EDGE of the Cliff…

ByKathy Stephens

On the Edge of the cliff you can see for miles. You can see the splendor of endless magnificent creation or you can look down and see the depth of falling, the face of fear. You can stand on the shore and feel the waves as they are crashing in bringing in shells and sounds that soothe the soul and yet you can walk out just a few steps and sense the pulling of your body to deeper waters. Waters that will engulf you. AND…. when a storm moves in you see the darkness appear, the clouds roll in, the thunder roars and lighting bolts appear… yet, the rain brings new life, new growth, signs of new beginnings.
Our VIEW of our sometimes critical situations is Crucial. Sickness, loss, depression, financial insecurity, broken heart… You name it. Your view of life is Crucial. Your view of GOD in these situations is Crucial. High or Low, Weak or Strong, Rich or Poor. Which are we ???
Over the last few days I have felt the heartache of grief. It shows up at the most unexpected times. It’s full of the thoughts and feelings that bring you to the edge of the cliff, stand you beside the pull of the ocean, and make you fear the storm. I tell myself, BREATHE… BE STILL… It’s in those hours that I cry out to a GOD who is still in control, who still comforts and who continues to HOLD ME UP.
To quote HIS word, it says in Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you . Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. ”
I Hope you will write this verse out and put it somewhere so you can be reminded that HE IS THERE when life is critical…..

Worrier or Warrior???

ByKathy Stephens

Worrier or Warrior?
When I first saw this picture I laughed outloud. The crazy things that go through our minds, even in Yoga. Yoga have proven for me to be such an avenue for better health. Mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. One thing to know however is that it is so much more than the “cute” yoga pants. Yoga training taught me how to get quiet before the LORD on my mat. Truth is Yoga was a great tool for healing during the beginning stages of my GRIEF journey. #yogafaith.
Have you ever been a worrier? I know I sure have. I spent a great part of my adult life worrying about everything. Truth is worry kept me a prisoner for way too long. Worry can make you sick, deplete your love tank, steal your JOY, and make you a person that no one wants to be around. Worry is an element which contributes to a growing lack of faith. Here are some reminders from God’s word about worry.
Philippians4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray, about everything.
Proverbs 12:25 Worry weights a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
Matthew 6:27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Isaiah 7:4a Tell him to stop worrying.
Looking at this picture I know it’s a “play” on yoga truly, but DO you see yourself at all? Now ask yourself, ” what is the opposite of being a worrier?” the ANSWER. “being a Warrior.” In Yoga there is a pose we call WARRIOR 2. IT is a POSE that simply makes you feel strong and courageous. It is a grounding effect of strength and balance.
SPIRITUALLY we must be a Warrior as well… Being guarded and ready for the battles of LIFE. We are never alone when we are faced with adversities, with disappointments, with illnesses, with loss. In Jeremiah 20:11a we are reminded. “but the Lord stands beside me like a great Warrior.”
But what are we to do??? Ephesians 6:11-18 says… “put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly placed. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.” This next part is very important. “then after the battle you will be standing firm.” In the physical it is a GREAT reminder as we form our Warrior 2 POSE But spiritually ….. Let’s continue……….
Here’s how….. Vs. 14 “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Vs.15 For Shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Vs. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Vs. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Vs. 18 Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Where are you today? Worrier or Warrior?????

Becoming More…

ByKathy Stephens

With every MOUNTAIN we climb and every VALLEY we ENDURE, we become MORE of what GOD has called us to be.