Wait on God

A great reminder for parents,
no matter how old our kids are!

College orientation is in the books! One more item checked off our to do list before kid one launches into phase one of adult life.

Like everything else at Samford, orientation was awesome. I met university staff, got contact numbers and email addresses -- even for the executive chef at the "caf," and discovered new friends. More than anything, my heart and mind filled with peace. I know that my son is headed to a school that cares about student success -- in the classroom, in free time, and in life. For the most part, the information offered at parent sessions was exactly what I expected, though provided with a bit more excellence than anticipated. I'm not sure why, but it's always better than I expect. That's good, right?

Then I attended the parents' worship service and, well, orientation moved beyond checking off another to do list item and became a pivotal life moment. The minister shared (my paraphrase) that while this is a significant step in my child's life, it is also a big moment in my life. I was reminded that while God takes away (my son's and my relationship is about to change permanently), He also gives. The time I spent raising my son is done... yes, I still get to be the mama and offer advice, but not as often and only when asked. That means I've done this job well. Now it's time to discover what God has next for me. I do not end when my son leaves home.

The minister encouraged us to wait on God with open hearts and hands, to discover the next step in His plan for our lives. It's not over -- it's time for a change. It's time to step into what's next... 

Not just for my son, but for me.

May the God of hope fill you

with all joy and peace

as you trust in Him 

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

The service closed with that verse, my life verse. God couldn't have said "I love you" any more clearly.

God bless!

Special blog posts about special kids

This week, I am honored to be sharing two posts over at Encouragement Cafe with Luann and Friends. Please stop by. I hope it's a blessing to you!

Jesus Loves the Little Children

and

Shattered Dreams and New Hope.

God bless!

Top ten Bible verses for guarding your heart

Like I said Wednesday, Satan is like SPAM! He tip-toes in, slinking about as he slowly seizes your day, your week, your joy, your life -- much like the spammer sneaks in to steal your money and financial identity. We take steps to protect our finances, reading emails carefully, installing anti-spam software and making ever more complicated passwords to avoid being hacked. But do we do the same to guard our hearts against Satan?

The Bible is filled with wise instruction on guarding the heart, particularly in the book of Proverbs (the book of WISDOM)! Here are ten of the best Bible verses to help us guard our hearts. They remind us why to protect our heart, how to protect our heart and who we live for. Let's commit them to memory and spam-proof our hearts. Sound good?

Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Romans 12:2 (NIV), "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

John 10:10 (NIV), "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Proverbs 23:26, "My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."

Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV), "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity."

Luke 6:45, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

Colossians 3:1 (NIV), "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God."

Deuteronomy 4:9, "But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren."

May God bless you as you gaurd your heart to live only for Him!

Love,

Think this not that

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable

--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--

think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Such a cool verse! Do we dwell on the bad things: less than stellar service at a store or restaurant, our kids' wrong choices, or the teams we picked in the NCAA tournament losing (that last one is for my sports-minded son whose bracket is done!)? OR, do we focus on the good things: those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, or admirable?

Certainly, surfer Bethany Hamilton chooses to focus on the good, not the bad. I can only assume that her parents think the same way. After all, their fifteen year old daughter is still out on the water, despite losing her arm in a shark attack. Bethany stands out because she didn't let a major setback keep her from pursuing her passion -- surfing. She inspires children and adults around the world with her determination to live life fully and not let a "little thing" like a shark bite stop her.

We consider other people, like the heroes of 9/11, Tim Tebow, and those who volunteer their time in Haiti and other devastated regions, as special. Really, though, are they special? Or do they just choose to do what God asks all of us to do?

Instead of focusing on the negative, they focus on whatever is right, true and praiseworthy. The heroes of 9/11, firemen, police and "regular joes," chose to do the right thing. They laid their lives on the line for the benefit of others. Tim Tebow chooses to put faith first, not fame. Yes, the fame has come, but it doesn't define his character. Missionaries, likewise, give time, money and energy to serve "the least of these." They don't weigh the economic value of a region or the "worth" of a life. They understand that everyone is precious to God and give. Selflessly.

But there are those who look the other way, focusing on the negative. (I am -- or often have been -- one of those.) Poor me... look at how tough life is. Look at my suffering. Hear my pain.

Why do we choose not to focus on what is right and good?

It's not a condition of circumstances. Bethany, Tebow and the NYFD aren't "special." Fame does NOT make a person special! A family friend, age eight, battles cancer -- with a smile on her face and a spring in her step. Weary, yes. In pain, yes. Afraid, yes. But still smiling, confidently placing her life in God's hands. Another family faces the all-too-common economic reality of losing their home, but they continue to live and serve and love. Life hasn't stopped. And more friends are facing joblessness as yet another business folds under the pressure of our economic struggles. They move on. They live. They serve. They love. They give. Normal, everyday people.

My friends in crisis know one thing to be true. God is God. All the time! They trust in Him to lead them, comfort them, provide for them, and carry them through the storms of this life. They understand what Paul wrote to the Philippians: focus on the truth of God's love for you and all that He does on your behalf. Trust in God's provision for you and know that He will never leave you or forsake you. They know. God is love. And love never fails.

My friends do not know how everything will work out, but they do not doubt that God will see them through.

If you feel like life is beating you down, please reach out to someone who can help you understand how much God loves you. If you're not sure where to turn, come to church. If you're not ready to step through the doors of a church, consider reaching out to Focus on the Family's crisis line at (800) A FAMILY (800-232-6459). In my deepest pit, I didn't know how to break free -- Focus on the Family helped me take that first step.

God knows we face problems. He wants you to know you don't face them alone. He wants to carry your burdens and help you see the world differently.

When I sat down to write this post, I was headed in one direction. The post went entirely a different way. If you need to hear these words today, I am praying for you. GOD is waiting to meet you right where you are. He wants to show you how to climb out of your pit and live in peace and hope. I pray you will reach out to Him today. God bless!

When God Says No

When my kids were little and played in the driveway, I'd yell "no" or "stop" to keep them from running into the road. Sometimes, they'd turn around and keep playing. Other times, they'd pitch a fit, mad that I had interrupted. Shouldn't they understand that I was protecting them from the hidden dangers of passing cars? I never second-guessed my decisions or felt bad if they got mad at me. After all, I was just doing my job, protecting my kids.

Yet when God says no to me, my heart hurts. Perhaps I'm a little like a frustrated three year old, fists clenched, foot stomping. Why?

This weekend, our family got two answers to prayer. One was a yes -- YEA!!! The other, you guessed it. NO! I'm not talking a "not right now, sweetie." I'm talking a big fat NO -- rejection! And my heart hurt. I grieved God's answer.

And I wondered, does God grieve when He says no?

I don't think so. You see, God has a plan. In Jeremiah 29:11, God explains it:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

In John 10:10, Jesus explains why He even came to earth to die for us, saying:

"...I have come that they might have life and have it to the full."

Verses like these remind me that God's plan is filled with his love and hope. I can have peace, even when God says no, because He wants my life to be filled with purpose and fullness. His plan is the best one for my life. While I may not understand His "no," He does.

In the relationship between us and God, we're like my kids playing in the driveway. God is like us, providing safety and protection from danger we don't see or can't understand.

God's no this weekend means something else will be our "yes." His plan will offer hope and a future beyond what we can imagine.

Does God grieve when He says no?

I don't think so. I'm glad about that. I wouldn't want God to be some big wimp who can't decide what's best for me. I believe in a BIG God who never changes and always wants to give me the very best.

Don't you?

Unveiled Living and the Ladies of BCC

Two heads are better than one! :) tee hee

This weekend I was honored to speak at the "Unveiled" Women's Conference at Baptist Center Church. What an incredible blessing the day was to me. As a Christian speaker, I could go in to these things thinking I'm there to bless them -- it's all about me sharing wisdom, blah blah blah.

The truth is, though, that speaking is way more a blessing to me than from me. It's a privilege to be permitted to share God's word with other women, one I don't take lightly. If I speak my words in my strength, well.... they'll get the gospel according to imperfect, sinful Karen. Not the strongest message. Trust me!

When I share God's word, prayed over, meditated on, internalized and applied, they get something different. Much better. They get God. (Not me!!!!!) When we study His word -- reading it to learn what God wants us to understand in our hearts, when we pray -- and listen, when we internalize and apply His truth, we are changed. Transformed from the inside out!

Sharing God's truth after I've learned it for myself, they get HIS hope, HIS love, HIS peace...

All I really add is the real life example, how God took a selfish, prideful, imperfect girl (me) and is transforming her more and more into a humble, patient, loving, forgiving, hopeful, peace-filled woman.

But, you don't have to be a speaker or have a platform to make the same difference. Friends, let's all live unveiled lives. Don't hide your blemishes -- be honest. Share. Especially how God is changing you from the inside out. Don't be so ashamed of your mistakes that you refuse to share God's redeeming love!

Praying for each one who reads this post today:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in the redeeming power of His holy spirit that lives in you and flows through you... (Romans 15:13). With God, ALL things are possible. Redemption. Healing. Forgiveness. Freedom. Hope. Love. Joy.

In the love of Jesus I pray,
Amen

"I forgot to take the dog out."

Prosecutor's Office, 1993

The receptionist handed me the complaint form, her eyes reflected a knowing sadness. I scanned the form for the description of the incident: "I forgot to take the dog out and he hit me in the head." Processing that information quickly, I was certain I wouldn't be able to help, without a visible, documented injury there'd be insufficient evidence to "prove" abuse in the criminal courtroom.

Wearily, I opened the lobby door, preparing for the expected argument, one I'd had so many times before: "But he hit me." My reply, "I understand and I believe you, but I need to be able to prove that."

I called out her name and watched as a woman in the far corner stood up. Scanning her face, I saw no bruises, no black eye or swollen jaw. These cases were always the toughest. As she approached, I finally really saw: her head was covered with dozens and dozens of red holes. She had puncture wounds on every inch of her scalp. I wanted to throw up. I should have prayed.

She settled in the chair across from my desk. I asked the easy questions first: confirming name and address, asking how long she and "he" had lived together. I avoided eye contact, not trusting my face to hide my shock at her appearance. Finally, I asked her what happened. She replied simply, "I forgot to take the dog out and he hit me in the head." With some prodding, she filled in the details. She got home from work, and it was raining. She should have taken the dog out right away, but couldn't find an umbrella. The dog peed and pooped on the floor. Before she could clean the mess, "he" got home. He berated her for being so mean to the dog and proceeded to "teach her" how it feels to be a dog. He used the steel bristled grill brush and beat her in the head. The whole time he screamed at her never to treat a dog like that again.

We reviewed her statement to make sure I had recorded everything accurately. Then I asked if she was ready to press charges. Shocked, she screamed at me, "NO. I deserved it." She simply wanted me to ask him not to use the grill brush the next time, but to use a belt or stick instead. Nothing I said could change her mind. I never saw her again. To this day, I pray for her.

Today

For the most part, I blog about the joy that comes to us when we have a relationship with Jesus. Most of you -- my readers and friends -- know that joy, at least on some level. You know that God loves you. You know that you are special. Even when we, our own worst critics, berate ourselves for bad choices, we know that Jesus is our redeemer.

I blog about reaching out and making a difference, through volunteering at shelters and food banks, by giving offerings and blessing others. I challenge you -- and myself -- to offer a smile to the grocery store clerk, give a bigger tip at the restaurant, and acknowledge the homeless man. Mommies, I share your struggles to show love when you want to scream at the kids, to provide healthy meals and to teach your kids to love Jesus.

Today...

I want to challenge you to go further. You see, the real world is a dark, mean, hateful place. The real world is filled with women like the one I met at the prosecutor's office. The real world iincludes people whose only purpose is to hurt others, not just in domestic violence, but by rape, murder, drunkenness, DUI, and emotional abuse. I could go on.

We can ignore the pain, refusing to watch the news or read the paper. We can turn our eyes away from the homeless man, pretending that he doesn't really suffer. We can rationalize that our kids' schools are happy places and that all the children have wonderful homes like ours. But we delude ourselves.

Jesus

Jesus came for them. Yes, He came for us too... but if we accept his love and refuse to reach out, who will love them? If we hold him close and pretend they don't exist, how will he reach them? If we keep Jesus for ourselves, are we any better than the abuser? the drunk? the murderer?

Jesus said, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices -- mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law -- justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former." (Matthew 23:23)

Friends, where is justice, mercy and faithfulness? Where is our love? What should we do?

iPhone 4 S

Watching the morning news while I sipped my dearly loved coffee, I cracked up at the iPhone hubbub! Apparently, iPhone fans have been anticipating the release of the iPhone 5. They're disappointed that yesterday's unveiling is "merely" an improved iPhone 4.

Really?

My smartphone, the "lowly" iPhone 3 -- no S -- has served me well these past 2.5 years. It handles all my calls and voicemail, texting, Facebook and twitter needs. I'll admit, the pictures aren't all that great... and sometimes it freezes up. But not too often. And... those freeze ups teach me patience.

Clearly, I lack techie passion!

Empowering those in debt to reduce their personal debt and live within their means.
Replenishing the stock of homeless shelters and food pantries so that homeless families can eat.
Tutoring and mentoring our nation's kids so that they're equipped for adulthood.

These are important issues.

Yet, the iPhone 4g S (really -- what do all those little letters mean?) takes top billing. Actually, the whiners who aren't happy enough with this technological wonder take top billing.... Really?

Let's look at what's important. Coffee.... Nah, just kidding. People. That's what matters. Not phones. Not selfish greed.

Learn more about volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club: http://www.bgcma.org/volunteer

Friends, do something today that MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!! Bless a homeless man with free lunch. Buy a bag of non-perishables -- a GIANT BAG -- and bless a food pantry. Register with your school district to become a volunteer -- and read with an ESL (English as a second language) student, or tutor a little guy in math, or help the young kid with ADHD learn how to straighten out his desk. Whatever you're good at, some kid in your local school needs to learn! Not available during school hours? How about volunteering at your local boys and girls club? Or your church after-school recreation program? Or the YMCA?

Learn more about volunteering at the "Y": http://www.ymca.net/volunteer/

Let's do something that matters.... That's newsworthy!

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Matthew 6:19-24

OMG!

When Ellie heads off to the bus stop each morning, I open the living room window to watch and listen.

At the bus stop this morning, some kids were goofing off. After a bit, I heard some loud exclamations of "Oh my God." I listened closely -- is that Ellie's voice chiming in there? Hmmm.... She knows we don't use God's name like that. I made a mental note to discuss the incident with her after school tonight and leaned my head against the window pane. This parenting stuff requires non-stop vigilance. And it's only Monday!

The clamoring died down...

And then I heard....

"Don't say 'Oh my God.' That's the same thing as a bad word." I jerked up and stared intently at the crowd.

There she was, all 41" of her first grade self, standing her ground. One of the big boys, easily two heads taller than Ellie, stood over her, leaning forward as he exclaimed, "Oh my God is NOT a bad word. You're crazy."

She didn't back down. She looked up into his face, "In my family, we don't talk about God like that! It IS a bad word, especially if you love God."

At that moment, the bus appeared. The group chant, "Bus. Bus. Bus." silenced the discussion. Everyone lined up, neat and orderly. Ellie looked over to my window and waved. And off she went.

I still plan to discuss this incident with her tonight... Only now I look forward to it.

These commandments that I give you today are to be

on your hearts. Impress them on your children.

Talk about them when you sit at home and

when you walk along the road, when you lie down

and when you get up. Deut. 6:6-7

Then and Now

Ten years ago today, I sat in an empty apartment, glued to the images on a 9" television screen as I watched a nation crumble. Today, I sit on the back porch of my blessed home, thankful that I don't need that television screen's assurance that life goes on.

Ten years ago today, my boys were seven and four, confused by my emotional outbursts and paralyzing fear. Today, those boys are young men on the verge of independence, joined by a little sister born in China but always the daughter of our hearts. They are confident, caring and in love with Jesus. So am I.

Ten years ago today, my husband was in his first weeks of a new job, trying to understand life in the south while juggling the needs of a broken wife and family. Today, he is beloved in his job, supported by a whole family that loves him and appreciates his efforts.

Ten years ago today, the world stopped. Today, the sounds of life go on. Football commentary spills from the TV. A dog barks, chasing birds. Saws buzz as neighbors build porches. People talk and laugh.

Did we forget? No. We can't forget. But God is God. He is still in control and He gives us life. Freedom. Joy. Peace. Contentment. Security.

With a grateful heart, thank you, God, for watching over us. Thank you for protecting the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Thank you for each soldier and all the families who sacrificed, some giving their very lives, to protect the freedom we have today. Help us not just remember... Help us love each other as you have always loved us.

Amen.

nine eleven

Nine eleven. Simple numbers no more. This is "the" defining moment of my generation. Just as those before me remember November 22, 1963 or Dealey, Texas or Lee Harvey Oswald. Just as those of the "greatest generation" remember December 7, 1941 or Pearl Harbor. That one day that stands as "life before" and "life after."

My sons remember 9-11. Nathan, the oldest, knows that it marks the day our family changed forever. (I've shared that before -- if interested, click here or here or here.) Ben remembers, but he was only four then... it's not "the" defining moment in his life.

My daughter, sweet Ellie, wasn't born yet. She is learning about it at school. "Mom, did you know that some people do not like America, I mean the United States?" (I do.) "Did you hear about the bad men who used an airplane to blow up a big, giant, tall building in New York City?" (I did.) "A whole lot of people died. That's sad." (It is.) The events of 9-11 will not be her defining moment...

Then I remember Jesus' words, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). 


On 9-11, I didn't understand. I knew Jesus. I'd accepted him as my savior -- yep. Signed, sealed, delivered. Heaven-bound. But, I didn't understand that He wanted to give me more. Peace. Abundant, life-filling peace. To weather any storm this earthly life might bring.
So 9-11 came. I fell apart... completely. Until...


I met Jesus, finally as friend, comforter, encourager and guide. The Jesus who died on the cross not just for my sins, but for all of me. I got to know The One who loves unconditionally and never gives up or grows weary. I discovered his peace. And trusting in Him, I now have a life filled with joy.


In this world, we will have trouble. But Jesus -- He has overcome the world. 


While I wish 9-11 had never happened, I pray that everyone touched by that day will discover the same love, joy and peace that comes in a relationship with Jesus -- a genuine, loving friendship that cannot be destroyed -- even by "bad men." Friends, He HAS overcome the world. Rejoice.


Love,

Becoming the Mom I was meant to be...

My older son, Nathan, told me that when his U.S. History class discussed 9/11, his teacher had asked the class if anyone's family had been affected by the tragedy, Nathan shared our story. 

We were moving from Ohio to North Carolina when that tragedy struck. Already struggling emotionally with the change and feeling lonely, I splintered apart. I couldn't take my eyes of the television -- afraid that if I looked away, something worse might happen. I was a mess... make that MESS!

It took the loving care of a church to help me heal. Months after 9/11, the real me started to emerge... not the pre-9/11 me, but the me I am today.

Nathan told his class that I became a "Mom" because of 9/11. 

I had always doubted that I could ever be a good mom, so I parented in fear. When the boys were young, I did everything I could to protect them. I obsessed over their meals, their toys, even how I spoke to them. I worried. All the time. As much as I loved them, I didn't really enjoy them.

Then I discovered Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

The horror of 9/11 was intended to destroy us, but God turned it around. From the bottomless pit of despair, I reached up to God. He became my refuge and strength. Trusting in Him, finally, I became the mom I was meant to be.

How about you? Do fears hold you back? Or is God your refuge and strength?

Dear God, I am in awe of You. Thank you for being my source of strength, in times of trouble and in times of peace. Be with us today -- lead us, guide us, protect us and fill us with Your love, Your purpose and Your power. Go before me today -- let everything I do bring praise to You. In Jesus' name, Amen

Reflections on She Speaks

I've been home from the She Speaks conference since Sunday. What did I learn? How did I grow? What was my take-away? Great questions, every one. But I have no answers. Not yet.

You know the story of Jesus with the woman at the well? The Pharisees wanted to condemn her. Jesus said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." The next verse says, "And he stooped down and wrote on the ground." (John 8:7-8). I've heard this passage in sermons often through the years, always focused on sin and judging others.

This morning, though, I am struck by the last half. "He stooped down and wrote on the ground." He didn't point fingers. He didn't lecture and reprimand. He wasn't hurried or rushed. He stooped down. He wrote. He waited. Patiently. Even though the Pharisees did not deserve his patience. Even though, technically, the woman DID deserve the punishment. He wrote. Patiently.

That image is caught in my head. My Lord, who knows all my faults -- every punishment I deserve and every stone I throw. He waits. Patiently. Until I understand.

Grace. This story -- not even shared at the conference (at least not in any session I attended) -- is my heart's takeaway. My Lord, Jesus, loves me. When I'm casting stones. When I sin. When I doubt. When I procrastinate. When I'm overzealous. He loves me.

Lord Jesus, fill me with your grace. Help me extend grace to others like you did for the woman at the well. Fill me with purpose to reach others with your message of love, grace and forgiveness. In your precious name I pray. Amen

**Maybe someday I'll share specific things I learned. Today, I share my heart.**

Choose Change

Today, I'm guest posting over at Encouragement Cafe. To visit there, click here. But first...

When we moved to North Carolina, I spiraled into the deepest depression I'd ever known. Though I had given up on myself, my husband never gave up on me. He pursued God on both our behalfs. One Sunday, I begged him not to go to church, just to stay home. With me. He stayed. The next week, I went.

The pastor, known since that day as "my" pastor, explained that the church is hope for the hopeless. He challenged them to love with the hands and feet of Jesus. The sweet people of that church, known since that day as "my" church, loved me exactly like that. They reached out.

I reached back.

They dropped a lifeline into my pit.

I grabbed hold and pulled up.

Love's redemption. The broken person comes into the church, gets loved on... and then...

Some grow. Like me. We grab hold of the rope. We choose change. Lives transformed by the love of God.

Some don't grow. The rope hangs down. But the hopeless sit at the bottom of the pit, refusing to grab it. Refusing to choose change. Eventually, they're left in a pit filled with ropes dropped as people tire of holding them out.

That hopeless person asks: "Why am I still here?" "Why am I all alone?" "Why isn't the church helping me?" She never realizes that someone was there -- offering help. Offering hope. She never realizes that she didn't choose change... or that the helpers gave up. Exhausted.

Psalm 18:29 says, "With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall." With help. With God. That's how it works. Not them helping me, but all of us working together. Then, I -- hopeless no more -- can scale a wall.

If you feel like you're all alone, won't you grab hold? Take that rope. Choose change.

• Serve others by joining a ministry team.
• Connect with others through small groups.
• Volunteer at the homeless shelter and give your time to those less fortunate than you.
• Read the Bible (James is a great place to start).
• Pray -- Praise -- Pray.
• Count your blessings, one by one. 

Grab a rope. Get out! It's up to you. Will you choose change?

Happy Fourth of July!!!

This holiday weekend, we celebrate our 235th birthday as a nation. WOW!!! That's a lot of candles!

We'll celebrate with parades.

photo © 2008 Michael Witzel | more info (via: Wylio)

Cookouts.

photo © 2007 Michael Lehet | more info (via: Wylio)

Fireworks.

photo © 2008 Jeff Golden | more info (via: Wylio)

How about we take some time this year and spend it thanking God?

For freedom. For those who protect our freedom.
For those who have sacrificed it all...

For freedom.

photo © 2011 DVIDSHUB | more info (via: Wylio)

God bless the USA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q65KZIqay4E

Surviving Rush Hour

photo © 2009 versageek | more info (via: Wylio)

Last week, I had the "privilege" of driving in morning and afternoon rush hour to cart Nathan to and from piano camp. I was supposed to take Ben to golf camp in the city -- same week to save myself some driving -- but he got sick. Instead, I'm driving him this week. (Thankful that the NCSU Golf School was willing to change his camp without added cost. Not thankful that I'm driving in rush hour traffic again.) Yep, another week of back and forth driving to the city. During rush hour.

God can teach a lot to a captive audience in such a situation. He spoke clearly last week, "Stay in your lane, Karen. Just stay in your lane."

Have you noticed how some people zig this way and zag that way, trying to get ahead? I'm talking about drivers here -- they switch lanes non-stop. The "lucky" ones move ahead three or four cars, but that's about it. They just think they're going somewhere. I must admit that I enjoy watching these guys get busted for speeding! I'm not very nice.

Sane drivers stay in their lane. Sometimes they move a little faster. Sometimes they slow down. They move steadily to their destination. With a lot less stress! I learned this lesson quickly -- and spared myself a lot of stress and tension.

That's when God spoke in that sweet whisper, "Stay in your lane. It's true for life, my sweet child." You see, I want to rush ahead. For years, I've patiently (okay, not so patiently) supported my husband, raised my kids and served God in my church. I want to start my life now. Yep, now would be good.

Others pass me by -- in the fast lane. Why not me?

Why not me? Wrong question!

Instead, I should be asking, "What else, God?" What else can I learn? What else do you want me to understand? What else should I do, God, while I wait? 

God's got a good and pleasing plan for my life. I know it's true! His word says, "I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). Just like a driver who stays sane in rush hour, I need to stay in my lane and focus on the goal -- God's plan. His vision. His destination. 

It's true in rush hour. It's true in life.

Worms

photo © 2006 pfly | more info (via: Wylio)
Yep, worms.

Yesterday, Ben and I cleaned our flower beds and mulched some of them. I got the fun job of edging the beds so the mulch won't spill out so much. Just about every shovel-full uncovered an earthworm and I was thrilled!

If you're thinking "yuck" right about now (or... "This chick's crazy if she gets excited by worms!") please keep reading. There's beauty hidden in this post!

The first seven years we lived here, the earthworms wouldn't join us. Mostly, we had slugs. Lots of ugly, mean slugs. My son once commented that "slugs are like satan, because they eat at your roots and kill you." Slugs feast on plant roots and kill them, destroying gardens.

Yesterday, those worms showed me that our once dying garden has come back to life! YAY!

What changed?
1. We replaced the clay that once dominated our yard with a healthy layer of topsoil, dirt full of nutrients to encourage strong plant growth.
2. We fertilized the yard according to the recommended schedule, not just now and then when the thought crossed our minds.
3. We invested in mulch, to insulate the new plants. As that mulch has broken down, it's improved the quality of the dirt.
4. We cut away dead or over-crowded branches, so our plants and bushes aren't weighed down.

The worms remind me of a healthy Christian life. The healthy Christian:
1. Replaces sinful, worldly desires with faith in Christ.
2. Fertilizes the heart regularly: reading scripture and allowing it to seep in, praying, and worshipping.
3. Invests in relationships and activities that encourage growth and insulate us from the harshness of the world: serving on a ministry team, participating in small groups, worshipping and fellowshipping with other believers. These relationships help us keep our focus on that healthy relationship with God.
4. Cuts out the bad stuff: selfishness, pride, and time stealers that keep us from becoming all God wants us to be.

Faithful work in the garden has its reward: beautiful plants and flowers. Faithfully living the Christian life has its reward too: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

photo © 2006 Clayton Sieg | more info (via: Wylio)

Rejoicing in His love today!
Love,
Karen

Memorial Box Monday: Remember. Rejoice.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary,

you have been grieved by various trials, 
so that the tested genuineness of your faith--

more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--

may be found to result in praise and glory and honor 
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:6-7

I woke this morning to the news that Osama Bin Laden has finally been killed. I'm so thankful to the U.S. Military and our friends around the globe who helped along the way. The news triggered a flood of memories, catching me off-guard.

The attacks on New York and Washington sent me into a deep crisis of faith. I spiraled into a deep depression and intense, paralyzing fear. My world screeched to a halt. My kids essentially lost their mom for several months. My husband somehow loved me through it all.

Of course, that's not me now. God's love, the promises of hope in His Word, and the love and care of faithful friends helped me overcome. Those friends spoke God's truth into me and pulled me out of the pit. I stand, now, on solid ground... my faith in Jesus.

This morning, with the news of Bin Laden's death, I rejoice. Not so much that he is dead... his journey ends tragically, forever burning in hell. I rejoice that God is bigger than him. God used the events of 9/11 to draw me close to Him. I am forever changed.

Memorial Box Monday started at "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).

Closing the Gap - Take Three

Dear friends,

NOTE: If you've already read this post once, please reread it. A dear friend pointed out an important aspect that was missing. I never want to mislead anyone AND I don't always get it right. I'm thankful for friends who will speak to me in love. I'm more grateful for a loving, forgiving Father! God bless!

At my women's Bible study group last night, one of our members asked the tough question: How do I forgive myself when I keep making the same mistakes?

We make mistakes. We lay our sin at the foot of the cross for Jesus. Then, we pick it back up and throw it on our back, carrying it through life. Again and again. It's so hard for us to give it to God and leave it there.

We make mistakes. We ask God to mold us into who we are really meant to be: patient, loving, kind, slow-to-anger, quick-to-forgive, generous... on and on. We ask for wisdom. Help me be an encouraging mom, not a dictator. Help me be a loving wife, not a judgmental nag. Help me be a supportive friend, not a snooty, gossipy, petty woman. (Maybe we're not so honest in our prayers, but we are getting there.)

One of the women responded to the question.... She shared (and gave me permission to share with you) that in her 20+ years of marriage, she spent most of that time focused on her husband, specifically his flaws. She was good at pointing them out, often in a condemning, anything-but-loving way. Eight years ago, she found Jesus. She accepted His love for her, but her attitude toward her marriage didn't seem to change. She still got angry. She still pointed out his mistakes. She focused on what he needed to do better. She used to believe that she'd always be that way, unable to change.

In the past couple years, though, she has discovered an important part of being a Christian. She realizes that while she still "nags" her husband, her marriage actually has changed. She explained that she still finds herself judging him and complaining about him. They still have fights and she hears horrible words tumble from her mouth. But, she realizes that while she isn't the wife God calls her to be, she is closing the gap. She accepts that God forgives her when she blows it. She focuses on her spiritual growth. And she tries again, knowing God is right there by her side, encouraging, rebuking and loving her every step of the way. She explained to the group that while she isn't there, she can look back on the past eight years and see how far she has come. She notices that there are times, lots of times, when she does hold her tongue. She realizes that her first thought isn't always to condemn, but to love. For that, she is thankful.

This dear lady understands that perfection is not ours this side of heaven. Rather, we are to press on, continually striving to become more like Jesus. She is learning to live like Paul in Philippians 3:12, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

Dear friends, do you find yourself focusing on everything you do wrong? We all make mistakes. We all have sin in our lives. Why not focus instead on where Jesus is taking you? Celebrate the victories. Rejoice in the progress. Accept His forgiveness. Thank Him for helping you close the gap!

If you struggle to forgive yourself or to understand God's forgiveness, please read this post from Inverted Planet.

With much love,
Karen

My Testimony: Beyond the Box

All my life, I’ve known God. When I was little, I saw Him as a protector. As I got older, my image changed. I saw God more like the hard rock carved with the Ten Commandments, a stern father with a long list of do’s and don’ts. I spent a lot of energy trying to be perfect and hold it all together. I exhausted myself making sure I excelled at everything I did. When I became a mom, I poured every ounce of energy into making our lives look perfect. Behind closed doors, I cried. I screamed. I was terrified of failure, and it ate at me. 

Then, I hit rock bottom. The little bit of faith I had was shaken to the core on September 11, 2001 when the twin towers crumbled. This wasn’t supposed to happen in the US. I couldn’t eat or sleep. My young children needed me, but I was glued to the TV, terrified that something worse would happen if I didn’t keep watch. I told my husband over and over, just get me to church on Sunday so I can understand this. Then I’ll be okay.

Sunday came. We went to church and huddled together in the back row. The pastor prayed for the old people of his congregation. As an afterthought, he added “and be with the people in New York.” That was it. His sermon didn’t help either. He preached about the importance of the old people in the church and never mentioned the tragedy in New York. The next couple months were quite similar. We’d go to church. We’d leave. Always wondering. Where was God? I finally gave up looking. 

One Sunday, I begged my husband to stay home. I said I’d give church “just one more try,” if he’d just give me a glorious family day. He lived up to his end of the bargain, so I went to church with him, not expecting much.

God had a surprise for me. From the moment we walked through the door, this church was different. People greeted us genuinely. They helped us get our kids settled in their classes. The pastor shared how important it is for the church to be the hope to the hopeless. God was there, and He had a whole sermon prepared just for me! I wish I could say in that moment my life changed 100%, but it didn’t. That day did mark the beginning of a beautiful journey with Jesus. 

My whole life I had put God in a Karen-sized box, small and manageable, a list of do’s and don’ts. Sitting in that church I dared to look beyond my box for the first time. I discovered a God who forgives, loves, cares, and heals. I discovered the One True God of hope. It’s been almost ten years since I first walked through those doors and God’s changed my heart. I can’t hold Him in anymore. His love is just too big for my box.