Abundance Attacked.

I've quoted the verse John 10:10 more times than I can count in my life. And other people have often repeated it back to me when discussing the life that Christ died to give us. We know the verse, but typically only find it necessary to mention the latter part in most situations. "Oh, but you see, Christ came that we might live an abundant life." "Christ didn't design us to lead a boring life, no, He called us to an abundant life." And while that is the truth, we miss a very important point when only remembering the latter of John 10:10.

(Disclaimer: I'm re-reading Waking The Dead by John Eldredge. He is one of my favorite authors not because I feel like he is the most profound theologian I've ever read, but he draws things out of me that I didn't know were there. And I give glory to God (so does he) for doing so. He weaves scripture in and out of his pages so that one doesn't easily lose sight of the fact that God is the orchestrator of any real change that occurs in a man/woman while reading his books. Anyway, I'm re-reading it, because I feel like I'm in desperate need of a refuel. The passion in me has been stifled by schedules, to-do lists, and plans as of late. And I want my spirit of intensity back. This book stirs that in me. Through his words, and through the living Word, I'm getting that back. )

Anyway, in his first chapter, John mentions this text. And I was challenged by his charge. He says it better than I can, so here:

"Before he promised us life, Jesus warned that a thief would try to steal, kill, and destroy it. How come we don't think that the thief then actually steals, kills, and destroys? You won't understand your life, you won't see clearly what has happened to you or how to live forward from here, unless you see it as a battle. A war against your heart."

Of course no one likes to view their lives as a war-zone. Everyone loves to talk about the grace of God and the sweetness of His mercy (both of which I am, by no means, discrediting. However...) But no one likes to talk about the battle for them. And the awful thing is: that most days, we aren't battling for them at all. We are living our lives thinking that we somehow deserve them. Or that once we have embraced grace, and forgiveness, and mercy, and servanthood, and love, and patience, that we will always possess them in their purest forms. Well...how are you feeling about that today? You got it down, yet? The answer is probably no. Why? Because before Jesus promised us an abundant life, He warned us that an Enemy was seeking to destroy it. In any way he could/can. Stealing our joy by giving rise to other emotions. Killing our dreams, and our brothers and sisters. Destroying our relationships that should be bearing fruit. Christ's longing is to give you an abundant life. Satan's desire is to see you fail at ever even getting close to a fruitful life. The war in our hearts and in our lives is a very real one. And the quicker you realize that, the better. The sooner you realize that you will have to prepare your heart for battle and your life for war, the sooner you will actually have a shot at that abundant life. Because let me tell you something, sister...brother...you ARE going to have to fight for it. Are you ready?

Praise be to God that we are fighting with God Almighty and His Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will not be beaten. But we will have to raise our swords.

Much love my Warrior Friends,

K

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." --John 10:10

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." --Ephesians 6:13-18

One Time at a Time.

It's a lesson that I have learned 1000 times: Live in the moment. But today its a lesson that is hitting close to home. Probably because on any given day, I feel the full range of emotions from sunrise to sunset. And the last 24 hours has been no different. No major depression or transcendent euphoria. Just life.

In a heap or on top of it, that's life. Chasing or being chased. Taking that mountain or tumbling down it. That's life. And in order to keep from going completely crazy, you have to learn to take it as it comes. As a follower of Christ, I honestly believe that each moment is a gift. An opportunity. And I am constantly learning how to balance living each moment to the last drop while keeping it in perspective. Loving furiously and holding loosely. (Did I mention that I was still learning?) And whether I do it well or fail miserably, God is bigger. And able. And His grace is sufficient. When I'm on top or broken. And I personally, am grateful for that.

Life is crazy. And I, for one, am not even close to figuring out. I'm just taking it one time at a time.

You could plant me like a tree beside a river
You could tangle me in soil and let my roots run wild
And I would blossom like a flower in the desert
But for now just let me cry

You could raise me like a banner in a battle
Put victory like a fire behind my shining eyes
And I would drift like falling snow over the embers
But for now just let me lie

Bind up these broken bones
Mercy bend and breathe me back to life
But not before You show me how to die

Set me like a star before the morning
Like a song that steals the darkness from a world asleep
And I'll illuminate the path You've laid before me
But for now just let me be

Bind up these broken bones
Mercy bend and breathe me back to life
But not before You show me how to die
Oh, not before You show me how to die

So let me go like a leaf upon the water
Let me brave the wild currents flowing to the sea
And I will disappear into a deeper beauty
But for now just stay with me
God, for now just stay with me

--Audrey Assad

Big things...

Oh man, I'm really bad at updating blogs when things are moving so quickly through life. But today, in the midst of a quiet moment during my lunch break, I am reflecting. And breathing deep the beauty of providence and grace. I am so blessed to be where I am and, I must say that God is teaching me so many things. For instance: that baby heartbeats and smiles require no translation; and that a lunch break spent enveloped in a cool breeze and sunshine is priceless; and also that the people in my life are such sweet, special people. Oh and that God is moving everywhere. In all things. Building new things, and sustaining old ones. Propelling missions to spread his precious gospel. Providing strength for those hands and feet that are taking it to cities and countries that desperately need hope. And today, I am overwhelmed that I serve such a good God with such beautiful people.

It is Fall. And my heart just swells everytime October rolls around. Football, caramel-spice anything, and warm moments make me smile. Maybe the time of year has ignited my nostalgia today, but I think its bigger than that. I think that my God is preparing me for things. Lots of really amazing things. And the anticipation is fueling my moments today. Fanning a flame, if you will. Some of the plans He's making for me are becoming clearer, while others are still vague. In both, I rejoice today.

One of the big things happening in my heart today is this: Last week I had the opportunity to speak at Samford to close to 200 freshmen girls about Women's Health. (Yes, I'm a geek, but this was something that I feel like God has created me to do. Love women and teach them what is good for their bodies, their minds, and their hearts--this is one of the more vague plans that I feel God has for me, b/c I do believe that I will teach one day in a classroom setting of some kind. But not today...Continuing on...) I was asked to speak by one of my former students, Emily. And how wonderful it was to catch up with her and Candace (another one of my former students) that night. They are precious, and fresh, and in love with Christ. Good for the heart. Anyway, they had mentioned wanting to travel to Haiti during Jan term to do some community health missions, and asked if I was interested. Is that even a question? Of course I was! So I started praying...and asking questions. And today, the text came. There are plans in the works to head there in January with a team of medical professionals and students to minister to the people of Haiti :) And I could not be more excited. A people I have not had the chance to love, to teach, to share the gospel with. So I ask for your prayers. That God would be glorified as He provides, prepares, and paves the way. Because He already is, you see. I got a phone call yesterday from a friend at church asking if I would be interested in having a table (displaying paintings) at a Women's Ministry Fundraiser in November. Beth presented her request, saying that I would be able to use the money raised for an upcoming mission trip if I wanted. Really? God is good. (That's at SMBC in Nov. If you want details, shoot me an email kpatrick85@gmail.com)

So here I am...babbling. After much silence in the blog-world. But today, I am wrapped up in gratefulness. Simply in love with God and His plans. Thankful for Christ who died that I might live this life in Him and for Him. Not as a passer-by or as a stagnant body, but as I was created to live it. For that I am grateful. Just wanted to share.

You are loved.

K

Taking a breath or two...

I think it’s terminal, this terminal I’m waiting in

Could use a change of scene, it seems I’ve been repeating it
Another day, another plane, another same thing
Yesterday became tomorrow that’s the strange thing
Another string, another strum, another rhyme, another hum
I want to breathe in
I want to breathe in and out again

I’m tired of putting one foot in front of the other
I’m weary of where it leads me to
I’m tired of moving on from my Father
Make me rest my head, take a breath or two

Simply stated simple minded love for You
Has simply been completely complicated
And I’m finding this daily drudgery is finally catching up to me
It’s time for this abandon to make much of You and less of me
I want to breathe in
I want to breathe in and out again

O for a slower pace
Moving at the speed of sound sounds like a race to me
O to be at ease
Moving at the speed of sound gets hard on the knees

--Jimmy Needham

The LORD protects the simplehearted;

when I was in great need, he saved me.

Be at rest once more, O my soul,

for the LORD has been good to you.

For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling...

Psalm 116:6-8

A Fine Line.

The older I get, the more I realize that life as a follower of Christ is often times about living life on a fine line. My hope is secure and my heart: saved by grace through Jesus Christ. But living out my faith has caused me many times to call upon the Lord to aid in navigating a fine line.

I currently believe that there is a fine line between...

Busyness and Apathy.

Loving people furiously and letting their thoughts guide yours.

Holding loosely and not paying attention.

Having an opinion and attacking someone else's.

Discipline and legalism.

Being a dreamer and being aimless.

Caring and worrying.

Being vulnerable and not guarding your heart.

Being wise and not trusting God to move.

Being content and being comfortable.

I think that I will always struggle with the fine line. And maybe spend too much time analyzing it. But that's just because I'm mildly type-A. However, I also believe that God knows that about me. And He knows that as long as I struggle, I will lean on Him and His Word for guidance. I know that He is able, and bigger, and more sovereign than my struggle with this life. I also happen to know that through all of my battles, He has been faithful to squeeze beautiful things out of them. Faithful to refine by fire. That truth makes the fine line clearer. Makes life about Him and not about me. Just as it should be.

The Ebb and Flow.

Today, I am fully aware of the ebb and flow of life's abundance. Of the constant shift from valley to mountain-top...good times to bad...times of restlessness and those of peace. And in my own life, how there has been a delicately even distribution of both. Of course the bad times seem heartbreakingly more frequent and the good times seem too scant. But oh, how God has woven together the moments to make such a lovely story.

I can say that today has been one of those days where I have dreamt of a different place. Not because I am unhappy here, and not because I am not grateful. Just dreaming. I dream that maybe it would be more adventurous, more fulfilling to be in Italy, or Ireland, or Brazil, or maybe even just Boston, or Charlotte. And I find myself longing for something new, often. That somehow, I would feel closer to the Lord in those places. Making a fresh start. I feel like somehow if I was uprooted from where I am, I would have a greater desire or a more beautiful place to find my God. And while I feel that He has called me to places (and will continue to call me to places), I am also fully aware today that God is here, and does not change from place to place. The Almighty that I would serve in an exotic place is the God that I serve here in Alabama. The Provider that I would trust in a foreign place is the very same God that I rely on here in Birmingham. And sometimes, it takes just as much courage to trust that your adventure is where you are than to believe that it is elsewhere. If I don't love Him with a furious longing here, then what about being somewhere different will change that? Jesus Christ has called you and I to an abundant life. And all that we have is right now, dear friend. So even if He moves you tomorrow, take Him up on that promise wherever you find yourself today. And let the ebb and flow, of abundance and need, come and go as it may. For your God will never change. No matter where you are.

John 10:9-10:

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.

He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

My Core.

As I sat tonight and listened to their stories from camp, my heart was reminded of the gift I've been given in being a part of their lives...

One of the most incredible opportunities I have in my life right now is the chance to disciple 5 beautiful Seniors. I signed up to lead a Core Group when I first moved to Birmingham and these lovely ladies have been stuck with me (and my co-leader, Liz) ever since. I say lovely not because of their physical beauty (which they all possess abundantly) but because of their spirits. All my life, I have been fortunate enough to have people pour into me. Through middle school, through high school, all the way through college, and even now. So I know the weight of the job at hand. I know that these girls are being molded as high school students. And I consider myself truly blessed to have been able to watch them grow into such breathtaking creations. I consider it an honor to pour the Word, my experiences, my advice, my encouragement, my heart and soul into their lives. Because I know that they will do (and are doing) big things for the Kingdom of God. They already have a brokenness for the lost, and an urgency to reach them. They already have a joy, a zeal for life. And they already have a spirit of worship. Can you imagine the things they will do as college students? As wives? As moms? As leaders in their ministries of choice? If they are already such solid girls? I, for one, can't wait to see them continue to grow. For they have grown me as much as I have grown them. They have encouraged me as much I as have encouraged them. And they have loved me as much as I have loved them.

Each Sunday, and each day I'm with them, I am filled with affirmation that God is good, and big, and active, and intimately a part of our lives and hearts. For that, I am eternally grateful.

I have a deep desire to see them prepared for the world ahead of them as they head off to college next year. So, if you will, pray with me for their hearts...for their dreams...for their journey toward who God wants them to be.

Glad to have already been a part of it,

K

Philemon 4-7:

"I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people."