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November 2006 Archives
Today is Wednesday, November 1st, 2006; Karen's Korner #923
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A couple of days ago I got a form letter from a company telling me that I "had been selected for inclusion in their Who's Who" book, which is being printed in the near future. It went on to say that I had to "confirm my inclusion in the directory, along with a brief biographical sketch" of who I am. And there is no cost for my information to be included.
Many of you also receive or have received such letters with enclosure cards and envelopes. Our high school students get them, so do college kids. Who knows who else! No, there isn't any cost the letter said. But we assume in the future there will be an "opportunity" for us to obtain the book in which my prestigous name is listed; and for that, well, there is a fee.
As I chose to toss the letter into the wastebasket, I thought, "I am happy to be listed in God's Book of Life...the one that doesn't end at death or when planets cease to be! That listing didn't and doesn't cost me anything. But it cost Jesus everything!!"
The best part is that it is a book which is open and available to everyone. All we have to do is ask Jesus to be included. I need and want to have my name published in that book. That thought and reality makes me very happy. It adds a smile to my face, a spring in my step, and a dimension to my life.
Are you listed in His Who's Who book? If not, today is a good day to join this "prestigious club".
Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
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Today is Thursday, November 2nd, 2006; Karen's Korner #924
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One doesn't have to be in Sunday School very long to hear the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. They were the three who refused to bow down and worship any one but 'our one true God'. King Nebucadnezzar commanded that they worship gods which he had made. If the three didn't worship those gods, the king would toss them into a fiery furnace.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego believed that their God would deliver them. What they believed about their ancient God is the same things we can believe about our God today. He is never in a box with only one answer.
Three different scenarios when people of God face the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:13-18):*
1: We can be delivered from the fire. The King could have changed his mind and let them go. We love it when we learn there is no cancer, we are given the job of our dreams, our journey is smooth. Dividend: Our faith is built.
2: We can be delivered through the fire. While the three were tossed into the fiery furnace, the flames did not touch them. We endure the chemotherapy, the job loss, the broken relationship learning at the same time that God can be trusted and depended upon. We like this one less; we would prefer something easier! Dividend: Our faith is refined.
3: We can be delivered by the fire into His arms. The three knew that it could be God's will that they were burned alive in the furnace, but they put their trust in the One who could and would take care of them....in this life and the one that was coming in eternity. This one sometimes confuses us when the young person, with all kinds of potential dies; when our dreams are cut short by a terminal disease. Dividend: Our faith is perfected.
(* Shared with me by Christine Lousias, taken from a Beth Moore Bible Study : Daniel - Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophesy)
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Today is Friday, November 3rd, 2006; Karen's Korner #925
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Clarion Partnership for Growth Director Jill Etter-Harrington has a litte interchangeable desk plaque. She changes the thoughts frequently. All of them have a Christian twist, so Jill can glance at them while she works.
Here are several of the thoughts:
** Where God guides. He provides.
~ "When you go through the waters, I will be with you.....For I am the Lord your God........ you are precious in my sight.....and I love you."
-- Isaiah 43:2 - 4
** God in the Center -- and everything will come together.
** You are never alone.
~ "Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am."
-- Isaiah 58:9
** Work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long, and the pay is low, but the retirement benefits are
OUT OF THIS WORLD!
~ "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceive what God has prepared for those who love Him."
-- I Corinthians 2:9
** Trials are not enemies of faith but are opportunities to prove God's faithfulness.
Thanks, Jill, for sharing!
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Today is Monday, November 6th, 2006; Karen's Korner #926
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This is a writing by Shirley Choat, her today's daily devotional email. Regardless if we are overwhelmed with daily schedules or unknown futures, God is in control and Jesus means joy to those who believe:
" ...your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." -- John 16:22
The New Testament contains four times as many references to joy as it does to sorrow. Believers should major on the positive things of life, regardless of the trials and disciplines they face. When we put Christ first, we will not stoop to self-pity, but will praise Him in all things. Instead of allowing a dreary and doleful spirit to prevail, we must put the emphasis on loving God and thanking Him for the blessings of His grace. When radiant joy characterizes our lives, we will have a shining testimony that will richly bless those around us.
In all circumstances even in trial and sorrow -Jesus means joy!
"Rejoice in Him." again, again,
The Spirit speaks the word,
And faith takes up the happy strain:
"Our joy is in the LORD."
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Happiness depends on happenings, joy depends on Jesus!
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Today is Tuesday, November 7th, 2006; Karen's Korner #927
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No matter what your day is like; God is there. He will walk with you. A poem forwarded to me by Dorothy Riekens:His Way"
He sees the tears you're crying.
He sees a heart that's sad.
God knows how hard you're trying
And why you feel so bad.
So, don't you go and let Him down
By keeping all the worry.
Don't turn your smile into a frown
And try to make Him hurry.
Let Him fill your heart with love
And take your cares away.
Lift your eyes to God, above.
Let Him do things 'His way'.
©Claytia Doran
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Today is Wednesday, November 8th, 2006; Karen's Korner #928
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A couple of quotes from Joel Osteen's best-selling book, "Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living Your Full Potential":
"Let me encourage you to start expecting and declaring God's favor in your life. Every morning before you leave the house, say something like this: 'Father, I thank You that I have Your favor. Your favor is opening doors of opportunity. Your favor is bringing success into my life. Your favor is causing people to want to help me.'
"Then go out with confidence, expecting good things to happen.......when you go to bed, continue thanking God and declaring His favor and goodness in your life. Anytime you get in a situation where you need favor, learn to declare it.......live favor-minded. Get up each day and expect it and declare it. Say, 'I have the favor of God.' Don't sit back passively. You do your part, and God will do His part. And you'll have everything you need."
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Today is Thursday, November 9th, 2006; Karen's Korner #929
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Sometimes people take a portion of the Bible; turn the words into their own prayer back to God.
As we get closer to Thanksgiving Day, I have done that with a chapter of Psalms. When the written words may have said, "the Lord", I have made it more personal and changed it to "You".
We are thankful; if we aren't, we need to be:
Psalms 103
“I bless Your Holy Name, O God, with all my heart.
Yes, I will bless You, Lord, and not forget the glorious things You do for me.
You forgive all my sins.
You heal me.
You ransom me from hell.
You surround me with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
You fill my life with good things!
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
You give justice to all are treated unfairly.
You revealed Your will and nature to Moses,
to the people of Israel, and to us todayl.
You are merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it;
You are slow to get angry and full of kindness and love.
You never bear a grudge, nor remain angry forever.
You have not punished us as we deserve for all our sins,
for Your mercy toward those of us who fear and honor You
is great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
You have removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.
You are like a father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence You.
For You know we are but dust,
and that our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers,
blown by the wind and gone forever.
But your lovingkindness is from everlasting to everlasting,
to those who reverence You;
Your salvation is to children’s children of those who are faithful to Your covenant
and remember to obey You!
You, O Lord, have made the heavens Your throne;
from there You rule over everything there is.
Bless You, Lord,
Your mighty angels carry out Your orders,
listening for each of Your commands.
Yes, we bless You, Lord;
bless Your armies of angels who serve You constantly.
Let everything, everywhere, bless You, Lord.
I bless You, too, Lord!”
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Today is Friday, November 10th, 2006; Karen's Korner #930
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In Patti Davis' book "Angels Don't Die: My Father's Gift of Faith", she writes of the things she learned from her father Ronald Reagan. Davis, the sometimes strong-willed and sometimes estranged daughter from her mom and dad, writes about the number of things her father taught her by either his words or actions.
A couple of quotes from her book"
"When I was young, my father would tell me that God never gives us more than we can handle.
At the time it was a frightening thought to me.
I would lie in bed at night and try to convince God I couldn't take very much,
so He should really take it easy on me."
The Bible tells us the same thing (any one want to help me with the verse where that is found?), but who among us, like Patti, want to remind God that we, too, are pretty weak? God isn't interested in our weakness because He knows we are all too weak to "take it" in this life. He is interested in His Strength and our dependence on it and in Him.
***
Davis penned about her father's fear of flying. He didn't enjoy it, but did it anyway.
"'Don't you pray that the plane won't crash?' I asked my father,
assuming that would be a logical thing for which to pray.
'No,' he answered. 'I pray that whatever God's will is,
I'll be able to accept it with grace,
and have faith in His wisdom.
We're always in God's hands.
Sometimes it's hard to accept that,
so I pray that He'll help me
just to trust in His will.''"
Do we ever pray telling God what the right answer is, as if we are the directors of the play of life? And then are disappointed with His answer? Because, after all ANYONE could see what the best answer is? Ours?? While God wants us to pray and ask Him for many things, it is much harder to accept God's perfect will for our lives when it differs what we think or want.
Hang on, God is in control!!
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Today is Monday, November 13th, 2006; Karen's Korner #931
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Something forwarded to me by Anleas Green, Jim's cousin who lives in Florida:
Twenty Things To Remember
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.
God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13 There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments.
Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again.
Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage.
The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking.
Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.
Your character is what you really are,
while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of another for the angels to read.
I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it.
I want to have lived the width of it as well.
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Today is Tuesday, November 14th, 2006; Karen's Korner #932
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My good friend Judy shared with several of us at our weekly prayer group that her three-year-old granddaughter had just started organized Sunday School earlier this fall.
Grandma asked, "So what did you learn at Sunday School?"
"I learned that Jesus loves me for forever!" was Alaina's reply
In case life has been taking its toll on you with some twists and turns you could do without, remember that "Jesus loves you for forever!"
The words to probably one of the first Sunday School songs we ever learned:
Jesus loves me! This I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong,
they are weak but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me still today,
walking with me on my way,
wanting as a friend to give,
light and love to all who live.
***
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Today is Wednesday, November 15th, 2006; Karen's Korner #933
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As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, another "thankful" Psalm which is converted into a prayer:
Psalms 118
“Oh, thank You, Lord, for You are good! Your lovingkindness is forever. Let our congregation, and every congregation, praise You with the same words: “Your lovingkindness is forever!”
In my distress, I prayed to You and You answered me and rescued me. You are for me!! How can I be afraid? What can mere man do to me? You, Lord, are on my side, you will help me. Let those who hate me beware.
It is better to trust in You than to put confidence in men. It is better to take refuge in You than in the mightiest king!
Though all the nations of the world attack me, I will march out behind Your banner and destroy them. Yes, they surround and attack me; but with Your flag flying above me I will cut them off. They swarm me like bees; they blaze against me, O my enemy, but You help me. You are my strength and song in the heat of battle, and now You have given me victory. Songs of joy at the news of our rescue are sung in the homes of the godly. Your strong arm has done glorious things! I shall not die, but live to tell Your deeds. You have punished me, but not handed me over to death.
Open the gates of the Temple—I will go in and give You my thanks. Those gates are the way into Your presence; the godly enter there. O Lord, thank You so much for answering my prayer and saving me.
The stone rejected by the builder has now become the capstone of the arch! This is Your doing, and it is marvelous to see! This is the day, Lord, which you have made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, please help us. Save us. Give us success. Blessed is the one who is coming, the one sent by You. We bless You from the Temple.
You, Jehovah God, are our light. I present to You my sacrifice upon the altar, for you are my God, and I shall give You this thanks and this praise. Oh, give thanks to You, Lord, for You are so good! For Your lovingkindness is forever.”
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Today is Thursday, November 16th, 2006; Karen's Korner #934
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This is a short writing by Jeff White as he talks about anxiety The dictionary defines anxiety as "a state of being uneasy or worried about what may happen; an eager but often uneasy desire".
Sometimes we know we are not supposed to worry. But what do we do when we know what we are supposed to do and our minds don't seem to allow us to do it?
Take it from an experienced "worrier or anxious" person: praise and being thankful helps! As we enter into the thanksgiving week, we think of many of the blessings which we are experiencing. The list for most of us is long, but where do we put the stuff we don't like?
Begin thanking God for those too!
I can remember the long season of Merry's hospitalizations and less-than-normal health before her untimely death in 1999. As a mom, I didn't like much of any of it. When I was praying one time and telling God I didn't want to go to the hospital to witness yet another surgery. It seemed like He told me, "Tell Me thank you!"
For what? I wasn't thankful. I didn't like it, which I proceeded to mention.
A second thought back to me was, "I never said you had to like it!"
"Thank you, God, for the opportunity for one more surgery! Thank you sparing Merry's life one more time! For doctors and their training........"
It worked? It changed my frightened, anxious, worried mind and heart into one that could function in an environment I would have changed if I could have.
In case you falsely believe I have anxiety and worry mastered, this Karen's Korner is written for me!!
Here's Jeff:
"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs
him down, but a good word makes
him glad." Proverbs 12:25
How many sleepless nights have you spent worrying about the things for which you have no control? How much time has been wasted over guilt for things that you can not change?
One of Christ’s greatest gifts was the peace that comes to his children. His peace comes through the understanding that all things will work together for good, and that we are forgiven. With the knowledge of good to come and the remembrance of forgiveness, all anxiety should be released from your heart.
Now that’s a good word to make you glad!
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Today is Friday, November 17th, 2006; Karen's Korner #935
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A Bible verse and thought for today from a daily flip calendar of "God's Daily Inspirations", which I have perched near my refrigerator in our kitchen:
"The steadfast love of our Lord
is from everlasting to everlasting
on those who reverence him,
and his righteousness
to children's children."
-- Psalm 103:17
Today it seems we fall in and out of love so quickly.
What a contrast to meditate on:
A love that lasts unchanging,
for more than just a single lifetime!
**
"Dear Father God, You know all about us and love us anyway. For forever! Thank You for that love and for giving us your righteousness. We know we do nothing to deserve it. We accept that kind of love and care and pass it on to others. Help us to love You more and do the same thing to others in our life and world. Amen."
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Today is Monday, November 20th, 2006; Karen's Korner #936
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In a note from Elwood and Shirley Rake, a couple we got to know while traveling together in Australia and New Zealand, we learned the Osage couple was again on the road traveling. This time on a short-term mission to Nicaragua. They support a young girl there through the Rainbow Network.
This isn't just any support organization for the twosome; some of the Rakes' high school classmates are involved in the program. In their four days in Central America, Elwood and Shirley's lives were touched forever. They traveled in a town of 500, which is supported by the Rainbow Network. "The whole community's annual support is $20,000," penned Shirley. She wrote that on December 24, a dozen or more fortunate families will have their names drawn in some sort of lottery-type system to receive a "new home": a cement block house about the size of a single stall garage. But outstanding abodes for the families who are the recipients.
"We were treated like celebrities," Shirley said, "Everywhere we went people would thank us for our support." Their Rainbow Network 'daughter', Jessica, is 12 years old. While there was an English/Spanish barrier, their gestures and smiles were universal. The couple showed them Jessica's picture which they had with them; Jessica in turn showed them their photo, which she carries with her. They were told types of gifts which would be appropriate. They chose a small cross necklace, notecards, a notebook, various smaller items, and a $20 bill which could be shared with her family. Jessica's family includes mom, dad, and three siblings. Dad was in salt production and farming for which he earned about $50 per month.
In order for Jessica to be retained by the Rainbow Network, she must have a certain grade point in her school, not get pregnant or marry. She told the Rakes that she wanted to go to the university to become a dentist. Then return to her community to care for the people there, for which dentists receive $5,000 annual salaries.
"The people we met were always expressing their thanks to God and wishing us well as we traveled," Shirley said. "If the Rainbow Network was not present, people there would not survive." The Rakes support Jessica at the rate of $22 per month. Some people pay monthly; others have a bank deduction. The Rakes choose to write out one check for Jessica one time annually: $264.
I don't know anything about the Rainbow Network. When I learned that the Rakes were going to travel to Nicaragua, I asked her to share their experiences and I would pass them along in Karen's Korner.
In this Thanksgiving week, may we take our lead from many Nicaraguan people and "always express our thanks to God" for His many blessings to us!
The Nicaraguan people's blessings are limited, yet they express their thanks to God openly and often! We have so many blessings we can almost lose count; may we do the same!
"Thank You, God, for the Rakes and for each person reading Karen's Korner today; thank You for.........."
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Today is Tuesday, November 21st, 2006; Karen's Korner #937
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When we traveled across Tennessee last month, Jim and I stopped at my Uncle Bud and Aunt Tillie's home -eating lunch together, spending the afternoon, and traveling to meet up with another aunt, Carol Mae for supper. The day would have been their older son, Mark's, 50th birthday. Mark had passed away a handful of days earlier after a multi-year struggle with multiple sclerosis.
Bud and Tillie shared a poem that was written by Mark's friend, Kathy Pippin, and it is fitting for more than just their family:
Thy Will Be Done
When things aren't they way I would wish them to be
When struggle and strife overwhelm
When storm of the heart keeps battering me
Grown weak now, my hand on the helm
As cringe of the soul becomes common place
New nature and not passer by
Tis time to grow still, and turn up my face
To the One far greater than I.
Is not mine to know in the whole of the thing
Why the trials are given to each
Enough to let go all the sorrow I bring
And listen for what He would teach
In trust moving on, taking life as it is
Giving thanks for both sunshine and rain
Knowing it's safe, that the outcome is His
I'm released from the worry and pain.
-- Kathy Flippin
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Today is Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006; Karen's Korner #938
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Our 2 1/2 year-old grandson, Luke, stayed with us for several days last week. He was a joy; full of energy. Luke is learning as he expereinces his world........like all kids his age are doing.
We had a couple of experiences in the time he stayed with us. On Thursday morning, I had a meeting in town that involved a dry marker board and several dry markers. Prior to the meeting, Luke and I had fun drawing around our hands and feet on newspaper print we had spread on our family room floor.
I had a meeting later that afternoon. Grandpa was going to watch Luke. When I came home from the meeting, grandpa had fallen asleep instead of Luke. Luke had gotten the marker and we had red marks everywhere! On Luke, on furniture, on books and magazines........
The next day we made apple pies for an early family Thanksgiving dinner. I had Luke pull up a stool next to me and we began mixing up pie crust; using a lower cutting board as our table. He did everything I did. Put in the flour, mix in the Crisco and salt. I noticed that the drawer above the cutting board was a bit ajar. And Luke, using the larger utensils and two-year-old coordination, had landed a couple of 'almost mixed ingredients' into the drawer.
As I watched and looked, I thought, "How can Luke learn except by trying, doing, watching, and learning from people willing to teach him? And he has to do some things wrong before he does them right."
And I thought about me and how God takes care of me as His Child and how many times I mess up 'His Kingdom' and how many things I continue to do wrong.
Luke didn't lose his standing in our lives because He made several 'mistakes' while he stayed with us. And we? We are even more loved by our Heavenly Father, whether we color on some items we shouldn't or drop a spoonful of a floury mixture in the wrong drawer by accident.
"Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for adopting us into Your forever family. I like knowing that I am Your Child and that You love me unconditionally. If I love Luke no matter what, I know that You do the same for me and all of Your Children.........only better. Thank You that You have chosen to teach us so many, many things. Forgive me when I make a mess of things, as I learn. Thanks for never giving up on me and not giving up on my friends. Help all of us to learn the lessons You have in store. And thank You for the opportunity to share what we learn with others. In Jesus' Name. AMEN."
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Today is Thursday, November 23rd, 2006; Karen's Korner #939
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I had something in mind for today's Thanksgiving Karen's Korner, until I received this yesterday from Cindy, a classmate from our Fertile School days. It was passed along to her from another Fertile schoolmate. Enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving:
The Hand
Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.
Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.
But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.
Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.
His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.
When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was.
The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."
She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.
Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.
The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the hand that reaches out.
"Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:24
"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8
This Thanksgiving, thank God for all of the "hands" that have "touched" your life. Then, allow the Hand of God to reach out through your hands and touch the lives of others.
Happy Thanksgiving
***
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Today is Friday, November 24th, 2006; Karen's Korner #940
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Move over Thanksgiving; we are ready for Christmas! This is a pass-along from Marlene Peterson, which I had not seen before. I think you will enjoy it:
Subject: How to celebrate Christ's Birthday
Dear children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of
you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of a pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My
followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I
suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Love,
GOD
P.S Don't forget; I am God and I can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember, I LOVE YOU!
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Today is Monday, November 27th, 2006; Karen's Korner #941
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(No Karen's Korner tomorrow, as we will be gone and away from a computer; Wednesday's will arrive late!)
Good Christmas emails arrive almost daily in the holiday season; such was the case last Christmas. So I saved several of the best ones for Christmas 2006:
Christmas Thoughts
Some people think of Christmas
As sleigh rides in the cold
A tree that glistens of tinsel
And decorations of silver and gold.
Some people think of Christmas
As stockings dressed in red
A crackling glowing fireplace
And a warm and cozy bed.
Some people think of Christmas
As faces filled with glee
Sharing stories, fun and laughter
And gathering 'round the tree.
Some people think of Christmas
As gifts wrapped up in blue
Writing letters to their loved ones
And Christmas caroling too.
Some people think of Christmas
As snow falling on the ground
The hustle and bustle of shoppers
And the joy that's spread around.
Some people think of Christmas
As Christ on Christmas day
And families joined together
With heads bowed down to pray.
Some people think of Christmas
As the Lord who dwells above
Who sent His son to die for us
And gave the gift of love.
~~~~
This Christmas may our Savior
enfold you with His Love;
May He fill your heart
with gladness
and blessings from above.
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Today is Wednesday, November 29th, 2006; Karen's Korner #942
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Even though we are walking away from the thanksgiving season heading toward the Christmas holiday, it is never the wrong day to say "thanks".
Taken from Max Lucado's "Walking with the Savior":
"Gratitude comes from having the right perspective.
It's being able to look at what you have and being thankful for that,
rather than longing for what you don't have."
~~
"I will praise You forever,
Because You have done it:
And in the presence of Your saints
I will wait on Your name,
for it is good."
-- Psalms 52:9
~~~
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Today is Thursday, November 30th, 2006; Karen's Korner #943
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We just returned home late last night from a few days in Branson. One of the things which we did was visit the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum. Part of the ticket price included musical entertainment hosted by Roy Rogers, Jr. (aka Dusty Rogers).
One of the comments Roy's namesake made was about being the son of a western movie icon. "At the height of mom and dad's popularity," he said, "they would receive 640,000 pieces of fan mail a week. I have had people say to me, 'Isn't it hard walking in the shadow of such a famous father?'
I tell them, "No, my job is not to walk in his shadow, but to lengthen that shadow."
As we sat in the audience and listen to Roy Jr.'s comments, I thought, "Wow! This is a guy has his head screwed on straight!" The rest of the listeners must have thought so, too, as his remarks were warmly received by applause.
Then I started thinking about me. Whose shadow am I lengthening? By my comments, thoughts, prayers, or deeds? Whose shadow do I get the pleasure of walking in, because I have helped them to recognize their full potential and the potential that God has in mind for them?
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You that you have cast a long, large shadow and allow us to walk in it! Help us to gather others to walk in Your shadow. And, Father God, help me to lengthen some of the shadows of my family and friends. Help me to think about them, bless them by my actions and words, as You would, so that they may become more! More loved, more blessed, more wise, more loving and kind, more filled with Your Spirit! Thank you, Father, Amen."
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