Conversing With Karen

Another Rare Update!

2009-06-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled about the fact that spring is here! My Tulips have bloomed and now my Irises are up and blooming! From where I sit I can see beautiful rows of corn peaking their heads up.

God has been faithful, and I have 8 weeks left in this pregnancy! It is hard to believe that in aprox. 8 weeks I will be holding our child in my arms! Life is never going to be the same. Even now it has changed. My body has been waking me up earier and earlier. It is amazing how God prepares us for what He is about to do.

For the past two months I have been working as a manager in a Christian book store part time. It has been nice, and has met needs for us, but I am looking forward to being done (5 more work days left!).

Maybe one day I will be able to blog a lot longer than this.

Here are some prego pics of me lately.

Yea, I feel big! But it is amazing and thrilling to feel the baby and t o feel and see it move!

Blessings to all!

Karen

A rare update

2009-01-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

Hello to all! Sorry I have not been consistant with my blogging. Not much is going on here.

We are expecting a baby in July.

We just had our first wedding anniversary two days ago.

We have lots of snow.

My Husband finally found work.

I am Blessed.

A new update

2008-12-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

I was asked by a friend the other day about why I was not blogging. Well here is a new blog!
I am not much of a blogger but here goes.

Well the Last time I think I updated was thanksgiving, and a lot has changed.

~We have moved. The Lord opened a door for us to relocate closer to church, not so close to town, and off the farm! This house is a two bedroom two story, and is much cozier than the last.

~We are going to have a baby! We had been praying for nine months (our entire married life) that God would bless us with a family of our own, and we found out in November that Lord willing we will be having our baby in July!
We are very excited along with our family and friends.
Please pray that God would keep the baby and I healthy, and that He would prepare us to be parents.

~Christmas is coming! This will be our first Christmas as a married couple. We bought a real tree, and have it all set up and decorated.

~ Through out this past year We have been learning to trust God with our needs especially with Jacob starting his own business, and things like that.

I have a new Niece! She was born last Thurday, her name is Ruth Anne, and she was 6 lbs. and 7 oz.
She is so adorable and is cherished by her whole family!

Well I guess that sums up my whole update!

God bless us everyone!

Karen

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

2008-10-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

I feel kind of chilly as I write this. Autumn is now upon us and I am loving it! The colors, the nip in the air, being able to be cozy, the smells and sights, the sounds of crunching leaves! I could go on and on!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! We went to an apple orchard, drank apple cider, ate turkey and spent it with family! I Loved the smells that presided at Mom and Dads house! An apple pie candle, and a baking turkey along with the other foods like potatoes, and stuffing. taking all this in while drinking apple cider. I loved it! It was warm out during the day which made it nice as well!

God has been so good in this past year! Besides the fact that I got married this year, I have just seen the goodness and the faithfulness of the Lord in my life and all around me! He is not done yet, and that is exciting!

For all of you who read this blog, please leave a comment of how you have seen the goodness of God this past year! I would love to hear about it and I would like to know who all reads this so that I know I am not just blogging to no one! Thanks!

God bless you all!
Karen

My Life Lately

2008-09-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a very different week!
Good and difficult.

I am an analytical person. I analyze things a lot. If you didn't know that, it is probably because I mostly do it in my head. It mostly comes out when I am with other analytical people, or I analyze it while I am speak (so that might be one of the reasons I might talk so much!)
So this past weekend especially, I think I over analyzed some things too much and forgot for a while what I knew. Thinking and believing the truth and trusting God that He knows and has things all figured out, and that I don't always need to. I think I without knowing it gave into the enemy's tricks and lies.
This, mixed with realizing that my walk with God was not where it should be, and analyzing that as well, was dificult.

Here are some scriptures I heard in yesterday's Message at church. The message had nothing at all to do with what I was struggling with, but theses, I believe, were God's words to me.

1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

So yea. This kind of describes what has been going through my mind as of lately.

God is faithful and has showed Himself strong on my behalf, because "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

I have been blessed with an amazing, encouraging, godly husband who has helped me become more focused on what I should be focusing on.

I am not much of a writer even though I enjoy it, but I am working on it.

I envy people sometimes who have the gift of thinking deep or analytical, or whatever. But I have come to realize, now that I realize that is what I am, it is not always a blessing. There will always be an abuse of gifts that have been granted to us and we have to make sure we use them properly and to God's glory, or you are just going to get into a mess!

I hope this has been a blessing. If you have any input and feed back, feel free to comment!

Cheerio!

Karen

When I say, “I am a Christian”

2008-09-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting “I've been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost! That's why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble - needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge
I have no authority -- I only know I’m loved

~Carol Wimmer~

2008-09-10T07:32:00.001-07:00

Wow, it has been a while since I have updated! I have been busy and yet not.

~We have internet again.
It was kind of nice/weird not to have it for a while.
When you don't have it it makes you see how much it took your time

~I took drivers ed (education)
It was kind of weird sitting in a secular classroom setting with a bunch of teenagers
who were nothing like me, or even knew me. I enjoyed gaining the knowledge that the course had to offer, and it was definitely a stretching experience. It was also wonderful to see how the Lord showed Himself faithful to me!

~It is getting colder!!!
I am kind of chilly even now while i am writing here.
As I saw my husband off to work this morning, it was only 6 Celsius! The tree are changing colors, and soon we will be getting frost, the birds will be migrating south, and it will be out with the AC and in with the heaters.
My favorite part of it all is being able to dress warm, wear sweaters, smell the crispness in the fresh morning air, drink hot coffee,tea,and hot chocolate more frequently. Seeing nature change its wardrobe from green to glorious golden hues, hear the crunch of leaves, seeing all the colorful leaves on the ground, and collecting unique and pretty leaves for my Bible.

Jacob has been layed off from his job, and so we have felt God leading us to start our own business of doing renovations. It has been wonderful to see how God has been working through it all.

Today I did something that I have not done yet since we have gotten married. I broke into our house!
I went outside to say goodbye to Jacob this morning and he locked the door and I shut it with out knowing he had done it. He was just driving onto the road when I discovered it. He didn't hear me yelling after him. So there I stood, in my pj pants and a sweat shirt, and I was locked out of my house! I almost felt like I was going to panic. The only phone that I might have been able to use was in the barn, but I really did not want to have to use it, so I decided that I was going to try to break into our house. I found a window that I could crawl through, but the hired hand was out and feeding the calves, so I waited to make sure he wouldn't see and then I bee-line inside!

God has been so amazing to me. He gives me what I don't deserve, and does not give me what I do deserve!

I had a bit of insight the other day that I thought I would share with you all.

Churches these days shouldn't be having all the non christians it has. Or should I say the Church should not be trying to lure the non believers in.
The Bible says in Acts 2:42-47 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine
and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. "

Church is the believers. God will bring people into the church that are to be saved (and I won't or don't want a whole discussion on pre-destination). If we would allow God to do is job we wouldn't have to worry about keeping people in our church, trying to get them in. On the day of Penticost God didn't need Peter to go on a door to door visitation to recrute those three thousand souls, God called the believers to obey and to be a light, And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. " Peter preached the truth, and when the people wanted to know what they should do Peter didn't give an invitation to the next meeting, but told them the truth. If God calls you to do that (church invitation) then obey. Yes God uses people who led of the spirit.

Years ago our church started to ask the Lord to bring those that were hungery for the truth and the word of God, to the church. Many of our church leadership are an answer to that prayer.

Any thoughts or balancing truths? They would be welcomed.

God bless, Karen

2008-08-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! it has been a while since I have posted on here!

Well we have been married for six almost seven months now and I am loving it! I am so blessed to have a godly man like Jacob.

I checked and i have no pictures on here so I will see if I can remedy that!

More to come!

2008-02-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it has been two weeks and three days since we got married, and it is going great! I am enjoying being a stay at home wife.
Yesterday we went to London to get my name changed around and this and that, but lets just say it didn't all work out like we hoped. but after all that we went Value Village shopping (a thrift store)!!!!!!!!! it was good.

Today I am working on laundry. Today Mom and Dad come home from Mexico with George and Aggie! i miss them! Even though I don't live at home anymore I still miss them and knowing they are not there. So yea.
It has been amazing to see how the Lord has been revealing Himself to me, and all I can do is stand in awe, and surrender my life and will to Him.

I was reading in Philemon and I saw a verse that I don't really remember seeing before.
4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

My heart resinates with the scripture in Luke 1: 46-54
And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. for he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; "

May God bless you all!
Karen

2008-01-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that it is only two more days till our wedding!
It is something that I have only ever dreamed of but now it is becoming a reality.
God is so good.

Thinking about God's faithfulness, and my faithlessness over the years, I do not deserve this.
I pray that God will cause this relationship to be a blessing in the years to come, and that we would raise up a godly home that honors Him and His word.

If you think about it, please pray that God would get all the honor and glory out of our wedding on Saturday, and that those attending will feel the Lord's presence and walk away blessed.

Thank-you very much for your prayers!

God bless you!

A Question

2007-11-09T16:51:00.001-08:00

What does Holiness, and a life totally sold out to Christ, mean to you?

Engagement Pictures

2007-11-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, here are some engagement pics!
Enjoy!

A lot of things have changed this past year! Last year this time I was in Chicago and I didn't know Jake at all. Know I will be getting married. I am so happy! I never knew I could be so happy and so in love. It is more than I ever thought it would be. To try to explain it is cheap, and word are not enough, and for those who know what I am talking about, know what I mean. I am so blessed to have a man like Jake!

God has been so good and so faithful!

The Lord has provided a temporary job for me so that is why I have been so busy. I miss being at home, but My work is good, and it is definitely a mission field.

Well God bless you all!

Karen

Laughter is good for the Soul!

2007-10-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Laughter is good for the Soul!

A friend sent me this and I thought funny and so true. Thanks Buba! I am sure you have heard at least one of these.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXT6Hs113ZA

God is so Awesome. I have been reading in Song of Solomon and it gives me a small glimpse of how much I am loved by my Jesus. Why would He love someone like me?
He is so faithful.
To think that He would love us who are so unlovable!

Karen

I am Engaged!

2007-10-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here is the story!

On Sunday Jake and I made it a day of prayer and fasting, so we were going to go to the park to do some reading and praying, and hanging out. After that He told me He wanted to take me to a Winery near by. I was like, um... okay. We go there and we were told we could go through the vineyard for a self guided tour. It smelt so good. the grapes tasted great too. After a while of walking through the vineyard Jake drops down to one knee, and you know the rest. When we headed back to the main building there on a table was two glasses and the worker who was in on this came our with a bottle of pure grape sider with a custom designed label.
After that we went out to a restaurant for supper and he had made reservations and asked for candles on the table!
I love that guy!

Here are some pictures!

Now for planning the wedding!
We are planning to get married in mid January. If you want an invitation please let me know soon!

God bless you all!

Karen

Autumnish Thoughts

2007-10-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Autumn Is one of my favorite seasons. The trees changing color, the cool mornings and evenings. I have started picking up the habit of drinking more tea, and Peppermint is on of my favorites. It is the time of year when you start bring out sweaters, but still nice enough to leave your window open for night to let the fresh air in. Ah, I love it.

One of the thoughts that has struck me lately is this. It is amazing how there is such beauty in death. As the leaves die everything that was green starts to turn beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow, brown, or several colors mixed together on one leaf.

Death brings with it heart ache and pain to those that are affected by it, and it definitely brings change. But there is a strange beauty and Joy that comes when it is for the Lord glory.

This past year someone who I knew for a little while and worked with for several months past away, and the father to some friends of mine past away as well. Our family just finished the biography of William Bordan, and the impact his life had even though he died at a young age.

I truly believe that the Lord was glorified through these deaths, and I know that each one of them were ready to meet the Lord.
William Bordan had a greater impact on this world, and God was more glorified through his death than in life.
The same with Jim Elliot.

Like I said before there is a strange beauty in death, but to know that when we allow God to control of our lives there is life beyond death and there is new life, and spring shall come again!
Autumn and Winter are necessary to have a beautiful Spring.

It is amazing to think that God knew what He was doing when He created the Cycle of life.

God bless you all!

Karen

2007-08-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

Back to school daze!

I love to back to school season! for one, I love the Autumn weather. The cool mornings and evenings, the trees changing colors, and almost everything that comes with it.
For the second reason, as the stores bring out the new school supplies, I get thrilled and want to buy supplies just so I can have them even though I am done (it won't happen though).
New paper. To me inspiration is a blank piece of lined paper and an empty notebook! The thrill of seeing unsharpened pencils and using a new on for the first time. My favorite is Dixon 2, because they write good and they usually have a good eraser at the end.
Colored pencils, erasers, new glue (it has a good smell), and maybe a new binder.

I enjoyed history, most writing assignments while in school, Health (or the "Medicine Resource" as we called it), and Law.

It has been a while since I was in school, but I enjoy helping the other children for the most part now, or taking over the responsibilities in the house.

Well gotta go. Enough Reminiscing for now!

Karen

Family Vacation

2007-08-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Our family (minus Victor because he couldn't get time off) went to Manitoba to visit family, and spent a weekend in Alberta to visit friends.

Here are some of the two hundred and some odd pictures I took.

It was foggy when we left home at around 6:00 am
We stopped in the afternoon to stretch our legs. The rest stop had 231 stairs that led
to a beach, and yes we climbed all of them down and up.

During the whole trip My dear sister Melodie was my traveling buddy, and we had fun together.

We went through the USA because it was shorter, and it really brought back memories of my early childhood traveling to Manitoba.
I saw this Bilboard and liked it. What do you think?

Our first destination was at my Aunt Ann, and Uncle Ed's home in Winnipeg.
During our two and a half days there My uncle took us to the Royal Canadian Mint.

Friday evening we went to my Grandma's house for Supper and the next morning we went to a parade and I got to watch it with her, while my family sat somewhere else.

Young and old were there watching and taking part.

On Sunday my cousin took two of my sisters and I to a low German play. It was good, and funny. It was interesting to be in a city where the majority of the people were Mennonites, but nice to see fellow Mennonites again.

It was nice to hang out with cousins like Tom and Eva

It was also nice to visit with Aunts and Uncles.

Alberta's landscape was nice though it did not have as many trees as Ontario. where you saw trees it was probably by a homestead. A group of us came together Sunday evening, the majority of the group use to live in Ontario except for one couple.

Through it all Betsy, the GPS that friends of ours let us use (praise the Lord), was wonderful. It took a lot of the stress of traveling out of the trip.

This is just a brief over view of our trip out west.
In Winkler, we spent a lot of time visiting and eating, and visiting and eating sme more.

It was a good trip and to see all the people, but it felt really good to come home!

May the Lord bless you all!

Karen

More Pic's

2007-08-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pictures that I have taken.

Tell me what you think.

Karen

Great is Thy Faithfulness!

2007-08-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

I stand amazed at the goodness of the Lord! Just seeing His work in my life and in the lives of others.
Yesterday I was talking with my mom, and while I was talking with her the Lord showed me an amazing truth!

Often we struggle with the acceptance of others and the approval of others even within your own family. That is what I had been struggling with but The Lord showed me that even though we may not get the acceptance or approval of others, God accepts us for who we are and Loves us the way we are!
It seems like such an old truth but, God has a way of making them new and fresh to us.
When we stumble and fall he picks us up and cleans us off and helps us back on our feet, just like a parent with their child!

He is so faithful!

The courtship is going good. I am still amazed that I could (through Christ) love someone so much and be loved so much!
Our prayer is that we would be a blessing to those around us, and that we would be an example to others.

Here is some of my Photography. If you have any tips or comments feel free to send them my way!

There will be more to come.

God bless you all!

Karen

The Blessings of the Lord

2007-05-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

I can't begin to tell you all that the Lord has been doing in my life and how He is in the process of fulfilling a life long dream for me!
I am courting! Something I never dreamed would happen this soon.
I stand amazed at His working in this whole relationship. God has had this all planned since before time began, and how it is now coming to pass.

It is very different than how I always dreamed it would be, not in the way I expected, and and someone who I never really expected.
We are looking forward to see how God will work this all out. Our main prayer is that God will be glorified and honored in this relationship.
We are blessed to have the blessings of o ur family members and our church family.
God is so good!

Karen

2007-04-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians. 6:16-18, 7:1

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
"And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Karen

2007-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the lily picture I drew for Easter. When I saw the lily plants at Church I really wanted to draw them, but I don't really have the time to do it while at Church. A lady from Church bought our family one, so the Lord worked every thing out so I could!
I have caught a glimpse of what Christ did for us, on the cross, in a new way this past Easter. I can only stand in awe and praise His name!

More Art!

2007-04-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here is some more art for you all to see.

I am currently working on a picture of a lily, but I never knew how complicated it would be.

Karen

ART!

2007-04-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here is some artwork I did while I was in Chicago last year.

May the Lord Bless you all!

Karen

"THE CHURCH THAT WOULD NOT SUFFER!"

2007-04-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is a newsletter I receive monthly from www.sermonindex.net. I found it very powerful and thought I would let you read it as well.

IT IS QUITE disheartening to read any Christian magazine or news item these days. They are full of sex scandals, financial fruads, comprimising christians, powerless pastors and man-made movements. Where is God in it all? Is God purifying His Church? God is preparing Himself a "glorious Church" that is "denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." God is speaking loud and clear to our generation, "I know your works!" Oh may every pastor and layperson that reads this newsletter realize that "God knows!" It is time to stop playing games with Church and get right with God and be the Church Militant on earth once again. God is looking for a people to show Himself strong on behalf of! "Let no man decieve you." God's word stands firm, we will all approach His judgement seat with the same Bibles and same opportunities. "Be zealous therefore and repent."

"The great battles, the battles that decide our destiny and the destiny of generations yet unborn, are not fought on public platforms, but in the lonely hours of the night." -Samuel Logan Brengle

God bless you all.
Karen

A Gift from my Jesus!

2007-03-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

My precious Jesus gave me a gift today. The temperatures out side is 20 above zero!!!!!!! What a beautiful day. He blesses us with gifts we don't deserve. We don't have to do anything to earn His favor. What a wonderful thought to think He loves us for who we are.

Psalms 27:4 "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple."

Karen

Revial among God's Church

2007-03-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

"If revival is being withheld from us it is because some idol remains still enthroned; because we still insist in placing our reliance in human schemes; because we still refuse to face the unchangeable truth that 'It is not by might, but by My Spirit." -Jonathan Goforth-

Psalms 139:23-24
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 80:3, 14
"Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved."
"Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;"

John 15:4
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me."

Karen

First Things First

2007-03-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Luke 1:46a-47
"...My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."

My name is Karen(thats me on the far right!). I am the second oldest of 8 children, a PK, and a home school Graduate. I became a Christian at the age of 9, and I love Christ with all my heart.

I love to sing and have ever since I was a little girl. I enjoy fellowshipping with fellow believers, reading, serving, working at home, and, studying on Interior Decorating.
I am currently working at home, which includes laundry, cooking, cleaning , and working with children.
I work with the younger youth (10-14) at our church, am a Church Librarian, and Sunday school teacher (I have not taught in a while but will be doing it again next month).

The Lord has been teaching me a lot lately. one of the things is Learning about Him. In the past I would read my Bible with the mindset of "What applies to me", "What can I get out of it"? The Lord has been showing me that I need to focus on learning about Him.
When reading an email or letter we don't see what applies to us, but what we can learn about the other person, and getting to know the person. That is how it is with Christ. It is not wrong, to have things apply to you or getting something out of it, but that should not be our main focus.

John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

What do you think? Feel free to send feedback.

Karen