As Christians, we must be critical of each other, as well as ourselves. We often take our sin lightly because we have this ever-loving, always forgiving God. We think He will stand by our side no matter what. While this is true, we are the chosen crowd. We have chosen to follow Christ, and should therefore do everything in our power (as well as His) to live closer to Him everyday.
Jesus died on a cross. He suffered a painful death without even wincing for our sin. Yet, we can't do anything but rationalize our choices and make up excuses for the sin in our life.
What are some sinful things in your life you aren't taking seriously? I'll list mine below, for others to hold me accountable to with hopes that you will critically look into your own lives as well.
1. Support. I need verbal support or people to be around all the time. Rather than relying on God, or close Christian support, I will rely on anyone who will listen.
2. Along with support, I try a little too hard to make people accept me. I don't "change" who I am, but I am so versatile I often feel like people don't get the "whole picture." I also always yearn to have friends- rather than relying on God's love to fill my heart.
3. Attention to biblical time. I often find myself saying "I'll look at His word later." I should yearn to be exposed to His word whenever my heart feels pulled. The Bible isn't something that should be put off or pushed to one large reading on a Saturday afternoon.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
My Walk & Niger
This was a conversation via skype with my dad that transformed my life. I was in China. I felt alone, I was with a boyfriend that I had been dating for nearly two years, but I struggled with him being a "non-believer." He was practically everything I wanted in life, but both of us knew things were changing.
My faith was taking leaps. I had been to Mexico on missions, and was preparing for a trip to Haiti. I was learning how to walk for God everyday and become more like Jesus. I had time in China to read my Bible and form my own opinions. Mike and I broke up on my Birthday. It wasn't as tragic as I had expected, in fact the hardest part was hugging his mom at the airport.
God has given me a love for working with Children. When I graduated high school, I thought the only option would be teaching. I never looked into anything else. I never looked at leaving Iowa. Pella was a huge leap. As my faith changed, God gave me a love for the world. All of the Children of the world. As of now, I am not positive what my life will lead after graduation. I may teach, I may continue my education, I may... It's not in my hands, but in the hands of the higher power.
If asked, "why do you feel you need to go so far away to evangelize?" I now have an answer:
I go where God needs me. I am willing to be a servant of him for all of the days of my life. I want to live like Jesus everyday, and live like the people of the world to know their desires and match them to the Kingdoms. Even if my life does not lead to international work, I believe that God is using me for multiple purposes, and I will be able to relate to others even from a small town in Iowa.
On August 28th, I will be leaving for Niger, West Africa. I will be spending my time home schooling Tom Johnson's three children as well as learning, living and acting as a follower of Christ in my everyday life to show others the light I was shown. I am in need of lots of prater and some fundraising still needs done.
To donate visit: https://www.rca.org/volunteersupport and choose Ashley Kinkade
(the start of my faith story has multiple layers and factors, apologies if you have heard different ones)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
money
The chicken reports the scattering stair throughout our composite.
I'm sure this is the most random post you will EVER see from me. :) I have decided to start blogging for money. With the upcoming interest in my travels to Niger, as well as my exciting life, I hope this will help some of the funding of my trip.
I'm sure this is the most random post you will EVER see from me. :) I have decided to start blogging for money. With the upcoming interest in my travels to Niger, as well as my exciting life, I hope this will help some of the funding of my trip.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Expert Traveler
Today, the doctor told me I was an expert and experienced traveler. *gasp* I never thought anyone would say that. Much to my surprise, he didn't really go over any (or all) of the food and water precautions when traveling because he said I "know the drill."
In addition, I had to get a yellow fever shot. Shots freak me out. I swear, I can feel them inside of me. The nurse walks in (mind you, I have NEVER been to this clinic) and shoves the needle into the back of my arm with no warning, no cleaning the area, and no gloves... I didn't know what to say, other than.. "I guess being sanitary never was important to me..."
My rant to the doctor: Niger will be different. I made have appeared knowledgeable about types of anti-malarial and known the area I was staying in, but I'm sure I could have learned something from you. I often feel like travelers who appear "well-informed" get the short end of the stick.
In addition, I had to get a yellow fever shot. Shots freak me out. I swear, I can feel them inside of me. The nurse walks in (mind you, I have NEVER been to this clinic) and shoves the needle into the back of my arm with no warning, no cleaning the area, and no gloves... I didn't know what to say, other than.. "I guess being sanitary never was important to me..."
My rant to the doctor: Niger will be different. I made have appeared knowledgeable about types of anti-malarial and known the area I was staying in, but I'm sure I could have learned something from you. I often feel like travelers who appear "well-informed" get the short end of the stick.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Andys 23rd
Dearest Andy Jensen,
Today is your birthday. I recorded an EPIC video on your facebook wall, but it wouldn't let me post.. so you get your very own blog post. I hope that you have a wonderful 23rd Birthday, and I hope we can run into each other in Des Moines Wednesday.
Thanks you always texting me. Thanks for being in my "top 5 most awesome people I know." Thanks for making me smile everyday. Thanks for understanding what I'm saying (either because 1. it doesn't make sense, or 2. you just get me.).
It's your Birthday, but you aren't getting old, yet. Old is something you can feel, and you can't feel it yet. Old is when you sit at your desk and don't fidget or freak out when Ke$ha comes on. Face it, "old" means you don't listen to Ke$ha. Old is what you aren't.
love,
Ashley Kinkade
Thankful
I'm thankful for...
... Summer Classes.
As much as I complain about them not working/the teacher being unprepared/taking too long/etc. I am thankful for them. Without them, I would not be leaving for Niger in 2 months. And it's nice to be able to take classes on your own time. I love learning, I apparently, also love to complain.
...People who listen to me.
Sometimes I just want to rant. I have a few (okay, one) person who lets me do that. They are very observant of my behavior and the changes.
... People who talk to me.
I love hearing about your lives, sorry if I don't come off that way..
... Music that describes my every move.
It gets me through the day.
... New/old friendships.
Right now, I feel like most of my friends like 45,654 miles away, but they are still awesome <3.
... Great work experiences.
As much as I wish I could be outside on nice days, I love having a nice office where I'm not forced to do hard labor for little money.
... Being able to choose religion.
On the days I am frustrated I can really look into life as being something deeper than what's here. Life wouldn't be worth it if God weren't pulling me through.
... Food, and an awesome apartment.
... Farm life.
I get to go trail riding this weekend! I'm still shocked that some people don't know I used to live on a farm.
... The chance to take chances.
I'm mainly talking about relationships, and I'm sorry for being blunt, but I'm happy to realize things would have never worked out rather than never knowing if it was "intended." As much as I'm sick of risking it, I'm glad there's always other options.
(okay, so that last one sounded a little *cocky*, but to rephrase it, I'm glad I don't have to be on one of those shows where you HAVE to pick between three people. I'm more of a fan of "learning to love someone.")
... Summer Classes.
As much as I complain about them not working/the teacher being unprepared/taking too long/etc. I am thankful for them. Without them, I would not be leaving for Niger in 2 months. And it's nice to be able to take classes on your own time. I love learning, I apparently, also love to complain.
...People who listen to me.
Sometimes I just want to rant. I have a few (okay, one) person who lets me do that. They are very observant of my behavior and the changes.
... People who talk to me.
I love hearing about your lives, sorry if I don't come off that way..
... Music that describes my every move.
It gets me through the day.
... New/old friendships.
Right now, I feel like most of my friends like 45,654 miles away, but they are still awesome <3.
... Great work experiences.
As much as I wish I could be outside on nice days, I love having a nice office where I'm not forced to do hard labor for little money.
... Being able to choose religion.
On the days I am frustrated I can really look into life as being something deeper than what's here. Life wouldn't be worth it if God weren't pulling me through.
... Food, and an awesome apartment.
... Farm life.
I get to go trail riding this weekend! I'm still shocked that some people don't know I used to live on a farm.
... The chance to take chances.
I'm mainly talking about relationships, and I'm sorry for being blunt, but I'm happy to realize things would have never worked out rather than never knowing if it was "intended." As much as I'm sick of risking it, I'm glad there's always other options.
(okay, so that last one sounded a little *cocky*, but to rephrase it, I'm glad I don't have to be on one of those shows where you HAVE to pick between three people. I'm more of a fan of "learning to love someone.")
Friday, June 3, 2011
Confidence
The submissive Ashley has been learning to stand up for things lately. I have told people to leave my apartment when I didn't want them over anymore. I've stood up for my beliefs. I have told people how I actually feel about situations. I've let on that my life isn't always perfect. It's not really confidence, but I'm starting to come out as a person.. which is a new concept.
I feel like I grew up a lot later than most. I have been thinking about how I got to where I am in life, and I am absolutely baffled that I didn't learn some things sooner in life. I never even looked into other majors, or schools. I don't think it would have changed things, but it is strange to me that I never looked.
I feel like I grew up a lot later than most. I have been thinking about how I got to where I am in life, and I am absolutely baffled that I didn't learn some things sooner in life. I never even looked into other majors, or schools. I don't think it would have changed things, but it is strange to me that I never looked.
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