(This is the last Karen's Korner until next Monday. First away from my computer because of snow; then computer troubles last Monday. Now I am traveling for a few days with granddaughters over spring break).

An ecumenical group of gals here just started a multi-week Bible study by Beth Moore titled "The Quest". It is in depth. It's going to be hard to get the full impact of what Moore is sharing, but it is good.

The first lesson had 'student's asking themselves five questions which God and Jesus asked people with whom they talked. Same questions which are asked, spiritually speaking:

"WHERE are you?  Was asked by God to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden after they had eaten forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:9)

"WHO told you that?  When Adam and Eve told God they were naked, God in turn asked them 'who told you that?  (Genesis 3:11)

"WHAT are you seeking?   Jesus asked that question of the first handful of what would be His disciples, as they began following Him.  (John 1:38)

"WHY are you afraid?   The boat on which Jesus and His disciples was caught in a storm. Jesus asked them this question.  (Matthew 8:26)

"HOW much more.......?  Jesus illustration of a friend knocking and re-knocking, on another friend's door at midnight, with the friend eventually getting up and answering it. He said so it is with prayer and telling those who were listening how much more a perfect and loving Heavenly Father will do for us.  (Luke 11:13)

When things bombard our lives or thoughts, we need to ask ourselves, one or all of these questions:  'who told you that?' or 'why are you afraid?' The same God and Jesus who posed those questions to others in the Bible, are the same Ones who ask the questions of us.

Our response has to be 'what do I/we believe'?

A look at some Bible verses as we are in Lenten season:

"But they shouted louder and louder for Jesus' death,

and their voices prevailed.

So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded."

~ Luke 23:23 & 24 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "Pilate did not want to give Jesus the death sentence. He thought the Jewish leaders were simply jealous and wanted to get rid of a rival. When they threatened to report Pilate to Caesar, however, Pilate became frightened. Historic records indicate that Pilate had already been warned by Roman authorities about tensions in this region. The last thing he needed was a riot in Jerusalem at Passover time, when the city was crowded with Jews from all over the Empire. So he turned Jesus over to the mob to do with as they pleased."

****

Some thoughts by Mother Teresa, taken from a flip calendar titled "Heart of Joy":

"We too often focus only on the negative aspect of life.

If we were willing to see the good and the beautiful things that surround us,

we would be able to transform our families,

From there, we would change our next-door neighbors

and then others who live in our neighborhood or city.

We would be able to bring peace and love to our world

which hungers so much for these things."

*

our strength, our joy, and our love."

*

"As we received freely, we give freely.

This is a beautiful gift from God."

*

"God wants our will and our desire to be for him,

for our family, for our children,

for our brethren, and for the poor."

*

"He is the Life that I want to live.

He is the Light that I want to radiate.

He is the Way to the Father.

He is the Love with which I want to love.

He is the Joy that I want to share.

Jesus is Everything to me.

Without him, I can do nothing."

****

"And I assure you this:

I, the Messiah, will publicly honor you in the presence of God's angels,

if you publicly acknowledge me here on earth as your Friend.

But I will deny before the angels those who deny me here among men."

~ Luke 12:8, 9 LAB

*

Bible Commentary: "We deny Jesus when we: 1) hope no one will think we are Christians; 2) decide not to speak up for what is right; 3) are silent about our relationship with God; 4) blend into society; 5) accept our culture's non-Christian values. By contrast, we acknowledge Him when we: 1) live moral, upright, Christ-honoring lives; 2) look for opportunities to share our faith with others; 3) help others in need; 4) take a stand for justice; 5) love others; 6) acknowledge our loyalty to Him; 7) use our life and resources to carry out His desires rather than our own."

****

Last week I missed Monday because I was snowed out. Yesterday, my computer wouldn't work! But today it works! Thanks to a computer person; I got a new mouse.

This is an inspirational thought which I received via email this morning from Max Lucado. When we first graduate from high school, we have lots of changes. New jobs. New friends. Different places to live. Then we settle down. Maybe get married. Find the job of our dreams; many times for decades. Probably live in the same places for extended periods of time.

Then comes our older life. Decisions to retire. Maybe move from a home where we have lived for a long time. Some change comes because we decide. Other changes come whether we like them or not.

Anyway, I thought this was a good one!

How to Love Growing Old

"The dawning of old age. Empty nest. Bifocals. Everything hurts when you wake up. And what doesn't hurt, doesn't work. Regret can become a major pastime and may lead to rebellion against whatever ties you down.

"Growing old can be dangerous, so you need to be prepared. Luke 17:33 advises, 'Whoever tries to keep his life safe will lose it, and the man who is prepared to lose his life will preserve it.' The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years.

"You can take the safe route, or you can hear the voice of God's adventure. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Make a difference. Your last chapters can be your best chapters. God's oldest have always been among his choicest."

A Karen's Korner on Saturday, as I missed on Monday! Five each week, you know!

Today's entry from "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" by Sarah Young. Always good!

"Rest in My radiant presence. The world around you seems to spin faster and faster, till everything is a blur. Yet there is a cushion of calm at the center of your life, where you live in union with Me. Return to this soothing Center as often as you can, for this is where you are energized:  filled with My Love, Joy, and Peace.

"The world is a needy place; do not go there for sustenance. Instead, come to Me. Learn to depend on Me alone, and your weakness will become saturated with My Power. When you find your completeness in Me, you can help other people without using them to meet your own needs. Live in the Light of My Presence, and your light will shine brightly into the lives of others."

~ Galatians 5:22; 1 John 4:12

***

We Can Fear Less Tomorrow

By Max Lucado

"In Matthew 8:26, Jesus asks, 'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' That's a good question. Sometimes fear is healthy. It can keep a child from running across a busy road. It's the appropriate reaction to a burning building or a growling dog.

"Fear itself is not a sin. But it can lead to sin. If we medicate fear with angry outbursts, sullen withdrawals, or viselike control, we exclude God from the solution. Fear may fill our world, but it doesn't have to fill our hearts. It will always know on the door. Just don't invite it in for dinner. The promise of Jesus is simple. We can fear less tomorrow than we do today."

****

Recently my sister Jan sent me a copy of a short article in the March Reader's Digest which she liked. I don't get the monthly publication.

The article was titled "To Any Soldier".

In part, the writer is Damian Bartholomew. He served as officer in both Korea and the Persian Gulf War. One night he was rummaging through a cardboard box with the words 'Any Soldier'. Contents:  a bag of stale chocolate chip cookies plus 20 cards signed by some school children with the their child-like graphics plus questions about some of his experiences of his service in both countries. 'For security reasons', he could sign only his name, when he wrote to thank the teacher for their kindness.

"Around 2013, I received a Facebook friend request from a woman with whom I shared no contacts. I replied that unless we were friends, I could not accept her request. She responded with one question:  'Are you 2LT Bartholomew?' I replied that I had been at one time. Her reply stuck with me.

'"Dear sir,' she wrote, 'We have never met, but in 1991 I was a second grade teach at a school in Ohio and our classroom sent a care package addressed to 'Any Service Member'. The thank you letter you composed was framed and has been posted on the wall of the school for more than 20 years. I wanted to thank you again for your service to our country. God bless you.'

"We never spoke again, but this gracious teacher reinforced my belief in doing what my mother always taught me:  Write thank you notes---you never know how many people your kindness can touch."

****

No Karen's Korner yesterday as I was away from my computer.

We have lots of snow in north central Iowa. It doesn't have to snow every day to be a problem, wind can cause problems too. Especially on our country roads. I was able to get out of my farm driveway and in to town on Sunday morning. Some weren't as fortunate. I had something that I wanted to do on Sunday evening, so I packed up a few clothes and my dog with plans to stay in town overnight. Which I did.

I called the neighbor yesterday morning.

"Could I get back in?"

"Yes," was his response.

By the time I got home, the snowplow had been by. Roads were good. But the pile of snow at the end of driveway! Could I get through it with my four-wheel drive pick up?

Maybe. Maybe not. I finally decided to try it.

I got stuck!

Called the same neighbor to help me out.

He took one look at my dilemma. Because I was off to the north side and because our turn-in is pretty wide, he decided he could drive passed me on the south side, into my yard, hook up his tow strap to get me out.

He 'believed' he could drive through the pile and did.

I wasn't so sure in my 'belief'.

I was stuck. He wasn't.

I wonder does what we believe somehow help to make a difference in our outcomes?

Some say 'seeing is believing'. God says 'by believing, you will see!'

At any rate, he pulled me out!

Dear Father in Heaven, You tell us so many things in Your Word. You love us so much and believe in us more than we believe in ourselves. Will you help me, and all of us, to believe more? Believe bigger? Thank You for all of Your promises to us. You have big plans for us all......if we just believe. In Jesus' Name. Amen.