Katie M. Reid's Blog, page 51

The Tug of War Between Two Callings

Photo Credit: Jen Stewart of Creative Image Photography

We live in a time where women have more opportunities than ever before. But many of us are trying to “do more” and “be more” at a high cost to our health, relationships and well-being.

I recently read an interesting article about, “Rushing Woman’s Syndrome” and the negative impact that doing too much, too fast, can have on our bodies.

We search for balance as we juggle many plates, but how do we stay afloat as we tread water between bre...

Happy Book Day! (and a Giveaway for Blog Subscribers)

Today is the day, I can finally say “I am a published author.” Wow, that feels good. Thank you for all the love and support you have given, especially today.

Here is a sneak peek from the memoir piece that is published in the Women’s Memoir Anthology:

One of the issues that surfaced was that Brian was sneaking back to the fry station and adding extra salt to the already-salted fries. When I caught wind of this I had a hard time believing that Brian would do such a thing.

The fry station was...

Are You Giving Up or Getting Up? Plus Other Exciting News!

We can be tempted to give up. We wait for things to change. We feel forgotten.

It’s feels easier to stay in bed than face the day. It feels safer to hunker down under covers than put two feet on the cold ground and brave whatever may come.

Is the dark robbing you of the light that is waiting?

Are the looming duties of the day crushing your sense of wonder and delight? Are you going to give up or get up? Are you going to strap on His Strength, along with His spiritual armor, and rise?

As we...

Dear Tightly Wound Woman: Listen Close, Listen Well

Hi Friend!

It’s a new year. Some things have passed and other things continue into the future.

I am delighted that Letters to the Tightly Wound Woman is one of the latter. Each month you’ll receive a love letter of sorts, especially written to those of us who are wound up tight and need fresh assurance that we are loved “as is”.

The first Tuesday of the month, right here, is where you’ll find your letter.

Let’s open our mail, shall we? Or click here and I’ll read it to you.

Dear Tightly Wou...

Favorite Blog Posts List for 2015

As we wrap up 2015, I’m reflecting on some of the favorite words I’ve read. Kate Motaung inspired me last year when she shared 10 of her most memorable posts (she is hosting a link-up for all us to share our lists this year).

Here are some of my favorite posts from some inspiring women.

Happy Reading!

Favorite Posts from Others Around the Web:

No More Sleeping Walking Through Life by Jennifer Dukes Lee

You are not a machine, or a spreadsheet, or an agenda, or a resume. You are a person. You have a heartbeat, skin, scars, and soul.” -Jennifer Dukes Lee

Let’s Slow Down Before We Shut Down by Holley Gerth

And when we are hurting, we seek something to soothe our souls–often beyond the boundaries of what God allows. And just like the click of a mouse, a decision is made that shuts down a once-thriving family, ministry, heart.” -Holley Gerth

A Post For the Invisible, For the Uninvited, For the Ones Who Desperately Want A Seat At the Table by Kimberly D. Jenderson

The Holy Spirit nudged me with a telling question on my way home from lunch. Do you want to make a difference or do you want to be famous? I shifted uncomfortable in the seat of my minivan.” -Kimberly D. Jenderson

The Mom Behind the Machine by Karen Brown

I needed to learn that my goal isn’t to raise up happy, carefree children. It’s to hold up a Savior who’s worthy of their trust- especially on the crying days. Only a real mom with a real testimony can show her kids how to stumble into the arms of Jesus. Only an honest, humble mom can reveal God’s strength through heartbreak, doubt, and tearful worship. Pride powered the machine, but grace fuels the mom.” -Karen Brown

Beauty in the Cracks of Life by Kelly Balarie

How often do I take for granted God’s gentle cracks of beauty, because I am too caught up in the pot that contains no flowers? How often am I so dead set on my plans, that I miss God’s desire to spread his seed beyond me?” -Kelly Balarie

The Lie of Feeling “Behind” in Life by Ann Swindell

I am not “behind” in life if I am in step with Christ. Next to him—with him—is the exact place I’m supposed to be. If his pace with me is slower than it is with my best friend or my colleague, it is not my responsibility to try to catch up to them. In doing so, I would leave Jesus behind. Similarly, if his pace with me is faster than it is with my friend or my neighbor and if I slow down rather than pressing ahead with him, I leave Jesus behind.” -Ann Swindell

Are the Blogging Rules Robbing Your Authenticity? By Christin Slade via the Allume Blog

Many people don’t need another “how to” post. They need to hear from people who are living lives according to His Word, not the way some self-help book has it laid out. Friend, use the voice God gave you—don’t allow the blogging rules to cut out the most passionate, authentic parts of yourself just to reach the masses.” -Christin Slade

Authentically Creative, by Wendy Speake via the Allume Blog

Well, you see, I believe that God made me an actress, it’s part of who I am.  So you are basically asking me how long I’m going to give myself the opportunity to be myself before I embark on the grand adventure of being someone else.” -Wendy Speake

Who Am I Really? by Christy Mobley

My issue is keeping up with “appearances”. What might yours be? Is it appearance like me? Perhaps weight? Color? Education? Status? How twisted our thinking can become when we attach our self-worth to these perishable things.  And that’s just what the devil wants. Because when these are depleted we are left with empty. If we attach our self-worth to the One who is worthy we will always be full.” -Christy Mobley

Faith on the Edge of the Sword by Angela Parlin

I hope the story of these 21 brave brothers in Christ–and all the others who have gone before–inspires you to follow Jesus bravely, the way it’s inspiring me. Instead of growing our fears, may these stories grow our faith.They lived in this world, but they had died to it already. They had died to the world, and the world had died to them. May we stop craving our illusions of safety, and may we hunger for heaven instead.

How My Muslim Neighbors Helped Me Grow Closer to the Heart of Jesus by Angela Nazworth

Aisha and Hasim helped me grow closer to the heart of Jesus through their generous hospitality. They didn’t know Jesus like I do (although I still pray that they will), but they knew how to love like Jesus asked us to love others. And sometimes, they did it far better than I did.

Our Words Can Save a Life by Abby McDonald

Never underestimate the power of your words. Our words have the power to breathe life or stifle it. With a simple “hello,” a smile, a conversation spent listening instead of simply waiting to speak, we breathe life into the bones of others. Others who are hurting, wanting, and needing our presence and affirmation. All it takes is a simple decision. But that decision can make the difference between life and death. With our words, we can speak hope.

Top 5 Most Popular Posts from katiemreid.com for 2015

 The Secret Place (A Special Announcement)

There in the secret place of our hearts He is listening, working, moving. He knows what is best and what is necessary to shape us. He is not Santa Claus nor a leprechaun with gold at the end of the rainbow. But He is present and able to open and shut doors according to His plan. He gives good gifts even when they are unexpected and come in different packaging than we had pictured.

Welcome to My New Website

Many of you know me as the Tightly Wound Woman—that won’t be changing anytime soon—and you will still find many posts about control and letting go here. But, instead of just encouraging you through writing, I am also sharing my songs, messages and photos with you, in one place. As you explore this new home it is my prayer that you unwind in His Presence and draw nearer to Jesus.

Be Yourself

When we sidestep the path ahead we do ourselves and others a disservice. As we walk forward, taking the next step, may I remind you that you are welcome here. You don’t have to have it all together—none of us do. You have permission to be yourself. Don’t be a chameleon who changes what they look like based on the environment they are in. Be you, be true.

Unraveling Grace Series: Choosing Stillness (Guest Post by Courtney Stanford)

No one ever added a day to his life by worrying. No one ever brought God glory by holding the reigns of control so tightly. No, I have to give that all to Him. In my busyness, He reminds me to give Him control. He has this. He always has. Praise the Lord that He is the one holding my life in His hands and guiding my footsteps! I don’t have to take the lead. I can follow Jesus. He is worthy of every ounce of faith that my heart can surrender.

Unraveling Grace Series: Fears for Your Kids (Guest Post by Betsy Cruz)

When fears of school violence and internet dangers assault us, let’s fix our thoughts on the One who’ll guard our minds in perfect peace as we trust Him. Let’s turn those worries into prayers. God’s bigger than any threat our kids can face. As much as we might like to hover over our children to protect them from every danger, we can’t. They’ll make mistakes and encounter challenges, but God causes all things to work for good, and He’s got their good in mind (see Romans 8:28). We can entrust our kids to His care.

Well, I hope that you enjoyed a glimpse into what I read this year. I will be back here on Thursday to share What I Learned in 2015.

P.S. Linking up with Kate Motaung for her Memorable Posts of 2015 Link-Up and Kelly Balarie for the #RaRaLinkup.

The post Favorite Blog Posts List for 2015 appeared first on Katie M. Reid.

He is the YES of Christmas

The Yes of Christmas

He is the yes of Christmas

The long awaited one

He came down to redeem us

God’s begotten Son

Jesus, Emmanuel

Sent to die for sin

He came to redeem us

And make a way to Him

The Father said, “It’s time Son”

To start the rescue plan

So he left Heav’n and went down

Took on the form of man

Jesus, Our Savior

He is the Good News

He came to forgive us

And restore me and you

He is the yes of Christmas

The long awaited One

He came down to redeem us

God’s begotten Son

Jesus, we love You

The Best Gift of All

Thank You for Coming

And answering the call

J-E-S-U-S, He is the yes of Christmas

J-E-S-U-S, God’s only and one Son

Will you say yes this Christmas

To the long awaited one

He came down to redeem us

God’s begotten Son….Jesus.

Merry Christmas to you!

The best gift you could give is to say “yes” to Jesus this Christmas.

From our family to yours, thank you for being a part of this community as we find grace in the unraveling of life, together.

Love,

Katie

(and Adam, Darling Daughter, Strong One, Tough ‘n Tender, Sunshine Head and Baby Cinco).

Photo Credit: Creative Image Photography

 

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Spoken Word: These Hands

What’s in your hands?

What can you offer the King as you bow in reference at the manger?

Many of us dismiss the simple things we hold. They seem ordinary and kind of pitiful, compared to His Majesty. But, He bids us to come and offer what’s in our hands and heart—knowing that as we worship Him, the rightful King, we are transformed from glory to glory.

Ephesians 4:28 “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”

You do have something to share, to give, to offer this Christmas. It might be a prayer, a meal, a hug, a gift…whatever it is, let’s offer it as a lavish offering at His feet.

Click below (or here for email subscribers) to watch a spoken word I wrote on this subject and presented at our church.

These Hands

I look down,

what’s in these hands?

How can You use this lack?

You place staff in them and turn it to snake.

Demonstrating Your power, and my soul it quakes.

You use the simple to shame the wise.

You remove blinders from scaly eyes.

You unstop ears. You level shaky ground.

You use ordinary hands to build, to help, to comfort, to lift.

You’re using her and You’re using him to escort the hurting to a safe haven.

You’re using them and You’re using me to minister to little ones, to help them see.

Sometimes it doesn’t feel like much, to offer these limbs as healing touch.

Yet, You laid on limb of tree and used pierced body to set us free.

You ask us to lift these palms to You—to stop stealing and hoarding and building a kingdom for self. You have molded and crafted and shaped these hands to do kingdom work.

It’s simple yet sacred work.

Piece by piece, brick by brick we build upon the Rock and the gates of hell cannot prevail as we each do our part.

All, do your part.

And lean on Him who calls the shots,

He’s entrusted good work to you.

You might be home-bound, but don’t spend your soul biding your time.

Use your days to pound the pavement in prayer and plead for the lost to turn and be bound to a Heavenly Home.

Pray, don’t waste the day.

You might be seasoned in years, but you’re not too old to be renewed day by day as you spread His joy with smiles, with gratitude and a timely word for another. It matters more than you think. It might make all the difference.

I dare you to try.

You might feel invisible as you wash dishes, change diapers and forfeit sleep to comfort tiny lives. You wonder what difference you’re making amidst the messy mundane. Where’s the majesty in that? Yet, you’re participating in a mighty calling that has the power to change generations. You are fulfilling a humbling role that is highly honored in the sight of the King.

You are seen.

Or you might be a sitting strong in the workforce, tempted to depend on your own know-how, education and expertise. But don’t forget we’re all desperate for Him and dependent on His ability to do even one good thing. With power comes great responsibility and you’re in this position only by His grace, for such a time as this.

Don’t forget that.

You might be out of work and wondering what to do with idle hands. There is work for you to do, even now, as you open hands before Him in surrender and open His Word to point the way. It might look different than you think, but it is no less holy.

Get up, get dressed and follow His steps.

Labor well—whether at home, at work, in the hospital or in the church.

Be faithful with this day, and tomorrow and then the next and it will add up to a faithful life.

You won’t always get it right, but keep going. Don’t give up. Don’t lose heart. He’s got you.

Use the hands He has given you to do good, His good.

It’s for His glory but it’s also so that we have something to give to those in need.

Are you passing by the poor?

Are you judging your neighbor?

Are you keeping for yourself what He’s asked you to give?

Those hands, look at them.

Open them up, palms to sky and surrender them afresh.

O God, we trust You’re good, whether we’re living in lack or luxury or that in-between place.

Use us to do good work, out of our love for You, Who is Good. Not to earn Your favor but because You have placed the favor of Your mercy upon us. And we are glad.

Forgive us for hurting with these hands.

Cleanse us from dirtying these hands with sin.

Cover our hands with Your gloves of grace,

And anoint them to work as unto You and to give as You lead to those in need.

We look down,

what’s in these hands?

The power to build, to help, to comfort, to lift.

We lift these hands to You God.

Thank You for piercing Your hands for us.

That we might be forgiven

and then arise and build with these, Your hands.

P.S. Linking up with Kelly Balarie at Purposeful Faith for the #RaRaLinkup.

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Girls Meets Change (Book Review) & Best Books List 2015

Girl Meets Change

Girl Meets Change: Truth to Carry You Through Life’s Transition by Kristen Strong is a tender guide to those who are impacted by change—which is all of us.

Kristen helps the reader take courage in each season by weaving in biblical accounts of those affected by change and incorporating touching stories from her life and the lives of others.

Kristen does not minimize the pain that often accompanies change, but she points the reader upward, reminding them of the Sovereign and Loving God who knows what He is doing.

“Life and anything that represents life involves movement, and standing rigid against it will only break us. So being the loving parent he is, God gently but firmly urges us toward the uncomfortable places change brings.”

―Kristen Strong, Girl Meets Change

The Christmas Angel

The Christmas Angel by Doug Kloosterman is a fully-illustrated children’s book about what angels are really like. They aren’t delicate pastel figurines—they are warriors that carry messages and reassure their recipients not to be afraid.

Doug is one of our good friends and we are so proud of him for turning his yearly angel rant into a published book.

My kids were engaged by both the message and the pictures as we read this book aloud.

My Top 3 Reads of 2015:

You’re Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect by Holley Gerth.

Every once in awhile a book comes along that you feel is written just for you. You wonder if the author has been spying on your heart as their words address issues you have been dealing with for a lifetime.

You’re Loved No Matter What by Holley Gerth is that kind of book. It’s not just written for this Tightly Wound Woman, but for all of us recovering perfectionists who struggle to meet the unrealistic expectations that we put upon ourselves and others.

I think at the root of every desire for perfection is simply this: fear. The way we battle fear as humans is through control. And being perfect is the ultimate expression of control.” -Holley Gerth

You can read my full review here.

Women at War: Declaring a Cease-Fire on Toxic Female Relationships by Jan Greenwood.

Woman at War is a power-packed battle guide for calling women to freedom through revelation and spiritual training. Jan addresses mother/daughter relationships, sister relationships, friendships and church ministry relationships. She points us to the truth and offers practical resources for walking out the principles found in this book.

I am glad that I read Women at War and recommend that you read it too. You can download the first chapter for free.

Whatever He is asking you to do, it is your “yes” that allows Him to deposit something divine and powerful within you.” -pg. 68, Jan Greenwood

You can read my review here.

Jesus>Religion: Why He is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough by Jefferson Bethke.

I can’t say enough good things about this book. It is by far my favorite read of the year. My husband and I purchased numerous copies to give to graduates. If you haven’t read Jesus > Religion I implore you to do so. You will be challenged, stirred up and excited to live in more freedom, love and truth than every before—at least we were.

“Our lives on earth aren’t just placeholders until we go to heaven. We are to create, cultivate, and redeem while we’re here. The misconception, I’ve realized, has come from a lack of knowledge of why we were created.”-Jefferson Bethke

Jefferson cuts through religious red tape and gets to the heart of the matter and the heart of Jesus. This book challenged my thinking on the topics of grace, art, and church life. I embarrassingly tend to lean towards legalism and Jefferson words helped illuminate a better way.

“One of my favorite things about following Jesus is I get to drop the act, admit I’m not good enough, walk in freedom-and that’s good news.” -Jefferson Bethke

Head on over here for a full list of books that I have reviewed to date.

This year I set a goal to read 25 books via Goodreads. I am 6 books behind schedule but am determined to try and meet my goal by year’s end. I better get reading!

What are some of the best books that you have read in 2015?

P.S. Still looking for gift ideas? Why not purchase a copy of one of these books?

Also my friend, Krafty Kash, has some great gift ideas for under $20. If you order before Friday your items will still arrive before Christmas!

Happy Shopping!

 

*This post contains affiliate links

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Herod, Haiku and a Heart Like His

First of all, congrats to Angela T., and lolene808 for winning the F&C “loved” dangle bangle and the Downton Abbey swag!

A Heart like Herod or A Heart Like His?

I haven’t given much thought to King Herod before this Christmas season.

This semester, in bible study, we studied chapters 1-13 of Matthew and I learned some important background information about him.

Just from reading Matthew 2 we can draw a few conclusions about Herod:

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” -Matthew 2:1-3

Herod was king, in a royal position when Jesus was born. He was upset when he heard about the one who had been born King of the Jews.

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.’” -Matthew 2:7-8

If you read further down in this chapter, we can easily conclude that Herod was lying to the magi. He did not want to worship the Child, he wanted to be rid of Him.

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.” -Matthew 2:16

Herod ruled with hatred by having all the male children killed. He did not want this King of the Jews to survive and he wanted to ensure his own reign.

It would be easy to cast judgment on Herod’s evil deeds and dark heart. But what about us?

Do we slay others in the wake of our desire for power, in the presence of insecurities and when another is shining brighter than we are?

How many times are we troubled, enraged or envious as we hear about the rise of another?

Position threatened

Insecurity rises

Like Herod we kill

There’s a Steven Curtis Chapman song entitled, Christmas is All in the Heart. Isn’t it interesting that the Messiah, the King of the Jews, born so many years ago, desires to sit on the throne of our hearts?

He sits down at the right hand of the Father and He came, died and was resurrected so that we can be forgiven, restored and welcomed into the Kingdom.

When we let Jesus lead, and make Him Lord of our lives, we give Him permission to reside in our hearts and change us from the inside out.

Our Herod-heart is exchanged for a King-of-Kings-heart.

We reject rage and embrace grace.

We search for Jesus as magi and allow Him to slay our sin.

Christmas is all about the heart.

Is your heart soft soil, ready to make room for the Savoir? Or do you turn away hard-hearted, angry that He is Lord and you are not?

Dear Jesus:

Would you help us have a heart like Yours this Christmas? Forgive our rage and hate and help us to have soft hearts that welcome You in. Help us to lay down our envy and our right to rule and bow in worship like wise men. Thank You for coming for us and not leaving us slaves to sin. We long to walk in freedom as You rule, in Sovereignty and Love, over us. Amen.

Join me over at Wendy Speake’s place for her beautiful #holidayhaiku series. I’m guest posting today over there as we pray, Search Me O God at Christmastime…

Linking up with the #RaRaLinkup too.

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Hospitality is Pretty, in My Head

I am an idealist. That’s a fancy way of saying I have unrealistic expectations.

I want to serve a mouth-watering meal, with all the food groups, and act like money is not a restrictor to the menu. I dream of serving said meal in a Pinterest-pretty home that is dusted, shiny and clutter-free. I imagine that my four darlings will not interrupt the conversing adults and will be thoroughly entertained and independent while we visit with friends.

It all looks pretty in my head but something gets lost in the execution.

As an outgoing introvert I love the idea of hosting people; I just want to hide out once they show up.

I like to think that I prepare for others calmly, but my family knows better. They get out of the way as Host-zilla emerges, barking orders to pick-up and help out and shouting out an exasperated, “Yes! We have to vacuum right now so the house looks great when they arrive.”

Then the guests come and I am worn-out and we all try to put on a happy face and act like preparing for their arrival was no big deal and aren’t we so glad they are here?!

Of course we are glad they came but the frenzy beforehand leaves me feeling like a hypocrite.

A controlling woman makes for a less-than gracious hostess. That’s me, the Tightly Wound Woman, who wants everything just so. Thankfully I married a Mr. Steady who was born with a hospitable heart.

He’d just assume feed the guests cereal and step over toys on the way to the couch then act irritable to our guests. His culinary repertoire might be lacking but his heart is welcoming as he greets our guests and makes them feel at ease.

Maybe I’ve got it all backwards? I am busy cleaning the outside of the cup while the inside is cracking from all the pressure I put upon it (see Matthew 23:23-28).

I am so concerned with how nice everything looks and tastes that I bypass the heart of the matter.

The guests, our friends, want to be known. They desire conversation more than quality ingredients. They want to be seen and heard more than they want to go pin my recipe or post my fireplace mantel on Instagram. #wowthisgirlknowshowtodecorate

Hospitality…such a loaded word that actually means something quite simple; to receive.

I focus too much on what I am giving out that I forget to receive those in front of me by being present and imperfect and welcoming them into the real.

We allow others into our crazy and somehow grace finds us there.

We let conversation marinate and don’t rush the silence and we begin to boil up with joy and laughter. Tears also come as we confess the pain we are walking through and dare to whisper the untidy questions that keep us up at night.

And this is where true hospitality is found…somewhere in the cracks, between courses, in stepping over Legos and overlooking the mismatched pillows, and in enjoying the person rather than what they brought—or forgot to bring.

And I breathe a little deeper and smile a little wider and get a little braver since this is what is required of me: just an open heart as I choose to open the door (instead of hiding out while hubby greets the guests); just a little time in the scheme of the day to see what’s beneath the surface of a friend’s heart; just a willing hand to offer what I have, even if it’s just a bowl of cereal and a listening ear.

As we receive those that come our way with grace and authenticity we all feast on a bounty of blessings.

Maybe hospitality has very little to do with food or the condition of our homes and much more to do with the presence of a welcoming heart amidst the mess.

I’m delighted to be a guest over at Grace Table today as we talk about living with open hands and open doors…

P.S. There is still time to enter the Fashion & Compassion dangle bangle and head on over to Instagram to win the Downton Abbey Season 6 swag.

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