Her first name is actually Lisa and her maiden name is Hutson. However, she has been going by the name Kassie for longer than she can remember, so hence the confusion that may be on her name. Kassie has written several books under Cypress Ministries, as well as many devotionals which can be read here on this website (and which many have been featured in the Christian Lifestyle Magazine. She has a strong love for God’s Word, and desires to see others grow in their relationship with God through Christ. Yes, she has gone through a divorce, so when God called her to writing and teaching, she decided to use the name GOD had placed on her heart (which is Cypress Ministries) when it came time to put an author’s name down. Ultimately, in doing this... she decided that it was not about her name (or who she was) anyway, but God (though she shares much of her life in her writing). There is a sense of "we" in her writing, and that is because without God, she never could have stayed up, and quite frankly there have been others to help along the way, so it truly is not about one person-- or her. She also believes that God will give her a husband, inwhich to share Cypress with, so she leaves a place for him.
Kassie has seen-- and experienced firsthand-- God healing powers of redemption both spiritually and emotionally. And, she shares much of what she calls her journey of "growing in grace" as God teaches her, while bringing reconciliation and restoration in her life. She often writes of her experiences that God has worked out in her life, and that of her family's.
Kassie has a degree in Biblical Studies and Teaching from ACU (Ames Christian University). She also has her endorsement as a recognized and authorized bible study leader from Precept Ministries.
She has completed the course of “Caring for People God’s Way” (earning her Certificate of Completion for Biblical "lay" Counseling) along with the courses on "Soul Care", "Advanced Christian Counseling Skills & Techniques", and "Spiritual Disciplines" (all from Light University) and several others.
Recently, she became certified as a Christian Life Coach, and has her license in general ministry, biblical counseling and coaching.
Though Kassie sees her strength more in the gift of writing (and teaching God’s Word), she wants to be able to know how to help others heal spiritually, in order to grow in their relationship with God. She also sees her part in counseling more in the terms of writing and creating topical discussion guides (that can be used independently or in groups), and working alongside others, who would actually be doing more of the one on one counseling for the outreach of this ministry (Mountain View Christian Care and Family Ministries). Kassie’s passion truly is in teaching God’s Word, and helping others to know God and not just about God. She feels very compelled to help others to learn how to connect the truth of God’s Word with everyday life, but knows that sometimes before the “teaching” there first has to be healing.
The main reason Kassie has taken such a mixture of classes is that its not only to help her grow in her own relationship with God, but to be able to share the truth of His Word with others, without diluting (or corrupting) it. And to also have an understanding of what others face who themselves helping others in their healing journey, and to be able to provide stronger leadership (and encouragement) to them.
· She is a member of the AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) and ICCA (International Christian Coaching Association).
Kassie believes that its not enough to know God’s Word, but that it should make a lasting impact on our daily lives, and that we need to walk it out in faith, thereby not just being hears of the Word, but a doer as well. And that we have a responsibility to come along side others, to help to show them how. She also believes that there is a difference between good advice and biblical advice, but there is also a difference between giving biblical advice and Godly counsel. For example, when David told the prophet Nathan he wanted to build a temple for the Lord; Nathan first said that David should do it, and that the Lord was with him. This was good (and even biblical) advice Nathan gave, knowing David and his relationship with God. However, this was not the “GODLY COUNSEL” that God had for David at this time, and Nathan had to go back and tell David what the Lord had said instead after it was revealed to him (see 2 Sam. 7), so it is important to Kassie that we SEEK God’s counsel in all that we do, and offer, to those who God brings us along side of to hold hands with.
The following is a personal note from Kassie ______________
Hi everyone! First, I invite you to read my testimony of how Cypress Ministries came about.
Click here to read >> A New Beginning
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I am very much at peace in this decision to write under Cypress Ministries because I know that one day God will give me the husband He has promised, and I will give Cypress Ministries to him as my wedding present. I know that "he" is to make God's Name known, and I am to help him. So I am preparing my banquet (so to speak), getting ready, and waiting for what God has promised-- and waiting for "him."
I know there are many people who are called and anointed to convert a non-believer, but this is not my calling. My heart's desire is to "feed the hungry." I thrive on studying God's Word. I love that He has called me to help those who are hungry for Him; to help them in their walk of faith, and teaching them God's Word and how to apply it to their lives today.
Though I started out as a biblical counselor-- I have found that my "counseling" and ministry really is in writing. I know that God has shown me that at one point I will have to come out from behind the computer and actually "speak". And believe me, I have fought Him on this one-- but only half heartily-- I know that when that time comes, He will equip me. I keep reminding Him that I am from Texas, and very much have an accent. I also remind Him that I talk too fast-- and talk way too much-- and repeat myself excessively... "so are You sure You want me to do that?" He keeps saying "Yes." So one of these days, however He leads it, I will be talking to you "face to face".
When I decided to start this blog-- it was with a strong "from my heart" impression God gave me while I sat in a very special place just in quiet time with Him. At first, I was confused; "Lord, I already write from my heart. Haven't you seen the book I wrote, or the daily devotionals, of Bible studies? All of which are from my heart and kinda personal since I already share so much of my life in them..."
But again, it just kept being impressed on me, "from my heart" and I realized that, yes, I do share a lot of my life and write from my heart in all my work-- but I don't really share "me" or personal thoughts that God is teaching me, or just open up and write from this woman's heart for others to read.
When I realized what God was showing me, l was like "are you kidding me???" I have already shared so much about me and my family in my writing... "You want me to do what? Do I really have to be that much of an open book?" But again, I felt the overpowering "from my heart."
There are a few passages that I immediately thought about that reference "from my heart" in the Bible... none of which really corresponds with this blog, so I know that there must be a double meaning of what God is laying on me, but for now it is enough that I take a step in what I believe to be obedience, and start sharing from my heart with you some things I have held in private.
Have a wonderful and blessed day! Kassie.
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