I don't know about you, but when I slip up and do something (giving into this temptation or that one) that I know is not in line with God's call on my life, I have the absolutely hardest time finding the grace for myself to forgive myself and move on. Even when I have confessed my sin to the Lord, repented, and received His glorious grace, mercy, and forgiveness, I have a hard time giving it to myself. The enemy works on this weakness in so many ways, tormenting me with how I have mucked it all up yet again, telling me that I am unworthy of His love, of all the godly friends in my life, and just all my blessings in general.
So, the question is, how do I move on, tell satan to go take a hike, and just forgive myself? I can forgive others for their transgressions -- so why can't I do the same for myself?
The answer is in God's Word, in many different places, stated in many different ways. Letting His Words for me sink deep into my soul...to not just memorize them, but to meditate on them and know them in my very heart of hearts, it's then when true forgiveness and grace begins.
There are so many passages in Scripture that are there to comfort us and release us from the captivity of regret. Here are just a few:
"But the LORD says, “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there." Isaiah 43:18 - 19
"Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above." Philippians 3:13- 14
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
May you find the blessing in being a new creation in Christ, K
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Singing a New Song...What's Up with That?
You may wonder where I came up with the title of my blog "A New Song to Sing". Or maybe you already figured it out. Or maybe you could really care less, but if that's the case (and I say this with no attitude, but just pure matter-of-factness), I'm not really sure why you are wasting any time reading my blog to begin with -- just saying! :)
In any case, for anyone out there who is wondering, it actually comes from Psalm 40 of the Bible:
"He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40:3 NLT)
Over the last several months, I have come to realize the He has indeed given me a new song to sing. For so long I have wondered what my calling is, and been insanely jealous over anyone who had found theirs (or at least appeared to have found it).
Learning to be still in His presence, to always keep the lines of communication open, to thank Him for the many blessings and abundance I enjoy in my life, to give my problems, worries, and concerns over to Him (no matter how small or insignificant they may seem), to strive and yearn for an ever-expanding relationship with Him, to glorify Him. The things He is calling me to do are becoming more clear, bit by bit, as I learn to lean on Him, and live obediently to His will. I hope and pray that if you are unsure, scared, or alone, that you can also learn to press into Him. Your true calling is just around the corner!
Many blessings, Kristina
In any case, for anyone out there who is wondering, it actually comes from Psalm 40 of the Bible:
"He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40:3 NLT)
Over the last several months, I have come to realize the He has indeed given me a new song to sing. For so long I have wondered what my calling is, and been insanely jealous over anyone who had found theirs (or at least appeared to have found it).
Learning to be still in His presence, to always keep the lines of communication open, to thank Him for the many blessings and abundance I enjoy in my life, to give my problems, worries, and concerns over to Him (no matter how small or insignificant they may seem), to strive and yearn for an ever-expanding relationship with Him, to glorify Him. The things He is calling me to do are becoming more clear, bit by bit, as I learn to lean on Him, and live obediently to His will. I hope and pray that if you are unsure, scared, or alone, that you can also learn to press into Him. Your true calling is just around the corner!
Many blessings, Kristina
Friday, February 3, 2012
A Year of Change
So...it's been nearly a year since I posted last. What can I say? Life got crazy and this got put on the WAY back burner. But, God has been good enough to start speaking some truths into my heart, and one of them is how important writing is to my sanity...and how spending time with Him is even more so important to that sanity...but how great would it be if I could combine them once in awhile? Perhaps I would hear from Him even more if I was actually USING one of the talents He gave me to share my testimony with the world!
So, here I am, back in blog world. The fam is out to dinner (my hubby, son and our 17-year-old exchange daughter from Italy, Fiori...more about that later!) and I am here, home sick with a nasty sinus infection and bronchitis, but the silence is welcome and gives me a moment to sit down and type.
For the last year, I have been pursuing hard in my relationship with the Lord, trying to get to know Him as well as I can. Trying to know Him as I would a friend. Now, I am by no means saying that I have always gotten it right, or that there haven't been times that I have gotten lazy with my spirituality and (though I hate to admit it) shut down on God a time or two. But you know the great part? He's always been waiting for me with open arms when I finally got off my high horse, repented of my hard-heartedness and laziness, and came running back to him. Every. Single. Time. How great is that?
So, I can't wait to share the ups and downs of the last several months with you...and the way that God has worked through all those times to ultimately bring me closer to Him.
See you soon! Pouring out blessings on you and yours, Kristina
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
So, here I am, back in blog world. The fam is out to dinner (my hubby, son and our 17-year-old exchange daughter from Italy, Fiori...more about that later!) and I am here, home sick with a nasty sinus infection and bronchitis, but the silence is welcome and gives me a moment to sit down and type.
For the last year, I have been pursuing hard in my relationship with the Lord, trying to get to know Him as well as I can. Trying to know Him as I would a friend. Now, I am by no means saying that I have always gotten it right, or that there haven't been times that I have gotten lazy with my spirituality and (though I hate to admit it) shut down on God a time or two. But you know the great part? He's always been waiting for me with open arms when I finally got off my high horse, repented of my hard-heartedness and laziness, and came running back to him. Every. Single. Time. How great is that?
So, I can't wait to share the ups and downs of the last several months with you...and the way that God has worked through all those times to ultimately bring me closer to Him.
See you soon! Pouring out blessings on you and yours, Kristina
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Clarksville, TN
Friday, February 11, 2011
More Than Enough
As a continuation from my last post, I thought I would let you in on another little project that I am working on this year. No one knows about it yet. Not my husband, not my mother, not any of the ladies in my Bible study group. It's something I thought about and prayed about for several weeks before I came to a decision in early December.
Ready for it? I know, I know, the suspense is killing you!
Awhile back, I read about a woman who had made the decision to give up purchasing new clothes for herself for an entire year. This idea really stuck with me, and though I have read and heard much about the various things that people give up in their lives for one reason or another, this one seemed to call my name. It was like I was being told that I needed to make this sacrifice too. Therefore, I decided to make the commitment that for the entire year of 2011, I would purchase no clothing for myself. My only exception to this is undergarments, ie: bras, underwear, and socks. Nothing fancy, just whatever gets worn out and needs to be replaced as the year proceeds.
Now, I don't want you to get me wrong -- it's not like I'm this huge clothes horse or closet junkie or label monger or anything of the sort. Yes, I appreciate clothes that look good and flatter me, but I'm definitely not above buying gently used, normally sky-high expensive jeans on eBay if I can find the right size and style. Typically, I'm the queen of good deals.
But the idea still stuck with me that maybe I still hadn't really gotten it that I already had everything that I needed -- way more, in fact, than a girl really ever needs. Every time I get ready to go out for a lunch date with a girlfriend, or a night out with my hubby, I pick an outfit from the same set of clothing time after time -- and I realize that I have way more clothes than I need. Of course you have enough clothes!, a voice inside me screamed.
Two days ago my son and I went on a major grocery excursion to Wal-mart. Even the cupboards were pretty empty of the various canned goods I usually keep on hand for emergencies. It was time to do some major restocking.
I will tell you, it was every bit as hard as I thought it might be to stop myself from automatically throwing items of clothing into the cart as I walked through the store, back towards the dairy section. Oh, that's such a cute coat! And so well priced! I would think as I scanned the Women's clothing. It's so cold right now, surely I can justify that purchase! Ummm...wrong! No new clothes! Not for the rest of this year!
Now, you might be reading this and thinking how very stupid this might all sound, but to me, it's a very real "experiment" on my values, my psyche, my heart, and soul.
I am happy to that we are officially 42 days into the New Year and that I have not purchased any clothing for myself. At the same time, this is the first time that I have taken the time to write about it and make it public. I guess that would have to do with the fear of commitment of it. Like, if I actually spend some real time blogging about this and reflecting on my feelings about it and the implications, then that really commits me. If I don't, then it's just something that I was mulling over at one point but never really took to total fruition. The problem, however, is that I really feel this pull to do this thing.
I know this is going to sound really, really stupid, and incredibly spoiled to some people, but the thought of not getting a single item of new clothing for an entire year is actually pretty scary to me. And not because I feel like I need to have new clothes all the time, but rather, because it is just so darn easy in this society to get them, and I'm actually more scared that I will be at Walmart or Target purchasing groceries and home goods, see a cute pair of jeans on sale that actually fit, and just totally forget about my clothes fast and buy them on the spot. It's truly just too easy to buy clothes in my world these days.
That is probably the exact reason why I need to do this.
I need to lose the taken for granted attitude that I have started to have about clothes, as well as other things, in my life. How easy they are to get, how simple it is to replace them. I need to remember that it's not nearly that easy for many people. I need to appreciate everything I already have, because God certainly knows, it's more than enough.
Many blessings to you and yours, Kristina
Ready for it? I know, I know, the suspense is killing you!
Awhile back, I read about a woman who had made the decision to give up purchasing new clothes for herself for an entire year. This idea really stuck with me, and though I have read and heard much about the various things that people give up in their lives for one reason or another, this one seemed to call my name. It was like I was being told that I needed to make this sacrifice too. Therefore, I decided to make the commitment that for the entire year of 2011, I would purchase no clothing for myself. My only exception to this is undergarments, ie: bras, underwear, and socks. Nothing fancy, just whatever gets worn out and needs to be replaced as the year proceeds.
Now, I don't want you to get me wrong -- it's not like I'm this huge clothes horse or closet junkie or label monger or anything of the sort. Yes, I appreciate clothes that look good and flatter me, but I'm definitely not above buying gently used, normally sky-high expensive jeans on eBay if I can find the right size and style. Typically, I'm the queen of good deals.
But the idea still stuck with me that maybe I still hadn't really gotten it that I already had everything that I needed -- way more, in fact, than a girl really ever needs. Every time I get ready to go out for a lunch date with a girlfriend, or a night out with my hubby, I pick an outfit from the same set of clothing time after time -- and I realize that I have way more clothes than I need. Of course you have enough clothes!, a voice inside me screamed.
Two days ago my son and I went on a major grocery excursion to Wal-mart. Even the cupboards were pretty empty of the various canned goods I usually keep on hand for emergencies. It was time to do some major restocking.
I will tell you, it was every bit as hard as I thought it might be to stop myself from automatically throwing items of clothing into the cart as I walked through the store, back towards the dairy section. Oh, that's such a cute coat! And so well priced! I would think as I scanned the Women's clothing. It's so cold right now, surely I can justify that purchase! Ummm...wrong! No new clothes! Not for the rest of this year!
Now, you might be reading this and thinking how very stupid this might all sound, but to me, it's a very real "experiment" on my values, my psyche, my heart, and soul.
I am happy to that we are officially 42 days into the New Year and that I have not purchased any clothing for myself. At the same time, this is the first time that I have taken the time to write about it and make it public. I guess that would have to do with the fear of commitment of it. Like, if I actually spend some real time blogging about this and reflecting on my feelings about it and the implications, then that really commits me. If I don't, then it's just something that I was mulling over at one point but never really took to total fruition. The problem, however, is that I really feel this pull to do this thing.
I know this is going to sound really, really stupid, and incredibly spoiled to some people, but the thought of not getting a single item of new clothing for an entire year is actually pretty scary to me. And not because I feel like I need to have new clothes all the time, but rather, because it is just so darn easy in this society to get them, and I'm actually more scared that I will be at Walmart or Target purchasing groceries and home goods, see a cute pair of jeans on sale that actually fit, and just totally forget about my clothes fast and buy them on the spot. It's truly just too easy to buy clothes in my world these days.
That is probably the exact reason why I need to do this.
I need to lose the taken for granted attitude that I have started to have about clothes, as well as other things, in my life. How easy they are to get, how simple it is to replace them. I need to remember that it's not nearly that easy for many people. I need to appreciate everything I already have, because God certainly knows, it's more than enough.
Many blessings to you and yours, Kristina
Location:Union St,Clarksville,United States
Friday, February 4, 2011
Purging of the "Too Much"
Purging. That's what's on the the agenda today. No, not of food. That's one area of my life where I'm actually doing pretty well, living pretty healthy -- thank you, God! No, this is a purging of things. Things have multiplied to the point where I can't open the linen closet in our bathroom and find anything I need without a plethora of objects crashing down all around me. Soap, shampoo, shampoo samples, lotions, toothpaste, various kinds of hair products, all partially used, and the list goes on and on and on.
I really have no one I can blame it on but myself. It would be so easy to blame it on my husband and son, but if I really look at it, the vast majority of the "stuff" is mine. And I am sick and tired of looking at it, rummaging around it, and having it take up space -- especially the stuff that we don't even use. Time to get rid of it -- throw it away if it's no good, recycle it if possible, donate it if I can, give it to someone who can and will use it. Basically, if I'm not using it, and there's not a spot for it where it can be easily stored and accessed, it's going to have to go!
This isn't just a spring cleaning thing. Yes, it will feel so good to have things cleaned out, organized, and pared down (and my husband will probably jump for joy that I've finally tackled this project). However, this goes much deeper. It's going down into my health -- physically, mentally, and spiritually. And I don't care what anyone says -- you just can't be totally healthy in all of these areas with a bunch of junk surrounding you. At least I know I can't.
This is a process I started months ago. It probably started with going to Bible study every week last summer, something that I have continued to do with each new "semester". I began to realize that I really needed to get my heart right about some things. Then, I started working out 5-6 days and week as a part of getting my body healthy. Now, organizing the house, getting rid of what needs getting rid of, and even starting this blog are all a part of getting myself mentally healthy.
For me, it's all about taking a proactive approach to all aspects of my health. Today, a big part of it is purging the physical things in our home that just don't have a place anymore.
I must be off now to continue this project I have started...wish me luck!
As always, until next time...many blessings to you and yours, Kristina
I really have no one I can blame it on but myself. It would be so easy to blame it on my husband and son, but if I really look at it, the vast majority of the "stuff" is mine. And I am sick and tired of looking at it, rummaging around it, and having it take up space -- especially the stuff that we don't even use. Time to get rid of it -- throw it away if it's no good, recycle it if possible, donate it if I can, give it to someone who can and will use it. Basically, if I'm not using it, and there's not a spot for it where it can be easily stored and accessed, it's going to have to go!
This isn't just a spring cleaning thing. Yes, it will feel so good to have things cleaned out, organized, and pared down (and my husband will probably jump for joy that I've finally tackled this project). However, this goes much deeper. It's going down into my health -- physically, mentally, and spiritually. And I don't care what anyone says -- you just can't be totally healthy in all of these areas with a bunch of junk surrounding you. At least I know I can't.
This is a process I started months ago. It probably started with going to Bible study every week last summer, something that I have continued to do with each new "semester". I began to realize that I really needed to get my heart right about some things. Then, I started working out 5-6 days and week as a part of getting my body healthy. Now, organizing the house, getting rid of what needs getting rid of, and even starting this blog are all a part of getting myself mentally healthy.
For me, it's all about taking a proactive approach to all aspects of my health. Today, a big part of it is purging the physical things in our home that just don't have a place anymore.
I must be off now to continue this project I have started...wish me luck!
As always, until next time...many blessings to you and yours, Kristina
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Introductions, please!
I guess the best way to start off a blog is to take a moment to introduce myself, explain who I am, and what I hope to do with this blog.
Currently, I have been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom with a two-and-a-half year old son and a wonderful, loving husband. We live in downtown Clarksville in one of the historic neighborhoods. Three years ago, we bought and restored our 1835-built home. I have to say -- there was a time when you never would have gotten me to live in a house so old -- but I absolutely LOVE it!
In my "free" time, when I'm not cleaning, doing laundry, or grocery shopping, I spend a lot of time volunteering as a Co-chair on the Parent Advisory Committee at my son's preschool. I am also the Secretary on the Preschool Board. (I'm sure you are wondering what on Earth a preschool could need a board for -- I mean, what could we possibly do, right??? Wrong! We are busier than I could ever imagine supporting the Director in her duties, as well as making recommendations and decisions on things such as budgetary concerns, staffing issues, and even building maintenance issues from time to time! It can get crazy, but helping to serve in my son's school makes it all worth it.)
I also attend a Women's Bible study group on a weekly basis, and try to make it to church services every Sunday. Both of those things have proven to be life-altering in my views of living, and I hope to shed some insight on the hows and the whys throughout this blog.
This is my first attempt at a blog, so please bear with me. I have to admit I have been mulling the idea around in my head for two years now (I can even prove that -- I have a whole folder on my computer entitled "Blog" that dates back to February of 2009 that contains ideas, thoughts, and possibilities to include in my blog, should one ever come to pass.)
I have no crazy ideas that I am going to have some huge audience of readers that just can't wait to read my next post (though, if that ever happens, I would be eternally grateful). If all this blog ever does is to help me journal, organize and record my thoughts and moments worth remembering, that will be more than enough for me.
Right now I need to go sneak in a quick treadmill workout before heading off to pick up my sweet boy from school. (I can't wait to hear what brilliant new thing he comes up with to make me laugh out loud today!)
Let me finish this post with a short disclaimer: If you do happen to read this blog, please don't ever get the idea that I am trying to force any of my ideas or beliefs onto anyone else. These are the things that I believe, as I make my journey through life. And sometimes, I may change my mind about things. This is my blog, so I'm allowed to do that! ;) If I can ever make a point or a revelation that helps someone else come to a new conclusion in their own life, then I count that as a blessing. We are all here on this planet together, trying to take care of our families, pay our bills, get along, be happy and healthy, and hopefully have a little fun along the way.
Until next time...many blessings to you and yours, Kristina
Currently, I have been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom with a two-and-a-half year old son and a wonderful, loving husband. We live in downtown Clarksville in one of the historic neighborhoods. Three years ago, we bought and restored our 1835-built home. I have to say -- there was a time when you never would have gotten me to live in a house so old -- but I absolutely LOVE it!
In my "free" time, when I'm not cleaning, doing laundry, or grocery shopping, I spend a lot of time volunteering as a Co-chair on the Parent Advisory Committee at my son's preschool. I am also the Secretary on the Preschool Board. (I'm sure you are wondering what on Earth a preschool could need a board for -- I mean, what could we possibly do, right??? Wrong! We are busier than I could ever imagine supporting the Director in her duties, as well as making recommendations and decisions on things such as budgetary concerns, staffing issues, and even building maintenance issues from time to time! It can get crazy, but helping to serve in my son's school makes it all worth it.)
I also attend a Women's Bible study group on a weekly basis, and try to make it to church services every Sunday. Both of those things have proven to be life-altering in my views of living, and I hope to shed some insight on the hows and the whys throughout this blog.
This is my first attempt at a blog, so please bear with me. I have to admit I have been mulling the idea around in my head for two years now (I can even prove that -- I have a whole folder on my computer entitled "Blog" that dates back to February of 2009 that contains ideas, thoughts, and possibilities to include in my blog, should one ever come to pass.)
I have no crazy ideas that I am going to have some huge audience of readers that just can't wait to read my next post (though, if that ever happens, I would be eternally grateful). If all this blog ever does is to help me journal, organize and record my thoughts and moments worth remembering, that will be more than enough for me.
Right now I need to go sneak in a quick treadmill workout before heading off to pick up my sweet boy from school. (I can't wait to hear what brilliant new thing he comes up with to make me laugh out loud today!)
Let me finish this post with a short disclaimer: If you do happen to read this blog, please don't ever get the idea that I am trying to force any of my ideas or beliefs onto anyone else. These are the things that I believe, as I make my journey through life. And sometimes, I may change my mind about things. This is my blog, so I'm allowed to do that! ;) If I can ever make a point or a revelation that helps someone else come to a new conclusion in their own life, then I count that as a blessing. We are all here on this planet together, trying to take care of our families, pay our bills, get along, be happy and healthy, and hopefully have a little fun along the way.
Until next time...many blessings to you and yours, Kristina
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