What comes first of your list – God or family? I was asked this question in an attempt to settle an argument. My answer is God, without a doubt. One person didn’t agree, he thinks family should be number one. With curiosity of his reasoning, I asked why.
His thoughts were that they are here with you, you spend time with them in person and you have a strong relationship with them. All were interesting points.
Then, he asked what my reasoning was. I explained that He created each of us and the love in that is unfathomable.
The point was also made by one of my roommates that there are many different types of love. There is the love you feel for your friends, a love that you have for your family, a love that you will one day have for your spouse and a different love for your children someday. In the same way, the love we have for God isn’t comparable to that of which we have with relationships on earth. In English, we just have the word ‘love’, but in other translations of the Bible, there is a different word for the different types of love. And I think this makes it harder for us to fathom the immeasurable love of our Heavenly Father.
The question was then asked if you had to choose between God or your family right now, which would you choose? Again, without a doubt, I would choose God because our family is here and now, but God is everlasting and Heaven is our goal for eternity.
After thinking about the conversation later in the day, I thought of more points I would have liked to have talked about.
God created the Heavens and the Earth. He breathed the breath of life into you and sent His One and Only Son as the sacrifice for each person’s sin.
John 3:17 says, For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 17:16 says, They are not of this world, even as I am not of it.
And one of my favorite verses, Romans 12:2 says, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
We Give You Thanks
Giving thanks is a vital part of a relationship with God. To be thankful in all circumstances is easier said than done. After a long stressful day, sending God a prayer of thanks isn’t always the first thing on my mind, but it should be.
There are lots and lots of verses about being thankful and giving thanks and the following are a few that I really like.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. ~ 1 Chronicles 29:13
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. ~ Psalm 7:17
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. ~ Psalm 69:30
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. ~ Psalm 95:2
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. ~ Psalm 100:4
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:19b-20
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ~ Matthew 14:19
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ~ Matthew 26:26 & 27
I encourage you to set aside some time and just thank God for all He has done, is doing and will do.
There are lots and lots of verses about being thankful and giving thanks and the following are a few that I really like.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. ~ 1 Chronicles 29:13
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. ~ Psalm 7:17
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. ~ Psalm 69:30
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. ~ Psalm 95:2
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. ~ Psalm 100:4
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:19b-20
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ~ Matthew 14:19
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ~ Matthew 26:26 & 27
I encourage you to set aside some time and just thank God for all He has done, is doing and will do.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Follow Your Heart
My Freshman year of high school, I remember asking my best friend what I choice I should make. I don’t remember what the decision was about, but I do remember her answer – follow your heart.
Well, that wasn’t the answer that I was looking for, but it was good advice! That day I engrained that valuable piece of guidance into my life. Since then, I’ve even had the opportunity to offer her the same words of wisdom when she had more than one option.
The saying, ‘follow your heart’, turned into more of a joke between us for the past six years. It wasn’t until last semester, when I was tossing around the idea of pursuing my master’s degree, that I truly understood how to actually follow my heart.
I spent time praying because I believe that seeking God’s will is key, after all, He is the One who knows best! Then, I used the time walking to and from class to think. It isn’t necessarily a time of ‘peace and quiet’ but it is my special time to talk to God and listen.
In my mind, I thought through the scenario of going to graduate school, which would be somewhere other than Texas Tech. The thoughts of buying more books, needing more scholarship money, moving to another state and studying for two more years worth of tests overwhelmed me. My heart would start beating faster, my head literally felt heavy and it stressed me out.
Then I imagine myself completing my degree, graduating from college, finding a career, moving into a house and being an ‘official’ adult. A sense of peace would come over me and for a lack of words, my heart felt happy.
Now that I know how God directs me, making decisions with confidence is much easier. I do still have to be patient, however, in waiting for God’s timing and feeling engulfed with complete peace.
Let me outline the steps that I use, and encourage you to try them as well when you have a choice to make: 1) Pray – seek God’s guidance. 2) Be patient – His timing is perfect. 3) Think through your options – write them down on separate sheets of paper if necessary. 4) Follow your heart.
Psalm 37: 3, 4 says Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Well, that wasn’t the answer that I was looking for, but it was good advice! That day I engrained that valuable piece of guidance into my life. Since then, I’ve even had the opportunity to offer her the same words of wisdom when she had more than one option.
The saying, ‘follow your heart’, turned into more of a joke between us for the past six years. It wasn’t until last semester, when I was tossing around the idea of pursuing my master’s degree, that I truly understood how to actually follow my heart.
I spent time praying because I believe that seeking God’s will is key, after all, He is the One who knows best! Then, I used the time walking to and from class to think. It isn’t necessarily a time of ‘peace and quiet’ but it is my special time to talk to God and listen.
In my mind, I thought through the scenario of going to graduate school, which would be somewhere other than Texas Tech. The thoughts of buying more books, needing more scholarship money, moving to another state and studying for two more years worth of tests overwhelmed me. My heart would start beating faster, my head literally felt heavy and it stressed me out.
Then I imagine myself completing my degree, graduating from college, finding a career, moving into a house and being an ‘official’ adult. A sense of peace would come over me and for a lack of words, my heart felt happy.
Now that I know how God directs me, making decisions with confidence is much easier. I do still have to be patient, however, in waiting for God’s timing and feeling engulfed with complete peace.
Let me outline the steps that I use, and encourage you to try them as well when you have a choice to make: 1) Pray – seek God’s guidance. 2) Be patient – His timing is perfect. 3) Think through your options – write them down on separate sheets of paper if necessary. 4) Follow your heart.
Psalm 37: 3, 4 says Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Choosing Our Thoughts
Life can be stressful. It is easy to get caught up in worrying about everything from major projects and day to day activities all the way down to small things.
This semester is by far the busiest one in college (however, it should be my last!) I am taking 18 class credit hours, which is broken down into seven classes. I am the industry information intern for Certified Angus Beef. I am a teaching assistant for an agricultural communications technical writing class, editor for the agricultural communications magazine and I continue to do a little freelance writing on the side.
During Christmas break, I made myself sick one afternoon thinking about having such a busy semester ahead of me. As I sat there, I thought to myself, ‘there is no way I’m going to survive with this mindset. Something has to change’.
In the book Power Thoughts, Joyce Meyer describes worrying like rocking back and forth in a rocking chair – “it’s always in motion and it keeps us busy, but it never gets us anywhere.”
Stress and worry are a waste of time and energy. The following are a few ways that I have learned through devotionals that help me to stay stress free this semester:
- I refuse thoughts that are not from God (and stress is definitely not from above!). We have control over what we spend our time thinking about and we do not have to let thoughts make their home in our mind.
- Reasoning is another word for worrying. I tend to try to help God out by going through different scenarios in my mind of how things could work. I’ve learned that this is a form of sin because I am not putting my confidence in God. Having faith and truly knowing that God is in control is an amazing feeling.
- In Power Thoughts (which I highly recommend!), the Power Thought #6 is, “I trust God completely; there is no need to worry!” When I feel a hint of stress creeping in, I say this in my mind over and over until it is gone.
- Joyce Meyer makes the statement, “The instant you begin to worry or feel anxious, give your concern to God in prayer. Release the weight of it and totally trust Him to either show you what to do or to take care of it Himself.”
- And one last thought – “There will always be situations that cause you concern, but with God’s help, you can live above all of them and enjoy life.”
This semester is by far the busiest one in college (however, it should be my last!) I am taking 18 class credit hours, which is broken down into seven classes. I am the industry information intern for Certified Angus Beef. I am a teaching assistant for an agricultural communications technical writing class, editor for the agricultural communications magazine and I continue to do a little freelance writing on the side.
During Christmas break, I made myself sick one afternoon thinking about having such a busy semester ahead of me. As I sat there, I thought to myself, ‘there is no way I’m going to survive with this mindset. Something has to change’.
In the book Power Thoughts, Joyce Meyer describes worrying like rocking back and forth in a rocking chair – “it’s always in motion and it keeps us busy, but it never gets us anywhere.”
Stress and worry are a waste of time and energy. The following are a few ways that I have learned through devotionals that help me to stay stress free this semester:
- I refuse thoughts that are not from God (and stress is definitely not from above!). We have control over what we spend our time thinking about and we do not have to let thoughts make their home in our mind.
- Reasoning is another word for worrying. I tend to try to help God out by going through different scenarios in my mind of how things could work. I’ve learned that this is a form of sin because I am not putting my confidence in God. Having faith and truly knowing that God is in control is an amazing feeling.
- In Power Thoughts (which I highly recommend!), the Power Thought #6 is, “I trust God completely; there is no need to worry!” When I feel a hint of stress creeping in, I say this in my mind over and over until it is gone.
- Joyce Meyer makes the statement, “The instant you begin to worry or feel anxious, give your concern to God in prayer. Release the weight of it and totally trust Him to either show you what to do or to take care of it Himself.”
- And one last thought – “There will always be situations that cause you concern, but with God’s help, you can live above all of them and enjoy life.”
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
“I” Statements
I’ve come to the realization that any time you are working with human beings, there is going to eventually be conflict. And I believe that until the day comes when we sit all alone and work with robots and computers we will have conflict with others. (In pondering the thought of working solely with robots and computers rather than people makes me think that a little conflict isn’t all that bad!)
I have a piece of advice for getting through a potentially tough subject with anyone – chose your words wisely.
As a journalist and agricultural communications student, I focus a lot on words. Why was this word chosen over that one? Could I rearrange this sentence and have the same meaning? What can I change to simplify this sentence?
I’ve learned to apply this same concept to how I talk to people in all situations whether it be a casual conversation or settling a disagreement. The old saying “Think before you speak” applies in all cases.
Use “I” statements.
Rather than saying, “You told me to.” Simply rephrase the sentence and say, “I understood that you wanted me to.”
Which would you respond better to?
In visiting with a friend whose boyfriend wouldn’t call every evening, I advised her to say, “I love to hear your voice before I fall asleep at night.” rather than, “You need to call me every night.”
The “I” statement applies because there is no finger pointing. It changes from a demand to a request.
While at home, it drives me up the wall when it is said, “Thank you, Kristen, for doing the dishes.” before we even get up from the dinner table. I would respond much better (and be much more willing to do more to help) if I was asked, “Kristen, I would really appreciate it if you would take a turn at the dishes tonight”.
I personally would rather choose to volunteer rather than be, as one of my good friends calls it, ‘voluntold’.
“I” statements apply to every relationship – friends, acquaintances, strangers, significant others and I would assume even within a marriage.
And one last thought – I’ve heard it said that when you are praying for a change in another person, it may just be you that needs a change of heart.
I challenge you to think before you speak and test the “I” statement. Let me know how it works for you!
I have a piece of advice for getting through a potentially tough subject with anyone – chose your words wisely.
As a journalist and agricultural communications student, I focus a lot on words. Why was this word chosen over that one? Could I rearrange this sentence and have the same meaning? What can I change to simplify this sentence?
I’ve learned to apply this same concept to how I talk to people in all situations whether it be a casual conversation or settling a disagreement. The old saying “Think before you speak” applies in all cases.
Use “I” statements.
Rather than saying, “You told me to.” Simply rephrase the sentence and say, “I understood that you wanted me to.”
Which would you respond better to?
In visiting with a friend whose boyfriend wouldn’t call every evening, I advised her to say, “I love to hear your voice before I fall asleep at night.” rather than, “You need to call me every night.”
The “I” statement applies because there is no finger pointing. It changes from a demand to a request.
While at home, it drives me up the wall when it is said, “Thank you, Kristen, for doing the dishes.” before we even get up from the dinner table. I would respond much better (and be much more willing to do more to help) if I was asked, “Kristen, I would really appreciate it if you would take a turn at the dishes tonight”.
I personally would rather choose to volunteer rather than be, as one of my good friends calls it, ‘voluntold’.
“I” statements apply to every relationship – friends, acquaintances, strangers, significant others and I would assume even within a marriage.
And one last thought – I’ve heard it said that when you are praying for a change in another person, it may just be you that needs a change of heart.
I challenge you to think before you speak and test the “I” statement. Let me know how it works for you!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Investing in Your Youth
The spring was always my favorite semester in high school. Stock shows, FFA judging contests and 4-H projects filled my afternoons and weekends. It also probably didn’t hurt that I knew that each passing day meant that summer break was one day closer.
In thinking back over my experiences through FFA & 4-H, I want to thank everyone that has ever helped support these organizations. Whether it was a donation of your time or assisting financially, it would not have been possible to do as much without your help.
There are some states, such as Ohio, that are beginning to phase out 4-H due to lack of funds. The non-profit program was established in 1902 and has the mission to empower youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. The pledge that is said at ever meeting is, “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world. They have the motto of “To make the best better”.
The FFA program “is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education”.
FFA’s motto is “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve”.
These organizations are near and dear to my heart and it is sad to see a 4-H club closed down due to lack of funds or an agriculture program closed at a school (students must be enrolled in an AG class to be an FFA member). I have seen multiple students gain knowledge and skills that they have used throughout their lives as a result of these programs.
As a result of being a member of both 4-H and FFA, I have a coffee table I built, a prom dress, two quilts, 10 state contest certificates, the ability to cook, nearly all my college tuition paid for with agriculture scholarships and I have the confidence to stand up and lecture to a class of 100 plus students at Texas Tech.
January 22 is the county stock show where both FFA and 4-H students will be exhibiting their animals that they have been working with since August. I highly encourage everyone to go watch the show, buy a ticket to the BBQ dinner and stick around for the premium sale. For those who are there year after year, THANK YOU for all you do! Other ways to help the FFA and 4-H clubs include donating your skills, materials, time and donations are always appreciated as well.
Have a blessed week!
In thinking back over my experiences through FFA & 4-H, I want to thank everyone that has ever helped support these organizations. Whether it was a donation of your time or assisting financially, it would not have been possible to do as much without your help.
There are some states, such as Ohio, that are beginning to phase out 4-H due to lack of funds. The non-profit program was established in 1902 and has the mission to empower youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. The pledge that is said at ever meeting is, “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world. They have the motto of “To make the best better”.
The FFA program “is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education”.
FFA’s motto is “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve”.
These organizations are near and dear to my heart and it is sad to see a 4-H club closed down due to lack of funds or an agriculture program closed at a school (students must be enrolled in an AG class to be an FFA member). I have seen multiple students gain knowledge and skills that they have used throughout their lives as a result of these programs.
As a result of being a member of both 4-H and FFA, I have a coffee table I built, a prom dress, two quilts, 10 state contest certificates, the ability to cook, nearly all my college tuition paid for with agriculture scholarships and I have the confidence to stand up and lecture to a class of 100 plus students at Texas Tech.
January 22 is the county stock show where both FFA and 4-H students will be exhibiting their animals that they have been working with since August. I highly encourage everyone to go watch the show, buy a ticket to the BBQ dinner and stick around for the premium sale. For those who are there year after year, THANK YOU for all you do! Other ways to help the FFA and 4-H clubs include donating your skills, materials, time and donations are always appreciated as well.
Have a blessed week!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Year’s Resolution: Staying Fit
It is always interesting to hear people’s New Year’s Resolutions. ‘Lose weight’ and ‘get fit’ are very common goals for the new year.
I enjoy staying in shape but I don’t like spending hours at a gym. Here is what I recommend:
Get Fit Daily Dozen – 12 moves in 12 minutes by Denise Austin for those who want to start a daily workout plan. While at school, I set my alarm just a little earlier and I use my laptop to play the DVD and use a small space in my room to workout.
The great thing about this workout DVD is the fact that it is short and sweet. Each day of the week is different including cardio – athletic fat blast, lower body sculpt and abs, cardio kickbox burn, upper body sculpt and abs, and yoga on the weekend. Small hand weights are recommended for a few of the workouts.
For those who have been working out and have some endurance built up or for someone who is looking for a challenge, I recommend 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels.
I just started this workout video and it is intense! There are three levels with each featuring the 3-2-1 interval system which mixes strength, cardio and abs. The 20 minute workout starts with a good warm-up, three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio and one minute of abs then this is repeated two more times with different moves for each category. To end the workout session, Jillian shows stretches to keep the body in good condition.
If neither of these sound fun, go for a walk. We are having a very warm winter so throw on a light jacket and go exploring.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
This verse is focused on sexual purity, but I believe it is applicable to how we use our bodies overall. It is important to be healthy through eating right and exercising and that is exactly what my New Year’s Resolution is – to keep my body in a condition that is proper and pleasing to 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!
I enjoy staying in shape but I don’t like spending hours at a gym. Here is what I recommend:
Get Fit Daily Dozen – 12 moves in 12 minutes by Denise Austin for those who want to start a daily workout plan. While at school, I set my alarm just a little earlier and I use my laptop to play the DVD and use a small space in my room to workout.
The great thing about this workout DVD is the fact that it is short and sweet. Each day of the week is different including cardio – athletic fat blast, lower body sculpt and abs, cardio kickbox burn, upper body sculpt and abs, and yoga on the weekend. Small hand weights are recommended for a few of the workouts.
For those who have been working out and have some endurance built up or for someone who is looking for a challenge, I recommend 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels.
I just started this workout video and it is intense! There are three levels with each featuring the 3-2-1 interval system which mixes strength, cardio and abs. The 20 minute workout starts with a good warm-up, three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio and one minute of abs then this is repeated two more times with different moves for each category. To end the workout session, Jillian shows stretches to keep the body in good condition.
If neither of these sound fun, go for a walk. We are having a very warm winter so throw on a light jacket and go exploring.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
This verse is focused on sexual purity, but I believe it is applicable to how we use our bodies overall. It is important to be healthy through eating right and exercising and that is exactly what my New Year’s Resolution is – to keep my body in a condition that is proper and pleasing to 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!
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