HAPPY THANKSGIVING (I dedicate this to my "whole" family)

It is Thanksgiving week. I love this holiday because it remains one of the "purest" holidays of all. Commercialism has taken over the true meaning of many of our holidays, especially Christmas.  But Thanksgiving remains as the true family day.  We all gather together as families, enjoy a feast of all times, great family chats and reminiscing with one another.  There is no other agenda except the family gathering and perhaps football.  I really love this about Thanksgiving.
I often remember the times growing up when the "whole" family was together.  I mean ALL, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins.  We would have a wonderful time as kids listening to the old stories our parents, aunts, and uncles would tell. That is one thing I truly miss about those days when we were kids.  For us, our parents have moved on to their eternal home with our Lord Jesus, as well as most aunts and uncles. As for the extended family of cousins, we have moved on to our own families and we live hundreds of miles apart.  But I will say, I remember those days and miss being with them all.
My husband and I have our brothers and sisters, whom we cherish, and our son and daughter-in-love, along with our nieces.  Our son and his lovely wife are in Texas with their family that live there.  So we truly miss having them here.
Our sister Carol and brother-in-love Don are still down in NYC while Don recuperates from the stem cell transplant.  Incidentally, Don is doing amazing.  We thank you all for your prayers.  They will be truly missed but we are all especially thankful for his health.
So while we all have our own traditions on Thanksgiving, I know we all share one thing in common, the love for our families. But now I'd like to challenge us all.  Let's not stop there.  Let us remember why we have Thanksgiving.  The original founding Fathers of our country were thankful for God, and His protection over them and their families, and the supply of the harvest to supply their food for the coming winter.  And for the freedom we have in this country to worship God the way we choose.
This country just went through an election.  So many out there have criticized one another, hatred has seemed to return, along with racism. I challenge you all, put aside your differences, especially for Thanksgiving.  Join your family, whether you agree with their views or not. And give thanks to our Father God for allowing us to be free, for providing the food to nourish our bodies, the jobs to provide for our families.
There is so much to be thankful for, I truly pray bitterness does not ruin your day.
So faithful readers, I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Don't feel guilty about how much you eat, it is the one day of the year we celebrate "food".
God Bless You,
Kathryn

Do you believe God can use you, or believe that you have a specific gifting from God?

Hello to all you readers out there. I know I have written similar blogs before, but I was reminded about how God chooses to use me. In other words, what are my strengths?
You may recall me telling you in previous blogs that I am a nurse, but can no longer work due to my disability of having Spinal Cord damage. For most of us we seem to feel that what we choose for our profession is what defines our identity. I always felt that to some degree. But I also have always felt God has a purpose for my life, and it may be different than my nursing career.  I have shared about areas of ministry the Lord used me in.  And the fact that I had to stop serving in some of those areas as my spinal cord damage progressed, and the leukemia that has invaded my life became more of an issue.
With that said, guess what?  God still has a plan for my life, and He can still use me for His glory.  I can still serve Him. I firmly believe that when 1 door closes, another opens up. God knows my limitations more than I do. And He knows my STRENGTHS.  Wow, I am so thankful for that.
This week during my devotional and study time I was reminded of this very fact.  He clearly showed me how He is using this blog to minister to others. God took me through a journey that morning.  He reminded me of the areas in my life that He used for His glory.  Whether it was door greeting, sending encouraging words in a greeting card, or drama that encouraged the Church Body. God reminded me that whatever season we are in, whatever physical condition our body is in, or whatever emotional status we are in, He can and desires to still use us for His glory.
At this time in my life I am very limited.  But I have been obedient and stayed with this blogging.  God has blessed me in so many ways, and taken this blog around the world. You see, we may not see ourselves useful in certain areas, or even at all, but God does.  He can send His anointing down on you in an instant. God has a purpose for each and every one of us. If He has a task for you to do, He will enable you to do so.
You may be thinking you don't feel like being used for God's glory, your plate is full, you don't like this time of year, or the fact that you had your feelings hurt by someone.  God is bigger than any of those things. He has given us His written word, the Bible, to encourage us.  He has given us a direct line of communication with Him, called prayer.  And He has given us His Holy Spirit to anoint us and enable us to do His will.
So readers, please do not feel like you have let God down if you did not do something He asked. Our Lord Jesus is a faithful, loving God of 2nd chances.  Ask Him what He would have you do for Him.  I know He will show you.  And it will not be more than you are able to do.  He may stretch us, but He will enable us.
I pray that you all will find your purpose, your calling in our Lord Jesus.  It is one of the most fulfilling things you will ever do.
Thank you faithful readers. I pray that I have encouraged you. We have our faith, our hope, and our trust in our Lord Jesus.

Living a Dream

This weeks blog is going to be a little different.  This is about dreaming dreams for your family, your children. Some may think it isn't right to dream about your future, but instead to let things fall as they may.  If you have read my blogs all along you know I am all about faith and trust in our Lord Jesus. I also feel God is OK with us dreaming and having goals for our future.  There is a scripture in Joel that speaks of dreaming.
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.  - Joel 2:28
Now I will get to the meat.  When I was pregnant for our son 33 years ago my husband and I would always pray and lay hands on my belly.  My husband would play his guitar and we would sing and worship the Lord.  That precious baby inside of me would be very active during those times.
This was the day when we did not know if our baby was a boy or girl. Only our Lord Jesus knew. But still we prayed, "Lord use this child for your glory in whatever way you desire".
Our son Matthew was born.  We continued to hold worship a very high priority in our home, and in our family.  Matthew could barely walk, yet he had some crazy rhythm going on.  He had a little guitar he would play and he made effects sounds with his voice.  He would serenade my Mom and I whenever we were in the car.  So Paul and I continued to pray that God would use Matthew and gift him in whatever way He desired.
As time went on it was evident Matthew had an ear for music and a desire to play that guitar.  He began learning, officially, at the age of 4. He had times of taking a break when other interests took his time.  But his guitar was always there for him.
Then the DREAM. Matthew began to dream of playing before many for the glory of the Lord.  My husband continued to teach him. He told Matthew if you want to excel in this you have to practice everyday.  So he did, so much so that he would fall asleep at night with his guitar still strapped on him in his bed.  As he got older he went to college for more instruction. Matthew also played on the worship team as well.  He has always kept that dream in front of him.  Never giving up.
Today Matthew has been living that dream.  He has traveled the world.  Played before many.  His desire was to be known as an excellent guitar player and gain respect from others for that.  He has that this day.
You may be thinking why am I sharing this, what does it have to do with hope, faith, trust.  Matthew, Paul, and myself have always recognized Matthew's talent as a gifting from God.  He did not sit back and wait for it to fall out of the sky, he worked hard for it everyday.  Paul and I never took that for granted.  We continued to pray everyday that God would have His way in Matthew's life.  And we still do everyday.
What ever dream you have, whatever goal or vision you have, you must always keep it before the Lord Jesus. He will hear your prayers. He will bring it to fruition as you follow Him, and remain a faithful servant to Him. I believe that as we truly seek Him for His will in our lives, He will reveal those desires to us.
I encourage you today, seek the Lord's will for your life.  If you have a dream or a vision, pray, ask Jesus if this is legit or the pizza you ate.  Look for the confirmation in God's Word.  Ask Him to show you and guide you.  I am confident He will show you.
Our son Matthew never gave up on his dream. He pressed on, he stepped out in leaps of faith, moving to Colorado and then a year ago to Nashville with his beautiful wife.  God has shown His love and faithfulness to Matthew and Mel over and over.  How much more encouraging can it get.
Keep dreaming your dreams for yourself and your family. Trust in our Lord Jesus that He will guide you. Stay in His word for encouragement and confirmation.  Our Lord God loves you with all of His heart, and He has a desire to use you, all of you.
Thank you for reading faithful friends. I pray this blesses you.