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September 2020 Archives
Today is Tuesday, September 1st, 2020; Karen's Korner #4287
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A Life that WorksBy Anne Graham Lotz
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."
~ Proverbs 14:12 NKJV
"The first seventeen verses of Genesis 9 are a direct quotation in God's own words giving principles for you and me and the entire human race to live by. If we want to live a life that works, overcoming the weakness that resides in all of us, we must heed these principles. If we do not want to heed these principles, we have that freedom, but we will never live a life that works as it was created to work in the beginning. It would be similar to having a new computer with the most cutting edge of technology , but using it only as a typewriter. It would do the job, but it wouldn't even come close to fulfilling its potential. If we do not heed God's principles for our lives, you and I can exist on the planet yet not even come close to fulfilling our potential or experiencing the abundant life God intended for us.
"One primary reason for the collapse of society all around us is due to indifference and outright rejection of God's principles. Our human weaknesses have become dominant, and life just does not work. So for your own good, read God's Word and live by God's principles and enjoy a life that works!
*****
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Today is Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020; Karen's Korner #4288
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I like gardening and flowers are my specialty. Marigolds of three different sizes have graced the sidewalk to my home all season. I also plant and water a narrow garden near South Main in Clarion each year. This year the tall variety.People remark at their beauty often. Now as we head toward the end of the season, they aren't as 'beautiful' as they once were. I have 'dead-headed' them twice. Now there are too many to even think about it! Several of the plants have died.
And yet the remarks continue. Because the overall beauty and colors continue.
I wonder if it something like us, our family, our church, our community,or any organization. Maybe our state or nation? There might be some 'flaws' or even a 'dead head or two' but the garden is still pretty in its overall look!
Thank You, Jesus, that we don't have to be perfect to 'bloom' in Your garden! Thank You, too, that You add to our collective beauty!
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Today is Thursday, September 3rd, 2020; Karen's Korner #4289
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Believers are Sealed by God
By Max Lucado
"As a parent, when our children stumble, we don't disown them. We may punish or reprimand, but cast them out of the family? We cannot! They are biologically connected to us. Those born with our DNA will die with it.
"God, our Father, engenders the same relationship with us. Upon salvation we become as John 1:12 says, 'children of God.' He alters our lineage, redefines our spiritual parenthood, and in doing so secures our salvation.
"Paul says,'Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit' (Ephesians 1:13). And a soul sealed by God is safe! God paid too high a price to leave us unguarded. Again, a reminder from Paul in Ephesians 4:30, 'He has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.'
"What a difference this assurance makes!"
****
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Today is Monday, September 7th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4290
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Today is the day that I get out of my 10-day quarantine! Didn't get sick. I will write more about it next week. This is yesterday's "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence: by Sarah Young, telling about 'being still'. Maybe this was what God was calling me to for the past week plus!
"Let the dew of My Presence refresh your mind and heart. So many, many things vie for your attention in this complex world of instant communication. The world has changed enormously since I first gave the command to be still and know that I am God. However, this timeless truth is essential for the well-being of your soul. As dew refreshes grass and flowers during the stillness of the night, so My Presence revitalizes you as you sit quietly with Me.
"A refreshed, revitalized mind is able to sort out what is important and what is not. In its natural condition, your mind easily gets stuck on trivial matters. Like the spinning wheels of a car trapped in mud, the cogs of your brain spin impotently when you focus on a trivial thing. As soon as you start communicating with Me about the matter, your thoughts gain traction and you can move on to more important things. Communicate with Me continually and I will put My thoughts into your mind."
~~ Taken from Psalm 46:10; Luke 10:39 - 42;
2 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)
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Today is Monday, September 7th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4291
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God Won't Let Go
By Max Lucado
"You know, many Christians think they're saved, hope they're saved. But still they doubt, wondering, 'Am I rally saved?' Our behavior gives us reason to wonder. We're strong one day, weak the next. Devoted one hour, flagging the next. Believing, then unbelieving.
Conventional wisdom draws a line through the middle of these fluctuations. Perform above the line and enjoy God's acceptance. But dip below it and expect a pink slip from heaven. And salvation then becomes a matter of timing. You just hope you'll die on an upswing. Jesus' language couldn't be stronger. 'And I give hem eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages...and no one is able to snatch them out of My hand' (John 10:28 AMP).
"God doesn't let go, and He won't let go of you."
****
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Today is Tuesday, September 8th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4292
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Welcome to Tuesday, which seems like
Monday after the longer Labor Day holiday weekend!
Now I am out of the virus quarantine, after testing positive for
COVID, nearly two weeks ago. I am thankful to God and to any of you who
may have prayed for me. I was never sick, which is a praise God!
Any of my friends I needed to identify as being in a close proximity
parts of four days prior to my test and who also needed to be
quarantined, either tested negative for the virus, if they chose to be
tested. Or did not get sick, if they chose not to test. This was
another concern I had of giving it to them; that could have been hard
for me to take - should they have gotten sick. Some get really sick
with COVID.
God protected all of us. Sometimes I think it is almost as important
for God take care of our emotions and spirits, as it is our physical
needs! He did that for me for the ten days I was in.
Did I actually have it? I don't know. I know that if I did have it. I
can't be a 'carrier' and give it to others. Plus I would have an
immunity for the next couple of months.
Something new for me is that I am finding some people are
cautious to be near me. That is hard for me. Please pray that i
respond correctly to them. I pray that I have the right remarks,
attitudes, and thoughts.
God blesses all of us. I want to be a blessing to others. With His
help. Always! I'd prefer to be positive. Sort of like my test results.
POSITIVE!
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Today is Wednesday, September 9th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4293
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When we become Christians, we receive the gift of eternal life. But not only that but lots of other things. Among them the gift of JOY which is packed into each one of us; whether we feel like it or act like it!
"(Jesus speaking:)
'I have told you this
so that you will be filled with my joy!'"
~ John 15:11 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "When things are going well, we feel elated. When harshsips come, we sink into depression. But true joy transcends these waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into lows and manage properly without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily keeps us levelheaded no matter how high or low our circumstances."
**
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Today is Thursday, September 10th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4294
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Readers could tell that I really liked "Praying Grace: 55 Meditations and Declarations on the Finished Work of Christ" by David Holland.
Holland records seven things which Christ exchanged on the cross. I highlighted them in the past couple of months.
Here is a brief recap of the exchanges:
Our Sin for His Righteousness
Our Curse for His Blessing
Our Rejection for His Acceptance
Our Sickness for His Health
Our Shame for His Glory
Our Poverty for His Abundance
Our Death for His Life
I need to be reminded of them often. Sometimes I forget who I am; Whose I am. And what I possess.
In part: "I declare that abundant life in every aspect is mine---here, now, in this world.Thank You for allowing Jesus to die my death, so I can live in Him and he in me. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living, working and flowing in me."
***
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Today is Friday, September 11th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4295
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Taken from an
American Legion Auxiliary email several days ago:
Remembering
the victims of 9/11
"Today marks
the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Take time on Patriot Day
and this National Day of Service and Remembrance to remember those lost and
honor those who defend our freedom."
*
Yesterday I grabbed
our dog's retractable leash for a quick walk. First, I had to take a couple
of things out to my van in the machine shed.
When I got back to the sidewalk, I saw Rocky looking at me, near the shed, as
if to say, "What are we doing here?"
I called, "Come on, Rocky!" And he came running, with reckless
abandon, ready for whatever I had in store for us.
Sometimes I wonder, what do I do when Jesus says, "Come on, Karen!"
Do I run toward Him with joy in my heart and a spring in my step?
The Bible says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I
will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
And sometimes maybe Jesus just wants to take a walk together with me!
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Today is Monday, September 14th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4296
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Peg Bunn, a good friend, substituted as leader of our gals' ecumenical Bible study last Wednesday morning. She pulled out her folder of notes and jots on scraps of paper, with her 'collection' of sayings which she sees and likes.
Here are a few of them:
"God doesn’t call the qualified,
He qualifies the called."
* "Tears are prayers too.
They travel to God when we can’t speak."
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"Jesus Christ is Lord.
Not a swear word?"
*
"God see possibilities and beauty
where we see question marks."
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"If you want to feel rich
just count all the things you have
that money can’t buy!
Good Marriage – Kids – Health – Friends!"
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"God’s wisdom goes beyond
common sense –
it is divine."
*
"In case no one told you today:
You’re - Beautiful
You’re - Loved
You’re - Needed
You’re - Alive for a reason.
You’re - Stronger than you think.
You’re – Going to get through this.
I’m glad you’re alive. Don’t give up!"
***
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Today is Tuesday, September 15th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4297
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God Made Visible"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven give to men by which we must be saved."
~ Acts 4:12 NIV
* "Who do you know who says we can each have our own religion as long as we are sincere? Does that person put a guilt trip on you for what he or she describes as a dogmatic, narrow-minded, intolerant, and exclusive faith? But the Gospel wasn't our idea, was it? Jesus Himself declared, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' (John 14:6 NIV). We must come to God through Him or we don't come at all. The Bible says emphatically that 'salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.' Just the name of Jesus.
"And Who is Jesus? He is God Himself made visible to all. Praise God! You and I are not condemned to live in the darkness because He has turned on the Light!
"Praise God for just giving us Jesus!"
~ Anne Graham Lotz
***
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Today is Wednesday, September 16th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4298
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Mark Hinton gave our communion meditation on Sunday.
Here is what he said:
"How many of you know that there has been over 100 days straight
of riots in Portland, Oregon? What about the fires in California? And
along the west coast? We have a hurricane heading towards New Orleans.
"We live in days that can cause us to FEAR: fear of the
unknown; fear of the known; fear of the future; fear of the present;
fear to go outside; fear to stay inside; fear for our health; fear
for our kids; fear for our grand kids; fear to live; fear to die.
"...and the list goes on and on and on........
"The consequences of fear can drain you of: HOPE;
encouragement; rational thought, energy; good health; critical
thinking; inaction.
"Fear can cause: isolation; poor decisions; poor health;
depression; anger; poor relationships.
"Why did Adam and Eve hide from God in the garden? They were
afraid. Why did 10 of the 12 spies bring back a bad report after spying
out the land of Canaan? They were afraid. Why did all the disciples
flee the night Jesus was taken away to be tried? They were afraid!
"There are some healthy fears: touching live electrical
wires while standing in water. Playing too many practical jokes on your
spouse. Things like that.
"If all we're living in is FEAR, we are in bondage. And the enemy
will do anything to keep us there.
"But that is NOT how God wants His children to live. Jesus said,
"I have come to give you life and to give it to you more
abundantly!" Paul said, "We are MORE than conquerors through
Him who loved us."
"We have to find our foundation and our weapons in God's Word: 2
Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but
of power, and of love, and of a right mind."
"Now that is either TRUE or it's not true. If it's in the Book, I
choose to believe it's true!
"I John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in Love. But Perfect
Love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears
has not been made perfect in Love."
"So when fear rears it's ugly head, rebuke it in Jesus' Name -
'Lord, this is not of You - You have given me the spirit of power and of
love and of a right mind.'
"We can live right. Love right. Think right."
***
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Today is Thursday, September 17th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4299
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"It is good to say, 'Thank you' to the Lord, to sing praises to the God who is above all gods.
Every morning tell him, 'Thank you for your kindness,' and every evening rejoice in all his faithfulness. Sing his praises, accompanied by music from the harp and lute and lyre. You have done so much for me, O Lord. No wonder I am glad! I sing for joy.
O Lord, what miracles you do! And how deep are your thoughts!"
~ Psalm 92:1 - 5 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "During the Thanksgiving holiday, we focus on our blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips daily. We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders, and especially to God. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude toward life will change. You will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble."
***
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Today is Friday, September 18th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4300
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This is yesterday's (September 17) Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence". It could be said about me; maybe some of you?
"You will not find my peace by engaging in excessive planning ;attempting to control what will happen to yo in the future. This is a commonly practiced form of unbelief. When your mind spins with multiple plans. Peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throw things into confusion.
"I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability. I crafted your mind for continued communication with Me, Bring Me all your needs, your hopes and fears. Commit everything into My care. Turn from the path of planning to the path off Peace."
~ I Peter 5:6 - 7; Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)
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Today is Monday, September 21st, 2020; Karen's Korner #4301
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In the Midst of Life's MessesBy Max Lucado
(taken from today's inspirational email)
" When life grows dark and stormy, does God notice? The answer, in the life-giving miracles of the gospel of John, is a resounding 'yes'. Do you believe in a Jesus who has not only power, but a passionate love for the weak and wounded of the world? Do you think he cares enough to find you in the lonely waiting rooms, the rehab centers, and the convalescent homes of life?
"You and I long for someone who will meet us in the midst of life's messes. If this is your desire, take a good look at the words of John and the miracles of Christ and see if they don't achieve their desired goal: 'That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name' (John 20:31). Remember, friends, you are never alone."
*******
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Today is Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020; Karen's Korner #4302
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Installment #2 of Peg Bunn's collection of sayings which she shared at a gal's ecumenical Bible study a couple of week's ago:
God’s wisdom goes beyond common sense – it is divine.
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When life knocks you to your knees
that’s a perfect position to pray!
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God doesn’t make junk!
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Love the sinner.
Hate the sin!
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Don’t begrudge someone just because they sin differently than you.
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Do you go to the phone
or do you go to the throne?
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If God is all you have,
you have all you need!
*
Sometime we think we need things to make us happy.
Just look at the smiles of children in
3rd World countries.
***
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Today is Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020; Karen's Korner #4303
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Taken from Max Lucado's "Pocket Prayers: 40 Simple Prayers That Bring Peace and Rest.
Lucado has a simple formula for 'non-prayers:
Father, you are good.
I need help. Heal me and forgive me.
They need help.
Thank you.
In Jesus' Name, amen.
So here is #14:
"Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
` Philippians 4: 6 & 7
"Dear Father, you are the Prince of Peace and the great I Am. You are my helper and my redeemer.
"I need your help today. I am weak and frail and tired. Give me the strength to work as if I am doing it all for your glory.
"Help those who are carrying especially heavy burdens right now. They need your power and peace that goes beyond our understanding.
"I am so grateful that I can come to you and present my requests at any time. Thank you for giving me peace and rest even in he hard times.
"In the name of the Prince of Peace, I pray. Amen."
***
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Today is Thursday, September 24th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4304
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"'What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son for us but gave Him up for us all, won't He also surely give us everything else?
"Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? Will God? No! He is the one who has forgiven us and given us right standing with Himself.
"Who then will condemn us? Will Christ? No! For He is the one who died for us and came back to life again for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us there in heaven."
~ Romans 8:31 - 34 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Do you ever think that because you aren't good enough for God, He will not save you? Do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you? Then these verses are especially for you. If God gave His Son for you, He isn't going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Christ gave His life for you, He isn't going to turn around and condemn you! The book of Romans is more than a theological explanation of God's redeeming grace---it is a letter of comfort and confidence addressed to you."
****
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Today is Friday, September 25th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4305
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About a month ago, I read a book written by Paula White-Cain. It was her autobiography.
While she has a large ministry, her life is more than stellar. She had a difficult childhood, a marriage too young - which resulted in a divorce and her single parenthood. She met her second husband who was the son of a preacher and the couple started a church and ministry. It grew very rapidly, which caused her and him to travel and spread God's good news.
As time progressed, she knew he was cheating on her but. She continued with the ministry, hoping things would work out. It didn't! Now she is married for a third time.
Several mornings ago I was watching a Christian program where Rick Warren of "Purpose Driven Life" fame, was telling of his son's suicide at 27 years old. The family knew of the son's mental illness all of his life. Medical treatment, consoling, praying for him were all part of the son's past. He would have good times and then bad.
Warren told how hard their loss was, especially being in the public's eyes. "We got more then 35,000 sympathy cards and letters," he said. "Some from well-known names and leaders of churches and governments, but the most touching notes were from those who said, 'your son led me to Jesus'. 'Your son impacted my Christian life'.
He went on to say, "Even broken branches can bear fruit!"
Paula White or Rick Warren's son: used by God in spite of and because of their life and lives.
Makes me think. God can use us. He can use me. In spite of and because of: 'God uses broken branches like us to bear His fruit.'
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Today is Monday, September 28th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4306
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Last week our gals' ecumenical Bible study took a look at Jesus' encounter with a 'despised' Samaritan woman when He met her at the well. She was surprised that He would even talk to her, yet alone ask Him for a drink.
"He replied, 'If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you" (John 4:10a).
"We, as His followers, should be telling others the same thing...'if you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you'!
"His unconditional love. Gift of His Holy Spirit. Help for this life. Eternity Ahead. Could all of us do a little better job spreading His 'Good News'. I think Yes. Could I? I know Yes!"
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Today is Tuesday, September 29th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4307
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Today's inspirational thought from Anne Graham Lotz:
Willing to Be Whole
"Do you want to get well?"
~ John 5:6 NIV
"Jesus didn't ask the man beside the pool of Bethesda, 'Do you need to get well?' But, 'Do you want to get well?' There was no preliminary introduction or social niceties or even casual conversation, just a Stranger asking a question that would seem to have had a very obvious answer. Surely, without question, anyone who was a paralytic would want to be able to walk.
"But Jesus knew that it's easy for physical weakness and mental depression and a lifetime of hopelessness to rob a man of his willingness to do anything about it. It would be less demanding in many ways for the man to be carried about by others. His paralysis absolved him for taking responsibility in life
"Jesus knows one of the greatest barriers to our faith is often our unwillingness to be made whole - our unwillingness to live without excuse for our spiritual smallness and immaturity. And so the question He asked was very relevant and still is today: 'Do you want to get well?'"
***
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Today is Wednesday, September 30th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4308
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(Sorry for the delay today. My computer was in the 'computer hospital' overnight for its annual check up!)
Some Side Notes from the August/September issue of OUR IOWA magazine (in honor of the last day of the month of September!):
"Formula for youth!
Keep your enthusiasm and forget your birthdays."
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"Cause happiness wherever you go,
not whenever you go."
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"Recall it as often as you wish---
a happy memory never wears out."
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"In prosperity our friends know us;
in adversity we know our friends."
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"No kind of action ever stops with itself.
One kind action leads to another."
~ Amelia Earhart
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"When you're wrong, admit it.
When you're right, be quiet."
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"Forgiveness is remembering without being angry."
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"Adults are always asking little kids
what they want to be when they grow up
because they're looking for ideas."
~ Paula Poundstone
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"Your life can be a mess
or a message --
it's for you to choose."
***
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