Karin W.

Today, Karin speaks to us about what it means to be in relationship with God, the book teaching her about how God uses all of our experiences, and the fact that you don’t have to be a product of your environment.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:15, 16

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Learning how to be in Christ and take Him at His word. I’ve been learning that it’s all about relationship. God wants to be in relationship with me on all levels and as with any relationship, that requires trust. I’ve been learning of late that saying I’m a Christian doesn’t equate to being in a relationship with God and that I can’t be in a relationship with someone I don’t truly know. Knowing God through the filter of my own thoughts, expectations and judgements isn’t the same as truly knowing Him as He is. By learning who and how He is, I am learning how to be in Him and that I can trust the things He says.

“God wants to be in relationship with me on all levels and as with any relationship, that requires trust.”

Profession: Freelance translator.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I’m a walking miracle.

“I’m a walking miracle.”

When did you first encounter God? This is hard to answer. I was raised as a Christian, so I’ve always known Him to be there. I guess I’d say the first for real for real conscious encounter was when life started crumbling around me a few years ago, and I had to ask for His help.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Sorting through my thoughts through prayer, journaling, counselling and God’s Word. God has made me some pretty big promises and learning to pray those promises, as I’ve been sorting through my life with Him has helped me to see Him in a different way.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Life Sketches of Ellen G White. It’s been teaching me that I need to go deeper in my experience with God and that God doesn’t waste our pain or our experiences. They all serve a purpose.

“God doesn’t waste our pain or our experiences. They all serve a purpose.”

Top three essentials: Water, my guitar, and quiet time.

How did God speak to you recently? This morning in my devotions, my pen was just failing me over and over again. It was full of ink but wouldn’t write. I became frustrated and eventually, after much unsuccessful coaxing, I had to discard it in favour of another pen that would do the job. I felt like my pen wasn’t fulfilling its purpose! Then, the Lord showed me that that’s how it can be when we don’t fulfil the purpose for which He created us. He sometimes has to reluctantly set us aside in favour of another writing implement that will print the message he has given us to share without hesitation and constant coaxing. He doesn’t want to set us aside though so the choice is ours to take.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Pray, study and work where God plants you.

Favorite person in scripture? This is sooo hard! I love the closeness that Moses had with God, I love Joseph’s determination and large heart! I think right now, my favourite is Jacob because I love tracing the presence of God in his transformation from Jacob to Israel! God speaks to me a lot under the title “the God of Jacob” so the story reminds me that if God could do it for Jacob, He can do it for me!

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? You don’t have to be the product of your environment. You can still overcome and become who God made you to be.

“You don’t have to be the product of your environment.”

Favorite season? Summer. I don’t like being cold.

Favorite holiday? Any holiday when my husband doesn’t have to go to work!

A dream you have? To be a music minister full time and use my music to help heal hurting hearts.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Waffle Sundays.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? After I get over staring at the Lord for a very long time, I’ll probably ask if I can get a hug to be honest!

Thing you want to raise awareness about: The importance of parents protecting their children. Not everyone is safe, not everyone is a friend. Your children are your most precious gift and as long as it is possible, the best place for them to be is with you because once it only takes one short moment to destroy their innocence. Talk to them and teach them about life and about God yourself. Don’t leave someone else to teach them because you may never know how their minds can be moulded for good or for evil by the things your babies behold or hear!

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I get up, brush my teeth, get my lemon water, sometimes go for a walk and do my devotions.

What is on your nightstand? My Bible, my journal, pens and a thermometer.

Define Christianity in a sentence: It’s Jesus exchanging my bad for His good.

For more Karin:

Facebook: KarinWilliamsMusic

Instagram: curly_kiki

Website: http://www.karinwilliamsmusic.com/

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO