Christmas has passed and New Year’s is upon us. It’s so great to hear people saying that ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’ around the holidays, but as soon as Christmas is over, does Jesus go back in the box with the decorations?
I’m guilty of this also – we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior and then the next week we look to New Year’s and what we want to do or change in the upcoming year. How amazing could 2011 be if we remember that Jesus is the reason for every season?
If we expect God to do a little, He can do a little. If we don’t expect Him to do anything, He won’t do anything because Jesus says, According to your faith will it be done to you (Matthew 9:29).
In 2011, what are you going to put your trust in – yourself, education, the economy or another person? Or are you going to trust God, the Creator and King of the Most High?
Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34 says ~ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I challenge you to trust God entirely – with all you have – in 2011 and keep Jesus as a part of your everyday life, then watch what he does in your life. I look forward to seeing and hearing about amazing things!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Why Jesus is better than Santa Claus
Santa lives at the North Pole… Jesus is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh… Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year… Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stocking with goodies… Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa… Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap… Jesus lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all the can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”… Jesus knew our name before we were born… not only does He know our name, he knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… Jesus has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is Ho Ho Ho… Jesus offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, “You better not cry”… Jesus says “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys… Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but… Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree… Jesus became our gift and died on a tree… the cross.
Put Christ back in Christmas… Jesus is still the reason for the season!
I pray that God fills your heart with the love and joy that only His Son can bring this Christmas season. Have a blessed Christmas!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Santa rides in a sleigh… Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year… Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stocking with goodies… Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa… Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap… Jesus lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all the can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”… Jesus knew our name before we were born… not only does He know our name, he knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… Jesus has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is Ho Ho Ho… Jesus offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, “You better not cry”… Jesus says “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys… Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but… Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree… Jesus became our gift and died on a tree… the cross.
Put Christ back in Christmas… Jesus is still the reason for the season!
I pray that God fills your heart with the love and joy that only His Son can bring this Christmas season. Have a blessed Christmas!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
What if Mary had said ‘No’?
From Luke 1:26-38 ~ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
What if Mary would have said “no” to the angel that appeared to her to announce that Jesus, the Son of the Most High, would be born through her? God has given us free will to choose what we do.
In verse 29, it Luke says that Mary was troubled. What if she would have dwelled on her concern wondering why she was chosen or worrying about all the details? What if she had told the angel that she would have to pray about it and get back to him?
As humans, we want to reason things out. We want to know the who, what, when, where, why and how of every situation.
God may not use us to bring His One and Only Son into the world, but He does use us to do His will. Have we missed some of God’s opportunities because we were reluctant to know it was the Holy Spirit leading us?
My personal prayer this week, and I hope you will adopt it as one of your own, is that I be more like Mary. When I’m being led by the Holy Spirit, my answer will automatically be, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Have a blessed week!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
What if Mary would have said “no” to the angel that appeared to her to announce that Jesus, the Son of the Most High, would be born through her? God has given us free will to choose what we do.
In verse 29, it Luke says that Mary was troubled. What if she would have dwelled on her concern wondering why she was chosen or worrying about all the details? What if she had told the angel that she would have to pray about it and get back to him?
As humans, we want to reason things out. We want to know the who, what, when, where, why and how of every situation.
God may not use us to bring His One and Only Son into the world, but He does use us to do His will. Have we missed some of God’s opportunities because we were reluctant to know it was the Holy Spirit leading us?
My personal prayer this week, and I hope you will adopt it as one of your own, is that I be more like Mary. When I’m being led by the Holy Spirit, my answer will automatically be, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Have a blessed week!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Stress-Free Holidays
Holidays can be nerve-racking, especially Christmas when people attend too many parties, spend too much money, eat too much, and are altogether too busy.
Tip 1: Set a budget. A lot of the stress around the holiday’s stem from money. It is very easy to spend much more than you originally planned. I recommend taking out a set amount of cash, that way you can physically see how much you have left. If you do your shopping online, Have a set amount that you will spend on each person. If the gift you have in mind for them is more expensive, shop around or find another item.
Tip 2: Don’t procrastinate! Get your shopping done ahead of time and wrap and tag presents as you go.
Tip 3: Have a plan. If you are having multiple Christmas parties with extended family, have it set when you are going to be with each one. Keep your gifts organized by which party they are going to in order to help the day run smooth.
Tip 4: Schedule time for yourself everyday – read, take a walk, take a bubble bath.
Tip 5: Stay healthy. It is easy to over eat during the holiday season but trust me, if you can set aside 20 minutes a day to take a walk or even just get outside and move around, you will feel much better!
Tip 6: Indulge. This tip contradicts the previous one, but I believe that it is 100% okay to go for the big piece of chocolate cake. This may mean an extra 20 minutes of walking or exercise for a few days, but you only live once!
Tip 7: If you have someone you are not looking forward to seeing, I recommend going into the situation with a positive attitude. Be the bigger person and if necessary, spend time in other areas of the house when possible.
Tip 8: And finally, take time to enjoy those you are around. Be thankful for the people you have been blessed with and remember the reason for the season!
Psalm 46:10 ~ Be still and know that I am God.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Tip 1: Set a budget. A lot of the stress around the holiday’s stem from money. It is very easy to spend much more than you originally planned. I recommend taking out a set amount of cash, that way you can physically see how much you have left. If you do your shopping online, Have a set amount that you will spend on each person. If the gift you have in mind for them is more expensive, shop around or find another item.
Tip 2: Don’t procrastinate! Get your shopping done ahead of time and wrap and tag presents as you go.
Tip 3: Have a plan. If you are having multiple Christmas parties with extended family, have it set when you are going to be with each one. Keep your gifts organized by which party they are going to in order to help the day run smooth.
Tip 4: Schedule time for yourself everyday – read, take a walk, take a bubble bath.
Tip 5: Stay healthy. It is easy to over eat during the holiday season but trust me, if you can set aside 20 minutes a day to take a walk or even just get outside and move around, you will feel much better!
Tip 6: Indulge. This tip contradicts the previous one, but I believe that it is 100% okay to go for the big piece of chocolate cake. This may mean an extra 20 minutes of walking or exercise for a few days, but you only live once!
Tip 7: If you have someone you are not looking forward to seeing, I recommend going into the situation with a positive attitude. Be the bigger person and if necessary, spend time in other areas of the house when possible.
Tip 8: And finally, take time to enjoy those you are around. Be thankful for the people you have been blessed with and remember the reason for the season!
Psalm 46:10 ~ Be still and know that I am God.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
December Holidays
From www.holidayinsights.com, here are a few holidays other than Christmas to look forward to in December:
December 4: Santa’s List Day. “Have you been good all year? Have you been Naughty? Or, have you been nice? Santa knows.
Santa's Elves have been everywhere, checking up on children all over the world, to see who has been naughty, and who has been nice. Thanks to the hard work of his elves, Santa now has two lists. The short list contains the names of a few children who have been naughty. A much longer list is filled with the names of children who have been good all year long. Which list are you on?”
December 13: National Ice Cream Day. “We found no factual information about this day. We suspect that it evolved from some local event. Perhaps a school ice cream social somehow took on an undocumented, national recognition as a special day.”
December 16: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. “Chocolaholics rejoice! Today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day.
Its a great day to indulge, binge, "pig out", and otherwise consume to excess, your favorite food....chocolate. We believe the timing of this day, during the holiday season, couldn't be better.”
December 28: Card Playing Day. “Card Playing Day is the perfect time to spend an hour or so playing cards with family and friends. And, it arrives at just the perfect time of year........ a few days after Christmas. The holiday hustle and bustle is over. The kids are getting bored of their new toys. It's time to turn to card games for a calmer, relaxing, and more slow-paced form of fun and entertainment. Spend the day playing cards with family and friends. You'll find its quality time with the kids that will create many warm memories."
And I want to share “A Morning Prayer” by Estella Wright Szegedin with you:
Lord, in the quiet of this morning hour,
Let me feel Thy love and power.
Let me so full of Thy spirit be,
That others can see the Christ in me.
Let me reflect Thy presence sweet
To every one I chance to meet.
Let me a friend to people be
That they, too, will search for Thee.
Let me add to this, Thy day,
Love and peace in every way.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
December 4: Santa’s List Day. “Have you been good all year? Have you been Naughty? Or, have you been nice? Santa knows.
Santa's Elves have been everywhere, checking up on children all over the world, to see who has been naughty, and who has been nice. Thanks to the hard work of his elves, Santa now has two lists. The short list contains the names of a few children who have been naughty. A much longer list is filled with the names of children who have been good all year long. Which list are you on?”
December 13: National Ice Cream Day. “We found no factual information about this day. We suspect that it evolved from some local event. Perhaps a school ice cream social somehow took on an undocumented, national recognition as a special day.”
December 16: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. “Chocolaholics rejoice! Today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day.
Its a great day to indulge, binge, "pig out", and otherwise consume to excess, your favorite food....chocolate. We believe the timing of this day, during the holiday season, couldn't be better.”
December 28: Card Playing Day. “Card Playing Day is the perfect time to spend an hour or so playing cards with family and friends. And, it arrives at just the perfect time of year........ a few days after Christmas. The holiday hustle and bustle is over. The kids are getting bored of their new toys. It's time to turn to card games for a calmer, relaxing, and more slow-paced form of fun and entertainment. Spend the day playing cards with family and friends. You'll find its quality time with the kids that will create many warm memories."
And I want to share “A Morning Prayer” by Estella Wright Szegedin with you:
Lord, in the quiet of this morning hour,
Let me feel Thy love and power.
Let me so full of Thy spirit be,
That others can see the Christ in me.
Let me reflect Thy presence sweet
To every one I chance to meet.
Let me a friend to people be
That they, too, will search for Thee.
Let me add to this, Thy day,
Love and peace in every way.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
I’m Thankful For…
All month I have been posting a status each day of what I’m thankful for. It’s amazing what all happens in one month! The following is a look at each post:
Day 1: I’m thankful for the ability and opportunity to wake up on a Monday morning and attend college to receive an education.
Day 2: I’m thankful for the cool, crisp air of the fall morning and the deep colors of the leaves.
Day 3: I’m thankful for Dr. Meyers’ class – best writing class I’ve ever taken!
Day 4: I’m thankful for great roommates!
Day 5: I’m thankful for my warm bed and amazingly soft pillow.
Day 6: I’m thankful for my sweet family! I absolutely love being at home and spending time with them!
Day 7: I’m thankful for RA Brown!
Day 8: I’m thankful for a God whose love is never-ending!
Day 9: Today I’m thankful for my awesomely cool older brother, Nick.
Day 10: I’m thankful for all the fun people I work with at Triumph.
Day 11: I’m thankful for all the neat things I learn as an agricultural communications major.
Day 12: I’m thankful for all the sweet friends that I am blessed with!
Day 13: I’m thankful for Saturdays!
Day 14: I’m thankful for the ability to go to the church of my choice and also to go to church in the first place.
Day 15: I’m thankful for safe food, especially beef!
Day 16: I’m thankful that my Sales class next Tuesday is cancelled so I can go home early.
Day 17: I’m thankful for God’s power in the wind – It’s so amazing!
Day 18: I’m thankful for my sweet boyfriend who calls me early in the morning to help me with my homework.
Day 19: I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to lecture to the ag communications technical writing class today.
Day 20: I’m thankful for modern medicine and that my grandmother is doing okay.
Day 21: I’m thankful for my little corgi – especially when he is so excited to see me that he tries to sit on my lap while I’m on the computer.
Day 22: I’m thankful for my amazing family!
Day 23: I’m thankful for a sweet mother with a kind heart, who is also an amazing role model!
Day 24: I’m thankful for a loving God who has blessed me beyond what my mind could ever fathom!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Day 1: I’m thankful for the ability and opportunity to wake up on a Monday morning and attend college to receive an education.
Day 2: I’m thankful for the cool, crisp air of the fall morning and the deep colors of the leaves.
Day 3: I’m thankful for Dr. Meyers’ class – best writing class I’ve ever taken!
Day 4: I’m thankful for great roommates!
Day 5: I’m thankful for my warm bed and amazingly soft pillow.
Day 6: I’m thankful for my sweet family! I absolutely love being at home and spending time with them!
Day 7: I’m thankful for RA Brown!
Day 8: I’m thankful for a God whose love is never-ending!
Day 9: Today I’m thankful for my awesomely cool older brother, Nick.
Day 10: I’m thankful for all the fun people I work with at Triumph.
Day 11: I’m thankful for all the neat things I learn as an agricultural communications major.
Day 12: I’m thankful for all the sweet friends that I am blessed with!
Day 13: I’m thankful for Saturdays!
Day 14: I’m thankful for the ability to go to the church of my choice and also to go to church in the first place.
Day 15: I’m thankful for safe food, especially beef!
Day 16: I’m thankful that my Sales class next Tuesday is cancelled so I can go home early.
Day 17: I’m thankful for God’s power in the wind – It’s so amazing!
Day 18: I’m thankful for my sweet boyfriend who calls me early in the morning to help me with my homework.
Day 19: I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to lecture to the ag communications technical writing class today.
Day 20: I’m thankful for modern medicine and that my grandmother is doing okay.
Day 21: I’m thankful for my little corgi – especially when he is so excited to see me that he tries to sit on my lap while I’m on the computer.
Day 22: I’m thankful for my amazing family!
Day 23: I’m thankful for a sweet mother with a kind heart, who is also an amazing role model!
Day 24: I’m thankful for a loving God who has blessed me beyond what my mind could ever fathom!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Beef on a Budget
I have two very sweet friends at Oklahoma State University that share my passion for God and the cattle industry. These are two people I hold very close to my heart!
Amy Brown was raised on ranches in Colorado and Texas.
“I choose to major in agricultural communications to show agriculture to the people who live in apartment buildings and ride the subway to work, to those who buy their groceries with no knowledge of how that food came to be on the shelves.
“The public needs to understand how public policy can affect the production of food that is feeding the world. I want to tell a story, the real story of rural America.”
Anna-Lisa Giannini grew up in the North-eastern half of California on a ranch that her family purchased when coming to America from Switzerland in 1903.
“As I have grown older I have grown to appreciate my ranch raising more and more. Ranch kids are just raised a little different. I heard it said once that a ranch woman will find way and make a way, over, under, around and through! I believe this to be true in all aspects of our lives. We find a way to use every cut of meat in the freezer, we find a way to cook a meal that our families will enjoy and we make a way for our dreams to come true.”
These two inspiring ladies created a blog to share their experience of cooking on a budget with beef while attending college and living in town.
According to their blog, “We want to share with you how easy it is to eat high class, while also eating healthy and enjoying every bite all the while making every dollar count!”
I encourage you to check out their website http://beefonabudget.com/ for amazing beef recipes… on a budget! They do a great job of explaining the recipe with how they came across it or the inspiration behind it as well as the directions, pictures and a cost break down.
Featured recipes for October included Beef Burox, Pumpkin Chili and Stew A Fuego.
While browsing through receipes, scroll down to the bottom and sign up for their emails when they post updates.
Psalms 34:8 ~ Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Amy Brown was raised on ranches in Colorado and Texas.
“I choose to major in agricultural communications to show agriculture to the people who live in apartment buildings and ride the subway to work, to those who buy their groceries with no knowledge of how that food came to be on the shelves.
“The public needs to understand how public policy can affect the production of food that is feeding the world. I want to tell a story, the real story of rural America.”
Anna-Lisa Giannini grew up in the North-eastern half of California on a ranch that her family purchased when coming to America from Switzerland in 1903.
“As I have grown older I have grown to appreciate my ranch raising more and more. Ranch kids are just raised a little different. I heard it said once that a ranch woman will find way and make a way, over, under, around and through! I believe this to be true in all aspects of our lives. We find a way to use every cut of meat in the freezer, we find a way to cook a meal that our families will enjoy and we make a way for our dreams to come true.”
These two inspiring ladies created a blog to share their experience of cooking on a budget with beef while attending college and living in town.
According to their blog, “We want to share with you how easy it is to eat high class, while also eating healthy and enjoying every bite all the while making every dollar count!”
I encourage you to check out their website http://beefonabudget.com/ for amazing beef recipes… on a budget! They do a great job of explaining the recipe with how they came across it or the inspiration behind it as well as the directions, pictures and a cost break down.
Featured recipes for October included Beef Burox, Pumpkin Chili and Stew A Fuego.
While browsing through receipes, scroll down to the bottom and sign up for their emails when they post updates.
Psalms 34:8 ~ Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
My Hometown
I’m so proud to call Wellington, Texas my hometown. If you missed the play, “Peter Pan”, this past weekend, you missed an amazing performance! Everyone did an outstanding job!
I am amazed at all the talent that Wellington is blessed with. And they are all unique talents – athletics, academics, acting, agriculture (notice the alliteration Mrs. Ashmore!).
Romans 12:6-8 says, We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
And 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
I love that we are all blessed with talents specific to our abilities. Some of us have no acting ability at all while others soar across the stage with their talent. There are those who excel on a field or court while others write for magazines.
I thank God for each person who has been a part in the community of Wellington and for all of our talents and abilities. I pray that we use them to be a blessing in doing God’s will.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go, to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I am amazed at all the talent that Wellington is blessed with. And they are all unique talents – athletics, academics, acting, agriculture (notice the alliteration Mrs. Ashmore!).
Romans 12:6-8 says, We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
And 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
I love that we are all blessed with talents specific to our abilities. Some of us have no acting ability at all while others soar across the stage with their talent. There are those who excel on a field or court while others write for magazines.
I thank God for each person who has been a part in the community of Wellington and for all of our talents and abilities. I pray that we use them to be a blessing in doing God’s will.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go, to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
My Big Brother
I love the month of November! The morning air is crisp, the leaves hold deep colors of orange, yellow and red and it’s my older brothers birthday month.
In honor of Nicholas turning 23, I would like to dedicate this column to him.
Nick is the brother that knows how to push my buttons. Growing up, we clashed pretty hard. When we got into arguments, I did have the benefit of being the girl when it came to getting in trouble. I do have a confession Mom and Dad – all those times on family trips when I would squeal, it wasn’t always Nick that started it. (Sorry Nick!)
Since we are both out of high school, we get along much better and he is one of my best friends. He’s the one I call when I have too much on my mind and I need to sort things out. There have been nights that we talk on the phone until 1:30 a.m. Nick has many words of wisdom and inspires me to dream big.
He also let’s me know when I’m not using a nice tone of voice. I was not very happy, to say the least, when he informed me that I needed to change me tone when we were at home one weekend. We went our separate ways for about three hours and it gave me time to reflect. When we did run into each other (I think he was avoiding me), I thanked him for not allowing me to act like that. Even though it made me mad at the moment, I appreciate your guidance.
So Nick, thank you for all your words of wisdom and for teaching me about sharing, being nice, dreaming and excelling in life.
Also as November begins, I am reminded that the holidays are approaching quickly as I just saw a Facebook status with a countdown figured to the minute until Christmas.
It is easy to become overwhelmed this time of year but I want you to take time every single day this month and reflect on what you are thankful for. You may prefer to just reflect mentally or write down what you are thankful for in a notebook. To see my thanksgiving blessings, check out my daily Facebook updates this month.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
In honor of Nicholas turning 23, I would like to dedicate this column to him.
Nick is the brother that knows how to push my buttons. Growing up, we clashed pretty hard. When we got into arguments, I did have the benefit of being the girl when it came to getting in trouble. I do have a confession Mom and Dad – all those times on family trips when I would squeal, it wasn’t always Nick that started it. (Sorry Nick!)
Since we are both out of high school, we get along much better and he is one of my best friends. He’s the one I call when I have too much on my mind and I need to sort things out. There have been nights that we talk on the phone until 1:30 a.m. Nick has many words of wisdom and inspires me to dream big.
He also let’s me know when I’m not using a nice tone of voice. I was not very happy, to say the least, when he informed me that I needed to change me tone when we were at home one weekend. We went our separate ways for about three hours and it gave me time to reflect. When we did run into each other (I think he was avoiding me), I thanked him for not allowing me to act like that. Even though it made me mad at the moment, I appreciate your guidance.
So Nick, thank you for all your words of wisdom and for teaching me about sharing, being nice, dreaming and excelling in life.
Also as November begins, I am reminded that the holidays are approaching quickly as I just saw a Facebook status with a countdown figured to the minute until Christmas.
It is easy to become overwhelmed this time of year but I want you to take time every single day this month and reflect on what you are thankful for. You may prefer to just reflect mentally or write down what you are thankful for in a notebook. To see my thanksgiving blessings, check out my daily Facebook updates this month.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Worldly Passions
I love everything about the cattle industry – I love the people, I love the lifestyle and I love the product! Up until this past January, my life revolved around cattle. All of my projects for my classes, my extra-curricular activities and my hobbies related to cattle and beef.
In January, at a small Bible study, we discussed our passions and what we spent the majority of our time focused on; it was easy for me to know my answer. I realized, however, that the cattle and my future career industry was #1 in my life, not God. Then, as a group, we discussed how God has to be our number one and the things we invest our time in need to reflect Him.
Exodus 20:4, part of the Ten Commandments, says ~ You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
I prayed that night that with God’s help I would place Him as my number one and the cattle business where it needs to be.
The next week I was an intern for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at their annual convention in San Antonio. Normally, I would have soaked up every minute of it and been consumed by all the information. However, my heart wasn’t there.
Over the past 10 months, He has helped me overcome my captivation with the cattle business. I even got to the point where I didn’t want to hear anything about it cattle.
Before January, I didn’t think I could ever be happy with a job that wasn’t related to cattle and beef. But in the last month, I have come to peace about whatever God has in store me, whether it be in the industry or not.
And it’s ironic now because just this week I have had an opportunity come up with a cattle magazine, which I’m very excited about, but it’s not the same kind of worldly passion I used to have. I know that God’s hands are all over my work and I want to be a blessing through my writing whether it be religious based or about the cattle industry.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
In January, at a small Bible study, we discussed our passions and what we spent the majority of our time focused on; it was easy for me to know my answer. I realized, however, that the cattle and my future career industry was #1 in my life, not God. Then, as a group, we discussed how God has to be our number one and the things we invest our time in need to reflect Him.
Exodus 20:4, part of the Ten Commandments, says ~ You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
I prayed that night that with God’s help I would place Him as my number one and the cattle business where it needs to be.
The next week I was an intern for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at their annual convention in San Antonio. Normally, I would have soaked up every minute of it and been consumed by all the information. However, my heart wasn’t there.
Over the past 10 months, He has helped me overcome my captivation with the cattle business. I even got to the point where I didn’t want to hear anything about it cattle.
Before January, I didn’t think I could ever be happy with a job that wasn’t related to cattle and beef. But in the last month, I have come to peace about whatever God has in store me, whether it be in the industry or not.
And it’s ironic now because just this week I have had an opportunity come up with a cattle magazine, which I’m very excited about, but it’s not the same kind of worldly passion I used to have. I know that God’s hands are all over my work and I want to be a blessing through my writing whether it be religious based or about the cattle industry.
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
More Like Falling in Love
I don’t think I understood God’s love until recently – not that I understand it fully now, but I feel like I have a better grasp of our relationship.
I have known for as long as I can remember that God is good and that it’s important to have a connection with Him. I knew this in my mind, but the connection with my heart seemed to fade in and out.
The way that I have come to a new realization about my love relationship with God is by loving another person.
I have always loved my family very much and I love my friends as well, but this is a different kind of love – a love that I have never felt before and to be honest, wasn’t quite sure it existed.
It’s that kind of love that creates a warm feeling that fills your heart, the kind that when you are with them, everything is okay. They are the first one you want to tell when something good happens and the one you run to when life gets you down.
When you hear their name a smile that can’t be hidden spreads across your face. Their voice brings peace and comfort to your soul.
Jason Gray, a Christian singer has a song titled More Like Falling in Love. Part of the lyrics say “It’s gotta be more like falling in love than something to believe in, more like losing my heart than giving my allegiance. In more than a name, a faith, a creed, falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me.”
Falling in love with another person has brought my relationship with God to a new light. I look forward to spending time talking to Him. When I feel His presence, it fills my soul with peace and I’m comforted in knowing He is my guide. I’m able to take Him with me through the great times as well as tough trials.
I pray that God moves in your heart this week. Spend some quality time seeking Him – it’s good to know God’s love in your mind, but it’s amazing to feel it in your heart.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I have known for as long as I can remember that God is good and that it’s important to have a connection with Him. I knew this in my mind, but the connection with my heart seemed to fade in and out.
The way that I have come to a new realization about my love relationship with God is by loving another person.
I have always loved my family very much and I love my friends as well, but this is a different kind of love – a love that I have never felt before and to be honest, wasn’t quite sure it existed.
It’s that kind of love that creates a warm feeling that fills your heart, the kind that when you are with them, everything is okay. They are the first one you want to tell when something good happens and the one you run to when life gets you down.
When you hear their name a smile that can’t be hidden spreads across your face. Their voice brings peace and comfort to your soul.
Jason Gray, a Christian singer has a song titled More Like Falling in Love. Part of the lyrics say “It’s gotta be more like falling in love than something to believe in, more like losing my heart than giving my allegiance. In more than a name, a faith, a creed, falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me.”
Falling in love with another person has brought my relationship with God to a new light. I look forward to spending time talking to Him. When I feel His presence, it fills my soul with peace and I’m comforted in knowing He is my guide. I’m able to take Him with me through the great times as well as tough trials.
I pray that God moves in your heart this week. Spend some quality time seeking Him – it’s good to know God’s love in your mind, but it’s amazing to feel it in your heart.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Be a Blessing
When you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. ~ Matthew 6:3-4
The following are some ideas of ways to be a blessing to others:
Hug a friend or family member.
Clean up litter on a street in your neighborhood.
Drop off a plant or some home-made baked goods to a neighbor.
Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
Leave a kind note for a family member or friend.
Tell kids why you love them.
Cheer-up a friend.
Donate blood.
Smile and say "Hello" to people you don't know.
Offer to babysit for free.
Offer someone behind you in the grocery check out line to go in front of you.
Open the car door for your passenger.
Take a neighbors newspaper laying out on their driveway to them or leave at their front door.
Tell the mail carrier thank you for all their work.
Let a neighbor know how much you value their friendship.
Let a manager know you compliment a sales clerk for their pleasant service.
Leave your change in the soda machine for the next person. It's a nice surprise.
If you’re a boss of a company - allow your employees to leave a half hour early as a surprise.
Pay for the persons order behind you when in a drive through line.
Run an errand for someone.
Call a parent just to say you love them.
Help an elderly person care for their pet(s).
Take a meal to a family you know.
Stop into a nursing home just to spend a little time with the residents.
Send flowers to a teacher who has dedicated their life to educating children.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
The following are some ideas of ways to be a blessing to others:
Hug a friend or family member.
Clean up litter on a street in your neighborhood.
Drop off a plant or some home-made baked goods to a neighbor.
Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
Leave a kind note for a family member or friend.
Tell kids why you love them.
Cheer-up a friend.
Donate blood.
Smile and say "Hello" to people you don't know.
Offer to babysit for free.
Offer someone behind you in the grocery check out line to go in front of you.
Open the car door for your passenger.
Take a neighbors newspaper laying out on their driveway to them or leave at their front door.
Tell the mail carrier thank you for all their work.
Let a neighbor know how much you value their friendship.
Let a manager know you compliment a sales clerk for their pleasant service.
Leave your change in the soda machine for the next person. It's a nice surprise.
If you’re a boss of a company - allow your employees to leave a half hour early as a surprise.
Pay for the persons order behind you when in a drive through line.
Run an errand for someone.
Call a parent just to say you love them.
Help an elderly person care for their pet(s).
Take a meal to a family you know.
Stop into a nursing home just to spend a little time with the residents.
Send flowers to a teacher who has dedicated their life to educating children.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Who do you serve?
There are those people you meet in life that not only come into your heart, but they leave their footprints.
Barrett McCormick and I were officers for the Northwest Texas Conference Council of Youth Ministries together my senior year of high school. I have never met another young man who was so full of God’s love. He is now in college also and sends out really good text messages occasionally. The following is a recent one that provoked a lot of thought:
“So my question for the week is – Who do you serve?
Now most of us are going to blurt out instantly – God! But now I want to ask you this question – How many hours a week do you pick up your bible and read or just spend time in prayer?
Now how many hours a week do you spend doing hobbies like sports, hanging out with friends, or watching TV?
So now that we have studied our weekly schedule, I ask you – “Who do you serve?”
Imagine if we spent our time wisely. Picture how much we could do through God if we served him ALL the time!
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. ~ Matthew 6:24.
So I ask you – Do you serve God, or your worldly desires?”
I used this same verse from Matthew two weeks ago in my column about not being a luke-warm Christian and Barrett’s questions take it a step further.
I encourage you to sit down, grab a sheet of paper and jot down what you have spent your time on over the previous week. Pay close attention to your down time or the time you’re not at work or school. What are you doing? Maybe instead of watching TV, you pick up a devotional book. Physical activity is great, but eternal activity is very important!
So my questions – Who do you serve?
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Barrett McCormick and I were officers for the Northwest Texas Conference Council of Youth Ministries together my senior year of high school. I have never met another young man who was so full of God’s love. He is now in college also and sends out really good text messages occasionally. The following is a recent one that provoked a lot of thought:
“So my question for the week is – Who do you serve?
Now most of us are going to blurt out instantly – God! But now I want to ask you this question – How many hours a week do you pick up your bible and read or just spend time in prayer?
Now how many hours a week do you spend doing hobbies like sports, hanging out with friends, or watching TV?
So now that we have studied our weekly schedule, I ask you – “Who do you serve?”
Imagine if we spent our time wisely. Picture how much we could do through God if we served him ALL the time!
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. ~ Matthew 6:24.
So I ask you – Do you serve God, or your worldly desires?”
I used this same verse from Matthew two weeks ago in my column about not being a luke-warm Christian and Barrett’s questions take it a step further.
I encourage you to sit down, grab a sheet of paper and jot down what you have spent your time on over the previous week. Pay close attention to your down time or the time you’re not at work or school. What are you doing? Maybe instead of watching TV, you pick up a devotional book. Physical activity is great, but eternal activity is very important!
So my questions – Who do you serve?
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Goal VS. Mission
While taking a Strengths Test, I had to choose between the following: “I have a goal in life.” or “I have a mission in life.”
In the 20 seconds I had to decide, lots of thoughts ran through my mind. What is the difference between a goal and a mission? Is there a difference between the two?
According to dictionary.com, the following are the definitions for the two words:
Goal: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim.
Mission: an assigned or self-imposed duty or task; calling; a sending or being sent for some duty or purpose.
So then I ask myself, “Do I have a goal in life, or do I have a mission in life”?
Overall in life, I want to be mission focused. I want to strive to do God’s will and follow His lead. I do, however, think it’s very important to have goals.
I had the goal of winning lamb, goat and pig showmanship my senior year and with tons of work, I did. However, I’m not a professional showman.
One of my current goals is to graduate from college, but just graduating with a bachelor’s degree isn’t my calling in life.
I believe that God has a purpose for each of our lives but how do we discover His path? We read His word and grow in our relationship with Him.
If you have not read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, I highly recommend it!
Warren goes through and answers the question “What on earth am I here for?” in a 40 day process.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who words out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory. ~ Ephesians 1:11-14
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
In the 20 seconds I had to decide, lots of thoughts ran through my mind. What is the difference between a goal and a mission? Is there a difference between the two?
According to dictionary.com, the following are the definitions for the two words:
Goal: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim.
Mission: an assigned or self-imposed duty or task; calling; a sending or being sent for some duty or purpose.
So then I ask myself, “Do I have a goal in life, or do I have a mission in life”?
Overall in life, I want to be mission focused. I want to strive to do God’s will and follow His lead. I do, however, think it’s very important to have goals.
I had the goal of winning lamb, goat and pig showmanship my senior year and with tons of work, I did. However, I’m not a professional showman.
One of my current goals is to graduate from college, but just graduating with a bachelor’s degree isn’t my calling in life.
I believe that God has a purpose for each of our lives but how do we discover His path? We read His word and grow in our relationship with Him.
If you have not read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, I highly recommend it!
Warren goes through and answers the question “What on earth am I here for?” in a 40 day process.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who words out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory. ~ Ephesians 1:11-14
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Road Kill
I heard an interesting analogy on the radio – We, as Christians, are sometimes like animals that hang out on the side of the road. We can’t make up our mind which side we want to be on. We flirt with danger by spending time in the gray zone.
Revelations 3 says ~ To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
It’s hard to not live in the world with today’s society. It’s hard when mean people drive brand new cars and have fancy jewelry and shoes. It’s hard when life seems so easy for those who party all the time and live without any consequence. It’s hard when temptations of this world arise.
However, I know, without a shadow of a doubt that my God loves me. And in that fact, I find the joy and peace that help me strive for the ultimate goal of being with Christ in Heaven.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourself treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness.
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. ~Matthew 6:24
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Revelations 3 says ~ To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
It’s hard to not live in the world with today’s society. It’s hard when mean people drive brand new cars and have fancy jewelry and shoes. It’s hard when life seems so easy for those who party all the time and live without any consequence. It’s hard when temptations of this world arise.
However, I know, without a shadow of a doubt that my God loves me. And in that fact, I find the joy and peace that help me strive for the ultimate goal of being with Christ in Heaven.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourself treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness.
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. ~Matthew 6:24
Shine God’s light everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
When the Skies are Gray
Here are some words that were shared with me back in July –
I saw a little bird one day,‘Twas sitting on a wire,
The air was cold and frosty and one longed for the fire.
The little bird stretched wide his beak and melody flowed out;.
He didn’t seem to mind the cold, just sang and looked about.
From out his feathered throat, there came a song of pure delight.
The wind blew hard, the snow swirled by, he sang with all his might.
I bowed my head and said, “Dear Lord, make me like that small bird, when things are cold and drear, oh Lord, please make my song be heard.
If I can sing when harsh winds blow, and things are drear and cold, I’ll be of help to kindred hearts who’ve almost lost their hold.
Lord give me the courage to sing out though skies above seem gray and may I, like the little bird help make a happy day.” ~ written by Glenn E. Wagoner.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
I love the words by Mr. Wagoner and the verse from Deuteronomy! It’s such an encouragement. I do pray those words, “give me the courage to sing out though skies above seem gray”.
Let us not become wearing in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. ~ Galatians 6:9-10
My Uncle Kyle shared these verses from Galatians with me when I was a sophomore in high school and they have stuck with me.
It’s so easy to become overwhelmed with negativity and problems. It’s not hard to complain when the storms of life are raging.
But how amazing is it when you can take that moment, when the skies are cloudy and the waves are crashing, and use it to encourage someone!
Shine God’s light everywhere you go, to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I saw a little bird one day,‘Twas sitting on a wire,
The air was cold and frosty and one longed for the fire.
The little bird stretched wide his beak and melody flowed out;.
He didn’t seem to mind the cold, just sang and looked about.
From out his feathered throat, there came a song of pure delight.
The wind blew hard, the snow swirled by, he sang with all his might.
I bowed my head and said, “Dear Lord, make me like that small bird, when things are cold and drear, oh Lord, please make my song be heard.
If I can sing when harsh winds blow, and things are drear and cold, I’ll be of help to kindred hearts who’ve almost lost their hold.
Lord give me the courage to sing out though skies above seem gray and may I, like the little bird help make a happy day.” ~ written by Glenn E. Wagoner.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
I love the words by Mr. Wagoner and the verse from Deuteronomy! It’s such an encouragement. I do pray those words, “give me the courage to sing out though skies above seem gray”.
Let us not become wearing in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. ~ Galatians 6:9-10
My Uncle Kyle shared these verses from Galatians with me when I was a sophomore in high school and they have stuck with me.
It’s so easy to become overwhelmed with negativity and problems. It’s not hard to complain when the storms of life are raging.
But how amazing is it when you can take that moment, when the skies are cloudy and the waves are crashing, and use it to encourage someone!
Shine God’s light everywhere you go, to everyone you meet.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Count Your Blessings
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. ~ Psalm 62:5-8
I love these verses! The key part I want to focus on is in verse eight – pour out your hearts to him.
On March 12, 2006, I started writing down three blessings every day. From that very first blessing, I can account for at least three things that God showed me every day through today.
I am soon to be on my fifth notebook and have moved up to an actual journal rather than a little 3x5 notebook. (I do still try to keep it fairly small to make it easy to take along wherever I go).
When I was younger, I had a hard time going to sleep at night. I would lie in bed reviewing my day and planning the rest of my week/month/year/life. I had so many thoughts running around in my head that I couldn’t slow it all down long enough to sleep peacefully.
How much more enjoyable is it to fall asleep thanking God for all the blessings – the people He crosses your path with, the healing that only He can bring, His beautiful creation all around us and the simple things in life – rather than worrying about the trials and tribulations that this life can bring? I choose a peaceful nights rest and growing closer to my Heavenly Father!
As I’ve gotten older and my relationship with God has matured, and so has my blessings book. Not only does it now include what I’m thankful for, but my prayers, my pleas to God and my joyful thanksgivings. They include prayer lists and love letters.
The journals hold all my ideas, hopes and dreams.
I encourage you, from the bottom of my heart, to start a blessings book. Begin by writing at least three things that God revealed to you that day. When you have a rough day it’s hard to go to sleep with a negative attitude after glancing through different ways God has poured out His love to you!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. ~ Psalm 62:5-8
I love these verses! The key part I want to focus on is in verse eight – pour out your hearts to him.
On March 12, 2006, I started writing down three blessings every day. From that very first blessing, I can account for at least three things that God showed me every day through today.
I am soon to be on my fifth notebook and have moved up to an actual journal rather than a little 3x5 notebook. (I do still try to keep it fairly small to make it easy to take along wherever I go).
When I was younger, I had a hard time going to sleep at night. I would lie in bed reviewing my day and planning the rest of my week/month/year/life. I had so many thoughts running around in my head that I couldn’t slow it all down long enough to sleep peacefully.
How much more enjoyable is it to fall asleep thanking God for all the blessings – the people He crosses your path with, the healing that only He can bring, His beautiful creation all around us and the simple things in life – rather than worrying about the trials and tribulations that this life can bring? I choose a peaceful nights rest and growing closer to my Heavenly Father!
As I’ve gotten older and my relationship with God has matured, and so has my blessings book. Not only does it now include what I’m thankful for, but my prayers, my pleas to God and my joyful thanksgivings. They include prayer lists and love letters.
The journals hold all my ideas, hopes and dreams.
I encourage you, from the bottom of my heart, to start a blessings book. Begin by writing at least three things that God revealed to you that day. When you have a rough day it’s hard to go to sleep with a negative attitude after glancing through different ways God has poured out His love to you!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Friday, September 3, 2010
One Day at a Time
I was recently given some really good advice – “Don’t get ahead of yourself – take life one day at a time.”
The context of the conversation consisted of me talking about wanting to walk for at least 30 minutes every day and how overwhelming it is adding it to my already busy schedule.
I decided to change my mindset. Instead of thinking about all the things I needed to do for the rest of my life, I invest in the present.
This week, rather than rushing through my ‘To Do’ list, I spent an afternoon getting to know my cousin who is a freshman at Tech.
Instead of thinking to myself at night, ‘I’m going to make my bed every single day.’ I wake up in the morning and make my bed for that day.
During a long break between classes I made the decision to spend time with God and walk for 30 minutes and it’s a decision I make when I wake up each morning.
How do you get to be 100 years old? You live each day, one day at a time. And how do you get to be a kind-hearted, loving person on that birthday? You start living that way today, and continue, one day at a time.
In reading the book Beautiful in God’s Eyes it says, “That truth is behind Moses’ plea for God to “teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). You see, as we try to live our life today as God wants us to live it, and as we cultivate the character qualities He says are beautiful, then we will be beautiful and wise today – and, in God’s hands, the tomorrows will take care of themselves.”
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:33 & 34.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
The context of the conversation consisted of me talking about wanting to walk for at least 30 minutes every day and how overwhelming it is adding it to my already busy schedule.
I decided to change my mindset. Instead of thinking about all the things I needed to do for the rest of my life, I invest in the present.
This week, rather than rushing through my ‘To Do’ list, I spent an afternoon getting to know my cousin who is a freshman at Tech.
Instead of thinking to myself at night, ‘I’m going to make my bed every single day.’ I wake up in the morning and make my bed for that day.
During a long break between classes I made the decision to spend time with God and walk for 30 minutes and it’s a decision I make when I wake up each morning.
How do you get to be 100 years old? You live each day, one day at a time. And how do you get to be a kind-hearted, loving person on that birthday? You start living that way today, and continue, one day at a time.
In reading the book Beautiful in God’s Eyes it says, “That truth is behind Moses’ plea for God to “teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). You see, as we try to live our life today as God wants us to live it, and as we cultivate the character qualities He says are beautiful, then we will be beautiful and wise today – and, in God’s hands, the tomorrows will take care of themselves.”
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:33 & 34.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Letting Go
“What do you need to surrender?
Surrendering to God is an act of humble submission. It is admitting that Jesus is Lord; that he is God and you are not. It is trusting God with every aspect of your life, to the point of submitting all to him. When you think you couldn’t love God any more than you already do, try surrendering something important to him. It will be an interesting and difficult exercise, to say the least! When you can release something that you have held on to tightly, you will fall more in love with the one whom you can never outgive.
God wants you to give him our despair, worry, feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, secret sin and checkered past. He wants you to turn over to his care your aspirations, favorite pet, most expensive jewelry, worst enemies, parent’s failing health and fear of being burglarized. He is to be the Lord of your job, home, bank accounts, vehicles and even your hobbies. He is there to help you with every part of your life – your emotions, education, possessions, talents, health, awards and more – as you surrender all to him. Would you be willing to give him your credit cards, sugar addiction, children’s future, control issues, evening wine, or agenda for the day?” (taken from Praying for Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton).
In high school, I was an overachiever to say the least. Maybe I wasn’t so much an overachiever but a people-pleaser. If anyone ever suggested a contest, I would try my hardest to succeed and win.
I feel like I had a great relationship with God but I had a need to be the best, which wasn’t a good thing. It wasn’t until after I graduated from high school that I realized I had spent so much time studying and practicing for competitions in addition to the actual contest that I had neglected my relationships with the people around me.
I’m nowhere near where I need to be with surrendering the need to be a people pleaser, but I’m working on it.
Luke 14:33 says, Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
What do you need to surrender?
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Surrendering to God is an act of humble submission. It is admitting that Jesus is Lord; that he is God and you are not. It is trusting God with every aspect of your life, to the point of submitting all to him. When you think you couldn’t love God any more than you already do, try surrendering something important to him. It will be an interesting and difficult exercise, to say the least! When you can release something that you have held on to tightly, you will fall more in love with the one whom you can never outgive.
God wants you to give him our despair, worry, feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, secret sin and checkered past. He wants you to turn over to his care your aspirations, favorite pet, most expensive jewelry, worst enemies, parent’s failing health and fear of being burglarized. He is to be the Lord of your job, home, bank accounts, vehicles and even your hobbies. He is there to help you with every part of your life – your emotions, education, possessions, talents, health, awards and more – as you surrender all to him. Would you be willing to give him your credit cards, sugar addiction, children’s future, control issues, evening wine, or agenda for the day?” (taken from Praying for Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton).
In high school, I was an overachiever to say the least. Maybe I wasn’t so much an overachiever but a people-pleaser. If anyone ever suggested a contest, I would try my hardest to succeed and win.
I feel like I had a great relationship with God but I had a need to be the best, which wasn’t a good thing. It wasn’t until after I graduated from high school that I realized I had spent so much time studying and practicing for competitions in addition to the actual contest that I had neglected my relationships with the people around me.
I’m nowhere near where I need to be with surrendering the need to be a people pleaser, but I’m working on it.
Luke 14:33 says, Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
What do you need to surrender?
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Claiming Scripture
As a young female I get scared every now and then. And I’m sure it’s not only me, but everyone gets that uneasy feeling occasionally.
Working as a sales intern for a seed company this summer kept me on the road about 90% of the time. I visited farmers in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming.
It’s amazing though – I never got scared when I was traveling. However, one night, back in Lubbock I had a very uneasy feeling.
I had been at the office at work all day and when I got home that afternoon my blinds were open in the common area (I share an apartment with two roommates). I knew that the apartment workers had been in to check all the rooms and repaint one since the summer sessions are over and the fall semester hasn’t started yet but it frustrated me that they didn’t put things back the way they found them.
As I climbed into bed that night, I did my daily devotional, wrote down my blessing for the day and closed my eyes.
That’s when I got scared. It made me nervous that there had been people in my apartment that I didn’t know as well as the fact that I was there by myself and the apartment complex was practically empty.
I started praying but needed something stronger than my words – that’s when I pulled out my phone and started reading on my Bible app.
I started with Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I continued reading in Isaiah 41 and came to verse 13 ~ For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
In the book I am currently reading, it talks about claiming scripture as your own so that is exactly what I did.
I prayed over and over that night, “For you are the Lord, my God, who takes hold of my right hand and says to me, do not fear, I will help you.”
God’s peace is truly amazing!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Working as a sales intern for a seed company this summer kept me on the road about 90% of the time. I visited farmers in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming.
It’s amazing though – I never got scared when I was traveling. However, one night, back in Lubbock I had a very uneasy feeling.
I had been at the office at work all day and when I got home that afternoon my blinds were open in the common area (I share an apartment with two roommates). I knew that the apartment workers had been in to check all the rooms and repaint one since the summer sessions are over and the fall semester hasn’t started yet but it frustrated me that they didn’t put things back the way they found them.
As I climbed into bed that night, I did my daily devotional, wrote down my blessing for the day and closed my eyes.
That’s when I got scared. It made me nervous that there had been people in my apartment that I didn’t know as well as the fact that I was there by myself and the apartment complex was practically empty.
I started praying but needed something stronger than my words – that’s when I pulled out my phone and started reading on my Bible app.
I started with Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I continued reading in Isaiah 41 and came to verse 13 ~ For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
In the book I am currently reading, it talks about claiming scripture as your own so that is exactly what I did.
I prayed over and over that night, “For you are the Lord, my God, who takes hold of my right hand and says to me, do not fear, I will help you.”
God’s peace is truly amazing!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Soar like Eagles
Here’s the setting – you walk through the terminal, line up to get on the plane and find your seat. The plane is pushed back from the gate and starts to taxi towards the runway. It comes to a stop, the pilots do last minute checks and push the throttle.
Within a matter of seconds you and the a massive hunk of metal weighing well over 100,000 pounds lift off the ground into the air – you defy gravity!
I sit in wonder every time I fly. It’s amazing that people saw the birds in the air and figured out how we could soar through the air also.
I find it interesting and frustrating at the same time how we take flying for granted. I understand being on a tight schedule and needing flights to be on time, but I think it’s important to take the time to thank God for the technology to safely go from one end of the country to the other, or even to another continent in very little time opposed to other means of travel.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youth grow tried and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~ Isaiah 40:28-31
The key words in this verse today are ‘soar on wings like eagles’. The cool thing about having a strong relationship with God is that with Him, you can defy gravity in life.
You can beat the odds and fly to new heights. There are times in life that are tough and it seems like there is no way to get through the situation, but God gives us the strength and power that we need. God is good, all the time!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Within a matter of seconds you and the a massive hunk of metal weighing well over 100,000 pounds lift off the ground into the air – you defy gravity!
I sit in wonder every time I fly. It’s amazing that people saw the birds in the air and figured out how we could soar through the air also.
I find it interesting and frustrating at the same time how we take flying for granted. I understand being on a tight schedule and needing flights to be on time, but I think it’s important to take the time to thank God for the technology to safely go from one end of the country to the other, or even to another continent in very little time opposed to other means of travel.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youth grow tried and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~ Isaiah 40:28-31
The key words in this verse today are ‘soar on wings like eagles’. The cool thing about having a strong relationship with God is that with Him, you can defy gravity in life.
You can beat the odds and fly to new heights. There are times in life that are tough and it seems like there is no way to get through the situation, but God gives us the strength and power that we need. God is good, all the time!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Searching for Meaning
Where do you search for significance? What do you look to for meaning?
As a college student, it’s so easy to get caught up searching for organizations and job titles that will make us stand out from the rest of our peers.
Sometimes it’s clothes and brands that we seek – we have to have to be in on the latest fashion trend.
Then, one of the biggest ways we search for significance is when we try to find meaning from others.
I believe this is where we have it all wrong. We try to find self worth when we have lots of friends, or we have to be in a relationship to feel complete.
My older brother and I have in depth conversations about theories we have in life. One of mine is – You have to know who you are and be content with yourself before you can be in a healthy relationship (both with friends and a significant other).
Think about it, if you depend on someone else (a human) for your happiness, they are going to let you down eventually. That’s just part of being imperfect.
BUT, if we put our hope in Christ – striving to have your meaning in Him, life will truly have meaning.
And what better way to find meaning that in the One who created you?
Psalm 139 says, (v.1-2) O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
(v. 13-14) For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
(v. 17-18) How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Take some time and think about where you find significance. Where do you search for meaning? What are you defined by? Do you know who you are?
Visit with a good friend; discuss your thoughts on these questions and encourage each other to strive for significance in Christ.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
As a college student, it’s so easy to get caught up searching for organizations and job titles that will make us stand out from the rest of our peers.
Sometimes it’s clothes and brands that we seek – we have to have to be in on the latest fashion trend.
Then, one of the biggest ways we search for significance is when we try to find meaning from others.
I believe this is where we have it all wrong. We try to find self worth when we have lots of friends, or we have to be in a relationship to feel complete.
My older brother and I have in depth conversations about theories we have in life. One of mine is – You have to know who you are and be content with yourself before you can be in a healthy relationship (both with friends and a significant other).
Think about it, if you depend on someone else (a human) for your happiness, they are going to let you down eventually. That’s just part of being imperfect.
BUT, if we put our hope in Christ – striving to have your meaning in Him, life will truly have meaning.
And what better way to find meaning that in the One who created you?
Psalm 139 says, (v.1-2) O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
(v. 13-14) For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
(v. 17-18) How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Take some time and think about where you find significance. Where do you search for meaning? What are you defined by? Do you know who you are?
Visit with a good friend; discuss your thoughts on these questions and encourage each other to strive for significance in Christ.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
I'm a Christian
In an email that I received, it did a great job of describing a Christian-
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’ I am not shouting ‘I am clean living’. I am whispering ‘I was lost, but now I’m found and forgiven.’
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not trying to be strong. I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not holier than thou, I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace.
I pray the scripture found in Colossians 1 for each of you reading this –
I ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And I pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Have a blessed week!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’ I am not shouting ‘I am clean living’. I am whispering ‘I was lost, but now I’m found and forgiven.’
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not trying to be strong. I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not holier than thou, I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace.
I pray the scripture found in Colossians 1 for each of you reading this –
I ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And I pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Have a blessed week!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Stress!
Life can be stressful – and I hate being stressed!
When I encounter stress (and problems in general) I want to not only fix the problem, but also figure out why it happened and what I can do to prevent it from happening again.
I was recently more stressed out that I had ever been. It got to the point where I wasn’t hungry; I didn’t sleep much and I just wanted to cry.
The cause of the stress: needing people to fill out forms and return them for a quickly approaching deadline. What could I do about it: send the forms with a letter explaining the need for the form to be returned. What did I do: the previously mentioned action. So why did I stress? I have no idea; it doesn’t make any sense!
A pretty amazing person kept reminding me to “do my best and God will take care of the rest”. I had to sit there and say that over and over again in my head so I would believe it in my heart.
Matthew 6:25-27, 34 says “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I know these verses are mainly about worldly possessions, but I think stressing about paperwork can be included in them also. What good does it do to stress? None at all!
So I challenge you (and I’m also challenging myself) to do your absolute best and then let God take care of the rest!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
When I encounter stress (and problems in general) I want to not only fix the problem, but also figure out why it happened and what I can do to prevent it from happening again.
I was recently more stressed out that I had ever been. It got to the point where I wasn’t hungry; I didn’t sleep much and I just wanted to cry.
The cause of the stress: needing people to fill out forms and return them for a quickly approaching deadline. What could I do about it: send the forms with a letter explaining the need for the form to be returned. What did I do: the previously mentioned action. So why did I stress? I have no idea; it doesn’t make any sense!
A pretty amazing person kept reminding me to “do my best and God will take care of the rest”. I had to sit there and say that over and over again in my head so I would believe it in my heart.
Matthew 6:25-27, 34 says “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I know these verses are mainly about worldly possessions, but I think stressing about paperwork can be included in them also. What good does it do to stress? None at all!
So I challenge you (and I’m also challenging myself) to do your absolute best and then let God take care of the rest!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Power of Love
Love. Is there anything in this world more powerful than love? I personally don’t think so.
From the book Soul Cravings, Erwin Raphael McManus has challenged me to dig deep and really think about depth of love.
“The only people who can hurt you deeply are the ones you allow to get deep inside your soul. This is what makes love so dangerous. When you give your heart away to someone, you entrust it to that person’s care. Your beloved can pretty much do whatever he or she wants with it. You are left vulnerable and defenseless. Isn’t love grand? No wonder we’re all searching for it.”
This excerpt makes me laugh, but makes a great point! Guard your heart. Don’t be too quick give it away. And be selective about who you let in to the depths of your soul. Another thought that comes to mind is that God’s love is different than human love.
Hebrews 13:5 says, I will never leave you nor forsake you.
“We cannot live unaffected by love. We are most alive when we find it, most devastated when we lose it, most empty when we give up on it, most inhumane when we betray it, and most passionate when we pursue it.”
One of the most beautiful things in life is seeing that look of love between two people – between a parent and child, between friends or between a husband and wife – true love is beautiful.
“We all long to belong. We are created to know love and to give love. Our need to love, though rooted in God, is not limited to him. Love is not a limited commodity. Love expands as we give it away. Love dies when we do not.”
I get so caught up with my ‘to do’ list sometimes that I forget to spend time loving on the people that mean the most to me. And it just so happens that life gets more difficult when I neglect those relationships.
Take some time to reflect on the love that God has for you. Thank Him for the people He has blessed you with and pour out your love to those around you.
“You cannot take love; you have to give it. Love is a gift that cannot be stolen.”
Luke 10:27 – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.
From the book Soul Cravings, Erwin Raphael McManus has challenged me to dig deep and really think about depth of love.
“The only people who can hurt you deeply are the ones you allow to get deep inside your soul. This is what makes love so dangerous. When you give your heart away to someone, you entrust it to that person’s care. Your beloved can pretty much do whatever he or she wants with it. You are left vulnerable and defenseless. Isn’t love grand? No wonder we’re all searching for it.”
This excerpt makes me laugh, but makes a great point! Guard your heart. Don’t be too quick give it away. And be selective about who you let in to the depths of your soul. Another thought that comes to mind is that God’s love is different than human love.
Hebrews 13:5 says, I will never leave you nor forsake you.
“We cannot live unaffected by love. We are most alive when we find it, most devastated when we lose it, most empty when we give up on it, most inhumane when we betray it, and most passionate when we pursue it.”
One of the most beautiful things in life is seeing that look of love between two people – between a parent and child, between friends or between a husband and wife – true love is beautiful.
“We all long to belong. We are created to know love and to give love. Our need to love, though rooted in God, is not limited to him. Love is not a limited commodity. Love expands as we give it away. Love dies when we do not.”
I get so caught up with my ‘to do’ list sometimes that I forget to spend time loving on the people that mean the most to me. And it just so happens that life gets more difficult when I neglect those relationships.
Take some time to reflect on the love that God has for you. Thank Him for the people He has blessed you with and pour out your love to those around you.
“You cannot take love; you have to give it. Love is a gift that cannot be stolen.”
Luke 10:27 – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Happiness is an Attitude
It was once said, “Surrounded by people who love life, you love it too; surrounded by people who don’t, you don’t.”
There is so much truth in that statement. When someone has a bad day and they are complaining, it brings up the bad aspects of my day. However, the same is true when someone is positive about their day. Who is more enjoyable to be around?
A very wise person reminds me quite often to look for the good in every situation, and I’m so thankful for that. As a result, I have begun to change my thought process about people, work, school and life in general.
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston Churchill
“Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.” ~Unknown
“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.” ~ Francesca Reigler
“If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” ~ Mary Engelbreit
“Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don’t count on harvesting Golden Delicious.” ~ Bill Meyer
“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” ~ Scott Hamilton
“When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you’ve growled all day long.” ~Unknown
“Just because you’re miserable doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your life.” ~ Annette Goodheart
“A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.” ~Hugh Downs
“We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.” ~Unknown
“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” ~Alphonse Karr
Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not men.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
There is so much truth in that statement. When someone has a bad day and they are complaining, it brings up the bad aspects of my day. However, the same is true when someone is positive about their day. Who is more enjoyable to be around?
A very wise person reminds me quite often to look for the good in every situation, and I’m so thankful for that. As a result, I have begun to change my thought process about people, work, school and life in general.
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston Churchill
“Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.” ~Unknown
“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.” ~ Francesca Reigler
“If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” ~ Mary Engelbreit
“Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don’t count on harvesting Golden Delicious.” ~ Bill Meyer
“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” ~ Scott Hamilton
“When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you’ve growled all day long.” ~Unknown
“Just because you’re miserable doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your life.” ~ Annette Goodheart
“A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.” ~Hugh Downs
“We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.” ~Unknown
“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” ~Alphonse Karr
Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not men.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Greatest Man of the East
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. (Job 1:1-3)
It sounds to me like Job had quite a bit going for him!
One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and satan also came with them. The Lord said to satan, “Where have you come from?”
Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.”
Then the Lord said to satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
“Does Job fear God for nothing?” satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
The Lord said to satan, Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
Job’s oxen and donkeys were captured and the servants killed. Fire fell down from the sky and burned the sheep and the servants. The camel herd was carried off and the servants put to the sword. His children were feasting and drinking and a mighty wind swept in from the desert and the house collapsed.
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
I want to be like Job! One really cool thing that stands out to me in addition to his faith in God is that God knew he could handle the trials. I encourage you to read the rest of the book of Job and reflect on his loyalty to God and remember when your going through a tough time to praise the name of the Lord.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
It sounds to me like Job had quite a bit going for him!
One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and satan also came with them. The Lord said to satan, “Where have you come from?”
Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.”
Then the Lord said to satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
“Does Job fear God for nothing?” satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
The Lord said to satan, Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
Job’s oxen and donkeys were captured and the servants killed. Fire fell down from the sky and burned the sheep and the servants. The camel herd was carried off and the servants put to the sword. His children were feasting and drinking and a mighty wind swept in from the desert and the house collapsed.
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
I want to be like Job! One really cool thing that stands out to me in addition to his faith in God is that God knew he could handle the trials. I encourage you to read the rest of the book of Job and reflect on his loyalty to God and remember when your going through a tough time to praise the name of the Lord.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
God works in amazing ways!
In 1 King 19 when Elijah is fleeing to Horeb he has an encounter with God.
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broke down your alters, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.”
I recently finished the book “When God Winks at You” by Squire Rushnell and I highly recommend it. It includes powerful stories of moments and events in people’s lives where God was definitely present.
It reminded me that God doesn’t necessarily have to speak to us with crashes of thunder and lightning. Sometimes it’s a simple as seeing a picture, running into an old friend or just the peace in your heart knowing you made the right decision.
I would love to hear about a time you experienced a ‘God wink’. Maybe it was a time when you didn’t know how to move forward or a time in your life when God showed you the unexpected.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broke down your alters, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.”
I recently finished the book “When God Winks at You” by Squire Rushnell and I highly recommend it. It includes powerful stories of moments and events in people’s lives where God was definitely present.
It reminded me that God doesn’t necessarily have to speak to us with crashes of thunder and lightning. Sometimes it’s a simple as seeing a picture, running into an old friend or just the peace in your heart knowing you made the right decision.
I would love to hear about a time you experienced a ‘God wink’. Maybe it was a time when you didn’t know how to move forward or a time in your life when God showed you the unexpected.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Storms in Life
Matthew 14:30-31 says, “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?”
How much like Peter are we? We see Jesus by going to church, reading and mediating on his word and surrounding ourselves with strong Christian friends. It builds our faith.
However, when we start to drift off from those things, when we take our eyes off of him, life seems to get a whole lot tougher. The waves and the wind begin to overtake us and we become overwhelmed.
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8: 24-27)
In David’s Song of Praise in 2 Samuel 22:5 & 17, the Bible says, “The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.”….. “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.”
Waves and wind are part of life, but the choice to focus on them or God is ours.
Then we will not longer be infants, tossed back and fourth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joining and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
Quit telling God how big your storm is and start telling your storm how big your God is.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?”
How much like Peter are we? We see Jesus by going to church, reading and mediating on his word and surrounding ourselves with strong Christian friends. It builds our faith.
However, when we start to drift off from those things, when we take our eyes off of him, life seems to get a whole lot tougher. The waves and the wind begin to overtake us and we become overwhelmed.
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8: 24-27)
In David’s Song of Praise in 2 Samuel 22:5 & 17, the Bible says, “The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.”….. “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.”
Waves and wind are part of life, but the choice to focus on them or God is ours.
Then we will not longer be infants, tossed back and fourth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joining and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
Quit telling God how big your storm is and start telling your storm how big your God is.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Words of Wisdom
It’s always good to learn from people who have been there and done that, so here is some advice from some very nice people.
Amy Brown- Agricultural Communications student at OSU, “Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams!”
Samantha Kruger- attending The University of Houston, Marketing–Downtown, “Don’t ever lose sight of the goals you have set for yourself. Never let anyone change your aspirations. Remember that you don’t have to please everyone around you as long as you’re happy.”
Larkin Davis- attending Texas Tech University, Agricultural Communications, “Get involved in as many activities as possible when you get to school. Explore your options, but don’t lose your morals.”
Gari Sue Haddock- attending West Texas A&M University, History Education, “Take the stairs and walk as much as possible – by the end of the semester your legs will thank you. And, talk to lots and lots of people with experience and wise advice when you’re trying to decide what major you want or which college to attend. The Bible endorses getting the counsel of others many many times – it’s a wise choice! There’s no reason to try to make such a big decision all on your own.”
Chris McClure- graduate of Texas A&M University, Agriculture Economics, “Choose a degree based on what you love – what God made you to do – not on the amount of money you may or may not make.”
Evelyn Lindsey- graduate of East Texas State University, Business Administration- “Be open to accept God’s plan for your future; which may mean a change in the plans you’ve made for yourself.”
Sunni Jo Stages- graduate of Clarendon College, Applied Science, “Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we deal with it. Always remember that actions speak louder than words and most importantly, be careful with burning bridges – you never know when you may need to cross back over.”
Janelle Popwell- graduate of West Texas A&M University, Elementary Education, “Don’t be surprised if you meet your best friend at college.”
Lisa Vardeman, attended Angelo State University, Physical Therapy, “You don't see it now, but later you will look back and see how much the decisions you make at this time in your life will have the longest lasting impact on the rest of it.”
Carly Holland- attending Texas Tech University, Accounting, “Just remember, day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become.”
Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference. ~Arie Pencovici
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
Amy Brown- Agricultural Communications student at OSU, “Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams!”
Samantha Kruger- attending The University of Houston, Marketing–Downtown, “Don’t ever lose sight of the goals you have set for yourself. Never let anyone change your aspirations. Remember that you don’t have to please everyone around you as long as you’re happy.”
Larkin Davis- attending Texas Tech University, Agricultural Communications, “Get involved in as many activities as possible when you get to school. Explore your options, but don’t lose your morals.”
Gari Sue Haddock- attending West Texas A&M University, History Education, “Take the stairs and walk as much as possible – by the end of the semester your legs will thank you. And, talk to lots and lots of people with experience and wise advice when you’re trying to decide what major you want or which college to attend. The Bible endorses getting the counsel of others many many times – it’s a wise choice! There’s no reason to try to make such a big decision all on your own.”
Chris McClure- graduate of Texas A&M University, Agriculture Economics, “Choose a degree based on what you love – what God made you to do – not on the amount of money you may or may not make.”
Evelyn Lindsey- graduate of East Texas State University, Business Administration- “Be open to accept God’s plan for your future; which may mean a change in the plans you’ve made for yourself.”
Sunni Jo Stages- graduate of Clarendon College, Applied Science, “Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we deal with it. Always remember that actions speak louder than words and most importantly, be careful with burning bridges – you never know when you may need to cross back over.”
Janelle Popwell- graduate of West Texas A&M University, Elementary Education, “Don’t be surprised if you meet your best friend at college.”
Lisa Vardeman, attended Angelo State University, Physical Therapy, “You don't see it now, but later you will look back and see how much the decisions you make at this time in your life will have the longest lasting impact on the rest of it.”
Carly Holland- attending Texas Tech University, Accounting, “Just remember, day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become.”
Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference. ~Arie Pencovici
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Class of 2010
Graduation is such a joyous time. It means change, freedom and a new chapter of life. College, for me, has been a huge learning experience as well as a huge opportunity to grow as a person.
In the two years I have been away from home, I have learned some very valuable life lessons.
You will make mistakes. I am a people pleaser and like to do things right the first time, so this has been a tough one to realize. However, I have figured out that sometimes I learn the best from those mistakes. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
Embrace diversity. A great thing about college is everyone is different- each person has different experience, different goals and different dreams. I love to find out what others are studying. Where would we be if everyone majored in Agricultural Communications? Just like our different abilities and talents with jobs, we all have a special place in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12)
Call your family. Make time to visit with your loved ones, even if it is just to say a quick ‘hi’. Also with this one, I’ve learned that your relationships with them will begin to change. My brothers and I all get along great now and my parents and I have become really good friends.
Find a church home. As the body of Christ, we are not created to function completely on our own. We need community; we need fellowship. Test different on-campus ministries and find one that fits.
Go to class. Trust me, if you show up on time, make an effort and study, life will be much easier. Also, take the time to get to know your professors – not only can they help you out with letters of recommendation and future jobs, but some of them are pretty cool people.
And this leads me into my next point – Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most little kids I know ask tons of questions, but guess what, they are learning! You will never know if you don’t ask.
And finally, Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
In the two years I have been away from home, I have learned some very valuable life lessons.
You will make mistakes. I am a people pleaser and like to do things right the first time, so this has been a tough one to realize. However, I have figured out that sometimes I learn the best from those mistakes. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
Embrace diversity. A great thing about college is everyone is different- each person has different experience, different goals and different dreams. I love to find out what others are studying. Where would we be if everyone majored in Agricultural Communications? Just like our different abilities and talents with jobs, we all have a special place in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12)
Call your family. Make time to visit with your loved ones, even if it is just to say a quick ‘hi’. Also with this one, I’ve learned that your relationships with them will begin to change. My brothers and I all get along great now and my parents and I have become really good friends.
Find a church home. As the body of Christ, we are not created to function completely on our own. We need community; we need fellowship. Test different on-campus ministries and find one that fits.
Go to class. Trust me, if you show up on time, make an effort and study, life will be much easier. Also, take the time to get to know your professors – not only can they help you out with letters of recommendation and future jobs, but some of them are pretty cool people.
And this leads me into my next point – Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most little kids I know ask tons of questions, but guess what, they are learning! You will never know if you don’t ask.
And finally, Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May Days
The year is full of crazy, wacky and interesting holidays. According to the website holidayinsights.com the month of May is National Barbecue Month, National Photograph Month, Foster Care Month and National Bike Month along with several others including Mothers Day.
Special holidays that have already passed this month include Brothers and Sisters Day on May 2, National Teachers Day on May 4, No Diet Day on May 6, Lost Sock Memorial Day on May 9 (one that I celebrate every time I did laundry in the dorm) and Eat What You Want Day on May 11.
Let’s take a look at a few day specific holidays in the upcoming weeks of May. All details about the day are according to holidayinsights.com.
May 15- National Chocolate Chip Day
This day celebrates and enjoys sweet, tasty chocolate chips. They are a great invention and certainly deserve a little recognition. After all, where would chocolate chip cookies, cakes and muffins be without the chocolate chips!?
May 17- Pack Rat Day
‘Cmon, admit it… you’re a pack rat like the rest of us. You might as well come out of hiding behind those poles of valuable “stuff”, and celebrate this fun day.
It’s really easy to let things pile up. After all, each item you acquire along the road of life may have value or serve some meaningful purpose. Making the decisions to discard something of even remotely questionable value, is difficult, if not impossible to do.
May 21- National Waiters and Waitresses Day
This day recognizes the value and importance of a good waiter or waitress. When you go out to eat, they represent the restaurant, and are all the difference between a good or bad experience.
You already recognize your waiters and waitresses every time you go to a restaurant, which is the form of a tip. Today, give them a little something extra.
Waiters and waitresses should recognize this day by making sure to provide exemplary service (as always).
May 23- Lucky Penny Day
Perhaps a lucky penny will be lucky for you today. Taken at face value, a penny doesn’t buy you much, if anything. It used to, though. During your parents and grandparents day, a penny bought a lot of things. Inflation year after year after year, eroded the penny’s value. There has even been some discussion as to weather to discontinue the penny.
Thought for today: “A penny for your thoughts.”
Special holidays that have already passed this month include Brothers and Sisters Day on May 2, National Teachers Day on May 4, No Diet Day on May 6, Lost Sock Memorial Day on May 9 (one that I celebrate every time I did laundry in the dorm) and Eat What You Want Day on May 11.
Let’s take a look at a few day specific holidays in the upcoming weeks of May. All details about the day are according to holidayinsights.com.
May 15- National Chocolate Chip Day
This day celebrates and enjoys sweet, tasty chocolate chips. They are a great invention and certainly deserve a little recognition. After all, where would chocolate chip cookies, cakes and muffins be without the chocolate chips!?
May 17- Pack Rat Day
‘Cmon, admit it… you’re a pack rat like the rest of us. You might as well come out of hiding behind those poles of valuable “stuff”, and celebrate this fun day.
It’s really easy to let things pile up. After all, each item you acquire along the road of life may have value or serve some meaningful purpose. Making the decisions to discard something of even remotely questionable value, is difficult, if not impossible to do.
May 21- National Waiters and Waitresses Day
This day recognizes the value and importance of a good waiter or waitress. When you go out to eat, they represent the restaurant, and are all the difference between a good or bad experience.
You already recognize your waiters and waitresses every time you go to a restaurant, which is the form of a tip. Today, give them a little something extra.
Waiters and waitresses should recognize this day by making sure to provide exemplary service (as always).
May 23- Lucky Penny Day
Perhaps a lucky penny will be lucky for you today. Taken at face value, a penny doesn’t buy you much, if anything. It used to, though. During your parents and grandparents day, a penny bought a lot of things. Inflation year after year after year, eroded the penny’s value. There has even been some discussion as to weather to discontinue the penny.
Thought for today: “A penny for your thoughts.”
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Chasing Lizards
I recently had the pleasure of meeting one of the sweetest boys I have ever known. His name is Ike and he is four years old.
The day I met Ike, he walked in wearing his starched shirt, nice blue jeans, boots and cowboy hat. To finish off the look, he wore his belt buckle, which was won by his older brother for saddle bronc riding. When it was his turn to introduce himself he removed his hat, had a good firm handshake and said, “Hi, I’m Ike. It’s nice to meet you.”
The next time I saw him, he and his family were branding calves. He explained to me what each person’s job was. He knew exactly which calves were to be cut and those that were left to be bulls.
Every good ranch hand needs a good horse. Ike and Fire Fly, his pony, make a good team trotting around the pasture.
Ike is excellent at spotting lizards! While searching for the little creatures, he sat down on a big rock, looked out across the pasture and said, “This is a good place to sit and talk to God.”
A tad bit shocked, I sat down beside him and thanked God for an amazing day.
Matthew 18:1-4 says: At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Ike revealed to me that day that I need to take the time to sit down to talk to God and quit being so busy chasing lizards.
Now Ike’s manners and wisdom didn’t just happen. He has some really fantastic teachers and role models with three older brothers and three older sisters as well as very kind parents.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
The day I met Ike, he walked in wearing his starched shirt, nice blue jeans, boots and cowboy hat. To finish off the look, he wore his belt buckle, which was won by his older brother for saddle bronc riding. When it was his turn to introduce himself he removed his hat, had a good firm handshake and said, “Hi, I’m Ike. It’s nice to meet you.”
The next time I saw him, he and his family were branding calves. He explained to me what each person’s job was. He knew exactly which calves were to be cut and those that were left to be bulls.
Every good ranch hand needs a good horse. Ike and Fire Fly, his pony, make a good team trotting around the pasture.
Ike is excellent at spotting lizards! While searching for the little creatures, he sat down on a big rock, looked out across the pasture and said, “This is a good place to sit and talk to God.”
A tad bit shocked, I sat down beside him and thanked God for an amazing day.
Matthew 18:1-4 says: At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Ike revealed to me that day that I need to take the time to sit down to talk to God and quit being so busy chasing lizards.
Now Ike’s manners and wisdom didn’t just happen. He has some really fantastic teachers and role models with three older brothers and three older sisters as well as very kind parents.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Unintended Consequences
Every day, each of makes hundreds of choices. Some are small, as in ‘Am I going to eat an apple or an orange?’ while some are a tad bit bigger.
How often do you weigh both sides of a decision? What are the unintended consequences of your choices and actions?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) both claim to be animal welfare groups. Despite how they present information, they would like to end production agriculture.
What would be the unintended consequences if we quit producing cattle for food?
First off, cattle would overpopulate the land very quickly and then begin to go hungry (which is a complete contradiction to the animal rights groups). Cow/calf operators manage their herd based on the amount of land and grass that is available.
What about all the byproducts that cattle provide?
“I ♥ beef cattle because they provide all of us (even vegans) with the essentials to a good life: nutrition, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, deodorant, crayons, stearic acid in my tires, printing ink, asphalt, candles, soaps, shaving cream, detergents, plastics, pet food, toothpaste, fabric softeners…and the list could go on. Beef by-products enable us to use 99% of every beef animal, everything except the moo!” says Amanda Nolz, editor of the Beef Daily Blog.
According to the Agriculture Awareness Coalition in Nebraska, from one cow hide 12 basketballs or 144 baseballs or 20 footballs or 18 volleyballs or 18 soccer balls or 12 baseball gloves can be made.
Let’s take away cattle and see where we are with alternatives to all of these items that would be ridiculously priced.
The Bible amazes me because it addresses every question that could arise.
In Genesis 3, Eve was temped by the serpent to eat from the tree that God has specifically told them not to eat from.
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
I’m sure Eve didn’t intend to cause the downfall of man, but it was a consequence of her decision. Think about the decisions you make. Examine them from different angles. Make good choices.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
How often do you weigh both sides of a decision? What are the unintended consequences of your choices and actions?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) both claim to be animal welfare groups. Despite how they present information, they would like to end production agriculture.
What would be the unintended consequences if we quit producing cattle for food?
First off, cattle would overpopulate the land very quickly and then begin to go hungry (which is a complete contradiction to the animal rights groups). Cow/calf operators manage their herd based on the amount of land and grass that is available.
What about all the byproducts that cattle provide?
“I ♥ beef cattle because they provide all of us (even vegans) with the essentials to a good life: nutrition, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, deodorant, crayons, stearic acid in my tires, printing ink, asphalt, candles, soaps, shaving cream, detergents, plastics, pet food, toothpaste, fabric softeners…and the list could go on. Beef by-products enable us to use 99% of every beef animal, everything except the moo!” says Amanda Nolz, editor of the Beef Daily Blog.
According to the Agriculture Awareness Coalition in Nebraska, from one cow hide 12 basketballs or 144 baseballs or 20 footballs or 18 volleyballs or 18 soccer balls or 12 baseball gloves can be made.
Let’s take away cattle and see where we are with alternatives to all of these items that would be ridiculously priced.
The Bible amazes me because it addresses every question that could arise.
In Genesis 3, Eve was temped by the serpent to eat from the tree that God has specifically told them not to eat from.
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
I’m sure Eve didn’t intend to cause the downfall of man, but it was a consequence of her decision. Think about the decisions you make. Examine them from different angles. Make good choices.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Where’s the “Angus” Beef??
Today, the word ‘Angus’ is everywhere. From fine dinning restaurants in New York City to McDonalds across the country, Angus has been paired with the words ‘premium’, ‘certified’ and ‘black’. So is Angus beef really better?
According the Certified Angus Beef® “All Angus are not equal.”
“The Certified Angus Beef® brand selects for higher quality beef than other Angus brands. Its 10 science-based specifications are so strict that only 8% of all beef qualifies.”
Angus is a breed of cattle, not a quality of beef. That is why only one in five Angus cattle actually earns the CAB® brand.
In order for cattle to be worthy of the CAB® brand, they must meet the following specifications for flavor and quality:
1. Modest or higher marbling – for the taste that ensures customer satisfaction
2. Medium or fine marbling texture – the white “flecks of flavor” in the beef ensure consistent flavor and juiciness in every bite
3. Only the youngest classification of product qualifies as “A” maturity – for superior color, texture and tenderness
4. 10 to 16-square-inch ribeye area
5. Less than 1,000-pound hot carcass weight
6. Less tan 1-inch fat thickness
7. Superior muscling (restricts influence of dairy cattle)
8. Practically free of capillary ruptures (ensures the most visually appealing steak)
9. No dark cutters (ensures the most visually appealing steak)
10. No neck hump exceeding 2 inches (safeguards against cattle with more variability in tenderness)
The specifications are to ensure that each eating experience is consistent and of the highest quality.
Grilled Ribeye Steak with Classic Steak Butter
(4 servings, 209 calories per serving)
• 1 (10 oz.) CAB® ribeye steaks
• ½ pound unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp roasted garlic
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp finely chopped shallots
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
• 1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1. Thoroughly combine softened butter with garlic, salt, pepper, shallots, parsley, sage and rosemary. Roll with plastic wrap into a log shape 1” in diamater; refrigerate 2 hours or until butter is solid (Note: Recipe will yield 16 butter servings; reserve 12 for later use.)
2. Season steaks with salt and pepper. Grill to desired doneness. Cut butter into ¼” slices and serve over steaks.
For more information about Certified Angus Beef, grocery stores and restaurants that carry the product, or more recipes, visit www.certifiedangusbeef.com.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
According the Certified Angus Beef® “All Angus are not equal.”
“The Certified Angus Beef® brand selects for higher quality beef than other Angus brands. Its 10 science-based specifications are so strict that only 8% of all beef qualifies.”
Angus is a breed of cattle, not a quality of beef. That is why only one in five Angus cattle actually earns the CAB® brand.
In order for cattle to be worthy of the CAB® brand, they must meet the following specifications for flavor and quality:
1. Modest or higher marbling – for the taste that ensures customer satisfaction
2. Medium or fine marbling texture – the white “flecks of flavor” in the beef ensure consistent flavor and juiciness in every bite
3. Only the youngest classification of product qualifies as “A” maturity – for superior color, texture and tenderness
4. 10 to 16-square-inch ribeye area
5. Less than 1,000-pound hot carcass weight
6. Less tan 1-inch fat thickness
7. Superior muscling (restricts influence of dairy cattle)
8. Practically free of capillary ruptures (ensures the most visually appealing steak)
9. No dark cutters (ensures the most visually appealing steak)
10. No neck hump exceeding 2 inches (safeguards against cattle with more variability in tenderness)
The specifications are to ensure that each eating experience is consistent and of the highest quality.
Grilled Ribeye Steak with Classic Steak Butter
(4 servings, 209 calories per serving)
• 1 (10 oz.) CAB® ribeye steaks
• ½ pound unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp roasted garlic
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp finely chopped shallots
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
• 1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1. Thoroughly combine softened butter with garlic, salt, pepper, shallots, parsley, sage and rosemary. Roll with plastic wrap into a log shape 1” in diamater; refrigerate 2 hours or until butter is solid (Note: Recipe will yield 16 butter servings; reserve 12 for later use.)
2. Season steaks with salt and pepper. Grill to desired doneness. Cut butter into ¼” slices and serve over steaks.
For more information about Certified Angus Beef, grocery stores and restaurants that carry the product, or more recipes, visit www.certifiedangusbeef.com.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com
Friday, April 16, 2010
Falling at 120 mph
Skydiving is truly an amazing experience! I recently made my second tandem jump at Skydive Dallas.
God’s creation is beautiful, and it’s a neat experience to see it at 13,500 feet freefalling through the air.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of god was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)
Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:11-12)
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights – the greater light to govern the night and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the starts. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning. (Genesis 1: 14-19)
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)
This is the perfect time of year to sit in awe of God’s intricate creation. Watching flowers bloom, baby animals grow and grass turn green remind me of how great our God is.
I encourage you to take some time to sit outside or take a walk and enjoy the blessings that God has given us.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at Kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Love People, Use Things
In Public Relations, we recently had a guest speaker. His main point was about how PR fits into the government; however, he said that it’s all about building relationships and made a point that I believe is so true.
“In today’s world, we use people and love things instead of loving people and using things.”
I know I’m guilty of that. So my question is how did I get to that point?
Through Lent, God was working in my heart about denying the world and seeking him and his will for everything.
I’m amazed at how easy it is to get caught up in worldly things – how easy it is to be selfish with my time and abilities that God has blessed me with, how easy it is to over-indulge in good food and how easy it is to get caught up in trivial matters.
Paul writes to the Christians in Ephesus, As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1-5)
Spring is time of birth and new growth. Easter was just celebrated. God loved us so much that he sent His Son to die in the most horrible way in order for us to appear pure and blameless. What better time to really seek God and the amazing plans He has for your life?
A big questions I have for you this week (and this requires some action) – How is your heart?
Take some time to visit with a close friend or send me a letter/email. How is your heart? Where are you with God? What is good in life? What is bad? Let’s pull together and help each other overcome this world and truly love people.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
“In today’s world, we use people and love things instead of loving people and using things.”
I know I’m guilty of that. So my question is how did I get to that point?
Through Lent, God was working in my heart about denying the world and seeking him and his will for everything.
I’m amazed at how easy it is to get caught up in worldly things – how easy it is to be selfish with my time and abilities that God has blessed me with, how easy it is to over-indulge in good food and how easy it is to get caught up in trivial matters.
Paul writes to the Christians in Ephesus, As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1-5)
Spring is time of birth and new growth. Easter was just celebrated. God loved us so much that he sent His Son to die in the most horrible way in order for us to appear pure and blameless. What better time to really seek God and the amazing plans He has for your life?
A big questions I have for you this week (and this requires some action) – How is your heart?
Take some time to visit with a close friend or send me a letter/email. How is your heart? Where are you with God? What is good in life? What is bad? Let’s pull together and help each other overcome this world and truly love people.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Fellowship
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
Fellowship is a word I have heard a lot about lately at the different Bible studies I go to. We have talked about how important it is to be plugged in and have a solid Christian family.
I don’t remember where I heard this story, but it paints the perfect picture of a Christian who isn’t part of a church family.
It goes like this- “A preacher noticed one of his members hadn’t been to church in a while. He decided to make a visit to the man’s house.
It was a cold snowy day when the man heard a knock at the door. When he opened the door, he motioned for the preacher to come in without speaking a word.
The preacher sat down across from the man, near the fire burning in the fireplace.
While sitting there in the silence, the preacher poked the coals around. He pulled a burning red one a little ways from the fire.
As the silence continued, the coal went from a bright red, to a dim, cool grey. The preacher stood up, showed himself to the door and was on his way without a word being spoken.
The next Sunday, the man was back in church. He walked up to the preacher, shook his hand and said that the sermon from the other night was the best one he had ever heard.”
God created us to be in fellowship with one another. Without a church family, it is hard to keep the fire burning within us.
I encourage you this week to make an effort to get to church and get involved. Not only do you need your church, they need you!
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Fellowship is a word I have heard a lot about lately at the different Bible studies I go to. We have talked about how important it is to be plugged in and have a solid Christian family.
I don’t remember where I heard this story, but it paints the perfect picture of a Christian who isn’t part of a church family.
It goes like this- “A preacher noticed one of his members hadn’t been to church in a while. He decided to make a visit to the man’s house.
It was a cold snowy day when the man heard a knock at the door. When he opened the door, he motioned for the preacher to come in without speaking a word.
The preacher sat down across from the man, near the fire burning in the fireplace.
While sitting there in the silence, the preacher poked the coals around. He pulled a burning red one a little ways from the fire.
As the silence continued, the coal went from a bright red, to a dim, cool grey. The preacher stood up, showed himself to the door and was on his way without a word being spoken.
The next Sunday, the man was back in church. He walked up to the preacher, shook his hand and said that the sermon from the other night was the best one he had ever heard.”
God created us to be in fellowship with one another. Without a church family, it is hard to keep the fire burning within us.
I encourage you this week to make an effort to get to church and get involved. Not only do you need your church, they need you!
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Fellowship
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
Fellowship is a word I have heard a lot about lately at the different Bible studies I go to. We have talked about how important it is to be plugged in and have a solid Christian family.
I don’t remember where I heard this story, but it paints the perfect picture of a Christian who isn’t part of a church family.
It goes like this- “A preacher noticed one of his members hadn’t been to church in a while. He decided to make a visit to the man’s house.
It was a cold snowy day when the man heard a knock at the door. When he opened the door, he motioned for the preacher to come in without speaking a word.
The preacher sat down across from the man, near the fire burning in the fireplace.
While sitting there in the silence, the preacher poked the coals around. He pulled a burning red one a little ways from the fire.
As the silence continued, the coal went from a bright red, to a dim, cool grey. The preacher stood up, showed himself to the door and was on his way without a word being spoken.
The next Sunday, the man was back in church. He walked up to the preacher, shook his hand and said that the sermon from the other night was the best one he had ever heard.”
God created us to be in fellowship with one another. Without a church family, it is hard to keep the fire burning within us.
I encourage you this week to make an effort to get to church and get involved. Not only do you need your church, they need you!
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Fellowship is a word I have heard a lot about lately at the different Bible studies I go to. We have talked about how important it is to be plugged in and have a solid Christian family.
I don’t remember where I heard this story, but it paints the perfect picture of a Christian who isn’t part of a church family.
It goes like this- “A preacher noticed one of his members hadn’t been to church in a while. He decided to make a visit to the man’s house.
It was a cold snowy day when the man heard a knock at the door. When he opened the door, he motioned for the preacher to come in without speaking a word.
The preacher sat down across from the man, near the fire burning in the fireplace.
While sitting there in the silence, the preacher poked the coals around. He pulled a burning red one a little ways from the fire.
As the silence continued, the coal went from a bright red, to a dim, cool grey. The preacher stood up, showed himself to the door and was on his way without a word being spoken.
The next Sunday, the man was back in church. He walked up to the preacher, shook his hand and said that the sermon from the other night was the best one he had ever heard.”
God created us to be in fellowship with one another. Without a church family, it is hard to keep the fire burning within us.
I encourage you this week to make an effort to get to church and get involved. Not only do you need your church, they need you!
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Joy of Brothers
I have been very blessed to grow up with three brothers! However, it has been quite interesting.
With three brothers, playing in the dirt was a blast. They had the coolest trucks and dirt equipment, but I always had the coolest dirt house.
With three brothers, my Barbie’s had G.I. Joe to marry. They also had camouflage clothes to go hunting in which they took the camo duct taped jeep. But when they had to go on a trip and needed to take a lot of clothes, I used G.I. Joe’s jeep.
With three brothers, I learned to be tough. They are all fairly ornery.
I hate to admit it, but with three brothers I also learned how to squeal just right to get them in trouble when I actually started it.
With three brothers, I have learned to give very detailed instructions of what I need. I’ve learned not to assume anything.
With three brothers, I have become a bow hunter… but I won’t say who won the last shooting contest.
With three brothers, it is always interesting when a guy comes to visit. They seem to think that is the ideal time to sit and clean their gun.
With three brothers, I have learned to have the utmost respect for guys.
I’m amazed at how much they have all grown up. My oldest brother, Nick, is about to graduate from the aviation maintenance program at Amarillo College. Zachary, who is about to be 18 will graduate from high school this year. Jack, my baby brother, just turned 16 and has his driver’s license. Wow, time sure does fly by fast!
They are all taller than me now. Zachary and Jack both a whole head taller! With them being so much bigger (and stronger now) it makes it interesting when I come home from college and we wrestle. Instead of me holding them down and picking on them, they sit there taking it for a second and then they just scoot me over.
If you are on Facebook, look me up and check out my photo album dedicated to my fantastic brothers!
I know that siblings can be very frustrating, but I pray that if there is a wall that has been built with a loved one, that it be knocked down and that relationship be restored. There isn’t anything in this world that is worth losing that relationship over.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
With three brothers, playing in the dirt was a blast. They had the coolest trucks and dirt equipment, but I always had the coolest dirt house.
With three brothers, my Barbie’s had G.I. Joe to marry. They also had camouflage clothes to go hunting in which they took the camo duct taped jeep. But when they had to go on a trip and needed to take a lot of clothes, I used G.I. Joe’s jeep.
With three brothers, I learned to be tough. They are all fairly ornery.
I hate to admit it, but with three brothers I also learned how to squeal just right to get them in trouble when I actually started it.
With three brothers, I have learned to give very detailed instructions of what I need. I’ve learned not to assume anything.
With three brothers, I have become a bow hunter… but I won’t say who won the last shooting contest.
With three brothers, it is always interesting when a guy comes to visit. They seem to think that is the ideal time to sit and clean their gun.
With three brothers, I have learned to have the utmost respect for guys.
I’m amazed at how much they have all grown up. My oldest brother, Nick, is about to graduate from the aviation maintenance program at Amarillo College. Zachary, who is about to be 18 will graduate from high school this year. Jack, my baby brother, just turned 16 and has his driver’s license. Wow, time sure does fly by fast!
They are all taller than me now. Zachary and Jack both a whole head taller! With them being so much bigger (and stronger now) it makes it interesting when I come home from college and we wrestle. Instead of me holding them down and picking on them, they sit there taking it for a second and then they just scoot me over.
If you are on Facebook, look me up and check out my photo album dedicated to my fantastic brothers!
I know that siblings can be very frustrating, but I pray that if there is a wall that has been built with a loved one, that it be knocked down and that relationship be restored. There isn’t anything in this world that is worth losing that relationship over.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Let Your Light Shine
I love the light/darkness analogy found throughout the Bible.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. ~ John 3:19-21
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ~ John 8:12
Your word is a lamp to my feed and a light for my path. ~ Psalm 119:105
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. ~Ephesians 5:8-10
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! ~Matthew 6:21-23
“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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16
As humans, we are no where near perfect but because of God’s love for us, He sent His son as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so we no longer have to live in darkness.
My prayer this week is that we shine God’s light everywhere we go, to everyone we meet and that they know we love God by our actions and our words.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. ~ John 3:19-21
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ~ John 8:12
Your word is a lamp to my feed and a light for my path. ~ Psalm 119:105
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. ~Ephesians 5:8-10
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! ~Matthew 6:21-23
“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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16
As humans, we are no where near perfect but because of God’s love for us, He sent His son as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so we no longer have to live in darkness.
My prayer this week is that we shine God’s light everywhere we go, to everyone we meet and that they know we love God by our actions and our words.
Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
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