Road Trip Day 1

So you know how when you're trying to get somewhere it's the one time you're late? That was today as I was starting my road trip.
First I realized that my tire had a slow leak and I'd forgotten to get it fixed earlier in the week like I'd meant to. So a quick trip to town to get that repaired before running home to eat breakfast and pack the car. I get started out and about 4 miles down the road realize I forgot my laptop cord and my GPS, kind of an issue but instead of turning around I argue with myself for 3 more miles about whether or not I need them which of course I do. So I head back home only to find out that the GPS is in the other car at the mechanic's. Run up there and I'm finally on my way after another quick stop at the store for some last minute essentials (and a text to Mom about the things I forgot that I need her to bring to me when we meet up).
A few slow downs in traffic, some great stories on KLOVE radio and a dog riding in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle going down the freeway and I make it to my first destination. Great!
Then we go to the store (where I scored some jeans for only $10! Yay!) and as I'm looking through dresses I hear someone say  "Marco". Thinking it's my friend that I'm with I say "Polo!" as I turn back and realize it's a stranger who laughs and says "Thanks." I smiled and would've laughed it off until the kiddos I was with said "Um... Miss Katt, she was calling for her son." ... Yep that happened.

Well a night with these friends and then off to the next adventure. Who knows what other stories I'll collect to share along the way!

Your Shackles Are No More

There's a song called "Call Upon the Lord" by Elevation Worship. There's a line in it that I love, "Rise your shackles are no more, for Jesus Christ has broken every chain..."

That's a great line right? Our shackles are no more. Whatever has kept us shackled, chained, bound, is gone. That sin that's haunted you, the hate that has filled your heart, the memories that keep you from sleeping at night, the trauma that wakes you up screaming, Christ wants to take it all away. In fact He already has. He's broken those chains but do we believe it?

Close your eyes for a moment, actually don't because then you can't read this, but still, imagine that your in a prison cell. It's dark and scary, you're miserable. Your chained to a wall but then Jesus comes and he breaks those chains, he frees you and then he holds out his hand and waits for you to take it. But instead you look at him and you shake your head, "I can't get up Jesus, I'm chained to the wall."

"No you're not my child," Jesus says, "I've broken the chain you're free. Take my hand and come out of this cell."

Instead you shake your head, "I can't Jesus. I'm chained."

Patiently Jesus keeps reminding you over and over that He has broken those chains but until you believe it, take His hand and let Him lead you out of that cell you'll always be chained. You may be saved, you may be going to heaven but that doesn't mean you're living in freedom.

Pray Uncesasingly

Pray unceasingly. So how do you do that? I mean you have to sleep, there are times you talk to other people, times you eat or are doing various activities that require your fully attention so how do you pray at those times?

Well maybe I'm wrong but here's my theory.

Pray unceasingly isn't about constantly talking to God. It's about being in constant communion with God. About always dwelling in His presence. It's about keeping that line of communication open. About talking to Him about everything.

Yes there are times when you set aside a specific block of time to pray but that's not the only way to pray.

Here's some fun facts.

-You don't have to be in a church to pray. God can hear you wherever you are.
-You don't have to be with others to pray. God can hear you by yourself and when you're with other people.
-You don't have to use specific words. God understands you, in every language and even when you don't speak the Holy Spirit can interpret your groaning.

So pray, about anything and everything. During all times of the day and every time of the day. With others and for others, by yourself and for your needs. God loves you, He wants to hear from you, He wants to be in a relationship with you.

But one more really important thing to remember my friends. Prayer isn't just about asking or telling God things, it's about listening to what He wants to tell you.

My Parents

Last week my parents celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary and in honor of that I wanted to share some of the lessons they have taught my siblings, myself, and so many others in the last thirty-eight years.

Stand up for what you believe in.
Have faith but make sure it's your faith; know what you believe and why you believe it.
Ask questions, find the answers yourself, don't just believe what people tell you.
Take responsibility for your actions.
If you don't know how to do something, it's time to learn. (This was something we heard constantly when I was growing up.)
Love is a choice and an action.
Know what your values are because they will define your life.

So here's to you Mom and Dad, thanks for the advice and life lessons! And here's to all the lessons you'll teach us in the next 38 years!
Love you guys!

Happy 4th of July

Just wanted to wish you all a happy 4th of July (a couple of days early)!

Here in America we celebrate the 4th of July because on July 4th 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's the day that our forefathers gave us the right to live with freedom. In America we have the freedom to worship as we choose. The freedom to speak as we wish without fear of consequences from the government. We have the freedom to vote and elect our government officials.

God has given us freedoms in America. Many of our men and women have fought and died to keep those freedoms.

This 4th of July we need to remember that the freedom we have been given in America is not free, it's a blessing from God and a blessing we must not take for granted lest we lose it and never get it back.

So have a happy and safe fourth of July with your families my friends, and never, ever forget why we celebrate this amazing holiday or the people who made it possible. And most importantly don't forget to give thanks to the Lord for giving us this great country, the amazing freedoms we enjoy and the wonderful people we celebrate those freedoms with.

Happy Birthday America!