Everyday Heroes

Everyday Heroes

 

 

Reflections: Everyday Heroes

Every year, as we celebrated Memorial Day, I honor those who have to serve and all who continue their service. My heart is full of respect and admiration as I looked at these fine men and women in our military.

I wonder what would cause them to volunteer to serve his country and go into harm’s way for others. To stand and fight for people he does not know so they can enjoy the safety and freedom he loves.

In our country, we with various opinions on our government and military, we often debate about sending our soldiers to countries that are far away from our everyday lives.  Have we forgotten what life would be like for we fought here in America?

Is it the strong determination of character to serve God and to do what is right because he loves his country and family? They say, “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally. I am humbled and honored by these brave soldiers who fight for my peace and freedom.

May God bless the men and women of the military who serve quietly, unselfishly, giving their time and extras to bringing a better life for someone else?  To allow people to see what real freedom looks like.  

       Aesop said many years ago, “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted”

This is the American spirit, which is the heart and soul of our soldiers and the people in these countries cannot ever forget them. ©

 “Christ paid a price I could never pay to give me life I did not deserve”. I am loved and blessed.

Thank You to all who serve, I am praying for you!

Thank you all for stopping by, have a great weekend. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

 

Do You Ever Doubt God?

Do You Ever Doubt God?

 

 

Do You Ever Doubt God?

Being grateful seems impossible some days. How can we be thankful when the crops are burning due to extreme heat and no rain, or heavy rain unexpectedly floods your newly finished basement? Or possibly your retirement investments disappeared because of erratic stock markets and crashes. Leaving you embarrassed, fearful and wondering what just happened to your life. Perhaps a death or prolong illness would steal your joy and thankfulness.

Many times, I have listened as people share a heavy burden they carry and admired how they survive the storms of life with thankful hearts and a smile. They press on with a confident determination, always seeing a brighter future and moving forward.

There have been many times in my life when I have been heartbroken, disappointed, and depressed by devastating life lessons that are hard to understand.

I still remember as if it was yesterday, the day I left on a two-day speaking trip when our lives were in shambles. I had accepted the engagement months in advance so canceling was not a choice. I was heartbroken. I was not sure if I could pull myself together for this event. 

How could I tell women about God’s great love for them when I wasn’t even sure that He loved me?  I felt abandoned and confused. Driving down the highway, I was weeping, begging the Lord to help me. I felt I didn’t have anything to give these women.

I pulled to the side of the road, still weeping, and noticed the car radio had been on. At that moment I heard Charles Stanley say, “The sovereignty of God is the pillow we lay our head upon.”  I knew that those words were for me.  God had reminded me that no matter what happened, He was in control and I could trust Him for this journey, wherever it led us.

As I pulled back onto the road, I was filled with a new confidence that God was with me, and I felt secure that His plans are bigger, wider, and higher than I could ever imagine or hope for. For the first time in so long, I felt these life-sustaining truths in my broken heart.

I am so thankful that I have those flashpoints in my life to remember God is always and continues to be faithful to his promises.  I may get upset, angry, emotional and worry momentarily, but when I stand still and look up I know that God is always with me and continues to love me.©

God may delay our requests, but he will never disappoint our trust.

Yes, I can be grateful, I know I am never alone He walks beside me.

 

 

Do you ever have doubts about God? I would love to hear from you.

Thank you for dropping by and sharing your time with me. 

Have a great week! Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

We Will Not Forget!

We Will Not Forget!

“Build me a soldier,

O Lord,

who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,

and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid,

one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,

and humble and gentle in victory.”

General Douglas MacArthur  
1880 – 1964

 

 

 

Reflections:

“There are no extraordinary men… just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men
are forced to deal with.”
 
Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.

This weekend is Memorial Day. And like you I have known many soldiers who have served our county.  I love and honor each one. I often wonder what makes them sacrifice their lives or time for others.

When I see them I try to shake their hands and tell them how much they are loved and appreciated. Where would we be as a nation without their faithfulness and valor?

I wrote this devotional for a soldier friend a few years ago and thought I would share it with you on this special weekend. As we remember our soldiers in America and Canada.

**************   

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying,“You are my God my future is in your hands.”

Psalm 31: 14-15
 
I am secure in your love for me, I know I can trust you regardless of my circumstances no matter where I am.

You are always with me.

There are people who want to harm me as I serve my country, but my future is in your hands.
 
You chose to love me and I choose to love and trust you with my life. 

 

Father,
It is so good to know that I can trust you as I serve you and my country.  I know my life, family, and future are in your care.  Please protect from the dangers of this war.

 
Hugs to you all,
Have a great Memorial Day weekend 
 

See you next week!
Lovingly, Karan

 

Look Who’s Talking ~ Can I Call You Dad?

Look Who’s Talking!

A Ventriloquist was touring the clubs in Florida. With his dummy on his knees, he’s going through his usual dumb blonde jokes when a blonde woman in the audience stands on her chair and shoots.

“I’ve heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. 

What does the color of a persons hair have to do with her worth as a human being? It’s guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and reaching our full potential!”

The embarrassed ventriloquist starts to apologize when the blonde yells, “You stay out of this, mister! I’m talking to that little jerk sitting on your knee.  Author unknown

 

 

Reflections: Can I Call You Dad?

As a child growing up, I always wondered about the father I never knew. Did he have blonde hair, was I like him? My mother never talked about him, and I never inquired because it caused her great sadness to discuss that time in her life.

For years, I would think about meeting him, and dream about our wonderful reunion. But that scenario would not happen. I had found out that he had passed away many years before I had started to look for him. I was so disappointed, all my questions would go unanswered.

I remember at church the minister talked about how much God cares for each of us, and he knows our pain and hurt in the secret places where only he can see. And he quoted a Bible verse that I never forgot:

God in His holy house is a father to those who have no father.

And He keeps the women safe whose husbands have died.

God makes a home for those who are alone.

Psalm 67:5 & 6a

I found great comfort in that verse but wondered if it would happen for me.

Little did I know that God had prepared a father for me in Alberta, Canada. When I married Lyle, I not only got a husband but a new father who became my dad.

Trygve was a kind, loving and humble man who loved life and loved me. As the years passed by it amazed me, how much alike we were. We both loved books, collected funny stories and loved humor. He loved to sing, loved people and most of all loved God.

Trig passed away in 2000; there is not a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on all the times we spent together. We would both cry through “Little House on the Prairie”, sad movies and touching books. We liked to laugh, sing in the car, go shopping, eating out and share the important family stories and our walk with God. How I loved and missed him.

I am thankful for the great privilege to call him my DAD.
God gave me the desire of my heart, and his timing is perfect.

Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful gift.  What are some of your favorite memories?©

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
My love to all and am praying you each have a fabulous week. 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

Can I Give You A Smile?

Can I Give You A Smile?

Some days I find myself in a place of discouragement. Bewildered by the world we live in, with so many hurting people looking for hope, encouragement and a smile. My heart aches for all the families that have gone through the hurricanes the last few months and the massacre in Las Vegas last night. 

Sometimes the way forward seems complicated and challenging, and I’m not even sure I have even enough energy to finish the tasks God had given me.  

I have often heard,” Instruction does much, but encouragement is everything.” Many times a kind word of encouragement, a smile or a simple touch can lift a heart out of sadness, grief, exhaustion or despair.

An act of kindness encouraging others and lets them know you care about them, and they are not alone. It also gives us the opportunity to show God’s love as we touch the lives of others. Encouragement gives hope and inspires determination to keep moving forward when life gets tough, and we become weary of the struggles.

Many times I have asked God to encourage my heart with his love, compassion, and guidance. Asking Him to give me a new perspective and passion for the task He had given me.When I become tired, His promises and love lessons come just in time in sweet ways of encouragement from others. God is not finished with the dreams and goals He has placed in my heart, and he is not finished with me either.

Isaiah 40:31 NLV

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
 

LIFE can be tough, and the struggles of life and ministry can be harsh. With God’s encouragement, we can remember His promises and rely and lean on Him. The journey will be brighter for us and others as we stand together building one another up with encouragement.©

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Have you felt more stressed in the last few months, how have you coped with the daily events?

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Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs to all.

Have a great week, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan