That Old Time Religion
By Karen Friday
“It will take us all to heaven.”
God Speaks
Ya’ll know how the Lord Almighty spoke to me at the beach this summer and on a trip to the mountains. Sweet spiritual gems and lessons from God in the classrooms of life.
He wants to reveal Himself to us. To be known.
A recent visit to a Tennessee theme park was no exception. Beautiful sun-shiny day with pumpkins, autumn leaves, skee-ball, and down-home food.
God met me there. The ever-present way of illustrating His truths wherever I go.
Top Picks
My husband Mike and I discussed a favorite moment from the day. A carousel ride came in at #1 for me. That’s how I roll. I’m the thrill seeker of the family. (People, I’m a loose cannon that must be held back.)
October 22, 2015 at 10:30 am | Uncategorized
I’m a Christian. I Mess Up. Me Too.
Ladies retreat photo booth with Sarah, a youth pastor’s wife. “No More Pretending: Becoming Authentic….”
By Karen Friday
I raised my hand and announced, “Me too!”
Sugar and spice and everything nice had become my motto. Never been a fan of snakes and snails but fond of puppy dog tails. I think we should start a petition to move puppy dog tails to the girl’s list. Who’s with me?
Willingness to admit me too for a gamut of everything nice pleasures; pumpkin cheesecake ice cream, boots, books, chick-flicks, and chai tea latte. Do you like those things? Well, me too.
Me too never came easy for the tougher issues of life. I preferred to take the secretive route. No one needs to know.
Truth is, I’m a me too person in every way.
Why do I try to convince myself it is better not to speak up? Not to confess or admit weaknesses and vulnerabilities. I have weak spots. Sweet spots and not-so-sweet spots.
October 15, 2015 at 9:11 am | Uncategorized
Thoughts From a Pastor’s Wife on Clergy Appreciation
By Karen Friday
A Cheerleading Story
“We’ve got spirit, yes we do. We’ve got spirit, how bout you?”
To be a spirit girl would be so cool. Therefore, I tried out for cheerleader in high school.
After the first round, it came down to three of us vying for two available spots. Yours truly was the one nixed. While I was disappointed, honestly, the other two girls were far better at rah-rah stuff—flips, jumps … everything. (Marnita and Belinda, you girls rocked!)
Wendi, my sister who is ten years younger, grew up blossoming in dance and gymnastics classes. She was a shoo-in for cheerleader.
I’m my husband’s biggest cheerleader. His cool-spirit-girl. It’s a place I’m blossoming and it rocks!
October 8, 2015 at 10:01 am | Uncategorized
Peace With Super Powers
By Karen Friday
“I’m praying for you to have peace which surpasses all understanding.”
My heart meant well. I have talked and prayed about this kind of peace umpteen times for friends and loved ones.
But it had become my go-to thing to say. What a good pastor’s wife should say. For me, it had turned trite. Yet, I was about to discover it goes much deeper and is more substantial than I could have dreamed.
This time, I was saying it to Cory. My friend who was facing surgery the next day.
I’m typing these words on my phone as I sit in the hospital’s surgical waiting room. My husband, who is Cory’s pastor, is here along with her husband and other family members. We are waiting.
I have read about this peace in the Bible. Honestly, I’ve never totally got it. I just knew that if it surpasses all understanding, it must be good. The best peace available.
October 1, 2015 at 8:55 am | Uncategorized
The Sky’s Not The Limit
Sunset from my back yard
By Karen Friday
“Oh, Mommy look! What a boot-ful sky.”
Mesmerized and Hypnotized
I’ve been dazzled by the sky since I was a little girl. My mother conveys how I noticed beauty as a child—when I looked up. An enchantment that started long before I could enunciate the word beautiful.
My adoration of the sky has never wavered but, if anything, has grown. Sunsets and sunrises captivate my eye’s attention. A painter’s pallet of vivid orange and pink is an absolute favorite. Throw blues and purples in the mix and it’s hypnotizing.
William Shakespeare is noted as saying, “eyes are the windows to our souls”—it has never been truer for me than during sky-moments.
September 24, 2015 at 8:47 am | Uncategorized
What God Taught Me in the Mountains
By Karen Friday
Stay there. Stand in that spot while I do this.
Last month I shared a blog article about my family’s trip to the beach. This week I journeyed to the great Smoky mountains of Tennessee where God spoke to me in real and wondrous ways.
Three high school friends embarked on an annual girls trip. Pictured; me, another Karen, and Teresa—yes, Teresa was outnumbered by Karens. We smiled and laughed. Became teary and cried. Chatted and deeply talked. Shopped and bought. Worked (a little) and played (a lot). Discussed God’s Word and prayed.
The mountainous backdrop of a Gatlinburg cabin became our getaway home for three days. (Former employer and friends, Charlie and Terri, graciously provide their vacation cabin.)
September 17, 2015 at 10:13 am | Uncategorized
Am I Lovable? A Storyline Video By Karen Girl Friday
There were two things I questioned as a child:
Is God real?
Am I lovable?
Watch this video to discover my answers. There is power in story.
© 2015 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
September 10, 2015 at 9:35 am | Uncategorized
America’s Desperate Need for a Great Leader
By Karen Friday
A substantial part of a nation’s success rises and falls on its leadership.
Admittedly, I have a love-hate relationship with several things in life. Technology is my friend until it’s not functioning properly, then it’s my worst enemy. Pure joy describes my sentiments for particular foods. Yet, they can turn against my body at any moment through an allergy or health issue.
I’ve grown weary of politics—love little, hate most. However, there’s a need as an American and believer of Christ to be involved, take a stand, have an active voice, and pray over my voting choices—and for goodness sake—to vote (which I never take lightly).
If politics are functioning properly for us, we love it. When the reverse is true, we loathe it.
The old adage to never talk about religion or politics is absurd. If anything should be discussed, it should be our beliefs and particularly our spiritual beliefs to the utmost.
September 3, 2015 at 8:41 am | Uncategorized
What God Taught Me at the Beach
By Karen Friday
God has a way of speaking to me when I least expect to hear His voice.
Last week my family, minus my son, was on vacation at a beach in South Carolina. We concentrated on relaxation and desired to catch our breath from daily life.
An ocean front condo and grand view of the Atlantic Ocean welcomed us to town as if to say; “Well, hello Fridays. Good to see you. Enjoy.”
Four out of Five
I’m not referring to four out of five dentist recommend a toothpaste. I experienced four out of five of the human senses at the sea.
August 27, 2015 at 9:55 am | Uncategorized
Church Steeple People
“We come worshiping and leave serving.”
Several years ago, my pastor-husband Mike preached a message on how serving God follows worshiping God—in that order.
Worship aligns our heart with the Lord and is the catalyst to serve Him.
Originally a church plant, Believers Church has moved locations several times in our history. Currently, we meet in a former warehouse. A contemporary feel, we have enjoyed stages of renovations to our worship center, meeting areas, offices, and children’s department.
No steeple. No ornate widows or tapestry. No pews. No religious traditions of men.
I’ve seen breath-taking sanctuaries and marveled in architectural designs of churches. The pure beauty of historical cathedrals and the modern design of present day buildings often dazzle our eyes. For good reason—great care was taken to prompt a visual stir.
August 20, 2015 at 9:18 am | Uncategorized