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Today is Thursday, July 16th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5649
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I can recall walking in a park in a large city with another couple. We were on our way to a tourist site. Since I had been that direction before, I knew we needed to walk east.
The other couple, especially the guy thought we should go west. I kept talking until I convinced them to TRY east first!
Does that sound like us sometimes as we plead with God to go a certain direction? He wants us to go another way. Sometimes we think we know better. Probably not!!
Pray, but allow God to do the directing!
*
A printed prayer by Joyce Meyer
"A PRAYER OF DEDICATION
FOR MY LIFE
Father,
I give my life and desires to You.
You know what I am believing for and what I need.
Today, I place it in Your hands.
I trust You with the outcome and with the timing.
Bring healing where it is needed.
Bring restoration where there has been loss.
And help me walk forward in faith, knowing You are working.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen."
***
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Today is Wednesday, July 15th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5648
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"Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord!
Give a joyous shout in honor of the Rock of our salvation!
Come before him with thankful hearts.
Let us sing him psalms of praise.
For the Lord is a great God,
the great King of all gods.
He controls the formation of the depths of the earth
and the mightiest mountains,
all are his.
He made the sea and formed the land;
they too are his.
Come, kneel before the Lord our Maker,
for he is our God.
We are his sheep and he is our Shepherd.
Oh, that you would hear him calling you today
and come to him!"
~ Psalm 95:1 – 7 LAB **
Thank you, Lord, that we can sing praises to You, our Rock. We praise You that you controlled the forming of our universe and You remain in control. Thank You that we can call ourselves sheep of your pastures with You, as our Shepherd. Help us to listen to Your voice today and to thank and praise You, regardless of our situation.
In Jesus Name. Amen.
***
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Today is Tuesday, July 14th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5647
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Something email to me a few days ago bY a friend. It is a daily writing by Allen Jackson (not Alan Jackson, the country singer).
Hope In God’s Word
Psalm 130:1-2, 5-6 (NIV)
"Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. … I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning."
"We live in an age when technology allows the news media to report around the clock and from around the world. It sometimes seems like a never-ending buffet that’s perpetually refilled with more of the same. It’s easy to get caught up in a depressing news cycle of crime, economic woes, and health crises. But we don’t have to live this way.
' When we find ourselves consumed with what we are seeing on the news and dwelling on it, let’s remember the Bible is God’s informative and instructive Word for us—far beyond any news channel. Instead of fretting about things we can’t control, let’s turn to the Scriptures and fill our hearts with teachings that will enable our trust in Him to grow. Let’s become more effective prayer warriors. Let’s strengthen our courage as we put on the armor of God, hold our ground, and look to Him to work out His good plan for the future."
THINK ABOUT IT: God’s Word breathes life into our desire to trust Him. Choose to fill your heart and mind with the life-giving truths of God’s Word.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word—for its authority, truth, and power. Forgive me for when I have looked to other sources for truth and confidence. Remind me that true wisdom comes from You, and You are more than able to carry me through the trials of this world.
In Jesus’ name, amen."
***
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Today is Monday, July 13th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5646
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My mom and dad were married today in 1943! I was looking this morning at "Karen's Korners" from ten years ago today.
As I looked, I landed on this one. Not July 13; but a Monday. It talks about 'happenings in our world and our country'. Seems like not much improves with time.
Only God!
Today is Monday, July 18th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3356
In light of what is happening in our world and in our country, here is a Bible verse which I enjoy and take to heart -- often! I have used it before in Karen's Korner but certainly helps me; hope that it helps you!
"Fear not for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
~ Isaiah 41:10 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Now all believers are God's chosen people; we share the responsibility of representing Him to the world. God will one day bring all His faithful people together. We need not fear because: 1) God's presence is with us; 2) God has established a relationship with us; 3) God's assurance of strength, help, and security over us is certain -- now and forever."
***
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Today is Friday, July 10th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5645
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An entry for tomorrow (July 11) from ‘365 Days of Prayer for Women’ by Stephanie Sample:
BEARING GIFTS
“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
~ 1 Corinthians 12:4 – 7 NASB
“Lord, how I thank you for your Holy Spirit! You don’t want me to do this alone, so you sent me a helper and a friend---a friend bearing gifts. I can see my gift was chosen with me in mind; and it brings me joy to use it. Thank you for friends with wisdom, mercy, and discernment; they make life so much richer! Thank you for friends with knowledge and faith, for theirs increases my own. To recognize they are acting in the Spirit makes me feel that much closer to you, which magnifies my joy.”
“What gift has God given you to minister to others?”
***
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Today is Thursday, July 9th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5644
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A 'Max Lucado' from earlier this week:
ENTRUST THE WORLD TO GOD
"If anyone had a reason to be anxious it was the apostle Paul. Envision an old man as he gazes out the window of a Roman prison. Half-blind, squinting just to read. Awaiting trial before the Roman emperor. His future is as gloomy as his jail cell.
"Yet to read his words, you’d think he’d just arrived at a Jamaican beach hotel. His letter to the Philippians bears not a word of fear or complaint. Not one! Instead, he lifts his thanks to God and calls on his readers to do the same. 'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!' (Phil. 4:4)
"Paul’s challenge is a decision deeply rooted in the confidence that God exists, that he is in control, and that he is good. Rejoice in the Lord always. You can’t run the world, but you can entrust it to God."
***
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Today is Wednesday, July 8th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5643
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Karen's Korner readers know that I am currently 'wading' through the book of Psalms, reading a couple chapters each day.
My today's reading was from Psalm 13. Since I make notes in my Bible, I see that I have used this verse before; one time in 2018 and another time in 2023.
I like it today too!
"But I will
always
trust in You
and in Your mercy
and shall rejoice
in Your
salvation.
I will sing
to the Lord
because He has
blessed
me so richly.
` Psalm 13:5 & 6 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "David (writer) frequently claimed that God was slow to act on his behalf. We often feel this same impatience. It seems that evil and suffering go unchecked, and we wonder when God is going to stop them. David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God's justice to be realized. When we feel impatient, remember David's steadfast faith in God's unfailing mercy."
**
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Today is Tuesday, July 7th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5642
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Probably because the United States celebrated its 250th anniversary, there seemed to be more emphasis on our country this year.
I heard and learned more about Mount Rushmore than I ever remembered. Why were those four faces/presidents chosen to be carved on that mountain by ‘builder’ Borglum?
* George Washington as the builder of our nation;
* Thomas Jefferson as the president who helped to grow our country;
* Teddy Roosevelt for the development, expansion and freedom of the United States;
* Abraham Lincoln who worked to preserve us a country.
The information said it took 400 people working for 14 years to complete the project we see today; ending in the fall of 1941. It was noted that not one person died in the dangerous work on the project!
I can remember seeing a picture of my dad and a couple of friends at Mount Rushmore. World War II was at its beginning stages. He and his Iowa buddies had just been drafted with plans being laid for them to report for duty. None of them had traveled very far in those days, so they decided to take a few days off to see the country they had been asked to defend. Their travels took them around the Midwest states.
Because Mount Rushmore had just been completed a number of months earlier, our family has a photo of my dad standing atop Washington’s face. It’s against the law today!
With God’s grace, those same young men served, fought, and all of them came back home – untouched by the action they were asked to face!
Many people. A number of people were injured or died!
May we never take the actions of many for granted. Me included!
The chorus toLee Greenwood's 'God Belss the USA':
"I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A."
**
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Today is Monday, July 6th, 2026; Karen's Korner #5641
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"Lord, we pause this Independence Day, 250 years after America’s founding, to celebrate Your goodness, Your mercy, and Your blessings. We don’t want to just enjoy family, friends, and days off work. We want to acknowledge You. Freedom comes from You, not from governments, and we praise You for it. We pray for those in authority over us today----that You would put men and women in all those positions who fear Your name and make decisions that would bring Your blessings to our communities, cities, states, and nation. Lord, give us the wisdom to choose You in such a way that it would please You to bless our nation once again. In Jesus’ name. amen.”
~ Written by Allen Jackson, senior pastor, World Outreach Church. Read at the conclusion of outdoor church services at Lake Cornelia yesterday, July 5.
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Today is Friday, July 3rd, 2026; Karen's Korner #5640
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It's coming! Tomorrow is July 4 and we celebrate 250 years as the United States of America!
Time to thank God for all His blessings to us. We are a flawed country, with flawed citizens and leaders over the years. But just like our own lives, God chooses to love and bless each of us!! Why I don't know?
God,
we want to say thank You
for Your Love and Your Care
over the generations!
Thank You for Your protection
as we had leaders who wrote our
constitution and other guiding laws,
which no nation had ever seen before.
Thank You for people willing to lead
and fight in battles and wars to make and
keep us a free nation.
Thank You for men and women willing to serve us in the military;
and all kinds of other leadership positions.
Thank You for each citizen;
You were willing to die to save us from ourselves
and any destructive behaviors.
Thank You for 250 years
and the future which You have planned
for each one of us.
And for the United States of America.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
*
"God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru 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."
~ by Irving Berlin, published in 1938
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