Today's Karen's Korner is in-part from our ecumenical Bible Study yesterday. It is particularly meaningful in the loss of two friends on Saturday; one funeral yesterday for Naomi Maxheimer and the other, today for Linda Sorenson.

Winnie the Pooh is always popular, but back to the forefront of our minds with the 'Christopher Robin' movie in theatres right now:

"Oh, Pooh," said Robin, "if ever there's a tomorrow when we're not together, there's something you must remember."

"And what might that be, Christopher Robin?", asked Pooh.

"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think...But the most important thing is even if we're apart; I'll always be with you. I'll always be with you. I'll always be with you, said Robin.

The writer continued with a  parallel between those two characters and what Jesus had to say:

"Whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:12 - 14)

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you ALWAYS, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 19 & 20)

"May these last words of Jesus serve as a reminder to you today that you are not alone or ill-equipped in your life.....you are enabled through Christ! Live like it! You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think because the Spirit of God is at work within you to embolden, strengthen and guide you.

"Above all, remember this:  God is with you. ALWAYS."

"Lord, Thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit in my life. Please open my eyes wide to all the courage, strength, and wisdom you have for me in Christ. Crush my insecurities and doubts so that I might be an effective witness of Your power. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

(Taken from thoughts from the computer web site - crosswalk.com).