Do You Need an Upgrade in Life?

June 2014

Do You Need an Upgrade In Life?

Kerrville Daily Times and Community Journal

Man lifts at our rental yard in Pecos, TX

In my journey of walking with God, I have discovered He is always wanting to lead me to a better place in life with him or an upgrade in my relationship with him. He takes great delight in presenting opportunities to be conformed to his image. He is a very relational God and everything, good or bad, can lead us to a closer relationship. We always have room to grow in any area of our lives. He loves us so much he wants the best for us and loves the process in our everyday lives.

About six months ago, my printer at work began to act up. It still worked, but the scanner only worked right about half of the time. It was frustrating but I put up with it’s malfunction, simply because I didn’t want to deal with packing it up and returning it. Finally, I had enough and took the time to return the printer. Much to my surprise, the item had been upgraded since I purchased the original one. The new upgraded version of my printer was so much better than what I had before.

In the printer situation, I saw that I was comfortable with a malfunctioning printer when there was a much better version available. To get the better version, took some of my time and of course there was a little bit of adjustment time to the new one. Upgrade means, to move to a higher standard, improve something, or raise to a higher grade or rank. There was a much better version of what I had. It is like that in our relationship with God.

We are dealing with a God who is always joyful, kind, and loves to expand us. Often times, I’ve seen him put me in situations that are beyond what I can handle, but I find, it is because he sees my potential and wants our relationship to grow even deeper. Everything with God is relational. For me, when I survey a situation, I begin with thanking God for where he has me, even if I don’t like the situation. Overcoming, to get the better of a situation, begins with thanksgiving. II Corinthians 2:14 states, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” He is committed to leading us upward in life and I think thanksgiving is the key.

Romans 8:29 tells us, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,...” Although He stays the same, God loves us being changed into the likeness of Jesus. Life presents us many opportunities to change and get an upgrade, a better version of us. Life and Jesus are not separate, and he loves to be a part of all of our life situations.

Kathleen and sister Melissa were able to spend a few days together

For years, I lived my life stressed, anxious, and fearful with situations in life.  For the most part, those days are gone.  I discovered I choose the level I live on and God has provided peace for me to walk in no matter what life throws at me. Stress is not part of his plan for me; overcoming stress and walking in peace is. With multiple medical crisis with my late husband and parents, I got the opportunity to practice peace over and over again. I received an upgrade in crisis by choosing what level I would live on, and not just knowing scriptures on peace, but practicing peace Jesus had already provided for me. Even when I’ve gone down a path I did not plan, did I have fun with God? The answer is yes when I do not take things too seriously, look for what he wants to give me in the situation, my upgrade, and enjoy the journey with him.

Enjoying our grand girl Collins

God’s goodness and kindness leads us to upgrades in our lives when we embrace each and every situation. I challenge you to ask God to show you the upgrades he has waiting for you. There is a much better version of you, and the world is waiting to see it!

Grandson Truett is all boy!

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Fun in Annapolis 2014

 Recently we went to Annapolis, Maryland to see Austin, my oldest son. He is so handsome and a wonderful father. It was fun visiting with him and his family and seeing him become the man God has called to serve our nation. All his life, I prayed God would help me prepare him for his destiny...never did I think of him going into the military. God is using him and his skills in a way I would have never imagined. So proud of this guy!

Our grand girl-Little Miss Collins

The highlight of this trip was playing with our wonderful grand daughter Collins. She is adorable and we had so much fun playing with her. She finally warmed up to Stephen and was checking him out!

This is Collins and Mama Max on Collins first boat ride. She wasn't too sure about the life jacket! So much fun just loving on this precious girl.

 Stephen and I had fun eating crabs and enjoying the water on our trip. It was fun to get away from work and enjoy our kids.

View eating dinner







Eating with my son.

Austin is a wonderful example of a father's love. He fathers Collins like his dad did Mallory. He adores his sweet little girl and she trusts him totally.

Laura is a great mom and I loved visiting with her!

Life hasn't turned out anything like I imagined, but nevertheless, God has been faithful and blessed us richly. I love watching our kids grow up and become parents. It is so fun just being their friends. My children lost their father, however, God has provided a wonderful man to love them and love our grandchildren. God works in ways we cannot see and it is our job to simply trust Him and be grateful for all the love and grace He gives.

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Kerrville Daily Times Article

May 2014

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

     Often times in life, we get so busy we forget the amazing strength and peace that is in us when we have Jesus in our hearts and lives. I have discovered thru hard times, the value of drawing on that strength and peace that is in me because as a little girl, I gave my heart to Jesus. He is the one constant in my life that I can trust with my heart. Walking with God and remembering that all I need is with me has become a well that I  continually tap into more and more. 

     What comes out of you when things get crazy in life? Faith or stress? Life in this world often times interrupts with the unexpected. If we do not have the issue of faith settled, and Christ in our hearts, we are certainly at a disadvantage as we are more likely to be tossed around by circumstances. 

     I have not always handled the unexpected that easily. Seeing God’s faithfulness to me, when crisis arrived on my door step 4 years ago when my late husband got cancer and died has given me an unshakable confidence in God’s ability to handle the little things as well as big things in my life. Walking with God in that crisis has given me experience that has forever shaped me. This is not a journey I would have chosen but nevertheless, the experience has made me rich and given me tools and a confidence I wouldn’t trade.

     II Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you- unless of course you fail the test? And I would trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.” (NIV) From this scripture we can conclude that we need to check ourselves frequently and see what is on the inside. Does faith and trust rule your heart and life or do your circumstances? 

     Several years ago, I worked was working with youth and young adults.  We started and ended each day with a chant. The chant ended with a statement that summarizes the above scripture to me. “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.” When I read II Corinthians 13 I was challenged to check myself and make sure faith in Him was ruling my heart. God’s faithfulness to me as a young widow has brought healing to my heart as I’ve learned to depend on Him and look to him for all I need. Fortunately for me, this scripture helped lift me up above the adverse circumstances that could have stolen the joy. II Corinthians 13:11-14 further challenged me by stating, “...aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you...May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (NIV)

     Perfection in this passage means to aim for maturity not being perfect. Do you need to grow up in some areas? Is God challenging you to handle things in a better and more mature way? What comes out of you when life presses in? Bitterness, anger, frustration, or stress? Stress is always an inside job. I think stress is not so much our circumstances but how we look at the situation. Do you have a godly perspective or not? Maybe the adverse circumstances can help you mature in a way you wouldn’t otherwise learn? Don’t waste the opportunity that is yours. Perhaps like me, you need to examine yourself.

     Living in the peace he provides takes practice. Keep practicing, and when you fail the test, confess it and get back up.

     He absolutely adores and loves you and has provided incredible peace for each of us. It is our choice to tap into that wonderful well of life!

     Christ in me gives me lots of faith, hope and peace. Will you join me in regularly checking yourself? Are you remembering that Christ, the living God, is in you if you ask him? The grace He provides along with the love of God and the Holy Spirit are all we will ever need. Check yourself before you wreck yourself!

     

    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. Contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com or visit her blog on www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com

You Have a Package to Open

Opening the Gifts God Gives Us

May 2014

Kathleen Maxell-Rambie

Newspaper article

One of greatest thing next to God’s great love for us, is the gifts He continually gives to us each day. God’s gifts come with no strings attached, simply because He loves us and wants us to have the best life possible. He is good.

Often times I have witnessed people trying to earn brownie points with God instead of resting in His love and walking in the righteousness that He provides. Sins and failures,  can keep us trapped in the in the cycle of guilt and shame; they are not from God. The guilt and shame cycle can get people trying to do good things to earn His love and favor.  Another one of life’s traps is  the sin of self righteousness...which sounds like this: “I’ve done this right, I have done that right, therefore, I am righteousness.”There are many Christians that walk around in this religious mindset instead of being honest and transparent. The root of this is pride, and God is not impressed with pride.  All are traps that keep us from the gifts God wants gives us.

Pride is something God put his finer on in my life years ago and continues to show me when I’ve stepped over that line again. What does a proud person look like? Typically, they must prove they are right and have their own way. They have to prove that they are right instead of asking forgiveness and admitting their wrong. They are critical and fault finding instead of being compassionate. Proud people are quick to blame others instead of accepting personal responsibility and looking at where they are wrong in situations. Self righteous proud people have a hard time saying,”I was wrong. Will you forgive me?These are just a few characteristics of pride. 

God tells us plainly in I Peter 5:5 “...and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”(NIV) The more we walk in humility, the more grace we receive.

Scripture tells us in Romans 5:17, “...how much more will those who receive God’ abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” (NIV) Right there we see that righteousness and grace are gifts from God. The are not earned, simply gifts that we have the honor of opening each and every day. God provides the ability and the power (grace) to do what is right in any situation. Grace and righteousness are precious gifts to open.

Other gifts God gives are found in Galatians 5: 22. He gives us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We always win in life when we open and use these gifts He gives and use them. It is a choice each of us has daily. We should never give someone's the power to rob of the gifts God supplies. 

I had a situation recently where I had worked on a project for several months. We were a week before the deadline and I was told it could not be submitted due to the fact there was no time for review. In the moment I received word, I was extremely frustrated. Then I remembered the gifts God had provided for me. I took a deep breath and said alright, but I am going to begin praying God would make a way. Within 24 hours I received word that the project  would go through. I had to smile at God’s goodness. Opening His gifts of peace and kindness reaped great rewards in this situation.

I challenge you to get rid of guilt, shame and self-righteousness. You can expel them from your life by simply confessing your sin to God and asking forgiveness. Never forget God’s wonderful gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control and open them daily. They are right there, and don’t forget to ask Him to help you to use them. When you do, it will be a great day.

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie is a native of the Hill Country and passionate about encouraging others in their walk with God. Other articles can be found on www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com. You can contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com

Practice, Practice, Practice

As I looked around my deck with all the different colors of new flowers and bright green leaves popping out on the trees, I could not help but think that Spring is in the air. I love seeing new life emerge and the change and adventure that it brings. Like anything new, you have to practice to figure what works and what does not but the key is to not get frustrated and keep practicing on the new way of life.

Our spiritual life is the same way. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, we get a brand new life in Christ. The problem I see with myself and with others, is we need to think differently about ourselves and practice our new life God has given. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (NIV) This passage does not mean we walk around in a holy cloud all day thinking about heaven; however, I feel it does mean we need to constantly train ourselves to think differently and act differently in life situations. If we are going to change our actions, we first need to change our thinking to practice the new life God has given us. The more our actions change and we walk in righteousness, peace, kindness and joy, then others will see the new life that is hidden in our hearts.

Colossians 3: 9 states, “Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (NIV) In this passage we are told that we have a new life and are reminded that being dishonest, the old life, is gone. We are also instructed to practice putting on the new way of living, Christ’s way, of telling the truth. Scripture tells us that Jesus was full of grace and truth. His design for our life is that we are like Him, and full of truth also. Again, practice makes perfect. 

The problem I see is we often work on cleaning up the old life instead of just practicing the new. Instead of working on not lying, we just need to keep practicing telling the truth.   

Instead of working on an anxiety problem, we need to practice walking in peace, keeping our heart settled, reminding ourselves of the truth that God is with us will walk us through any situation. (Psalms 73:23) Instead of working on an anger issue, practice choosing to forgive and asking God to change our heart. Anger’s root is often linked to either fear or unforgiveness because we have been. The greater the hurt, the more we have to practice forgiving.

One of the ways I practice my new life in Christ, is by asking God to help me see the circumstance the way He does. Our thinking needs to change first. Our actions follow our thinking. Another way I practice is reminding myself I am walking in newness of life. Sometimes I have to even preach to myself and say out loud, “I am walking in newness of life.” Reading the Bible, our manuel for our new life in Christ, will show us all God has provided for us in our new life and encourage us. God has dealt with your sin on the cross, not still holding your past against you and He is standing right there, ready to hold your hand and help you discover the new life He has provided.

All of life’s circumstances are designed to work for us to change us into the image of God if we cooperate with Him. Bad things happen to good people; nevertheless, those circumstances will be opportunities to practice our new life in Christ.

Will you join me in practicing your new life? Do not get discouraged when you fall. Get up and keep practicing, today, tomorrow and the next day. If we do, you and I will become more like Him. 

New life in our family- Truett Payne, Rob and Pops