Friendships

"A friend loves at all times..." Prov. 17:17

This morning I grabbed a devotional book that I haven't read in years. When I opened the cover, I found this note written by my best friend. Never in my life have I ever had a girlfriend that poured into me like she did.We used to meet weekly for coffee, prayer, and girl talk.  When I moved away many years ago, we made a commitment to get together for a girls' weekend at least once a year. I miss our morning coffee times. I miss her being my neighbor. I miss seeing her.

But this morning I was reminded that God is still using her words just when I need them. I find them in unexpected places...the back of a photo, inside a book, a card in a drawer, a note in a file...and I am blessed again because God chose to give the gift of friendship.  I only pray that I am that kind of friend in return.

Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship. Thank you for giving us friends who love us for who we are, with all are faults and shortcomings. Thank you that friends love unconditionally and can speak truth to us even when it is difficult. Father, help me be that kind of friend. Help me connect with someone who needs a friend. Help me be trustworthy. Help me be honorable. Help me be an encourager and a good listener. Please bless everyone with a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and who loves at all times. In Jesus name, amen.

Girls' Night Out!

I have started a monthly Girls' Night Out in my home for a few of my friends! We started out as Bunco group, but I could never get 10-12 girlfriends together at one time...so, we went to Plan B and play games, eat pot luck dinner and have fun!

In my zest for entertaining and preparing impressive treats, I searched Pinterest for ideas. I have a whole board devoted to cute little Bunco treats with dice themes! I also purchased 100's of dice for centerpiece decorations!

Last month I made jello desserts. I used cherry, orange, lemon & lime jello and layered them in these fun sherbet/margarita glasses. I love using these festive glasses for parties!

Last night I made banana pudding in a mason jar topped with whipped cream and a white chocolate dice! I did not have Vanilla Wafer Cookies, so I used Ritz crackers instead. It made a savory sweet dessert and I think it was a hit!

Here's my recipe:
Ingredients:
2 pkgs. instant vanilla pudding
2 1/2 cups milk
1 can condensed milk (I use Eagle Brand)
8 oz. cream cheese softened
16 oz. non dairy whipped topping
2 Rolls Ritz Crackers
4 bananas
Optional: white and black melting chocolates for decoration

Mix in bowl until thickened:
    2 small pkgs. instant vanilla pudding
    2 1/2 cups milk
Add:
    1 can condensed milk
    8 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature!)
    8 oz. non dairy whipped topping
Mix together in large bowl and whip until well blended.

Crush 4 Ritz crackers in the bottom of each mason jar.
Slice 1/3 banana for each jar. Place on top of cracker layer.
Spoon 1/2 cup pudding on top of bananas.
Top each with dollup of whipped cream and top with white chocolate dice.
(I used pure white melting chocolates and poured the melted chocolate into a dice candy mold, then placed in the refrigerator to set for ten minutes. I used black melting chocolates to paint the dots after the white candy had hardened.)

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

After a very hot summer, we have finally had a rainy day with cooler temperatures. Fall is in the air! Our grown daughter just celebrated her birthday and came over for her birthday dinner today. We served grilled steaks, fresh salad, and roasted potatoes. For dessert, she doesn't care for cake, so I made pumpkin pie pudding. I made up the recipe as I went along...the result was wonderful!

Ingredients:

1 can pumpkin pie filling

1 small box instant vanilla pudding

1/2 can sweetened condensed milk

8 0z. cream cheese (I used cinammon flavored cream cheese spread)

1/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Blend together until smooth. Spoon into cups and top with whip cream.

Balancing Home and Work 

I recently returned to teaching school after being a stay-at-home mom for 23 years. What a challenge it has been to balance work, family, church, and taking care of the home! I remember the days when my mornings started frantically, getting all the kids ready for school, lunches made, some form of breakfast in hand as we ran out the door, kissing my husband goodbye as he left for work.  I would return home to a quiet, peaceful house. I would pour a steaming cup of coffee, settle into my comfy chair with Bible and journal in my lap. This was my time with the Lord, my favorite time of the day, a time of leisure. After an hour, I would begin chores, merrily singing worship songs that I made up as I went along, or singing whatever came to mind. Sometimes I think, "those were the good 'ole days!" Yet the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that, "No, you were not always content back then. Remember how you felt isolated, insignificant, always learning with no opportunities to make a difference in the life of others."

Why is it that we sometimes struggle with contentment? What is it that leads us to that dark place?

I have enjoyed reading "The Blessed Life," by Robert Morris. One of the themes is that we are to have a heart of thanksgiving in all things! We become discontented when we focus on what we do not have, rather than on Who God is and what He has done for us! I prayed that God would increase my territory, my influence of ministry, from a household of three children, to more. He answered that prayer. He blessed me with opportunities to teach home Bible Studies, Church Bible Studies, and Ladies Retreats. Now that I have returned to teaching, I am reaching nearly 100 students per day. He has truly increased my territory!

Regardless of the struggles you may be dealing with, remember the words of Paul, "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Phil. 4:11-13

Balancing all the demands can only be achieved by laying a strong foundation of spending time with the Lord at the best time of our day. I am a morning person, so He gets my mornings. I have had to change my rising time in order to schedule time with the Lord, but it is well worth it. When I spend time in the throneroom, at the feet of Jesus, it keeps my mind refreshed, my heart renewed, and the Spirit within me quickened. I am more aware of His presence throughout the day, which ultimately leads to contentment and peace, because I am relying on Him who strengthens me! So rejoice with a heart of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done for you! Make a choice today to speak only in the positive, biting your tongue when negative thoughts enter your mind! "Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations." (Psalms 100:4-5)
 Blessings!

Karen

Posted 4th December 2011 by Karen Smith

Seasons Change

It seems so strange to me that my life is constantly changing from season to season. I feel sometimes as if I am living the life of a main character in a book, whose theme remains the same, but the Writer constantly changes the setting, the mood, the plot-with chapter after chapter of chasing rabbits. However, the Writer of my book is God Almighty, and all the days of my book are ordained by Him. (Psalm 139:16 "Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.")

 I hate it when people I meet for the first time ask me, "what do you do?" I have no title. I have no lifetime career. What I do changes from year to year. I know He has specific plans for me, but I have always called myself, "God's gopher." I have been a Singer, Songwriter,  Co-owner of Country/Gospel Music Opry, Speaker, performer, mother, teacher, Worship Leader, Bible Study Author, Special Ed teacher, English teacher, Science teacher, Volleyball coach, Track coach, Bakery owner, Antique dealer, Home Stager, Decorator, and Missions Pastor Wife. I have been involved in every ministry possible including VBS Director, Ladies Ministry Servant, Youth Ministry Leader, Worship Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Missions, & Senior Adult Director. Is it any wonder that I stay confused as to which direction I am to go?! I know it should not bother me, but it can make for awkward introductions. I should be proud I do not fit in a box!

The enemy is always close by to remind me that I am not good enough to be credible in any of these areas, and it is for this reason that God moves me to the next thing! When that voice of doubt and condemnation come into my head, I remind myself of God's unfailing Word. His gifts and callings are irrevocable. I know what the Lord spoke to me over twenty years ago when I first began teaching Bible Study. I know what I have been called to do. I remember the visions He has given me. I know that strength will rise when I wait upon the Lord. I know that in the Book of Genesis, Joseph waited over thirteen years to step into His destiny. He was given a dream as a youth, and he did not see it come to pass until thirteen years later. Like Joseph, I will mount up with wings as eagles when I wait upon the Lord and His timing! (Isaiah 40:31 "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.")Return to Top

If you are feeling insignificant, consider Psalm 139 and claim the Truths and promises found in the passage. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have a calling. God knows your heart. There is no where you can go to be separated or hidden from God. He sees you. He knows your every thought before you think. His precious thoughts towards you outnumber the sands on the seashore. Try counting a teaspoon of sand. Impossible! And God's precious thoughts towards you are more than all the sand on all the seashores. Because of this...you can know that you are loved...that He wants you to accomplish that for which you were created. Seek Him, and wait on His timing. He will bring it to pass. He is faithful. His promises never fail! Seasons change, but the Word of the Lord stands forever! (The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Is. 40:8)

Posted 5th September 2012 by Karen Smith

When We Don't Understand

I am sitting at the lake enjoying the stunning panoramic view, and I just cannot imagine being anywhere more beautiful. Words that describe this place are serene, peaceful, restful, calm, happy, memorable, full. By full I mean that every time I come to this spot, I feel the presence of God so powerfully! This is where I come to be renewed, to be alone with Him, to be filled, to hear His voice clearly. There are no distractions here, and when I feel I am far away from Him, and I get confused about spiritual matters, this is where I come to hear His voice. He always speaks to me here. He has never failed to meet me here.

This is also a place filled with memories of great times. We have had Easter Sunrise services, family reunions, 4th of July celebrations, parties, ladies retreats, pastor retreats, girls' night, and times with just my husband and I. This place is truly a gift.

I love the song that says, "when I cannot trust my heart, trust His hands..."It appears God is releasing us from this peaceful place that we love so much. I do not understand it. But I know I can trust Him fully. I know His desire is for us to have times of refreshing so that He can pour into our lives. He loves to love on us! I know I can trust Him to provide these times-no matter where I am. So while I still can, I am going to savor every moment I have here. And I pray that those who come after us will find the same peaceful presence of our awesome God in this place, and treasure it as much as we have.

If you are experiencing things that you do not understand, I encourage you to make a "date" with the Lord. Find a place that you can be alone with Him, worship Him, and talk to Him with no distractions. I have been asked, "How do you hear the voice of God?" A practical method that I experienced years ago begins like this:

1. Sit in complete silence.

2. Begin with telling God everything you are thankful for.

3. Ask God to speak to you and to keep the enemy away.

4. In your mind-silently (so the enemy cannot hear your questions), begin to ask God questions that you already know the answers to. Examples: Do you love me? Did you die on the cross for me? Do you have a plan for me? etc.

5. God promises in His Word that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. He wants to speak to you! He will not be silent. He may not give you the answer you are seeking, but He will give you an answer.

6. Once you are sure you recognize His voice, then ask Him the answers to the questions you are seeking.

The enemy cannot read your mind, so if you do this exercise silently, the only two voices in your head are your own, and the Lord's. Ask the Lord to use words that you never use so you will be able to distinguish between your own thoughts, and God's voice. He may answer with Scripture, or He may speak in conversation...He may call you by a pet name, He may ask you a question...be ready to encounter Him! He is near!

I pray this is helpful to some of you who are desire to hear His voice so that you can KNOW what to do , when you do not understand!

"Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom." 

Ps. 51:6

Unexpected Blessings 

Today I was in a local Taco Restaurant in Mineral Wells, TX,  refilling my tea at the beverage station, when a young girl about eight years old came up beside me and said, "hi." I said hello to her and she said, "I really like your earrings, they're pretty."  I replied, "Thank you! That was really a sweet thing for you to say." She scurried away, just a kid full of joy, sharing it with others.

I can't explain exactly why this encounter blessed me so much. But it is late tonight, and I am still pondering it. As I left the restaurant today, I said, "Lord, please bless her today because that she just blessed my socks off!" Its not that my earrings were anything special. They were plain silver hoops. I guess it was because it was so unexpected to have a little girl approach me and be bold enough to strike up a conversation, bless me, then walk away.

It was a gentle reminder of what really matters in life. People. I love to bless people and I love to be blessed! It is a great way to live! I pray that I will not miss an opportunity to be as bold as this little girl and bless a stranger.

New motto:

Eyes off self...pay attention...be alert...who can I bless?

"But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13 (NASB)

Posted 7th September 2012 by Karen SmithPodcast

Faith & Dreams

Recently I have had the privilege of hearing some pretty amazing teaching on the subject of faith and pursuing your dreams. One of the best messages I heard could be boiled down to one great line, "Don't let anyone take your faith!" You must fight to hold on to it.
I have found that this is so true! When we listen to the negative speech around us, it is easy to let our guards down and begin to believe the lies that we are insignificant, a face in the crowd, unable to make a difference. We must make the decision to live each day holding tightly to our faith-no matter what our day brings!
Relating faith to dreams...each one of us has a dream to be something or to do something great. There is something inside of us that we are passionate about! As we grow older, the dream begins to fade as life happens, distracts us, derails us, and before we know it, we are not pursuing our dreams anymore. The "some day" has become a discouraging "well that will never happen."  I have been reminded that God is the One who places a passion in each one of us that we should pursue with all we have. He has given us this passion, he has given us a dream, and now it is up to us to have faith (believe and ACT) to chase that dream. We are to hold tightly to this faith, to this dream, and not allow others to deter us!
If you have put your dream on a back shelf, or buried it and forgotten it, maybe it is time to revisit that dream, dust it off, shine it, and put it back in action! As long as you have breath, it is not too late!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways, acknowledge Him!
Go for it!

Posted 30th September 2012 by Karen Smith