that's grace...

GRACE.

Grace is an act of kindness, mercy and favor that is given though it is undeserved.

Max Lucado says it best…

“Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, ‘I can clean that if you want.’ And from the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes away our sin.”  

The line that I highlighted and underlined multiple times in that is “I can clean that if you want.” That’s what I talked about last week. Are we willing to accept this grace that God has to offer us? Are we willing to let Him wash away our sin?

This gift of grace is God’s way of showing us just how deep and unconditional His love is for us. No matter where we are at in our lives, no matter how far we are away from Him, (even when He is nonexistent in our lives as far as we are concerned), no matter how badly your life may be messed up, God is still there and He loves you the same. That is grace.

There are no amounts of “good things” that you can do or have to do to earn this grace…it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8) There is no list you have to be on. There is no amount of money you have to have. There is no certain level of job you have to have.  There is no “accepted” or “denied” status. You just have to be willing to receive it.

The truth is nobody needs grace more or less than anybody else.

And this is a good time to transition to this week’s message which ultimately can be wrapped up in the following sentence:

Every person that you meet, they are in God’s eyes, worthy of Jesus dying on the cross.

Before you continue reading, read that last sentence as many times as it takes for that to really sink in. And when you have done so, you can continue reading! :)

With this truth in mind, I pray that it would alter the way we look at the people we see every single day. The way we treat them, the way we interact with them, the way we love them.

Let's start looking through the eyes of God, seeing people the way He sees them. Seeing ourselves the way He sees us. 

I will leave you with a song. It's called "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath.

Give me your eyes for just one second

Give me your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing.

Give me your love for humanity

Give me your arms for the brokenhearted

Ones that are far beyond my reach.

Give me your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see.

So give me a second chance

To see the way you see the people all along.

4th of July 2013 

here is the plan, stan! :)

I miss blogging so I have been trying to decide what I want to do with this blog. I really want to do more than what I have been doing with it I just don't really know to write about.

And then it dawned on me...

I do have things I can share with you!

I am leading the contemporary service at my church which started today. So why not briefly share the message that I give at church? You're not going to get the full sermon - sorry - but you can get an overview at least! By the way, it is still so strange to me that I am writing "sermons". Those are most definitely words that I never ever thought would come out of my mouth.

For those of you who go to my church, I realize this won't be the most exciting thing for you. But I will do my best to share other stories and happenings in my life as well to give you something to read or pictures to look at. I do know that there are several people who read my blog who don't live in Chanute (or at least I think they read it ;)) so hopefully it won't be so boring for you guys. haha.

I really enjoy blogging and want to get back into it so this might be a good solution.

Thank YOU for reading my blog!! I appreciate you and am excited to share with you what the Lord is teaching me and putting on my heart. As well as any pictures or cool/funny stories, neat experiences, funny moments,or new opportunities that may come about.

And with that being said....yesterday my family traveled to Newton, KS to attend the wedding of Shana Kaufman and Adam Tilman. They said their "I do's" and are now Mr. and Mrs. Tilman. Sweet! :)

Here are some photos from the evening.

Trying to find that perfect pair of sunglasses. I think we all found our perfect pair! :)

I happen to have a good friend from high school who lives in Newton so in between the wedding and reception we got to hang out for a bit. Sat outside at Sonic and talked (it was so nice out), went on a walk, and made a trip to Walgreens! Wonderful afternoon spent with Erin!

Dustin's dance with Tilly (the groom) for the dollar dance. It began with a bro hug of course.
Sorry for the blurriness. I forgot to change the settings. :(

Blurry again but I think you can clearly see that it was a special moment for them both ;)

Devin: "Kaci, are we going to take a picture?"
Me: *In shock* "What? You want to take a picture? Yes, let's do!"
Dusty proceeds to photo bomb.

Mom and Devo.

Is there such a thing as a normal sibling picture? I don't think so. Not in our family anyway.

I didn't get one picture of the bride. Or of my sister in-law who was the matron of honor. Picture taking fail. :( They both looked gorgeous though, you can take my word for it. :)

i can't get it out of my head.

When people find out that I have a huge desire to go overseas I get many different reactions. "Awesome!" "Are you sure you want to do that?" "Why?" "Is it safe?" "You're brave!" And some people just shake their head...I don't really know what that means... haha!

Before I go on, I'm going to push the rewind button and share with you the moment when I felt as though the calling to missions overseas was placed on my heart.

I have always been interested in traveling and going new places I think...that I can remember of anyway. But I distinctly remember back in my freshman year of high school. I was at Acquire the Fire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A representative was there from Global Expeditions to share about the different trips they had to offer. After hearing him speak and seeing the brochures my heart was pounding so fast. I wanted to jump up and down with excitement right then and there and scream "Take me, take me! I'll go right now!". I didn't though, but it was hard to contain my need to jump up and down with joy. And to think I got that excited just from hearing stories and seeing pictures of other people's experiences. That's when I knew at some point I was going somewhere....I had to. I didn't know when, I didn't know where, I just knew I was going to GO.

It wasn't until my freshman year of college (four years later) that I had my first opportunity to go. I was asked if I would be interested in going with a youth group here in Chanute and I don't think I hesitated for a second to say YES! My dream was finally coming true.

In March 2008 I was on a plane to the beautiful and wonderful country of Honduras. I really had no idea what to expect. At this point in my life I really hadn't been to too many places let alone leaving the US of A! I still haven't but my list of places I have been is slowly but surely growing. :) From the moment I stepped off the plane I couldn't believe that I was actually there...in Honduras....it was so surreal.

We weren't in Honduras but for 10 days but that 10 days was enough for me to not want to get back on the plane to come home. It was an incredible 10 days. It was enough for God to confirm in my heart that I was called to missions overseas. It was long enough for me to fall in love with the country. It was enough time for me to still miss Honduras to this day, 5 years later. I can't imagine what it will feel like when I am in a country for over a month. It still makes me smile just remembering my time in Honduras and dreaming of the day when I hopefully will have the chance to go back.

I don't know where I will go yet. I don't know how long term it will be. And I don't know when exactly I will have the opportunity to go next. But I do know that I am going and I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to that day. God has put this longing in my heart to GO that cannot be ignored no matter how much I try. Believe me I could come up with 101 excuses of why I shouldn't go, but there is one reason to go that is greater than those 101 reasons why I shouldn't. That reason is Jesus... To go to these countries (or maybe country) and be the hands and feet of Jesus... To love on the people and serve "the least of these".... To further the Kingdom of God.... That's reason enough for me to ignore the 100 reasons I should stay and GO!

I wish I could let those around me feel what I feel. Maybe then they would understand more of why I want to go, why I need to go, but unfortunately I can't. Thankfully even if they don't understand why, or they just don't want to leave, they are still supportive of me going which is amazing! This may seem a bit extreme but sometimes I feel like I am homesick for places I haven't even been yet. And it doesn't go away. Sometimes it's stronger than others, but it's always there in the back of my mind. It's been there for approximately 10 years....:)

The saying is "Home is where the heart is." A piece of my heart will always be in Kansas no matter where I go or how long I am gone. But I have this feeling there will be pieces of my heart left all over the nations and that puts a ginormous smile on my face!

And that's why I need to go. I can't get it off my mind. I can't get it out of my heart. Therefore, I must go.

The cool thing is, while I'm waiting God has given me so many amazing ministry opportunities right here in the states...in my hometown even. I don't know what I did to deserve it but I am so grateful. How blessed am I to be doing the things that I love and near my family...especially that cute nephew of mine! ;)

I. Am. Blessed. God is so good. (And I just can't stop smiling right now!)

Here are some pictures from my Honduras Trip in 2008!

The beach....right out our back door. We were lucky enough to spend a few days in this beautiful place. It was also my first time to see the ocean. :)

This is an embarrassing picture. But we got our hair braided. My hair was short so this was the only option for me. I took it out that night. But it was a cool experience!

:)

Our mode of transportation.

They loved the bubbles!

View from the top of a mountain. Honduras is the most beautiful place I've ever been...so far anyway!

Us girls on top of the mountain. :)

The group who went to the top of the mountain. It was amazing...incredible view.

The kiddos we got to spend several days with.

They had no sitting in their home so the dad, without being asked, went to work and made a bench for us to sit on. And voila, we had seating. :)

P.S. None of these pictures were taken by me. I didn't take my camera. :( I will NEVER leave my camera at home when I go somewhere again.

encourage and be encouraged.

God has been showing me the importance of encouragement lately. Whether it's me giving words of encouragement to someone, or someone giving me words of encouragement.

Definition of encourage: to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.

Another way to put it: to inspire someone with the courage and confidence to do something.

The words that we speak are powerful. Sometimes they have more power than we may ever know. Are the words coming from your mouth uplifting and encouraging to those around you??

I could make a pretty lengthy list of things I most likely would have never done had it not been for my wonderful friends and family cheering me on and encouraging me along the way. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today doing what I'm doing. I wouldn't have had the courage, the idea, or the ability (or so I thought...we are always hardest on ourselves) to do some of the things I have done if I hadn't been encouraged by someone.

Without the words of encouragement I have received in the difficult times....they would have been 100 times more difficult to go through.

I will say it again.... Words are powerful.

Are you surrounded by people who say encouraging and uplifting things to you, or people who bring you down? If it's the latter, maybe you should find some new people to be around because when you have people in your life who support you, encourage you, and believe in you....that is when you start believing in yourself and build up the confidence and courage to go out and achieve your biggest dreams.

Dream Big. Encourage and be encouraged. Believe in yourself.

How have you been encouraged lately? And how have you encouraged someone recently?

I dare you to encourage someone today!

"When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need--words that will help others become stronger." --Ephesians 4:29

my provider.

You know those times when God does something really cool and you can't help but smile and say thank you even though thank you really doesn't even begin to express how thankful you really are?

Right now I am in a weird situation. I am doing a lot of things and I have a lot of "jobs" but I'm not making a lot of money. I am by no means complaining about this, and actually I have been extremely blessed in what I am making and getting to do what I am doing. But the Lord has definitely been a part of it. And He is really teaching me to be completely and totally dependent upon Him in every area of my life.

A few years back I learned my lesson when it comes to finances. The money situation can be very stressful at times and can result in a lot of worry. God has taught me time and time again not to worry about money though.

There have been several situations where God has come through financially (as well as many other ways) in my life. There is one particular time though in which God blew me away and I was convinced and truly believed at that point that my God is a God who really does provide.

Urbana is a missions conference in St. Louis and the opportunity came for me to go on this trip with a friend. I am very into anything that has to do with missions so I was very interested. At the time though my job wasn't very consistent and I could never count on a steady paycheck. And when I did get a full paycheck it was hardly anything due to not getting many hours.

So I prayed a lot. Of course I really wanted to go, but I told God that I didn't want to go just because it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to go but only if He really wanted me to be there. I didn't want to be there on my own selfish terms. My parents weren't exactly thrilled that I was even considering spending the money (it was a bit pricey) when they knew I wasn't making much. So I prayed some more...a lot more. I was convinced that I was in fact supposed to go on this trip. And it was because God told me to go. So I said yes.

Once I said yes I found out that the church I was going to - keep in mind I hadn't been going there but for a couple of months if even that at this point, they were offering to pay so much of my way to go. I don't remember now the specifics but I do remember it being a pretty good portion of what was needed. A week before leaving on the trip though I was still short some money to pay for my share of the hotel room, gas money, and food while I was there.

I remember I was stressing about what I was going to do and my mom asked me how the finances were coming for the trip. I had a freak out moment. I broke down and started crying. In the midst of the crying I started praying. "God I don't understand how you can tell me to go on this trip but yet not provide the money." And then I realized I was being ridiculous. I was taking matters into my own hand, stressing myself out, and I was doubting God. So we chatted it out and I came to the conclusion that it was silly to worry about it, God had it covered, I needed to stop doubting Him. I knew without a doubt that he wanted me to be at that conference so I finally said "Alright God. You will come through somehow someway...I'm trusting you."

Wow...boy did He come through.

The next week I received 3 different checks, all were very unexpected! I don't remember where they all came from even. I know one of them was a bonus at work that I had no idea was coming (It was around Christmas time). I think I randomly received money from someone...maybe in a Christmas card or something? I'm not sure. All I know is I went to Urbana with enough money.

And guess how much I came home with?!! I had exactly $1.00 left. God had come through. And I was even able to buy the CD from the conference and a Starbucks drink. :) He provided in every way and more.

Since then, the Lord has always continued to come through for me in every way...and not just financially.

And he just keeps doing it!

Last Sunday I spoke at my church and after the service someone came up to me who I don't really know very well other than what her name is. We said a few words, she shook my hand, and she had something in her hand that she was putting in my hand. I looked down to see what it was...there sitting in my hand was $20.00 bill.

I was so in shock, I know I didn't give her the proper thanks that she deserved. What an unexpected blessing that was. It was just God reminding me once again that He really does care, He knows my needs, and He is a God who provides. I know this to be true not because of stories I have heard from other people (although I do love hearing those kind of stories), but I know that to be true from how He has come through in my life personally in so many ways I can't even list.

Whatever you may be struggling with today, whatever worries you may be consumed with, any financial concerns you may be burdened with... take them to God. He truly does care for you, and He is a God who provides.

valentine's day=success.

Today is Valentine's Day. It was a lovely day for me.

I received a dozen roses, a box of chocolates, a nice card with such a sweet note written inside....

Not really.

:)

Something better happened though. I spent some time with Jesus and He once again, as he often does, reminded me how greatly I am loved by Him and how much he cares for me. No boyfriend, husband, closest friend, or family member can come close to loving me as much as Jesus does.

Yeah getting a bouquet of flowers or a gift of some sort from the person you love, that is great. I look forward to the day when I will have a Valentine, it will be wonderful I have no doubt.

But having Jesus in my life...that is way better. It's like having Valentine's Day every single day of the year for the rest of my life. I know my husband (whoever he may be) will love me and he will tell me that over and over all year long, year after year - or at least I hope :) - but I know that Jesus loves me and will continue to love me more than my husband (again...whoever he may be!) will ever be capable of. He showed that to me on the cross.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

God doesn't need us. He chooses us. He gave his life, on the cross, while we were still sinners. We didn't do anything to deserve it. That's how much He loves us. Christ dying on the cross...that's a gift to us. And nothing, nothing, can separate us from the love of God. You should open your bible and read Romans 8:38-39 and see for yourself. Nothing compares to the love of Jesus. Nothing.

:) I am loved by the King. And so are you.

Oh, and I got to spend the day with my nephew celebrating his 6 month birthday. That was pretty cool. We spent the day playing away, laughing, and boy did he talk my ear off! Really, he did! Of course it was baby talk, but apparently he had a lot to say. :)

I would call this Valentine's Day a success!

to be content.

A couple of weeks ago I was reading in Genesis 19. The verse in particular that jumped out of the page at me was verse 26. "But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." The angel had specifically warned them in verse 17 not to look back.... "...one of them said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back..." (Check out the full chapter to get all the details!)

Over and over I have been playing that over in my mind...Don't look back. The whole idea of these verses is to warn us believers not to become attached to, or take pleasure in the worldly things or we will experience God's wrath.

I kept thinking about contentment... A word I seem to hear a lot lately both in my life, and my friends, as this is something that several of us are working on. We are learning how to truly be content.

Then the light bulb went on in my head. I had a, "Duh, Kaci" moment for sure.

Being content doesn't have anything to do with where we are living, what we are doing, who we are with, how much money we have, or what job we have. The only way we can be content is in Jesus. When we are relying solely on him. We can't find true contentment anywhere else but through Jesus.

Read Phillippians 4:11-13. This is what it says.

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Lot's wife obviously had a fond attachment to Sodom. There was a part of her that didn't want to leave Sodom. She looked back.

I can't help but think of my life. Am I attached to where I am right now? I'm not saying it's bad to enjoy the things you are doing. The people who are in your life. Your job. But would I choose these things over Jesus? Do I look to them to find comfort, contentment, and joy?

I can say that I am content with where I am now, but I have to do a heart check to make sure it's not me being content because everything is going well. I have amazing jobs that I love, I'm near my family, not too far away from most of my friends, I have a car that gets me from place to place, and etc. But what happens when these things are taken away? What happens when things are not going so smoothly?

If Jesus calls me somewhere else next week, would I willingly go without looking back? I know the day is coming when I will be called away to somewhere that isn't Chanute. Maybe not next week, but it's coming at some point. It may be to a place I have never been, with people I don't know, in a place where I won't have much of anything.

Yes, it would be much easier for me to settle and stay here rather than go. But God doesn't want me to settle. That's what happens when we find our contentment in things and pleasures of this world. We settle. We stay where we are comfortable.

Remember Lot's wife. Would/will you look back? Is your contentment in your things, your job, money, or people? Or is it in Jesus?

Whether I have plenty or I am in need, I want to learn to be content in whatever circumstance I am in. In Phillippians we find the secret to being content. It's given to us plain as day. It is simply this, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

It doesn't say apart from Him, but through Him. Not with our own strength, but His.

We can't go searching for happiness, joy, comfort, peace, anywhere else. Everything you will find will only leave you empty. It may bring you happiness for a time, but eventually it will fade away. And we definitely can't rely on our strength alone. We must learn to depend on God to meet our needs and desires.

Everything we will ever need is found in Him. When Jesus truly becomes our everything, we will experience true contentment in every circumstance that may come our way.


Lord, I long to be content, but I never want to be comfortable. I don't want to settle for anything less than you. You have blessed me in so many ways that I don't deserve, and I am so thankful, but I never want anything to take place of you. Only through you will I experience true contentment and joy. You alone are my provider, my peace, my comfort, my strength, and my joy.

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73: 23-28