Kim's World

While cruising through blogsphere, I stopped at my friend Tena's blog to do some perusing. I enjoy surfing through my blog list, reading the blogs and connecting to other people's worlds. Tena's latest post was incredible and I was very surprised to discover she did not write it. Not sure who the original author is but I asked her if I could repost it, and being the awesome person she is, she said yes :). What Will Matter… Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t ...

We set aside a day each year to reflect on our blessings and be thankful to God for them. However, most of us are thankful year round. We take the time each day throughout the year to let those that are closest to us know that we care. Sometimes, life gets busy and we are not able to connect with one another but true friends and close family members know, without a doubt, they are loved. We show this not only by our words, but our actions. Words can often be empty and rehearsed. But if you truly love someone, they will know by the way you act. Today, and everyday I am thankful for ALL who have played an important role in my life. There is not a need to make a list, you know who you are because I have showed you by my actions and you, by yours. I have no need to go about proving our friendship or relationship, I am confident in every relationship. I am truly blessed to have YOU ALL in my life. May God shine upon you this day and everyday! Our family after girls' baptism. One mom...

Well, I believe I have given you a good summary of many things I am thankful for. I did not name everything, for that would take a lifetime. However, the one thing (person) I did not mention was YOU, my readers! I am so very thankful for my readers, otherwise I would not have a blog. Without you, I am nada, nothing, zilch, zip...you get the idea, right? But you know what would make me very happy? Is if you, my readers would leave me a comment. I LOVE COMMENTS! I love to know who is reading and where you are from. You know, it is kind of like pen pals! Anybody ever had a pen pal? Oh I loved having pen pals! I had a sweet friend named Hiroko from Japan (who actually stayed a weekend with me). We remained pen pals for a long time. Then I had another pen pal from Mexico and one from Spain when I was taking Spanish in high school. It was lovely! So if you could do me the highest honor, even if you do not know me personally, leave me a comment and tell me how you like my blog. I can take cor...

Do you ever wonder how God created the world? Every tree, every flower, the oceans, the animals, not to mention the intricacies of the human body? The Bible gives us the details, but what I like to imagine is Him looking out over the complete and utter vastness of nothingness and speaking it all into existence. I find it difficult to wrap my mind around the endless creativity and imagination of God. When He placed the heavenly bodies into existence, when He told the waters to separate, when he breathed life into a human soul, it is all so amazing. We know life as it is because we feel it, see it, touch it, smell it and taste it all around. But what if, we were there with God, and saw the emptiness? Would we have the ability to imagine a bird or a fish? How would we respond to God if he said to us, "I am thinking of creating a creature that walks on four legs, has fur, barks when they want to communicate and will love a human being till the end?" Would we think, "Oh yes, ...

Yesterday, before I left to pick Ashley up from school, I decided to bring her some hot cocoa. Being that it was foggy and quite cold outside, hot cocoa seemed like the perfect accompaniment. So, we get in the car and I tell her, "Ash, I made you some hot chocolate!" She smiles and says, "yumm...". After a few minutes of sipping her hot cocoa she says, "You know, I like hot chocolate but what I really want is coffee, do you have any?" What? I burst out laughing! She wants coffee? Oh boy, what have I created? Like mother like daughter, I suppose! Anyone that knows me well, knows that I LOVE coffee. I just can't deny. However, I am a little picky. I probably wouldn't be so picky if it weren't for my dear friend, Javawn. Yes, I blame her. Her and her husband are the coffee experts and they ruined me, I can't just drink your average coffee anymore. It also doesn't help that I live in Portland, where you can get REAL coffee, everywhere. In...

Today seemed to blaze past in a flurry of excitement, as always on Sundays. Therefore, I did not have much time to give you a quality post, and I likely will not have time tomorrow as I am scheduled to work at both schools (elementary and middle). In addition, I have lovely schoolwork to do. However, I have something on my heart that I feel the need to unload. While at Sherwood Sanctuary this morning, Pastor Mallory mentioned that next Sunday we will be having a "Thankful" service. He also mentioned this at New Wine Sanctuary this afternoon.This involves testifying about our thankfulness to God for what He has done over this last year. Now I can tell you all day long why I am thankful, but testifying? Oh man, I felt my pulse began to race, my palms immediately became sweaty, and I think I missed the rest of his announcement. I find it so much easier to write it down than to speak it out. I know, testifying is our way of giving glory to God. Yes, I have heard it my entire li...

Anyone remember this childhood, Sunday school song? Oh I do! I still sing it! Today, and every day, I am so thankful for the Word of God. No matter how chaotic life becomes, I can go to the Word and know I will find my answer. I was just sitting here reading in 2 Timothy and verse 2:15 (many of us have it memorized) stood out, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. And I realized that it fits right into my day. Today will be a marathon homework day, ugh! I have an algebra exam due next week that is worth a third of my grade and a speech evaluation due tomorrow that is worth a quarter of my grade. As much as I want to go out and have fun, I need to study and do the work. I must put forth my best because I am an example to others of Jesus Christ. In word, in deed, in everything I do, I must glorify my Father. The Word of God is powerful! You can stand upon every word in this beautiful book! I am so thankful ...

Just a quick post to honor all my family and friends who are veterans. You know who you are and I am so thankful for your service to our great country! I wish I had a picture to post of all of you. Here are just a couple I have:   Uncle Carlos and Myles         Grandpa Norm in front of the type of plane he flew. I don't know what kind, but if you ask my friend, Denise ,   she knows! 

More family...yes, we have a lot of family. Some blood relatives, some by marriage and just some who we like to add to the family because they make us look good. When I did the post on my extended family, I didn't include my husbands side, for a couple reasons: I was focused on my parents' families and it would have taken an entire page! My kiddos are blessed with aunties and uncles that truly love them, and their Aunt Paula and Aunt Shell (Michelle) love them so much. They have an awesome uncle, Uncle Terraine, who loves them and they think is so cool. Their cousins in order of age: Michael, Terraine Jr., Hope, Teriyah and now Elijah, they just adore them. Unfortunately, we live so far away from them now so it isn't often we get to see them. My kids also have their great-grandmother Esther (who they happened to talk to last night) who loves them and prays for them continually. Their grandparents, Ron and Debbie, who love them but because of life circumstances do not se...

We have all read about the pioneers and their travels from the east to the west. All the hardships they faced, broken wagon wheels, horses that died, Indian raids, buffalo stampedes, no water, hot, dry deserts, long, cold winters, I could go on and on. I am so thankful they had the courage, stamina, and will to survive these conditions and pave the way for us. However, I am also quite thankful I was not one of them! I am so very thankful for modern conveniences. It is fun to make food from scratch, sew clothes at my convenience (not because I have to), dress up on Old Fashioned Sunday and imagine what it would be like. Well, my friends, reality...it wasn't as romantic as Louis L'Amour portrays! Oh yes, I have read his books and honestly, I love them. But they're fiction! Yes, he weaves in true stories but really those people had a hard life. Is it any wonder the average lifespan was to about 45? I would have probably lasted until I was 5!   Today I am thankful for my car ...

You've heard it time and again, laughter is good for the soul. Psychologists and therapists will agree, having a good laugh now and then is good for you! Fortunately, I laugh daily, for this I am very thankful. I don't know about you, but I find many things humorous, even when they are not supposed to be. For example, when my kids are trying to tell me something and bless their little hearts, they are trying their best to be serious, I get tickled. I try very hard not to show it, but, man, they make me laugh. Myles enjoys it. He tries to humor us intentionally, and he is quite successful. Levi is my serious one but sometimes he is like his dad and says things that are so funny, then he won't laugh. This very morning, he did that. It was Ashley's turn to pray and she decided to pray for EVERYTHING! She was taking her own sweet time, then I heard Levi say, under his breath, "so this is what the bible means by telling us to pray without ceasing." I almost laugh...

Thinking this morning about what I would post today, I realized I have been thankful for all my blessings. However, I am also thankful for the trials. For it is in those times that I grow. The hurts, pains, heartaches, rejection and loss, God uses these moments (sometimes it feels like years) to teach me lessons I would never learn if everything were always perfect. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 12:9 Through our weakness, He becomes stronger and in our trials, His power is revealed. So when we go through trials in this life, know that our Almighty Savior is glorified and we will overcome through His strength. Last night I received an email from my aunt. She knows me well because she sent me a song that features a lady named Stephanie Nielson author of Nie Nie's Dialogues . I have followed this blog...

This morning, and every Monday morning, I work in Ashley's kindergarten class. In fact, I am at my kids' (yes, even Levi's) at least three times a week. After homeschooling for a while, I can't help but be in my kids' classrooms and involved in their learning. I learn so much about my kids this way. Who they play with, how they interact with others, and how they respond to the learning environment. Fortunately, all my kids have had awesome teachers. Each one placing something of importance into their ever-growing and ever-changing lives. My kids have a high regard and utmost respect for their teachers and every administrator or facilitator at their schools. Myself being a former preschool assistant, understand the need for a healthy, respectful relationship between the teacher and the student. So, today, I am thankful for their teachers and the schools that they go to. We are so blessed. Even though this is public school, most every teacher and a huge percentage o...

I just got back from ladies retreat a couple hours ago. We had a wonderful time. I was so looking forward to coming back to go to church until I got a text from my husband that Elle was sick. Ugh! Love coming home to sickness. But today I am thankful for my church, my church family and my ministry (the whole family). I LOVE going to church, I LOVE being with my church family, I LOVE doing whatever I can to enhance the kingdom. I really could go on and on, but since it is so late in the day, I will just say, I am so very thankful for the church family God has placed us in. They (all of them) are so awesome. But not only do I love them, they love me and everyone that steps foot in our church. They have enormous hearts and desire to serve God by showing His love. And that's what it's all about!

I have a wonderful family! Yes, I am proud. I have really cool relatives, at least I think so and that's all that matters! To give you a little history, my mom remarried when I was 15, so I'm not close to my biological father's family. In fact, I don't even really know them. However, that is not the case with my Dad's family. (My dad is really my step dad, but to me he is my real dad, so I don't refer to him as that). Anyhow, his family accepted my brother and I into the family as if we were born into it. They love us and consider us one of them. I love each of them so much and I am thankful they have big enough hearts with lots and lots of extra love for two little kids who needed a family.  Aunt Paula with my kiddos Taking it back a few years.With Grandma and Grandpa on vacation. Aunt Paula at her writing desk with the kiddos AZ familia, oh wait, except for my bro Daniel.  Grandpa Norm :) (and RonJon)  In addition to my Dad's family, I am so thankful...

Seriously! If you need a place to stay, just call me. We've done it before and we'll do it again. My home is yours. You want to know why? Because I know what it is like to be without a home. The last, say, um, five years, has been rather...interesting when it comes to my dwelling. We bought a home in 1999, sold it in 2004, and lived in an apartment with three young children and a baby on the way. In January of 2006, we bought another house on five acres which at some point was supposed to be our dream home. Reality check. Not all dreams come true. In 2010, we lost this home. During the time we lived there, my cousin Clayton lived with us until his sweet little wife, Sarah, stole um, I mean until he got married. (really, we love Sarah and are so happy for both of them). Other family members lived with us at various times, and really, those were great times. I cherish the memories. After we lost the house, we lived, for a brief time in a friends house (we rented it from them, ...

Today, and always, I am so very thankful for my family. For today, I will focus on my immediate family, my husband and my children. Twelve years ago, God gave me a son. We named him Levi Joel, he made me a mother. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being mother. I chose names for my children. Those names did not make it but it was fun. Two years later, to the day, God gave me another son, who we named Myles Jonathan. He taught me the importance of prayer, I needed it with him. I believe God has a sense of humor because sixteen months later (yes, less than a year and a half!) Elle Jenalee was born. My little girl! And three years later, when I thought we were done, Ashley Jean, my angel baby, completed our family. I know I am blessed and there is not a day I do not thank God for my children. I am honored that the Lord chose me to raise these beautiful, precious souls to be soldiers of the cross, godly men and women, leaders in His kingdom, and faithful saints to the house of God....

Ah November, how I love thee! You bring me my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving! To celebrate, each day this month (hopefully), I will bring you a post stating the things/people/places, etc., that I am thankful for. Yesterday, I stated I am thankful for ALL of my friends. There will be no specific order to my posts, just what pops into my head. Fortunately, I have A LOT to be thankful for. However, for me, it is not only about the what but the why. The bible tells us that we should be, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Eph. 5:20 . Being thankful should be a way of life. This is the art of thankfulness: being thankful in good times and in, not so good times. I am thankful in it all. You know why? Because I have God. My hope is in Him and I know He is holding my hand through times of peace and in times of trial. Therefore, the core of my thankfulness is Jesus Christ my Savior. For in him we live, and move, and have our being...

Here is a little song I have heard several times , not in its entirety, but the beginning. Apparently, it is a Girl Scouts song. I searched for an author but did not find one. Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold. A circle is round, it has no end. That's how long, I will be your friend. A fire burns bright, it warms the heart. We've been friends, from the very start. You have one hand, I have the other. Put them together, We have each other. Silver is precious, Gold is too. I am precious, and so are you. You help me, and I'll help you and together we will see it through. The sky is blue The Earth is green I can help to keep it clean Across the land Across the sea Friends forever We will always be Friendship has always been very important to me. From a little girl, I made friends with anyone. Literally. Once, when I was a toddler, my mom lost me in a store only to find me chatting away with a little old...