Christmas Time is Here

Remember in yesterday's Post called Due Season, I talked about the good, the bad, and the ugly? Well, today I wanted to share the good!

I am so excited to finally be able to share this with you: Namesake Ministries will be having a Live Christmas Event for Women!!

Christmas Time is Here!

Join us for a night to celebrate Jesus and receive strength from God's Word. May this holiday season be a time of blessing and revival for us ~ not just survival! Whether you have had a rough year, are going to have a busy and hectic holiday schedule or aren't really "feeling it" this year...come and get some merry and bright Christmas spirit for your whole spirit, soul, and body. We pray that you will be revived this Christmas in His Word, His way, and His loving-kindness!

Tuesday December 1, 2009

7 ~ 8:30 PM

North Way Christian Community

In the KiDZ Ministry's Large Group Room

A Monetary Donation of your choosing will be accepted at the door.

With the proceeds, Namesake Ministries will take "care packages" to women in local Pittsburgh Hospitals. We will be taking these packages down to women that are on pregnancy related bed rest, cancer patients and patients with other illnesses.

Mark your calendars and gather your girlfriends for a great night of Christmas Cheer...we are even going to have an all girls Choir leading us in Christmas Carols!

I hope you can each make it!! Grace to you this fine day...and will I catch you thinking about Christmas???

Oh how He loves you sistas and so do I ~ Laurie Kay

Due Season

There have been many crazy things going on over here since my last post. And I will fill you all in ~ as I can.

Life has been moving right along ~ the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good ~ We are going to have a Christmas Lesson on Tuesday, December 1st at North Way Christian Community Church here in PA...so excited and getting all things planned out for that (more on this tomorrow). The bad ~ (not really bad...but hard for me) We are getting further ahead with the Non Profit "stuff" ~ it is like a foreign language to me...but our Great God and Saviour has been helping this simple girl push through the pain of it all. And alas, The ugly ~ so many dear people that I love have been going through some very tough trials.

Today, I want to share the ugly if I may. The roughness of life has slammed me in the face again...so much death, disease and hardships going on around me and it all equals heartache for me. It is in these times that I get attacked ~ with insecurity.

They come in the form of whispers. "Hey ~ you should really stop all this doing and trying to help...you can't help them all. You can't bless them, pray for them, speak scriptures to them, give them what they need right when they need it, you are not able to help. Just stop ~ God will use those who are better qualified." {These are the whispers in a nutshell...the real whispers are far more elusive than these.}

You see, I was really slammed with a lot of these kinds of whispers the past 2 days and then last night while weary physically and running on too little sleep ~ I thought on my own...God, I feel like I can't even help just one person ~ Is this really what I should be doing ~ Is this really Your will? I then asked for help, wisdom, direction, strength and sleep.

Today I got an email off of the Namesake Ministries website. A dear sister in Christ ~ hello CH ~ sent me an email and at the end thanked me for making her day. Oh my gravy!!! That was a word spoken in due season...even if she did not know it...Jesus used her to speak to me...there was the "one" to my question above. To hear this from someone I never met before...who lives in a different state...I was given so much encouragement from her words. God really used them to speak into my heart yet again about His strength, ability and will. He is such a loving Daddy.

I do not function on "just feedback"...but there are times when this human sista needs some feedback ~ I did last night and God blessed me rather quickly.

Please, if you feel like you should do something as simple as thanking someone for making your day...it may only be simple to you. The person receiving that may need it far more than you could ever know.

A few scriptures for thought:

• Proverbs 15:23 (NKJV) A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!


• Romans 14:19 (NKJV) Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

He loves you so much sweet girls...keep your eyes on Him and do His will!

Love you ~ Laurie Kay

You have turned for me

My all time favorite scripture is Psalm 30. This came to be because of a time of hardship when I was newly saved. One of my devotions this past week caused me to think of that moment in my journey and in turn this portion of scripture.

Let me share with you my moment:

I was newly saved and talking to one of my school friends about how I was so excited to know Jesus for real and know for sure that I was going to heaven. She then told me that she went to church all the time too and that she enjoyed going.

She also said that she would love to go to church with me and I thought that that was great. We knew each other since elementary school and it meant so much to me to go to church together ~ that is was another great thing to do together and make some more awesome memories...ya know?

We went and she was blown away by the goodness of God and we talked and talked for days about her experience. I think this is where her parents stepped in...cause she wasn't allowed to go back with me.

She told me it was great for me to go and she would go to her parents church and we could still hang out. So we did. Then some crazy things happened next with one example being parties ~ "alcohol parties". She said come on it is just a party and it's OK with God...He doesn't care that you do it. I was not liking it...but not wanting to be "left out"...so I went...it was horrible...I felt horrible just being there and I only took one sip of beer!

You may ask...what is so wrong with that? What is all the fuss about? That's nothing Laurie Kay. Well, it was something to me. You see I had a problem with alcohol.

My problem: Before I became a Christian at the age of 16, I used it as a buffer for awkward situations ~ as calmer for my nerves ~ as a way to let loose and be outgoing. I/we (my friends and I) started just taking it from my and my friend's parents cabinets to have on the weekends to try it ~ then we took it to get wasted ~ then we got older people to get it for us to host our own parties ~ I even would get drunk on the way to school. It was sad ~ sad because I was looked at as being cool to do those things and provide for my friends.

When you become a Christian...you are a new creation in Christ Jesus ~ all the old is gone ~ all things become new...I took this scripture from 2 Corinthians 5:17 close to my heart and felt God say this lifestyle is not for you ~ I have better for you, better than the world could ever provide.

I went through a time of purging ~ so to speak ~ right after this and this scripture was a great comfort to my soul...and God used it many times through the years over and over again to mold, change, comfort and bless my socks off!

Enjoy ~ Psalm 30:1-12 (NKJV) I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my foes rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Now in my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved.” LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled. I cried out to You, O LORD; And to the LORD I made supplication: “What profit is there in my blood, When I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your truth? Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me; LORD, be my helper!” You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

He loves you so much sistas and so do I ~ Laurie Kay

Shine on sistas!!

I had a hard time as a new believer stepping out of my comfort zone and approaching total strangers to tell them that Jesus loved them and that they needed Him in their life. It was such a "big" thing to go door to door...you were looked on as having great boldness in the faith if you did this. I was more comfortable talking to friends and family.

I remember thinking that I was totally letting God down by feeling this way. Like I was ashamed of Him...yet I wasn't ashamed of Him and would open my mouth every time I thought I could ~ I just could not get past that "go door to door to total strangers" thing.

At 16, I wore Jesus Rules shirts {JESUS RULES was written across the back of my tees} to school for pity's sake...how un-bold was I really??? Well, sistas, it still bothered me.

It bothered me bad. Then one day while I was having my devotions before going to work at Denny's ~ I believe God lead me to this scripture...1 Peter 3:15 (NIRV) But make sure in your hearts that Christ is Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect.

I prayed and cried before the Lord...that I wanted someone to ask me that. I was putting His Word in my heart and I made it my aim to obey Him. Why didn't anyone ask me this question?

So I went to work and did my job. Then 3 boys from High School came in and we were chatting and the one just out of the blue asked me!!! I was floored and so I answered him and we talked the whole time they were in...it was amazing how slow work was that night and the time I was able to spend talking to them.

What I learned then, was that I did not need to "only" go door to door to be a witness. Living for Him was being a witness. Living my life like an open book...being real, honest and "showing" my devotion to Him spoke louder than just my words spoken alone. What powerful words in this text:

• make sure in your hearts that Christ is Lord
• always be ready to give an answer ~ to anyone who asks you ~ about the hope you have
• be ready to give the reason for it
• do it gently and with respect

Ever since then, I do my part of putting His Word in me and spending time in prayer with Him ~ seeking His will, wisdom and asking Him to help me know when to speak and when not to speak...it has been a crazy blessed 21 years of Him leading me.

I thought of sharing this story with you because I heard this song on K-LOVE the other night and it reminded of that time at Denny's and the lesson I learned.

Here is just the chorus ~ Shine by Newsboys

Chorus
shine
make ´em wonder what you've got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord

Shine on sistas!!!
Jesus loves you so much & so do I ~ Laurie Kay

All stirred up!

Namesake Ministries "Ministry Scripture" is Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV) and it reads: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

My heart for this Ministry is that what is shared stirs you up to love and good works. When you walk away are you stirred up? Are you spurred on?

A few interesting definitions for you:

• Stirred ~ 1a to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of b : to disturb the quiet of : agitate — often used with up
• Agitate ~ 3a : to discuss excitedly and earnestly b : to stir up public discussion of
• Spur ~ 2 : to incite to action or accelerated growth or development : stimulate

I desire to inspire you to live out to the full what God has called you to be doing...some days I want to stir you to change your position to His position...if need be I would like to agitate you...and how about some stimulation!! Can I stimulate you to love God more? May I agitate you to love the lost more? How about stir you to change your position about how you view your children to how God views them?

Does the stirring up of love cause you to be provoked to do some good works in His name? Or even to pass it on and stir someone else up? Go with me for a moment...in some recipes you need to keep stirring to get just the right consistency...that is true with our God. He wants us to be living out His will in our lives and will put people and situations in front of us to stir us up so that we fulfill it!! He will keep doing this till we are the right consistency!! Sometimes it feels like a little agitation, and others very stimulating...but it is all for our good and for His glory.

Praise Him today for His love and faithfulness to you...and check out the Message Version of this scripture!

Hebrews 10:22-25 (The Message) So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Is there anyone you can stir up to love and good works today? Go and be blessed doing it. He loves you so much & so do I ~ Laurie Kay

Benefits you have in Christ Jesus

Psalm 103:1-5 (Amplified Version)
BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name! Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits-- Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!

{Please read it again...but out loud this time}

This scripture has been rolling around in my brain for a few days and I thought I would share it with you sweet sistas!!

• bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, oh my soul...in times of sadness, sorrow, grief, blessing and joy...at all times I should be gratefully and affectionately praising the Lord.
• forget not [one of] all His benefits...when seeking a new job, one asks what is the pay, vacation time and other benefits of working there. What are the benefits that you have in Christ Jesus?

1. The Lord forgives [every one of] all your iniquities
2. The Lord heals [each one of] all your diseases
3. The Lord redeems your life from the pit and corruption
4. The Lord beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy
5. The Lord satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good
6. The Lord does all this so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!

He is amazing!!

I am so grateful to be saved today. I am so grateful to know the truth. I am so grateful today to be a Daughter of the Most High God!

Spend some extra time today thinking over each one of those listed benefits and then affectionately and gratefully praise your God!

He loves you so much sistas...and so do I ~ Laurie Kay

torn

I BLOG today torn. Like some definitions of the verb tear, I feel divided or disrupted by the pull of contrary forces. And yet I feel as one. OK, to see it written down I look crazy!

I am weeping and I am rejoicing ~ at the same time.

I have had so much bad news this past week from friends and family. My heart breaks for them...they are living with grief from loss of lives, loss of health, loss of jobs and loss of relationships. I am weeping with them. I am praying for my Daddy to come down and lavish on them comfort, healing, peace, strength and love. I know He cares for them ~ even more than I do. I know He wills for them a future and a hope. I know He will work all things together for their good. I know He is an ever present help to them in this time of their trouble. I know He is faithful and true ~ and soo much more. I know He is their all in all and for all! I thank Him for these truths. I praise Him for who He is and who they are in Him. I still am weeping for them.

I BlOGGED a while back: B R O K E N {7/15/09} and said in there about weeping for the child as if he was my own. I have mourned with some friends as if it was me walking in their shoes. I was not doing this to be disrespectful of their loss...I just could not imagine going through what they are enduring and I just found myself thinking about it being me in their place. It drew me to pray for them constantly. I do not know everything that they have had to walk in this week...but they got a lot of prayers offered up to the Father from this sister.

I have had so many moments of intense laughter this week as well. So many side splitting laughs and joyous times. I have gotten a lot of good news this week too...people getting their prayers answered in a completely amazing way...better than what they even asked for and not exactly how they prayed for it to turn out. I am rejoicing with each one of them. I found myself thinking about them and praying for them throughout the days as well.

BOOM!! And then within a second I find myself tearing up and crying again...praying for the others. Yes, I do feel crazy at times, but I am so thankful to be alive. I am thankful to have relationships with people. I love knowing them and being known by them...doing life together and learning together.

I shall always be torn. I have learned this lesson all too well this week. To live is to be torn and we shall be made whole in Heaven. All will be made right. Now, this is not a "new" lesson for me...I always knew that life is not a "walk in the park" and that in Heaven all is well. It was the living in the intense extremes all at once that made these truths more real to me. I never had so many of both at the same time before.

I am so thankful for the life God has granted me to have here on earth and I am so thankful that I will live with Him forever in heaven. I thank Him for my family and my friends. I even thank Him for their quirks...for by them ~ quirks and all ~ I shall be changed into the person Jesus wants me to be.

Read this Scripture out loud and relish His love and faithfulness!!

Revelation 21:3-5 (Amplified Bible) Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine).

He loves you so much sisters & so do I ~ Laurie Kay