Your Place in the Story! (A Vlog)
Writers Conference Awards Banquet with Mike
“Celebrate your place in the story.” Author Steven James
We each have a place in God’s story. Vocation. Family. Dreams. Ministry. Every area of our lives affirms a chapter He has written for us.
This week I attended a writers conference in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. I was honored to receive two Foundations Writing Awards and an award for this blog, Hope Is Among Us, which is now an award-winning blog. To God be the glory for the things He has done.
In a special video blog (Vlog), I share meaningful thoughts I gleaned from my experience. The video will answer the following what, why, and who questions:
- What’s more important than being successful?
- Why we shouldn’t be “normal” as Christians?
- Who will give us success?
Watch video here:
Video Link: https://youtu.be/Jn-4aETVmZc
© 2016 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
May 26, 2016 at 8:28 am | Uncategorized
I’m Being Followed
I contracted an acute case of the heebie-jeebies. I’d been watched and followed.
I spent the summer after my freshmen year in college in ministry at Virginia Beach, Virginia with Campus Crusade for Christ. A mission at the beach—somebody had to do it. A young, crisp nineteen-year-old who wanted to make a difference in the world. Pursuing Christ with my whole heart with a passion to make Him known.
College students from across the U.S. and one from England completed training sessions to prepare us for evangelism. We shared the gospel on the boardwalk several nights a week with Saturdays devoted to ministry on the beach, suffering in sand and surf. Crowd-gathering events of volley-ball and slow-motion football provided opportunities to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ.
Instead of raising mission-trip fees, students secured weekday jobs to accommodate living expenses. Four of us (three girls and one guy) became gainfully employed at a McDonald’s close enough to our housing complex to walk to work. We traveled up the boulevard during the wee hours of the morning before daybreak.
May 19, 2016 at 9:30 am | Uncategorized
The Christian Life in 3D
You’re about to enter the world of 3D.
As with every three-dimensional adventure, you’ll interact with an immersive environment that creates a sensory experience. A lifelike scene. An enhanced encounter.
This is not an illusion, artificial simulation, or virtual reality. But amazing wonders you’ll see, hear, and touch.
3D aspects of width, height, and depth will bring the spiritual realm up close and personal—with God Himself. So put on your 3D glasses and let’s look at the story in chapter 3 of Joshua.
May 12, 2016 at 9:32 am | Uncategorized
1st Mother’s Day as Jesus’ Mother
The moment He took His first breath I became His mother. My life forever altered.
Overjoyed. This is my child. My baby boy.
Swaddled by cloths, though adorned with royal titles.
Wonderful. Counselor. Prince of Peace. Holy King. Emmanuel (God with us). The Ancient of Days.
Barely minutes old and seemingly fragile. But this baby embodied the fullness of the Godhead. Power demonstrated years later when He cast out evil spirits and raised the dead.
A newborn placed in my arms. As I gazed intently at Him, the goodness and greatness of God spilled out.
May 5, 2016 at 9:42 am | Uncategorized
Gentle On My Mind
The message is evident. God’s gentle on my mind.
It’s everywhere. In our world. In past history and present day.
Giving thanks falls short when God is forgotten.
God’s people have a history of waning. They remembered. They forgot. They cried out to God. The cycle repeated.
The Lord’s blessings were gentle on their mind. Excitement pacified. Thanking God for His abundant provision went missing when life was going off without a hitch.
How could this be? He had proven His great power. His miracles. Going to endless lengths and heights to show His faithfulness. He rescued and came through for them countless times. His love surpassed anything on earth.
But they soon forgot all of it.
April 28, 2016 at 9:00 am | Uncategorized
News Release: I’m a Publisher!
First published article, 10/2014
I hate to brag, but I’m a publisher for the famous. When people name-drop of who they know or when they praise their own efforts, it’s not attractive. However, I hope you’ll read more and make allowances in my case. Just this once.
This publisher story has a beginning, the ending is still being written. As far as my character in the story, it hasn’t gone to print.
It all started early in 2014. Looking back, I’m not sure how my heart’s voice synced with God’s voice.
A calling to write words with a message of hope. Similar words I’d shared with audiences via public speaking for decades. To share my voice in black and white on paper or an online venue. I had no idea where to begin or how to move forward.
April 21, 2016 at 9:00 am | Uncategorized
Hide-and-Seek
I found you.
Secret places lingered in my mind. Childhood memories of hide-and-seek in a park or neighborhood. The dynamic of playing the game outdoors was thrilling.
Hiders scattered with high hopes of the perfect spot. Stumbling upon a nook or refuge offering the ultimate in concealment were rare treasures. It brought a calm assurance. A certainty to be declared the hide-and-seek winner. To make it safely back to home base.
Frozen in Place
As the seeker came near, I made efforts to curtail my breathing, not moving a single muscle as if frozen in place.
Come out. You’ve been found. I see you. You can’t hide from me.
April 14, 2016 at 9:00 am | Uncategorized
5 Ways to Never Give Up on Marriage
Wow! My husband and I celebrated 31 years of marriage this week. I. Stand. Amazed. I can’t help but share hope for marriage in Christ. I’m reposting this article from a year ago, praying it brings hope near to you. And it all started with a greeting card that stirred my heart.
Christmas 2015
“Thank you both for always loving and never giving up on each other! We are so thankful!”
Powerful words tucked inside a greeting card. The author is not a clever Hallmark writer. This is a personal view of struggles—in the midst of love—from a front-row-seat-ticket-holder.
Words penetrating my soul from our daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Tyler, for our 30th Wedding Anniversary. Why thankful? We have not parted ways when the going gets tough. And it does get tough. Our children have seen our fight for love . . . for staying together.
April 7, 2016 at 9:00 am | Uncategorized
How to Sop Southern Style
Easter Lunch Table, ready to sop?
I broke bread to sop every last drop of gravy and roast beef drippings on my plate.
Two free entrées highlighted the meal, roast beef and chicken casserole. The Friday’s Easter menu also listed these items at no additional charge: gravy, mashed potatoes, rolls, macaroni and cheese, and the cream corn my daughter made.
The featured dessert? Honey Bun cake. A decadent delight swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with the perfect glazed icing.
Take Your Seat
Time to be seated. Our grandson, Foster, placed at the head of the table as an onlooker. A feast fit for a king laid before us. And we didn’t disappoint. Second helpings became the sport of the day. We each held our own—our eyes not much bigger than our stomachs—not this day. I sopped the last morsels of my meal.
March 31, 2016 at 9:47 am | Uncategorized
It’s Easter—Go Big or Go Home!
Celebrating special holidays and occasions, tossed with the memories they create, bring me joy. I’m enthusiastic about reindeer, flags, turkeys, balloons, party hats, fireworks, hearts, costumes—all of it really.
Especially. All. Things. Easter. Bunnies, bright-colored eggs, baskets, and assorted candy. This year, we’re set to go big. Here’s how.
We’re blessed with an adult son, daughter and son-in-law. Our blessings also include two small fur-babies—family dogs. We call them our little kids. In January, one of the greatest blessings happened. Our first grandchild, Foster, entered the world. Of course, he’s perfect. Absolutely wonderful.
One tradition I’ve kept in place over the years—the kids each have an Easter basket that’s filled with glorious items.
March 24, 2016 at 10:21 am | Uncategorized