If you have a Facebook, I’m sure you’ve seen those silly quizzes… you know, the ones that say something along the lines of “We can guess your exact age and height based on your breakfast preferences!” And I’m sure if you’ve seen them, you can’t help but click on them… maybe out of curiosity, maybe because you want to laugh at how wrong they are… but you can’t help but click them.

The other day, I saw one that said “We can guess what percent introvert and extrovert you are based on your McDonalds order.” So naturally, I took the quiz. After clicking that I wanted a quarter pounder with cheese, fries, a soda, and a McFlurry to finish… the quiz told me I was 95% introvert, 5% extrovert.

Now, if you know me at all… you know that is COMPLETELY inaccurate. I am more like… 150% extrovert, -50% introvert. I laughed and told my friends I’d been living my life completely wrong. I’d been an introvert all along and didn’t even know it!

If someone asks me to tell them about myself, I’d first share about my family and occupation, but then I’d say “I’m an extreme extrovert, I’m a people person, I love building relationships, and I HATE being alone for more than 5 minutes! I’m pretty instinctive and impulsive… and I am always down for a spontaneous road trip”

My extroversion and adventurous nature make up a substantial part of my personality, so I consider it to be a HUGE part of my identity. Identity is a very interesting thing, isn’t it? When someone asks you about yourself, is it sinful to talk about your family, your personality, or your job? No, of course not. But where does your identity really lie? How are you truly defined? 1 John 1:12 describes us as children of God, Romans 15:7 describes us as accepted, Romans 8:2 describes us as free, Ephesians 2:10 describes us as God’s workmanship, Isaiah 53:5 describes us as healed, 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes us as a new creation, Romans 8:17 tells us we are co-heir(esses) with Christ… the list goes on and on! We are daughters of the King! Let’s wear those titles with excitement!

Next time someone asks us about ourselves, we could do what most people would do and talk all about “us.” And that’s okay… it’s answering the question… but wouldn’t it be so cool to take it as an opportunity to brag on God? We’re called to share all about Him, and the best part about us by far is the fact that our identity lies in Him, Amen?!  After all… John 3:30 states that “He must become greater, and [we] must become less.”

Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She loves encouraging women through her Victory Calls and finds such joy in praying for her sisters in Christ. Her favorite activities include reading her Bible, encouraging others with scripture, buying new dresses, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory… In that order!

 

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11

But godliness with contentment is great gain, 1 Timothy 6:6

Can we be too content?

Sitting around the table one night with some other believers, we were talking about the propensity to isolate ourselves.  Let’s face it, it is easier to stay home than to step out to serve others or to be involved in ministry.

One of the men at the table said, “I’m just perfectly content to stay home and read a good book.” Now, I know we are called to be content in every situation knowing God has not put us anywhere by accident.  However, when this gentleman said that, he said it in a way as if that kind of contentment was a good thing… but I dare say, I don’t think it is what Paul meant when he said he learned to be content in all things.

Contentment is a beautiful thing.  Isolation is not. That being said, contentment can never be our reason for passing up opportunities to be about God’s business.  Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1

Contentment through isolation is not godly contentment, it is being perfectly happy with self… a rather self-centered contentment.

We may be perfectly content to be alone – and that is not a bad thing at all – but if I isolate because it is easier, less effort, less stressful – I think I have missed the intention of God for us to be about kingdom business. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20.

Let’s be content in every situation but not too content that we fail to be involved in body life.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt Diane serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

 

We are in the process of purchasing an older home here in North Carolina.  We have looked at probably close to 50 homes. The market here is crazy. Homes are on the market only a few days before multiple full-priced and over-priced bids are submitted.  Some friends selling their house had 17 offers within a week.  Crazy, right?

Anyway, this home is the second we put a bid on; we were outbid on the first one.  This house was not exactly what I had in mind, but it has great potential.  There are a few different concerns I have, and I find myself worrying “what if this” or “what if that?” or “Are we making a mistake?”

One morning the title of a devotional by Melissa Michaels (Proverbs 31 Ministries) caught my eye, “You have all it takes to love your home.” Before I even read it, I had to smile at God’s care for me.  I have said I wish God would send His will in a telegram, but He chose a devotional instead.  Doesn’t God just make you smile sometimes?

Melissa’s message was built around Proverbs 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built,   and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled   with all precious and pleasant riches.

The home we are planning to purchase is not about the wood, tiles and windows nor the less than attractive garage which is the first thing you see coming up the driveway. It’s not about the allocation of space or the green paint in the bedroom.  No, God reminded me it is about Him and how He will use this house for His purposes in my life and the life of each of my family members.  If God allows, we will make memories there that will far outweigh any and all of the things that I am worrying about.

I love You, God, and I love that You make me smile. Thank you for prompting Melissa to write this devotional from Your heart to mine.     

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt Diane serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

 

I have a joke for you all today!

There once was a rich man who was near death. He was very grieved because he had worked so hard for his money and wanted to be able to take it with him to heaven. So he began to pray that he might be able to take some of his wealth with him.

An angel heard his plea and appeared to him. “Sorry, but you can’t take your wealth with you.”

The man begged the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules. The man continued to pray that his wealth could follow him.

The angel reappeared and informed the man that God had decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man gathered his largest suitcase and filled it with pure gold bars and placed it beside his bed.

Soon afterward, he died and showed up at the gates of heaven to greet St. Peter.

St. Peter, seeing the suitcase, said, “Hold on, you can’t bring that in here!”

The man explained to St. Peter that he had permission and asked him to verify his story with the Lord.

Sure enough, St. Peter checked it out, came back and said, “You’re right. You are allowed one carry-on bag, but I’m supposed to check its contents before letting it through.”

St. Peter opened the suitcase to inspect the worldly items that the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaimed, “You brought pavement?”

I read this joke and laughed, but it also really made me think… there’s really no way to wrap our minds around how great heaven will be.

Revelation 22:1-5 says: Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

1 Corinthians 2:9 states: But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.

Isn’t that just awesome? And isn’t it cool that what we consider to be the most valuable things in this life – like bars of gold – will be nothing more than the pavement we will walk on when we get to Heaven? That’s how amazing it will be! It will be extraordinary, like nothing we can fathom while we’re here on earth!

I’ve heard people say things along the lines of “I know Heaven will be great… but I hope we still have [insert word here]” or “I will miss… [insert word here].” But if you think about it… you really have to scratch your head and say “How does that make sense at all?” Of course we won’t miss earth, we will be in paradise! We often want to hang on to things that don’t matter, like wealth or status. Or maybe we wish we could hang on to things that might matter here on earth (like relationships, pets, etc.) But when we get to heaven, well, it will all be different.

Think about this as an example: It’s hard for many people to imagine that we won’t be married when we get to heaven, and I know many people who wish they would be. I’ve had conversations with these people. But the reality is… it won’t be something we’re still wishing for when we are in Heaven, because there is no sadness in heaven. Heaven is perfection. And it’s funny, because we know that… but so often people wish for things that won’t even be on our radar when we get to glory. I like to think that when God hears us wish for things like that, He smiles and thinks “… just wait until you see what’s in store.”

Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She loves encouraging women through her Victory Calls and finds such joy in praying for her sisters in Christ. Her favorite activities include reading her Bible, encouraging others with scripture, buying new dresses, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory… In that order!

 

In a few days I will be taking a “shopping” road trip with a friend and we are so excited to spend time together! I am also in process of planning a possible road trip with my husband.  Somewhere along the line, things must have changed because I’m not a fan of cramming myself into a car for 10 hours or more just to get some place. So, what changed?  My attitude had to change. I needed to be just as interested in spending time with my husband doing what he enjoys as I am in spending time with my friend doing what we both enjoy.

I’m reminded of my journey with Jesus. There are days that I am so excited to be serving and walking with Him. Then there are days I am feeling uncomfortable and overwhelmed by it.  Sometimes (most times), the uncomfortable seasons last the longest. Here is where you and I need to check our attitudes. It is when we are in our sweet spot we easily can be excited about life, but get us out of our comfort zones and we easily grumble and complain. Wherever you are today in your journey, the Lord is taking you someplace that He alone has planned for you. You may be at the height of the mountain or in the lowest of valleys. What to do?

Our summer theme verses come to mind:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice, pray, give thanks.  A great reminder as we navigate the road the Lord has placed us on.

Blessings,

Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and teaches a Bible study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

 

Foul, sarcastic, slanderous words come from ones heart. I sent a text last night that I thought in the moment was pretty clever and funny… but within a very short time, I knew it wasn’t and that I should apologize. I did that and the response was, “Oh, no problem, I actually never read it.” That’s not the point though, it wasn’t right. God was “letting” it bother me so that next time there wouldn’t be a next time.

Thankful for HIM,

Dina

Dina Seaton has served on staff for 15 years, currently in Partner Care. She is a proud Air Force mom and loves spending time with her son wherever he is, near or far. He is truly her greatest joy.  Dina came to Christ in 2000. She loves God and wants to love Him more!

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15

I was browsing through some Biblical Counseling on-line resources from CCEF when a brief article by Dr. Ed Welch caught my eye.  His premise was listening to our critics.

That got me thinking.

We all have them right?  Critics.

For most of us, our inclination is to avoid our critics. I mean seriously, why would I want to listen to someone tell me what I’m doing wrong?

Truth be told, if we only listen to our cheerleaders, friends, and fans, we have a very skewed view of ourselves.

We all know what it is like to be criticized.

We all know what it is like to feel like our critic is way off base making us feel totally misunderstood.

We tend to get hurt and defensive and we miss the gem buried in the mud, to our detriment. What if instead of focusing on what they got wrong we strain to hear what they got right?

If only 5% of what our critics say is accurate, would it not behoove us to take that 5% and allow it to help us grow and change?

Yes, it takes humility.

Yes, it takes discernment.

Yes, it takes grace.

Yes, it takes a desire to change.

But we can grow and change with the help of our critics.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick, providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

It’s a rainy dreary day, and I have been out doing a few errands. On days like this, I try to always have my headlights on. Even before it became law in New Jersey, I would prefer to have my headlights on. It just makes sense that you will be seen more easily by other drivers in inclement weather. It is a pet peeve of mine when I see other drivers without their lights on.

Today I was reminded that I can often be about my business and not have my light on either. Do I show others Christ as I wait on line or leave a tip? Is my light on when I answer the phone or am interrupted by an unexpected knock at my door?

You and I can often forget how badly the light of Christ is needed in this darkening world. Would you take a moment before you start your day and make sure your light is shining for all to see?

Blessings,

Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

I was recently doing some research for Dr. Bill Welte and in the process came across a podcast with John Piper[i].  During the podcast, the interviewer quoted Piper as saying, “It makes sense to stay as far away from the sin line as we can.”

Is that what I do?  Or at times do I do the opposite?  Do I try to see how close to the sin line I can get without actually sinning?  Is that in and of itself sinning?  Am I toying with holiness by seeing how close to the sin line I can get away with?  Seems to me, when I adopt such an attitude, I am missing the fundamental meaning of holiness.

Walking close to the sin line continues to fan the embers of desire for that sinful thing or action. It is trying to have our cake and eat it too, perhaps literally.

Paul warns against such an attitude:  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14

Scripture portrays a very different perspective of sin.

FLEE.

 Flee from sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.  1 Timothy 6:10-11

So flee youthful passions … 2 Timothy 2:22

Flee? And do what?

1 Timothy 6:11-12 continues…But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith…

2 Timothy 2:22 continues: So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

As I flee from the sin line, I move in the direction of holiness.  If I encroach on the sin line I hover ever-so-closely to sin and more often than not, sin will draw me in.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:14-15

Rather than seeing the sin line as desirable we would be better off seeing the sin line as the line of death and decay.  We would be far less enticed to linger near it if we saw it for what it really is… death.

As we consider those things that tempt us, rather than see how close we can come without sinning perhaps we should be seeing how fast and far we can flee.

Blessings, Diane

[i] http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-it-a-sin-to-smoke-or-eat-junk-food

Diane Hunt serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick, providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

 

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all who are his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.… John 10:3

When the shepherd calls to his sheep it is for a specific purpose. He does it for reasons that have the best interest of the sheep in mind. He does not do it arbitrarily or just to indulge himself. Hearing his voice lets the sheep know their shepherd is there. The comfort that brings is monumental.

When sheep know the shepherd is with them, their fears are assuaged. They know they are protected. They are assured that he cares. Cared for sheep are content sheep.

The voice of our Shepherd can be heard in many ways: through His Word, in quiet times with Him, through pastoral messages or teachings, through other Christians, through the beauty of the earth and our universe…and several other ways. Because He knows us intimately, He knows how to speak to us. And we, by spending our days with Him, clearly know His voice above all the others that want our attention.

In fact, sheep in the field won’t respond to any other voice than that of their shepherd. When sheep hear the voice of their shepherd, time stands still for a moment so that they may hear clearly what he wants of them. They listen. He commands their interest. They know he has some good reason for calling to them. They want to know what it is. And so, they obey his call. Oh, that we would be that pointed!

Some sheep are stubborn and recalcitrant. Some are distracted. Some are lazy. We have a Shepherd who has great plans for His sheep (that’d be us) and yet, rather than be led to “hope and a future”, we dally in the vapid. Time-wasters. Ugh.

We, as sheep, can choose to listen and follow and obey the voice of the Shepherd we know loves us. We can move toward whatever He has for us because we know His thoughts toward us are good. We can put our faith into action and watch as He leads us on the path of righteousness for His name sake. We can make these choices because we KNOW our Shepherd and we know He can be trusted. When we make those choices, we find we are contented sheep and can say like Paul, I have learned the secret of being content… (Phil.4:12). Trusting the voice of our Shepherd will do that for us.

Carol Tirondola is on staff with the Partner Care team at America’s Keswick. She and her best friend, Mario, have been married for 35 years. They have 2 sons and 2 daughters-in-law that they call their “BFFs”. They also have 7 precious gems called grandchildren. Her family has savored many memories of the heart made at Keswick over the last 35+ years and she is thrilled to now be serving on staff!