God's Gift of Friends

Have you considered how wondrous a gift friends are? How rare it is to find someone who is willing to let you into her life, and to be present for you through thick and thin? Scripture tells us that it's not good to be alone, that we all need fellowship, to gather together and encourage and exhort one another.

It's so easy today to let life fly by without stopping and celebrating those God has brought to us, those who share our journey. So I challenge you to stop, right now, and think about the friends you have. Those who have come alongside you, who have become a part of the fabric of your life.

I'm thinking of one such friend too. The amazing Julee Schwarzburg, who is celebrating her birthday today.

Or rather, those who know her are celebrating it. Because she's one of those rare people who warms and blesses everyone she meets. So this is for my pal, Julee.

A friend who speaks truth to me when I need to hear it, but does so with love and tenderness.

A heart-sister who God has used, oh so well, to bring me encouragement, wisdom, and laughter.

A fellow sojourner who has known me in my darkest moments and still loves me. Without reservation.

Julee, who shares my penchant for adventure, travel, deep conversation,

and moments of silliness.

Who has a powerful love for Scripture,

words and writing, for authors and readers.

Who knows what it is to walk a path of faith and obedience, even when it's terribly difficult.

Thanks, God, for the gift of Julee.

And thanks, Julee, for being who you are--and enriching my life in more ways than I can express.

Love is Ap-parent

Day 10 of 30-Day Challenge to Be Grateful to and Pray for Our Military

I was just talking the other day with my dad about the times my younger brother and I headed off for college and when older brother joined the Marines. He was saying how he hadn't been ready for any of us to leave. That for all that he and Mom knew we'd be okay, that God was with us, he hadn't wanted us to go. Nor had Mom. Gave me a glimpse into just how hard parenting is. How difficult to do all you can to make your child into a young man or woman of independence, and they, one day, to have to let them go their own way. I could tell how hard that was for Dad.

And it got me thinking...

What must it be like for parents today whose children are in the military. To know your son or daughter is headed into the path of danger. For some, danger in the extreme. To know this may be the last time you see this child you love more than even you can fathom. The men and women who serve, now and in the past, show great courage and fidelity to their country. But it seems to me there are other warriors right here at home, warriors we don't think of often enough.

Today, every time I see my dad's smile, hear his deep voice, savor his laughter, I'm going to pray for the parents of those who are in harm's way. And right now, I just want to say to that mom or dad whose child is deployed, thank you. Thank you for raising a son or daughter of honor and courage. Thank you for letting them go to do what they feel called to do. God bless you, each and every one. And please know there's someone in Oregon praying that all your sons and daughters return home safe and sound.

Peace, all.

Karen

K-9s on the Home Front

Day 7 of the 30-Day Challenge to Show Gratitude to and Pray for Our military

Those brave men and women who've chosen to serve on our behalf in the military leave so much behind when they deploy. Today I want to remember certain family members who can't express their sadness, the depth of how they miss the one who is gone. And yet, they wait with quiet devotion and, when at last the beloved one returns, their joy is total.

This video says it all...

Today, I'm going to remember these faithful ones left at home, and the soldiers they love so deeply. And I'm going to pray that every returning warrior has a homecoming this joyful!

Peace, all.

The Dogs of War

Day 5 of the 30-Day Challenge to Be Grateful to and Pray for Our Troops

You know the old saying, "A picture's worth a thousand words"? Well, here are a few such pictures...

Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows how much they add to our lives. For those in the military, dogs are more than just companions. They are protectors, comforters, fellow soldiers. They give their all to ensure our soldiers' safety, and they do so with complete devotion.

Sean Hannity spotlighted these K-9 Soldiers, not only for all they do, but to encourage folks to consider adopting these dogs when they've finished their tour of duty. Today, when you see a dog, when you pet your own dog, when you hear a dog bark, remember these K-9 soldiers and the men and women they protect and serve. And, should you be so inclined, considering donating much needed supplies or even giving one a home. You'll be--and receive--a huge blessing.

Peace.

P.S. In her comment to this post, wonderful novelist Ronie Kendig mentions a picture of a puppy sleeping under a hat and weapon. Here's the picture. How's that for peace in the midst of chaos?

Weep with Those Who Weep

Day 3 of the 30-Day challenge to be grateful to and pray for those in harm's way.

As I sat in my home last night, safe and warm, I watched Courage Under Fire. Now, I know that movie is pure Hollywood, but it still impacts me every time I watch it. Impresses on my heart all that is given for my freedom. All that is lost by those who serve.

And by their families.

A moving article in the Washington Post brings the struggles of these families home. So today, let's remember those--overseas and right here at home--who are paying the price for our freedom.

In the old Jimmy Stewart movie It's a Wonderful Life, Clarence the angel says that every time a bell rings it means an angel has received its wings. Well, being a "bear of little brain," and even littler memory, I've decided that every time I hear the wind chimes harmonize outside my window, I'll pray for the families of fallen soldiers.

How will you remember these brave Americans today?

Peace.

Karen

Thanks to Those Who Served

I love Memorial Day. Love seeing the flags flying, seeing all the movies on TV, seeing the Air Force doing fly-overs at the Veteran's cemetery. I love the fact that for an entire long weekend, the focus is finally where it belongs: on those who have fought and died to give us the freedoms we take for granted.

Too bad that focus doesn't last longer.

I know we're living in precarious times. And I know there are many who hate the war that we're in. But nothing gets me steamed faster than hearing people trash talk the military. Because these are amazing people. People who leave home and family and everything they know behind to put themselves on the line. For you. For me.

So in honor of our troops, I want to issue a challenge. For the next month, every time you hear mention of the war, political or religious views aside, take a moment to remember--and be grateful for--these people who are in harm's way. I plan to do exactly that, and to offer a prayer for their protection. May they all come home. Soon. And may they find, when they do so, a country that treats them with respect, gratitude, and admiration.

Oh, and if you feel like doing something more, here are a few sites to check out.

Soldier's Angels
Help a Military Family
Any Soldier


Peace, all. And God bless America and her troops.

A Shining Example

If you haven't done so already, watch this amazing video of a soldier being greeted by his dog when he returns home from Afghanistan. And take a lesson on exuberance, love, and gratitude.

Watch now.

Peace, all.

Karen

Roadmap to Gratitude

Okay, so here's what I picked up from Colossians 3:15-17:

God's Roadmap to Gratitude

One: Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Focus on Him and all He's given for you. Focus on His laws and words. And let Him be in charge of your wants, your desires, your heart. Let what matters to Him matter to you.

Two: Be Thankful. Each day, every day. For little things as well as big.

Three: Let the Word of Christ dwell in you. Spend time in His word, letting the truths contained there soak deep into the fabric of who you are. There's life and healing and wonder in those words.

Four: Teach and Admonish One Another with Wisdom. In other words, don't let each other get away with being self-focused, spoiled, and ungrateful. And don't expect them to let you get away with it, either. We're to hold each other accountable. Let's start doing that, but only in wisdom and love--and with gratitude in our hearts to the One who created us and loves us, often in spite of ourselves.

Five: Whatever you do, always be thankful to God. Remember that video? How can we not be thankful, every day, for all we've been given? So life may not be exactly what we'd like it to be. We're still blessed beyond belief. How much more peaceful and kind would our world be if we lived with that awareness and appreciation every day? I'm guessing a lot.

And I'm going to give it a try today. How 'bout you?

Peace to you.

Karen

Gratitude: A Dying Attribute, Pt. 2

If you haven't watched the video from June 11, please do so. For one thing, it's fascinating. For another, it helps set the stage for this blog. It won't take long, I promise.

So anyway, a few days ago I was at the mall, waiting for my hubby to come meet me. I'd spent about two hours shopping (I was on a mission, courtesy of my darling Siberian husky pup, who just that morning devoured the shoes I wear to business meetings. Comfortable, nice shoes that I've had and loved for almost 15 years. Do you know how hard it is to find shoes like that?? Sigh...but that's another blog...). Anyway, I was exhausted, so I did what any exhausted writer does. I made my way to Starbuck's, begged a glass of ice water (too late for coffee and what's the point of decaf?), and settled into one of the cushy chairs. I still had at least a half hour before my hubby would arrive, so I called a good friend.

Said friend is a singer in a band. Said band just decided to perform at weddings. Band, weddings...no brainer, right? Not so. You see, my friend, used to be a DJ. Which meant a lot of his business was with weddings. After five years, he stopped. Why? Because dealing with "wedding" people was a nightmare. Especially the brides. Awful, demanding, petulant, spoiled-brat women who want what they want NOW! Don't even think about saying no to these women, not unless you want your hair (and heart) scorched by vitriol, because this is their day, by heaven, and you better not mess it up. (Think Bridezillas, which I thought was the exception, but from my friend's experience is apparently far more the norm...)

I don't know about you, but I found that disturbing. I mean, your wedding day is a precious, holy day, right? The day you pledge your life to another, under God's covering and blessing. When did the focus of such an amazing event shift from the people and the union to the trappings? As I wondered that, I thought back on the day. In my journey from shoe store to shoe store, I did what all writers do. I people watched. And here are a few snippets of what I observed...

• Two teenage sales ladies griping because a customer had the gall to actually talk with them. "You should have told him, 'Hey, just shut up and get out,'" one commented to the other. "I mean, like we care what he has to say."
  
• A young family schlumping their stroller and blankets and baby bag to a table on the outskirts of the food court, setting it all down. Dad suggested a table closer to the food places would be easier. Mom clearly not happy. Grabbed one kid and her blanket, and stomped to another table, baby blanket dragging on the floor, leaving hubby to bring all the stuff and the little boy.
• Two women talking together about how cheap their husbands were, and how they had no recourse but to not tell them they were out shopping. "I used to worry he'd see the bags," one said with a grin, "so now I shop while he's at work and put it all away before he gets back."

What, I wondered, makes people so snarky, so self-focused? That's when it hit me. We've lost our sense of gratitude. Worse, we've replaced gratitude with a sense of entitlement. I want, I need, I deserve, doggone it!

How have we let that happen? We, who live in the richest country in the world...who are able to shop and buy with impunity...who have homes and clothes and food and weddings and lives people in other countries can't even dream of, let alone make happen... When did we decide we have all this bounty because we deserve it? Because friends, we don't. Sure, we work hard. But just the fact that we have jobs is a blessing. Not, by any means, a given. Remember that video? Those last words hit me hard: Appreciate what you have.

So how, in this give-me-what-I-want-and-do-it-now world do we cultivate a heart of gratitude? Good question! I went to Scripture to see what God thinks about gratitude, and found Colossians 3:15-17:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Great words, huh? As I read them over, I saw they gave a perfect Roadmap to gratitude. Which I'll share in my next blog.

Peace, all.

Karen

Gratitude: A Dying Attribute

I was browsing some of my favorite blogs the other day and found something very cool--and thought-provoking--at Robin Lee Hatcher's blog (http://robinlee.typepad.com/).
It's a project that some folks put together to remind us how very blessed we are. The video is several minutes long, but it's worth watching. It's fascinating and it really makes you think. And it lays the foundation for my next blog entry. So take a few minutes and check out http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm.

Thanks!
Karen