Dr. Katherine's Blog

I sat down and took the shoes out of the box with excitement. As I started to try on the shoes, I noticed how snug they fitted around my feet. I tried to walk in them to break them in, but they were still extremely uncomfortable. I searched online to see what reviews other buyers left on the shoes, and every review stated how it’s beneficial to go a size up instead given how narrow the shoes are.

 

In true Arianna fashion, I bought the shoes in a 7 ½.  As soon as I made my way back to my car, I immediately had buyer’s remorse. I went online to DSW.com and found a size 8. I ordered the shoes, and I returned the other pair within 10 minutes of buying them.

 

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (NIV Lu...

As I grew in my walk of faith, the Lord brought another scripture to my attention as I continued to ask Him to “stretch my little bit”.  I was not asking for finances this time.  I asked for extension of my strength (both physical and mental); for grace, for peace, and for a host of other intangibles. The new scripture was Luke 6:38.  Like Malachi 3:10,  Luke 6:38 is a command with a promise. The command was “Give” while the promise “it will be given to you.”  Again, like Malachi,   the scripture promises that it will be over and above what we have given.  I put my faith into action.  I paid my tithes, gave offerings, and shared out of the little of whatever bit I had.  A friend told “Giving does not always mean giving out of your finances.”  I gave a stamp because I had one (no charge).  I babysat a friend’s young son while she worked on her dissertation. I gave grace to others when I wanted to feel offended by their actions. I saw God show up time after time and again.  God stretched my little bit. I had more money to give.  I had more time to spend helping others.  I had more grace for others as they moved toward their God ordained destiny.

Our journey as writers follows suit.  We learn many things on the way to where we’re going, such as developing platforms, working with mentors and critique groups, etc. Then the destination of publication, financial gain, and notoriety, are indeed blessings. Yet, as Christian writers, God challenges us to persevere through the process as we strive to know Him and make Him known. Our faith in God to trust Him with our writing careers is often like a road trip with trials, twists, turns—and rewards.  Sometimes we lose our way.  Other times we return places we’ve already traveled.  But it’s all part of the plan to get us where God ultimately wants us—in relationship with Him.

A seed is a complex structure that takes many different components to grow. The outside of a seed is generally hard and tough, but on the inside there are intricate parts that allow for the eventual growth of a flower or plant. As women of God, there are times we wear a tough outer shell like this seed, but on the inside we are searching for purpose and feel so small on the inside.

Have you ever felt like your mind was bombarded with everything at once? One of the most challenging battles we fight daily is simply with our minds. Luckily, we have direction and guidance through the word of God. There is a reason why we must be transformed by our minds instead of allowing our minds to transform us (Romans 12:2). As a woman of God, we have authority in heaven and on earth, and with this promise, we are unstoppable (Matthew 28:18). Today we will discuss 3 ways to actively walk in the grace the Lord set forth for you by gaining victory over your mind. 

When we think a certain way consistently, it will eventually become a pattern. A thinking pattern is essentially a repeated way of thinking that is unconsciously habitual. Just like setting our minds on earthly things can turn into a pattern, so can setting our minds on things above. The mere fact that scripture instructs us to think on things above should provide comfort. This means that setting our minds on the things of God is without a doubt necessary, but absolutely possible.

1. Because of the blessing of friendship, I learned that we each are destined to walk a different path. I am not in competition with my friends.  Be a cheerleader!
2. Because of the blessing of friendship, God makes provision for your children. God will send others to come along side you to help raise/provide for your children. Be a helper!
3. Because of the blessing of friendship, I participated in the lives of multiple children. Now, I have 8, plus one beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, and funny, *heart children.  Be an auntie or uncle!

Perspective is everything.

The way you see life, and the people and things within it impacts your interpretation of just about everything.

Perspective is not just limited to what you see, but it shapes how you see.

Perspective is how we interpret information, people, and things.

A good friend is not always a person you grew up with; a good friend is loyal to you, accepts you for who you are during your best of times and during your worst time. A good friend keeps your secrets and they refrain from spreading rumors of their opinion about you. If you are blessed with those types of friendships, cherish them.

I truly believe God puts people in our lives so that we are never alone in our suffering. Even to this day with my ever-changing seasons and relationships with people, I constantly find myself having a new person placed in my life to provide counsel and comfort. This year has also been tough for me teaching through a pandemic and teaching multiple grade levels. However, in each placement I have found a new friend to help me emotionally, spiritually, and especially in the classroom.

The bible tells us repeatedly how much Jesus loves his children and how much he loves childlike humility. Adopting the character of a child means to be dependent on God, humble, obedient, and full of faith. To be a child and have child-like faith leaves no room to tremble in worry but to be dependent on our heavenly father. I recall watching those children, and feeling God tugging on my heart, letting me know I didn’t need to worry. Two weeks after I took that exam, I received a B for my final grade, and I received the credit I needed to pass the class.