Disagreeing is not permission to disassociate! EL

WEDNESDAY’S WORD

Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Have you ever been in a discussion that suddenly got heated, but you were white-knuckling through it to keep your cool?  How do we throw some water on the heat of the words?

Welcome to Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United.

So I was in the midst of such a conversation, but before I tell you the ending, let me give you some backdrop so you can understand the context: I had gone to a conference for women and had taken someone very special to me. After a sweet time of worship, the first speaker got up there and began sharing the purpose of the whole conference, to begin a movement wherein we would build others, serve and sow in a time of so much confusion, and she went on to state homosexuality as the biggest part of that confusion. It was like she had an arrow for this group/behavior and she was aiming for a bulls-eye!

Well, this person who was with me is in between that lifestyle, has lived that lifestyle for more than 20 years – as a result of being physically, emotionally and sexually abused. And that’s not to excuse her behavior/choice but to understand it. I dropped the gavel a long time ago on such controversial issues and let God deal with them for He is the only one who knows their heart. It’s not my battle or my call; my only call is to love them.

The words definitely hit her heart and not in a good way, but she exerted some self-control. She said she knew to take what she could from the speaker(s) and to leave the rest on the floor. I breathed a sigh of relief, until on break she brought it up and began to get pretty angry about it. In fact, the more she talked about it, the madder she got!

To make a long story short, on the last day of the conference I posted something positive on Facebook about it, and tagged the speaker who had spoken out so vehemently about this lifestyle. I said nothing about that; I focused on what was good, the things I had taken from the conference.

The next day I was shopping with my BFF and I got a phone call from the one I had taken to the conference. She wanted me to help her understand why I would post “such nice things” about the conference when I didn’t agree with her.

I shared that I didn’t disagree with everything she had said, but if I were ever given a chance to speak into her life about this particular subject and give her thoughts to help her think twice about casting judgment so righteously, would she listen to me if I bashed her on social media?

“Well, that’s true,” she acceded…but not for long. Within minutes she got herself all worked up again – my friend could hear her as we were in line waiting to pay for our stuff – and I literally had to ask her to lower her voice as eyes began turning in my direction.

She said, “But you are guilty by association,” to which I asked her what she meant. “You shouldn’t alienate any group of people from God by being like that. You need to disassociate yourself.”

God intervened in such a powerful way by giving me these words: “We are called to be salt to the world, to be light. Just because I don’t agree with her doesn’t mean I get to disassociate with her.”
Silence…

“Hey, it’s my turn to pay so I’ll call you back later.”

It felt so good to not only say those words but to live by those words!

I pray they give you something to think about and help you thru your next difficult conversation.

Love,

Kim-Evinda

Your heart can beat against you!

Wednesday’s Word

 Jeremiah 17:9

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Who can know it?

Thanks for joining us for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United. Grab your coffee and your strand of faith. Trust me when I say that this Word definitely tied a knot in my faith…and in my heart! I actually wrote this last year, but oh, its truths are timeless!

Have you ever bought into the lies your mind tries to speak into your life?

A couple of weeks ago, it was crunch time; everything was coming at me at once, just like every other time right before jumping into the trenches with others to get better at life and love. This time was different, though. My heart was heavy, and had been for a few weeks. It wasn’t until the day of class, just hours before it was supposed to start, that I realized why. One by one all of the silent questions I had been asking myself over the preceding weeks began to surface, questions that planted seeds in my heart: “Why is this so hard?” “If this was really of/from God, surely I wouldn’t be this stressed out so maybe – well more than maybe -- I’m on the wrong path.” “Maybe I made this whole crazy journey up. Maybe I’m supposed to just go back to working as a court reporter and forget this whole ministry thing.”

Before long, I was convinced of all the lies I filled my heart, and it didn’t take time until my heart had convinced me they were true…and I began to “feel” these truths! What an incredibly sneaky process. The heart really can beat against you!

I did drop to my knees before class, asking Him to help me, to get me thru this first night, to reveal HIS heart to me, entwine His heart with mine so I could test if all I was “feeling” was accurate…or not. I surrendered all the questions and showed up for class, despite all the lies I had bought into and not wanting to or feeling like it, and let me tell you, so did HE…show up that is!

We had 43 registered and five walk-ins! It was amazing, encouraging and a great way to give the enemy a sucker punch!

It wasn’t until sitting in church the Sunday after that I got sucker-punched with this verse, a verse I had always questioned, and not fully understood. How could the heart be wicked? Isn’t that where love resides? I just love how He ministers to us just the way we need it, when we need it for the reasons we need it!

See, the heart only knows what we tell it so therefore, if we buy some lies and deposit them in there, the heart will take them, just like a thief, and deposit them into our emotional being and rob us of so much…so very much.

Are you catching what I’m throwing? Oh, let me tell you, my heart was definitely depositing every last one of those stinking-thinking thoughts and questions and dropping them in there like a swooshed-in basket ball, nice and heavy they dropped right in!  Before I realized what happened, my heart had taken those lies to the bank, and robbed me of all my joy and confidence in my calling.

What sort of lies is your heart trying to get you to buy? Oh, that we wouldn’t even lend an ear to things that are not of Him, and not be fooled by the robber who waits to steal our joy and derail us from our calling. Instead, may we be a people that drop to their knees and give those lies up!

With my heart cleaned…

Kim-Evinda

No matter what your ‘Goliath’ is, the battle belongs to the Lord. Let Go! EL

 WEDNESDAY’S WORD

No matter how many times you’ve read a scripture, a portion of scripture with a story in it, or an entire chapter, as long as you invite Him into the reading, you will get something new every single time!

Thanks for joining me for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word. I’m so excited to share today’s blog with you.

So I have been studying the books of 1^st and 2^nd Samuel…for quite some time. In fact, our home group has just finished those books after eight months! But I am doing an extra in-depth study on these two books so I asked my husband to join me the other morning during our coffee hour together. Let’s just say that he wanted to read something else as he felt he’d gotten enough out of the many stories within those books. I lovingly reminded him that there was something new for us in it that morning, and then proceeded to confirm that with prayer.

I wasn’t disappointed!

In 1stSamuel 17, the Philistines were preparing to go into battle with the Children of Israel and literally cremate them, take them all out. They just knew they were going to win because they had what the other side didn’t: a real live giant who stood well over 9.5 feet! His name was Goliath. Not only was he tall, but he was armed to the hilt. I mean, there was nothing that was going to penetrate this guy’s protection on his body. 

Every day for 40 days, this giant of a dude would come to the edge of the mountain they were camped on and cry out to the army on the other side – a valley separated them – and taunt them, inviting them to choose one man for battle that he could slay and take the Children of Israel to be the servants of the Philistines. Oh, the prideful parading for power that is displayed in the first 16 verses.

Well, the Israelite's were terrified, and I do mean terrified. And if you’ve ever been in a panic situation, you know that you don’t always think the most clear when you’re trembling with fear. To make a long story short about how David was chosen as the man to fight Goliath – when he really was a boy – David volunteered!

I can just imagine the Israelites’ first reaction of chocking down laughter in the midst of their terror at the thought of a young shepherd boy volunteering to slay this giant and save them. Well, the fact that they allowed him to go thru with it proves the depth of their terror. They were willing to try anything. Oh, how I would have loved to have been a fly in their heads to know their thoughts.

They get David ready for battle by weighing the little guy down with a bunch of armor and garb but he, being wise, said heck no, I’m not used to this, so he took it all off and went and got his sling-shot and five stones. Now they’re really laughing…no, not really. I think they were just so shocked, and at this point, just hoping for a miracle.

Imagine Goliath’s response when David is brought forth as the guy he’s going to fight! Wouldn’t you have loved to have seen the look on his face?  

Goliath proceeds to taunt David, and I mean taunt him with some pretty harsh insults that would truly trouble most of us, even with the strongest of faith. Goliath taunted and taunted and David only had one response: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied.”

Then David proceeds to give a very detailed description of what he was going to do to him, ending with a reminder that the battle belongs to the Lord.

It was as if David didn’t even hear the insults of this giant, nor did he look at Goliath’s size, his armor or feed into his attitude. David was focused on his God whom he knew would not fail him and as Goliath came at him, David ran toward him, eager to slay this giant.

Friends, sometimes we can be our own Goliath! What “Goliath” is taunting you and whispering in your ear lies of being no good, or lies of giving into your weakness that prevents you from a victorious life?  Do you stop to listen, or do you just move forward, one foot at a time, armed with a faith that cannot be broken or taken?

That morning with my husband, I was so excited for this different revelation, this truth that all of us go thru periods with a Goliath of sorts and if we are armed with our faith, filled with our portions of scripture, walking with Him, we will slay our giants, no matter how big!
Have a Wonderful Wednesday,

Love,

Kim-Evinda

Seeing and hearing much and responding with less is more maturity. EL

Wednesday’s Word

There is little to nothing more satisfying or sweeter than to watch the growth of an infant into a toddler, from a toddler to a teen and then from a teen to a young adult. And it’s not just the physical changes that we observe, but the level of maturity as well. But how is it we determine our own growth?
Thanks so much for joining me today for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United.

I was working with one of my favorite attorneys the other day; he’s brilliant…sometimes to a fault, and he admitted this when we were talking about the way he forms his questions as we were talking after the deposition.

But I get him; I can literally feel his mind going ahead of his mouth and what comes out sometimes are so many words. This is confirmed when the witness asks him to repeat his question and he looks to me to read it back! J J Praise God, every time I’ve been asked I’ve been able to read it back word for word. He’s a guy who speaks EVERYTHING he’s thinking…just about. I mean, he stores some thoughts up his sleeve for trial.

We both talked about how difficult it is for us to slow down in our talking, but even more difficult than that is slowing down enough to let others take their time with what they want to say.

This so reminds me of one of the biggest lessons I am still learning in ministry: just because we see something someone is doing, or hear something someone is saying doesn’t mean we get to say something! This is part of growing up spiritually and Proverbs 17:27 describes this level of maturity…in few words!
“He who has knowledge spares his words and a man of understanding is of calm spirit”!

So no matter what we are hearing or seeing, we can remain calm…and spare our words and even choose to say nothing at all.
Love,

Kim-Evinda

Spiritual fitness is to the soul what physical fitness is to the body. EL

 Wednesday’s Word

Have you ever heard of “The 7 Sins,” or “The 7 Presumptuous Sins”? Actually, I’ve heard these phrases several times and have been curious about their origin and meaning, but I just haven’t gotten around to studying them…that is until a sweet, sweet young lady that I’ve been mentoring pointed them out with a question.

She showed me a passage of scripture she had circled and outside of the circle was a big question mark. It was this portion of scripture, Proverbs 6:6-19, and as soon as I read it, I had my own a-ha moment for finally I was reading about “The 7 Sins”! To paraphrase, they are: pride, envy, lust, gluttony, anger, greed or sloth. Let’s push the pause button right here!

What caused my heart to pitter-patter was the definition for the 7^th sin, sloth. Sloth means “the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.” 

I must admit, I’m ecstatic to see that “spiritual” work is included! What does “spiritual work” mean to you?

We all encounter slothful or lazy people but how would you describe someone who is spiritually slothful? We are told in Philippians2:2 that we are to work out our salvation…and I do believe that is a daily workout! When I go to the gym, I usually have a routine, if you will, to exercising. I usually start with some cardio, and then I concentrate on at least two muscle groups. And I don’t take a long time to do it, but I get it done!

What does a spiritual workout look like? Now, don’t misunderstand me and think I’m saying our salvation is procured by works because it’s not. Our salvation is procured by grace, not works, but it is an exercise to be completed daily; otherwise, how will your spiritual muscles grow?

Diet and exercise do not just apply to the physical being! We are created mind, body and soul and when we feed and/or exercise the body without feeding and/or exercising the soul, we are out of balance. It’s kind of analogous to a car without the fourth tire, or a boat without a captain, or even more dramatic and traumatic, a plane without a pilot.  We’ve got to avoid becoming an emotional wreck and out of balance as a result of spiritual slothfulness. 

To create a spiritual diet, think of it as Digesting Internally Eternal Things.  What does that mean? Well I’ll answer with a question: Did you know what goes in is what comes out?   What are you taking in with your eyes, ears and mind…spiritually? You can always begin your spiritually fit routine with prayer! He loves it when you talk with Him and consistent communication with Him is sure to grow your spiritual muscles! Start planning your spiritual diet that you may become spiritually fit and not considered spiritually slothful!

Thoughtfully,

Kim-Evinda

No matter what you’re going thru, your Heavenly Father gets you! EL

Wednesday’s Word

I sat there sipping my morning coffee, wondering how I’d make it thru the day. Life had been coming at me hard, on every side, from every angle. In addition to one of my most favorite human beings – my self-adopted mom – being put on hospice care, we had to tell our little 8-year-old grandson that his mommy was no longer with us, and we needed to be as close to the truth as we could without giving him all the details.

Thanks for joining me today for Wednesday’s Word as I share from my heart directly to yours!

Have you ever gotten something just in the nick of time? Maybe it was something monetarily or emotionally, or physically, whatever it was, do you remember exhaling a sigh of relief? Or what about receiving something you had no idea you needed as desperately as you did? That’s where I was this particular morning, just a few mornings ago. I was so sad, heavy-hearted, wanting to protect our little grandson from this loss that would surely affect him, his future.

I looked down at my coffee cup, one I have drank from hundreds of times and it was like seeing it for the very first time. Only instead of exhaling a sigh of relief, I inhaled…and held my breath, startled by the obvious voice of Him who pursues us relentlessly and loves us lavishly, going through great lengths to continuously express it. And then I smiled, encouraged by His command, His reminder that He had already gone ahead of me; everything would eventually be all right.

Words can’t express how encouraged I felt, so allow me to share my coffee cup with you that you too would be encouraged…no matter what you’re going through.

I love how He speaks to me; how He is so able to get my attention; He gets me!

Love,

Kim-Evinda

Spiritual math has many equations. EL

Wednesday’s Word

And He said to them, with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you, and to those who hear, more will be given! ^{Mark 4:24}

Have you ever heard the saying, “What you put into it is what you will get out of it”? That’s what I think of when I read this verse and really hear what it is saying. Another way to say it or ask it is, “do you get what you give?” 

Welcome to Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United.  Come on in for a true story of applying this principle of spiritual math!

Come with me into the moment where someone is sharing how they lost their job.

“So what happened?” I asked. As she explained how she had been taking longer breaks than allowed, driving around in the company vehicle taking care of her own stuff, of course after she had completed her work, and how they had finally called her in and put a GPS tracking report in front of her that had showed her daily habits, I sat quietly and nodded to show I was listening and not condemning.  What she said next rendered me hopeful:  “Basically I was stealing from the company, taking advantage of them.” 

I nodded my head in agreement, “Yes, and if you are able to see that, well, then that’s a lesson learned to take with you to the next job.” We then began to talk about the job search and how that was going.  She had just had a really good interview that day for a vacation homes sales position and was feeling pretty good about it at least I thought she was until she said what she said next: “I guess I’m not good enough for the job I really wanted.”

My mouth dropped. “What do you mean?” She went on to explain to me that she had interviewed for a position with Apple, and how much she really wanted that job but apparently she hadn’t interviewed good enough.

 “Why do you believe you aren’t good enough for that job or that you didn’t interview good enough?”

“Well, they didn’t call me back.”

“Oh, I see. So you believe that because you didn’t get a call back that you interviewed poorly or you weren’t good enough…”

I let that dangle in the air for a long silent minute. Then I continued. “Could it be that you interviewed just fine but that He is saying not right now?”

She looked at me perplexed. “What do you mean?”
Well, it sounds like a great job and an impressive job; however, how can He bless you with an even greater job than the one you just lost? Could it be you need to learn to take care of what He gives you so He can give you more?”

Silence...

“And, no, He’s not punishing you, my friend; just giving you the same measure you gave.”

I went on to explain this principle that applies in so many areas of our lives. I’ve seen it over and over again. If you dream of owning a home, you have to take care of what you rent. If you want/need a nicer car, take care of the one you have. If you want to make more money, you need to use what you have wisely. If you keep running out of time, give Him the first minutes of your day!

But let’s talk about something of an eternal vale: What about how much we feed or invest into our faith, our relationship with Him? The more we invest in Him to be with Him and to be like Him, the more understanding, wisdom, knowledge He will bestow upon us, which ultimately will produce fruit: love, joy, gentleness, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control. These things have eternal value!

I remember when I sold Princess House Crystal years ago and I longed for national awards, or I wanted to earn a trip, or this prize, or that prize, and I did what it took to earn/win what I wanted. When I came back to Christ, and really surrendered my life, I remember thinking, I want that same fervor I invested into sales to be invested into knowing Him, in each and every area of my life that with that measure I invest, it will be measured back to me!

What about you? What measure of time are you investing into the things of God to be with Him, to be like Him? With the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you!

Oh, that your cup would measure full and overflowing!

Love,

Kim-Evinda

We can get so busy being busy that we lose our balance! EL

Wednesday’s Word

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you felt as though you were juggling so many things that your brain would burst and surely something important would fall through the cracks?  And when everything was all said and done, your body collapses but your mind keeps running around like mouse in training for a triathlon?

Welcome to Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power @ Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes.

You know, there’s nothing like scripture to rein it all in, mind, body and emotions! And yet, scripture needs to be our first go-to daily in order to accomplish any and all things that we do throughout the day, whether you’re a mom of little ones, teenagers, or someone who has the freedom to enjoy volunteer work for a cause or causes, and then of course, if you’re married, maintaining that marriage in a way that we are called to.

The truth is, we can get so busy being busy that we lose focus and when that happens, it’s time for a three-point balance check:

1.     Why am I doing what I’m doing?

2.     Do I need to be doing as much as I am doing?

3.     What are my motives for doing what I’m doing?

Here’s what we discover when we answer these questions:

What we are doing reveals who/what we are pursuing!

Seek Him first…and all other things will be will be added. (Matthew 6:33); in other words, you will never be last as long as you put Him first!

Love,

Kim-Evinda