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)