Orangutan Arms & Chubby Cheeks…It’s the Little Things

“Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.” Philippians 1:27

I haven’t shared anything in a couple of months and while I feel the need to apologize, I’m not going to.  I am confident that anyone who reads this can relate to being busy, letting life get in the way, the feeling of being out of control, etc.  I have felt all of these over the past few months but despite it all, I know for certain, I have never been in control of my life.

Since my last blog on 28 November my family and I have packed up our home, relocated to a rental, had our home painted, repaired, new carpet laid, cleaned from top to bottom, and listed for sell.

We have celebrated my birthday, Christmas, the New Year. I’ve traveled to Orlando with two dear friends for a girls weekend to Disney World,

I have traveled with my husband, Paul, to Los Angeles (my birthday/Christmas gift from Paul) to be part of the live audience of the taping of my favorite TV show, Will & Grace. We got a backstage tour, met the cast

and got a photo with them all, sitting on the back of the set sofa!

 I started a new part-time job and in the next week and a half will be resigned. It is to much for my poor feet to handle!

That’s the big stuff!

Then there’s the little things, where the details are, and often times where I begin to feel lost, stressed, and sometimes, alone. But it is also the little things that usually mean the most.

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

Thinking back to my birthday in December, of course the big gift of the trip to CA was an amazing gift. We had an amazing trip and it was a much-needed mini vacation for both Paul and I.  But we’re talking the little things, right?

I was presented the most precious gift from my sweet daughter. Emma is my youngest of three, a young adult on the cusp of graduating high school and taking off to college to see the world and live life!  She has come through some rough water over the past 8 months or so, but has, by the grace of God, landed on her feet.  I see her vibrant, funny, intelligent, beautiful, and witty self more often than not these days. She has a heart full of love and the gift of words.  For my birthday:

“You’ve filled my days with sunshine so bright, Cunning Little Indian (a lullaby song I learned from my Mom) for sweet dream nights. You gave the gift of life to me, and then in love you set me free.  I’ve clung to you in times of despair, finding haven in knowing you’re there.  You’ve taught me to love and soon you’ll set me free, to be the brilliant woman you’ve shown me to be.  And though soon, we may be physically apart, know we will always be joined at heart. You are my sunshine.”

What precious and sweet words coming from my baby girl.  We have had our share of disagreements and often times I don’t feel we relate well at all.  But it is precious words like these, and little daily moments that fill my heart and reassure me that I am loved.

But, there are no words so precious or as reassuring as the word of God.

*“For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” John 3:16

Through all the ups and downs, ins and outs of life, no matter how out of control, alone, or lost I feel, God is always there, gently but lovingly guiding me on the path he has planned.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Maybe some of you that read this are struggling in life.  I pray that you are rooted in Christ Jesus, and can stand firm and rest in his peace and grace.  Maybe you’re struggling and don’t know Jesus, his saving grace, or his eternal peace.  It may be because you have never been told about him.  Maybe you weren’t raised in a Christian home like I was, or maybe, faith in someone you can’t see is just hard for you to grasp.  Regardless of where you were born, what your circumstances are, whether you know Jesus or not, know that HE loves you.

I am one person, sharing my life and my faith.  I don’t have the power to change the world, but I am called by God to share his Good News.  The good news that anyone…yes, anyone can be saved from sin!  God’s grace is a gift, the gift of salvation that he wants you to have.  It may seem like a “little thing” but aren’t the little things the ones that mean the most?

Are you ready?

1.Realize & Admit you are a sinner: “For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23)  ADMIT YOU ARE A SINNER

2.Jesus paid the Price for our Sins (John 3:16)*

3. Believe and trust in Jesus! “Yet to all who receive Him, to those who believed in His     Name, He gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)

4. Repent & Confess that Jesus is your Lord: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be Saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Then do this!

1. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
2. Repent of all past sins.
3. Confess that Christ is God’s Son.
4. Be baptized and find a church home.

I accepted Jesus a long time ago.  I believe I was about 9 or 10 years old.  I don’t remember details about that day but I still have the Bible I was given.  Accepting Jesus doesn’t mean life will be easy or without challenges and heartache, but it will give you hope and assurance in your future.

Do you remember the day you accepted Jesus? I’d love to read about it.  Feel free to share in the comments.

May God bless you and keep you.  May He lift His countenance upon you and give you peace! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  I will pray for you!

“If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” William Penn

In Him,

Kimberly