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Katie M. Reid

Finding Grace in the Unraveling of Life

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Making Ripples (Extension 26: Fall Edition)

Sometimes I wonder if I am making an impact? 
Is my stone just sinking down to the bottom of the lake or is it creating ripples over the surface of the waters? 

I took a break from the waters of the web and naturally my stats plummeted. 
When you don’t write people don’t read much.

I was on vacation with my family, trying hard to unplug and be present, but the computer didn’t know. It didn’t reward me but scolded me for “slacking off”. 

This Type A girl likes instant appreciation; pats on the back, tangible affirmation and impressing others. But it can get out of hand and turn greedy, producing a hunger for approval, a craving for popularity, and a longing to be noticed and declared “good enough” by the “greats”.

Since when did I need at least ten people (or hundreds) telling me they like what I said or what I did or how I look? When did my success in life start getting measured by a computer graph, a yellow star and a blue thumbs up?

Is that what all this amounts to? Dot and lines that rise and fall like a roller coaster and leave your head spinning and make your insides upset?

My eyes have been fixed on the static instead of my heart being fully engaged in the present.

The present is filled with His presents to this gift-lovin’ girl, but I miss them when I focus on the wrong thing. 
I bulldoze past the blessings when I scour for validation through comparison.

Yuck. I need help.
You too?

As I get caught up with my ripples (or lack thereof) I neglect getting caught up with Christ. 
I bypass His presence with all my important stuff to do and be.

Dear God, Help this try-hard gal. Help me get off this crazy cycle and jump into the deep waters of your grace. Your grace that is deep and wide and covers my sins as far as the east is from the west. As I unravel You show up strong. Thank You for Your great patience, Your total forgiveness and Your ability to overcome my lack. Thank You that nothing is too hard for You, even this tough heart of mine. Thank You that You fashioned me together and You love me more than I can even dare to dream. I love you. Help me love you even better and enjoy Your Presence and not just your presents. Help me to follow Your lead upon these waters. Amen.

Speaking of presents…let’s make ripples that truly matter this holiday season. Let’s stir up these stagnant waters with the living water of His love. With thanksgiving and joy for all that God is and has done let’s bless others with what He has entrusted to us. Let’s extend ourselves, asking Him to multiply our offerings and cause a great impact on those who are hurting, scared and needy. 

Join us for Extension 26: Fall Edition 

October: Voice of the Martyrs (click to donate)
Voice of the Martyrs assists the persecuted church with practical and spiritual support. They educate, equip and encourage Christians so that the Great Commission can be fulfilled. VOTM is able to help those who are currently being persecuted for their faith. Any size donation can help and your prayers can help move mountains across the globe for those brothers and sisters that are indeed suffering for the gospel. Head on over to Voice of the Martyrs website (www.persecution.com) to sign-up for their free newsletter (this is a great way to stay updated on what is happening in regards to the persecution of Christians and how you can best prayer for them).

November: Gospel for Asia (Jesus Wells)
My daughter and her dear friend have decided to partner with Gospel for Asia to try and raise enough money to provide clean water for a village. The cost is $1400 for a well of that capacity and their goal is to do it by the end of this year. They are calling their efforts Project #welldone. Would you join them in providing a gift of any amount towards this project? Here’s an excerpt from my daughter’s blog about their motivation for this project. 

“I look at the world and I see slavery, hunger and thirst and I don’t like it. God does not like it as well, so me and my friend are going to raise money and buy a well for people who need one, so join us.” 

Thank you for giving so that others can gain hope and see Jesus in a tangible way! For more ideas on making this season the Best Yet, and making ripples that matter, check out these great resources.

Light ‘Em Up: Courtney DeFeo

A Heart Wide Open Christmas: Shellie Tomlinson

The Best Thanksgiving Yet (don’t miss the activity ideas at the bottom of the post). 
The Greatest Christmas: Ann Voskamp

*Sorry that there are not any lovely images in this post, having computer issues but not letting that stop me from sharing these ways to move beyond ourselves and make meaningful ripples today!:) 

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Hi, I'm Katie (a Modern Martha, wife, and mom to five). I'm so glad you're here! Let's enjoy some cut-to-the-chase conversation over hot or iced tea, as we find grace in the unraveling of life (together). Let's exchange try-hard striving for hope-filled freedom as we settle into our position as a doer and a daughter—created by a Loving Father.

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