Author: The Kedge Anchor

The Kedge Anchor - Anchored in Hope “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul…” Hebrews 6:19 The Kedge Anchor - About Welcome to the Kedge Anchor. This blog started from a time in my life where I no longer liked changes. Changes, like the waves in the ocean can turn us upside down sometimes and the currents of this life can take us to places we really didn’t intend to go. But changes are a part of life and the older I get the less I like them. Maybe you can relate. Sometimes storms form over the ocean and totally churn up our lives like the ocean floor. And when all is finally over, we feel depleted, drained, exhausted. Turning to God’s word first is always a good place to start and gain footing again. And sometimes God leads us to other sources for encouragement, family, friends, church family, and oddly enough, for me, back to the still calm waters (of the ocean). Kedging is a nautical term “to draw (a vessel) along by hauling in on the cable of a light anchor that has been dropped at some distance from it, or (of a vessel) to be drawn in this fashion “ https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kedging Kedging is done in calm waters when one needs the boat to move forward or in the case when one is going against the wind. The sailor casts the kedge anchor out in the waters and pulls the boat towards the anchor. In a season of wait, when we feel like we are at a stand still and perhaps we aren’t hearing God’s voice or when we are in the middle of the storm, we can draw to Him. (James 4:8) We can cast our anchor (of hope) out and take a step in faith toward God, read the Bible, recall a favorite verse, and cling to HIs words. He is our anchor for our soul (Heb. 6:19). When the storms and currents of life are changing our course and we find ourselves going against the wind, we can remain steadfast in His Word and love. Be encouraged. You are not alone. “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you…” James 4:8
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Love Languages – Gifts Day 5

The Kedge Anchor

Well, we made it to day five, well I did anyway. Bit of a challenge to put the videos together but with God’s help we did it. I saved gifts for last because really they could be given to anyone as encouragement. Even if words of affirmation isn’t someone’ love language, we all still encouragement and letting someone know that you are on their side or are their biggest fan can be encouraging.

A coupon book is great to way to wrap up gifts of service. Perhaps you have a neighbor who needs help with yard word or needs help getting errands done, give a coupon book with some flowers to someone who like gardening.

Now, the blanket, that’s going to be tricky. I would not recommend this for a co-worker. This is probably best given to a family member, one of your kids, a spouse, someone you are close to. There have been many studies done about the importance of physical touch and how it affects our mental health.

A clock or a calendar is a great way to wrap up the language of quality time. A clock can be a great reminder. If it’s for your spouse, it can be a good way to remind you of your commitment to spend quality time with them and to remind your recipient that they are valued and loved. Calendars are another great way to express love through memories of special occasions or some really goofy times. It’s also a low tech way to plan some adventures together. Make it a themed calendar and find images of your loved one’s hobbies. Perhaps your recipient likes to cook, find some new recipes to try together.

So really any of the above mentioned can be a thoughtful way to give a Valentine’sDay gift. It doesn’t have to be the only gift, pair it with something, get creative how you present it.

Thanks for following along with me. I hope these suggestions helped spark some other ideas. If so, I’d love to hear them, please leave a comment.

Day 4 – http://tinyurl.com/mr3sra9t

Day 3 – http://tinyurl.com/mv6sz4b2

Day 2 – http://tinyurl.com/y35582h5

Day 1- http://tinyurl.com/yt4sfnau

Zazzle Store links
Calendar – For the cover page you see in the video you can download on my website for free, here’s the link – http://tinyurl.com/25vd74vw

Clocks – Square – http://tinyurl.com/2ye263e5
Round – http://tinyurl.com/5n758ad7

Valentine’s Day blanket:
Ready to purchase -http://tinyurl.com/2n63t75s
Custumizable Blanket – http://tinyurl.com/57hxkkpz

Love Languages

Love Language – Quality Time Day 4

The Kedge Anchor
image_123650291Download

Relationships are important in our lives, both with other people and with God. We were not designed to live in isolation, but to rely on and support one another. Having a relationship with God, is the most important connection we can have. God has made a way for this relationship to be possible through the sacrifice of Jesus’s blood.

Creating a personalized calendar is a great way to commemorate moments and plan for future adventures. With the abundance of photos that we have on our phones or stored away, selecting just twelve may be a tough task. To make it easier, you can opt for themed collages, focusing on different aspects or events of your life.

In the case of a milestone anniversary, it would be fitting to include some wedding photos that hold special meaning. Alternatively, if you’re looking to spend more time with your kids, use photos of their growth and achievements over the years. To plan ahead, you could even include images that represent your monthly activities or goals.

If you’re aiming to prioritize spending time with friends, utilize candid photos of them having fun or doing silly things. The image provided above can be downloaded and used as the cover page for your calendar.

Personalizing a calendar can be fun when looking for photos to personalize it. Just type in calendars in the search to create your own. If you like you can use the image I provided for the cover or use one of your own.

To get started, visit Zazzle and upload your favorite images of your spouse, family, or friends. With this personalized calendar, you’ll not only have a wonderful memento but also a visual reminder to cherish and prioritize the important people in your life.

Perhaps you just want to be reminded to schedule some quality time. I have designed two images for clocks, one square and one round that you can purchase through my store on Zazzle, Square Clock Round Clock

Valentine’s Day or any other occasion, it is valuable to make a commitment to spend quality time with loved ones who have this love language. Extending this commitment to not only to spouses but also to family members, children, and friends. By prioritizing and dedicating time to spend together, we can build stronger bonds and deeper connections. Express your love and appreciation by investing time and attention in the relationships that matter most.

Love Languages

Love Languages – Physical Touch Day 3

The Kedge Anchor

It is important to recognize that human touch plays a significant role in our overall well-being. While some individuals may not enjoy or seek out physical touch, it is essential to understand that the lack of touch can have adverse effects on our mental health. Trauma resulting in anxiety or panic triggered by touch should not be dismissed but rather addressed with professional help to find hope and healing. Counseling can be a valuable resource in overcoming these challenges and finding a balanced approach to human touch based on individual preferences and comfort levels.

Research suggests that a blanket can provide a comforting and soothing experience, especially in situations where human touch may not be readily available. It’s thoughtful of you to have a gift that can potentially offer that sense of comfort to someone.

A blanket can a thoughtful and considerate solution to help bridge the physical distance and still cater to your partner’s love language of physical touch. The option to personalize and customize one of the blankets adds an extra touch of sentimentality, making it a special gift for your loved one.

I have designed these two blankets and you can purchase either of them in my Zazzle store.

This one above is ready to purchase with a photo of a couple walking on the beach, that could be you. Or if you prefer, I also designed one for you to customize and make more personal by adding your photo and adding more text.

If you need more personalization and customization, please contact me. There’s no extra cost to customize on Zazzle, but if there’s something you need changed, let me know we can work something out.

Human touch is indeed essential for our well-being, as it provides comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging. While everyone may have different preferences and love languages, it is important to recognize the significance of touch in our lives. However, I want to be sensitive and acknowledge that some individuals may have experienced trauma related to touch, and seeking counseling can be a helpful step towards healing and finding healthy ways to engage with touch. God created us for community, community with Him and with others. We don’t have to navigate life alone.

Love Languages, Uncategorized

Love Language – Acts of Service Day 2

The Kedge Anchor

Acts of service can be a powerful way to express love and care in relationships. Taking note of the little things your loved one needs or dislikes and offering help or assistance demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration. Paying attention to their schedule and offering support or taking on tasks they may find burdensome can also strengthen the bond. Creating a coupon book with personalized acts of service can be a creative and meaningful gesture to show your love and appreciation.

Offering to pick up their dry cleaning or assisting with repairs, cooking, or gardening can be thoughtful ways to help someone with a busy schedule. It shows that you are paying attention to their needs and are willing to lend a hand in areas where you have expertise or skills.

But how do wrap up acts of service and put a bow on it? I got that! A coupon book. You can download this printable, personalize and customize, make as many coupons as you want, bind it (binding can simply be staples) and pair it with chocolates or flowers or maybe cook a meal and present it as a complete package. This way, not only are you offering acts of service, but you are also presenting it in a visually appealing and thoughtful manner. Additionally, the inclusion of a small gift like chocolates, flowers, or a home-cooked meal adds an extra touch of appreciation and makes it a complete and well-rounded gesture of kindness.

Learn more about love languages and gain better insight about yourself through these quizzes.

Scroll down to download this free printable

Valentine’s Day Coupon BookDownload

If you aren’t familiar with the 5 Love Languages, pick up a copy of Gary Chapman’s book any where books are sold. Be sure to watch day one’s video on words of affirmation.

Please leave your comments, like and subscribe you’d be doing me a loving act of service : ) and I’d love to hear what you will do for your spouse or loved one and how you presented it.

Love Languages

Love Language – Words of Affirmation Day 1

The Kedge Anchor
Valentine’s Day Words of AffirmationDownload

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and what better why to celebrate than speaking your spouse’s or your loved one’s love language. If you aren’t familiar with the 5 love languages, pick up a copy of Gary Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages

The 5 Love Languages® is a valuable resource that can help individuals strengthen their connections and experience greater joy and harmony in their relationships. By understanding and expressing love in the language most meaningful to their loved ones, individuals can overcome feelings of disconnection and loneliness, fostering deeper and more fulfilling connections with the people they care about.

Speaking words of affirmation is a powerful way to build confidence and strengthen the bond in relationships. By expressing appreciation, encouragement, and compliments, individuals can uplift their loved ones, boost their self-esteem, and create a positive and supportive environment. This practice fosters a deeper sense of connection and fosters a strong foundation built on love and mutual respect.

This video focuses on words of affirmation and how you can wrap up words as a tangible gift.

I hope these videos provide inspiration for creating personalized gifts. Please leave your ideas in the comments I’d love to hear to hear them. And please like, subscribe and follow on social media. A heart felt thanks! : )

Coloring Page, prayer pages

Happy New Year 2024! Introducing Prayer Pages

The Kedge Anchor

Happy new Year from The Kedge Anchor! Wow where has time gone? It’s hard to believe how quickly time passed. 2023 got a little rough toward the end but I, we survived.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you…” God has many things in store for us, good things, because His Word says, in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Uncertainty and not knowing the future can be scary. It helps me to remember our times are in God’s hands and what better place to be. God is sovereign and nothing goes unnoticed by Him. Trust Him!!

So for 2024, I think I am going to keep my goals and focus from last year (I have them written down somewhere). One of my goals is to try and keep a schedule here and not get so tripped up or behind when a migraine strikes.

There is one new goal I think I’d like to add and that is working on my prayer life. Prayer is a Christian’s life line. It’s how we communicate with God. I don’t know if this happens to you when you pray, but I some days I have a hard time focusing and the next thing I know, I’m kinda no longer praying but thinking about the million things I gotta do or my mind is racing down a track I have no idea how it got there. Sometimes I can trace my thoughts to where it started all because someone came to mind and started me thinking about something totally unrelated.

Here’s a video by Mike Donehey on praying.

LOl, does this happen to you too? I’m glad I’m not the only one. I like Mike’s idea of praying out loud and walking and talking with God. (It’s just too cold most days). So last summer as I was trying to stay focused, I started writing the names of people I was praying for in an old sketchbook, then I drew a flower and placed the names of everyone I was praying for. And as I was praying I was coloring in the petals and leaves. Then on the other page I wrote the things I was thankful for. I kept doing this everyday. I looked forward to getting up and drawing and praying. I was actually staying focused.

So I came up with Prayer Pages. 

Whale Prayer Page Download

I would draw and color as I was praying, here all you need to do is add names and color it in if you like. It’s also a great way to keep track of answered prayer. I would at the top write in the date somewhere. You could draw in a sun, maybe some clouds, and add the date there or write it in on the banner over the whale’s head. Then as you write in the names of whom you are praying you can color the fish or not. I found that it helped me stay more focused.

Try it, this is a free download, print a couple of copies and try it for a few days. On the back write down 3 to 5 thing for which you are thankful. Let me know how this works for you. If you are rushed for time some days, just write in what or who you are praying for and later perhaps before going bed go back and color it in. This is a good way to wind down if your thoughts are racing. 

Whale Prayer Page Colored Download

Above is the prayer pager to download if you just want to record the prayers for others.

Uncategorized

Casting Your Cares

The Kedge Anchor

It always seems like Christmas flies by. The holiday’s prep, planning and shopping is enough to create anxiety. Add that to the anxieties you’re already facing and, well if you’re like me you could be a hot mess. If there is one thing I want to do this year is not carry them into the New Year. Tomorrow, the New Year has its own worries I don’t want to carry more.

Matthew 6:34 – “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (NLT) So what do I do with today’s worries?”

1 Peter 5:7 – “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

This is what always has me stumped. It’s so easy to say this to someone who is struggling and facing anxiety. I know I have been guilty of this. And when someone reminds me of this verse, honestly, I am only half comforted. I always need more. I don’t consider myself a needy person per se, but I need to know why and how. That’s just how I am wired.

I worked as a Surgical Technologist for over a decade. And in my learning and training when I was being taught procedures and protocols I would always ask why, especially when it seemed like it didn’t make sense. And there was always rational behind it. If it made sense I was likely to remember why I was doing it.

So casting our cares, what does that look like? Other than praying, what else is there? For me it’s knowing why. So why? Because of Matthew 6:34, tomorrow has enough of it’s own troubles don’t go borrowing any by worrying about tomorrow. Why? Because of 1 Peter 5:7 “… because He cares for you.” God cares. He cares about the details. If He knows the number of hairs on my head, as it says in Luke 2:7, then He cares about the details and the worries in my life.

Recently, I came across this article from Desiring God by John Piper that helped me understand what casting my anxieties meant. By casting our anxieties we are humbling ourselves. Verse 5 of 1 Peter 5 says “ … you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Casting our cares is something we do to humble ourselves, not something we do after we cast our cares. I encourage you to read this article, John Piper does a much better job than I do.

Piper offers more insight with Luke 19:35, – “And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.” The word “cast” means the same in 1 Peter. The way the garment was cast or tossed onto the donkey is the way we ought to cat our anxieties. Piper says to lay a specific anxiety on God, trust Him specifically, Job 42:2. Please click on the link above and read the article, there is so much more.

But here is something else that helps me. When I remember God’s sovereignty, Jeremiah 32-:17 – “O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” When I remember He is bigger than any problem or anxiety I may have and that He knows the outcomes, He is there in the future and with me in the present and nothing takes Him by surprise. I recall times in the past when God came through for me, for His people.

For me, I want to start 2024 with casting my cares and anxieties on Him. And He knows what I am already carrying and He is already in 2024! God saved us from the biggest anxiety we could have, the debt we can never pay back and that is the debt of sin.

salvation

Merry Christmas from The Kedge Anchor

The Kedge Anchor

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! As I celebrate the birth of Jesus, I like to read Matthew’s account and Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth. Two perspectives, one event. And if you haven’t seen Christmas with The Chosen – Holy Night, it’s ok, you can see it on Prime and eventually it will be in the app if you don’t have a Prime account. I highly recommend it.

When I stop to think of the implications of how the community at the time would have or could have judged Mary being young, unwed and pregnant … that had to be scary in itself much less being met by an angel. That was huge back then. The scorn, the shame. But she was willing. But God protected her. I wonder if in Luke 1:39, where it says “Mary … with haste…” went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, I wonder if that was part of God’s protection? Mary and Joseph were betrothed, they were engaged. But after their engagement they went back to their own homes, where it sounds like Mary went directly to see Elizabeth. Elizabeth was six months pregnant when Mary arrived and Mary stayed for three months before returning home. So, when she arrived back home she may not have been showing at three months, but she would shortly. So maybe her making haste to see her cousin decreased the scorn and increased the accountability of her virginity??

The virgin birth could only explain what God can do. Jesus had to be born as a human, He had to be made flesh, pure, righteous, holy, blameless in order to be the perfect sacrifice for us. Only God. I was reading a devotional today by Alistair Begg “Wonder and Mystery”. Alistair points out that our salvation isn’t something we can do for ourselves, it’s all God. Just as Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Mary did nothing but accept the call.

Only God. We can do nothing to save ourselves. God has provided a way. All we need to do is accept His call. Jesus went to great lengths to save us from the cradle to the cross He gave His all because He loves us. He is the only way to Heaven, Jesus is the only way to God. John 14:6 -“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (NLT).

What are your thoughts about the birth of Jesus? What do you think about this miracle? Leave your comments below.

Got some new things coming for 2024

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Trust God, Uncategorized

Walk by Faith, Learn by Sight?

The Kedge Anchor

Photo by Tobi on Pexels.com

2 Corinthians 5:7 says – ” for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

The ability to see is a gift from God. As one of our five senses, it allows us to see the beauty of God’s creation. God is speaking to us all the time, we just aren’t listening.

I was going through an older journal and came across something I wrote, this was a while back, like before this blog, but still worth a mention. I was out walking and tried to take notice of everything I was seeing. The trees, God put this verse in my heart Jeremiah 17:8 – “He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

There were lots of robins and small birds flying and foraging for food, God gave me Luke 12:24 -“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”

I was admiring some of the homes with the manicured landscapes and God gave me, John – 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”

I noticed the cracked pavement and God gave me, Revelation 21:21 -“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.”

Looking at the bright and hot sun, God gave me, – John 8:12 “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” “

It was a fairly cloudless day with the exception of a few wisps, and God gave me, James 4:14 – “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Just recently, my husband and I were traveling. We had booked our flights separately but were lucky enough that my husband was sitting in front of me which allowed him to board first. I had some bulky carry on bags and he could have waited to board with me, but he decided to go head of me so that he could help me with my bags. Made me think of Deuteronomy 31:8 – “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Just as my husband went ahead of me so that he could help me, God goes before us to help us. We just have to TRUST and KNOW.

So God gives us these images and objects to remind us of Him and the words He has spoken in the Bible. He paints parables with pictures to teach us. The shepherd and the lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal son to name a few. We are not to worship these images. We are to learn from them, help us to remember what God is teaching us. But when we are walking with Him we can’t walk by what we see. We can’t allow how we see our circumstances to dictate to us how to respond. He asks us to walk by faith not by sight. Sounds a lot easier said than done and it is at times. We are human.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to walk by faith to remain true to the one true God walking into the firey furnace. Noah walked by faith building an ark with no rain. Joshua had to literally take a step of faith walking into the Jordan River. When Peter stepped onto the roaring sea to walk to Jesus, he walked by faith taking that first step until he took his eyes off Jesus and looked around him and began to sink.

Our circumstances can deceive us. When we see we a low balance in our account, it’s hard not to panic or freak out. When we get a scary diagnosis or a relationship goes south, it’s so hard to not look at what we see and freak out like Peter did on the ocean. Yet God teaches us through images and tangible objects to help remind us and build our faith.

How is God speaking to you to today? Maybe He’s speaking to you while you’re sitting at traffic light? Maybe you’re just waiting in a check out line? Stop and take a moment to hear God’s voice. Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

healing

Seashells and Snowflakes – Part 3

The Kedge Anchor

If you have been following this series, welcome back and thank you. In this season of grieving I am trying to understand how as a Christian I can be sad and joyful and I have also began to understand that there is purpose in our pain. In the previous two posts (Part 1, Part 2)I shared how I am processing mixed emotions in grief. How can I possible be sad and experience joy. I also shared what I am doing to stay close to God and some creative practices to help process, like writing this blog.

In the last post I left off with Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. He took the weight of the world, the weight of ALL our sins, past present and future. I believe that Jesus felt every kind of physical and emotional pain a human can feel that day. Jesus understands suffering, pain, persecution, temptations, He experienced it all, everything and everything His creation could feel.

This scene in The Chosen Season 3 episode 2, “Two By Two” Little James approaches Jesus and asks why he hasn’t been healed. Please watch this scene. The writers give a plausible explanation for why Jesus didn’t heal Little James and that explanation could be applied to us. It makes sense. Are we willing to still follow Jesus despite our infirmities?

So I thought some more about Jesus crucified on the cross. He could have healed Himself at any time. He could have come down from that cross like nothing happened, completely whole, healed. But He didn’t. His pain on the cross had a purpose. That purpose was to complete the plan of salvation. He had to endure the cross so that He could freely offer us salvation, eternal life. Our pain has purpose. God hears our prayers, He sees our pain but He has a plan and a purpose for us and sometimes that infirmity is part of it. God does heal, He heals everyone, we just may not see it this side of Heaven. We may not know what purpose our pain has here on earth. We certainly have a story to tell and that story could lead someone to Christ or give them Hope.

God loves us and wants nothing but the best for us, His children. He has a plan and a purpose for our lives and sometimes that means pain, physical or emotional. It’s hard to trust when we experience pain but when we do trust the result is beautiful. It helps for me to know that my story can help someone else; maybe that is A purpose.

John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

ESV