The Highway of Life

Last night after I left work, I was rushing to get home so that my son could get in at least one hour of swim-time before the pool closed and I was stopped three times. Once by construction, the second by a car accident and then a third by a train. My twenty-five minute commute turned into an hour. I found myself aggravated until I pulled up to the accident scene and saw that someone was hurt and the woman was standing outside of her car crying. I immediately felt guilty.

It made me think. Life is much like a highway. We all share the journey and arrive at a destination. As I sat there waiting on traffic I noticed two things:

The Drivers:

Some want to rush through traffic as fast as they can, not appreciating the sunrises or sunsets on the way. Some go too slow missing entrance and exit ramps called opportunity. Some of us drive and get aggravated at other drivers because we have somewhere to be, honking the horn, cursing and screaming making all kinds of unnecessary noise. There are those that take short cuts, cutting off people who were in the lane first, making U-turns, ignoring stop signs and red lights.

There are those who are so focused on their own journey that they ignore others attempts to pull into a lane that they having been patiently waiting for. There are those that are very generous, always allowing other to pull in front of them or stop and help someone who is stalled along side of the road.

The Signs:

The stoplights and stop signs are there to remind us that everyone gets a turn. When it’s your turn, the light will be green, when it’s not, the light will be red. Then there is the yellow light reminding you to take caution before proceeding. The stop signs tell us to stop first, look both ways, then proceed.

The highway signs are a guide telling us where to go and how to get there. Sometimes we pay attention and sometimes we ignore them but it doesn’t negate the fact that they exist. We just need to look up.

The construction and detour signs are such a pain and they are so inconvenient. Without construction, there would be no roads to drive on or bridges to cross. They exist to pave a path to our destination. Yes, they sometimes make us late to our destination, but maybe that is the plan. Maybe that construction and detour signs are there to show us another way. It may not be convenient but the path we are on is too dangerous to drive on.

The funerals, fire-truck, ambulance and police sirens. Why does it seem like whenever you are in a hurry, that you run into one? They are there coming to the rescue of someone who had a rougher road than you. They need help. While you are there complaining about those sirens, someone is facing a life and/or death situation.

The police radars and speed limit signs. It seems like they exist just to harass you but what if they were gone? You wouldn’t have anything to remind you to slow down on your journey. Going too fast can cause accidents and a lot of people can get hurt. They keep you disciplined and accountable.

Last but not least, the construction workers. It seems there is always construction but never any workers. Does that mean that they don’t exist? Of course not. Keeping the road safe for millions of drivers takes a lot of work. Maybe you can’t see them because they are ahead of you clearing the path and building a firm foundation so that you can make it to your destination safely.

I encourage you this week that when you are driving, look around at all the drivers and signs. We all share this journey and we all have destinations so be kind and patient to one another. Take a breath and if you get detoured, that just means that your ultimate construction worker, God is paving your path.

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20

Have a blessed week!

© Copyrights, All rights reserved
Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Fall 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

Defying Labels

I was coming into work early this week and a co-worker said, “Did you see the butterfly outside?” Intrigued, I went outside by our back entrance and there was the largest most beautiful insect that I had ever seen with wings that were absolutely stunning. I was in awe because as I am drawing closer to the launch of Butterfly Ministries, I am always in prayer asking God to send signs that I’m on the right path so of course, I interpreted this as confirmation that I was indeed, on the right path.

She was sitting on the concrete not moving at all but I could see why as she appeared very pregnant and ready to lay her eggs. I wasn’t going to let her sit there in her weakened state so that a bird or raccoon could come and devour her and all of the cargo that she was carrying. I came into my office and started calling the zoo and exotic animal hospitals to find out what to do because she appeared that she wasn’t from here but someplace warm.

My co-worker put her in a box and brought her to my office. Everyone was gathering to see her and taking pictures. They were amazed at this beautiful creature with a wing span of over 5 inches long. They kept saying, “What a beautiful butterfly!” Then a few others stepped in and snapped back with a snarky, “It’s not a butterfly, it’s only a moth!”

After hearing that, I was hurt. Moths were plain and only came out at night, we found her early morning and she was anything but plain. My co-worker went on google and found out that she was indeed a moth. It also said that she was very rare and after emerging from her cocoon, she doesn’t eat or leave her tree and only lives for a few days to mate, reproduce and pass on. What was amazing is that it was considered rare to see one of them and to find them in an urban community at daylight. We were blessed just by being able to be in her presence and catching a glimpse of her beauty. We found out that she needed to lay her eggs soon and it suggested that we release her in a maple tree. My co-worker and I took her out to a maple tree and put her on a branch. We looked at one another with a feeling of accomplishment and with big smiles as though we were parents saying good-bye to their child.

That experience made me think. When I heard, “It’s not a butterfly, it’s only a moth” I guess underneath, it felt like it was the enemy trying to get in my mind and spirit. I am writing a book on my transformation from caterpillar to a butterfly and preparing for the launch of Butterfly Ministries. I heard, “You’re not a butterfly, you’re only a moth!

All my life there was someone telling me what I wasn’t or couldn’t be. I was told, I’ll never be successful and that I am just another statistic. I may try to be a butterfly, but I should just face it, I'm merely a moth. Moth's live in darkness, so I should just accept my fate.

Although moths may dwell in the dark they are still attracted to light desiring something brighter than the darkness that they live in.

I guess I could relate to that moth. She was found out of her natural habitat and she was pregnant. Did she not realize the risk that she was taking to fly away while she was carrying her eggs? Maybe before she died, she wanted to fly and see the beauty of the sky and the feel the breeze and the warmth of the sunlight. Maybe she wanted a better tree for her eggs than the tree that she had. Maybe she wanted to prove that she wasn’t just a moth, some label that Science put on her, that she wanted to prove that although she may have been born a moth, she was going to transform into a butterfly.

No one ever became great by accepting man made labels. God created the species and man labeled them. Maybe moths really are butterflies.

If God created you to be a butterfly, don’t accept the label of a moth. You are a beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made butterfly.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

© Copyrights, All rights reserved


Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥

Satan - The King of all Lies

Have you ever really felt the presence of Satan?


As a child, I remember seeing Satan as a little red man with horns carrying a pitch fork. I remember watching cartoons and when a character was faced with a tough decision, there was always the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. When I became a Christian, I discovered exactly who Satan was and what he was after. I discovered him because he discovered me. He discovered me because I discovered Christ.

Back in the day I was no threat to him because the odds against me were in his corner but as I overcame and then gave my life to God, I tricked him. When I called God into my life, I didn’t realize that I had also called Satan. God is the leader and creator, Satan is follower and imitator. He follows God and attempts to manipulate the truth by turning them into lies.

He wanted to know who I was. He wondered, “Who does she think she is?” and he wanted to find out exactly what he could dig up and strike my most vulnerable spots as well as where I was the most insecure.

It’s a very hard feeling to describe but the best way I can is that it is as if you feel like you are being watched and studied by a dark force. Not only in a physical sense but in mind and in spirit as though my thoughts and feelings are being studied. It was evident that it was a dark force because I felt violated and threatened. I sometimes felt like my fears and memories were being downloaded like a hacker stealing my identity so that it could be used against me.

I decided that since Satan was getting into my mind, I would attempt to get into his. So I wrote the poem below thinking that two can play at this game. After writing it, it made since as to who Satan really is. Don't fret, God promises to protect us from all dark forces. God is the only one that can take on the enemy. So although, I know I'm being studied, God loves me and has my back!

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 8:38

Warning: I encountered demonic dreams for a few days after writing this. I had to really focus on light before entering a dark place of deep thought.


Satan – The King of All Lies

From the beginning of time, I watched you, followed you and studied you.
When you were frightened of that monster under the bed, whispering horrific sounds into your ear?

The bully at school who would tell you all of the things that I wanted you to hear?

Yes, that was me…

introducing you to the spirit of fear.
luring you into a manic depressive state,
Of sorrow, anger and self-hate.
You see there's an art of seduction,
Of grooming, preparation and persuasion,
A slow downward spiral, a festering infection,
Until you to fall into a dark pit of depression
Despair and hopelessness with no direction,
until you succumb to a portal of self decay and addiction.

I am the master of deception.

Look around…
I am in the television you watch, the music that you listen to, the books that you read.
You can run but you can’t hide, or resist the ride
on my carousel of society’s captivity.
Then right when you take a vow of marriage; a covenant of fidelity,

I will strike you with a sin so hot it will set you on fire,
with the sin of aching desire…
inviting and enticing you,
disguising myself with beauty that is pleasing to the eye and pleasure to the touch,
conquering and dominating you with an insatiable appetite of lust,
consuming everything you love and destroying the foundation of trust.

The root of all evil,
corrupting the most noble of men,
Is the love of power and money, the most common of sin.
A temptation so strong with all of all of the trouble it brings…
A magnetic pull of overindulgence on material things.
Under my control, like a puppet on a string.

To keep you the far from God’s grasp,
is vanity and pride,
Humility doesn’t reside with these lingering inside.
They consume your spirit with selfish ambition;
Your goal is a high ranking status of authority and position.
Only giving to feel important or to gain recognition.
You judge others by their faults, but fail to look within.

The most powerful weapon is to convince you that the truth is a lie,
That God doesn’t exist, so when He makes His presence known,
you turn a blind eye.
You refuse to comply and continue to defy,
Your creator and His word and deny the body of Christ,
although to save your very soul,
was the reason why,
that He sacrificed
His only begotten son so that you would have everlasting life.

Who am I?
I have many names that I go by,
Lucifer, Satan, the Devil,
But you can just call me, the king of all lies.


© Copyrights, All rights reserved

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Fall 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

God is Love

Have you ever entered into a relationship where those three words, I love you are spoken and no sooner than you utter them, secrets pop out from nowhere? Do you wonder why that is?

When you use the term love you are actually calling on God.

Why?

God is love. God is truth. God is the light.

When love is spoken, the truth and the light peeks through darkness. When you open your heart and reveal that you love someone, you are calling on God without even knowing it. You don’t have to recognize or acknowledge Him for Him to exist. He just does.

For a moment, let’s forget what the television, media, jewelry commercials and Valentine’s Day advertisements say is the definition of love. To really understand love, you must go to the source.

The Word of God/The Bible

Love is

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1-3

Without love, we have nothing. If we think of love and are reminded that God is love and truth then that would imply that without God and truth, we have nothing. We can give everything we have to the poor, but if we do out of obligation or for recognition and without love, it’s pointless. Love should be our motivating factor.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 4-7

When God is invited in, of course being the truth and light, things will be revealed and your love will be tested. If someone is telling you lies, God will reveal it because you called on Him. If they are avoiding, hiding, covering up or with holding truth, that is the same as lying. Love protects, trusts and rejoices in truth, not lies.

God = Truth
Devil = Lies

Love is patient. No rushing, no guessing, no anxiety and no worries. It doesn’t seek itself, it’s wants to give, nurture and provide; not take, with hold or have ulterior motives. It does not envy or boast; always wanting to see if the grass is greener on the other side or walk around bragging with pride because you have it and others don’t. It doesn’t live in and throw up the past over and over again instilling guilt and shame, it forgives. It doesn’t take revenge or wish misery on others when wronged or hurt. Over time it heals, restores and looks forward to the future. It is not easily angered, looking for an argument or keeping one going. It doesn't compete, it compliments. It does not throw temper tantrums nor is it violent. It is not superficial or shallow, It is humble and deep. Love is sacrificial and unconditional. True love perseveres, overcoming obstacles and challenges.

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 8-9

This means of all spiritual gifts that you may have been blessed with, are useless unless you utilize them with love, a pure heart and in good cheer.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.” 10

Ok, so what if lies are uncovered and the past revealed itself. We are all sinners, right? Now what?

Love never fails. Truth never fails. When truth does reveal itself, the reaction from the offended can make the offender run from truth or hold tight to it. Truth is perfect so when it’s revealed, the imperfection starts to fade away so the offended should take a deep breath and analyze the situation and react calmly.

In the spirit, truth is the main artery to the heart. When truth is hidden, you are cutting off the blood and oxygen to the heart and it begins to weaken and then symptoms begin to appear; signs telling you that something isn’t right. When the truth is revealed, the blood rushes back to the heart and revives it. It is important to recognize the symptoms and not ignore them.

When truth is hidden it can leave permanent damage and scarring called “bitterness.” If the heart isn’t treated with patience, kindness, care and concern nursing it back to health, it will not fully heal and the problem will progressively become worse. If truth isn’t fully disclosed and only is revealed in fragments, every time the heart heals from the last attack, more lies can end up hardening the heart creating resentment. Brutal truth (light) will overpower all lies(darkness)

Attempt to think of this before you react to truth in rage. The offender will be afraid to disclose truth in the future, so it will be revealed slowly or run from it and the artery will start building up slowly deteriorating. God reveals truth, but making the offender ashamed of it will determine if you receive it all at once or in pieces. It may also make them run from truth in all other areas in their life as well.

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 11-12

Like a child means to have not reached maturity. Spiritual maturity is something you have to diligently seek and grow into overtime. You will not change over night. You have to learn to walk a new way, talk a new way and think a new way. If someone has not matured, then when it comes to love, they will be ignorant to it. As you grow older you may look in the mirror and see a man/woman in the reflection but if you have not sought truth, wisdom and knowledge, (God) your spirit is still that of a child. As you start to seek it, it will make itself known and you will then become fully known. This gives the old saying “To know me is to love me and to love me is to know me” a whole new meaning.

Loving and praying for your enemies is also calling on God. God is truth but He is also just. If you consult God with your conflicts, He will bring justice to the situation. Attempt to leave revenge in the hands that it belongs; The Lords alone. Not only will He settle the conflict, but you will also be blessed for your obedience.

Before you tell someone that you love them, ask yourself, Am I prepared for truth to be revealed? Can I handle the truth? Am I spiritually mature or am I still that of a child? This doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships, it applies to all relationships, whether good or bad.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 13

Without love, hope and faith are lonely. They need love to survive. God is love and truth instills hope and faith. Without the clear and concise understanding of love, you cannot give it nor can you receive it and before you can give or receive it, you must seek it. Jesus, in His words said it best.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matthew 6:33

With love, your humble servant of Christ,

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Fall 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

Loving your neighbors

Isn’t it sad that we are living in a time where neighbors can live on the same street for years but never speak a word to one another? Or a family can eat dinner every night but not speak a word? It seems we have more fellowship with our televisions, cell phones and iPods than we do with our family and neighbors. We can also work next to someone for over a year and never know anything about them.

You never know what the person next to you is going through. The woman behind you in the grocery line, the clerk at the pharmacy that you see every week, the man that you drive by standing on the bus stop carrying that same plastic bag every morning. No one speaks anymore. No one pays attention.

We all have a story. We all are children of God. Although we may appear as strangers, we all our fellow brothers and sisters.

Sometimes when I am waiting to get my oil changed or to pick up my prescriptions, I find myself pulling out my cell phone to play brick-breaker, check my email or log onto Facebook. I have had to catch myself a few times and put away the phone and look over at the person across from me. I often wonder, “What is their story?”

There are those who wear stress on their face because they are too exhausted to care or there are those that look put together, so much as though they are trying hard to cover up whatever struggle lies beneath. There is usually a very awkward silence in the atmosphere. It’s almost as if people are attempting not to speak; although if you pay close attention, they have a desperation that longs for fellowship. A simple hello or a smile during their busy day can make a huge difference. They always appear as if they are longing for something, somewhere.

I think, “Well, if they aren’t gonna speak, I will.” Then, true to my country charm, (a cute way of saying I love to talk) I’ll say something light-hearted and positive like, “I like your shirt” or “Isn’t the weather beautiful?” They usually respond and the next thing you know, you are talking about gardening or the Colts game last week. When it’s finally time to go, you are both laughing and smiling and when you get up to leave, the awkward silence is no longer present. Everyone seems to be speaking and amazingly, they have smiles on their faces and you walk in to greet your family in a better mood than you were 30 minutes ago.

Isn’t it funny how one single effort can be contagious?

Scripture speaks a great deal about feeding the hungry. It is both literal and metaphoric. There are many that are poor in spirit that are suffering from hunger pangs of a starving spirit. If you see someone hungry for fellowship, feed them! We were created in the image and likeness of God. God longs for communion and we inherited that from our father.

Even if the person rejects your invitation for fellowship, don’t lose heart. We are responsible for what we offer and the other is responsible for what they accept or deny. It is what lies on the heart that counts.

I encourage you this week to pay closer attention to your fellow brothers and sisters. Attempt to look at them through Gods eyes. Smile at everyone you come in contact with, speak to everyone that you have an opportunity to speak to. You will notice the difference in the atmosphere, your mood, others mood and most importantly, you never know who may disguised as that stranger! Don’t miss out on your blessings!

Have a blessed week!

“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” Hebrews 13:1-2

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25


Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Fall 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

Sheild of Faith

While on your path to becoming holy, do you ever forget that you're human?

Not only do you forget, but others do too?

You think, I pray diligently, focus on God so much that there is no way I can get off track. Wrong!

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

While you are busy struggling carrying that cross and you stumble and fall, you beat yourself up over it and feel like maybe you’re too weak but then you remember God’s promise so you get back up, pick it back up, place it on your back and continue on. Then a spectator comes along, mocking you, ridiculing you, spitting on you and your purpose and knock you right back down. Then of course while carrying the cross, the devil starts whispering lies making you feel unworthy, insecure and fearful of the path ahead.

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25

That cross is so heavy isn’t it? And the road seems so very long, right?

You get so stuck on that “Deny yourself” part that you forget that you are just a simple man/woman and have feelings. Others who see that you are so busy working on moving closer to fulfilling your purpose, in their confusion as to why you are so set on what they consider a “pointless mission” they attempt to discourage you.

I know in the past few weeks I have been challenged with all of the above. It can be quite difficult to stay on that path. It is not for the weak-minded or the faint-hearted but for a noble heart with a fire in their belly and a love for God and his people.

When God calls you and gives you a purpose to fulfill, it will not be easy. In fact, when you answer that call and you start working on your purpose, you attract the enemy along with all of his bag of tricks. He will use the things closest to your heart against you to hurt you; the very thing he thinks will break you. He will reopen old wounds and pull out old fears. He will attempt to attack at every angle and when one weapon doesn’t work, he will upgrade to something stronger.

You have to remember, the more attacks that you receive, the closer you are to the purpose being fulfilled.

That’s when you have to pull out your faith and refer back to the truth. God’s word and His promise. God never breaks His promises to those who believe and trust in Him. He is the ultimate chess player and will line up everything in accordance to His perfect plan.

God is truth, the devil is a lie. God is light, the devil is darkness. God is love, the devil is hate.

“I am the way, the truth and the light.” John 14:6

As the enemy breaks out his weapons, break out your shield of faith!

“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16


Be blessed this week!


© Copyrights, All rights reserved


Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

The gift of Salvation

What is the best gift that you have ever received? A George Foreman Grill? A flat-screen T.V.? A diamond ring?

What if I told you that the best gift that you have ever received, you had before you were even born? The gift of Salvation.

Oh yes, of course with Good Friday/Resurrection Sunday/Easter weekend coming to an end, I have to post on my thoughts of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

It makes me think about his thirty-three years on this earth. Thirty-three years of miracles, wisdom, Truth, care, understanding, compassion, purpose and above all, unconditional and sacrificial love. True love. AGAPE love.

He arrived as a miracle and left as a miracle.

He came to not only teach us but lead by example as how we should handle almost every situation every type of person we come in contact with. With love. He came to fulfill a law in a land that twisted the law into what they wanted it to be. He came for the sinners, the poor, the desolate and the sick to pave a path that there is hope and He has arrived. He told timeless parables that even as two millenniums have passed, the meaning still has the power as it had as if He spoke them today.

“Everyone who hears truth hears My voice." John 18:37

When He spoke, He spoke with pure truth and wisdom. Every time I read the gospels, each of His words jump out of the page and plant a seed in my spirit. Reading the words of Jesus makes me feel pure again, restored, sanctified, and builds me up to face anything. In a world full of lies, I download truth from His words. In a society full of hate, pride, greed and fear, by reading His words, I download love, humility, contentment, and courage. His words are powerful, meaningful and each time I read them, I am filled with His healing waters and His spirit. For that, I attempt to read them often.

Another significant part of Jesus and His words is when He did not speak. When He was brought and questioned among the Pharisees. They interrogated Him yet He remained silent. They hit him, but He said nothing. He knew that you cannot reason with the unreasonable. He also knew speaking could jeopardize the fulfillment of His purpose. To endure the suffering of the cross. So He let them beat him. And when they were tired and stopped, He stood up to endure more, so they beat Him again. Although it was agony, He wanted the brutality and His suffering to be witnessed and recorded so that all would know what true, unconditional and sacrificial love is.

There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. I know I still struggle in these areas, so for that reason I just keep reading the beautiful words of Jesus until I get it right. With so much harmful information that we download in this world every single day, reading the soothing, calming and peaceful words of Jesus creates within me contentment, peace and happiness.

While thinking of Jesus and His parables, every year I notice that on Easter/Resurrection Sunday, many people attend services that haven’t all year and I can’t help be reminded of Jesus parable of the sower.

"While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'
"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Luke 8:4-15

Just like the farmer’s seed, some never make it to service for some reason or another. Then there are those that do. Some walk down the alter and give their life to Christ but then they walk out of the church doors and life distracts them from the Lord so they fall behind. Some are too afraid to walk down that alter because they either are too shy to have their vulnerabilities on display or they feel unworthy and then there are those who walk down that alter and are forever changed. God called to them and they heard the calling. Yes, they may stumble, but they get up, pick up that cross again and keep on walking with that cross on their back following Christ.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26

Following Christ is a tough job and there are not many people who are willing to endure that walk with Jesus. Jesus already knew that. He said it takes a person with a "noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." but sadly, many will not follow.

So what kind of seed are you among the crop?

If you have a change of heart and you didn’t make it to service or if you did, you didn’t walk down to the alter, it’s not too late. Tonight when you go home, close the door and confess to Jesus that you are willing to pick up that cross and follow Him and please fill you with His spirit, please fill you with strength and perseverance to see it through. Jesus is waiting. If He gave His very life without you even having to ask, how much more will He give you if you do?

Be blessed!

© Copyrights, All rights reserved


Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

The Gift of Life

Spring is here! One of my favorite parts of spring are the sunrises and sunsets. I love to drive over the Eagle Creek bridge to catch a glimpse of the sky overlooking the lake that God paints every morning and evening. It is absolutely breath-taking.

My kids and I enjoy watching the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. It amazes us to watch animals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, insects and their journey through this life. There is a new series on the Discovery Channel called Life and we have been anticipating it's premier.

After watching the first two episodes, I couldn't help but think about the creativity, tenacity, intelligence and beauty of these creatures. They also evolve just as we do, but no matter how much evolution takes place, two things are still certain. All creatures struggle to survive and they have a strong desire to reproduce. That's life.

Wow. How could you not witness all of God's marvelous works and beauty and not believe or submit to Him? Maybe it's just that we are too distracted by small things that don't matter.

It makes you wonder the point of it all. You know, that thing called the food chain and the tragedy of the unfortunate species that have a very low spot on the totem pole of life. The irony is that humans place the top spot on the food chain, having dominion over all of these billions of species, but yet it seems that they, the creatures have it right.

They live and survive on pure instinct and take a breathe of life for the primary reason of their purpose. To give to nature and to take from nature. To seize and to sacrifice. They give with their work ethic, survival skills and often their lives and providing nourishment for the creature that is a little higher on the food chain, but before they leave, they typically reproduce, thus allowing the cycle of life to continue. Then, even when they take, they are really providing. When they take a life for by hunting for food, they are keeping that specific creature from over-populating the land enabling others to share it.

Even the storms, the sunrises and the sunsets serve their purpose perfectly. The storms come to give water for all species to drink and to water the plants and trees, the sunlight gives light to see and heat for warmth and growth. The sunsets to provide rest to the weary and camouflage for the night-time hunters.

They serve their purpose so perfectly. All of this was created as a perfect and divine gift for us, for God's children. We are to be just as the creatures. To have a purpose. To seize and to sacrifice in this life. Even though the cricket, who has about a million more species looking to devour him and at any moment, he still survives from day to day without worrying about tomorrow. We are at the very top of the food chain yet we seem to worry more than that little cricket.

Take a look over your life. Do you seize more than you sacrifice? Do you take more than you give? Is there a natural balance? What's your purpose? Do you know what it is?

Only God can give you that insight.

I encourage you to take a walk in the park, change the channel to The Discovery Channel or visit your local lake. Drown out the distractions and noise and just pay a little bit closer attention to what surrounds you. It's called the gift of life.

"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Lift your eyes and look to the heavens. Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name." Isaiah 40:12, 26

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

"You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6


© Copyrights, All rights reserved
March 2010

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

The Law of the Harvest

Are you familiar with the following terms?

You get out of life what you put in it. You reap what you sow. What goes up, must come down. What goes around, comes around.

Some call it The Boomerang Effect, Hindus calls it Karma, Sir. Isaac Newton called it The Law of Gravity.

Scripture calls it The Law of the Harvest.

When you think of the term law, what comes to mind?

Order. Accountability. Equality. Justice. Balance.

God made this law as a way of making sure there are checks and balances in this world. It is in the nature of man to sin. If we had no rewards, consequences or repercussions for our actions and decisions, then there would be no respect, no discipline, no sense of accomplishment, no hope, no dreams and no desire for a future.

Whatever you do, you are sowing (planting) a seed. There will be a reaping of that harvest when the season has arrived. The question is, will you be reaping a good harvest or a bad one? It's all up to you. If you work hard with good cheer, you reap a great and bountiful harvest. If you are sleeping while others are doing all the work, you will reap poverty. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated. If you take short-cuts, it will be short-lived. If you are deceitful, you will be decieved. What's done in the dark will soon come to light. If you live by the sword, you die by the sword.

Even with our planet, mother earth, our home, the gift that God has given us. All of the recent natural disasters are as a result of us polluting and neglecting our land. We are reaping destruction because we have used and abused our land.

Take a look at your life. Are you prepared to reap the harvest that you have sown? Have you sown it in good soil, good ground or have you sown bad seed? What will you reap when the season arrives?

The season is near.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:7

"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6

© Copyrights, All rights reserved
March 2010

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

Happiness is a state of mind

Happiness - "State of contentment, gratitude, bliss, delight and joy"

How many of us can say that we are truly happy?

In a society and culture of instant gratification, it can be quite hard to find a place of contentment. The media is constantly pushing more and more everywhere we turn. The more we acquire, the more we desire.

We dwell on the past by replaying our mistakes over and over and then we often worry about tomorrow, next week, next month and as far as next year. We get so caught up in worrying about the past and the future that we forget about the present. We don’t realize that the present is a gift. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn’t promised. We are quick to complain about the woman that cut us off in traffic but forget to talk about the many people who let us cut in front of them while running late to work. We worry so much about our burdens that we forget about our blessings.

Maybe you have yet to forgive a friend that you have been angry with far too long over something that you can’t even remember why you parted ways. Maybe you keep putting off taking your daughter to see that play that she has been begging you to see. It might be that you haven’t visited your grandmother in the nursing home for over 6 months although as a child she always had your favorite cookies after school every single Friday. It may even be due to your fear of rejection, you still haven’t asked that beautiful girl out that you have been admiring for months. Opportunities come and go as though they will always be there. We put off today for yesterday and tomorrow.

Worry. Doubt. Resentment. Fear. Insecurities.

They are just bricks that form a wall standing in your way of true happiness and contentment. When we become aware of the worries of our life and then cast them to God, we open ourselves to happiness and all of the blessings that He has in store for us. God loves us dearly and wants us to be happy. He cares for us. Get rid of the bricks. They are the only thing standing in your way to bliss! ♥

Knock on your friend's door and tell them you miss them! Surprise your child, pick her up from school and take her to that play in the front row! Pull out your grandmother's cookie recipe, bake them and take them to her! Grab a bouquet of flowers and ask that girl out!

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:25-27

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7


Be blessed this week!

© Copyrights, All rights reserved
March 2010

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

Empty your basket!

What does it truly mean to forgive?

Forgiveness is one of easiest things to accept but one of the hardest things to extend.

Forgiveness means that you have accepted that the other person is flawed. They fall short, just like you, just like everyone else. It means that you have let go the mental inprisonment that they or their actions have had over you festering like a disease consuming your spirit. It means you have released the bitterness, resentment and anger and lifted it up to God, allowing Him to deal with you, the other person and the situation at hand. It means you finally have stopped trying to control things or people, and understand the only control that you have, is your own actions. It means instead of holding a grudge, you will release it to prayer. It means you will no longer discuss it, hold it over their head or use it against them out of anger, to win an argument or out of convenience.

Forgiveness, however; does not mean that you will enable destructive bahavior any longer. You will not allow the sorrow and affliction to continue on it's dreary path of desolution. You will not allow repetition of dismal, dark and disarray to continue in your life.

Forgiveness is emptying your basket of all of the rotten fruit that you have been carrying in order for God fill it with new fruit. Ripe, fresh and nutritious.

Have you emptied your basket? I mean, all of it? One bad apple destroys the bunch!

Let it go...

Empty your basket!


"He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends." Proverbs 17:19

© Copyright – All rights reserved
February 2010

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

Take a Stand. Spread the Word. Save the Butterflies ♥


"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

Love covers a multitude of sins

The closer that this ministry is coming to its destination, the more questions I am asked and I am very happy to answer because they are very valid questions. I need to prepare myself for this responsibility as well as set expectations for the community.

Most recently, I have been asked, “What if they some of the ladies are a different religion or don’t believe at all. What if they are homosexual? Will you not allow them to join?”

Butterfly Ministries will not discriminate anyone on the basis of race, ethnicity, cultural beliefs, sexual preference, religion or the lack thereof.

I have a very clear and specific purpose. To spread God's love by empowering young ladies to take a stand and to encourage others to get know Him personally, not to judge them.

Encourage - To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; contribute to the progress or growth of.

We will not push them, force them, scare them nor will we withhold our services if they don't commit their life to Christ.

We will advocate, educate, empower, encourage, inspire, motivate; take a genuine interest in them. Kindness will lead them to God. Not fear. Fear does not encourage Faith but discourages it.

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3

We all fall short in the eyes of God and have our own sins to account for. After they make the choice to bond with God, He will instill something in that person that is between Him and them. Even if they choose not to, it is still between them and God. My mission is to encourage that bond with God, not to play God.

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:2

Another important and very valid question is, “How will you deal with issues such as:

• mental disorders
• teen pregnancy
• addictions
• suicidal thoughts
• physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• express the desire to harm themselves or others

I currently work in non-profit and during the past 5 years that I have worked there, I have grown both personally and professionally. They have put me in situations that challenged my leadership quite often. They made me a more well rounded person overall. I have learned so much from them and because of my experience there, I am equipped to take on this ministry.

I have learned that many non-profits and ministries fail by trying to take on things that they are not staffed, equipped, trained or experienced to handle. They attempt to duplicate efforts that already exist in the community. This is where successful partnerships are very vital to the growth and success of your organization. I have program areas that I will focus on and when the bulleted issues above arise, I will have partnerships with natural alliances in the community that I will make referrals to such as Therapists, Pastors, Social Workers, Healthcare Professionals and Child Protection Agencies.

They will specialize in children’s needs and be fully equipped to intervene as needed.

This reminds me of a partnership that our organization has had with another non-profit for the past 5 years. They build homes for low income families with a mortgage at zero interest making their home affordable and safe. The Family Services Manager and I started both companies around the same time. We contacted one another because we saw that there was a gap that needed filled and our partnership needed strengthened.

We work together to make sure that the families that we serve do not fall through the cracks. If they apply for a home and are denied because they have barriers keeping them approval, she refers them to me and our program helps them with financial literacy, education, resolving their credit issues and budgeting to help them remove those barriers. After those barriers are removed, we then refer them back for approval. She doesn’t try to take on that burden and responsibility, she refers them to us, a trusted partner because she knows that partnerships are what make a non-profit or ministry successful.

In that aspect, she doesn’t just deny a family, stepping on their dream and just let them walk away confused and discouraged. She instills hope and faith in the family and let them know that they aren’t denied, it’s just that they have some work to do before they are approved. We also attend one anothers events, serve on committees and support each others fundraisers.

It is a wonderful partnership.

"To all of you, be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit." 1 Peter 3:8

I feel absolutely blessed to walk the path that God has put me on. Despite ALL of my challenges, I have learned more than I ever thought I would but realize I have alot more to learn. I have met some amazing people that inspire me but have many more to meet. I have overcame and accomplished more than I ever thought possible but God requires more and I am His humble servant!

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

"Above all, continue to love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8


Be Blessed this Weekend!!!


© Copyright – All rights reserved
November 2009

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

Instruction Manual

There are those of us who were lucky to have a great upbringing and were taught values, morals and ethics. We learned about setting and maintaining expectations and boundaries.
Then, unfortunately, there are those of us who have had to just "wing it." We typically learn by mistakes/trial and error and often become frustrated and wished there was an instruction manual.

Guess what?

Ladies...GREAT NEWS! There IS an instruction manual on how to become a good woman. It's called the Bible. Scripture teaches you the qualities that are important when it comes to growing from a young lady into a woman, and from a woman to a woman of virtue; of noble character. Everything around you in main-stream media tries to push you to be a "wayward" woman but scripture is TRUTH.

Gentlemen...GREAT NEWS! There IS an instruction manual on what kind of man you should be and what qualities you should seek and find in a woman, especially if you plan on marrying her! It's called the Bible. Great men in history all have something in common. A great partner...supportive, loving, dependable, loyal. They made a great team because TWO are much stronger than one. So if you picked a wayward woman, maybe you need to refer to your instruction manual next time.

We all fall short and this woman is hard to keep up with, but this is a great guide!

PRINT THIS when next time you are either doing a self-evaluation (ladies) or evaluating a woman (gentlemen)

The Proverbs 31 Woman ~ Proverbs 31: 10-31

A Noble woman, who can find?
For her worth is far above rubies.

(rare, precious, hard to find)

The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.

(trustworthy, valuable)

She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

(kind, loyal, supportive)

She looks for wool and flax
And works in delight.

(works joyfully with cheer and a smile)

She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.

(goes extra mile)

She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.

(Disciplined, Humble, Leadership Quality)

She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.

(enterprising, intelligent, good with money-investor)

She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.

(energetic and healthy)

She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.

(good steward, hard-working, has goals)

She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.

(diligent)

She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

(compassionate, generous, caring for the less fortunate)

She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

(provident)

She makes and wears coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

(Elegant, representative of Gods favor and blessings)

Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

(influential, chose a partner to compliment her)

She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

(industrious, business-minded)

Strength and honor are her clothing,
And she smiles and laughs at the future.

(Confident, Poised, full of hope and faith)

She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

(wise, optimistic, words of encouragment and kindness)

She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

(manages her home, watches over her children, is not lazy)

Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her,

(praiseworthy)

Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."

(distinguished, deserving)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

(Loves God and spreads His word)

Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.

(Honored and favored, her actions speak loudly)


© Copyright – All rights reserved
November 2009

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25

Submission

Have you ever been in a place, a place so dark that you get lost in your own state of mind?

A state of disillusion, utter confusion, on the verge of insanity from anger stirring inside.

The devil whispers lies in my ear...
feelings of inadequacy, insecurity and pain consume my spirit,

God is calling me to look in His direction but I'm so caught up in my sorrow, that I can't even hear it.

Dwelling on betrayal of broken dreams and empty promises as time passes slowly...minute by minute, hour by hour...

Suffering moments of desperation which bring on moments of inspiration that finally has me reaching for my higher power.

I plead to God...

"Father, please help me understand... I given and sacrificed so much only for my heart to again and again, be broken,

How much more do I have to sew before reaping the harvest that your word has promised and spoken?"

I feel a quiet force swell within me, losing control, a feeling of complete submission,

a reminder of the scripture of Proverbs 10:12 calms me ...."Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions."

The Lords speaks...

"My child, Be still, I have plans for you, you are a testimony in the making,

but you can't become who I want you to be without FIRST being shaken.

You see I am creating, shaping, molding you into a woman of great virtue,

but you must fully TRUST in ME and know that I will never abandon or forsake you.

You must let it all go and FORGIVE, as it all has worked in accordance to MY divine plan,

for you too have many times fallen short, sins are in the nature of man."

I wipe away my tears, tell my father "Thank you" and finally close my eyes...

I wake up feeling refreshed with an inner peace, knowing that the LORD is by my side... a new feeling of freedom, a new creation...a Butterfly.


© Copyright – All rights reserved
September 2009

Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.

"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."

COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!

Launching Spring 2010!

"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25