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August 2007 Archives
Today is Wednesday, August 1st, 2007; Karen's Korner #1118
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God, the Creator of the Universe, wants to be intimately involved in your life and mine. He knows us better than we know ourselves and wants to make us strong where we are weak and needy
This is a daily email devotional by Joel and Victoria Osteen:
God's Way to Get Strong
"I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become." -- (2 Corinthians 12:10)
"The secret to staying strong in your faith is really no secret at all. You just have to live in the strength that God provides, not your own! When you feel you are at your weakest, that is when you must exercise your faith the hardest. When you physically grow, there are growing pains, and the same is true spiritually. As you continue to stretch and work out your faith, it will get easier. God will bring you supernatural opportunities. He will open doors for you so that you can express your faith in a greater way. That's how you continue to grow. God does this sometimes to prove to His followers that it is really Him who strengthens His servants to do good work. Fight off your weakness by doing some strength conditioning in your faith!"
"God, thank You for giving me Your strength for whatever comes my way. Help me to continue stretching my faith and growing spiritually stronger. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
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Today is Thursday, August 2nd, 2007; Karen's Korner #1119
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For the past fifteen months, a group of nine from our church family has planned, organized, worked, and raised funds to go on a short-term mission trip to Poland. And today is the day we travel!!
Why are we going? Each person who is participating might have a different answer.
We are going because John Crozier and his wife Zaba (who is a Poland native) invited us. John grew up, a portion of his life, in Clarion. We look forward to being with our friends!
We are going because the Croziers are a missionary family which our church supports on a monthly basis with our resources of time, money, and prayers.
We are gong because we are setting aside additional resources of time and money to reach out to others with God's love. Others are going with us with the dollars which they have invested in our efforts.
We are going because God leads His Children to "testify about Me.....to the people of Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Smaria, and to the ends of the earth......(Acts 1:8)" We have learned that means people across the street, in our community, our state, people different from us, and anywhere in the world.
While we are there, we will be staying on the campground where much of the ministry takes place. Two of our biggest anticipated projects are working with a vacation Bible School for children 7 - 15 years old (anticpated attendance of 75) in the mornings in a town 15 miles away. In the afternoons, we will be participating in the Multi-Sport/English camp back at the campgrounds (anticpated attendance of 150). According to a recent newsletter from the Croziers, the theme of the weekly camps/Bible Schools this summer is the "book of Acts" and 2,000 young people will learn more about the Bible through this ministry.
We are excited and ready! We look forward to learning, growing, and sharing! Thank you for any way which you may have and are supporting us.
When we get back home, we have to remember to take God's love across the street. The mission field is anywhere and everywhere!
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for making this trip a reality for nine of us. Thank You for Your provision of time and resources so that we can travel to reach out to others in Your name. May we be willing and productive servants. May those with whom we come in contact benefit from Your Presence through us. May we benefit from Your Presence within those we meet as we travel. Lead us; guide us; direct us. In the Name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.
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Today is Friday, August 3rd, 2007; Karen's Korner #1120
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An email devotional by Joel and Victoria Osteen:
Hang in There!
"Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!" (2 Corinthians 4:17)
"Does there seem to be a problem waiting for you no matter where you turn? Do you sometimes wonder if your dreams are ever going to come to pass? Maybe you've asked why God would allow you to struggle in your job, your relationships, your health, or some other area of life. God allows you to go through challenges because He knows it's the struggle of life that builds strength in you. If God simply delivered you from every struggle every time, then you may not continue to grow and learn to trust Him. When you persevere through difficult times, you'll begin to realize a greater level of joy, peace, victory, and abundance than you ever dreamed possible. Remember, God loves you too much to leave you where you are. He's preparing you for something better!"
God, thank You for giving me what You know I need. Help me to learn and grow through my struggles as I trust You to bring me out stronger than ever. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Today is Monday, August 6th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1121
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Shared by a friend:
Drinking From the Saucer
I’ve never made a fortune
and I’ll never make one now,
but it really doesn’t matter
‘cause I’m happy anyhow.
I go along my journey
reaping better than I’ve sowed.
I’m drinking from the saucer
‘cause my cup has overflowed.
I don’t have a lot of riches
and sometimes the going’s tough.
But while my kids still love me,
I think I’m rich enough.
I’ll thank God for all his blessings
that His mercy has bestowed.
I’m drinking from the saucer
‘cause my cup has overflowed.
If God will give me strength and courage
when the way grows steep and rough,
I won’t ask for other blessings
‘cause I’m already blest enough.
May I never be too busy
to help bear another’s load.
I’m drinking from the saucer
‘cause my cup has overflowed.
~ auhor unknown
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Today is Tuesday, August 7th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1122
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Psalms 92:1-7: "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! Unthinking people do not understand them! No fool can comprehend this: that although the wicked flourish like weeds, there is only eternal destruction ahead of them."
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 Wednesday, August 8th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1123
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Something I wrote several years ago in January:
A white, bright day
It is a snowy, foggy day as we make plans to drive to church this morning. Better take the pick-up to ensure our safe arrival.
As we drive down our country roads, all we see is white. White roads. White in the ditches. White in the fields. White in the air. While it is all white, visibility is enough that we feel a sense of safety.
We turn north on to the county road black top, driving toward town. The first car we meet doesn’t have its lights on, and it is somewhat difficult to see.
The second vehicle, however, does have its lights on. Much easier for us to see this car!
“Lord, because we are Your Children, we want to thank you for the lights which you have given to each of us to shine in a dark, or maybe sometimes too bright, world. Thank you for lighting our paths and the paths of others. Help us each day to travel as Your Children, reflecting your guiding light and for opportunities to show others your paths and your ways. Amen.”
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
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Today is Thursday, August 9th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1124
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Another devotional from Joel and Victoria Osteen. It is a daily email and came to our house on just the right day:
Wise Words from a Prophet
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” ~~~ Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV).
"The prophet Habakkuk knew what to do when things seemed completely hopeless. His world was literally falling apart. In fact, the situation was so bad it seemed trouble was bursting through the seams of his life. So what did Habakkuk do? He rejoiced and praised the Lord in spite of everything! That may seem contrary to you and even silly. But you have probably lost something or someone who is very dear to you, so you can know how Habakkuk was feeling. But follow the prophet's example. When something bad happens to you, thank God - not because you're suffering, but because you know He is still faithful and loving. God wants to bless you, and He can lift your head above any problem!"
"God, I need Your strength to stand up in the midst of troubled times and say, “Thank you, Lord” despite what is happening around me. Help me to learn this lesson from Your prophet Habakkuk and apply it to my life today and every day. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
****
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Today is Friday, August 10th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1125
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Hello! This is Jamie filling in for my mom while she is in Poland for a few more days.
I had an interesting experience yesterday. It was a busy day in our house. More things to do than hours in the day and it was Molly's 2nd birthday. I picked up the kids at daycare and went to the doctor for an appointment. We had to pick up medicine at the pharmacy on the way home and a balloon for the birthday girl. I thought it would be a 20 minute trip, but with a now 2-year old and 3 1/2 year old in tow, you just never know.
The pharmacy was busy, so we stalled and got a few things. We got a Dora birthday balloon and the nice lady made a wristband for Molly to wear it, so it wouldn't float to the ceiling in the store. After about 5 minutes.....you guessed it, floated to the ceiling.
So, now I have a sad Molly and a Luke who is asking what should we do. A really nice teenage girl climbed into my cart and tried to reach it, a retired man gave her something else to be a little taller...an ear of sweet corn. The teenager's mom found an employee who got a broom and batted it down. Crisis averted. I noticed that the teenageer was wearing a small cross necklace. I know that that is "in-style" now, but her actions spoke louder than words. She's climbing into a strangers cart at a busy grocery store, how embarrassing!!
She was being Jesus by assisting a mom with two grumpy kids in the grocery store. I never caught her name and did say thank you before we parted ways. It reminds me to be more like Jesus in small ways that I don't realize are that big of a deal at the time. It might not be a big deal to me, but you don't know the impact it may have on other people. I'm sure that she didn't.
Jamie
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Today is Tuesday, August 14th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1126
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We are back after a wonderful trip to Poland (there were nine of us!). I will probably be writing a couple of my thoughts while there, in upcoming Karen's Korners.
Here is a brief one:
We did basically two different things: helped with a Vacation Bible School in the mornings from Monday through Friday and helped with the English Camp in the afternoons from Sunday through Saturday. There were 30-plus kids at the VBS and 150 kids at the camp.
Each morning to kick off the day, the leaders and counselors had an early devotions, prayer time, and touched bases for activities for that particular day. One of the nine traveling with us was our minister, Tim; he was asked to lead the devotion time each day......in English. Because there was also a group from a Springfield, Illinois church, someone would always translate English into Polish or Polish into English.
Prayer time was for anyone to pray aloud. The first day I can recall listening to a Polish prayer, a Polish prayer, an English prayer, and a Polish prayer. I could only understand one of the four. But I can remember thinking, "Prayer is God's language and He can understand them all."
All of us knew we were in His presence whether we understood the words being said or not.
Dear Father God, thank you that you are who you are. Thank you that you are greater than all we can do, be, or say. Thank you that you are Father, Creator, Sustainer, Listener, Helper, and care about every detail of our life and the lives of those in from around our world. Be with me and be with them, just for today. In Your Son Jesus' Name, Amen.
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Today is Wednesday, August 15th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1127
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Taken from Max Lucado's book "It's Not About Me"; in part, from pages 54 - 56:
"All about me," counsel says. "Life is short---get out."
God's wisdom, however, says, "Life is short--stay in."
The brevity of life grants power to abide, not an excuse to bail. Fleeting days don't justify fleeting problems. Fleeting days strengthen us to endure problems. Will your problems pass? No guarantee they will. Will your pain escape? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But heaven gives this promise: "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV).
Remember the blindfolded lady of justice? She holds a pan scale--two pans, one on either side of the needle. The weight of a purchase would be determined by placing weights on one side and the purchase on the other.
God does the same with your struggles. On one side he stacks all your burdens. Famines. Firings. Parents who forgot you. Bosses who ignored you. Bad breaks, bad health, bad days. Stack them up, and watch one side of the pan scale plummet.
Now witness God's response. Does he remove them? Elminate the burden? No, rather than take them he offsets them. He places an eternal weight of glory on the other side. Endless joy. Measureless peace. An eternity of Him. Watch what happens as he sets eternity on your scale.
Everything changes. The burdens lift. The heavy becomes light when weighed against eternity. If life is "just a moment", can't we endure any challenge for a moment?
We can be sick for just a moment.
We can be lonely for just a moment.
We can be persecuted for just a moment.
We can struggle for just a moment.
Can't we?
Can't we wait for our peace? It's not about us anyway. And it's certainly not about now.
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Today is Thursday, August 16th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1128
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There are many, many names given to Jesus. Awhile ago, Chris Lousias sent me a listing of some of those names plus Bible references (I would be happy to email the information, if you would like it!). Here are several of them:
* Prince of Peace
* Shepherd
* Alpha and Omega
* Light of the World
* King of Kings
* Author of Life
* Bridegroom
* Cornerstone
* Advocate
* Redeemer
While we were in Poland, we met Adam who is a drug and alcohol counnselor hired by the ministry with which John and Zaba Crozier are involved.
According to Zaba, Adam has an ability to reach out to those who abuse substances, as he too had difficulties in those areas. Adam has found another word in the Bible to describe Jesus: Friend of Sinners. Adam tells people, "of which I was one of the worst". If Jesus can help Adam to turn his life around and make something of his messed up life, they too can have that hope and help.
"He tells anyone who will listen to his story," said Zaba. "His new life impacts those with life's problems.They can see and enjoy a new beginning and a new hope. If Adam can do it with Jesus' help, so can they."
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Today is Friday, August 17th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1129
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A daily devotional email by Joel and Victoria Osteen:
It's Too Soon to Quit
"Our God will fight for us!" -- Nehemiah 4:20
"God wants to give you great and mighty things. He wants to unleash the blessings of heaven right into your lap. But He also wants you to work and fight for them, because only then are they desires of your heart. Sometimes Christians pass up blessings because of a lack of commitment and faith. Don't be one of these believers — dig in your heels, stand your ground, and fight the good fight of the Christian faith! Stay focused and ready to step up to what God has called you to do. Whatever your step of faith needs to be, take it today. Don't wait until everything is perfect. God wants better things for you in every area, but He wants to know that you desire these things as well. He's ready to fight for you, so you know your effort won't be in vain."
God, thank You for fighting for me. Please give me strength to fight for what You desire for me. May I never give up on You and Your blessings. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Today is Saturday, August 18th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1130
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(Generally there is no Saturday Karen's Korner, but we had computer server problems on Monday. There was no Karen's Korner and I like to have five Korners per week. Hence the Saturday edition!)
Wednesday's Karen's Korner was an exerpt from Max Lucado's book "It's Not About Me" and yesterday's Korner was an email devotional by Joel Osteen titled "It's Too Soon To Quit".
It made me think about worship times at last week's camp in Poland. There were about 150 campers. Add to that counselors, workers, and the PROeM leadership. There were worship times at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day of the camp. Because of our work with a vacation Bible School away from the camp, we would attend only the evening worship with the campers.
The worship service was up tempo with multi-media presentations. Music was loud, lively, and lots of actions and moving around. As we were standing and singing, I made a quick mental calculation, "I was the oldest person in the building of probably 200 - 250 people." Another gal, a teacher with a group from Illinois, may have been older. But I think I my have been oldest.
It is beginning to happen to me more and more: when I ran in the Iowa Games the past two summers; when I organized and went on an overnight mission trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul last summer which included sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor of a church.
So I have a decision to make each time I do these types of things now. Am I 'too old' to do these types of things? Has the torch been passed? Should I let someone 'younger' do it?
Or as Lucado says, "It isn't about me?" Or as Osteen says, "It's too soon to quit?"
I am going to choose to continue to do the things I think needs to be done; the things God gives me to do; the things I enjoy doing, even if I am the oldest one and as long as God continues to bless me with the health to do it!
I want to follow in the footsteps of my mom who stopped singing in their church choir last year, when she started having an inner ear problem which she was afraid might disrupt a church service some Sunday. But still helps with making and serving treats for Vacation Bible Schools and other church events and activities. She will be 89 in November!
Dear Father God, thank you for the measure of good health that you have given to me and to others; thank you for a job to do to build and grow your kingdom. Thank you that you are an irrespector of person's abilities, talents, or ages. Thank you that you bless what we attempt to do in Your Name. Thank you for reminding us that it is never too soon to quit and that isn't about us anyway. In Jesus' name who gave all of us a 'can do' attitude. Amen.
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Today is Monday, August 20th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1131
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I have a couple of good writings from A Chicken Soup for the Soul book, which I am currently reading that deal with children. So as we send children of all ages back to school, here is one of them:
WHAT YOU ARE IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU DO
By Patricia Fripp
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon in Oklahoma City. My friend and proud father, Bobby Lewis, was taking his two little boys to play miniature golf. He walked up to the fellow at the ticket counter and said, "How much is it to get in?"
The young man replied, "$3 for you and $3 for any kid who is older than six. We let them in free if they are six or younger. How old are they?"
Bobby replied, "The lawyer's three and the doctor is seven, so I guess I ower you $6."
The man at the ticket counter said, "Hey, Mister, did you just win the lottery or something? You could have saved yourself three bucks. You could have told me that the older one was six. I wouldn't have known the difference." Bobby replied, "Yes, that is true, but the kids would have known the idfference."
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Who you are speaks so loudly I can't hear what you're saying." In challenging times when ethics are more important than ever before, make sure you set a good example for everyone you work and live with.
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Today is Tuesday, August 21st, 2007; Karen's Korner #1132
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Today's Korner is a pass along email, forwarded to me by my sister Eileen.
AIN'T
He was just a little boy, on a week's first day.
Wandering home from Sunday School, and dawdling on the way.
He scuffed his shoes into the grass; he even found a caterpillar.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod, and blew out all the "filler."
A bird's nest in a tree overhead, so wisely placed up so high.
Was just another wonder that caught his eager eye.
A neighbor watched his zig zag course, and hailed him from the lawn;
Asked him where he'd been that day and what was going on.
"I've been to Bible School ," he said and turned a piece of sod.
He picked up a wiggly worm replying, "I've learned a lot about God."
M'm, very fine way," the neighbor said, "for a boy to spend his time."
If you'll tell me where God is, I'll give you a brand new dime."
Quick as a flash the answer came! Nor were his accents faint.
"I'll give you a dollar, Mister, if you can tell me where God ain't."
~~
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Today is Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007; Karen's Korner #1133
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The Vacation Bible School which we helped to conduct in Poland took its lessons for the five days from the book of Acts. The Clarion, Iowa group divided into four teams with each team of two figuring out one of the days' lessons to act out with the help of the kids who were attending. Zaba Crozier took the first day's lesson to show us what she wanted us to do.
Sue Hellenga and I chose the two jail breaks from Acts 12 and 16; the first one was Peter's and the second one was Paul and Silas's. Since we didn't have much for props, we used things like my chain belt for chains; overturned tables for a jail and a home; folded up newspapers for soldier hats; swords sawed out of a packing box; and a couple of yellow yarn suitcase ties for an angel's halo.
Acts 12 talks about Peter being thrown into jail and his friends praying at one of their homes for his safety and release. The angel awakened him and led him to the friend's home.
Acts 16 is something similar, but this time it is Paul and Silas. Instead of being sad, worried, or depressed, the twosome began praying and singing hymns. What happened next? An eartquake. The doors of the jail flew open. They could have escaped but they didn't! The jailer, who had been threatened with certain death if he allowed Paul and Silas to escape, was ready to kill himself when Paul spoke up and said, "Don't do it! We are still here!"
Peter, Paul and Silas were safe and saved. The jailer and those praying were never the same. They wanted whatever it was these three men had.
What struck me by both of these stories is that what seemed impossible, turned out to be possible, because the people involved were willing to pray and to sing praises.
If it worked for them then, it will work for us today. Sometimes it would be easier to cry, plead, beg, be depressed, have terrible random thoughts, blame God, or think the situation is imposssible. Who knows what prayer and songs of praise might do to free us, as captives to some circumstance or situation?
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Today is Thursday, August 23rd, 2007; Karen's Korner #1134
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Today's Karen's Korner is a forwarded email from Diana Barron. It is a daily email which she receives. This one she received about a month ago:
Today's thought from Hazelden is:
Courage and Patience
Courage is not grim determination, boastful arrogance, or uncontrolled aggression. True courage comes from quiet conviction, which shows itself in self-control, calm assurance, and patient persistence.
It takes courage, for example, to resist lashing back at others who hurt or offend us. It takes courage to endure the consequences of our attitudes, actions, and neglects without bragging or complaining. It takes courage to believe no situation or person is hopeless. It takes courage to remain optimistic about life when nothing seems to turn out right. It takes courage to maintain our enthusiasm and effort despite delays and setbacks. It takes courage to do the things we know are right in spite of our fears of rejection or inadequacy. And it takes courage to refrain from taking over a loved one's responsibilities when he or she is failing to meet them.
Today, I will face life with courage. I will respond calmly and confidently to life's challenges. I will place my faith and trust in God and the principles I am learning in this philosophy of living.
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Today is Friday, August 24th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1135
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One more Karen's Korner from "A Chicken Soup for the Soul" book, about kids as this is back-to-school week for most.
You Are A Marvel
Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again.
And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France.
When will we also teach them what they are?
We should say to each of them. Do you know what you are? You are a marvel! You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child lik you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, they way you move.
You may become a Shakespeare, a Michaelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel!
You must work -- we must all work -- to make the world worthy of its children.
By Pabloe Casals
~~
As I typed this for Karen's Korner, I realized it isn't just for kids but all of us. This is what so many verses in the Bible try to tell us, teach us, help us believe. So regardless of your situation today, say out loud or to yourself, "I am a marvel! I am unique! In all the world there has never been anyone exactly like me!"
And then when you meet people throughout the day make a mental note to say or think, "You are a marvel. You are so unique....."
Hard to tell how it might change our thoughts for the day!
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Today is Monday, August 27th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1136
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A couple of Bible verses from Proverbs, chapter 18.
Verse 13: "What a shame--yes, how stupid!--to decide before knowing the facts!
Verse 15: "The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.
Verse 17: "Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.
Bible Commentary: "In these three concise statements, the writer gives the basic principle for making sound decisions: (1) get the facts before deciding; (2) be open to new ideas; (3) make sure you hear both sides of the story before judging. All three principles center around seeking additional information. This is hard work, but the only alternative is to become like the person who says, "My mind is mind up, don't confuse me with facts."
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Today is Tuesday, August 28th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1137
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An email forward which I received last week from Margaret Cramer; I put it in the 'things to ponder' folder:
In a small mid western conservative town, a new bar/tavern started a building to open up their business. The local ________________ (fill in the name of your denomination/church) started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. Work progressed, however right up till the week before opening, when a lightning strike hit the bar and it burned to the ground.
The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, till the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means.
The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the buildings demise in its reply to the court.
As the case made it's way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork at the hearing and commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paper work, we have a bar owner that believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that doesn't."
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Today is Wednesday, August 29th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1138
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A daily devotional written and shared by Shirley Choat more than a year ago:
"Andrew went to find his brother Peter and told him, 'W have found the Messiah.'
And be brought Peter to meet Jesus.."
~~ John 1:41,42
Andrew brought just one, Peter. But one became many, for under God, Simon Peter brought 3,000 in one day. The early church set an example for all believers. They didn't have radio, TV, printing presses, phones or email, or any other means of transmitting information. Yet the word of the LORD was sounded out in every place by people-to-people communication. 1 Thessalonians.1:8
The greatest need today is to get individuals to invite other individuals to Christ. A lot of people talk about evangelism, but they themselves don't engage in it. In short, the church is suffering from an acute case of spiritual lockjaw.
If this is your condition, ask the Holy Spirit for the antidote of love and zeal. With a winning smile and a word of Scripture, tactfully speak to someone today about the wonderful Savior.
If you really love the Savior
and your all in Him have found,
you'll be happy for the privilege
just to pass the word around.
**
While we were in Poland, we had the privilege of witnessing dozens of Polish youth give their hearts and lives to Jesus, at both the camp and the Vacation Bible School. Only God knows how many other lives those deicisions will touch in the future!
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Today is Thursday, August 30th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1139
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Sometimes I have a busy day; lots to do. Hard to tell where to start. At those times, I almost don't!
When I was a staff writer for our local newspaper, I can recall times when I would do that. Lots to do. Not much time. Deadlines to meet. I would find myself in my newspaper office making lists, writing notes to myself, stacking interviews which I had done and putting them in piles of what should be done first with the most important on the top. More than once, I can remember thinking, "Will you just stop it and get something done?!"
It was like I had to get ahold of myself to begin to accomplish something. Then I would grab anything - a short story that I could write in two or three paragraphs; make one phone call whether that was the most important or not. Just to get started and break the cycle of 'doing nothing but getting ready'.
More often than I like to admit, I do the same thing with my time alone with God. It's on my 'to do' list for the day, but my stomach growls so I had better get something to eat first. As soon as I get one more load of clothes in the washer.......and as soon as I make this one important phone call.......and as soon as I get home from town.....and.......
This morning, I can hear that same voice say, "Will you just stop it and spend a few minutes with Me?"
Why is that so hard for me? For us? When God has all these promises for each of us? All the time?
Here is a couple of His quick promises from Psalms:
Psalms 4:3 - "He will listen to me and answer when I call to him."
Psalms 5:3 - "Each morning I will loook to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly."
Psalms 6:9 - "He will answer all my prayers."
Better stop typing, time for me to do what the Nike commercial says, "JUST DO IT!"
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Today is Friday, August 31st, 2007; Karen's Korner #1140
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A daily email devotional by Joel and Victoria Osteen; this one from April:
Make Wise Choices
"I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life."
(Deuteronomy 30:19)
"Life is a series of choices that you must make. Some are much more serious than others, but the fact is that you have opportunities to make either wise or foolish decisions. There is always a right answer or a better answer, but how do you know what it is? That's where God comes in and solves the puzzle for you. He has given you everything you need to make the right choice each time. He loves you and wants the best for you in everything. The key to good decision-making is to listen to His guidance and have the strength and resolve to act on it. When you follow God's leading, the result will be a life of blessing and purposeful joy. Tap into God's wisdom today and listen to His teachings, and discover the abundant life!"
PRAYER: God, thank You for giving me Your guidance and help. I pray that I will be sensitive to Your Spirit's leading and make the choices You want me to make. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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