I found a verse in Hebrews the other day that I thought I'd share. I read it on the bathroom wall at a friends house actually, but it has a very deep implication. It's Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. There are so many atheists in this world who would like to argue "if there is a God, why doesn't he show himself so we could all believe in him?" And that might stop some Christians to wonder "gees that would be nice wouldn't it"
We already have the faith that God is real. We were looking for him and we found him. We are already certain that he is there and are sure that we will be in heaven with him someday so we didn't have to see him now to believe. The problem with atheists wanting to see before believing has 2 problems with it. First, even if they saw Jesus face to face (because Jesus is God in human form) they would likely still not believe. The doubt in their heart is already preset. It would be like if you were to tell me about a lion but I didn't believe there was such a thing as a lion because I had no way of knowing what a lion was compared to really big house cat. So even if you brought a lion to me, I might just as well say it's nothing but a house cat because I'm not looking to see a lion. Atheist would not believe they were seeing Jesus because they are not looking. It would just lead to deeper doubting.
And the second reason is this, God created us with free will. He does not want robots with no free thinking and no free ability to love him. He wants our love to shine from our heart because we truly do love him. If he were to show himself and because of his great power and majesty we would no longer have the free will to love him. We would have to because we are in the presence of the King. Much like a servant would love his King. The King is superior and if we love him he might do great things for us or punish us if we disobey. That is not free love. That is not the same love as a Bride and Groom that God says he wants with us. He wants unconditional love weather we see him or not. I personally believe we can get an overwhelming presence from him in our hearts and spirits that we don't have to see him to know he's there. And it's freeing to know that I love him even if I don't see him. And when I do I will be able to love him even more! I don't need to see God to know for certain that some day I will sit at his feet and love him unconditionally for all eternity. I think that's just a part of what faith is all about.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
"We don't deserve this."
Just yesterday my husband and I returned home from an amazing 7 day cruise to the Caribbean. We had a wonderful time, the food was great, the weather was great, the company was great. The whole thing was great. It's definitely not a trip my husband and I would have ever thought we'd take 1 yr ago but I had earned it through my Arbonne business. This was the first vacation away just the two of us since our honeymoon 11 yrs ago. And a much appreciated time of reconnection and fun together since the accident. I loved bringing Josh into the Arbonne culture that I so much enjoy. He said everyday, "I can't believe how many people I've meet and they're all so nice!"
We had 4 ports of call and at each one we got to do some pretty fun stuff. In Haiti we relaxed on the white sandy beaches, in Jamaica we went to a place called the "Big Blue Hole" You could jump down over this waterfall and over cliffs down into a deep pool 20ft below. It was great fun until I realized that my special swim leg kept coming off and just bob up in the water next to me. In the Grand Cayman, we went on a snorkeling adventure to Sting Ray City where we held the sting rays and kissed them ;( We also snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Then the last day we rented a Moped Scooter and drove around the whole island. We got to see all lot and do all lot together. We came to the one fun conclusion that we are still the best of friends. We enjoyed each other and did not stress or worry about anything.
On our way home from the airport Josh and I were bracing ourselves of the mountain of bills that would still be waiting for us at home. And knowing that we had used some of that money on our vacation, we were prepared for working alot of extra hours to get caught back up.
But hear is the amazing blessing. When we got home a started going through the mail we found a letter and a check from the IRS, stating that they had miscalculated our 2008 tax returns and we were given a$900 check!!
Josh and I were floored, it was amazing to me that God would take care of this unexpected way. My husband kept repeating "We don't deserve this." I told him "I Know, but God loves us anyway, no matter what we are doing."
SO when we thought we'd be coming home to being behind on our bills and enduring the stress of getting caught back up, God had already taken care of it to within $100 of what we needed. So know Praise God we come home to bills being paid and relief in our hearts. God truly cares about everything and everyone. No matter what the circumstances. Even when you get yourself into that trouble. Praise you God! I love you!
We had 4 ports of call and at each one we got to do some pretty fun stuff. In Haiti we relaxed on the white sandy beaches, in Jamaica we went to a place called the "Big Blue Hole" You could jump down over this waterfall and over cliffs down into a deep pool 20ft below. It was great fun until I realized that my special swim leg kept coming off and just bob up in the water next to me. In the Grand Cayman, we went on a snorkeling adventure to Sting Ray City where we held the sting rays and kissed them ;( We also snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Then the last day we rented a Moped Scooter and drove around the whole island. We got to see all lot and do all lot together. We came to the one fun conclusion that we are still the best of friends. We enjoyed each other and did not stress or worry about anything.
On our way home from the airport Josh and I were bracing ourselves of the mountain of bills that would still be waiting for us at home. And knowing that we had used some of that money on our vacation, we were prepared for working alot of extra hours to get caught back up.
But hear is the amazing blessing. When we got home a started going through the mail we found a letter and a check from the IRS, stating that they had miscalculated our 2008 tax returns and we were given a$900 check!!
Josh and I were floored, it was amazing to me that God would take care of this unexpected way. My husband kept repeating "We don't deserve this." I told him "I Know, but God loves us anyway, no matter what we are doing."
SO when we thought we'd be coming home to being behind on our bills and enduring the stress of getting caught back up, God had already taken care of it to within $100 of what we needed. So know Praise God we come home to bills being paid and relief in our hearts. God truly cares about everything and everyone. No matter what the circumstances. Even when you get yourself into that trouble. Praise you God! I love you!
Monday, October 4, 2010
When the Church Bulletin Slaps you in the Face
I think the title of my post fits perfectly with my story and you may have had it happen to you at some point.
I've been busy lately setting up my ministry. I have partnered with Buisness By Design to put together a website which has been very exciting. I"ve gotten to choose some colors, design styles and content. I've put alot of thought into my Mission Statement and been listening to some speakers training by Proverbs 31 Ministry. I'm doing everything I can to make the practical side of my ministry come together nicely. But there is a particular aspect to what I'm trying to do that has significant importance and is the "meat and potatoes" of Katie Kniss Ministries. And that would be the biblical foundation and wealth of knowledge from which I base all my speaking material. None of the "extra" stuff will make a bit of difference if I don't have solid footing on what God wants me to speak on. His Word. My messages can't come from me they have to come from God, after all it's his story and it's for his glory.
It's been on my mind lately that I may want to take some seminary schooling or get a college degree in biblical studies. I know I can still have a ministry without it, but I consider it like equipping for battle. The Bible is my ammo. If I don't use it correctly, it may blow up in my face. In other words, I need to know what I'm talking about and have scripture to back it up. To do that, requires some level of study and schooling. I've prayed about it and set it in the back of my mind because I already have alot on my plate. Just the fact that I'm a mom of 4 kids is enough to make travel to a worthy college impossible. So it sat in the back of my mind with a "some day" label on it. Until this past Sunday.
When I woke up on Sunday my feet were on the ground but my heart was still in bed. I was tired. As I lay there, half in, half out of my bed, and contemplated staying home, a thought flicked on in my head that said "get up, go to church, God's got a message for you." So we did and I eagerly sat down in the sanctuary, ready for my message. As I opened up the church bulletin the words "Want a Masters Degree" jumped out and slapped me in the face! I couldn't ignore those words and got more excited as I read "choose from a degree in Ministry Leadership or Biblical Studies. Classes to be offered in Traverse City." I couldn't believe it! God had contacted 2 good christian colleges and told them I needed a college degree but they'd have to come to me! It was one of those moments when you sit back in amazement and think "wow, that was just for me! Thanks God"
It made me realize that I was right. I gotta get the biblical foundation down before anything else. So, I have work to do and I'm excited and scared. I don't know how I will fit another "thing" into my schedule but I do know that He will not give me more than I can handle. It may be at night that I collapse in bed with exhaustion but if in the end it all glorifies God then to that I say "bring it on!"
I've been busy lately setting up my ministry. I have partnered with Buisness By Design to put together a website which has been very exciting. I"ve gotten to choose some colors, design styles and content. I've put alot of thought into my Mission Statement and been listening to some speakers training by Proverbs 31 Ministry. I'm doing everything I can to make the practical side of my ministry come together nicely. But there is a particular aspect to what I'm trying to do that has significant importance and is the "meat and potatoes" of Katie Kniss Ministries. And that would be the biblical foundation and wealth of knowledge from which I base all my speaking material. None of the "extra" stuff will make a bit of difference if I don't have solid footing on what God wants me to speak on. His Word. My messages can't come from me they have to come from God, after all it's his story and it's for his glory.
It's been on my mind lately that I may want to take some seminary schooling or get a college degree in biblical studies. I know I can still have a ministry without it, but I consider it like equipping for battle. The Bible is my ammo. If I don't use it correctly, it may blow up in my face. In other words, I need to know what I'm talking about and have scripture to back it up. To do that, requires some level of study and schooling. I've prayed about it and set it in the back of my mind because I already have alot on my plate. Just the fact that I'm a mom of 4 kids is enough to make travel to a worthy college impossible. So it sat in the back of my mind with a "some day" label on it. Until this past Sunday.
When I woke up on Sunday my feet were on the ground but my heart was still in bed. I was tired. As I lay there, half in, half out of my bed, and contemplated staying home, a thought flicked on in my head that said "get up, go to church, God's got a message for you." So we did and I eagerly sat down in the sanctuary, ready for my message. As I opened up the church bulletin the words "Want a Masters Degree" jumped out and slapped me in the face! I couldn't ignore those words and got more excited as I read "choose from a degree in Ministry Leadership or Biblical Studies. Classes to be offered in Traverse City." I couldn't believe it! God had contacted 2 good christian colleges and told them I needed a college degree but they'd have to come to me! It was one of those moments when you sit back in amazement and think "wow, that was just for me! Thanks God"
It made me realize that I was right. I gotta get the biblical foundation down before anything else. So, I have work to do and I'm excited and scared. I don't know how I will fit another "thing" into my schedule but I do know that He will not give me more than I can handle. It may be at night that I collapse in bed with exhaustion but if in the end it all glorifies God then to that I say "bring it on!"
Monday, August 16, 2010
Time to get moving
Well, summer is almost over and everyone is feeling the urge to settle back into routine. With the long sleeve shirts, back packs and new school shoes, we open up our calendars and start marking down football practice schedules and bible study nights. It seems that like the weather our attitudes change from carefree blowing in the spring breeze to button up flannels with structure and purpose. We stick to commitments and fill up our calendars. There's something about the end of summer that fills us with somber excitement. Sad that the lazy days of summer are gone but fresh and ready to move on to the next new thing.
That's how it is for me anyway and I'm sure in some way you can relate even if you spent those hot summer days working in a nice air conditioned office. There's just something fresh about the coming of fall. For me, it is a brisk reminder of the things I've neglected. i.e. blogging and writing. I promise I will try to get better. To tell you the truth I mostly just write a post when I get the creative juices flowing or if there is something weighing on my mind. As you can probably tell that hasn't been very much lately. But what ever the cause, here I am again.
Currently, I have set to the task of finding a "helper" with marketing my ministry. I need to create an official web page complete with speaking info., calender, and video clips. I also need a professional looking brochure to have available at my speaking events. My biggest problem is having to "sell myself" in words. It's not that easy to talk about how wonderful you are, you should try it sometime. It's rather humbling. But if you've ever read bio sheets for speakers, they are very detailed about how great they would be for your event and list all of their accomplishments and successes. I'm not accustomed to talking about myself that way so I need a little help in knowing what I would mean to the people if they booked me. I am confident in one thing though. If it's God's purpose it will come together! That's the one promise I am banking on. And until it all falls magically in my lap I will keep searching.
Praise God for new direction and the wind to sail me by, even when there are no maps!
That's how it is for me anyway and I'm sure in some way you can relate even if you spent those hot summer days working in a nice air conditioned office. There's just something fresh about the coming of fall. For me, it is a brisk reminder of the things I've neglected. i.e. blogging and writing. I promise I will try to get better. To tell you the truth I mostly just write a post when I get the creative juices flowing or if there is something weighing on my mind. As you can probably tell that hasn't been very much lately. But what ever the cause, here I am again.
Currently, I have set to the task of finding a "helper" with marketing my ministry. I need to create an official web page complete with speaking info., calender, and video clips. I also need a professional looking brochure to have available at my speaking events. My biggest problem is having to "sell myself" in words. It's not that easy to talk about how wonderful you are, you should try it sometime. It's rather humbling. But if you've ever read bio sheets for speakers, they are very detailed about how great they would be for your event and list all of their accomplishments and successes. I'm not accustomed to talking about myself that way so I need a little help in knowing what I would mean to the people if they booked me. I am confident in one thing though. If it's God's purpose it will come together! That's the one promise I am banking on. And until it all falls magically in my lap I will keep searching.
Praise God for new direction and the wind to sail me by, even when there are no maps!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Prayer Request
Have you ever felt like God was telling you to do something and made it so clear that you just can't deny it. The problem is you don't know how to go about it or even exactly what it is you're supposed to do?
Let me explain. God has laid it on my heart to go back to Charlotte North Carolina over spring break to speak. I have this constant tugging that there is at least someone, maybe many, down there who need to hear my story. I don't know who and I don't know where. In fact, while I've got some leads, I don't have any speaking events booked. I may have to go stand on the street corner and tell anyone who will listen. But I trust it wont come to that. However, as we get closer to the date I'm getting increasingly antsy about the schedule.
If you haven't figured it out by now, you'll see that I live by my schedule and need to have things planned in advance. At least for this trip it will provide reassurance that I'm going down for purposeful reason. I want to be prepared. So my first prayer request is for speaking events. I know that God has good work that he is preparing in advance and I'm relying on that. But I need to have my path a little more visible.
The second part of my prayer request is a little more touchy. And that is how I'm going to pay for it. Right now I"m going on nothing. Again, I trust God will provide but as the date is getting closer and I probably should be making reservations, I am getting antsy.
I am planning on taking my 4 kids and 2 nannies which will make for a fun adventure and I'm excited about the experience for my kids. But don't want to have to sleep in the truck and work for our food.... again, I know it wont get to that but having that figured out now would put me at ease. I have estimated what the cost of such an adventure would be and figured that if I sell my diamond earrings (a mother's day present) that should cover it. Great! Now getting someone to buy them. I'm a novice at Craig's list and E-bay but managed to list them. However, I haven't gotten any takers and aside from selling them I am fresh out of ideas.
So, apart from the knowledge that I need to go, God has been mysterious on all the rest of the details. I am hopeing for some reassurance that I'm doing the right thing. The practical side of me says "I"m nuts" The spiritual side says "God will provide, somehow" But please hurry, God and show me how.
So I thought it fitting to petition you for prayer or advice or contacts in that area. Most of all prayer for clarity and direction!
Thank you and God Bless you all!
Let me explain. God has laid it on my heart to go back to Charlotte North Carolina over spring break to speak. I have this constant tugging that there is at least someone, maybe many, down there who need to hear my story. I don't know who and I don't know where. In fact, while I've got some leads, I don't have any speaking events booked. I may have to go stand on the street corner and tell anyone who will listen. But I trust it wont come to that. However, as we get closer to the date I'm getting increasingly antsy about the schedule.
If you haven't figured it out by now, you'll see that I live by my schedule and need to have things planned in advance. At least for this trip it will provide reassurance that I'm going down for purposeful reason. I want to be prepared. So my first prayer request is for speaking events. I know that God has good work that he is preparing in advance and I'm relying on that. But I need to have my path a little more visible.
The second part of my prayer request is a little more touchy. And that is how I'm going to pay for it. Right now I"m going on nothing. Again, I trust God will provide but as the date is getting closer and I probably should be making reservations, I am getting antsy.
I am planning on taking my 4 kids and 2 nannies which will make for a fun adventure and I'm excited about the experience for my kids. But don't want to have to sleep in the truck and work for our food.... again, I know it wont get to that but having that figured out now would put me at ease. I have estimated what the cost of such an adventure would be and figured that if I sell my diamond earrings (a mother's day present) that should cover it. Great! Now getting someone to buy them. I'm a novice at Craig's list and E-bay but managed to list them. However, I haven't gotten any takers and aside from selling them I am fresh out of ideas.
So, apart from the knowledge that I need to go, God has been mysterious on all the rest of the details. I am hopeing for some reassurance that I'm doing the right thing. The practical side of me says "I"m nuts" The spiritual side says "God will provide, somehow" But please hurry, God and show me how.
So I thought it fitting to petition you for prayer or advice or contacts in that area. Most of all prayer for clarity and direction!
Thank you and God Bless you all!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
God's love is for everyone
Today at church our pastor interviewed me about my story along with a few other families and their stories. Since they went first I was able to listen to the details of their trials, trying not to cry before I went up. (no luck) I was amazed, however, to hear their stories and the struggles they had to face.
The first family talked of the trials and heartache of having a child with Downs Syndrome but how God used that little boy to grow their faith and draw them closer to Him. As the little boy, Noah, was up on stage with them, it was evident to all that he was truly a blessing. Little Noah not only had the love of his parents but he captured the heart of the whole church as he sang "God Bless America" in his own words. He was a shining example of the grace of God through disability. The love for him and the love for God his parents had was uplifting and inspiring.
The next lady interviewed had terminally cancer. It is incurable and she is running out of time. I could not hold back tears as she talked about her surrender to God and acceptance of her fate. The quiet strength and undieing faith were moving to all there. I remember thinking "wow, I don't know if I could be that courageous if faced with her condition." She has a love for God that allows her peace and perhaps a little readiness to be with Him. She is amazing to me!
Then it was my turn. As I shared my story, I was reminded of the overwhelming hurt and loss of that time but also the undeniable answer to prayer and the peace that only comes from God. I have to shake my head sometimes at the memory of it all and am amazed of what we endured. I know it was inspirational to others but like the first two families, don't feel like the glory goes to me. Without doubt it goes to almighty God.
What is truly incredible to me is the love that God has for everyone. Any one of use can go through terrible trials and His love, compassion and peace is sufficient for us all. Why some endure more than others, I don't know. But I am for certain that we are all capable, through him, to withstand more than we think ourselves able. His love for the poor, uneducated and diseased is just as strong as the rich, genius and beautiful. I love that about God because he does not hold me to any earthly standards. The rest of the world may judge me based on my status, looks and abilities, but He does not. His strength is suffecient for all struggles, trials and fears. He is greater than all these and carries us through our darkest hours.
As I was leaving the church, a man thanked me for sharing and said that he would not have had the strength like I did. I told him that he would have because my strength didn't come from me. It came from God and he would do the same for him if he was given a trial to face. We are all children of God. And just as I am a parent, he does not love one child more than another.
So trust me friend, when and if you face difficult struggles in life, believe that God will give you the peace and courage to go through it. He will be by your side holding you up not willing that you would fall. He is your comfort, he is your peace, he is your strength, he is your provider, he is your heavenly father!
The first family talked of the trials and heartache of having a child with Downs Syndrome but how God used that little boy to grow their faith and draw them closer to Him. As the little boy, Noah, was up on stage with them, it was evident to all that he was truly a blessing. Little Noah not only had the love of his parents but he captured the heart of the whole church as he sang "God Bless America" in his own words. He was a shining example of the grace of God through disability. The love for him and the love for God his parents had was uplifting and inspiring.
The next lady interviewed had terminally cancer. It is incurable and she is running out of time. I could not hold back tears as she talked about her surrender to God and acceptance of her fate. The quiet strength and undieing faith were moving to all there. I remember thinking "wow, I don't know if I could be that courageous if faced with her condition." She has a love for God that allows her peace and perhaps a little readiness to be with Him. She is amazing to me!
Then it was my turn. As I shared my story, I was reminded of the overwhelming hurt and loss of that time but also the undeniable answer to prayer and the peace that only comes from God. I have to shake my head sometimes at the memory of it all and am amazed of what we endured. I know it was inspirational to others but like the first two families, don't feel like the glory goes to me. Without doubt it goes to almighty God.
What is truly incredible to me is the love that God has for everyone. Any one of use can go through terrible trials and His love, compassion and peace is sufficient for us all. Why some endure more than others, I don't know. But I am for certain that we are all capable, through him, to withstand more than we think ourselves able. His love for the poor, uneducated and diseased is just as strong as the rich, genius and beautiful. I love that about God because he does not hold me to any earthly standards. The rest of the world may judge me based on my status, looks and abilities, but He does not. His strength is suffecient for all struggles, trials and fears. He is greater than all these and carries us through our darkest hours.
As I was leaving the church, a man thanked me for sharing and said that he would not have had the strength like I did. I told him that he would have because my strength didn't come from me. It came from God and he would do the same for him if he was given a trial to face. We are all children of God. And just as I am a parent, he does not love one child more than another.
So trust me friend, when and if you face difficult struggles in life, believe that God will give you the peace and courage to go through it. He will be by your side holding you up not willing that you would fall. He is your comfort, he is your peace, he is your strength, he is your provider, he is your heavenly father!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
God's plan is always the best.
My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope.' I love the fact that God already knows his plan for you. He has it all laid out before him and it's a 'good, pleasing and perfect plan' (Romans 12:2). I think about how often I feel lost with my direction. Not really sure where I am going or what I am supposed to do with my life. Then I remember those verses and am rest assured that God's got it figured out. My part is to lean on Him and walk with Him down the path. Without Him I will surely stray or stop when the going gets tough. I believe God wants us to move forward. He wants success for every one of us.
I used to think that I'd get moving with my life as soon as God sent me a letter describing exactly what he wants me to do. But the problem was that I was waiting. It wasn't until I got up and started moving and praying with each step for guidance that I started to see the path in front of me. It had been there the whole time. God is faithful he will guide. He will close doors and open others to help us along the way. It's my job to keep moving and keep trusting in Him.
I've been over a lot of bumps on my path but now more than ever I feel that he is right beside me. I am walking side by side with my Father and he is so excited about were we are going. There are many things he can't wait to show me.
I get excited too and I have asked him "Are we there yet?" "When, Lord, When" But he just whispers to me. 'Be patient and know that I am God.' I truly love my Father and trust Him with my journey. I will do all I can to keep my eyes focused on what's ahead and my feet steady to withstand discouraging bumps. I pray this for everyone because there is great joy in know that you are on the right path and it is His perfect plan.
I used to think that I'd get moving with my life as soon as God sent me a letter describing exactly what he wants me to do. But the problem was that I was waiting. It wasn't until I got up and started moving and praying with each step for guidance that I started to see the path in front of me. It had been there the whole time. God is faithful he will guide. He will close doors and open others to help us along the way. It's my job to keep moving and keep trusting in Him.
I've been over a lot of bumps on my path but now more than ever I feel that he is right beside me. I am walking side by side with my Father and he is so excited about were we are going. There are many things he can't wait to show me.
I get excited too and I have asked him "Are we there yet?" "When, Lord, When" But he just whispers to me. 'Be patient and know that I am God.' I truly love my Father and trust Him with my journey. I will do all I can to keep my eyes focused on what's ahead and my feet steady to withstand discouraging bumps. I pray this for everyone because there is great joy in know that you are on the right path and it is His perfect plan.
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