A "daddy" for the night.....

Today's blog is a bit different. I just want to briefly share a story that has completely touched my heart and forever changed my nine year old. 

Kielee Joy will be ten this year. Yes ten,  the dreaded double my baby is no longer a baby digits. Truly a bittersweet age. She has surpassed the little girl stage and is wildly flourishing into a beautiful, Jesus loving,  gentle spirited, kind-hearted, determined, wise beyond her years young lady. I'm grateful and proud to be her mom. With that being said, most know Kielee has had an absentee father her entire life. I'll make it clear I'm not bashing him, only stating an obvious fact. When the annual father daughter date night at church was announced she was saddened. Then the many, so many questions arose, of why he wasn't here. I why he doesn't want her. I answered them the best I could without amplifying or minimizing her concerns and emotions. This is something that is a regular occurrence and a temporary fix. A week or so prior to this "date night" a lovely sweet spirited, giving couldn't asked for a better pastor and substitute "daddy" called asking my permission to accompany Kielee to the father daughter date night. With my permission he then asked Kielee for the honor to accompany her to this special event. Even more special because Kielee had never attended a father daughter anything, ever! He drove up in a corvette he borrowed for the occasion. What girl wouldn't love that?!? Picking her up at the door like a gentleman should. Gave her a very heartfelt special one of kind designed gift, just for Kielee. The card its self had a beautifully hand written straight to any girls heart message. He opened her door, helped her in the car and off they went. I had helped at the event, in the kitchen and periodically "Spied", (he,he). I watched with tear filled eyes and a big smile as she soaked up every ounce of what having a daddy is like. She was truly on cloud nine. They ate, talked and dance the night away. When arriving home after magical night he walked her to the door, stating what a wonderful night he had. After he left she began telling me "we drove around in the corvette, he pulled out my chair like on tv". I then asked why she was so nervous prior to the "date" she said something that would break the hardest of hearts "I was afraid I wouldn't be enough!"  I asked her how she felt at that moment, after the night ended, her reply  "it was magical!"  With that statement I have to give a huge shout out to our Pastor  Joe Finfrock for making my nine year old feel like the princess she is, and letting her know she is enough just as she is. Created and perfectly designed by God himself. The best "Daddy" and godly example for any little girl.

Sunday Funnies........ Enjoy!!

 

 

 

Casey asked her Sunday School teacher a question: “If the people of Israel are Israelites, and the people of Canaan are Canaanites, are the people of Paris called Parasites?”

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A Sunday School teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead.  She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama.  Then she asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?   A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, “I think I’d throw up!”

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The Sunday School teacher had just told her class the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus fleeing into Egypt to escape Herod, and then she asked her students to draw a picture about the story.  She came to a little boy’s drawing and was slightly puzzled to see he had drawn a picture of an airplane so she asked him to explain.  Joey responded, “Well, this is the “Flight into Egypt”.  Here in the back of the plane are Mary, Joseph and Jesus.”

 The teacher pointed to the stick figure leaning out of the cockpit of the plane and asked, “Who is this person?”

“Oh,”  Joey responded, “That’s Pontius the Pilot!”
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Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calles it a poem, and they give him $25."       The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, and they give him $200."       The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight men to collect all the money!"

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One Sunday morning, the Pastor noticed little Alex was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church.  The plaque was covered with names and small American flags were mounted on either side of it.  The seven-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the Pastor walked up, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, “Good morning, Alex.”

“Good morning, Pastor.” replied the young man, still focused on the plaque.  “Pastor McGhee, what is this?”  Alex asked.

“Well son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”

Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque.  Little Alex’s voice was barely audible when he asked, “Which service, the 8:30 or the 11:00?”

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Finding one of her students making faces at others on the playground, Mrs. Smith stopped to gently reprove the child.  Smiling sweetly, the Sunday School teacher said, “Bobby, when I was a child, I was told that if I made ugly faces, it would freeze and I would stay like that.”

Bobby looked up and replied, “Well, Mrs. Smith, you can’t say you weren’t warned.”



 

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A little girl became restless as the preacher’s sermon dragged on and on.  Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, “Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?”

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A six-year old was overheard reciting the Lord’s Prayer at a church service: “And forgive us our trash passes as we forgive those who passed trash against us.”

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The Sunday School teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal.  She explained how Elijah had built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces and laid it upon the altar.  And then Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar.  He had them do this four times.  “Now,” said the teacher, “can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?”

A little girl raised her hand and replied enthusiastically, “To make gravy!”

 

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A Sunday School teacher asked her preschool class as they were on their way to the church service, “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?”

One bright little girl replied, “Because people are sleeping.”

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A mother was teaching her three-year old the Lord’s Prayer.  For several evenings at bedtime the little girl repeated the prayer after her mother.  One night she said she was ready to say it by herself.  The mother listened with pride as her child carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us some E-mail.  Amen.”
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The Sunday School teacher was describing that when Lot's wife looked back at Sodom she turned into a pillar of salt, when Bobby interrupted. "My mommy looked back once while she was driving," he announced, "and she turned into a telephone pole."
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***** Going over our church finances I found a receipt from a local paint store signed by someone named Christian. I wasn't aware of anyone buying paint, so I called the store to point out its mistake.       "I'm sorry," I told the manager, "but there are no Christians here at First Baptist Church." ********

 

Parents: If you want your children to grow up into Godly, healthy happy functioning adults in society, then give them an example of what that may look like (your best shot, anyway)

As a new mother-in-law, I once again realize how much about parenting I do NOT know. I am not now. Nor, have I ever claimed to be the perfect parent. I know there will be some parents whether single or married who will disagree with todays blog. And, that is ok. As you read you will find out some of why I know I am not a perfect parent. Things I could have done differently.

We all strive to have children who are Godly, healthy, happy, smart, funny, forgiving individuals who offer unconditional love. Ones who love and accept themselves. The uniquely flawed imperfect individuals God created. I've never understood how people can tell their children, "do as I say, not as I do". This phrase does not fly at our house at all. Do as you would want your children to do. Become, the parent you want in your children for your grandchildren.

I know from first hand experience it way easier said, then done. When a job is a top priority job, it usually isn't an easy job.  The old saying "to much is given (blessed), much is required". Is a very true statement. I have been blessed with five (5) of the most important and beautiful of God's greatest creations.  I've been blessed much therefore, I am required to give much. Much of myself, my life and my time. This starts with the ministry God has placed in my home. The ministry of motherhood.

This ministry is not an easy feat. It's the toughest ministry by far God has called me into. Yes, I say called. Not all women or men are called into this ministry.   I know that God never intended for our children to be raised by single parents. God intended for a loving married couple striving to be all God has called them to be, and to raise godly children. For various reasons there are thousands of single parents. Sometimes it is divorce. Sometimes it is a death of a spouse. Others it is children born out of wedlock. Our choice or not. Whatever the reason is, we have a greater calling and greater ministry.  The ministry of single parenting!!!

I am sure God does not require parenting perfection from us. He only requires a heart willing to serve him. Through parenting. Not only by taking our children to church on Sundays and Wednesdays. Nor, by our repetitious meal prayers. But a heart that serves daily.  Not, dictating to our children what God requires from us. Not controlling all aspects of their lives. By, living our lives in such a way we are examples of God's grace, love, discipline and forgiveness. By educating them biblically and prayerfully. Allowing, them room to make the mistakes, that will bring them closer to God and his will for their lives.

Because of my seriousness of this subject.  There are things I chose not to do; such as date. Why?  I do not feel like God has chosen for me to marry right now. Therefore, I do not date. I mean would I spend my days test driving cars, or looking for bathtubs if I were not intending on buying either?

I chose to pay my tithes. When I cash my check I automatically put 10% of gross in the back of my wallet. Then I allow them to place my tithing envelope in the offering plate.  I sometimes when feel called to do so prayerfully fast. I do let my children know I am fasting. I do asked them not to tell anyone. Why? Because, my family has reaped the benefits numerous times due to faithful tithing and prayerful fasting. And, I want them to see and know first hand. To encourage them to do the same.

If I am offended for some reason, (normally I have to check my heart) when this happens. . Regardless of what my pastor, his wife or other church leaders have said or done. I do not EVER let my children know. My family has previously been hurt by another church. Not just by the pastor, his wife and children. But, others in leadership as well. Other congregants too. Looking back God has shown me ways I could have protected my children. Ways I could have defused some of  the hurt.  The hurt would have still been there for me. However, I could have saved my children from some of the same hurt. This type of hurt is spiritually damaging. It is a type of hurt is a deep aching hurt. One that only God himself can heal.  So, lesson learned.

  I will give you a list of things I have either done in our home, or interned on incorporating into our home. A bright side of single parenting is....... I do not have to pray then discuss with my husband. I pray and carry it out, with Gods help of course. So, there are upsides :) and, of course eating microwavable foods daily (ha, ha).

1. I take my children to church. (yes, we do miss services)
2. I pay my tithes, And require the same from my children.
3. I pray in front of and for my children. Encouraging them to do the same.
4. I worship daily, Mostly with music. All, my children love music. So, this helps.
5. I let them make mistakes. Then explain with scripture how a different outcome could have taken place. I DO NOT degrade them with condensing remarks or a judgmental attitude.
6. I am nosey!!! If I don't know who, what, when, where. They don't go, Period!
7. If I meet a family and feel uneasy. They don't go, period!
8. They have chores.
9. They have choices. They chose NOT to do chores. They are choosing the consequences.
10. I don't talk bad about their absentee fathers. I want them to come to their own conclusions. (would I love too, YES sometimes!).
11. DO NOT for any reason, bad mouth my pastor, his wife, children or other leaders at church. Well our church in general. (this is very dangerous, spiritually).

Pray your day is blessed. And, remember when called to the ministry of parenting. None of us are perfect. Nor, will we ever be. We just have to prayerfully raise our children to love the Lord. And, know no matter how far we or they fall. God has an open arms policy.


God is great, love is a gift and coffee is your friend,

Hollie.

ThE AcCePtAbLle SiN oF GlUtToNy

 

Before we began remember, I am guilty 100% of what I am going to blog about today. When God started dealing with me on it and initially I was offended, Upset and somewhat angry. So, I am expecting nothing less from my readers. I want to be a vessel. I want God to use me. Not for my own praise and glory, strictly for his. This applies to all aspects of my life. In my health, at work, as a mother, at the gym and as a Christian. One of the things I have been praying about is my weight. In the process of seeking his face regarding the matter he has revealed to me my heart, and my issues with this journey to fitness. If you noticed the tile of my Facebook page and blog was changed. It now is Finding Faith and Fitness. Yes, I added the faith. I have learned the journey to fitness if done the right way, the godly way cannot be done without the journey to faith as well. So hold on I will share with you what God has shown me.

I truly believe gluttony is the one universal acceptable sin. Next to sexual impurity. Most people when they hear the word gluttony they automatically think, FOOD! I know I always have. If you think about it, the majority of people in the Christian faith especially Pentecostal faith preach hell fire and brimstone on adultery, murder, and lying. If it’s mentioned in the bible it’s brought to light and preached against. However, they leave out gluttony, why? There are so many that are overweight. I’ve literally seen them preach till they are red in the face about sin. Sin is sin there is not a degree of sin. All sin will send you to hell. Not just a select few. So, if gluttony is considered one of the “seven deadly sins” why are so many pastors, their wives and congregants overweight? Because we don’t preach about it. It would be sinful if they did, why? That would make you a hypocrite, right?!  I’ve done some studying regarding the definition of gluttony. My eyes were opened. To the fact gluttony does not have to revolve around food. Even though I am going to focus on the part of gluttony that does revolve around food.

Food Isn't the Real Problem. The root of every sin is a disaffection for God, and Gluttony is based on the lie that food is more pleasurable than God.

Did you know the beginning of every year we as a nation resolve to lose weight? According to google.com it is the most common New Year’s resolution.  To be healthier. To try the latest magical diet fad or diet pill. To incorporate a specific exercise regimen into our lives. We spend money on gym memberships. We buy the latest exercise equipment. We sign up with Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and Nutrisystem. I think you get my point.  We get off to a great start. By spring break the majority of us are no longer on the ban wagon to obtaining a healthier life. We’ve fallen off wagon due to so many different excuses. Luckily when we fall off we still have that extra weight to cushion our fall. And we can guarantee our best friends Ben & Jerry, little Debbie and Hostess is readily available to pick us back up. I know I can relate to this. See resolutions do not work and I am going to give my opinion on why.

Resolutions Are Powerless

That is why our resolutions are powerless to change the heart. We need more than principles, diet fads, magic pills and personal trainers. The good news for the glutton is that acceptance and change aren’t based on our resolutions and effort (Gal. 2:15–21), but on God’s gracious resolution and effort to make us his workmanship in Christ (Eph. 2:8–10). The only resolution that matters is God’s gracious resolution to give sinners himself through the blood-stained cross and empty tomb. The gospel of Christ offers us all we need to satisfy the hungry soul, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (John6:35).

How to overcome gluttony? It is simple, not easy but simple.

1.            Start with prayer, sincere payer! Ask God to show you where you are failing him in by giving into gluttony. Is it indulging in the internet, television, food, caffeine, sweets, gossip? Are you obsessing over calorie counting, fat counting or carbohydrate counting? Yes, all these things can be considered gluttony.  Anything causing you to succumb to gluttony.

2.            Once God lays it on your heart, ask him to forgive you of your sin of gluttony or over indulgence in anything that takes away from a godly walk. Ask him to cleanse your heart and make it pure of all sin including the sin of gluttony. Call the sin by name. (And because you said the prayer does not mean the temptation will be gone. Satan will rear his ugly head and try to tempt you again and again) and you will have to pray daily sometimes several times daily. It’s ok! Make sure when you’re praying and seeking God’s face for help that you have the right motives. If you you’re praying to be thin to look sexier, to dress immodestly any other reason than improving a temple a vessel for the kingdom. Most likely not going to happen or maybe even harder. Pray with a sincere pure heart is a Godly heart. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

3. Keep a journal. I am not talking about a time consuming what you ate today journal. A prayer journal and yes document your weight if needed. Journal notices you have changed in yourself (spiritual, physical, emotional and/or mental). I promise when you look back you will be glad you did.

4.  Never talk about yourself negativity. Your scale does not define you. Your identity in Christ defines you. Only speak positivity over yourself. I don’t care if you put sticky notes on your mirrors in your bathroom, car sun visor, on your night stand reminding you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. That you are royalty as a daughter/son of the one true king. “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21

5. Stop dwelling on fat/calories/carbohydrates, eat what you want until you are comfortable not full. Don’t eat out of boredom. God made us with internal gauges that tell us when were hungry.  Utilize your internal God given gauges. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Don’t’ get me wrong I struggle with all these daily. I am not perfect and I do not claim to be. I have so much to learn and so much more I want to learn. I just felt impressed to share this with you today. And, I pray this blog today may bless someone who is on the journey to faith and fitness.  

Blessings & Love,

Hollie Kate

When Satan’s lies can’t get to my heart, God peace fills me up!

 

 

 This being November 18^th it makes me realize I only have one month until I am 36. I started to think. Did I accomplish everything I set out to or hoped I would accomplish in my 35^th year of life? Did I do everything I could to further his kingdom? However shameful it is, it is very simple. No, I didn’t!  The shameful part is, I cannot blame it on anyone other than myself. And there is only one reason I did not. It is the reason most of us don’t accomplish all we can for his kingdom. Not for lack of funds, not for lack of support, not for lack of knowledge, but the simplest of things F-E-A-R. A small four letter word that controls so much of us.  I am always telling my children when they are fearful remember and say out loud “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Yes, it is easier to direct my children in this than to apply it to my own life.  The easier said than done concept. And then there is the part of Psalm 23 that we all have known since preschool. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” Psalm 23:4. I don’t care if you are Baptist, AOG, Pentecostal, apostolic, catholic or Methodist. This is a scripture we ALL know. And we have all known since we started memorizing scriptures as toddlers. Why do we fear? Why do we fear only when it applies to religion, church or our relationship with Christ? We can make a toast at weddings, at birthday and anniversary parties. We can even get up in a room full of strangers and sing karaoke. But, when it comes to praying aloud, singing or publicly speaking about his grace, his love and his mercy. Even sharing our testimonies we crumble like a brittle cookie.  That huge ball of fear, takes over and we stutter, were tongued tied, we sweat, and we cannot bring ourselves to say it. A few reasons we fear…

1.       Fear of not sounding as eloquent as the person before or after us. (even if they’ve been doing it for years)

2.       Someone may laugh at us.

3.       We are sure someone in the crowd is judging us. (people we’ve never met and may never meet)

4.       If people hear or testimony or our view on Christ, then we will have to change the way we act outside of church. (talk, jokes, actions and sometimes attire)

5.       If I give my testimony then people will know all dirty secrets from my past.

6.       Fear of no longer being accepted by non-believers. ( I have dear friends who are non-believers)

7.       Oh man, then we have to start listening to Christian music. Or we can’t see the rated “R” movie.

8.       What if we make mistakes people will judge us.

 

I know all these things have gone through minds of Christian people everywhere. I know they have all at some point they’ve gone through my mind. Sometimes one at a time. Other times my mind if flooded with all eight. It is not a shame or a sin to think these things. The shame and sin in it is to let it consume you and live in fear. God never intended for his people to live in fear.  Our freedom comes in and through Christ.

 Romans 6:22

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

2 Corinthians 3:17  

 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galatians 5:1

 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

1 Peter 2:16  Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves.

 

I am not saying if you are a Christian you will never make mistakes. You will never fear, you will make fall and to think you won’t you are only fooling yourself and giving Satan an open do to help you fear, fall and make mistakes. Once you repent and ask God to take over your life that does not mean it will be easier. Sometimes it is harder. Yes… I said it the dreaded word “harder.” You then become a threat to Satan. And he only attacks those who threaten his dark kingdom. In John 10:10 is says it all “The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have [it] abundantly”.

Christ not only wants, but requires us to set aside our fear and embrace our freedom. That freedom we can only find in him.  Give that testimony, sing that song and give the lesson, say that prayer. Sometimes this is better than a hallelujah. Remember when you fear to move forward in God’s will for your life you are robbing yourself of Joy, peace, happiness and opportunities.  I don’t care if it’s speaking, teaching, singing or serving don’t let fear take hold. Try first tell Satan out loud to “leave me alone, in the name of Jesus.  Tell Satan “you have no place around me” (Telling him out loud is important because he can’t read our minds) Then pray to God, asking for the blood of Jesus to cover your mind, heart and spirit. Glynnis says it best “I’ve asked God to cover my heart, mind, my pulse, my thoughts, my family, and my home, everything I can think of, with the blood of Jesus.  When Satan’s lies can’t get to my heart, God peace fills me up” - Glynnis Whitwer

 

Revelation 12:11, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

 

And remember when you are not sure what or how to pray. Pray the word of God. Pull out your Bible and just pray start with Psalm 23. If you do not have a bible email me. I will mail you one, today!! God does not require your prayers, speech, teachings or songs to be eloquent only sincere.  I pray that this may bless someone. Help them to overcome their fear and move forward in God’s will for their life.

 

Remember life is short, God is good and coffee is your friend,

 

Hollie Kate.