.gif Of Life

Hi Friends,

Someone sent me a ".gif" today that said:

God didn't give you another day because you needed it, He added another day to your life because someone out there needs you.

That made me pause for a real minute because I've been feeling very unappreciated for such a long time. Giving my all and living for all without getting the same in return. That scenario can get heavy and completely overwhelming, so much so that you start to think why I am choosing to be a doormat? Then I opened my phone and seeing that quote made me stop and think about who I am and more importantly "whose" I am.

Not many people understand the concept of the Trinity and how one being can still be three. The best way I can explain is Karen the woman, is also Karen the daughter and Karen the friend - one person different functions. It reminded me that before I am anything else, I am first Karen the child of God set apart for a purpose. It is so easy to fall into the emotional trap of the "what about me" syndrome which focuses solely on self, but I know that I am created to be more than just a conduit to pleasure.

Galatians 5 refers to two types of fruit a person can produce: fruit of the flesh and fruit of the spirit. The first, is a state in which you put your desires ahead of everything and everyone. You can ask the question of "what is wrong with that?" On the surface it seems like there is nothing wrong with it - after-all if you don't look out for yourself then who will? The problem is, when it's the [you] show all the time then it produces selfishness, impatience, indulgence and the list can go on because our wants are never ending. "Fleshly" behavior essentially pulls you away from the Holy Spirit. The second, is a state in which you fully commit yourself to God - which allows you to receive His Holy Spirt - which then helps you learn to put your own desires in the background - which can lead to positive life changes. There is something amazing about being able to impact the life of another person (whether it's a big thing or a small thing) and a new pair of shoes (or in my case a new piece of fabric) cannot compare to that feeling of making a difference.

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - Galatians 5: 22-23 (NIV)

When you are living by the flesh you want to get even with the person that hurts you, but in the spirit, you are called to be kind and forgiving. When you are in the flesh you engage in indulgence of every kind, but in the spirit, you are called to walk in self-control. In the flesh you are ruled by your emotions but in the spirit, you walk in joy and peace. Easier said than done, I know....I think my point to all of this is that in your own strength you can get it right some of the time but when you completely surrender yourself to God and deny that selfish part of you, it leaves an opening for the Holy Spirt to come in and take control so that you can get it right all of the time.

I started this post thinking about when it will be my turn but now, I see that I wasn't looking at it the right way because it's been my turn all along. If I wasn't already blessed, then I couldn't be a blessing to the people that has been counting on me. Not saying that from this day forward I won't slide back into pockets of bitterness from time-to-time but when I do, I will pause, take a breath and let the Holy Spirit show me what I need to remove so He can transform my attitude, my actions and my desires.....what will you do?

Be blessed in all you do 💕