In God's Heart I Am. . .

In God’s Heart I Am. . . 

RADIANT!

To be radiant I must draw closer to God in order for my light to shine more brightly. Just like a flame, my light burns going from white to yellow to red and finally blue, the most efficient of all. When my light burns like a blue flame I emit the radiance of Christ. Fire changes color based on what it is mixed or exposed to, such as air, fuel, or chemicals. As Christians our internal flame is affected in a similar way. When we are exposed to the temptations and worldly ways the intensity of our flame changes and our radiance is thus affected. How is your light burning? ~ Kim

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:14-16 TNIV

New Business Venture!

After much prayer and contemplation, I jumped in with both feet to pursue a new small business venture. I'm so excited to announce that I am an Independent Consultant for Blessings Unlimited®. I was introduced to this company by Regina Barnes through mutual connections in iBloom. The Spirit does truly work in mysterious ways!

Blessings Unlimited® was founded by DaySpring® (a division of Hallmark), the world's leading producer of Christian greeting cards. For over 35 years, DaySpring has partnered with Christian stores in local communities to offer meaningful products. Blessings Unlimited continues that tradition and extends the opportunity to the home. They offer a unique blend of business and ministry. Their exclusive, message-based products include home decor items and gifts created to encourage hearts, build relationships, and bring beauty to the place you live. Through home parties, called Gatherings, they provide a unique shopping experience and a business opportunity which provides the freedom and flexibility to spend time on what is most important to you.

I hosted my first Announcement Gathering in my home on Thursday, July 28, 2011. It was such a thrill to spend an evening with my guests while introducing each product which carries a message from God's Word. The company motto sums it all up:  "To pursue the heart of God and bring blessings to others."

From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another. ~ John 1:16 NIV

Have you been looking for a way to contribute to your family's income? Whether you want a fun, new career or a flexible part-time business that allows you more time with your family, you can choose a path that suits you best. Combining your work and faith is an incredibly rewarding way to live and make a living. You can find more information about being a consultant on my web site. I'd love to have you join me!

In celebration of my big new business venture announcement, I'm going to give away one FREE product (retail value up to $25) to one lucky winner to be selected in a random drawing. To enter, simply open your home for a Blessings Unlimited Gathering by being a Hostess. You can do so by calling me directly between August 2-9, 2011. Calendar your Gathering for any future date between August 11 and October 11, 2011 to be eligible for the random drawing. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. I can't wait for you to see the products personally. Click here to preview the new catalog. We are nearing the "Season Of Hospitality!"

Thanks in advance for supporting me and helping me get this new business venture off to a fantastic start!!!


Kim Hawkins, Independent Consultant
Call me:  (210) 328-1829

Help Someone Else Bear Their Burdens

How many times have we tried to convince ourselves that we've got a situation under control? It happens to everyone. God never intended for us to bear anything alone!

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:2 TNIV

HELP!

Be Connected! ~ Kim

Temple For Sale?

The word temple can bring to mind glorious, ornate and lavish décor, meticulously cared for architecturally structured buildings. According to WikiAnswers, the word temple appears in the Bible 202 times while the word temples appears nine times.

When I think of brick and mortar temples mentioned in the Bible, I specifically recall two accounts:

1.  The temple of Solomon (I Kings 6-8; 2 Chronicles 3-5). 
2. Jesus driving the moneychangers out of the temple (Mark 11:15; Matthew 21:12; Luke 20:45; John 2:14-16).

Under King Solomon’s rule the temple was built in seven years (1 Kings 6:38). The details, skills and labor required formed a breath-taking structure like none other of its time. After its completion God spoke to Solomon, “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple…(1 Kings 9:3).”

I find the details of proper care for the temple and its temple-keepers (priests--see Leviticus 21 and 22) to be interesting in their specifics and careful instruction. As Christians today, Scripture reminds us:

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 TNIV

Consecrate by definition means to make or declare sacred; to dedicate to religious or divine purpose. Are you making the connection? Each one of us is a temple. How do you care for the temple which is your body?

You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 20:7

Be holy, because I am holy. ~ 1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:44

The brick and mortar temple had to be restored to its proper condition (2 Chronicles 24:13). In life today we are permitted to make u-turns. It’s not too late to restore the temple which is your body. Be good to yourself and honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This message comes to you from one of God’s temples. This temple's not for sale, its already been bought at a price. ~ Kim

All Things Are Possible With God

Are you pressed on every side? Are you perplexed? Are you persecuted? Are you struck down?

What images come to mind when you think about God being the answer to all your needs? The flesh of me needs to see visual things at times to draw near to God. He plants reminders everywhere because He too, is everywhere!

I was feeling pressed and perplexed so I turned to the comfort of God's Word and was reminded ever so gently:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 TNIV

Jesus looked at them and said, "With human beings this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." ~ Mark 10:27 TNIV

How have you seen God today? What is He revealing to you? Click this link:  I Saw God Today ~ His fingerprints are everywhere. Don't miss out on seeing God today! ~ Kim

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:17 TNIV

Yes, I Get Angry!

I’m a Christian and yes, I get angry. I’d be lying if I said, “I didn’t.” Anger by definition is to experience displeasure or hostility. What you do with the anger is key. Anger is a healthy emotion. When you feel it, own it! This means you can admit it’s about me not you. For example, if I did house work all day (to my chagrin) with no help from my spouse I could respond with the following:  “I was upset you did not help with the housework today.” What I choose NOT to say:  “You should have helped with the housework.” Notice the placement of I and you. When I start the sentence with you, I give up my ownership. Feel it, own it and move on!

In Week 24 of my self-published book, 52-Weeks of Resolve the focus for the week is:  Keep your anger in check. Bear in the mind, Scripture gives us this healthy tip more than once:

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate with your heart on your bed, and be still. ~ Psalm 4:4 NJKV

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give peace to the devil.” ~ Ephesians 4:36-27 NJKV

Anger is permissible but sadly, it travels with bad company, a really rather wicked group:

But now you must rid yourself of all such things as these:  anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. ~ Colossians 3:8 NIV

When you can, avoid anger; when you can’t be cautious not to take the path that leads to other things that can go hand-in-hand with it. There are numerous references to God’s anger. God was angry because He was displeased with people. God doesn’t just storm around being angry for no reason. Jesus was angry at the moneychangers in the temple; yes, He too was displeased but He did not sin!

“For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Generally speaking, when you feel anger this is your indicator that you have needs that are not being met. Address the issue in a healthy manner. This means you let the other person know you are not okay with whatever is going on. When dealing with emotions, we can be thrown off balance. I encourage you to find your balance by utilizing the gift of the Holy Spirit with God on one side and Jesus on the other. Peace to you! ~ Kim

p.s. Summertime is a time when many of us catch up on projects.  What projects are you working on? Link up with me and others fellow bloggers such as A Bowl Full of Lemons (see button on page).

Q. Pride?

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. ~ 2 Corinthians 10:12 TNIV 

Why do we compare?

• Let’s compare notes.
• How does this compare to our competitors?
• Compared to thus and such…
• The two don’t even begin to compare…

Comparison can be both good and bad. Take taste and smell. We generally know how certain food items taste and smell, if either of these is off, we know there is danger. This could be called a healthy comparison. However, we tend to hear ourselves and others comparing one another’s looks, manners and abilities and this is not wise.

Many comparisons stem out of pride and this too, can be good and bad. Pride by definition is an inordinate state of self esteem; it is also, a reasonable or justifiable state of self-respect. Compare, if you will, these two examples:

1. The latest movie release is about a character consumed with pride and vanity.
2. As parents of the valedictorian, they showed great pride in their child’s accomplishment.

Whatever we do must be to the glory of God. The apostle Paul reminds us:

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:30 TNIV

God, Himself spoke on boasting.

This is what the Lord says:  “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let those who boast, boast about this; that they understand and know Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 9:23-24 TNIV

For it is not those who commend themselves who are approved, but those whom the Lord commends. ~ 2 Corinthians 10:18 TNIV

If pride is the question, humility is the answer! ~ Kim

p.s. "Humility will relieve you of the obligation to promote your own self interests, thereby eliminating the need to strive to prove yourself to others." ~ Unknown

Parenthood Merits Honor

The Bible was written in the languages of ancient Palestine:  Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. This fact is important because things truly do get lost in translation.

In both, the Old and New Testaments we are instructed, not suggested, to obey, honor and listen to our father and mother. Jesus said, “Follow me.” Even He “was obedient” to his parents (Luke 2:51).

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

Children, obey your parents in the LORD, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” ~ Ephesians 6:1-3

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. ~ Proverbs 1:8

A wise child heeds a parent’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. ~ Proverbs 13:1

The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures. ~ Proverbs 30:17

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’” ~ Matthew 15:3-4

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the LORD. ~ Colossians 3:20

The Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize and value”. As parents are over their children, children must be taught that this “rank” merits respect. We bring life to the word “honor” when we regard our parents with great respect and hold them in high esteem. This means we show them feelings of deep admiration which are elicited by their abilities or achievements. Even when relationships are strained by our humanness we can look for that one praiseworthy thing. What can we do to hold our parents in high regard or a favorable light? Remember actions speak louder than words. Although you may not recall the words you will find a memory of an action which truly resounds of a parents love.

Mom, Dad, I love you just because! ~ XOXO ~ Kim

Home, Sweet Home: You Are In My Prayers America!

Today, May 5, 2011 marks the 60^th annual observance of “National Day of Prayer”. The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans.

Historically, our nation has called for a “Day of Prayer” since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. Times have changed but our nations needs remain the same in many ways. On this day, it is importance to remember to pray specifically for the following, as they greatly impact our lives on a daily basis and looked upon as our areas of influence:

• Government:  Pray all leaders in any capacity will lead with integrity.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. ~ Proverbs 11:3 NIV

• Military: Pray for those who protect our country that they will be delivered from the enemy.

Deliver me [our military] from my [our nation's] enemies, O God; protect me [them] from those who rise up against me [our nation]. ~ Psalm 59:1 NIV

• Media: Pray for truth and morality to be presented.

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. ~ Matthew 12:36-37 NIV

• Business: Pray for those who are faithful that they will remember whose they are in the workplace.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you and example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." ~ 1 Peter 2:21-22 NIV

• Education: Pray that those who pursue education will be led in a righteous way, in safe, upright environments.

 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6 NIV

• Church: Pray that the body of Christ will not cease to boldly proclaim the Word and for unity among the believers.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ~ Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV

• Family: Pray that these units will grow together in love and righteousness.

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. ~ Joshua 24:15 NIV

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

If you [America] return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children [citizens] will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you [America] if you return to him. ~ 2 Chronicles 30:9 NIV

Pray for our nation! As citizens enjoying the rights and freedoms afforded by the United States, it’s not too much to ask. I’m so proud to be an American! ~ Kim