WWMKD

This week in Sunday School one of my chicks said sometimes she thinks "What Would Miss Karen Do" - we laughed about it and I am still giggling over it today. She wasn't comparing me to Christ, or replacing the idea that she trusts in me more than she trusts in Christ...it was purely meant to be funny. So, fret not, readers, I am not building my cult! 

What she and the rest of the students don't know is that although I am doing my best to live out my calling to follow Christ, to believe in Him in all the things He calls me to, I would never want them following me - I am an imperfect human who does not save sin, does not count the hairs on their head, does not put all their tears in a bottle - I am not everywhere and I don't know everything. 

However, despite all those things, I am willing to share my life with them. I am called to sit in a classroom with them and speak truth into their lives. I am willing to spend time in prayer with and for them, and they know they can text or call me anytime and I will respond to them...barring those few hours of sleep I like to get. :) It's a privilege to serve them. 

So, the answer to what would Miss Karen do?  
My one, true, heart's desire is to point them to Christ. To remind them of the cross and the love sacrifice Jesus paid for them, so they don't have to be in bondage over sin, because each of them can have freedom in His name. When they call and ask about a book to study, I try to give them some ideas, and ask them about their lives and where they are to see what might help or encourage them. When they say "hey, I need to chat" I try to be a listening ear and heart. When I notice things aren't right in their relationships, I am not afraid to say "what's going on" and pray with them about it. I try to attend their events when I can, and so many of them have come and been supportive during my kid's events as well. There isn't much I wouldn't do for them, honestly, and I am thankful for the wisdom the Lord gives. Without that, we would all be in a mess. 

Miss Karen could also be found doing the following:
I also likes to laugh. A ton. The students I serve provide so much laughter in my life it's ridiculously good. My kids too...serious belly laughs daily.
Dance. I got no problems dancing it out, thank you Meredith Gray. #TGIT
Sing. Not great at it, but I don't care, because most of the time I am worshipping my God, and He thinks my voice is beautiful...or at least I think He thinks that. Hm.
I enjoy talking about sports, and I also enjoy attending sporting events. Baseball is really my only favorite sport though.
Love. My husband is the cream of the crop and my kids are typical, normal, 6th and 2nd graders. My hubs deserves many crown jewels for marrying me and parenting our two boys. He allows me the ability to love on our youth each week and supports and encourages me to follow Christ in a deeper way. Our kids are crazy good - they fight, they giggle, they snuggle, they say things that make your mouth open wide, they are trying to find their place in this world, and it's our privilege to teach them. Lord, give us strength.
Chicks. I think my chicks are the total package and any guy would be lucky to date them - seriously, y'all, I really should start accepting applications. (see this post for more details.)
The boys. I also have the sweetest boys in my class - they are athletic, smart, and funny, and they love JESUS! Great catches all around - and they are from some of the sweetest families on the planet!
In just two short years they will be off at college - I can barely even swallow that last statement. But, because of that last statement...I have more work to do.

Love,

Miss Karen

Happy Fall Y'all!

Take Action, Move Forward

My last post about waiting was a hard subject and yet one that needed addressing...I think no truer statement could be said of this post as well.

Back in 1999, a friend of ours had an accident and passed away. I remember waiting at the hospital over several days and one afternoon a guy in his small group said:

I am a do-er! I can't wait anymore. I have to go and do something.

Those words still ring in my ears. What that guy was feeling in the moment was the opposite of wait - it was take action. Do something. Our friend was being taken care of by exceptional doctors and nurses, but aside from praying, and feeding the family members, there really wasn't much else we could do. 
And so he went. 
And he did. 
And he did it well. 
And our friend would have been pleased, and his family was grateful for the work he helped them accomplish.

Yes, we are sometimes asked to wait. And I don't think I touched on it as much as I would have liked, but often in the waiting, we are to be seeking. Seeking Christ. Seeking His face and His will. You can still seek Christ without seeking the next step (Lesson learned), although often in seeking Him, He will guide and direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:6, 16:9)
A few years ago when the Fireproof movie came out, a song from the movie grated on my very last nerve. Now, I have come full circle and can at least listen to it on the radio, but admittedly, it's not my favorite still. In that season, the words were hard for me to sing:

While I'm waiting, I will serve you. While I'm waiting, I will worship.

It went on to talk about patiently waiting, and how it's not easy and painful.
YEAH!!! Who in the world would sign up for that? ANYONE?

That is where the cross hits you dead in the center of your eyeballs. 
The cross.
Jesus' suffering to take my penalty - what I deserve - and He did it because HE LOVES ME!
GOD: So, hey, Miss Thing, I hear what you are asking me for. I see your tears, and I see your frustration. But I want you to love me. I want you to seek me. I want you to serve others. I want you bow your head, worship me, and take up that cross and follow me. BECAUSE I LOVE YOU! So, when my answer is wait, or not right now, take heart, the Best is Coming.


And then sometimes, we are asked to do something else-
Go. Challenge. Dig Deep. Dig Wide. (but don't dig in your heels)
Do. Make. Bow. Kneel Down. Stand Up. 
Serve. Help. Give. Listen. Speak Truth.
Love. Love. Love.
Forgive. Hug. Amend wrongs. Make right. 

We press on through the waiting because of the Hope we have in a loving, amazing Father. He is good, and He has our best in mind. It's not easy at times, I know, but the beautiful story He is writing is about His glory in your life. Won't you let Him write the story?

-Karen