It’s amazing that Christmas is right around the corner! I received this in an email about the carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and thought it was very interesting.
“From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality that the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.”
I encourage you to earnestly seek out the true meaning of Christmas. Use this next week to grow closer to God as we await the celebration of the birth of His son. Take time to appreciate and love your family and friends.
“In spite of the many benefits God has blessed us with, how many times do we complain about little difficulties and trials? We lose sight of the big picture and fail to appreciate the really important things. Just as we cannot benefit from a wrapped gift under a Christmas tree until we open it, so gratitude can be seen as our way of opening the gift of God's love intended by all the small and big positive events of our lives.”
-Ronda De Sola Chervin
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Bloom Where You Are Planted
I recently heard a quote that I instantly loved- ‘Bloom where you are planted’.
During presentations about a job we would like to have in the future, my classmate, Austin Zimmer, who is part of the U.S. Air Force, used that quote to explain that he has been advised to make the best out of wherever he is stationed.
What a great analogy and an amazing way to approach life!
It’s amazing the elements that flowers can bloom and thrive in. Likewise, life is tough – we face challenges and obstacles, easy times and hard times but we can be victorious.
Growth and development are key factors in flower success. In the same way, we have to grow and develop in our surroundings. When a seed is planted, it has to be cultivated and nourished, which takes time. Some of the most beautiful flowers grow in the dead, cracked dessert where they take simple things and turn them into a beautiful creation from God.
So how do we ‘bloom where we are planted’? I think we have to start on the inside. It’s time for a spiritual, mental and emotional exam. Take time to nurture these three. Spend time with God. Thank Him for all the blessings in life. Study a topic of interest. Let those emotions out.
Next, what is important to you? Put your time and energy into that. For me, my family and friends top the list. I personally need to work on spending more time with them and cultivating my relationships with them. I believe time is the best gift you can give someone.
It’s important to also take care of yourself physically. Take a walk and enjoy God’s amazing creation. Eat a kiwi. Try a new hairstyle. Wear your special occasion clothes.
So what is holding you back from living an abundant life? What ‘weeds’ are creeping in? Life gets busy. Bad choices are made. Priorities get out of line. Money problems arise. Sometimes we will have to stop, weed our life and continue to bloom.
I challenge you to fill your heart with love, bloom where you are planted and experience the abundant of life!
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
During presentations about a job we would like to have in the future, my classmate, Austin Zimmer, who is part of the U.S. Air Force, used that quote to explain that he has been advised to make the best out of wherever he is stationed.
What a great analogy and an amazing way to approach life!
It’s amazing the elements that flowers can bloom and thrive in. Likewise, life is tough – we face challenges and obstacles, easy times and hard times but we can be victorious.
Growth and development are key factors in flower success. In the same way, we have to grow and develop in our surroundings. When a seed is planted, it has to be cultivated and nourished, which takes time. Some of the most beautiful flowers grow in the dead, cracked dessert where they take simple things and turn them into a beautiful creation from God.
So how do we ‘bloom where we are planted’? I think we have to start on the inside. It’s time for a spiritual, mental and emotional exam. Take time to nurture these three. Spend time with God. Thank Him for all the blessings in life. Study a topic of interest. Let those emotions out.
Next, what is important to you? Put your time and energy into that. For me, my family and friends top the list. I personally need to work on spending more time with them and cultivating my relationships with them. I believe time is the best gift you can give someone.
It’s important to also take care of yourself physically. Take a walk and enjoy God’s amazing creation. Eat a kiwi. Try a new hairstyle. Wear your special occasion clothes.
So what is holding you back from living an abundant life? What ‘weeds’ are creeping in? Life gets busy. Bad choices are made. Priorities get out of line. Money problems arise. Sometimes we will have to stop, weed our life and continue to bloom.
I challenge you to fill your heart with love, bloom where you are planted and experience the abundant of life!
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Stresses of Life
I’m amazed that December is already here! We only have one more week of regular classes at Texas Tech University and then finals start. I know with Christmas quickly approaching, shopping for holiday gifts and taking tests for students, December can be a very stressful time of year.
The Bible says in Psalm 62: 5-8, 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.
This verse is so encouraging to me when life seems crazy. It reminds me that God has to be the center of my life, my rock, my solid foundation. He is my protection, my safe haven and my protection. I need to be reminded of this quite often!
1 Peter 5: 7-9 says Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5: 8 and 9, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him; stand firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
I think this is a cool verse because it flat out tells us that the devil is waiting to get through to us. It may be in the form of stress which can makes us impatient and unkind. I think its cool how this verse reminds us that we are not alone in the temptation and struggles of this world. If we can keep this in mind, December can be a very pleasant month.
Philippians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
John 14:1- Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (Jesus).
I pray that through the month of December, God blesses you with a calm, peaceful heart. Good luck to all students on their finals and to everyone doing their Christmas shopping- have fun!
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
The Bible says in Psalm 62: 5-8, 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.
This verse is so encouraging to me when life seems crazy. It reminds me that God has to be the center of my life, my rock, my solid foundation. He is my protection, my safe haven and my protection. I need to be reminded of this quite often!
1 Peter 5: 7-9 says Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5: 8 and 9, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him; stand firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
I think this is a cool verse because it flat out tells us that the devil is waiting to get through to us. It may be in the form of stress which can makes us impatient and unkind. I think its cool how this verse reminds us that we are not alone in the temptation and struggles of this world. If we can keep this in mind, December can be a very pleasant month.
Philippians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
John 14:1- Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (Jesus).
I pray that through the month of December, God blesses you with a calm, peaceful heart. Good luck to all students on their finals and to everyone doing their Christmas shopping- have fun!
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
College Kids Give Thanks
Over the past week, I have visited with several friends about what we, as college students, are thankful for.
Shay Morris said, “I’m thankful that I’m able to go to school.”
Kate McDowell, from Shamrock is thankful for the opportunity to go to college so that one day she can have a great job and go far in life. She is also thankful for movie theaters that show lots of movies because she loves watching them with her friends.
Carly Holland said, “I’m thankful for my parents. Their ongoing encouragement gets me through EVERY day.”
Dustin Ferguson, Klondike native, is thankful for Pull 'N’ Peel Twizzlers and Cookies 'N' Cream Hershey’s bars.
Mark Lemons said, “I’m thankful for my friend, confidant and pick-me-up…. the one and only… Kip!”
Tanner Kieschnick, from Vernon, said, “I’m thankful for my parents raising me well, free food and home cooked meals.”
Katie Schlosser, a fellow ag communication major from Plano, is thankful that she gets to go home for the break and see her family and have home cooked food.
Daniel Reeves said, “Thomas and I are both thankful for all the pretty women at Tech, and naps – that give us time to think about the pretty women at tech!”
Thomas Reeves added, “I am also thankful that water is free at restaurants, Taco Tuesdays at Rosas, canceled 8 o’clock classes, good friends, DVR, and that our internet works so awesome… that last one is sarcasm, which is ironic because, finally, I am thankful for sarcasm.”
Alison Kruse, from Dalhart, said “I’m thankful that my parents can send me to college to get an education. And I’m thankful to be an American.”
Harrison Walden, who grew up in Stratford, is thankful for his family and electronics because they keep him entertained. He is also thankful for SmartOnes®.
And finally, in addition to everything mentioned above, I am thankful for my relationship with God, my amazing family, stupendous friends and my soft pillow!
Psalm 136: 1 says, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.
Happy Trails and have a blessed Thanksgiving!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Other college students said:
"I'm thankful for sports because without them school would not be worth it."- Tate Baumgardner
"I'm thankful for late night trips to mcdonalds...and nap time! :)"- Andrea Walker
"I'm thankful for good professors."- Matt
"I'm thankful for Wild West."- Drew
"I'm thankful for 3 day weekends every week :)"- Jennifer McMannis
"I'm thankful for going home."- Carissa Bently
"Getting an education to have a successful career as a RN (Registered Nurse) helping people, not to mention having a job for the rest of my life!"- Lindsey Wilhelm
And to expound on what I am thankful for- I'm thankful for my mom, for being such an inspiration and my best friend. I'm thankful for my dad for teaching me so much about the cattle industry and life in general. I'm thankful for my older brother, Nick, for always listening to my complaints and my joys in life. I'm thankful for my younger, bigger brother, Zachary, for being my buddy and getting me involved in bow hunting. I'm thankful for my youngest, tallest brother, Jack for making me laugh and the sweet cards while I'm at college.
I'm thankful for a great ag communication program at Texas Tech and knowledgeable professors, Taco Tuesday's at Rosa's with Thomas and Carly, new friends through the Monday night Bible study group and great room mates!
I would LOVE to know what you are thankful for- sign up for an account and you will be able to leave a comment. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Shay Morris said, “I’m thankful that I’m able to go to school.”
Kate McDowell, from Shamrock is thankful for the opportunity to go to college so that one day she can have a great job and go far in life. She is also thankful for movie theaters that show lots of movies because she loves watching them with her friends.
Carly Holland said, “I’m thankful for my parents. Their ongoing encouragement gets me through EVERY day.”
Dustin Ferguson, Klondike native, is thankful for Pull 'N’ Peel Twizzlers and Cookies 'N' Cream Hershey’s bars.
Mark Lemons said, “I’m thankful for my friend, confidant and pick-me-up…. the one and only… Kip!”
Tanner Kieschnick, from Vernon, said, “I’m thankful for my parents raising me well, free food and home cooked meals.”
Katie Schlosser, a fellow ag communication major from Plano, is thankful that she gets to go home for the break and see her family and have home cooked food.
Daniel Reeves said, “Thomas and I are both thankful for all the pretty women at Tech, and naps – that give us time to think about the pretty women at tech!”
Thomas Reeves added, “I am also thankful that water is free at restaurants, Taco Tuesdays at Rosas, canceled 8 o’clock classes, good friends, DVR, and that our internet works so awesome… that last one is sarcasm, which is ironic because, finally, I am thankful for sarcasm.”
Alison Kruse, from Dalhart, said “I’m thankful that my parents can send me to college to get an education. And I’m thankful to be an American.”
Harrison Walden, who grew up in Stratford, is thankful for his family and electronics because they keep him entertained. He is also thankful for SmartOnes®.
And finally, in addition to everything mentioned above, I am thankful for my relationship with God, my amazing family, stupendous friends and my soft pillow!
Psalm 136: 1 says, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.
Happy Trails and have a blessed Thanksgiving!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Other college students said:
"I'm thankful for sports because without them school would not be worth it."- Tate Baumgardner
"I'm thankful for late night trips to mcdonalds...and nap time! :)"- Andrea Walker
"I'm thankful for good professors."- Matt
"I'm thankful for Wild West."- Drew
"I'm thankful for 3 day weekends every week :)"- Jennifer McMannis
"I'm thankful for going home."- Carissa Bently
"Getting an education to have a successful career as a RN (Registered Nurse) helping people, not to mention having a job for the rest of my life!"- Lindsey Wilhelm
And to expound on what I am thankful for- I'm thankful for my mom, for being such an inspiration and my best friend. I'm thankful for my dad for teaching me so much about the cattle industry and life in general. I'm thankful for my older brother, Nick, for always listening to my complaints and my joys in life. I'm thankful for my younger, bigger brother, Zachary, for being my buddy and getting me involved in bow hunting. I'm thankful for my youngest, tallest brother, Jack for making me laugh and the sweet cards while I'm at college.
I'm thankful for a great ag communication program at Texas Tech and knowledgeable professors, Taco Tuesday's at Rosa's with Thomas and Carly, new friends through the Monday night Bible study group and great room mates!
I would LOVE to know what you are thankful for- sign up for an account and you will be able to leave a comment. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Shine Your Light
I recently read a very humbling conversation on Facebook (the world’s fastest growing social network on the Internet) and it caused me to stop are re-evaluate my life.
In a book I’m reading, a quote by S. Rickly Christian says, “Being a Christian means being concerned about the disparity between how we live and how we look, between what we do and what we say. It helps to know God doesn’t just care what we do on Sundays; he cares how we live and act the other six days as well. He cares that our Christianity is evidenced in every part of our lives: the mental, social, physical… as well as the spiritual.”
He also says, “Every Christian is a missionary – God’s representative – in his or her corner of the world. That’s why Christ said his life is an example for us to follow. By being faithful to the pattern of your own life in God, you will cause others to see Christ in you.”
The conversation on Facebook had to do with the fear of our friends not going to Heaven. It made me stop and think about the people in my life. Who, without a doubt, has a relationship with God? Who needs some encouragement?
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who has no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.- 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:1
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
It has been said to “preach always, and if necessary, use words”. I am very thankful for friends in my life who have kept me on the right path and been an example through their walk with God. I challenge you to live a life that is worthy of the sacrifice and set a Godly example everywhere you go, to everyone you meet. Be there for your friends. Pray that God will present the opportunity to discuss Him and eternal life.
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
In a book I’m reading, a quote by S. Rickly Christian says, “Being a Christian means being concerned about the disparity between how we live and how we look, between what we do and what we say. It helps to know God doesn’t just care what we do on Sundays; he cares how we live and act the other six days as well. He cares that our Christianity is evidenced in every part of our lives: the mental, social, physical… as well as the spiritual.”
He also says, “Every Christian is a missionary – God’s representative – in his or her corner of the world. That’s why Christ said his life is an example for us to follow. By being faithful to the pattern of your own life in God, you will cause others to see Christ in you.”
The conversation on Facebook had to do with the fear of our friends not going to Heaven. It made me stop and think about the people in my life. Who, without a doubt, has a relationship with God? Who needs some encouragement?
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who has no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.- 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:1
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
It has been said to “preach always, and if necessary, use words”. I am very thankful for friends in my life who have kept me on the right path and been an example through their walk with God. I challenge you to live a life that is worthy of the sacrifice and set a Godly example everywhere you go, to everyone you meet. Be there for your friends. Pray that God will present the opportunity to discuss Him and eternal life.
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
An Amazing Performance by Stellar Kart
Sunday evening, Stellar Kart, a very popular Christian band, performed an amazing show at the Ritz. How lucky are we to have such a great place like that in Wellington?
I had the opportunity to visit with Jon and Adam, members of the band, after the show. I was very curious about their favorite Bible verse.
Jon’s response was, “My favorite is John 10:27. Basically the gist of it is that God is our Sheppard and we are His sheep and we follow Him because we know His voice and that drives me in life because I am currently on this journey of finding out what Gods voice sounds like and I feel like knowing that is very important especially amongst the distractions so we can stay grounded.”
Adam’s favorite verse is Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. “That’s the story of my life. I definitely couldn’t do any of this on my own. Living life on the road is exhausting and just the responsibility of writing lyrics that can help people out and manage life and get through life and it’s something I wouldn’t want to try to do on my own. I don’t know what ‘all things’ means, but I’m pretty comfortable giving it over to God.”
I am amazed at the talent Adam, Jon, Jordan and Brian have been blessed with.
1 Peter 4:10-11 says, Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I may be repeating myself from last week, but God is really putting it on my heart to encourage each of you to seek out His will for your life. If you haven’t discovered your niche, seek God’s voice and He will give you the strength to do all things so that He may be praised. God is so good!
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Skittles
I recently heard a great analogy at church. A very beautiful, godly young lady had a bowl of Skittles with her for children’s time. The kids knew right away what the bowl contained.
She asked the kids several questions about the skittles with the main point being that no matter what color they were – red, orange, yellow, green or purple - they were all Skittles.
I have heard many different analogies to explaining how we are all different, yet all belong to God, but on that certain Sunday, her lesson caused me to really stop and think.
God has blessed each of us with unique abilities and characteristics. Some people are good at sports and some are good at showing animals. Some people can speak in public, while others have the ability to organize and plan an event. Some people have brown hair while others are redheaded.
I think it’s amazing how each of us worship God in our own special, diverse way. Some sing, some dance, some stand in awe while others kneel and pray. Also, we each have a unique way of giving to God. Some people give their money through tithing, some people serve by donating their time and others lend a listening ear.
Romans 12: 6-8 says-We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
No matter what stage of life we are in, where we live, what our profession is, or what we look like, God loves us and we are a part of His family. Just like the Skittles, we all have something in common. Be proud and thankful for the talents and the unique life God has blessed you with.
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)