I guess I'm finally awake. I really can't feel anything. Up AT LEAST four times in the night with a daughter's fever, clogged nose & nightmares. Funny thing...she's now in dad's recliner - watching television, playing a game on a computer with TV remote & hot tea by her side...totally content and seemingly rested. (Mom is the one that's a mess.) That's ok. In fact, I'm lovin' it. That's what motherhood is all about and I'm receiving the blessings of being able to be home with my beautiful daughter. (May I interject here a big THANK YOU to my wonderful hubby, Michael, who's hard at work making ends meet so that I can have this desire of my heart!!!)
Motherhood - the selfless act of loving a little resemblence of yourself (sometimes the good, the bad and yes...even the ugly). Signing up for sleepless nights, dusty shelves & dirty floors, worries when sickness comes, dishes always in the sink, clothing with stains (of milk, food, blood & vomit...to name a few), and TV dinners on the fly unless Papa Bear is cooking (THANKS honey/hubby - you're the BEST cook on the PLANET). I make the best fish stick TV dinner, by the way...just ask anyone in our church.
God programmed the female to have all the right wires to be the nurturing partner and perfect mother to offspring. Sometimes in the midst of the journey and the trenches of the daily grind...I forget that. I let it slip from my mind that God entrusted Justin, Jordan, Brady, Jennifer, Ian, Paige, Nico along with Jeffrey & Natolie into my care and holds me accountable for their well being while IN my care. (Ouch) I also know He is a Loving, Soverign God that knows my imperfections and will assist me in this monumental task if I'll just humble myself and ask Him. (That can be the easy part if I'll just remember to.)
He has answers to ALL of life's questions - all I need to do is spend T-I-M-E with Him and listen. So I offer a prayer up for myself (aka: Mom) and any others out there that are in need today...
Father, Thank You for Who You are (the Great I AM). Thank You that You have ALL the answers and all that is needed of me is to come to You, sit with You, sing my Praises to You, and ask for help. Forgive me when I forget. Please help me today because I am tired and may lash out at those I hold dearest to my heart.
I love You. -Amen-
YET THOSE WHO WAIT FOR THE LORD WILL GAIN NEW STRENGTH; THEY WILL MOUNT UP WITH WINGS LIKE EAGLES, THEY WILL RUN AND NOT GET TIRED, THEY WILL WALK AND NOT BECOME WEARY. (Isaiah 40:31)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love, karen
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A New Year Resolution...in February!
Today was a good day.
I know life is full of good days...and bad. It's learning to accentuate the positives...be optimistic...look on the bright side. It's having an attitude of gratitude. That's what I'm going to do this year...I guess you might say it's my first New Year's resolution. (Funny - it's only taken me a month to come up with one!)
I ran across something in a devotional recently that I think bears repeating. The Bible says: "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." (Change always begins in your mind! The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel determines the way you act. You ask..."How can I change the way I think?" By programming your mind each day with God's Word.)
DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, SO THAT YOU MAY PROVE WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS, THAT WHICH IS GOOD & ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT. (Romans 12:2)
I know it will take some willpower to start each day with this (new) attitude of gratitude. But with God's help...I'll get there!
BECAUSE YOUR LOVINGKINDNESS IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS WILL PRAISE YOU.
(Psalms 63:3)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love, karen
I know life is full of good days...and bad. It's learning to accentuate the positives...be optimistic...look on the bright side. It's having an attitude of gratitude. That's what I'm going to do this year...I guess you might say it's my first New Year's resolution. (Funny - it's only taken me a month to come up with one!)
I ran across something in a devotional recently that I think bears repeating. The Bible says: "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." (Change always begins in your mind! The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel determines the way you act. You ask..."How can I change the way I think?" By programming your mind each day with God's Word.)
DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, SO THAT YOU MAY PROVE WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS, THAT WHICH IS GOOD & ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT. (Romans 12:2)
I know it will take some willpower to start each day with this (new) attitude of gratitude. But with God's help...I'll get there!
BECAUSE YOUR LOVINGKINDNESS IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS WILL PRAISE YOU.
(Psalms 63:3)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love, karen
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A New Creation
Time flies when... You can spend a lifetime & a million verbs to finish that line. Well, I will try to finish my reasoning as to why I've been away almost a month. January has proven to be busy in some ways and S-L-O-W in others.
I met with my counselor today...and I must say it was truly a time spent in the midst of my Saviour. It was such an outpouring of love & tears & pain & forgiveness. (I was poured out & filled up by the time it was over 1 1/2 hours later.)
I remembered things from my childhood that were both tragic & sad; yet God removed the pain and grafted in His unconditional love. He was there...the WHOLE time...when I was little. I love my parents. They're human...and in their human-ness they were broken & battered. They made mistakes in parenting my sister and me...just like ALL THE REST OF US...INCLUDING ME...so you won't see me pointing a finger in judgement toward them. I have forgiven them & love them just as Christ has forgiven me & loves me ~ unconditionally.
God (and my counselor) have shown me that I've walked the valleys so that I can be prepared for 'such a time as this' and be able to help others. God knows my heart is willing to go and do whatever He needs me to. It's my belief that He wants me to be a beacon (a light) to women who are hurting...who may have gone through (or going through) some of the things I have. I will leave it to Him to show me how.
I've been asked to speak at a church conference soon (Feb. 19) in Rexford, Kansas on 'Concepts of Women's Ministry.' I have been praying for God's Hand to lead me in speaking what He wants. And I've been given a scripture that I will cling to while in preparation for 'such a time as this' (Esther). I will leave it here & ask if you'll pray for me, too....
...FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH YOU IN THAT VERY HOUR WHAT YOU OUGHT TO SAY.
(Luke 12:12)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love, karen
I met with my counselor today...and I must say it was truly a time spent in the midst of my Saviour. It was such an outpouring of love & tears & pain & forgiveness. (I was poured out & filled up by the time it was over 1 1/2 hours later.)
I remembered things from my childhood that were both tragic & sad; yet God removed the pain and grafted in His unconditional love. He was there...the WHOLE time...when I was little. I love my parents. They're human...and in their human-ness they were broken & battered. They made mistakes in parenting my sister and me...just like ALL THE REST OF US...INCLUDING ME...so you won't see me pointing a finger in judgement toward them. I have forgiven them & love them just as Christ has forgiven me & loves me ~ unconditionally.
God (and my counselor) have shown me that I've walked the valleys so that I can be prepared for 'such a time as this' and be able to help others. God knows my heart is willing to go and do whatever He needs me to. It's my belief that He wants me to be a beacon (a light) to women who are hurting...who may have gone through (or going through) some of the things I have. I will leave it to Him to show me how.
I've been asked to speak at a church conference soon (Feb. 19) in Rexford, Kansas on 'Concepts of Women's Ministry.' I have been praying for God's Hand to lead me in speaking what He wants. And I've been given a scripture that I will cling to while in preparation for 'such a time as this' (Esther). I will leave it here & ask if you'll pray for me, too....
...FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH YOU IN THAT VERY HOUR WHAT YOU OUGHT TO SAY.
(Luke 12:12)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love, karen
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Time
Oh...my...gracious! Where DID the time go?
I just blinked and it's been a month since my last post here!!! Forgive me, dear cyber-friends.
I guess I've been busy...baking/decorating cookies, shopping & shipping Christmas presents to family, setting up & taking down decorations, trips to Garden City to tend to a STUBBORN dental piece that JUST WON'T STAY GLUED DOWN!!!!
Anyway, I think it's about time to put up a new post...so here it comes. (right after I feed my daughter some lunch...grilled cheese & soup. Nothing quite like it on a cold, Kansas day!)
My devotional this morning was about becoming more Christ-like. Darn...just when I was wanting to throw in the towel. Life is hard! But God is good! And HE knows everything that's going on. I just have to remember that He's in complete control. There's nothing (let me say it with emphasis...NOTHING) that goes on that He doesn't already know. And if I can just keep my head about me...and keep my faith & trust STRONG in HIM...then NOTHING can harm me! I will be victorious IN HIM. He will go before me & fight for me. Period.
In the meantime it's my job to surrender all (everything I am...everything I have) to His Will. That can be pretty dang hard sometimes. Especially knowing satan's pretty smart & knows my weaknesses...my areas where I'm most vulnerable. I MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER WHO I BELONG TO, SWEET DAUGHTER of THE GOD of the UNIVERSE!!!!
My counseling this past week was SO helpful. I wrote down everything I could think of that I've been told that I am (some of the many LIES that I've bought into in my lifetime). These 'LIES' were then taped to a big, red heart pillow that was resting on my lap (representing my heart). My counselor helped me walk through that list: item-by-item...lie-by-lie. And replaced each one with TRUTH from THE WORD of GOD! I ripped up the list of lies (into tiny shreds I might add)...which felt pretty good...freeing. As a matter of fact - I highly recommend anyone reading this post to try it. You'll feel a heavy burden lifted...and a new freedom that's exhilirating!
My prescription from my counselor: Read through my list of TRUTHS every day for the next two weeks. ok...doc...here I go...
COME TO ME ALL WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY-LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. (Matt 11:28)
HE GIVES STRENGTH TO THE WEARY AND TO HIM WHO LACKS MIGHT HE INCREASES POWER. (Isaiah 40:29)
Thought this post needed two scripture references.
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love, karen
I just blinked and it's been a month since my last post here!!! Forgive me, dear cyber-friends.
I guess I've been busy...baking/decorating cookies, shopping & shipping Christmas presents to family, setting up & taking down decorations, trips to Garden City to tend to a STUBBORN dental piece that JUST WON'T STAY GLUED DOWN!!!!
Anyway, I think it's about time to put up a new post...so here it comes. (right after I feed my daughter some lunch...grilled cheese & soup. Nothing quite like it on a cold, Kansas day!)
My devotional this morning was about becoming more Christ-like. Darn...just when I was wanting to throw in the towel. Life is hard! But God is good! And HE knows everything that's going on. I just have to remember that He's in complete control. There's nothing (let me say it with emphasis...NOTHING) that goes on that He doesn't already know. And if I can just keep my head about me...and keep my faith & trust STRONG in HIM...then NOTHING can harm me! I will be victorious IN HIM. He will go before me & fight for me. Period.
In the meantime it's my job to surrender all (everything I am...everything I have) to His Will. That can be pretty dang hard sometimes. Especially knowing satan's pretty smart & knows my weaknesses...my areas where I'm most vulnerable. I MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER WHO I BELONG TO, SWEET DAUGHTER of THE GOD of the UNIVERSE!!!!
My counseling this past week was SO helpful. I wrote down everything I could think of that I've been told that I am (some of the many LIES that I've bought into in my lifetime). These 'LIES' were then taped to a big, red heart pillow that was resting on my lap (representing my heart). My counselor helped me walk through that list: item-by-item...lie-by-lie. And replaced each one with TRUTH from THE WORD of GOD! I ripped up the list of lies (into tiny shreds I might add)...which felt pretty good...freeing. As a matter of fact - I highly recommend anyone reading this post to try it. You'll feel a heavy burden lifted...and a new freedom that's exhilirating!
My prescription from my counselor: Read through my list of TRUTHS every day for the next two weeks. ok...doc...here I go...
COME TO ME ALL WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY-LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. (Matt 11:28)
HE GIVES STRENGTH TO THE WEARY AND TO HIM WHO LACKS MIGHT HE INCREASES POWER. (Isaiah 40:29)
Thought this post needed two scripture references.
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love, karen
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday & Fantasy Football
Nothing is quite like a lazy, sunny Sunday afternoon. I love Sundays like this. Sunday school...church...lunch...and then....ahhh...the afternoon before me. Nothing obligatory in front of me. Just the afternoon with my family. This particular Sunday follows the hustle of the Thanksgiving week. It was a good Thanksgiving. The only thing that would have made it better - to see my two 'TX' children that live in Austin. It just didn't work out to see them...although our best laid plans seemed tailor-made. My son's work schedule just got in the way. Sometimes you have to make a choice...which is more important...and sometimes you don't get the choice...because it's already made for you. (I'm not quite sure which category my son's situation was)...nevertheless, we made our way back to Kansas yesterday - leaving TX without so much as a 'hello & hug' from my two. Oh well, we say, we'll make sure "next time."
My sweet husband would've moved the sun & moon to make it possible for me to see my kids. Ya know...my mama used to say "hindsight is 20/20" - if I'd only known now what I didn't know then - I would have driven myself to Austin on Friday to see them. It is what it is...so I tell my 18yr old daughter - we'll move forward and make plans for next time.
So through my tears on Friday night my hubby (the loving pastor that he is) reminds me that we (parents) raise our children to become independent and that's what my kids are in essence doing. They're working their way toward independence and although it can be sad for me - it's necessary for them.
Now how did I get so far down that rabbit trail from my topic for this post 'Sunday & Fantasy Football?'
Oh yeah, hubby (pastor/fantasy football maniac) has spent the last few minutes going from the TV 'tube' football game to the computer - to check his stats for his fantasy team. I guess it's fun - I wouldn't know...I don't do the fantasy football 'thing.' I just watch...and ponder. He says he won't be doing it either...next year. He says instead of enjoying the game...he's too worried about his players and points. (I can see that - which is probably another reason why I don't do it)
I think that might be how some people go through their lives. Instead of just sitting back & enjoying the game, they're too worried about their players & their points - and winning.
Hey, I've already won the game of life and will celebrate like there's no tomorrow at a really big feast with my King in heaven one day. (Yipee)
Join me?
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN MAY BE COMPARED TO A KING, WHO GAVE A WEDDING FEAST FOR HIS SON. (Matthew 22:2)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love karen
My sweet husband would've moved the sun & moon to make it possible for me to see my kids. Ya know...my mama used to say "hindsight is 20/20" - if I'd only known now what I didn't know then - I would have driven myself to Austin on Friday to see them. It is what it is...so I tell my 18yr old daughter - we'll move forward and make plans for next time.
So through my tears on Friday night my hubby (the loving pastor that he is) reminds me that we (parents) raise our children to become independent and that's what my kids are in essence doing. They're working their way toward independence and although it can be sad for me - it's necessary for them.
Now how did I get so far down that rabbit trail from my topic for this post 'Sunday & Fantasy Football?'
Oh yeah, hubby (pastor/fantasy football maniac) has spent the last few minutes going from the TV 'tube' football game to the computer - to check his stats for his fantasy team. I guess it's fun - I wouldn't know...I don't do the fantasy football 'thing.' I just watch...and ponder. He says he won't be doing it either...next year. He says instead of enjoying the game...he's too worried about his players and points. (I can see that - which is probably another reason why I don't do it)
I think that might be how some people go through their lives. Instead of just sitting back & enjoying the game, they're too worried about their players & their points - and winning.
Hey, I've already won the game of life and will celebrate like there's no tomorrow at a really big feast with my King in heaven one day. (Yipee)
Join me?
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN MAY BE COMPARED TO A KING, WHO GAVE A WEDDING FEAST FOR HIS SON. (Matthew 22:2)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~love karen
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Quiet
Just a quiet evening...following a big Saturday morning...after a long, tiring week. Ever have one of those? I continue to work on my relationships. I've been told I'd live the life of a hermit if I could. Part of me thinks..."heck, yeah - that'd be nice & quiet for a spell" - while another part of me thinks..."NO, No - I like being around people - and that would make me blue." Hhmmmm...such a delimma.
So, back to my week. Hubby & I continue to communicate on a deeper level. This is new to me b/c I've always held close relationships at a distance - while living behind that mask. I think that's been my security blanket, which makes perfect sense. If I keep close relationships at bay...then it doesn't hurt quite so bad when my feelings are hurt or I'm disappointed in some way. The only problem with that? I can think of several...a) I never get to experience REAL joy along with the people I love the most, b) If I'm hiding behind that mask and not communicating when something hurts...how is the other person going to know I'm hurt...and we try to remedy/find a solution?, c) I'm not a living partner in a marriage relationship that God created & intends for me to exist in...shall I go on?
Bottom line is - I love my husband with all my heart...I'm figuring out there will be times that I disappoint, frustrate, anger (etc) him - and he will do the same to me. BUT we will work through those conflicts and grow closer to each other through it. I'm also learning that conflict isn't a bad thing...it's a necessary thing in a good marriage.
NO DISCIPLINE SEEMS PLEASANT AT THE TIME, BUT PAINFUL. LATER ON, HOWEVER, IT PRODUCES A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE FOR THOSE TRAINED BY IT. (Hebrews 12:11)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~karen
So, back to my week. Hubby & I continue to communicate on a deeper level. This is new to me b/c I've always held close relationships at a distance - while living behind that mask. I think that's been my security blanket, which makes perfect sense. If I keep close relationships at bay...then it doesn't hurt quite so bad when my feelings are hurt or I'm disappointed in some way. The only problem with that? I can think of several...a) I never get to experience REAL joy along with the people I love the most, b) If I'm hiding behind that mask and not communicating when something hurts...how is the other person going to know I'm hurt...and we try to remedy/find a solution?, c) I'm not a living partner in a marriage relationship that God created & intends for me to exist in...shall I go on?
Bottom line is - I love my husband with all my heart...I'm figuring out there will be times that I disappoint, frustrate, anger (etc) him - and he will do the same to me. BUT we will work through those conflicts and grow closer to each other through it. I'm also learning that conflict isn't a bad thing...it's a necessary thing in a good marriage.
NO DISCIPLINE SEEMS PLEASANT AT THE TIME, BUT PAINFUL. LATER ON, HOWEVER, IT PRODUCES A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE FOR THOSE TRAINED BY IT. (Hebrews 12:11)
keep the faith, sweet friend
~karen
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Freedom.
It is for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
I must say I've not really understood this scripture...ever. I am, however, beginning to see/taste/comprehend the true freedom in Christ.
I can be under the yoke of slavery in just about anything. A slave to work...a slave to food...a slave to shopping (yeah, baby!)...a slave to responsibility.
The truth is - as my dear, sweet & wise husband likes to say - 50 years from now we'll all be dead - and the things of this world won't matter a bit. (We need to be about the business of loving others, sacrificing for others, speaking the hope that is within us - freely & LOUDLY (if need be).
When one comes into an understanding of freedom in Christ - wow - how freeing that alone is. Knowing I will not be condemned to die in my sin - but instead to live out my existence in eternity in freedom & being in the presence of The King. (mindboggling, ain't it?)
I must say I've not really understood this scripture...ever. I am, however, beginning to see/taste/comprehend the true freedom in Christ.
I can be under the yoke of slavery in just about anything. A slave to work...a slave to food...a slave to shopping (yeah, baby!)...a slave to responsibility.
The truth is - as my dear, sweet & wise husband likes to say - 50 years from now we'll all be dead - and the things of this world won't matter a bit. (We need to be about the business of loving others, sacrificing for others, speaking the hope that is within us - freely & LOUDLY (if need be).
When one comes into an understanding of freedom in Christ - wow - how freeing that alone is. Knowing I will not be condemned to die in my sin - but instead to live out my existence in eternity in freedom & being in the presence of The King. (mindboggling, ain't it?)
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