love

Love everyone before yourself means no selfishness, even in small ways. Let's look at every problem as if it's our fault first, and go from there. Let's look out for one another, making sure everyone is having a great day, a good time, a good life... Do this before you look out for yourself, even in the smallest of situations.

We might just make this world a pretty great place... Like heaven on earth... "On earth as it is in heaven."

All in love, and with the best intentions, Tara K

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Rethink Everything

Rethink Everything

Really rethink everything, not just at this moment, only to forget it tomorrow.  True Repentance.  A message that's always important to keep in mind.

-Tara K

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New View, New You

New View, New You

I found this on a friend's facebook page.  Take a time out to hear God.

Good words of advice- always take time during your day to just listen.  Listen to what God's gotta say.

Love you much, Tara K

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Dearly Loved

Please lay down your arrows

'cause they're sure to pierce the skin

And water from a broken well

will make you thirst again

And all things you've acquired

are tested by the flames

If you can see them melting,

then, will you call His Name

And it's worth it, brothers

and it's worth it, friends

to know your Maker

to lose your sins

Did you know that you are

dearly loved

To the slaughter

you are being led

Being told that it's a party

That this God is in your head

And every single lie

sounds just like the greatest truth

But the one Truth that you're not hearin'

is that He died for you

No greater joy

No greater peace

No greater love than this

-From Jimmy Needham's Dearly Loved

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Daniel Didn't Quit

I have told you guys before that I have really enjoyed Bruce Wilkinson's The Prayer of Jabez Bible Study.  One testimony from a reader says,

When I read that Daniel prayed for twenty-one days but the answer was hindered by Satan, the Lord showed me that I pray and then quit, pray and quit again, pray and quit again.  So I made a list of nine burdens and committed to pray for God's will in them each day.  I have done so for fifty-three days now, and God has changed my heart.  He has drawn a hedge around my family and on two occasions protected our home from fire.  To God be the glory!  There's nothing magical about praying certain things a certain number of times, but God honors our commitment.

Another part that is written in this book, which is an excerpt from The Prayer of Jabez for Teens, says,

Linked to Jabez's last request are the words "that I may not cause pain."  Many translations render the clause "so that I will be free from pain" or something similar.  The Hebrew simply says "pain not," so you can see why both renderings can be correct...and completely true.

Sin causes pain, period.  The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).  Satan wants you to sin because he wants to cut you off not only from God's blessings but also from your relationship with Him.  Why?  Because Satan wants to hurt you!

Do we cause pain?  Of course we do.  No matter hard we try, we're going to cause pain to someone, and maybe even ourselves.  So my suggestions is that we give our all not to and to see how big of a difference we can make;  the domino affect. Let's just see.  You gotta start somewhere.  You want change?  Start small.  But don't let someone else do the changin' first.  YOU'VE GOTTA BE THE ONE.  DON'T DEPEND ON SOMEONE ELSE TO START SO YOU CAN FOLLOW.  BE THE LEAD.

Happy Memorial Day!  Take a moment to remember and pray for those who have given their lives for yours.

-Tara K

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No Wonder They Don't Wanna Know Jesus

Read this, and answer my next question in all seriousness:

He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, [growing] into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ's fulness.  Then we will no longer be children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the teaching techniques of deceit.  But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head- Christ.  From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.  Ephesians 4:11-16

Now here's my question(s):

-Why has the church become so political?

-Why are we tossed by the winds, perhaps when a teacher leaves, we leave too?

-Why do we bully each other into getting what we personally want out of church?

-Why do our leaders worry about offending people, when, in reality, we want to shake people up in order to promote growth for body body?

-Why do so many Christians want a self-first worship experience?

-Why do church members feel that if they do their work on Sunday morning and Wednesday night, or maybe even perhaps, participate in extra church activities such as a special event, feel that that's enough, that they've done their job as a Christian?

Are you kidding me?  This is out of control, ridiculous, and disgusting.  I have no room to judge.  We are not to judge one another.

It is never enough.  All the activities that we do are never enough.  We could always do more.

But are we?

Or are we playing politics?  Oh, come on.  I'm preachin' now.

Now is not the time to take a step back.  Now is not the time to take a break.  Live boldly!  Straight from the word- live boldly.  God asked us to love one another.  When a parent disciplines their children- is it because they want to be mean to them?  No!  It is to discipline out of LOVE!  Come on, get a grip.  Get off the couch.  Quit feelin' sorry for yourself.  IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU.

You know, way back when denominations were being established, early in the 1920's or so, this is when Christians started debated one another's specifics in the church.  Whether or not to pray in Jesus' name or the Trinity, etc.  Should we worship this way or that way?  You can become a member if you do this, you can only take Communion if you do that...

THAT'S WHEN WE STARTED MISSING WHAT CHURCH IS ALL ABOUT.

Instead of debating things like this, we should be making plans to reach different parts of our community, we need to be coming together to figure out how to build up the church, not what it takes to get in.  We need to be standing up for God as a unit!!!  Not trying to find which church suits your personal pitiful needs.  GOD MEETS YOUR NEEDS, FOLKS.  NOT THE CHURCH.  YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MEETING THE NEEDS OF OTHERS, NOT FINDING A CHURCH THAT MEETS YOURS.

Let me ask you a question:  Are you born again?  Has Jesus saved your soul?  Well you should darn tootin' be pretty satisfied with that!  So much more satisfied that you want to go beyond doing your daily devotional and prayers and the end goodbye!  So much more than seeing who's on praise team next week.  So much more than making cute little small group outings.  So much more than deciding whether or not we like each other's personalities...

Give me a break!  LOVE ONE ANOTHER MORE THAN YOURSELVES.  I see no one doing that in the church.  Even in leaders, it's all politics.  Aren't you disappointed in the direction of this country?!  This country was based on the foundation of believing in God.  My problem?  Seems to me that we're the only people to blame.  That's right.  The church.  We're not reaching out.  We stabbing each other in the back.

Reality check, people.  Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter... come on.  How many people do I have to name to show you that these people were persecuted, not comfortable?  They weren't trying to suit their own needs.  They went around the world, begging people to find the truth because they LOVED them.

My guess is that we only reach out to those around us that we like.

Give me a break.

Give the world a break!

Love your neighbor as yourself.  This doesn't mean the roommate that you have a lot in common with that you CHOSE to have living as your neighbor.

Don't run away.  Run towards.

-Tara K 

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Sing Praise Video

Hey guys.  I have a video for you today.  Surprise, surprise.  This one is actually mine today.  I know.  For real.  It's for my new album, Sing Praise.  I will use it for promotional purposes, but it has a really good message in it, so I thought you guys might enjoy it.

Love you much, and please pray for our ministry!  Let us know how we can pray for you.

-Tara K

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Part 3 of 3 (Perry Stone)

Sorry I've been out since Wednesday!  It's crazy busy around here, so I will personally be getting back to you soon!  In the meantime, here is a bit of greatness- Part 3 of 3 of the Perry Stone Mannafest Video, a continuation of Thursday's blog:

-Tara K

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Church Laughs

So I worked a wedding this morning, which brought me to these clips:

Happy Belated Funny Friday.  And Happy Belated Birthday, Aaron Daniel!

-Tara K

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Perry Stone This Week

Hey guys.  I have a couple of videos for ya today.  Perry Stone is doing his anual Pigeon Forge Conferences this week, and although I missed today, I was still thinking about his teachings.  I found a few videos on you tube that I that you might find interesting.  I posted 1 and 2 of 3, and may post the third tomorrow, but feel free to skip ahead if you want!  ;)

If you want more info on the Perry Stone conference this week, just send me an email: tk@2911theplan.com

-Tara K

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Sing Praise Update

Hey guys!  A little update on my solo album, Sing Praise:

We've been working on it for a few months now, and we'll be finished with it within the week!  On some of the songs, we have used the same musicians from the Not So Classic album, Kerry and Catherine Marx.  They always rock my socks off.  Catherine is the one who played the keys on the Not So Classic album, including her awesome piano interlude on Victory in Jesus.  Oh yeah.  Other musicians we are using are Michael Nunley, a musician from Manley Baptist in Morristown, TN, where my husband works.  Also my little brother is making his debut as a musician/writer for the song, I See You.  I am so proud of him!

I can't wait to share all of this with you, and hope you really enjoy it!!!

So here's a good laugh for you.  I was just watching this movie and the lady and her daughter were playing with barbie dolls.  They were playing with a few on the table, but then the mom looks over and notices that one of the "older" boy barbies was in the floor vent.  She asked her daughter, "why is there a Ken doll in the heat vent?"  The daughter said, "remember when he got Alzheimer's and wandered off?..."

For I know the plans I have for you... to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Love ya much, Tara K

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Your Brain's 10%

Ever wonder if you're making the right decisions, the right choices, even in small, every day life?

My son, do not forget my teaching,

but let [even] your heart keep my commandments,

for length of days and years of life

and peace they will add to you.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness

forsake you;

bind them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good success

in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes,

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

Honor the Lord with all your wealth

and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your carts will be bursting with wine.

My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline

or be weary of his reproof,

for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,

as the father the son in whom he delights.

Proverbs 3

-Keep love and his commandments on your heart, in the forefront of your mind at all times.

-Trust in God, not your own mind.  And do not think you are wise, but fear God and turn away from evil.

-Give your tithes to Him before you spend it on anything else; give to Him what is due, and He will take care of you and bless you.

Thank God for His instruction.  After all, I hear we use less than 10% of our brains anyway;)

-Tara K

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FUNNY FRIDAY: ODE TO MOMS

Funny Friday, Ode to Moms

-Tara K

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Enlarge It!

Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!

-Jabez's prayer, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

When looking at this prayer, you may think that it's a selfish one.  Asking God to bless you by giving you more stuff, keep you out of harm's way, all for yourself.  You've gotta actually look a little deeper into this than that.  That I may not cause pain!  Those six words ring the trueness of Jabez's intentions in praying this prayer.  He wants God's blessing, not to be blessed out of his own strength or doing, but solely by God.

He wants God to enlarge his territory.  He does not want a bigger house with bigger land.  He wants God to give him a bigger territory to spread His Gospel on and throughout.

He wants God's hand to be with him, upon him, keeping him from evil, so that he may not cause pain.  There's a lot there.  Not only does he want God with him, I must guess, for his own protection and wisdom, but also that he brings no one any pain while he's spreading the gospel- that he has the right words to say, letting God speak through him.

Keep me from evil.  That's a biggie.  As you may know, I've been really big on praying Jesus' prayer lately, and even he says the same thing.  Keep me from evil, get it?  You can ask to not even be tempted with evil and to be taken away, even, from evil thoughts.

So why do so many people pray the Jabez prayer?  Why has it been so popular in books, etc.?  Sure, people want their personal ministry to prosper.  But deep down, I think we all want to be able to "save the world."  To reach out and be that big help that we always wanted.  To see Jesus in people.

Back in June/July... sometime around then... I started praying this prayer a lot.  And God did it.  He enlarged my spiritual-ready territory.  It has been tough, and sometimes exhausting, but beautiful, amazing, and I wouldn't trade it for any other place.  He never promised that the cross would not get heavy, and the hill would not be hard to climb... (Through the Fire, which we sing in concert).  I confess that I haven't been praying this specific prayer for quite some time now, but I think there is a time and season for all things, and that God puts certain things on your heart in certain times.  Maybe He's doing it again.

We shall see.

How about you?  Are you ready for an enlarged territory?

-Tara K

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Intentions

Intentions.

Who are you pleasing?  God or the world?

Perhaps, even, only yourself.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?  Or am I trying to please man?  If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.  Galations 1:10

It's always a good question to stop and ask.  Especially since it sounds to me, like it's one or the other...

So try this one on:

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.  Proverbs 8:17

... Jesus spoke... saying, I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life...  Even if I do not bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going.  You judge according to the flesh;  I judge no one.  John 8:12-18

Please one or the other, eh?  Seems like most of our daily choices rely on our judgements.  So may your judgements be on your choices, specifically, not on others.

In thought, Tara K

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Shocking!

God surprises you, doesn't He?

Every day for me is such a surprise.  Especially since I've stepped out into a life of missions.  My journey has so far been in the states, and specifically in my community, with trips out of town on weekends, which is not what I expected.  When you step out into full-time missions, you think that means that God will take you overseas, right?  I'm finding out that's not the case necessarily, at least for now.  Just like when God called my husband and I into ministry in 2004.  We both thought that meant that my husband would be a preacher, and that I would be a worship leader, or something along those lines.  Boy, were we wrong!  God took us out of secular shows and theatre and into Christian-based musical productions for 4 years!  Not at all what we expected.

I'm learning that every single day.  Life is not what we can expect.  I never thought I would be doing any of what I am now, even if you asked me even 5 years ago.  No idea.  I would probably tell you that I would be directing theme park shows or something, which is totally fun, but not what God had in mind for me.  The paths that He has stretched before me have been those that are unexpectedly blissful, beautiful, exciting, and better than I could dream up for myself.  I have asked for wisdom, and He has given it.  Not knowledge, but wisdom.  Big difference, I've come to learn.

GOD'S PLANS.  NOT OUR OWN.  MADE ESPECIALLY FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL JOURNEY.

...even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.  In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight, making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire posession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:4-14

-Tara K

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Rob Bell: SILENCE

I have been a big fan of Rob Bell and Nooma for a few years now.  Always makes me think.  Did it you?

For more on Nooma, go to- http://www.nooma.info/

For more on Rob Bell, go to- http://www.robbell.com/

-Tara K

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FUNNY FRIDAY: The Heavens Laugh

So as it is Funny Friday, I wanted to leave you with a verse of laughter.  And God led me to this:

Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together,

against the Lord and against his

anointed, saying,

"Let us burst their bonds apart

and cast away their cords from us."

He who sits in the heavens laughs;

the Lord holds them in derision [or mockery].

Then he will speak to them in his wrath,

and terrify them in his fury, saying,

"As for me, I have set my King

on Zion, my holy hill."

Psalms 2:1-6

Not exactly what I was expecting when I was looking for a verse about laughter, but timing is everything I guess, for there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.  -Ecclesiastes 3:4

Pray about your fury.  Pray that God will reveal the truth behind your anger, whatever, or whomever against, it may be.  You just might find that it is within yourself.

Then, perhaps, afterwards, will you experience your time to laugh.

-Tara K

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