tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46119087556650447142024-02-20T16:20:10.855-08:00Kara With An EKara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-89842004333449946812010-03-15T17:39:00.000-07:002010-03-15T18:14:58.789-07:00The Peddler said "Beautiful Raven Black"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXXnDQmrUrN7jQazp-KRhmuxwV9wVtnaQEWvUJDP4S9ek7hjIWd1n2c3VIAPIeHNhhCirQJRklj_DOuKASFG1Q1nRdKbOv6cM2XIYWmezfcCvAETTG44h3PGN1D5NzoTRJE7wl-g-de36/s1600-h/anne+green+hair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449027531913729570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXXnDQmrUrN7jQazp-KRhmuxwV9wVtnaQEWvUJDP4S9ek7hjIWd1n2c3VIAPIeHNhhCirQJRklj_DOuKASFG1Q1nRdKbOv6cM2XIYWmezfcCvAETTG44h3PGN1D5NzoTRJE7wl-g-de36/s400/anne+green+hair.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well, Anne Shirley, you've really done it this time! Talk about a bad hair day! That picture really fits this past week well in the life of Kara with an E.<br /><br />I began telling you all about it and then thought better of it and hit delete. Who cares?!? It's over and done with. However, I do want to share with you what God has taught me through it.<br /><br />At one point my hubby had heard me say, "Why is this happening?" one too many times and his shepherding, spiritual leadership came out and it was wonderful. He shared with me about God's sovereignty and reminded me of His grace. Sometimes we think of God's wisdom as a tool to know exactly why He is doing what He is doing or why He is allowing things to happen. This isn't the truth. The truth is that God's wisdom is a gift for knowing how to handle the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">whys</span> and the tough situations, not to know the details and thought process <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">behind</span> them. Every now and again God does show us why He might have allowed something to take place, but often times we are left wondering. The key is, how are we going to respond?<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449031630608956626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqhlVqUGST6FULYtd7RgFOqwFF_LF_yU0ladSv7HloToPAd2DhJJhNKzH7QsG382Pp4oBO4IipqXfHLfYtJEUdgUnV4_bj8nIdDWzif7vbLPuSRywtRVFvGA1roggKQHLzy6oaI8ZLq7O/s400/green+hair+2.jpg" border="0" /> I responded like a rag doll in a heap behind the steering wheel driving in circles downtown. Once I finally found my hubby, he told me to go ahead and cry and then he said, "It's going to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ok</span>, things like this just happen. We need to trust God." He was right.<br />Two days later, I was a rag doll at the computer wondering how in the world I messed up my boss' flight so bad. Again, my husband sat me down and reminded me of God's grace and encouraged me to take up faith and trust Him. I'm still not sure why it all happened, but I am learning that I need to respond with God's wisdom, self-control and gentleness in these situations.<br /><br />Just when I needed to vent about it all, my blog was blocked by horrible ads. I apologize for this and am so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">embarrassed</span> because I heard some of the ads were NOT good. I don't know how or why this happened, but I am choosing to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">respond</span> with grace and faith.<br /><br />I also learned during this time that I needed to be humbled before God, before my husband and before my boss. Once again, the sign smacks me in the face that says, "YOU ARE NOT PERFECT." Far from it, I might add. It's a great reminder every now and again.<br /><br />It is so important to be on my face before God each day. I must prioritize my time with Him and my time in awe of Him. He is God. I am not. It's not about me. It's all about and for Him.<br /><br />Hubby and I watched the movie, <em>Luther</em>, last night. It's the story of Martin Luther. My favorite part was listening to him scream at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">satan</span> at the top of his lungs. He knew spiritual warfare and recognized it. He talked back to the demons and told them the truth of Christ and when the battle was nearly over, he would lay face down and repeat over and over, "I am Yours, save me...I am Yours, save me.... I am Yours, save me..." It was such an emotional time, but one that we can all relate to. We daily need to surrender to the Cross and see ourselves in light of it. We need saving.<br /><br /><br />Matthew comforted Anne and reminded her of her worth and spoke truth to her heart.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449032625346557314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXSpYv_G8-OCNpiDJaNK1NEBEKIxOQcQiksyZJwdcmIl2-h4pci6n5n2hhMAZy2Ipc5QABy9xphWiQ4U9_7_zXPaf7uFMRZtw_jpb0iTHBFZSPSUpa2rvKE7AV6XNX0QYQgL9E-Vb9HWA/s400/green+hair+3.jpg" border="0" /><br />That's what God's word does for us. Let's soak up each word and let it penetrate our innermost being.<br /><br /><br /><em>"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." </em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Eph</span>. 5:1-2Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-32325044701627461962010-03-04T18:28:00.000-08:002010-03-04T18:51:03.925-08:00Change is Coming<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaJipk0ocsPsGA2tcRhBIkVMh-R45j4yNw0hzUrow4zIBge0pX0jFNBw3PUoY68HkzdcDeY4o-4_2zKjACkJj7bWMy1RXU-JidREmiWzjvhAr3RhcCkDPuBINQlszBC4oaxXhQHGwKlt-/s1600-h/budding+plant.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444976408308544722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaJipk0ocsPsGA2tcRhBIkVMh-R45j4yNw0hzUrow4zIBge0pX0jFNBw3PUoY68HkzdcDeY4o-4_2zKjACkJj7bWMy1RXU-JidREmiWzjvhAr3RhcCkDPuBINQlszBC4oaxXhQHGwKlt-/s400/budding+plant.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#003300;">Can you hear it? Can you feel it? Do you sense it? I do. It's coming. Change is coming.<br /></span><div><div><div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">I find myself in an odd place of limbo. Almost like the air right now. Warmer during the day yet still crisp and chilly at night... Spring is almost here... I can almost breath it in, yet it's still a few weeks away from fully revealing it's sunny, flowering, newness. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">That's where I also am with a huge part of my life. More change is coming. I can almost embrace it but not quite because I'm not sure exactly what I am dealing with yet. I am in that limbo state where I can almost stand straight again, but not quite because the pole is still sitting just above my head.<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">Once the pole is gone...once the chilly nights leave us, what will be left? What am I standing up straight to? What will be involved with the change? </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">I'm not sure. But I know Who is. I know He knows every detail. He knows every flower that will bloom in just a few weeks time and He knows how many blades of grass are about to burst forth from the earth. He knows. </span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color:#003300;">He knows what is just around the bend and He isn't keep it from me as some sort of game. He isn't laughing at me for not knowing. He is simply waiting. His timing is always perfect and it is for my good and His good. He loves me and He is comforting me as I wait. He is surrounding me and filling me with His peace as I wait. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">"For I know the plans I have for you, plans not to harm you but to bring you good, to give you a future and a peace." Jeremiah 29:11</span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color:#003300;">"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. " Lamentations 3:22-23</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">I am looking forward to Spring, a new season and more change. With change comes growth, with growth comes sanctification and with sanctification comes a better understanding and closeness with my Lord. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444976653984813218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 92px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4x6tT1u-8MWGsqbv1XHS_tG4unI6M0Nc5ubE7vXJO4KSdW42TE4c1LP-CoxsW5J-8IzgIuCi1cAAOvPStwM59QkNxXz3AhotKQpZcx430ZzNFdJ-2rvjkKi-YH3_XaM8WYvKvg4Tl5KW/s400/budding+flowers.jpg" border="0" /></span></div></div></div></div></div>Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-56210318189404416792010-02-22T20:04:00.000-08:002010-02-22T20:26:29.529-08:00RAW, HONEST, ME<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ0EbU5OUOhBZITgIBD7OrbfxU3kSDqWHx8rbEvCXDv6EaXkqBGB5WCzoXQ0S7BVLNu_vnOp7agvVBuNKI1spUJnNskobTGpKieSkeJzMXaJIJiVetE0yIF5ssyFgkoIne9AQQrKsYlNb/s1600-h/honesty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441285693622350786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ0EbU5OUOhBZITgIBD7OrbfxU3kSDqWHx8rbEvCXDv6EaXkqBGB5WCzoXQ0S7BVLNu_vnOp7agvVBuNKI1spUJnNskobTGpKieSkeJzMXaJIJiVetE0yIF5ssyFgkoIne9AQQrKsYlNb/s320/honesty.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p> Well, it's late...I'm tired...and it's been a long 2 weeks. SO many fun days and times and SO many long days and frustrating times. God has heard my prayers, comforted me and given me strength. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. My emotions, however, often feel like the wind, ever changing it's direction. It has been a long time since I have just written straight from my heart. I'm usually way too concerned with what people think and how they will perceive me. Somewhere I read though that a great writer is an honest writer. Well, here goes it for honesty! </p><p>Random note: I don't have a single weekend planned out for the next 2 months and it is driving me crazy. We have several places we need/want to go, but have no idea how it will all work out or if we will get any of it accomplished. For a gal who has had a planner since she was 10, this is a stretch. Last night I began praying that God would make our schedule clear to us, that I would trust Him and let Him lead us and that we would have the mindset of acknowledging that we aren't even garaunteed tomorrow. I really need faith behind this prayer! </p><p>My mom's cousin passed away this past week due to cancer and it is so extrememly sad. Scripture tells us though to rejoice that they are with Jesus if they are saved and I beleive she is. However, she is leaving behind sons and a beloved husband as well as her mom and aunts and uncles, extended family, friends, etc. who all loved her and will miss her very much. I'm really concerned for my one aunt and uncle and cousin in particular. Please pray with me that they hear the gospel through this, that God softens their hearts and that they will be saved. </p><p>Compared to that my issues seem so petty...but since I live with my issues daily inside our apartment then they grow into a monster of a mess. Ever feel chained to something? It's like this... everything that I want to be doing right now I either can't due to finances, this season of life we are in or because I will let a bunch of people down. Now, God is bigger than all of those reasons and can totally change the circumstances. Do I ask Him to? Do I wait and see what He has planned? Do I just shut up and trust? Should I take a leap towards a dream? Am I not trusting Him by asking all of this? Am I just waiting for answers to appear in the sky or through someone else? Am I really just struggling with discontentment? How do I know? Why can't I just be happy with where I am? </p><p>There you have it. You have heard it. I can't tell you all of the details. I can, however, tell you that God has blessed us immensely. I'm not just saying that to feel better, I am saying it because I know it to be true. Sometimes I just need to hear that, "Everything is going to be ok" phrase. By stopping and thanking God for His blessings, it's a way to remind myself of that truth. It's all going to be ok. He loves us more than I can imagine and that either way, no matter what happens, I must trust Him, take faith and be of good courage. Even when it's hard. Even when my heart is sinking and my questions are rising. Even when daily life doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere near my dreams. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. </p><p>"For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a peace." Jeremiah 29:11. </p><p>Thank you, Jesus, and thank you, my kindred spirits, for helping me process.</p>Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-34577233773906356712010-02-16T10:51:00.000-08:002010-02-16T10:53:07.759-08:00Redeem the Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ47WaM9Xus5gzQ5TcQds7G0WuuvUp6qjl6yp0De2M952MnJwDNLMvw0ftbQRIRwSf0v76OiPKd7u15FVMUd7f76VncyMW8kEIEQwWrBJHzw_FMK7i7oZO8Yvwo4wrrT_zsSD_11qxa3WE/s1600-h/Clocks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438916057014189026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ47WaM9Xus5gzQ5TcQds7G0WuuvUp6qjl6yp0De2M952MnJwDNLMvw0ftbQRIRwSf0v76OiPKd7u15FVMUd7f76VncyMW8kEIEQwWrBJHzw_FMK7i7oZO8Yvwo4wrrT_zsSD_11qxa3WE/s320/Clocks.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><br /></strong><div><strong>See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16</strong></div><div><br />While my hubby is slaving away in his studies, I decided to take a class myself that is offered for Seminary Wives! It is called "Redeeming the Time" and my teacher is none other than the President's wife. She can be a bit intimidating as she seems to have it ALL together...have you ever met someone like that? Thankfully, though she is teaching me how to at least "appear" that way as well. ha ha!</div><div><br />She truly is a delightful women and has quite a bit of experience in ministry. I came across an article that she had written years ago that I hope will encourage you during this season...</div><div><br /><em>Mary K. Mohler -<br />Sometimes I feel as though I'm being pulled by the hand, my hair blowing behing me as in a wind tunnel. It's almost as though I'm living in a fast-forward mode with scenes passing by at record speed. I am still in my thirties, yet days, months, and years fly by, especially when I look at the faces of my children. </em></div><div><br /><em>Our lives are a mere blip on the world's radar screen. We want to make a lasting impact for the cause for Christ. We can recite names of ministry wives from histroy who have made signigicant contributions, women from Katharina Luther to Susanna Wesley to Sarah Edwards to Susannah Spurgeon, to name just a few. Countless others have made a profound impact, althought few people would recognize their names. </em></div><div><br /><em>God has purposely placed women in our lives whom we can mentor and influence for a season. There are opportunities for Kingdom advancement all around us. How tragic when we let these opportunities clip by! If God grants us length of days, we wil lahve the joy of sitting in our rocking chairs to reflect on our lives. Will you regret that you were too busy to redeem the time? Did you let disorganization and misplaced priorities limit your availability? Today is the day to resolve to make changes, with the Lord's help. </em></div><div><br /><em>What will history record about your pilgrimage as a ministry wife? Think about what you want your legacy to look like. Pray about how you can take steps toward achieving what the Lord wants you to do- and then redeem the time and do it.</em> </div><div><br /><strong>Lord, let us be wise even today to use whatever circumstances come our way to be tasks undertaken for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong> </div>Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-66863764130107318952010-02-06T11:57:00.001-08:002010-02-06T12:15:09.429-08:00A Hair Revolution!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSpW3SGHQZI2Lxs78jDOCeQu8Yi-2GrK8aDVMRSsbVhdnbG8kVckouVPRUuWNAUbSMfggwqgEtEVlb3ADUT-3Ll9LbkXX8RiyGTBMJnzX2dwZ5RO8At6Mmk4uSwD3hyphenhyphenx3Ws9ZX7QtwaKq/s1600-h/honey.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 127px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 89px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435226255325230066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSpW3SGHQZI2Lxs78jDOCeQu8Yi-2GrK8aDVMRSsbVhdnbG8kVckouVPRUuWNAUbSMfggwqgEtEVlb3ADUT-3Ll9LbkXX8RiyGTBMJnzX2dwZ5RO8At6Mmk4uSwD3hyphenhyphenx3Ws9ZX7QtwaKq/s320/honey.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Finally! Bliss with my curls!!! I have lived in the darkness far too long. I believe it was last Thursday that I dramatically proclaimed to my husband that I was chopping off my hair...again. He laughed and said, no. He reminded me that he loves it long and so do I when I really think about it. He's right. I always miss it after it's gone. So, out of desperation I began searching the net frantically looking for a solution for these wavy, untamed, frizzy curls. Alas, little did I know (until today) that I found a fantastic solution!!! A sweet fellow blogger shared her well-kept secret. Honey. No, I'm not talking to my hubby. I'm serious....HONEY! Here's what you do:</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>1. Take a jar of honey to the shower along with a glass jar and lid (to prevent mildew and just the center part of the metal lid will do). </div><br /><br /><div>2. Wash hair as usual (only 2-3 times per week is necessary for curls) and then condition (I usually let the conditioner soak into my hair while I shave...just throw it into a bun on your head a ponytail holder if needed). </div><br /><br /><div>3. Rinse out conditioner.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 131px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435226377674913250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__TirKj6M300_iXkyxrnwc5Mm8bAEhWOjAc3OJTrlxkww8i_441wXLzAXMTA9fnfq9vstObqqi01GBwOkYkP0WoitXLO1Uf1Gulfs-3IC3FLDRl9QkqeuY83ULF4sBeoFtwMdqp0y4QtS/s320/honey2.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>4. Now here's the fun part, pour honey into empty jar covering the bottom or a little more for longer, fuller hair. </div><br /><br /><div>5. Fill jar with warm shower water and shake, shake, shake! </div><br /><br /><div>6. Pour over hair and leave it! </div><br /><br /><div>7. Towel dry to remove drips. </div><br /><br /><div>8. Air dry (or use difuser if a quick dry is needed) and enjoy those curls!!! (I also add a little mouse to help it hold). </div><br /><br /><div>* Not only do you get pretty curls but also golden highlights and it is rumored that honey helps your hair grow!</div><br /><br /><div>** If hair is too crunchy cut back on the amount of honey next time. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Now isn't that just delightful! I'm always skeptical of these things because my hair usually seems to be the exception, but this actually worked!!! I'm thrilled! Have fun, sista!</div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-52956574394289075192010-01-18T18:47:00.000-08:002010-01-18T20:28:25.733-08:00The Proposal - What Would Be Easier?<img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428277474035918802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa7lSPYGMhrc1nbom61RWqaI4skzEtAWEOzygb_jVyMEBk_KN6C4uMTN0TIcghWsaS2-qR-s8mjcVFgIa4vCuAYZNymZKQsptGVm8SCrhTwAiSx3Ge0rixetpGpQJn2S2lfh0s4htHyKb/s400/The+Proposal+2.jpg" /><br /><blockquote><p><em>Margaret: "There's a reason why I've been alone all this time, I'm comfortable that way. And I think it would just be a lot easier if we forgot everything that happened and I just left." </em></p><p><em>Andrew: "You're right, that would be easier."</em><br /></p><p><em>Margaret: "I'm scared." </em><br /></p><p><em>Andrew: "Me too." </em><em>(They Kiss)</em></p><p><em></em> </p><p>Never marrying would be a whole LOT easier in many ways. For those that are not married, I'm sure that sounds crazy considering your longing for a spouse, companion, lover and for the many, many joys of marriage (yes, there are MANY). However, for those that are married, you understand exactly what I mean. Almost every decision you make affects your spouse. For women, the cooking, cleaning and laundry doubled. I almost wrote a book and still might entitled, <em>The Day My Laundry Doubled. </em>Of course, it would be an encouraging book full of wisdom (that I am yet to attain) for new brides, yet I do believe everyone must know the truth about marriage instead of the false impression our Christian culture leans toward. Marriage isn't all about sex without sin, it isn't about unending infatuation or even lovingly discovering the mystery of your spouse 24/7. Yes, sex is amazing a lot of the time. Yes, I still look at my husband and often think that he is the most incredible man God could have made. Yes, there is much mystery to my hubby that I am yet to discover and yes, he is my best friend, companion and I wouldn't want to spend life with anyone else by my side. However, marriage is far from easy. In fact, it is the hardest thing I have done in my whole life and I am still doing it every day and will do it for the rest of my life, Lord willing. </p><p>That is why I LOVE those lines in the <em>The Proposal. </em>They accurately portray marriage. It isn't easy, they are both scared, but the love each other and are willing to sacrifice those feelings and their comfortable lives in order to spend it with each other. How beautiful!</p><p>I am currently reading 3 books and one of them I have read before I was married and I am re-reading it now that I can apply what I am learning. It is one of the most highly recommended books for newly weds and I totally agree! The title? You want to know it? Okay, okay... <em>Sacred Marriage </em>by Gary Thomas<em>. </em>The big question the entire book is based upon is, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" Isn't that powerful? </p><p>Allow me to share with you some inspiring quotes from the book, some by Thomas and others he simply includes to prove a point or add some humor. </p><p><em>"By all means marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher." ~</em> Socrates</p><p><em>"Marriage can be that holy place, the site of a relationship that proclaims God's love to this world, but Christian thinkers haven't always elected to look at marriage this way. For all their ambivalence about whether marriage is an inferior state, the early church fathers at least recognized that the analogy of reconciliation is the highest aim of marriage, pointing as a sign to the union of Christ with his church." </em>~ Gary Thomas</p><p>"<em>Like everything which is not the involuntary result of fleeting emotion, but the creation of time and will, any marriage, happy or unhappy, is infinitely more interesting that any romance, however passionate." </em>W.H. Auden</p><p><em>"Marriage is the merciless revealer, the great white searchlight turned on the darkest places of human nature." ~ </em>Katherine Anne Porter</p><p><em>"A giant thread runs throughout Scripture comparing God's relationship to his people with the human institution of marriage." </em>~Gary Thomas</p><p>Is that enough to tickle your fancy or peek you interest? Even more than teaching me about marriage, I believe it will teach me to how to love God more. I'll keep you posted as I read along, but I just couldn't wait to share with you the incredible concept of holiness rather than happiness being our focus in marriage. What a breakthrough!! Now when Hubby and I have that argument or when I feel discouraged in our marriage, I am reminded that God is sanctifying me right now and I have an option as to how I respond. Godly or dishonoring to my husband and Christ? It can be a super hard choice, but it is easier to make the right one now that I know the purpose and God's plan in the midst of it all. </p><p>It really is beautiful and I am SO thankful that for once in my life I didn't take the easy way out. </p><p> </p><br /><p></p></blockquote>Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-8967811467913998762010-01-09T09:35:00.000-08:002010-02-05T14:24:52.810-08:00It is high time to enjoy Red Meat!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC8ghkBZnXz4-sKMuA88V4lHK4bQNbrmEKn3bhT5ZKNsKZvCpeaSCI4ZLMCkaMooyeLLz549vMeS3Z6BuJdoaMUCX1uo0qU6ioBAsrIs4FdwePsnUVNmtGg92CoszLRtJIjIJzNNqDuoL/s1600-h/Angus_cattle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434887353349039330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC8ghkBZnXz4-sKMuA88V4lHK4bQNbrmEKn3bhT5ZKNsKZvCpeaSCI4ZLMCkaMooyeLLz549vMeS3Z6BuJdoaMUCX1uo0qU6ioBAsrIs4FdwePsnUVNmtGg92CoszLRtJIjIJzNNqDuoL/s320/Angus_cattle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well....it is a cold, snowy, Saturday afternoon and I am sitting at Panera doing what I do best...eavesdropping. I know, "how terrible!" you may think...but actually it's A LOT of fun and you can learn so much about the human population. For instance, let me share with you about the ladies next to me. One is pushing 40...she has stated that several times... and the other is in her young twenties and "was on the cheer squad" (so was I but I think her's was a little more..."elite" if you know what I mean). Until a few moments ago I was utterly bored with their conversation but the women at the other table are not speaking English and Facebook has nothing new so I resorted to their dull conversation. I know, "how rude!" you may be thinking now, but honestly, it has been 20 minutes and so far we haven't covered anything but food, health, weight and money management. Boring! And then...alas...two key words struck my ear drums, resonated down to my heart and brought me the inspiration I was longing for today. What could those two words possibly be? RED MEAT. Yep, you guessed it...they weren't talking about how delicious it is, or the numerous health benefits or even how gorgeous those big black Angus calves can be. It was very negative...in fact one of them doesn't eat it at all and one avoids it if possible. Utterly heartbreaking. They stressed the importance of eating "plant based foods". Now, hear me out, I am all about eating healthy, staying fit and having balance in our diet. The key though is balance. This uneducated world is turning their back on another element of God's creation that offers so much to our diets! It would surpise you how often I hear similiar conversations. Oh my, National FFA Organization, we have much to do. For some of you, this means nothing. You may even eat red meat regularly (if so, thank you from the bottom of my heart) but you just do not understand my current rampage. This would be an important place to note that my daddy is a beef cattle producer. Not just any beef cattle producer but he has the most beautiful Angus herd I have ever seen. They look like velvet and taste like a million bucks, but I promise you that's not what you have to pay. I know the quality, health benefits and taste of that red meat so when I hear outright lies being spread about it I grow quickly frustrated. They are not only missing out on truth and the joy of beef, but they are also a part of the society who is hurting my father's business. For example, what if your dad was a chef and you know that he does an amazing job, serves creative dishes and runs a clean business, but one day you are sitting at a coffee shop and you over hear people discussing that they heard from so and so who knows that one person who said they have a cousin who got sick after eating at your dad's restaurant. Now a large portion of your town believes that your dad's food isn't good for them, it tastes bad and isn't clean. What would you do??? What would you say? How would you bring out the truth??? Those are the questions before me. The problem is I am up against a growing portion of the nation not just my town.<br /><br />I beleive the real issue is that most people have not had a good steak. So many restaurants and people do not know how to fix red meat in a way that makes your mouth water, your toes tingle and your lips curl into a brilliant smile of satisfaction. Have you ever had that experience? If not I feel deeply sorry for you. This needs to change. I wish with all my heart you could taste one of my daddy's steaks that my hubby has grilled to perfection after days of marinating. Wow! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyESyDjzy7b2HkrYySnz1rBlzDNrZywjJXXNtgn3JiHIFXxTMwCYjOAE8z6Rr2p4RQgNFn2x6VorV8PryAVL2s2Nho33LCszxuKtYGkFlvy7OHkKi2YdQ5baGI4rCxbgd1KpfmER6xAgGe/s1600-h/red+meat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434888716802168178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyESyDjzy7b2HkrYySnz1rBlzDNrZywjJXXNtgn3JiHIFXxTMwCYjOAE8z6Rr2p4RQgNFn2x6VorV8PryAVL2s2Nho33LCszxuKtYGkFlvy7OHkKi2YdQ5baGI4rCxbgd1KpfmER6xAgGe/s320/red+meat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When I was home for Christmas I shared with my dad the concerns I have and the conversations I hear now that I am in "the city". He said that if I came up with a marketing plan he would be more than happy to sell his home grown, corn and grass fed beef to these city folks I have encountered. Our cattle are not massaged or petted daily, but they are never mistreated and have open pastures, no added hormones and little to no antibiotics. I know they will sell and if I can also put together information on the health benefits of red meat and some great recipes it will be a great start to educating the public and opening their eyes to the truth and to the delight they have been missing.<br /><br />Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share with you one of my many passions. The cutest set of twins have just strolled in and parked with their parents at the table to my left and I'm eager to hear them "coo" and an odd looking couple just sat down behind me with the most curious expressions. Oh yes, those other two ladies are still here...they have moved on in their conversation to family pictures and the princess doll she just got her daughter - not that her daughter needs any help being a princess I'm sure! All this talk of food and beef though is making me hungry! It's lunch time and I think I am gong to enjoy an Asiago Roast Beef sand which with potato soup. Yes, even Panera, the "healthiest cafe of our time" serves Red Meat!!!<br /><br />P.S. Here are some health benefits of Red Meat in case you are preparing your weekend dinner menus: Lowers risks of heart disease and high cholesterol. Red meat is a source of <a title="Iron" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Iron">iron</a>. Red meat also contains protein, levels of <a title="Creatine" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Creatine">creatine</a>, minerals such as <a title="Zinc" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Zinc">zinc</a> and <a title="Phosphorus" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Phosphorus">phosphorus</a>, and vitamins such as <a title="Niacin" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Niacin">niacin</a>, vitamin B, <a title="Thiamine" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Thiamine">thiamin</a> and <a title="Riboflavin" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Riboflavin">riboflavin</a>. Red meat is the richest source of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Alpha Lipoic Acid" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Alpha_Lipoic_Acid">Alpha Lipoic Acid</a>, a powerful antioxidant.<sup><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></sup></div></div>Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-53328177061267768682009-11-21T20:14:00.000-08:002009-11-21T20:32:54.208-08:00Blind SideToday I decided that if someone recorded all of my thoughts they would have a Bestseller on their hands! The things that run, dance and mosey across my mind astonish even me. One minute I think I have completey lost it altogether and then next I feel as though the last peice of the puzzle finally found it's home. Oh, let's not even talk about the emotions that accompany those thoughts. I told my hubby tonight that we have seriously got to pray about these emotions of mine! To that he kindly replied, "It's about time you admit that," which really helped my emotions.<br /><br />Anyways, on to the real reason I sat down to write ....<br /><br />Tonight we saw Sandra Bullock's new movie, "Blind Side". WOW! It really made me think about opportunities and how often I miss them. If we had the chance to adopt a 17 year old boy like that would we do it? I'd like to think we would. That one is somewhat easy though because we both love kids. What about bringing an elderly person into our home. A complete stranger that needed cared for in every way. That would be hard. Would we do it? By God's grace I want to believe I would want to, but oh my, the temptation to walk on by would be great.<br /><br />What if it's not a huge opportunity like that, what about the opportunity to simply sow seeds each day. How many of those am I missing or ignoring?<br /><br />Ecclesiastes 11:6 says, "In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good."<br /><br />How many times do I think to myself sarcastically, "Like it will do any good to say anything..." or hastily, "Not today, I'm way too busy..."<br /><br />It's time to change that. Father, please convict me powerfully when I am about to reject an opportunity. I pray that I will listen to Your spirit and have Your eyes and ears to see when a seed can be planted. I want to be used for Your glory. I am Your vessel, Your farmer, Your sower. I am Yours. Thank you for making me Yours.<br /><br />Oh, and my friend, it's official, I have a new favorite actress (not over Audrey, but for sure over Julia)...Sandra Bullock!!! Thanks for reading. Let's check our blind sides more often and look for those opportunities!Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-83708434159787277342009-10-16T16:22:00.000-07:002009-10-16T16:53:46.064-07:00Contentment<em><span style="color:#003333;">Contentment...that's a word I haven't used much. Sure, I use it when I am counseling a friend that seems to have all the same symptoms I have had lately, but me? Not content? Hmmmm....it's true. For the past couple of weeks a restlessness has filled me. This restlessness has even caused a near heart palpitation as I just want to jump out of my skin, run through fields, yell at the top of my lungs and fall on my knees emptied from all of these crazy emotions. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;">Instead, I find myself in a small apartment, talking to an invisible audience, working for a boss I never see and serving a husband who has his head in a book 90% of the time or so it seems. If only I could hear the audience laugh or cry with me, if only I could reach through the phone and hand my boss the papers he needs and see the approval in his eyes, if only my husband would steal me away for a weekend and we only talk about each other and our future and dreams of ministry without a worry in the world. If only....</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;">Then there is the issue of being 25 and all my friends having babies. Wow. That's fun. I really haven't been left out of too many things in life. Sure I was never a part of the "in crowd", but God blessed me with accomplishments, friends and an amazing family. For the first time though, a clock in me is ticking and I can't do a darn thing about it. Tick, tock, tick, tock...where's that measley alligator following me around with the "mommy clock" in his belly? Where does he come from and how do I lose him for a few more years? Capt. Hook, I understand why the tick tock drove you mad now.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;">One would think that an amazing husband who loves the Lord would be enough. One would think that a dream job and being a part of something much bigger than myself would be enough. One would think that an incredible family full of love for us would be enough. One would think that not missing a meal and being fully clothed for all occassions would be enough. One would especially think that God's grace, His mercy, His love, His salvation and His desire to have a relationship with me would be enough. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;">I think it is. However, satan slanders this beautiful picture and tells me it's not. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;">That's where I sit tonight. Tired of the lies, tired of the restlessness and tired of looking for the greener grass. It's here. An incredibly wonderful picture, drawn by my Heavenly Father instead of Burt, lays before me on the sidewalk and all I need to do is jump into it with faith. I can't wait for Mary Poppins to take my hand...it's time to jump. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;">Hello contentment. I'm here to stay. "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Philippians 4:11</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#003333;">Father God, Please move powerfully in my heart right now and break me of my restlessness nature. I need your forgiveness and grace and I repent of speaking from want. Please don't leave me to my fleshly desires and wants. They will not fulfill me. Only You can satisfy. You are my living bread and water. I love You and I will step in faith into the picture you have painted for me and I will be content with what You have placed before me. I'm thrilled and grateful for Your many, many blessings. I am learning to be content and I ask for Your strength as I embark on this journey. Thank you, Father.</span></em>Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4611908755665044714.post-48144242158626850882009-09-16T17:14:00.000-07:002009-09-16T17:41:29.619-07:00The Beauty of GraceHave you ever been hard on yourself? Ha! I heard that laugh out loud! It happens to the best of us... frozen pizza uncooked because you forgot to take the card board off, pasta all over the kitchen floor because you missed the strainer, hurt hubby because you bit his head off without even thinking twice, lonely friend because you haven't called in weeks, screwed up on an email at work that was to the President of some company and now you just remembered it's your mother-in-law's Birthday tomorrow and you haven't a clue what to get her, let alone has it been shipped. The next thing you know you are sulking. It's the biggest, ugliest pity party since you don't know when and mascara is streaking down your rosey cheeks and the pillow is covered in tears. All you can think is, "Why can't I do anything right?!?" You ponder and ponder your many faults, "too vast to count the sum of them".<br /><br />Has this ever been you or am I really as odd as my husband thinks I am? Well, one of my many rollercoaster valleys consists of just that and I have come to the conclusion that I must get to the bottom of it so I can rise above it!<br /><br />My current memory verse is Ephesians 2:4-5, "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."<br /><br />Wow! Ok, before we get too excited here, we need to look at the entire context. I don't believe Paul was talking about our uncooked pizzas but rather our ugly, wretched sin and nature of wrath. Some of the items I listed above are indeed obvious sin (biting my hubby's head off), the other items may be a result of a more hidden sin that shows it's face but doesn't usually reveal it's name...Pride. Yuck! I never wanted to admit that I had pride. Ok, let me phrase that a little better, my <u>pride</u> didn't want me to admit that I had <u>pride</u>. Every time you think of having a pity party you might as well call it a "prideful pity party". They can be the most self-focused parties ever thrown. Now, having said that, let's get back to the good news!<br /><br />If we are saved, then there is abundant good news in those verses. Paul speaks of our wretchedness and then says two very key words..."But God". Those words change everything and lay the foundation for the next part. Being rich in mercy, because of His great love for us, God made us alive and raised us together to sit together with Christ Jesus! All of this because by GRACE we have been saved.<br /><br />I pray, Father, that the next time I think of throwing a "prideful pity party" that I will remember this verse, remember your mercy and your grace, repent from my sin and by Your strength return to Your fellowship and the blessings you have given me such as a seat with Christ Jesus in the Heavenly places!<br /><br />I pray that I will also remember this verse when someone else in my life needs grace. When my husband is cranky or hurts my feelings or forgets to do something, or when my friend doesn't handle a situation well. I want to give them grace like you have given me grace.<br /><br />The beauty of grace is that it is a gift to us from God, not because we deserve it (lands sake there is no way!), but because He is rich in mercy and has a great love for us.Kara Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747940356399423866noreply@blogger.com2