Good morning, friends. I've gone through my first cup of coffee here at home, and will probably grab my second on my way to an appointment this morning.

Last week we celebrated Valentine's Day (and my husband's birthday) with a family dinner. As usual, there were little gifts sitting around the table at our designated spots that we had given to one another. Both of my granddaughters had received these heart-shaped boxes of candy. A few days later I discovered this box tucked away in a book shelf. Opening it, I discovered these pieces of chocolate...half eaten. My suspicion is Tatum, our 8-year old granddaughter and avid candy lover. For years now her mother has found candy wrappers tucked in various and sundry places in her room. They really try to limit her intake...but parents can only do so much...right?

Of course, as a grandmother, I find it amusing. I began to think of the child mindset behind this. She was wanting a variety of taste, and she got it. It made me think of the verse found in Psalm 34:8, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."  We've chatted before about "life happening." Isn't it good to know that the unfailing truth is that GOD IS GOOD!!

When everything around us may be in an uproar and unsettling things seem to happen over and over, we need to remember..."the goodness of God endureth continuously." (Psalm 52:1b)

The sun is shining brightly (which in the Pacific Northwest is a reason to celebrate). The view here from my little cottage is breathtaking, and I'm going to head out and enjoy it. Have a blessed day.

Kathy

Good morning, friends. I've just made myself my second cup of coffee...and I added some delicious flavored cream...Dulce de Leche...not normal for me. Typically I don't like "sweet" coffee...but it's just been that kind of week.

Earlier in the week I received news that a very close friend of mine suffered a brain aneurysm, resulting in surgery. Her prognosis is good...stable...but what an unsettling time it has been for her family and everyone that loves her. I know for a fact that what has kept them this week is their unfailing trust in their heavenly Father. They have built their life's foundation on just that...TRUST...and it has been there...automatically...through it all.

The dictionary definition of trust is:  "assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something". Aren't you thankful for the "someone" we can hold on to? Our Father who loves us unconditionally and never leaves us or forsakes us. When our enemy is attempting to steal, kill and destroy, He is there to bring us abundant life!

Last Sunday Pastor Kris brought such a good and timely Word to us out of Psalm 84. In verse 12 (Amplified) it says, "O Lord of hosts, blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts in You [leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, and that without fear or misgiving]!"

As life comes your way (and it will, like it or not) we need to remember the importance of complete trust in God. I love the way the amplified talks about "leaning" on Him. So when those times come, just picture yourself leaning in to Him...feeling His arms around you...such a safe and secure place to be. And don't forget that true trust means you will have no fear or misgiving.

It's been great chatting...let's do it again soon.

Kathy

Good morning, friends. Grab your coffee if you'd like while I share a couple of thoughts with you. The book you see above was one of my Christmas presents...it was from two of my granddaughters, Aspen and Tatum. It's "The Story of me and my Grandma." It is full of pictures and things they know and remember about me: 1) My favorite TV show is Judge Judy; 2) At Grandma's house you'll always find...Books to Read, Craft Projects, Leftovers... 3) Grandma's Pet Peeves are: Drumming on the table, Biting nails, Popping knuckles.

It is, by far, one of my all-time favorite gifts, because it so clearly describes the fact that my grandchildren know me! I grew up with no grandparents, so having the privilege of being a grandma and knowing my grandchildren means so much to me. 

As important as our earthly relationships are, our relationship with our heavenly Father is so much more important. In Philippians 3:10a it says, "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection..." We need to not only know Him, but it is equally as important to know who we are in Him." We are the righteousness of Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 4:7 says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." There is a distinct difference in having "wisdom" and having "understanding." Knowing your heavenly Father comes by spending time and communicating with Him. That is so important for us to do, but it is equally as important to do something with our knowledge. That something is simply leading a Christ-centered life. Remember the "WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)" bracelets that were so popular? Jesus came to love people unconditionally...to reach out to the hurting...to help those in need...to be open every moment of every day to be His hand extended to whomever He brings across your path.

So let's take our wisdom AND our understanding, and just see what opportunities God opens up for us in these next few days. I'm excited about it...aren't you?!?!?

Thanks for chatting.

Kathy

I love decorating our home (and we have had 23 of them in our 38 years of marriage). Every one takes on a look of its own...each one has its own personality. Our little beach cottage is, by far, one of my most favorite looks. But no matter what the look has been, all of my homes remained, for the most part, uncluttered. Scott and I have different views on what "uncluttered" looks like, so what has saved our marriage, is my giving him his own room...with a door! He has absolute freedom in his room...he just can't "spill" into the rest of the house. It has worked well for us for many years now.

As the word "uncluttered" popped into my head this morning, I felt that not only do I appreciate that in my home, God is asking me to keep that same thinking in my life. It is so easy in this day and age to get caught up in activity after activity. I believe God is wanting us to be a "Mary" instead of a "Martha" and choose those things which are the most important. Depending on what season of life you are in, will help determine the most important things for you.

It's also important to keep our minds free from clutter...those thoughts of frustration towards others or a specific situation. It is such a waste of time and hardly ever accomplishes anything. I Corinthians 14:33a reminds us,  "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace."

So, as you're finishing your cup of coffee today, let's work on keeping our lives uncluttered.

Loved chatting with you.

Kathy

In my little beach cottage, this is where chatting happens...

My calendar clearly tells me that we have moved into February, our second month of the year. I’m trying to figure out what happened to January, because I live for new years. There’s something exciting about closing one chapter and beginning the next. The status of this year has proven to be one of change with unlimited potential before me. I am known for appreciating security in my life…neat, packaged, orderly routines. However, in the past few years it has become very clear that God is asking more of me:  more trust, more time, more ministry, but not in the usual ways. Resigning my ministry position was the first thing I did this year. The one thing I have learned when making life-changing decisions is that God orders our steps when we are listening to Him, and I have certainly felt the peace of God that passes understanding through this particular decision.

Now God is reminding me of past ideas or “callings” if you will. I am exploring new possibilities…blogging being one of them. Not known for my technical prowess, this is a stretch, but I have the feeling that “stretching” is going to become a way of life for me.

Looking forward to chatting soon...where the virtual coffee is free!

Kathy