Saturday, January 30, 2010

Stand Strong

Romans 14:1-13 says, Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.

We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”

So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another.


This is a very important verse to me because in a world where there is so much pressure to conform, this verse reminds me to stand strong in my faith and in my beliefs. Also, that we are not put on this earth to judge others.

The more I read my Bible, the more amazing truths I discover. I would love to know your favorite verse(s) and why they are important to you.

Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The 2000’s

A decade has ended. A new one has begun. What will the 2000’s be remembered for?

According to Wikipedia, the 2000’s are often described as a “mash-up” decade. There was no one particular style as in previous decades but rather a ‘recycling of styles from past decades’. There was an ‘anything goes’ mentality.

Technology boomed during the 2000’s. Portable DVD players, DVR, the iPod, the iPhone, Nintendo’s Wii and GPS systems topped the “must-have” lists.

Wi-Fi Internet and high definition TVs became common in households across the country. Laptops shrunk. Cell phones became smaller and smarter.

Social networking sites including Facebook and Myspace became very popular among younger generations. Recent statistics show, however, that the largest growing demographic of Facebook users is 35+.

Blogs hit the mainstream (even I have one now!), which gave people the ability to voice their opinion about any topic.
Hybrid cars became popular with the roller-coaster prices for gasoline and the growing concern about the environment.
September 11, 2001 is a day that will always be remembered by Americans. The War on Terror began. The Space Shuttle Columbia exploded upon reentry. Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.

President Bush was elected to serve his second term as President of the United States. The country reaches three hundred million people (Oct. 17, 2006). The economy had significant problems. President Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the USA, making him the first African American president in the history of the nation. The H1N1 virus is deemed a global pandemic.

Looking back over the decade, there was a lot that happened in ten years. Let’s not let this new decade be one where ‘anything goes’ with our relationships and morals. Let’s be intentional about seeking God and His will for our lives.
I feel it on my heart to write that if you have a feeling that you need to commit your life to God or even renew your life in Him, to pray a prayer of acceptance and repentance. Ask God to come in to your heart and to walk with you daily. Strive to seek His will for your life and I guarantee that life will be fulfilling.

As Christians, let’s strive to shine God’s light to the world starting now in this new decade.

Happy Trails & God Bless! To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Secret of Life

While sitting around trying to figure out the problems of the world recently, someone asked the question - ‘What’s the secret of life?’

My first thought was the song, The secret of life, by Faith Hill. She says the secret of life is a good cup of coffee, is to keep your eye on the ball, is to find the right woman, is getting’ up early, is stayin’ up late and so on.

The more I thought about that question, the more I believe that the secret of life is love.

Luke 10:27 says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself.

I have met a few people in my life that I could instantly tell there was something different about them. I was amazed because they were so happy and content no matter where they were and what they were doing. They are the type of people who walk into a room and it’s suddenly filled with a sense of warmth. I want to spend all my time with these people.

Romans 12:9-16 teaches us more details about this love- Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.


The words Paul used in the verse convey details about love to the church in Rome and are so powerful. He uses the word cling- to hold tight, as by grasping or embracing; devoted- faithful in attachment, loyalty, or affection; zeal and fervor- passion and earnestness of feeling.

I challenge you to mediate on these words from Paul in Romans and take them to heart. Be that person who is radiant in love everywhere they go.

Happy Trails & God Bless. To contact Kristen with questions or comments email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Little Things in Life

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~ Leo F. Buscaglia

I think Buscaglia hit the nail on the head with this quote!

The three weeks I was home for Christmas break were amazing. The time with family and friends reminded me of the important things in life.

My family and I were able to sit at the dining room table and eat together, all six of us, like when we were all still living at home.

My mom and I got to spend some quality mother/daughter time going shopping and doing every day house work.

Cattle are the bond between my dad and I, so the opportunity to go look at bulls was great time for us to spend together.

Nick, Zachary and Jack took me along to go target shoot as well as just hanging out at home.

Over the break I was able to get some hunting time in. God’s creation is astounding. It’s so peaceful to sit and watch the quail scurry around, the cardinals play in the trees, the coyotes chase rabbits and the deer walk around to graze.

Spending time with great friends has also been a huge blessing. I know that I take my friends for granted some times, but this break brought that to my attention and gave us time to just enjoy each other. Whether it was relaxing in a hot tub, playing never-ending games of Uno, sitting in a deer blind or helping bake, it was all time very well spent.

I keep a gift bag in my room that is full of birthday cards from family, Christmas letters from old friends, graduation cards with inspirational words and notes from special people. I treasure those words that people took the time to sit down and write.

My newest addition to the words I cherish is a letter I received when I got home in December. I then had the chance to meet this incredible, loving woman and she made my day! It’s neat to meet an older woman so full of life.

The best Christmas gift I received this year was not a tangible item, but rather enjoying the importance of the little things in life.

Happy Trails & God Bless. To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.