My Redeemer Lives !

Forgive, Forgive, Forgive !

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:44:00 +0000

"Refuse to let your past keep you from the future God has planned for you. Today, forgive those that have hurt you and forgive yourself so that you can walk in victory." ~ Joel Osteen

This is Absolutely the Best Advice that I could Ever Share with Anyone ! However, I Can't Promise that Forgiveness Will Always Be Easy. For some, Forgiving Others is Second Nature, but for Others it can be a lot of Hard Work. When I say for others, I mean Me, Myself, and I.

As many of you already know, I was sexually abused by my father from the time I was an infant until I was at least 14 years old. Now I'd like for you to please take just a moment to reflect upon How Long 14 years can be esp. when it's Someone's One and Only Childhood. Now I'm not saying my childhood was all bad. In fact, I always had food to eat, nice clothes to wear, new shoes, and school supplies. I was able to take ballet, tap, & piano lessons, and I have no idea what my Mom may have sacrificed to ensure that we always had plenty of Birthday and Christmas Presents. She kept our home neat & clean, & I was taken to church every Sunday. In fact, Everything Appeared "Normal" to the outside world, but There Wasn't Anything "Normal" about What Happened Behind Closed Doors. I Lived in Constant Fear of What My Father Might Do Next Instead of Feeling Safe in My Own Home.

After Living with such an Abusive Man for so many years, I eventually grew to hate him. Yes, I admit that I actually used to hate my earthly father for what he did to me and my family. I also hated my mother for not leaving my father sooner, because he had such easy access to us. My mom, my brother, and I were each hurt in many different ways, and all I did was became Full of Anger. I later used My Childhood Experiences as an Excuse to Let My Anger become Rage. I also used My Bitterness and Resentment as an Excuse to Build Many Walls Around My Heart.

These Days, I am able to Encourage Others who have been Abused, to Forgive the One(s) who Hurt Them. I know that some of you will be thinking to yourselves, "Well, I Don't Have to Forgive Anyone!" Well, I used to say the same thing all through out my 20's and 30's, and Guess What Saying That Accomplished ? Absolutely Nothing ! All I did was give Satan an Open Door to Fill My Heart with Hate instead of Opening the Door for Jesus to Fill My Heart with HIS Love. Like I said earlier, I went to church every Sunday, so it's not like I didn't know about Jesus. I just Didn't Act Like I Knew HIM for many many years.

Since "Hindsight is 20/20," I Can Now Look Back & Reflect Upon How Much Time & Energy I Wasted, because I Refused to Forgive My Parents. Those were Precious Years that are Gone Forever, and I am left with many regrets. One of which is that I Used to Hold On So Tightly to All of the Toxic Feelings Bottled Up Inside of Me, because I Did Not Understand that Forgiveness Would Bring Me the Freedom I was Looking for Everywhere Else in Life. I had to Learn the Hard Way that Forgiving My Parents didn't Mean that I had to Pretend Like Nothing Ever Happened to Me. It simply meant that I didn't have to Live with all of that Anger, Bitterness, & Resentment Any Longer. "Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's Unfailing Love Surrounds the Man Who Trusts in HIM." (Psalm 32:10 NIV.) I Pray that by Sharing My Story, it May Help Someone Out There Find Forgiveness and Freedom A Lot Sooner than I Did !

The GOOD NEWS is that I Have Been On the Right Track, since I Finally Forgave My Parents nearly 2 1/2 years ago. Believe Me, the Blame Game is a Total and Complete Waste of Time. With Jesus' Help, I am Making Better Choices Concerning All Aspects of My Life, and I Give God All the Glory ! I Honestly Could Not Have Accomplished Anything without a Personal Relationship with JESUS. HE is the Only One Who Could Heal My Broken Heart, and He Can Heal Your Hurting Heart. HE Gives Me the Strength I Need to Overcome, and He'll Do the Same for you, too. "I Can Do Everything Through HIM Who Gives Me Strength !" (Philippians 4:13 NIV.)

I'm also Learning to Forgive Myself, so I can Discover My God Given Destiny. Some people know what they will be when they grow up, but I'm still trying to figure out a few things. In the meantime, I Continue to Fight those thoughts of failure or defeat whenever they try to creep into my mind. I'm a Child of the Most High God, and I Choose to Act Like One ! Once Again, I can't Promise that it will Be Easy to Forgive the One(s) that Hurt You, but I Can Promise that It Is So Worth It ! I just can't Encourage You Enough to Forgive Anyone and Everyone Who has Ever Hurt You, so that You Can Get on with Your Life, too !

As Joyce Meyer Always says, "I May Not Be Where I Want to Be, but THANK GOD I Am Not Where I Used to Be, Amen !"

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

A Convoluted Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:04:00 +0000

I saw a story on the news last night titled, "National Group Wants Courthouse Nativity Scene Removed," and I admit that I really let it get under my skin. I just can't wrap my head around the fact that someone has absolutely nothing better to do than to complain to the Freedom from Religion Foundation in Wisconsin about a Nativity Scene in Texas.

“That Christianity was being promoted, endorsed by local government and this made them feel unwelcomed. It sends a message of intimidation and exclusion to non-Christians and non believers this time of year,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-founder of the Freedom from Religion Foundation.

It was also reported that there are other decorations on the other three corners of the property, so why is it wrong to have the Nativity ? It is written in the Bible that "She will give birth to a son, & you are to give him the Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21 NIV)

I realize that We Texans Live Smack Dab in the "Bible Belt" here in The South, but I'm not like every other Christian. I can't speak for everyone, but My Motive is to Save Souls for Jesus, so that the Devil Won't Win Them. It is written that, "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelation 21:8 NIV)

I'm not trying to intimidate anyone, but the Word of God Clearly States that there will be Consequences for Unbelief. In that case, Why Would Anyone Risk Spending Eternity in a Fiery Lake of Sulfur ? My life here on earth hasn't been exactly a "Walk in the Park," and sometimes it Feels Like an Eternity. However, I Believe that the Bible Tells the Truth, so my 40+ years here would be NOTHING Compared TO ETERNITY.

In case you have never been told, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV) That Means Jesus Was Born to Save You ! It doesn't matter who you are or what you may have done, Your Sins Will Be Forgiven if You Sincerely Repent and Ask Jesus to Come into Your Heart. "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NIV)

I Encourage Everyone Esp. Christians to "Play Nice" with One Other, because it is written that "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1Peter 4:8-9 NIV)

Here's the link to the news story that I referenced today...

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/national-group-wants-courthouse-nativity-scene-removed-120711#ixzz1fz1uWQkC

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless ! -Kristin Reins

Where Have I Been ?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:10:00 +0000

I know that I don't have lots of subscribers to this blog just yet, but that doesn't lessen my responsibility to my readers. I'm here, because God is using my voice to reach those that may otherwise never hear the name of Jesus. I have dedicated My Life to Serving The Lord Jesus Christ any way that I can, and that includes giving my time to this blog. So, without any further delays, Let's Get Caught Up !

Wow ! It's been three months as of today, since I last posted to this blog. Where has all that time gone ? Well, that's a question I tend to ask myself each and every day. I always feel like I'm behind on everything, and that I'll never catch up. It seems I'm always behind with the laundry, behind on washing dishes, behind with mail, etc. Sometimes it's hard for me not to feel behind in everything in my life. Do You Ever Feel Like That ? I'm sure there's at least one person out there who understands my feelings. Sometimes, if I'm not careful, I'll start to feel overwhelmed by everything, and then I don't accomplish anything. I'm sure that's exactly what the devil loves to see happen to me. I'm sure he's delighted when I become anxious about everything, because then I'm no longer an Effective Disciple for Jesus Christ. How could anyone be effective in spreading the Good News of the Gospels if worried all the time about Earthly matters ?

I say, Listen Up Devil ! My Bible Tells Me, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

The Bible Also Says, " Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because He Cares For You !" (1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV)

So, for tonight, let's just that for the past three months, I have been extremely distracted from my calling by Earthly events. I take full responsibility for not blogging, and I humble myself before all of you and God. I ask for forgiveness, and I Thank the Lord for these words that I was able to share with you this evening.

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

Yahoo! News Story - Applause greets Gabby Giffords' return to House

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:51:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

Please take a moment to click the link below & read this article about Gabby Gifford's Triumphant Return to Congress yesterday. She is the Democratic Congress Woman from Arizona that was shot in the head 7 months ago. Everyone in America, including myself, should have a work ethic like hers...

God Bless America & God Bless Gabby Gifford !!

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless ! -Kristin Reins

Applause greets Gabby Giffords' return to House - Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/applause-greets-gabby-giffords-return-house-011217766.html

Mark Ronson, Kelly Osbourne Among Mourners at Amy Winehouse Funeral, Cremation

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:01:00 +0000


Dear Readers, I hope that you all will take time to click the link below and read this article with an open mind. Amy Winehouse was more than a musician struggling with various addictions. She was also someone's little girl, and God creates all of us in his image. Please remember this before adding any comments that are judgemental about her life, or that use harsh words. We could probably all stand to show more compassion towards others today and everyday. Until We Meet Again, God Bless! -Kristin Reins
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http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b254467_mark_ronson_kelly_osbourne_among.html
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E! Online -- Hollywood's Hottest Click

Amy Winehouse Dead at 27

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:41:00 +0000

I am sad to hear that Amy Winehouse died yesterday at the age of 27.

I wasn't really a fan of hers, but I hate to hear about anyone dying so young. If she was indeed struggling with various addictions, I can certainly empathize. I know how hard it can be to overcome even the smallest addiction.

As a teenager, I used to joke and say that Dr. Pepper and Donuts was the "Breakfast of Champions." I realize now that I was only kidding myself and feeding my addiction to DP. When I was almost 23, I decided to stop drinking Dr. Peppers, and I quickly learned that I had taken on a very difficult task. I was able to resist them for a Full 15 Years, but then I "fell off the wagon" during a very difficult time in my life. I quickly found myself drinking 2 to 4 cans a day.

The Good News is that I have been "Mostly DP Free," since July of 2009. I say "Mostly," because I drank a Diet Dr. Pepper last summer and a Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper sometime last fall. That Diet Cherry DP tasted so incredibly good that I considered buying a 12 pack. Thankfully, with the Grace of God and a few kind words from my hubby, I was able to resist buying them.

These days, I drink plenty of water, but I do enjoy the occasional Diet Sprite, Rootbeer, or Ginger Ale. I know that I really shouldn't drink them either, but I find myself drinking them anyway. I pray that Jesus will help me overcome my addiction to fizzy drinks, so that one day I might be completely "soda free."

Moving right along, it's time to address my shopping addiction. Friends, Let Me Tell You, "Retail Therapy" is a Myth ! It is Nothing More than Another One of Satan's Lies ! After all of my years of "stress shopping," I am left with nothing more than a house full of stuff and an empty bank account. Sure I always enjoyed the thrill of finding "some great deal," but that feeling always faded very fast.

If anyone were to come through my front door right now, he or she would probably be on the phone calling TLC to have me featured on the next "Buried Alive." I am not kidding. Anyone who doesn't know about the demons I have already faced would most likely be quick to judge me by my living room. I have watched the show two or three time, and it breaks my heart to see people in even worse situations. I truly empathize with the people that I have seen on that show. I know exactly how it feels to have an anxiety attack, because someone is "touching your stuff." This doesn't make any sense at all to most folks, but I know that these attacks are real.

God Chose to Bless Me with an Extremely Patient Husband who has been Helping Me conquer the chaos in this house for the past 3 1/2 years. I know that with Jesus and My Sweet Hubby on My Side, It Will Get Done ! This mess didn't happen overnight, and "Rome wasn't built in a day" either. I assure you that we have donated box after box to church garage sales and our local thrift stores. We have also sold scads of stuff at garage sales and at our local flea market. Sometimes I have a hard time believing that we will ever Live in a Peaceful Home, but I wake up each day with the intention of kicking even more demons of chaos straight back to hell where they belong. Jesus Did Not Die on the Cross AND Rise from the Dead for ANYONE to Live Like This, Amen!

As for Amy Winehouse, I won't even pretend to know anything about her life, because I never met her. All I know is that she has faded from this life, and I pray that she is in a much better place. I hope that people standing around the water cooler tomorrow morning will resist talking about her or anyone else they have never met. It's time for us all to remember what we were taught in kindergarten, "If we can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all."

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

I Finally Have a Voice !

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:20:00 +0000

I have a very unique voice, so I can't help giggling when solicitors call asking for the woman of the house. Even worse, sometimes the caller asks for my mommy, and I try to gently inform them that I'm over 40 yrs old.

I used to believe that my voice was the reason no one ever seemed to listen to me. I would always get so frustrated when I would be talking about something serious, and my mom or my hubby would be laughing. They have finally convinced me that they were not laughing about what I was saying, but they were laughing at my delivery. I don't mean to be comical, and One might say, "She has a unique way of expressing herself." That someone would be me. LOL !!

Anyhoo, I know that I can be long winded, and I've always been told that I have "the Gift of Gab." However, I usually have something valuable to say, and I have struggled to get people to listen to me until now. Through this Blog, God has Given Me a Voice that can be Heard Around the World ! I can't tell you how Honored I Am to be writing on His behalf. It's so Exciting to see that I have had Page Views from the following countries: Russia, Germany, Japan, France, India, the Netherlands, Iran, the UK, and Even Israel !

I AM SO EXCITED !!

Who would have ever guessed that His Words Could Flow Through Me to all of these Places ? I should have known that this would one day be possible, because God told me many years ago that he had very important work for me to do.

HE Gets All of the Glory, because I am nothing without HIM ! I'm just a Gal from Texas Spreading the Love of Jesus via the Internet, so won't You Help Me Spread the News that Broken Hearts Can Be Healed Through the Love of Jesus ?

I Thank God that I have the Freedom to Proclaim this Good News Across the Internet. I can't imagine living somewhere where I wouldn't be allowed to have My Bible. Here in America, We Enjoy So Many Freedoms that it is Easy to Take Them for Granted. We Sometimes Forget that Men & Women from Our Military are Dying Daily Defending these Freedoms.

No Matter What the Circumstances May Be, Anyone and Everyone can Enjoy Freedom through Jesus Christ. He never forsakes any of His Children, because He is the Good Shepherd.

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11 NIV)

Thank You So Much for Taking TIme to Listen to Me Today !

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

Where Do You Draw the Line ?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Tue, 31 May 2011 16:53:00 +0000

This has been a question that I have asked myself many times, since I last posted anything. Even after years and years of working on my self esteem, I still miss the opportunity sometimes to "draw the line" with others. When I allow myself to be taken by surprise, it can sometimes take me a day or two to realize that I have once again let someone else bash my boundaries. If the attack is really severe, it may take me quite a while to recover from the event. However, The Good News is that God has brought me to a place where I can identify my feelings more quickly, and I can recover from these attacks much sooner than in the past.

In all honesty, I used to spend months or even years spewing with anger, so wasting a couple of days or even a week is a Vast Improvement. None-the-less, I continue to pray for the day when I am able to properly guard my heart, and for a time when I no longer waste any time at all being offended.

It has taken me over 20 years to reach this destination, but it is worth all of the time and effort. For the first time ever, I'm beginning to experience some inner peace in my life, and it's great ! My Heart's Desire is to tell Everyone Around the World that there is Life on the Other Side of Abuse with the Help of JESUS !

I Sincerely Urge You to Forgive Everyone Who Has Ever Hurt You, so that You don't end up Wasting 20 years of your life, too. Life is too short for any of us to spend it feeling miserable, & I don't believe that is what God Wants for us. Please Learn From Me by Seeking a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ Today, so You Can Begin Enjoying More of Your Life, too. I am Finally Convinced that there is Freedom Through Forgiveness. I used to tell everyone that I didn't have to forgive anyone or do anything else for that matter. That rebellion only led to bad behaviors on my part, and now I regret not having that time to live over again.

After I Renewed My Relationship with JESUS, I Finally Understood Why So Many People had Told Me to Forgive Those Who Had Hurt Me. In addition, I Returned to Church, and I have actually Read My Bible more in the last two years than my entire life. Through all of this, Jesus has helped me to soften what had become a very hard heart. He has also helped me to become a Person that I now Love and Respect. HE Can and Will Do the Same For You. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen. Our God is a Faithful God !

So, if You Want to See Some Serious Change in Your Life, I suggest Praying to Jesus, and Asking Him to Forgive of All of Your Sins. Then Repent (leave your old ways behind,) and Ask JESUS to Come Into Your Heart. It Really is That Simple. I Promise !! Jesus Will Only Come into Your Heart if He is invited, and He Will Show You the Way to A Better Life.

Before you go, I'd Like to Invite You to Join Me in "Drawing the Line" with the devil by Declaring that "Enough is Enough !" I Will No Longer Believe Anymore of satan's lies telling me that I am somehow "damaged goods," and I Will Continue to Become the Best Person that I Can Be Through Jesus Christ, Amen !

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

Staying in Forgiveness

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:56:00 +0000

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

I've been troubled lately about how to Stay in Forgiveness with my earthly father, and about what boundaries I should have to protect my heart. Once I was finally able to forgive him for all of the terrible things he had done to me and other innocent victims, I Found Freedom through Forgiveness. I was nicer and more even tempered than I had been in years. I even sent my father a Christmas card that year to let him know that I had finally forgiven him. I thought that I was giving him an incredible gift, since I hadn't seen or talked to him in over 11 years. Unfortunately, he just saw this as an opportunity to try to see me again.

In my next letter, I made it very clear that I had no intentions of ever seeing him again in this lifetime, and I was also very clear that I could only offer letters through the mail as any sort of relationship. He was careful with his words for a few months, but by Thanksgiving he was really laying on the guilt. He also sent me his phone number, and he was pressuring me to call him. Well, don't worry. I didn't call. I knew in my heart it wasn't safe, because he was clearly trying to manipulate me. I was very angry, because he had ignored every word that I had previously written to him. I wanted to know why my forgiveness and concern for his salvation wasn't enough ?!?

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12 NIV)

I knew I couldn't let this anger take root in my heart, but I won't deny that I was hurt. I keep thinking of the 5th commandment above, and wondering how I was possibly going to honor my father. I'm pretty sure that God doesn't mean honor them when they deserve it, or when I feel like it. So, I've been struggling with this issue for the past four months. I was even brave enough to discuss this with my older brother, and he agreed that my father wasn't respecting the boundaries I had laid forth. Everyone else has been telling me to put it all in the past, and not to give him a second thought. However, it's not that easy for me, because the Bible tells me otherwise.

Thankfully, I watched Joyce Meyer this morning, and God gave me a word through her which helped me very much. She said that just because we forgive someone, that doesn't mean that we will have a fully restored relationship with that person. Ah hah ! Finally !! Here's something that makes sense to me. Please don't get me wrong, I still love my father, and I will continue to pray for him. However, I've worked very hard for the past 20 years overcoming what happened to me as a child, so I'm not really willing to risk my personal safety or wellness by calling him.

As for those who keep telling me just to forget everything, what would the world be like without Joyce Meyer Ministries ?!? They help people all over the world including me. If Joyce Meyer wasn't willing to revisit her past in an effort to help others, I would be further behind in my recovery. I may not have a worldwide ministry like Joyce, but I am willing to revisit my past if it means that God can use me to reach someone out there in cyberspace who needs HIS Healing, too. You Are Not Alone !

I Love You and JESUS LOVES YOU !!

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless ! -Kristin Reins

My Sincerest Apologies

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:18:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

First of all, I want to Apologize for neglecting this blog for nearly a month. A lot has happened in my life lately, but I'm not going to bore you with any excuses. The bottom line is that God has called me to reach out to all of you, & I let other things get in the way of fulling my responsibilites.

Next, I'd like to Apoligize to anyone who was ever hurt by my earthly father. Since I last wrote, a childhood friend of mine felt safe enough to share with me what my father had done to her many, many years ago. It was truly an opportunity for both of us to Receive Healing, & now we are both Freer for having shared our feelings openly & honestly with one another. I thank God for that experience, and I'm thankful that she already has a relationship with Jesus, too !

Most Importantly, I Sincerely Apologize from the Bottom of My Heart for anything I have ever said or done in the past to hurt anyone. I'm especially sorry for my behavior in my 20's & 30's when I was full of anger and bitterness about my past. I thought that I had to match wits with everyone who crossed my path, and it seems like alomost everythng that came out of my mouth was harsh, toxic, and full of acid. So once again, I'm truly sorry for anything I've ever done to hurt anyone else, and I'm asking for your forgiveness.

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

What's Up with America's Priorities ?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:23:00 +0000

Family Feud: Name something that gets passed around...

So I saw this video today via someone's facebook, & I had to share it.
I'm sure many of you will think that it's funny, but I was disturbed to
know just how much America's Priorities have changed over the years.

I felt so bad for Steve Harvey, because he is a Born Again Christian, too.
However, I think he handled the situation well given the circumstances.

Anyhoo, here's the link, and please feel free to tell me what you think.
http://bit.ly/gOgD12

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

Be Brave and Speak Up !

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:18:00 +0000

This post is dedicated to a former classmate of mine, and it is my gift to his brother who was left behind.

So, I joined facebook almost 2 years ago, and it was great. I was reconnecting with lots & lots of classmates, because I was Blessed to have known many of them all the way from kindergarten through high school. It was all fun and games until I asked about an old friend that I saw in a photo. The next day, another friend of mine, was kind enough to let me know that he had taken his life about 8 years earlier. I was told that he suffered from depression, and I was truly heart broken.

Since then, I have been haunted by the fact that I never took the time to really reach out to him. I know that he must have seen a glimmer of Jesus' Light in me, because he was the one who invited me to a really big party back in Junior High. I remember seeing his name and return address as I removed the invitation from my mail box. We were just friends, but that invitation always meant a lot to me. Now I can't even remember if I ever thanked him or not ?!?

Later in High School, we had the same speech class, and we had a blast. Looking back, we were probably both trying to hide our pain behind our humor, and I can talk. I was battling depression, too. All laughing put aside, I always sensed that there was something really wrong, but I only approached him about it once. He kindly dismissed my concerns, and he assured me that he was fine. I never tried to reach out to him again, and I never asked anyone for any help.

These days, I wonder if I could have had a bigger impact on his life. I obviously didn't try very hard, and I certainly never tried talking to him about Jesus. So, if you suspect that someone may be suffering from depression, Please Be Brave and Speak Up !

I Pray that this Story Honors His Memory. I also Pray that someone reading this hears me when I say, "The Clock is Ticking!" Depression is real, and it has claimed too many lives already.

Let's all Get Informed and Get Educated !

Here's a link to learn more about the Symptoms and Types of Depression:
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-symptoms-and-types

Here's a link to help us all Recognize the Warning Signs of Suicide and Depression: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-recognizing-signs-of-suicide

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

Prayer Of Dallas Boy Touches Hundreds Of Thousands « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:09:00 +0000

My Sweet Hubby paused the news last night, so I could see this story, too.

This little boy is AWESOME !!
I hope that you will take time to watch him...

Prayer Of Dallas Boy Touches Hundreds Of Thousands « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless! -Kristin Reins

Let Me Please Clarify Something

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:41:00 +0000

"Have I not commnaded you ? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you whereever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Please don't get me wrong, I appreciate everyone's kind words these past few days about how brave I must be to share my story online. However, I think that I need to clarify something for everyone.

It's been nearly 20 years, since I had the flashbacks concerning my childhood abuse while I was driving home from East Texas. As I approached the edge of Dallas, I suddenly remembered all of the horrible things that had taken place in my past. I'm not sure what prompted this flood of memories to resuface after years of being buried deep within me, but they came crashing upon me like waves against the side of the Titanic.

I remember sobbing uncontrollably while driving down I-20, and I felt the presence of Jesus like he was sitting in the car next to me. I litterally lived Carrie Underwood's song "Jesus Take the Wheel" many years before she ever appeared on "American Idol." I know that Jesus was with Me that day, and that He Has Always Been with Me.

Now, I admit that it took some guts to tell my mom and my brother what I had remembered, but the bravest part was knowing that my dad would soon find out. I was absolutely scared to death, because I was afraid he would kill me for telling the truth. I was so scared that I hid at the home of a family friend the next day. My fear became terror after I learned that I couldn't get a restraining order to protect me or press any charges against him. At the end of that long day of phone calls, I was left feeling betrayed by my father and the legal system, too.

Now that I think back, I think I was braver that day to face my future with the newly obtained information more than I am now sharing my story online. In both cases, I couldn't have faced either one without the help of Jesus. In fact, if I didn't share my story, I'd be afraid of facing judgment day. I believe that we will all die, and I believe that we will all stand before the Lord to give an account of our lives. Personally, I don't want to give Jesus a bunch of lame excuses about why I never got around to reaching out to others using all of the gifts and resources He has given me.

You'll see in a later post that I'm very serious about not making any more excuses when you read Be Brave and Speak Up ! http://bit.ly/hKzjWt

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless ! -Kristin Reins

We're Off To A Great Start

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:27:00 +0000

WOW ! Many, Many Thanks to Everyone Who Took Time To View My New Blog Today. I Truly Appreciate All of Your Support and Prayers for My New Internet Ministry.

In the Future, I hope that you won't hesitate to Leave a Comments Directly on the Blog Posts. I do monitor all of them, so you may not see yours posted right away. Even so, I Welcome All Feedback All The Time !

I Look Forward to Sharing More With You in the Coming Days. However, I spent so many hours last night putting the finishing touches on this project, that I really should go spend some quality time with My Sweet Hubby. So, if you'll please excuse me, Here I Come Nascar Truck Races !

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless ! -Kristin Reins

Kristin Reins is Finally Free !!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin Reins) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 04:48:00 +0000

"When you forgive, you're not doing God a favor, you are giving yourself the gift of freedom." ~Joyce Meyer

I Am Dedicating My New Blog to Serving The LORD. I Believe that I can Share His Love by Sharing My Life Story. I Hope to Encourage Others Around the World to Seek a Relationship with Jesus, esp. those who have been Broken by Sexual Abuse. I'm aware that sexual abuse with children is a topic that most people try to avoid, but I've never really been "most people."

As shocking as it may be, I was Molested by my Father from the time I was born until I was at least 14 years old. I realize that sharing this news via the internet may cost me some relationships, but I'm willing to risk them all if it means Leading Just One Person to Christ.

Jesus Continues To Heal Me Everyday, and HE Can Do the Same for You !!

Until We Meet Again,
God Bless ! -Kristin Reins