It’s easy to well up with gratitude for blessed days like today. Love, grace, peace, joy, and music overflowed. Indeed this is a gift from God. Thank you, Lord! But the verse in 1Thess 5:18, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus, reminds us that we need to condition our minds…
Author: Karen E. Young
Sharing the journey of fumbling my way to pleasing Jesus as His follower, as a wife, mother, businesswoman/ entrepreneur, cook/baker, employer, writer, occasional singer, lifelong learner, and aspiring dancer.
Strong When Weak
The times when I am keenly aware that I am weak, limited, and helpless are the times when I am intentional about seeking God for direction and strength. Figuratively on my knees, I await His cues and keep asking His Holy Spirit to lead me. Those are the times when I am most prone to…
Answer, Show, Rescue, Teach, Lead Me
Psalm 143 7 Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. 8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for…
Dear Demi (and other Demi’s)
You are not alone. You are a beautiful woman and a beautiful mom. No man, I mean N-O M-A-N, no matter how outwardly gorgeous is worth destroying yourself for. You were whole before him and you will be again. Your children need you whole. You are so talented and have much to give the world….
Coffin Fashion
For the first time, I heard about a coffin fashion show in Texas for selling guitar cases. “Coffin Fashion Show” got me thinking of the garb to wear when one is literally breathless and ready for decomposing en route to becoming dust. Are there any rules of thumb?…What length should the dress be? Should it…
Bitter or Better?
In a Cebuano accent, the sound of the word “bitter” and “better” are interchanged so we could get confused as to what is being referred to. We, however, do want to ensure that we get better, not bitter and not vacillate between the two as though there were no difference. See to it that no…
Beware Praise?
According to Prov 27:21, The purity of silver and gold can be tested in a crucible, but a man is tested by his reaction to men’s praise. Why might that be? The subtlety of self-pride can creep in. If I receive a praise, reward, or award for something I have done, I might forget that all the factors that…
Tests for Service
Peter is my favorite disciple. I am always encouraged to see how God can use an impulsive, unschooled fisherman who has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth. One of my favorite passages is the restoration of Peter. Not long after having passionately professed a willingness to die for and never forsake Jesus (Matt 26:33,35),…
May I Forgive Next Year When I’m Ready?
Forgive someone who cut in line in front of me. No problem. Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Forgive someone who insulted me by his/her comment. No problem. Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Forgive someone who betrayed and cheated me. Uhm Lord, why is it that sometimes…
Is God a Killjoy?
Perhaps we can understand how God loves us and wants what is best for us when we think about how we (imperfectly but passionately) love our own children. We wouldn’t want them to be playing with lead or eating cute and charming little antibiotic pills for snacks or orange dishwashing liquid as juice because we…
BUTTERFLY IN THE SPRING 