Some Thoughts about MLK Day

“Intelligence plus character——that is the goal of true education.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Recently here in the USA we observed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Always the third Monday in January close to the actual date of his birth on January 15th. With much embarrassment I admit that for most of my adult life this day was just a paid holiday at the beginning of every year.

I was born in 1963 so I don’t remember a lot about Dr. King. Everything I know about him was learned after he was already in the arms of Jesus.

Being part of a middle-class white family in the Pennsylvania countryside, the details of MLK’s fight for Civil Rights did not find its way onto my radar very often. However, I did understand firsthand the ugly root of perceived inequality and the need for Civil Rights ——prejudiced thinking and warped attitudes. I hated both of these.

Illustration of three blue birds and a red bird sitting on a wire. The blue birds are mocking the red bird for being different. Concept for xenophobia, racism, prejudice and intolerance.

In my local area, rabid name calling and condescending attitudes billowed into a thick ugly smog that poisoned the air we breathed. The anger seemed contagious. I never understood how you could look down on and hate someone you didn’t even know personally.

I do know one rock from which this nasty prejudice problem crawled out from under and slithered into my local world: lack of education.

The Great Depression necessitated many children to enter the labor force as young as eight years old or face starvation. This was the unfortunate lot of countless children born in the 1920s and 30s in Pennsylvania. Especially young boys were sent to work on farms to help support their large families. Scores of men who became fathers and local leaders during my upbringing experienced this lack of education in their past and never fully realized the truth of our big, beautiful world and its multi-faceted cultures.

As my dear husband often says, “they didn’t know what they didn’t know.” And so without education and lack of character molding on a stable home front, they learned to become hard workers with little understanding for anyone who seemed, thought, or appeared different.

In John 8:32 Jesus said “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Now in this passage HE was teaching about the truth of salvation being in Himself alone. Without being taught about salvation they could not experience it.

There is freedom in truth. This principle laid out by Jesus hits so many areas of life including combatting prejudice. KNOWING the truth that our world was created intentionally with many varied, wonderful people groups with unique cultures, individual personalities, and differing opinions sets us free to respect and love each other.

Growing up in an environment where many leaders were infected with the pestilence of hatred, my odds of contracting the disease ran high. God only knows how I escaped the enslavement of a heart fettered by prejudice. I praise Him as I am reminded by this 2019 Martin Luther King Day that freedom from such an enslaving mindset needs to be guarded. If I fail to guard it I risk slowly compromising it and losing it without my realization. I must protect how I view the virtue of each individual lest I too become poisoned and chained by prejudice.

May it never be so and may we who are free from prejudice teach by our daily conduct those around us how to respect, appreciate and love all men by the grace of Almighty God!

“We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools.”

Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr.

What are your thoughts on MLK Day? Share so we can learn from one another.

Shine on. . .

karan k

Loneliness and The Dating Game Part V: Wise Choices

Dating Game Who’s Who: In 1978 serial killer Rodney Alcala competed and won the Dating Game just months before a vicious crime spree. Yikes!

Sure pays to be cautious and do some investigating to make wise choices in dating so you don’t find yourself in a dangerous and/or compromising position.

After you have all your personal ducks in a row as discussed in Parts I-IV, you are now ready to create your customized template to find a mate. All you need is an 8×11 inch sheet of paper. If you are the journaling type a notebook will help if you want to record more detail. You can also construct your graph on a computer if you like.

This method helped me tremendously. I attended a class for singles called Wise Choices taught by Lynne Babbitt, a local Christian Psychotherapist. (lynnebabbitt.com) She instructed us to create these graphs to evaluate healthy matches.

To start, divide the sheet whether paper or electronic into 8 equal spaces. Now label each square with the most important categories you want in a mate. Here are a few category examples for your consideration:

Spiritual
Character
Emotional
Intellectual
Interpersonal
Physical
Sexual
Parenting
Financial
Interests
Miscellaneous

Now pick only 8 of these or some of your own. Take each category and break it down into 6 specific things you are looking for in a potential mate within that particular category.

Here is an example of the specific breakdown of the Emotional category:

Openness
Sharing
Teachability
Self Esteem
Inner peace
Confidence

And an example of the Character category:

Integrity
Loyalty
Kindness
Sincerity
Self-control
Generosity

For each of the eight main categories, you formulate six specific things within that category you desire most in a mate. You should end up with 48 different attributes to evaluate for each person you meet.

When you finish your custom graph make about 10 copies to start out and begin evaluating any person you already know with whom you are considering a relationship. After that anyone new you are considering should also be evaluated on their own separate graph. The scoring system is as follows;

2 points for the high score
1 point for so so score
0 points for non-existent score

Add up the scores in each of the eight categories. Then add those 8 scores together. The highest cumulative score anyone can receive is 96 because no one is a perfect 100.

If a prospective candidate scores less than 80 on your graph, don’t allow yourself to become involved with them. This person is not who you really want. It will be an unhealthy and unhappy relationship that is wasting your valuable time.

Some candidates will need to be evaluated over time since you won’t know them well enough to rate them when you first meet. Use your judgement and take your time in this process, it is worth the extra time and effort. Love at first sight is a myth, don’t fall for it.

Feelings alone cannot be trusted. This rating system will help you use your head and your heart to make wiser choices in relationships. Choosing a marriage partner is one of the most important decisions of life and this system helped me immensely . I hope it works the same for you!

Shine on. . .

karan k

Loneliness and The Dating Game

If you you are a Baby Boomer you probably remember the original Dating Game show with host Jim Lange which ran from 1965-1973. Younger folks may be familiar as well since it ran as reruns in syndication into the year 2000.

I loved this show as a kid and watched it everyday during the summer when school was out. I learned a lot from the show about things I was too young to understand and perhaps should not have been exposed to, if you get my drift. Such shows intrigued me.

I had an intense desire to know how to get a guy to love me for a lifetime. So I also watched the Newlywed game. This show ran from 1966 to 1974 originally and then several times thereafter. Bob Eubanks hosted for the majority of the runs.
I enjoyed these shows but also watched to glean as much information as possible. I’d note which things worked and which did not.

UNITED STATES – AUGUST 13: THE NEWLYWED GAME – 1970 – Bob Eubanks, host (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)

Perhaps you find yourself in the “Dating Game” of life? How’s it going? Are you finding good results or spinning your wheels in the same old rut?

As a teenager I focussed on outward appearance. My own and whoever I happened to be interested in at the time. Ah youth and its follies. Of course I learned I needed to become a well-rounded person on the inside as well as the outside. That can take a lifetime for some of us. So what to do in the meantime?

Let’s explore this in the next few posts and see where it takes us. Join me if you need to find a date, a mate or are just curious.

Loneliness is no joke. It’s one of the biggest problems facing people today. If you are lonely, ironically you are not alone. BUT don’t accept loneliness as your lot in life. We were created for relationship. (See Genesis 2:18)

To begin, ask God to help you see yourself as He does, lovingly but realistically. Pray for that everyday until we meet back here next time.

“Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head.” Ephesians 4:15 Contemporary English Version

Shine on. . .
karan k

Sign Me Up!

“. . . that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:15 English Standard Version

Female customer pulls up to my booth and exclaims,
“HAPPY DAY!”
“You’re the first person ever to wish me a Happy day,” I said.
“That’s a shame.” she looked truly shocked and disappointed.

I wondered after she left what kind of actuality constructed her everyday existence? A world where people naturally treat each other with respect and kindness. A reality where you expect good and glorious things to be happening for yourself as well as for everyone you meet. I don’t know about your world but mine is not nearly as positive as this woman’s seemed to be. If there is such a place, sign me up please!

I learned in the sixth grade that no such place existed in our present world. We were assigned some short stories to read that year and among them was a story based on a utopian society. Everything seemed perfect in this fictitious short story world until the author allowed you to see the motivations of the characters. Not exactly pure or lovely. Needless to say it did not have a happy ending.

So I felt a tad bit of envy for my customer’s attitude that day even if I secretly suspected her to be delusional. Then the thought occurred to me that if my surroundings are negative, dark or even somewhat dystopic, this may be my big opportunity to SHINE! What better way to make Christ known to those around me who are slogging through the grind of everyday?

Isn’t that what He wants us to do? To experience Him and be so transformed by His Holy Spirit that we instinctively rise above the ugliness that has invaded our world to the point where we are not affected by the negative? We see it and are saddened by it but we can prevent it from attaching to our mindset. His grace gives us the power to do this if we ask for it. This rising above is what sets us apart.

We are to be caring for and loving those in our sphere of influence. In this way we shine for Him and because of Him daily. I am committed to endeavor to let my light shine to a dark and dreary heart that may be passing by me. Sign me up! How about you?

“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 English Standard Version

Shine on. . .
karan k

Labor of Love: Part II

As we said in Part I, to FLURISH on a daily basis, we need to enjoy our work. God gave us the privilege of work because idleness is unhealthy for us. We need purpose to FLURISH and work is a substantial part of that.

Do you know your purpose and are you enjoying it? Huge CONGRATS if you can say yes to both! Share some of your tips on self discovery and why you like your job. For the rest of us, read on:

If you are not in that blessed situation, where are you today as far as your job and purpose are concerned?

Are you unemployed and scared?

Or perhaps seeking a job better suited for you and your purpose?

Do you view work as a gift from God ? That He gives you specific skills to use your gift? Our attitude is an important part of being successful in our purpose and our ability to enjoy work. A good attitude frees us more than we may realize.

If you’re currently unemployed and scared I want to encourage you not to give up hope and realize God already sees you and your need. El Roi is the Hebrew phrase for the “God Who Sees Me”, it’s one of God’s names you can pray when asking Him to help you in your situation. (Read the story of Hagar in Genesis 16) He will help you find a job that fulfills your purpose and bring fulfillment to your heart. However, you may have to do some things in preparation for that future position:

Some work requires skilled labor. Natural skill and learned skills alike. Do you know what your skills are? And don’t say you don’t have any skills, because God gives them to all of us. Some are easier to recognize than others, but God does provide skills naturally in us.

“. . . and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze. . . He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn. . .”
Exodus 35:31, 32, 35 New International Version

We need to proactively discover and develop whatever skills we find within us. Whether its crafting something, communicating people skills or a service type skill, each one is important and needed in God’s scheme of things. He created so many unique individuals each with their own set of distinctive abilities.

Our heavenly Father eagerly desires to join us in taking the adventurous journey into uncovering what He’s creatively placed inside us. If you haven’t taken this trip yet begin talking to Him about it and wait for his direction. Then follow His lead!

Some jobs require furthering our education. Ask God for financial resources IF He leads you back to school. Or if you’re young and continuing to study in preparation to enter the work force, ask Him for guidance on what schools to attend, classes, every detail. Pray about everything!

Our God promises to supply all our needs including employment opportunities. As always MJT! Must Just Trust!

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 New Living Translation

Shine on. . .

karan k

Labor of Love: Part I

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 New International Version

I recently spoke to a woman who’s struggling in her current employment. She asked for prayer. She enjoyed her former job immensely. Said she felt coworkers were more like a family than staff. But the company folded without warning and now she found herself in this new employment position simply so she could survive financially.

I also have a precious family member who’s been down this same traumatizing road of surprise job loss multiple times over the course of the last 15 years. The struggle is real and intense for many.

Perhaps you can relate or you know someone who can?

American workers normally spend 40 plus hours a week working at the same job. In the United Kingdom workers are considered full time after as little as 30 hours in some cases. German workers have 6 hour work days! The UK also has a ‘working time directive’ law limiting how many hours one can work in a certain time frame. Not a bad idea.

Africans can work up to 45 hours a week by law but not more. Australians typically have a 38 hour work week. In China, the hours for businessmen and women parallel the US and the UK, but the Chinese factory workers are less fortunate. It’s not unusual for them to work 16 or 17 hours each day 6 days a week!

In 2014 U.S. News reported German workers worked the least and Mexican workers labored the most during that calendar year. The U.S. fell somewhere in the middle. But as of this writing most countries are falling in line with the 40 hour work week standard with any hours beyond that considered overtime.

Work and the time spent traveling to and from make up the largest percentage of our waking hours for the longest chunk of our lives. It’s estimated that over 90,000 hours comprise the average workers time spent on the job during a lifetime. Add in travel time and roughly a third of our lives is devoted to work.

Let that sink in. Work is one third of our life!

Do we see the need to enjoy our work? God gave us the privilege of work because idleness is unhealthy for us. We need purpose to FLURISH and work is a part of that. We cannot FLURISH if we never enjoy our work.

Happy businessman sitting on chair in green field

Note Genesis 2:15, here God gives the care taking work of the garden to Adam. It is PRIOR to the Fall of Man. Work was NOT part of the curse. Work was designed to help fulfill us and enrich us. Work is actually a gift God gave us.

Does your work strike you as a gift?

Are you between jobs?

Or are you like the woman in the introduction who is now struggling to survive in a job she hates?

We will explore these questions and more next time. Until then ponder what your work means to you.

Shine on. . .
karan k

To What End?

“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:6 New Living Translation

My husband has this little idiom he uses quite often when I am prattling on about something or someone. . . he’ll matter of factly ask, “To what end?” My agitation soars. My impulsive mind doesn’t usually entertain this question especially in the middle of some frustrating diatribe. But it’s certainly worth considering now that I’m calm enough to give it some real thought. My mind turn to this verse:

“Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.” II Timothy 2:16 New Living Translation

TO WHAT END? Such a small phrase with humongous implications! How often do we consider the end of a matter? Do we even have an end in sight? Do we just talk to hear our own voices? Do we fall into a merry-go-round of fussing and fuming or perhaps gossiping? Yikes!

I know there are times when my mouth just rolls because I can’t seem to let go of something. And it always seems to be something negative. When’s the last time you rattled on about something good? Something Philippians 4:8 good? Like meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious, the best, the beautiful ?—- The Message paraphrased

Why is that?
Aren’t we to be edifying and encouraging each other regularly? Building each others faith with the good things of God? Telling good stories, lovely memories, strengthening verses, recalling His love in our everyday lives?

Sometimes it’s a challenge to keep a positive focus in this current era of history.

The world where we abide is moving faster and faster away from God and His ways. It’s a dangerous place to live. But it’s all happened before. . .

“The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. . . Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.” Genesis 6:5 & 11 New International Version

These verses occur just before God informs Noah of the coming flood that will wipe out and clean the earth of every wicked thing. Only Noah and his family and a set of every kind of animal would be saved.

In His Word, God our loving Father warns us over and over that wickedness is again increasing.

“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matthew 24:10-12 New International Version

Read the following passages to get the full scope.

Daniel 12:4, II Thessalonians 2:9-11, II Timothy 3:1-5, Matt 24:21-22 Jude 1:18-19

We must help each other now and in the future to get through these increasing times of wickedness, to uphold righteousness in a world going mad. Here in the U. S. we see it escalating now as we are torn apart as a nation over idiotic things to the point of irrationality and violence. This divisive hatred has not been seen since the days of the Civil War and it will only get worse as the passages above foretell.

“This is why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11 Contemporary English Version

Our great God is trying to warn us. Stand up. Encourage each other to be strong so we can be a safe haven for those who have not yet found salvation in Christ and the hope that we have for the future.

“. . . while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” Titus 2:13 New Living Translation

What is more uplifting than to be reminded of the great hope of Christ’s return and eternity with Him? It’s the ultimate GOOD END and it’s forever.

That’s what I want my END to be—- writing and speaking words of an uplifting nature, encouraging anyone who will listen. In this temporary existence I choose to use sweet words toward others and beyond that, strong, loving words of beseeching, if necessary, so they will see the coming Kingdom and be saved while there still is time.

To What End are you living?

Shine on. . .
karan k

Ain’t No Fairy Tale: Part VII

So now you’ve heard the many sides of our story. But what is your story? Are you a step-mom, dad or child? Are you considering becoming involved in a step-family relationship? Share your experiences in the comment section.

I must tell you as I wrap up this series that I was blessed to have a dear man and sweet girl to blend into my life. I remember early on when I first met Cortney that her heart held innocence and compassion and I didn’t want that spoiled. If ever there was a child I could nurture, she would be the one. It was an extraordinary honor to help parent her.

I thank God for the precious gifts of Cortney and Dwight. He used them to teach and mold me into more of the likeness of Jesus. It challenged, scared and frustrated me many times but oh now to look back, it was worth it all!

Unfortunately, this is far from the norm. Wicked step-children do exist. We know of one family where the daughter detested her step-mother so much that she put something caustic in the step-mother’s face cream. The results were disastrous both physically and emotionally.

Another incident involved a boy who wanted people to know he hated his step-father. He carved permanent vulgarities and hateful messages concerning his step-father into walls and doors of the home. So much pain in both cases and so many other stories out there remain hidden.

Likewise, wicked step-parents also exist and I wish I could say they do not. It’s difficult for some people to love children who are not their own flesh and blood. Anger and resentment are evils that run amuck and develop into all sorts of abuses if not covered by the grace, healing and mercy of Christ.

I felt like a wicked step-mother in my heart early on because I didn’t want to share my new husband with anyone, even his young daughter. I knew this was selfish and I tried to fight it. I prayed Cortney never noticed or felt the sting of my sin. The last thing I wanted was to hurt her or Dwight and risk a failed marriage.

The enemy used shame often to discourage me telling me I was an unloving mother, a selfish wife and a failure. But Jesus’ strength through the Holy Spirit was my rock so I wouldn’t give up. HE was my gentle guide, helping me overcome the discouragement and immaturity the enemy kept throwing in my face.

In time by the grace of God I learned to rejoice over special dates when Daddy and Daughter got together on their own. God replaced my selfish possessiveness and insecurity with wholeness and generosity so Dwight and Cortney could be free to love each other and me. I am so grateful the Lord was patient while I learned!

“HE won’t brush aside the bruised and hurt reed and HE won’t disregard the small and insignificant, but HE’LL steadily and firmly set things right.” Isaiah 42:3 The Message

A little over three years ago we gained a new member in our family. Someday maybe I’ll tell you more about this precious young man.

In conclusion, if you are contemplating getting involved in a step-family relationship, please count the cost first. It’s a complicated and difficult endeavor.

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” Luke 14:28 New Living Translation

If you’re already in a step-family and desire to succeed:

Keep focussed on Christ and encourage family members to do the same: you can’t do it without Him.

Talk as a family often and in openness.

Pray together as a family.

Remember, you’re not alone even if you feel like it. You’re surrounded by a world filled with blended family members. Find some healthy ones and support each other.

At the least, I’m sure you have friends or family in step-family situations. Do me a favor and pray for them. Being a successful step or blended family is not easy, it’s hard work. It can be discouraging and at times, destructive. But when it works it can be a thing of beauty shining glory on our great God whose love conquers all!

Shine on. . .

karan k

Ain’t No Fairy Tale: Part VI

So, you’ve heard the step-mother and step-child’s perspective on the challenging experience that we will call family blending. There is however, another perspective that is missing in this story. Who could we possibly need to hear from yet, in this compelling step family saga? I’m glad you asked. . . that would be me, Bio dad, (a.k.a. daddy, Honey, and “that guy. . .”). Yes, I’m the biological parent in this series. Not only am I a biological parent, I’m a recovering a step-parent, and I’ve been a single parent as well. . . I know, don’t ask.

While my perspective may be somewhat unique, I certainly don’t have all the answers. Any advice I share with you, will primarily come from my mistakes rather than my successes, unless otherwise noted. In other words, “this is what I did, and it didn’t work, SO DON’T DO THAT”! (Sorry, didn’t mean to yell.)

I mentioned I was a step-parent. In retrospect, my first foray into the role of step-parenting was more a rescue mission, although I didn’t realize it at the time. Twenty-six years ago, I “stepped” into this world rather naively, with visions of Mike and Carol Brady dancing in my head. This was my mission and I chose to accept it. (I know, I watched way too much TV as a kid). This child needs a father and by golly, I’m going to be THAT father.

My idyllic visions of how this was going to work soon hit the proverbial brick wall. There was fighting, manipulation, thinly veiled threats, and outright rebellion. And all this from a step-child under the age of six. How could this be I thought, I’m only trying to help. The bio father was gone and they needed me. Many times, I felt like the odd man out. It was me against them. Frequently, I was just the “guy my mom married”. Let me tell ya, there was nothing sit-com worthy going on in that home. Reality TV, maybe, but we’re talking early 90’s here, so that wasn’t even on the horizon yet.

So fast forward thirteen years, the marriage has ended. My youngest daughter and I are now alone, and to her chagrin, I meet someone. That someone is the author of this series, parts 1 – 4 and 7, and my daughter wrote part five. How about that?

I’m now the bio parent bringing a new woman, a step-parent into my daughter’s life. I would love to say I gained volumes of wisdom from all the mistakes made from the first go around but alas, God had more for me to learn.

Read part 5 if you haven’t done so. (Actually, read the entire series). You will see my daughter initially struggled with the “other woman”, but I moved forward seemingly oblivious to the depth of her struggles. I did, however, notice she was more withdrawn and angry, but I reasoned that his was due to the divorce and her age. She was after all, a young pre-teen. I could at times, sense the tension between my daughter and my new wife. I mean, I’m not a complete blockhead. I just didn’t know what to do about it. I was pulled in two directions and I didn’t always handle it correctly. I had two women to keep happy. Think about that fellas!

As my daughter said, in her post, we should have all sat down together and had a rap session. [Rap: To talk or chat . . . and no not with Kanye or 50 Cent]. That’s an old 70’s term for sitting down and talking. I should have been more open with her. Explained to her what was going on and tried to reassure her that I still loved her and was not looking to replace her. In reality I wanted to enhance her life with a Godly female influence. I knew she needed that as she matured, and I couldn’t provide that for her, for obvious reasons.

On a positive note, at my wife’s insistence, we did go to a counselor as a family. My daughter initially resisted but, she has always been teachable and went along even though it was hard for her. It made us aware of what we were facing. Through that experience, we learned principles that helped us grow together. Family blending is something that should always be approached with eyes wide open.

So, what made the difference between the first and second step-family situation? There is a Biblical principle that tells us to count the cost before we do anything, found in the 14th chapter of Luke. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask for it. Proverbs 3:5 & 6 tells us not to lean on our own understanding. . .These aren’t just do’s and don’ts God puts out there because He can. No, they are there because He can see things we can’t. He can see the heartache, the pain, and destruction that awaits by going down certain paths.

Before embarking on the second experience, we indeed counted the cost as much as possible by seeking wise Biblical counsel, together and separately. We were as open as we knew how to be with each other as to what our family values were and what we expected from the marriage and family experience.

Another strategy suggested to us by a dear friend and counselor was to extend our engagement for no less than one year. In doing this, we could all see how we would each function over an extended period, through holidays, change of seasons, extended family relationships etc. Seems trivial but, we have seen first-hand, this notion of “love at first sight”, and quick engagements and marriages, is nothing more than romantic fantasy, better left for Hollywood screenwriters, that generally never works long term.

All parts of this plan helped us present a united front to each other. Without that, the divide between all blended family members will deepen to the point it becomes irreparable. Thus, the sad marriage statistics listed in part 3 of this series.

At the time of my first ill-fated journey into family blending, I was living a very different kind of life. One completely devoid of any reliance on Jesus and His Word. Instead, I relied on my own flawed understanding and skewed thinking. I failed to implement any part of the plan listed in the subsequent paragraphs. As a result, all involved are now statistics and damaged goods on some level. Oh, that I had looked to the Lord to direct my paths.

Thankfully, God has promised, according to Joel 2:25 to restore the years the locusts have eaten. This is a promise we have stood on throughout the last 13 years. He has been faithful to us and has rewarded our faith in Him immeasurably. I’m also eternally grateful for my wife and my daughter’s unconditional love for and patience with me. What a long and fulfilling trip it’s been. (There’s kind of a song in there somewhere, isn’t there?).

Shine on. . .

dwight k

Ain’t No Fairy Tale: Part V

And now to hear another side of the Step-Family saga. From the child’s point of view; our daughter, Cortney:

“Being a child with divorced parents, having to go back forth every other weekend wasn’t easy. Reflecting back to that time I never understood until now (at 24 years old) how much it affected me. On one hand I had my dad’s house where there was structure, responsibility, and a Godly influence. Then I’d go to my mom’s house which mostly was a free for all. I could do whatever I wanted basically whenever I wanted. Having to make that mental switch every other weekend can really make it confusing for a child.

Then you throw a step-parent into the mix and it inevitably becomes more complicated! I’ve ALWAYS been a “Daddy’s Girl’ and when my dad met Karan, my step-mom, it turned my world upside down! I had to not only learn how to deal with my dad having another woman in his life but also where she’d fit into mine.

Those first couple of years were difficult. I had begun to build up a wall with dad and Karan because to be honest, I was angry inside! I felt like my thoughts and feelings didn’t matter. Still trying to deal with the fact that my parents were no longer together and the going back and forth, I now had to learn to deal with having a step-parent!!!

At that age I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling so what do most kids do. . . they act out. Now, I wouldn’t kick, scream, and throw a temper tantrum. My way of “acting out” was I would cop such a disgusted, leave me alone, do I really have to be here attitude! Ha. It’s funny looking back now at some old pictures I can see that attitude written all over my face. But when you’re a kid a lot of times you don’t know how to express your feelings.

If you’re a step-kid it may seem as though things will never be OK or normal but surprisingly one day you may realize that you can’t imagine your life without your step-parent, in my case my step-mom. I couldn’t have gotten through those awkward teenage years without her. I couldn’t have ever gone to half of the places I’ve been to without her nudging me to push through my fear and discomfort, and most of all I would have never had the most beautiful wedding a girl could dream of without her!

She’s filled those holes in my life my own mom just couldn’t/still can’t fill. She’s been like a mother and a best friend all rolled into one. When I need advice she’s there! When I just need to have a good venting session she’s there to listen! Yeah, it was tough in the beginning as you can tell from everything I wrote previously but my step-mom has been a HUGE blessing in my life. Honestly, I hate the term “step-mom”— BONUS mom is a better way to say it.”

Shine on. . .

karan k