I don't know about you...but I have a less-than-perfect past. I haven't always walked in step with Christ. I made many mistakes (mostly as a teenager)! I always assumed I was a Christian...but didn't really walk-the-walk. I now realize, that at that time of my life, I wasn't truly saved. When you have been saved by the blood of Christ, your heart changes and you start living your life for Him...out of love for Him! I was living with a love of *self* during those teenage years and even, some of the early years of my marriage. **Then** God drew me to Him. He opened my eyes and heart to His amazing grace and love! I am a completely different person now! It's a beautiful thing!"Christ's love promises to transform you and me too. Bringing it all to His feet becomes a living testimony that we no longer need the shameful stuff of our past to guarantee fulfillment.
Love brings it all: all the foul habits of the past, all the pride, all the self consumption. Without reservation, regardless of who is watching, in spite of what others may say, Christ-lovers lay everything at His feet. He receives it all and removes it as far as the east is from the west." ~Joseph M. Stowell (emphasis mine)
Love brings it all: all the foul habits of the past, all the pride, all the self consumption. Without reservation, regardless of who is watching, in spite of what others may say, Christ-lovers lay everything at His feet. He receives it all and removes it as far as the east is from the west." ~Joseph M. Stowell (emphasis mine)
Aren't those words above just beautiful? It doesn't matter how terribly you have messed up in life. You *can* be rid of all the past shame! Isn't Christ's love for us so amazing? When He enters your heart ~ you become a different person! He takes all the rotten things of your past and makes them as white as snow. Then you live your life cleansed and with joy in your heart.
For as the heaven is high above the earth,
so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
~Psalm 103:11-12
How is *your* walk today? Are you in-step with the Savior? If not, it's OK...you *can* be! Now is the time to talk with Him...and walk with Him. He will truly transform your life. My heart aches for those who don't know Him. I want each person to know the depths of His love (Ephesians 3:18-19).
Many of you may not be aware...but I received a comment from someone who seemed very angry (and looking to try and embarrass me...although I will be the very first to admit my wrongs in my life! :) This person said I was a hypocrite because I live my life as I do now, for Christ...but made mistakes and lived a sinful life when I was a teenager. I say, if I have no hope, who does? His *amazing grace* saved my wretched and sinful self from hell. I *was* lost...and now am *found*. I *was* blind...but now I *see*. That's what Jesus gave each of us when He died upon that horrible cross. He gave us HOPE! :) Because of this unkind (and hurtful) comment, I am now moderating comments.
I leave you, today, with a reminder of this beautiful song (how it applies to each Christian, doesn't it?)...
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
**For all the beautiful verses to this song...go HERE. Sing them to yourself and in praise to our Father above who removed our terrible pasts from us!
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
**For all the beautiful verses to this song...go HERE. Sing them to yourself and in praise to our Father above who removed our terrible pasts from us!
I would *love* to hear how Christ transformed your life with His love. Before coming to Him, we are all so tainted, no? I live, daily, a life in praise and gratitude to Him for bringing me out of the pit! :)
I am so thankful you stopped by today. I want to encourage you, if your walk with Him isn't what it should be, today is the day to better it! Sing your heart out to Him, in praise and adoration. Then, simply let Him love you.
From my heart to yours, this cold December day,
Katy
I am so thankful you stopped by today. I want to encourage you, if your walk with Him isn't what it should be, today is the day to better it! Sing your heart out to Him, in praise and adoration. Then, simply let Him love you.
From my heart to yours, this cold December day,
Katy
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ~Ephesians 3:16-20
First of all... if this person had to say these things "anonymously"... that's pretty lame and I would call them a coward, personally. Second... apparently they WANT to know about you and what you're doing or they wouldn't be reading your blog. That's actually a compliment from them, whether or not they realize it!! And third... sometimes people lash out at others because they feel guilty of their own actions. I'd just say--pray for this person cuz it sounds like they probably need it!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd continue to be YOU... because what anyone else says ultimately doesn't matter. What Jesus thinks matters most... and I'm sure he is proud that you've turned your life around (regardless of your daily struggles! you're human!)
Katy, you know what I think of when I think of you. That wonderful chapter in Proverbs.
ReplyDeleteKeep that beautiful smile shining hon because it glows so bright, its like a beacon in the dark.
I am sorry, that you have had a hurtful comment. I don't understand why people feel the need to comment negatively on people's blogs....
ReplyDeleteI do understand the transforming power of Christ! I am no longer the person I was before Jesus saved me.
Let's pray that the commenter who is so angry and hurt will come to Christ as well!
That is a wonderful post, Katy. I'm sorry to hear that someone hurt you with an accusing comment. Now, you are priveleged: God is transforming you and using you to His glory, even in my life!
ReplyDeleteI was a hideous teenager for a couple of years. It's not fair for anyone to hold the past against someone, especially when we have done our best to make amends with the Lord and others.
Katy, the world doesn't understand God's infinite grace and mercy, let alone the transformation that occurs through Christ. I imagine we all can be guilty of reaching back into the past to dredge up our own sins and the sins of others, accusing and judging, which is not ours to do. Despite the hurts, pain and accusations, we can continue to live in His freedom knowing that we have the chance to confess and repent through Christ's redeeming love. And God continues to extend His grace and mercy to us... Praise Him in all things and be thankful!
ReplyDeleteYou worded this extremely well. I hope that the person who left that comment will read this post, pray about what they did and open their heart fully to the love of Christ.
ReplyDeleteThe song Amazing Grace tears me up everytime I hear it. Have a great Sunday!
A lovely post Katy and I love Amazing Grace:)Hope you enjoy the day and stay warm, looks like more snow is headed to PA!
ReplyDeleteKaty, We all have pasts that we may not be proud of...I know I do!
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for God's unconditional love and forgiveness...once we are washed in Christ's blood our past is gone and forgotten by Him.
Anyone who is bringing it up and holding it against you is the person having issues. I pray that they will see Christ's love in your posts and come towards Him!
Katy,So VERY sorry someone has
ReplyDeletebeen so thoughtfulless with this
type, of commnet You just keep your beautiful light shinning on
Your BLOG, because you have touched
so many hearts,It's so re-freshing having a Blog like yours!!!!
DO NOT worry about what others Hateful Words say!!!!
It's What Your Lord Jesus Christ
thinks of you, And We all have
fallen short of our Walk with Him
at times ( we are all Human ! )
and not perfect!!
Nen and the other commnets are so
right pray for this individual because they are hurting inside
Love what Mrs Rabe said so very true!!
We Love Ya Katy My New Found Sweet Sister In The Lord !!!
Continue to use your Godly Wisdom
as the Lord directs you..sharing
your Faith and Love for the Lord
Jesus Christ... He's what matters
Hugs and Blessing to you ....
Trish
It is always surprising how so many don't seem to understand that without Christ, we are nothing.
ReplyDeleteYes, we have sinned and sometimes we still do, but In Him, we know that the more we cling to Him, the less we will be in the world.
I am sorry that you were left such nasty comments, but I must tell you that they are reading ! Keep to the race dear friend :)
Be blessed,
M.
I echo everything Nen said in her comment. And I am SO grateful to the Lord for His forgiveness and love to me too.
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs Katy,
Love, Tina xxxx
I am sorry someone would write a hurtful comment to you. EVERYONE sins and Jesus forgives us. It is a truly good person who stops sinning and tries to live for Christ like you do. I read your blog every day and I love it. You are a sweet Christian person.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Kathy in Illinois
Katy,
ReplyDeleteAs believers in Christ, we all have things in our lives that we wish were different. I went to church and thought I was saved too. God allowed me to make choices that were not in line with His word and through those experiences brought me to the transforming relationship with Him that I have today.
Yes, there are people in my past that could point out the things that happened 20 years ago and I admit they did happen; but am I still doing those things today? No. God has transformed me and is still working on me. Phil. 3:13-14 has been an encouragment to me many times...13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Until the Day Jesus comes I will be pressing on!, and by the Spirit's power I am transformed from glory to glory.
Katy, do what God wants you to do and please him and your husband first and you will be an example to the rest of us women as we strive to do the same.
Kim
You posted awonderful post. I'm sorry someone left you a hurtful comment. They will give account someday. I hope you have a nice and blessed Christmas. I really enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Katy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering my question, I really appreciate the advice you gave. Very helpful!
PS. I would love to see a Christmas post...maybe on some of your Christmas decor, traditions or even gift that you are working on or ideas for the kids?? :) :)
Thank goodness Heavenly Father is forgiving. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. I am thankful that our Father in Heaven gives us the opportunity to repent and be forgiven for our sins and mistakes.
ReplyDeleteYou do a beautiful job expressing the love you have for the Lord. Thank you for your blog.
I want you to know how much I enjoy your blog. I love what you have to say - because I agree with you! ;) And I so enjoy your photos. Each day after having my quiet time with the Lord, I peruse a few blogs with my morning cup of coffee. Your's is one that I always enjoy - even though I'm older than you, been married longer than you, have more children than you, and have been homeschooling longer than you! You have a real gift for inspiring me and encouraging me! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteKaty,
ReplyDeleteYour true self is revealed in your godly response to the negative comment. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven. We are all sinners saved by grace.
I am such a sinner, who is saved by grace. It is only because of The Lamb of God that I am able to write this. He has literlally given me life, both physically and Spiritually.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am so sorry that you now need to screen your comments. Some people are very mean spirited. Katy, pray for them, your enemies, as Jesus asked us to do. Remember that only good is from God and evil is from the enemy. I imagine that the person who wrote that has been bit by the "green eyed monster." They are looking at your happy home, your good marriage, and beautiful children and lashing out so that you will feel some of the pain they feel. They are to be pitied. Please do not take these comments from them personally, as they are all from satan, trying to discourage you. Don't let him get the victory. (But you are in control of your blog and can always hit the "Big D" button.)
Much love to you and may you have a wonderful week. XO
Ruth
That is a wonderful post. We should all be grateful that we can be reborn and fresh as snow in his eyes after all the sin that made us fall. That song is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIf I look back at me at 18 years old, I don't recongize myself! We truely are a new creation when we accept Christ as Lord!! Pray for the poor soul who left such a mean comment. It quite clear they need Jesus. Keep on blogging. You are an a great example of a Godly woman.
ReplyDeleteI am a wretch that was saved by the cleansing blood of Jesus! Praise God for that! I am so grateful every day for God's unconditional love. I have a past too as we all do. I used to envy those that had been raised in a Christian home all their live and knew the Lord early. Then God helped me realize what a wonderful testimony my past is to His grace.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your transparency, for you testimony and witnessing of God's love. I am sorry that someone was so hurtful. They are lost and I am sure that your witness touched a sore spot in their heart. You have planted seeds of hope for them by your testimony. Their anger probably comes from conviction about their own sin. Keep being you and sharing your heart.
I am so sorry to hear of a hurtful comment to you. Keep right on blogging as you do & sharing our Savior. Christ was sent for a lost & dieing world. All have sinned & came short in Christs eyes from time to time EVEN ME. Its just what we do about it after we see own sin. Weather we want the Savior to cast our sin as far as the east to the west. Some never forget & seem to be the first to cast a stone. They need the gift of God most. Salvation is their choice. Others can only share His word then hope & pray they receive it before it is to late. Find comfort in knowing you are about the Fathers business. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteIt's so embarrassing. We all have sin, and that's what forgiveness is for.
ReplyDeleteSome days I feel like I'm the worst of all sinners, and then I am reminded of Paul. Praise God that He gave us an example of someone deemed worse us all so I can see the grace of God in action.
Paul killed Christians, if that isn't bad, I don't know what is. But God's forgiveness is for EVERYONE today--even this very minute. We all have a chance to start fresh, and with a clean slate.
Proud to be your sister in Christ.
Katy, I just read this post...and how beautiful are your words! Yes, yes, yes....I was a terrible wretch and and by God's amazing grace he saved me from what I deserve! Thank you for displaying true Christian love and so tastefully responding to the negative comment that was left. Christ's love truly shines through here on your blog, and I know I just love stopping by because I always leave refreshed and encouraged.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your sweet family this Christmas,
Katie