"You can imagine a better world, a better life, a better way. But standing between imagination and reality are all the problems, challenges, and obstacles of this world. And you think, 'I can only do so much1'

"And hat's true. On you own, you can only do so much. Which is actually great news---because you aren't on your own! Yahweh, the Lord God of all creation, is with you, and He can do so much more than you could ever imagine----immeasurably more. Unexpected solutions, inspired answers, untapped resources. So go ahead....ask God, and let Him give you a glimpse of His imagination."

(Sorry for the delay. I was away from my computer for an extended time this morning.)

November is a month of 'thanks-giving'!

Many places in the Bible it talks about giving thanks

Here are a couple more as we celebrate:

"Oh, give thanks unto to the Lord,
for He is good,
His lovingkindness continues forever."

~ Psalm 136:1 LAB

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""Oh, thank the Lord,
for He is so good!
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice
and be glad in it."

~ Psalm 118:1 & 24 LAB

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The entire chapters 136 and 118 are filled with 'thanks', should you have time to read them!

Being thankful is a good place to put both our minds and hearts!

"Lean to Appreciate difficult days. Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way. As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything. This knowledge is comprised of three parts: 
your relationship with Me,
promises in the Bible,
and past experiences of coping successfully during hard times.

"Look back on your life, and see how I have helped you through difficult days. If you are tempted to think, 'Yes but that was then, and this is now,' remember who I AM! Although you and your circumstances may change dramatically, I remain the same throughout time and eternity. This is the basis of your confidence.
In My Presence
you live
and move
and have your being."

~ Taken from Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 102:27; Acts 17:28

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Here is a 'Max Lucado' from November 9:

"You and I live in a loud world. To get someone’s attention is no easy task. But when someone’s willing to silence everything else so he can hear us clearly, it’s a privilege. A rare privilege indeed!

"You can talk to God because he listens. Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously. No need to fear you’ll be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses God—and he listens. Intently, carefully. Your prayer on earth activates God’s power in heaven.

"As Scripture says, 'Thy will is done on earth as it is done in heaven.' The prayers are honored as precious jewels. You may not understand the mystery of prayer; you don’t need to. But this much is clear: actions in heaven begin when someone prays on earth. What an amazing thought!"

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"Do you sometimes cry out, as I have, 'God, don't  You see my tears? Don't You see my broken heart? God, never mind me, but how can You bear to see the agony of my loved one? God, I know that You care. .I just don't  understand why You don't intervene in this situation right now. Why don't You do something? And, God, why did you do that?!'

"Then, to my heart, I seem to hear His still, small voice whispering, Anne, trust Me. I know what's best.' And I'm left to wonder why I think I know better than God what's best for me or my loved one."

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Did you notice the number? 5000 Karen's Korners? Wow!

I started them in March 2003. There were about eight thoughts that I had around the time that Merry was sick and ultimately was killed. I was afraid I would forget so I wanted to write them down.

While I love sharing with others, it really keeps me focused on God and His Will every day. So thanks for allowing me into your computers each weekday!

And ironically, today is Jim's birthday! He would have been 84!

Here is a writing from near the beginning of the "Karen's Korner" journey:

Jeffie And Grandpa

Jeffie was in his playpen and he was crying. Tears were rolling down his
little cheeks, his face was red as it could be. He was crying, and he
looked pitiful in his little baseball T-shirt and a diaper.

Then Jeffie's Grandpa entered the room; Jeffie's little face lit up when
he saw his Grandpa! He immediately reached out his little arms in
supplication and said "Out Pa Pa out."

What is a Grandpa to do? How can someone resist that?

So Grandpa went over to the playpen, he bent over. He reached down to
lift his little buddy from captivity and distress . . .

Just then "Law and Order" walked into the room.
Momma said "Jeffie, you stay right there! I'm punishing you because you
have been naughty! Dad, leave Jeffie alone!"

What is a Grandpa to do?

Grandpa backs off and is thinking, "I can't just pick up a book and read
it with Jeffie here. He would think I was uncaring and distant. I can't
leave the room because he would feel like I have abandoned him."

What is a Grandpa to do?

But you know what? Love always finds a way. Since Grandpa couldn't take
Jeffie out of the playpen, Grandpa climbed in with Jeffie!

Grandpa said "If you are in the playpen buddy, I'm in the playpen too.
What are you in for? What is your sentence?"

Having Grandpa join him in his "prison cell" brought Jeffie great
comfort and joy. In the midst of his captivity, Jeffie no longer felt so
alone.

What Jeffie's Grandpa did is also a picture of what Jesus Christ did for
us when He came to Earth as a baby.

God the Father yearned to reach down into our "playpen of captivity" and
pull us out. He could not . . . because of our disobedience . . .
because of our sin. What did God do?

God climbed into our "playpen" with us!

When Jesus Christ entered into our "playpen of captivity," He took the
sin and disobedience that should have been ours alone, releasing us from
our captivity . . . allowing us the opportunity to experience the
fullness of life God has for us!

The message is simple, clear and personal: God with us . . . He loves
you so much He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ!

-- Author Unknown

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"Rest in the deep assurance of My unfailing Love. Let your body, mind, and spirit relax in My Presence. Release into My care anything that is troubling you, so that you can focus your full attention on Me. Be awed by the vast dimensions of My Love for you: wider, longer, higher, and deeper than anything you know. Rejoice that this marvelous Love is yours forever!

"The best response to this glorious gift is a life steeped in thankfulness. Every time you thank Me, you acknowledge that I am your Lord and Provider. This is the proper stance for a child of God:  receiving with thanksgiving. Bring Me the sacrifice of gratitude, and watch to see how much I bless you."

~ Taken from 1 Peter 5:7;
Ephesians 3:16-19;
Psalm 107: 21-22

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