tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30060419595559243442024-02-20T19:41:13.216-06:00My View from My WindowWhatever window that may beKaren Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-84510543491692307452018-11-17T12:00:00.000-06:002018-11-17T12:00:00.280-06:00Dear JesusI'm so angry! Seeing my family hurt breaks my heart. Yet there is nothing I can do. It is out of my hands and into yours. Your very capable hands. Your loving, compassionate, nail-scarred hands. And I rest in You.<br />
<br />
You love me. You want the best for me. You work for my good. You hold me, keep me, comfort me. And I rest in You.<br />
<br />
And then, I'm angry again! You remind me to shine your love, show forgiveness, hope in You. So I do. And I rest in You.<br />
<br />
The day inches along. One thing and then the next upsets me and I forget whose I am and who holds the future. You remind me, ever so gently, that you've got this. And I rest in You.<br />
<br />
Quiet my spirit, dear Jesus. Let me hear your voice and see through your eyes. Let me continually rest in You.<br />
<br />
Amen<br />
<br />
#GiveGodTheGlory #HolyBeautiful #HolyBeautifulPrayers #RestInYou Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-75753980949152244432018-11-16T05:00:00.000-06:002018-11-16T05:00:07.879-06:00A Prayer of Worship<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-4682bd3b-7fff-ed5e-790a-83dd2e86606c" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
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O God! My God! Creator of the universe. sustainer of life. How can mere words express who you are? There is no God like you.<br />
<br />
You deserve all Honor and Praise for I am nothing without you. You alone formed the heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars.<br />
<br />
Only by Your power, the sun shines brightly day by day (even tho clouds may hide it from my sight). It brings light and warmth and changing seasons by Your command. The moon circling the earth waxes and wanes by Your design. The stars, sparkling pinpoints of light, hang in the vast and unfathomable night sky.<br />
<br />
All Creatures from the invisible to giants are by Your command and plants of all kinds provide beauty and sustenance.<br />
<br />
And then You made man -- You made me! Before You began on all creation, You had a plan for me! You created me, gave me life and watched over me as I grew and matured. You kept me (and you still do!) when I wandered from your path for me. You loved me with an everlasting love. you are my strength and shield; my ever present help. You alone keep me safe, hold my family, and fight battles I don't even know are coming.<br />
<br />
You saved my soul from destruction and led me to Your side. You, O Lord, see my every move, know my every thought, and provided for my every need. I trust you to welcome me into eternity for you <u>ALWAYS</u> keep your promises. And you have promised to love me forever since I believe and follow Jesus. For His sake you have cleansed me; by His blood I am healed; by His name I call on You. You gave your son to ransom and redeem How can you love me so much?<br />
<br />
You alone are worthy of all creation singing, "Holy! Holy! Holy!"<br />
You alone are worthy of all honor & glory & praise.<br />
You alone are the Lord God Almighty.<br />
There is no God like you!<br />
<br />
Amen<br />
#GiveGodTheGlory #HolyBeautiful #HolyBeautifulPrayers<br />
<br />Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-91432543282125581092014-06-06T20:43:00.000-05:002014-06-06T20:50:31.901-05:00Look How Far I've Come<br />
<i><b>I am:</b></i><br />
<br />
The new kid in class<br />
The shy, quiet girl<br />
The last one chosen<br />
The child of divorce<br />
The self-conscious, low self-esteem teenager<br />
The insecure, the unsure<br />
The unaware and naïve<br />
The new bride laying aside any dreams of her own, wanting to please.<br />
No opinion of her own, waiting to hear then follow<br />
The young mother - not ready<br />
The stay at home mom<br />
The taxi driver to practices and games<br />
The fan, so proud<br />
The woman alone, a trucker’s wife<br />
The embarrassed<br />
The lonely<br />
The afraid<br />
The farmer’s wife<br />
The grandmother. Oh, my precious ones!<br />
The depressed, burdened, broken<br />
The new face, alone in the crowd<br />
The crying one, trying to find Him<br />
The seeker, looking to survive and serve<br />
The healing one, learning to live again.<br />
New friends, encouraging<br />
The brave one, trying new things<br />
Stretching, sharing, speaking<br />
Learning to be the leader<br />
The sick one, fighting to be strong, not wanting to be a burden<br />
The follower of Jesus<br />
The over-comer through the Holy Spirit<br />
The worshiper, full of praise and gratitude<br />
The waiting one, waiting for the Lord’s return. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Look how far I’ve come.</b></i>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-44567832347174634422013-12-31T07:51:00.000-06:002014-05-03T22:35:23.862-05:00New Year, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihP16D648EhlY-czByzpPR6B9oZxSzXZKrvA4hYAA00Ss_8oLMLkuGUB6X9MIJAR4rly-za0Xt2vVRzSGhLtVFiozd1SLDtV9xLQfNIrpJMvrRdlRE92O7q-gYt5APDqyYMsK9XBEOZP1k/s1600/clock+face.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihP16D648EhlY-czByzpPR6B9oZxSzXZKrvA4hYAA00Ss_8oLMLkuGUB6X9MIJAR4rly-za0Xt2vVRzSGhLtVFiozd1SLDtV9xLQfNIrpJMvrRdlRE92O7q-gYt5APDqyYMsK9XBEOZP1k/s1600/clock+face.jpeg" /></a></div>
<h2>
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2014 </h2>
We are all well here. Christmas packages opened, toys scattered, and family came and went. We laughed and hugged and loved on one another. Then we ate too much and promised ourselves we would do better later.<br />
<br />
Now life returns to what is normal for us.<br />
<br />
<br />
As always, when the year winds to a close, I remember times from the past. I laugh (or cry) and look forward to what comes next.<br />
<br />
<br />
I gave up New Year's Resolutions a long time ago and have instead tried to adopt a word or phrase to focus on each year. I think this year God is leading me to the phrase, <b>"Do it all for the glory of the God."</b> Which means to test all my attitudes, my conduct, every aspect of my life by whether or not it shows the character of God and brings Him honor. This is true<i><b> Worship</b></i>. If I live daily practicing this concept, I will truly<i> worship</i> Him.<br />
<br />
May 2014 be full of joy for our family and may each one of us individually see the blessings and gifts that God rains down on us daily.Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-30215472958891772342013-12-25T18:27:00.000-06:002013-12-28T12:43:02.858-06:00Merry Christmas, 2013Christmas Day, 2013 is about over.<br />
<br />
The sun has set and dark is deepening. Temperatures are falling and the drip, drip, dripping of melting ice has ceased for now.<br />
<br />
The children are winding down ~~ just a little ~~ as they enjoy the cousins and play with new toys. Soon they will tire and will be ready for bed. They won't want to go, of course, but mommas everywhere will insist it is time and tuck them snugly into bed.<br />
<br />
The quiet here today broken only by telephone rings and message alerts with Merry Christmas!! from the other end.<br />
<br />
Did I celebrate the birth? Did I praise and worship? Did I pause in awe at the miraculous gift given? I'm afraid I didn't give deep contemplation or gratitude for the great and awesome love God showed by sending His son to earth. I didn't ruminate on His message or mission. I kind of skimmed over it while cooking and doing the regular things of the day.<br />
<br />
Every year, at this season, I think I will center more on the Christ Child. I will love more. I will give more. I will praise more. I will tell the story more. Yet each year, the day closes and I have missed the mark. I am a little off center.<br />
<br />
This is my penance. To confess my failings to you. To ask forgiveness again for my "good intentions" that never seem to fully materialize.<br />
<br />
So. I begin again. Each day my goal to spend time with the Word and in the Word. Each day to focus on the miraculous fact that Jesus loves me; to concentrate and praise the Awesome Holy God and give thanks each moment as I practice living in His presence. Maybe then I will keep Christmas Season holy. If I keep Christmas in my heart throughout the year.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas! And may you recognize God's blessings as they rain down on you each day in the New Year. Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-26490007532196553422013-12-06T09:41:00.000-06:002013-12-06T09:44:05.746-06:00It's Cold Outside!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fmfadpW2p1cB1Ar0jlVHwary4xa51m_hm5cDVGmAZjOqtx4CNnhO9veQE9RiQFZWOXybPvh7H3gBFy08p8WLu_jiUwgCef88HYQDFPZV8mALYV8ILBDugwPTY0RNvy0rwDn6setzrkX0/s1600/12-6-13+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fmfadpW2p1cB1Ar0jlVHwary4xa51m_hm5cDVGmAZjOqtx4CNnhO9veQE9RiQFZWOXybPvh7H3gBFy08p8WLu_jiUwgCef88HYQDFPZV8mALYV8ILBDugwPTY0RNvy0rwDn6setzrkX0/s320/12-6-13+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Winter weather arrived at my house this week. And I am wishing I lived in the tropics!!<br />
<br />
This is the scene from my front porch this morning. A bone-chilling 15 degrees, 4 inches of snow and more to come.<br />
<br />
I'll be house-bound until who knows when so I'm warming the chicken noodle soup I made from my sister's super secret, super easy recipe. And I think a cup of tea would just hit the spot.<br />
<br />
The grandsons are VERY excited by all this snow and are looking forward to building snowmen and playing with their Dad. I plan to watch from my window and cheer them on.<br />
<br />
Today will be a good day to sit with an engrossing book and catch up on some reading or get a new sewing project started or look through my patterns for some inspiration, or search cookbooks for a new recipe to try. Cooking will keep me warm! If I don't have something to keep me busy, I'll feel guilty for not doing anything productive. Can't have that these days. That leads to depression and Trouble.<br />
<br />
Even though I am not a big fan of Winter Weather, I see God's beauty in the mounds and drifts.. It is quite lovely to watch the flakes falling, swirling and dancing. Even the ice patterns in the puddles and pond are intriguingly lovely to see. The moisture on fields will be welcomed by all who farm (even though it means extra work, more feed, and breaking ice). When I look at it that way, Winter is a blessing. But, then . . . everything is a blessing.<br />
<br />
The seasons come and go. Days shorten and lengthen. Only God is always the same. Always here. Always Good. Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-1203043650417785382013-11-18T06:30:00.000-06:002018-08-02T17:08:03.379-05:00Dream BigI'm dreaming big today.<br />
<br />
I'm dreaming of what I<u> think </u>God may be calling me to do.<br />
<br />
But ~~ Why is there always a "but"? ~~ do I trust what I think I am hearing. I know I trust the Lord. I am quite convinced<u> He</u> is able. My questioning heart asks, "But am I?" Am I able? Am I ready?Am I strong and courageous?<br />
<br />
Then the answers comes. <i><b>No, I am not able, or ready, or strong and definitely not courageous . I don't have to be those things because HE is. All I need to do is do the one small step at a time. Then all those small steps will add up to the Dream Big He is giving me.</b></i><br />
<br />
Then I hear the whisper: <br />
<br />
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<i><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Don't be afraid to</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">DREAM BIG</span></span> </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And trust God to lead you step by step on the right path. .
.</span></i></div>
Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-52830737889005671942013-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:002013-12-06T09:45:31.518-06:00Foggy morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The fields are all foggy.<br />
<br />
I am unable to see the sun or the sky or any good thing.<br />
<br />
But wait! The sun, as it rises, causes the veil of mist to rise, to evaporate. The light and heat bring clearing ~ clarity in the air so I may see.<br />
<br />
The light shines through chasing the dark away. No more shadow nor confusion. All is open.<br />
<br />
The Light shines through exposing the sin and bringing healing.<br />
<br />
Listen. Hear the birds begin to sing. Hear the breeze start to whisper.<br />
All creation begins to sing praise to the Creator.<br />
<br />
I bow to worship also. Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-21862356502413456582013-11-04T06:00:00.000-06:002013-11-04T06:00:09.467-06:00Changing Seasons<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you
looked outside? The fall colors are fabulous here! Everywhere I look I see
change. From the trees, to the grass, to the animals, to the rising sun, to the
children growing.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YqJ19FlywaJSPvTDHH-xO8oqZbKabkxbSwHImG8f7os7YYi_asK83TUn-_sPSyqzPmugEZyx8fi30c7w9FsV5HfULQwngJ5txLAc1cOxyWv-W8dC7phSOrj9RFIfDFGTb2NBEYZT03Ob/s1600/100_1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YqJ19FlywaJSPvTDHH-xO8oqZbKabkxbSwHImG8f7os7YYi_asK83TUn-_sPSyqzPmugEZyx8fi30c7w9FsV5HfULQwngJ5txLAc1cOxyWv-W8dC7phSOrj9RFIfDFGTb2NBEYZT03Ob/s320/100_1790.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing from summer to fall</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">All things change.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ecclesiastes 1:4-7~</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Generations
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All things
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11~ </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All things
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Malachi 3:6 ~ </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I the Lord do not change. </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">James 1:17 ~ </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every good and perfect gift is from the Father of the heavenly lights,
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am so glad
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always cares for me, always guides me, always forgives me. And, he always
brings change into my life. He is changing me into a more Christ like me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All things
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Corinthians 15:51-52 ~ </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am so
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All things
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Aren't you
glad they do?</span></div>
Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-73012849852660132522013-10-28T06:30:00.000-05:002013-10-28T06:30:04.777-05:00What do I See?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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black cloth stretch with each step and bounce. I see the silver steel sparkle
as the leaves blow and let the sun reflect, however briefly.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iPuhWj6pyYaEzeCD96I2zXZRkzaCiXzll0Q7v-miAI0vEWQMnX4DXFPE7QftbYD8mOTdns4nAAr3pm1tHrXvQRhCPinmay4RLey5n7ppsHHbLCcc3oU8Wl_Fqkx2kSMji1aabI8NbTeR/s1600/On+the+trampoline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iPuhWj6pyYaEzeCD96I2zXZRkzaCiXzll0Q7v-miAI0vEWQMnX4DXFPE7QftbYD8mOTdns4nAAr3pm1tHrXvQRhCPinmay4RLey5n7ppsHHbLCcc3oU8Wl_Fqkx2kSMji1aabI8NbTeR/s320/On+the+trampoline.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I see those boys run circles, fall and roll. I see them jump
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I see the Brother, later in the day, look with longing out
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I see me in that face. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I see me wanting what I want, when I
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I see me as a
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I see me watch the eastern sky, waiting for Christ's return.
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I see (at least, I hope someday to see) Jesus split the sky
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh, glorious day!! </span></div>
Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-29780828299871282452013-10-21T10:35:00.000-05:002013-10-21T10:35:00.190-05:00Morning Sun<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I watched the sun come up this morning. Rising bit by bit
over the hill until it fully filled the morning sky. Its light so powerful and
bright I could not look at it full on but had to shade my eyes from the
brilliance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think when I see Jesus in heaven it will be a little like
that. The light of his glory will fill the air. His goodness and love will
burst forth as the rays of the sun and I will cover my face. I'm afraid I will
be ashamed of myself in his presence. His light will reveal all my flaws. He
will see all my failures, all the times I wanted to please him or intended to
obey, but then I didn't.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Or maybe it will be like the summer afternoon sun and I will
lift my face and spread my arms wide and welcome the warmth and light. Then I
will dance in delight at the nearness of him and because of the wonder of his
love for me. And I will worship him. Forever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am so grateful that I am already forgiven. When I believed
on Jesus for the salvation of my soul, he washed all the sin of my life away.
Each morning, just as the sun rises and sheds light on the dark world, Jesus
sheds his light on the darkness of my soul and I am renewed. I can begin again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I worship him.</span></div>
Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-41143955896471461282013-10-17T10:11:00.001-05:002013-10-17T10:14:34.447-05:00A March Birthday<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How do I describe my younger son? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Physically: Tall, blond with blue eyes, artistic hands and a quiet manner. He is a cowboy from the old west. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Socially: Quiet, friendly, married and a daddy. He is a cowboy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Likes: Horses, cows, dogs, tractors, camping, guns, trail rides; being the "cool uncle". He is a cowboy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dislikes: being still, crowds, lazy people and messy places. He's a cowboy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He loves God, his family, and helping others. He works hard, gives generously and asks for little. He is a cowboy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My son had a birthday this month (March). That reminded me of all the birthdays of his growing up years. We would have family and friends come by for cake (usually decorated with horses and cowboys) and ice cream. Some times it would snow; sometimes it would be sunny and warm. Whatever the weather, whatever the party, whoever might be there he remained the same. He is a cowboy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>PS: I started this in March but couldn't finish it until now.It's only a little late.</i> </span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-61067562208443995272013-10-17T10:10:00.000-05:002013-10-17T10:24:42.946-05:00Time to Catch UpLife has a way of sneaking past you.<br />
<br />
Day by day, things happen and I neglect my gift, my joy, of writing and I settle for the busyness of my small corner of the world.<br />
<br />
My Gratitude Journal lies neglected and gathering dust.My heart is full of Thanksgiving for the gifts God gives me daily, but the thoughts have not come to life in words written.<br />
<br />
Notebooks take space on my desk, but no ink fills their pages.My heart is full, but somehow I have squelched the impulse to share. I
can't release the pressure by picking up the pen (or clicking the
icon at the keyboard). And so it builds until my seams are frayed and I come apart.<br />
<br />
Ideas float into my mind, then float right back out.<br />
<br />
I feel the pressure. I know God is calling me to begin again. So, here I am. I have no idea what I will say. I have no idea how I will make myself open the pages and spill my thoughts. I only know that I am compelled to take up the pen and begin.<br />
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</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah8kWodUsmK8n4JCy0OKvwwKSftqDmUXG3bCTXEkYbF1gqeK58nRUqEfXVZSrWFP7lKlIrrwaGXRnUZGmY62wgJPfH4-Xjh8ooZuq3Ib0v_2TPGjbKdwRvqgd_QBY0B1D_gWeysISVtZU/s1600/2013-10-09_11-28-29_479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah8kWodUsmK8n4JCy0OKvwwKSftqDmUXG3bCTXEkYbF1gqeK58nRUqEfXVZSrWFP7lKlIrrwaGXRnUZGmY62wgJPfH4-Xjh8ooZuq3Ib0v_2TPGjbKdwRvqgd_QBY0B1D_gWeysISVtZU/s200/2013-10-09_11-28-29_479.jpg" width="112" /></a><br />
When I opened my pages here last week, I was amazed (and sad & disappointed) that it has been two years since my last post! How have I let the time slip away? In those two years, we have a new grandson, Logan, born February, 2012. An unexpected blessing, he's a delightful gift to our family.<br />
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</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Li4QMAy5RJMf_rrb4UjwCwWipXM84dry56aaw9HwBvVlNnN3n4KgjtwFyFaXv7Pr-n6caJNOlgtHonlg8KUrMn2OiYQ9qhHcr8oKdjJuJQjDx65_yap8A-QZuWFhr5gnQVL1XzPczoho/s1600/IMG_20131006_161013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Li4QMAy5RJMf_rrb4UjwCwWipXM84dry56aaw9HwBvVlNnN3n4KgjtwFyFaXv7Pr-n6caJNOlgtHonlg8KUrMn2OiYQ9qhHcr8oKdjJuJQjDx65_yap8A-QZuWFhr5gnQVL1XzPczoho/s200/IMG_20131006_161013.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girls are both in High School.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo-6g9w7RcpOP6O93UPUQ1iu6YTm_77l3MHiy6Jv1s_HCZpaMW6aRkHv3LgtzR_BRct0YBg9Q4nfztf-UrCuokpxFeS-wCHkDmwIk4H4_GqLfbu0DsfeGtC2sAta8nl8soNP3eXGbphRc/s1600/Levi+3rd+birthday--at+the+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo-6g9w7RcpOP6O93UPUQ1iu6YTm_77l3MHiy6Jv1s_HCZpaMW6aRkHv3LgtzR_BRct0YBg9Q4nfztf-UrCuokpxFeS-wCHkDmwIk4H4_GqLfbu0DsfeGtC2sAta8nl8soNP3eXGbphRc/s200/Levi+3rd+birthday--at+the+park.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levi is 3.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One daughter-by-marriage decided she no longer wanted to be a member of our Guthrie Gang and a divorce followed. Our hurting hearts are mending. </div>
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A lot has happened in two years. Very much remains the same. We love God and know that he loves us. That never changes. </div>
Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-6383534539832942992011-08-03T13:02:00.001-05:002011-08-03T13:03:09.553-05:00Life<span data-jsid="text"><i>I saw this posted on Facebook today and felt the need to share: </i></span><br />
<br />
<span data-jsid="text">“This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will <span class="text_exposed_show">be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once; seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. Live your dream, and wear your passion. Life is short.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-jsid="text"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i> Are you living your dream? Are you living your passion? Are you doing what you have been called to do?</i></span></span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-58055956128268799872011-03-06T21:35:00.000-06:002011-03-06T21:35:15.722-06:00Sunday Thoughts about Time<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I thought of staying home from church today. I'm glad I decided to go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I thought of staying home from church today. Then I thought, "Since I don't feel like going to church, I'll go as an act of sacrifice to Him." Not my will, but His. I go to church to worship and fellowship. It is not just a ritual; not just going through the motions, but a living offering. A time to meet God and see what He might speak to me as I praise and worship Him; as I focus only on Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I sat lost in the maze of my mind. I learned a few things I didn't know. I heard Him whisper my name and call me to come closer to Him. I asked His forgiveness for neglecting my time with Him. I resolved to spend more time in His word, more time with Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I make time for the things I want to do; as do we all. I want to know Him. I want to praise Him. I want to hold tight to His hand. So, I must take the time to do these things. I must take time away from reading, time from the computer, time from television, perhaps even time from work. These things are a meager sacrifice for all He has done for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> To know Him is to also know His people by spending time with them. Time spent enjoying them. Time listening to them and praying with them. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Time spent in serving each other and the world.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Time. </span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-78926502648778527802011-02-09T11:38:00.000-06:002011-02-09T11:38:16.052-06:00Snowfall<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Snow falls again this morning. I'm not sure how I feel about that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The beauty is amazing: White clouds mound up along tree limbs and surround the base of the trunks, the extreme quiet of the day, joyous children, creativity expressed in snowmen and other snow sculptures.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">These bring wonder to me and praise to my Awesome God, my Creator and Sustainer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Snow also brings inconvenience to our way of life: We are disturbed by snow routes, donning layers of clothes, more chores, extra care when walking and driving, and being housebound because of icy roads.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The animals in our woods are hunkered down. No sign of the rabbits, squirrels or deer who share our small plot of God's earth. The birds, too, are mostly absent. Only a few venture out in search of food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I give thanks often during the day. I am thankful for my warm home and coffee and hot chocolate. I am thankful, also, for my family that gathers here and for the ones too far away to join us.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Even in the dull, gray, diminished light I find hope. Spring is only weeks away -- Not months!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When the snow melts and the mud dries (and from this much snow, there will be LOTS of mud) flowers will bloom, grass will grow, animals and birds will have their young.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Winter is survival time, but it is also the resting time. Nature is storing the energy Spring will need to be reborn, to produce the new life, to burst forth in all its glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Like so many, I count the days until sun and warmth and color. But for today, I will make the effort to enjoy the Winter.</span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-26886140442672986082011-02-01T12:04:00.001-06:002011-02-01T12:05:40.106-06:00January Journal<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Winter tries my spirit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Cold, dreary, gray days fill my soul with sadness. I long for Summer with sun and warmth. How will I survive? I'm not sure that I can!</span>" <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wrote this in my journal a few days ago.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Another day I said, "I'm just crazy. Stuck in a rut of sameness. Dreams are dying. Joy is fading. Is this my life?" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since then it snowed again. Frigid temperatures kept me housebound and cabin fever raged within me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How long until the bright skies of summer return? How many hours must I struggle until the days lengthen and joy returns? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My gratitude list fails me. I am bereft. I drag myself through the day.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But wait! The sun pushes through the clouds! A bird flits across the yard. Squirrels dash up the oak trees. My grandson laughs. Life is bearable again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each day I am amazed by God's Grace to me. When feel I can no longer stand, when the darkness of the abyss pulls at me, when hope grows faint then He pours His grace on me and I rise up thankful again for a cup so full. </span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-85880579674093154572011-01-24T12:04:00.001-06:002013-03-21T22:51:39.103-05:00It's His Birthday Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2umKo8fZQiCJ8DnC9sMdqFs0EhW6tT23BDtl9JGLhQ4vXpIOiyq8qpc2v8zZU3kyo-g2eQ73NooAFWbeDWhmTChSzDX3YRhWGPBsc3jt14tPKct4U47WzeznfbMrr-IromzGnDSkDwA-a/s1600/Jason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2umKo8fZQiCJ8DnC9sMdqFs0EhW6tT23BDtl9JGLhQ4vXpIOiyq8qpc2v8zZU3kyo-g2eQ73NooAFWbeDWhmTChSzDX3YRhWGPBsc3jt14tPKct4U47WzeznfbMrr-IromzGnDSkDwA-a/s200/Jason.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uE3DfxMkCxP7hhthBOMueRg6EIK50W2aq6MFeVAiLMlC8Q3DEoiCBsja9iNabARItHKAyy2pOT1v89l5TPpNuIVUqOlf_HEMfvCQJkcola8oPJfyvt-A-u8yGK74rsP5QfCLrPyJML4H/s1600/Jason+and+girls+in+2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uE3DfxMkCxP7hhthBOMueRg6EIK50W2aq6MFeVAiLMlC8Q3DEoiCBsja9iNabARItHKAyy2pOT1v89l5TPpNuIVUqOlf_HEMfvCQJkcola8oPJfyvt-A-u8yGK74rsP5QfCLrPyJML4H/s200/Jason+and+girls+in+2004.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I feel nostalgic today. Today is my son's birthday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I look through the window of the past days and see him as a baby: happy and laughing. I see him as a toddler: blond hair, brown eyes and laughing. I see him as a boy: learning manners, playing T-Ball, growing and laughing. I see him as a teen: deep in school books, playing sports, on the phone with friends and laughing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jngqtI3BBCMF8-DjxKz2ysoCPLMaTtiUKRBcGk9aqitCqnFEPcdlBGZKRRuCIHNpJeBVfwBLgVPoUiDtPpOOEeXxZr928xwYAhP8b2sWIQOOs1C7Z5YDlF5ejKufyvcQeGmkhZV7HYdG/s1600/100_5742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jngqtI3BBCMF8-DjxKz2ysoCPLMaTtiUKRBcGk9aqitCqnFEPcdlBGZKRRuCIHNpJeBVfwBLgVPoUiDtPpOOEeXxZr928xwYAhP8b2sWIQOOs1C7Z5YDlF5ejKufyvcQeGmkhZV7HYdG/s200/100_5742.JPG" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today, I see him as a man. I see him with family. I see him working to improve his health. I see him with his nephew. I see him striving to be a good husband and father. I see him laughing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I feel proud of the man he has become. He is full of love, kindness and compassion. He is all I ever hoped he would become and so much more.</span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-85418220292398739252010-12-05T10:15:00.004-06:002010-12-05T10:15:00.773-06:00Three Days in D.C.<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This Fall brought me new adventures. . . a three day trip to Washington, D.C. with my sister to visit my niece. I haven't flown since 1989 so this was a very new experience. I've never traveled with my sister. I rode the Metro, took my first taxi since 1994 and rode in a car rented by the hour.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We flew from Tulsa to Dallas and then on to D.C. (a non-eventful trip!) Picked up at the airport by a friend, we arrived at my niece's apartment just before she got home from work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eKBYaC8WP3jbts3ohHh39VDGYP2gux3ar5HkGGqUQKbsh5wK-zYkuXtJ6mxi3TZzA8f2aDi3Hgxab3ZNupHnwvUM8WNPUnfbBGXclg7nHZRyDvU-cXrAVWNCubaUkOUvE3lqwr6vzHXz/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eKBYaC8WP3jbts3ohHh39VDGYP2gux3ar5HkGGqUQKbsh5wK-zYkuXtJ6mxi3TZzA8f2aDi3Hgxab3ZNupHnwvUM8WNPUnfbBGXclg7nHZRyDvU-cXrAVWNCubaUkOUvE3lqwr6vzHXz/s200/020.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The next three days were spent laughing, eating, walking and talking. I saw my niece as a grown up and not just as the little girl who used to stay up late watching movies. I acted like a tourist with my niece as my guide to monuments, memorials, the National Cathedral, Arlington Cemetery and more. I wanted to see everything and took pictures everywhere I went, at times taking pictures for others or asking them to take one of all of us. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We ate burgers and fries at Good Stuff Eatery, (I had a Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake), chili dogs and a half-smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl, home cooked fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, and home-made meat loaf (cooking lessons that ended well), a lunch at the Old Post Office food court, and one night we finished the day with dessert at Kramer Books and After Words Café (I had the Dysfunctional Family Brownie. If you knew my family, you'd know how funny that really is.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our trip home (D.C. to Dallas) was a little bumpy as we diverted south to skirt around storms. The clouds looked awesome from above! We landed late in Dallas, but so did everyone else. Delayed an hour, we arrived in Tulsa just fine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I spent the night at my sister's house. The next morning I woke early, ready for the drive home and I arrived at my house before noon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The days flew by. I wasn't quite ready to leave the big city excitement for my rural lifestyle so it took me a few days to get back into the things that are my routine, but I finally settled in and got down to business.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I look at the pictures (nearly 200 of them!) and remember the great time I had. I give thanks to my family for their understanding, taking up the slack and making do while I was gone. And most of all, I thank God for the privilege of traveling to our nation's capital. Everyone who can, should go see what our forefather's created for us. Everyone should see the war memorials and the thousands of white headstones at Arlington that stand as reminders of the men who gave their lives. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The names on the Wall brought tears to my eyes at the sacrifice of so many in Viet Nam. A lump formed in my throat as I watched the precision of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown. So many lives given; so much sacrifice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, it was good to go and see. It was good to spend time with my wonderful sister. It was good to know my niece as an adult. All in all, a great three days in D.C.</span></div>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-36114778298715930592010-11-28T21:19:00.000-06:002010-11-28T21:19:53.384-06:00Thanksgiving, 2010<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This Thanksgiving, we spent the holiday at home; alone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Both of our sons and their families went to their in-laws for the day. We missed them, of course, but realize that we must share them. Others love them, too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Friday was almost a normal day. Both sons had to work, so we (my husband and I) were on our own again. <span> </span>That is until supper time. Our younger son and his wife share our house with us so they were home at the usual time. Then our older son and his wife arrived and the "party" began. We laughed and talked and caught up on all the news. We played cards until late. We went to bed happy to have them under our roof for a time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Saturday started early. Coffee on and showers taken, the cooking began. The men went to pick up our grand-daughters from their mother's house while we started dinner. The turkey in the oven and details delegated, I felt I could take a few minutes to rest. So, I fed the baby a bottle and cuddled with him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I watched the road for the first glimpse of the car. "Where are my men folk? Dinner is ready and they are not here yet. I need to see my girls!" My girls are teens now and no longer little girls. I enjoy talking with them and learning all about what is going on in their lives. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, they came up the drive. I put the rolls in the oven and greeted them with hugs and kisses. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dinner was ready. I called the family to the table and we gave thanks for the many blessings in our lives. I fought to keep tears in check.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There around the table, I remembered why I am alive: I am here for this family. I love them. I serve them. I share my faith with them. God has a plan for my life; even when I'm not clear on what that plan is, I trust Him and follow Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It has not been that long since I had to remind myself daily that I am necessary and needed. I kept a Gratitude List in my journal so I would never forget. The Father has shown me that these people, these eight souls, depend on me for my unique outlook and contribution to their lives. Who would take my place with them if I were not here?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxII0ESV5QOGtWyUC5M-p_V5aPByiVIjlHo-7GUD-43p_uwxUacf_gGHWInoOUMJ711vOm2bhMFdsqxK7X2xrj505yLRglv4Jr6_xA57dSpnG9E5LR5KwZ6z-kY6o7dzhTUeXy2CUQJmP/s1600/100_0316+version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxII0ESV5QOGtWyUC5M-p_V5aPByiVIjlHo-7GUD-43p_uwxUacf_gGHWInoOUMJ711vOm2bhMFdsqxK7X2xrj505yLRglv4Jr6_xA57dSpnG9E5LR5KwZ6z-kY6o7dzhTUeXy2CUQJmP/s200/100_0316+version+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Family~~The Guthrie Gang</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Holy Spirit whispered to me that no one else can minister to them in the same way that I do. No one else can show Jesus to them like I do. They will become who God desires them to be and I am a part of that. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuoIOWrK5vT_bUyCyX0mBlUsMZ6kJqDR4ByzjRrSB_uCeN1I30XRs3APoUYQOrX58K0WsRXbmupgKm48O0OoBth9FUUEoNoiyhxH-DtdVKzWOf3gliesuDIyNbtKkWa80h26Y6-NbKNhx/s1600/100_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuoIOWrK5vT_bUyCyX0mBlUsMZ6kJqDR4ByzjRrSB_uCeN1I30XRs3APoUYQOrX58K0WsRXbmupgKm48O0OoBth9FUUEoNoiyhxH-DtdVKzWOf3gliesuDIyNbtKkWa80h26Y6-NbKNhx/s200/100_0317.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These days, I look forward to seeing what He is doing in each life. I look to see how my sons are growing and maturing in their faith. I watch my grand-daughters for signs of God's touch on their lives. I look at my daughters-in-law and am delighted with their love for my sons and how God is using them. I look at our grand-son (6 months old!) and hope and pray for his life. My husband shines God's love on me, and on our family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am greatly blessed. I am deeply grateful. God has brought me through the dark valley into the light of His love. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The day passed. We ate and laughed, played dominoes, watched some football, (the girls) drove the tractor, told stories and loved on each other. Then it was time for them to go. I watched them load their things and start down the drive.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I miss them already.</span></div>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-56693327480963073232010-10-30T06:15:00.003-05:002010-10-30T06:15:00.950-05:00The Cross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY3bQKzhLanK0KB8rYh6SzzKc0jiIuQTWH8St5mra0rqDgC-j7ubKMukn41K7nhYU_a58kO-chz-6Lhmm3sb1AEDCX8CW8n1L3_tNZGf5olRaXyYJFhgsDDYH1ur2QsqeN_KOHZxkXyBW/s1600/100_5959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY3bQKzhLanK0KB8rYh6SzzKc0jiIuQTWH8St5mra0rqDgC-j7ubKMukn41K7nhYU_a58kO-chz-6Lhmm3sb1AEDCX8CW8n1L3_tNZGf5olRaXyYJFhgsDDYH1ur2QsqeN_KOHZxkXyBW/s320/100_5959.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>Rugged wood<br />
Full of splinters made by nails driven into His flesh<br />
Blood soaked from His wounds<br />
The odors of dried blood and human misery<br />
Darkness overcomes the day<br />
The veil is torn<br />
Forsaken; alone<br />
<br />
Separated from the Father by the weight of my sin<br />
Glad obedience to the will of the Father<br />
Deserted by friends and followers; only a few there with His mother<br />
Gasping for air<br />
Giving pardon and hope<br />
Offering Himself in my place<br />
“It is finished!”<br />
<br />
Taken from the cross<br />
Wrapped in cloth<br />
Laid in a borrowed grave<br />
Sorrow and fear among the disciples<br />
The women arise early and go<br />
An empty tomb!<br />
Where is He?<br />
<br />
Run and tell<br />
Looking in wonder<br />
Waiting. . . Waiting<br />
Suddenly He is with them again<br />
More teaching, more miracles<br />
Glorified body<br />
He goes to the Father<br />
<br />
News spreads <br />
Followers gather<br />
Miracles happen<br />
Persecution and death to His followers<br />
The Church is born<br />
A new covenant created<br />
Time passes<br />
<br />
The gospel covers the world<br />
Non-believers scoff<br />
The eastern sky splits and He returns<br />
He gathers those who believe and follow<br />
He destroys evil<br />
His bride dwells with Him in peace<br />
Everlasting worship in His presence<br />
<br />
I look at the cross, see Jesus there<br />
And repent<br />
Forgiven, I see the hope of glory<br />
Tears of gratitude stream<br />
I see the cross, empty, and know I am His<br />
Whatever He asks, I will do<br />
Now and foreverKaren Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-53301634405048282932010-10-24T19:45:00.001-05:002010-10-24T19:45:00.369-05:00Success<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At my 13 year old grand-daughter's church, the youth leader recently asked the group, "Who is the most successful person you know?'</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Her answer, "My grandma."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The next question was, "Why?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">She said, "Because she knows about everything."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When my son called to tell me this story, I had quite a reaction. I felt pleased that she thought so well of me and disbelief that she chose me. I wondered if she knew very many people from which to choose. I denied I was successful.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then, I thought about it for a little while and began to define success. I usually think, as most usually do, of success in terms of money or things. But success is really much more than that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think I have decided that success really means, at least for me, to believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior, listen and obey Him, and share Him with others. In doing these three things, joy and blessing follow. If I am filled with the joy of the Lord and others see that in me and want to know Him because of it, that is success.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know that all knowledge and wisdom come from God so if I learn from my mistakes, gain wisdom and then share what I've learned with those around me and they learn also, that is success.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I will count my life successful when I hear my Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until then, I bask in the glow: a grandmother proud of her grand-daughter's praise. She is a delight to my heart and a joy to our family.</span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-2476900788164244502010-10-17T19:28:00.004-05:002010-10-18T08:37:37.972-05:00Seriously TemptedI recently read an excerpt from the poem <i>Seriously Tempted </i>by T.L.Cooper. <a href="http://writewithtlc.tlcooper.com/">(http://writewithtlc.tlcooper.com)</a> <br />
<br />
Christina Katz, <b>The Prosperous Writer</b>, (<a href="http://christinakatz.com/">http://christinakatz.com</a>) defined caring as being “concerned or solicitous towards, to make provisions for or to look out for, and to have an affection or concern for.”<br />
<br />
Would I describe myself as caring? Or am I habitually care-taking?<br />
<br />
She defined habitual care-taking as “an addiction to niceness, people-pleasing and an overwhelming desire to control the impressions of others in order to be perceived as good.”<br />
<br />
I too often find myself trying too hard to please others and have them think me a good person.<br />
<br />
In the last few years, though, I have come to know myself better. I see the person God created and. . . I like me!<br />
<br />
I don’t care so much what others think of me. I no longer want to be a people pleaser. I want, instead, to be a God pleaser.<br />
<br />
When I first read this poem, I thought how much I am like that: easily becoming what someone else expects me to be.<br />
<br />
Reading it again, I begin to pray:<br />
Holy God,<br />
Let me be <br />
“your heart’s desire<br />
What you want of me”*<br />
<br />
And I want to be<br />
“merely a shell of me<br />
An empty vessel filled by you.”*<br />
<br />
*from the poem <i>Seriously Tempted </i>T.L.Cooper (<a href="http://writewithtlc.tlcooper.com/">http://writewithtlc.tlcooper.com</a>)Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-87115538529378123652010-10-10T19:27:00.000-05:002010-10-10T19:27:02.149-05:00Memories<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Memories of my life and my family are important to me.<br />
<br />
They are all I have,<br />
All that is just mine.<br />
No one can take them from me.<br />
<br />
Memories of my mom,<br />
And of my dad,<br />
Of the life we lived,<br />
Bring me a certain comfort.<br />
<br />
Memories of my childhood<br />
And my growing up years: <br />
My older brother drawing a playhouse for me in the dirt,<br />
Later driving me to movies or home from football games.<br />
<br />
Memories of my dear sister<br />
And me playing in the creek<br />
And on the bus or riding horses with cousins;<br />
The days of sharing a room, clothes and secrets.<br />
<br />
Memories of young love<br />
And early married years filled with babies.<br />
Then watching boys grow <br />
Into young men with families of their own.<br />
<br />
Memories bring me joy.<br />
Even the hard times are good to remember<br />
If I can look at them, learn their lessons<br />
And become better.<br />
<br />
A better listener<br />
A better doer<br />
A better partner<br />
A better parent<br />
<br />
A better follower of Christ.<br />
<br />
I always want to be better<br />
But seldom am.<br />
I fail miserably at learning the lessons.<br />
I can only be who and how I am.<br />
<br />
It is only as I truly empty myself<br />
And let the Holy Spirit live through me<br />
That I ever become a <br />
Better version of myself.<br />
<br />
Memories of who I was<br />
Replaced by reminders<br />
Of who I am. . .<br />
A Child of the King.</span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006041959555924344.post-68943976455278592762010-09-26T06:42:00.002-05:002010-09-26T06:42:00.239-05:00The Book of My Life<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>"At times, all of us may wonder exactly how God wants to use us. If we just offer ourselves to Him, God will take what feels like random letters and spell beautiful words through each of us. Just by being yourself, you reflect God's beautiful design." ~~ Margaret Feinberg in <i>Being Yourself. </i></b></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My prayer asking God to use me to "spell" something beautiful with my life:<i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Holy God, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you write the book of my life, may the words come from the letters of my heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">May your Spirit fill me moment by moment so I share your goodness, grace and love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">May the gifts you've given me be used to serve and encourage those around me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">May I live a life of obedience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">May I be real and authentic; my true self.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">May I worship you in all I do and praise you for who you are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">May it be that I am a follower of Christ.</span>Karen Guthriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16046602944781518287noreply@blogger.com4