Manual of Life

I Am a Kept Woman

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:21:21 GMT

Jan

I Am a Kept Woman

When I wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had wronged me, the LORD kept watch over the doors of my lips. (Psalm 141:3- Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips)

When tempted to lose control, the LORD kept me in perfect peace.
(Isaiah 26:3- You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you)

When I felt lonely, the LORD kept watching over me.
(Gen 28:15- I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, .....I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you)

When facing financial setbacks, the LORD kept meeting all of my needs.
(Matt. 6:25 -34- Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear..... If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?....But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you)

When I was fearful, HE kept me calm.
(I Peter 5:7- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. + Matt. 11:28-30- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.")

When I was weak, HE kept me strong!
(Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to those who grow tired and increases the strength of those who are weak.)

I could go on and on, but by now, you can plainly see, I Am Blessed to be 'Kept'

Do you know a 'kept' woman?
If so, pass it on to let her know she is 'Kept'
"Kept" by the Power of God!!!

"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." I Peter 1:5 Amen!

- Karen Kirk

CHRISTMAS 2008

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:21:22 GMT

Dec

CHRISTMAS 2008

Christmas 2008

A burning hot sun. I was coming down the dirt road beside our apartment building and saw these men resting after going through garbage on the street.. and I was heartsick for them...

We later went to a small mall nearby and drove on cobblestone streets to get there. (This pic of the cobblestones in front of our apartment is smooth compared to some of the other streets. It works well until the rain starts washing some stones out of place. hehe)

At the mall, a beautiful natitvity scene in the middle of the mall... a visual reminder of why were are here.

We have a life full of contrasts on a daily basis... many challenges... many questions... few answers... but as one gets to know Jesus Christ, there is more peace.

Learning to have peace without answers is something I am learning more each day.

I liked this quote: “When you are ready to stop bargaining, He will lead you to a place of peace and blessings.”

Voni

Psalmos 19

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:25:19 GMT

Nov

Psalmos 19

Psalms 19

“1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

NIV

This is the Columbia River Gorge, between the states of Washington and Oregon. All of the white spots on those hills are snow, and in the far distance are the Cascade Mountains.

Some of the trees below us are splashes of bright color as autumn does its work of removing their leaves.

It’s the end of November and the wind chills one’s bones, as we gaze at this beauty in awe. No man is capable of painting this canvas. Only God!

Bamboo & Ferns

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:44:19 GMT

Nov

Bamboo & Ferns

I read this today...

One day, I decided to quit. I wanted to quit my job, to quit my relationships, to quit my spirituality; I even wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me. "Look around", He said, "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo."

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo."

"In the third year there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit."

"In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. Still, I would not quit."

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge they could not handle"

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you! Don't compare yourself to others. The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come," God said to me. "You will rise high."

How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?", He asked in return.

"As high as it can?", I questioned.

"Yes", He said, "Give Me glory by rising as high as you can. And remember...I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I will never give up on you. I will never, ever quit on you."

Everyone has days when they want to "quit". When there are struggles...obstacles in life, remember we're just growing roots!! God has a purpose in mind for each one of us and we need to talk to Him and let Him help us realize that purpose. Always remember, He'll never leave us, He'll never forsake us, and He'll never quit on us.

Amen!

Autumn and Life

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:07:47 GMT

Nov

Autumn and Life

2009 11 04
I’m writing this in bed with the computer on my lap. It's cold, the bed is warm and I'm tired. But before my body says "enough", my heart is so full it must spill over into words.

Three meaningful events are wrapped around my emotions tonight.
Some powerful teaching about our God, by Pr. Allan Hamilton, a beloved friend and mentor.

A simple and beautiful memorial service for "Papa" John Richardson, a man whose life deeply blessed each person he knew - including mine.

Friends driving us up the Columbia Gorge to Multnomah Falls: Soaking in the contrasts of wind, river, colors of autumn leaves and stark bare branches.

Nature demonstrated to me what we celebrated today in John’s life memorial.

John left us with richly colored memories, but there is barrenness where once there was life..
The trees, also, toss their brightly colored leaves onto the ground, lifting up stark bare branches to the sky, waiting for spring to cover those empty branches with fresh shimmering leaves.

In the same manner we human beings long for spring. Our hearts long for the time when people who are dimming memories will once again be surrounding us with vibrant LIFE.

Winter will have passed and an eternal spring will be here.

Father God, thank you for Your comfort as we sorrow, and the hope you show us. Each moment today I was touched with Your love, knowing there is a TOMORROW with You, I am blessed.

Voni

My personal definition of missions?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:02:02 GMT

Nov

My personal definition of missions?

My personal definition of missions as a lifestyle.

I believe these basics apply wherever we live and whatever our occupation.

My daily challenge is to personally define for myself what Christ means in my own life, walking that out in the culture where I live.

As I work out the application of His Word in my own life, the natural outcome will be sharing the Good News of His Kingdom with those around me, giving of myself to help and encourage others.

I daily live in the fullness of the spiritual freedom HE gives, even as I learn to love others more.

This definition applies to each one, regardless of age and education.

We are small candles flaming in the darkness of where we live, bringing light to those around us. We bring light by simply living our lives with Him, wherever we are. We don't force this light upon others. We simply let the flame of Christ within us speak for itself.

We don't force this light upon others. We let the flame of Christ within us speak for itself.

Our words and actions, without His flame, don’t bring light into the darkness.

Fame (by the world's standards) doesn't make one's personal flame burn brighter: it simply places the person where more people may see that light.

The quality of the flame that is seen by others depends upon our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If I do not keep Christ at the center of my life, His flame within me can waver, even go out.

MISSIONS IS SIMPLY LIVING CHRIST FILLED LIVES WHEREVER WE ARE, WHATEVER WE ARE DOING.

I am to concentrate upon Christ: He, in turn, takes care of my flame.

This little phrase is perhaps the biggest challenge I face daily
Much love to each one of you.

Saudade

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:40:05 GMT

Oct

Saudade

SAUDADE

"Brazilians call SAUDADE: a longing for something so indefinite as to be indefinable. - All things born of the soul that can only be felt." — Anthony De Sa

Memories of past moments of joy that come flooding into our minds when a melody is played.
Missing the sound of a beloved voice.
Nostalgia that overwhelms us.
The longing to once again walk in scenes from the past.

At times, as a memory is in the process of being made, the knowledge that this time is so fleeting, and it will soon be over.
The awareness that “just on the other side” we’ll see loved ones who’ve gone on before us.

Learning to love, experiencing moments of joy – and then they are in the past.

Sometimes, the consciousness of life, memories, loved ones – all out of reach, overwhelms me. Tears prick my eyes, a lump in my throat. I cannot live scattered over the globe where all my loved ones live: children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, friends – ah, so many. I’m unable to reach out and touch them, those living today, nor can I touch those who lived in my past.

I have the sense that life is so much more than what I see and touch. The emotions of joy, loss, and longing engulf and almost overcome me.

Then God’s Spirit reminds me: There is a time coming when it will all be united and fulfilled: past and future. God will bring it all together. ALL of our loved ones, all those beautiful sunsets and sunrises, feeling the glorious breeze on a spring day as the cherry blossoms move in the wind, smelling the apple orchards in the fall and new mown grass in the summer, roses and lilacs, seeing and hearing a fire burning in a fireplace, feeling its warmth, the smell of guava, fresh pineapple, a rain storm coming on a hot day... the sound of waves and waterfalls and the heavens thundering a mighty symphony of sound mingling with a full symphony orchestra and choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus and we will be there experiencing a completeness never imagined.

There is coming a time when you and I will no longer experience SAUDADES. Only joy, fulfillment, wholeness as the Son of God sits on His throne and we, men, women, children and all of nature, create a NEW SONG of delight in His presence that fills the heavens and all the universe!

Saudade, loneliness and sorrow may walk with me today. But God’s NEW TOMORROW is coming, and my heart rejoices.

Voni Pottle

My brother, Clio

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:11:10 GMT

Oct

My brother, Clio

2009 10 19

He is two years younger than I. Almost died with polio in his early 20's. Badly crippled for life. Never gave up - did things the Dr's said he'd never do.

He went back to university and got second degree - this time in music. Taught at a Christian college in Idaho. Rode his motorcycle. Went hunting in the mountains with his jeep. Had horrendous heartbreaks in his family.

Always shares about God and Jesus wherever he goes.

Sang with his guitar... one man show, for many events. The past years, he's been working in prisons, teaching Bible and choir... Driving, walking with canes, wheelchair, difficult to move... but he always there!

A stubborn man - or he'd have never done all he did. A fighter... (and he and I’ve also “strongly disagreed” at times over the years. ☺)

He's still fighting. Pneumonia several times. Leukemia. Diabetes. Medications. Chemotherapy. And he’s still going and teaching and singing.

He loves God, and he loves those men and women in the prisons.

What a brother!

Voni

Hidden Garden

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:57:23 GMT

Oct

Hidden Garden

We four friends sat drinking tea and looking out at this beautiful garden. A garden created by our hostess, in the midst of a very poor area in Natal.

I look at this and think: our lives, too, can be like this beautiful hidden garden. We need to create a spot in ourselves where there is quietness and peace and beauty - even when we are surrounded by confusion. A place where we can retreat to be with our Lord, and have communion with Him.

Voni

My Day

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:37:51 GMT

Oct

My Day

I awakened this morning, planning to be in control.
I showered, and started in on my roll.
I had it all planned in my mind, every step of the day.
I had a light step, as I went on my way.
THEN...
It all crashed around me!
Telephone calls I couldn't ignore.
Tasks taking two or three times longer to complete than I'd planned.
People with needs for help.
Now, instead of dancing, I feel like this.

Ok, Lord. What is my next step?
Bring myself to a stop to talk to You and then LISTEN?
Now what?
How do I get myself straightened out?
How do I calm myself? Refocus?

Mmm – there is a verse I love. Psalms 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God."
I need to take time to focus on who You Are!
You are Marvelous and Wonderful! The great I AM!
And what does I AM mean?
Always present. Always the same. Always everywhere.
There is no place one can go without I AM being there!
Just think of the power in that verb!
He is my God, my Father, my Friend!
(I could go on for pages and pages, writing about HIM.)
Then, there is His Son, Jesus.
My best Friend! Someone Who never fails me,
Who always understands, is honest with me, always loves me.
His Holy Spirit, Who lives in me, Who teaches me, Who speaks to me.

"Be still, and know that I am God."
I'm taking a deep breath! And smiling just a little as I relax on the inside.
There's still noise around me. Confusion. Voices calling me. Distractions.
But, this time, they are all filtered through the Holy Spirit's ears.

I will dance because my Lord loves me,
not because my lists are made and I've got it all under control.
He will help me get done what He wants done.
My responsibility is to listen to Him. He then puts things into their proper place, creating the design He wants in my life today!
That design may be different than I'd planned, but it will be
beautiful as He puts HIS cross stitches in place.