Danger Zones

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 New Living translation
My day began with one of those unusual occurrences that taxed my brain cells in such a way that it just checked out early for lunch. Anyone over 40 knows what I mean by “brain cramp” or a more popular term which I will not mention. 😦 Summoning intelligent information from all quadrants of my mind produced nothing. I had nuthin. Forced to make a decision on the fly did not end well. Somehow my brain NOW eagerly began self chastisement. Where were you when I needed you, traitor brain?! Self doubt and fear swooped in threatening that I will pay a high price for this temporary mental lapse.
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As the cerebral combat continued, another challenging incident crossed my path. Without conscious command on my part, my thoughts rushed like a tidal wave toward the notion that this was a “bad day.” Responsibility sat with me to accept this as my truth or reject it. I felt overwhelmed. Can you say false guilt? Can you say Alzheimer’s? Ok so I am not Mr. Rogers but it is important to recognize the realities of how our minds deceive us.

Such days visit all of us. You know the kind of day where multiple things go wrong one after another. Your feelings, your attitudes pull like a mental magnet toward Danger Zones. Zones of frustration building to angst, fear or worry. Or zones of anger which can escalate, creating unclear thinking and decisions that further complicate the situation. Or the zone of despair leading to defeat and depression. Once you realize you are in one of these zones, you need to take action, immediately. Do Not Park there! The longer you stay in a Danger Zone the harder it is to get out. It’s like falling into an abyss.

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So how do we handle such days when they show up without warning?

BE AWARE:

First, we must be aware of these subtle mind games. Do you see yourself ever stuck in any of these Danger Zones which can totally ruin your day? If you do, realize the enemy of your soul WANTS you PARKED in these destructive zones. A bad day can turn into a bad week, month, year or God forbid, a life. All because you were unaware of this enemy tactic.

ASK TO RECOGNIZE:

If in doubt, ask God to open your eyes to recognize this process. Remember the theme of FLURISH from John 10:10: There is an enemy out to destroy each of our lives, but our Savior is here to protect us and provide good lives. We choose daily moment by moment when these situations arise, who we will believe.

ASK FOR GRACE:

Next, as soon as you recognize your mind moving toward a Danger Zone, ask for grace. Even if you are already parked in the danger zone, ask for grace. Do Not remain parked in that danger zone. Grace is unmerited favor or help from our Lord. We don’t deserve it but our loving Lord pours it out on us more than we will ever know in this life. Asking for grace is asking for His help and He delights in helping us defeat the enemy. This is our responsibility to ask. Don’t let pride, another insidious weapon, hold you back.
“. . . God opposes the proud but gives grace or favor to the humble. So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. . .” James 4: 6b-8a New Living translation

EXPECT:

Expect your feelings and attitudes to change in a positive way even if your day doesn’t. Trust Him to work on your behalf because He loves you.

THANK:

Thank Him for His help to FLURISH in your mind and soul no matter how your day progresses. Sometimes He fixes the issues, sometimes He adjusts our attitudes and feelings to rise above the issues. He will do whatever is best for each of us as individuals in answer to our call for grace.

REFLECT:

This whole process can take just seconds out of our day silently as we talk to Him or out loud if the circumstances allow it. He knows we live in a busy world. Ask for grace as a mindset of dependance and our days will be golden more often. My day I told you about improved profoundly when I recognized my need for His grace. Asking for grace can become a mindset to produce good days out of any day.

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Shine on. . .
karan k

Iconic Faces

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“There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” Philippians 1:6 The Message Bible

Anyone remember the Droopy Dog cartoon character with the deadpan drawl and prankster ways? He often carried a sign that read “I’m so Happy.” It drew laughs because of the obvious irony. He needed the sign because his face told another story.

I don’t carry a sign like Droopy Dog but I am quite drawn to SMILEY face novelty items. They were a hot fad in the seventies and have made a welcome resurgence. I’m not one to collect things but I do own a few practical Smileys: a lime green Smiley Face cutting board which adds some delight to my slicing and dicing. Also, a yellow Smiley dinner plate livens up my least favorite foods. But a sparkly ball necklace sporting the simple motif is my most treasured Smiley. I bought it in a tiny boutique in Venice during one of the most amazing faith adventures I’ve experienced to date.

Unlike Droopy Dog, I have no hidden agenda of sarcasm. I’m a fairly open book. Being genuine is important to me even if it’s not all sparkles and smiles. I wear the necklace now as a reminder of my journey to consistent FLURISHING.

The first step of my journey occurred in the early seventies when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. My appearance did not change in the beginning. As a preteen I looked a lot like Droopy Dog with droopy bedraggled hair. But on the inside things were happening. Things were shifting. I started sensing inner unrest, an uneasiness with my situation at home. I became enamored with and more aware of people around me. Especially my peers who were happy and enjoying life. I didn’t understand the happiness quotient in their lives but I longed to join in their natural laughter. At that time I had no idea how to express positive emotions. I identified easily with depression and fear, but now I was exposed to something else. Something joyful. Something wonderful. Merriment totally baffled me but also provoked an intense curiosity. I wanted to be around it, observe it and at least understand it if I couldn’t experience it myself.

However, Jesus was already at work in my heart repairing broken areas and blocking resentment from erecting an ugly fortress. He was preparing my heart for joy. I didn’t realize my heart was somehow damaged in a way that restrained any freedom to enjoy life. My emotions were damaged and my thinking skewed. I had an inkling something was wrong but I had no idea to what extent. Can you relate in any way?

Morphing from Droopy Dog to Smiley face took place over a span of thirty years. The process slowed and took detours whenever I wandered off the path of my original journey with Jesus. I am so grateful I never wandered too far that I forgot my way back. I hope to share more details in future posts.

Where are you in your journey? Are you stuck in a painful place? A hard place? A place of rest? A place of joy? A place of FLURISHING? Wherever you are, Jesus longs to experience it with you and help you advance in your journey toward heaven. HE is only a breath away.

IF YOU’VE NEVER READ “Pilgrim’s Progress” PICK UP A COPY AND READ IT SOON.

Until next time smile and. . .
Shine on. . .
karan k

Christmas in July

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“Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.”

Philippians 4:4 American Standard version

Summer heat here on the East coast can hit its peak in July. Thinking about winter snow, cold temps and Christmas can be a welcome diversion when the sweltering days drag on too long. So my thoughts turned to Christmas in July.
According to Wikipedia, Christmas in July has some roots here in North American soil. In 1933 at Camp Keystone in North Carolina, the all girls camp decided it would be fun to celebrate Christmas in July complete with Christmas tree, gifts and Santa. It soon became a much anticipated annual event.

Then in 1940 Hollywood produced a movie titled “Christmas in July”. Not sure how much the film has to do with Christmas but it helped promote the slogan in the early forties. As a movie buff perhaps I should give the film the once over?:)

A few years later, a Baptist minister began a Christmas in July drive to provide Christmas gifts to worldwide missions ensuring early delivery. The idea caught on; prompting the U.S. Post Office and U.S. Army and Navy officials to work with gift and greeting card companies to supply early Christmas provisions for the servicemen and women overseas during World War II.

Retailers continued to ride the ‘Christmas in July’ band wagon after the war ended. They offered huge sales to encourage early Christmas shopping and boost sagging summer profits.

Today Christmas in July is celebrated somewhat formally in Australia and parts of New Zealand. The southern hemisphere experiences their winter season in July allowing for more traditional Christmas celebrations. A relatively new custom for the Aussies, Christmas in July gained momentum in the seventies in addition to observing December 25th.

A few years ago I held my own Christmas in July party for a gathering of friends. Tantalizing aromas of roast turkey and baking ham greeted the guests as they entered our home. Thanks to my husband who hauled our fake fir up from the basement, we could all relax in its decorated glow and ornamental beauty while the table was being set. Christmas music from the forties played softly as we engaged in conversation and enjoyed a full course Christmas dinner served by our grown children. We played seasonal games, exchanged gifts and cranked the air conditioning so we wouldn’t bake in our ugly sweaters. We forgot all about the hot, sticky summer for a few hours. It truly was a lovely evening. We ended the festivities with assorted Christmas cookies and steaming wassail followed by caroling.

Sitting in a circle accompanied by a friend and her guitar we sang all our favorite carols. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” etc. Together we unlocked the truths of their timeless words as a soft hallowedness flowed among us. It didn’t matter that it was the middle of July. The true meaning of Christmas was alive and well in our hearts.

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As followers of Christ we must endeavor to guard the sacredness of the celebration of His birth. So often all the bells and whistles of the Christmas season shove Jesus in the corner if we are not careful. Christmas in July or any other month for that matter can be a creative idea to celebrate the greatest birth in the history of mankind. You don’t need food and decorations but you do need a heart that longs for your Lord and delights in celebrating Him.

Celebrating the reality of our Living Lord’s birth throughout each year rather than strictly in December might just further your FLURISHING experience. Give it a try sometime soon.

“Celebrate GOD all day, every day. I mean revel in HIM!” Philippians 4:4 The Message Bible

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Shine on. . .

karan k

Fancy Pants

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“You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.” Song of Solomon 4:7 The Message Bible

Ages one through five of a childs’ life are usually considered the formative years. What happens during this time frame becomes paramount for emotional and mental health. What is the earliest memory you can recall? I remember when I was three. . .

It was a warm spring day. Daffodils poked their heads and spindly necks up around our little pink house. Pale pink siding trimmed in the most hideous mint green created an embarrassment to last a lifetime for my three older brothers. All of them were in school that day. So it was rather lonely.

I crawled across the old back porch. The warped wooden planks curled at most edges encouraging the peeling of gray paint. I remember scraping my knee on a sharp corner. I stopped moving and screamed awhile which beckoned Mother to burst through the screen door. She pulled me up off the porch and carried me across the loose stone driveway. Plopping me down on a grassy spot, she told me not to get the “fancy pants” dirty. She turned and stomped back to the house. Mother let me wander around outside wearing only the “fancy pants” for what seemed most of the day. They were not even pants, but underwear lined in plastic designed specifically for toddler leakage. The outside crafted of lovely white material resembling silk and the back was a flurry of pink and white ruffles. Thus they were referred to as the “fancy pants”. They were the most beautiful item I owned.

By a miracle of grace, I managed to remain clean. No fresh mud pies while wearing the fancy pants. No playing in the homemade sandbox either. Too terrified to soil my pants, I wandered around in the yard examining bugs, butterflies and flowers.

Upon hearing stones crunching and dust clouds forming in the driveway, I knew father’s work day ended. He stepped out of the blue and white station wagon carrying a black metal lunch kettle and entered the house through the back door. Moments later, he emerged, mother right behind him. He carried a black square box on a cord. Both of them crossed the driveway as I watched and waited in excited expectation .

Mother turned me around to pose with my back toward them. I turned my head to see what they were doing. Father was looking down into the box and mother stood next to him. Later I realized they took a picture of me in the “fancy pants.” Mother always made such a fuss over how the “fancy pants” were so beautiful. She loved the photo.

Nine years later I met a boy at church camp. Billy’s long blonde hair, the kind that is almost white, caught my attention from day one. A city boy with big blue eyes intrigued me. I asked him all types of questions. Astonished that he noticed me among all the other girls, I experienced a sense of honor. We wrote to each other after camp and all that summer. When he asked me for a photo, I wanted to give him one that was beautiful. Of all the photos I had, the only one I KNEW was beautiful was the “fancy pants” photo. I sent it to Billy. He wrote back and wondered why I sent what he called a “baby picture”? And mother was angry that we no longer had the “fancy pants” photo. Frustrated and confused, I asked Billy to send the photo back but he didn’t. He also never wrote again.

I believed my scrap of beauty was forever lost. The weirdness of sending a preteen boy a photo of me at age three never entered my mind. I lived with this warped and false belief grid filtering all my experiences for many, many years.

If you struggle with your own self image, read and reread the verse from Song of Solomon again. That truth needs to sink deep into our hearts and fill any painful cracks created in the past. This is our Lord seeing each of us as His BEAUTIFUL creation. Accepting His word from Song of Solomon as my truth led to a FLURISHING future for me. I pray it will be so for you as well.

Shine on Beautiful. . .
karan k

Perky Pessimist?

Come into my world... — Come into my world…

Earlier today while manning my toll booth, a perky new Fiat in Verde Chiaro green rolled up to my window. The owner, smartly dressed, looked to be in her mid-fifties and rather sophisticated. From this toll collector’s vantage point, people often appear to be wearing their cars. So this struck me as a curious combination: mature sophistication driving perky car. I liked it. I liked it a lot and made a mental note for my own future reference.

When the Fiat paralleled the booth door my eyes locked onto her hands. Each wore a beige carpal tunnel support. I announced her fare as $5.55 and watched her ensuing dilemma. The zipper on her sleek gray purse jammed as she struggled in frustration to open it. I imagined the sharp pain racing from her hands to her forearms as she tugged repeatedly on the zipper. It yielded a small opening. She shoved two of her fingers into the hole desperately attempting to reach some money. She grimaced. I felt for her as she looked up at me as if to say, “I almost got it, give me another minute.” I smiled and hoped the customer behind her would not start honking. She kept digging.
I underwent dual surgeries for carpal tunnel syndrome last year. I knew pulling that tiny zipper pulsed pain in her hands, wrists and forearms. By His grace she managed to work her fingers like a tweezers into the reduced opening and pulled out a wad of cash. Her moment of mild anxiety passed but the physical pain remained. As she began exiting, I told her I hoped her pain would lessen throughout the day.
Her instant response slapped me silly for a moment;

” It won’t! But thanks for the luck.”
Her tone conveyed a positive certainty there was no relief from this pain. She accepted the pain as a constant part of her existence. Of course I don’t know her backstory. Perhaps she tried many failed treatments in the past? I may never see her again but her rapid retort stuck with me the rest of my shift.

I thought about how often we as believers have the same negative attitude when faced with painful issues. Our first response is not always faith. Sometimes its mature sophisticated pessimism. Where does that come from?

Habitual skepticism and/or pessimism has permeated our culture. All of us are touched by it. It is a dangerous duo mindset. But are we even aware of our exposure to it? Do we sense its presence in our personal life and its destructive effect on our faith?

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 New Living translation

Have we as believers become cynical and negative about prayer in our hearts? Has praying become a laborious routine lacking power? Each of us has to answer for ourselves.

What do we think the phrase ‘evil rulers of the unseen world’ means? If we have never thought about it, let’s consider this; Unbelief and negativity could be evil spirits of the unseen world on a mission to destroy our faith. If this is true, we must first be aware of them and then guard ourselves against them.

The Christian life is a daily battle so we suit up and learn to fight and FLURISH. Or we settle for pain and live in mediocre misery like our perky pessimist. For us as Christians this second choice almost makes a mockery of His fathomless sacrifice. Jesus died to give us power over these and many other tactical weapons of the enemy (See Isaiah 53). He told us the world would be painful, but in Him there is hope.

“. . . I have told you these things so that in ME you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you will have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer, take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted! For I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.” John 16:33 Amplified Bible

Our Lord has OVERCOME the world so HE can help us to overcome whatever we face. Doesn’t mean it will always be easy but it means we won’t be alone and in the end we will come out on top with Him. We can have His peace and confidence if we continue to come to Him and share our hearts. Don’t allow the world and its destructive powers like unbelief and negativity to lull you into attitudes that snuff out the fire of your faith. Prayer is our greatest weapon. Wield it believing HE will answer.

Meditate on Ephesians chapter 6.

Fight for FLURISHING Faith!

Shine on. . .
karan k

Morning Musings

Morning Musing

Just enjoying the cool morning breeze after midnight summer storms blew through our neighborhood. A cup of coffee and a sweet husband by my side relaxing and sharing thoughts. This is a bit of heaven on earth for me. Life seems to be less complicated as I grow older at least where my joy and contentment lie.

What is it that you treasure and look forward to most? Can you add more of it to your life? Do you believe your daily life can be enhanced?

When I was younger I lived for vacation time. Some place new, filled with never tried before experiences. Thrill seeking explorations and always lots of photos of myself enjoying them. Face Book was not a part of our daily lives back then so I have numerous albums recording my life in pictures. I wanted something to look back on when I envisioned myself old and relegated to a rocker. I wanted to see exactly how I spent my life. I wanted no regrets. I continued this practice for years and I do enjoy flipping through the photos every now and then but mostly they are just sitting in storage boxes.

Today as I sit and reflect, my life is full. I don’t need photos to prove it to myself any longer. I praise GOD that I have arrived at this incredible place of inner joy and contentment that the younger me was searching for relentlessly. Joy is consistent in my heart now and I can bask in everyday things. When the thrills come I am grateful but I no longer chase after them. Truly life is good.

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I Timothy 6:6 says, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” I desire to be a godly woman but Proverbs 31 (read verses 10-31) has some high standards which I will continue to shoot toward as long as I live by HIS grace. Right now, I am so thankful for the growth in my life and for HIS sweet nurturing of my soul. I have come a looooonnnnnnnggg way, baby as the old Virginia Slims cigarette commercial slogan states. As all of us, my life was filled with pain and failures twisted into some interesting choices that HE used to form the reality of who I’ve become. Now I’m able to share this hope available for everyone for a rich and happy life. Knowing it’s available and experiencing it for yourself are two very different things. I will be unraveling more of my personal journey for those interested in the days ahead.

For now, enjoy where you are. Even if you’re in a tough spot. Search for the pleasures HE has specifically designed for you. They won’t magically appear on their own. Count your blessings as the old hymn goes; . . . “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done.” If we practice gratitude more often, our ability to FLURISH will soar.

Shine on. . .
karan k

HERE COMES THE JUDGE

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HERE COMES THE JUDGE. . .

It was a song, a statement, and a comedy routine. First made popular by a man who called himself Pigmeat Markham during the Ed Sullivan show in the 1950s. Here Comes The Judge was later performed by Sammy Davis , Jr. and is the rendition I remember. So began my reflections.

How many new people do you see or meet on any given day? Ever notice how the ability to sum up a person in an instant solely by outward appearance is rather automatic? It’s like they enter the courtroom of our minds as a defendant and we act as judge. Immediately there’s a generalized evaluation of the person. It’s a mental image we form without effort. The data bank in our brain scans all past experiences, relationships, knowledge, sights, smells etc., and spits out information to form an opinion completely on first sight. This process occurs instantly WITHOUT EFFORT. Ever notice that? Think about what percentage of these ‘auto-opinions’ are positive? Left to our own devices, each of us can be quite cruel.

I see hundreds of people a day on my job and skads more when I’m out and about. Each person I encounter is unique and crafted in the very image of God. (see Genesis 1:27) They are precious souls whom our great Father in heaven dearly loves. In my mind I know these truths but I must daily, even moment by moment DETERMINE to keep them at the forefront of my mind with every person I meet. This requires diligence on my part to remain alert and in the moment. If I do this, I can share His love and kindness with everyone I meet. I can FLURISH through my day allowing His Holy Spirit to love through me. I exchange my natural negatives of selfishness and pride for HIS divine positives of love and grace to fulfill the truth of Galatians 2:20; “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” New Living translation

If I fail to execute this mental/spiritual exercise, I can slip into the lazy thinking of my humanness. It is much easier to let my mind drift in auto-pilot. I can devalue every person in front of me automatically by my own flawed data banks. The ruler of my untrustworthy heart metes out narrow stereotypes far too fast. And unfortunately my judgements are not always positive and certainly not accurate. There’s also a temptation here because it can feel good and powerful to sit on the Judges Bench. No one can hurt you there because this Bench is bullet proof. We can hide our own flaws if we stay behind the bench and focus on the flaws of others. Far too often the bench can become a habitual thinking pattern. Perhaps you find yourself sitting on the Judge’s Bench?

If we desire to FLURISH as Christ followers we need to step down from the Bench and walk out of the courtroom. There’s only one completely fair Judge and someday each of us will stand before Him. “Why do you criticize and pass judgement on your brother? Or why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of God.” Romans 14:10 Amplified Bible

For me it is an ongoing battle to stay out of the courtroom and consistently remain proactive to view and love others as Christ does. HE knows and understands us. He gives us grace. So we should at least try to understand and offer grace to those whose paths we cross. We are not to judge others unless we want to be judged in the same way. We should expect judgement from others if we insistently sit on the Bench. “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” Matthew 7:1&2 New Living Translation

Choose now how you will view the people in your life. Give up your gavel, robe and bench. Hand them over to the one true Judge who loves all of us the same. Allow Him to purify your thought life. Someday you will be glad you did.

“So don’t make judgements about anyone ahead of time— before the Lord returns. For He will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.” I Corinthians 4:5 New Living Translation

Shine on…
karan k

Patriots Dream

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While I was growing up, my mother was obsessed with a gospel group called the Couriers. We attended their concerts throughout our tristate area and beyond whenever she successfully twisted my father’s arm.
For years during the summer we spent two full weeks at a local camp meeting hosted by the three men who comprised this group.: Duane, a tenor, Dave the base and Neil the lead who played piano and excelled as a songwriter. Mother lived as though she personally knew each of these men and referred to them by their first names so I will do the same. A bit of fantasy never hurt anyone, right?

Neil tried out new material every now and then at camp meeting for audience reaction. In 1974/75 he introduced us to his latest song. This song especially enflamed my preteen heart with great passion. A few years later for fourth of July I dressed up and performed the song for visiting relatives. I was being totally serious in my rendition of the song but one of them laughed. Normally I’d be hurt but I was too stoked to care this time. I was sharing my personal Patriot’s Dream.

Today the lyrics of that song continue to stir my heart on a deeper level. The song is Neil Enloe’s STATUE OF LIBERTY which won song of the year in 1976 at the Dove awards. Perhaps you are familiar with it? For those who are not, check out the lyrics. Simple yet profound in this day of high priced/ low value freedom.

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In New York Harbor stands a lady

With a torch raised to the sky

And all who see her know she stands for

Liberty for you and me

I’m so glad to be called an American

To be named with the brave and the free

I will honor our flag and our trust in God

And the Statue of Liberty

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross

With my Lord raised to the sky

And all who kneel there live forever

As all the saints can testify

I’m so so glad to be called a Christian

To be named with the ransomed and whole

As the Statue liberates the citizen

So the cross liberates the soul

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty

It was there that my soul was set free

Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross

Is my Statue of Liberty

Neil Enloe

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On this July 4, 2016, may you value and reflect on the liberties you have in this country if you happen to be an American. So much we take for granted on a daily basis that patriots bled and died to secure. Think about that for awhile. Then go deeper and reflect on the freedoms our LORD paid for on the cross. As Christian Americans we are truly free indeed! Freedom gives us power. Go make a difference in our world for all those yet enslaved! Happy FLURISHING Fourth of July!

Take your gifts and use your freedoms for HIS glory

Shine on. . .

karan k

Father of ALL Lights

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.” James 1:17 American Standard version of the Bible

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Some theologians think the term Father of lights refers only to heavenly lights such as the sun, moon and stars. The Amplified version of the Bible says “Father of all (that gives) light. This interested me as I began considering some tiny natural twinkle lights. Read on.

Today the first month of summer quickly rolls to a close. I feel compelled to mention one of my favorite light givers. Pennsylvanians experience a magical phenomena shared by many other areas of our world. Across meadows and yards, in cornfields and forests the sun fades slowly and darkness begins to cover the landscapes. Enchanting teeny lights flash and flicker all around us like nature’s personal celebration of summer. In these parts we call them Lightning Bugs or Fireflies. In Jamaica they’re called Blinkies. Other names include: Moon Bugs, Golden Sparklers, Fire Devils and in Japan, Hotaru.

Synchronous fireflies of Smoky Mountains actually have a tourist season

Glimpsing Lightning Bugs the first time each June is a delight catching me off guard almost every year. Not only do they announce the arrival of summer but they remind me to slow down life’s pace. Watching firefly activity on warm summer evenings stirs carefree memories of childhood and deeper ponderings on the detailed creativity of our God. I am sure we all have fond memories of these delicate creatures. Consider a few facts about them:

They are beetles not flies
They are nocturnal, duh:)
Found on almost every continent
Some species do not light up
They flirt and communicate with each other using various flashing patterns
They come in different light up colors: yellow, light red, green, bluish green and orange
Some are aquatic and begin their lives in the water
Some species lay eggs that glow
Part of their survival is that they taste disgusting to predators
Light produced by the firefly is the most efficient light ever made, almost 100% of the energy in their chemical reaction is emitted as cool light.
Some species are cannabalistic:(
Firefly chemicals have been studied for medical and scientific purposes to fight disease and to be utilized in spacecraft.
They are becoming endangered due to pesticides, fertilizers and light pollution

Wait! Light pollution? Have you ever heard of too much light? Fireflies once had uninterrupted forests and fields to live in and mate but now development and increased use of exterior lights threatens their survival. Who knew? How can we help these tiny light bearers God created? 25964344_5600d48893_o

Simply turn off exterior lights if you don’t need them, porch lights, garden lights, deck lights etc. I am not an environmental activist by any means but I also want to take care of the world our Father gave us. This is one minuscule way to help a small creature we may take for granted. I believe no matter what you call them, we all have fond memories of these tiny living lights. And I happen to believe they hold a special place in God’s heart too.

See Genesis 1:26-28 and later in chapter 2:15 “And the Lord took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it.” Amplified Bible

Care for His creation where you can and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of summer. Bask in His loving gifts. . .

Shine on,
karan k

Fences or Coffins?

“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 New Living Translation

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Can you genuinely do that? Takes a lot of strength. Here in the States June is the traditional month for brides to walk the aisle. Imagine this scenario; You’re invited to the wedding of two beautiful young people. Perhaps they’re coworkers, a trusted friend or a distant family member getting married. Are you thrilled? Depressed? Cynical? OR jealous?

I love weddings and have attended many over the years in various capacities. Maid or matron of honor, guest registrar, serving as minister of prayer and/or scripture reading etc., Each a unique experience that required strength to perform properly. And most I attended solo.

If you are alone it can be a challenge to RSVP with joy. Sometimes it’s easier to decline and avoid the pain altogether. I can tell you easy is not better. . . One of my absolute favorite quotes on love is as follows and it has been such a great reminder of reality whenever I’ve been tempted to default to fear based thinking:

“There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give it to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it up carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries: avoid all entanglements: lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, — safe, dark, motionless, airless — it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell.”
C.S. Lewis

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Let that sink in. Have you built walls of protection to keep love out? To keep from hurting? Do you ever truly let anyone get close to you or know you? Shallow relationships are restricted and limited but they SEEM safe. Short term safe maybe but a big maybe. Long-term safety is a deceptive illusion causing suffocation in your own prison slash coffin. Worst of all, you choose and build your own cell/casket each time you let fear drive your decisions. Honestly, can you realistically FLURISH in a coffin?
Ever have an MRI? Not much wiggle room in the tube but it affords more than a coffin.

There’s a lot of talk about becoming strong men and women. Society applauds such strength. How do we recognize true strength? It’s more than physical strength. It’s strength in body, soul and spirit.

All of us need a healthy set of physical and emotional boundaries for our personal protection. (We’ll explore Boundaries more thoroughly in future posts). But for our topic today, think of boundaries like split rail fences we construct for our safety. They protect us from wandering into dangerous areas and keep outside danger at a distance. We can see beyond them for an accurate view of our surroundings and we can move our fences at any time according to our needs. We have freedom to run, walk, play, learn and love in safety. Not true of a coffin. Coffins allow little room for anything.
True strength is power under control. It means curbing our natural desires to rebel, fight, have our own way. True strength accepts our personal limitations, allows healing for damaged emotions and growth in our gifts and character.

This kind of strength requires being proactive and sharing your heart with Jesus daily so HE can transform you into the ultimate you; Strong, courageous, caring and FREE. Unafraid of life’s pains because HE is always waiting to soothe you and meet your needs. Too hard you say? What’s the alternative? Either live in the freedom of the fence you create from healthy boundaries or the restrictions you build in your walled coffin?

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As always the choice is yours. Choose to follow your fears or choose to allow the LORD of LOVE to help and heal your past pains that have fueled your fears.

It’s a process but worth every effort you exert. Your walls can begin to crumble, the coffin can eventually disintegrate. You can emerge a free soul. Just one decision at a time. Asking Jesus to join you on this journey is the necessary decision to begin the process. Have you asked Him to come into your heart yet? If not, why not? If so, make the next choice. Ask Him to help you live in freedom. Free to risk finding true love and passion in all your relationships. Free to be happy for the joy of others and be strong to weep with those suffering. Why wait when you can be free to FLURISH?

Shine on…

karan k