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February 2009 Archives

Printable Issue 1501  Today is Monday, February 2nd, 2009; Karen's Korner #1501
A couple of short thoughts to start our week:
 
***
 
Contentment is natural wealth;
luxury is artificial poverty.
 
~ Socrates
 
***
 
Life isn't a matter of milestones
But of moments.
 
~ Rose Kennedy
 
***
 
If you want your children to turn out well,
spend twice as much time with them
and half as much money on them.
 
~ Abigail Van Buren
 
**
 
Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect.
It means you've decided to see
beyond the imperfections.
 
~ Unknown author
 
**
 
In the same way You blessed the children, Jesus,
surround me with Your arms
and pour Your words
of grace all over my life.
AMEN.
 
~~ from God's Daily Inspirations calendar
 
***
Printable Issue 1502  Today is Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009; Karen's Korner #1502
An email daily devotional forwarded to me several weeks ago by Kim Lee:
 

SHE DID WHAT SHE COULD

By Margaret English de Alminana

My daughter, a senior in college, once lamented that her lack of resources and time only allowed her to give to others in very small ways. I heard myself tell her: “Sometimes the small things are the big things.”

Think over your life. When you were in need, when you were low or discouraged or ill, was it a great ministry effort or mighty monument that helped you? Or was it a phone call, a note or a prayer from a friend that got you through? Real faith and purpose are seldom found in the great things of life. It’s the small things, the times when someone has done what they could do in limited circumstances that often count the most.

In Mark 14 we read about the woman with the alabaster vase. So much has been said of her, but I think there’s more to say. She poured out her costly perfume upon the feet of Christ, and the disciples chided her for not doing more. But the Lord rebuked them, saying, “‘She has done what she could’” (v. 8, NKJV).

She didn’t change the world, end poverty, start a great ministry or preach to the nations. She took what she had, and with the right motives and sincerity of heart, she did what she could do. Really, this loving gesture probably took less than a few minutes, but those few minutes touched the Master’s heart. Great acts, mighty monuments and powerful ministries have been built up and fallen down, but her one small offering has been remembered throughout the ages of time.

Perhaps doing what you can doesn’t seem like a lot right now. You don’t have millions of dollars to feed the nations. In fact, times may be difficult right now. But you do have the extra change from purchasing groceries. Why not toss it into the canister by the cash register to feed the homeless? Maybe your time is completely spent shuffling kids around to games and lessons and still trying to get dinner made while folding a few loads of laundry. Take five minutes to write a note or card to someone who is discouraged, or drop by at the hospital on your way home from work to pray for a friend. Give up your parking space to an elderly driver, or let a new mother cut in front of you in line.

God is well aware of our limitations of time, money, strength and opportunity. But like this woman with her loving gesture doing what we can with a heart of love toward the Lord can make a world of difference.

 

PRAYER POWER:  Ask God to make you mindful of those around you and show you where you can be a blessing to them. Ask Him to remind you of someone who needs a loving touch through a note card, telephone call or visit; today or this week.

Printable Issue 1503  Today is Wednesday, February 4th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1503
Valentine's Day is coming; so it's the season to talk about LOVE!!
 
God's Love for us is every day. We are loved and cared for:
 
PSALM 121
 
"Shall I look to the mountain gods for help?
No! My help is from Jehovah, who made the mountains!
And the heavens too!
He will never let me stumble,
slip,
or fall.
For he is always watching,
never sleeping.
 
Jehovah himself is caring for you!
He is your defender.
He protects you day and night.
He keeps you from all evil,
and preserves your life.
He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go,
and always guard you."
 
Commentary: This is a children's prayer expressing assurance and hope in God's protection day and night. We never outrgrow our need for God's untiring watch over our lives.
 
PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, thank You that You have cared for us in the past, that You will take care of us today, and we can trust You to take care of us in the future. Thank You for Your love; we love you for that kind of care. Amen.
Printable Issue 1504  Today is Thursday, February 5th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1504
An email daily devotional from Joel and Victoria Osteen; it's a good one:
 

He Is Strong in You

 

”And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).

 

Sometimes, people get distracted by what they consider to be a disadvantage or weakness in their lives.  It may be something about their personality or looks that they don’t like.  Or maybe they’ve been through an unfair situation: a divorce, a bad business deal, or a bad break.  We all have things that can feel like disadvantages; things that make it harder on us.  It may even be a physical handicap where you can’t get around like you used to.

But just because you have a “disadvantage,” just because you’ve been through a tough time, doesn’t mean you’re supposed to sit back and settle where you are.  God still has something great for you to do!  He wants to show Himself strong in and through you.  The Holy Spirit wants to help you  when you feel weak.  If you will stay in faith and not get negative toward yourself or your future, then God can take what you think is a liability and turn it into an asset.  What you think is a disadvantage, God will turn around to be an advantage so you can move forward into the abundant life He has for you!

 

Father in heaven, today I give You all that I am.  I invite You into the weak places in my life so that You can turn them into strengths.  Thank You for working in my life and filling me with faith and expectancy.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Printable Issue 1505  Today is Friday, February 6th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1505
A couple of nights ago, Jim and I went to the movie at our local theatre. It is under new ownership and has had some extensive remodeling. It had closed for a few weeks for the major portion of the remodeling, and reopened while some of the work continued.
 
It has been open for a few months, but we hadn't gone to a movie there.
 
The building still looks ragged on the outside:  the marquee is half painted and the places where the new show posters are displayed look less-than-the best. The outside presentation just hasn't been attractive to me.
 
But this week's movie interested both Jim and I, so we went.
 
Wow! The inside of the builidng in our small town is great:  new big screen; new projection and sound equipment, great seating with all kinds of leg room. It rivals big city theatres with all of its show ammenities.
 
As I sat waiting for the movie to begin, I thought about how I was judging the business from the outside, not knowing what was on the inside. Then I thought how often I do that with other people, "seeing the package" and not the "inside".
 
Thinking even further, I thought about me or about how others might see themselves. Are we busy looking at what we aren't? Never seeing what we ARE and what God is in the process of redoing when we invite Him to be part of our lives?
 
Jesus says, "Behold, I make all things new!"
 
Like our local theatre, our remodeling project (and others in our lives!) isn't complete. But, what is done is pretty good......
 
Have a day blessed by God!
Printable Issue 1506  Today is Monday, February 9th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1506
On Saturday, some Wright County resiidents organized our 18th annual "WinterFest" at Lake Cornelia, which is about six miles northeast of Clarion. The event hosts about a dozen winter events and demonstrations.
 
One of them is on the frozen lake; it is called "Frosty Fingers Kite Flying". I tried my luck with a plastic Dora kite tied to a light-weight white string. The weather was perfect for the entire event; the gentle breeze worked to launch the kites for a dozen or so of my friends at the same time as I had chosen.
 
A quickly let out the string allowing the colorful kite to fly higher and higher. What I didn't know is that my string winder didn't have a stop at the end in my hands. Oh, no, I thought as the string end got away from me!
 
But unlike a helium balloon, my kite didn't go higher. It returned to the frozen surface with a thud.
 
Seems that kites need a balance of string being let out, gentle breeze, and a tension from the person controlling the kite. Wouldn't you think that if a kite was left to its own accord it would fly to higher and higher heights? Doesn't work that way!
 
Could that be the case for our lives? We would like to believe that if we were free to fly without any "tension" (distractions, restrictions, problems pulling us down), we would soar far above any of life's difficulties.
 
But maybe the thing that tends to tether us is really an "opportunity" for us to fly far above anything we would have been able to accomplish without it.
 
Ever heard the catch phrase, "Let Go and Let God!" Could it be that He hangs on to the kite string so that each of us as "kites" can fly?
 
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for EVERYTHING in my life. I'd choose some of them; try to toss out others! But thank You; help me to learn what You want me to know. Thank You that Your plan is for all of Your Children to soar.......regardless of life's circumstances and situations. Help me to know You and trust You. Thank You for just today....AMEN.
Printable Issue 1507  Today is Tuesday, February 10th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1507
A daily inspirational email from Rick Warren of "Purpose Dirven Life" fame; forwarded to me by a friend:
 
Servants Do Every Task with Equal Dedication

 
“Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” Luke 16:10 (NLT)

***

Servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do, servants “do it with all their heart” (Colossians 3:23 NIV).

The size of the task is irrelevant. The only issue is, does it need to be done?

You will never arrive at the state in life where you’re too important to help with menial tasks. God will never exempt you from the mundane. It’s a vital part of your character curriculum. The Bible says, “If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody” (Galatians 6:3 NLT).

It is in these small services that we grow like Christ.

Jesus specialized in menial tasks that everyone else tried to avoid: washing feet, helping children, fixing breakfast, and serving lepers. Nothing was beneath him, because he came to serve. It wasn’t in spite of his greatness that he did these things, but because of it, and he expects us to follow his example (John 13:15).

Small tasks often show a big heart. Your servant’s heart is revealed in little acts that others don’t think of doing, as when Paul gathered brushwood for a fire to warm everyone after a shipwreck (Acts 28:3).

He was just as exhausted as everyone else, but he did what everyone needed. No task is beneath you when you have a servant’s heart.

Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks. The little things in life determine the big things. Don’t look for great tasks to do for God. Just do the not-so-great stuff, and God will assign you whatever he wants you to do.

There will always be more people willing to do “great” things for God than there are people willing to do the little things. The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants.

Sometimes you serve upward to those in authority, and sometimes you serve downward to those in need. Either way, you develop a servant’s heart when you’re willing to do anything needed.

Printable Issue 1508  Today is Wednesday, February 11th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1508
"We either make ourselves miserable
or we make ourselves strong.
The amount of work is the same."
 
~~ Carlos Catriada
 
(forwarded to me by Shirley Choat)
 
***
 
Taken from an email by Mark Young, formerly a minister in Clarion and now in Newton. It is an opening story (joke) from one of his sermons:
 
 
             A young mom went to an "Organizing Your Life" class.  After hearing many organizing tips, she asked, "But how do you get your kids to help clean up? I have two young children, and it's usually easier to just clean up myself. That way, I know where their things are, and they get put away right. But I feel frustrated about that."

         

           Another woman in the class answered, "In our house, we use a 'Butler Box.' Whenever something is left lying around the house where it doesn't belong—even if it's car keys or a wallet—it gets put into a large, wooden box that we call the Butler Box. Then, if anyone is looking for something that's lost and finds it in the Butler Box, he can't just grab it out. He has to do five minutes of chores around the home to get the object back."

 

            The young mom said, "That's a great idea.  How old were your children when you started that?"

 

            The older gal answered, ""Children?" We don't have any children. This is for my husband."

Printable Issue 1509  Today is Thursday, February 12th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1509
"This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it."
~ Psalms 118:24
 
**
Bible Commentary:  "There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Our mood is down, our situation out of hand, our sorrow or guilt overwhelming. We can relate to the writers of the psalms who often felt this way. But no matter how low the psalmists got, they were always honest with God about how they felt. And as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise. When you don't feel like rejoicing, tell God how you truly feel. You will find that God will give you a reason to rejoice."
 
**
Chapter Psalm 118, begins and ends with exactly the same words. Saying 'thank you' for things we do like and, inspite of things we don't like, helps us to focus and  us to remember that God is in control and will ultimately take care of us, the people in our lives, and the situation with which we might be struggling:
 
**
 
"Oh, thank the Lord,
for He's so good!
His lovingkindness is forever."
~~ Psalms 118:1 (repeated in verse 29)
 
**
Printable Issue 1510  Today is Friday, February 13th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1510
Yesterday afternoon as I was driving toward town, I spotted about a week old pig running down the road toward our vehicle. He was about a quarter mile from a hog farrowing building and evidently was lost off a transfer vehicle, which was taking the baby pigs to another facility where they would be allowed to grow.
 
I stopped to try to rescue the little animal, thinking maybe he would be lost enough to look for help. I knew that pigs outside of their 'home' enviroment, aren't allowed to return for fear of diseases being spread. Maybe some friend would take him and raise him. All I wanted to do was spare his short life.
 
As I got out of our van, the game of chase began. He sort of wanted me. But he was afraid. I would move towrd him. He would run. He would stop and look at me. I would pursue. He would run farther. I didn't work at the job very long. I knew I couldn't catch him. I also knew that he was probably going to meet with a terrible fate in a day or two.
 
I thought about us. God stepped on to the earth in the form of His Son Jesus. He saw that we were lost and alone; in need of being rescued. But we, in our short-sighted wisdom, began the merry chase; not thinking we wanted to 'be caught'. When all He wanted to do, all He wants to do........is rescue us!
 
"For God loved the world so much
that He gave His only Son
so that anyone who believes
in Him shall not perish,
but have eternal life.
God did not send His Son
into the world to condemn it,
but to save it!"
~~ John 3:16,17
 
**
 
And that is your gift of Love on Valentine's Day!!
 
***
Printable Issue 1511  Today is Monday, February 16th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1511
One entry from "Angel Letters" published by Guideposts:
 
"On September 20, 1990, my three-yera-old little girl went outdoors to play. As I watched through the sliding-glass patio doors, she opened the back door, turned to close it, and then squatted down almost immediately. I turned away, and a few moments later heard a crash. A huge limb had fallen from our largest elm tree, right near my little girl.
 
"Later, I asked my daughter why she hadn't been playing in the yard, driving her little red, battery-powered jeep. She said without hesitation, 'Mommy, a good god told me to sit down and not go under the tree and I did just what she told me to do.' This 'good god' was a beautiful girl with long golden hair that flowed past her shoulders. She came from the sky and had wings. She had a light so bright about her, said my daughter, that it hurt her eyes, but when she touched the light, she was surprised how cool it was. It did not burn. The angel had specific jewelry on, especially a necklace that was 'so shiny'. 'She wore,' said my daughter, 'all colors.'
 
"Certain changes have occurred in my daughter's behavior since the incident, most notably a serene calmness. She prays for her angel and also insists on saying a grace at every meal, a tradition that had not been in our family before. She has drawn numerous pictures of 'Rebecca Rose; almost every day since the incident, and wants stories of the Bible read to her at night.
 
"Now, several months have passed. She says that she cannot see 'Rebecca Rose' anymore--is not allowed to--and she longs to have her back, but she says that she has been told she will see her again in ten years."
 
~ Writer's name withheld by request
from Las Vega, Nevada
Printable Issue 1512  Today is Tuesday, February 17th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1512
Today's Karen's Korner is a daily devotional email which I receive weekdays from Joel and Victoira Osteen. For anyone who doesn't know who the Osteens are, they minister to the largest Protestant Chuch congregation in the United States located in Houston, Texas. This one is today's.
 
This one made me think back to 1978 when we were driving to Rochester, Minnesota for check ups. Jim had to see doctors one year after his first bypass and Merry had to see doctors before she went to kindergarten after her shunt surgery when she was a baby.
 
As we were driving, I said to Jim, "I haven't worried about either one of year all year. What happens if there is something the matter with either you or Merry or both of you?"
 
"You haven't wasted a good year, have you?" was his reply.
 
They were both fine; check ups revealed no additional troubles.
 
If you are asking God for something, believe that you are going to get it:  restored relationships, a new family member; another job; better direction with your finances. What happens if you don't get it?
 
You haven't wasted your whole year believing for bad things to happen, have you? Hard to tell what a positive mindset might profit!
 

He Satisfies You

 

"They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied" (Psalm 37:19, AMP).

 

Are you expecting to have a supernatural year? Are you expecting increase and abundance? Notice this verse tells us that the righteous, those who follow God's commands, will be satisfied even in times of famine. Even when it looks like resources are slim, God has a plan to provide for His people. The scripture also tells us that God is looking for people who will be faithful to Him; people who will trust Him, people who will believe that He is the God of more than enough!

God always shows Himself strong on behalf of the people who seek Him first-even during the most difficult times. No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to show Himself strong for you. He wants to make a way where there seems to be no way. He wants to satisfy you and bless you abundantly so that you can reach out and be a blessing to the people around you. Take a step of faith today and begin to declare His promises over your life. Declare that He is the One who satisfies you all the days of your life.
 

 

Father in heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness. You alone can satisfy me. Search my heart today and remove any doubt or uncertainty that would try to hold me back from the wonderful blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Printable Issue 1513  Today is Wednesday, February 18th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1513
Readers seemed to like the story from Bob Eilerts, telling about a dream he had reminding him of his son, Aaron, who had died tragically in a tornado while at Boy Scout camp last summer. (If you would like to re-read the story, go to www.karens-korner.com and type in 1493 in the box on the left hand side of the page and it will come up for you.)
 
Several readers responded with similar stories.
 
The first one is from Jim Bossard. It didn't happen to him but to his mother, Elaine. Jim lost a brother to cancer when Bob was twelve years old:
 
  "I remember my Mom telling me about a time after my older brother Bob had passed away that she had held him one last time. She didn't know if it was an Angel, or actually Bob that was there to give her that hug, it was just what she needed.
  "I didn't know of this until just a few years ago when I was out visiting her for my first time out in Arizona. What a wonderful Lord we have!! It is very comforting to me knowing that He will never allow satan to throw more at me that what I can handle through or Lord and Saviour.
     " Thank You for helping me to remember.".
 
***
 
Another one was from Margaret Askelsen who lost a sister, Karen (in her thirties) in a lawn mower accident:
 
    "I had a dream after Karen passed away that we were little girls. All three of us slept in the same bed. In the dream, it was the same room as when we were little kids and the surroundings were all very familiar. Karen kept saying to me, 'It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.'
    "When I woke up, I felt totally different about what had happened. It made me feel better. It was just the message I needed to hear and that I didn't need to worry."
    Margaret said she had never drempt about her childhood like that in the past and hasn't since either.
 
***
The third one was a note from our son-in-law Ed at the time our daughter Merry had died:
 
    "Did you remember that I had a dream shortly after Merry died in which she told me the same thing - that she was OK?  It wasn't as elaborate as this man's (Bob Eilerts) dream, but the result was the same.  It was strangely comforting, just knowing that she was in a good place, even though I couldn't be with her anymore.
    " It really did help me, in a strange sort of way."
 
***
I'm sure that Ed had told us that story before, but in the confusion of days following Merry's death and the weeks after that, I had forgotten. So we were blessed once again by Ed's comforting words........and those of others with similar experiences! And there were a couple of others of you who also shared......
 
Thank you!
Printable Issue 1514  Today is Thursday, February 19th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1514
Some pass along emails are heartwarmers; this is one which Alice Espe sent to me yesterday.
 
This is a game in which everyone won!
 

High School Team Sacrifices Win for All The Right Reasons

Printable Issue 1515  Today is Friday, February 20th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1515
I want to share a story which has happened in our community of which I am only a small part.
 
I have the honor of being the Wright County Hawk-Eye reporter for the new OUR IOWA magazine. It isn't a hired position. Each of the 99 county Hawk-Eye reporters are supposed to be on the lookout for possible stories in the county which we represent. Then we feed those possible ideas to the magazine editor headquarters based in Ames.
 
I had an idea for a story: Clarion has a 'special' young man, Danny Schnell, who spends his day gleaning stray bottles and cans; sometimes frequenting businesses to find if that business will give up their treasures in lieu of the inconvenience of getting them to a recycler.
 
"Dan the Can Man", as he his fondly termed, not only gets rid of annoying cans and bottles, he gives his recycling dollars to worthy causes and spends his 'free time' removing pull tabs to give Ronald McDonald House to help with funding there.
 
OUR IOWA editors thought Dan would be a good story. I wrote the story (for which I was paid!), but I didn't have the ability to get the quality of photos which the magazine needed for their slick color pages. They hired a local photo studio, for which the studio was paid their normal sitting fee, but telling the magazine they would donate the dollars to Dan for his 'volunteer' work.
 
The story has just been published in the February/March issue. The studio has given Dan the money, as they promised. Danny gave the money to the Marys and Marthas, an ecumenical group of gals in our community, which does hand out, hand up, and pat on the back deeds.
 
"Dan, is there something special for which you would like the $100 plus to go?" we asked.
 
"Yes, I would like for it to go to some high school senior in our community who might have trouble purchasing nice photos this spring, summer, or next fall," was his reply.
 
And the money? It's going back to the photo studio.
 
Dan is part of God's plan; God knew that if I give, and you give, and Dan would give......we would never have any needs. The best part is that a high IQ is not necessarily needed to be something special to God, nor to be able to do His Will.
 
It can sort of come naturally.
Printable Issue 1516  Today is Sunday, February 22nd, 2009; Karen's Korner #1516
No, I haven't taken up sending Karen's Korners on weekends, but I 'stick' with five Korners each week. Since we will be gone starting Thursday, you will receive this week's from Sunday - Thursday. No Karen's Korners next week; see you when we return!
 
Today's Karen's Korner was written and forwarded to me by Shirley Choat a number of months ago:
 
 
"Look to Jesus the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."  ~ Hebrews 12:2
 
   The church at Corinth was headed for trouble. Problems had arisen because they were aligning themselves with human leaders. Their focus was no longer on Christ. In his letter to the believers, the apostle Paul pleaded with them to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind" 1 Corinthians 1:10. He knew how dangerous it was to lift men above God.
 
  A sure way for Christians to become discouraged is to idolize some great individual, for even spiritual giants have their weaknesses and will fall short when put to the exacting test of perfection. The example of godly leaders is helpful, but only the Savior is worthy of our worship and devotion.
 
    How often we, too, face situations that seem overwhelming and impossible. It's in those times that we need to find our confidence in Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith", who will raise His nail-scarred hand and say, "Stay with it. Run the race. I've run it before you, and in My power you can win. Yes, you can do it!"
 
       Hold fast to Christ and He will give
      The will to see you through;
      And if you keep on keeping on,
      Your strength He will renew.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY- Christ's victory in the past gives courage for the present and hope for the future.
Printable Issue 1517  Today is Monday, February 23rd, 2009; Karen's Korner #1517
We saw this on an Eagle Grove church marquee yesterday:
 
In Christ
there  is hope
for the
hopeless
 
**
 
Made me think of a couple of other possibilities:
 
In Christ
there is help
for the
helpless
 
**
 
Or:
 
In Christ
there is a home
for the
homeless
 
**
 
Using the same line, can you think of others?
Printable Issue 1518  Today is Tuesday, February 24th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1518
A follow up to yesterday's Karen's Korner from the church marquee I saw on Sunday. These thoughts are brought to you by Chris, Rosemary, Clayton, and Carol:

 
In Christ
there is joy
for the
joyless
 
**
 
In Christ
there is heart
for the
heartless
 
**
 
In Christ
there is love
for the
loveless
 
**
 
In Christ
there is life
for the
lifeless
 
**
 
And a Psalm of praise for today. I like Psalm 100. This translation is from The Message Bible. I have directed people in the past to www.biblegateway.com . There you can type in a verse of the Bible you like; a chapter; a word or two you'd like more verses to read (i.e. fear, Holy Spirit, Jonah). I counted this morning there are 80 Bible translations from which you can choose; 20 of them in English:
 

Psalm 100:1-5

A Thanksgiving Psalm
On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
      sing yourselves into his presence. 

 Know this: God is God, and God, God.
      He made us; we didn't make him.
      We're his people, his well-tended sheep. 

 Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
      Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
      Thank him. Worship him. 

 For God is sheer beauty,
      all-generous in love,
      loyal always and ever.
 
**
Printable Issue 1519  Today is Wednesday, February 25th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1519
A 40-point listing forwarded to me by Deb from Colorado; probably aren't going to do all of them. But if we were to grab even one or two as an addition, it might make a big difference in each of our lives:
 
HANDBOOK 2009

  Health:

  1.    Drink plenty of water.
  2.    Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner
  like a beggar.
  3.    Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less
  food that is manufactured in plants.
  4.    Live with the 3 E's -- Energy,  Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
  5.    Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and/or prayer.
  6.    Play more games.
  7.    Read more books than you did in 2008.
  8.    Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
  9.    Sleep for 7 hours.
  10.  Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk,
  smile.

 
Personality:

  11.  Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what
  their journey is all about.
  12.  Don't have negative thoughts for things you cannot control.
  Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
  13.  Don't over do. Keep your limits.
  14.  Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
  15.  Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
  16.  Dream more while you are awake.
  17.  Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
  18.  Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with
  his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
  19.  Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate
  others.
  20.  Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
  21.  No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
  22.  Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away
  like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
  23.  Smile and laugh more.
  24.  You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

 
Society:

  25.  Call your family often.
  26.  Each day give something good to others.
  27.  Forgive everyone for everything.
  28.  Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
  29.  Try to make at least three people smile each day.
  30.  What other people think of you is none of your business.
  31.  Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your
  family and friends will. Stay in touch.

 
Life:

  32.  Do the right thing!
  33.  Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
  34.  GOD heals everything.
  35.  However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
  36.  No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
  37.  The best is yet to come.
  38.  When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
  39.  Your Inner most self is always happy. So, be happy.

  Last but not the least:

  40.  Pass this along to someone you care about
.
 
***
Printable Issue 1520  Today is Thursday, February 26th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1520
(Please note no Karen's Korner next week; resumes Monday, March 9!)
 
As we embark on our 40-day adventure from Ash Wednesday to Easter, it's a good time to reflect on what Jesus' living and dying actually meant and means today.
 
We talked about that briefly at Sunday School on Sunday.
 
How does His life/death effect mine/ours?
 
This is a partial list of what was said:
 
* Our sins are forgiven;
* The world/cultures time/dates are marked by his life (years before Christ, after his death);
* He has given us hope and help;
* He sets us free;
* His death gives us new life;
* He adopts us into His family, we become His Children;
* We are loved unconditionally;
* He left behind His Holy Spirit.
 
The list could be long; we have much to celebrate at this season!
 
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You that you came to earth to show us how to live, how to love, and how to die daily to our own selfish wants and desires. Thank You that you left behind Your Holy Spirit which lives and breathes new life into each one of us every day. Thank You for Your hope. Thank You for Your help. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for the plan you have for each one of us. Help us to celebrate you. In Jesus' Name. Amen.