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Hidden in Plain Sight

Published on by teachwhatisgoodLeave a comment

Re-posted from 5 years ago-

You know those “Hidden Pictures” puzzles that Highlight magazine is famous for? Those pictures where common objects are “hidden” in plain sight, but you can’t see them and you have to search the picture for them.

Well, I’ve noticed that life can be a lot like that. I’ve noticed that my life is filled with these seemingly obvious sins that I am absolutely oblivious to. Sins that I am totally unaware of, but to someone standing next to me, they appear glaringly obvious.

The other day (5 years ago now!) I was recording a couple little videos of my oldest daughter singing in church. (Yes, I know. Videotaping during church. I know. Sorry. That’s not the point here. I don’t need anyone to point that one out now. Hang with me here.) Anyway when I played the videos back, in 3 of the 4 recordings can you guess what really stands out? Me. My voice. And it’s not pretty, friends. Not pretty.

And there it was. There are dozens of things that I am doing every single day that I am unable to see. Why? Because they have not yet been revealed to me. That ugly tone of voice. That bitterness. That pride.

Friends, do you know how much I have GROWN in the last 26 years I have been a follower of Jesus Christ? How MUCH I have changed? How MANY blind spots have been revealed to me in the past two decades?

And yet, I suddenly realized how many blind spots are still there. And, once again, God humbled me. And once again, I heard my Savior’s loving voice, gently urging me, “Kim, you have so far yet to go.”

And I was encouraged to give more grace, to have more patience and to be that much quicker to forgive a wrong, because the Lord daily has grace for me and patience with me. He has forgiven me soo much.

Thank you, Father, for not revealing the depth of my wickedness all at once, but rather moment by moment opening my eyes to the next thing, day by day conforming me more and more to the image of Your Son.

How is God opening your eyes to those unseen sins today? Pray for Him to show them to you.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

This post is still true today. God is still faithfully, gently opening my eyes!

A simple, but powerful, way to read through the Bible – John 6

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

I share with you one simple way that I’ve found to really personalize and apply the scripture that I’m reading that day.

Read through the Bible, one book at a time, one chapter (or a portion of a chapter) each day. Each day, choose one specific verse that really speaks to you that day and use that verse to write out a prayer.

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me not because you saw the signs, but because you ate your fill of loaves.”

John 6:26

Father, I want to follow You because it is true, because I believe, because You are REAL. You are the true and living God, not a figment of my imagination, not my fairy godmother, not a genie in a bottle. I don’t want to pray to you like I’m wishing on a star or on my birthday candles. You are not the God of “cross my fingers” and hope You will give me whatever I ask for.

I see you and I follow you because you are REAL and Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You have opened my eyes and I can never go back. I pray that you will use my life, my words and my testimony to spread the good new of the gospel and bring many to know the truth of Jesus.

In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

A simple, but powerful, way to read through the Bible – John 1

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Let me share with you one simple way that I’ve found to really personalize and apply the scripture that I’m reading that day.

Read through the Bible, one book at a time, one chapter (or a portion of a chapter) each day. Each day, choose one specific verse that really speaks to you that day and use that verse to write out a prayer.

Today I read through John 1 and chose John 1:34 for my verse of the day.

“And I have seen and borne witness
that this is the Son of God.”

John 1:34

I wrote this prayer based on that chapter and verse.

Father, thank You for making Yourself visible so that we can be Your witnesses. Thank you for the witnesses who came before me, for John the Baptist who told his disciple Andrew who told his brother Peter, and for Philip who told his friend Nathanael. Thank you for those who have told me their stories, testifying to the realness of God! I pray that You would make me Your faithful witness. Give me the wisdom and the words to testify to the TRUTH of what I have seen and heard. I pray that my children and my husband and those that I’m discipling would be Your faithful witnesses, too, not giving way to fear, not being ashamed of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who came to take away the sins of the world. Amen.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about how this worked for you. How do you study the Bible every day?

FREE Book — January 12 only

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

In celebration of my birthday, I am giving away FREE copies of my book on Kindle, “God is Real: The Eyewitness Testimony of a Former Atheist.”

Click here to go directly to the link Amazon, or search for my name Kim Endraske on Amazon. 😊

The paperback copy is also available for less than $7 if you prefer.

I’d appreciate you sharing the good news with your friends today!

Where is your Focus?

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

On the Problem or the Purpose?

On the Father or the Failure?

On the Trials or the Triumph?

On the Savior or the Storm?

Jesus told us that we would have tribulation in this world. Why are we surprised? But Jesus also said TAKE HEART, I have OVERCOME the World!

Daily we have to actively choose to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who for the JOY that was COMING endured the cross.

We, too, can endure and overcome with hope and peace … because of our FAITH in our Risen Savior who conquered death. We, too, know that JOY is coming. These trials are light and momentary when compared to the eternal WEIGHT of GLORY!


I’m looking forward to ETERNITY with Jesus. Who wants to join me there?

The road is indeed narrow, but Jesus made a way! Jesus made a way where there seemed to be no way. Jesus made a way to reconcile sinful man with Holy God – by His death on the cross, paying for my sins.

Jesus IS the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Him, but WOW what GOOD NEWS that there is a way at all for a sinful woman like me to spend eternity with a good and holy God!!!

Who needs to hear this good news today? If God’s given you this hope, go share it with someone who needs it!

TWIG

A Long Look Back at 2020

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

For all of its tests and trials, 2020 was a good year, full of God’s unfailing kindness, mercy and love, if we choose to look for them.

On this first day of 2021, I want to look back at 2020 and remember.

January 2020

Noelle’s first dance, trying to be Disciplined (my 2020 Words of the Year) with a 40 day fast from Sugar, praying for China, memorizing scripture for the Bible IQ Bible Bowl, preparing for a 4/4/2020 wedding — choosing a venue, hauling stumps from a neighbor’s fallen tree and getting this needlepoint designed.

February

Sharing the gospel door-to-door, sharing my heart at the 40 Days for Life Kick Off, showering the soon-to-be bride.

March

Drawing and gifting sidewalk chalks, wearing masks, driving-by and driving-in, celebrating with more showers and a NEW ADVENTURE BEGINNING as the two became one, giving thanks for technology that brings people together when they’re many miles apart!

April

Lots and lots of Zoom calls and celebrating the Resurrection at home.

May

Extra hours working VIPKID, celebrating Mother’s Day at home, wisdom teeth removal, walking with friends, and getting our first visit from Emily.

June

Praying for racial reconciliation and healing for our city, encouraging those considering homeschooling, publishing another book, staying connected with church online and another trip to Florida!

July

Celebrating America’s birthday in our new golf cart, 4 new chicks, outside dates and school at the dining table, back at church but distanced, enjoying dog life

August

Celebrating Bill’s 50th outside with a projected movie, more outside dates, more Zooming, braces for my big almost 13 year old baby boy.

September

Cooking skills improving, more dates, my 3-year VIPKID jacket, more driving

October

Making our annual trip to the Discovery Museum, then Emily visiting (unaware that she’s expecting), finding out my first grandbaby is on the way

November

A Thanksgiving visit to Florida

December

Noelle’s 17th birthday wearing masks at the mall, making gingerbread houses, celebrating our 26th anniversary and the birth of Jesus, my Savior.

If you made it this far, Thank you!

Let me share something with you, we all have to choose where to place our focus.

Do you want to dwell on the masks on the faces and the big dream wedding that never was?

Or do you want to be thankful for the people wearing the masks and the wedding that still happened?

Even right now, at this very moment, I’m finishing this post from the E.R. waiting room as my husband got rear-ended by a speeding car while sitting at a red light.

Will I dwell on the totaled vehicle or give thanks for God’s protecting hand?

Last month I chose a new word for 2021: LOOK!

Look up. Look to Jesus. Look at what is eternal. Fix my gaze on God’s goodness.

TWIG

A prayer of worship, and a prayer for strength – from Romans 11:33-36

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36 ESV —

The Unchanging in the Middle of a Crazy Covid Christmas

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

This Christmas Season, we can dwell on how strange this holiday and this year have been … or we can dwell on those things that remain the same.


“The LORD will reign forever and ever.” (Exodus 15:18)


“I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)


“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)


“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)


“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)

Join me in prayer.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Thank you for your faithful, steadfast love, that we can trust You, that You are a promise keeping God, our everlasting rock, our eternal anchor, our unending peace in the midst of chaos. We pray for people all over the globe to know Your unchangeable love, joy and peace. You are the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega. We praise Your name in the middle of these days of uncertainty. Amen

From Creation to Christ – An Advent Devotional – Day 25

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

My family has loved doing advent devotionals for years, so I decided to write my own. I pray it blesses your family as much as it’s blessed mine.

You can purchase the whole book in print or in an ebook format on Amazon. You can download a printable set of ornaments here or draw or make your own!

Day 25: The Birth of Jesus

Picture / Ornament: Baby in a Manger

Scripture: Luke 1:1-2:20

Song: Mary, Did you Know?

Another Song: He Shall Reign Forevermore

Today is the day. Christmas Day. The day you’ve been waiting all month for. Are you going to get any Christmas gifts today? Did you already open any gifts?

Do you know what is the GREATEST gift you could ever be given? It’s Jesus. Jesus, the promised Savior, is the greatest gift that could ever be given, and He is the greatest gift you could ever receive.

What would happen if your mom and dad spent all month shopping around for just the right gift for you and for each of your siblings, but when Christmas morning came you were all too busy playing outside to take the time to open those special gifts?

What if you all got so many presents from your grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins that you didn’t ever get around to opening that one special present from your mom and dad?

Don’t let the gift of Jesus be like that.

God has given us the most perfect, most special, most precious, most valuable gift that He could ever give, but we have to receive that gift. We have to put our trust in God and believe in His Son, the One who has been given to save us from our sins, the One who died in our place as a payment for our sins, the One who is the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords, the eternal Prince of Peace, the Good Shepherd, and the Bright Morning Star.

John 3:16-18 tells us that, “God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of the Only Son of God.”

Today is the perfect day to thank God for His perfect gift, the gift of His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus, the promised Savior, who was born at just the right time in just the right place to save His people from their sins.

Remember … Christmas is all about Jesus.

From Creation to Christ – An Advent Devotional – Day 24

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

My family has loved doing advent devotionals for years, so I decided to write my own. I pray it blesses your family as much as it’s blessed mine.

You can purchase the whole book in print or in an ebook format on Amazon. You can download a printable set of ornaments here or draw or make your own!

Day 24: The Shepherds Tell Others

Picture / Ornament: Shepherd

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20; Acts 1:1-11; Matthew 28:18-20

Song: The First Noel

Song: I Love to Tell the Story

Another Song: Here I am to Worship

After these extraordinary messengers, the angels, appeared to the shepherds, do you know what the shepherds did? The first thing the shepherds did was to hurry to find the baby in the manger that the angels had told them about. They told Mary and Joseph what the angels had said, but do you know what else they did? They told other people what they’d seen and heard, too! The shepherds couldn’t stop themselves. They wanted everyone to know about this good news that the angels had told them about. They praised and glorified God for what they had heard and seen – both in their own hearts and minds, as well as telling other people.

When you get a really great present for Christmas, maybe a new puppy or a toy you’ve been waiting all year for, do you want to tell your best friend about it? My kids do!

In the last two recorded conversations that Jesus had with His disciples, Jesus told them to make disciples of all nations, from Israel to the very ends of the earth. Jesus wanted His followers to teach and baptize new believers. Jesus promised that He would always be with them. Jesus promised that His Holy Spirit would come upon them and give them power. Jesus wanted His followers to be His witnesses, testifying to others what they had heard and seen.

The shepherds were eyewitnesses to both the angels’ proclamation of good news and to the newborn baby Jesus whom they had found in the manger. The shepherds excitedly shared the good news about what they had seen and heard.

Likewise, Jesus’s followers, Peter and Matthew and Luke and John and many, many others, were used by God as His eyewitnesses to what they had seen and heard. They couldn’t keep this good news to themselves any more than the shepherds could! Peter and John told the Jewish leaders, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

We, too, can be eyewitnesses for Jesus! We can tell others what we have seen and heard and come to know. We can tell our friends, our family, and even people we meet around town about what the real meaning of Christmas is, so they, too, can know this GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY that God has given for ALL the PEOPLE. (Luke 2:10)

Today is a perfect day to thank God for this good news about our Savior Jesus and for the honor and privilege of being His messenger and witness today.

Remember … Christmas is all about Jesus.