The Birth of a Special Needs Little Boy and a Plan

We took my special needs son home from the NICU on a dark, cold, and rainy day.

It took a while for that image to register in my mind and heart.  My heart was locked down with the shock and fear of how his little life had just launched us into Special Needs Land.  

I felt as if I had been thrown into an ocean of the unknown---without a life preserver.

I had absolutely NO medical training, nor had I ever been around anything resembling a hospital, outside of the birth of my first son.

Somewhere between the clock 4-hour feedings, medications, which sometimes coincided, a nasal tube (and how much cats like to get a hold of them...), oxygen and apnea monitors, all of which filled my every waking, and sleeping hour, I lost track of time...

My son's birth brought great pain, sorrow, joy, elation, and yet, a new life I hadn't planned for.  But, it was God's perfect plan for me.

"Imperfect" special needs children are God's perfect plan

Our world would argue this.

They want people to live according to systems analysis and technology that perfects our productivity. They want a life without love and devoid of meaning.  

Real love to many people remains a life full of self-fulfillment without a deep, meaningful relationship. They follow their appetites to kill their pain, and never really arrive at love. They are empty and sometimes dead inside.

Yet, special needs puts a wrinkle in all of that, because our kids are round pegs that cannot fit in square holes.  They throw tantrums and have sensory issues that cause tantrums, health problems, and obsessions you wouldn't believe unless you are a special needs parent or caregiver...

They bring interruptions and a knock on the door of the heart.  It can bring rebirth on many levels to the people who care for them.

Many people don't attach special needs babies to Baby Jesus

But I do!  It is almost as if society expects that our babies are so imperfect and Jesus, is well, perfect, that the two don't match.  But, I don't think that was God's intention at all.

It is there in the gifts of the Wise Men.  

Did you know that frankincense is a tree resin that heals, even at a cellular level?  It is known to heal cancer cells, balance hormones, is an expectorant, and restores cellular balance.

What about myrrh?  It too is a resin and contains some of the expectorant and digestive boosting properties of frankincense.  It also boosts the circulatory system.  Further, it helps to heal wounds, along with many other wonderful benefits.

So, did you ask yourself why Baby Jesus needs frankincense and myrrh?  

I mean, the gold is easy to understand, but two tree resins that heal?  Well, perhaps it is in the word, heal.  Jesus certainly came to heal, didn't He?

The birth of Jesus was the birth of a New Covenant.

Literally and spiritually. The scriptures foretold His coming. God's sacrifice had to be physically perfect, just like the sacrificial lamb in the Old Covenant, in which God's requirement was a perfect lamb, without blemish.  

So, yes, Baby Jesus was perfect, physically, and spiritually, and the adult Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for all of us, including special needs.

Don't you see it?!

God would never sacrifice a special needs person. A man might, but not God.

Baby Jesus was not what many in His day and time expected as a Savior to the world, or the promised Maschiah, Messiah, but He was God's choice.  He was the Sacrificial Lamb for the New Covenant.  He is our Healer and the Author of new life.

Yes, He made a sacrifice for all those who choose to receive Him, but most importantly, He made a sacrifice for the weak and vulnerable---particularly the special needs people of the world, so that they could be healed either in this world or beyond. It is His perfect plan.

While the world mistreats a special needs person, God will help us help them. We may not always be able to stop every physical attack on our families, but God in His infinite wisdom will make a way.


The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you make take them from the sheep or the goats. Exodus 12:5


In His grip~Kim

Originally published 12/13/2014

During the Shmita year 2014-2015

Christmas, Starbucks, Peppermint Mocha, and Gingerbread With a Side of Church

Ah, the Skinny Peppermint Mocha....with Gingerbread, mocha, and lattes.

Even in July, it sounds nice, doesn't it? Just make mine iced and I can dream of the Christmas holidays to come. 

If you imbibe in Starbucks, you will know the drink.  Every year some of us wait for Starbucks' peppermint flavorings at Christmas time...

For others, though, Starbucks rings in the holidays with controversy.  

They would rather do away with Starbucks than drink a Peppermint anything at the green and white labeled store.  There are many Christians who have confronted the company about its female-shaped symbol, which we all came to know as the Starbucks Coffee logo.

While it may be considered a sin for some, for many it is merely a great coffee store with great coffee and a green label.  

What causes one person to sin does not necessarily cause another to stumble.

There is no such thing as a Gingerbread Christian.

You know, the mold and stamp of what your church, your denomination says a Christian is.  They are the cookie cutter variety that dresses and acts the part.  

They wear certain clothes, wear their hairstyles a certain way, and talk the churchy talk.  Yet such people may look the part, but not really be a part of the Body of Christ.

Then, a real man of God walks in with his biker apparel and kneels before the cross, weeping for the Lord to intervene in a matter.

Or, a woman, who has obviously seen the seedy side of life, raises her hands in worship to the Lord, thanking Him for all that she has.  

A real Christian...

Real Christians keep their focus on God's mission for them in each and every circumstance. Their hearts are entwined with the Lord's and the everyday nuances of our culture fall to the side. 

Real Christians may lift their hands in praise, or they don't.  They may wear certain clothes or not. Or, further, they may speak with a specific vocabulary, or not.  

Some Christians get married, divorced, or stay single. Still, others grew up with a background of poverty, or in riches.  Their parents were moral people, religious, or addicted. They are special needs or not.

The combinations of Christian backgrounds and personalities are endless, dear friend because God created them all. I assure you, they are not Gingerbread Christians.  They are created by our Maker, who has a purpose and plan for all of us.

Yet my prayer for all of us is this

That we all seek Christ above all else, following Him, and keeping Him on the throne, no matter what our backgrounds and financial status.  

Whether in family or church, we should strive to love and hug each other, share in each other's lives, and offer our support and encouragement. 

Yes, it will be messy, and the results will be worth it in the end.

We can still drink our peppermint mochas and eat our gingerbread (or not), while we fellowship with the Body of Christ. After all, it is the friends that we make more than the menu options.

In this way, we will find the unity of faith through Jesus Christ, and the Starbucks logo will fall to the side as unimportant. 

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7


In His grip~Kim

Originally published 12/7/2014

Wave The White Flag and Surrender All to Jesus

"We raise our white flag.  We surrender all to YOU.  All for you.  We raise our white flag. The war is over.  Love has come. Your love has won." ~White Flag, sung by Chris Tomlin

Have you sung this battle cry in the face of extreme challenges in life? Death and life are the Lord's call. He knows when to call it quits, and when to keep going.

We can keep going with our own ideas about how things need to be done. Or, we can seek out the Lord's solutions to our daily problems. 

No matter what you face today, friend, He has a plan and knows the way. 

Surrender all to Him and you will live the life He called you to live. 

Originally published 12/5/2014

During the Shmita of 2014-2015

Mary, A Woman of God Who Trusted God's Plans For Her

"Blessed is she that believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." Luke 1:45

It all began with a baby.

Yet, the world did not see her as a mother at first.  She was just Mary, a girl in the local village of Nazareth. She was considered pure and virtuous, and Joseph desired to make her his wife. 

Then, with the visitation of an angel, she was given the mission and the seed of the Holy Spirit to become the mother of Jesus.  She believed that the Lord had done this.  It was not any person's plan for the Messiah, but it was God's.

So, when her pregnancy shows, it creates a scandal.  After all, Joseph wasn't even around.  Hadn't he been pure with her?  How could Mary have done this?  Did a soldier take her?  

Joseph just knew that Mary had been unfaithful to him, so he decided to dismiss her quietly.  It was best for everyone.

That is until Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream, who told him that Mary was carrying a baby, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would save the people from their sins.  

Startled, he awakens, and decides to do as the angel of the Lord told him, and take Mary as his wife.

The Word of God cannot be chained.

I love this story because God's plan was not going to be stopped.  It was prophecy at its finest, laid out in the Old Testament, only to be carried out in God's perfect time.

In the Mary and Joseph story, there was no compromise; God's prophesies were to be carried out and they were His choice. 

There was no shift from what God wanted to accomplish in the birth of a Savior.  He even knew exactly how to woo Joseph, and get him on board with the Creator's plans for humanity.

He knew who had a good heart and who didn't.

Yet, Mary had to trust God first.

Could you imagine?  You are a woman of God, impregnated by the Holy Spirit, and your betrothed thinks you were unfaithful.  How could the Holy One put you in this position?  

What happened to "I have good plans for you."?  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Based on the religious rules and orders of the day, you are an adulteress and shunned as such if you carry a man's child as a single woman.  Your very life is in jeopardy if Joseph abandons you because you could be stoned to death. 

Further, if you escape the religious leaders, how are you going to provide for yourself and your child, on the way? Even your family would be disgraced and be forced to shun you.

Yet, Mary knew that God would make a way for her and the child because He put her in this situation. She had to have faith that God would defend and protect her. She had to believe that the Lord would carry out what He said He would do.

It is a reminder to trust God first.

Mary shows us this.  She had incredible faith in the face of life and death and trusted God's plans for her life, which He had already revealed to her.  

Even though Joseph wasn't exactly cooperating with the Plan, we also have to give him credit, because after all, the angel came to Mary first, not Joseph. If God tells you He is going to carry out something, then shouldn't you believe?

Do you wonder what His plans are for you?

Are you saying, "I don't know what God's plans are for me? I'm just trying to get by."  Then, ask Him, and He will tell you. Even if you don't understand right away, pray and rely on Him for everything. I mean everything, and He will show you His plans, or tell you outright.

When you know what His purposes are for you, you can better be there for your family, and carry out His mission in your life.  

After all, when we are all we can be in Christ, then we can better support our families and those we are called to serve.

What is God's plan for you in your life? Seek Him first and discover it and you will find the peace that passes all understanding. 

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 12/1/2014

Season of Shmita 2014-2015

God is Your Personal Healthcare Companion

If you haven't seen Big Hero 6, you need to go see it as a special needs family.  We went to see it for the first time this past weekend.  It is packed, of course, with tons of action, and we, the viewers are introduced to Baymax, the Personal Healthcare Companion, and robot, of Hiro, a young boy with a gift for technology.  

In the movie, Baymax is created and programmed by Hiro's brother, whose primary job is to "heal the sick and injured." You are just left with the feeling that you just want to hug Baymax and take him home.

In the movie, Hiro leads the way when his brother dies, and injustice strikes.  A team of normally geeky kids, and Baymax, find themselves fighting for justice against a villain who, it turns out, really desires to seek revenge against a tyrant who killed his daughter.  

Hiro alters Baymax's programming to help a team of 6 accomplish his mission to retrieve his invention. Yet, in the end, Baymax's primary mission takes charge, while he uses his heart to still accomplish the immediate mission of justice.

Our own Personal Healthcare Companions can be this way.

Baymax made me think of our own helpers who meet many of our special needs families' needs in the medical, personal, and educational world.  Everything usually comes down to the medical foundation necessary for our children's health, and as special needs parents, we rely on our providers quite a bit sometimes. 

While they don't usually fight for justice;-), there are times when it does happen, in special cases, but like Baymax (and all of us really), there is a solution without annihilation...

God is the REAL Personal Healthcare Companion, who guides our hearts.

We need to trust our GREAT Personal Healthcare Companion

We can come to Him to heal the sick and injured, but at times, God stands against the enemy and defends our families.  Of course, this is a limited view of the Great I AM, but these two purposes speak volumes about the contrasting character of God's love.  

He alone should guide our moral compass, through His Holy Spirit.  And, man's laws and rules cannot match up to His. But, He brings us to and sends us people along the way whom God has ordained to meet our family's needs. And, if they attempt to annihilate us, well, He is the God of justice.

We need our earthly Personal Healthcare Companions.

While God guides us, we still need hands-on care and support for our families.  I am amazed at the "regular" world's ideas and mythology, that we are just supposed to wave the magic wand and our special needs children's care will magically happen. While we depend on God, we still need the hands and feet of Christ---workers approved by Him for service.

If you are still waiting for a Personal Healthcare Companion, seek His will first for your family; God does know the way, and He knows what we need and what doors to knock on.  

No, not everyone will listen, but the care for our special needs children must take the front seat in our families; it is the LORD's call on our life. And, if He calls us to it, then NO ONE will close the door on it.

If you have a Personal Healthcare Companion, pray for those who need one, or more.  Further, have you hugged your Baymax today?  They need all the love they can get.

Pray for His will, and He will provide what your family needs.  Seek #RealLove  #justhavefaith  #angelarmies

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 11/19/2014

During the Shmita of 2014-2015

The God of Angel Armies

Their redeemer is strong; Yahweh of Hosts is His name; He shall thoroughly plead their cause, that He may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon. Jeremiah 50:34

The Bible tells us that the Lord is our Defender, and sends in His Angel Armies to defend us.

Yet, sometimes our angels are not supernatural Heavenly Hosts.

Sometimes our families are covered by Angel Armies in the flesh.  

They appear as people that rise above their jobs or go out of their way to show kindness to our special needs families.  They are the people that make a difference in our lives, both short-term and long-term without even being asked.

They are the workers, teachers, chaplains, therapists, child care workers, church friends, family members, and many others who go against the norms of the world and follow God. In the flesh, they are God's Angel Armies.  

God knows their hearts and places them strategically, and usually, they are also Christians.

In Times of Darkness

The Lord's Angel Armies are there ahead of us, shielding us and protecting us. They guard the way that we must go and keep our enemies at bay. 

While to us, we see only sudden death and destruction, God knew ahead of time what they would do. Yet, He planned and prepared a way for us, knowing what we would need.

It remains a difficult plight to live a human existence, but remembering that His Angel Armies are waiting in the wings, helps us immensely in all of our worldly troubles. 

In His grip~Kim

Originally published on November 15, 2014

In Sync and Prayer in The Family

I watched a scene like this driving down the highway the other day.  Two motorcycle policemen were driving together, so in sync, and if one shifted into a lane, the other sent with him.  

It was as if there was an invisible cord between them, or a yoke if you will, that kept them together but at equal distances apart at all times.  They were truly in sync, and it was incredible to watch.

We can also tune into the Lord.

I don't know that we can be 100% this way, but really, we can develop a beautiful oneness with the Lord, listening to Him and seeking his direction in almost everything we do.  

While few obtain Paul's status, I think that with practice, we can achieve a finely-tuned ear to the Lord. Reading the Word, not just for legalistic study, but to just sit and take in, in our spirit.

Or, we can be in sync with our families

There are times when family members come together and almost know without a word what the other one needs.  We see this mostly in a mother-and-child relationship, but people with rock-solid marriages also have it.

It isn't as if we lose our individuality, but the differences match together like 2 puzzle pieces that work together in tandem.  It happens when you know someone well, or you are emotionally close.

I'm not saying it happens every day, but on those unique occasions, it can.

Prayer binds us together

Spiritual unity aside, God is the One who binds us together. Where one is weak the other is strong, but it is effortless and stamped by the Holy Spirit. 

Yet, we all face circumstances in our families and our lives when some family members stray so far from the will of God, that they end up in a pit of sorts they put themselves into.

We can offer them a hand, and even pray, but ultimately, they must climb out or pray to God to deliver them. 

Wives must divorce husbands, parents must let go of wayward children, and families may need to confront those who are on the wrong path.

In the end, it is how we each follow the Lord's plans for our lives that makes the difference. Prayer inclines us closer to the Lord's voice and helps us lead the way no matter who is following.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 11/12/2014

During the 2014-2015 Shmita  

War Dogs Return To Protect and Serve at Home After Retirement

I heard this story on K-LOVE yesterday about a war veteran and his wife. They launched a mission to provide service dogs to military veterans instead of putting them down. They further televised a presentation on A & E called Dogs of War (no longer on A & E).

The men served in the military and are suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other injuries.  Jim Stanek, the founder of Paws and Stripes, with his wife, Lindsey, hosts the show.  He suffered a traumatic brain injury in war, and still suffers from PTSD, but came back to life through his dog, Sarge.  

The goal of a Paws and Stripes service dog is to help war veterans cope with life after service to their country.  

These specially trained dogs provide love and companionship to such men, helping them to give and receive love.  It is a special sort of therapy intended to help the veteran bond with the dog, and thus, enter back into society and connect with the people he loves.

This program can offer hope to those who are hurting.

My grandfather was killed in the Korean War, as one of the first Air Force fighter pilots in the country, and my father was a paramedic in the 82nd Airborne in the Dominican Republic.  

My great-grandfather is laid to rest with his son in a military cemetery.  I know what it is like to grow up in the fallout of the military, but I do not know what it is like to grow up in war.

Yes, the military can "grow up" some men, but for many, the scars of war linger once they return home. 

Even those who feel "called" to service, struggle with the effects of war and its losses.  Finding their hearts is the first obstacle for men (and women) in returning to relationships.

A service dog is a wonderful way to transition people to love.  

Veterans who return need our prayers

While Veteran's Day could be about all the free food and recognition they can get;-)  It is also a day to remember their sacrifices, and how God uses these men and women every day to protect our country and its freedoms.  

Encouraging them to find their way in a civilian world helps them heal and find peace. Realizing that their return from wartime only means a miracle and God's divine plan for their lives brings hope.

Yes, many suffered before and during wartime service, but many others returned and learned to thrive. 

Serving and thanking them for their service reminds them that they, too, are part of this amazing country.

God does heal and redeem, even through dogs. Please consider prayer and the support of Paws and Stripes today. It may mean the life and hope of a veteran.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 11/11/2014

During the 2014-2015 Smita

Get The Blankie of God's Love Today

My special needs son received a blanket as a gift. Actually he receive many in his life, but this one held special significance.

He has always had a stuffed dog, named Max, which still sleeps with him, but he cherishes that blanket like it is one of his favorite toys or DVDs, only better.:-)  He carried it with him to the  ER at the hospital, hiding and playing under it in the waiting room.  

My son insisted that it cover him in his hospital bed.  He covered the dog with it, who sort of appreciated it...And the blanket lives on his bed, covering him every night.

No, this blanket is no ordinary blanket.  Because he received it from a special friend, the blanket has a special meaning to my son;  it is a warm and special reminder of love received.

Likewise, his older brother had a blankie from birth.  He cherished that blanket like Linus in the Peanuts did his blanket, carrying it with him everywhere we went.  

He tied it around his neck pretending to be Superman, and it was his source of comfort; I sewed it back together many times, and it never quite went back the way it was.  It now sits in a drawer, a holy reminder of his boyhood, quite literally.

God's love is like my sons' blankets.

They are warm and special symbols of love.  God's blankets may come in many different ways.  We may feel His love through praise and worship music, reading the Word, or hearing Him speak to us in a very special way.  

Or, we may feel His love through the love or services of other people.  We can even find Him in a supernatural way, through unexplained events.  These concrete things show us just how much God loves us.  We all need His blanket of Holy Love.

When we put our trust in Him, God's blanket wraps us up in His love and makes us feel protected.  It shelters and provides, even when the world around us seemingly falls apart.  His love is never failing, and unending.  It covers us in mercy and grace.  It fills us with love.

Many people are suffering without a blanket of God.

We cannot just give people band-aids for their hearts, particularly if they won't trust their Creator. People all around us are struggling with scars that run deep, tragedies that have occurred in their lives, and deep losses, that only God can heal.  

The solutions for them are many, and God knows how to reach them.  We can't just use our brain power to fix them.

If you are the one in need of His blanket, God does promise us He will change our hearts, when we honestly lay them before Him.  Only then can He change our lives into service for Him. 

This is the righteous life; the life where love, joy, peace, compassion, and understanding are all wrapped up in an imperfect package called, You, the Christian. 

It does not mean that our lives will become the perfect worldly package, but they will become more fulfilling than you ever dreamed.

So, have you found your Blankie?

You know, the very thing that brings you closer to God and a very deep, abiding comfort?

If you haven't, ask God, and He will wrap Himself around you. Sing praises to Him, draw, write or dance. Read your Bible and find the Spirit moving in inspiration to you. 

Once you have, rejoice and share the love of God with those around you who are in need.  He is a comfort to all of those who come to Him.

May the force of God's blankie surround you.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 11/9/2014

During the 2014-2015 Shmita

They'll Know We are Christians by Our #RealLove

Daffodils are a generally known flower that blooms with poison and toxicity, also known as narcissus.  Its bulbs are planted in fall, and the leaves come out in early spring, and bloom as the days turn warmer. They are God's creation, yet they are also poisonous.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was also the name of the Greek hunter, known for his exceptional beauty.  However, he was also exceedingly proud and disdained all those who loved him. According to legend, the goddess of revenge, Nemesis, attracted Narcissus to a reflecting pool, showing him his own reflection.  Narcissus became so enraptured by his reflection in the pond, that he was unable to take his eyes off himself, and he drowned.

The name and word narcissus have come to identify how some people are so wounded that they only see the reflection of themselves, which has become a distortion.  They see their own immediate reflection, but not the truth of who they really are. They will do seemingly anything to keep the focus on their ideations of themselves and control others' beliefs.  Some can become quite psychotic, in reality.

The reflection of #RealLove

In the Hebrew Bible, the Law was the Lord’s reflection. Although man could never stand up to this, he was mindful of his sinfulness, and the priests were to intervene with sacrifices for the people's sins. This was the Old Covenant.

Then, God sent His Son in the form of a baby.  He sacrificed Jesus, for the sins of the people, the final atoning sacrifice. Thus, we have the New Covenant, meaning, we are now under the Law of Grace.

While our sins can cloud our vision of ourselves, God's perfect love shows us the truth, and as many of us know, it hurts. But, in a good way:-). Yet, we will see God's true reflection of who we are.

And so God gave us grace.

Once the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred, He came among the people, yet again, to rally His disciples and encourage them.  Even Peter, who betrayed Him three times, as Jesus was led to His death.  Yet, Jesus told the disciples to gather Peter as well.

Jesus forgave the sins of the people, and then God lifted Him up to heaven, and His Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and they began to speak in "tongues" (some say in different languages).

Likewise, our sins are forgiven when we come to the cross of Jesus Christ, in true heartfelt repentance.  We are blessed with grace and mercy, and, the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our salvation.

Narcissus is devoid of God.

Extreme self-centeredness, to the point of blaming, abuse, and even vicious back-biting and gossip are devoid of God.  While we all struggle with some of these sins on a lesser basis from time to time, the narcissist will carry out these behaviors, many times to the point of psychosis, and with a lack of conscience.  

Narcissists are truly dangerous people.  However, in the end, like the Greek legend, they will die in their distorted images of themselves, if they never repent. They remain part of the definition of evil.

When we do repent and are stamped by the Lord with salvation, we are His. We carry out our spiritual gifts, which are not necessarily acts of ’good service,’ but spiritual gifts that build up the church. 

When a person is left to cover up their addictions and destructive behaviors, such as Narcissus, they are not in the presence of Christ.  Consequently, they cannot see the Truth.

How can we know we are Christians?

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To the one there is given through the Spirit, a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and still to another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.  1 Corinthians 12:7-11

It comes down to Jesus, not us.

Either we turn over our lives to Him to steer us on the river of the Holy Spirit, or we find a new way to be Narcissus, the daffodil, only able to see our own reflection, and poisonous to everyone.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published January 17, 2011

International Day of Prayer 2014

Don't stand in silence!  Join millions of other Christians today and tomorrow...

Please keep the whole Body of Christ, around the world in your prayers...Many are being persecuted, but many are being brought to Jesus Christ because of the many battles being fought in the Middle East.

The wall of religious persecution is coming down. You can click here to find out what Gospel for Asia is doing for this day.  Or, check with your favorite missions organization for their special activities to share in this mutual burden.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 11/1/2014

During the 2014-2015 Shmita

When Your Spouse Breaks The Covenant God Gave You

We picked up a new Christmas movie the other day, Coming Home For Christmas.  We actually watch Christmas movies all year long, but this was a new release for the holidays.

It was a cute story about a "perfect" family, with two twin daughters.  The problem in the story was that these two women were at odds with each other.  One had mistreated the other, and a rift developed because the offender wouldn't apologize.  They no longer felt sisterly love towards each other, and fought continuously, and were always at odds.

But, things hadn't always been this way.  When the women were little girls, they created a time capsule and buried it in their front yard.  To help the young girls work together, their father told each girl half of the directions to the location of the buried capsule.  

So, later, when they were ready to dig it up, they had to work together to locate their buried treasure. Which, of course, they carried out as women and reconciled because of it.

This story reminds me of Covenant.   

When we are called by God to Covenant with another person, it is like He gives us each half of the directions. I am not only speaking of marriage, but any Covenant He calls you to. the Lord takes our gifts and talents, spiritual and natural, and puts them together to form a unique union.

While we have a choice for Covenant, it is a choice that deep in our souls, we are called to, saying no will be very difficult. We can be miserable...  

As Christians, this is all we are called to God-ordained Covenants.  We cannot be unequally yoked; it simply won't work. The person out of sync with the will of God will drive themselves into destruction.

In Covenant, like the young girls in the story, we need each other to carry out God's will.  When one or both are out of tandem with God, the devil can have a field day.  

The Holy Spirit calls us to pray and intercede on each other's behalf. Of course, we all know that troubles will come in any relationship, but the point is, that we need each other to find the buried treasure in our relationships.

They will know you are Christians by your love...

But, this goes against the World's idea of relationships.

The world views a relationship as if it is just a contract or some sort of temporary mutual agreement. Which, of course, does not fit into God's design.  While we still live in the world and must follow its rules and laws, it does not make a relationship a Covenant. God makes Covenant.

Of course, He will bring good out of any situation we may get ourselves into, and some would argue that He perhaps brought people together just to create beauty.  Perhaps, and then we have the whole "perfect" life theory thrown out the window...Which, of course, doesn't happen.

But, who are we to understand His ways...?  The world isn't perfect, otherwise, we wouldn't need a Savior.

God has not called us to yoke ourselves with evil.

I see this false idea taught and preached over and over again in the Christian community.  It is based on perfection and the idea that human relationship is wrapped up in some perfect package. 

Insisting that Christians continue to remain unequally yoked on the false pretense that they can save anyone is that.  False. We are called to rise above and set the example, not yoke ourselves with people whom we must drag around.

It remains our duty to force them to repentance by making strong decisions to protect our families.

We are children of the Covenant of Promise

No matter how we view our earthly authority, our first authority is God the Father.  If leadership, either under the Church, or not, is carrying out evil against others that is deliberate and persistent, God will deliver justice. The people perish under an evil ruler.

Why will He do this? Because we are children of the Promise.  We are His, stamped with His seal of approval.  He will protect us, or deliver us, from evil, when we cry out to Him, putting our full trust in Him.  God will provide for our every need.

How do I know this?

If you are the persecuted Church, He will not let your foot slip and He will deliver you somehow.  He promises His children this. Rest secure in His hands. 

He delivered my family many times from homelessness, threats, financial persecution, shunned by our family, and abuse; I KNOW that He will protect both His Covenant with you, as well as those whom He has placed you in Covenant with.

He will heal and bind up your family's wounds.  Yes, pray without ceasing, but trust that He has good plans for you and your family.

So now I am giving you a new commandment; Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
John 13: 34-35

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 11/1/2014

During Shmita 2014-2015

Turning it All Over to The Lord

I heard a woman say this recently, on K-LOVE in reference to her own health.  She stated that she finally turned her health over to the Lord, and He exponentially turned around her poor health.  She stated that she was healthier now than ever before, and had lost over 120 pounds!  Amazing.

But, isn't that the God we serve?! Turning it over to the Lord is what we all need to find healing.

Our steps are made firm by the LORD when He delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the LORD holds us by the hand.  Psalm 37:23-24

You might say, well, I turned over my health, child, or whatever to the Lord, and I am still waiting on His intervention...That just doesn't happen anymore to Christians.  But, I disagree, because I know there are many miracles around the world recorded by credible sources.

When I was just starting out in my life, I believed in the white picket fence idea. You know, my life was going to be perfect....which so did not happen.

Instead, God gave me an imperfect life!

Complete with a special needs child:-)  He did not put everything in the order I thought He should until I got my heart and mind in step with His plans for my life.  Then, I began to see His order, and I rejoiced.  Does that mean I don't doubt God's plans and think I know better?  Well, of course.  I am human.

When we read the Gospels, we see all sorts of people finding healing through Jesus and His disciples. We read the Book of Acts and think, that is what we need!  While I am not saying that we cannot find that kind of healing and power of God today, I have to say that the Spirit definitely heals miraculously where He finds the most impact.

I have also witnessed the Lord performing mighty miracles and works in special needs children and people, just to show off His presence.  It is in the middle of imperfection and desperation that God's Light shines brightly. This is part of our children's purpose in the Lord, here on earth.  Just like the birth of a Savior on a dark night!

So, when it seems like God isn't hearing your prayers, friend

Pray for the Lord to show you His plan.  Because, I promise you, when our hearts are aligned with Him, we will be used by Him in a mighty way.  I have seen it, and know it to be true.

No, I can't promise you that He will answer your prayers in the way that you ask Him, but I do know that if you turn your heart and mind over to Him more and more, you will only see an increase!

Yes, we have a choice to follow God.

Choosing to follow God's plans for our lives, outside of the choice to receive salvation, is the best choice to help us walk in His will. That does not mean that we will not have struggles, because we will, but we will overcome them with the power of God because we are in step with Him.

On the flip side, not getting in step with His plan will cause many struggles, leaving us with a feeling of being lost and abandoned by God the Father.

I don't care what your past is; all things are possible for us when we choose to follow Him first. When your life is redeemed by the One Who Redeems, you have His stamp of approval, and you will know it by His Holy Spirit living inside of you.  He will guide you in all truth because you have new life!

Turning it over to the Lord really is our best option.

We can use our intellect to make what we think is the "right" choice, but in the end, it won't really work.  Or, we can choose to follow Him and listen to the Holy Spirit, and receive a great harvest of healing.

We just cannot lose with that option.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 10/25/2014

During the Shmita 2014-2015

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!"

The Bible says:

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!"  And let the one who hears say, "Come!"  Let the one who is thirsty come, and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.  Revelation 22:17

While our world is imperfect, with imperfect relationships, God is perfect.

There is much talk in the Christian community about marriage to one person, for life. While that is God's perfect design, it is not always possible.  Not because God cannot create miracles, but because He also gives each person a choice to follow Him or not.

There is war, death, disease, abuse, and adultery.  There are marriage partners who are unrepentant and have dark hearts.  But, while God hates divorce, He does allow for unequally yoke marriages to divide and end and calls us to peace.  

There can be no marital covenant between a believer and an unbeliever unless God says otherwise. It is only a legal arrangement at best. (1 Corinthians 7:12-16, Hebrews 13:4-5, Mark 10:6-9, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15)

Take the new legal standing in Arizona recently.

The ruling where gay marriage was made legal in Arizona was signed.  While God does outright say in the Bible that homosexual behavior is a sin, the legal system honors their commitments to each other. 

Yes, we are in a season where the government that was founded on Christian principles, is attempting to walk away from these foundations.  We can fight in the world against such immorality, but God will have the last word.  He will judge accordingly.

**And, for the record, I do not think that homosexual behavior or homosexual marriage is of God. But, yes, I do know that redemption of homosexual behavior is completely of a loving and forgiving God whose Son died on the cross for all of our sins.

The problem is: that "One person for life" has become unusual.

While, I think that marriage between a man and a woman, for life, is a beautiful gift to witness, it certainly has not become the norm.  Yes, many of those marriages are within the church walls, but many more people, who live outside of that ideal have been shut out of the Church, and need to be brought into the church walls too.  

It does not mean that God cannot make second, and even third marriages pure.  It means that we need to encourage people to repent before a loving and grace-filled God.

Just as the typical world needs to learn to coexist with the special needs world, so the ideally-lived church needs to learn to accept and coexist with the people who have lived broken but redeemed lives. It does not matter if they have tattoos and piercings.  

They cannot just shake the trees of their old lives and make them ideal, but God gave them to grace with their salvation.

This issue of less-than-ideal hasn't occurred because they are all lost!

Many are saved, even though the ideal church cannot always understand that.  But, because of the world we live in, the imperfections of this world, and the lives lived outside the ideal church, people have imperfect lives with imperfect results.

Unfortunately, some of them view the church walls as God Himself and blame themselves for imperfections, never receiving God's grace.  Others, feel resentment, refusing to trust or step through the doors of a church.  

All they see is a lack of grace and mercy, and they miss the opportunity to fellowship with other believers, even though they are genuinely saved.

What brings purity is our cleanness before God---our hearts and our confession before the Creator, who gave us the gift of eternal life.

The New Covenant Church is Ekklesia, the people whose hearts are bound together through the heart of Jesus Christ.  We are called to be part of the Body of Christ, imperfections and all.  Because even if we are living the ideal life, we are not perfect.

Jesus called us to LOVE!

Remember?  Jesus said this is the greatest commandment!

So I encourage you, love, friend, and love deeply because your friends are the whole Body of Christ, both inside and outside the church walls, made perfect in the Spirit of God, even if they aren't living the ideal Christian life.  

They really do need you and frankly, you need them too.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published on 10/22/2014

During the 2014-2015 Shmita

Are You Pure? #justfindgrace

Church scandal rocked the Christian community recently, but, God called us to follow Him. No. Matter. What.  Adulteries or immoralities do not keep us from the throne of grace, because we can all find grace when we truly repent.

The Bible says:

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Galatians 5:18

We can stand and be the Accuser against those committing huge sins, but our own purity is more important to God.  Purity does not occur because we have a perfect life, job, income, status, paycheck, etc.  Purity comes with our cleanliness before God.  It is all about our honesty and confession before our Creator and our salvation in Jesus Christ.  #justfindgrace

Jonah thought he could run away from God's call on his life.  

You know the story in the Book of Jonah.  God brought a fish to come and swallow him until Jonah repented...after 3 days in the belly of the whale.  You would think it would only take him a few seconds, wouldn't you? I mean, if I was in the belly of a whale after having been thrown overboard into the sea to save the ship I ran from God on, I know God would have my attention already.  Or would He?  

We think that we would have done a better job, yet the story teaches us all a lesson about listening to what God calls us to, and not running away from it.  There Jonah was, in a fish, and after 3 days, he repents for not listening to God and promised to carry out what God called him to do.  

Yet, I don't think that God was trying to punish him, but He wanted Jonah to get in step with His plan, and the Master Creator knew how to do it.

God knew Jonah was His man to carry out this task.  He had a plan to use Jonah to see the people of Ninevah, the way God saw them--worthy of saving.  In other words, it wasn't all about Jonah, but it was about God's plan for His people and for Jonah.

Churchy perfection does not equal purity.

Because we are human, we stumble, yes, even as Christians.  Even Paul, who was a superhuman Christian, in my opinion, remarked on the fact that he was at war with what he knew what he should do, and what he actually carried out.  Few in the Body of Christ match Paul's abilities to walk the walk.

We all stumble, but the purity comes in our confession and change of our direction.

As Christians, we cannot remain in sin.

We have the Holy Spirit living in us.  Let us follow Him and pray for those who have lost their way.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published on 10/18/2014

During the 201-2015 Shmita

Hillsong Reminds Us That the Holy Spirit Guides Us #spiritleadme

There are so many times I have fallen short in walking in the Holy Spirit, but when I do, the LORD reminds me: #spiritleadme

And of course, Hillsong sings Oceans it so right!

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 10/15/2014

During 2014-2015 Shmita

The Pouring Out of the Holy Spirit

I had a dream one night, where I saw the pouring of a glass of liquid, which, when poured out into another, shorter container, then coagulated into a mixture of synthetic chips.

The Holy Spirit watered the second container, the contents of which, were also unknown, but became something new when the Spirit poured out.

It is the picture of what happens when we are saved.

We find real redemption when Jesus really gets ahold of our hearts.  

There is no faking it.  You can put on the hat of religion and pretend you are saved.  You can say the right words and dress the part, but if Jesus is not in your heart, you will not breathe the air of the Holy Spirit.

Fake religion will be the shell you create and God will not redeem your life in its truest form.  

There was a time in my life when I walked religion.

I knew that God was out there, but Jesus did not manifest in my heart until my ears were opened. The seed had been planted, but huge, exponential growth in the Spirit did not occur until I experienced deep dark trials.  

It wasn't until my very life and the life of my children were threatened by my Ex-husband that the Holy Spirit came to life in me.  There was no longer trust in religion or good works. Darkness does not care about your works.

No, I found myself scrambling to protect us by the very power of God---the Holy Spirit. He led us through a path of winding roads that seemed inescapable, yet in the end, were our very safety.

Religion cannot save us

It is a myth that when we buy the perfect Christian music album, the perfect Christian outfit, the perfect Bible, with a monogram on it, and let's not forget the perfect Christian family, that it means we are Christians. 

We must really have an all-out experience and revelation before God that we really need him. There is no faking it.

No, I am not discounting all the funky, Hip Hop, and contemporary Christian music and worship experiences. I love that kind of music! Most of us do.  

But, let's face it, that is not what saves us. Our hearts must change and our minds will pour into new glasses, as new people. 

You were bought for a price...

How does the Spirit want to gift you?

The Spirit gifts as He chooses, those to become prophets, apostles....

I am praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon you.  

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 10/12/2014

During Shemita 2014-2015

Unglued? Or Is It Sensory Meltdown?

The Bible says:

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

1 John 4:8

I felt like the Clampetts somedays. You know on the Beverly Hillbillies?

Right before the plumber arrived, my special needs son, who was already worried and upset that he hadn't arrived sooner, fell and skinned his knee.  He remained in the driveway crying and yelling at me, in a sensory pile of shut down from the stimulation and confusion.  The boy in him wanted to be in charge, yet wanted his mommy.  It was all just too much.

But, just as if on cue, the plumber arrives.  My son still refuses to get up out of the driveway.  But, I walk down to the gate to let in the plumber, and explain my plight to him, that I would direct him around my son if need be.  Of course, he just kind of looks at me, like "Are you kidding me?"  I gave him my confident smile and started walking back to my son.

By this time, he gets up, excited now that the plumber arrived, knee forgotten, but still teary.  He runs to the house, and opens up the door, and (here comes the Clampetts part) one of the dogs runs out. He won't listen to anyone and runs from me when I try to catch him, chasing him around the car.  When I do grab a hold of him, he resists me, but I manage to drag all 80 pounds of him into the house.

But, by this time, my son is screaming again inside, because the littlest Chihuahua mix is trying to run out the door and won't listen to his screaming...  Yet, I am still dragging the big dog, while he skids his feet on the tile floor, mind you.  I decide to put him in a small bathroom, and every time I try to shove him in, you guessed it, he tries to escape.

By this time, I am laughing hysterically, because the dog is incredibly stubborn. But, with some tenacity, I manage to shut both dogs into the bathroom.  I am totally out of breath and still laughing by the time I finish.

Of course, also by this time, the plumber is now laughing.

It turns out he has a few kids of his own, so he "got" the chaos thing...I didn't ask him if he had any dogs. But, I probably should have asked him if he wanted one of mine:-)  JK!

It appeared that the fabric of my whole house came UNGLUED!

Over the plumber...Or did it?

When the general order of our house goes out the window, for some reason as a society, people tend to say things like, "That lady needs to control her kids."  "If that was my kid, I ____." Or something to that effect.  Most of us have said things like this BEFORE we had kids...then, we realized.  :-)

Or my favorite is, the people who glare at you for grouching at your kid in the store, after telling them to behave for the 15th million time that day...

Parenting is no easy job, and it teaches us to pray, even when our kids and our own emotions come "unglued."  The chaos is part of the package, and, wanting order?  Well, just buckle your seat belt, because you aren't always going to get that. ;-)

Love is the real glue in life.

And we cannot have love without GOD.  It just isn't possible, because GOD is love.  He is the one that binds our hearts together, and He is the one who works among us.  Chaos will need to be settled and problems need to be solved.  He is the One who creates order out of chaos.

We can have man-made systems and organizations, even under the guise of what some term "church."  But, what we really need is LOVE---LOVE that is born of God, who sacrificed His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins.  

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 10/11/2014

During Shmita 2014-2015

Faith, Hope & Love Against the Storm of Violence

The Bible says:

And now these three remain faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

None of us can bury our heads in the sand, right now, at the evil distortions of ISIS.  

There is fear at every corner.  Despair is contending for the world's view right now.  But, honestly, we cannot let the devil win.  We must cling to FAITH, HOPE & LOVE.

Yet, if you are like me, you are hiding these demonic, violent images of human atrocities from your children. 

Personally speaking, I always insisted that my children not have violent video games, not just because I am a Christian, but because I learned early on that children's brains are negatively affected by violent images, particularly frequent images. 

If you have boys like I do, you may be rolling your eyes at that...thinking that this is impossible, perhaps. And, yes, those of us who have boys, know how they rough house, and use sticks (or other objects) as weapons to slay dragons and save princesses every day.  Mine did that too.

But, their mind's eye does not reflect the same images that occur either in a grown man's realistic mind or worse, in a psychotic male brain. This is even more reason to protect them from modern technological violence, on screen, and in video games.  

However, right now, the news is a real danger.  

War and militant uprisings.  Women, children and the elderly are being needlessly killed, not to mention the men who are soldiers, or even humanitarian workers losing their lives.  There is no Godly rationality to their actions.  There is further no question that this is outright evil.  

Violence does not justify and support the cause of religion.   

We have to cling to have FAITH, HOPE & LOVE in Christ.  

We have to cling to Jesus.  We must cover our children in prayer for the times when the devil finds an open door and sneaks in.  

Further, we must pray against this evil uprising, for the safety of all of us.  We must call on the power of Jesus Christ---OUR POWER---to stand up against the devil's work.  

Our prayers are a fragrant offering to the Lord and He does hear them. 

In His grip~Kim

Originally published on 10/5/2014

During the 2014-2015 Shmita

A Day to Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem 2014

It is no secret that we need to pray for the peace, safety, and welfare of Jerusalem, as well as for the rest of Israel, right now.  But, the day is at hand to join collectively on Sunday, October 5, to PRAY.

It is a day of international prayer and intercession, for the birthplace of our faith as Christians.  The Bible tells us:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure. For there, thrones were set for judgment; the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.  For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, "May peace be within you."  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good. Psalm 122:6-9

If you care about Jerusalem and Israel.  Pray, as the LORD calls you to.  But, we invite you to join the collective prayer of the Church to pray, particularly this Sunday.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published on 10/3/2014

During the 2014-2015 Shmita

The Harvest in The Hospital

While I was on the sidelines of the ER with my son, I witnessed people carrying out God's work in urgent and not-so-urgent needs.  What struck me deep, though, was when I witnessed the Holy Spirit work through someone in an unexplainable way.  

We forget to expect the unexpected...

Because it WILL happen.

Why?

Because God chooses to send His Holy Spirit down in a way that blesses the socks off of us, and at this time above, to bless and comfort a mother and her child.  What appeared on the outside to be a small, almost insignificant, work from one person to another, affected those in the room who heard the Spirit speaking. 

God can work miracles through ordinary, totally imperfect circumstances.

For. a. reason.

I have said this before, and I'll say it again:

The Lord is in charge of the harvest.  

Not us.  We think we have it all figured out, how to present a few Bible verses, and lo and behold someone has the stamped seal of salvation approval!  We think we know how to set boundaries and learn love languages.

But, honestly, things usually don't work according to our human ideas.  I didn't find salvation through a step-by-step process, and I think that for many others it doesn't happen that way either.  But, God knows what each of us needs. He knows how we need to love and be loved.  He knows how far we have to go to really receive Him, and His gift of salvation.  We really don't know; we aren't God.

Yet, when God comes down in a miraculous act, we know Him.

The Lord is in charge of the results, not us.  He works hard preparing the soil of someone's heart and life, and if the seed that is sown falls into the right ground, and the Spirit waters it enough,  it will grow and yield a harvest.  Sometimes it is big, but sometimes it is huge.  Only HE knows; it is then that we see Him and know the work he performed.

Are you praying for a harvest in someone?

Do not give up, but pray for the Lord to open their hearts to receive Him and His Spirit, and He will bring it in. Who knows?

Perhaps He will bring a miracle of even small proportions, one that speaks volumes to all those involved and one that they will never forget.  Just as in the hospital, the Lord cares for a single mom and her child, so He cares about each one of us.

In His grip~Kim

Originally published 9/27/2014

Faith, Trust and Hope in a Crisis

I found myself in a new medical crisis recently with my special needs son.  Multiple trips to the ER, hospital admissions, and yet, no real answers.  A week of struggle, and then yet another round of ER trips, and our most recent hospital admission, three weeks in the making.

There are still no long-term solutions to his condition. The doctor gave me a medical diagnosis of "hopelessness." He stated that the condition may never clear up because of my son's genetic syndrome.

Yet, this reminds of the time we received his medical diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome, and we were told that all he would do is sit around and do nothing....well, that obviously did not come true!

So, I refuse to believe in his pessimism.  Yes, his course of medical treatment may require a shift, but truly, the doctors may write a medical diagnosis, but they cannot write the end of his story!

Why?

Because the LORD already wrote it!

FAITH in Jesus must be our cornerstone during these times.

TRUST in God's plan for our families must remain in our view.

HOPE in the Lord's solution to our child's problems must be what we hold on to no. matter. what.

If I give into my fears that things may not go well, then I risk having faith for the worst.

You know how when you are in a crisis and too many people stand up against you, pushing against what you KNOW to be the truth?  Sometimes, it can attempt to pull us into a gushing rapid river of action. At least, that is how I felt, and still feel right now. 

I kept clinging to rocks and building dams. I would go under and come up gasping for air, facing yet another problem in my son's condition. Yet, the river continued to carry me downstream.

My whole life was turned upside down in an instant.

As each small crisis settled, I looked around for the trees and rocks that had sustained me.  I realized that Jesus put them there to support me so that I could support my son.

It is a reminder that we must have FAITH, TRUST, and HOPE for the future in Christ!

As we know in Special Needs Land, we will probably end up in another crisis, and God will yet, again, place people in our paths to help guide and support us. Even if we go under, we will come out on the other side with a solution. We can TRUST that He will and has already made a way.  Then, we have HOPE for the future, because we see the miracles of His provision already.  The Bible says,

"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Are you in a medical crisis today?

Look for God's provision both in and out of your crisis.  Who and what is left, and what is God's plan for your family's future? The Holy Spirit is still moving.  He continues to guide and provide for us. Yes, even in a crisis, He provides, even when our hearts fear the most.  He is still there, swiftly carrying us.

PRAY first, to seek the Lord's direction.  He knows the way, and He has the answer or even delivers your need. Cling to Him FIRST.

Then, have FAITH, TRUST, AND HOPE in the Lord's plan for your child's current needs.


In His grip~Kim

Originally published 9/19/2014