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June 2023 Archives
Today is Thursday, June 1st, 2023; Karen's Korner #4882
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Today is Thursday, June 1. Our younger daughter Merry was born today 50 years ago! Happy birthday, Merry!
We were fortunate to have her in our lives for 26 years! She was born moving fast-forward ahead! Always fun and funny; very caring about others.
When she came home from a week's stay in Kansas City as part of the National FFA Band, she came downstairs with a set of towels from the Allis Hotel where they had stayed. "Mom, I didn't take them. Someone must have put them in my suitcase!" she said. Did we send them back? No! Clarion-Goldfield School probably paid for them!
While in high school, she had a friend going through a tough time. The friend didn't go to class that day, but sat in the school cafetorium. And Merry stayed with her!
Because she was a music major, Merry had lots of music classes. Both as an individual and in groups. Simpson College had a very active religious life, led by Pastor Mike. One of their small groups served as music guests at many churches on Sundays. Their numbers included Ed who eventually became Merry's husband. Pastor Mike married them on the college campus.
Many, many stories. Many, many memories I/we are fortunate to have had Merry in our lives for a too-short 26 years.
I thank God for those memories. I can't image our lives without her!
Her older sister Jamie and are going to celebrate 'her day' by going out for lunch today!
"O give thanks to God, for He is good:
His lovingkindness continues forever."
(Psalm 136:1)
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Today is Monday, June 5th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4883
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Something from Anne Graham Lotz:
A Promise of Hope!
"The trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised imperishable,
and we will be changed."
! 1 Corinthians 15:52 NIV
"What will it be like on that day when we hear the clarion call of the archangel's trumpet? Quicker than you or I can blink an eye, believers will feel their feet lifting up off the ground, we will be aware of certain changes taking place in our bodies that will enable us to physically live in eternity, and we will look up - into the face of Jesus! We will be swept into the clouds of His glory! And if we can drag our eyes away from His beuatiful face, we will see that Jesus is surrounded by our loved ones who had trusted Him by faith and who had been raised from the dead!
"Jesus Christ is coming! He is coming! On any day, at any moment, 'in the twinkling of an eye....at an hour when you do not expect him....he who is coming will come and will not delay' (1 Cor. 15:52; Luke 12:40; Heb.10:37). Now that's a promise that give us HOPE!"
****
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Today is Wednesday, June 7th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4884
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"Pride leads to arguments;
be humble,
take advice
and become
wise."
~ Proverbs 13:10
LAB
*
Bible
Commentary: ""I was wrong' or 'I need help' are
difficult phrases to utter because they require humility. Pride is an
ingredient in every quarrel. It stirs up conflict and divides
people. Humility, by contrast, heals. Guard against pride. If we find ourselves
constantly arguing, we need to examine our lives for pride. We need to be
open to the advice of others, we need to ask for help when we need it,
and be willing to admit our mistakes."
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Today is Friday, June 9th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4885
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Sandy Stephenson has a journal, collecting favorite sentences, sayings, or Bible verses. They are her favorites. Here are several of them:
"Be more Kingdom minded
than worldly minded."
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"When the peace within us
knows how to dance.......
oh, that is joy!"
*
'Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance.
Shaos to order.
Confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast,
a house into a home,
or stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow."
~ Melody Prattie
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"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace,
the mountains and hills will burst into song
before you and all the trees of the field will
clap their hands."
~ Isaiah 55:12
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"Prayer is the key to God's house.
It is Gods' gift to us.
Nothing is so fragile as action
without prayer!"
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"Walk in Love.
Love is kind,
not fretful."
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"Experience is a brutal teacher,
but you learn.
Oh, yes, you learn!"
~ The Shadowlands
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Today is Monday, June 12th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4886
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Written by Paul:
"Three different times I begged God to make me well again.
"Each time he said, 'No. But I am with you, that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am. I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities."
~ 2 Corinthians 12: 8 & 9 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Although God did not remove Paul's physical affliction, he promised to demonstrate his power in Paul. The fact thtat God's power shows up in weak people should give us courage. If we recognize our limitations, we will not congratulation ourselves. Instead, we will turn to God to seek pathways for effectiveness. We must rely on God for our effectiveness rather than on simple energy, effort, or talent. Our weakness not only helps develop Christian character, it also deepens our worship, for in admitting our weakness, we affirm God's strength."
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Today is Tuesday, June 13th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4887
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RUTH'S ATTIC
A selection from Ruth Bell Graham's Writings (Billy Graham's wire)
JESUS IS MORE
When we come to know Jesus as Savior
And accept Him as Master as well,
He is more than anyone told us,
And more than we can ever tell.
****
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Today is Wednesday, June 14th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4888
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HERO OF HEAVEN
by Max Lucado
"The hero of heaven is God. Angels don’t worship mansions or glittering avenues. God is not the grand marshal of the parade; he is the parade. He’s not the main event; he’s the only event. His Broadway features a single stage and star: himself. He hosts the only production and invites every living soul to attend.
"At this very moment God issues invitations by the millions. He says, 'Come, enjoy me forever.'
Yet many people have no desire to do so. He speaks; they cover their ears. He commands; they scoff. They don’t want him telling them how to live. They regard his son as a joke and the cross as utter folly. They spend their lives telling God to leave them alone.
"Jesus offers the invitation in Matthew 11:28: 'Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'"
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Today is Thursday, June 15th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4889
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My favorite and comfortable sandals are ready for disposal! The two parts of the sole of one is coming unglued.
Next time I go shopping, I have to find new ones!
But then I thought, "I will look behind my closet door", which holds about a dozen pairs of shoes which are seasonal or ones I wear infrequently.
And there was a relatively new pair of summer shoes waiting for me to wear!!
Made me think of all the things which I possess as a Christian. Maybe don't remember that I have them.
Here's one: 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER and of LOVE and a STRONG MIND". (Good News Testament)
Like my sandals, we possess POWER. LOVE. A STRONG MIND. Whether we recall we have them or not!
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Today is Friday, June 16th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4890
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"But I keep right on praying to you, Lord.
For now is the time---
you are bending down to hear!
You are ready
with a plentiful supply of love and kindness.
Now answer my prayer
and rescue me from those who hate me,
and from the deep waters I am in."
~ Psalm 69:13 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "What problems David faced! He was scoffed at, mocked, insulted, humiliated, and the object of city-wide gossip. But still he prayed. When we are completely beaten down, we are tempted to turn from God; to give up, and quit trusting him. When our situation seems hopeless or when we just don't care anymore, determine that no matter how bad things become we will continue to pray. God will hear our prayers and he will rescue us. When others reject us, we need God most. We cannot turn from our most faithful friend.
*****
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Today is Monday, June 19th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4891
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For Father's Day, yesterday's church worship leader Chris Carpenter started off the day with two 'dad's day' poems:
SILENT. STRONG DAD
By Karen Boyer
"He never looks for praises.
He's never one to boast.
He just goes on quietly working.
For those he loves the most.
His dreams are seldom spoken.
His wants are very few.
And most of the time his worries
Will go unspoken, too.
He's there...a firm foundation
Through all our storms of life,
A sturdy hand to hold onto
In times of stress and strife.
A true friend we can turn to
When times are good or bad.
One of our greatest blessings,
The man that we call Dad."
**
"Star Dad"
By Karl Fuse
"I love you, Dad,
and want you to know
I feel your love
wherever I go.
Whenever I've problems,
you're there to assist.
The ways you have helped me
would make quite a list.
Your wisdom and knowledge
have shown me the way
And I'm thankful for you
as I live day by day.
I don't tell you enough
how important you are.
In my universe
you're a bright shining star."
****
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Today is Tuesday, June 20th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4892
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Today's entry from Sarah Young and her "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence":
"I speak to you continually. My nature is to communicate, though not always in words. I fling glorious sunsets across the sky, day after day after day. I speak in the faces and voices of loved ones. I caress you with a gentle breeze that refreshes and delights you. I speak softly in the depths of your spirit, where I have taken up residence.
"You can find Me in each moment, when you have eyes that see and ears that hear. Ask My Spirit to sharen your spiriutal eyesight and hearing. I rejoice each time you discover My Presence. Practice looking and listening for Me during quiet intervals. Gradually you will find Me in more and more of your moments. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me above all else."
~ Taken from Psalm 8:1-4; Psalm 19:1 - 2;
1 Corinthians 6:19; Jeremiah 29:13
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Today is Wednesday, June 21st, 2023; Karen's Korner #4893
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“When there is moral rot within a nation, Its government topples easily; But with honest, sensible leaders There is stability.” ~ Proverbs 28:2 LAB
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Bible Commentary: “One person’s selfishness quickly affects others. A selfish employee who steals from his company impairs its efficiency. A selfish driver who drinks before taking the wheel makes the state highways unsafe. A selfish spouse who has an adulterous affair often breaks up several families. When enough people live for themselves with little concern for how their actions affect others , the resulting moral rot can topple an entire nation. Are we part o f the problem? Or the solution?”
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Today is Thursday, June 22nd, 2023; Karen's Korner #4894
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Do we ever get tired of having someone tell us they love us?
Sometimes the world beats us up pretty good, so it is nice to be reminded how much God loves us. Taken from "100 Things God Loves About You; Simple Reminders for When You Need Them Most" by Tama Fortner.
Number 6:
GOD LOVES WHEN YOU LET HIM CARRY YOU.
"He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart."
~ Isaiah 40:11
"it's hard sometimes, isn't it? The responsibilities, the obligations of daily life. It can sometimes feel as if the weight of the whole world is resting on your shoulders. But the world isn't yours to carry; it's His. When you're too tattered and tired to try yet again, you're too wobbly and wear to keep walking, or you've stumbled down one of life's steep slopes, throw your hands up to Him and say, 'I can't do this by myself!' Because when you reach up, He loves to reach down, lift you up, and carry you...........close to His heart."
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Today is Friday, June 23rd, 2023; Karen's Korner #4895
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Today's Max Lucado in my inbox:
"Some of us have postgraduate degrees from the University of Anxiety. We go to sleep worried that we won’t wake up. We wake up worried that we didn’t sleep. We worry that someone will discover that lettuce was fattening all along. Wouldn’t you love to stop worrying? Could you use a strong shelter from life’s harsh elements?
"God offers you just that. The possibility of a worry-free life. Not just less worry, but no worry. Philippians 4:7 says, 'His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.' Worry is an option, not an assignment. Be quick to pray. Rather than worry about anything, Scripture says, 'pray about everything.' Focus less on the problems ahead and more on the victories behind. In everything let your requests be made known to God! Do your part, and God will for sure do his."
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Today is Monday, June 26th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4896
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"You have given me your salvation
as my shield.
Your right hand, O Lord,
supports me,
your gentleness has made me great."
~ Psalm 18:35 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "David (writer) offers an intersting twist to the concept of greatness, saying that God's gentleness made him great. Our society believes that greatness is attained through a combination of opportunity, talent, and aggressiveness. But true greatness comes from living according to God's laws and standards and recognizing that all we have comes from the gentleness of God's mercy."
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Today is Tuesday, June 27th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4897
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Some fun Sides Notes from the current OUR IOWA magazine; written vertically in the margins. Installment #1 of 2:
"Every sunset is new and exciting..........
unlike television,
there are not reruns."
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"Prayer is taking
our troubles to God.
Faith is leaving them there."
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"A mystery of life
is bare spots in the lawn
and grass growing
in the driveway."
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"Someone once asked me
if I ever went up to the plate
trying to hit a home run.
I said,
"Sure every time!"
~ Mickey Mantle
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*"You have achieved success in your field
when you don't know
whether what you're doing
is work or play."
****
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Today is Wednesday, June 28th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4898
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"Then when you realize
your worthlessness
before the Lord,
he will lift you up,
encourage
and help you."
~ James 4:10 LAB
* Bible Commentary: ";Realize your worthlessness' can also be translated 'Humble yourselves before the Lord.' Humbling ourselves means recognizing that our worth comes from God alone. We do not deserve his favor, but he reaches out to us in love and gives us worth and dignity, despite our human shortcomings."
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Today is Thursday, June 29th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4899
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"Scolding and spanking
a child helps him to learn.
Left to himself,
he brings shame
to his mother."
~ Proverbs 29:15 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "As parents, we weary of disciplining our children. it seems that all we do is nag, scold, and punish. When we are tempted to give up and let them do what they want, or when we wonder if we've ruined every chance for a loving relationship with them, remember---kind, firm discipline helps them learn, and learning makes them wise. Consistent, loving discipline will ultimately teach them to discipline themselves."
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Today is Friday, June 30th, 2023; Karen's Korner #4900
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I had something else picked out for today. Now I can't find it.
So sharing Max Lucado's writing for the day. He is always good. Does a nice job of making great points..
EVEN WHEN WE DON'T UNDERSTAND
"'an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit’” (Matthew 1:20 NIV).
"You’ve stood where Joseph stood, caught between what God says and what makes sense. Each of us knows what it’s like to search the night for light. Perhaps outside an emergency room, on the gravel of a roadside, on the manicured grass of a cemetery. We’ve questioned God’s plan. Let me urge you to do what Joseph did – obey. Because Joseph obeyed, God used him to change the world.
"God still looks for Josephs today. Common people who serve an uncommon God. Would you be that kind of person? Will you serve…even when you don’t understand?"
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