Update to “About” description

I launched ChristianKindred.com in June 2009, and I focused on writing articles of encouragement throughout that summer.  I still certainly want to encourage other Christians, and I absolutely want to be a witness for Jesus Christ to anyone who stops by to read on this site.

I realize though, that I want to expand what I am writing.  I want to write more about my life, struggles, questions, lessons, fears, and faith.  Basically, I guess I want to “journal” more about my life and about anything on my mind.  It is good therapy for me, and perhaps someone can relate and be helped by it.  I hope so.

I want to be REAL.  I want to be transparent.  I love Jesus.  Honestly though, I am often ashamed of myself and the attitudes I have, the mistakes I make.  Sometimes I am too complacent to make changes I need to make.  I am not a “sister-super-Christian” (Joyce Meyer term), and I do not have all the answers.  I am thankful for God’s grace and for His patience with me – for His love for me.  I am so human.  He is so awesome and holy.  I want to become all that He wants me to be.  I’m still far from that, but He saved me by the blood of His son, Jesus Christ.  What amazing love.  I could never begin to deserve it.

So…there will be changes in the future posts here.  I will be “thinking out loud” more.  Maybe no one will read the blog at all, or maybe a few will.  Maybe a lot of people will eventually read it, or perhaps no one will ever notice it exists.  In whatever case, I need to write.  This is therapy for me, and even if my only audience is God, that is okay.

My target audience is still my brothers and sisters in Christ – Christian Kindred.  As I’ve said before, non-Christians are certainly welcome here too.  Just be respectful please – whoever you are – if you comment.  I’d love to read and respond to your comments.  I’d love to hear your experiences on the topics I mention, and I welcome friendly advice.

I am leaving the original “About” post I made below from when I started this blog.  I believe it and it is still my goal too.  I like to encourage others, and the articles I wrote throughout June and July 2009 are things God has taught me in my Christian life.  I get discouraged and depressed during the storms of life, and I need to read those posts again – along with listening to others’ encouraging words, reading the scriptures, and communicating with the Holy Spirit – the greatest encourager and counselor of all.

Thank you for reading.  If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, I look forward to meeting you in person someday in eternity with our Lord.  I can’t wait!

God bless you.

Mel

~August 2009

“About” description – written in May 2009:

ChristianKindred.com is a place where followers of Jesus Christ can interact to encourage and love each other.  You are welcome here whether you’ve served Jesus faithfully for years or -like me- have fallen off the apple cart a few times and come back.  Or perhaps you love God and your deepest desire is to become all He wants you to be, but you struggle with issues or addictions in your life.  You are welcome here!  You are not a “second class” Christian, and you can begin to live who you really are in Christ.

Non-Christians are certainly welcome to this site also, and I hope you will consider giving Jesus a chance in your life.  If you are tired, unfulfilled, and living without peace in your life, He can and will change all of that if you let Him.  It is certainly your right to decide whether you want Jesus to be your Lord and Savior or not.  God gives each of us the freedom to make that choice.  Please feel free to hang out here, read articles, post comments (respectfully please), and ask questions.  We don’t have all the answers, but God does.  He will help you understand more about Him if you really want to know.

On the Christian Journey

We all deal with temptations and “issues” in some way or another; none of us have arrived at perfection yet.  God will give us victories over these strongholds if we do not give up and quit.  If this “hits home” with you, then keep coming to Him for help, do your part, and hang out here and wherever there are other Christians who will encourage you and help hold you accountable.  We are all responsible to help and love each other on this journey.

Though we know we shouldn’t, I think we are all guilty at times of judging our brothers and sisters in Christ and perhaps even thinking we are “better” than some.   On this site I want to emphasize that each member of the family is just as important as all other members.  Without the blood of Jesus, we would all be doomed.

The Heart of Christian Kindred

Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12  are two chapters in the Bible that specifically point out how every member of the body of Christ is important and unique.  No two Christians are exactly alike; God gives each of us a unique way of using whatever gifts He has given us.  Everyone is not only important but also essential.  We all need each and every one of our brothers and sisters.  If even one is neglected we all suffer.

In Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus reminds us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds.  In John 13:34-35 He tells us to love each other just as He has loved us.  He says that others will know we are His disciples when they see us loving each other.   This is the focus of ChristianKindred.com.

I hope ChristianKindred.com helps you in practical ways, whether through devotionals, articles, recipes, music/movie/book reviews, stories, clean and funny jokes, encouraging quotes, etc… to live a Christian life full of joy, encouragement, and love – love for our Father above all – and for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.

About Me

I am a 40 year old Christian woman, and some of my roles in life are: wife, mom, daughter, English teacher, and aspiring writer.  I am a country girl (who also lived in the city for a few years), and I have made a lot of mistakes during my lifetime.  I’ve walked the road of the prodigal son more than once, and I am so thankful for God’s grace.  His love is so amazing and true, and He is definitely still working on me!

I Believe:

• The Bible is the true and inspired Word of God.
• Jesus Christ is the Son of God, He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, He rose from the dead and is alive today, and the only way to know God is through Him (John 3:16).
• A Christian is someone who has surrendered his or her life to Jesus, inviting Him as Lord and Savior.
• Christians should love God above all else, and we are supposed to love all of our brothers and sisters in Christ (Matthew 22:37-40).
• Every member of the body of Christ is vital and valuable, and God has a purpose for each one of us.
• As Christians, we need to encourage each other daily and share the good news of Jesus with nonbelievers in our daily lives – not just with our words but also with our attitudes, actions, and interactions with others.