purposefulfaith, Author at Purposeful Faith

Does God Care?

February 23, 2021

I fell down on the ground.

Does anyone care about me? Really care? If I scream loud enough, will they hear me?

I tested the thought. I started fake-crying. I screamed loudly, pretending my 8-year old body was hurt badly. It wasn’t. But, my heart felt hurt. I wanted someone to run to help me — to care of me, to lift me up and to love me.

No one came.

Sometimes, underneath it all, I wonder if that same little girl feels left all alone. Will God show up? Does God hear me? Will he really come?

Sometimes, I even amp up my pleas… I cry a little louder. I pout a little more, figuring that may just get God’s attention. I whine with my prayers.

I wonder if I sound like Mary who had the dead brother Lazarus?

“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, (then) my brother would not have died.” (Jo. 11:32)

Lord, if you had done it like this ____, then ___.
Lord, if you had only shown up, then ___.
Lord, if all that time hadn’t passed, then, things would be okay.

Mary pleas, no matter how holy or unholy, still met Jesus’ grace…

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” (Jo. 11:32)

Jesus cares.
Jesus sees.
Jesus has grace for us.
Jesus acts, even though…

“Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.” (Jo. 11:43)

Some of us, think Jesus only loves us or helps us when we act good. This is a lie. His compassion surpasses our transgression. His love exceeds our need. His care transcends theatrics. His grace covers and moves anyway. Jesus is that good.

And, then He tells us, along with Lazarus — “Take off (your) grave clothes…” (Jo. 11:44)

When Jesus shows up, you don’t need your victim clothing anymore. He releases you from the chamber of self-pity and reminds you who you are again.

Do you know who you really are?

If you aren’t sure, I want to invite you to the next Breakthrough Retreat with great hope that you will discover you — as God sees you. I believe this will be an amazing experience in your life, with God. One attendee emailed me last week and said, “Kelly, this retreat was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

Register today.

If you feel that nudge — sign up. I’ll be praying for you personally, pre-event. Sign up, God is faithful. Sign up, He wants to meet you in powerful ways. Sign up, there are other women who want to link hands and hearts with you in community. Sign up, there will be amazing whole-hearted worship. Sign up, I want to meet you — and, I believe — so does God…

Sign up now.

It is time to leave our grave-clothes behind us.

Love, Kelly

My Prayer: Father, I love my Purposeful Faith family. I love how we love each other. I love how you come in our midst. I love your heart to heal, to help, and restore. Father, you are so faithful. You are so true. You are so right. You are so good. You are so incredible. You are so mighty. Father, honor those who step out in faith. Meet them and address their needs as you did Lazarus. Resurrect what looks dead. Restore life. Reframe outlooks and mindset. Lord, will you call every person that you want to attend this retreat? Will you give them courage to attend? Will you pour out wisdom and understanding on Kelly as she pursues your heart for this time? Will you pour out your heart on all of us during this time? There is nothing we all want more than you. You are our prize, our portion and our present of greatest measure. Oh, we love you. We worship you. We adore you, King Jesus. In Your mighty, Almighty, All-powerful name, we pray, Jesus, Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Breakthrough Retreat

1. Will there be a recorded version?

If you are unable to attend, but you would like to be a part of the event on your own time, my plan is to create a recorded version. Simply buy a ticket for the retreat and let me know via email that you will be “watching at home”. I will send you the file after it is complete. For more information or if you have questions contact kelly@purposefulfaith.com

2. Do I need to have attended the first retreat?

Nope. They do not build off of each other. It will be as if you are starting with retreat 1.

3. How will we have the meeting?
The event will be hosted on Zoom. Please check your Zoom account for updates prior to the event. Lines will be muted.

4. How often will you be having retreats?
I would like to have these retreats quarterly or every other month. My dream is that we can know each other. I would also like to place people into small groups that they can regularly meet with and form relationships. My dream is that we become even more of a tight-knit community. I will love to pray for the small groups at times and I hope this is something that can continue for a long time.

5. How can I continue to connect and build accountability?
Let me know your ideas on this. I would love for you to talk with your small groups in between retreats.

6. Is there more I can do with you?

On the retreat, I will share some more ways we can go deeper and grow in intimacy with God.

7. Will I stay with my small group?
Yes, I hope to form a small group at the first event and to keep you connecting at future retreats. Let’s do life together!

8. Can I invite my friends to join this or is it only for Purposeful Faith readers?

Everyone is welcome! Please share this email with whomever comes to your heart. I want everyone who needs freedom to be at this retreat.

Sign up now.

Subscribe for all Purposeful Faith blog posts by email – click here.

Join me or share posts from Facebook or Instagram.

Truth or Lie? (+ An Invitation)

February 18, 2021

purposefulfaith

Contentment

1 Comment

As a kid, I was convinced that the pool of water at the end of a hot highway was real. That is — until our family drove further and I discovered — nothing was there. Only then, did I learn the water was fake, a mirage.

Just because you see something, doesn’t mean it is real. Just because you are convinced it is there, doesn’t mean it can’t be fake.

The enemy sells fakeness as truth. He is the ultimate producer of fake news. Just because you see something or feel something — doesn’t mean it is truth. Just because you were hurt yesterday, doesn’t mean it will repeat. Just because you feel rejected or neglected, doesn’t mean it is who you are. Just because you haven’t succeeded yet, doesn’t mean you won’t.

The enemy aims to take hurts and to twist them into destiny.

Have you let him do this to you?

You know, I think I’ve come under the lie that I need to be perfect in front of others. The mirage is: Kelly is all pulled together. Kelly is great at ministry. Kelly and her husband work so well together.

Today, I cried before a group of friends. Why? Because I am not perfect. The enemy not only wanted me to believe fake news about myself, but he had me peddling an I-have-it-all-together-look too. Sure, I felt a little shame as I cried, but I also felt relief as I was prayed for. I am glad I shared.

In reality: I am an imperfect girl desperately in need of the Perfect Savior and — in Him — I am more than enough.

My dear friend, we are all in the same boat. And, now more than ever, we need each other. Your wisdom may be my breakthrough. My prayer may be your answer. Your story may help another sister detect an unconscious lie. Her word may release you out of your prison.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…” (Heb. 10:24)

“…When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” (1 Cor. 14:26)

This is how the Kingdom of God works. God intends for us to build each other up!

Sisters, I am serious about us supporting each other. I am also serious about tearing down lies, like: I am not enough. I will always be stuck. No one loves me. God doesn’t care for me. I am too much. I can’t …. There’s no hope.

I want this so much that our next Breakthrough Retreat is going to be a Lie Demolition Party!!!! We will “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.” (2 Cor. 10:5). We will get out our weapons that are “not carnal, but mighty for the pulling down of strongholds.”

I know God will show up. Reason being? Every time I have shared this message at retreats, women have been set free! I am telling you, the enemy will have no chance, because the Word of God, the truth of God and the Spirit of God is faithful. I can say this with confidence, because I have seen a marked difference in women from this very message. Don’t miss it. We will have personal reflection time, time in God’s Word and time to share in a small group setting (I want to keep everyone in the same small group for each retreat).

If you want this kind of breakthrough, join me for…

…the 2nd Breakthrough Retreat (Sat. March 6th) from 10 AM ET – 1 PM ET. The cost is $29. You can click below to sign up now.

Sign Up Here: Breakthrough Retreat

$29.00

Testimonials

“Kelly is a great encourager! Her greatest desire is that you should know who the Lord created you to be and who you are as a daughter.” – M.R.

“Kelly brought light into my very dark world by demonstrating what the true love of Jesus looks like!” – D.P.

“Kelly’s “realness”, no matter the cost has helped liberate me from all the masks I carried. Christ uses her to powerfully deliver freedom in every conversation.” – S.A.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be a recorded version?

If you are unable to attend, but you would like to be a part of the event on your own time, my plan is to create a recorded version. Simply buy a ticket for the retreat and let me know via email that you will be “watching at home”. I will send you the file after it is complete. For more information or if you have questions contact kelly@purposefulfaith.com

2. Do I need to have attended the first retreat?

Nope. They do not build off of each other. It will be as if you are starting with retreat 1.

3. How will we have the meeting?
The event will be hosted on Zoom. Please check your Zoom account for updates prior to the event. Lines will be muted.

4. How often will you be having retreats?
I would like to have these retreats quarterly or every other month. My dream is that we can know each other. I would also like to place people into small groups that they can regularly meet with and form relationships. My dream is that we become even more of a tight-knit community. I will love to pray for the small groups at times and I hope this is something that can continue for a long time.

5. How can I continue to connect and build accountability?
Let me know your ideas on this. I would love for you to talk with your small groups in between retreats.

6. Is there more I can do with you?

On the retreat, I will share some more ways we can go deeper and grow in intimacy with God.

7. Will I stay with my small group?
Yes, I hope to form a small group at the first event and to keep you connecting at future retreats. Let’s do life together!

8. Can I invite my friends to join this or is it only for Purposeful Faith readers?

Everyone is welcome! Please share this email with whomever comes to your heart. I want everyone who needs freedom to be at this retreat.

Sign Up Here: Breakthrough Retreat

$29.00

You’re Amazing: Here’s Why

February 9, 2021

purposefulfaith

awe, blessings, Contentment, faith, hope

1 Comment

You are amazing. Seriously.

I know people don’t tell you that often and you probably are thinking, “How can Kelly even say this? She doesn’t even know me that well?”

Well, I know Jesus. And, I also know that, if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, then Jesus is alive in you.

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20)

This isn’t a tall-tale, but the truth. This isn’t a theory, but a reality. Christ lives in you.

The King of Glory…
The Hope of all Nations…
The One and Only…
The Embodiment of Love…

Wow. He is alive in you. Through Jesus, you are now dead to the overwhelming power of sin and alive to Christ Jesus.

The thought it profound. Can you even imagine how amazing it is that the Wonderful Counseling Holy Spirit has chosen to make His home within – us? Of all people — you and me?

God wants to be with us. He wants to be near us.

Wow.

If you ever feel bad about you, remember who is in you, the one who chose to live in you. If you ever doubt yourself, remember that you are dead and alive to Christ Jesus. If you ever feel too bad for God’s love, remember the imputed righteousness of Christ Jesus has been won for you thanks to Jesus. When Jesus looks at you He sees goodness. When Jesus looks at you, He loves.

Where and how do you need to receive this as truth? How might God be calling you to receive Jesus’ work in a fresh way?

I tell myself things like this: I am now clean. I am loved. I am whole. I am chosen. I am wanted. I am called. I am infilled by the Spirit. I am busting at the seams with Christ’s love. I am dead to me and alive to Christ’s goodness.

When I remind myself of these truths, I truly feel Christ’s power working out, from the inside-out.

What about you?

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The Better Way

February 4, 2021

purposefulfaith

awe, Contentment, faith, God, hope

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Our life is meant to lift other people higher. Like Jesus. He laid down His life to lift us to new life. In the same way, we lay down our life for others.

The second we lay low; He gets lifted high. People see the power of Jesus from new heights…

One time, I forgot a towel at a retreat. A bunkmate that I didn’t know offered me her only towel. She laid down her right for a towel for me. This act of generosity opened my heart to the love of Christ. Who is this girl that she would give up her own towel so that I could be clean? It was such a weird offering but it touched my heart. It didn’t seem normal. After that retreat I accepted Christ in my heart.

Because she put her rights low, I saw the love of Jesus lifted high.

There is a working-power so immense when one give up the pursuit of themselves for the betterment of others.

Often, I want to preserve my own life. I do something that I think is really fantastic — maybe, I give to someone in need — and I base my work on their response or, I tell others about the great work I did. I want to be appreciated. This is not going low, but putting myself high.

It can feel very hard, sometimes, to do things just for Jesus… Just because you love Him… Just because you want to please Him… Just because He is your all-in-all… Just because you want to imagine His smile… Just because Jesus is worth all the glory…

It is hard to separate flesh from Spirit sometimes.

Is it hard for you too? Maybe you pray, but you want people to hear. Maybe you talk and hope people will think you have good things to say. Maybe you help out but expect people to appreciate you. Maybe you help your husband with something specific, and yet, he never returns the favor. Maybe you talk to be heard…

The main question is: are you doing these things for man or God?And, is it about gaining credit or is it to the credit of the one who paid it all?

Oh, to bring an offering of great measure can never compare to the great treasure in which Jesus paid. However, to operate from the secret place — where it is all for His glory — still brings incredible pleasure to His heart. I want to please Him. Don’t you?

I want to bring a pure offering.

Verses to Ponder:

“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Mt. 10:39)

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Mt. 6:6)

Prayer:

Father, give us the grace to lay low, so that we can see you lifted high. Give us the power to set down our ways to see yours in motion. Give us the ability to let go of us to gain all of you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Not Doing So Good?

January 28, 2021

purposefulfaith

Contentment, failure, faith, hope

1 Comment

As it pertains to mothering. I keep thinking, “What have I done? What have I done to make my child act like this?”

With this line of questioning in my heart, I try to fix myself. I try to act better. I try to talk nicer. I try to hug more. I try to lean in when I talk. I try to soften my voice. I try to share my feelings. I try to listen better.

And, when that doesn’t work, I ask myself again, “Where did I go wrong?”

Ever been there? Ever tried your hardest, only to feel like you’re going nowhere? Not succeeding?

I feel guilty. But, the one simple thing God speaks is: grace.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)

I mess up. God still gives to me…

I don’t handle everything right. God loves me anyway…

I need help. God helps me…

I am not perfect. God shows up for me despite this…

I am not sure about what to do. God leads me to where I need to go…

Jesus meets me in the place of my need. I never need to fix-myself-up for Him.

There He is — perfect and providing.

Here I am — in-need and dependent.

I don’t have to hate my needs. Jesus paid the price so I could take-home all His goodness, without me having to pretend or hate the fact that I am not a better mother. This is grace. And, yes, it is abundant and it is amazing.

I haven’t gone wrong; I have gone right into His arms. What about you? Do you know the face of the loving Father, even when you face a million problems? What does His grace do for you? What might it want to say to you?

Prayer: Father God? I love you. You are a good Father. And, I am a loved daughter. Will you help me know this — as truth. Real truth. I want it to be more than just mind-truth; I want it to be heart-truth. I want to know your love, more and more. I want to understand your grace, day-by-day. I want to live and breathe from this very place. Help me, God. I love you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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What A Friend We Have in Jesus

January 15, 2021

purposefulfaith

awe, Contentment, faith, grace, hope

4 Comments

The fog was thick; I couldn’t see out the window. Dazed, because I woke at 3:45 this particular morning, I stared blankly into the grey abyss…and then I let my imagination go..

What if Jesus came to me through that fog right now, arms wide open? In that moment, it was as if I could see Him…approaching me. I imagined how it would feel to see — and be seen — by Jesus. Fully exposed, I wanted to run to Jesus, but then I thought…

Jesus, will you like me when you see me? Am I enough, flaws and all?

Wow. Coming out of this daydream, I have to admit, my thoughts surprised me. I suppose, subliminally, I haven’t completely accepted that Christ completely accepts me. . . my fear in that moment was that He might reject me.

Yet, I know the truth. The truth is, I don’t have to shape-up, be better, or act perfect to be accepted. Jesus doesn’t want or choose me because of what I do — He wants, chooses, and accepts me because of what He did. Jesus counted the cost, paid the price, and gave me His righteousness. Sure, I repent as I need to repent, but beyond this — the deal is done. The price is paid. My eternal standing is completed, because of Him.

His blood marks you and I — enough.

I pray this truth might sink in. I pray it may sink into every space and place of inadequacy and fear within us. I pray it might touch both our unconscious and conscious reality. I pray it may increase our ability to receive His love and grace. I pray that it exists as more than a mind-reality, but that it becomes a firm-reality. We stand on the solid-rock of Jesus, not shifty ground. May we know that we know this truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

On that day we meet Jesus, we will run into glorious grace. We will run into grace that loves us, grace that covers us, grace that accepts us and grace that wants us, forever and no matter what. Oh, what a Savior we have in Jesus. All Glory to you, Father.

Jesus said, “…I have called you friends…” (Jo. 15:15)

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What Brings Unity? An Answer…

January 12, 2021

purposefulfaith

Contentment, faith, grace, Holy Spirit, hope

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“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” (Mark 16:1)

Sometimes I stare at the body of Christ while I am in church.

While everyone else is worshipping, I open my eyes and look at the body of Christ, His people (1 Cor. 12:27). Even while the pastor is speaking about the headship of Christ, I behold Jesus’ body, each precious soul He died to save. I love my sisters and my brothers. I desire to care for their wounds. I so want them to be anointed in His love. The body, along with the headship of Jesus — both, are vitally important to Jesus.

Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome came first to care for Jesus’ body. What a ministry of love. These three women showed up to love — His body, post death. At this moment, it wasn’t about getting more knowledge about Jesus…it wasn’t about memorizing bible verses…it wasn’t about being right politically…it wasn’t about being seen, it was about the body. His precious war-torn body. They came with the best for — His body.

I can’t help but think that there are many Christians, people who make up the body of Christ, who are in pain, in a tomb, discouraged, and hopeless right now. Are we loving the body or we tearing it down. Are we seeing those in need or are we only focused on a stage that speaks of the headship of Jesus?

Oh, to love the very body of Jesus! It is vitally necessary these days. Consider this: what is a head without a body? How effective when a body lays paralyzed and immobile?

This weekend, during the Breakthrough Retreat, all who attended got a chance to love the very body of Jesus. And, oh how souls were revived through it! It was sister-loving-sister. It was hearts coming to Jesus. The women who joined said it was “amazing”, “inspiring”, “uplifting”, “encouraging”, “timely”, “insightful”, and “hopeful”. The women who watched the recording wrote to tell me of the hope God brought them. This is exactly what I was hoping and praying for.

You know, dear sisters in Christ, it is not too late to join the retreat. If you want to take part, via the recorded version, just sign up below. I will send out the link to you. Even more, stay tuned, I will be hosting another retreat next month.

Breakthrough Retreat 1/27

Make space to encounter God. Gain new strength for this year.

January 9, 2020 from 10 AM ET - 1 PM ET via Zoom.

$29.00

But, until then, look at the body of Christ. It needs you — your love, your care, your words of encouragement, your hope and your attention.

Prayer: Oh Jesus, there is none like you, none before you, and none after that will ever compare. We exalt your name. We love your headship. Father, at the same time, we ask for grace to love the very body of Christ — not forgetting it, no matter how they act and what they do. Pour out your Spirit of Grace upon us to love without measure and to lift each other higher. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Has Your Love Grown Cold?

January 8, 2021

purposefulfaith

awe, envy, faith, hope

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One of my favorite coffee cups is the red cup. It has the word “love” on it, written in a heart. It also has a gold handle. Anyway, this morning, as I sat thinking and praying for the Breakthrough Retreat (details at at the bottom of the email), I noticed that this very-red cup now had a faint gold handle, where it once had been bright.

Not only that, but my coffee inside of it had gone cold too.

Has my heart felt more cold lately? Has my love been fading out? It is something worth considering…

Jesus tells us that there will come a point that, “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…” (Mt. 24:10)

It’s a scary thought, but I think many of us, in many ways, can already see this happening.

Is it happening with you? Is it happening with me?

I have noticed, I’ve felt increasingly annoyed at some people online. Impatient with others. On edge around my kids. Hard on myself.

Yet, we all are learning and growing. We are not perfect; we are becoming. We are the light of Christ. We know and reflect the King of all glory. We are all needing healing in different areas of our lives. Do we live this way? Do we give others room to discover God and life this way?

Do we extend patience towards ourself? Receive grace that helps us recover?

Most of all, are we connected to the vital vine of Jesus? Are we so filled with His love that we ooze it everywhere?

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 Jo. 4:19)

We are kind to ourselves because He is kind to us. We are full of love towards our husband, because He is full of love towards us. We extend grace, because we have received it.

Seeking God is our highest pursuit pursuit. We do not want our love to grow cold, nor our ability to receive the abundance of His grace to be hindered.

Which is why I created the Breakthrough Retreat. It offers us the space and the grace to heal, to be together, to be encouraged.

I want to get to know you — and I want you to get to know other Purposeful Faith readers, as we all get to know God. Tomorrow (Sat. Jan. 9), we will kick off the first retreat from 10 AM ET – 1 PM ET.

Breakthrough Retreat 1/27

Make space to encounter God. Gain new strength for this year.

January 9, 2020 from 10 AM ET - 1 PM ET via Zoom.

$29.00

You can attend live or watch the recorded version. I would love to connect with you, pray for you and help you to walk into 2021 with renewed passion for God and for others. I pray that you might consider joining. I believe this will be a life-transforming event. I expect renewed faith and hope for all of us. I can’t wait to see your face.

Breakthrough Retreat 1/27

Make space to encounter God. Gain new strength for this year.

January 9, 2020 from 10 AM ET - 1 PM ET via Zoom.

$29.00

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be a recorded version?

If you are unable to attend, but you would like to be a part of the event on your own time, my plan is to create a recorded version. Simply buy a ticket for the retreat and let me know via email that you will be “watching at home”. I will send you the file after it is complete. For more information or if you have questions contact kelly@purposefulfaith.com

2. How will we have the meeting?
The event will be hosted on Zoom. Please check your Zoom account for updates prior to the event. Lines will be muted.

3. How often will you be having retreats?
I would like to have these retreats quarterly or every other month. My dream is that we can know each other. I would also like to place people into small groups that they can regularly meet with and form relationships. My dream is that we become even more of a tight-knit community. I will love to pray for the small groups at times and I hope this is something that can continue for a long time.

4. How can I continue to connect and build accountability?
I will be creating a dedicated page for your small group to meet, talk, encourage and support each other. I am looking for alternate locations to Facebook. Stay tuned. I hope to announce this during the retreat so that you can continue to meet with a small band of women. Additionally if I can set it up (depending on the retreat group size), I may even have you meet your small group during the event.

5. Is there more I can do with you?

On the retreat, I will share some more ways we can go deeper and grow in intimacy with God. Stay tuned.

6. Will I stay with my small group?
Yes, I hope to form a small group at the first event and to keep you connecting at future retreats. Let’s do life together!

7. Can I invite my friends to join this or is it only for Purposeful Faith readers?

Everyone is welcome!

Breakthrough Retreat 1/27

Make space to encounter God. Gain new strength for this year.

January 9, 2020 from 10 AM ET - 1 PM ET via Zoom.

$29.00

When it’s Hard to Receive

January 5, 2021

purposefulfaith

awe, faith, hope

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I don’t deserve this. That’s what I thought when I drove away.

Before I left the property, a man with a long white beard, loaded up not one, but two bikes into the back of my car. One was hot-red. The other was pastel, a beach cruiser for my daughter for Christmas.

He wanted NO money. So, I paid him nothing and drove off with what seemed like everything packed into the back of my SUV.

I wanted to cry. I don’t deserve this.

It felt all wrong — to receive… To take… And, to give — nothing. I’ll have to find a bike and bring it to him. I’ll have to pay him back.

Yet, as I drove home, God essentially reminded me, “Kelly, this is what it is all about… You gave nothing, and Christ gave you everything. And, He still does…”

I wanted to cry.

Jesus gave me everything. Jesus paid my price. Jesus loaded up the back of my car with gifts, learnings, help, freedom and hope; I just take it all home with me, time-and-time again. My life is radically different because of Him. I have eternal life now. I have joy instead of depression. Hope instead of sadness. Go-power instead of complacency.

Yet, I can’t help but note — just as it was hard to take those bikes home without paying — it’s often hard for me to receive good things from God, for myself. It can be hard to accept care from others when I feel like I should be the one giving. It can be hard to spend time with God, when I feel I should be cleaning the house. It can be hard to make goals for myself, when I don’t feel like I count that much. It can be hard to take me-time when there doesn’t appear to be enough time.

It’s too luxurious. Too self-centered. Too much to think about me.

What about you? Do you ever feel this way?

Have you pushed “receiving” off because there is always someone or something else that needs attention?

Many times, I believe, we don’t receive God’s care and help because we don’t make room for it. We don’t accept it. In other words, we don’t want it.

But, Jesus whispers, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mk. 6:31)

Will we? Will we come away with Jesus this year? Will we make the space to join hearts and hands with Him?

This is the very reason why I created the “Breakthrough Retreat”. It is so we can get some “me-time” with God. So we can hear His heart for our year. So we can receive His love. So we can connect to His heart. So we find hope, faith and love revived this year. I want this retreat-place to be a connecting-point to the heart of God.

We will worship, pray, read scripture, unite together, forge new friendships and receive God’s love, together. I will be praying together with each person by name. I want you to be there.

The morning retreat cost is $29 (to cover costs, technology, logistics and more…)

Breakthrough Retreat 1/27

Make space to encounter God. Gain new strength for this year.

January 9, 2020 from 10 AM ET - 1 PM ET via Zoom.

$29.00

Register today (via the button below) for the Breakthrough Retreat on January 9, 2021 from 10 AM ET to 1 PM ET. You are worth it.

Testimonials

“Kelly is a great encourager! Her greatest desire is that you should know who the Lord created you to be and who you are as a daughter.” – M.R.

“Kelly brought light into my very dark world by demonstrating what the true love of Jesus looks like!” – D.P.

“Kelly’s “realness”, no matter the cost has helped liberate me from all the masks I carried. Christ uses her to powerfully deliver freedom in every conversation.” – S.A.

Breakthrough Retreat 1/27

Make space to encounter God. Gain new strength for this year.

January 9, 2020 from 10 AM ET - 1 PM ET via Zoom.

$29.00

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be a recorded version?

If you are unable to attend, but you would like to be a part of the event on your own time, my plan is to create a recorded version. Simply buy a ticket for the retreat and let me know via email that you will be “watching at home”. I will send you the file after it is complete. For more information or if you have questions contact kelly@purposefulfaith.com

2. How will we have the meeting?
The event will be hosted on Zoom. Please check your Zoom account for updates prior to the event. Lines will be muted.

3. How often will you be having retreats?
I would like to have these retreats quarterly or every other month. My dream is that we can know each other. I would also like to place people into small groups that they can regularly meet with and form relationships. My dream is that we become even more of a tight-knit community. I will love to pray for the small groups at times and I hope this is something that can continue for a long time.

4. How can I continue to connect and build accountability?
I will be creating a dedicated page for your small group to meet, talk, encourage and support each other. I am looking for alternate locations to Facebook. Stay tuned. I hope to announce this during the retreat so that you can continue to meet with a small band of women. Additionally if I can set it up (depending on the retreat group size), I may even have you meet your small group during the event.

5. Is there more I can do with you?

On the retreat, I will share some more ways we can go deeper and grow in intimacy with God. Stay tuned.

6. Will I stay with my small group?
Yes, I hope to form a small group at the first event and to keep you connecting at future retreats. Let’s do life together!

7. Can I invite my friends to join this or is it only for Purposeful Faith readers?

Everyone is welcome!

Breakthrough Retreat 1/27

Make space to encounter God. Gain new strength for this year.

January 9, 2020 from 10 AM ET - 1 PM ET via Zoom.

$29.00

My Sideways Christmas Tree

December 23, 2020

purposefulfaith

attack, awe, blessings, Contentment

2 Comments

My Christmas tree is sideways. Kind of. Well, not really…but it’s seriously slanted.

After my son and husband spent all that time hooking the thing up to the top of the car and carrying it in the house, paying special attention to my request that they bring it through the back door and not the front so that pine needles would not get everywhere…I did not have the heart to tell them to straighten it.

So now it is slanted.

It is slanted when I glance at it from the kitchen.
It is slanted when I walk past it in the living room.
It is slanted when people knock on my front door and they walk in my house.
It is slanted when I adjust the presents just-right under it.

Part of me wants to hate the slant. It’s not perfect. The other part of me sees the slant for what it is: a reminder that Christmas imperfections are to be expected.

There will likely be moments when: People get upset. I feel overwhelmed. I go to my closet for my own time-out. I get annoyed. Family does something I don’t like.

Slants in Christmas don’t mean the whole holiday is wrecked, they just remind me that I have and need a Savior. They remind me — I’m human. They invite me to pray and to breathe deep.

Isn’t that what it’s all about anyway? Imperfect people desperately in need of a perfect Savior. This is what Jesus came for.

With this sort of mentality, I can remember slants are only moments. They come and they go, but God’s love for me endures forever. I am not defined by a passing moment, I am defined wholly and completely by Jesus’ love. With this, imperfect happenings, traditions, and inflated expectations cannot take me down.

There is a Savior and He came for me — and changed everything.

I see slants, I pray, and then I carry on. I feel offense, I remember how much Jesus forgave me and I move on. I deal with hard people, I throw my hands up and say, “I surrender” to God and I entrust them in His hands.

How can you brush off slanted moments and carry on in His love and grace, both to others and yourself?

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Heb. 4:16)

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