|
|
May 2024 Archives
Today is Wednesday, May 1st, 2024; Karen's Korner #5113
|
|
Welcome to the first day of May!
This is something written by Max Lucado from the first part of April:
GET OUT OF YOUR SHELL
"God loves all people groups and equips us to be his voice. He teaches us the vocabulary of distant lands, the dialect of the discouraged neighbor, the vernacular of the lonely heart, and the idiom of the young student. God outfits his followers to cross cultures and touch hearts.
"Pentecost makes this promise: if you are in Christ, God’s Spirit will speak through you. Let God unshell you. Galatians 6:4 (MSG) says, 'Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.'
"Discover your language. With whom do you feel most fluent? For whom do you feel most compassion? Amazing what happens when we get out of our shells."
***
|
Today is Thursday, May 2nd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5114
|
|
Our church family is going through 1 Peter in our worship services. It shouldn't take too long as it is a book with five chapters.
A couple of weeks ago, our pastor concluded with several 'takeaways':
Here is his list of 'loving God and loving others. Take a second look and think of one name in each on the list to pray for today:
family, friends,
co-workers, neighbors,
cashiers, waiters/waitresses
community members, church family
local police, EMT workers
teachers students,
politicians
Now comes the harder part of the list:
people who hate you
insult you,
wish that bad would happen to you
(some of this list might not be personal,
they could be names we hear in the news
or leaders of bad countries!)
Jesus said,, "There is a saying, 'Love your friends, and hate your enemies.' But I say Love your enemies!
Pray for those who persecute you!
In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. ........If you love only those who love you, what good is that!
Even scoundrels do that much.
If you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
(Matthew 5:43 - 48 LAB)
****
|
Today is Friday, May 3rd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5115
|
|
Today is my birthday. Happy birthday to me!
If you are celebrating today too. Or near May 3, here is a Bible verse for you.......and me:
"Even in old age
they will still produce fruit
and be vital
and green.
This honors the Lord,
and exhibits His faithful care.
He is my shelter.
there is nothing
but goodness in Him!"
~ Psalm 92:14 & 15 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Honoring Gog is not limited to young people who are still blessed with physical strength and vitality. Even in old age, devoted believers can produce spiritual fruit. There are many faithful older people who have much to share and teach from a lifetime of living for God. Seek out an elderly friend or relative to tell you about life experiences with the Lord and challenge you to new heights of spiritual living."
***
God,
help me, help us,
to share You with others!
And help us as we grow older,
to still listen to those who are
older and wiser than we are!
Amen.
|
Today is Monday, May 6th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5116
|
|
I was reading Psalm 34 this weekend. Marked in the margin was a note that I had used it as a Karen's Korner in March 11, 2021, #4404. I re-read it!
If it was good then, it is good today too! It talks about Molly and her coming speech. She graduates this Sunday. We celebrated with graduation party yesterday.
Our granddaughter Molly who is a high school freshman has a couple of entries in this year's state speech contest. The competition is today.
I texted her yesterday to wish her good luck.
Her text back to me: "Thank you. I think my speech will go well!"
I liked that confidence. I probably would have thought or texted "I hope I do well". What does it hurt to think it 'will' go well.? She didn't say anything hoping for a 1 rating; just that her speech would go well.
I have a couple of things on which I am working to do. From Molly's viewpoint, "I think they will go well!"
What do you have to do today that you think 'will go well'. Before it happens?
*
"I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of
His glories and grace.
I will boast of His kindness to me."
~ Psalm 34:1-2b LAB
|
Today is Tuesday, May 7th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5117
|
|
Side Notes, vertical comments in the margins of each magazine, taken from the April/May edition of OUR IOWA magazine. Always fun!
"I remember my mother's prayers
and they have always followed me.
They have clung to me
all of my life."
~ Abraham Lincoln
*
"It is never too late
to become what
you are capable of becoming."
*
"When you invite trouble,
it never refuses the invitation."
*
"I got booted from the coffee club,
because I wore a tea shirt."
*
"A friend is one who overlooks
your broken fence
and admires
the flowers in your garden."
*
"Live simply,
live generously,
care deeply,
speak kindly,
and leave the rest to God."
*
"The greatest compliment
you can ever receive is
for someone to say,
'I feel good about me
when I'm around you.'"
*
"How much does a chimney cost?
Nothing,
it's on the house."
*
"Friends are the
chocolate chips
in the cookie of life."
***
|
Today is Wednesday, May 8th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5118
|
|
Yesterday's writing by Stephanie Sample, taken from '365 Days of Prayer for Women::
WHEN WE DOUBT
"Have mercy on those who doubt."
~ Jude1:22 ESV
"Lord, how it must grieve you when we doubt! Scripture is filled with your faithfulness, power, and promise. Still, we question. We wonder, are you really there? Will you really come through? We know you are great, but we doubt you'll deliver. Or worse, when things get dark, we start to wonder if maybe we made the whole thing up. Nothing can last; no earthly love can truly satisfy. It's what we are used to, so we project it onto you. But you are so gracious, God, that you stick with us even then. You keep proving yourself, no matter how many times we ask it of you. In your mercy, you take that projection of doubt and bounce it back as blessed assurance."
"What are you doubting?
Can you believe for God's mercy?"
***
|
Today is Thursday, May 9th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5119
|
|
At our ecumenical Bible study yesterday, we looked together at the topic of ANGER. We read through about a dozen Bible verses in both the Old and New Testaments.
One sentence that really stood out to me was:
Anger is Today's Emotional Epidemic!
We would have to admit that anger is swirling all around us. Either as individuals, families, communities, churches, and certainly in our world! One way or another we experience anger.
One of the Bible verses we read was Psalm 37:8:
"Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath.
Don't fret and worry ---
it only leads to harm."
The Bible Commentary on this verse says, "Anger and worry are two of the most destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God is in control. We should not fret and worry instead, we should trust in the Lord. When we dwell on our problems, we will become anxious and angry. But if we concentrate on God and His Goodness, we will find peace. Where do we focus our attention?"
It isn't that we may become angry at a situation or person, we need to take a second look at the source of that angry. What is the context of that anger? We can't let that anger take control of that situation. Or us. We need God to ask for His help us recognize what is happening and why. We may need to refocus. We may need to ask someone else to forgive us.
God,
please help us!
Guide us!
We have trouble handling our
worries,
fears,
anger!
You are the great I AM!
Thank You!
Amen.
|
Today is Friday, May 10th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5120
|
|
Happy Mother's Day!
We will know never know the affects our prayers have made on others. Nor will we know what a difference prayers said for us have made over the years of each of our lives.
Here is something shared by Anne Graham Lotz this week about her mother Ruth Graham and her praying for others. We all get to experience some of those differences made in the lives of the Graham family - Samaritan's Purse; Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; Anne's ministry; and countless others.
My Mother's Abiding Joy
"In Your presence is fulness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
~ Psalm 16:11 NKJV
"As a teenager growing up, my room in our house was directly over Mother's. At night I could see the lights from her room reflected on the trees outside my window. When I slipped downstairs hoping to talk to her a few minutes, I would find her shapely form bent beside her bed in prayer. It was useless to wait for her to rise because she would be there for hours on end, so I would trudge back up to my room. And no matter how early I awoke in the morning, I would see those lights from her window once again reflected on the trees outside. When I tumbled down the stairs, I would find her seated at her big, flat-top desk, earnestly studying one of the fourteen different translations of the Bible spread out around her. My mother chose to make abiding in Christ one of the priorities of her life.
"Mother's abiding was rooted in a love relationship with Jesus that was the secret of her life. As a result of her abiding, and the obedience that was integrated into it, the hallmark of Mother's life was joy. Her face radiated it! Her eyes sparkled with it! And I'm left to wonder...what outward evidence of my inner r relationship with Jesus do my children see?"
***
|
Today is Monday, May 13th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5121
|
|
One of "100 Things God Loves About You" by Tama Fortner. #37:
GOD LOVES THE WAY YOU
LET HIM RESCUE YOU.
"Reach down your hand on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters."
~ Psalm 144:7
"You're drowning. Going down for the third count. No, it's not water that's swallowing you; it's the world. Maybe it's too-long-to-do-list in a too-short day. Or the slings and arrows of gossips who delight in your struggles. Or loneliness, weariness, or emptiness. Whatever the cause, you're drowning and you are at the mercy of threatening waves. But like Peter, you reach up to God and cry out, 'Lord, save me!' (Matthew 14:30). And He does.........because rescuing you is just something He loves to do..."
*******
|
Today is Tuesday, May 14th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5122
|
|
Some Bible verses we hear more often than others. Here is one we hear quite a bit:
"Yes, all have sinned;
all fall short of God's glorious ideal;
yet now God declares us 'not guilty' of offending Him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in Hi kindness freely takes away our sins."
~ Romans 3:23 & 24 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Some sins seem bigger than others because their obvious consequences are much more serious. Murder, for example, seems to us to be worse than hatred, and adultery seems worse than lust. But this does not mean we can get away with some sins and not with others. All sin makes us sinners, and all sin cuts us off from our holy God. All sin, therefore, leads to death (because it disqualifies us from living with God), regardless of how great or small it seems. Don't minimize 'little' sins or overrate 'big' sins. They all separate us from God, but they all can be forgiven.
"When a judge in a court of law declares the defendant not guilty, all the charges are removed from his record. Legally, it as if the person had never been accused. When God forgives our sins, our record is wiped clean. From His perspective, it is as though we had never sinned."
***
|
Today is Wednesday, May 15th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5123
|
|
Yesterday's entry in
"365 Days of Prayer for Women" by Stephanie Sample (May 14):
AS IT SHOULD BE
"If
we know He hears us every time we ask Him,
we know we have what we
ask from Him."
~ 1 John 5:15 NCV
"Glorious, God, we ask, and you answer. Not every prayer, exactly as it
is worded, but every pure intention, exactly as it should be. If I pray for a
job interview to go my way, you know whether security, meaning, or even
convenience is what my heart desires, and that is the prayer you answer. If a
relationship doesn't work despite many prayers, I know you have responded to
the need I hoped that person would meet. Thank, you, Lord, for knowing my
heart. Your generosity is without exception or fault; your gifts are always
good."
Do we know God hears
us
every time we speak to
Him?"
**
God,
help me to pray
more.
To believe more!
Thank You that You
hear
our every
prayer!
Amen.
|
|
Today is Thursday, May 16th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5124
|
|
This is today's Max Lucado.
Maybe it is because two of my sisters and I were planning to go to Europe in a few days, but plans needed to be rescheduled for a later date. Or maybe because we dad was in World War II and it would have been his birthday tomorrow.
But this one really captured my attention.
All of Max's are good.
"In the days leading up to the war with Germany, the British government commissioned a series of encouraging posters. The first poster was distributed in September of 1939: Your courage, your cheerfulness, your resolution will bring us victory.
"Soon a second poster was produced: Freedom is in peril. Defend it with all your might.
'A third poster was never released to the public, but was held in reserve for an extreme crisis, such as an invasion by Germany. It was never seen until nearly sixty years later. It read: Keep calm and carry on.
"God’s sovereignty doesn’t negate our responsibility. It empowers it. Trust God to do what you can’t. Obey God, and do what you can. Just…keep calm and carry on."
***
|
Today is Friday, May 17th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5125
|
As we move through May, spring planting is hitting a high note! Because it has been a bit wetter here in north central Iowa than it has been the last couple of years, we have been delayed in getting some of our seeds or started plants into the ground.
The last few days I have been turning the soil in some of my flower beds. And the weeds have taken over! There are long, white roots of my crab grass, running everywhere. Left unchecked, I would have clumps of crab grass overtaking my flowers!
As I looked at the lengthy roots, I couldn't help but think of us as Christians sending out 'roots' and 'runners' to add more to His Kingdom. And there would be no end to the 'starter' plants in the world, our world.
Jesus said as he was leaving this world, "Go and make disciples in all the nations." (Matthew28:19).
We 'go' when we band together in church and worship. We 'go' when we do a short-term mission trip. Or financially support a foreign missionary worker or mission outreach. We 'go' when we serve a neighbor or someone in need. The list of ways we can 'go' is limitless.
We just need to keep sending out root runners, like my relentless crab grass!
|
Today is Monday, May 20th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5126
|
|
"No one will be able to oppose you
as long as you live,
for I will be with you
just as I was with Moses:
I will not abandon you
or fail to help you."
~ Joshua 1:5 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Joshua's new job consisted of leading more than a million people into a strange new land and conquering it. What a challenge -- even for a man of Joshua's caliber! Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God assured Joshua he would be with him, he is with us as we face our new challenges. We may not conquer nations, but every day we face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations. However, God promises that he will never abandon us or fail to help us, regardless of how we feel. By asking God to direct us, as Joshua did, we too can conquer many of life's challenges."
***
|
Today is Tuesday, May 21st, 2024; Karen's Korner #5127
|
|
Something written by Max Lucado and in my computer inbox yesterday, May 20:
A Delightful Dollop of Gratitude
Declare with David: 'I will] daily add praise to praise. I’ll write the book on your righteousness, talk up your salvation the livelong day, never run out of good things to write or say' (Psalm 71:14-15 MSG).
"Gratitude is a mindful awareness of the benefits of life. Studies have linked the emotion with a variety of positive effects. Grateful people tend to be more empathetic and forgiving of others. People who keep a gratitude journal are more likely to have a positive outlook on life. Gratitude improves self-esteem and enhances relationships, quality of sleep, and longevity. If it came in a pill form, gratitude would be deemed 'the miracle cure.' It’s no wonder, then, that God’s anxiety therapy includes a large, delightful dollop of gratitude."
***
|
Today is Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5128
|
|
Pray with me:
ABSENT OF JUDGMENT
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
~ Luke 6:37 NKJV
"Lord God, you are the only rightful judge. Only you see into our hearts, past the lies we tell, the masks we wear, and the scars handed down through generations. Forgive me for the times I borrow your gavel, thinking I know who someone is though I can't possible know their heart. My opinion does nothing to influence your verdict of them, but it may very well seal your decisions regarding my fate. I'm sorry, Father. I have no business hurling stones at anyone. Remake my heart in the image of Jesus: absent of judgment, void of condemnation, and overflowing with forgiveness."
Are our hearts overflowing with forgiveness??"
~ Taken from "365 Days of Prayer for Women" By Stephanie Sample For May 21 (yesterday)
***
|
Today is Thursday, May 23rd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5129
|
|
"With God's help we shall do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes."
~ Psalm 60:12 LAB
*
In the margin of my Bible, I wrote on 6/30/89:
"HIS help, not because of OUR goodness. But because of HIS holiness!"
***
|
Today is Friday, May 24th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5130
|
|
If it fits into my schedule, I like to attend our local school's baccalaureate and awards night annually. I really enjoyed this year's baccalaureate message. It was given by Clarion's First Methodist Church pastor, Craig Luttrell.
Here are some of the highlights of what he had to tell the seventy-plus Clarion-Goldfield-Dows graduating seniors.
His title "Two Points":
"'Listen up, maggots! You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You're the same decaying organic matter as everything else, and we are all part of the same compost pile. Listen to me! We're the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. You have to consider the possibility that there is no God, or if there is, God does not like you. He never wanted you. In all probability, He hates you. We are God's unwanted children? So be it!'
"This is one of the fashionable, modern ways of looking at existence, courtesy of Tyler Durden in the movie Fight Club. If you have not yet encountered such a worldview as of yet, you certainly will. Perhaps some of you already embrace such a view of yourselves and others. I am the result of cosmic happenstance and while I can create some sense of meaning and purpose while I'm here, there is really nothing particularly unique or all that important about me.....or you....or anybody else, really. It's a rather trendy philosophy and many people have embraced it.
"This is one of the perspectives of self, the world, and reality you have been or certainly will be invited to embrace. I would like to propose an alternative view---one that I believe will most certainly help you as you move into the adulthood portion of your journey. And that perspective, as found in Psalm 139, is this: 'Oh Lord, You have searched me and known me.......You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me...For it was You who formed my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.'
"According to this worldview, you are special. You are a beautiful and unique snowflake. While you are indeed made of the same decaying organic matter as everything else, you have been fearfully and wonderfully made from that stuff. You are unique and special. I believe with all of my heart that every one of you is a unique and special creation of the God who loves yo so much, and it is my deepest desire that all of us would embrace that truth. But even if you don't believe that part of it--that you created or made, so to speak--I certainly hope you at the very least embrace the un unique and wonderful part.
"So, listen up maggots: You are fearfully and wonderfully made and you will find more happiness in life if you don't focus exclusively on yourselves.
"Those are my two points."
**
(If you would like a copy of his entire speech,
I have it and could email it to you!)
|
Today is Monday, May 27th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5131
|
|
Happy Memorial Day!
It was 80 years ago this year when the Allied forces began their assault to take back Europe from the Axis powers, termed D-Day, on June 6, 1944!
While my dad wasn't part of D-Day, he was part of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Hitler and his soldiers had decided if they could push through to the North Sea and divide the Allied troops, they could enhance their chances of victory.
The Battle began on December 16, 1944 and was waged for six weeks, ending their assault on January 25, 1945. This Allied victory turned the tide of the war!
Victory in Europe came on May 8, 1945. World Ware II ended on September 2, 1945.
We sometimes believe the world is a 'mess' now. But what about then? My limited research says that between 60 and 80 million people worldwide were killed in the conflict, including 6 million Jews.
Because my mom was one of 15 children, I can remember her telling that her mother couldn't stand having six sons/son-in-laws in the war. She and some of her friends who also had loved ones in the war, would gather (don't know if it was daily or weekly) to pray for their children /friends and their safety. For ultimate victory!
Not one of those for whom the prayed were killed. Nor injured!
Praise God for the memories. The soldiers who fought. And our victory!! *
GOD BLESS AMERICA
By Irving Berlin
God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home
God bless America, My home sweet home.
***
|
Today is Tuesday, May 28th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5132
|
|
A popular Chapter of the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13; also know as the Love Chapter. The last verse of the chapter:
"There are three things that remain-----
faith,
hope,
and love---
and the greatest of these is
LOVE."
~ 1 Corinthians 13:13 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "In the morally corrupt society of Corinth, love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning. Today people are still confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities. It involves unselfish service to others; therefore, it gives evidence that we care. Faith is the foundation and content of God's message, hope is the attitude and focus, love is the action. When faith and hope are in line, we are free to truly love because we understand how God loved. Love is an attribute of God himself."
***
|
Today is Wednesday, May 29th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5133
|
|
A 'Max Lucado' in my inbox one day last week:
TWO SIDES OF THE AISLE
"I was flying home when a snowstorm delayed my arrival in Dallas. I raced to catch the final flight of the night for San Antonio. I asked the attendant, 'Are any seats left?' She looked at her computer screen. 'No. I’m afraid we are going to have to bump you up to first class. Do you mind if we do that?' Color me thankful.
"Not every passenger was appreciative. A fellow across the aisle was angry. 'I paid extra to fly first class. I want another pillow!' On the other side of the aisle, yours truly smiled. One passenger grumbled; the other was grateful. The difference? The crank paid his way into first class. My seat was a gift.
"Thankful people focus less on the pillows they lack and more on the privileges they have. On which side of the aisle do you find yourself?"
***
|
Today is Thursday, May 30th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5134
|
|
A writing by Sarah Young and her "Jesus Calling" flip calendar, from yesterday, May 29. (Today's is good too; they are all good!)
"I am with you, watching over you constantly. I am Emmanuel (God with you); My Presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing, including the brightest blessings and the darkest trials, can separate you from Me. Some of My children find Me more readily during dark times, when difficulties force them to depend on. Me. Others feel closer to Me when their lives are filled with good things. They respond with thanksgiving and praise, thus opening wide the door to My Presence.
"I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Go through each day looking for what I have prepared for you. Accept every event as My hand-tailored provision for your needs. When you view your life this way, the most reasonable response is to be thankful. Do not reject any of My gifts; find Me in every situation."
~ Taken from Matthew 1:23; Colossians 2:6 - 7
****
|
Today is Friday, May 31st, 2024; Karen's Korner #5135
|
|
Tomorrow is Merry's birthday. She would have been 51 years old. She was killed in a car/semi accident 25 years ago this year.
People who knew her best, knew she had a lot of zoom and music would always come to mind when others thought about her. If she was asked to play some place, chances were pretty good she would say YES. Our high school secretary at the time would tell us that she was the only student who would take her horn (trumpet, French horn, or both!) every day!
We have a book where people wrote memories. Some are funny. Others are heart warmers. All of them are good. I haven't read them for awhile. I began re-reading them several days ago.
Here is one that I wrote:
"When Merry was 5, maybe 6 at the oldest, she returned from an afternoon of playing with her classmate, Kent.
"'Mom,' she said, 'Kent said, he asked Jesus into his heart. When he dies, Jesus is going to take him to heaven. I don't think I've ever done that, so tonight when I say my prayers that's what I'm going to do.'
"When bedtime came, Merry hadn't forgotten. We read a bedtime story, she fluffed her pillow, pulled the covers near her neck, stuck out her little arms, and clasped her stuffy fingers together and simply said, 'Dear Jesus, I want you to come into my heart. When I die, I want you to take me to heaven to live with you forever. Amen.'
"She opened her bouncy eyes and asked, 'What do you think? Should that do it?'
"'Yes, Merry, I think that should be fine,' I replied.
"' Good,' she said. 'I've got that taken care of. Good night.'
"With that she rolled over to go to sleep and sealed her fate in eternity --- forever."
**
"The song has ended,
but the melody lingers on."
~ Irving Berlin
|
|
