Devotional Lifestyle Moment

Have You Been Wondering Where I've Been? An Update.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:33:00 +0000

DEVOTIONAL LIFESTYLE MOMENT has moved.

Just a wee post to invite you to The Heart Change Place where you will find the Devotional Lifesyle Moment devotionals.

The Heart Change Place is a virtual spiritual retreat center that is open 24 hours a day.

Come on in and relax.

You will find that your visits here will help you to

connect your Sunday faith with your everyday Monday to Saturday life

by cultivating a devotional lifestyle.

So drop by to continue reading short Devotional Lifestyle Moment devotionals that will help you cultivate and live a devotional lifestyle.

See you over there!

Do you have a case of "overload?" Here's the solution. Unplug. Realign.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:21:00 +0000

Giant screens loomed high above the street, unapologetically demanding my attention by flashing ultra-bright advertising images from the latest T.V. shows, music videos and movie trailers.

A steel pan band, half a dozen buskers, and a kilt-adorned bagpipe player, all competing for the pocket-change of those walking by, were resolutely determined to showcase their talent in spite of the constant noise coming from traffic, car horns, fire-engine sirens, and the pressing crowds.

And speaking of crowds—where did all those cell-phone-talkin’, i-pod-listenin’, blackberry-textin’, ear-phone-wearin’, plugged- in people come from anyway? I mean…literally hundreds.

I stood still for a few moments and took it all in. It was sort of like in the movies. You know, when everything around you suddenly turns into s-l-o-w motion.

As I did, I was overcome with a sudden case of overload.

Chances are, you too have been overcome with a sudden case of overload.

You see, overload does not just happen at the corner of Yonge and Dundas in downtown Toronto on a Friday night.

It happens in the suburbs.

It happens in small towns.

It happens in churches.

It happens in families.

It happens in our hearts.

It happens as a result of the hurry-up, always-plugged-in, no-time-to-rest, over-scheduled, productivity-addicted, noise-polluted, frenzied-pace we often choose to live our lives at.

Is it happening to you right now? I am sure you would agree—it’s certainly not a peace-filled way to live life.

So what are we to do?

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Is it difficult to even hear yourself think, let alone try to be still and know God?

Here are just a few suggestions:
1. …it’s time to unplug.
• Turn your T.V. off early at night and spend that time alone with God.

• Drive or commute to work without the radio or ipod playing, instead listen to God.

• Schedule regular personal retreats of silence.

• Ask God to show you other ways to “be still.”
2. …it’s time to realign your heart to God’s heart.
• Be accountable. Ask your small group, Bible study group, or close friend to partner with you as you create space in your life to” be still.”

• Get a life coach or spiritual director who will link arms with you as you learn to arrange and organize your life as a whole around God.

Take time today to unplug and realign your overloaded heart to God's heart.

Then do it again tomorrow...and the next day.

Blessed Assurance!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:47:00 +0000

I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for You alone, O LORD,

make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Love-in-action.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:22:00 +0000

Ever wonder what love-in-action looks like?

Several days ago, I came across this story:

One Sunday I was entertained in a farm home of a member of a rural church. I was impressed by the intelligence and unusually good behavior of the only child in the home, a little four-year-old boy.

Then I discovered one reason for the child's charm. The mother was at the kitchen sink, washing the intricate parts of the cream separator when the little fellow came to her with a magazine. "Mother," he asked, "what is this man in the picture doing?"

To my surprise she dried her hands, sat down on a chair and taking the boy in her lap she spent ten minutes answering his questions.

After the child had left I commented on her having interrupted her chores to answer the boy's questions, saying, "Most mothers wouldn't have bothered." "I expect to be washing cream separators for the rest of my life," she told me, "But never again will my son ask me that question!"
-Unknown

A picture of love-in-action!

I have to admit, when I read that story, I thought about many times where, unlike the mom in the story, I ignored and/or displayed impatience at the questions of my children.

Kind of made me sad to have missed those opportunities to demonstrate love-in-action. Do you know what I mean?

But that was in the past.

Today is a new day.

God, in His grace and faithfulness to me, provides opportunties each and every new day to be His love-in-action.

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others that for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Love doesn't strut,

Doesn't have a swelled head,

Doesn't force itself on others,

Isn't always "me first,"

Doesn't fly off the handle,

Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn't revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.
I Corinthians 13:4-8 (The Message)

Ahhh, so that's what love-in-action really is!

Missed opportunities to show love-in-action in the past is no excuse or reason to miss today's opportunities.

How will you be His love-in-action today?

It's Time. Get Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:30:00 +0000

Am I the only one?

The only one who wishes that God would give me more information?

Ok, let me start by giving you a bit more background.

The other day, during my devotional time, I became very aware of a growing irritation in my soul.

You see, God had already given me a "next step" in a particular area of my life.

And boy, was I was excited!

But I wanted more.

More information.

In other words, the next step after the next step He just revealed to me.

So...I lingered in my devotional time.

Not a lingering motived "to be Him."

A lingering motived to "find out more."

"This next-step is not enough God. Tell me more." said my demanding heart.

I was irritated. At God.

Oh my. He's so patient. Because a few moments later, He spoke again. This time through words from my favourite classic devotional book.

Listen to this:

God never gives guidance for two steps at a time. I must take one step, and then I will recieve light for the next."

HELLO...message received loud and clear. What was I waiting for? It was time to get up and out of my prayer chair and get doing the next thing. In His time, He will reveal the next-step.

Peace flooded my heart. I confessed my irritiability.

So here's the question for today.

Do you know God's "next thing" for you? Are you doing it? What are you waiting for? Get up off your chair, and start doing it today. He will reveal your "next step" in His good time.

Have you listened in to our Talking Book Club yet? We are reading Character Makeover over at the Girl's Gathering Place.

Week One podcast on the character quality of humility is ready to listen to right now!

Check out the Girl's Gathering Place blog to read our personal character makeover journey!

On a short break.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:17:00 +0000

Devotional Lifestyle Moment is taking a break...

but just for one week.

I'll be back for Monday February 1st.

Have a great week...see you on Monday!

Are you ready to sign on the dotted line?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

A layman visited a great city church during a business trip.

After the service, he congratulated the minister on his service and sermon.

“But,” said the manufacturer, “if you were my salesman, I’d discharge you.

You got my attention by your appearance, voice and manner; your prayer, reading and logical discourse aroused my interest.

You warmed my heart with a desire for what you preached; and then--and then you stopped.

You stopped without asking me to do something about it.

In business the important thing is to get them to sign on the dotted line.”
-James Duff

Now granted, most of y'all reading this right now are not preachers.

But that doesn't let us off the hook! We all can learn something from this story.

How many times do we read God's Word; attend a conference; participate in a Bible study group; listen to an audio; read a book; do our devotions--well, you get where I'm going here--and we learn more about God and spiritual life, but we do not put our knowledge into action...into doing.

The pastor or leader may not have "gone in for the ask."

Hmm, is it possible that we can use that for an excuse?

Bottom line: we have no excuse.

God has "gone in for the ask." It's an all-inclusive ask that covers every time His life-changing truth has been breathed into our lives.

Here it is:

But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.

James 1:22 (ESV)

Tonight, and during the day tomorrow, many of us will be attending church services, adult Bible classes, and/or small groups etc.

So, when we hear the Word this weekend, are we ready hear the question: "What are you going to do about it?

God is asking.

It's new. It's life-changing. It's happening soon. And you could win a book.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:28:00 +0000

Today we are going to take a break from our Devotional Lifestyle Moment because I really want to let you know what's happening over at the Girl's Gathering Place.

We are doing a TALKING BOOK CLUB!

Keep on reading to find out more...and how to win a free book!

What Book Are We Going to Read?

Ready for a makeover—a character makeover? That’s what our book, Character Makeover, written by Katie Brazelton and Shelly Leith, is all about.

Together we will explore 8 character qualities: humility, confidence, courage, self-control, patience, contentment, generosity, and perseverance.

We will discover how to join God in this collaborative effect of our character makeover journey…our goal is to become more and more Christlike!

Want to buy a copy on-line? Click the link of your choice in the side-bar of the Girl's Gathering Place blog.

Want to Get a F.R.E.E. copy of Character Makeover?

We are giving away TWO F.R.E.E. COPIES OF CHARACTER MAKEOVER

Enter your name in the draw by filling out the TALKING BOOK CLUB form over on the form below BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY JANUARY 25.

Winner will be announced on Tuesday January 26!

When is the Talking Book Club?

Each Monday for 8 weeks, beginning February 1, a new 30 minute podcast will be available over at the Girl’s Gathering Place Talk Shoe page. Listen in as Leslie and Kathy talk about the current week’s chapter and share what God is doing in their personal character makeover journey.

Each day, Monday to Friday, we ( Leslie and Kathy) will be posting on our blog about our own character makeover stories as well as things we are learning from the book.

On the 9th week, we will be doing our Talk Shoe call LIVE! We are inviting you to not only join us, but tell us some of your character makeover stories—a second big reveal of how God been changing your life. We can’t wait to hear them!

How Will It Work?

We fit into your unique schedule! No more travelling to a specific location at a specific time to participate in a book club!

Just download the audios from our page at Talk Shoe directly onto your mp3 player.

Do you use iTunes? One click on the iTunes button will ensure that all Talking Book Club podcasts automatically update automatically and download every time you open your iTunes.

Start listening today. Our Talking Book Club introduction podcast is over at Talk Shoe ready for you to listen to right now!

What Does It Cost?

Besides the cost of your own book, it’s absolutely F.R.E.E.

Would love for you to join us!

kath

Good News If You are "Lost in Lostness"

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:20:00 +0000

What does it feel like to be lost?

Lostness.

It's about losing one's way.

The fact is, there are many kinds of "lostness" in which you and I are engaged.

We might lose our way in a relationship.

We might lose our way in a situation.

We might lose our way in a skill.

We might lose our way in how we relate to God.

Jesus told a parable in Luke 15:3-6 about a lost sheep.

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays iton his shoulders, rejoicing."

In Jesus' day, "lost" did not mean what it has come to be in recent days: those not trusting Jesus for salvation.

"Lostness" was about losing one's way.

Are you experiencing "lostness" today?

Know you have a Shepherd. A Shepherd who has the same eagerness and enthusiasm to pursue you--in your lostness as the shepherd in today's parable. Our Shepherd is wild about you!

Take time to read our Scripture passage again today.

How is your life touched by the passage?

What does it feel like to be found when you've been lost?

May we all be changed by His Word--and pursuit--today.

You just may need to hear these words today...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:33:00 +0000

I came across these words recently.

They ministered to my heart.

It is my prayer that whoever needs to be reminded of these life-giving truths today, will stumble upon them and be encouraged.

Encouraged that God Can.

Encouraged that God Does.

When you feel unlovable, unworthy and unclean,

when you think that no one can heal you:

Remember, Friend,

God Can.

When you think you are unforgivable

for your guilt and your shame:

Remember, Friend,

God Can.

When you think that all is hidden

and no one can see within:

Remember, Friend,

God Can.

And when you have reached the bottom

and you think that no one can hear:

Remember, my dear Friend,

God Can.

And when you think that no one can

love the real person deep inside of you:

Remember, my dearFriend,

God Does.

-unknown

Share the LOVE--God's LOVE...click on the "share" button and send to a friend or post to your FB page!

Searching...and Finding.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:44:00 +0000

(Sigh)

I lost ~~our second car~~ -- I mean, my metro pass on Friday.

Ok, well it's almost like our second car. This little card is the means of transporation around the city--street car, bus, and subway--for my son and I.

I was determined to find it over the weekend.

I put my whole heart into my search.

Interestingly, here's what happened when I was seeking intently and intentionally for this little piece of plastic.

I found that:

...the search was always on my mind
...my eyes scanned my home with laser focus--I saw little else because I was looking specifically and only for my metro pass.

I haven't found it. Yet.

But last night, God nudged me.

What would my life look like if I sought God as intently and intentionally as I did my metro pass this past weekend?

With my whole heart.

Would I find that He was always on my mind?

Would I have a laser focus on His Word; on learning to hear Him in the ordinary of my day?

Would I be less distracted by the world?

I ~~think~~ know so. Because I would find Him.

You will seek Me and find Me. When you seek Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:14 (ESV)

And I have found Him.

But I want my seeking to be more consistent.

An everyday-every moment-laser focus-always on my mind-kind of seeking.

How about you?

Will you seek Him with all your heart today?

Stop. It's Time to Recount.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:12:00 +0000

"I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;

I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

I will be glad and exult in You;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

-Psalm 9:1-2

Here we are - it's Friday already!

Where did the week go?

Do you ever find you can go from day to day, week to week, month to month--and never really thank God for the many daily blessings in your life.

I do.

Sometimes I just can't plum remember.

Let's stop today.

Stop to recount.

Stop to recount--to list--God's wonderous deeds in our life from this week, and thank Him with our whole heart.

Will you share some of things on your list with us?

We May Not Be Able to Go...But We Can Do Something: Pray.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:30:00 +0000

II Timothy 2:1 (ESV)

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people...

Will you join me?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today we bring before You Haiti, and all the dear people who were there and experienced this devasting earthquake. You know each one. You love each one. We ask that they would know Your comfort right now. Give them the strength and grace they need to face the challenges of today. Turn their hearts to You.

For those there already, or going there to provide relief, we pray for their safety. We ask that You give all involved the wisdom they need to carry out their rescue mission; the compassion to share with each person; the strength to carry on when all seems lost; and the comfort their hearts need when they see unspeakable heartbreak.

And may all know hope...in what seems a hopeless situation.

We trust You Father, and know You never leave us or forsake us.

We stand assuredly on Your promises.

May Your will be done.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

One Big Ol' Mess!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:30:00 +0000

One of my just do it things from yesterday was deep-cleaning our bedroom. Upon moving one piece of furniture in order to vaccum--tucked away in a place where no one would ever see--was this big ol' mess.

Who knew "wireless" meant having so many wires??

Messed up wires frustrate me.

You know, it's like going to your jewelry box to get out one necklace to find that it is knotted together with 5 other necklaces.

The only solution to either problem is to stop--and patiently untangle the big ol' mess.

So I did.

Made me wonder though.

Is this the only big ol' mess I need to stop and deal with? Oh sure, there's lots more little corners of my home that need my attention.

But I'm talking about the corners of my heart. Big ol' messes that I stuff behind my exterior image in hidden and protected places where no one will see--or find.

Tangled strands of discontentment. Jealously and envy. Impatience. Pride.

But God knows the hidden places of my big ol' messes.

My exterior image is not important to Him.

My heart is.

And so is your heart.

Do you have some big ol' messes hidden in there? Do you try to untangle them yourself? Would you let God behind your exterior image, and like the psalmist, invite God to search and know your heart--big ol' messes and all?

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

and see if there be any hurtful way in me,

and lead me in the everlasting way.

-Psalm 139:23-24

Remember: God is a gentle and patient "untangler" of big ol' messes--
when we let Him!

What a Difference a Breath of Fresh Air Makes!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:23:00 +0000

It was 10:00 pm when I stepped out of our van.

It had been an exciting day--on the go--celebrating our son's 16th birthday with the entire family.

Lots of laughing. Lots of eating. Lots of memories made.

But quite honestly, by 10:00 pm, I was weary and looked forward to the comfort of my jammies and the quiet of my home.

As I stepped out of the van, I stood for a moment and breathed in deeply. A breath of very cold and crisp Toronto night air.

It was exactly what I needed. It was restorative. Gave back some energy. Life-giving. What a difference it made!

I remembered that breath of fresh air this morning while reading Philippians 2:14 from The Message:

Go out into the world uncorrupted,
a breath of fresh air

in this squalid and polluted society.

Provide people with a glimpse of good living

and of the living God.

After my experience last night, I also understood that breath of fresh air better.

Because, that's what you and I are to be everyday.

A breath of fresh air.

To a noisy and weary world.

Will we be that breath of fresh air in someone's life today? That glimpse of God in their life?

How? Watch and see what a difference being a breath of fresh air makes!

Ready for a Brand New Ending?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:45:00 +0000

I love finding a quote that just spurs me on.

Or that inspires me toward change.

Or that brings a balm of healing to my heart.

When I find such a quote, it's like God is passing me a beautiful gift that whispers a message from His heart to mine.

I found such a quote on Saturday. I knew that I knew that I knew that someone reading today's Devotional Lifestyle Moment would need to hear it today.

Just as I needed to hear it on Saturday. This balm of healing.

Though you cannot go back and make a brand new start,

you can start today with Christ and make a brand new end.

-John Maxwell

This is not a new concept. That's because it's God's idea. Look what He tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Ready to start today with Christ to make a brand new ending?

Perfect Equation or Not...Do It Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:20:00 +0000

Saturday morning + a quiet home + my chai tea soy latte + my Bible and journal = a sweet devotional time with Jesus.

Yes, this morning I have been given a gracious gift--the sweet components of the equation above. I am basking in that gift.

Not every morning is like this.

But for today--for right now--I am drinking in the pleasure of spending time in the presence of God.

Here's my prayer for you as I talk to Jesus this morning:

That today you will spend some time with Him.

Perhaps it will be come unexpected and "easy"--like the gift described in the equation above.

Maybe it will come because of an intention choice you make to set 5, 10, 15 minutes aside from a busy Saturday schedule.

Maybe it will come from the only 2 minutes you have to yourself away from your precious little ones (I always found that was usually the bathroom!).

Whoever you are, whatever way it comes, and wherever you can meet with Him, do it. Today.

After all, isn't that what a devotional lifestyle is?

Have a sweet weekend...talk to you again on Monday!

Will you be laughing or weeping?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:31:00 +0000

"The things I say and do today

In memory's book, I'll keep.

And when I'm old and read them-

Will I laugh or weep?"

-unknown

Regret.

It is painful.

How can we, looking back over our lives 10 years from now, laugh instead of weep?

It's right here in Romans 12:1:

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Ten years from now, will we laugh or weep. The choice is ours--each and every day.

The choice is ours today...by placing our everyday, ordinary life before God as an offering.

Will you?

Pay Attention to Today's Decisions!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:26:00 +0000

It caught our attention immediately. Usually Alan is quick to scan other channels during the commercials. Not this time.

It was all about "Saying No" to drugs. A teenage boy was offered drugs by the "cool" guys. We watched him contemplate whether to accept the drugs or not.

During that brief few seconds of contemplating, he fast-forwarded through the next several years of his life on the movie screen in his mind. It was evident that vividly, ugly scenes of the consequences of addiction convinced him to turn to the "cool" guys...and say NO to the very first joint he had been offered.

"Wow, that commerical was well done," we both said.

After a quiet moment, Alan added, "It's too bad we couldn't take a few seconds to fast-forward through the possible painful consequences of all our everyday decisions. It would likely make a profound difference in the outcome of our life."

We need to pay attention to the decisions we make today.

Galatians 6:7 says: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

We reap what we sow. It's a law as sure as the law of gravity. We can take that to the bank.

Job 4:8 reminds us that: As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.

...but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. (Proverbs 11:18b)

What are you going to sow today? It will determine what you reap in your tomorrows.

Was your heart blessed by today's Devotional Lifestyle Moment? Why not click on the "SHARE" button and pass it along to a friend?

Want to forget about the past? Need something new?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:33:00 +0000

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

This is what the LORD says—who makes a way in the sea, and a path through surging waters.

Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old.

Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Are you remembering past events? Failures? Misspoken words? Poor choices? Missed opportunities? Do you pay a lot of attention to those things? Do they seem to take up a lot of your "mind-space?"

Be encouraged by today's Scripture.

Forget about them. Stop paying attention to them.

Why?

Because God is doing something new. Even now, right now, God is doing something new in your life. He will make a way. He will change you.

Do you see it?

Slow down. Spend time with Him. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart to see the new thing He is doing in you.

Have you dropped by The Heart Change Place lately? Visit The Heart Change Blog to read my recent post to the Gratitude Community.

Sighing. Wishing. Good intentions. Training?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:51:00 +0000

(Sigh.) Sometimes I wish...

...that I could become an 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist...just because I held the Olympic Torch.

...that I could become a godly mom and wife...just because I have kids and a husband.

...that I could grow spiritually...just because I go to church every Sunday.

...that I could obtain physical health and fitness...just because I watch Dr. Oz and read a few magazine articles.

...that I could effectively manage the affairs of my home...just because it was my "good intention to do so."

Are you getting the drift?

Sighing. Wishing. Good intention.

Those things do not get anyone--anywhere.

To be an olympic athlete; to be a godly mom and wife; to grow into a spiritually mature woman; to be physically fit and healthy; to manage my home in an effective manner--all require something of me.

(Ok, let's get serious here for a moment. I will NEVER be an olympic athlete! That's laughable. I'm laughing--hilariously--right now!)

But the other things--yes, I can be. And you can be too.

It takes setting aside all our sighing, our wishing and our good intentions and replacing those things with action. To begin to train. To understand what is required of us. Even when we don't feel like it.

Allow the Spirit of God to speak to you through these Scripture verses today:

Hebrews 12:11

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been

trained by it.

I Timothy 4:7b,8

…train yourself to be godly.

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

II Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

Will you lay aside the sighing; the wishing; the good intentions, and begin to train? What baby-step are you willing to take today?

Wanderin' Eye Syndrome...Hey what are YOU looking at?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Ok it's no secret. Us girls...we've got us some wanderin' eyes.

They wander on over to our girlfriend's house to size up everything she has that we don't.

They wander on over to our friends facebook page and get busy reading witty status updates and seeing great pics of family holiday times or vacations--all the while thinking "huh, must be nice."

They wander on over to gaze longingly at a friend's seemingly fulfilling career--or maybe to another friend who is so lucky to be able to not work outside her home--all to remind us how discontent we are with our current work situation.

They wander on over to the pew--just down to the left of where we always sit--to that perfect family. They are so talented. They look like they really have it together. "If my husband would treat me like he treats her...if my kids would just get involved in youth group like theirs...then my life would finally be so much better."

They wander on over to check out the weight loss, or the better clothes. or the better hair-do, or the better skin, or the better manicure, or the better--well, you get it--leaving a growing bubble of self-criticism within us.

They wander on over__________________________________________.

You fill in the blank.

Where have your eyes been wanderin' lately?

I've had "wanderin' eye syndrome" (W.E.S.). If fact, W.E.S. is something I need to be on guard for--all the time. How about you?

The results of W.E.S.?

I lose my focus in getting busy with what God's purpose is for me.
I habour jealousy and discontentment in my heart.
I compare my possessions, my physical appearance and/or my relationships with those of others.

Hmmm. Not exactly life-giving results!

Here's what to do for some life-giving results...

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace.
-Helen Lemmel

My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalm 25:15

Devotional Lifestyle Moment: Who's Your Public Relations Manager?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I Peter 5:6-7 (The Message)

So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; He'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.

Humility means that I let God be in charge of public relations.

I don't have to impress anyone or compare myself to anyone to feel better about myself.

I can be me and let God take care of the rest.

-Jan Johnston

Is it difficult for you to "let go and let God be God?" Are you content with who you are, or do you find yourself all tied up trying to "manage" other people's opinions of you, of your husband or children, of your accomplishments etc. Will you confess the pride in your heart today and give the role of "public relations" back to God?

Humility means self-forgetfulness, not self-obsession.

The Twelve Hearts of Christmas: Day One - A Surrendered Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:01:00 +0000

(Taken from the m2s devotional lifestyle guide: The Twelve Hearts of Christmas... pursuing a quiet heart in a noisy world. Download week one free by clicking here.)

Listen at TalkShoe by clicking here

How different would your Christmas be this year if you developed the same heart-quality evidenced by Mary's words in Luke 1:38:

"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your Word."

Very surrendered words in light of the fact that she, a young, pure, Jewish girl had just been told that she would soon be pregnant. Miraculously. With the Son of God.

I'm not sure those would have been my words. I think I might have had a bit of a freak-out to be quite honest. My heart would have been filled with fear and anxiety.

How did Mary respond with such a surrendered heart? I think it was because she was cultivating a surrendered heart long before this news reached her.

A daily decision to release the world and our fate, including our reputation and "success" into the hands of God cultivates a heart of surrender like Mary's.

Today, are you willing to ask God to reveal areas in your life that are not in complete surrender to Him?

Share with a friend!

Devotional Lifestyle Moment: What In The World Is a Devotional Lifestyle? AUDIO

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Butryn) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:47:00 +0000

What in the world is a devotional lifestyle?

I am asked that question frequently by visitors to The Heart Change Place and by women I meet face-to-face when at a speaking engagement.

Soooo...I thought, "hey, why not make a short audio to help explain just what in the world a devotional lifestyle is."

Here's the link...in case you were wondering what a devotional lifestyle is!

Click here to download short audio

Before I go, have you downloaded the first week of my newest m2s devotional lifestyle guide yet? It's called The Twelve Weeks of Christmas...pursuing a quiet heart in a noisy season. Click here and get week one...free!