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August 2011 Archives

Printable Issue 2121  Today is Monday, August 1st, 2011; Karen's Korner #2121
A small paperback book titled "Wonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord" has a couple of hundred names given to Jesus as written in the Bible.
 
Here is one of the entries: 
 
Friend of Sinners
 
"Behold...a friend of publicans and sinners."
~ Matthew 11:19
 
"These are the words of Jesus Himself. He quotes their own phrases as applied to Himself. What a title! How wonderfully true it is --- " A FRIEND OF SINNERS!: So He was and so He is -- a Friend that sticks closer than a brother. Laying aside the royal robes of Heaven, he came here to befriend sinful men. It was a life-work that cost Him His life. Hallelujah! What a Friend! How gladly He paid the price of friendship. As we take up the work of our day, let us ask ourselves the question, "Am I a friend of sinners?" If not, then am I like my Lord, for He was and He joyed in it.
 
Lord Jesus, the world is full of friendless sinners. May we make sure they are acquainted with You, for You are their Friend. Amen.
Printable Issue 2122  Today is Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011; Karen's Korner #2122
Daily email sent to Kim Marker, forwarded to me by her, from James McDonald at Walk in the Word:
 

Man’s Biggest Problem; God’s Larger Solution

23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. . . Romans 3:23-24

You and I have a big problem; the biggest a person can have. And every one else has that same problem—a universal affliction. We have a sin problem. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short…” (Romans 3:23). There’s no way you get out of “all.” That means everyone has broken God’s law. The Bible also declares, “None is righteous, no, not one…” (Romans 3:10). We were born messed up and we settled into that condition. That’s the bad news; here’s the worse news: “But your iniquities (sins) have made a separation between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2). Okay? That’s a problem. 

Isaiah 53:6 adds, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” You know sinful things in your life you’ve done. And you live with that:  things you’ve said and done; places you’ve gone; things you’re ashamed of. What’s your plan? How are you going to deal with that? 

You’re like, “Well actually, I’m going to work that off. I’m going to be good.” Yeah, how’s that been going? Bad plan! 

Not only do we not have the capacity to be good, the Bible says in Isaiah 64:6 that our desire to erase our sin by being good is an offense to God. God offers the free gift of salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). And you slap it away when you say, “No, I’ll do it myself.” 

No, you will not! “How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:29). The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of grace. It’s God doing for you what you could not do for yourself. You owe a debt you cannot pay. He paid a debt He didn’t owe. Look at it this way: God treated Jesus Christ as though He had lived your life so that He could treat you as though you had lived Jesus Christ’s life. 

That is awesome! That is the good news of the Gospel. And all you have to do is humbly accept the forgiveness of sins that God offers. “The wages of sin (problem) is death, but the gift (solution) of God is eternal life” (Romans 6:23). Like any gift, you’ve got to receive it personally.

 

Almighty Father, I am overwhelmed again by the gift of salvation! Thank You for showing me, not only that I had sinned, but also that I am a sinner. Thank You for helping me see that You offer the only effective way to deal with my sin condition. And thank You for what You accomplished on the cross to make my salvation possible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

***

Printable Issue 2123  Today is Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011; Karen's Korner #2123
People don't have to be around the Bible and its stories very long to know about David; writer of several portions of a couple of chapters of the Bible including lots of Psalms.
 
According to a graphic in the Bible which I read the most:
 
David reveals many truths about God in his songs of praise
 
David says, "God is my.....
Rock
Fortress
Savior
Refuge
Shield
Salvation
High Tower
Light."
 
David names these characteristics of God. He is:
Saving,
Worthy of Praise
Hearing
Wrathful (against enemies)
Rescuing
Rewarding
Seeing
Merciful
Showing (revealing) himself
Destroying (evil)
Powerful
Strong
Perfect
True
Shielding (us from enemies)
Giving
Gentle
Preserving
Living
Delivering.
 
****
Printable Issue 2124  Today is Thursday, August 4th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2124
A Psalm written by David tells of God's great love for us. What God does for us tell us what He is really like:
 

Psalm 103 (NIRV)

 I will praise the Lord.
      Deep down inside me, I will praise him.
      I will praise him, because his name is holy. 
 I will praise the Lord.
      I won't forget anything he does for me. 
 He forgives all my sins.
      He heals all my sicknesses. 
 He saves my life from going down into the grave.
      His faithful and tender love makes me feel like a king. 
 He satisfies me with the good things I long for.
      Then I feel young and strong again, just like an eagle. 
 The Lord does what is right and fair
      for all who are beaten down. 

 He told Moses all about his plans.
      He let the people of Israel see his mighty acts.
The Lord is tender and kind. He is gracious.
      He is slow to get angry. He is full of love. 
 He won't keep bringing charges against us.
      He won't stay angry with us forever. 

 He doesn't punish us for our sins as much as we should be punished.
      He doesn't pay us back in keeping with the evil things we've done. 
 His love for those who have respect for him
      is as high as the heavens are above the earth. 
 He has removed our lawless acts from us
      as far as the east is from the west. 

 A father is tender and kind to his children.
      In the same way, the Lord is tender and kind
      to those who have respect for him. 
 He knows what we are made of.
      He remembers that we are dust.
 
 People's lives are like grass.
      People grow like the flowers in the field. 
 When the wind blows on them, they are gone.
      No one can tell that they had ever been there. 
 But the Lord's love
      for those who have respect for him
      lasts for ever and ever.
   Their children's children will know
      that he always does what is right. 
 He always loves those who keep his covenant.

      He always does what is right for those who remember to obey his commands. 
 The Lord has set up his throne in heaven.
      His kingdom rules over all. 
 Praise the Lord, you angels of his.
      Praise him, you mighty ones
      who carry out his orders and obey his word. 
 Praise the Lord, all you angels in heaven.
      Praise him, all you who serve him and do what he wants. 
 let everything the Lord has made praise him
      everywhere in his kingdom.

   I will praise the Lord.
 
~~
Printable Issue 2125  Today is Friday, August 5th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2125
This week at our weekly church prayer time, we were talking about needs for people and things for which we might consider praying. Several people on our list have potentially life ending illnesses. One of the gals said, "I sometimes have trouble knowing how to pray for someone. We pray for someone to be healed and they die."
 
And a discussion amongst the rest of us took place.
 
 
Today as I was clicking our television remote, I happened past a minister who made me think of our talk several days earlier. I wasn't familiar with the minister or the ministry but I liked his topic (written below, in part):
 
What Happens When God Doesn't Make Sense
 
1)  Cling To What You Know To Be True.
 
Most of what the minister said came from John 11 and what was happening to Jesus and people who were nearest to Him at the time. Jesus was telling that He was God; people didn't believe Him. This is a portion of the Bible where Jesus' friend, Lazarus, was sick and ultimately died. "Where were you, Jesus?" Lazarus' sister asked, "when the one You loved died?" Jesus delayed doesn't necessarily Jesus denied.
 
2)  God Loves You.
 
We may not always understand the 'what' or the ''why'. Our ways are not God's ways. We may not understand all of the things which are happening to us. But over and over in the Bible, we are told that, "we are the ones who God loves".
 
3) Trust God.
 
Don't necessarily trust what He is doing at one particular time. God did what He did on purpose with Lazarus. He purposely stayed two more days before traveling to where Lazarus was. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead four days. Jesus knew what He was doing and what was going to happen. "The delay wasn't an accident," the speaker said. "One thing you will never hear in heaven, "Oops!".
 
Everything has a purpose and God uses that purpose to strength our faith. Each time it is an opportunity for our faith to grow. We learn little by little; learning that God can be trusted.
 
4) Believe God's Word Regardless Of Our Circumstances.
 
Lazarus died, when blind people and other sick people had been healed. Know that there is nothing that God can't do. Lazarus' death glorified Jesus (and if followers believed Jesus, it also glorified God in heaven).
 
Believe God's Word even when it seems impossible; remember Sarah having a baby at 90 years old? God specializes in the impossible. Believe Him even when it seems unreasonable.
 
God can do anything and He exchanges beauty for ashes.......if you and I trust Him!
 
And His final statement, "Life isn't about us! It is all about Jesus!"
 
 
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for all the days of our lives and that you have taken care of each one of them. Thank You for one more day of life! Help us to trust You and believe You...more today than we did yesterday. Thank You for that love and care. We believe; help our unbelief. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
 
 
 
Printable Issue 2126  Today is Monday, August 8th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2126
"Our bodies have many parts,
but the many parts make up only one body
when they are all put together.
So it is with the 'body' of Christ.
Each one of us is a part of the one body of Christ.
But God's Spirit has fitted us all together into one body."
~ I Corinthians 12:12 & 13 (in part)
 
Bible Commentary:  "Paul (writer) compares the body of Christ to a human body. Each part has a specific function that is necessary to the body as a whole. The parts are different for a purpose, and in their differences they must work together.
 
Christians must avoid two common errors:
1) being too proud of their abilities;
2) thinking they have nothing to give to the body of believers.
 
Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we must use our different gifts, together to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and the opportunities He gives for salvation."
 
****
Printable Issue 2127  Today is Tuesday, August 9th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2127
Something written and forwarded to me awhile ago by Shirley Choat.
 
Faith is believing in God and keeping focused on Him. Lots of changes going on in the world around us. We trust and believe in lots of things. God is the only thing that does not change.Never has; never will.
 
Romans 4:3:
"Abraham believed God,
and it was reckoned to him as righteousness."
 
Few men have ever been asked to believe more of the impossible than Abraham.  He was 99 years old, and he still had no son.
 
Abraham had to hold fast to the promise of God that in his old age his wife Sarah would bear him a son. God assured Abraham that in his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed, namely, that from his descendants would come the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
 
Abraham believed this, and so must we believe God implicitly.
 
 Christian friends, Abraham was saved through faith, and so are we.
 
 
PRAY:  "All praise and glory and honor be Yours, eternal God:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen."
 
***
Printable Issue 2128  Today is Wednesday, August 10th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2128
On Monday, Jim and I met our daughter, Jamie, and her three kids at the Ledges in Boone to cross one more thing off our 'to do' list before school starts again.
 
We spent our time walking, hiking, and exploring the area. As we walked along one ridge, seven-year-old Luke chose to try a steeper trail down off the ridge. I decided to lead the way; too challenging for five-year-old Molly and three-year-old Noah to try.
 
By hanging on to branches and roots, we were able to journey down. All the trails had been left a little slippery from past showers.
 
How would we get back up?
 
Luke spotted a 'sometimes rock and other times wood-framed steps', off to our left. But we would have to climb down even farther.
 
I continued to lead the way. As we trekked farther down, the embankment tended to flatten some. While I was able to 'walk' without hanging on to anything, my steps continued to quicken as we reached the bottom to another ridge.
 
I turned to see Luke hesitating and then begin to descend, steps coming faster and faster. Two things he knew:  he could make it because I had and grandma was at the bottom ready and waiting.
 
As we walked toward the steps, I thought of Jesus and what He does for us. Any trip we choose to take, or are asked to make in life, He has already journeyed the trail first. He is standing at the bottom of the path, ready to catch us if we fall. And He has provided a way back 'up the hill' should the journey down have been too steep for us to crawl back up in our own strength.
 
Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us the way, no matter where our journeys might lead. You have done it, so we can do it. And you always provide us a way up and out. Thanks for doing that for all of us. Amen.
Printable Issue 2129  Today is Thursday, August 11th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2129
Taken from "Wonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord":
 
"The Christ"
 
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
~ Matthew 16:16
 
"This is the title of the long-looked-for-Savior - the Anointed One. Prophets had foretold His coming and how His kingly authority is recorded. Over three hundred times is the title used in the New Testament. From "Christ" comes the word, "Christian", and from "Christian" comes the word "Christianity".
 
Today this land of ours is the foremost Christian nation of the world. Our Gospel is the Gospel of Christ of which we are not ashamed, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
 
"Lord, as 'Christ-ones', let us honor You by having Your same anointing power resting upon us as we enter the service of the day ahead.  Amen."
 
****
Printable Issue 2130  Today is Friday, August 12th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2130

Forwarded to me by Cindy Schubert. If I have read it before, I had forgotten. Hope that you enjoy it!
 
 
 
  Duct Tape or a Nail ?

A man dies and goes to heaven.
 St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, 'Here's how it works.
You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things
you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item,
depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.'

'Okay,' the man says,
'I was married to the same
woman for 50 years, never cheated on her, and loved her
deep in my heart.'

'That's wonderful,' says St.Peter, 'that's worth two points!'

'Two points?' he says. 'Well, I attended church
all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service.'

'Terrific!' says St.Peter.. 'That's certainly worth a point.'

'One point!!!' 'I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter
for homeless veterans.'

'Fantastic, that's good for two more points,' he says.

'Two points!!!  Exasperated, the man cries. 'At this rate the only way I'll
get into heaven is by the grace of God.'

'Bingo! 100 points! Come on in!'

We often try to fix problems with
 WD-40 or Duct Tape.

     God did it with a nail.
 
****


Printable Issue 2131  Today is Monday, August 15th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2131
On Friday, we met our daughter Jamie and her three children to go to the Iowa State Fair. She had gone on-line and purchased advanced discount fair tickets. We had print out sheets which were are 'tickets'.
 
When we were each giving the tickets to the ticket lady, Jamie told how excited Molly was because she needed a ticket this year; she had turned six on Monday. Molly is little and petite. The ticket lady said, "Thanks but I don't think anyone would have questioned if she needed a ticket or not."
 
Jamie explained that Molly would know that she needed to pay; and the rest of the family handing her their 'sheets' also knew. "There might be another day that we will want Molly to tell the truth," she said.
 
Pretty hard to sell values and 'right-and-wrong' for only $3!
 
They are more often caught than taught.
 
It says in Proverbs 22:6 (LB): "Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he (she) is older he (she) will remain on it."
 
That's our prayer this morning for all the little Mollys; Lukes and Noahs in our lives.
 
 
Printable Issue 2132  Today is Tuesday, August 16th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2132
Several days ago, my sister Jill emailed me a couple of sentences from something she had read. She wasn't sure where she had seen or read it before.
 
I told her that I was pretty sure it came from the song "On Eagles' Wings". Googling for more information, I found out I was right. In the process I had the fun of reading all of the words with additional information stating, "Adapted from Psalm 91":
 

On Eagles' Wings

By Michael Joncas


You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord: "My refuge,
My rock in whom I trust!"


Chorus:  And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
     Bear you on the breath of dawn,
     Make you to shine like the sun,
     And hold you in the palm of His hand.


The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear:
Under His wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.


You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.


For to His angels He's given a command
To guard you in all of your ways;
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

***




Printable Issue 2133  Today is Wednesday, August 17th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2133
A friend gave several of us a booklet titled "Praying for Your City" by Ruth Shinness. It is broken into first daily prayers; then seven topics for each day of the week.
 
What Shinness has the readers doing is looking at a Bible verse, praying it, and claiming it as if it has already happened.
 
Ever pray, feeling like you are a beggar at the throne of God? Or should we pray as if we are seated by Our Father, as the Prince/Princess or Child we are because of our relationship to Him?
 
Here are a couple of samples from Saturday with the topic of "Our Families".
 
 
"For it is God which is at work in you both to will and to do His good pleasure."
~ Philippians 2:13
 
PRAYER:  "Thank You for working in the lives of our families,
making each one willing to do Your good pleasure."
 
~
 
"For He shall give His angels charge over us,to keep us in all His ways."
~ Psalm 91:11
 
PRAYER:  "We believe that You have sent Your angels to have charge over
our family members to do Your good pleasure."
 
~
 
"For I know the plans that I have for you, says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope."
~ Jeremiah 29:11
 
PRAYER:  "You are working peace and not evil in our families.
They have a wonderful future and great hope."
 
~~~
 
Printable Issue 2134  Today is Thursday, August 18th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2134
Something emailed to us a number of months ago by Shirley Choat:
 
A father and son were learning how to operate their new family computer. Both were amazed at its output. The son suggested, "Let's take it apart and you can show me how it works." "Sorry," the father replied, "I can't explain how it works, but look what it does, let's just enjoy it."
 
 
HEARING GOD'S VOICE
 
Does your mind stumble over the mystery of the Holy Trinity-one God in three persons, and three persons in one God?
On Sundays, we stand in awe of the mystery that our God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit has three distinct persons, but is only one God.
 
We can never comprehend the mind of the LORD. Instead, we exclaim, "Look what He has done!"
The Father created us. After we fell into sin, the Father sent His Son to redeem us.
 The Son accomplished our redemption by His death and resurrection.
The Holy Spirit enables us to believe in Christ, and bestows love, peace, joy, and many other wonderful gifts.
 
 
Let us humbly stand before our great triune God and exclaim, "Look what He has done!"
 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
O blessed Trinity,
One in essence yet three persons,
You are God, we worship You.
 
 
PRAYER--Almighty and everlasting God, since You have given us, Your servants, grace to acknowledge the glory of You, God; of Your Son Jesus; and Your Holy Sprit which rules in our hearts and minds today. Keep us steadfast in true faith and worship, and defend us ever from all our adversaries. For You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.
 
***
Printable Issue 2135  Today is Friday, August 19th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2135
Last Saturday, I attended a funeral of nearly ninety-year-old Rusty Stutters. Sweet lady; someone known around the community.Since her husband was a legally blind piano tuner locally, she was his driver for their fifty-plus years of marriage.
 
While I was aware of Bud and Rusty all of our more than forty years of marriage, I found there was a lot about Rusty I didn't know.
 
I didn't know that she had become a ward of state when she was 13 years old. A status she maintained until she was 21.
 
I didn't know that she was married in 1943 and became a widow two years later, losing her husband during World War II.
 
What I did know about Rusty was that their family size was limited. She never had children; leaving behind only two nephews.Would she have liked to have had children?  I don't know that either.
 
I do know how positive she was about everything and everyone. Always a sparkle in her eye and a slight smile to her mouth.
 
She could have been something else, knowing her background and past.
 
I began to wonder, how many people in my life do I only size up by what I see and know about them today? How many people do we meet that we have no idea what their earlier lives might have held?
 
Knowing that some people have had very difficult childhoods or the past few years, maybe they need for me/for us to 'cut them slack'.
 
Dear Father in Heaven, will You help me to think of others I might meet today? Help me to remember that someone who might be difficult, might be struggling with all kinds of hidden things in their lives; even people I think I know pretty well. Help me not to judge someone else too quickly nor too harshly. You could have done that to me, but You chose not to; for that I am thankful. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Printable Issue 2136  Today is Monday, August 22nd, 2011; Karen's Korner #2136
 
The 2011 Iowa State Fair ended yesterday after a successful 11-day run.
 
On the second day of the fair, Jamie, her three kids, Jim and I enjoyed the fair together. Part of the time we were all together. Other times we split up.
 
One of the fun things to do for young people between the ages of 2 - 10 is the Little Hands on the Farm. The young 'farmers' plant some 'seeds' and move along the growing cycle. Learning what it takes to bring 'their produce' to the 'farmers market'. After the harvest, each young farmer is given a 'dollar bill' to spend in the store.
 
Three-year-old Noah bought a small Rice Krispie treat and six-year-old Molly chose an ear of sweet corn for mom to put in her bag and for Molly to eat later at home. Seven-year-old Luke decided on a banana. As Luke walked along stripping the banana of its peel and beginning to take some bites, he began to exclaim, "Ick. This is too green I don't like it. We have to go back and get something else. This isn't what I wanted! I wanted to get something I liked to eat better!"
 
And the tirade continued for a couple of minutes.
 
You might say, "But why?"
 
I might think, "Little bit of overreaction!" 
 
Might be a little immature in his assessment of his situation.
 
But my next thought was about us and how we react to something 'we really want' from God. Or how we act when we have been praying for some specific thing.
 
And then we get something else.
 
The person for whom we have been praying isn't healed like we like. The different job isn't ours. The broken relationship isn't repaired the way we think it should have been.
 
Do we get 'mad' at God? Do we stomp around in anger with what we got instead?
 
God tells us that "in all things God works for good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).
 
Some things we get aren't given to us exactly like we like, but maybe God has something better in mind. It will fit together in the bigger schemes of life. If we but believe and trust Him.
 
Might be time to grow up and thank God 'for all things' (I Thessalonians 5:18).  Even some of the things we would change if we could.
 
Father God, help me to 'mature' in my assessment of every situation. My way may not be the best way. Help me to trust You and believe You, no matter what! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Printable Issue 2137  Today is Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011; Karen's Korner #2137
A couple of weeks ago a carload of us attended a morning movie in Mason City put on by our local bank. "Soul Surfer", an early summer release, has as its opening scene a family of five rushing to an outdoor, contemporary service near their home in Hawaii.
 
The praise team at the church service was singing, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord.......You give and Take away.....Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"
 
The signifigance of the song was engulfed in the story of Bethany Hamilton, the young surfer girl who survived a shark attack which left her surviving but losing her left arm. The movie showcases her struggles of learning to live again with one arm, not two.
 
As the lyrics say, "He gives and takes away. Blessed be Your Name".
 
 
Blessed be Your Name Lord
By Matt & Beth Redman
 
Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name when I'm found in the
desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back
to praise
And when the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name when the sun's shining
down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name on the road marked
with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
 
***
Printable Issue 2138  Today is Wednesday, August 24th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2138
"What a wonderful God we have--
he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the source of every mercy,
and the one who so wonderfully
comforts and strengthens us
in our hardships and trials.
And why does he do this?
So that when others are troubled,
needing our sympathy and encouragement,
we can pass on to them this same help and comfort
God has given us."
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 LB
 
 
Bible Commentary:  Many think that when God comforts us, our hardships should go away. But if that were always so, people would turn to God only to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him. We must understand that comfort can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our hardships. The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us. If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you as he can. Remember that every trial you endure will later become an opportunity to minister to other people suffering similar hardships.
 
*****
Printable Issue 2139  Today is Thursday, August 25th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2139
Something written and forwarded by Shirley Choat who was recently widowed:
 
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not
all His benefits: Who crowns you with
lovingkindness and tender mercies,
 
        ( Psalm 103:2 & 4 )

     Friends
, indeed, we should never forget just how very
 much our Heavenly Father loves each one of us.  Also how
 many ways HE proves that to us each day as well!

     After all when we feel hopeless;
The Lord will give
 strength to His people; The Lord will bless His
 people with peace.               ( Psalm 29:11 )

     
When we can't find the answers we want, or are in
 need of guidance, He will provide the way, for;
This also
comes from the Lord of hosts, Who is wonderful
in counsel and excellent in guidance.  
                                                  ( Isaiah 28:29 )

     
Further, don't forget the best benefit of all, for;
This is the
testimony: that God has given us eternal life,
and this life is in His Son.       ( 1 John 5:11 )

     
So in return you should;
Love the Lord your God with
all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
mind, and with all your strength.' Because HE
loves you even more than that!   Amen
                                                    ( Mark 12:30 )
 
***
Printable Issue 2140  Today is Friday, August 26th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2140
For a couple of weeks the end of March, Jim and I spent some time traveling in North Carolina and Virginia. On our way home, we were driving the Interstate through West Virginia when a car parked along the side of the road, turned into our van causing an accident.
 
The other driver had minor damage to his vehicle. Our van was hit behind the back door on the passenger side. Both his car and our van were still drivable. Jim and the 48-year-old driver of the other car began to exchange driving information and recount why the accident had occurred.
 
It seems that his GPS had started to tell him to turn around, that he had missed his turn off. Since he spotted one of the turn around lanes and even though it was an illegal turn, he would start back the other direction. He looked too far down the roadway behind him and didn't see us at closer range.
 
As they continued, a West Virginia highway patrolman came upon the three of us and asked if he could help. After a few minutes delay, the officer called Jim back to his state vehicle to let Jim know that the other driver with Missouri license plates had neither a valid driver's license nor current insurance.
 
After filling out our necessary paperwork and having a tow truck pick up the other driver's car, we continued on our journey west toward home.
 
As we drove, I told Jim, "This guy has to be made of good stuff. He knew he didn't have either insurance nor a license, but he chose not to drive off." He could have made his turn away from us, as we were pulling to the side of the road after the accident. We would never have had any information about him and he would have been off 'scott free'.
 
Upon arrival at home, we learned from our insurance company that the damage was about $1,800. They would pay $800; our obligation was $1,000 for uninsured motorist, which they would work to recoup from this other driver.
 
A couple of weeks after we had returned home, I decided to write to this guy. I wanted him to know that we appreciated having his name and address to turn into our insurance company. While he was currently down on his luck (he had told us he was in West Virginia looking for work), he had to be made of the 'right stuff' or he wouldn't have stopped. And that we hoped that things were work out better for him in the future. I tossed into the envelope a couple of the Christian devotional booklets that I had published and given to numerous people over the past few years.
 
In the mail yesterday came an envelope from our insurance company, it had a check for $1,000 with the notation in the left-hand corner: "refund deductibility".
 
Wish we would have kept the name and address of the other driver.
 
Hope that things are working out better for him now than six months ago.
 
One thing we know for sure: We were right.......he is someone 'made out of the right stuff'.
 
 
 
Printable Issue 2141  Today is Monday, August 29th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2141
Deuteronomy 6:1 - 3 was written just after the Ten Commandments were given to Moses; he's telling the people who he is leading as to why God gave them:
 
"The Lord your God told me to give you all these commandments
which you are to obey in the land you will soon be entering,
where you will live.
 
The purpose of these laws is to cause you, your sons, and your grandsons
to reverence the Lord your God by obeying all of his instructions as long as you live;
if you do you will have long, prosperous years ahead of you.
 
Listen, O Israel, closely to each command
and be careful to obey it,
so that all will go well with you,
and so that you will have many children.
 
If you obey these commands,
you will become a great nation in a glorious land
'flowing with milk and honey',
even as the God of your fathers praised you."
 
**
 
What God commanded then
is still true today.
 
Thank You, God,
 for never changing.
 
You tell us what is best for us, 
and always do what You say.
 
Blessed be Your Name, O Lord.
And blessed be our nation.
 
*****
 
 
Printable Issue 2142  Today is Tuesday, August 30th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2142
Something emailed to us by one of my sisters within the past week; taken from her church's newsletter.
 
Good if you are getting older (aren't we all!); know someone who is getting older; or dealing with someone in your life who is coming to terms with the aging process:
 

A Prayer for a New Beginning

       Lord, You know better than I know myself, that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but You know that I want a few friends at the end.

      Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains; they are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for an improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.  

      Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

      Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint, some of them are so hard to live with — but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people. And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

                                                 — written by a 16th Century Nun

 

 

Printable Issue 2143  Today is Wednesday, August 31st, 2011; Karen's Korner #2143
Today's 'korner' was emailed to me yesterday by former Clarion resident and good friend Bonnie Saxton. Enjoy!
 
 
Someone has written these beautiful words. Must read and try to understand the deep meaning of it. They are like the ten commandments to follow in life all the time.

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble,
but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2] So why is a Car's WINDSHIELD so large & the Rear view Mirror so small?
Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes years to write, but only a few seconds to burn.

4] All things in life are temporary.
If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever.
If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond!
If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold!
Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end,
GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!"
 
7) When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities;
when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.
 
8) A blind person asked St. Anthony, "Can there by anything worse
than losing eye sight?" He replied, "Yes, losing your vision!"
 
9) When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them,
and sometimes when you are safe and happy,
remember that someone has prayed for you.
 
10) WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES,
it takes away today's PEACE.
 
***