Step Out

The moment I saw this camper the Lord showed me a picture. I was at the registration table at camp, checking in all the boys while Kate checked in all the girls. The picture was so real and it broke my heart. I began to pray and listen to the Lord for this young man.

Two days later I am standing in the back of the chapel and I see this young man and the Lord told me to go tell him what I saw. I went back and forth with God for about 5 minutes because one, I didn't know the kid and two, I didn't any clue what God was going to tell him and I was afraid. I had this heaviness on my chest and I knew I had to be obedient. God is so good....as I tapped this kid on the shoulder he glanced back at me, not really sure what I was doing. I leaned over and told him, "I have a word for you!" and immediately he turned around. There was an anticipation in his face and I knew he wanted to hear from the Lord. As I began sharing with him the picture the Lord gave me, God kept speaking more to him. That moment I knew that God met him right where he was and his life would be changed. It was amazing!

No matter if we know all that we are going to say or just a little piece of it, if God asks us to step out and speak....be obedient!

Since camp I have received a few texts from this kid and he told me that he is completely different. God did some pretty incredible things in his life up at camp and I am honored that the Lord would use me through it. I am learning that I don't have to have a feeling or have my heart start racing before I know it is God speaking to me.....I spend time with the Lord everyday and I have learned through my time with him what his voice sounds like. Now I listen and move when he asks, even if there isn't a feeling that takes over. I have seen God show up so much more lately because of my obedience and I don't ever want to go back to the way I was. I want to be used by the Lord everyday to see lives changed. I also want to hear from the Lord everyday for my own life.

I can't imagine living life without God speaking to me. I am so glad I don't have to!

~ Kim ~

Summer

When I think of summer I think of Camp Crestview. This summer will be my 21st year going to Crestview, with a break in between for a few years. In 1984 I was told by my mom that I was going to go to camp at Crestview, but I was the only girl from my church. I fought my mom, because how scary would that be? I just remember begging my mom to not make me go...but she kept saying, "I grew up at Crestview and so will you. Don't worry...you will love it!" I am so glad that my mom made me go. I didn't want to leave. I couldn't wait until the next summer when I could go again. Camp was a place where I would meet new friends and grow closer to the Lord. It was a place where I learned what worship was all about. It was a place where I remember God talking to me for the first time.

Tomorrow I get to go to Crestview for High School camp. I am busy getting ready....packing clothes and hoping I don't forget anything. I am so excited for what is going to happen this coming week. Last year was the best year at camp for me by far.....but I am expecting God to show up in a new fresh way this year....and I am waiting for him to rock the lives of these young people going to camp. The great thing about camp is that not only are the campers lives changed but also the staff. I came home from camp last year a new person....and I am looking for the Lord to work in my heart again this year!

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to go to camp. I am thankful for a job that allows me time off of work to do the ministry I love so much! I am thankful for the expectant heart the Lord has given me for camp. I am also thankful for the amazing summer weather we are having!!!! I love the sunshine!

~ Kim ~

Stories that make you laugh.....

I love to sit around with friends and tell old stories.......

Laughter

Last night, while sitting in the Allstott's living room, some friends along with some "kids" that used to be in the youth group when I was a leader sat around and shared story after story. We have had some fun times and it meant a lot to me to just sit back and laugh with friends. At one point I know I was crying because I was laughing so hard.

Tomorrow we celebrate Kevin Osterloh's life and last night we were able to share our funny Kevin stories. The way I want to remember Kevin is by these stories we shared. He was such an amazing young man and has blessed each of our lives.

Being back in La Grande just reminds me of all the good times I have had here. I am thankful to be here and to be with friends!

~ Kim ~

Do Not Hide

Psalm 40:10

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.

I remember a time in my life where I had a hard time believing that God was really good. It's crazy because God has always been faithful. He has always been righteous. God has always been loving. Why then would I have a hard time believing he was good?

I can look back at my life and really wonder what happened here and there. When bad things happened was it God punishing me? No....it was me walking through the choices I made. God taught me things through those hard times. He is so good that he wanted me to learn more about him through the choices I made that brought me pain and sorrow.

My responsibilty now is to not be quiet about what God has done in my life, but to speak of his goodness. When I am talking with someone who is walking through a hard time I need to be leaning on the Holy Spirit to tell me what to say. My words are not going to change what someone is going though, but God can change their heart by what he wants me to speak. Being quiet and not telling others of his goodness in my life is not allowing myself to be used by the Lord to bring his truth.

My heart is so heavy right now. There are people in my life that do not walk an easy life. Their choices have brought some pretty hard circumstances. I want to come in and fix the problem. I want to help them make choices that will be better for their life....but I can't. What the Lord has shown me today is that I can be quick to listen to the Holy Spirit and when he tells me to speak, I will tell of God's goodness. I will tell of his righteousness. I will tell of his great love. And instead of me changing things in their life......I allow God the room to do what He can and will do in their heart.

I am thankful for what the Lord keeps showing me in my quiet times with him each day.

I am thankful that God's word is......"Living and Active", Heb 4:12

~ Kim ~

Thankful For Lifelong Friendships

I was able to sleep in today. What a wonderful feeling! I woke up refreshed and ready for my week. As I rolled over to look out the window I saw beautiful Mt. Emily and smiled. What a site to wake up to. It is nice to be in La Grande for awhile.

Today I get to have lunch with friends.....then I am off to spend the rest of the day with someone very close to my heart. After this weekend of spending time with this friend.....I realized how deep my love is for this person.

John 15:12-14

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

I am thankful that the Lord has blessed me with this friendship. I am thankful that the Lord brought both of us back "home" so that we could have time together. The Lord always has a plan.....and I am honored to be used by Him to love His children!

~ Kim ~

July 5th....

I am thankful for an amazing 4th of July weekend at Wallowa Lake!

I am Thankful for......

The Allstott Family and for them inviting me camp with them this weekend

Laughter and Memories

Long talks with an old friend

God speaking through others to my heart

More Laughter

Fireworks at the Lake

Good Food

Good Weather

And again......Laughter

~ Kim ~

July 2nd.....

Today I am thankful for........

My car that is paid of and will get me to my destination!

Air Conditioning

Waking up before my alarm......it is a beautiful day

Time off

Great friends!

Today I begin my adventure.........

Wallowa Lake ~ Friends ~ Camping

Sunshine ~ Boat Rides ~ Fireworks

Great Food ~ Games ~ Road Trip

~ Kim ~

On July 1st I am Thankful for....

Quiet Time This Morning

Hearing God's Voice Speak To Me

Amazing Sunshine ~ Summer

A Trip To Look Forward To ~ The 4th of July is coming!!

I decided yesterday that I am going to start writing down things I am thankful for daily. Too often I get caught up in the negative and forget about all the amazing blessings in my life. Even starting this yesterday I could see how I was having a hard time thinking of the things I am thankful for. I need to change my mindset! Here I go!

~Kim~