Last night, there was a ‘praise and prayer’ night at our downtown gazebo park; praying for Clarion-Goldfield-Dows upcoming school year.

Here is a portion of the handout we were given. While it is for CGD schools, you can personalize it for with whatever school you might be involved. (Part 1):

Opening prayer:
 
“God, you alone are all powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. We worship you and thank you for your love and care for our community and CGD students.

Student Focus Area:

Elementary School

Safety & Peace:  Shield our grounds, media use, and homes (Psalm 18:2). Bring safety to those in danger.

Value & Respect: May every child know their intrinsic worth as image bearers (Genesis 1:26-27), Psalm 139:13-14).

Transitions:  Cover new preschool, K, and transfer students with your peace and compassionate peers.

Middle School

Respect & Culture:  Stop bullying; bring swift help and counsel to all involved. Foster inclusion and kindness.

Transitions:  Grant smooth adaptations through change for both students and staff.
Hope: Guide students struggling with health and food insecurity to trusted adults and support services.

High School

Protection & Choice:  Block drugs, violence, and harm (Psalm 46:1). Protect hearts and minds in technology.

God’s Light:  May believers boldly share Christ’s light (Matthew 5:14-16) and none believers come to know Him (John 3:16-18)."

Lots of things posted on Facebook aren't the best. But this morning, I read a saying by Corrie ten Boom which was really inspirting.

For anyone who may not remember who Corrie ten Boom was, she and her family were Dutch watchmakers. During WWII, they risked their lives hiding hundreds of Jewish people from the Nazis in the Netherlands.
 Her family was later captured and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. She was the only family member who survived the ordeal.

Corrie later spent the balance of her life as a worldwide message of her Christian faith and forgiveness. Her nickname became "Tramp for the Lord".

Her saying:

"If you look at the world,
you'll be 
distressed.

If you look within yourself,
you'll be
depressed.

But if you look at Christ,
you'll be 
at rest!"
*
Father God in Heaven,
Thank You that You didn't leave us alone in the world; 
to do life all by ourselves.
You knew we couldn't do it.
Help us to keep our eyes on You.
Not on things happening in
our world;
nor in our lives!
You make
ALL THINGS POSSIBLE!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Today is Wednesday, August 12, 2026; Karen’s Korner #5669!

This morning I was looking back at a Karen's Korner from ten years ago. I want to share it with "korners' readers, as we come closer to this year' Iowa State Fair.

Today is Friday, August 12th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3375

I had the opportunity to help with counties' 4-H entries at the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday. I couldn't believe all of the activity on the fairgrounds. There were so many people, trucks, set up equipment, it was almost like the fair was already in progress, it was so busy.

When we'd stop to think about it, of course, there would need to be all that work.......getting ready for the big days, beginning several days later.

Fairgoers just show up and enjoy what has been for them in advance.

It made me think about heaven. Jesus says, 'I am going to prepare a place for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am." (John 14:2 & 3 LAB)

Like those awaiting us to come to the state fair, Jesus is planning for our coming to His 'forever home'. The Bible Commentary says, "We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in Him. Although the details of eternity are unknown, we need not fear, because Jesus is preparing for us and will spend eternity with us."

So our job? Believe in Jesus and His promises. And get ready for a future with Him..........for eternity!

I enjoyed reading Psalm 37 yesterday. So I am including a couple of verses today in Karen’s Korner: 

“Trust in the Lord..
Be kind and good to others;
Then you will live safely
Here in the land and prosper;
Feeding in safety.
Be delighted with the Lord.
Then He will give you all your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust Him to help you do it
And He will!”
~ Psalm 37:3 – 5 LAB
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Bible Commentary:  “David (writer) calls us to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do to Him. But how do we do this? To delight in someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This happens only when we know that person well. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to entrusting everything---our lives, families, jobs, possessions---to His control and guidance. Thus, to delight in the Lord we must know Him. Knowledge of His great love for us will indeed give us delight. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust Him, believing that He can care for us better than we can ourselves. We should be willing to wait for Him to work out what is best for us.”

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Somethinng written and sent recently by Allen Jackson:

Transformation of Heart & Mind

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

"Our God is a God of radical transformation. And He does not just perform an outward transformation, although that often occurs. The transformation He is most interested in is internal: a transformation of the heart and mind.

"In this passage, God is promising transformation to the Hebrew people and also to the land of Israel itself. If they will allow God to work in them as individuals and as a people, their very land will be changed as well. In Romans 12, Paul speaks of the transformation that comes when you turn away from the pattern of the world and allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind.
 
"When you are transformed in that way, and begin to think in a more godly way, you are better able to know and do God’s will. Spiritual transformation is an important goal because the potential, the momentum, and the outcome of your life will be determined in your mind before they are reflected in your actions."

THINK ABOUT IT

"When individuals are transformed, their culture will be as well. If you guard your heart and mind and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life, spiritual transformation will change the way you think and the way you act."

PRAYER

"Heavenly Father, grant me a fresh revelation of Your transforming power. Show me how to think and act in a way that honors You and brings blessings to not only myself, but also to my family, community, and nation. Help me to be faithfully obedient to what You reveal. In Jesus’ name, amen."

***

This Bible commentary talks about 'as we face sunset years'. At a time in our lives when he visit more hospitals and funeral homes than weddings and baby showers, we can relate!

"Lord, you are my refuge! Don't let me down!

"I will keep on expecting you to help me.

I praise you more and more.

I cannot count the times when you have faithfully rescued me from danger.

I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant, daily care."

~ Psalm 71: 1, 14, 15 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "As we face the sunset years, we recognize that God has been our constant help in the past. As physical powers wane, we need God even more and more and we realize he is still our constant help. We must never despair, but keep on expecting his help no matter how severe our limitations. Hope in him helps us to keep going, to keep serving him.

***

As I continue my trek through the book of Psalms,a couple of Bible verses from Psalm 84, talking about worshiping in the Temple. And the advantages of being in God's presence together. Perfect as we head into the weekend and our opportunities to worship together in our various churches.

"How lovely is your Temple,
O Lord of the armies of heaven.

"How happy are those who can live in your Temple, singing your praises."

~ Psalm 84: 1, 4 LAB

Bible Commentary:   "The writer longed to step outside the bustling world and meet God inside his holy Temple. We can meet God anywhere at any time, but we know that going into a church building helps us step aside from the busy mainstream of life into a place where we can quietly meditate and pray. We find joy, not in the beautiful building, but in the praying, singing, teaching, preaching, and fellowship that take place there."

***

Thank You, God, for being able to worship together in our churches of choice. Help us not to take that opportunity for granted. Lead and guide us as we choose to sing, pray, worship, and fellowship together this coming week. Thank you, that while our 'how' might change, our 'Who' never changes. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Reading in Psalm 80, the same verse is pretty much repeated three times:

"Turn us again to yourself,
O God.
Look down on us in joy and love;
only then shall we be saved."
~ verse 3
*
"Turn us again to yourself,
O God of Hosts.
Look down on us in joy and love,
only then shall we be saved."
~ verse 7
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"Turn us again to yourself,
O God of the armies of heaven,
and bless us."
~ verse 19

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Bible Commentary:  "Three times the writer calls on God to 'turn us again to yourself'. Repentence involves humbling ourselves and turning to God to receive his forgiveness and restoration. As we turn to God, he helps us to see ourselves more clearly, including our sin. And as we see our sin, the process of repentence must be repeated over and over again."

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Here’s a good one by Sarah Young and her “Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence” for today, August 5:

 
“Sit quietly in My Presence while I bless you.
Make your mind like a still pool of water,
Ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it.
Rest in My sufficiency,
As you consider the challenges this day presents.
Do not wear yourself out by worrying
About whether you can cope with the pressures.
Keep looking to Me
And communicating with Me,
As we walk through this day together.
Take time to rest by the wayside,
For I am not in a hurry.
A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving.
When you rush, you forget who you are
And Whose you are.
Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom.”

~ Taken from Psalm 17:7, Romans 8:16 –17; I Peter 2:9

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