I'm just sayin'...

Re-entry after cruising with Mary!

2012-01-31T21:28:00.000-05:00

Came home from the cruise and re-entry back to reality has been crazy!

Launched two studies in women's ministry on the Book of James. Praise God for the amazing women's ministry team God has in place here. They are a huge blessing to me and so many others.

Wrote a post about taking a fall on the cruise ship with Mary. Yes, I still to need to post it to this blog!

Wrote another post on cotton balls and Luke 15:1-7. I was the cotton ball! Yes, I need to post that one, too.

Have had the horrible yuck, influenza, that's been going around down here in Southwest Florida. I'm glad to be coming out on the other side of that!

Re-entry is hard!

Love and blessings,

Karen

Micca's Story

2012-01-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all!

There is so much I wish I could share with you right now. But, I have the wonderful honor of serving alongside the staff of Premier Christian Cruises for the next few days on the Girls Getaway Cruise. And we are about to set sail out of Fort Lauderdale! We sail back in Monday morning and I can't wait to catch up with you then.

Joining us on the Girls Getaway Cruise are several speakers from Proverbs 31 Ministries! I am looking forward to a wonderful time of worship and hearing these women share from God's Word.

I really wish my friend Micca Campbell were joining us this weekend! I met Micca a couple of years ago through Proverbs 31 Ministries and she has been a tremendous encouragement to me. Last year I was blessed to have Micca as my speaker coach at the She Speaks Conference. If you haven't had a a chance to hear Micca's story I encourage you to visit the following devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries:

Micca Campbell, Learning to Trust Again

God's story, through Micca, will bless you as she shares her journey of faith. It is a beautiful story of faith and trusting God. He is our hope, our joy and our peace.

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. Romans 15:13

Love and blessings,

Karen

Happy New Year! Arise and Courage!

2012-01-03T11:53:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

I have missed you. Life got busy and I fell away from blogging. Maybe you can relate? But, the good thing about falling away is you can always come back!

Today I have been blessed with the gift of a personal day! I have enjoyed the sweet gift of this day and the gift of silence in my house this morning. That is such a funny thing for me to say because I never use to think of silence as a gift. But, I am coming off a busy and intense year and I've come to appreciate the silence. Today has been a wonderful time of sitting in the presence of the Lord and allowing him to wash over me and his voice to speak to me.

As I remember God's activity in my life over the last year I find myself smiling a lot, crying a little and praising Him! I regret not taking the time to sit down and share the journey with you! I can tell you this, time and time again, He showed me his sovereignty, his faithfulness, his love, and no matter the circumstances his grace was always more than sufficient.

I'm excited for 2012! God has given me precious gifts of wonderful family, friends, and an amazing job. Yet, a few months ago he began to, once again, start calling me out of my comfort zone.

Do you ever feel that just as you are getting comfortable where you are at in life, then, God gives you a new assignment? That's where I am at in this season! We're not moving, I'm not changing jobs. But, God is calling me to more. And, that's okay. Because, I know when the assignment is from the Lord, I can trust him to see it through.

My two words for this year are Arise and Courage! Here is the Scripture that the Lord is using to direct, encourage and strengthen me with in this new season...

“Arise [Karen] for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you do nothing? Do not be slow to go, to enter in and possess the land."
Judges 18:9

Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous [Karen] and act.”
Ezra 10:4 NASB

This is going to be an amazing year. Looking forward to all God has in store for you and for me.

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what God is pressing on your heart! Has He given you a Scripture....a word or two? If not, maybe it's time for you to get alone in his presence, let him speak to you and then...Arise, choose Courage, and Act.

Blessings,
Karen

Celebration!

2011-08-02T07:10:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday was a beautiful day of praising God and celebrating Christ as we baptized five young women, ages 11 to 18, from our church!

I thank God for pursuing these women, stirring in their hearts and choosing them for His Kingdom! All praise to God that Rachel, Bun, Katie, Devon Joy and Davie were listening and trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! And, I celebrate with these young ladies as they take the next steps on their journey as Christ followers!

My Scripture memory verse is Isaiah 12:2 which happens to be Rachel's favorite verse. Rachel is a beautiful and precious young woman who loves the Lord and is following hard after Jesus Christ.

"Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2
NIV

As I talk to God I ask that he continue to overwhelm these precious young women with his love, mercy and grace. I pray that Rachel, Bun, Katie, Devon Joy and Davie will look to Him for their strength, their significance and their identity. Their is no need to be afraid for God is their Keeper, their sure foundation and their salvation. Thanking God for these new sisters in Christ!!

Would love to hear YOUR Scripture!

Desperate Beggar

2011-07-21T16:57:00.001-04:00

Hello again! Karen has given me another opportunity to 'guest blog' so I just thought I would share what has been on my heart. Being away on vacation has given me an opportunity to pursue God without distractions. I have been attending a bible study up here in St. Louis called "He Speaks To Me" by Priscilla Shirer. This past week Priscilla used the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, calling out for Jesus for mercy. "Son of David, have mercy on me!" He cried. The crowd shushed him and he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and commanded Bartimaeus be brought to Him. Jesus asked him "What do you want Me to do for you?" And Bartimaues said that he wanted to see.

Bartimaeus was desperate. He was physically desperate, socially desperate and economically desperate. Desperation draws us near to Him, doesn't it. Bartimaeus didn't let the irritated crowd stop him from shouting out to Jesus. He didn't let embarrassment stop him; he kept right on shouting "Son of David, have mercy on me!" until Jesus stopped. Do you think if we were to boldly cry out to Jesus when we are desperate, or even when we are not, He would stop and call us to Him?

I believe Jesus is looking for those desperate people; the one who doesn't care what anyone thinks when she drop to her knees and cries out because the kids are driving her nuts. The woman who drops to her knees and weeps because she has just been told she has cancer. Her heart surrendered, unashamedly crying out...glorifying His name. The man who cries out to God because he and his wife are arguing and cannot seem to get it resolved. Are you desperate? I am. I need to be like Bartimaeus...the desperate beggar.

This was one of my favorite quotes this week from the study. "We don't feel strong desire until God puts us in a position of desperate need. Maybe that is why He refuses to just show up whenever we call. As we seek God's presence, He may allow us to get extremely thirsty. That thirst will drive us to the Living Water." ~ Priscilla Shirer

After much contemplation I jotted down "Be my delight O God" in my journal. The rest of the words were penned at another time...I wanted to share it with you.

Desperate Beggar

Be my delight, O God

Allow me to love You more than these

You, only, my God, my craving is to please

Be my desire, O God

As I humbly heed Your call

Making You my All in All

Be my delight, O God

This battle is not mine You say

My life is Yours, have Your way

Be my desire, O God

In You my trust I will put

As I place my own will underfoot

Be my delight, O God

Giving You only the glory

You the theme of my life’s story

Be my desire, O God

Set apart in passionate praise

May I please You all my days.

Are you thirsty? Are you desperate? Come with me and let's shout out to Jesus for the Living Water.

Many Blessings to you,

Teresa Hemmer

2 Timothy 1:6-7

2011-07-18T21:06:00.000-04:00

⁶ For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:6-7
NIV

Mosquito netted bed...

2011-07-04T17:40:00.000-04:00

One of the things I love about going to Uganda is when the electricity goes out in the middle of the night. This happens often, thank God, and you find yourself lying in a mosquito netted bed with nothing but a flashlight and your Bible.

I love how God meets me in that place.

We certainly don’t have to go to Uganda to hear from God but I just love how He meets me there. A little over a week ago I was on my knees, in a mosquito netted bed, before the Lord and confessing my sins including doubt and fear.   The Lord was so wonderful to me and gave me Scripture from 2 Timothy 1:1-6. As I allowed His Word to pour over me, as I met Him face to face, His grace washed over me, my conscience was cleared and I worshiped our Most High God!

Today the Lord has given me Isaiah 30:18 and it has been a fresh Word and full of promises! In areas where I had started to doubt and move in to unbelief the Lord reminded me, once again, He’s not finished!   Here’s Isaiah 30:18 from The Message:

But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you.   He's gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right—everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

Today I find myself in a place of not only loving Him but also trusting, waiting and resting in Him.

Trusting, waiting and resting because of...

who He is...

His love for me and

His plans for me.

Plans that will honor and glorify Him!

July 1st - Scripture Memory!

2011-07-01T21:10:00.000-04:00

On June 25, 2011, I met an elderly man in the village of Nabukalu, Uganda.

He had the kindest eyes and asked me if I was a Christian. When I responded yes, he asked if I was born again. I smiled and again responded yes, and he then smiled and nodded his head.

We stood for a few seconds just smiling at each other. I then asked him if he knew Jesus. With bright eyes and a big smile he assured me he definitely knew Jesus. I pulled my Bible from my bag and handed it to him. Without hesitation he flipped to Psalm 50:15 and shared his life verse.

"Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me."
Psalm 50:15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I am overwhelmed by what God taught me and how He blessed me in Uganda. And I am thankful that God placed an elderly man in my path to share Psalm 50:15. It's my memory verse...

I would love to hear your Scripture...what is God saying to you?

Love,
Karen

Scripture Memory and other Bits and Pieces

2011-06-20T15:18:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends,

I hope this post finds you well...Blessed with a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, and poured into your lap.

I have been given the beautiful privilege of "guest blogging" for Karen while she is glorifying our Lord with the Summit Team in Uganda. Please allow me to introduce myself...my name is Teresa Hemmer and I am blessed to attend Summit Church Naples with Karen and probably a lot of her readers. This past few months I have also had the privilege of co-leading a table of wonderful women at Bible Study along with a dear friend and it has been a true honor. So with that being said...how do you do?

Ahem...

We have reached our halfway mark with Scripture Memory...I hope you are finding that hiding His Word in your heart refreshes you and know that His Words are active and alive, a double edged sword used to refine, reproof, correct and train us up in righteousness.

This time I pulled my verse from Galatians as the Lord has placed adoption heavy on my heart.

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-6 NASB

In reading these verses I couldn't help but recall that in the Jewish culture long ago a child born into a family could be disinherited, but that could never happen with an adopted child. Once a family had adopted a child, that bond was law and could not be broken. Isn't that just like our Heavenly Father? When we surrender to Him and allow Him to be Lord over us we are called His children...adopted children...never to be disinherited. What a beautiful picture of Yahweh's most gracious love. He does all the work of loving us and we can't do anything to earn it.

I don't know about you but I sometimes just cannot get a grasp on Him. I find myself just hanging on to the hem of His tunic, dragging in the dirt when in reality He is actually carrying me all the while I am punishing and beating myself up for my transgressions against His Spirit. Truly His lap is where I should be spending most of my time. My friends, if you haven't already, please learn this lesson early...walk humbly with your God with a broken and contrite spirit...come to Him in brokenness and He will restore you...When looking at Psalm 51 (which our pastor preached on this past Sunday) I see that I need to confess in brokenness with godly sorrow, He does the rest. He purifies, He washes, He cleanses, He blots out, He sustains, He delivers! We cannot do it and He knows it so He does it for us...Praise be to our Great Deliverer, Jesus Christ!

Let us continue to worship El Elyon (The Most High God) in spirit and truth:

Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got! Deuteronomy 6:5 The Message

May I ask you to please continue praying for Karen and our Summit Team in Uganda. They will be blessing the children and staff at the Home of Champions beyond measure, but if I know our Lord He will make sure the ones with changed, broken and blessed hearts will be our team...doesn't He just rock your socks off??!!

Thank you for allowing me to talk and share a bit. Til we meet again...continued blessings to you, my new friends! To God be the Glory!

Teresa Hemmer

Going back to Uganda.

2011-06-03T22:34:00.004-04:00

Through a partnership with Children's HopeChest
my church has responsibility for The Home of Champions Orphanage in Nabukalu, Uganda.

Last year I was part of a team that spent a week at the orphanage. In the days leading up to that trip I remember being...

busy preparing for my first international mission trip....

nervous because I was leading this trip....

excited for many reasons including meeting my sponsored child, Doreen.

I remember asking the Lord to do a work in me, to wreck me and to break my heart for His people. My friends, be careful what you ask of the Lord. He answers prayers.

My heart was ripped open for the children at the orphanage and in the community. I remember the daily drive to the orphanage and how the dirt road seemed different every day. But, more than the dirt road, I remember the children along that road. Children from the community, of all ages, would follow our van as we made our way to the orphanage. They barely had clothes to cover their bodies and I'm not sure how many, if any, meals they were having each day. Many would follow us with smiles so big. Others seemed like they could barely smile. Many would try and follow us all the way to the orphanage...not all would make it.

We spent most of our days at the orphanage. The children were precious, they were beautiful, and they broke my heart. They loved us. They welcomed us. They never complained. They were more concerned with our needs than their own. And, they worshiped God in a way that changed me forever.

I'm so very grateful that the Lord stirred in my heart to sponsor Doreen. It is true that when the Lord stirs in your heart to sponsor a child...

A child goes from not having even one meal a day to having three meals a day.

A child goes from having numerous health issues to being healthy.

But, what was also true for me, is the Lord changed me. He gave me eyes to see outside the neighborhood I live in. He broke my heart for children who live in a country I had never dreamed of visiting. He drew me closer to Him and I experienced God in a way I never had before.

On June 20th I am going back. Last year God showed us what was needed to help our children not just survive but to thrive. A pit latrine, kitchen, teaching supplies, medical supplies, goats, and so much more. This year God is sending us with a larger team and the means to make a greater difference.

I am overwhelmed and excited by what God is doing with this team for The Home of Champions.

I am eager and ready to go back for many reasons including.....

seeing Doreen and the rest of the children.

working alongside the team from Summit.

But, most of all, I cannot wait to worship the King of Kings alongside these brothers and sisters in Christ.

I'm asking God to once again break me, teach me and change me. I'm asking Him to use me and our team in such a way that these children would feel the love of Jesus Christ. I want to humbly serve Him and direct all recognition and glory to Him!

All of what I saw and experienced last year was from the hand of God.

How can I not go back?

Love in Christ,
Karen

Scripture Memory and Uganda! James 1:27

2011-06-02T08:47:00.000-04:00

This morning my thoughts are of Uganda and our children at The Home of Champions Orphanage. Our team leaves for Africa on June 20th and we're busy getting everything ready! It comes as no surprise that my memory verses are from James!

"Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27 HCSB

"Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God, the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless, in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world." James 1:26-27 The Message

This is my prayer today: "Father God, I love you so very much. Thank you for who You are and for all that You are doing. God, I want to serve you well and bring honor and glory to Your name. Wherever You have me, be it in Naples or in Africa, I pray that my heart is pure and humble, that my intentions be focused on You and not on anything of this world. God, let me continue to seek Your face, only Your approval and let my words and actions bring honor and glory to You. I want to be a blessing to You, Lord. I love You. Amen.

Friends, how are you doing? I love it when you post your verses. They are a blessing to me and so many others. What has the Lord pressed on your heart?

Love,
Karen

Are you listening? Scripture Memory #10!

2011-05-16T09:04:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

I'm writing this from Starbucks on the iPAD. The last couple of weeks have been crazy with wonderful life stuff going on! I'm overwhelmed by all God is doing. Here's a quick look at my world right now:

Cory graduated! My 22 year old daughter graduated from USF with a degree in Russian and a degree in English Literature. So very proud of this young woman and blessed to be her mother. Cory has a fierce love for her family and friends. I'm asking the Lord to stir and move in Cory's life....I'm asking Him to give her ears to hear as He reveals the plans He has for her!! I love this young woman so very much. Acts 16:14 says, "...a worshiper of God was listening, and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul." As Cory lives out in this world I'm asking God to stir in her life, that she listens and she responds. I love you, Cory!

Mother's Day! The Lord has blessed me with three children and a son in law...so, really, I have four children! Chris, Kyle, Cory and Jeb, I am honored and blessed that the Lord chose me as your mother. Next month I will have a picture with all four of these kids at the same time!

Thursday night Bible study wrapped up with a teaching on Lydia! I seriously need to sit down and write a whole post on Thursday night Bible study. These women are amazing and truly extraordinary. I'm thankful for each one of them and I am so proud of them!!! It's only appropriate that my scripture memory verse will be from Acts 16:14: "A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening: and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul."

That's just a little bit of what the Lord is doing in my life. What about you? Would love to see a glimpse into your world and hear what Scripture you're memorizing. Has He pressed a verse on your heart yet? If not, have you opened His Word and, are you listening? I'm praying for you!

Love,
Karen

Scripture Memory, Verse 9!

2011-05-01T22:35:00.000-04:00

Remembering.

Tonight I read through pages of my Bible and journals. I was reminded how much God loves me. How He delights in me. How He longs to spend time with me.

I remember and I fall on my knees to thank Him. To worship Him. To praise Him.

He sent Jesus for me.

He redeemed me.

He set me free.

He changed me.

He has promised to continue his work in me.

He thrills me!

I love the Lord! Because He has heard my appeal for mercy, because He has turned his ear to me, I will cry out to him as long as I live.

I'm thankful I've had this evening with Him. To sit and remember.

My memory verse for today is about remembering...

Once again, I'll go over what God has done,
lay out on the table the ancient wonders;
I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished,
and give a long, loving look at your acts.

Psalm 77:11-12 The Message

Thank you for continuing to make this journey with me! I pray you are spending time with the Father and allowing him to save you, to cleanse you and to set you free.

Blessings!!
Karen

Scripture Memory! What is the Lord pressing on your heart?

2011-04-15T18:01:00.000-04:00

I love feasting on the Word of God! His Word is powerful, life changing and He is the only one who truly satisfies me.

As much as I love feasting on God's Word I sometimes struggle in memorizing my verses! Hmmm...maybe it has something to do with my age.

Sometimes I allow life to get in the way and take priority over my time with Jesus. Big mistake. There is nothing or no one more important than my Jesus. I've become very protective of my time with the Lord. I encourage you to do the same. It might mean you have to get up earlier or stay up later but don't miss out on that time with the Lord. He loves you so very much! He delights in spending time with you!

This time I am memorizing Proverbs 4:23-27 from The Message. Since it is so long you may see me repeat these verses next time around. I'm determined to get them down. Thankfully, I have a little bit of help and accountability with this passage. Every Monday I meet with two young women and I have committed to them that I will learn this Scripture! So now I am also committing to YOU! Y'all hold me accountable!

Proverbs 4:23-27
The Message

Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
   that's where life starts.
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
   avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
   ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
   and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
   leave evil in the dust.

I'm loving memorizing His Word with you. Would you please let me know what the Lord is pressing on your hearts?

Your sister in Christ,

Karen

Scripture Memory Time!!!

2011-04-01T15:06:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends,

Phillip and I are at the airport in Ft Myers and about to leave for vacation! We're on our way to Las Vegas, Nevada and I'm looking forward to our time together. We lived in Las Vegas from 1986 to 1994 and we're excited to go back and see the old neighborhood :). I can't wait to share our trip with you when we get back!

Last night at Bible study I taught on the life of Mary, Jesus' mother. While preparing for this lesson I came to know Mary as a young girl, a mother and as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I would love to write more about Mary...but our flight is boarding. So I will leave you with my memory verse which is John 2:5 where Mary says, "Do whatever He tells you.". That's my prayer for you and me, that we would do whatever He tells us....that we would obey Him!

Love in Christ,
Karen

It's March 15th! Time for Scripture Memory #6!

2011-03-15T22:19:00.001-04:00

Oh my word, it's March 15th!

Time to check in and share our verses. By now, everyone should have memorized at least 5 verses. And if you're just now joining us...that's fine...welcome! Jump right in and start memorizing God's Word with us!

So how is everyone doing with memorizing their verses? Do you sometimes find yourself standing in line somewhere, or sitting in traffic, and all of a sudden your memory verse washes over you? Time and time again the Lord is bringing His Word to my mind as I'm out and about in this world. Thank you, Jesus!

I'm having a wonderful time memorizing God's Word alongside you and I'm looking forward to seeing the verses the Lord has pressed upon your hearts. This time I have really struggled between committing to Deuteronomy 7:6 or Esther 4:14b.

So that means I'm doing them both!

Here they are and both are from the Holman translation.

Deuteronomy 7:6
For, Karen, you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.

and

Esther 4:14b
"Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this."

Now it's your turn!

Love y'all so much!
Karen

Attitude!

2011-03-01T15:08:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Bible study I will be teaching about the life of Rahab. Because of Rahab I have found myself in not only the book of Joshua, but also in Exodus, Numbers and Hebrews. And, as much as I want to turn this into a post about Rahab, and what God is teaching me, I will remain focused and share my Scripture Memory verse!

Scripture says in Numbers 14:24 from The Message,

²⁴ "But my servant Caleb—this is a different story. He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately. I'll bring him into the land that he scouted and his children will inherit it.

The NIV translation uses the word "attitude" instead of spirit. "He has a different attitude". That speaks so strongly to me.

I want to be like Caleb.

I'm asking God to give me a passionate attitude for Him and his truth! I want to follow Him passionately and fully. Because of Caleb's "attitude" the Lord promised He would bring him into the land and would bless both Caleb AND his children. That promise to Caleb gives me hope for my life and the lives of my children.

What is God showing you this week? What Scripture has He placed on your heart?

Blessings,
Karen

Philippians 4:4-5

2011-02-15T07:43:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends!

This morning I was reading in The Message and fell in love with the paraphrase of Philippians 4:4-5 which says:

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Have a wonderful day! I can't wait to read the verses the Lord has placed on your heart! For those of you who are in Thursday Night Bible study I look forward to hearing your verses this week :-)

And, for those of you who are not in the Thursday night study...let's talk this weekend. It's time for us to catch up and share God's Word!

Love in Him!
Karen

Scripture #3!

2011-02-01T08:16:00.002-05:00

I hope you are having an amazing time with the Lord as you memorize His Word!

I have been thrilled to sit at His feet, ask Him what verses he has for me, then listen...

just listen...

and hear God speak.

My prayer is we do not hurry through this year of memorizing Scripture. Let's take the time to slow down, block out the world, sit at the feet of Jesus, listen and have our lives changed!

Several people are memorizing Scripture along with us but haven't posted on the blog yet. If that's you, feel free to join us, it's not too late! Also, a couple of men have asked if the Scripture Memorization on this blog is only for women. And, the answer is we would love to have our brothers in Christ join us! While I will reference women's Bible study a lot, everyone is invited to join us! Chris Gray and his wife Ana are memorizing Scripture and posting with us. My husband, Phillip, is memorizing along with us but hasn't started posting....yet :-)

Last Thursday several women stood up and shared their verses in Bible study. It was a wonderful blessing to hear God's Word fall from their lips. I love how God will speak to us and press certain verses on our hearts and then what does he do? He takes that very same Word and uses it to minister and comfort others. As I type this post I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4,

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

The verses you are sharing on this blog, that are so personal to you, God will use to also comfort others.

Where does the Lord have you today? What verse has He placed on your heart?

I am praying for you and I am excited to have this time of memorizing God's Word alongside you. Here we go, time for Scripture Memory #3!

The Lord has given me...

^"6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, ⁷for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

2 Timothy 1:6-7
ESV

Many Blessings!

Your sister in Christ,
Karen

The Power of His Word.

2011-01-15T09:47:00.002-05:00

Scripture Memory #2!

This week someone asked me why we memorize Scripture and why this was so important to us. I loved the questions. It gave me an opportunity to share...

We memorize Scripture because we love the Lord.

We memorize Scripture to draw closer to God.

We memorize Scripture because His Word is powerful.

We memorize Scripture so that our lives are changed!

It is time for Scripture Memory #2! If you are just joining us, don't worry, it's okay...you're not too late and you are so welcome here! Isn't it wonderful how God brought Mary from Alabama and Leah and Cindy from North Carolina to join us here? It is a sweet blessing for us to memorize His Word alongside each other.

In Priscilla Shirer's study, Discerning The Voice of God, Priscilla says, "The more Scripture you have hidden in your heart, the more opportunity He will have to bring it to your mind and direct you. Our goal should be to saturate ourselves in His Word."

Friends, let us saturate ourselves in His Word!

I can't wait to see the Scriptures the Lord is pressing on your hearts for Scripture Memory #2. It is exciting to be on this journey with you and I look forward to January 2012 when we will have memorized 24 Scriptures. Just think, we will be able to look back and see how the Lord has moved in our lives and how we have been changed by the power of His Word. Praise God.

Love you all so much! Don't forget to leave your comment with your Scripture and the Bible translation you are using. If you have questions or need help putting up your Scripture please email me at karen@summitlife.com. I would love to help you memorize His Word. For His honor and His glory.

The Lord is keeping me in Habakkuk for my second Scripture.

   18  yet I will triumph in the LORD;
    I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!
    ¹⁹ Yahweh my Lord is my strength;
    He makes my feet like those of a deer
    and enables me to walk on mountain heights!

Habakkuk 3:18-19
Holman Christian Standard Bible

Many Blessings!
Karen

Scripture Memory Time! Here we go!

2011-01-07T00:02:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! I love Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. I love the holidays and time spent with family and friends. I also love new beginnings.

Every time January rolls around I look forward to new beginnings and I'm excited to imagine what all the Lord has in store for the year. I’m so thankful that God gives us new beginnings. I'm a sinner. Saved by Grace. And, I mess up. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit stirs and I am broken, asking for forgiveness. Words cannot express how thankful I am for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I love the Lord!

In Psalm 116:1-2 the Scripture says: “I love the Lord. Because He has heard my appeal for mercy, because He has turned his ear to me, I will cry out to Him as long as I live.” I had memorized that Scripture because in 2009 I committed to a year long Scripture Memory Challenge being held on Beth Moore's blog at www.lproof.org. It was an amazing year of digging into God's Word and memorizing Scriptures he kept pressing on my heart.

As I look back at the Scriptures I memorized in 2009 I am so very thankful! His Word never fails! And, to have it stored in my heart and engraved in my mind so that I can quickly recall his promises to me is a huge blessing from God.

Beth Moore is holding a Scripture Memory Challenge on her blog again this year. And, just like the 2009 challenge, for those who see it through to the end of the year, there will be a beautiful celebration in Houston, Texas. You can join Beth Moore and participate on her blog at www.lproof.org. I am participating again this year and I am excited about the scriptures the Lord is already pressing on me to memorize!

The Lord has pressed something else on my heart. And, to be honest I've hesitated with the idea as I didn't want people to think I was copying Beth! Yet, I've come to realize my hesitation is just a big pride issue and I might just be worrying a little too much about what people think. So here goes! I believe the Lord is asking me how come I'm not using this blog to encourage others to study God's Word and memorize Scripture. Why in the world would I not do something like Scripture Memory on this blog? I absolutely love God's Word and my passion is to see others fall in love with Jesus and be transformed by His power. If we can use this blog as a way to share Scriptures and the love of Christ with one another then we should do so!

Tonight at Bible study I shared that I would be putting this post up and invited the ladies to join me in memorizing 24 Scriptures in 2011. Only God knows who, if anyone, will join me. But, I'm excited to start posting Scriptures, memorizing God's Word and sharing what He is teaching me! This will surely hold me accountable to blogging as well!

You'll see my first Scripture for 2011 at the bottom of this post. Here are a few guidelines if you would like to join in...

1. I will put up a post on the 1st and 15th of every month giving you my memory verse. You can then post a comment and give me yours! Since today is January 6th we're a week late getting started. That's okay! We can do this! Go ahead and post your comment with your first memory verse. We will put our second memory verse up on the 15th. The goal is two memory verses a month for the next 12 months.

2. Even though we were a week late getting started let's try and be on track by the 15th so we make our goal!

3. When you post your memory verse make sure and give the verse and the translation. Also, it's okay if you want to share why you chose a particular verse. Just be careful that you don't try and memorize verses that are too long.

4. One last note, make sure and write your memory verses in a notebook, journal or on index cards. For me, this has been a great way to help me memorize God's Word. And, I love looking back on my index cards from 2009 and being reminded of what the Lord was doing in my life and what He was saying to me.

If you've made it to the bottom of this lengthy post... you are amazing! If you are joining me in memorizing Scripture... you are a blessing. I look forward to memorizing His Word with you and seeing our lives changed by the Word of God.

Copied below is my first verse for 2011. And, as I see the vision He has given me for 2011 I am excited!

"For the vision is yet for the appointed time;

It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.

Though it tarries, wait for it;

For it will certainly come, it will not delay."

Habakkuk 2:3

NASB

Many Blessings!

Karen

Gifts from the Lord.

2010-11-20T08:50:00.000-05:00

Good morning!

Phillip and I are on the road to Tennessee for Thanksgiving. Last night we spent the night with friends who live in Birmingham, Alabama. And, this morning, I will have a couple of hours alone with the Lord and then will meet up with my friend Robyn! I'm happy to finally have this time with Robyn, just for us to sit and share Jesus with each other. To talk about what the Lord is doing in our lives and what he is teaching us!

This afternoon Phillip and I will finish the drive into Memphis. I cannot wait to see Daddy, my kids, family and friends! Daddy, Kyle and Chris are already there. Cory flies in Wednesday. Jeb flies in Thursday. Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for! I am excited as I talk to God about going back to Memphis. Now that our children are scattered among different cities it is a huge blessing to me when we are all together. This time is a gift from the Lord. A time to love and pour into my adult children and into Daddy. This time is a gift from the Lord.

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him." Matthew 7:11

Yesterday, I started reading Red Letters by Tom Davis. And in the beginning of the book Tom says, "That's what this book is about. Learning to live a faith that is so real, you bleed Jesus. Here's how to start: Look for Jesus every morning in the eyes of the people you meet. And then look for him in the mirror."

That's what I am asking of the Lord. As we travel back to Memphis let me not overlook Him. Let me look for him and see him in the eyes of others and in myself. And let Him pour out of me.

I pray the same for you as you are reunited with family and friends in the coming week. I pray you will see Jesus in the eyes of the people you come in contact with and in your mirror. And, I pray, that we will respond in such a way, that those who have been around us, see Jesus when they look in our eyes.

Blessings!

Karen

Hi y'all!

2010-11-08T22:14:00.000-05:00

So much has happened since I last put up a post. I don't even know where to start. But, I do know this, it is time to start blogging again!

My transition out of corporate America and into full time ministry is now complete. YES! I am thankful for everything the Lord has taught me in my corporate career. But, even more than that, I am so very grateful and humbled by how He has changed me! Thank you, Jesus! I am excited beyond anything you can imagine for this new part of my journey. Several of you have been praying for me and I appreciate you so much! Your emails, phone calls and text messages have meant the world to me.

There is so much the Lord is impressing on my heart to share with you. Stories that speak to His faithfulness and his goodness. Each day I am reminded NOTHING is too hard for our Lord!

It's great to be back! I have missed you!

Love,
Karen

She Speaks...thank you Phillip :-)

2010-07-28T07:46:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I leave for She Speaks in Charlotte, NC.

Hmmm...can I back out?

It is the day before I leave and by now, I thought I would have everything together. The reality is, Daddy and Kyle came down from Tennessee last week and we had a wonderful visit! I've spent the last two days on the road and in meetings for my corporate job. I need to unpack my suitcase from that trip so I can pack for tomorrow's trip. And, I need to trim about 15 minutes off each one of my messages...Yikes!

I leave tomorrow.

I'm nervous and I really should be better prepared. But, you know what? I don't really want to back out! I'M EXCITED! I'm looking forward to this conference, seeing and hearing what God has to say to me through this experience.

She Speaks is a gift from my husband. Our 28th wedding anniversary was July 24th and my birthday is July 31st. If you had told me 28 years ago my husband...

would fall in love with Jesus...

would one day be praying over me...

would be sending me to She Speaks...

would tell me he has heard from the Lord and encourage me to leave a successful corporate career for full time ministry...

I would not have believed you.

In Matthew 7:11 Jesus says, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Phillip is God's good gift to me and I am so very thankful.

Happy Anniversary Phillip! Thank you for being a husband that...

follows hard after Jesus...

prays for your wife and children...

dreams with me and allows me to pursue my passion, Jesus Christ. I love you.

Now, I really do need to get packed and finish my messages for She Speaks! And, if you get a chance and feel like praying for me...I would really appreciate it!

Love,
Karen

Children

2010-07-06T07:26:00.004-04:00

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

I'm finding it's not as easy to write when I want to share about the orphan's struggles in Uganda. The poverty, hunger and lack of care overwhelm me.  There are two million orphan children in Uganda and over half became orphans due to AIDS. How do I put into words so you are able to see and feel the desperate need?

I'm thankful Summit Church has partnered with children's hopechest for many reasons.  I have seen how one church can make a difference in the life of a child. With the Summit Church and Home of Champions Orphanage partnership I know 103 orphans are now being fed and taken care of. Yes, their needs are many and we have a lot of work to do but, the work has started.  Progress is being made and the people of Summit Church are committed to making a difference in the lives of the children at the Home of Champions Orphanage.

But, what about the rest of the children? Remember, this country has over two million orphan children.   Each day our team would travel a rutted dirt road to reach the Home of Champions. On the way we would pass countless children. One child after another. There was never an end to the children. Every where I looked I would always see a child coming towards us. They were dirty, hungry and alone. And, my heart broke. By the time the team arrived at the orphanage there would be a line of these children following the van. As we loved and cared for the orphans at the Home of Champions these other children, we came to know as the "community children", would stare, watch and hope. Hope that we would notice them, we would feed them and we would care for them. My heart broke. We loved them as best we could but there were just so many. Our last day at the orphanage our team was blessed to provide a meal for the orphans and several of the community children. This was a big day at the orphanage and our team was excited to feed the children a meal that included meat! Every orphan at the Home of Champions had a plate that day. I wish I could tell you all the "community children" had a plate and ate as well. But, they did not and my heart broke.

Singing!

2010-07-05T09:49:00.002-04:00

Singing! I wish you could have heard their voices. I wish you could have seen their faces. I will always remember the voices of the children as they sang.

Singing! Within moments of arriving at the Home of Champions Orphanage I found myself in a circle of four young women, Olivia, Doreen, Gertrude and Lydia, and they began to sing.

As I sit here writing this today I can literally feel their voices washing over me.

With total abandonment and pouring their hearts out to the Lord...these children worshipped the King.

Not wanting me to be left out Olivia started writing down the lyrics so I could join in with them. Singing!

We would sing as we walked, as we visited, as we worked, and as we painted the dorms. Oftentimes, we would all look at each other, burst out in laughter and just start singing to the Lord. Praise Him!

The picture above was taken of the older girls on our last day in Nabukalu. The fact that I saw the girls on the last day was a sweet blessing from the Lord. You see, when our team showed up for our last day at the orphanage the older girls were away at secondary school. It's quite a walk from the orphanage to the secondary school and I was sad that I would not see them. Long before my visit to the Home of Champions God had put the older girls on my heart. I clearly remember when the packets arrived at church and we could choose the child we wish to sponsor, the Holy Spirit led me to the faces of the older girls.

In my time at the Home of Champions God continued to put these girls on my heart. So many memories of these girls...

On our first day at the orphanage one of the girls came to me because she had started her period. I prefer not to say her name because it is a rather personal subject! However, just like any other young woman, she wanted comfort and assurance she was okay. She also needed practical help as there were no feminine products at the orphanage. As I stood with this young woman my heart broke. So many things we take for granted. And, while this issue may not seem like a big deal to anyone else, I knew I had to help her. Yes, I know, there is a huge need for food, clothing, and shelter. But, this too was a very real and personal need. Thankfully, our wonderful team from Summit felt the same. The next morning Joseph took me and Daimy to a store where we purchased as many feminine products as possible! (The purchase of the products is a funny story in itself that I will share another day!). When we arrived at the orphanage the older girls were brought together in the dorm. And, amidst giggles and hugs, Daimy and I distributed maxi pads! I will never forget these girls and I pray daily for the women they are becoming.

On that last day, with the older girls at secondary school, God would work it out so we could say good-bye. Our host would drive Jamin, Daimy and I to the secondary school. And, after requesting permission at the office, the girls were allowed to visit with us. As I grabbed their hands and we walked out of the office I felt like we had just busted them out of school! So much fun but yet, so little time left. We had a sweet time of visiting on the lawn and then we said our good-byes. I hate good-byes but I am so thankful to have had this time with them. They are a sweet blessing in my life and I know I will see them again.

As we prepared to leave the school the girls gathered in a circle and holding hands we prayed and sang, "He Knows My Name". I wish I had a picture for you. Just imagine, as the secondary school the girls attend is actually a Muslim school and we were standing on a beautiful green lawn surrounded by so many other students.

And, as we drove away, there were smiles, tears and singing.

I love you.

Karen

Uganda!

2010-07-02T12:10:00.000-04:00

Over a year ago I journaled God was calling me to Africa, specifically to Uganda. At the time I had no idea what exactly I would do in Uganda or who would be on the journey with me. One thing was for sure, I could not imagine leaving the USA without my husband Phillip. I always assumed when God sent me to Uganda he would certainly be kind enough to send Phillip with me. Hmm...as God would have it, I did journey to Uganda but, Phillip would not be with me on this first trip. With the blessing and support of my husband I have spent the last 10 days in Uganda, serving alongside a wonderful and amazing group of people. Our team from Summit Church included Jamin, Jason, Ali and Daimy. Back home in the states our team also included Dina, Suzanne, Luis, Rebecca, the awesome women from Bible Study, Summit Church and our prayer warriors. Thank you, prayer warriors, so very much for your prayers! We felt those prayers, we were encouraged and we were strengthened. Last night as we returned to Florida my thoughts were full as I thought about all that had happened over the last 10 days and how God has used this team, the village of Nabukalu, and the Home of Champions Orphanage to change me. This journey has been filled with happiness, sadness, tears, and laughter. It has been an amazing time of worship as God revealed his love for me and his people.

Here are a few pictures and memories I plan to carry for a lifetime...

Meeting Doreen, the child I sponsor, and having her wrap her arms around me as we both wept. Soon after meeting Doreen I was introduced to Olivia, Gertrude and Lydia. These young women are talented singers! We gathered in a circle on the porch and holding hands they sang, "He Knows My Name" as their gift to me. Beautiful.

The children are absolutely amazing...

I am in tears as I remember how these children worship the Lord. It is a beautiful outpouring of love to and for Jesus Christ. Prior to leaving on this trip I asked God to reveal what He wanted to happen for our team in Uganda. I specifically asked He reveal his agenda, not what I wanted to happen but, what He was calling us to, knowing He would enable us to do his work and walk it out. God gave me Ephesians 5:1-2 and it is this Word I had engraved in my heart as the team left the United States and arrived in Uganda.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message)

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

I am blessed to have spent 10 days with a team of four other people who were not cautious in their love. As this team shared the extravagant love of Christ Jesus we were blessed to receive that very same love.

Can't wait to share more with you tomorrow. Blessings!

Karen

June 15, 2010

2010-06-15T14:03:00.002-04:00

"She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!" Luke 1:45, Holman Christian Standard Bible

There is so much to share with you but, they say, to be a good blogger you should keep your post brief. Oh my word, I don't think I will ever be a good blogger! I love a good story and when it's someone sharing what God is doing in their life I want all the details! God is doing some amazing things in my life, I need to update you on my family, tell you about the upcoming Uganda trip, share what God is doing at my church and tell you about his activity in my corporate/career life...there's just so much...and it's all from Him. For Him and his glory. But, today is June 15th, so my heart is to share Mama and gIRL with you today!

A year ago today my mother passed away. She loved me, she was my biggest fan and she never stopped believing in me. I miss her. I have grieved, I have mourned and yes, I have celebrated! My mother believed in Jesus Christ and today she finds herself in the presence of the Lord! I wish I were in Tennessee to be with Daddy. But, I'm so blessed that my oldest daughter Kyle will pick her Papa up, take him to the cemetery and they'll visit with mama. I can see the two of them standing there right now and it blesses me. "She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!" Luke 1:45

As my biggest fan Mama would be so excited for today! Today finds us officially launching the birth of something new called gIRL. It's a long story, more importantly, it's a huge God story, because through Mama's death I came to know Fran and she introduced me to Mary and Melinda. And, with Mary and Melinda came the vision for gIRL! If you haven't already clicked on the link for gIRL, then do so! But, I'm happy to share gIRL with you! gIRL stands for girlfriends In Real Life. The heart and vision of gIRL is to come alongside God in his activity and take women to a deeper walk with the Lord and with each other. So many God stories have led us to the birth of gIRL. Through technology our friendships have grown beyond just the people living closest to us. And, with gIRL we have been given an opportunity to minister and share the love of Jesus Christ far beyond our wildest dreams. Make no mistake about it, our greatest desire is to lift up the name of Jesus Christ, see women experience life change through God's Word and develop meaningful, authentic relationships. Sounds big doesn't it? It's not too big for God. We are believing and trusting God with gIRL. Would love to have you drop by
gIRL, tell us what you think and ask for your prayers!

Blessings!

The Home of Champions in Uganda!

2010-05-25T08:13:00.002-04:00

This time next month I will be at the Home of Champions Orphanage in Nabukalu,Uganda! My church is sending a team over to the Home of Champions and I am blessed to be one of the team members. There are five of us that will depart Fort Myers on June 22nd and arrive in Entebee, Uganda on June 23rd. Depending on traffic and roads it's about a 4 to 5 hour drive into the bush where the orphanage is located. Into the bush. Wow.

Today, I can't even wrap my brain around what our team is about to experience and what God is about to teach me. I'm excited, nervous and eager all at the same time. I look forward to wrapping my arms around the child I sponsor, Doreen, and building relationships with the rest of the children. When I first sponsored Doreen I thought to be a blessing to her. But, it is actually this young girl who blesses me. Thank you Jesus.

There is so much I want to share with you but, I have to get to work! I couldn't let another moment pass without putting this post up and asking for your prayers. Also, I would love to know if you have been on a mission trip, share with us your experience! Once again, I am reminded how social media is used to glorify our Lord and His work!

Would you please be in prayer for the Home of Champions and for our team as we prepare for our visit? May we humble ourselves and represent Jesus Christ well as we serve these precious children.

I'll be on the road to Tennessee this Friday and, since Phillip is driving, I'll have more time to blog! Talk with you Friday. Thank you for your prayers and I love you!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T18:59:00.003-04:00

Deuteronomy 6:5-18 (New King James Version)

5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Today finds me on the road again. This time with Phillip and right now we’re on our way home to Naples. We’ve spent the day moving one of our children to Orlando. This time, it’s the last child, our 20 year old son, that we are moving. And, of all weekends to do it, we are moving our last child out of the house the weekend of Mother’s Day. My son likes to say it is his Mother’s Day present to me. In a way he is right. Will I miss having this child at home? Yes. Am I sad? Yes. But, I know this move is the best thing for my son. He needs to go, be out from under mom and dad, find his own way and yes, find and build his own relationship with Jesus. And, that would be the best present a parent could ever have.

My relationship with Jesus Christ cannot be my children’s relationship. As a parent of adult children who now live in Tennessee, New York and Florida, I know that their life is, just that, their life, their walk and their faith. My greatest hope and desire is that my children would KNOW and FOLLOW Jesus Christ. I could worry about the fact they live so far away and worry about choices they are making. But, scripture says not too worry but, to pray, to believe and to trust. As I live my life for Jesus Christ I have peace and His grace is sufficient.

I am honored and blessed to be the mother of three amazing children and mother in law to one. I love them so very much and I miss them! I pray that each child will draw even closer to Jesus Christ and come to understand who they are in Him. Not, who this world says they are but, who our Lord says they are. They are His children and He loves them.

Letter to friends...

2010-04-20T11:45:00.004-04:00

Hello Friends!

Are you in the Word? How is your prayer life? Are you making time for Jesus? I pray that you are and I welcome the same prayer for myself. Life can get busy and priorities get out of whack. I don't know about you but, for me, when I make less time for Jesus, life starts to fall apart. I cannot do this life without Him. So, after a wonderful weekend in Tampa, I came home with an intense desire to just be alone with the Lord. Yesterday and this morning have been spent pretty much with him.

It is my time with Jesus that gives me the direction and peace needed for life on this earth. Praise Him! He loves us so much and wants us to come willingly to Him! I pray I never look at my time with Him as a chore or an item on a spreadsheet that needs to be checked off. He deserves so much more than that. I love you Lord.

For those of you who attend Thursday night Bible study we move to our new location this week. We'll meet at 6:30PM in Suite 611 of the Fifth Third Administration Building, located at Vanderbilt and 41. If you're new to Bible study or just now thinking about joining us, come on! You are so welcome here! It's okay if you don't know where the books in the Bible are...heck, when I started reading God's Word I had no idea either! Just know God loves you, there is a room full of women to encourage and walk with you and we long to share Jesus with you. Please feel free to send me an email, karen@summitlife.com if you need more information.

Nice to be back in blog world! I've missed you! Gotta run, I have a date at the beach with my Bible :-)

Blessings!

Matthew 5:7-10 (The Message)

2010-03-29T14:27:00.002-04:00

Matthew 5:7-10 (The Message)

7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Good Stuff

2010-02-24T00:19:00.008-05:00

Started out the year with every intention of putting up a new post every Friday. So, that's not going as I planned...

There is a lot going on right now! But, it's all good stuff. I'm headed into surgery this Friday for a hysterectomy. And, yes, even that is a good thing! Several women have told me it was one of the best things they ever did. Hmm...is it okay to talk about a hysterectomy on a blog? Not sure. So we'll end that topic.

We are in the midst of moving to a different house, yes, right before surgery. Thankfully, it's just packing going on right now. The actual move will not take place till the end of March. God is teaching me so much through this move. In the past, my life has been filled with many moves as Phillip and I followed careers across this county. But, those moves were always for the glory of Phillip and Karen. Those moves had us patting ourselves on the back...look at us, look at what we had accomplished. This move is different. This move has us downsizing to a smaller home, a rental home, and this move is all about trusting God. It's about understanding His grace. It's about being able to say yes to Him, in all areas of our lives. It's about making decisions that honor and glorify Him. I have come to realize that this move is the biggest move of our lives.

Blessings!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T21:22:00.002-05:00

Hi! I woke up this morning with an overwhelming desire to please God. Period. Nothing else, just please Him. To make Him smile over the fact that He chose me for His kingdom. Sounds silly, doesn't it? He knows my past, present and future. He knows my every thought and every action. Yet, He still chose me...I still can't believe it! I just want to please Him! I want my walk on this earth to demonstrate that I trust and love Him.

It starts with being in the Word and spending time with Him. I have said it time and time again, my very life depends on spending time with Him. February 14th, Valentines Day, found me home alone. Phillip was at the Daytona 500 with Dad. I could have went to the East Coast with him and I would have had a great time. But, I was craving time alone with the Lord and I am blessed to have a wise husband. He knows the best gift he can give me is time with our Lord Jesus. So I spent the morning in church and the afternoon and evening in the Word with Jesus. It was an amazing time as I allowed Him to feed me, nourish me and sustain me.

How are you doing? Are you making time for Him and allowing Him to feed you? If not, I encourage you to do so. I learned a long time ago when the enemy can't make me bad, he'll make me busy. Praying that's not happening to you.

Love,

Struggling? Are you in the Word?

2010-02-03T00:34:00.004-05:00

Today I struggled. Is it okay if I share that with you? Haven't struggled like this in I don't know how long. So thankful it was for only one day!

I'm in a season of leaving a corporate job, downsizing to a different house and having surgery the end of this month. Overwhelmed? Yes, I woke up feeling completely overwhelmed today. As excited as I am for what each day brings and following hard after the Lord, this has been one of those days where I had to praise Him now and feel it later.

My husband knows me well. Being married 27 years might have something to do with that. As he was leaving at 6:00 this morning he told me he loved me and prayed over me. So thankful for my man. He later emailed me...

But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him" - 1 Corinthians 2:9
It was the very encouragement I needed. Throughout the day I meditated on this verse. I wrote it on an index card, engraved it in my heart and plastered it in my mind.

Father God, thank you for your Word. Thank you for who You are and Your promises to me. I love you Lord. Because, you have heard my appeal for mercy, because you have turned Your ear to me, I will cry out to you as long as I live.

Are you struggling? Are you in the Word?
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory, with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Christ Jesus our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

A New Thing

2010-01-02T18:00:00.008-05:00

Forget about what’s happened;
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
Isaiah 43:18-19 MSG

Hello 2010! I'm excited that you're here and I'm eager to see all God will accomplish in you, this brand-new year. Last January I joined Beth Moore's Scripture Memory Team and committed to memorizing two new scriptures every month for a year. Each month I would ask God to reveal the scripture He would have engraved on my mind and in my heart. Isaiah 43:18-19 was the scripture He gave me on January15, 2009. He did not disappoint me. Throughout 2009 God was constantly growing me, doing something new and bringing new relationships into my life. It has been and continues to be an incredible journey.

Last year a huge blessing was seeing God's activity in the Thursday Night Bible Study at our Summit Naples campus. What started in the living room has now moved to a larger location. It is an amazing time of women coming together, building new relationships, digging into God's Word, growing in faith and becoming closer to God. Our current study is Ruth - Loss, Love and Legacy by Kelly Minter. I have missed these women over the last couple of weeks and cannot wait for us to start back up on January 7th! I believe God will continue to move in an amazing way, doing something brand-new and lives will be changed.

Another blessing of 2009 was how God used social media to connect me with other women who have a huge love for our Lord and for women's ministry. These women do not live in Naples. Heck, only a couple even live in Florida (hello Pat!). Yet, God used Twitter (hello Fran!), blogging, and Facebook to bring us together. I am excited to share that two of these new gIRLfriends, Mary Snyder and Melinda Garman have heard God's calling to start something new and today announced a brand-new ministry called:

gIRL:Girlfriends in Real Life

meeting God together on the other side of the screen

The vision God has given Mary and Melinda is to start a ministry "that brings the friendships we forge through blogging, Facebook, Twitter and other social media, from one side of the screen to the other...not just for a quick lunch or a quick "meet up" after a conference, but for extended time together with God. We believe that God is calling us to deeper relationships founded on our relationship with Him, and that He is using social media to bring people together all over the world to achieve just that." It is an honor and a blessing to partner with these women. Would you please pray that women are brought into a deeper relationship with our Lord and that He is glorified in all that we do?

I sit back in amazement and awe at our God. Oh, yes, my friends, He is bursting out! I am humbled, excited and blessed by all that He is doing...for His honor and His glory.

Love,

Good-bye 2009...

2009-12-30T21:20:00.013-05:00

Where do I start? Probably best where we left off...ending 2009 headed to Memphis for Christmas!

This was the first Christmas without Mama and the second Christmas without Raybo. We missed them terribly. But, God is so awesome and wonderful. He held me in His grip with His graciousness and loving kindness. More than anything what resonated this Christmas season was His love and His peace. That peace which surpassed my every thought, which guarded my heart, and my mind, through His Son, Christ Jesus. So very thankful for that peace.

The oranges tasted and smelled just as I remembered and guess what? We made it to Graceland! Wasn't even planned...it just worked out for us to be there. Now, I know why Daddy always did a "drive by". We were freezing, brr! We were on the way to Kyle's church for Christmas services when we realized we were a good 45 minutes ahead of schedule (what in the world, how did that happen?). As we were trying to decide what to do for the next forty five minutes I looked at Phillip and said well, we could always go to Graceland. He smiled and there you go! Here's our pics in front of Graceland. That's Cory and my niece, Sara, in front of the gates to the mansion. Jeb said it was too cold so he sat in the car and did the "drive by", just like his Papa Nick would have done :-)

I'm thankful that Christmas was spent celebrating the birth of Jesus with my family, old friends and new friends. When a loved one leaves this world the holidays become so much more precious and memories become so much sweeter. Little things just don't seem to matter anymore. God is telling me to love extravagantly, to forgive others, to examine my own life to see where I need to ask for forgiveness and then, trust Him.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive.

I'm thankful for such an amazing year! As we leave 2009 I can't help but remember how the year started and reflect on what all our Lord has done. On December 27, 2008 we were traveling from Memphis back to Naples and I read the blog of my friend and pastor, Orlando Cabrera. In that post Orlando encouraged me to grab my Bible, journal, pen and reflect on the following:

1. What has God been revealing to me about His plans for my life in the coming months and days?
2. What types of things does He want to strip and chisel away from my life?
3. What are the things He desires me to pursue in this season of wreckless abandon?
4. What are the things He is asking me to trust Him with?

These last few days I have pulled out my Bible's, journals, and Bible Study workbooks from last year. This has reminded me how awesome God is and how He speaks to me and how true Ephesians 3:20-21 is in my own life:

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think —according to the power that works in you— to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen

1. What has God been revealing to me about His plans for my life in the coming months and days? As I journaled that He was revealing His plans to draw me out of corporate America, to pursue a calling into ministry, to be authentic in sharing my story and how a relationship with Jesus Christ has changed me, I poured my heart out to God and shared with Him that for many reasons I was scared, I needed a plan, I needed help to do what He was calling me to do. And, you know what God did? He took away that worry, that fear, that lack of confidence. He reminded me who He was and who I was to Him. He promised me He would take care of me, be it with finances or providing support and encouragement with my calling into the ministry. He reminded me that no matter how big the task I am to stay humble and stay close to Jesus. God is faithful. When He calls He also equips.

2. What types of things does He want to strip and chisel away from my life? I hate to admit it, but here's the big three: worry, fear and pride. As I pursued holiness these were the things that I worked to let go of, so that I would be more like Jesus.

3. What are the things He desires me to pursue in this season of wreckless abandon? His Truths and who He says I am. Who He has called me to be as Phillip's wife, a mother, daughter, sister, friend and Women's Ministry Leader.

4. What are the things He is asking me to trust Him with? Everything and His timing. My marriage, my children, my call into ministry. More than anything He has told me this last year to trust Him! To not be afraid of what others may think or say but to go all out for Him! To enjoy the grace and freedom found in Christ Jesus, for His honor and His glory.

Father God, thank you for 2009, a year full of your blessings - love, joy, family, friends, laughter, sadness and tears. Thank you for allowing me to take care of mama for three weeks in February and then calling her home in June. Thank you for Phillip, our marriage and Phillip's baptism on March 29th. Thank you for Chris, Kyle, Cory and Jeb and loving them more than even I do. Thank you for giving me the confidence to trust You and your plan for my children. Thank you for Daddy, Nickie, my family back in Tennessee and the love we have for each other. Thank you for my church, our leadership team, our women's ministry and affirming my call into the ministry on September 16th. Thank you for the very special friends you have brought into my life that pray for me, encourage me and love me. Thank you God for the greatest gift of all, your Son, Jesus Christ. I am in awe and I am humbled. Oh my word, thank you so much for a year full of HIM.

2009-12-16T11:29:00.004-05:00

Christmas memories...

Growing up one of our Christmas traditions was the annual trek to Graceland. I can't imagine there is someone reading this who has not heard of Graceland, but, just in case, I better let you know Graceland is the home of Elvis Presley. Every Christmas Mama would make sure we all piled up in Daddy's truck and head to Graceland. Daddy called it a "drive-by". He would drive his truck slowly down Elvis Presley Blvd and our family would stare up at that mansion, it's Christmas lights, the nativity scene on the front lawn and all the decorations. It seemed so special, beautiful, rich, like that mansion belonged in another world.

Another Christmas memory would be oranges. Yes, that's right, oranges! Usually, around 6:00PM Christmas Eve, Daddy would bring home a grocery sack full of oranges. I can still remember the smell and the taste of those oranges. Funny, I live in Florida now and we have oranges all the time. Yet, I remember those oranges at Christmas in Tennessee tasting so much sweeter.

This Christmas Phillip, Cory, Jeb and I are headed to Tennessee. 16 hours on the road in a Toyota Highlander. Traveling with adult children is way cool. First of all everyone takes a turn driving. Secondly, we all actually talk to each other, imagine that! We're going to spend time with Daddy, Kyle, Chris, Nickie and many other relatives and friends. It will be different. Mama and Raybo have gone home to be with the Lord. While, I am sure this season will have moments of sadness and I will long for one more Christmas with Mama and Raybo, I am still excited. God has shown Himself to me time and time again. It is in moments of sadness or longing that God completely overwhelms me with His extravagant love and care. My loved ones are not "lost", I know exactly where they are and I know I will see them again.

Sometimes, well, actually, a lot of times, I sit back in amazement and thank God for choosing me. The fact that He picked me out and sent his Son to die for me. It absolutely blows my mind. I am so thankful for Him, his love, mercy, grace, and his kindness. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ I find myself thinking of His Kingdom. The little girl memories I have of Graceland cannot even begin to compare with what His Kingdom (the new earth) will look like. I'm excited for Christmas because of Jesus Christ, who He is, how He continues to change me, and for the fact that this world is not my home, there is something far grander for the body of Christ. And, while I eagerly await His return I recognize that where He has me today is not an accident. We are on this earth, at this time, for a purpose, His purpose.

Ephesians 5:1-2
The Message Translation

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

I want to love like that. I want to look at each person God has in my life today. I want to look at them, really look at them, and not take them for granted. I want to be humble and not remember past hurts or wrongs...I just want to give of myself to whomever God has in my life and I want to enjoy them. I want to see what God is teaching me through these relationships. There are no perfect people. I want to look past my own human insecurities and allow Him to rise up, lead me and shine.

I'm excited about Christmas. We, more than likely, will not make it to Graceland this year. But, I expect Daddy is already looking for the best oranges! I want the next couple of weeks to just slow down and I want to love like Jesus.

Merry Christmas!
Karen

2009-11-21T13:14:00.011-05:00

Hebrews 4:12
New King James Version

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Yes, that's my Bible. It's His Word to me and it is His Word that has forever changed my life. This book IS alive and IS powerful. If you look closely enough you will see clear packing tape that holds the cover together. However, the "book" itself constantly falls out of that taped cover and into my hands. It is rare that you will see me without this book. It's not like I'm going around and thumping people over the head with it (although, at times I am surely tempted to do so, including my own head!). I have other Bible's at home that are used during my study time...ESV, New King James, NLT, NASB, Amplified, Message...you get the picture. In fact, it is the NKJV translation for Hebrews 4:12 that you see beside the picture of my Bible. I have plenty of Bible's on my desk that "look" nicer, that are not so worn, and not so ragged. Several people have given me wonderful Bible book covers. I am so thankful for the gifts yet, I just can't seem to cover up this book. As I hang out at Starbucks, travel through airports, attend meetings, check out at a store, as I just do life with this book, I am given the opportunity to share my Lord Jesus.

He has spoken to me through this book. His alive and active Word has healed my mind and freed me from lies that have held me captive for years. He has given me love and comfort as I curled up in a recliner at Baptist Hospital Memphis, with this Bible wrapped in my arms asking Him to please heal Mama, to end her suffering, and then later that night He called her home. I remember visiting my brother at St Francis Hospital in Bartlett as he was receiving chemo and this Bible being open and present as we prayed. Many nights God calls me out of bed, in the quietness of the night, to meet with me on these pages. Sometimes it is so we can rejoice over a breakthrough, maybe it is a time that He is stretching me and challenging me, could be that it's a time that we just sit back and laugh at the craziness of life, or it could just be a time for me to cry and be held in His arms, through His Word.

I know the day will come that this Bible will not be able to make many more trips with me. To prepare for that day I have started carrying my ESV...yes, I am now carrying two Bibles...it's kind of like a transition phase for me...lol.

One day, probably after I have gone home to the Lord, someone will sit down and go through this Bible and see how the truth of God's Word can completely change a life. For Him, His honor, and His glory.

Memphis

2009-10-20T18:59:00.007-04:00

Memphis. One word, yet, it brings up so many memories and so many emotions. Memphis is my heritage. It is where I was born, grew up and married. When I left for college at 18 my parents moved about an hour away from Memphis to Covington. Today my oldest daughter Kyle and her husband Chris make their home in Memphis…I will always be tied to this city on the river.

In the past, going back to Memphis has been difficult. The enemy never failed to attack me in one way or another. I left Memphis at 18 believing I could leave behind painful memories and just take the good stuff with me. You know… the good memories, the laughter and whatever didn’t fall into that category I would just pack away and never deal with again. Today, at 46, I am thankful that God never gave up on me. While I may have left Memphis running and on a “Wild Goose Chase”, time and time again, God would take me back and drop me right back down in Memphis. At a recent Living Proof Live conference (in Memphis, of course) Beth Moore talked about it being better to be on a “Wild God Chase” and not a “Wild Goose Chase”. It was the message just for me…in Memphis.

For months I had planned to take Mama, Kyle and Cory to a LPL conference with Beth Moore in Memphis on October 9th and 10th. Over the last few years it was through the teachings of Beth Moore that I had been able to share Jesus with Mama. I would send her Beth’s books and CD’s and we would talk about who Jesus is and what we were learning. Those conversations would become wonderful memories of Mama as she shared her love for Jesus Christ. Mama went home to be with our sweet Lord Jesus on June 15th of this year. I miss her. I miss that we didn’t get to share an LPL event together. I miss that I never took her to get a pedicure. I miss helping her wash her hair in the kitchen sink. I miss her being my biggest fan. Were there difficult and painful times with Mama? Of course. We are, after all, human. But, I just miss Mama. Then, I stop and I think about her being in the presence of the Lord. I know she is at peace, full of joy and happiness. There is no more sadness, no more pain. She is free which makes me smile and say, “I love you, Mama.”

As I reflect on my last visit to Memphis I am amazed by God’s love and favor! As it would turn out I would attend LPL Memphis with my daughter Kyle. Then after the conference I would head up to Covington to visit with Daddy and my sister Nickie. Friday, October 9th found me sitting in the airport asking God to bless this upcoming trip, the LPL conference and the time with my family. Little did I know that Ephesians 3:20-21 was about to become very real to me.

Ephesians 3:20-21
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Not soon after praying for God to bless this upcoming visit I received a twitter update on my Blackberry. It was from a sister in Christ who I had “met” via Facebook and Twitter. This sister, Fran, had twittered she was excited about LPL Memphis. I twittered back, “me too”! This began an exchange of tweeting that resulted in Fran offering to pick this “stranger” up at the airport. I love how God uses technology to bring the members of His kingdom together. I love that instead of landing in Memphis and heading to a rental car counter, God had Fran and Rachel waiting for me in baggage claim with the biggest smiles you could ever imagine. This began my week in Memphis. The LPL conference was more than I could have hoped for. God showed up in a big way. When Fran, Rachel and I arrived at the hotel across from the FedEx Forum I was surrounded and loved by sisters I had never before met, although it seemed as if I had known them forever. These are women that I know God brought into my life for a purpose. I was excited that Kyle joined us Friday night and Saturday morning. This was her first LPL event; however, she came to the conference from work and missed all the fun of standing in line! Standing in line is such a huge part of a LPL event. Standing/sitting in line with women from all over the country who are hungry for Jesus, who have come for a Word from God and to worship and honor the Lord.

During this conference Beth taught from Exodus where Moses had just asked the Lord to “show me Your glory.” It is in Exodus 34:6-7 that God discloses Himself to Moses and to us:

6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."
As Beth taught from this scripture she provided the following attributes of God:

1. God Abounds in Love – if we remember anything at all it is that Jesus loves us. Period. He just does.
2. God Guards His Love - God is not guarding against love, He's guarding FOR it.
3. God Teems with Compassion - it is our tendency to take a wounding very deeply but do we take our healing as deep as the hurt? We have to let God minister to us so that we can take the healing as deeply as the wound.
4. God is Scandalously Forgiving – He knows our heart. There is not one thing He will not forgive us of. It is when we repent, turn away from sin and accept God’s forgiveness that we are free.
5. God is Inconceivably Gracious - We are not just forgiven but we have the favor of God. Sometimes God will allow a period of time when nothing, or no one else, can fill our hurts or our needs. It is during this time that God will come through and show Himself as the only One worthy of our praise.
6. God is Abounding in Faithfulness- God will do what He has promised!
7. God is Slow to Anger – God does not want one to perish.

It is when we allow the attributes of God to change us that God discloses Himself. I love the Lord. I love how he “shows us His glory”. When life gets hard and it seems like all hope is lost God has never failed to show Himself. As we close on Exodus 34 we must also come to terms with verse 7 that says,

“maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."

God does not leave the guilty unpunished. Yes, it is a very strong Word. For those who choose not to repent but, to live in constant rebellion and sin, they can expect consequences for their actions and their children will also bear consequences.

I want to do all that I can to see the glory of God. I want my children to know the fullness of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God so blessed my time at this LPL conference and that favor carried on throughout the week as I visited with my family. Not once did I feel the enemy’s attack. I was completely wrapped in the arms of Jesus and, once again, I am not the same. I am thrilled to be on a “Wild God Chase”. It is a heck of a lot more fun than that “Wild Goose Chase”

Esther

2009-05-10T18:36:00.005-04:00

I am sitting on the front porch with my Bible and my Esther workbook laid out in front of me. Phillip is in the driveway busy washing the truck, Chris and Kyle are in Memphis, Cory is in Russia and Jeb is at work. I have missed my girls terribly today but, God has given me such peace about my children and His plan for their future. I praise Him so much for that. God has promised me that my children are in His hands. As a mother I cannot ask for more than that. I trust Him completely.

As I sit on the porch the sun is low in the sky and yet it still shines warmly on my face. There is a breeze that seems to carry my conversation back and forth to the Lord. Yes, I am surely blessed.

I love Bible Study. I love the way God uses a good Bible Study to speak to me, to teach me and grow me. He says, "Come closer Karen, I have a Word for you. Draw near to me." Then He wraps His arms around me, talks to me and loves me.

Our latest Bible Study has been on the book of Esther. I have made this journey with an amazing group of women. They are my sisters in Christ and I have come to love each one of them dearly. As women we long to be connected to other women, to have someone listen, to have someone care, to have someone imitate Christ to us. One of the things I most admire about this group of women is that they were not afraid to take risks. Their confidence is so strong in the Lord that they were not afraid to share and to be transparent. In doing so they have allowed God to move in their lives. I pray that the friendships formed in this group will continue long after our Esther study is over. I pray that, as sisters in Christ, we look out for each other, we fight for each other and that we constantly reach out to others who need Jesus.

In the study of Esther we have looked at how tough it is to be a woman. Over the last few months each one of us have faced difficult trials. During these times we have encouraged each other to turn to God's Word and seek Jesus' face as we grow in our faith. As I sit here and type this post, the breeze is turning the pages on my Bible and my Esther workbook. I can't help but think how over the last few months my sister's were doing their homework in a variety of places. Some of us met with God on the pages of Esther at a Starbucks, or a Calistoga's, in a living room, maybe early in the morning on the lanai or even in a car during a lunch break. Bible Study can be hard work but it is so worth it. To study His Word, to ask Him to reveal Himself, and to allow Him to change you...oh how I know God is smiling down on us.

The sun is even lower now. The breeze has picked up. My husband is now asleep in the chair next to me and Jesus is calling for me. I am surely blessed. Thank you Jesus.

Hope

2009-04-06T22:22:00.004-04:00

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (Today's New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Romans 15:13 (Today's New International Version)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I love this word from God. What a wonderful gift. The gift of hope is perfect and it is our future.

With God I am free. I can trust that He is in control and His vision for me is better than anything I could ever imagine. It doesn't get any better than that!

Freedom

2009-03-30T09:30:00.006-04:00

I’ve been in the pit. Praise God that I can say “been”. It’s been horrible, it’s been painful and what absolutely amazes me is that I was so far down in the pit, I didn’t even know I was there. Sometimes we climb into the pit and other times we are thrown in. Looking back, I can see where I was thrown head first into the pit the first week of February. I began the climb out around the first of March and then, low and behold, what happened? I turned around and marched myself right back down in that pit. Yep, I did it. All on my own the second time around. I allowed circumstances and Satan’s lies to dictate my choices and I decided yep, although that’s the last place I want to be, it’s where I’m supposed to be. How can this happen to someone who absolutely loves the Lord, someone who is in the Word? God has shown me clearly how it happened. It happened because my priority moved from my relationship with the Lord, to being focused on everyone else’s, specifically my children’s, walk with the Lord.

How sad that it has taken me this long to realize that freedom from this pit would only come by looking in the mirror. Quite frankly, I thought I was way past that. The last 24 hours have been a long hard look in the mirror. Freedom came by being completely honest with my Father, taking off my mask, humbling myself and taking His hand to pull me out. Thank you Father God, it feels so good to be free.

Recent Pit Signs for Karen…

1. Worldly things begin to take priority over my time with the Lord.
2. My prayer and my worship life move from a special time of the Lord and I being together to...just a routine.
3. I become completely focused on my children and my role (or lack thereof) as their mother.
4. I think the world is out to get me (actually, while in the pit, I KNOW the world is out to get me).
5. I stop going to spinning class
6. Sleepless nights
7. I stop blogging
8. I had a bite of a donut.

The donut is what did it. It happened yesterday while I was putting out the donuts for church. I’m not sure who reads this blog but, if you know me and Phillip, you know we follow the principles of the Hallelujah Diet. We’re not perfect but, donuts are definitely something we do not do anymore. Nothing against any donut eaters out there, there just not our thing. Yet, yesterday I cut off a piece of donut and put it in my mouth. I immediately wanted to throw up. Not because the taste of the donut was so disgusting (which it was). Rather, it was like a cold splash of water in the face that said, “What in the world are you doing?” Thoughts just started going through my mind and it hit me just how far I had moved away from my personal relationship with the Lord. Not that I wasn’t spending time in the Word. Oh, I was in the Word but I was in the Word with my own agenda, not the Lord's. I didn’t have the right focus. Thank God my focus is now back on Him, to honor Him, to glorify Him and to have a changed life because of Him. Our pastor taught from James 1:13-18 yesterday. It was the perfect message for me.

17 Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. 18 By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.

I love the way my Father cares for me and talks to me through His Word. I am in awe when in the midst of hearing or reading the Word, God says to me, be still, and just listen. It is in those moments God completely overwhelms me with his love and his presence. He is so good to me. In the past I would have preferred to just curl up and die when coming out of a pit. I definitely would not have wanted anyone to know about it, let alone sit here and blog about it. But, how can you not share when you know such love, peace and freedom through Him and with Him? I have been face down before the Lord, desperate for Him and thankfully, He not only met me there but He lifted me out of that pit and today I find myself even closer to Him. Praise God!

This has been a big weekend for us. Not only did I take God’s hand and climb out of the pit…but Phillip was baptized. Whoo Hoo!! I will never forget as our Pastor and friend, Jay Richardson, baptized Phillip. I wanted to run up there and throw my arms around Phillip and yell at the top of my lungs, “Praise God, we love you Jesus”!! I am so blessed. God has a plan. Even when we can’t see it, we can know He is in control and He has a plan. More than anyone I know on the face of this earth Phillip Barrows imitates Christ to me, his children and his family. He knows and walks out what it means to love, serve and be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Father God, I thank You, I adore You and I absolutely love You.

Catching Up

2009-03-04T08:01:00.008-05:00

It has been a while since we met here and I hope you're well. Our journey on this earth can be so full of family, friends, jobs and stuff...before you know it months have passed by and we wonder where the time went. More than anything I pray that we are all in the Word! That no matter how busy and hectic this life gets we are able to step away, to be still, and to focus on Him.

Most of February found me in Tennessee taking care of my parents. You could say this was a very difficult time for me and my family and you would be right. But, I have to tell you, God is so awesome. He used my time in TN to teach me and once again, He showed me how much He loves me. I shared with a friend that God keeps taking me back to 1 John 5:14-15 which says:

"Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for."

How awesome of a promise is that? As I pray I can hear God's voice, "Karen, is what your asking within My will? Does My Word say that is what I want for you or your life?" God's will for my life is that I give thanks and praise Him regardless of my circumstances. I can trust Him to take care of me and to answer my prayers, in His way and in His time. Praise God for that.

I am excited to see so much happening at my church. There is a "rumble" that can only be from God as He works in the life of our church and our city. In the book, "The Multiplying Church", Bob Roberts talks about helping our people love Jesus more. I love the last paragraph on page 110 that says the greatest thing you can do for a disciple is to teach him or her to worship personally...the greatest form of worship is personal worship. It shouldn't stop there, it should then move out into the community. But, teaching people to worship changes the whole of who they are. When there is pain in our families, struggles with jobs or finances, when it just seems like the whole world is falling apart, it is during this time that we are able to trust that God is working. As disciples of Jesus Christ we can stay calm. We can worship and glorify our Lord.

Today...

2009-01-20T11:55:00.007-05:00

I think the hardest part of blogging is coming up with a title. That's why the title for today is, "Today"!

I could have stayed home this morning and cleaned my house. Seriously, we have folks coming over this evening for our first small group meeting and my house is a mess! But, that's not what God told me to do. Quite frankly, I am okay when God says don't worry about cleaning the house, just get in the Word. So 6:30 this morning finds me at Starbucks with my head buried in His Word and enjoying the Lord.

I continue to be overwhelmed with my God. The One who love me so much that He will speak clearly to me in the chaos of a Starbuck's or the craziness of my job. The One who loves me so much that I can completely trust my marriage and my children are in His hands. My God, the One who has freed me from my past and lies that I believed for most of my life. God has shown me that where He has me today is for His purpose and His glory. I just love Him.

"Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to the things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

While I would prefer that some things had happened differently in my past, I realize it is part of the story God has for my life on this earth. Our lives are such a drama! They are full of laughter, tears, happiness and sadness. My prayer is that I will stay so close to the Lord, to not allow the enemy to gain victory in my life. When I allow the enemy the smallest advantage I soon find myself in the deepest pit. I am thankful for my God, who always rescues me.

I will be headed to Tennessee in a couple of weeks. The doctors have discovered that Mama has a brain aneurysm and she is scheduled to have surgery on February 9th. From what I understand the doctors will insert a "coil" in front of the aneurysm. This should block the aneurysm and keep it from moving. Our family would appreciate your prayers. How awesome to know that God has Mama in His hands.

Have a blessed day.

Have a blessed Sunday...

2009-01-18T07:27:00.005-05:00

I'm still figuring out this blog thing and know I should post more often. Truth is, I have a ton of "drafts" that I have yet to post. I'll write something, save it, then go back and critique it. Not good. Every time I go back to critique, it ends up never getting posted. So starting today I am done with the "critiquing" part and will start posting whatever He has led me to share!

I have such joy in my life. Praise God. Yes, there are circumstances in my life that are not the best. But that's okay, it keeps me close to the one who created me. There is just so much to be thankful for. As I sat in church last night I was once again overcome by my God. It amazes me the love He has for me, how he has rescued me and how he has freed me in ways I could never imagine. He continues to transform me, change my life and bless me. Colossians 2:10 says "and you have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority." It is true, I am complete in Him.

This week I will start my first seminary class. For over a year I have journaled about the call to go to seminary and Phillip and I have been in prayer about it. When people in my life would ask "if money were not an issue what would you like to do?", my immediate response was to go to seminary. I shared this desire with a friend who happens to be one of my pastors and he offered encouragement. A few weeks later he asked me where I was at on starting seminary. I just looked at him. I thought...well, I work full time, I'm 45 years old and the reasons could go on and on as to why I have not started. But, as my friend stood there looking at me with the sweetest smile and encouragement, I thought what in the world am I doing, how come I haven't started. As of today I am registered and my first class starts this week....whoo hoo! It's only one class and I'll be attending via on line but I am excited. When learning that I have enrolled in seminary a few people have asked, "what do you plan to do with that?". I can only tell you what I know and that is, I expect to learn the Word of God at a deeper level and to have closer intimacy with the one who created me. As for what I plan to do with it...that's really up to God and I will do whatever he asks. Today, I can tell you I have started and it just feels right.

As promised, I am not going back to critique this or you'll never see it! Have a blessed Sunday.

Tampa bound...again.

2009-01-03T15:03:00.010-05:00

Phillip and I are on I75 Northbound, mile marker 237, again. I say again because New Year's Day was spent on the road to Tampa to help Cory move to a new apartment. My legs are still sore! Her old apartment was on the second floor and the new apartment is actually over a garage (more stairs). Moving Cory has replaced my spinning class this week. And, the soreness of the legs is telling me it's past time to get back in Group Power.

Once we finished moving all of Cory's stuff we found a place to eat before heading home to Naples. Who knew finding a place to eat on New Year's day would be so challenging? Most everything was closed but, we found a Chili's that was open (they have the best veggie fajitas. OK, maybe not THE best...Kelly and Jay actually have THE best). As Phillip and I left Tampa, Cory was happily getting her new apartment put together and excited about this semester of Russian and Honors English.

Today my plan was the gym, meet with a friend at Starbucks and then head over to Home Depot. Other than meeting my friend at Starbucks nothing has gone according to plan! Calls started coming in from Cory around 10:30 this morning that her car was dead and she needed to be at a job interview at 2:00. Cory is very laid back and rarely freaks out. However, you could sense her frustration and nervousness building with the current situation. Mom and Dad were expected to come up with a plan and fast! It was decided that Cory would borrow a friend's car for the job interview and Phillip and I would head up to Tampa. BTW, the interview went great! On the car front Phillip thinks it needs either an alternator or a battery. We'll be there shortly so we'll soon know.

Even though this is a minor rescue it makes me think how often we are called to rescue our children. It's not something that ends just because they reach a certain age or they have moved away. It is the same with our Heavenly Father. No matter how old we are or where we are at in our walk, He is always there to love, encourage, and forgive us. What a blessing to do the same for our children.

We're back on the road to Naples now. Turns out the car had a battery issue which we were able to take care of with a trip to the auto parts store. Just as we were preparing to leave, a friend of Cory's showed up needing help moving her furniture. Another rescue, another move and yes, more stairs!

Starbucks today...

2008-12-29T11:46:00.007-05:00

I am sitting in Starbucks pouring over His Word. It just occurred to me that anyone who may have noticed me probably thinks I'm nuts. Tears streaming down my face, bibles open all around me and it's all I can do NOT to go face down and humble myself before my Lord. Once again, God has revealed an area to me that needs to die. It's not pretty and on my own I will never be rid of it. But, how thankful I am to have a God who cares so much for me that He speaks to me and tells me ENOUGH. How does one express just how much love and joy they have because of Him? Thankfully, I am at a place where the employees know me well and they are pretty much use to me!

Yesterday's message was from Philippians 3:12-16 which is one of my favorite chapters. Beth Moore taught on this scripture at one of her conferences this past year. God spoke a strong word to me then and He did again yesterday.

Phil 3:12-16
12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead. 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this to you also.

I am so not perfect and far from mature. The beauty is that no matter how hard I try, there is nothing I can do or say that will enable me to reach such a goal. Living in this world, that is based on performance, I find such freedom in knowing that my life as a believer is about being and not doing.

So often I have focused on past circumstances, failures, and sins and allowed them to dictate my choices and decisions. God's Word tells me to forget all that. To forget what is behind, to focus on Him and to pursue Him with all that I am and all that I have. My goal is to KNOW Christ and to live my life in a way that honors God. There is no way I can ever do enough to repay Him for the gift of Jesus Christ. But, could I be more loving, more tolerant, more forgiving and not so quick to take offense? Can I rid myself of something that stands between me and God? And if I truly desire to be like Jesus, can I just love others and expect nothing in return? With Jesus Christ I not only can but, because of Him, the question really becomes, how can I not?

In the book "a call to die", by David Nasser, today's scripture is on loving one another. 1 John 4:11 tells us, "Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I feel God nudging me that it is time to put away the journal and my bibles and enjoy the people He has in my path today. Not just the folks here in Starbucks, but my family, neighbors and friends.

Philippians 4:8

2008-12-08T21:12:00.011-05:00

This has been a difficult week for my company. Last Friday 12,000 of our employees were notified that they were being let go. I honestly thought that I would be one of the ones laid off. Phillip and I had prayed that God would be glorified no matter what happened. We knew that with the loss of my job we would more than likely lose our home and we were prepared to trust God and praise Him no matter what happened. God is so good to me. I not only kept my job but, I was promoted. It continues to amaze me that I have this job and He continues to advance me within the organization. It is only through Jesus Christ that I have been successful at this job. My heart breaks for my co workers yet, I know God is at work here. I know many people who find their identity in their job, their title, or how much money they make. At one time I was one of those people.

For many years this job had a priority in my life that it should not have had. Oh, I was successful by the world's criteria. I won all the trophies and went on many sales awards trips. But, my heart was not in the right place. No matter how many sales contests I won or how much money I made, it was never enough. People that I worked with at that time may be surprised by what I am writing now. The truth is, I know that my thoughts and my heart did not honor and glorify our Lord. I am thankful that today finds my heart set on Christ and my focus is pressing on to KNOW Him.

Thank you Jesus. Thank you for saving me, for loving me and for rescuing me. Help me as I strive to imitate You and as I try to die to sin each day. I praise you, I adore you, I am humbled by you, and I love you.

Our church is currently going through the book of Philippians. About two weeks ago God gave me Philippians 4:8 which says,

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

His Word has changed not only how I approach my job but, how I approach my life.

Thanksgiving and Vacation...

2008-11-24T07:12:00.013-05:00

This week finds me on vacation and I am so excited, I just can't stand myself! Looking forward to some wonderful time with Jesus, being in the Word, spending time with my husband, kids and the in laws at Thanksgiving. I am thankful for many things, including this week of vacation! But, what I am most thankful for is...

1. Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior, my Healer, my absolute everything. Without him I am nothing. He has and continues to forgive me of so much. He has forgiven me and rescued my out of the pit (more times than I care to admit... I really do desire to stay out of that dang pit!). I praise you Father God. I praise you for who you are and I am so grateful for you. Let me always run to you. In times of happiness, sadness, uncertainty and fear, let me always seek your face first.

2. Phillip, the most amazing husband on this earth. More than anyone I know, Phillip strives to imitate Christ to me and I love him so very much.

3. Chris, Kyle, Cory and Jeb. Funny how I type their names in the "birth order". Since Chris married Kyle he was allowed to move to the front of the line! No matter where they fall in the line up they know they are loved each the same. Each one is so precious and gifted. These kids have kept me on my knees quite a bit and I am so very thankful for them. I pray that God will continue to increase my faith with my children. So often I want to step in and bend them to my plan. But, God has clearly said to trust him, have faith in him and allow him to move in their lives.

4. Mama and Daddy. I love my parents. They have worked hard all their lives to provide for their children and their love for us has always been evident. My heart breaks for my parents this year. This will be a hard season for them since Raybo passed away in August. Thank God Raybo knew Jesus. There is no doubt where my brother is at and I look forward to seeing him again one day. Praise God that my father came to know Christ and was baptized this year. Can’t say it enough…I am blessed.

5. Mom and Dad, the in laws. I have wonderful in laws and I love them.

6. Job. Yes, I said it, the job. See what Jesus can do for you! The job that I have tried so desperately to leave (that I actually have left three times but, He keeps taking me back!). God has changed my heart towards this job. It is now my mission field and I will stay until he moves me on. Can we say obedience? :-)

7. Friends. The friends I have now and the friends God will bring into my life. We were created to be with other people and to share his love for us with others. I am thankful for the friends who show me his love and who encourage me. I pray that he will make me a better friend to those he brings into my life.

8. The Hallelujah Diet. Phillip and I started following the principles of the Hallelujah Diet last May. Praise God. Through His Word, and this book, I have been healed in another area of my life.

9. My church. I am able to look back now and see many reasons why God moved us to Naples. One of those reasons was my church. God used it to demonstrate how a community of believers love, care and help each other. It is here that God's Word became alive and active in my life. It is in this setting that I came to know Jesus Christ as my Saviour, as my Healer, as my absolute everything.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

2008-11-17T08:08:00.001-05:00

I do not care for the Miami Parking Authority! Thursday's are normally one of my favorite days of the week. God has blessed me so that I have been able to arrange my work schedule to where I am able to help with our women's ministry and do bible study with some pretty neat and amazing women. However, yesterday fell apart early in the morning and went downhill from there. I ended up missing both bible studies and the evening found me in Miami for a work event.

In between the morning chaos and the evening madness I was blessed to have lunch with my friend Hope. We sat in CPK and shared memories, laughter, tears and we had the best waiter. (Having a good waiter is important stuff...just in case you didn't know). If you go to CPK at Waterside make sure and ask for Tim's section. He's great, just be prepared to hear about his grandson! I left CPK around 3pm and headed across the alley towards the Miami Design District. After working my way through Miami traffic at 5:00 in the afternoon I found the venue for our event. Very cool building with one huge problem. Absolutely no parking anywhere around that place. After driving the wrong way down a one way street I was able to find a spot. With the help of an elderly gentleman I figured out the Miami Parking Meter Boxes. Once you pay your money you get this receipt to put on your dashboard. Well, I did that just fine. Then while I am standing not two cars away from my car this Parking Authority man came up and gave me a ticket!?!? What the heck is up with that? Well, come to find out, I had just been given a ticket for not placing my parking receipt "correctly" on the dash. Are you serious...are you kidding me? I couldn't believe it. Yes, this very nice young man was serious and I now have a parking citation for $18. I am going to see if my company will reimburse me for it. After everything was said and done the event wrapped up around 11:00pm and I was back on the road headed to Naples.

Quite honestly, I'm not sure why God keeps me in this corporate job. I've actually left this job three times but He keeps taking me back to it. So, what's different this time? Well, this time it's not about the job and climbing the corporate ladder. It's really just about Him and for Him. He continually places people in my path who are desperate for the Word. Who are in need of someone to listen, to offer a smile and perhaps a hug. There are some very lonely, hurting people out in this world. Maybe He has me in this job as a way to meet those people. The dreaded trips across the alley used to kill me. Now they are a time of worship. To drive across the alley when the sun is coming up is just beautiful. The drive home at night as the sun is setting is just glorious. I have found these drives to be the time that I most hear from God. I can't say it enough...I am blessed.

2008-11-10T20:21:00.000-05:00

For the last eight weeks I have had the wonderful privilege of doing bible study with some amazing women. Each one of these ladies has become very special to me and I have been so thankful to do life with them. In our study last week we were blessed to have Diane join us. WOW, can she share the word or what? Diane spoke about when she first came to know Christ. Her hunger to learn God’s word and to KNOW what He would have her do with her marriage, children and her life. She painted such a vivid picture of Mrs. Wagner, the woman who would begin to teach her the word of God, and how to use His word for the answers to all her questions. It was a breathtaking and beautiful story. More than anything we saw how a life was transformed by knowing Christ and the word of God.

I pray that each one of us leave this bible study as a Mrs. Wagner. That, as a community of believers, we will encourage each other to find our answers and our direction from the word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking , for correcting, for training in righteousness”. When that friend calls needing direction or advice let our reaction be to listen, show love and compassion and then say “let’s go to the word and see what God says we should do”.

My heart and my prayer is that each one of us will leave this bible study changed. That God has revealed areas in our life that needed to be let go so that we now have more room for Him. It could be a relationship, a job, or some other interest that had been taking the place of God in our lives. I pray that God will continue to reveal those areas to us and out of our love for the Father we seek his instruction and we immediately obey.

Hebrew 4:12 says that "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12.)

Now that I have the title...

2008-11-10T20:08:00.000-05:00

So I am ready to join the ranks of blogging. I have been a blog stalker for a while now and have decided to give this whole blogging thing a try. Go easy on me as it has taken me at least a month just to come up with a title! I'm just sayin'...