rest . . .

renewal . . .

and

celebration. 

It is not only God-ordained to live one day of the week differently, but each day.  That said, rest and renewal is not about rules, but about the freedom that comes through living with God.

Consider.

 The Jewish leaders were angry when Christ did not follow their list of rules for the Sabbath: 

So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules (John 5:16, NLT)

They missed the point. The Jewish leaders had designed a set of rules that limited their relationship with God. We are not created to live under the burden of "rules" but to be free through the presence and peace of Christ:

So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law (Galatians 5:1, NLT).

Sabbath, or margin, brings restorative healing.  It is the picture of the man that was paralyzed for 38 years . . . until he met Jesus on the Sabbath . . . who told him to stand, pick up his mat, and walk:

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking! (John 5:9, NLT)

So.  I am once again in the process of learning to create margin in each day as well as one full day a week. Creating space in the day and week changes the way we live, freeing us from the pressures of life.  When the space is given to Christ . . . we are enabled to live well . . . to stand, to pick up our mat (the stuff we must manage in life) and to walk . . . as if it were the first time.  

Create space in your day, and week, to be free of the pressures, to-do-lists, and the stuff of life.  Take time to be aware of the gift God has given you . . . the day . . . the week . . . life.  Rest.  Be renewed.  Celebrate. 

Learning to Kickstart the day, and week, with margin,

Kerrie

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

Relax

There are certain people that impact our lives.
He was eighty-something, a pastor for sixty some years.
He had agreed to take on the job to find a way to start the healing process in a time of chaos and brokenness.
He taught us to confront the pain, rather than to hide it.
He taught us that pain is a part of our experience of living; how we manage pain will determine how we live life.
He told us that it took him a lifetime, forty years after he turned forty, to figure out how to start the process to be free of pain.

We listened.
We wanted to know.

He said to relax by remembering God is in control.  That was it.  To relax.  The world might be crashing down, but relax.

Consider how Jesus said it:

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light  (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT). 

Somehow it seems so hard to do, but in reality God has made a way for us to let go of the pain and pressures of life. Simple really.  We are not in control.  Bearing the pressures and weight of the world will do nothing but wear us down.

So. Take off the heavy burden that wears you down, trust God with it, and relax. 

Learning to Kickstart the day relaxed, remembering God is in control,
Kerrie

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

The Big Impact Of The Small Word, All

My work computer died.  Its demise began two months ago, the day before Thanksgiving.  A few days ago, it became painfully clear my computer had lost all of its ability to function.  My first thought, in my office, was, I don't have time for this. 

So, what?  The thing is . . .    no one has time . . . for any kind of interruption. And, I do know that to another person the problem of a broken computer is simple in comparison to what they face in life.  

But, there's an art to living, which is based on choosing how to respond to all things in life.  At some point, we make the choice  of whether or not we will trust God in all of the interruptions of life, with the belief that all things will be used for good and in all those things we can be more than a conqueror.  

Consider the big impact of the small word, all:

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 . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:28, 37, NIV)

God works for the good in all things.  Big.  Small.  Important.  Unimportant. 

And, there are some strong words to be considered, more than conquerors.  

So.  The story is not really the broken computer but learning to trust God in all things. 

Trust in all things is the key to being more than a conqueror.  It can't be done on our own, but through the presence of the power of Christ in us.  In Christ, we are empowered to trust God's work in all things.   

Choose to be more than a conqueror.

Trust God. 

Trust God in all things.

Trust God to work for your good in all things.

Learning to Kickstart the day as more than a conqueror, trusting God to work all things out for the good,

Kerrie

In The Moment

My friend told me that he had messed up and cheated on his wife.  I felt like I couldn't breathe.  It wasn't supposed to happen . . . to those kind of people  . . .  they seemed perfect.  People envied them.  What could I say, really?

I listened.  His only explanation was that he got caught up in the moment.  Caught up in the moment?  That's it?  I wanted to say, "Wait--a moment--you don't have another reason?  Think of something else.  You can't possibly think that being caught up in the moment is reason enough."

Since then, years later, I have realized it happens.  Anyone can do something in one moment that they regret the rest of their life.  It is what happens to broken people.  It is as if we forget there is more to life than that one moment.   Now, I respond, with less surprise and more understanding.  Yes.  There are consequences that will change the course of life.  But.  A moment, or more, does not need to define the rest of our life.

With God,  all things are possible.  I know from experience, in my own personal life and as a pastor, I have seen what God can do with our weakest and most stupid moments.  God has a different course for those who admit to their brokenness and their need for Him. Consider what happens when we live in the power of God's grace rather than in the power of our weakness:

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9, NASB).

The power of God's grace is ongoing and sufficient, taking all the moments we have been caught up in . . . the weakness . . . the stupidity . . . even the things which wreck and ruin lives . . . to strengthen, heal, and change us. That said, God's grace is not cheap and is not to be used as an escape clause, but a gift to be received.  The moments of life change when they are lived through the power of grace.

Take a moment. Realize God has something more through the power of Christ in you.  God's grace is sufficient.  Period.
With God, all things are possible.
Focus on what God will do through you in one moment by His grace.

Learning to Kickstart the day in the sufficiency of the grace of God,
Kerrie

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

Things That Have No Point

There are symptoms in our life that indicate a need to change:

Packed schedule.  Stressed.  Overwhelmed.

I am an expert when it comes to being too busy.   It is one of those things that I must constantly monitor in my life.  The things is . . . busyness is applauded in our culture . . . so there are not too many people that applaud a busy person that says “no.” It is almost like the “no” is a personal offense.   Over the years, I have had to learn that God has specific things for me to do and when I stray from those things and become overdone, it is not God’s doing but my own.

The people around me, those who I count on to walk through life with, will tell you that I have come a long way from trying to make everybody happy to not caring if someone is unhappy when my “no” has been God-directed.  Of course, there are seasons that are more busy than others, we just need to be smarter during those times so we don’t fall into the trap of living a stressed and overwhelmed life.  But.  We need to determine what is making us so busy.

There is no point to be running from one thing to the other, if, there is no point to what we are doing.  

It seems to me, that those of  us that “have” in this world often feel overwhelmed and stressed; however, the stress comes from being consumed with the stuff we have rather than from doing what really matters. The combined statistics of the average American's time  spent watching t.v. and being online, which includes social networking and games, is more than a full time job, and is on the increase every year.  (You can check the statistics out through places like the labor department, the Nielson Company, and search engines like Yahoo).   I can’t imagine looking back on my life and find that a good portion was spent watching t.v.  or being online or consumed with other stuff that holds little value.   None of us want to waste our time.

I need to take in account what is said in James:

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15, TNIV).

James said it.  Life is short. What we do with the time we are given matters.  God has a plan for what we do with our time. The Spirit of God will direct us and empower us to do what matters.  But.  When all is said and done, what we do with the time we have is a choice.

Refuse to do the things that have no point.

Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37, NLT)

Seek what God has planned for you.

(For I know the plans I have for you. Jeremiah 29: 11a)

Go where God directs you to go. He will provide a way. And, as you go, God will do something new in your life.

Behold, I will do something new,  Now it will spring forth;  Will you not be aware of it?  I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,  Rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43, NASB)

Do what God has for you to do through the power of the Spirit.

Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6)

Learning to Kickstart the day refusing to do the things that have no point,

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

Check

Time is all we can think about when we are busy.

We want to go slow; however, we have a packed schedule.     So.  A list-maker gets busy, writing a never-ending-to-do-list. To get things done, we begin in a rush, running before the light has barely broken through the darkness, to get something . . . anything . . .  crossed off the list.

One of the most rewarding tasks for us list-makers is to check-off a task.  Completed. Done.  Finished.  There is a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.  The thing is . . . checking off an item on the do-to-list will  not have long-lasting value, no matter how great, if it is not God-driven.  

How do we shift the way we use our time, which marks what we do with our life, so that the time we have used doesn't disappear but is invested because it is God-driven?

I love how Mark, who wrote the book of Mark, described a busy day in the life of Jesus in chapter one.  It was a check-off list of sorts of a God-driven day:
1.  Prepared and preached on the Sabbath in the Synagogue
2.  Healed a demon-possessed man who disrupted the service (Note:  It is one thing to deal with a difficult individual, but another to heal a demon possessed individual).
3.  Went to Andrew and Simon's home and healed Simon's mother-in-law.
4.  Ate dinner prepared by Simon Peter's mother-in-law.
5.  Opened the door after dinner to see a long line of sick and demon possessed people . . . healed the sick and removed demons . . . giving his time and energy into the night hours.
6.  Woke up early, while it was still dark, went to a solitary place and prayed.

Mark 1:35 is key to shifting the way we live in the time we have: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1: 35, TNIV).  

After the long day ended and a new day began, Jesus took time with Father, God.  Remember Jesus was fully human, and like us, needed to be directed by the Father.  It makes sense that we, too, need to seek God first to know what to do and where to go.  Think of the difference that checking off an item of a God-driven-to-do-list makes.  It comes down to a choice to being intentional with what we do with our time . . . which marks what we do with our life . . . and whether or not we will use up our time or invest it.

Live the day with a God-driven mindset. Pray first.  Find a solitary place to pray. Listen to God in the silence. Surrender your to-do-list to God.  Do what God says to do.  Go where God says to go.  Check-off the tasks on your to-do-list with the realization that it is the power of God that allows you to complete the task, great and small.  

Learning to Kickstart the day seeking God first . . . before doing anything with my time . . .  (check),
Kerrie

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

Stop Knocking . . . Go Through The Open Door

What would happen if you gave fifteen minutes of your time in the morning to prayer?  Or, what would happen if you added an extra fifteen minutes of prayer, if, you already pray in the morning?  No one knows the impact until they try it.  Busyness gets in the way of focusing on God; however,  I have realized that if I don’t begin my day with prayer there is a good chance I won’t be doing what God has planned for me to do or go where He has planned for me to go.

When you get down to it . . . down to the core of life . . . prayer is about trusting God for all things. God is present and at work all the time. The thing is . . . we often fail to see the presence and the work of God when we are consumed with getting through the day, And, we miss what more God has planned for us.

Jesus said it:  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8, NKJV)

It makes sense to pray . . . to ask, seek, and knock . . . and to realize there is a time to stop knocking and go through the open door. Jesus did not say that maybe a door would be opened but it will be opened.

So.  When you get down to it prayer is about going through the door that God opens.

Take fifteen minutes of your morning.  Ask. Seek. Knock.  Then go for it . . . go through the door . . . and experience what more God has for you.

Learning to Kickstart the day in prayer, going through the open door,

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Open Door

As a pastor I hear behind the scenes stories of life.  There was a time that I would be surprised when those people who looked like they had conquered life told me they were up to their eyeballs in messy and hard situations.  I have learned that people are people and desperately need God.

What I know is today is a new day with an open door to a new beginning. I have been given the gift to tell them the important things that make a difference when we are faced with the messy and hard things of life:


God has something more for you. (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

So . . .  this is a good time to believe God and walk in hope rather than hopelessness.

God has and will continue to do a good work in you.  (Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6, NIV)

So . . .  this is a good time to believe God and walk in His good work rather than in your limitations.

God will bring you to a place of new beginnings.  (See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19, NIV)

So . . .  this is a good time to believe God and look at the new thing that will spring up in the wasteland of life.  

God does not place fear on you or in you. (For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

So . . . this is a good time to let go of the fear and walk in the power, love, and self-discipline that God has given you. 

It is nothing less than a miracle to know that we don’t have to be stuck in the messy and hard places of life.   And, as I watch people believe God and experience a transformation in their life . . . I am not only encouraged . . . but amazed at the love of God for you and I.

Today is a new day.  Believe God.  Walk through the open door of new beginnings. 

Learning to Kickstart the day walking through the open door of new beginnings,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

It's Going To Be Okay

I love snow.  If, I could will it to be so, there would be several snow days each year.  I am not sure of all the reasons that snow is so significant to me.  But.  It is.

My childhood is framed by snowy winters that have yielded a series of stories for my own children to hear.  Which, yes, includes  walking two miles in three feet of snow to school.  I never saw it as hardship . . .  while there may be some exaggeration to my stories . . . perfect memories of the sun shining on the snow drifts  casting reflections of God-colors on the land . . . were formed in my mind.   Once the snow began to cover our town, the harsh reality of the struggles of life seemed less pressing as if peace had arrived.  Life slowed down, we were more intentional of what we did and where we went with the increased challenge of inclement weather.

My children will tell you about the excitement in our own home when the snow began to fall  The first falling flake triggered a domestic extravaganza before we went outside to sled down the street, make a snowman, and pelt one another with snow balls.  The atmosphere of our home offered comfort and warmth as we shook off the snow and removed our wet clothes so we could sip on the hot chocolate which simmered on the stove, taste the homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven,  and play monopoly.  By the way, while the description of this perfect picture of home may be a normal for you, we most often were in a rushed-hurry-up mode . . . except for . . . the times it snowed.  The reason? The snow changed our household routine allowing us more time to focus on each other and life at home.

In my perspective, snow is God's reminder: it's going to be okay, despite the challenges of life.

It makes me think about how the Exodus people looked forward to snowing manna . . .  that came despite their past decisions that led them to a season of wandering in the desert . . . and became their daily reminder that God continued to work in the details, had not forgotten them, and would make all things in their life come together for good.
Can you imagine the excitement when the first flakes of the manna would hit the ground or how it felt to
wake up to the freshly fallen manna every morning?
Aside from the beauty, the people could visually see the provision of God covering them.

The manna was a real message, as timely today as it will be decades from now: "It's going to be okay!" ~When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was.  Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they need (Exodus 16: 14-16, TNIV).  

The Exodus people had snow days for forty years.  Manna, snowing down from heaven into the desert, revealed God was present, even in the hard places of life,  and would provide for their needs, covering them with a tangible peace, changing the way they lived.  The thing is . . . I want to live each day . . . as if it is a snow day . . . anticipating daily manna from heaven.

Slow down.  Pay attention to the presence and provision of God. Trust God for daily snowing manna that will sustain you and give you peace.  Remember with God, regardless of what you are facing, the details of the circumstances of your life will work out, and it's going to be okay.

Learning to Kickstart the day with anticipation of snowing manna . . . knowing with God . . . it's going to be okay.

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED) (Exodus 16: 14-16, TNIV).

Dancing In The Rain

 When my friend told me he did not have much time to live, I could not believe it . . . did not want to believe it . . . and hoped he did not believe it.  We were young and healthy.  It seemed like we had so much time ahead.  But, somehow he knew.
So.
He asked some of us to dance in the rain.  We did.  At the time, it seemed random; however, looking back I see that it was part of his legacy.  It was as if it released us to be free in the moment and grateful to be alive.

A few months later, he was hit on an Oregon highway by a drunk driver.  He was injured, more than we knew at the time. We sat and talked on a rainy afternoon as he lay in his hospital bed.  His words were memorable;  he said to consider the day as a gift of life to be experienced . . . celebrated . . . and remembered.  And, he reminded me to take time to dance in the rain.  He took his last breath on earth a few days later.

The thing is . . . I want to do more dancing in the rain and less complaining about the rain.  

It makes the words of Moses more poignant in Deuteronomy.  He faced the end of his life, wanting the people he led to get what life was about and how to live in the best way:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,  for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31: 6, TNIV). 

Moses explained what we are to be and not to be: 
1. Be strong.
2. Be courageous.
3. Do not be afraid.
4. Do not be terrified.
And then Moses qualified why we can live in this way:
1. God is personal ( "Your God" or Yahweh)
2. Your God will go with you.
3. Your God will never leave you.
4. Your God will never forsake you.

In other words, our decision to be strong, courageous, and to not be afraid or terrified is based on the unrelenting presence of God rather than on circumstances of the day.  When you get down to it, Moses was saying to live to the fullest by trusting God.  It is God who gives reason to experience, celebrate, and remember the gift of the day.
And.
Trusting God gives reason to dance in the rain.

Trust God today rather than the circumstances.  Determine to be strong and courageous and intentionally experience, celebrate, and remember the gift of the day. Invite others to dance in the rain.

Learning to Kickstart the day by dancing in the rain,

Kerrie

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

Hurrying . . . a waste of time

Mornings were chaotic; no one focused on  one another. The goal was to get out the door to where they needed to go.  Quick good-byes became a habit.
An accident occurred. A father and daughter died.  Another daughter was severely injured. The family of five became three.

Later, my friend said that hurrying wasted their time together.

Why do we hurry? 

If, you feel the guilt when you read the story, then, please know I am right there with you.  I have spent a lot of my time in a hurry. Being in a hurry has become a way of life for most of us. But.  Do we understand how being in a hurry wastes the  time we have to live?  It seems to me the perception of hurrying is that we are taking care of business.  The thing is . . . when we are in a hurry we are distracted from the business of life that really matters . . . and we have wasted time. 


Taking the focus off what is really important has been a problem throughout history.  Story after story is recorded about how people have been distracted and focused on things that did not matter in the end. It really is the story of the people in the book of Isaiah.  The people gradually lost their love for God as they focused more on the stuff of life rather than the Source of life.  Then in 586 B.C . . . . life changed . . . Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem . . . burned the Temple . . . invaded the land . . . killed . . . enslaved . . . drove the people from their homes . . . their lives were devastated.

Isaiah redirected the focus of life. So. Let's wise up in the Word of God:

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)

The people were in captivity. Hurry . . . busyness . . . the urgent can put us in captivity.  Take a look at how the words of Isaiah applies to the issue of hurrying: 

The LORD is the everlasting God:

Awareness of the presence of God requires intentionality, which is missed when we are in a hurry.  The effort to recognize His presence changes how we perceive and manage life.

Take an intentional God-break today. Focus on God. It is the presence of God, His Spirit, that reveals what is important and matters.

The Creator of the ends of the earth:
Those of us in the western world have become people that hurry, missing what is important.  The thing is . . . humanity has been created for more . . . to not only know God but to be in an ongoing, participating, engaged relationship with the Creator of the ends of the earth. 

Take time to pray, engage with God, asking Him to direct how you do life.

He does not faint or grow weary:
Whether we know it or not, God is always working on our behalf. What we see now . . . in this dimension . . is not all of the story . . . there is so much more going on.  Ephesians 1:18 tells us that we are given eyes to see.   I don't want to look back on my life and see that I missed what God was doing. I want to see what God wants me to see now.

Ask God to let you see what is important through eyes of faith.

His understanding is unsearchable:
God understands everything . . . waiting for you and I to come to Him . . . never in a hurry.  When we are in a hurry, our focus is on the stuff rather than on God and who and what He has given us to focus on.

Determine to slow down and focus on God and who and what you are to focus on.

Remember  life is fragile . . . be attentive and intentional to what is important . . .  through the presence of God. Refuse to waste the time you have to live.

 Learning to Kickstart the day slowed down, paying attention to God, intentionally aware of the gift of time,

Kerrie

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

Heros of the Hard Stuff of Life

I think one of the best motivators to live well is to spend time with people that will do nothing less than live the best life possible. I sat for several hours listening to individuals tell their stories of rejection  and woundedness and subsequent redemption and transformation.   They, then, underscored  . . . as if it were a new law to be put  into action   . . .   they would do nothing less but live their whole life serving God.

They weren't bitter or lost but rather they had intentional passion for life.  The thing is . . . it made me wonder what my problem is . . . why do I complain or think negatively?  After being with people that have gone through extreme difficulties and then proceeded to come out the other side with an incredible positive view and relentless passion. . . I needed to ask myself . . .  what is my problem?

 I too have had some hard things happen . . . but . . . these heroes of the hard stuff of life made me realize I had no reason to complain.  At all. 

Instead of asking the "why" questions . . ."Why me?" . . . "Why now?" . . . "Why?" . . . I need to ask where  the hard stuff of life will take me . . .  realizing God will use all things in my life to complete His good work in me.

The Apostle  Paul wrote some letters to explain these principles centuries ago:

He wrote about how God will take all the details of our life and work them out for good--"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). Seriously, we can look at every circumstance and know in faith that God will work in all things for good.  Knowing God will do good for His purpose is a  powerful to thought when life becomes  stinkin' hard.

And,  he wrote to the Phillipi church and told them God would take the good work He began and bring it all to completion.

 " . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"  (Philippians 1:6, NLT). So, no matter what is going on in life, we can be confident God will use every detail for good, completing us to be the way we were created to be for His purpose.

  The thing is . . . I am not saying these heroes of the hard stuff of life did not have cracks in their armor or did not deal with imperfection or downright ugly behavior . . . but . . . they got to the other side and were better for all they experienced because of being empowered and strengthened by the presence and power of God.  I mean they had such enthusiasm, the kind that is missing in so many individuals.

The thing is . . . the transformation began when they entered a relationship with God.  Look at the small print in Romans 8:28, you will see the promise is  for those who love God. Some people might resent the stipulation that they must love God to experience the hard stuff of life being worked out for good; however, God does not impose His work in us until we willingly enter into a relationship with Him.  And . . . then . . . it is a process that leads us to a purposeful  and passionate life according to God's purpose.


Evaluate your  life.   Love God.  Trust Him to use all things, including the hard stuff, to transform you.
Rest.  God will take every detail and work it out for good, regardless of how it seems right now..
Remember.  God is the Finisher.  He will bring the good work  to complete you into what you are created to be and to do.
Renew.  Live with a new passion and purpose through the good work of God.

Learning to Kickstart the day knowing God will work all things out, no matter the problem, for good according to His purpose,
Kerrie

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

Time To Change

It is time to change some things in my life, after all it is the New Year.  I am not sure why, but many of us plan to make a significant change in the New Year.  We change our diet,  exercise program,  organizational regime, job, and even relationships as if we believe that we are destined to do something new when we begin a New Year. 

So. I have made my list of goals for the New Year.  Each goal this year is centered on keeping my life balanced.  Which by the way, will be somewhat of a change.  Sometimes change can freak me out for awhile; however, the more I  get into the rhythm of the change . . . like my top three changes, which are diet, exercise, and organization . . . the more I know I can and want to do it.

The key is making changes that God has made clear that I need to make. Whether it is in prayer, meditation, or talking to people that I trust . . . God reveals the things that I need to change . . .  and God is the one that will do the new work in me as I align myself with His will.  I like how the Message describes the power of the changes God makes:

^16-21This is what God says,
   the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
   who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
   they lie down and then can't get up;
   they're snuffed out like so many candles:
"Forget about what's happened;
   don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
   It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert,
   rivers in the badlands . . . .(Isaiah 43: 16-19a, The Message)

When I know God is in the change . . . I can have confidence that He will build a road through the obstacles in my life  . . .  and will summon divine armies to battle my battles.  Because of the work of God,  I can forget what I have done in the past and look forward to what changes God is doing in me.
So.
Welcome the changes God has for you.

God is about making things in your life brand-new.
Look.  God will make a road through the obstacles, fight your battles, and move you forward. 

Learning to Kickstart the day excited for the changes God is making in me,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer ©2011 All Rights Reserved)

Broken

A friend taught me about the value of change through pain. His wife left him during a New Year's celebration because of their constant struggles, which mostly centered around money.  A few weeks after they divorced, she married a man with a lot of money.  I mean a lot.

My friend went through a time of . . .
brokenness . . .
transition  . . .
and growth. . . .
that led to a sustaining change.

I admire him, wanting the kind of courage required to face and move through the depth of his brokenness to a positive and sustaining change. My friend is stronger than ever; however, he will never forget his place of brokenness.

The pain of his wife leaving for a man with more money could have changed him into a bitter and lost man.  So. He allowed the pain to produce positive change in his behavior. I have lived long enough to tell you that less pain than my friend went through can blind us to the truth that some of our own behaviors contribute to our painful experiences.  Jesus told us that the enemy of our life wants to take our life away but that He, Jesus, wants to add to it, giving us a full life.  The thief of life will use anything to steal, kill and destroy us.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10, NIV)

We have been given the power to choose how we will face the pain of brokenness which will ultimately leave us strong and courageous or weak and bitter.  We can either let the thief of life steal any possibility of living a full life or stop his work through the liberating courage we are given through Christ. The direction of our life changes through the way we allow the pain to direct us. 

Choose the full life that God has for you, regardless of how others behave, speak, or act.  Refuse to let the enemy of life to direct you to a bitter and lost life. Begin the day by focusing on God.  Intentionally ask God to direct you through the pain. Trust God to use the pain to change whatever it was that brought you to the place of brokenness. Do what is necessary to change. Trust God to walk you through the pain to place of healing and wholeness. Believe God will use the pain to strengthen and even bless you in life-changing growth.

Learning to Kickstart the day facing the pain of brokenness through Christ,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2011 All Rights Reserved)

Be light . . a light-bearer . . . generous with your life

My friend has left her home and job to be with her father in his last days on earth.  She has taken on an incredible task, the task of ushering her father from this dimension of life on earth to  the dimension of life in heaven. The thing is . . .. she is there not only because she loves her father . . . but because God has directed her to be present. Her presence has changed her father's last moments.

 The world is different when we purposefully live as God says to live.

 I like how the Message says it:
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.(Matthew 5: 14-16, The Message)

The thing is . . . we are created to live purposefully . . . on earth and in heaven. It is a new day and a new year to be more purposeful and intentional to live the way God tells us to live:
    Be light . . . God has put you here today to be light.
    Reveal the presence of Christ through your words, behavior, and actions . . . bringing out the God-colors in the world.
    Tell people about Christ. . .  the presence of Christ in you is not a secret to be kept . . . go public.
    Be a light-bearer. . . let people see the light of Christ in you.
    Go where God says to go . . . it is through Christ that we are positioned as if we are on a light stand to shine His light to those around us.
    Be generous with your life . . .  open up to others so others open up to the generosity of  God.

Learning to Kickstart the new day with the purpose of being light to a dark world,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2011 All Rights Reserved)