proverbs31woman

HAPPY*VALENTINE'S*DAY

i actually believe that i lived this commercial today. 

i was at wendy’s after work today and a man sitting near the entrance politely called out to me saying, “excuse me, i have a booklet of coupons on the counter over there. they expire tomorrow”. i smiled because little did he know that i had a very similar idea to gift my existing coupon book to a stranger, today at some point. i responded with, “oh yes! thank you so much, i actually have some of my own” :)


i order. i eat. i see a nice older couple walk in.


the wife stands in line as the husband sits at the table near me.


a few minutes went by and as i was getting ready to leave i say, “excuse me, but i have some extra coupons that end tomorrow and i am wondering if you’d like to have them” the man smiles and perks up saying, “ohhh! thank you very much. how kind of you.” he receives the two booklets and adds, “do you come here often? we do, it’s a pretty decent place to get food.” as we finish small talking, his wife walks over and he says to her, “look honey, this nice young lady gave us some coupons to use tomorrow!” she smiles and thanks me.


the part about this encounter that touched my heart the most was the fact that after we said our “good-byes” and “have a good day’s”, i walked to my car and while driving around the building i see the man turn towards the window, make eye contact with me and give me the biggest and grandest wave & smile. simply the most precious moment i had in a very long time.


thank you lord that you use me to bless others but also that you use others to bless me.
may you all show love & kindness in the most simplest of ways today and from here on out. it was the most un-valentine’s day way of celebrating and yet, the most at the same time.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY. <3

Jesus v. religion

i saw a friend post this on facebook. i love it when people use creativity & art to speak the truth. this video/poem reminds me of this statement i found on a shirt i bought a few years ago, it says, "Christianity is not a religion, religion is humans trying to work their way to God. Christianity is God coming to men and women through a relationship with Jesus Christ."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY God bless!

laughs vs. lies

have you ever heard a song and bobbed your head to it? only to find out that the words you thought were not what they actually were? for instance, i just heard a song on pandora that had really fun, upbeat, foot tapping music and when i took a second glance at the title, i was awakened to the fact that the word, "laughs", that i was hearing was actually "lies". how. disappointing. i hate it when music artists do this to me. :/


now i don't know if i just have really bad hearing or the enunciating of the artist was not clear or the music drowned out the word a bit or what. what i do know, though, is i'm really sad because now i don't like the song anymore. :/


yes. i DO know that "laughs" & "lies" do not sound the least bit alike when said separately now. but at the time, you have got to trust me....i was easily fooled.

"how are you?" "good"

sometimes when people ask me, "how are you?" i try to answer as honestly as possible. for instance, if i'm really tired i respond, "pretty tired, but i'm hanging in there". so today when i was at work, a client says, "hi kim! how was your day?" i say, "my day was a little crazy but it's going well thank you" :) later on, a co-worker of mine asks me, "so besides your day being a little crazy, how are you?" all i could muster up for a response was, "good". really kim? after a moment's pause and a sigh all i could say was "good"? the one-word-generic-answer that everyone uses. even when they're honestly doing well or when they're not. the one thing i did not want to fall into--the thoughtless, generic, i-don't-have-time-to-talk-because-i-have-to-get-back-to-work, answer----"good". but frankly, things were good! i wasn't lying. i wasn't deliberately being vague. my life has just finally reached that point where nothing exciting or new has happened or is coming up. things were....well, good. sure, this could be a post that screams, "you're over-reacting, kim! don't make a big deal out of this!" but i honestly want to be upfront and real with people. especially when they take the time out of their day to find out how i'm doing. they didn't have to make small talk, but they did and because of that the least i could do is respond sincerely. the courtesy and consideration of communication among people is very important. i feel like people are so rude or impersonal these days, its really sad! 

WARNING::rabbit-trail::
 yesterday i was shopping with some friends in noho, i didn't buy much. just one cute owl coaster. and the cashier asks me, "would you like your receipt printed or emailed to you?" my friend & i were surprised. we even giggled at the idea, "wait, what? you email receipts now?" he says, "yeah, it makes returns really easy now". wow, our culture has become so electronically run that we can't even return something face to face anymore--sure convenience is a huge issue. but i meet some of the neatest people when i go out of my comfort zone.

OKAY, back to my previous thought::

so, if you see me get irritated when i am talking with someone who is so engrossed in their phone or computer more than me, to the point that our conversation is made up of several one word answers and desperately asked open-ended questions. sure, the timing could be off, they could be in a non-talkative mood, or they just want to get rid of me (haha), but my point is, when i ask, "how are you" or someone else asks me that, a thoughtful and genuine response would be nice once in a while. because frankly, its because i would really like to know HOW YOU'RE DOING. :) 

sorta freaky, but i should have expected it

so. God is good. i know that, you know that.

but this morning as i woke up i began to pray for a lot of people in my life. people with good news and exciting adventures, people who are struggling, tired, weak, and people whose lives i have no idea what is going on, but were placed on my heart.

i have been reading this book, how to hear from God by joyce meyer. and it seems, that God continuously provides the Word, truth, and practical thinking at the times that i need to hear it the most. its strange, its like He knows that i needed to hear it! ;) haha well, duh. He's God. He's cool like that.

i also found that God uses every day life examples and materialistic items as tools to get an analogy and point across. i've been struggling with transitions in my life. transition from college life to home life. having the freedom in making a decision and only affecting myself where now, other people are involved. and relationship transitions. from having available access to people to talk with, laugh with, and basically be silly with are suddenly hours away and i have to rely on the means of technology to stay in contact (except for the fact that i like to write letters and hope that i can recruit some people to the idea of pen-paling).

i've had to face the fact that life changes and moves on and adjustments need to be made. that i'm NOT alone and i AM special. i do have friends regardless of our differences in age, careers, stage of life, and interests. in Christ there is hope. hope that His perfect and unfailing love will pierce the inner beings of those who are hurting, aching, and see no possible outcome to their current situations. i am not defined by my job or abilities. i am more than that and there is more of myself that will be revealed. job or no job, i need to be thankful in all things....

...hence. the portion of the book that i want to mention. the section is labeled as "Thankfulness Opens Our Receivers". its a lengthy excerpt, but bear with me:

God's general will for us is to 'thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the revealer and mediator of that will]' (1 thess5:18). we don't need to worry about whether it is God's will that we go to the mission field until we have learned to obey His will right where we are.

thankfulness keeps our ears open to hear God. the Bible says we are to thank God in everything, not for everything, but in everything. that means that no matter what is going on in our life, we are not to complain, murmur, grumble, or find fault. God doesn't want to hear us whine because whining is evidence that we have no faith in His ability to make things better.

...people who grumble and complain from daylight until dark never hear God, because to hear Him they must quit complaining!

so...i'm done complaining. i am thankful for the things unseen. i know there is something greater at the other end of the tunnel, and i'm excited! i'm excited for this new phase in my life, my new job that i'll get, and the new people i meet! thank you Jesus :)

God is awesome...

"for My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.

::isaiah55:8::

the following is taken from the KINGDOM DYNAMICS section in my bible:

God reminds us that His ways and thoughts are unfathomably beyond ours. it's good to remember that when we are interceding---for the lost, or for seemingly impossible situations. in that light, also remember:

• light is more powerful than darkness
• truth is stronger than error
• there's more grace in God's heart than sin in men's hearts
• there's more power in the Holy Spirit to convict men of sin than there is power of satanic forces to tempt men to sin
• there's more power in one drop of the shed blood of the Lord Jesus to cleanse men's hearts from the stain of sin than there is in the accumulated filth of men's sin since adam and eve
  

be encouraged today! the Lord is more than faithful!

believers are salt & light

13 "you are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? it is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 you are the light of the world. a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
::matthew5:13-16::

i'm not going to let my little light shine because i don't have a little light, i have the light of my Lord & Savior in me! i choose to be a light and to be used for His glory! What are you going to do?

ecclesiastes3:14,15

i know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it. and God does it so that men will [reverently] fear Him [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is]. that which is now already has been, and that which is to be already has been; and God seeks that which has passed by [so that history repeats itself].
::amplified version::

God's word is true & perfect all day & everyday!!! a life of worship is what i desire. not only in dance or song, but also in action & love, to manifest the greatness of who He is!

rather than doing homework right now [i'll get to it, don't worry, the Lord always makes a way] i chose to spend time with my mighty creator! by getting in the word and listening to worship music and singing from my heart. the album that i'm listening to right now is Rick Pino & Kari Jobe: Throneroom: LIVE Acoustic Prophetic Worship. you should get it. its goooood.

proverbs31*woman

the virtuous wife:

...25 strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 she opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 she watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "many daughters have done well, but you excel them all." 30 charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.


KINGDOM DYNAMICS:
a virtuous woman not only cares physically for her home, but she is also a "watchman: over the emotional and spiritual condition of her family [v. 27]...she works willingly with her hands, two kinds of which are mentioned in prov. 31: kaph, symbolizing upturned hands extended in prayer [v. 13], and yad, ministering or serving hands [v. 20]. confident in the God to whom she prays, the effective woman knows she has eternal significance.

in the name of jEsUs

i'm promoting a cd: will reagan & the united pursuit band [in the night season]

mostly because it blesses me so much, and the lyrics are great. tracks 6 & 7 stick out to me today..i listened to it in the car & felt the need to share. :)

break every chain::track6:: here's a youtube vid for it! check it 'oot! ;)

letting go

my very very dear friend, sharee, shared with me some word/encouragement that God gave her for me. it included this video that really connected with what i've been going through...it's so true, "it's not mine!!!"



may God bless you!

treasure chest

wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. matthew2:11

<3

a nazarite people

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=wall&story_fbid=109706925729696&id=771470388#!/notes/damien-paul-lachapelle/the-nazarite-anointing-rick-pino/416618141653

lord, i want to live a life of no compromises unto you!

** damien posted this and i thought that i would share it!

before...

before i start stressing out and getting nervous about getting my stuff done for tomorrow, i'm going to realign my priorities and get in the Word and put my Mighty God first! Pray with him, talk with him, worship & sing to him, rest in his presence... get closer and capture his heart the way that he's captured mine! i'm listening to ben woodward right now, the song "satisfy my heart" and i just love it so much! the music, the flow, the presence, the hunger & desire, and the love. oohhhh the love. Lord, just satisfy my heart! better yet, let me satisfy yours!

check this out for the specific lyrics that i've been repeating over and over again on my itunes: http://kimberlycumo.tumblr.com/post/504321365/satisfy-my-heart

our Christian dance team on campus [S.T.E.P.S] had our first 'performance' tonight! whoo hoo! we did it, and made it out alive! lol ---just being a little dramatic. ;) the first of 3 more... i really pray that we had an impact on those youth tonight. the words, the use of dance to worship and glorify God, and the fellowship. we really need to grab the youth, teach 'em, let them see Him, know Him, and continue to always, ALWAYS pray for them. there is constant turmoil and attacks on the minds of our generation...we need protection and wisdom. thank you Lord!

oh geeze... if you don't have it, you might as well buy this cd [http://www.ihop.org/Shop/Sections/Items/Item.aspx?item_id=1000011421]. i'm now on track 5: spontaneous worship #2

"..i just can't get away from your love! no matter where i go, i just can't get away from your love, no matter where i go...jesus!...this is my love song i sing to you, over and over again, this is only for you, this is the one thing i desire, i wanna love you, i just want to love you...."

God bless!

Jesus loves you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c54t-RwpLlM

passion

i'm trying to decide if i can/should watch the passion of the Christ on thursday with the girls. hm, prayer is definitely in order here, and time management...what is it, 3hrs long?

i've been wanting to learn more & go deeper on the whole meaning of easter, better yet, resurrection day. i have some studying to do, and am trying to hear if this is something i could do in addition.

small group/bible study went really well today. thanks for all of your hard work sharee! ;) despite the small breakdown moment i had. lol i think i was just getting overwhelmed with things and just didn't know how to handle it the best. we will definitely do that game again.

it's been raining ALL day today, and super duper windy. but, i thank the Lord that i'm alive and that i have a safe&warm place to stay tonight.

oh yeah, and i almost ran into a wall & the post of a traffic sign..yay me.

God bless!

jesus culture-obsession

my sister and i were able to choreograph to this song this last dance show! praise God! :)

keep smiling!

...the joy of the Lord is your strength. [nehemiah8:10]

#5. today i will do something to help me maintain a high level of joy...take a walk...get some fresh air...laugh with a friend...sing a song...accept a compliment...help somebody...be a blessing...get some exercise...eat something delicious...meditate on the Word...do something fun...praise the Lord...be good to myself...let go of a grudge...learn something new...play...change my thinking.

AYITN

let's see. i've already completed the following: get some fresh air, laugh with a friend[and sister], be a blessing, get some exercise [does dancing around in the room in your comfy clothes count?!], eat something delicious, meditate on the Word, do something fun [snuggled with manders for a moment in time..], praise the Lord [i'm thankful to be alive!], let go of a grudge, change my thinking.


it's only 3:30pm on saturday. i definitely have time to do the rest on the list, and then SOME! i can take a walk, sing a song, accept a compliment, help somebody, be good to myself [hm, how about instead of saying that i 'need' a pedicure, i actually give myself one?], learn something new, and play!! i have also worked on some reading for homework, got some rest, listened to some groovy tunes... i'm on a roll!!! woo hoo!

the joy of the Lord is my strength.

today was a strange day...

a strange day indeed. good. but strange. i felt like i was gone for forever. let's see here, this is what i did today: left my house at 6:40 am, rode in the car for 2 hrs, arrived at school, went to work, then came back to my room and did hw bc my first class was cancelled, lunch, 2hr painting class (i'm starting my self portrait assignment--whoo hoo!), went to my second class of they day (which is usually my third), then went to cvs with my group members, my classmate's car keys got locked in the car, waited for aaa, had dinner at friendly's while waiting for aaa, came back to school, went online (fb, blogs, email, etc), had my "little sister" come over for a little bit, and then i had to unpack, do homework, talk to donald, read in the word, and then go to bed at a decent hour. whew! all the while, having the weather be cloudy and gloomy... hmph. what happened to the gorgeous weather from this weekend!!!

God is sooooo good. i really really don't know what my life would be like without him! *selah (which means 'think about that') on this for a bit:

*AYITN: A YEAR IN THE NOW by BISHOP JIM SWILLEY

"be somebody"

in a word, what i'm saying is, grow up. you're Kingdom subjects. now live like it. live out your God-created identity. live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you -matt5:48 MESSAGE

1. today i will live in the now! i will live in the now because i am fearfully and wonderfully made...i am His workmanship...i am the righteousness of God in Christ...i am the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath...i am bought with a price... i AM somebody!

2. today i will refuse to believe anything about myself that this is contrary to what God believes about me. i will not regard any word spoken about me that does not confirm what God says about me. i will agree with God and His will for my life, even if it seems illogical and impractical to do so.

3. today i will carry myself in a way that demonstrates my godly self-confidence. i will speak well of myself without bragging or being offensive to others. i will show that i believe in myself, without thinking more highly of myself than i ought to think. i will love my neighbor as i love myself today.

4. today i will not waste my time on unimportant and trivial things--the "beggarly elements of the world." i will forsake t he temptation to give in to silly pettiness and will pursue great ideas and noble thoughts. i will conduct my affairs with a flair fro grandeur and loftiness without becoming pretentious and out of touch with reality.

5. today i will feel neither superior nor inferior to anyone else.

6. today i will remember that i am who God says that i am...i have what God says that i have...and i can do what God says that i can do!

7. today i will walk like a winner and lose my loser mentality. i am a champion, a king, an overcomer. i have favor, creativity, confidence, the Mind of Christ, prosperity, success, supernatural ability, and uncommon favor. anything can happen today, and my expectation of faith will attract the positive to my life. if God is for me, who can be against me?! no matter what others have said to me or about me--no matter what i have said about myself--today is a new day of self-realization for me. today i AM SOMEBODY, and today i will live in the now!

Father, help me to remember today that you have enabled me to be somebody! in Jesus' name, amen.

may you ALL have the peace of God on you tonight as you sleep and the strength you need in the morning. i hope this is encouraging for you all!

when you put God first, everything will fall right into place. i'm expecting new and great things for tomorrow and this week! Thank You Lord!