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.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010
2010
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. ~ Titus 2: 11-14
There are two key phrases in the verse that I want to emphasis- teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives and purify… a people… eager to do what is good.
In the first one, the word that jumps out at me is teaches. That tells me that it’s not an instant, easy process to reject what the world has to offer. Learning consists of studying and seeking answers; therefore daily time reading your Bible and spending time with God is imperative.
The most amazing aspect to me of being ‘taught’ as a Christian to say no is the forgiveness factor. We just celebrated Christmas where God sent His one and only son to be the ultimate sacrifice for us because He knew that as humans, we all will fall short of His Glory.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. ~ Ephesians 1:7-8
The second phrase, live self-controlled, upright and godly lives and purify… a people… eager to do what is good is a great verse to start the New Year off with.
My New Years resolution comes from this verse – I want to live a life that is self-controlled, godly and pure. I want to strive to do what is right and good.
I would love to know what your New Years resolution is for 2010. Leave a comment on my Facebook or email me at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. ~ Titus 2: 11-14
There are two key phrases in the verse that I want to emphasis- teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives and purify… a people… eager to do what is good.
In the first one, the word that jumps out at me is teaches. That tells me that it’s not an instant, easy process to reject what the world has to offer. Learning consists of studying and seeking answers; therefore daily time reading your Bible and spending time with God is imperative.
The most amazing aspect to me of being ‘taught’ as a Christian to say no is the forgiveness factor. We just celebrated Christmas where God sent His one and only son to be the ultimate sacrifice for us because He knew that as humans, we all will fall short of His Glory.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. ~ Ephesians 1:7-8
The second phrase, live self-controlled, upright and godly lives and purify… a people… eager to do what is good is a great verse to start the New Year off with.
My New Years resolution comes from this verse – I want to live a life that is self-controlled, godly and pure. I want to strive to do what is right and good.
I would love to know what your New Years resolution is for 2010. Leave a comment on my Facebook or email me at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas
I’m a big fan of quotes. There are just some people who have a way of putting words together to give such a deep meaning to a sentence. The following are some great Christmas quotes.
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~Calvin Coolidge
“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” ~ Agnes M. Pharo
“Remember this December, That love weighs more than gold!” ~ Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon
“Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed, that it might live forevermore to fill our every need, that it shall not be just a day, but last a lifetime through, the miracle of Christmastime that brings God close to you.” ~ Garnett Ann Schult
“There are two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~Albert Einstein
“Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift- indescribable inestimable incomparable inexpressible precious beyond words.” ~Lois Lebar
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” ~ Dr. Seuss
“What are we to make of Jesus Christ? The real question is not what we are to make of Christ, but what is He to make of us?” ~CS Lewis
The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.” ~Robert Flatt
“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” ~Janice Maeditere
This Christmas, open your heart to God. Accept the Ultimate Gift of Christmas and carry it with you throughout the year.
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~Calvin Coolidge
“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” ~ Agnes M. Pharo
“Remember this December, That love weighs more than gold!” ~ Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon
“Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed, that it might live forevermore to fill our every need, that it shall not be just a day, but last a lifetime through, the miracle of Christmastime that brings God close to you.” ~ Garnett Ann Schult
“There are two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~Albert Einstein
“Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift- indescribable inestimable incomparable inexpressible precious beyond words.” ~Lois Lebar
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” ~ Dr. Seuss
“What are we to make of Jesus Christ? The real question is not what we are to make of Christ, but what is He to make of us?” ~CS Lewis
The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.” ~Robert Flatt
“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” ~Janice Maeditere
This Christmas, open your heart to God. Accept the Ultimate Gift of Christmas and carry it with you throughout the year.
Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Twelve Days of Christmas
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.
“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.
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