ALL THINGS Q!! - Quote For The Day

QUOTE FOR THE DAY...

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

Dr. Seuss

I love Dr. Seuss!! I think most people love Dr. Seuss too.

What are some of the things you might be missing out on? Where can you be smiling when you haven't been? Let us always take the opportunity when we can and where warranted to "smile because it happened."

I remember at my very first "conversational" book signing at Barnes and Noble Bookstore I was reflecting at the end of it, critiquing myself. I was not completely satisfied with the way I did everything, I didn't speak loud enough, I forgot to talk on something that was indeed part of my heart and wanted the audience to hear and know.

My husband (my wonderful husband) reminded me of how amazing it is to even be a published author, and how astounding it is to even have a book signing! He reminded me to take the time to relish in the moment, to stand in awe of it, to love it, and to give thanks to God for it, because after all, it isn't about me, it's about God! He gave this gift to me. Therefore, I was able to take the mistakes I'd made, learn from them and do things differently the next time. All the while rejoicing in it and "smiling because it even happened!" It is miraculous that I am blessed to be able to do this at all! Had my husband not pointed that out to me I would have missed the amazement of it all, the joy that comes from meeting all of the different people that come to the book signings, and how much each of them enjoyed it, how people were truly touched, it was evident through the tears that were seen streaming down their faces, the laughter shared, the similarities that many of us shared in our life experiences, the beautiful in depth conversations we have! The smiles we all share together. Sharing Christ, the most beautiful part!

So... Let's all make a deal-- let's not be overly critical of ourselves, because when that's the case we miss the grandness of God and His majesty that He blesses us with each day! :) SMILE! SOAK IT IN, BATHE IN IT! :)

Let's embrace the God-given moments in our lives more and more each day. Remember that we "stand in the place of choice" and make the choice to enjoy this INCREDIBLE life!!

So let's take the advice of Dr. Seuss... Smile when you can... I am!!

With Joy,
Kathryn

http://www.kathrynbonner.com/

http://www.awakeningslifecoaching.com/

ALL THINGS Q... - Questions Jesus Asked??

QUESTIONS ASKED BY JESUS
As a life purpose coach I love the powerful question. Every life coach, when they are going through their training learns that as a coach we do not have to nor do we need to answer the questions, but rather ask the questions of the client in order for them to find the answers that seem to allude us. In the search of the answer... somewhat of an inner journey goes on. It can bring you to a place of introspection, make you find out what you know, what you believe, what you want, what you are truly about. When the answer comes bells go off, lights flash, and there is a sense of knowing, new understanding, and clarity! It is lovely.

My girlfriends within my prayer group (whom I get with early Wednesday mornings) know that I have been doing a study of all the questions that Jesus asked. I apply the questions to my own life, and go about answering them. When I say "go about answering them" it doesn't mean that I have the answer right away, it doesn't mean that I have answers every time, it doesn't mean that I am satisfied with my answers when they come; yet there are times when I am more than satisfied, in fact amazed at the answers that come to me. It varies, depending upon the question, and my own personal abilities to comprehend at the time. BUT, I LOVE ALL OF THE QUESTIONS THAT JESUS ASKS!! So... without further ado, let's begin! :)

Jesus asked some of the most powerful questions! Things that make you go hmmmm...

This question He asks: "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?" Matthew 5:46

Wow! What a great question. It's very easy for us to love those who love us isn't it? There is no challenge for us with that, it's a no brainer, a piece of cake. It doesn't require us to rely on the Lord for anything in that situation. Love, this is the the crux of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 and teaches us all about love. Love is not rude it says in verse 5. How often are we rude to those around us? (I ask myself this question too). Far too often for me. Sadly I hate to admit it. But as we walk closer and closer to Christ this becomes easier and easier, a natural out pouring of the Holy Spirit living within us.

I love it when those I love show love to me, it feels SO good. Love is one of the most wonderful things that God instilled within us, each of us!

In 1st Corinthians it says things like, love is patient, love is kind, love is not rude, it is not jealous, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered... it continues on with a list of things regarding love. When Jesus asked, what reward is there when we love those who love us is such a great reminder of the reward we recieve while loving on the unlovable. Think about the folks who are hard to love in your life. What if you were to start being loving to them? There could be an amazing change that could come over them because of your love being given to them. They may actually need your love a lot more than a person who's easy to love. If we all become more free with our love, the reward would probably be that those who have been difficult to love will probably be truly touched and moved by your love that they begin to have a heart change. Their hearts will more than likely become softer and sweeter because of you! That's the reward! Let us love all those God places in our path even the difficult to love, then, we will begin experiencing true love! What do you think? Can you begin to try it? I am starting today!

After all, LOVE is the greatest of all things! God is love!

Here's to love!
Kathryn

Check out my website: http://www.kathrynbonner.com/ for more information about coaching!

ALL THINGS Q - The Beginning of Q!!

I am going to begin posting on my blog on a regular basis the different topics of "All Things Q!" Originally I thought that I would post something Monday through Friday each day. But I began to think about my life and the reality of that, and Quite honestly that doesn't seem like something I would be able to completely commit to. However, I would like to commit to more blogging more often, which is something I am totally able to commit to. SO... Here's to All Things Q! I'm sure that by now you are wondering "What is "All things Q?"

"All things Q" really does pertain to my life, many aspects of it, and each topic that I will cover will have something to do with the five things Q. I will explain...

The five topics around Q that I will be writing on are the following... (drum roll please:)

1. QUOUGHTS = POWERFUL QUESTIONS THAT PROVOKE THOUGHT. As most of you know I am a Certified Life Purpose Coach, (http://www.kathrynbonner.com/) so, as a Coach I am always asking my clients some powerful questions in order to get them thinking, to get them to know who they are, what they really want out of their lives, to discover what their purpose is. To AWAKEN those God-given dreams that have been lying dormant within them. Many times when they ask me a question, I respond with a question in order for them to find the answers to their passion, and truth. So there will be days that my posts will cover QUOUGHTS! Be on the look out for "QUOUGHTS FOR THE DAY" you might like to begin pondering. It will be fun and inspirational!
2. QUESTS = The dictionary defines QUEST as The act or an instance of seeking or pursuing something; a search. An expedition undertaken in medieval romance by a knight in order to perform a prescribed feat: the quest for the Holy Grail. I personally love the adventure of any give QUEST given to us by our LORD - Because it takes FAITH to pursue, it takes strength of character, perseverance, hope and dedication. As a Life Purpose Coach, I myself and most of those that I coach are usually on a QUEST of some sort. Pursuing after the the things ahead of us, with an excitement, and sometimes with fear, but always with anticipation and expectation. Are you on a QUEST to write a book, to become a leader in your field of interest, to begin leading a study group, to begin your own business? The Quests are many when you multiply our lives! What is your QUEST? Let's begin our QUEST of discovery together, you never know what we will discover on the journey of the QUEST!! I look forward to the adventurous journey we will go on together!
3. QUERIES = As you know I am an author of the new book "Confessions of a Pastor's Wife; He Speaks Can You Hear Him?" Queries are what we authors send out to publishing houses in hopes of receiving a book contract in the mail. A Query is the QUESTION and the HOPE of every writer of becoming an author. So, I will QUERY some things from time to time on the blog. I hope that you authors, or those of you who HOPE to be an author find some joy and hope in this part of your journey.
4. QUOTES = They are inspirational and motivational remarks that you read, hear speakers say that cause us to make positive change in our lives. So I will be quoting various folks who had something wonderful to say that we simply should not miss out on. Be looking for THE QUOTE OF THE DAY...
5. QUESTIONS ASKED MY ME, COACH KATHRYN= I will pose some powerful questions to you as I would a client. Questions that hopefully will spur more thoughts, cause you to look deeply within yourself, cause you to draw closer to God, make change in your life where needed. I know that you will deeply enjoy the "QUESTION OF THE DAY" when it comes up! Here's to the questions marks of your life :)
6. QUESTIONS ASKED BY JESUS = All through out the Gospels Jesus is asking questions. Over the last few years I have been reading through the questions He asked and have been highlighting them in my Bible with a blue highlighter. I will begin the process of writing out the questions Jesus asked and answer them for myself. I LOVE the questions He has asked through out the pages of the WORD. Here are a couple to get you thinking... ** "What are you looking for?" ** "What do you want me to do for you?" ** "What is your opinion about the Messiah? ** "Do you want to be well?" ** "What are you thinking in your hearts?" Remember that I am no theologian, and my intention is not to get too "heady" - that's not my purpose of writing out the Questions that Jesus asked. This is more for you and I to come to a thoughtful, spiritual, meditative place. A place that I Quite frankly need more of. Thoughts that come from our own place of introspection, from our hearts, and the Holy Spirit that lives within each of us, to draw us closer to our Lord, commune with Him, soak in His Word.

I am looking forward to this section of "All things Q" more than any of them. The Questions of Christ will certainly be my most favorite area of "ALL THINGS Q!"

I know that you will enjoy this "Quest of Q" with me... :)

Oh yes... I almost forgot to say it... Happy Leap Year To You!!

Blessings to you,

Kathryn

I would not have known Him...

...I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. I would not have known Him, except that The One who sent me to baptize with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.
John 1:32-34

We serve such an amazing God! I am always astounded by His love and grace. This morning in my time with Him I had love-tears literally flowing down my face. In reading the entire 1st chapter of John, where it says in verse 33 "I would not have known Him..." That verse literally GRABBED HOLD OF ME! I thought what if I'd never known Him?!

O my LORD, how would my life be different if I have not known you? O my LORD how my life is so renewed because of your love, Your Spirit. Both of which live and have their home, within me! My LORD you have been so amazingly generous to place SO MUCH of Yourself within me, within each of us. Therefore, connecting us one to another so deeply. O my God, my Redeemer, my Safeplace, my Every Breath. As I write this I have love-tears pouring out in thanksgiving. I know that I am unworthy.

I at the age of fourteen I fully accepted your love, your utmost Highest gift – YOUR Gift of the Holy Spirit. I felt it land on me! I felt Your amazing power residing within so that there would never ever be a way that I could deny your existence! It was grace to a girl who needed grace. It was grace to a girl who did not fully understand how much grace she would need in the latter years to come. I strayed far away from you, not realizing the gift I had been given. How could I have known at such a tender age?

Oh, and how I know of the gift NOW! How I know it now! LORD, my KING, your love abounds beyond all I can perceive, and yet I experience it within me, just as powerfully as it was at the age of fourteen, even stronger now. My life unsure of so much, yet certain. You bring that certainty in which we all need. You bring the peace. You bring the wellbeing. You bring the love. You bring the grace. All of this, priceless and yet free!

I pray that as we all stumble into this season of Lent that we grow in your grace and love, and that our love-tears stream with a new knowing of your amazing love.

He is the One who baptizes us in the Holy Spirit, allowing it to “land within us” just as John saw happen to Jesus! Amazing! Miraculous!

I am gratified that I know you.

Yours,
Kathryn

Absolutely Addorable! Happy New Year!

Is this not one of the most wonderful photos ever?!

Emily Dickinson once wrote "Hope is a thing with feathers." I am sure that is exactly how this addorable baby macaque sees this dove!

In many cultures and in the Bible the dove is a symbol of peace, hope and God's love. I see all of this depicted in the above photo. Our Lord shows us beautiful and pure love here. This photo brings me that place of peace, joy, and love. I pray that you experience the same as you gaze upon the photo. :)

The article reads:
An abandoned baby macaque was taken in by an animal hospital in Goangdong Province, China. But he was lonely until he made friends with a white dove - pigeon. The two are now inseperable. And make a cute photo.

The article goes on to say:

They're an odd couple in every sense but a monkey and a dove, pigeon have become inseparable at an animal sanctuary in China.

The 12-week-old macaque - who was abandoned by his mother - and was so close to death when it was rescued on Neilingding Island, in Goangdong Province.

After being taken to an animal hospital his health began to improve but he seemed spiritless - that is until he developed an amazing and wonderful friendship with a white dove. The blossoming relationship pivitol as it helped to revive the macaque who has developed a new lease of life, say staff at the sanctuary.

Now the unlikely yet precious duo are never far from each other's side, and they aren't the only ones to strike up an unusual friendship.

Earlier this year a pig adopted a tiger cub and raised him along with her piglets because his mother couldn't feed him.

And in 2005 a baby deer named Mi-Lu befriended lurcher Geoffrey at the Knowsley Animal Park in Merseyside after she was rejected by her mother.

The Door is Open!

Add your comments, thoughts about this photo and any message you might see here for us as Christian brothers and sisters. I'd love to hear your insights and what you glean from it.

Praying God's blessing upon you in the New Year!
Kathryn

Jesus is the gift

Yes, Jesus Is The Gift!

Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits every heart

and it is with His love that all celebration starts.

We rejoice in Him as we remember His birth

and thank God for sending His only Son to earth.

His life led from a manger to a cross on a hill

where He faithfully followed His Father’s perfect will.

He freely laid down everything so that we could live,

and there is no greater treasure anyone could give.

Like a scarlet ribbon His love wrapped around the cross

and He offered it to us all at the greatest cost.

So each time that we give we remember what He’s done

and honor the perfect Gift—God’s one and only Son.

— Holley Gerth

Taken from Dayspring.com

The Lord Speaks, and Points!

When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. - Exodus 31:18

It has been too long since I have blogged. It has been a whirlwind of a month for me. God has been shaking me up a bit, and "pointing with His finger" at me. He as been doing some amazing things in my life. The Scripture above is "speaking into me" as our Lord has been doing as well.

I was in an accident with an 18 wheeler and it literally shook me up. I was in the right lane, he was in the left lane. The lanes were very narrow, too narrow from what the police officer told me later, explaining that when two 18 wheelers are driving down this little stretch of the road side by side, that many times they hit each other’s side mirrors! I was ahead of him, not quite a car length ahead of him. We were both headed in the same direction, when all of the sudden I was pushed forward and sent spinning and rocking back and forth and found myself heading straight into oncoming traffic!

I was left “shaken up” and “praising God” that I wasn’t in hurt any more than I was! I was quite sore, in fact where my seatbelt was I had a pretty good injury from it.

Then shortly after that I had a severe injury to my left foot! Needless to say I have been and still am hobbling around. I have had some time to pray and ponder many things over this last month. It has been a time of Thanksgiving, and a time of prayer, contemplation, and surrender. God has been “shaking me up a bit” during this time. I think God needs to shake me up from time to time, as I am sure he needs to with each of us.

At the beginning of this Scripture, is says that "the Lord finished speaking to Moses.” Don’t you love it that the Lord was speaking to Him! Oh how I love the way the Lord speaks to us! I love it that He cares enough to visit with us, that He trusts us with the particular mission that He gives to each of us (even if He needs to "shake us up" a bit). The more He gives you the more He trusts you! Oh Lord, how I want you to trust me with what you have given me!

During this last month, I have been in such a beautiful time of communion with our Lord, and yet I have also been in a place where He has had to shake me up a bit, spin me around, get me facing some of my fears (the oncoming traffic if you will) and showing me the miracles of Himself. “The finger of the Lord” has been pointing out many things to me. Pointing me in certain directions, directions that I am ready to follow.

I am stepping into a new "chapter" of my life as I leave my beloved job of the last seven years. I have been the Vice President of this wonderful organization, and the last year the Lord has had me in preparation to leave. I gave my formal notice back in May that I would be leaving by December 31st in order to step into the calling of being a Writer, Author, Speaker and Life Coach. I have been coaching for many years now and continue doing so. There is new and exciting news about that and I will be sending out regular communication about that in the coming days and weeks ahead! Look for the news!

Well, that time is upon me and I remain grateful for all of my years there, as I have been give SO much. The Lord has done great things! My five book series entitled “Confessions of a Pastor’s Wife” will be released the 18th of this month! This first book in the series is entitled “He Speaks Can You Hear Him?” And boy does He speak! This book, takes you through my faith journey, I reveal what He says and also how He speaks to us.

Lord I pray that each of us who hear from you recognize the joy and privilege it is to be in communication with you, and the honor it is that you have us do things for you and unto your glory. Lord let us always be faithful in our service to you. Let us always be listening for you, surrendering unto you, and obedient unto you. Thank you for the ride of a lifetime, Thank you for the beautiful people in our lives, Thank you for your grace, your love, your mercy, your trust, and the work you give us to do. Thank you for this advent season to remind us that you are coming, always coming into our hearts! Amen.

Kathryn

Kathryn Bonner
Awakenings Life Coaching (Isaiah 50:4)
www.KathrynBonner.com