Open Confession is good for the soul...

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.  - James 5:16

Healing comes through confession.

According to an old Scottish Proverb – “Open confession is good for the soul”. Many leave out that first word – OPEN – because that can be so very uncomfortable. Why air our dirty laundry? Why let others see where we have fallen short or failed one another? Why confess openly when it is so much easier to do privately?

Let me say this – If you are confessing, either openly or in private, PRAISE GOD. A life of confession and repentance is a life that is seeking the will of God. In the verse above, found in James 5, we see that confession to one another brings about healing. As someone who has a heart to become a therapist for ministers, I believe there is great power in confession and reconciliation. So today, I ask you all for forgiveness.

A few weeks ago I had a conversation with a dear friend that basically rocked my world, shattered my self-worth, and convinced me that I did not belong ministering to people at all. The enemy has used that conversation for a number of weeks to chase me out of the will of God. I have sat here basically paralyzed in my relationships and missing the confidence to boldly face the future. I did not want to proceed incorrectly, so I did not move at all. This person was well intentioned and showed a great deal of love for me by a willingness to have this conversation.

The greatest thing that has come from this conversation came in a revelation from God this morning: My relationships are important to me.

It seems simple, but it goes far beyond simplicity. It brings me to my knees, and now my keyboard, asking for forgiveness.

I want our relationship to be right. I want to know that you understand how much I love you, and how dear you are to me. I want you to know that I am sorry for any way that I may have offended you or hurt you.

I want you to know that there are no expectations attached to my advice, and when you seek it I will continue to offer it freely. I want you to know that my home is still always open to you, any day or any hour.

If I moved away and we lost touch, I am sorry. You are valuable to me. I should be more intentional about showing it. And if you moved away and we lost touch, I am sorry for this as well. Please let me know if this has hurt you.

For some, I want you to know that I have forgiven you as well, whoever you are, and for however you may have hurt me. It’s not a big deal. Our relationship is more precious than anything you could have ever done.

But I ask one thing from you – all of you – If you are reading this blog, note, or Facebook message, please be in touch. Let me know how we stand. Let me know if I have offended you, or if our relationship is right. Let me know if you wish we were closer, or in contact more. Let me know how or if I have hurt you or offended you. Let me know if you feel manipulated, or neglected by me. This was never my intention.

The enemy is all over me today, and so I ask that you come alongside me and help me understand the dynamic of my relationships, help me define them so the enemy can no longer use this against me.

I want to be right, before God and with each of you. Know how deeply you are loved today.

Blessings Overflow - Kim

A Little Pre-Marriage Advice (for women)

Just a heads up...this is a bit detailed. And this is only my experience!
Hey Girlie...
I just wanted to give you a little pre-wedding and post-wedding advice.
One week before the wedding:
First, start now drinking lots of water. Stay hydrated, and if you can tolerate bananas, eat some. Because of all the walking around and such you will be doing, leg cramps are a REAL possibility on the wedding night. (trust me) And even the night before!
After the honeymoon:
Second, know the signs of a UTI, this infection, when caught early can be manageable. However, when women start having a lot of sex, a UTI becomes a real possibility too! If it is not caught early enough, it can become VERY dangerous. (again, trust me) No one told me this stuff and I just thought I was feeling puny. Turns out I was almost septic with a major kidney infection. All from having sex!
For Life:
Third, remember that in marriage NOTHING is really a big deal. If it is, you will know it. If your husband does not put his socks in the hamper, it's not a big deal. Just pick them up, praise God for a chance to serve your husband, and let it go. The little things can destroy a marriage if you let them. I have heard myself say many times , "It's not a big deal" and then moved on.
Being married is the most amazing gift we are given (apart from Jesus) and it is to be cherished. But remember this: Marriage is not intended to make you happy. It is intended to make you HOLY. Every day you will have opportunities to serve and love, to forgive and extend grace like Christ. Through marriage you will be conformed to the likeness of Christ. If there is a trial, ask yourself, "How can this make me holy". Happiness is fleeting, and holiness is something worth chasing!

I love you my sweet sister, and I rejoice with you this week.
Blessings,
Kim