Kisses From Katie: Introduction

I never meant to be a mother. I mean, I guess I did; not right now, though. Not before I was married. Not when I was nineteen. Not to so, so many little people. Thankfully, God's plans do not seem to be affected much by my own.
I never meant to live in Uganda, a dot on the map in East Africa, on the opposite side of the planet from my family and all that is comfortable and familiar. Thankfully, God's plans also happen to be much better than my own.
You see, Jesus wrecked my life. For as long as I could remember, I had everything this world says is important. In high school, I was class president, homecoming queen, top of my class. I dated cute boys and wore cute shoes and drove a cute sports car. I had wonderful, supportive parents who so desired my success that they would have paid for me to go to college anywhere my heart desired. But I loved Jesus.
And the fact that I loved Jesus was beginning to interfere with the plans I once had for my life and certainly with the plans others had for me. My heart had been apprehended by a great love, a love that compelled me to live differently. I had grown up in a Christian home, gone to church, and learned about Jesus all my life. Around the age of twelve or thirteen, I began to delve into the truths of Scripture. As I read and learned more and more of what Jesus said, I liked the life-style I saw around me less and less. I began to realize that God wanted more from me, and I wanted more of Him. He began to grow in me a desire to live intentionally, and different from anyone I had ever known.
Slowly but surely I began to realize the truth: I had loved and admired and worshiped Jesus without doing what He said. This recognition didn't happen overnight: in fact I believe it was happening in my heart long before I even knew it. It was happening as I explored the possibility of overseas volunteer work, it was happening as I took my first three-week trip to Uganda, it was happening as I fell in love with a beautiful country full of gracious, joyful people and immense poverty and squalor that begged me to do more. It was happening in so many ways, and I couldn't deny it. I wanted to actually do what Jesus said to do.
So I quit my life.
Originally, my quitting was to be temporary, lasting just one year before I went to college and returned to normal, American teenager life. But after that year, which I spent in Uganda, returning to "normal" wasn't possible. I had seen what life was about and I could not pretend I didn't know. So I quit my life again, and for good this time, I quite college; I quit cute designer clothes and little yellow convertible; I quit my boyfriend. I no longer have all the things the world says are important. I do not have a retirement fund; I do not even have electricity some days. But I have everything I know is important. I have a joy and a peace that are unimaginable and can come only from a place better than this earth, I cannot fathom being happier. Jesus wrecked my life, shattered it to pieces, and put it back together more beautifully.
During the first few months I lived in Uganda, in fall of 2007, I wrote, "Sometimes working in a Third World country makes me feel like I am emptying the ocean with an eyedropper." Today, it often still feel s that way. I have learned to be okay with the feeling because I have learned that I will not change the world. Jesus will do that. I can, however, change the world for one person. I can change the world for fourteen little girls and for four hundred schoolchildren and for a sick and dying grandmother and for a malnourished, neglected, abused five-year-old. And if one person sees the love of Christ in me, it is worth every minute. In fact, it is worth spending my life for.
Many days, I am still overwhelmed by the magnitude of the need and the incredible number of people who need help. Many days I see the destitute, disease-ridden children lining the streets in the communities I serve and I want to scoop up every single one of them, take them home with me, and feed and clothe and love them. And I look at the life of my Savior, who stopped for one.
So I keep stopping and loving one person at a time. Because this is my call as a Christian. I can do only what one woman can do, but I will do what I can do. Daily, the Jesus who wrecked my life enables me to do so much more than I ever thought possible. People often ask if I think my life is dangerous, if I am afraid. I am much more afraid of remaining comfortable. Matthew 10:28 tells us not to fear things that can destroy the body but things that can destroy the soul. I am surrounded by things that can destroy the body. I interact almost daily with people who have deadly diseases, and many times I am the only person who can help them. I live in a country with one of the world's longest-running wars taking place just a few hours away. Uncertainty is everywhere. But I am living in the midst of the uncertainty and risk, amid things that can and do bring physical destruction, because I am running from things that can destroy my soul: complacency, comfort,  and ignorance. I am much more terrified of living a comfortable life in a self-serving society and failing to follow Jesus than I am of any illness or tragedy.
Jesus called His followers to be a lot of things, but I have yet to find where He warned us to be safe. We are not called to be safe, we are simply promised that when we are in danger, God is right there with us. And there is no better place to be than in His hands.
For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite Bible verses has been Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." I used to believe it meant that if I did what the Lord asked of me, followed His commandments, and was a "good girl," He would grant all my desires and make my dreams come true. Today, this is still one of my favorite passages of Scripture, but I have learned to interpret it in a totally different way. It is not about God making my dreams come true but about God changing my dreams into His dreams for my life.
Today I am living the desires of my heart and I cannot imagine living any other life than the one that unfolds before me day by day. But believe me, I am by no means living my  plan. I thought that I wanted to go to college with my high school boyfriend, get married, have a successful career and children, settle into a nice house down the road from my parents, and live happily ever after. Today I am a single woman raising a houseful of girls and trying to teach others the love of Jesus in a land that is a far cry from my hometown and my culture. This is not a life that I dreamed up on my own or even knew I had desired. I am watching God work, and as I "delight myself in the Lord" by doing what He asks of me and by saying yes to the needs He places in front of me, He is changing the desires of my heart and aligning them with the desires of His. As I go with Him to the hard places, He changes them into the most joyful places I could imagine.
It sounds beautiful, adventurous, even romantic in ways, right? It is beautiful. And the crazy thing is, it is so simple. Don't misunderstand; it is not easy. But it is simple in that each and every one of us was ultimately created to do the same thing. It will not look the same. It may take place in a foreign land or it may take place in your backyard, but I believe that we were each created to change the world for someone. To serve someone. To love someone the way Christ first loved us, to spread His light. This is the dream, and it is possible. Some days it is excruciatingly difficult, but the blessings far outweigh the hardships.
I have absolutely no desire to write a book about myself. this is a book about Christ. This is a book about a Christ who is alive today and not only knows but cares about every hair on my head. Yours too. I cannot really even pretend to fathom that, but I know it is true. I know this is true because I have seen it so profoundly in the very short amount of life that I have lived. I have seen it in extraordinary  miracles and in moments so mundane that they are easily overlooked. And that is why I am writing this book. I am writing on the chance that a glimpse into the life of my family and me, full of my stupidity and God's grace, will remind you of this living, loving Christ, and what it means to serve Him. I am writing with the hope that as you cry and laugh with my family you will be encouraged that God still uses flawed human beings to change the world. And if He can use me, He can use you.

(This is an amazing video, you should definitely take the time to watch it. You won't regret it! I absolutely LOVE what she says at 2:30! SO amazing, and true!)



So, pretty much when I read that introduction of the book, I was like wow! I already love this book. And as I've been reading it each night (I'm now on chapter 6), I can see that what she said in the introduction was true. It's not a book about her. It's a book about Christ. I loved the part about Psalm 37:4. If you remembered my story about Mexico, that was a huge verse for me around that time, and I just love what she said about it, cause that's what I had to learn about it, too!
 I can so totally see myself being Katie Davis someday in the future... Doing something like she's doing. I sometimes wish I could hop on a plane right now, and go to wherever God lead me to go, and just serve... Be His hands and feet to the hurting and broken people in this world. And although, I may do that someday, right now I feel called to serve the people that surround me each and everyday, each and every week. I feel like I need to be faithful in the small things right now that God has given me to do. If I'm not faithful in those things (things like getting to bed on time, getting up at a reasonable hour, so as to have time to spend time with Jesus), then what makes me think God is going to give me a bigger task in the future? If I'm not even willing to be where He wants me to be, and do what He wants me to be now, how can I expect Him to send me somewhere different in the future? Luke 19:17 says, "And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." That's what I need to focus on right now, so that I will be prepared for whatever God calls me to do in the future! (:

Sarah Joy♥

Wow, so it's been a long time since I have posted (again!). Oh my. Well, I have a post about my Mexico trip coming up VERY soon... I promise, it will be up within the next week, maybe even before. But, right now I just wanted to post some pictures of my new cousin! Sarah Joy Parker was born 7 weeks early on May 26th (4 days after my 17th birthday!:)), weighing 3lbs. 12.5oz. She is the cutest little thing, and she is doing really well! I have been to visit her twice, one time being last this past Saturday, and I got to hold her! It was so awesome. She's adorable. Congratulations to Auntie Jenn and Uncle Dan! Well, here are some pictures I took the other day! :)

Sarah Joy the day she was born. :)

 Me getting to hold her for the first time. ♥

 She's so precious:)

 Susanna holding her for the first time. :)

 I don't know why it's sideways, but I don't know how to change it, so, oh well! :P

 Same with this one... She is so alive and alert for only being a week old, and being so small! :)

 Little tiny clothes... so cute! ♥

 The card that I made for Auntie Jenn, Uncle Dan and Sarah.♥

 Nana holding Sarah for the first time. :)

 So tiny.

 This is my Papa's ring next to her wrist... It could probably fit around her wrist, but it wouldn't fit over her hands and fingers. So adorable! :)

*yawn* 

Making funny faces in her sleep. :) 

I want to share real quick the poem that I wrote about Sarah, and then that will be it for tonight! :)

Precious Little Girl:

Sarah Joy Parker came into this world,

On May twenty-sixth, two thousand and twelve.

***

Welcomed by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends,

Grandparents, too, she’ll be loved ‘til the end.

***

Ten tiny fingers, and ten tiny toes,

Two perfect eyes, and a cute little nose.

***

I know she will grow up to be big and tall,

Even though right now, she is still very small.

***

Mommy and Daddy are so very proud,

But their smiles will be bigger on the day she is found.

***

Her name is just perfect for what she means to us,

Sarah means Princess, and Joy means-what else?

***

You were made in God’s image, a perfect one, too,

And I look forward to watching you learn and grow.

***

Sarah, you are fearfully and wonderfully made,

Even from the time when in your Mother’s womb you were laid.

***

And if the day ever comes when you’ll turn ninety-two,

Still, there could never be a more beautiful you!

***

I love you, Sarah, Auntie Jenn, and Uncle Dan!

All three of you are so special to me!

***

~KNP, 5/30/12~

So there ya are! And like I said, I will have the post about my Mexico trip up really soon! :) Have a great week, everyone, I hope you are all doing well! :)

In Christ,
Karissa♥

Isaiah 55:8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Time has passed...

Hey everyone! I know I haven't posted in a long time, and Mexico has come and gone! I could say a lot of stuff about it, but I don't have much time here right now. Hopefully soon I will have some pictures up (or maybe a video/slideshow), and will be able to tell you more about it, but for right now I am just going to say that it was AMAZING! I had a a great time, and I learned a lot, as well. It was so awesome to be able to serve God, and the people down there, alongside back2back for a week. 

I also just wanted to share one picture with you that I took on the plane on the way back. This whole experience (flying there and back) was the first times I (and Susanna) had ever flown. I'll have to say more about that, as well, when I have the time. This picture was taken when we were about to land back in Boston, and looking out the window was just so beautiful, I had to snap a picture or two! :) I am also going to enter this picture in my friend, Hannah's photo contest that she is having! (I'm a day late, but she said I could still enter). Her blog is: www.hannahjoya.blogspot.com Check it out! :)

Here is the picture!

Thanks to all those of you who prayed and thought about Susanna and I as we went on our Missions trip! We really appreciate it, and it means a lot to us. :) Hopefully I will be writing some more on here soon... Stay tuned! :) 

In His Arms,

Karissa Noelle♥

He's Captured My Heart♥

He’s Captured My Heart: <333

I met a man a while back, He’s amazing to say the least.

He’s my favorite person in the world, He’s become my truest friend.

I am head over heels in love with Him, but fall more in love each day.

He’s written me love letters, which I read most every day.

When I talk with Him, He’s different than the rest.

I can pour out my heart to Him, and He never opens His mouth to say a word.

There are sometimes I can’t contain the joy bubbling up in me.

I can’t help but talk about Him, and I perk at the mention of His Name.

This man is so kind, so loving, so sweet,

none other have I met like Him.

Sometimes I wish I could repay, all that He’s done for me.

And even though I never will, I still can’t help but try.

Whenever He wraps me in His arms, I’d have it no other way.

He’s gentle and compassionate, I know He’s the One for me.

I will never ever fall in love, as much as I have with this man.

So no other man should try and compete, cause this man has already won.

He’s my knight in shining armour, He has swept me off my feet.

This man has captured my heart, and that man is Jesus Christ.

~KNP 11/11/11

Bank on It: Growing Your Faith

I got a book called “Dare to be Rare” by: Kathleen Whitten (for girls :) ) for Christmas. My sister had read it, and said it was good, so I asked for it, and got it! :) Anyways, I am on chapter 15 now. A couple days ago, I read a chapter, and thought I was really good, and I wanted to share it with you (all the chapters are good, but this one had stuck out to me.) Now, I can’t figure out which one it was (chapters 13 or 14). I should know, since it stuck out to me, but since they are both really good, I am just going to share both of them with you (one now and one a next time I come to blog). :)

~
Bank on It: Growing Your Faith (Chapter 13)

Once there was a very young boy who had a few coins. He was so excited about his new treasure that he didn’t want to lose even one of them, so he decided to make a little bank to put them in.
Day after day he tried different ways to build a little bank around his coins. First, he tried molding clay around his coins, but that only made a mess. Next, he tried weaving reeds around his coin, but the reeds ended up in knots, and his coins ended up on the floor.
Finally, he put the coins on a small piece of plywood and built a miniature wooden bank around them. It was wonderful o have a little bank, and his coins fit perfectly.
But it wasn’t long before his grandparents gave him more coins, and the boy’s bank became to small. Being an industrious little boy, he opened his miniature bank, took out the coins, placed them on a bigger piece of plywood, then built a bigger bank. Afterward, he grinned proudly at his newer, bigger bank and thought to surely I was the perfect size.
But over the next several weeks, the boy found two coins on the sidewalk and won six coins playing marbles with his friends. Then his mom and dad gave him even more coins-and even some paper money-on his birthday. He bills, the boy soon discovered, wouldn’t fit through the small slot of his new wooden bank.
The boy was happy to have more coins and new crisp bills. But once again, his little treasure wouldn’t all fit in his bank, and he was tired of building new banks.
Being a wise little boy, he decided to ask his father for help. His father had just the answer. The father gave the boy a big, beautiful bank of his very own. The youngster then put all his money in the new big bank: one hundred coins of various sizes and shapes and ten whole dollars. And although he had lots of room left over, the boy knew the bank that his father gave to him could get fuller and fuller without running out of room.

A parable by me: “Don’t build your own bank to fit your coins.”

The little boy is us.

The father is God.

The coins are our faith.

The bank is the Word of God.
Don’t build your own bank to fit your coins.
Spiritual growth will be frustrating if you have to rebuild your bank-the way you understand God’s Word-every time your coins increase-your faith in God enlarges. Your Father has given you the greatest bank there is-the Bible. Put your faith-your coins-in it. Your few coins-your small faith-may swim around in that big bank at first, but if you’re seeking more coins-a bigger, stronger faith-they’ll increase with plenty of room for growth.

--

Think about This:

That sounds great, you’re probably thinking. But how do you choose the Word of God as your bank?

1. Acknowledge that you don’t have to yet have faith in something for it to be true.
2. Believe your Heavenly Father.

You don’t have to have faith yet for everything in the Bible. Just read Scriptures with an open mind and heart. Each time you open your Bible to read the Word of God, say this to yourself: “The Bible says it, so it’s true whether I understand it or no, whether I’ve seen it or not, and whether I have complete faith in it now or not.”

--

Once, a young woman confided in me that she had created a safe “box” for God to live. Whenever she read Scripture that she didn’t understand, or that didn’t fit in the box she created for God, she was upset and confused.
This was one of her situations. She understood that God was always loving and that He is love (1 John 4:16). So how could a loving God ever send someone to hell?
First of all, she had to let God live in His Word (the Bible) instead of her box. In doing so, He can be and do all that the Word says-even when she didn’t understand it all.
Then I explained to her that love is always a choice. God created people to love Him and have a relationship with Him. He would not be a truly loving God if He hadn’t given us the choice to love Him or not love Him. Love is love only if it is a choice.
God didn’t want robots forced to live Him. He wanted sons and daughters who would really love Him from their hearts only because they chose to do so. In allowing choices, God took a huge risk-after all, people were now free to reject Him.

--

Think about This:

God is love and everything good is God-sunshine, friends, hugs, great times, special animals, the love between all people, and even our very existence. So separation from God, by our choice, would mean separation forever from all that is good and all that is love-everything that brings joy, peace, and happiness.

And because God honors our choices, if we reject Him and choose to be separated from Him on this earth, then God will honor that choice of separation for eternity. And that would be Hell.
There will always be things in the Bible that you’ll have to work through. There will even be things that you never fully grasp or understand on this earth.

--

So put your few coins-he faith you have today in the Word of God-the best bank ever- and two great things will happen:

1. Your faith will increase. You can count on it.
2. You will find that the Word of God is true. You can bank on it.

--

Pray:

Lord, I have acknowledged I don’t have to have faith ye in something for it to be true. I choose today to believe Your Word is true, even if I may not completely have faith in all of it yet. As I trust and seek You, I desire for my faith to grow so that I can experience all of Your blessings and have abundant life. Amen.

--

Believe:

“Through Him [Jesus Christ] you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith [coins] and hope are in God [the bank]” ( Peter 1:21).

--

For Journaling and Reflection:

1. Have you ever felt that something you read in he Bible didn’t match up with what you understood about God and Jesus at the time? Think about that experience. Has the way you understand the Bible changed since that time? In your journal, write about how your new way of understanding has helped you.
2. The story of the little boy’s bank is a kind of parable-a story that can give us a deeper perspective of our growing faith. What experience has God used in your life to grow your faith (for example, being nervous in a new setting, or resolving a conflict with a close friend)? Try using your experience to write a parable about how faith grows and how God reveals more and more to you as your faith increases.
3. Do you have to completely believe or understand something in order for it to be true? When was the last time you put your faith in something you didn’t completely understand (air travel, electricity, music downloads)?

~~

I finished my journal a couple days ago!! Yay, I get to start a fresh new one! I’m pretty excited about that!! I love going back and reading how I have matured, and grown in my relationship with Christ, and I can’t wait to see where this one takes me in my journey with my Saviour. I’m looking forward to writing in it… hopefully tonight! :) Well, I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it wasn’t too long!

~

I.love.my.Jesus! <3

~

Have a great night everyone!

~

Resting in Him, Karissa : )

(The second one from the top is the journal I just finished. It has a picture of an Eagle in flight, and quotes Isaiah 40:31, which I'm sure you all know, but it says: "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.) :)

P.S. I am sad, cause picnik is going to be going away soon! That is what I use to edit my pictures! :'( (including the one above^) Oh well! I will just have to find another editing program! :) Until it goes away (in April) we get to use premium for free! So, that's the excited news! :)

One more thing before I go! (sorry guys!!) :P This is a song that my aunt sent me, and I liked it, and thought that I would share it with you all! I hope you enjoy it (and never underestimate me Jesus)! :)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Years everyone! I'm a little late, but oh well! :) I read this on Melanie's blog the other day (written by her), and I LOVED it, and so I wanted to share it on here with you all, as well! :)

For 2012...I have no resolutions other than...

to love a little deeper~
to stand a little taller~
to laugh a little louder~
to speak gently~
to give more profusely~
to live with reckless abandon~
to let faith grow stronger~
to smile in the face of adversity~
to wipe tears from weary faces~
to speak a little less~
to listen a little more~
to carry His burdens for this world~
to rock children to sleep~
to live for Him alone~
to point others to Him~
to radiate with His glory~
to pray more at His feet~
to dance a little freer~
to sing a little stronger~
to be an encouragement to those around me~
to die daily~
to surrender more freely~
to battle with more determination~
to give joy in all circumstances~
to love Him more.

~to be utterly transformed by His renewing grace~
evermore.
daily.
to be changed.
made stronger.
lift Him higher.
forget self.
abandon sin.
lay it all down,
nothing in my own strength
to know the truth
to draw closer
to Him
Daily.

~to see the beauty~
in the colors; taken for granted
in the rainbows that boast of a promise
in the laughter, that shows His heart
in the unknown path of the months to come
in the giving that holds nothing back
in the songs of birds
early spring rain
crisp autumn leaves
snow-capped mountains
desperate prayers
brokenness
surrender
but joy.
my journey home

~to learn to see...
the world with His compassion
to hope with absolute confidence
to serve with His kindness,
His gentleness,
His self-control,
His patience,
and to
abide in His peace
to learn a quiet heart
~to be still~

to radiate with an inner quiet grace
quiet grace

{All in all?}

To live a life that is not in vain.

~

I also read this over on Emily's blog, and I really liked it! I hope you are encouraged by it as well! :)

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

- C.T. Studd

I hope you all have a wonderful day! :)

In Christ, Kari§a││Romans 12 ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

Calvary's Love

If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; If I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel bitter toward those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.

~Amy Carmichael

This is really worth taking the 5 minutes to read...

THINK

There was
a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend.
He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend,
'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'

One day,
someone donated a pair of eyes to her.
When the bandages came off, she was
able to see everything, including her
boyfriend.

He asked
her, Now that you can see the world,
will you marry me?' The girl looked at
her boyfriend and saw that he was blind.
The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her.
She hadn't expected that. The thought of
looking at them the rest of her life
led her to refuse to marry him.

Her
boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote
a note to her saying: 'Take good care of
your eyes, my dear, for before
they were yours, they were mine.'

This is
how the human brain often works when our
status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before,
and who was always by their side in the
most painful situations.


Life Is a
Gift

Today
before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before
you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat..

Before
you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone
who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today
before you complain about life - Think of someone who went
too early to heaven..

Before
whining about the distance you drive
Think of someone who
walks the same distance with their feet.

And when
you are tired and complain about your job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those
who wish they had your job.

And when
depressing thoughts seem to get you down -
Put a smile on your face and think:
you're alive and still around..
==========================

I PRAY
THIS MOVES AROUND
THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE.....


Enjoy life now - it has an expiration date.

Something to ponder

The girl you just called fat?... She is overdosing on diet pills.
The girl you just called ugly?... She spends hours putting makeup on hoping people will like her.
The boy you just tripped?... He is abused enough at home.
See that man with the ugly scars?... He fought for his country.
That guy you just made fun of for crying?... His mother is dying.

Thanksgiving is upon us

I got this in an email updater from Wanda Brunstetter, and thought it was good, and so I am sharing it with you! :)


With Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, our thoughts often turn toward being thankful and appreciating all the blessings God has given us. Of course, we should be thankful any time of the year, and in fact we are told in I Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."


Sometimes, when things aren't going as well as we would like, it's hard to feel thankful. Yet, if we look around, there is always something to be thankful for. And if we fill our thoughts with thankfulness and gratitude for what we have, then our minds will not be dominated by discontentment and negativity.


Our pastor asked the following question during church a few weeks ago: "What if you woke up today and the only thing you had left were the things you had thanked God for yesterday?" That's something to really think about, isn't it?


Think about the conversations you've had with others in the last week. Did they fall into the category of thankfulness? Personally, I'm always happier if I begin my week with words of thankfulness and prayers of appreciation. That's what Thanksgiving is really all about!


I am going to try and do a post on Thankgiving and write all the things I am thankful for (okay, maybe not all the things, cause that might take forever, but ya know what I mean, right?) ;P


I also just wanted to let you know about a giveaway on the Duggar's blog (www.duggarsblog.blogspot.com). They are giving away a dvd of the complete second season of 18 kids and counting! Oh, and did you hear that Michelle Duggar is pregnant with her 20th child??!! I am soooo excited and happy for them!!! I hope the Lord sees fit to bless me with that many kids someday. Although I can't imagine how I would do it, I know He would give me the grace and strength to do it, if He gave me that many kids! :)


Alright, it seems like I was going to write something else, but I am now forgetting. I hate when that happens. Oh well. If I think of it I will update this. :) And I will be posting some pictures reeeeaaally soon. You can count on it. ;)


Oh, and btw, I am head over heels in love with my Jesus right now!! <33 Just wanted to let you know that. :)) My Saviour never ceases to amaze me, with His amazing power and love! Oh Jesus! Teach me how to surrender. I need You now more than ever! :D


Resting In My Precious Saviour's Arms Tonight,
Karissa Noelle <3

My True Love

I saw this on a couple of blogs I came across recently, and it was really encouraging to me! It reminds that God should/will always be enough for us, no matter what. He should be The True Love of our soul, our All in all, and fulfill our deepest longings. If we always look to a mere man to fulfill these things, we never will find what we are able to find when we look to Jesus Christ! Of course these characteristics are things I do want my future husband to possess, but of course he won't be perfect, and this reminds me that God always has been, is, and always will be; and if God doesn't have it planned for me to get married someday, I can come back to this and remember that He can be the perfect husband of my soul forever! I hope I'm getting across what I'm trying to say, and hopefully this "poem" will explain things a little bit better as well!

~

I prayed for a man committed to God. Jesus smiled, “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30

~

I prayed for a man that would be a spiritual leader. Jesus unashamedly declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

~

I prayed for a man of hight standards and integrity. Others testified, “He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” I Peter 2:22

~

I prayed for a man of the Word. Jesus opened up His arms with love as He whispered, “I am the living Word, and I came to live with you.” John 1:14

~

I prayed for a man that knew how to be a servant. Then I heard others whisper with amazement, “Jesus made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7

~

I prayed for a man that was full of spiritual life. He smiled again, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

~

I prayed for a man of faith and prayer. Then I watched with amazement as He went out and spend all night in prayer...for me! Luke 6:12

~

I prayed for a man that would provide for my needs. He not only fed the five thousand long ago, He also feeds me today! Mark 6:41, Philippians 4:19

~

I prayed for a man that would be the head of the home and a leader. Someone I could look up to and respect intellectually and spiritually. Then I realized that not only had Jesus been knocking on my door begging to be allowed to be the head of my home, but He was so far ahead of me intellectually, I would have all eternity to learn from Him. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

~

I prayed for a man of steel and velvet...someone that could be strong but also tender at the same time. Then I remembered Jesus’ words as the mails were driven into His hands, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:24 And how, when dying upon the cross, some of His last thoughts were to make sure His mother would be cared for. John 19:26 I also remembered how that when even a little sparrow fell, He noticed and cared. Matthew 10:29

~

I prayed for a man that knew how to love others...even the unpleasant outcasts. Jesus replied, “In that while you were all yet sinners [the lowest outcast], I died for you.” Romans 5:8

~

I prayed for a man that would be the head of the home and a leader. Someone I could look up to and respect intellectually and spiritually. Then I realized that not only had Jesus been knocking on my door begging to be allowed to be the head of my home, but He was so far ahead of me intellectually, I would have all eternity to learn from Him. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

~

I prayed for someone that I could share my deepest thoughts and dreams with, someone who would walk with me through joys and through sorrows. Someone that would not only hold my hand, but would hold my heart. Someone that I could stand behind, love, respect and serve with all my heart. I looked up in awe as He not only began to walk beside me and hold my hand (Isaiah 41), but also to share with me the hidden riches and secrets of eternity...heart companionship and beauty that I had never had with another. (Isaiah 45:3, Psalm 34:8) And I just knew that He was someone I could not only love, but stand behind and serve for the rest of my life!

~

I prayed for someone that would help me walk closer to God. And the more I got to know him, the closer I drew to God. Psalm 23, Matthew 6:33

~

I know this may be frivolous God and it’s a small thing, but could you also send me someone romantic,” I had prayed. “Someone that will love me so much, that he’ll want me and only me! That he’ll be willing to do whatever it takes to win me...even bring me chocolate?” Jesus said nothing as He lay down His heavenly honor to come to earth to win me. Although I doubted His love and resisted His advances at first, He slowly, sweetly, tenderly won my heart and love. Then He led me to His great banqueting house, and the banner He put over me was LOVE. (Song of Sol. 2:4) “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good” He tenderly whispered. (Ps. 34:8) And as He looked deep into my heart, I knew that nothing would separate us... (Romans 8:35-39) for He had won my heart forever!!

~

Last, but not least, I prayed for a man that would not be afraid of pain or trials. Then it was that I realized it was He, Jesus, that was carrying my cross and making the ultimate sacrifice of love...for not just anyone, but for me! (Matthew 16:24, Hebrews 2:9) Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stood in awe. And my heart melted...

~

Let us say with Asaph the Psalmist, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”

~

Because of Christ, Karissa