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June 2013 Archives

Printable Issue 2581  Today is Monday, June 3rd, 2013; Karen's Korner #2581
A couple of quotes from a 'less than 100 page' biography on Mother Teresa, by her. The series is called "People Who Have Helped the World":
 
"Today, talking about the poor is in fashion.
Knowing, loving and serving
the poor is quite a different matter."
*
"In these twenty years of work amongst the people,
I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted
that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience.
Nowadays we have found medicine for leprosy and lepers can be cured.....
For all kinds of disease there are medicines and cures.
But for being unwanted,
except there are willing hands to serve
and there's a loving heart,
I don't think this terrible disease can ever be cured."
*
"Someone will ask, 'What can I do to help?'
Her response is always the same,
a response that reveals the clarity of her vision.....
'Just begin,
one, one, one, she urges.
'Begin at home by saying something good to your child,
to your husband or to your wife.
Begin by helping someone in need in your community,
at work, or at school.
Begin by making whatever you do something beautiful for God.'"
*
"Asked about the future of the congregation after her death
she said,
'Let me die first,
then God will provide.
He will find someone more helpless,
more hopeless than I to do His work.'
***
Printable Issue 2582  Today is Tuesday, June 4th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2582
Something this morning from Max Lucado:
 

If you took a name at random out of the phone book and asked me,“Max, how does Chester Whomever feel about adultery?”  I couldn’t answer.  I don’t know Chester Whomever.

But if you were to ask me, “Max how does Denalyn Lucado feel about adultery?” I wouldn’t even have to call her.  I know.  She’s my wife.  We have walked together long enough that I know what she thinks.

The same is true with God. Walk with Him long enough and you come to know His heart.  When you spend time with Him in His study, you see His compassion. When you welcome Him to enter the gateway of your soul, you’ll perceive His will.  To meet the Savior is to be set aflame. To discover the flame is to discover His will.  And to discover His will is to access a world like none you have ever seen.

***

Printable Issue 2583  Today is Wednesday, June 5th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2583
Taken from a graphic in my Bible:
 
What we have as Christians:
 
What we have as Adam's Children vs. God's children:
 
Ruin vs. Rescue
Sin vs. Righteousness
Death vs. Eternal Life
Separation from God vs. Relationship with God
Disobedience vs.Obedience
Judgment vs. Deliverance
Law vs. Guide
 
~ All found in Romans chapter 5!
 
***
Printable Issue 2584  Today is Thursday, June 6th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2584
Another installment from Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling", devotions for Every Day of the Year. one is for tomorrow, June 7. Sh-h-h-h, don't tell anyone that I read ahead!
 
"I am all around you,
like a cocoon of Light.
My Presence with you is a promise,
independent of your awareness of Me.
Many things can block this awareness,
but the major culprit is worry.
My children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life.
However, worry is a form of unbelief;
it is anathema to Me.
 
"Who is in charge of your life?
If it is you,
then you have good reason to worry.
But if it is Me,
then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive.
When you start to feel anxious about something,
relinquish the situation to Me.
Back off a bit, redirecting your focus on Me.
I will either take care of the problem Myself
or show you how to handle it.
In this world, you will have problems,
but you need not lose sight in Me."
 
Read:  Luke 12:22-31; John 16:33
 
*****
Printable Issue 2585  Today is Friday, June 7th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2585
With all of the rain we had at one time several weeks ago, our usually dry basement had water seeping in from most directions. It isn't a big deal for us, as we don't have a finished basement.
 
Water seeped in from the southeast, from the north, from the northwest. Not a lot but I needed to sweep it toward one of our drains now and then.
 
But there was never any water coming in from the south and southwest.
 
Know why? We are a roof overhang on those directions. The water couldn't get to our foundation the way the other directions could.
 
Made me think of God and His protection. He wants to keep us from some of the 'storms' of life if we were but to let Him.
 
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! 

How often I wanted to gather your children together,

the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings and you were unwilling."

~ Matthew 23:37

Dear God, thank You for your protecting wings which shield us. Storms come. And we are protected. Thank You for your love and care. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Printable Issue 2586  Today is Monday, June 10th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2586
Recently I purchased a package of a dozen "Sproutables", promoted as 'frameable, mailable, giftable art cards.. While they are sent as post cards, they need first-class due to the size and shape.
 
Today I am emailing six of the sayings, with the other six saved up for another 'korner' another day:
 
"Keep a dream in your pocket
and faith in your heart.
Anything is possible!"
 
*
 
"You are an original one-of-a-kind
masterpiece.
That makes you priceless."
 
*
 
"I will remember
life is a journey,
not a destination."
 
*
 
"Begin each day with thought that bring out the best in you.
Today I will......
Yes, I can......
I am grateful for......"
 
*
 
"I count you among
my blessings every day."
 
*
 
"When all else fails,
BREATHE!"
 
*
Printable Issue 2587  Today is Tuesday, June 11th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2587
Something this morning from Max:  Max Lucado:
 
 
Connected But Not Altered

When you give your life to Christ, He moves in, unpacks his bags and is ready to change you into His likeness. So why do I still have the hang-ups of Max?

Part of the answer is in the story of a wealthy but frugal lady living in a small house at the turn of the century. Friends were surprised when she had electricity put in her home. Weeks afterward, a meter reader appeared. “Your meter shows scarcely any usage,” he said. “Are you using your power?”  “Certainly,” she answered.  “Each evening I turn on my lights long enough to light my candles; then I turn them off.”

She’s tapped into the power but doesn’t use it. Her house is connected but not altered. Don’t we make the same mistake? God is willing to change us into the likeness of the Savior.  Shall we accept His offer?

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19a).

****

Printable Issue 2588  Today is Wednesday, June 12th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2588

Psalm 113

In Praise of the Lord's Goodness

Praise the Lord!

You servants of the Lord,
    praise his name!
May his name be praised,
    now and forever.
From the east to the west
    praise the name of the Lord!
The Lord rules over all nations;
    his glory is above the heavens.

There is no one like the Lord our God.
He lives in the heights above,
   but he bends down
    to see the heavens and the earth.
He raises the poor from the dust;
    he lifts the needy from their misery
and makes them companions of princes,
    the princes of his people.
He honors the childless wife in her home;
    he makes her happy by giving her children.

Praise the LORD!

***

Printable Issue 2589  Today is Thursday, June 13th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2589
Something written by Larry Sydow and forwarded to me by Shirley Choat. This was a good one for me after a 'too busy' day yesterday. It was entirely my fault:  a couple of things just happened to land on the same day! But I have to confess that I am good at 'assigning myself more than enough':and 'organizing' more than I should:
 
 Matthew 20:28
"The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Isaiah 55:6 "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near."

Matthew 9:15 "And Jesus said to them, 'The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and they will fast.'"

"While our escaped convict (my uncle) went into hiding, my sister, twin brothers, three cousins, and I got busy playing a card game. We lost track of time and when we thought we’d given him enough time to find a hiding place, we split up to search. He was really good at hiding, so we had to search every location thoroughly.

"We searched the castle (corn crib), the jungle (grove of trees north of the house), the mountain hide-out (dairy barn), and every other possible location. Finally we had to agree he had escaped completely. We yelled in every direction for him to come back, but there was no reply.

"Mom came out to see what all the commotion was about. She told us he had gotten tired of waiting for us to come looking, so, when we were out searching, he went home!

"How busy is your life? Too busy to seek the Lord while He may be found? If so, you’re too busy, and you will continue to be too busy when the Bridegroom comes to usher the faithful into His Celebration. Sadly, there will be plenty of time (an eternity) to waste on all those things we thought were so important that we were too busy.

"Take time today - and every day - to do a little seeking, while He may be found."

Start where you are in serving the LORD, claim His sure promise and trust in His Word; God simply asks you to do what you can, He'll use your efforts to further His plan. 

Lord of all revelations, open the eyes of our hearts to the importance of seeking You in all times and in all places. Place within us a burning desire to find You and to experience Your gracious love. Make us witnesses willing to lead others in their search of You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

***

Printable Issue 2590  Today is Friday, June 14th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2590
Happy Flag Day! Our flag was adopted to represent our country on June 14, 1777. The 13 stripes have stayed and same and the stars on the field of blue have changed over the years as more states were added to the union, now having 50!
 
Look for additional flags flying today in honor of June 14!
 
This morning I looked at a couple of web search sites for Flag Day. Here is what one site said:
 
"The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. B.J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'..........."
 
And the writing continues as other places and peoples took up the cause.
 
As I continued to look, the hymn "God of Our Fathers" was listed in more than one area when I was looking for facts about Flag Day. Nice to think that the 'God of our Fathers' is good enough as Our God today.....and the God of our children, grandchildren in the future. May our heritage continue.
 
 Here are the words:
 
God Of Our Fathers Hymn

God of our fathers, Whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast,
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.

From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.

***

Printable Issue 2591  Today is Monday, June 17th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2591
Friday, we focused on Flag Day; not Father's Day. But any and every day can be a salute to Dads!
 
I heard on 'Family Talk' with Dr. James Dobson on Friday, that 43% of families in the United States do not have a dad in their daily family life. And 63% of all teen suicides are from families without a dad. We also all know of families who are doing marvelous things without a father in the home! And there are all kinds of men doing double duty as a Scout or 4-H Leader, Sunday School teacher, grandfather/other relative, and/or great neighbor..
 
But I think the message is:   Dads, you are valuable!
 
A couple of poems to honor them:
 
My Earthly Dad
With these three words,
"Dear Heavenly Father,"
I begin my every prayer,
But the man I see
While on bended knee
Is always my earthly dad.

He is the image
Of the Father divine
Reflecting the nature of God,
For his love and care
And the faith he shared
Pointed me to my Father above.

--Mary Fairchild

*

Thank You, Dad

Thank you for the laughter,
For the good times that we share,
Thanks for always listening,
For trying to be fair.

Thank you for your comfort,
When things are going bad,
Thank you for the shoulder,
To cry on when I'm sad.

This poem's a reminder that
All my life through,
I'll be thanking heaven
For a special dad like you.

--Anonymous

*

My Hero

My hero is the quiet type,
No marching bands, no media hype,
But through my eyes it's plain to see,
A hero, God has sent to me.

With gentle strength and quiet pride,
All self-concern is set aside,
To reach out to his fellow man,
And be there with a helping hand.

Heroes are a rarity,
A blessing to humanity.
With all they give and all they do,
I'll bet the thing you never knew,
My hero has always been you.

--Anonymous

***

Printable Issue 2592  Today is Tuesday, June 18th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2592
From Max Lucado:
 

What do you love to do?

What do you love to do?  What gives you a sense of satisfaction? Some long to feed the poor. Others relish singing or teaching or holding the hands of the sick or counseling the confused.  Each of us has been made to serve God in a unique way.

Ephesians 2:10 says: “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” You are a custom design; you are tailor-made. Regardless of the circumstances that surrounded your arrival, you are not an accident.

The longings of your heart are not incidental; they are critical messages. The desires of your heart are not to be ignored; they are to be consulted. As the wind turns the weather vane, so God uses your passion to turn your life. God is too gracious to ask you to do something you hate.

****

Printable Issue 2593  Today is Wednesday, June 19th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2593
Round two of the dozen "Sproutables", promoted as 'frameable, mailable, giftable art cards.. While they are sent as post cards, they need first-class due to the size and shape. I sent the first six sayings a few days back; here is the second six. Enjoy!
 
"Everyday celebrate yourself for who you are.
A kind, wonderful and cherished individual."
 
*
 
"Why wait?
Sing more.
Dance more.
Play more.
Laugh more.
Dream more.
Learn more.
Love more.
Imagine more!"
 
*
 
"My wish for you:
something treasured,
something new,
sweet surprises;
cherished friends,
peace when the sun goes down."
 
*
 
"Whenever you come to mind
I see a remarkable,
loving,
generous,
compassionate,
kind
and wonderful you!"
 
*
 
""I believe in you."
 
*
 
"Dance wherever you can.
Sing boldly.
Embrace your spirit.
Be your authentic self.
Listen. Forgive. Laugh a lot.
Cultivate lasing friendships.
Live compassionately.
An by all means...have fun!"

***
Printable Issue 2594  Today is Thursday, June 20th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2594

 

"Praise the Lord, O heavens!
Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all this angels, all the armies of heaven.
Praise him, sun and moon,
and all you twinkling stars.
Praise him, skies above.
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds.
 
Let everything he has made give praise to him.
For he issued his command, and they came into being;
he established them forever and forever.
His orders will never be revoked.
 
And praise him down her on earth,
you creatures of the ocean depths.
Let fire and hail, snow, and rain, wind and weather,
all obey.
Let the mountains and hills,
the fruit trees and cedars,
the wild animals and cattle, the snakes and birds,
the kings and all the people with their rulers and their judges,
young men and maidens;
old men and children--
all praise the Lord together.
For he alone is worthy.
His glory is far greater than all of earth and heaven.
He has made his people strong,
honoring his godly ones--
the people of Israel, the people closest to him.
 
Hallelujah!
Yes, praise the Lord!
 
~Psalm 148 (LALB)
 
Bible Commentary:  "All creation is like a majestic symphony or a great choir comprised of many harmonious parts which together offer up songs of praise. Each part (independent, yet part of the whole) is caught up and carried along in the swelling tides of praise. This is a picture of how we as believers should praise God--individually, yet part of the great choir of believers worldwide. Are you singing your part well in the worldwide choir of praise?"
 
***
Printable Issue 2595  Today is Friday, June 21st, 2013; Karen's Korner #2595
Happy first day of summer!
 
This is something written by a friend of Jim's cousin Rosemary. I don't know Jane but I always enjoy it when someone sends me things they/others have written themselves. Enjoy the writing and the day!
 
 
'ENDURING FAITH’

The gift of faith is better by far;

Than silver or gold or being a star.

The Lord does provide in meaningful ways;

To serve and to follow all of our days.

Each challenge comes near to test and to try;

Will my faith hold or is it a lie?

The Lord in His mercy gives strength for the task;

For faith is a gift, now what will I ask?

Lord, try me and test me; make my faith strong;

To follow Your leading forsaking all wrong.

So thankful am I Your promise is sure;

For faith is a gift that will always endure!

~ Jane Wallestad

9-11-12

*****

Printable Issue 2596  Today is Monday, June 24th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2596
Most Karen's Korner readers know about our local "Marys & Marhas", an ecumenical group of gals who have as our motto "Serving God By Loving Others". The M & Ms, as we are known for short, have been in existence some over eleven years now.
 
At our May meeting, we were offered a challenge which we have not had before. Kelly, one of our younger M & Ms, brought as a challenge and a few dollars. She gave those of us in attendance each $5 wrapped in an unmarked slip of paper. It was something which God had impressed on her mind for us to do:  "Give your money to bless someone who you don't know,". she said. We were to bring what we did to our June meeting.
 
Some attended the meeting in June who hadn't in May; some who were at the May meeting weren't in attendance in June. Those who were in attendance at both meetings brought their remarks.
 
One had traveled to Indiana to see a son and gave her $5 to a homeless woman who was in a wheelchair. Another gave her money to a father and son in Seattle, Washington as she was on her way to Alaska on a trip. Still another gave hers to someone in Iowa City while their family was there for a doctor appointment.
 
Still others recounted stories of local gifts and reactions by their unfamiliar recipients.
 
We were not told to give our five-dollar bills to people locally nor farther away. But it amazed me that some of our 'gift money' made it to pretty distant locations.
 
Made me think about what an impact even a few people and small amounts can make. We can scatter our smiles, our positive words, or a handful of dollars. These small amounts may not change the world, but they definitely make an impact. Add them all together, they can 'make a difference' in Indiana, Washington, Iowa......and other places around the world!
 
"....some have special abilities in winning people to Christ.....
still others have a gift for caring for God's people as a shepherd does his sheep......."
~ Ephesians 4: 11
 
Dear Lord, thank You for Kelly and her willingness to reach out to others in this unique way. Thank You, too, for giving us opportunities each day to touch the lives of others in, and for Your Kingdom. Just today we want to give others Your Love, Your Care, or some other resource from You Heavenly Treasure Chest. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Printable Issue 2597  Today is Tuesday, June 25th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2597
This is a response to yesterday's Karen's Korner. I always like it when other readers 'write' Karen's Korners.
 
As you recall, yesterday's was about our local M & Ms having a challenge to 'bless' some unknown person with a $5 gift.
 
Here is a response from Patti:
 
"After reading how folks from Iowa have touched lives all over the country, I felt lead to tell you my story. I escorted a bank tour to Alaska in May/June. The last week of the tour we were on a cruise ship that employs men and women from 3rd world countries to wait on the passengers. These folks work long hours, on their feet all day, on the other side of the world from their homes for nine months at a time.  One young man, Robert, caught my eye from Croatia. He seemed down when I first spoke to him. As we visited, I found out that he was working to help support his mother back home. His father had abandoned them when he was a youngster. He asked me if I made wishes, and I shared that I didn’t, but I prayed. 

"I had $20 left at the end of the tour. On the morning we were leaving the ship I placed the $20 in a Daily Bread devotional booklet and went to look for Robert. We spoke our goodbyes and I gave him the booklet.   pray that the Holy Spirit will work in Robert’s life to give him God’s peace and  joy."

I asked Patti for permission to share what she had typed. She approved with the admonition that we pray for Robert and his country:

Dear Father in Heaven, we praise You for the way that you work in our lives and the lives of people with whom we come in contact. Thank You for Robert, his family, and for Croatia. Lighten his life and his load. Work in his life to touch it with Your Holy Spirit. Bring Light into the dark places of his life and that of his country. You are the Great I AM and we worship You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Printable Issue 2598  Today is Wednesday, June 26th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2598
Taken from a chart in my Bible near Romans chapter 5
 
What We Have As Children
 
As children of Adam (natural nature) vs. God's children:
 
Ruin vs. Rescue
Sin vs. Righteousness
Death vs. Eternal Life
Separation from God vs. Relationship with God
Disobedience vs. Obedience
Judgment vs. Deliverance
Law vs. Grace
 
All of these are written in verses 8 - 20 of Romans, chapter 5!
 
I like the second item on each listing better than the first.
And to think that those are all FREE GIFTS!
 
***
 
Printable Issue 2599  Today is Thursday, June 27th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2599
"For this great God
is our God forever and ever.
He will be our guide
until we die."
~ Psalm 48:14
 
Bible Commentary:
 
"We often pray for God's guidance as we struggle with decisions.
What we need is both guidance and a guide---
a map that gives us landmarks and directions
and a constant companion
who has an intimate knowledge of the way
and will make sure we interpret the map correctly.
The Bible will be such a map;
and God will be the constant companion and guide.
As you make your way through life,
lean upon both the map and the Guide."
 
***
Printable Issue 2600  Today is Friday, June 28th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2600
I always like to celebrate Karen's Korner milestones......like 2600!
 
Thanks for taking me along for your 'daily ride'. Sharing daily with readers like you, helps me to stay focused on Him!
 
If there is anything which I need to be reminded of:  it is how much God loves me; how much God loves you!
 
Thankfully, we worship a God who doesn't change........His mind; His care for each one of us. He just loves us! And waits for us to return our attention, love and care to Him!
 
He is All-knowing and All-powerful. Creator. Designer. Shepherd. Savior. Father. Friend.
 
And we think we can improve on that? Or get along without Him!
 
 
"For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love.
Death can't, and life can't.
The angels won't,
and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God's love away.
Our fears for today,
our worries for tomorrow,
or where we are--
high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean--
nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God
demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ
when He died for us.
~ Romans 8:38,39
 
*
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us today and every day. We love you! Amen.