[00:00:01] Speaker A: Hey, friend. Welcome to Perspectives into Practice, a place where life's stories meet practical wisdom. Together, we'll explore how faith filled perspectives can transform the way we live, love, and grow.
So grab a seat, settle in, and join us on this journey to turn inspiration into action.
Let's dive in, Friend. Welcome back to Perspectives into Practice. I'm really looking forward to today's conversation because it speaks to something that many of us experience, even if we don't have the language for it. And that's those seasons where we look back and realize that God was preparing us long before we understood why.
Today, I'm joined by my new friend, Kathleen. She has such a deep love for God's word and a heart for helping people move from simply knowing about God to. To actually experiencing him in a real daily way, which is absolutely what we talk about here. So we'll be talking about what it really looks like to live aware of God's presence in everyday life, not just knowing about him, but learning how spiritual practices shape us, strengthen us, and help us live led by the spirit instead of reacting to everything around us. Welcome, Kathleen. I'm so glad that you're here.
[00:01:24] Speaker B: I'm so excited to be here. Jessica, thank you for the opportunity.
[00:01:27] Speaker A: Yes. All right, well, before we dive in, y' all know I love a good, fun fact, and Kathleen loves puzzles and games of all kinds, which actually seems to be a common thread here for our last few friends. So maybe we need to have some kind of, like, puzzle board game get together.
So you love all the things that make you think and look for connections. And I honestly, I feel like it's so, so fitting for someone who loves helping people see how God connects the pieces of our lives. So I wonder what has been the most challenging puzzle that you've put together?
[00:02:03] Speaker B: Oh, my goodness. That's such a great question. And it's funny too, because I've never thought about it like that. But that's a good point. You know, the way that we connect, you know, the way that our thinking is, can be applied to so many spiritual practices. But I did one one time that seemed like a good idea. It was all these.
It was like a Ferris wheels, and there was tons and it was so colorful. And I like a puzzle with stuff in it. I don't want one that's like the ocean, you know?
[00:02:25] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:02:25] Speaker B: But it turned out it just was horrible because there was so many of the same things.
You could think you were on this Ferris wheel, but it was this one and that one. But it was still a Lot of fun. So finishing that definitely felt very satisfying.
[00:02:39] Speaker A: How many pieces was it?
[00:02:40] Speaker B: I think it was a thousand. I don't, you know, I know there's people that do these five or six thousand piece puzzles. That's not my, my vibe, but my,
[00:02:47] Speaker A: my brows is enough focus for that long. Yes, I. I'm with you. I'm with you.
Oh, wonderful. So, you know, just like a good puzzle, sometimes God is working behind the scenes. He's putting the place pieces together long before the picture becomes clear. Can you share about your current season where you can clearly see that God has been preparing you even though you didn't know what that would look like at the time?
[00:03:13] Speaker B: Well, absolutely. It's interesting because many years ago I went through a very difficult season. I had was going through an unwanted divorce. And even though I'd grown up in the church and I had sort of a strong upbringing, I was so afraid. I was just living in fear. And it was during that period of time that God really spoke to my heart and called me out of that. And one of the ways that he used to do that is giving me a passion for scripture memory, which is like some people think of as kind of a legalistic thing, you know? What does that mean? Just a bunch of Bible verses. But, but what actually happened is that by focusing on His Word and meditating on His Word, it just pulled me out of that season into a place where I could experience more trust and more peace. And it was wonderful.
But that led to a lot of the things that I'm doing now. But looking back, I would have never realized how he did it like that.
[00:04:03] Speaker A: Yeah, we know that he holds all the pieces and he just gives us one little piece at a time. And even like with your Ferris wheel thing, you think that this is the piece that he's going to place right here and he's like, actually, we're going over here and it's going to be a little tricky, but you have to trust me. And I love that Scripture memory is what got you through that because it says all throughout Scripture that we are to hide God's word in our heart, to remember these things, to write them down and to tell the generations. And knowing that and having that, you can bring that up whenever there's a hard time, whenever the enemy comes at us, we can remember those scriptures that we have memorized. And so I just, I love that that that is where you went even in that hard time. So what did it look like to. To choose to stand on God's word instead of what you can see, because I'm sure that it was. It was tumultuous in. In having, you know, uncertain times and things that, you know, seemed or looked unfair.
[00:05:02] Speaker B: Well, I think it was an ongoing process. It started with some very simple things, Just some simple verses, like, when I'm afraid I put my trust in you, and I would learn to sort of pivot from where I was to a different place. But even just a little bit of extra focus, even just a few minutes a day, was crazy how it ultimately changed my thinking and my perspective. So I went from sort of waking up in one state of mind, you know, waiting for all the issues of the day to sort of slap and, you know, rush at me, to waking up with maybe a psalm in my heart or, you know, his words sort of starting to come out of me. And it just was such a fascinating thing to see. Whatever we focus on, you know, that's tied to our freedom. And when it's God's word that stands eternal in the heavens, hey, now you're onto something. But it doesn't always seem like it. It happens right away. It takes some times. It's. It's intentional, repetitive focus on the perfect law that, like, that brings freedom.
[00:05:59] Speaker A: Absolutely.
How have you seen that? That when you learn to yield to the Spirit, that God brings not just that healing, but, like you said, freedom and joy and a deeper sense of intimacy with him?
[00:06:11] Speaker B: Well, I think it's just a process of learning to recognize his voice. You know, we have so many competing voices. And as you start to recognize the gentle whisper. What's something that's wonderful about scripture is that God can speak those things through his word and in a more powerful way when you have more of those things internalized. And it's.
[00:06:30] Speaker A: It's.
[00:06:30] Speaker B: For me, it's just. It's easier to realize this is from him, you know, when I'm getting a very specific instruction. You know, I've had experiences. Like, I remember one time years ago, where I am remarried, it's been 10 years. We're sort of Brady Bunch. And there was a contractor that came to the house that was looking for payment for something my husband had had him do. And I just was like, hey, you know, he's not here. You can come back later. But as he was walking away immediately in my spirit, I heard, do not say come back tomorrow when you already have it with you.
So, in other words, I had this indication that God wanted me to take care of the balance and not send this man away because do not withhold Good to those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. So God spoke through that verse, and I called him back and paid it. And then I felt a sense of peace. This is just a way that the Holy Spirit uses the language of, you know, of God to speak to us in powerful ways.
[00:07:23] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. Well, and you're right. When we have God's word in our heart, which I call our love letter, his love letters to us, he gives us everything that we need in there. So when we're reading it, we know what he sounds like. So that when he does speak to us, we can hear his voice and then act in obedience to whatever. To whatever that is. And I feel like that's one of the pieces that a lot of people miss in, in their closeness and their relationship with the Lord is the. Not just getting in the Word and studying it, but memorizing it and meditating on the script, the Scripture, because it is. It is what we need to live. And I love that, you know, even. Even though that seems like such a mundane thing. Well, I'll just have my husband take care of it. The Holy Spirit was like, actually, you can and you will. And then you said, yes, sir, here we go.
[00:08:18] Speaker B: Yeah, that's what you just said is so true. Like scripture, memory and meditation, I look at them as like twin powers. Because when you put them together, what you're doing is you're taking the thing from your head and internalizing it so it becomes a part of you. And that. That's when things really start to change. Because now your belief system has changed, and that's a completely different paradigm.
[00:08:37] Speaker A: Yes, well. And the Bible says, out of the abundance of your heart, the mouth speaks, speaks. And so whatever we are putting in, it's going to overflow out. And so if that's good things that we're meditating on and that we're holding dear, that's what's going to come out. And that's. That's also what. What differentiates us from a Christian who is following and, and, you know, following in the footsteps of Jesus and having that close relationship and someone who just says that they're a Christian but doesn't actually put forth the effort to, to have that relationship and that closeness with the Lord. And it's. It's so, so important.
[00:09:15] Speaker B: Yeah. The perfect analogy is you could have a verse like, you know, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. And you might have that at the surface level, but once that thing becomes a belief, then any kind of accusation that comes against you. That to tell you that, you know, you're accused or you're not worthy or you're not this once you really believe that, See, that stuff doesn't touch you anymore. And so that's the idea of something becoming so deeply embedded. It is a protection from attacks, not just on the offensive like Jesus did. It is written, but just a knowledge. Like if somebody told you the sky's not really blue, you'd be like, oh, sorry, I know that it is. When you know who you are in Christ, it is life changing.
[00:09:55] Speaker A: Yes, yes, it is the found. It should be the foundation of everything. And you're exactly right. When we know the truth, when. When the enemy comes against us and goes, did God really say that you would die? You go, actually, no, he didn't. He said that, you know, and you can. You can spout off whatever God's truths and promises are because you know them instead of going down the rabbit hole of inconsistencies and. And false falsities that the enemy is so good at recreating. He's. He's so good at that. But we have the power in the scripture to combat all of that. And so in that vein, what are. Or what were the scriptures that. That anchored you when fear and doubt, when you were in that situation really tried to take over?
[00:10:41] Speaker B: Well, there's so many. You know, I. One of the things that I really became acquainted with is that not only does God not want us to fear, but there is only one valid fear for a Christian. Actually, his bar for us is really high. Jessica. You know, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We have an awe and appreciation for God. We understand his majesty. But when we fear God, we don't have to fear anything else. In fact, you know, it says, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. If you can think about what if you saw that happen, that might be kind of. That might freak you out a little bit. But God wants us to be so rooted and grounded in who he is and so filled with trust and awareness of who we are in him. And we're a branch in the vine that nothing can come against me. That we don't have to look at the world the way that everybody else does. We have a security that the world cannot offer us. It's something higher. It is something so much better. And that's how he intends for all of us to live.
[00:11:33] Speaker A: Absolutely. You're. You're exactly right. And you know you talk a lot about abiding in Christ and living through the Spirit, not just believing the right things. And so for those that are listening, what does it look like in real everyday life when we're busy and distracted or overwhelmed to abide in Christ and live from the Spirit?
[00:11:52] Speaker B: Well, I think one of the, one of the things that I tell people is you will know if you're abiding on the vine or if you're not, whether because of all the things that come up in us, the fears, the anxieties, the wrath, the anger, the clam, all the things that come up like that. They come up because we are trying to do it on our own. We're trying to be self reliant. You know, if it's up to me to justify myself, improve myself, and if you offended me, it's up to me to make sure that you understand. If I'm doing all of those things, you know, it's, I'm the one that has to provide. No wonder I'm going to be so stressed out, worn out, burnout. But if I know that he supplies all my needs. So knowing that I'm either off or on, and then just being able to pivot and be like I say, you know, it's not so much saying, oh no, oh no, I'm doing it again, but just realigning, you know, I was out of alignment.
Lord, I'm yours, I surrender back to you. And just kind of going through that from moment to moment, through your day.
[00:12:46] Speaker A: Absolutely, you're exactly right.
So with us, us moving from that, from the natural to, you know, our natural thoughts and emotions, they, they tend to take us in a, in a way that aren't always life giving. And we really have to pull from the Spirit within us. So what are some signs that might be feeding the flesh more than the Spirit without even realizing it?
[00:13:11] Speaker B: Like some practices or things that we do, you mean? Or just some awarenesses that that's where I am.
[00:13:16] Speaker A: Yeah, some awarenesses. I, I, I find very often that a lot of women aren't aware of when they're starting to teeter on that line of, of going over because it's just such a slow fade. And the enemy is so good at deceiving us and bringing us over there. But when we have, when we have the Holy Spirit in us and we're actually practicing and, and, and spending time with the Lord, it's easier to see that. And so I'm, I was just wondering if you, if you had anything to encourage them with or tell Them. Like how, how do you see that from one side to the other?
[00:13:50] Speaker B: Yeah, well, I think there's so many, so many things. You know, you have one place where it's very constrictive and it's kind of forced, and then the other place is expansive. You know, it's the difference between, you know, being able to relax and trust and be like, I have to make this happen today. You know, there is a relaxation in the Spirit. You know, hurry is not our friend. And, well, the worries and anxieties, those are all coming from our unrenewed mind. And I think one of the most powerful insights we can ever realize is that the reason it's possible to be double minded that the scripture talks about is because we have the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit and they're in conflict with each other. And when you're, when your mind, the flesh, which is, you know, your analytical mind, is not bad in itself. I mean, it's a gift from God. It has all these wonderful capabilities.
Our problem is when we lead with that, Jessica. Right. Like when that is running our show, that's when we run into all these problems. But we're meant to be led by the Spirit.
[00:14:45] Speaker A: Yes. We are sons and daughters of Christ and he made us in his image and he's given us the power. If we get into it, we can very easily not. And you're right that it, it does seem like a lot of work for those who aren't really in it because you look and you see, oh, well, I have to do all these things. And then it becomes a checklist of, well, did I do this today? Did I do this today? But there is relaxation and there's no strife and there's no hurry when you were in the Spirit. And that's something that, when you are truly practicing that when you're truly in the Word and you're in, in the in and out of it, that you see that. Yeah, I don't, I don't feel hurried when I'm here. Because he will expand time and, and lengthen it for us when we need it doesn't take away from our day. It adds to our day.
[00:15:35] Speaker B: Yeah. And I think in our modern culture, of course, we are so, you know, prone to stress and be being basically ruled by our stress hormones. And almost to the point we don't even realize that we're constantly stressed. And if we start to realize that when I'm in the present moment with God, I am not. It's not that part of Me that's always scanning for threats. You know, I'm scanning for threats. I'm waiting to see what could happen next. I get stuck in the future, past, future, past. But God is saying, hey, right now, you know, today is the day of salvation. Come with me in this moment and just experience the beauty and the glory of God. It's all around. It's in our. It's in nature. It's in the people in front of you. It's in so many places if we're looking for it. But it's so easy to have the other thing take over.
[00:16:17] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. And we, you know, we have to ask the Lord, give us eyes for, you know, that you see. Show us what you want us to see in that. And when we are so focused on us and everything that we can control, we forget that he wants to take over us. But we have to ask and then allow that. Not just think that it might be there, but we have to see that. And that is something that I find that is very difficult for a lot of Christian women right now, is that it's really difficult for them to see what God is doing in their life right now because there's just so much going on. And so to focus in on this, we really do have to slow down. We have to rest and be still in him and ask him to show us these things. Because if we don't, then it's just like, oh, God, I don't know what God's doing in my life. Maybe he's not even here. Well, he is. But you, you're too busy. Right? And so for someone who is. Is stuck or weary or feeling spiritually dry, what's one small thing that they can do that you would encourage them to begin to strengthen their spirit and really make room for God?
[00:17:31] Speaker B: Well, I think you kind of already touched on it, and that is protecting some time to just get quiet and get still. Because, you know, the word tells us that God is always trying to speak to us. Those who belong to God hear what God says. You know, my sheep know me. They know my voice. So God's always trying to speak to us. But I can position myself that I just get a bunch of static. So it's only one. You know, I am relaxed enough in my body.
My mind will not relax if my body's not relaxed. And so sometimes we're going to God. And for many. You know, I had a real struggle with this for the longest time because I wanted to start meditating, but I couldn't do it even for A couple minutes without thinking about my to do list. And I had all this stuff going on. I had my kids separate schools and their. The mortgage and all this. And what you start to realize is that that stuff is running your life. And God can't get a word in because you're not positioned in a place where you can hear them. But when you even do that, when you make it a practice, you will see that even if it's hard at the beginning, it will get easier and easier and that way will start to open up before you. That instead of being clenched, you know, white fisting life, you are in a flow, the river of living water instead, which is what he wishes for us.
[00:18:41] Speaker A: Yes. And it's. It's so worth it. On the other side of that, it. It might feel like you said difficult in the beginning, but it is so worth it. And that's. That's what he wants for us. And it's. It's so beautiful. Oh, Kathleen, thank you so much for sharing your heart today. This conversation has been such a reminder that God is always at work in our lives, even in the quiet seasons and even when we don't see the full picture yet, we are to lean on Him.
Friend, you are not separated from God. You are deeply connected to Him. So keep your eyes fixed on Him. He is shaping something good and life giving within you. So take that one small step today. Open your word, sit with him. Invite the Holy Spirit into your everyday conversations and moments.
So, Kathleen, before we close, I want to ask you a question that I ask every guest on the podcast. And that is, what is one perspective that you would encourage listeners to apply today?
[00:19:37] Speaker B: I got one for you that's changed my life, and that is branch on the vine. Branch on the vine. Branch on the vine. When you think of yourself as being separate from Christ in you, the hope of glory, you're going to experience that. But when you think of yourself as God with me, God in me, God through me, God expressing himself through me, for his own kingdom to the advance his kingdom, it will change everything because you will start to experience that beauty and life of the Holy Spirit in and through you.
[00:20:05] Speaker A: Yes, that is beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful friend. Before we go, I want to say this. If you are listening and you feel a nudge that maybe God could use your story to encourage someone, I want you to pay attention to that. This podcast is a place for real stories and real faith. You don't need a perfect testimony or a neatly wrapped up ending, just a willing heart. If you feel called to be a guest, please reach out to
[email protected] if this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend. And be sure to follow the podcast so that you don't miss another episode. And remember, even small shifts in perspective can lead to big changes. Now go put those perspectives into practice. Talk to you next time.
