Real life

The internet is a strange "friend." Some of us are consumed by social networks, speaking to others only through facebook, twitter and blogs. Others have forgotten that these "virtual worlds" only provide snippets of reality. Surfing longingly through beautiful homes, fashion pins and hairstyles on pinterest, our own homes are neglected. The reality is nobody lives in a pinterest house!

Others have lost their jobs and families because their "need" for internet gaming consumes their every waking hour. Teens use these social sites to bully others -- as if the face to face bullying in schools isn't enough. Some die from the effects of bullying or because their virtual self died. The internet is impersonal, cold, and untrue.

Yet...

Real life family!

I recently sent an email to the adoption agency we used to bring Ellie home, offering to write a post for them about the attachment and adjustment issues we faced after she came home. They asked to post that email, as is, on their blog and I consented. I expected nothing.

Within days, people responded. Other parents, whose kids weren't easily adjusting to life in a forever family, poured out their hearts, their hurts and their frustrations. My heart ached. Our hurts, dulled by the passage of time, remembered once again as I read their stories. The sadness. The disappointment, not in the kids but in the shattered dreams. The fears, will she ever function in this world or is she trapped inside the hurt forever.

I didn't expect anyone to respond to that post. 

Years ago, when we were going through the pain, I didn't expect it ever to help anyone else.

But God knew. He knew the challenges Ellie would have. He knew the war for her heart and mind that we would fight. He knew the joy of the outcome... and He knew that our hurt, anger and disappointment would one day be used for good. He knew that our journey would become the light in someone else's dark tunnel. He knew!

The internet is not real life! Facebook is not real. Blogs are not "real." But God... sometimes uses them to connect people who would never "meet" otherwise. God used the internet to take our journey to the Pacific Northwest and New York, places I've never been. 


The internet is not real life... but when we, the authors of the internet, write real material from our hearts, God does use it for good, to promote fellowship and remind others of his faithfulness. 


Today, consider what you post in your blog, on facebook or even your pinterest. 


Is it real? 

When the words won't come

There's a blog post hidden in my heart. I've tried writing it five times these past two days, but the words won't come. I used to get frustrated when the words failed to form, but I am learning that maybe, probably, God's just not quite done teaching me.

So today, the words sit. Silent. Waiting. I will listen. Quietly. Expectantly. Knowing that one day, maybe soon, maybe not, the words will come. When God's done teaching me.

The Green Eyed Monster

We're puppy sitting this cute little guy this week. His name is Emmett, though sometimes we call him Ewok. He's absolutely adorable to all of us, except Daisy. Our darling Daisy likes him, but she doesn't like sharing us with him. Not. At. All. If she's in my arms, she will not share space with Emmett. When we pick him up to snuggle, she senses it -- no matter where she is in the house -- and charges at us, barking her head off. She's a sweet dog, thankfully. No puppy attacks or anything.

Watching Daisy's jealous behavior, God reminds me that sometimes we act the same. Yes, friends, we all hide a green eyed monster inside. Here in the blogging community, we write, hoping followers will appreciate each post. But then... we compare our meager number of followers to a blogging friend's thousands and wonder why our number is so small. We pour our hearts into an "incredible" post and not one person comments. Crushed. We wonder why doesn't anyone comment? Why doesn't anyone care?

And it's not just bloggers who suffer from jealousy. We compare wardrobes, child success, houses, cars, even facebook "life" and wonder why we don't have what someone else does. You can deny it, but you know it's true. Something out there makes you jealous, even though you know (as I do) that it's wrong.

James 4:2-3 says, "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."

Ouch! Sometimes God's Word is no fun to read, but we need to read and understand if we are to become mature. Reread it, slowly this time: "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."

Look at the end and work your way back. We ask God for more money, for new clothes, for a better life.... Why? So we can live more like the neighbors or so we can please Him? He wants us to ask on His behalf, for the betterment of HIS kingdom. What is the motive of our hearts - selfishness or His glory?

Blogging friends, do you want followers for yourself? Or will you trust God to bring readers to you who will be blessed, challenged and spurred to Christian growth? (I'm talking to myself here -- I sometimes get caught up in the numbers -- though I don't want to be that way.)

Living in this world is already tough. How about we simplify? Let's stop comparing ourselves to others and thank God for His blessings instead? How different would the world be if we encouraged and cheered each other on instead of tearing each other down?

Because the truth is.... a little jealousy among two tiny dogs is kind of cute. Two grown adults growling and snipping is not so cute.

Chime in. Do you agree? Why?

She Speaks: Four Questions, Answered.

Chatty Kelly asked us to share what we learned at She Speaks 2011. It's been a week -- and I'm still sifting through the information, trying to figure everything out. This was definitely the most information packed weekend I've ever experienced... Now put that in context: I went to law school, studied for and passed the bar exam! I never would have guessed a weekend at a Christian women's speaker conference could be more informative. That's dedication. I can't thank Lysa or the team enough... Now to those questions:

1. What was the best advice you got at She Speaks?

Share your story! God gave you a unique story that only you can share. Don't be afraid to share it. In our speaker evaluation groups, it was almost comical how similar some of our topics were. We spoke on the same scripture, but each lesson was unique. So cool to experience!

2. What was the best lesson you learned in a session?

The one thing that stands out most is humor is a great tool for writers and speakers. Jenny B. Jones shared how she uses humor in a pre-conference session and throughout the rest of the weekend, I was more aware of the effect of humor in a variety of situations. Especially with heavy topics, humor offers a release from the tension. Loved that advice! (Learned so much more this question was hard to answer!)

3. What are you going to do with what you learned/what is your next goal?

Since coming home, I made contacts with some people to let them know I would like to speak at their events. I'll be speaking at MOPS this fall and have another engagement already in the works. Now, to develop those talks so they shine God's glory even more!

4. Anything else you want to share (good, bad or ugly)?

Soooo.... Friday night, we shared our testimonies. My problem? I tried to fit "my story" into Andy Stanley's formula -- in three minutes! Unfortunately, I took out most of me. It didn't flow from my heart, but was forced. (My dear husband identified the problem the night before I left, "What are you doing? That doesn't sound like you at all.") I tried to patch it back together, but... well... We can learn from mistakes, too. Right? Saturday night, I recovered somewhat, thanks to God and a supportive prayer from Melissa Taylor. It never was quite me, but it "felt" better and flowed more smoothly. From now on, I'll take Andy Stanley or anyone else's advice, but I will NOT allow it to change who God made me to be! Just improve who He made me! 

Still amazed. Always thankful!

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.**

Check out the new design

Hey everyone,
Check out the new blog design and let me know what you think! Some material is still "under construction," but I couldn't wait to share my beautiful blog with you.

Thank you, Liz Barber of Sweet Simplicity Designs. I LOVE IT!!!! If you're considering a blog redesign, Liz is offering a May special, but the sale does end tonight.

By the way, in honor of the new design, I'll be doing a giveaway in the next couple weeks. My very first!!! Please follow the blog so you don't miss out on the opportunity!

Lots of love,

We interrupt this blog...

Hey guys,
Just thought I'd let y'all know I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I have not run out of things to say. I'm on deadline with a home improvement project... and on two writing projects.

Thank you for your concern. I hope there's a bright, sunny, spring day waiting for you! :)

Love,
Karen

A Babbling Fool

Hello my bloggy friends,
I haven't posted in a few days. Weird, huh? It's not that I don't have lots -- and lots and lots and lots -- of thoughts swirling in my head. Stuff is swirling everywhere.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 25:21, "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you." Sharing my thoughts here is something I take seriously. I marvel that anyone cares what I post. Integrity matters. I don't want to spout off something just because it popped in my head.

Instead, I need to evaluate. Does it make sense? Does it glorify God, the One who gave me this desire to share? Do my words build up the kingdom? OR -- am I just taking up space out there in cyber-world?

Proverbs 10:10 says, "...a babbling fool will come to ruin." I don't want that! Do you?

While I may not post as often, I do hope that the words I share bless you. I pray you will be challenged to consider your life from a different perspective. I pray that my words will spur you on to live more for God and less for self. We all need encouragement as we run this race for God's kingdom. May you find encouragement here.

Thanks for following my blog. Would you pray for me to know what and when to share?

Let me know how I can pray for you! Leave a comment today -- you can even leave it anonymously. Let's pour out our hearts to God and LISTEN for His reply.

Much love in Christ,
Karen

Letters to God

Talking with a friend the other day (I do that a lot), she shared a beautiful story with me. I warned her then that it would end up on my blog... and Ta Da! Here it is.

She was cleaning out closets and cupboards and such, purging the house of junk to prepare for a yard sale. So industrious! And then she happened upon it... a box of letters she had written to God. Long ago. When she first started going to church. She wrote letters of thankfulness -- for his goodness, his grace, his mercy, and his provision.

But then, as often happens with good habits, she stopped writing. Not that she stopped loving God, nope. Time got in the way. Life happened. No more letters to God.

When she found those letters the other day, she stopped de-cluttering and read them. Her letters reminded her of those early days with God -- when she was totally awed and amazed by his glorious goodness.

A long time ago - before email and facebook (incidentally, a time I easily remember) - people wrote letters that way. We took the time to gather pen, paper and thoughts. We took care to say it "just the right way." When my husband and I were dating (in that time before email and facebook and even cell phones), I couldn't wait for his letters to arrive in the mail. As the recipient, I was sooooo excited that he thought of me and took the time to tell me so. To be honest, I still love old-fashioned letters!

My friend plans to start writing her letters to God again. I think I might, too. I wonder what would happen if we all started doing that... writing him letters of love and gratitude? Would we remember better how glorious He really is?

How about you? How do you remember God's glory? Do you journal? Or do you commit it all to memory, hoping never to forget?

If you decide to start writing your own "Letters to God" let me know if it changes anything. I have a sneaking suspicion that it will. :)

Much love - even through the internet!
Karen

What do you think?

Hello dear friends,
I shared recently that I plan to pursue my passion to write. The past couple weeks, I've been researching opportunities, studying how to write more effectively, and praying. Would you help me, please?

Take a few minutes - or if completely into it, a few hours - and read through old posts to share your favorite. Let me know which post speaks best to you and why.

To make it easy (we're all pressed for time):
1. click on a tag that interests you (That's the big jumble of words to your right. The bigger the word, the more blog posts have been written on that topic.)
2. read through the posts on that topic.
3. let me know your favorite -- or your least favorite -- by posting a comment below this post. (Click the word "comment" below this post and all the comments appear, including a new comment box.)
4. THANKS! :)

I hope that somewhere in what I've already written lies the spark of a genuine article waiting to grow into its full-size self. Maybe somewhere in here my style stands out.

Thank you for helping me become more of me!

Love,
Karen