CALGON TAKE ME AWAY....RIGHT NOW!



The other day I was so stressed out over several things going on in my life and with my family that I just became very overwhelmed and discouraged.  As I sat on my couch sobbing there was a moment of clarity when I asked myself, "Karen, what are you going to do now?  Obviously, you cannot throw your hands up in the air and give up.  You have to calm down, eventually, so you might as well get after it!"

One of my favorite ways to de-stress is to first, clear my mind.  The way I do that is by locking the bathroom door and stepping into a warm bubble bath with aromatherapy oil.  So that is exactly what I did.  As I closed my eyes and slid down into the bubbles, I asked the Lord to please renew my mind and strengthen my heart so that I could resume my life refreshed in Him.

Later that evening, God spoke to me about Abraham, Sarah and Isaac.  I picked up my Bible and began reading their story.
(Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7)

These are the thoughts that came to my mind as I read:

Did Sarah make things better by trying to control her situation herself, or would she have been better off waiting on and trusting God?  Obviously, waiting on God and His promise would have been best.

When Abraham was told to sacrifice their son, Isaac, did he tell Sarah that was the plan?  My guess is, he did not.  Because if he had, do you think that bit of information might have stressed his wife out?  Do you think she would have gone along with this plan?  I know that if my husband came to me and said, "Hey, God told me to kill our son as a sacrifice, cool?"  I most definitely would have said "NO THAT'S NOT COOL!" 

And what about Isaac?  Did he know what was going to happen when he left with his father that day?  What were Isaac's thoughts as they made their way to the alter, knowing they didn't have anything to offer?  When Abraham told his son to get on the altar do you think Isaac did it voluntarily or do you think Abraham had to force him?    What do you think Isaac was feeling when he was tied there, his father's hand lifted in the air holding the knife, and tears running down both of their faces?  Do you think both father and son might have felt a little bit stressed?  How did they feel when they both heard that goat/sheep in the brush?  Relieved?

When Abraham and Isaac went back home that day, was Isaac angry? Confused?  Was Abraham grateful and filled with joy because God had provided?  Did Sarah ever know what really happened that day?

My mind sort ran the gammit over all the conversations and feelings that could have taken place in just this one family and this situation.  Eventually, I came back to my own feelings of stress, being overwhelmed and sadness.  This is what I felt God showing me:

1.  I don't control everything, nor do I control everyone.  The only thing I can control are my actions and words.  If I am going to act out in fear and speak without faith then the outcome will probably be less than what God would want me to have.  It is better to follow and trust Him always, to do what I know He calls me to do, and then patiently wait for the storm to pass.  And, it will pass, eventually.

2.  I don't have to have all the answers.  Sometimes I may not have all the information either.  But I trust and know that my God does.  Knowing that He cares for me, loves me with an everlasting love, works all things together for my good, and is right there beside me, is really all I need to know. 

3.  When things are spiraling out of control around me I can either keep my focus on Him or I can focus on the problems.  Isaac knew his father's hand held a knife and was raised over his heart, but I believe he was probably staring at his father's face, staying focused on his father's love for him.  Isaac may have felt anxious during those moments, but I believe his eyes didn't leave his father's. 

4.  When the crisis has passed and God has once again proved Himself faithful do we rejoice or are we angry that we had to go through any of it in the first place?  Do we gripe and complain and tell everyone about all that we had to endure? Do we allow our hearts to harden and become calloused and bitter from the experience or do we rest in Him and then learn from the ordeal, something that can help us in the future?  Or do we give thanks to God for, once again, coming to our rescue in His way and in His perfect timing? 

No doubt I came away from this lesson with alot of questions and not as many answers.  Abraham, Sarah and Isaac were alot like my family.  They had troubles and moments of doubt and insecurity, but they loved God with all of their hearts and God loved them, even with their flaws.  On this particularly stressful evening this was all I really needed to know....

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

ROMANS 5:8

 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

 

ROMANS 8:28

 

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

 

MATTHEW 11:28

The Prodigal Mother

As I woman, wife and mom, I have wondered many time about the prodigal son's mother.  In the Bible we read the story about the prodigal, the father and the son (Luke 15:11-32), but there is no mention of the wife and mother.  As I read the parable over and over my imagination begins to put together the story for me.

Where was the prodigal's mother when her son approached his father and asked for his inheritance early?
She was there, standing beside her husband, disappointed that this conversation was taking place.  Wondering "why?" "Why does my son want to do this? What will his father say?"

Where was the prodigal's mother when her husband agreed and gave their son his money and sent him on his way?  I believe she was right there, trying to convince him not to go.  I believe she was right there tenderly kissing his face, hugging him, and taking one long, last look at him as he left.

Where was the prodigal's mother after her son left their home?  I would imagine she was there, in her bedroom, crying herself to sleep.  Wondering if her baby boy was safe.  Crying out to God asking for His mercy and protection over her wayward child.

Where was the prodigal mother?  I believe she was there each long day, waiting and wondering what her son was doing.  I believe she would look out her kitchen window as she prepared meals and watched her husband and their oldest son working in the fields, with tears streaming down her face because she knew there should be three men out there, not just two.

Where was the prodigal mother?  I think there were mornings when she would come to the breakfast table and plead with her husband to take her into the city so they could check on their son.  Make sure that he had enough to eat, a place to sleep and was safe.  I think when her husband responded with a stern, "No, we can not, for he has chosen his way and we must let him go", she turned away and tried to cover her face so he wouldn't see the tears welling up in her eyes.

Where was the prodigal mother?  I imagine she may have been on her knees praying for her son when she began hearing yelling from off in the distance.  She jumped to her feet and looked, once again, out her window, and this time she saw him!  Her baby. Her son making his way towards her husband in the field.  She watched as her husband began giving orders of celebration.  She saw her husband's arms embracing their boy and welcoming him back home.  Her heat pounded with excitement and she breathed out in relief that her prodigal was home and safe once again.

Where was the prodigal mother?  I believe her eyes left the sight of the reunion for a moment as she watched their oldest son taking in all of the celebration.  As his mother she felt his pain, after all, he had stayed.  He was loyal to his father and family.  Where was his reward?  Where was his celebration.  She knew his heart was broken, his spirit grieved and jealousy was brewing.

Where was the prodigal mother?  I believe she found herself back in her prayer closet, on her knees.  Praising the Lord for one son's return, and interceding for another child's healing of heart.

Where was the prodigal mother?  She was doing what mothers do.  Loving.  Praying. Trusting. Waiting.

If you are a prodigal's mom, don't ever give up. God is with you, He loves you and He loves your children.  Do not allow the enemy to fill your heart and mind with fear, or steal your joy and peace.  The devil has no victory over those who are righteous in Jesus Christ!

Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.

PSALM 37:35  

I WANT A DIVORCE!

I WANT A DIVORCE!       

The story goes like this...

One minister tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even! Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has hurt me!"

The minister suggested an ingenious plan "Why don't you go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him. Make him believe you love him. Then — after you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, drop the bomb. Tell him you want a divorce. That will really hurt him.

"With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful! Boy, will he ever be devastated!" And she did it with enthusiasm. For two months she showed love and kindness, she listened, served and reinforced. When she didn't return to his office, the minister called. "So.are you ready now to go through with the divorce?" "Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered that I really do love him."

This woman's actions changed her feelings. Whether it's a tough relationship, a long-time fear, or a task that seems too big for us to accomplish, sometimes we need to act in faith in order to see it conquered for the Kingdom!

Whatever it may be, let's give it to the Lord today and ask Him to motivate us to go forth with strength and passion — for His sake!

ROMANS 12:17-21

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a] says the Lord.  On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”^[b]

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The true story is told of a young princess who found out that her son was suffering with the very contagious black dipltheria. Everyone in the castle was banned from going anywhere near the child, including h...is mother, the princess. One day as the princess was outside of the little boys bedroom door, she heard him say to his nurse, "Why doesn't my mother come in and hold me anymore, or kiss me goodnight?" At that moment the princess burst into the boy's bedroom and scooper him up into her arms and never left his side, even though she knew it may cost her her life. Sure enough both the boy and his princess mother died from the disease. Afterwards, everyone asked, "Why would she do that? What caused our princess to go in there and give her life?" The prince responded, "Love."

God has that same love for us! He sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross and be sacrificed for our sins, in order for us to be able to spend eternity with Him in heaven and fellowship with Him daily while still here on earth. Love. It is powerful.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. JOHN 3:16

My Evening with A Former Assassin- Born to Hate, Born Again to Love

I have been in media for 25 plus years.  I have done my fair share of interviews, usually, local politicians, music artists, celebrities, etc.  So when I found myself sitting next to a man who murdered Israeli soldiers as a sniper for Yasser Arafat I wasn't sure exactly what to think. 

A few weeks ago I received an invitation to interview Taysir Abu Saada, a former PLO sniper for Yasser Arafat, for "A Courageous Heart".  Mr. Abu Saada was going to be in the area speaking and promoting his book, "Once An Arafat Man", as well as, promoting an upcoming tour he will be hosting through "Adventures in Travel" to the Holy Land.  Of course, I wanted the interview!  I viewed this as an opportunity to possibly gain some insight into the Middle Eastern culture, as well as, educating myself and my viewers on the practice of Islam and why there is such a hatred towards the Jews and Israel from the Palestinians.

In preparation for the interview, I read Mr. Abu Saada's book and I will admit, once I started reading I could not put it down.  I was not only receiving an education from someone who obviously was in the middle of the conflict and culture, but I was intrigue by the author and "his story".  As the day for the interview approached, I found myself constantly thinking about all of the questions I had and I was anxious to get more answers.

It was a Friday afternoon when I, along with my program's Creative Consultant and Videographer, arrived at Memorial Baptist Church in downtown Columbia, Mo.  After we made our way into the room where Mr. Abu Saada was going to speak, and finding our seats, I looked around the room and noticed it was full.  It appeared alot of people were interested in hearing what this man had to say about his past and they were there to learn more as well.

Mr. Abu Saada, or as he prefers to be called, Tass, took the podium and began his talk.  From the moment he began talking you could have heard a pin drop in this very large room filled with American Christians.  The man speaking could have been your neighbor, your father, your grandfather, as a matter of fact, he is a father and grandfather.  A large man in stature, Tass, commands a presence, when he speaks you listen to every word he says, and at times I found it difficult to listen because my mind was already formulating opinions and judgements and that was NOT what I wanted to do.  I wanted to be open and willing to hear everything this "former assassin" had to say.  I even struggled with the words, "former asssassin", they struck a fear and a disgust in my heart, especialy when you think about what an "assassin" does.  An assassin hunts their prey, in Tass' case, Jewish high ranking Israeli soldiers.  Once he finds his target he then stalks him, much like a hunter stalking his game, patiently waiting for just the right time for the kill.  When the time arrives the assassin then aims and points the scope of his gun at the target, looking directly into the face of the man he is about to kill.  When the weapon is aimed right between the eyes of the target, he pulls the trigger.

Before I knew it Tass was finished speaking.  He met with those in attendance and signed his book for them.  His wife, an American woman, Karen, is at his side, assisting her husband with books sales and whatever he needs. 

Once everyone had left we proceeded to the location where I would conduct the interview.  We would all enjoy dinner together and then I would have about one hour to sit down with Tass and ask questions.

When we arrived at dinner, I was properly introduced to Tass and shook his hand.  In my mind I remember thinking, he seems like a very pleasant middle-age man, he even has a sense of humor.  But I was also thinking, I just shook the hand of a murderer.  Sobering.  We chatted for a while about topics that were superficial and got comfortable with one another.  Then it was time to gather around the table for dinner.  As we all sat down Tass was sitting to my left, my videographer to my right.  Tass reached for my hand, as we all held hands, and prayed a blessing over one another and the meal.  Throughout dinner Tass answered our questions and talked openly about his days in the PLO and his life in the Middle East as a refugee and an immigrant.  He shared many of the stories I had read about just a few days before in his book.  I will admit, not a normal everyday dinner.

After dessert we made our way into a comfortable, cozy room, by a roaring fire,  Tass and I were given our mics and the camera was put into place.  The interview was about to begin.  The first question I asked was, "Tass, where does one learn to hate as mucha s you hated the Jews?"  He told me it was not his parents.  He never once heard them say anything negative about the Jews.  He said he learned it in school and through Yasser Arafat and the media.  He said, in the middle east a man without land is a man without honor, and in his mind the Jews had stolen the Palestinians land.  As soon as he was old enough, seventeen to be exact, he ran away from home and joined the PLO to fight for his people's cause.  Tass was very good with weapons and he advanced quickly through the ranks until finally he became known as "The Butcher" and an assassin.

Through the interview Tass took me on a journey of how he was born to hate and how it was his goal to get his people's land back from the Jews.  He shared with me about his Muslim upbringing and what he thought about Islam.  Eventually, Tass, found his way to the United States in order to continue his education and it was here, in this country that Tass found acceptance.  No longer was he labeled a "refugee" or an "immigrant".  He tells how the American people treated him with respect and he quickly found that the lies he was taught about America were untrue.  One of the Americans that treated Tass with respect was a man named, Charlie.  Charlie was a regular at the restaurant where Tass worked, initially as a bus boy.  Over the period of 19 years, Tass and Charlie became good friends.  One day, when Tass was telling Charlie how he was having difficult sleeping and struggling, Charlie, shared with him a story of love, forgiveness and reconciliation.  Charlie told Tass that he could have all of that, but he would have to forgive the Jews, even love them, and then he shared the story of one Jewish man with Tass, the story of Jesus.  In that moment, Tass lost consciousness, and when he came to he was on his knees, hands raised, and he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Of course, there is much more to the story, but you will have to tune into "A Courageous Heart" to hear more!  After the interview, I once again shook Tass' hand, only this time I didn't think about the fact that this man was an assassin.  This time I thought of Tass as my Christian brother in Christ.  He was the epitome of a modern day Saul turned Paul on the road to Damascus. 

All of us are "former somethings".  All of us have sinned.  All of us are in need of a Savior.  Today Tass and his wife operate Seeds of Hope Ministries.  They run schools in Jericho that teach children about Jesus, they teach the Word of God to these children, they teach love and not hate.  Isn't it amazing what God can do in transforming a life that is willing to be transformed?

I strongly recommend Tass' book, "Once An Arafat Man".  I promise, you will find it to be one of the most interesting stories you have ever read, but more importantly you will be reminded of what the grace of God can accomplish when our hearts are open to His love!



http://www.seedsofhope.org/

http://www.christianbook.com/arafat-true-story-sniper-found-life/tass-saada/9781414323619/pd/323619

What has God trusted you with lately?

Have you asked yourself lately, "what is that God has trusted me with?" ?

If you had asked me that question I would have probably answered, "children".  Of course, then immediately I would begin to add to that answer and most of what I would add to it would be material things.



Today I had the privilege of communicating with a mother whose daughter was recently very seriously injured when she walked into a moving propeller of an airplane.  The young woman lost one of her hands at the wrist, lost her vision in one eye, suffered a serious head injury, and had extensive damage done to the side of her face and to her shoulder.  Currently, she is working very hard, everyday, through rehabilitation therapy to try and get to a place where she can take care of herself again, and she faces nurmerous surgeries in the future.

One of the things that struck me today was that her daughter said, "I am so happy that the Lord trusted me to walk this journey with Him and I am excited to see how He uses it for His glory and to further His Kingdom!"  I was stunned!  Really?  This beautiful woman in her 20s, who had her whole life ahead of her, was an up and coming on-line fashion journalist, was "happy" that God "trusted" her with this journey. 

I haven't been able to stop thinking about that statement all day.  When we go through trials and tough times do we thank God for trusting us with that situation?  Do we get excited about what it is He is teaching us in those times and how He is going to use it for His glory?  I have to admit, I am usually whining and asking God how long I am going to have to endure the situation and telling Him how He should be fixing everything so I don't have to feel the pain and suffer.

In the past if you would have asked me "what is it that the Lord has trusted you with lately?", my answer would have been accurate, however, it would not have shown the spiritual maturity and the trust in my Savior and His plans for me, as this young lady's answer did.

I am blessed that the Lord has trusted me with children and ministry, but I am also blessed that at times He has trusted me with struggles and trials.  It is in the struggles and trials that we have the ability to speak the loudest to non-believers.  They are watching and evaluating whether or not this personal relationship we say we have with Jesus is real and authentic.  If we are filled with peace, joy, love, and forgiveness in those tough times we are speaking volumes to the non-believer and they will want to know and learn more about this Christ we serve.

Thank you Cheryl and Lauren for being open about your pain and struggles, and thank you for reminding me that even in those times God is there.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/277768/20120106/model-lauren-scruggs-suffers-debilitating-pain-tries.htm

PINHOLES OF LIGHT

My friend, Miss Vickie, taught me a phrase recently.  She said, "Just another pinhole of light".  She was referring to another blessing or bit of information that was given that helped me to move forward, knowing God was lighting my way.

I have to admit, I think about those words ALOT since I first heard them.  They were profound and yet so simple.  I remember when my children were little they used to love playing with an artistic toy called "Lite Bright".  Do you remember these?  They were these flat screens that you would place coal black paper on.  The paper had little white dots on it and you would take these clear gel colored pegs and push them into the little white holes.  The screen behind the black paper would light up when you turned on the switch and suddenly all your little colored pegs would lite up and create a beautiful picture!



When I hear Miss Vickie's phrase, "pinholes of light", I envisioned my life being that black piece of paper.  When I was born there were little dots all over the canvas of my life of where and what it was God had planned for me.  The question became was I going to follow those instructions and dots, or was I going to do my "own thing" and pay no attention to what God had planned for me?  I'm sad to say that for many, many years, I did my "own thing" and what the picture ended up looking like was alot of dark colored pegs that created a chaotic pattern across the black backdrop.  The light was still there...but there was no order, or beauty in the picture.

In my thirties I realized that it was time to put those pegs of color back into the Artist"s hands.  To allow Him to help me place them in the proper places.  As I continue to follow His plan, I am beginning to see how He has so skillfully and artistically taken those dark colors and weaved them into an organized, bright colored, pattern.  The picture is not completed yet, but I am beginning to see the beauty and the promise that lies ahead if I continue to follow His "pinholes of light"!

I have no doubt that there may still be dark colored pegs used in my final "lite bright" creation, but I understand that there must be some dark colors, in order to truly appreciate the bright spots!  Both are needed to keep the final picture interesting and fluid.  The encouragement here is that I now have placed my "pegs" in the hands of the skilled craftsman, Jesus.  But just to be clear....He does hold all of my "pegs" but I still, from time to time, try to add my creative touch and input.  He listens and sometimes He allows my desire to be placed strategically on that screen, called my life.  Sometimes, He does not. 

My prayer is this...at the end of my life I hope those I leave behind will be able to look at my life and see how those "pinholes of light" created a beautiful picture that shows a love for God, a love for people, and a woman that started out with a chaotic, dark future but was able to turn it over to a Artist that created a Masterpiece!

Watch for those pinholes of light every single day!  They will lead your way!

^{ISAIAH 42:16} I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.