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January 2014 Archives

Printable Issue 2728  Today is Wednesday, January 1st, 2014; Karen's Korner #2728
Happy New Year!
 
A Psalm of Praise to open 2014!
Psalm 145

New Life Version (NLV)

I will praise You, my God and King. I will honor Your name forever and ever. I will honor You every day, and praise Your name forever and ever. The Lord is great and our praise to Him should be great. He is too great for anyone to understand. Families of this time will praise Your works to the families-to-come. They will tell about Your powerful acts. I will think about the shining-greatness of Your power and about Your great works. Men will speak of Your powerful acts that fill us with fear. And I will tell of Your greatness. Many words will come from their mouths about how good You are. They will sing for joy about how right You are.

The Lord is full of loving-favor and pity, slow to anger and great in loving-kindness. The Lord is good to all. And His loving-kindness is over all His works. All Your works will give thanks to You, O Lord. And all those who belong to You will honor You. They will speak of the shining-greatness of Your holy nation, and talk of Your power. They will make Your powerful acts and the great power of Your holy nation known to the sons of men. Your holy nation is a nation that lasts forever. And Your rule lasts for all time.

The Lord holds up all who fall. He raises up all who are brought down. The eyes of all look to You. And You give them their food at the right time. You open Your hand and fill the desire of every living thing.

The Lord holds up all who fall. He raises

The Lord is right and good in all His ways, and kind in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He will fill the desire of those who fear Him. He will also hear their cry and will save them.  The Lord takes care of all who love Him. But He will destroy all the sinful. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord. And all flesh will honor His holy name forever and ever.

***

Printable Issue 2729  Today is Thursday, January 2nd, 2014; Karen's Korner #2729
Something forwarded to me by Shirley Choat yesterday:
 
The New Year
(by Hyacinth Kwatashin) 
 
2014 - the New year lies ahead -
Like an empty book, unwritten story -
Lord, I pray my days be spirit-led
With testimonies of Your Love and Glory.
 
May I be sensitive to Your calling - 
Obedient to Your Word and voice
May I walk Your path without falling
Less "feeling" and more by "choice".
 
Guard me against all offenses
That would hinder my walk with You;
To be sincere and avoid pretenses
Keeping my eternal reward in view.
 
May I be slow to judge others
But quick to lend a helping hand.
When stress and trials do bother
On Your promises help me stand.
 
In sickness may I claim Your healing,
In stress or sorrow - Your joy and peace .
Despite circumstances, faith revealing
With strongholds, may I find Your release.
 
When the year ends, and I reflect
On the year right from the start -
May I be able to rejoice in victory
May my life - my story - gladden Your heart. 
 
**
Printable Issue 2730  Today is Friday, January 3rd, 2014; Karen's Korner #2730
A thought for the day for all of us from Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence". She included two Bible verses; I haven't looked them up this morning:
 
"REFRESH YOURSELF
in the Peace of My Presence.
This Peace can be your portion at all times
and in all circumstances.
Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence,
even as you carry out your duties in the world.
I am both with you and within you.
I go before you to open up the way,
and I also walk alongside you.
There could never be another companion
as devoted as I am.
 
"Because I am your constant Companion,
there should be a lightness in your step
that is observable to others.
Do not be weighed down with problems
and unresolved issues,
for I am your burden-bearer.
In the world you have trials and distress,
but don't let them get you down.
I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you.
In Me you may have confident Peace."
 
PSALM 31:19-20 (NASB); John 16:33 (AMP)
 
***
Printable Issue 2731  Today is Monday, January 6th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2731
Start off the week with a 'good' (aren't they all?) Max Lucado:
 
ALL THINGS NEW

Can an acorn become a rose? Can a whale fly like a bird?  Can lead become gold?  I don’t think so!

My dad’s a doctor.  My grandfather’s a doctor and everyone expects ME to be a doctor—but I want to study music!  God—what am I missing?       

You can’t be anything you want to be.  But you can be everything God wants you to be.  If God didn’t pack within you the people skills of a salesperson, or the world vision of an ambassador, can you be one?  An unhappy, dissatisfied one—maybe! God doesn’t pre-fab or mass-produce people.

Revelation 21:5 says God makes all things new!  He didn’t hand you your granddad’s bag or your aunt’s life; he personally and deliberately packed you!  Live out of the bag God gave you.  Enjoy making music!

***

Printable Issue 2732  Today is Tuesday, January 7th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2732
Yesterday I was inside and outside, despite the cold. Had some things that I had to do both places. Not outside very long at a time.
 
After I was inside for awhile, I couldn't find my cell phone which is usually in a small pocket in my purse.
 
Then I thought, "I know where it is. I put it in the pocket of my overstuffed, too large jacket."
 
As I dug through the pile of out-of-doors clothing, I again thought, "I know it is in here because I put it there."
 
Sure enough I pulled it out of my right pocket.
 
What about spiritual things like joy and peace. Do we ever whine, "God, where is my joy?"
 
His gentle reply, "It's still inside you. It's my gift to you. I put it there."
 
We have joy, peace, kindness, His love........and dozens of others! Whether we feel like it all the time or not! He puts it there when we become one of His Followers. One of a lengthy list of His Gifts.
 
Like any gift, we simply have to accept them! Use them....
 
Here is a partial list:
 
"...fruit produced in our lives:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control..."
~ Galatians 5:22, 23
 
Dear Lord, thank You for the way that You take care of us as Your Children. We have so many spiritual gifts, which You have given to each one of us. Your plans so far exceed anything we could have expected nor experienced. Help us to use and enjoy those gifts wisely; and learn how to share them with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Printable Issue 2733  Today is Wednesday, January 8th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2733
Several weeks ago I received a 'chain letter' requesting people to 'play the game' of forwarding some Bible verses. You know the drill on chain letters:  forward something to someone else, move your name to the top of the list, sit back and receive whatever is the message. Never works.
 
But I played. What could it hurt?
 
Guess what? Now I am receiving Bible verses:  from people I know and those I don't.
 
Installment #1 of Bible verses I have received from others. Some are pretty familiar; others not so much. (If you want to play, let me know and I can forward you an opportunity):
 
 
"Be anxious for noting, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Philippians 4:6
~ from Ruth
 
**
 
 
 "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose." 
Romans 8:28
~ Maxine
 
**
 
'John 3:16 has always been a favorite:.

"For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son,
That whosoever shall believeth in Him shall have everlasting life."

~ both Vicki & Kim
 
**

 
"I have learned in whatever state (...Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Costa Rica...) I am, to be content."
~ Philippians 4:11
-  Mary
 
***
Printable Issue 2734  Today is Thursday, January 9th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2734
You can tell that I enjoy Sarah Young's "JESUS CALLING:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence", written as if He is talking to each one of us. This is one from several days ago:
 
"I AM ABLE
to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine.
Come to Me with positive expectations,
knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish.
Ask My Spirit to control your mind,
so that you can think great thoughts of Me.
Do not be discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers
are yet unanswered.
Time is a trainer,
teaching you to wait upon Me,
to trust Me in the dark.
The more extreme your circumstances,
the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory
at work in the situation.
Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying,
try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention.
Keep your eyes and your mind wide open
to all that I am doing in your life."
 
***
Printable Issue 2735  Today is Friday, January 10th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2735
Long-time Clarion physician Robert Eaton passed away earlier this week at the age of nearly 95. His funeral was yesterday.
 
Dr. Eaton was a 'class act' for all of those years. Clarion was the big winner when he and three other physicians came to our community over the span of ten years in the later '40s and '50s, serving together more than 30 years. Retiring in 1983, he continued to be involved in the lives of people in his world.
 
He and his wife Edie served on a study committee to help in the construction of The Meadows, a senior independent living facility in our town. They put their money where their hearts were when they became one of the first residents of the 45-apartment complex in 1993.
 
Fortunate for all of us was that Dr. Eaton's physical health declined only in the recent past and his mind remained alert. One of the first things the officiating minister said in the funeral service was a parting statement by the ever-alert retired physician:  "Tell those attending my funeral 'Help Others!'
 
Several remarks by two of his three children caught my attention: "The best thing dad did was to love our mother!" (they were married 69 years). Dr. Eaton's day off was Thursdays; he thought if it was his day off - it should be his wife's (nurse by education; stay-at-home mom) as well. So the family ordered a meal from the Teenie-Weenie (popular restaurant of Clarion's history)!
 
When we think back to doctors of long ago, they were 'on call' at all hours of the day and night - making house calls, delivering babies. His and Edie's children were spread over a couple of decades and they were talented and involved young people. None of them could recall their dad missing their events and activities; they were sure that he did but because of his interest in, and involvement with, their family - they couldn't recall any of them.
 
No task was 'above' Dr. Eaton (while he gave up his medical license more than 30 years ago and he wanted everyone to just call him Bob, I just couldn't bring myself to call him that). The minister said he was The Meadows biggest advocate, donned zippered coveralls and helped others when they chose to make the facility their new 'home'. Because not everyone knew who he was in his past and with his apparel, they'd assume he was a hired custodian. He'd  be asked to install towel racks and help hang pictures. "Why would a doctor do this?" ask the minister, "Because helping others was who he was and what he believed."
 
A poem which Dr. Eaton had taped to his mirror and could repeat in its entirety, was included in our funeral brochure:
 
"My life shall touch a dozen lives,
Before this day is done.
Leave countless marks of good or ill,
Ee'r sets the evening sun.
This, the wish I always wish,
The prayer I always pray;
Lord, make my life help others lives,
It touches by the way."
~ Author Unknown
 
*
 
He earned the right to ask all of us (including Karen's Korner readers) to "Help Others".
Printable Issue 2736  Today is Monday, January 13th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2736
 
Yesterday was Sunday; today is Monday. Sunday is a good day to worship God; so is Monday! Something from Max Lucado for the day:
 
God Adopts Us

When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us! It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more.  He gives you his name.  It would be enough if God just set you free, but he does more. He takes you home.

Adoptive parents understand this more than anyone. We biological parents know well the earnest longing to have a child. But in many cases our cribs were filled easily. We decided to have a child and a child came.  In fact sometimes the child came with no decision.  I’ve heard of unplanned pregnancies, but I’ve never heard of an unplanned adoption.

If anybody understands God’s ardor for his children, it’s someone who has rescued an orphan from despair, for that is what God has done for us. God sought you, found you, signed the papers and took you home!

****

Printable Issue 2737  Today is Tuesday, January 14th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2737
They say that this time of year is sometimes depressing for people:  after the holidays, maybe people are alone, maybe family relationships are strained, dark too long or shut in because of the weather, not as much for which to look forward.
 
Sometimes our biggest enemy is what is happening inside our own heads; sometimes the future looks like something to 'fear'. Psalm 56, theme lead in says, "Trusting God's care in the midst of fear. When all seems dark, one truth still shines bright:  when God is for us, those against us will never succeed."
 
Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me;
    all day long foes oppress me;
my enemies trample on me all day long,
    for many fight against me.
O Most High, when I am afraid,
    I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
    in God I trust; I am not afraid;
    what can flesh do to me?

All day long they seek to injure my cause;
    all their thoughts are against me for evil.
They stir up strife, they lurk,
    they watch my steps.
As they hoped to have my life,
so repay them for their crime;
    in wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

You have kept count of my tossings;
    put my tears in your bottle.
    Are they not in your record?
Then my enemies will retreat
    in the day when I call.
    This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
    in the Lord, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I am not afraid.
    What can a mere mortal do to me?

My vows to you I must perform, O God;
    I will render thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered my soul from death,
    and my feet from falling,
so that I may walk before God
    in the light of life.

***

Printable Issue 2738  Today is Wednesday, January 15th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2738
As a teacher of an adult Sunday School class, of 'students' who span eight decades in age, I enjoy at times asking those in attendance, for their thoughts on one member of our group.
 
Since it was Herb Billman's birthday a couple of weeks ago, he was our focus as he celebrated #94! This is not the first time I have written about Herb in a Karen's Korner. (If you'd like to read about him being a 'war hero' of World War II, you can read about it by going to www.karens-korner.com ; on the left side, click on 'archives', check entries from March 2010 - Karen's Korner #1779))
 
We spoke of Herb being 'our role model'. While he is 94, he still seems 'young':  he walks at the fitness center for a mile every day; picks up stray bottles and cans which have been discarded on county roadways - turning the $ into the church for our young people's Bible Bowl team expenses; in December when a team of church members rang bells for Salvation Army collection - Herb was there taking a shift in very cold weather conditions.
 
We like his faithfulness; we can count on him. But the thing we have heard Herb say more than once, which could be a message for any of the rest of us (he is the first person to be at our Sunday School class every Sunday!);
 
"If God can give me 24 hours, 7 days a week,
I can give Him two hours on Sunday morning."
 
Printable Issue 2739  Today is Thursday, January 16th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2739
I always enjoy it when people email things they believe would be good, shared with Karen's Korner readers. This is a 'pass along' sent to me from missionaries Jacob & Jaynie Michael, who our church supports.
 
So greetings this morning from Mozambique, Africa:
 
TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2014

With all the problems the World is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, I share with you ten predictions that are true:
 
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..

3. The Holy Spirit will still move..
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
 

Isn't it great To Remember Who Is Really In Control, and that;
"the Word of the Lord endures forever." ( 1 Peter 1:25 )
 
***
Printable Issue 2740  Today is Friday, January 17th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2740
More Bible verses which I have received; emailed to me via a 'Bible Verse Exchange. Because it was like the old 'chain letter', some of the respondents.....I don't know who they are! FUN:
 
"Be still and know that I am God."
~ Psalm 46:10
from MARCIA
 
**
 
Philippians 4:13:
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
~ Diane
 
**
 
"Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions,
and enables him to enjoy them,
to accept his lot and be happy in his work---
this is a gift of God. 
He seldom reflects on the days of his life
 because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."
~ Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
  From Jeff and Teresa
 
**
 
"What does the Lord require of you
but to seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God"
~ Micah 6:8
From Beth
 
**

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth."

Psalm 121:1,2 – (actually the whole chapter)

 - Donna

**

"A Christian life is not about keeping laws, it's about accepting grace."

~ Not a Bible verse, but something from a recent church service. - Per Wilma

****



Printable Issue 2741  Today is Monday, January 20th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2741
A short poem published in a "2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul":
 
Little Eyes Upon You
 
"There are little eyes upon you
and they're watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager
to do anything you do;
And a little boy who's dreaming
of the day he'll be like you.
 
"You're the little fellow's idol,
you're the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly,
holds all you say and do;
He will say and do, in your way
when he's grown up just like you.
 
"There's a wide-eyed little fellow
who believes you're always right;
and his eyes are always opened,
and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example
every day in all you do;
For the little boy who's waiting
to grow up to be like you."*
 
~ Author unknown
* (If we'd like, we could substitute
'her', 'she', 'girl' to make if suitable for
the little girls in our lives.)
Printable Issue 2742  Today is Tuesday, January 21st, 2014; Karen's Korner #2742
Something this morning from Max Lucado:
 
Being Saved

What does it mean to be saved?  I think the best answer to that question is John 3:16:   “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Who’d watch someone they love step toward a pit and not stop them before they plunged into darkness?  God loves you so much, he wants to save you—from the world, from Satan, from yourself!  But the debt is too big to pay on your own!  So Jesus did all the work two thousand years ago on a cross!  So, what’s next?  Believe!  Believe that Jesus died for you and me.  Our sin bill—paid in full!  You are set free—to enjoy life eternal with your Savior himself!

***

Printable Issue 2743  Today is Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014; Karen's Korner #2743

Psalm 143 (TLB)

THEME:  A prayer in the midst of hopelessness and depression.
Our prayers should fit into what we know is consistent with God's character and plans.

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; answer my plea because you are faithful to your promises. Don’t bring me to trial! For as compared with you, no one is perfect.

"My enemies chased and caught me. They have knocked me to the ground. They force me to live in the darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.

"I remember the glorious miracles you did in days of long ago. I reach out for you. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens; don’t turn away from me or I shall die. Let me see your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere. Save me from my enemies. O Lord, I run to you to hide me. Help me to do your will, for you are my God. Lead me in good paths, for your Spirit is good.

"Lord, saving me will bring glory to your name. Bring me out of all this trouble because you are true to your promises. And because you are loving and kind to me, cut off all my enemies and destroy those who are trying to harm me; for I am your servant."

***

Printable Issue 2744  Today is Thursday, January 23rd, 2014; Karen's Korner #2744
I received a puzzle as a Christmas gift. I dumped the 500 pieces out on to our card table to begin the process of putting them back together. As I turned each mismatched hunk over and sorted the 'edge pieces', they covered the entire tabletop.
 
Then came my efforts to put the messy picture back into something resembling the photo on the cover of the box. As I worked, the puzzle began to come into focus. Now the completed puzzle takes up about half the top of our portable table. And the reassembled picture is complete.
 
Is this like our lives? When we are 'dumped' on to planet earth, are we an incomplete puzzle? Is God the Master 'Puzzle 'PUT-TER TOGETHER-ER'? As we work in tandem with our Creator, does He help to put the pieces of our lives together? And He unscrambles our incompleteness as He holds the box with the picture of what our lives should look like? He knows where every piece should be placed? As we 'grow up' in Him, we know better and better who we are and better still 'Whose' we are?
 
"And as we live with Christ, our love grows more perfect and complete.."
~ I John 4:17 LB
 
Thank You, God, for showing us who we are
and for having a great plan for each one of our lives.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Printable Issue 2745  Today is Friday, January 24th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2745
Last week, we had a forwarded email from missionaries in Mozambique. Today, I am including a 'pass along' email from our 'Australian daughter' Karen (Lions Club exchange, from a number of years ago):
 
"Keep your thoughts positive
because your thoughts become
YOUR WORDS.
 
"Keep your words positive
because your words become
YOUR BEHAVIOR.
 
"Keep your behavior positive
because your behavior becomes
YOUR HABITS.
 
"Keep your habits positive
because your habits become
YOUR VALUES.
 
"Keep your values positive
because your values become
YOUR DESTINY."
 
~ Mahatma Gandhi
 
***
Printable Issue 2746  Today is Monday, January 27th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2746
Yesterday's "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence" by Sarah Young; it is a 365-day calendar. This is a good one:
 
"Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life.
Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties.
This is a false hope!
As I told My disciples,
in the world you will have trouble.
Link your hope not to problem solving in this life
but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven.
Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world,
pour your energy into seeking Me:
the Perfect One.
 
"It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me
in the midst of adverse circumstances.
In fact, My Light shines most brightly
through believers who trust Me in the dark.
That kind of trust is supernatural:
a production of My indwelling Spirit.
When things seem all wrong,
trust Me anyway.
I am much less interested in right circumstances
than in right responses
to whatever comes your way."
 
Read John 16:33; Psalm 112:4.7
 
****
Printable Issue 2747  Today is Tuesday, January 28th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2747
From Max Lucado this morning:
 
Cascading Grace
 

It was supposed to have been a day of dreams coming true!  But across town, Jack Autry was in a hospital, struggling to stay alive. Chrysalis and the women in her family found the perfect bridal gown in Amy Well's shop. One Jack might never see.  Because of his cancer, he couldn't come to see his daughter try on her dress.  And because of medical bills, the family couldn't buy the dress yet for him to see.

Amy, the wedding shop owner said, °God clearly spoke to me.  She told Chrysalis, °take the gown and veil right now to the hospital and wear it for your daddy.Jack couldn't believe how beautiful Chrysalis looked!  Three days later Jack died.

Amy's generosity created a moment of cascading grace.  God to Amy to Chrysalis to Jack. Isn't this how God works?  He doesn't just love; he lavishes us with love, His grace 'exceedingly abundant'; indescribable'!

°Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen.  

~ Ephesians 3:20-21

***

 
 
Printable Issue 2748  Today is Wednesday, January 29th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2748
Another installment of favorite Bible verses I received via a recent 'chain letter' email, which was being passed around in our neck of the woods several weeks ago:
 
 
From Paula:
 
But now thus says the Lord, He who created you,
O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.”
~ Isaiah 43:1
 
*
From both Brenda & Sue:
"Trust the Lord completely;
don't ever trust yourself.
In everything you do,
put God first,
and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success."
~ Proverbs 3:5,6
 
*
 
From Sara:
"Love always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres. 
Love never fails."
~ 1 Corinthians 13: 7-8
*
 
From Margaret:
"Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one,
for the results can be much better.
If one falls,
the other pulls him up,
but if a man falls when he is alone,
he's in trouble."
~ Ecclesiastes 4:9,10
 
***
 
Printable Issue 2749  Today is Thursday, January 30th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2749
"Listen!
In this man Jesus,
there is forgiveness for your sins!
Everyone who trusts in Him IS FREED
from all GUILT and declared RIGHTEOUS --
something the Jewish law could never do."
~ Acts 13:38, 39 LB
 
Bible Commentary:
"This is the Good News of the gospel ---
that forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt
are available to all people through faith in Christ --
including us!
Have we received this forgiveness?
Are we refreshed by it each day?"
 
*
Thank You, Father,
for your thoughts, plans, and actions!
You have done it all for us;
help us to accept ALL YOUR GIFTS
and remember Who You are
and Whose We are!
The way You care for each one of us is
UNPARALLELED with anything else in our lives.
In Jesus' Name.
AMEN
 
***
 
Printable Issue 2750  Today is Friday, January 31st, 2014; Karen's Korner #2750
This is the week that our county received its printed copies of "OPEN FOR BUSINESS", a 'yellow-page-type' directory featuring the goods and services available in Wright County. Coming out the end of March or first part of April will be our annual county Visitor & Resident guide. I chair both publications.
 
My two-term board position on our charitable foundation is coming to an end next month.
 
I enjoy those kinds of volunteer roles. What can be more gratifying than working to enhance our small-town, rural lives and lifestyles. Helping individuals, businesses, non-profit groups, and communities survive and thrive.
 
Only one problem with that work:  it can all end! Businesses can close. People can move or go to the 'home'. Organizations might go out of existence. I know that. But they are all worth the time investment and attention.
 
But the things that I work with and on, with the help of God and His Spirit:  last forever! What can be even more gratifying than learning more about the things of the 'spiritual realm'; teaching a Sunday School class; worshipping or praying together with friends; writing or reading something, as we share with one another in our trek through this life.
 
As Christians, we should have two goals:  1) learning more and more what God has in store for each one of us and living life to the fullest because of it; and 2) grabbing more people as we go, taking them with us , on our way to the next life - heaven!
 
Thanks for allowing me to take you along as we journey together via 'Karen's Korner'!
 
"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 (LB)
 
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