Friday Morning Thoughts
FMT
FRIDAY MORNING THOUGHTS, aka FMTs started a year or so ago....when I decided to live as a Set Apart Girl. I wanted more then just offering Sunday mornings and occasional prayers to the Lord. In order to do this I think that it is important to walk humbly with those around you, seeking christian advice and encouraging each other. So if you are reading this, it is because I know you too desire to live a life of total surrender to Jesus. So please join me in my walk...
Here was the very first post and a little about me (Nov. 2008)....
All this talk about Advent Conspiracy, What would Jesus Buy and the poverty/relational messages that I have heard at Hillside and from Eric Bryant, has really opened my eyes to the kind of life I want to live...who I want to follow. Jesus and not the world.
My mom raised me and my 2 siblings as a single Mom and really struggled. She ran away from my Dad when I was young due to abuse and found refuge in a Women's Shelter (My heart has longed for so long to go back to that shelter that took us in, I still have memories of our time there) This is how we ended up in the town I was raised in but it wasn't all glory from there. I love my mom and I praise Him that she is a Christian but my mom wasnt/isnt perfect. We moved from one rent house to another, one school to another and naturally my mom suffered from depression. She could not give us the life that she really desired, too. At least she thought, because she gave me the best lessons and the greatest examples I have ever learned. Hardwork and how to live without. We did go to a few churches but the demands of Life, unfortunately, took priority. (we had it backwards, first seek him and everythign will fall into place! Matt 6:33) We were blessed to have family and friends that would step in, love us, help pay bills, give us shelter at times and pray for us. We were NEVER without necessities. God is Good. Unfortunately, I do not think that it is always this way. There were also people around us that lived comfortably and didn't even glance next door. Because I know the joy in being helped, I do not want overlook those around me or anybody Christ desire for me to reach out to, I want eyes like Christ to see needs around me. Especially when I been blessed everything I need and more.
As Matt and I move around and following the Lord, I want him to choose where we live, what house, what neighborhood. I do not want to be consumed with finding comfortably or approval from the world. I feel called to live among people and not in front of people. I pray that God to will bring me to a place in my Live of totally dependence on Him, even if this brings on discomfort and pain. A place where only HIS Glory can shine through. ...where whatever is done with my life can only point to Him because out of my own strength it could have been done.
That is my prayer, for God to reveal for me what I can do, now. I know that it is much easier said then done and often we get on 'emotional/spiritual highs' that too quickly fade out. I want to run long distance for the Lord and not just sprints. God lead me daily, reveal to me your presence and allow the Holly Spirit to walk ahead of me, every second, every step. Reveal to me those infront of me that could use the knowledge of your love. Those that can use a physical need, those who just need eternal knowledge or both!
Kelly Summers! I am so excited about what God is doing in your life right now! First of all, that is awesome, with Corsica, and that is exactly what people need, to be met right where they are and to meet some sort of tangible need. I think what you mentioned doing in Corsica is exactly what people need and through that you will be able to share Jesus with them and see lives changed. Lately, God has been showing me and reminding me about gifts. I think it is very important that we know what we are gifted in and to use those gifts. So often, we see these amazing people around us and want to fit their mold or to have their gifts. Understanding our passions, desires and gifts God has given you will shape who you are and you will be able to serve better. If we don’t know these, it can exhaust us, trying to fit something we are not. I speak from past experiences. So, all of that said, it sounds like you are really coming into your own and God is shaping your desires and gifts. It is absolutely beautiful to watch!! Relationships. So important. This year, has been the year of follow through with the relationships God has put in my life. You are an example to me with how you and Matt really love on the Miners and you DO things with them!!! Just like Eric spoke about, relationships are the key. I want to be a faithful friend to the friends God has placed in my life and to genuinely love them without selfish motives. About living in a city, Jesse and I have talked for a long time about moving into a city. Not that living in the suburbs is comfortable and wrong, someone has to do it, but right now the city is where the people are and we both love the idea of moving into the big city. A few months ago, I wrote down in my Bible that God was speaking to me about moving into the city. I do believe He is preparing us. It’s kind of scary but really loving on people who are different than us excites me! With the poverty series going on at church right now, Jesse and I have been praying where to get involved too. Our time is very limited and we have some ideas and directions that we believe God is taking us in this area but we are waiting to hear back from some people right now before we move forward. I love Friday morning thoughts!!! Do it! Kelly, you are growing so much. I love it! You are becoming such an obedient woman of God, a wonderful wife and an awesome mom! I love that I can be a little part of your life!
Dawn Gary
Well, I can't top Dawn's comment, so, I won't try. =) But yes, very good thoughts. I think our world needs to change. I think the way Christianity is looking today in the US just isn't working. It hasn't been working. We need to reach out to a dying world. Get over our fears, our stereo-types, our agendas, our comfort zones and DO something. But I am lazy and dull and I'm preaching to myself more than anyone else on this. I need to get off my booty. Thanks for your thoughts. I think your idea for if you guys move back to Texas sounds awesome.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:16
Hi Kelly,
I hope things are well with you guys. I can't believe that Sadie will be a year old in a few months! Where does the time go?
I really enjoyed reading your blog this morning. What an inspiration your mother is and what she taught you growing up.
Good luck in your mission to reach those around you. I would love to contribute in some way. Unfortunately it looks like Mark is going to loose his job in the next month or so and with our new baby coming in January it means that I am working full time again from home. So my time is filled up....although if you do need some help with some kind of design for a flyer...or anything else that needs a graphic designer, I would love to donate some time where I could squeeze it in between projects.
Maybe you could set up a ongoing weekly play date at the park for all the moms to meet up and connect? That way they could be encouraged through the tough times of being a mom and get support from those going through the same thing. ... just an idea. I know the weather won't be nice for much longer...
Good luck!
adrienne s.
Dawn's comment was actually an personally email to me that she let me post!
And I am preaching to myself, too! Liz. But we can start now! Your personality will get you far!
I love what Dawn said about having different gifts and different callings. We will be accountable for what and where God laid upon our heart. And thanks for your verse, Liz, I really want to look into the scripture with these thoughts. I don't, however, believe that we should confirm to those around us to reach to them. We need to show them that there is a different way. So, I do think that is is wrong as a Christina to live comfortably (America Size it). We should reach out to them not be like them.
I knew you were an amazingly beautiful woman when I met you. You are in my prayers and you have my full support. Good luck. Pray for me too, I am beginning to volunteer at a home for teenage mothers that do what you want to do, I wish I had that support when it was me. I know how you feel. Keep us updated and I will do the same for you.
Amen, Sistah! Great thoughts...and the FMT is a great idea. I know what you mean about wanting to do something now...life is short (and time is flying- for me anyway). We've been praying a lot more about where God wants us to serve when we leave Seminary, but also (and probably just as importantly) what he wants us doing while we're here! This is such a spiritually dark place and so many people are really hungry and I don't want to miss out on being a part of God's plan for this area.
Thanks for sharing, Kelly! I never knew your background and it is encouraging to see the Lord's work in your life! Praise God!
You have got me brainstorming about some things God is laying on my heart (and maybe I'll have some ideas later for your FMT).
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works" -Heb 10:24