Category: <span>thoughts by Kristi Huseby</span>


Long ago, when I gave my heart to Christ, I jumped into the driver’s seat, thanked God for the car, asked Him for the keys and expected that He would ride shotgun.

I gratefully invited Him to sit beside me to be my copilot on my journey.  I wanted God in my life to help me do what I could not do on my own.  I expected that He would navigate around the difficulties and smooth out the road.

Isn’t that what a copilot’s supposed to do?

For much of my life, I have had this propensity to want to be in control.  It’s easier this way . . . at least that’s what I like to tell myself.   It’s just plain scary letting someone else drive my car . . . even if it is the God of the Universe, who knows me better than I know myself and loves me anyway.

For a long time, fear kept me from turning over the keys to my Savior.  Fear of what He might do . . . Fear of where He might take me . . . Fear of what He might ask me to achieve.  I was so focused on ME that I couldn’t embrace HIM.

Mathew 16.24-26 (MSG) says this,  . . .

Anyone who intends to come with me has to LET ME LEAD.  YOU’RE NOT IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT; I AM. . .   Don’t run from suffering; embrace it.  Follow me and I’ll show you how.  Self-help is no help at all.  Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.  What kind of deal is it to get everything but lose yourself?  What could you ever trade your soul for?”

Surrender is never easy.  Fear can be over powering and the way of suffering difficult. But God calls each one of us to pry our hands from the wheel, hand over the keys and leave the driving to Him.

When I finally relinquished control I was amazed at what I discovered!    There is Freedom in Following, Joy in Trusting, and Peace in Surrender.

Surrender. Embrace. Trust. Follow.

This is the WAY, His WAY . . .

Lord, teach me to TRUST You, to EMBRACE all that you have for me, SURRENDER to Your perfect Way and FOLLOW where you lead.  Amen.

by Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission

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But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.Psalm 59:16-17

I was cleaning my house getting ready for company when the phone rang.

Ma’am your son has been arrested for shoplifting.”

My whole world came to a standstill. The pain was excruciating, the shame unbearable, the isolation overwhelming.

What do you do with a son who is 17 and arrested for shoplifting? What do you do when he comes home and wants to go to a friend’s house? What did I want to do? Ground him for the rest of his life!

I knew rationally that it wasn’t my fault he had made this choice, but my emotion-wracked heart screamed just the opposite. “You’re a FAILURE! As a mom, as a person, as a follower of Jesus. Why did you ever think you could raise a child?”

My husband and I were so empty. There’s no manual for things like this. No guide book. No answers. No place to hide.
We had nowhere else to turn but God. The emptiness drove us to our knees.

And we discovered He was there for us every step of that difficult journey. He didn’t remove the pain, but He did fill us with His peace. He didn’t take away the brokenness, but He used it to turn our hearts towards Him. He didn’t absolve the consequences of my son’s actions, but God did work everything out for good!

I’ve learned to choose Jesus no matter what. It’s the only way to truly live!

Holy Spirit, we need You. Come and fill us with Your power. Be our Comforter. You don’t promise us an easy carefree life with no troubles, no pain, no sorrow. But You do promise to be with us. Teach us to turn to You, to depend upon Your strength and power as we journey this difficult road of life. We choose You! Amen.

Thought: Maybe you can relate to feeling like you’ve failed. The Bible never says that God won’t give us more than we can handle. But He does promise us His Holy Spirit to empower us to do what we cannot. How are you trying to handle the difficult situation in your life? Write out a prayer of surrender. Give everything over to God and choose to trust Him in your trial.

By Kristi Huseby
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Kristi Huseby Thoughts by Women

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalm 37:4

When my first child was placed in my arms he wrapped his little fingers around my heart and never let go.

As I watched this little man grow, I delighted in his sweet way of wrapping his chubby little arms around my neck, the way he looked at life, his sorrow over the “broken moon”.

God give us a promise in Psalm 37:4 but there’s also a condition to the promise. Do you see it? In order to get our heart’s desires, we must delight in our God.

Unreserved. Outrageous. Audacious. Delight.

Delight in the way He knows us best and loves us most, the way He cares for us in our brokenness, the way He reveals Himself to us, the way He satisfies our deepest longings.

And the more we delight in Him the more our desires become His desires. We want what He wants. We can’t get enough of Him. Our hearts are satisfied.

But when we neglect keeping company with God, all sorts of overwhelming desires clamor for our attention. Each calling out in their own way, claiming to feed our need for identity, worth, and importance. Each promising satisfaction but never seeming to satisfy.

Why do we choose the temporal over the eternal? Why do we delight more in a ballgame or burger than in our Creator?

Awake my soul, O Lord! Teach me to follow hard after You. Let me delight in Your presence more than anything else. May my desires become Your desires for You are the One who satisfies fully, loves completely, and never lets go. Amen.

By Kristi Huseby

http://www.brokenandredeemed-kristi.blogspot.com/
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The First Step towards rooting out bitterness


You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5.43-44 (NLT, emphasis mine)

“Lord, is there any bitterness in my life?” I asked the question half-heatedly knowing that there wouldn’t be. I had just worked through a seven year stretch of bitterness and felt pretty sure that there couldn’t be any more.

How wrong I was! Bitterness had burrowed deep into my soul. With every wrong done to me I allowed it to tunnel deeper and deeper, until it became a part of me. I relished the bitterness. I was sure I must be in the right.

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.” (Proverbs 14.10 NLT)

God’s illuminating truth revealed the corruption of my heart. But how do I yank this out of my life? Where do I go?

Come to ME” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Pray for those who have wounded you, for those who have done you wrong. Prayer does the unexplainable, in the heart of the one who prays.

What about you? Have you asked God to show you the bitterness that lurks in your own heart? Are you praying for those who have hurt you and done you wrong?

Lord, I surrender my bitterness to You, all the those things I used to justify my bitterness because I was wronged. I NEVER want to add another brick to my wall of bitterness. Root out this darkness in me and teach me to come to You. Amen.

Action Step
If you need support read “Feelings, Forgiveness and Peace to find out how to heal.

by Kristi Huseby
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Do you have a substitute god in you life?


They say that there are two different kinds of people in the world – those who eat to live and those who live to eat.  I confess I am of the latter persuasion!

I love food.  I love to think about food, to cook food and to plan special occasions around food.  I don’t eat emotionally or to salve a deep dark problem in my life.  I eat, plain and simple; because it gives me great pleasure – at least for a little while and then it’s time to eat again.  What I’ve noticed is that the more I eat the less I’m satisfied and that in order to be satisfied I have to eat more and more.

I’ve known this to be a problem for most of my life.  And to be perfectly honest it’s an area that I have not wanted to relinquish.  I mean seriously, I have given over to God so many things in my life – submission to my husband, my children, my possessions, etc. that I have wanted to hang on to this one area in my life.  My rationalization went like this – this is a physical issue, not a spiritual one so I’ll just handle it on my own, I don’t need to bring God into this, He’s got so many more significant issues to deal with, I’m sure He doesn’t have time for this petty little problem.

So on my own, I have tried all kinds of methods to control this issue in my life.  I’ve tried dieting (from cabbage soup diet to Weight Watchers), reading books, prayer (I’ve even resorted to begging God to “heal” me).  But each one has fallen short.  Some of them worked for a while – I even lost 30 pounds with one of the diets but eventually all the weight came back and more and I was worse off than before.

Every time I would diet, there was a sense that I was not getting at the root of my issue.  It was such a battle to deny myself.  I felt hungry all the time and then eventually I would get worn down and give up in defeat.

Just recently I started doing a Bible study on Overeating and for the first time I’m allowing God to get at the heart of this issue and let me tell you it has been humbling and freeing!

I have come to acknowledge that I have a substitute god in my life.  (It pains me to say it but it’s true.)  God has created each one of us with this inner desire to be filled by Him but we often choose to allow other things to fill that hole in our life and that was exactly what I was doing.  I was allowing food to fill me rather than God and that’s why I have been so dissatisfied and have needed more and more to keep me happy.

You see substitute gods TAKE, TAKE, TAKE.   They take your time, your energy, your thoughts, your money, your focus, your purpose . . . If they give it’s only temporary and then it leaves you needing and wanting more and more and more.  That’s what this god was doing in my life.  I was bowing down to the god of pleasure, worshiping and accepting it as lord in my life.

Through the study of God’s Word, He has shown me that I need His sorrow for my sin and His repentance.  I now know that this area of my life is sin.  Before I called this problem in my life everything but sin and by not confessing and relinquishing this area in my life I have experienced frustration, anger and defeat.

Joel 2.12-13 says;  That is why the Lord says,

Turn to me now, while there is time.  Give me your hearts.  Come with fasting, weeping and mourning.  Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.

Return to the Lord your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  He is eager to relent and not punish.

Repentance is good but hard!  And praise God that He loves us in spite of our failures, in spite of choosing a substitute god over Him!  And each day I’m experiencing His amazing grace as I continue to give this issue in my life back to Him and accept His forgiveness.

I cannot end this article without asking you . . . Do you have a substitute god in your life?  Are you bowing down to the god of Pride?  Pleasure?  Self-righteousness?  Is there an area in your life that you have been unwilling to relinquish and submit to God?

I’m here to tell you, it’s not worth it!  Sin only brings shame, sorrow, frustration and guilt but God is ready and waiting to release you from the bonds of your sin and to set you free!  There is so much joy and freedom and He is patiently waiting.

Romans 2.4 says, Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?  Does this mean nothing to you?  Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from sin?

So trade in that substitute god for the REAL ONE – it’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made!

by Kristi Huseby
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“Don’t grieve God. Don’t break His heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for Himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.”  Ephesians 4:30 (The Message)

Have you ever given a gift you poured your heart and soul into, only to discover it was never really used — or even appreciated?

If you have invited Christ into your life, you have received this amazing gift of the Holy Spirit! This present is like none other: God the Father poured His heart and soul into this gift for you!

But have you set this precious gift on a shelf to collect dust with all the other well-meaning gifts you’ve received over the years? Have you ever really used it?

Could it be you’re afraid God might ask you to do something you don’t want to do, or go someplace you don’t want to go?

It is not enough to just have the Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants to play an active role. He longs to give us comfort, to be our guide, and to empower us to live the life He has called us to.

So how do we embrace this gift? How do we use its full potential?

We open the door to the Holy Spirit’s incredible work in our lives when we surrender. When we get out of the driver’s seat and let Him drive.

Surrender is never easy, no matter who you are! But if we never surrender, we will never experience the adventures God has waiting for us. The Holy Spirit is God’s precious, astonishing, and astounding gift to you! Will you set this amazing gift on a shelf to collect dust, or will you step out in faith, fully surrender, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime?

Lord, we confess our desire to control our own lives and do what feels best instead of letting go and allowing You to lead us. Today we relinquish control, we take our hands off the wheel and invite Your Holy Spirit to take the lead. Amen.

By Kristi Huseby
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http://www.brokenandredeemed-kristi.blogspot.com/

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I’ve been thinking a lot about prayer lately.  Maybe it’s because I need prayer like I’ve never needed it before – well actually I’ve always need it.  But it just seems like prayer has taken the forefront of my mind and heart recently.  But it hasn’t always been this way for me. . .

To be honest, I have wrestled a lot with this thing called prayer.

*Why does God want us to pray when He knows what we need even better than we know ourselves?

*What good does my prayer even do?  Who am I to change God’s mind or challenge Him on His ideas?

*How do I know that I am praying in “God’s Will”?  Can anyone really know the will of God?

These and other questions have done battle in my mind as I’ve tried to work out this idea of prayer.  It seems like prayer comes so naturally to some people.  They find no trouble in praying “without ceasing”.  But me, well it seems like I’ve always struggled.

But as I’ve grappled with this, I come to realize that it’s not about my questions but more about my heart.  And I’ve allowed my questions to hinder my pursuit of prayer.

Prayer is a conversation with my Heavenly Father.  Prayer is pouring out my heart to Him.  It’s declaring my frailness and His strength, my simple mindedness and His wisdom, my need and His provision.

Prayer is a place of humility . . .  Prayer admits that we NEED God, that we are DEPENDENT on Him, that we CANNOT do it without Him.

Just as a loyal citizen kneels before their king to declare their submission to his decisions, laws and judgments, we proclaim the same thing when we pray.  Turning to God in prayer for guidance and help declares that, “He is God and we are not.”  It’s our way of surrendering to His Ways, His Work and His Will for our lives.

In Psalm 143:6-7  David declares his dependence to the KING . . .

Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You.  Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.  Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to You to hide me.  Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.  May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing“.

In these verses it’s easy to see David’s posture in His prayer.  He is kneeling before his King offering his trust, asking for guidance and surrendering to His leading.

Do you struggle with prayer?  Have you come to God with pride in your heart?  Maybe you’re kneeling on the outside but not on the inside?  Whatever it may be, I encourage you to let go and turn to the One who is ready and waiting to hear from you.

Lord, I pray that you would humble me under Your mighty power and I trust that at the right time You will lift me up in honor.  I give You all my worries and cares because I know You care about me.   (1 Peter 5:6-7)

by Kristi Huseby
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Roller Coast Journey, Faith journey

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruitJeremiah 17.7-8

I’m right smack dab in the middle of fundraising so I can travel the world and share the love of Jesus with women from all different walks of life and empower them with the gospel.

It has been one of the hardest and most rewarding seasons of my life!

I have never felt more like I’m on a roller coaster ride than now (and that’s saying something since we had four teenagers!). One day I’m UP because I have had a friend I haven’t seen in a long time commit to partnering with me and the next I’m DOWN in the dumps because another friend who I’ve poured my life into has opted out. One minute, I’ve experienced God throwing open wide the doors and the next minute it seems like they’re all closed.

Sometimes, I feel like I’m just going AROUND and AROUND– trying to set up appointments and rescheduling cancellations. UP and DOWN, AROUND and AROUND, never knowing what might happen next. I’ve seen huge answers to prayer and then experienced the silence of God. I have wrestled with disappointment and been amazed by His works! It’s exciting and yet completely terrifying!

But in the middle of it all, I can feel God deepening my faith like never before. I can feel my roots growing deep into the water, finding life and love and joy! I’m discovering He is ALL I need. I find my heart rejoicing in the middle of my struggle. Words like fortitude, tenaciousness and strength have become my prayer as I ask God to do His work in me. I feel Him preparing me for what is to come. Chiseling me into His masterpiece. I’m realizing I need Him like I need air to breathe. I’m learning what it means to place my complete trust in God and I want Him to be my hope and confidence! He is who I look to, He is who I depend on and He is where I put my hope – a hope that, Paul says in Romans, DOESN’T DISAPPOINT! (Romans 5.5 NLT)

I want to be this tree, Jeremiah speaks of . . . to be planted by the river of LIFE, so my roots will grow down deep into the water. I long to be healthy and fruit producing regardless of my roller coaster journey.

This is what I want!

So when someone sees my life, they don’t say, “Wow, look at Kristi.” They say, “Wow, look at her God and what He can do with a life!

By Kristi Huseby
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Do you struggle to know how to worship God?

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!Psalm 143:8-10

Often we think worship is reserved for the times when we sing praises to God in our weekend services. But worship is so much more than just singing praises. We can sing and yet not worship God. Worship comes from the heart. It must come from a place of humility where we acknowledge we need God, that we are dependent on Him, that we cannot do anything without Him.

One way we worship God is through simple prayer — pouring out our hearts to Him, declaring our frailness and His strength, our simple-mindedness and His wisdom, our need and His provision. Just as a loyal citizen kneels before their king to declare their submission to his decisions, laws, and decrees, we proclaim the same thing when we pray. Turning to God in prayer for guidance and help declares, “You are God and I am not.” In so doing we worship our Maker.

In the above verses, David declares his dependence. Kneeling before his King, he offers his trust, asking for guidance and surrendering to God’s leadership. This is sweet, holy worship!

Do you struggle to know how to worship God? Start by doing what David did. Offer your trust, surrender to His leadership, and be willing to follow wherever He leads. This is worship in its purest form and it pleases the heart of our Father!

Let us hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for we trust you. Show us where to walk, for we give ourselves to you. Rescue us from our enemies, Lord; we run to you to hide us. Teach us to do your will, for You are our God. May your gracious Spirit lead us forward on a firm footing. Amen.

By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission


Do you know Jesus in a personal way?  Do you desire that intimate relationship that this author has?  Knowing Him starts with a simple prayer of surrender and it grows from there.  Here is a sample prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

It starts now!


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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My word this past year has been DARE

The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”  Psalm 118.6

A few years ago, I kicked New Year’s resolutions to the curb. I was tired of the guilt, of never making it past January with even one resolution. Instead, each year I choose one word to focus on, with the hope that God would develop it in my life.

My word this past year has been DARE.

For much of my life, fear has been the driving force. Fear of failure. Fear of what people might think of me. Fear of the future. Fear of what God would ask me to do. FEAR. It lurked around every corner and stalked me in the middle of the night. It paralyzed me and left me broken and shattered, but my journey finally took me to a place where God’s truth could penetrate my heart.

The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”  Psalm 118.6

Do I believe God is bigger than my fear? Greater than my problems? Stronger than what someone may do to me? I’ve found it is easy to say, “Yes, of course, He is.” It’s another thing altogether to live like I believe it.

So picking the word DARE for 2016 was a big step of faith for me. Daring to do what God calls me to do seemed scary, but I’ve found His Word to be true — there is no fear when I truly believe God is for me. This year, since January, I’ve had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus around the world: in the Dominican Republic, Zambia, and India! And this is just the beginning.

Do you believe God is bigger than your fear?

What will your word be this year?

Lord, how little we make you and how BIG our fears have been in our lives. Forgive us for making you small, for trusting in ourselves instead of you. Teach us who you are and give us courage to step out in faith and embrace the life You are calling us to. We dare to do what you want us to do. Amen.     

By Kristi Huseby

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Kristi Huseby Thoughts by Women

Crazy eyes - Wild and Crazy Faith devotional

Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. ‘If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!’ they complained. ‘Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?’”
Numbers 14:1-3 (NLT)

What would cause someone to go against the tide of social influence? Peer pressure is a powerful force and few can stand against it. However, there were two men in the Bible who did just that.

Caleb and Joshua were chosen, along with 10 other men, to explore the Promised Land and give a report to Moses and the people. But when they returned, it was only Caleb and Joshua who believed they could conquer the people inhabiting the land. And the people of Israel staged an all-night protest in response to their report!

What made Caleb and Joshua stand strong in the midst of this tidal wave of objection?

They knew their God! Their courage wasn’t based on how battle trained the Israelites were or how many spears they did or didn’t have. It was anchored in a God who had proven Himself faithful, time and time again.

They viewed the Promised Land through a different lens.

What kind of faith do you have? Do you trust God when things seem impossible, when you can’t see what He is doing? Are you viewing your life through an earthly lens or a heavenly one?

Lord, I confess I have put You in a box. I’ve made You a God who’s comfortable for me. I don’t want You to stretch me, challenge me, or ask me to do anything where I have to really trust You, because honestly, it’s just too scary. But this has never been Your desire for me. You are so much greater! I’m sorry for making You small. I’m sorry for not really knowing who You say You are. Give me eyes to see You, ears to hear Your whispers, and a heart that responds to Your grace. Amen.

By Kristi Huseby


If you don’t Jesus in the way that Kristi is describing, you can know him today.  It is explained here: http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/4laws/law0.html

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The Island of 'What If's?' devotional

Islands seem so romantic.  The gentle sea breezes and the soothing sound of the waves crashing on shore.  The breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The peace-no hustle and bustle of the mainland.

And yet, an island can also hold us captive.  If we have no way of getting off, we might not be in a 5’x5’ cell but we’re prisoners just the same.  Stuck, going round and round but never accomplishing anything. When the storms come, we’re sitting ducks with no place to run. Isolated and alone.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to an Island.  It wasn’t the kind with gentle breezes and the soothing sound of waves.  Oh no, this Island was one of my own making.  It was the Island of “What If?”  Have you ever been there?  What if I don’t get that job?  What if my children grow up to be drug addicts and alcoholics?  What if I’m forgotten?  What if it’s cancer?  What if they don’t like me?  What if I fail?  What if God fails me?  Round and round we go in the “What If’s?”  Held captive, not in a 5’x5’ cell but a prisoner just the same.  The Island of “What If?

When we allow the “What If’s” to rule our lives, we run round and round never accomplishing anything.  We’re stuck and we wonder why.

What If’s?” allow fear to run rampant in our lives and keep us from trusting the One who holds us in the palm of His hand. (Our lives are in His hands and He keeps our feet from stumbling Psalm 66.9)

What If’s?” isolate us.

What If’s?” keep the focus on us. “

What If’s?” hinder us from knowing our God.  (But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.  I, the Lord, have spokenJeremiah 9.24)

“What If’s?” hold us captive and hamper us from embracing the beautiful plan God has for us.  (“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.  “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29.11)

But there is HOPE!  We no longer have to live on the Island of “What If?”; this Island of shifting sand and endless anxiety!  God wants to lift us up out of this muck and mire and place our feet on solid ground.  (I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire and He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40.1-2)

Today is the day to leave the Island of “What If?”!   Call out to Him, put Your hand in the hand of the One who loves you (. . . Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from Me you can do nothing John 15.5) and experience FREEDOM, it’s what Jesus gave his life for!

By Kristi Huseby

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I did it!  I can hardly believe this three year project has come to a close.  At first it seemed a little daunting, I wasn’t sure I was ever going to complete it and now that I’ve finished it, I find myself wishing the journey would never end.

I have just completed copying down the whole book of Psalms and what an amazing experience it’s been!

This journey through the Psalms has been filled with sweet holy sacred moments with God.

Moments of . . .

 Praise as I have seen God’s love for His people, spilling off the pages.

Sorrow when God has shot his arrows into my heart and pointed out the sin in my life.

Awe, as I’ve witnessed His greatness and glory so artistically described in these songs.

Weeping  when a truth about God has intersected with my life.

 Joy as I’ve glimpsed God’s deep, overwhelming love for me.

Inspiration as I’ve learned to write out my own Psalm to God.

What a privilege and honor it has been to copy down God’s truth, to have Him speak deep into my soul through His Word, to witness His absolute power and might over all creation and to experience His deep love for me, His child.

In the last four chapters of the Psalms, each one begins and ends the very same way.  There is no other fitting way to begin and end my writing here than to do the same.  All glory and honor goes to Him!

Praise the Lord!

By Kristi Huseby

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We call Abraham “father” not because he got God’s attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody.Romans 4:17 (MSG)

Abraham was an ordinary guy. There was nothing spectacular about him. He had no hidden talents, no supernatural faith, no outstanding ideas, and no blazing personality. He was a nobody.

But God took that ordinary man and turned him into a somebody.

I’m an ordinary girl. But I believe in a God who raises the dead to life and who makes something out of nothing. He did that for me.

When I met Jesus and turned my life over to Him, I saw my sin for what it was — a vile ugly mess. I opened my heart to His forgiveness, and this undeserved privilege, this grace, made me one of His own children!

God took this nobody of a girl and turned her into a somebody. And He can do the same for you!

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.” Romans 3:23-25 (NLT)

If you have never invited Christ into your life, this gift is waiting for you. Or maybe you’ve accepted it, but have put it on the shelf to collect dust. God is waiting for you to receive His grace, and let Him transform your life. All you have to do is say yes.

Lord, I’m a sinner and I know there’s nothing I can do to rescue me from my sins. I believe You did it all for me when You paid the price for my sins. I surrender my life to You. Amen.

Thought: If you prayed this prayer today, tell someone, such as a family member, friend or pastor

By Kristi Huseby

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Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.Psalm 31.21a (NLT)

At this time of year, I find myself much more reflective and contemplative than I normally am. Wanting my life to make a difference and hoping I’ve done a few things well in the year that has just vanished. But more than that, I find myself this year with a longing deep in my soul to bring to light all the ways that God has met me. His provision. His Love.

His kisses from heaven. Heaven’s grace: the simple gifts God uses to whisper to us, “You are loved, you are special. You are Mine!” These blessings often cloak themselves in the simple, the mundane but they are love gifts just the same. We see them in a spectacular sunset, the warm touch of a friend, a loved one’s whisper, “God put you on my mind and I prayed for you today.” Sometimes these kisses come in disguise.

I readily admit that some of the “kisses” I’ve experienced this year, haven’t always seemed like His whispers of love in my life; when my beloved son seemingly derailed his life with one poor decision, when a close friend had serious medical issues, when my precious sister was broken and hurting and I couldn’t be there to comfort her. But I have seen God bring beauty from the ashes in ways I never dreamed possible and blessing upon blessing. I have been overwhelmed by His love as I pause to look back.

Lord, I want to live with a heart of thanksgiving. I want to have eyes wide open to glimpse the kisses you send my way and to live in the light of your love all through this year and in the years to come. Amen.

Thought: Take some time today to reflect on how you have been “kissed” this past year by God.

By Kristi Huseby

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thoughts by Kristi Huseby Thoughts by Women