What to take into 2020 and leave behind

What to take into 2020 and leave behind

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

January 2020

With the beginning of 2020, it is time to take inventory of our lives and prepare for the future. As I looked at my own life, walk with God and where I want to go, I discovered there are things I want to take into the new year and things I need to leave behind. What about you? What do you want to take into 2020 and what are the things you need to leave in 2019?

I want to continue solidifying the things God has taught me in this past year. Everything in life is about our relationship with God and with others. God always wants to be with us in every situation. He is always with us; He promises that in scripture. The problem is we often do not realize it and rest in His love.

Jeremiah 31:3 says, “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (NIV)

His love helps guide us and helps us feel secure. I have seen God help me step out to do things I have never done before, provide connections I needed, and be my security in the unexpected. He has also been my stability during change and shown me things I have seen as a negative, He sees as a positive, and will work it together for my good. He has helped me love people that have not been kind or easy to love. All of these are things I am taking with me into 2020, and intend to build on them.

Recently, I was going through some cabinets and drawers at home. I realized there were things cluttering my drawers and cabinets and things I needed to simply get throw away. I think it is also important to look at our heart to see what we need to let go of or get rid of. What baggage needs to stay in 2019? I am talking about things like failures, disappointments, hurts and unforgiveness. 

Isaiah 43:18 says, “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing.” (NIV) 

If we focus on the negative things and regrets in our lives, it can keep us from fully enjoying the present. Bad things happen to good people, however, each of us has a choice of how we handle them and if we dwell on them. I have wasted plenty of time in my life focusing on failures, disappointments, hurts, unforgiveness, and things that just do not benefit me. What drawer in your life do you need to clean out so you can make room for the new?

Isaiah 52:1 also instructs us by saying, “Clothe yourself with strength and splendor, shake off your dust, for this is what the Lord says.” (NIV) 

God tells us that His heart for us is to reach for the strength He provides, be bright in the world around us, and get rid of things we do not need. We need to listen to Him and what He says instead of negative voices. What do you need to shake off? 

Perhaps 2019 was a difficult year for you. Maybe you lost your job, lost a loved one, experienced a tragedy, were diagnosed with cancer or another disease. 

Jeremiah 31:17 is a short scripture and is God’s gift to us as we walk into 2020. “So, there is hope for your future.” (NIV) 

No matter what you faced in 2019, there is fresh hope for you to grab in 2020. When you walk with God, there is always hope and hope serves as an anchor for our soul.

This year, I challenge you to take a look at your life, shake off and get rid of things you do not need and make room for the new things God has to give you this year. God adores you, so partner with Him and remember the best is yet to come!

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie is a native to the Texas Hill Country, a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and worth and God’s love, You can reach her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com, visit her blog at www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com, and listen to her podcast at www.kathleenmaxwellrambie.podbean.com
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The Holidays-The Pain, Promise and Adventure Podcast

The Holidays-The Pain, Promise and Adventure

Loving Difficult People During the Holidays

Loving Difficult People During the Holidays
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Podcast-Crisis at Christmas is Not New

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Crisis at Christmas is Not New

Latest podcast-Uncommon Thanks

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Uncommon Thanks

Uncommon Thanks

Uncommon Thanks

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Copyright November 2019

Kerrville Daily Times

We were sitting on a bass boat in El Salto, Mexico, and had just cast our lines into the water. It was a gorgeous morning and the sun was coming up behind the Sierra Madre Mountains. The scenery was breath taking and I marveled at the beauty God had created. It was as if He were painting a majestic picture, just for us. I thanked God for the beauty that surrounded us.

Stephen and I had slipped away for a few days to celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary. I was thankful for the opportunity to getaway and to relax. As I fished, I thanked God for my husband, the fun we have together, thanked Him for the redemption He had brought into my life. I was truly grateful for all God’s provision. I thanked Him for His great love for me.

With the sun rising above the mountains, I began to reflect on my past and the adversity I had experienced and how different my life is now. I saw the adversity as scars I had, and thought of how those scars had reshaped me and each told a story of the goodness of God in my life. I thanked God for the scars because without the scars, I would not have known the heart of God like I do today. 

Ephesians 5:20 states, “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Scripture tells us to always be grateful and thankful in all circumstances. Sometimes that is hard to do because the future is uncertain or our adversity is just plain difficult. It is easy to be thankful when things are going our way.

God in His wisdom tells us to be thankful, therefore, it must be good for us. This goes against our society, which often times, feels entitled to an easy life. This entitlement produces an attitude of thinking we deserve something, and bitterness can set in, when things do not turn out the way we envisioned. This attitude can keep us self-centered keeps our focus on the negative, verses what we can give thanks for in difficult circumstances.

 God’s ways are often uncommon to our thoughts in our self-centered culture.

Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV) God knows what is best for us.

Casting my rattletrap into the still water, I reflected on  how hard it was to give thanks after losing my late husband. Back in those days, I felt like my life was over. The negative outlook I battled, was not easy, however, when I looked for what I was grateful for, it helped my outlook on life.

About all I could think of to give thanks for, was what I was going to learn during this difficult season. Each of us has an opportunity to press into God during our adversity and God is a great teacher. He will lead us and teach us great things that can help us, and eventually, help those around us.

Thanksgiving declares our trust in God and begins to adjust our focus and our attitude and emotions. II Corinthians 2:14 says, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and though us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” (NIV)

Step by step, God has led me during many days of adversity. Some have been small and others have been life changing. All of us deal with hard things in life and how we approach difficulty, can become an opportunity or a stumbling block. 

Whatever your circumstances are right now, take a moment to give thanks. You can always begin with thanking God that you are loved. Psalms 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good and his love endures forever.”

You can also be grateful for what God will teach you, as you depend on Him and can thank Him that He will lead you in victory, as you trust Him.

Thanksgiving draws us into the presence of God or close to Him, and that changes us. Psalms 100:4 encourages us and states, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (NIV) Thankfulness opens our heart and gets brings our emotions and thinking into alignment.

Ten years ago, I would have never dreamed I would be sitting on a boat in Mexico, enjoying bass fishing with a new man in my life. God creates beauty in the ashes of life and works in ways we cannot always see. 

We had some great days of fishing, catching over 65 fish several days and 152 the last day. Many were four to six pounders. I am thankful for the quite hours to sit on the water, still my soul and reflect on the goodness of God.

Thanksgiving is not meant to be just a holiday in November for Americans to celebrate. It is meant to be a lifestyle that is good for us. This year, look for the uncommon things you can be thankful for, as well as all the good things you see in your life.

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie is a native of the Hill Country, a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping others discover the joy of walking with God and their value. You can listen to her podcast at kathleenmaxwellrambie.podbean.com and contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com  or www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com. 

The Power in Giving Thanks

Check out my latest podcast at The Gathering! The Power in Giving Thanks

Giving thanks in all things

Giving thanks in all things

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

November 2019

Copyright 2019

Ellis- my grand girl

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and many are already thinking about their Thanksgiving menu, travel plans, and seeing those they love. All of those things are great, but what does God have to say about giving thanks and how do we do that in our everyday life? 

Actually, God has many things to say about giving thanks and being thankful. Our forefathers had a great picture of gratitude. They even created a holiday in our nation, to show how thankful they were to be in a new land. To me, the early settlers did not have an easy life, and yet, they were very thankful.

The Bible tells us when we should be thankful, and it does not say giving thanks should only be in November. 

Ephesians 5:20 states, “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV)

Truett- my grandson

Philippians 4:6 say, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, presents your requests to God.” (NIV) 

These scriptures are clear that we should be thankful frequently, in fact, all the time, for everything and every situation. 

So, what does that mean in our everyday life and for us when things are going wrong, and are challenging? And how do we do that in every situation? 

I recently fell at the gym and really hurt my leg. The pain was pretty severe and it was difficult to walk. I did not immediately jump up and say “thank you God my leg hurts.” 

This injury was not really in my plan nor at a convenient time. As I contemplated what these scriptures meant for me, I began to think of what I could be thankful for.

Moving slow definitely cramps my style; however, I can thank God for what I am going to learn in this season of my life, knowing God will work in it for my good.

I thanked God that our deductible was met and that I was able to get right into see the doctor. I thanked God for the wisdom he gave my doctor, even though I was not happy that he said I tore my hamstring and the injury was extensive.

Anna Jo-my grand girl

 I realized I could thanked God that it was my left leg, not my right, and I could still drive!  I am thankful that the doctor said it should heal in 4-6 weeks, without surgery. Jesus paid a great price for our healing, and I am grateful He is helping me heal.

God wants us to be thankful in all things because it is good for us. When we have an attitude of gratitude, it helps us to see what we have, instead of what we do not have. A thankful heart, adjusts our attitude and gets our focus on the positive aspects of our life. 

Vega-my grand girl

Isaiah 51:3 says, “Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.” (NIV) This scripture shows us that thanksgiving and joy go hand in hand. It is certainly a lot more fun to be around someone that is joyful and glad, and when we are thankful, it may not change our circumstances, but it changes us.

  I Thessalonians 5:18 states, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) God knows that giving thanks is good for us.

 Thanksgiving should be a lifestyle for all of us, in all aspects of our life, not just an annual holiday. Will you join me in looking for what you can be thankful for in your life? 

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie is a native of the Hill Country, a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping others discover the joy of walking with God and their value. You can listen to her podcast at kathleenmaxwellrambie.podbean.com and contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com  or www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com. 

God is in the Waiting

Check out my latest podcast. Click the link below. Are you tired of waiting? Have prayers that haven't been answered yet? Then, you won't want to miss this podcast, God is in the Waiting. There is a big difference in simply waiting and waiting on God. This recording will cover the benefits of waiting, how to wait and partner with God in the waiting

God is in the Waiting

What happened to normal?

What happened to 'normal'?

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie
copyright 2019
Kerrville Daily Times

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My life has been anything but normal for quite some time now. I have discovered that walking with God is anything but boring and normal.

God marches to the beat of his own drum, and that melody is found in scripture. Normal for him is to pour out goodness on the biggest sinner. His normal is to always love, no matter what. He is good and rich in love. This lets me know I need to adjust my thinking and trade it for God’s normal.

God does not ration his goodness. He is not reluctant to bless you. Over and over again in scripture, it states that He is good, and his goodness will follow us all the days of my life. For me, that means I need to look for His goodness.

Psalms 118:29 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good and his loves endures forever.” ( KJV)

Psalms 119:68 says, “You are good and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” (KJV)

Sometimes those words are hard to swallow as we try to make sense of life’s difficulties and disappointments.

What I have found is, the jewels are found in the waiting and persevering. In the middle of life’s turmoil, we must keep looking for the silver lining and trust God.

I find that too many people quit trusting and quit looking for how God is going to work things together for their good. I know I have struggled with this personally in several situations and have had to discipline myself to hang in there.

One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 2:4, which says, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (NIV)

Think about that for a minute. In our society, when someone does something wrong and needs to repent of their wrong, we normally do not think of how good we can be to them.

God says, let’s pour out more goodness and let that convict them, leading them to wanting to repent.

I will have to say, I have not always felt like being good and kind to those who have done wrong, especially to me. If I live in those feelings, they can lead me on a wrong path.

God’s ways are so much higher than mine and his work. My ways do not always work, and therefore, I must submit to his ways.

It’s normal for God to pour out kindness, so I guess we need to learn a new normal.

What do we do when someone takes advantage of us? Normal to God is found in Romans 12: 19-21: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay’ says the Lord.” (NIV)

We frequently have seen in our society evil ways and evil things invading our nation’s families, politics, businesses and even churches. Evil is around us. What if that is because we believe God is on a budget, and we keep His goodness for ourselves instead of giving it away? God pours out his goodness on us all the time. I believe we often just don’t realize it. We feel that God is reluctant to bless us, and that is just not true.

What if we became a community that poured out our financial resources, our time, our energy to help those that have broken the law, have unkept neighborhoods, are irresponsible and don’t know God?

Normal in our society is to criticize and judge those who have messed up in life. I know, because I have been guilty of judgement and have had to repent. I believe we are called to live above the norm and bless and bless again those who struggle in life. We really are not called to live a normal life when we walk with God.

There was a time in my life when I really felt misunderstood by someone. They totally misinterpreted my actions and words. It hurt my heart that their communication was harsh, judgmental and that they withdrew their love and support in a time I needed it the most.

My challenge was “How am I going to respond?” Withdraw myself? Continue being kind and walk in love?

Love is a choice, so is kindness and forgiveness.

I think we have a world around us that is longing to see God as he really is. He is good, He is for us, He is with us, and therefore, we can be full of joy, peace, kindness and His goodness.

What if God wants to use you and me to reveal his mercy and love to another?

Will you join me in letting God mold you and shape you? Will you be the one to pour out a kind word or goodness to someone who has not valued you or who has dishonored you?

All of mankind is waiting for the sons and daughters of God to be revealed. You could be the next one God wants to use!

Kathleen is a native of the Hill Country and is a writer and speaker. Visit her podcast at kathleenmaxwellrambie.podbean.com. On Oct. 29 and Nov.5, 6:30-7:45 p.m., she will lead a free Bible study at the Kroc Center, “The Gathering: Bringing God into Everyday Life.” All are invited. Kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com.

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Ten years ago

It was a hot summer day in 2009, and Joe, my late husband, and I were sitting in our living room. He was battling a rare cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, and was recovering from a surgery that removed a 19-centimeter tumor from his shoulder. He had lost function of his arm.

Right after his diagnosis, Joe began a Caring Bridge site, to keep our family,

friends, coworkers and community people informed on how to pray, and where we were in our battle. Both of us had grown up here in Kerrville.

“Joe, people are asking for an update. If you will tell me what to say, I will write it for you,” I said, as I sat down at the computer.

“No, I want you to share what is on your heart. God has something for you in writing,” he replied, in a soft but firm voice.

“Well, I will write until you get better, but I didn’t even like English or writing in high school or college,” I said. “I am not a writer.”

In the days and weeks ahead, Joe did not get better, and the news we received was not good. 

We had so many people around the world cheering us on in our battle for his life, praying and believing with us for healing. 

God had done many great things for us since he was diagnosed that cold day, Jan. 8, 2009. We could see God’s hand in our lives and saw how close God was in the midst of this hard time. 

I did not want to share all the negative news without also showing how faithful God had been to us during our battle. The 10-hour surgery at M.D. Anderson was not the cure we had hoped for, and the cancer had spread. The negative news was only part of our story. 

Watching someone you love suffer is the hardest thing I have endured, and yet, I was learning about the beauty of walking with God in the “valley of the shadow of death.”

Joe’s health continued to decline, so I began to share my heart in a transparent way and also shared the goodness of God, when our prayers did not get answered the way we wanted. 

As I continued to tell our story on the Caring Bridge site, hundreds of people began following our site, and little did I know, I was beginning my callings as a writer.

Early on the morning of Oct. 8, 2009, nine months to the day after diagnosis, Joe took his last breath on this Earth and his first breath in heaven.

After his death, I continued sharing my heart and my journey through grief on Caring Bridge. We had more than 39,950 visits to this website. 

Toward the end of 2009, my children suggested I transition to a blog, www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com, as many were responding, and people were identifying with overcoming difficulty. People were looking for encouragement during hard times, and all of us encounter adversity. 

I continued writing about grief, life without Joe and how God was faithful in my journey through grief.

In January of 2010, a young editor of the Faith Section of The Kerrville Daily Times contacted me. Her name was Carlina Villalpando, and she had been following our Caring Bridge website and my blog. She encouraged me in my writing and asked me to begin writing for the Faith Section of the paper. She is now the editor and publisher of The Kerrville Daily Times.

“I’m not a writer,” I told her, but I did agree to pray about it and loved the opportunity to share about who God was. 

In March of 2010, I began writing for the paper and, shortly after that, The Hill Country Community Journal. Ten years later, I write for three newspapers, my blog, lead a community Bible study called The Gathering: Bringing God into Everyday Life, and now have a podcast, kathleenmaxwellrambie.podbean.com.

I discovered the veil between life and death is very thin. Joe saw me in the future. He saw me through God’s eyes, and I believe Carlina heard from God and saw my potential. 

I do not think I would have ever begun writing and speaking if Joe and I had not had that conversation in our living room in July of 2009 and without Carlina’s invitation. I am grateful for both of them.

Joe will have been gone 10 years on Oct. 8. It seems like yesterday, and yet it seems like a lifetime, as I have remarried a great man, Stephen, and now have a whole new life. 

A new compassion and talent developed in time and during my journey through grief. I am passionate about helping people, and I pray you will find beauty in the ashes of whatever adversity you are going through right now. 

In the meantime, trust God and hang on to Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (KJV)

Kathleen is a Hill Country native and is a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and worth. She will lead a Bible study at The Kroc Center called The Gathering: Bringing God into Everyday Life All from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Oct. 1. All are invited. Kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com.

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Understanding God's Character and Nature

Understanding God's Character and Nature

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Living Out of the New You-Identity

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Living Out of the New You-Identity

Your encouragement can change someone's day and their life

Your encouragement can change someone’s day and their life

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

September 2019

Copyright 2019

My grand girl -Collins

I love how God is good at being a genius! He always sees our hearts and is attentive to our needs. He is the best friend I have ever had because he is always around and always listening to me. He sees the best in me and calls me up to become all He has created me to be-my true identity in Him. 

He does not always answer my prayers in my timing or the way I want him to, however, I have learned to rest and trust and simply walk with him. He is really awesome at encouraging me, especially when I ask and need it the most.

Back in early 2016, it was a cold and cloudy day. I had experienced some difficult weeks with back to back meetings, living out of suit case and very long hours. The cloud of adversity loomed over these particular weeks and nothing seemed easy to accomplish, even simple ordinary tasks. 

I continued to find my joy in the fact that God was with me and I had overcome many other obstacles in my life, however, I was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted and personally needed some encouragement. 

As I walked into a local meeting, I whispered a simple prayer, “Lord, you know me and know my heart. Encourage me today.” I ate my lunch, visited with a few colleagues and decided I really needed to get back to the office so after about 30 minutes, I left the meeting a little early, briskly walking back to my car.

my grand boy-Grant

“Excuse me,” said a deep voice from a man doing some landscaping. “Are you Kathleen Maxwell that writes for the paper?” the voice continued. “This is David (not his real name), our sons played ball together years ago and your husband Joe, coached,” he said.

“Oh yes, I recognize you now, but that has been 15 years ago!” I said. “A lot has changed, how is your son?” I asked. We chatted a few minutes about our boys, where they were and what they are doing now.

“I have been wanting to talk to you and told God if I ever saw you, I would share with you what a difference you made in my life, “the bright eyed African American gentleman shared.

 “I made some wrong choices in life and found myself in jail and while I was locked up, I began to read your articles,” he continued. “I saved every one of them and shared them with other inmates. They changed my heart and I gave my heart to God and He gave me hope. They showed me that God really loved me and had forgiven me and had a plan for my life,” David continued.

 “I even shared them with the chaplain and he began to use them in chapel. Now, I want to share with others what God has done for me and I want to thank you,” he shared. “I just wanted you to know how you help me and that your writing makes a difference.” 

By this time, I was a puddle of tears! God normally doesn’t answer my prayers in 30 minutes but He did that day, just when I needed it the most. 

I shared with David that I had just prayed, less than an hour ago, asking God to encourage my heart, and of all the people in the world, God chose him to answer.

“Do not ever doubt God’s hand on your life, David.” I encouraged him. “God used you today to encourage me and answer my prayer.” We visited a little longer and I was able to pray with him about a few things he shared. 

I headed to my car with a big smile on my face, reflecting on the goodness of God and how He touched my heart that day. I also thought of how short life really is and thought about the call God has on my life.

Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another daily…” and I Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Encourage one another and build each other up…” (NIV)

Everyone needs encouragement and all of us need someone cheering us on. God may want to use you today to encourage someone in your family, your workplace, at H.E.B. or in our community. Our words, written or spoken, either speak life or death to others. 

hike up Diamond Head on recent trip to see my kids

Who can you encourage today? I challenge you to look around and ask God who you can encourage. Someone you are around today, needs encouragement. God does not look at our qualifications or our past mistakes, He looks for willing vessels He can use to touch others.

If you need encouragement, ask God to encourage you. He is the one we always need to turn to when we have a need. It will be exciting to see how he chooses to answer your prayer and the person he uses.

That encounter with David, not only encouraged me on a dreary day, but boosted my faith and put a spring in my step. God is never too busy to hear the simplest prayer. He cares for you and me loves walking with us through each and every day. 

Also, if you need some encouragement, check out my podcast at: www.kathleenmaxwellrambie.podbean.com or  find it on Apple Podcast-The Kathleenmaxwellrambie Podcast Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Kathleen is a native of the Hill Country and is a writer and speaker. She is passionate about

helping people discover their value and worth. Beginning September 17, 2019, 6:30-7:45 she will be leading a Bible study at The Kroc Center called, The Gathering-Bringing God into everyday

life. www.theMaxwellminutes.blogspot.com

Kickboxing and Christianity: What they have in common

Kickboxing and Christianity-What they have in common

Recent trip to Tacoma Washington

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Copyright August 2019

Kerrville Daily Times
Hill Country Community Journal

Back in the spring of 2018, I walked into The Kroc Center to work out and noticed a kickboxing class. The ladies were getting a good workout and it looked fun.

“I do not think I will ever be able to do that class,” I told myself. It looked too strenuous and I doubted my ability, especially with my knee injury.

A few months later, I finally decided that I would show up for the kickboxing class and just give it a try. After all, I could just walk out, if it was too much. I walked into the class and was greeted by our bubbly teacher, Sarah. Much to my surprise, I was able to do the whole class with some simple modifications. I was hooked!

Believe it or not, I have noticed some similarities between kickboxing and our relationship walking with God.

First, simply show up, take one step at a time and do not underestimate yourself. For several months, I underestimated my ability and did not even go to the class but when I did, I learned so much. 

God absolutely adores you and me just the way we are, however, He wants us to grow, mature, and stretch in our walk with Him. He also wants to teach us and knows what we are capable of. Sometimes I think we underestimate our value and distance ourselves from God because we do not see Him as a loving father.

Jeremiah 31:3 tells us, “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” (NIV)

He daily gives us opportunity to know Him more. Setting aside a little time to read the Bible, pray about things that concern us and others, are just a few ways to improve our relationship with Him. Showing up daily to spend time with Him is half the battle, just like me simply showing up for the kickboxing class. He loves us just the way we are, but also wants us to grow and mature in our relationship and walk with Him. 

Another thing I discovered in my class is, I could not compare myself with others, I just had to keep moving and practicing the steps and moves. At first, they were awkward and a little difficult to master, but as time went on, I found my rhythm. 

There are some younger people in the class that are much more in shape than I am. I cannot compare myself to them or even try to keep up with them, I just keep working on my own personal goals. The important thing is I am showing up and gaining better stamina, mobility and muscle tone. 

In our walk with God, He loves it when we practice His word. Yes, we all stumble, go back to ungodly ways of handling things, etc., however, the more we practice, the easier it is to develop our new life in Christ and understanding His love for us. God is not comparing our talents us to someone else.

2 Corinthians 10:12tells us we are not wise when we compare our abilities to others. It says, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (NIV)

 One of the keys to success in kickboxing class is following and listening to our teacher. Keeping my eye on her during the workout, helps me grasp new moves, workout harder, and learn. Sometimes I mess up the steps but when that happens, I quickly look at Sarah, and try to find my rhythm and get back in step. 

Psalms 32:8 states, “Iwill instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (NIV)

It is the same way in our walk with God. If we try to keep our focus on Him throughout the day, listen to His guidance, instruction and practice the Bible each day, we can grow in our faith. Yes, I stumble and fail at times, but when I do, I ask His forgiveness, and get back to practicing.

Another similarity I found is, I am responsible for my own physical health, and no one can do my work out for me, only me. In our spiritual walk, no one can do it for you. Each of us has an opportunity for a wonderful relationship with a living God that dearly loves us and wants to help us in our everyday life. It begins with inviting Jesus into our heart and asking His forgive us. The next step is we need to show up and seek Him by reading the Bible, fellowshipping with other believers, finding a church and practicing what the Bible says. God is happy to teach us and will lead us. We just have to follow Him, just like I have to follow my kickboxing teacher. 

In my kickboxing class, our teacher is always encouraging us, cheering us on in our development and proud of us. Her encouragement is a big motivation for all of us in the class.

This reminds me of how God encourages me in my life in many ways. 

 
Psalm 10:17states, “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,” (NIV)

“Hands up and guard your face,” is a frequent instruction from Sarah in the kickboxing class.

A person’s face is how we identity someone. Without a face, it is hard to know who someone is.

This reminds me of how I should daily guard my thoughts about who I am in Christ, my identity in Him. The Bible says we become His children when we accept Him, therefore, I am a daughter of the King of Kings, a woman of great value and see myself the same way God sees me. I must guard my God given identity in Him, not my accomplishments or other things.

 I have been doing my kickboxing class for over a year now and it is one of the highlights of my week. I’ve learned new things, get a good cardiovascular workout, have improved my mobility, balance and muscle tone.

I challenge you to step up and try something new that you’ve never done in your life and take a step closer to God today. Show up and spend time with Him, read a few verses in the Bible and listen for His voice.

 I will be starting a community Bible study September 17^that The Kroc Center in Kerrville. It could be a great place for you to meet others seeking God, learn practical application of the God’s word and be encouraged. Just show up, like I did for the kickboxing class. As you seek God, no doubt, He will encourage you, instruct you and you will grow.

Kathleen is a native of the Hill Country and is a writer and speaker. She is passionate about

helping people discover their value and worth. Beginning September 17, 2019, 6:30-7:45 she will be leading a Bible study at The Kroc Center called, The Gathering-Bringing God into everyday

life. You can register for the event and reach her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com, and visit her

podcast at kathleenmaxwellrambie.podbean.com or her blog at

www.theMaxwellminutes.blogspot.com 
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