Thursday, February 27, 2020

When You Became a Christian, How Did Your Life Change?



I think it's important to leave a lasting legacy. For some that might include passing down family history, items of importance, money, or even a home or car. Some might argue, that these worldly things are not necessary and while I can agree to some extent, I think there are ones that are more priceless than anything money can buy.

These are the things that make up who we are, things like our kindness, our love, the way we teach what we have learned to those who need instruction. In fact, the one thing my family loves is that they have all my YouTube videos to reflect back on if something should happen to me. It conveys who I am underneath my outside exterior.

So as a part of this legacy, I want to capture those moments that one may never have the opportunity to ask. I found a book called "A Family Legacy for Your Children" and in this case, its for Moms to write down your story in your own words, so I am putting mine out there for the entire world to see and hope you'll consider doing the same.

Today's question for reflection is simply, "When You Became A Christian, How Did Your Life Change?"

For me, I can easily remember that one day when I realized that a relationship with Jesus was so much more than my Catholic upbringing and all the required classes that went with it could ever teach me. I started attending a "Christian" church with my ex-husband. It was during a youth group teaching that I really started to make the connection that God was something more, than a script you read each time you attended. It was more than all the kneeling, standing and sitting repetition I only knew from the rare times our family did attend church, which was like the CEO session. It means Christmas and Easter Only. That was my mom to a "T."

Yet the basis for the faith types are still the same foundations. A belief in Jesus as God's only Son, that He died for our sins, and was resurrected and now lives in heaven waiting to welcome us home. Its just all the religious ceremonies that stand in the way of that personal relationship with our Savior.

When I found that personal connection, I knew this is something so profound and deep I desperately wanted it. So when the pastor asked if we wanted to accept Christ into our life, I knew I wanted to run to get there as fast as possible. I spent my time at the front of church, on my knees sobbing for the opportunity that presented itself that day. I guess when I look back and to this day, I am still someone who cries in church, but for all the right reasons. I cry when someone gets that same opportunity that I did, because I know how much it will change things for them. I cry when I stand in the dark during worship service listening to the voice of other believers singing with me, like a fore-shadowing of what is to come, when I get to heaven.

What happened at that moment, when I asked God into my life? Besides the overwhelming feeling of a love I had never experience, I don't think anyone is prepared for those moments that follow. That not everyone will welcome that joyful experience. I remember my joy at wanting to share that with as many people as possible, was not something my mom was even remotely thrilled with. I think she was beyond upset, thinking I had joined some religious cult, but no matter what I tried to tell her, she wasn't buying.

From talking to others, that is what so many experience as well. Long traditions of growing up in the "Church" now replaced for a more simple faith. One not of religious ceremonies but that one on one connection we experience in the quietness of a simple prayer when we talk to God. I think most new believers face that very same opposition, and its so sad. I guess most don't understand the concepts of their faith, and don't realize that we all have to make that personal choice for ourselves.

Some people I have talked with, not even have that overwhelming emotional moment I had at the front of the church. Some people don't have any emotional response at all, and that can be scary. I think people are looking for that magical moment that for some, doesn't happen at all. It doesn't mean anything hasn't changed on the inside, but over time, I find things happen as the Holy Spirit goes to work in your life, like cleaning a house out one room, one closet or one drawer at a time. So I want to encourage you if you didn't have an emotional moment when you gave your life to God, that He is still at work in your life. Often times you will find you can no longer "do" the things you once did. It might mean, no more swearing, no more lying, no more desiring to go out and enjoy the worldly pleasures like you once did. You sense a deep conviction when asked to participate in things you know God doesn't want you to, and for some, you might just pass that feeling off as good intentions of your own heart, without acknowledging that this comes from the Spirit now living inside you, that is causing you to rethink thing differently now.

Go with that feeling. In fact, I would encourage you to find other believers and a great teaching church to get involved with. I have to say that while I found some bits of learning here and there, it wasn't until a couple years ago, that I found a great church in Chino Hills and I can say without a doubt, I have learned more in the short time there, then in my entire Christian life as a believer. I think that is important for us in our Christian growth.

We need that in our lives. A connection with others to strengthen and encourage us in a world that day by day grows darker. We need that infusion of faith and hope in our lives and church does that. It helps you get through the days when you simply feel that spiritual battle wages on. The great thing is that with the advancement of technology, we can benefit from those teaching sessions through LIVE streaming or even recorded replays for when we can't get to church, or the churches we find are just not "feeding our souls" well enough. I have that link below for Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel of Chino Hills. He is a man with the heart after God's and isn't afraid to apply the Bible to our lives today and how we as believers should respond to what's happening in the world and for me, this is what I have needed so desperately in my life for so long.

I am curious though, when you became a Christian, how did your life change?

I'd love to hear your story and hope you found some value in mine as well.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Me? An Entrepreneur?



Welcome back everyone! It feels so long since I picked up my proverbial pen and began writing to you. My goal, to write something every single day. Now, the biggest question, "Did you miss me?"

Does anyone even care what I have been up to since I started blogging back in 2009?

Wow even that seems so long ago when I type that, because its now 2020. 11 years ago it all began with what I wanted, which was a place to write down my thoughts and send it out into the World Wide Web and hopefully connect with like minded people.

How funny how much things have changed in just 11 years.

So why am I here again after a long break from writing?

To share with you what God has been doing in my ministry or my life as I see it. What started out as an online journal evolved into a place to connect with so many people from all over the globe and even all different backgrounds, races, religions and so much more. I found in a sense an internet family.

From there it took on the shape of taking my love of reading and books and becoming a book reviewer for mostly Christian book companies and publishers for almost 10 years. Then everything all went digital and those days of free paperbook copies went by the way side. I finished home schooling my girls and they began lives of their own and I felt God telling me it was time for a change.

What He wanted to do in my life, if I was ready to follow Him.

How could I say no? Everything with God is going to succeed. That's almost an automatic yes!!! Please!!!

So I felt God pulling me into using my talents in home decor to not only teach people how to make their homes beautiful but also to teach them how to make that into a hobby or business. God put all the right people in my path.

First of all He provided an outlet for all my pent up creative talents and taught me more about what I was already doing through Facebook and YouTube videos.

Then He lead me to Jennifer Allwood, an incredible women who show other women how to make money in the online space, but even more than that, how I can keep my faith in my business without leaving that at the front door. I can say He is a master of making it all work out, and all one has to simply do is trust Him.

Now going on 3 years, I have managed to take what I love to do and turn it into a profitable full time business. I have a group of over 250 creatives that trust me each month to teach them how to do what I have done as well as coach them in the art of home decor and running an online business. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I could make that work. In fact my designs are all one of a kind unique originals. I never duplicate any design unless a customer is requesting something just for their home or double doors. I wanted them to feel as special as the time and creativity I put into all my designs, so that they too would feel unique and wonderful. Like a true Masterpiece.



I used to watch other people take simple ideas and turn it into a business and never for once did I think that would be me, but here I am.

So I can officially say without a doubt, that I am a small business owner. In fact, I just applied for my first business credit card. Who would have thought?



So I would LOVE to have you join me on the journey! If you have social media, like Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube or Instagram, come find me at KatsCreations777.

Until then I will be sharing with you what I am doing, what is happening and what I am making next. Until then, check out all my online tutorial videos at YouTube.com/c/KatsCreations777 or if you're interested in purchasing one of my one of a kind creations, find my website at KatsCreationsNMore.com.