I posed the question "Would you participate in Door-to-Door Evangelism?" to you all, and I'm here to share the results. Thank you, thank you for voting. I really was curious to get your feedback.
So without ado... The results.
Would you Participate in Door to Door Evangelism?
Total Votes: 44
You Maybes out there, I hope to brainwash ;)
You Absolutelys, how can I find you so we can go together? The same goes for you Yes and I haves.
You Nope thats for Jehovah Witnesses, join the party that I just left. :)
And for those Its not my personality peoples, you might be interested to know that this is the most common reply I get when I mention vocal evangelism to Christians.
You Others that emailed me or left a comment voiced some reasoning I've used myself.
Now, I wasn't trying to trip you up. There wasn't any right or wrong answer necessarily. I sincerely thank you for being honest. Buuuuut, I do have an opinion [surprise,surprise...ok, not really a surprise] and I plan to share with you what I would have voted, had I voted [For those of you who haven't already figured it out. heh]. So keep an eye out.
But seriously, those of you who are all for it, WHERE ARE YOU? Because I've done some looking, and I was beginning to wonder if we even exist. Kidding. Kinda. I've met a few. But very, very few and even fewer in my hometown.
Ok. Ready or not. More soon.
....One of the few email forwards I was glad I opened. :)
Its snowing like crazy here right now.For you snowmen and women out there,
you have nothing to worry about.
Hopefully everybody has a friend like Anna. She's the kind of person you can be yourself around, even if you're loud and silly. If you ever feel like talking about yourself, go have a chat with her, because she gives you all the opportunity you need to spill life's joys and trials. You'll leave still wondering what she's been up to lately, because for the last 5 hours, you've talked about you.
5 and half years ago -- though I can't believe its been that long-- her dad flew her, my dad, and I out to Zion Nat'l Park in Utah and we had a 3 day hiking and rappelling adventure. Even those moments when I thought I was going to die, I look back on with fondness. : ) Good memories. Good friends.
Some of my best adventures ever have been with Anna-- Everything from rappelling to "fighting" over potato chip flavors. I hope we have many more. : )
Happy Birthday Anna! Hope this years your best yet!
Love Always,
Kaylene
Happy Birthday Anna! Hope this years your best yet!
Love Always,
Kaylene
I read an obituary in the paper today that made me smile. Whats with that? An obituary making someone smile?It was for a 50 something year old man with Down Syndrome. The picture showed a cheery smile, a kind face.
It said he "enjoyed flopping his newspaper, drinking his Dr Pepper and going to worship. He enjoyed a very simple life and was a constant reminder to never take things for granted. He loved life and being with his family."
It made me smile, and then it nearly made me cry for his family and friends. A family I've never met, friends who I don't know who they are. Yet somehow, by this short story, I had seen a glimpse of his life and what they all must be missing right now.
I wondered how many people would read his story and put it in the "successful people" category.
I wondered how many kids would read his story and say "I want to be like him, when I grow up."
I figured, not many.
Yet, I wondered how many people would be inspired by his story, touched by his smile, and moved by his testimony.
I figured, more than a few.
I wonder if we limit ourselves when we imagine that success is defined by popularity, indepenence, and A+'s.
I wonder if, when I die, people will remember whether or not I had a degree; or if instead they will remember whether or not I smiled a lot and how I treated other people. Did she talk about "me" or Jesus? And if she talked about Jesus, did she walk the talk?
I figure that though a lot of people have a lot of opinions as to what success might should look like, true success is actually very simple. Its being that person God created you to be. Its the person you already are, excelled to the limit.
I desire to succeed. But the only mold I want to fit in, is Christ's. I want to bear a quiet impact on the world and blow the limitations we've put on success at the same time. Taking a day at a time-- Lord use me.
Bible Reading Challenge 1.26.10
I was behind most of last week on my reading. I think, if I've calculated right, I'm at least mostly caught up. I'm reading in Numbers and Matthew right now. Leviticus was a good challenge for me. I was struck by how many times God told the people "I AM THE LORD" following giving them a command. I was reminded that the very fact that He is LORD is enough of a reason to obey. I don't have to understand, I don't have to have all my questions answered first. Obedience is what opens the door for understanding.
“All God’s revelations are sealed to us until they are opened to us by obedience. You will never get them open by philosophy or thinking. Immediately you obey, a flash of light comes. Let God’s truth work in you by soaking in it, not by worrying into it. Obey God in the thing He is at present showing you, and instantly the next thing is opened up. We read tomes on the work of the Holy Spirit when… five minutes of drastic obedience would make things clear as a sunbeam. We say, “I suppose I shall understand these things some day.” You can understand them now: it is not study that does it, but obedience. The tiniest fragment of obedience, and heaven opens up and the profoundest truths of God are yours straight away. God will never reveal more truth about Himself till you obey what you know already. Beware of being wise and prudent." .Oswald Chambers.
I really don't have a good reason as to why I have been behind, but let me tell you, there are some who do have reason, and for all I know they are caught up and maybe ahead, I'm not sure.
Sarah K. one of our participants, is enduring a painful trial right now.She's a sweet friend, whom I know personally. She's been faithful to email me once a week to let me know how her Bible reading is going. A week or so ago she burnt her hand with boiling water and steam. She has 3rd degree burns and is in the stage of recovery that is extremely painful. Pray for pain relief and for her spiritual vigor to endure through this trial.
Kate had a baby girl! She is absolutely a doll, according to pictures. Her blog is set to private, but she enjoys meeting new people so if you send her a request I'm pretty sure she'll approve you. Can you imagine doing all this reading with a newborn? Well, like I said, I don't know where she's at in her reading, but the fact that she started out with the intention of reading that much, is bravery to me.
Also Renate (find all these names in the sidebar for their links) is attending her first semester of college and attempting the reading challenge. I think so many of you have more on your plate than I do, which is really inspiring to me. Pray for each other-- pray for me! :-)
Blessings,
Kaylene
PS... If you haven't already, you only have 4 days left to vote on the poll. Thanks to those of you who have voted and even let me know who you were and why you voted what you voted. Interesting results to say the least. I plan to share with you why I chose that topic, my personal testimony, and what I would have voted if I had voted. So be watching for some more opportunity to discuss the subject!
Although I've always considered the 'Ten Commandments' general rules to live by, the Old Testament used to seem like an exception to "God is the same today, as He was yesterday". There was somewhat of disconnect, in my mind, between the Christ who called for surrender of our lives and the God who called for sacrifice of animals. And yet, when put in that way, I can see [now] that the common denominator is m.y. h.e.a.r.t. God wants our hearts. Sacrifice, surrender... they speak of the same attitude.
I think the first time it really clicked for me was when I was reading in Exodus a couple of years ago.
This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying, Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD..." Ex. 35:3-5
Lip Service
By the time Christ came to earth and even before, there was also a big disconnect in the Jews' minds, which led to a huge disconnect between their hearts and the very heart of God. The god the Jews worshiped was not the same God who had commanded them those years ago "take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart..." And regardless of the countless times God had told them "I the Lord do sanctify them." "I am the Lord which hallow you..." They treated and lived the law, as if it was the law, that sanctified them. Jesus said that Isaiah was right when he wrote "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me..."
By the time Christ came to earth and even before, there was also a big disconnect in the Jews' minds, which led to a huge disconnect between their hearts and the very heart of God. The god the Jews worshiped was not the same God who had commanded them those years ago "take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart..." And regardless of the countless times God had told them "I the Lord do sanctify them." "I am the Lord which hallow you..." They treated and lived the law, as if it was the law, that sanctified them. Jesus said that Isaiah was right when he wrote "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me..."
The consequence? They missed knowing Jesus.
Heart Service
Recognize the potential for disconnect and do all you can to avoid it. Namely, let your motivation in keeping God's commandments be pure. Choose you this day, sweet communion or fatal bondage. Surrender because you can't love with out Him. Obey because you love Him (because you love Him you will obey Him.) Sacrifice, because He is Lord and worthy of every heart-felt offering.
Recognize the potential for disconnect and do all you can to avoid it. Namely, let your motivation in keeping God's commandments be pure. Choose you this day, sweet communion or fatal bondage. Surrender because you can't love with out Him. Obey because you love Him (because you love Him you will obey Him.) Sacrifice, because He is Lord and worthy of every heart-felt offering.
Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me...
and uphold me with thy free spirit...
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:
thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and a contrite heart,
O God, thou wilt not despise...
Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,
with burnt offering and whole burnt offering:
then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Dear Haiti,There is a Tower that never crumbles. His name is Jesus.
We can have Hope. His name is Jesus
We can have Life. His name is Jesus. Pray for Life for Haiti.
200,000 miles on a car is embarrassing. 344,769 is just down right impressive.
But since most of them were driven by someone else who took extremely good care of everything about the car, and then gave me a steal of a deal when I bought it from him-- I guess its his bragging right, not mine.
If I have a bad side, the way to get on it, is to tell me I'm spoon fed.
I acknowledge those who have had an influence and impact in my life, but I refute anyone claiming that those people are the lone reason I keep on believing. I have a brain and a heart of my own, thank you . And by the grace of God I've received and fully believe in the saving power of His plan of redemption and everything that decision entails. ["Work out your own salvation..."]
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
(hows that for a title? Tried to be more original than "random topics" you know.)
Bible Reading Challenge 1.14.10
Sarah K., who is one of the participants in our challenge, has been emailing me her progress and thoughts. I want to share this thought of hers with you all.
"Over the last few years I have come to realize that it is ok if one doesn't 'make it through the bible in a year' or in half a year for that matter. The important thing is that we are constantly in His word, seeking Him, studying who He is, and most importantly knowing Him. I think it is easy for people to get caught up in a 'Challenge' and I think that is one of the main reasons people fail to complete their year or half year of reading. If you just view it as a challenge, once the novelty of that wears off, you have no more motivation."
Also, I read this the other day and thought it was a perfect article to help keep us on the right track during this challenge. By the way, we have 3 new participants. Please remember to be in prayer for each other. We don't want this to be an exericise or mere accomplishment of discipline.
Regardless of the fact that I'm a few emails behind in life, I'm taking a short trip over the weekend. I'm happily leaving my computer behind, so you won't be seeing much of me.
Please vote in my poll in the sidebar. Feel free to expound in a comment below. When I say I'm curious, its because I can think of no stronger word that means the same thing. =)
Before I sign off I want to acknowledge and remind you to pray... I know I am not alone when I say, my heart is burdened for the people of Haiti and those lives who've been impacted by the trauma. I'm far removed from the reality that is devastation for so many right now. Yet my mind is left reeling from graphic images and my heart hurts... and so I pray. May people turn to Jesus because of it all.
Yes, indeed. I am admitting in a some what public ok, very public place, that ...
Monster's Inc is one of few movies I've willingly watched more than 3 times.
"I'm resisting you. I don't wanna like you!!"
I rarely--if ever--wear high heels because my ankles pop when I walk in them. (not to mention my fear of heights and falling)
[and thus ensues a series of posts for the easily excitable and in hopes to disspell and/or confirm rumors regarding my state of mind.]
I think the love story of Isaac and Rebekah is a beautiful one. Unarguably.
But if you don't mind me sharing a pet peeve ...
But if you don't mind me sharing a pet peeve ...
Every time I hear it used as a model for "Biblical courtship" I cringe. And even more, when I see those attempting to replicate it.
With the failure of the dating system came a generation seeking an alternative. We turned to scriptures for guidance (which it gives) and specifications (which it does not).
I don't believe God gave us a play by play. And as much as we think one might help us in our 'quest for love', surely God truly knows best and thats why He didn't give us one. Therefore, I think we should be minimalists when writing "How-to" books, giving advice, or laying down the rules.
Bible Reading Challenge 1.09.10 + ten million other things I'm thinking about right now.
Hello my friends,
How has the new year been for you thus far? Blogging time has gotten away from me, but I'm very thankful for the amount of work hours I've had. And the amount of reading time!
I'm on in to Exodus at the moment. I'm always challenged by how the Lord used Moses, even though he showed signs of unwillingness and complained of incompetence. Its the Lord who gives purpose and grants success.
I'm excited for the fact that I've been reading reports of several participants who are already experiencing growth and encouragement from their reading. And I can most definitely say the same.
This happens a lot in my reading, but I'm hung up on a particular story back in Genesis-- The all too familiar Isaac and Rebekah story. I think I may post my thoughts on that in its own post. We'll see.
I'm making headway with my memory work -- the first chapter of James has proved to be a good sort of challenge to me spiritually, more than it is mentally challenging to memorize. Uh, does that make any sense?
Please be in prayer for my friends Marcus, Laura, Daniel, and Alana. They just headed off to Nepal with three others, to minister to youth by way of discipleship themed conferences. As there are a lot of unknowns about their trip, I know they would appreciate your prayers.
Also, please note that today is my lovely friend Laura's 23rd birthday. And yes, she's the Laura that just left for Nepal. So since I won't get to say this personally, I'll say it with the whole world reading-- Happy birthday abroad, Laura Lou!
Ok, back to the reading challenge-- If you've posted about how its going ,why don't you leave a link to it in a comment below. Thanks to those of you who've emailed-- Hope to send a return note soon. If you would rather email then comment or post, feel free to help yourself stay accountable and encourage me at the same time : kaylenelise[at]yahoo.com (or if you happen to have my private email thats fine too)
PS... Don't save Leviticus for last. Or Numbers for that matter. Just a suggestion. ;)
Many hellos and too many goodbyes
pain. mistakes. joy. overcoming.
Reminiscent of the year 2009
Family and friends. The Discipleship program. Living with the Grandparentals. A truckload of Propel. Street and door to door evangelism. Saying a temporary good bye to Uncle Chuck. Carenet pregnancy centers. Meeting new people. The Coast. [my f.a.v.o.r.i.t.e. place on earth] Eating fresh crab for the first time. [it was h.o.r.r.i.b.l.e.] Bought another Honda. Laura comes to visit. Mission conferences. Meaningful time with missionaries. Thousands of photos. 6 months away from home. Driving with my bro, 1500 miles cross country- going home. Camp nurse for Good News Camp. Fourth trip to Mexico in 3 years. Home again. Back to Oregon for Family vaca. Home again. Trips to the city with Alana. Home again. Caregiver for the elderly. Colorado for Thanksgiving. Home again.
I realize not all my blog readers are participating in the Bible Reading Challenge. I think I've said before I don't think its something everyone should do. One reason being that its hard to do in depth word studies when we place a time restriction on ourselves. The most important thing is that all of us are in The Word daily. How much?-- Well, thats between you and Him.
But keeping in mind that not everyone is doing "our challenge", I hope to keep a fair balance of posts on other topics-- though I hope you all can gain from our journey through the Bible.
Remember friends, as we're headed into this new year, that God is seeing the big picture that we are not. Pray for the Lord to give you a revelation of eternity. Pursue those things of eternal value. I've run across a few links over the last few days, that I deem worthy to be pondered and shared. All pertain, in my opinion, to the start of a new year as we re-focus our hearts and minds on new or revised (and hopefully worthy) goals and ambitions.
10 predictions for 2010 --a short list that helps "keep it all in perspective".
When Social Media is Distracting -- A thought provoking look at virtual versus personable communication
When Social Media is Distracting -- A thought provoking look at virtual versus personable communication
Death is Not Dying -- The testimony of a woman who passed away from cancer last July. I highly recommend watching this. Take the time, sit down (maybe even with a pen and paper), and listen to these incredibly wise words. If this doesn't help give you eternal perspective, I don't know what will. It will inspire you in your Bible reading. It convicted me even more of my lack of a servant's heart. (HT: hope road blog)
Through trials and joys-- may this be the best year yet. Cheers to 2010!
You all have done so well with spreading The Word. I'm excited that twenty two (!) of you and your friends have joined me in the Bible reading challenge. I'm motivated and challenged when I think about each of you individually being willing and motivated to pursue the Lord in this way. I'm praying for you as we begin this challenge. Be sure and comment, post on your own blog, or email me to let me know how its going for you! Also, check out each other's journey by clicking the names of particpants in my sidebar. I think you will find them inspiring.I'm off to a fairly good start to my Bible Reading. I decided to go ahead and start in Genesis and maybe here pretty soon, split part of my reading up and read somewhere in the New Testament as well. I'm amazed because everytime I start Genesis, I have expectations of being bored with a book I've read so many times. How foolish I am. I see something new e.v.e.r.y. time.
I'm also going to attempt 365 verses in a year-- a challenge Melinda is doing over at her blog. I'm going to start off with the book of James. This book and I have a love/hate relationship. Intending no disrespect, I only mean that the truth both hurts and yet gives guidance and peace. I love the beauty of that paradox. James constantly puts me in my rightful place. As I was previewing the verses I plan to memorize the following ones struck me as very very important to those of us who are committing ourselves to the reading of The Word. James 1:21-25:
herefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with
meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man
beholding his natural face in a glass: For he behold himself and goeth
his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh in the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work,
this man shall be blessed in his deed.
A needful reminder, yes? May God bless the reading of His Word!!
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