Karen Jordan BLESSED

Need to Build Your Platform? Get Michael Hyatt's New Book: Platform

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:02:00 GMT

If you are an aspiring (or already successful) author, artist, musician, public speaker, salesperson, candidate for public office—anyone who has something to or sell—I want to help you take the stage and get noticed beyond your wildest imagination. (Michael Hyatt)

Did you get your copy of Michael Hyatts' new book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World?

If you buy Michael Hyatt's new book, Platform, by May 25 (TODAY), you can receive seven FREE bonuses worth $375.98. Check out his offer TODAY!

Platform Video Jumpstart (a $179.00 six-session video series)
Why Now Is the Best Time Ever to Be an Author (a $47.00 one-session video)
How to Write a Winning Book Proposal (a $47.00, two-session audio series)
Writing a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal (a $19.97 e-book)
Writing a Winning Fiction Book Proposal (a $19.97 e-book)
All the Digital Editions of Platform (a $38.06 collection of the Kindle, Nook, iPad, and PDF formats)
Audio Edition of Platform (a $24.99 audio edition of the entire book)

I ordered my copy of Platform online for my Kindle, because I was anxious to see what Michael Hyatt had to offer. Now, I also plan to buy a hard copy—because I think it’s exactly what I need, as a writer and a speaker.

"If you'd like to expand your influence, read Platform and then read it again" (Donald Miller, best-selling author of Blue Like Jazz).

Check it out TODAY! I don’t want you to miss this opportunity, in case you wanted to take advantage of the special offer.

"Trust me, this guy knows what he's talking about—so pay attention!" (Dave Ramsey, host of The Dave Ramsey Show and New York Times best-selling author)

Have you read Michael Hyatt's new book, Platform? What did you think?

Related articles

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Life Lessons: REST

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:04:00 GMT

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
(Ps. 62:5 NIV)

I've focused on several scriptures about REST over the last few years, when I need to get my thought life back on the right track.

Sometimes life just gets too overwhelming for me. I want to give up, crawl into my cave and hide from the world for awhile. But when I feel overwhelmed, I speak REST to my soul.

I've wanted to write down all I've learned about REST, but it makes me tired just thinking about trying to capture all of those thoughts and truths. But I continue to wrestled with the idea of writing down what I've learned and taught about that subject.

Many times, I've asked myself (or the Lord), How can I write a book on REST, when I'm still one of the most anxious people I know?

The answer to my question usually sounds something like this (depending upon the mood I'm in), Exactly! or Who would be a better expert on the subject?

No matter if I'm still a student or an expert, I think I need to share what I've learned and what I'm still learning about the subject of REST. I don't know why, other than I feel compelled to encourage others, who might also struggle with their thought life.

If I could help just one person with the life lessons I've learned, I'd be blessed.

Photo/KarenJordan

Would you be interested in reading a book on what I've learned about REST? Just curious?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Feeling Homesick?

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:46:24 GMT

YouTube/magnuswu "Where I Belong" Building 429

Do you ever feel homesick for heaven? What do you imagine heaven will be like?

Related post:

Writing about Heaven (Storywriting Studio)

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Remembering a Special Moment: Happy Birthday, Jill!

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:09:12 GMT

Happy Birthday, Jill! As I thought of my granddaughter's fifth birthday today, I remembered the first time I ever saw her face, and I wanted to share that moment.

“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” The lyrics to this song, made popular in the early seventies by Roberta Flack, came to mind as an ultrasound zoomed in on the image of my granddaughter’s angelic face just five days prior to her birth.

The promise. As I observed Jill Elizabeth in her mother’s womb, I recalled the scripture where the psalmist expressed his belief that his Heavenly Father knew him even before he was born. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place…your eyes saw my unformed body” (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV).

The journey. Even though my son, Adam, and his wife, Jenni, struggled with many fears during their journey to parenthood, God had a plan for their family. Psalm 139:16 says God ordered all our days and wrote them down in His “book before one of them came to be.”

Could it be that God appointed the very moment that my children would hold their precious daughter, Jill, and her older brother, Zach, in their arms for the first time?

The birth. The day we welcomed my granddaughter, Jill, into our world, I remembered that first image of her face as it appeared on the ultrasound screen. I tip-toed up to the table that held my new granddaughter, and I observed the nurse examine every inch of her body—from her curly, brown hair to the tip of her tiny, delicate toes. A bright heat lamp beamed down on her body, and Jill shivered and squealed, as she adjusted to her new environment.

All eyes focused on Jill’s every move. But my camera zoomed in on her face to capture the moment. The grey image on a computer screen had burst into life in full color, desperately crying out for breath, needing the waiting mother and father who had anticipated her arrival. Our promised one had arrived, and we welcomed her with open arms.

Photos/KarenJordan

Does my story remind you of a special moment in your life?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Embracing the Silence

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:50:57 GMT

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
(Pete Kipley and Bart Millard, "Word of God Speak" MercyMe)

Have you ever felt like you just needed to be silent? Maybe you're overwhelmed by your circumstances or emotions. Or perhaps you're exhausted, and you need some rest.

Sometimes I'm drawn by the peace and quiet of the silence. Then, God speaks His promises to my restless heart.

“Be still, and know that I am God!" (Ps. 46:10 NLT)
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you" (1Peter 5:7)

YouTube/jkstar09 ("Word of God Speak" MercyMe)

What is God saying to you in the silence today?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Giving Friendship a Second Chance

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:03:00 GMT

Have you ever wished you'd had a second chance at a friendship? Linda Miller addresses second chances for our guest post today.

What is the sign of a friend? That he tells you secret sorrows?
No, that he tells you secret joys. Many will confide to you their secret sorrows,
but the last mark of intimacy is to confide secret joys. (Oswald Chambers)

Second Chances
by Linda Miller

What did I miss when I passed you by?
I wasn’t stuck-up, just painfully shy.
I wonder now, would we have been friends
If only I’d tried harder to put self aside?

And so I tell you now, it is my regret
That time was wasted, not well spent.
While I was busy trying to be me
I overlooked many opportunities.

The loss was mine, as I’m well aware
For I have found goodness everywhere,
Since I have learned to put others first
And not take rejection as a personal hurt.

Maturity has given me the time to see
That you are special, and if you agree
Will you help me change our circumstance?
May we give friendship a second chance?

Photo2/KarenJordan

Photo2/LindaMiller

Linda Miller lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she works for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Linda is a widow, a mother of four children, and she has eight grandchildren. Besides family, she loves God, music, and words. Her purpose for being is to share glimpses of glory, to brighten the lives of those around her, and to affirm that God knows best even when we don’t understand.

Has anyone ever given you a second chance at friendship?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Little Rock American Christian Writers 2012 Writers' Conference

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:01:00 GMT

It's not too late to register for the 2nd annual LRACW Writers’ Conference on Saturday, May 19, at The Summit Church, 6600 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas!

Author Annalisa Daughety will speak on “Launching Your Writing Career: Pitfalls to Avoid and Tips to Help You Succeed.”

Breakout workshop speakers include:

Tim Grissom—Senior Writer at FamilyLife will speak on “The Point of Storytelling.

Karen Jordan—CLASS Speaker, writing instructor, and published author will speak on “Facing Your Fears as a Writer.”

Tracey Eyster—Creator of the MomLifeToday blog (385,000 unique visits in March 2012) will talk about building blog readership and other blogging matters.

Give-aways include TWO brand-new Kindle eReaders and many other door prizes!

Registration begins at 8:30 am. Conference hours: 9 am - 4 pm. Walk-in registrations will be taken onsite.

Hope to see you on Saturday, May 19!

Photo/Annalisa Daughety

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

A Promise for Provision

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:42:05 GMT

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!
In wisdom you have made them all.
The earth is full of your creatures ....
They all depend on you
to give them food as they need it.
When you supply it, they gather it.
You open your hand to feed them,
and they are richly satisfied.
(Psalm 104:24, 27-28 NLT)

Photo/KarenJordan

Who are you depending on to meet your needs?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

If I Could Go Back In Time

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:39:27 GMT

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matt.6:27 NIV)

"If you could go back in time … what would you do differently?"

My friend, Mary Larmoyeux, asked this question on her grandparenting blog, Grand Connection. She explained, "Sometimes I wonder what I would do differently if I could somehow turn back the hands of time and be a young mother again ... knowing what has taken me decades to learn." Mary also asked her readers, "What would you do differently as a young mom ... knowing what you now know."

As a young mom, I often found myself worrying about many things. But when I faced the terminal illness of my dad in my early twenties, I came to experience the power of prayer to bring peace in the middle of a crisis.

At that time, I had a three-year-old son, and I was expecting my daughter. And as I cried out to God in my sorrow and grief, God calmed my heart and mind with a peace that I'd never experienced.

Phillippians 4: 6-7 says, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (NLT).

Although I’ve experienced the power of prayer to bring peace many times since my dad's death, often I still get caught up in the emotional cycle of worry. In fact, many times I've "begged the Lord to take (my worries) away. (Yet each) time (He) said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me … For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NLT).

If I could go back in time, I wish I could say that I would not worry so much. Yet I am well aware that this tendency toward worry keeps me "on my knees" and totally dependent upon God.

Photos/DanJordan

If you could go back in time, what would you change?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Surviving Mothers' Day

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:19:38 GMT

How did Mothers' Day go for you this year? A time of joyful celebration? Or a mixture of melancholy memories?

Mothers' Day often brings a mixed bag of emotions for me. Even thought it's been several years since my Mothers's death, Mothers' Day still brings some emotional moments for me. And I've discovered that I can either try to ignore my emotions and remain in denial about my feelings, or I can allow God to guide me to the truth, so I can find peace.

Sometimes keeping busy with my own kids and grandkids helps me handle my emotions on Mothers' Day. But this year I had to deal with my melancholy mood and memories without them, and I let some negative feelings get the best of me again. I also received several text messages from others who were struggling with Mothers' Day blues--missing their loved ones or dealing with some regrets.

How did I survive Mothers' Day this year? As I prayed for God to help me deal with my melancholy mood, His truth provided a balm for my troubled spirit.

Remember. "The Lord is near" (Phil. 4:5 NIV). God promises to always be near, and He wants us to call on His Name for help.

Exalt. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (4:4) Even when I don't feel joyful, I can begin to confess God's promises and voice my gratitude and praise to Him.

Surrender. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (4:6) What do you need? Healing? Peace? What does the Bible say about your need?

Trust. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (4:7). God promises to protect our hearts and our minds from negative thoughts and emotions, as we confess our needs to Him.

YouTube/Jesusownsmyheart1 ("All This Time" Britt Nicole)

How did you celebrate (or survive) Mothers' Day this year?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

One Minute of Peace for Mother's Day

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:53:15 GMT

May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. (Jude 1:2 NLT).

This morning, I couldn't take my eyes off the mist hovering over Lake Cortez. So, I decided to capture a moment of this peaceful scene with the camera on my phone. I hope this short video brings you a moment of peace today. Blessings!

YouTube/KarenJordan

How do you find peace in your everyday life?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Tuck's Tales: A Mother's Love

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:42:14 GMT

Check out another humorous childhood story, "A Mother's Love," by Tuck Mantooth.

A Mother’s Love
by Tuck Mantooth

When I was very young in East Texas, we often visited a large lake just below a dam on the Neches River to go swimming. I liked going there to dig in the white sand and make tunnels for my little red plastic trucks. So long as I stayed away from the water, I was free to dig, get dirty, and really enjoy myself.

To put a little fear in me about the fast current and deep water, my mother always told me, “Remember the little girl that drowned near Evadale under the bridge.” [Actually, I didn’t want to die anyway.]

I noticed once that there was a big black beetle digging alongside me in the sandy soil near the water. I took a stick and thumped her a few times before my mother scolded me, “Leave that nasty bug alone—it’s a 'tumblebug’!”

The strange bug would roll up dirt into a ball larger than her own body. Then, she would stand on her head and try to push the little ball up the hill with her hind feet. After that, she would slip and tumble down to the bottom. I watched her over and over again.

I know now that Mama called her a tumblebug because of how many times she rolled down that slope with that ball following behind her. Later, I found out that the tumblebug actually was not rolling up mud or dirt—I overheard Mama call it “dog poop.” No wonder Mama told me it was nasty!

I never saw anything work as hard as that beetle. What I didn’t know was that she had laid an egg in the center of that ball, and she was making sure it hatched and had something to eat—she was vigorously ensuring its survival.

I respected that tumblebug more after I realized how much she cared for her baby. And I wondered if my mama would have been willing to stand on her head and roll a big ball of dung up a hill for me. Probably not. She didn't even like to cook.

Image: Christian Meyn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What life lessons have you learned from nature?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

A Naptime Story

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:03:00 GMT

My daughter Tara Ross wrote today's guest post, "Naptime." I know you will enjoy it!

Naptime

by Tara Ross

“It’s almost naptime,” I announce as my toddler, Ethan, rubs his hazel green eyes with closed fists. Apple juice stains and a smeared banana dot his gray pullover shirt. His round, pink cheeks are sticky and wet. He lets out an exhausted squeal and frowns with arms outstretched. I kneel on one knee and pull him close.

One down. “You’re sleepy, aren’t you?” Firmly grasping the back of our jade green sofa, I slowly rise with a grimace, aware of the achy weakness in my lower back and hips. His twenty-five pound body twists and squirms in my left arm, as I maintain balance with my right. The pain subsides for a moment, as I rest on the barstool behind me.

I spot the white plastic box and pop open the top. Holding on to me firmly, Ethan curiously eyes my hand, as I reach in and pull out a wet cloth. He lets out a protesting screech, as I wipe the evidence of lunch from his face. A sigh of relief escapes his mouth when I finish. Then, I stand up, repositioning him on my left hip.

“Tell Aidan ‘night-night,’” I whisper.

Their eyes meet, and the brothers share a grin. Aidan bolts from his relaxed position on the loveseat and dashes behind it, giggling. As I turn to walk into the nursery, I glance over my shoulder with a loving smirk at my lively three year old.

Ethan and I stare out of his bedroom window for a brief moment before closing the blinds and pulling a dark shade over the window. I hear a hound barking in the distance. Ethan points to the sound machine and says, “This?”

I guide his tiny finger to the button, and he mashes down on it, kicking both legs with a squeak of delight. Crickets come alive in his bedroom, and his body begins to relax.

Reaching up onto a high shelf, I find his treasured pacifiers and clip one onto his shirt, as he grabs another with his chubby hand. His eyes almost roll back, as he takes it in his mouth and leans into my shoulder. Placing a gentle kiss in the center of his forehead, I whisper, “Night-night.” Then, I glide out of his bedroom, softly shutting the door behind me.

One to go. Two playful eyes peek at me around the corner of the living room entrance, but quickly disappear. Following the sound of padded footsteps, I stand before the loveseat, hands on my hips. Brief annoyance is overcome with an irresistible urge to grin at his mischievous snicker.

Regaining control of myself, I declare, “You have a choice, Aidan,” with as much sincerity as I can without cracking up. “You can walk to your room like a big boy, and we will read a story. Or I can carry you to your room, and we will have no story time.”

A frustrated grunt is followed by an expectant smile, “Okay. But can I watch a movie first?”

As we walk down the hall, I respond, “Maybe after naptime.”

“Can I have some hot milk?”

“You already had your milk.”

“Can I have some juice?”

“After naptime.”

Aidan climbs on his bed and frowns at me, “But Daddy says I can have some juice.”

“Mommy says you can have juice after naptime. Scoot over, so we can read a story,” I attempt to change the subject.

“Can I sit on you?” I nod in approval, as he crawls on my legs and squirms, until he has found a comfortable position. He rubs the back of his head into my chest, and his blonde hair tickles my chin. I close my eyes, as I take in the scent of Lavender baby wash.

“Once upon a time …” Aidan is fascinated by the illustrations and words he has seen and heard at least a hundred times before. Again and again he points and asks, “What’s that?”

Before we know it, the last page is turned, and before I can say, “the end,” Aidan is begging for just one more story. I close the story book, and I roll him over onto his bed. “Let’s say a prayer,” I suggest.

“Let me do it,” Aidan insists eagerly. Then, squinting with wrinkled forehead wrinkled, he sneaks a peek at me out the corner of his eye. I pretend not to notice, and I wait for him to begin his prayer.

"Dear Jesus," he begins emphatically, “Thank you for Daddy and Mommy and Miles and Ethan and Nonnie and Pop and Grandma Susie and Mary and Pepaw and Adam and Jenni and Zach and Robyn and Karl and baby Ross and Jenny in New York and all my friends and … and … Mommy and Daddy… Amen.”

Yawning, Aidan curls up on his side, and I cover him with a soft baby blue fleece blanket. His sky blue eyes glisten, and his pale skin glows in the light from his bedroom window. I take pleasure in sharing the few seconds of stillness that has momentarily overcome his tiny body.

"I waked up!" Gently standing and reaching for the blinds, I am startled by his sudden movement. Sitting straight up, an innocent voice announces, “I waked up! Can I have a prize?”

I smile and tuck him back in. “Night-night, Aidan.” I pull the shade over his window, and the room darkens. He is almost invisible under the covers. I press the button on the sound machine and listen to the familiar cricket song.

I tiptoe across the room and start to pull his door shut when I hear, “Um, Mommy?”

“Yes, Aidan?”

“Um, Mommy, I love you.”

My heart melts.

“I love you, too.”

Tara Jordan Ross holds a masters in gifted education and degrees in early childhood and special education. She lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband Jonathan; they have five children. Tara was a special education teacher for several years before deciding to stay home with her children. Besides managing a busy household, she also serves in the children’s ministry of her local church. And she enjoys writing about her experiences as a mother and teacher.

Photo1/TaraRoss

Photo2/KarenJordan

Do you have some special naptime memories with your kids?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Roller Coaster Journey to Faith and Parenthood

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:02:00 GMT

Jenni Jordan's journey to parenthood took her on an emotional roller coaster ride to a life-changing faith experience. I pray her story encourages others to consider writing about their faith and family experiences.

Roller Coaster to Faith
by Jenni Jordan

Is God really “good”? And can I trust Him? These two questions haunted my mind, as God took me on a roller coaster ride to know Him personally.

Coasting. As a “PK” (preacher's kid), raised in church and baptized as a young child, I could be found at church every time the doors were opened. I learned all the great Bible stories, had great Christian friends, and attended a Christian school. God blessed me with great parents, who gave me a wonderful childhood, and I easily coasted through my teenage years and on to college.

During my senior year of college, I reconnected with an amazing, godly man, who loved me unconditionally, and we married soon after graduation. This season of my life began like the first part of a roller coaster ride—it started out slow—things were good, and we were happy. Then, we began to go uphill, and we didn’t realize what was ahead of us.

Ups and Downs. After three months of marriage, we were expecting our first child. We were at the top; then, suddenly, without any notice, we experienced the gut-wrenching loss of our first child. As we grieved, our hearts longed for a baby.

Thankfully, we soon discovered that we were going to have another baby. But then, another disappointment—miscarriage number two. This terrible process repeated in our lives three more times. And with each loss, our pain grew more intense.

Later, God blessed us with a true miracle--our firstborn son, Zach. As I held him in my arms, I stood in awe of my love for him. I didn't know that I could feel that kind of affection—a mother’s love.

A year later, after another miscarriage, I became pregnant with my little girl, Jill. I cannot imagine our family without her. She is a precious jewel, and I can't wait to do “girly” things with her as she grows up.

Roadblock. As I began motherhood, I thought more about what I wanted to instill in my kids, and what I wanted our home to be like. But I felt something was missing—a feeling that I questioned while we were trying to have a baby. As I talked with my husband, Adam, a burden was heavy on my heart. I thought I knew all the “right” answers concerning matters of my faith—I knew Christ had died for me—I thought I knew it all. Yet, I felt no passion in my faith and couldn’t understand why.

Then, I read the book, The Shack. Even though fiction, it revealed to me what I was unable to put into words. I didn’t trust God, and I really didn’t think He was “good.” I had witnessed Him active in the lives of others. But in my heart of hearts, I just didn’t trust Him.

Early in life, I had experienced health problems, and I was told that I might not be able to have kids—my greatest fear. I wondered, How could a “good” God take my greatest fear and my heart’s desire to be a mom and allow me to have six miscarriages? Yes, He had given me two precious miracles. But I feared that He might also use my children to once again test my faith. I realized that I was bound by fear and very angry with God. Yet, I knew this belief about God was not consistent with what I had been taught about His true character.

Pressing on. After many months of dealing with my fears, grief, losses, faith, and my beliefs and discussing it all with my husband, I decided that I needed counsel with our pastor. He talked with me about strongholds in my heart, and he challenged me to commit to a time of prayer and fasting.

Fast? I had never done that before, but I sensed it was something that God wanted me to do. I needed Him to give me peace, to relieve my burdens, to heal my grief, and to show me His goodness and trustworthiness.

Sudden change. On the first day of my fast, God answered my prayers--a new experience for me. In a simple, broken prayer, asking for God’s intervention, I sensed peace, which is difficult to explain. Something inside of me changed—I felt different. Suddenly, my relationship with God became personal, unlike my previous experiences with Him.

In one instant, my emotional roller coaster ended, as I experienced the inner peace of an intimate encounter with God. Finally, I can honestly say that I know I can trust God on the next roller coaster ride—because I now know He “is” good!

Jenni Jordan serves as the Director of FellowShip Kids at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock. She and her husband Adam have two children, Zach and Jill.

Image: anat_tikker / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Photo/KarenJordan

What metaphor would you use to describe your journey as a parent?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Worried? Remember the Wildflowers

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:01:00 GMT

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? (Matt. 6:33 MSG)

When I read Rachelle Gardner's blog post ("What's on Your Sticky Note?") about dealing with daily challenges, I immediately thought of several scriptures that I've written down to remind me of a truth.

When I'm overwhelmed, and I need to re-focus, I often think of Matthew 6:33, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" (NLT).

I love the The Message version this passage.

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met (30-33).

Since I've been taking a lot of pictures of wildflowers this year, this verse really speaks to me. I find some of the most beautiful wildflowers on the side of the road in the middle of the weeds.

So, when I'm tempted to worry about everything I think I need or want, I try to remind myself of this verse.

Photo/KarenJordan

What scriptures help you when you are worried?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

God Speaks Through a Child

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT

A special thanks to Jana Post for sharing her inspirational story, "God Speaks."

God Speaks
by Jana Post

I find it amazing how God places us in situations throughout life, and then we are given the opportunity to not only reflect upon the situations, but use them for the purpose of helping others.

I work in a school that services children with and without disabilities. It is a nationally known school that is affiliated with Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. One of my responsibilities is to work with the inquiring families interested in the school. Many of these families have a child with a disability, and are touring the school and visiting with me to see if this would be the best fit for their child.

About a month ago, a couple came to tour. They were 16-weeks pregnant and just recently found out that their baby girl has Down Syndrome. Their obstetrician recommended they come for a visit as they were “weighing their options.” These kinds of decisions and options are some that I do not even like to wrap my mind around!

I’ve been there! “Terminate this baby, because if he survives, he will not be ‘normal!’”

I wanted more than anything to drop the tour and conference, and ask them, “Do you know God? He can guide you through this! He has made this baby in His image, and she is fearfully and wonderfully made!?”

Instead, I maintained my professionalism and decided to show God to them through these wonderful children at our school, and through my experiences on both the professional side and the personal side.

This was one of my toughest, and most emotional tours. The pain, fear, confusion, and grief exuded from this sweet couple. We visited for an hour and a half before they could muster up the courage to watch our children in action.

During the visit, we stepped foot into our 4-year-old room. Up until this time, they were just peeking through windows, and not wanting to come face to face with reality.

As their toes barely entered this classroom, a sweet and precious little girl with Down Syndrome stood up from her lunch. She made her way over to this new dad standing there by me and gave him the most gentle and precious hug. As she looked into his eyes, she gave him a huge smile.

We stood there for a moment, and we soaked in what had just happened. As we exited the room, this expecting mother said, “There is nothing like a little girl’s hug!”

God had done it! While I provided them with the logistics, the research, the stories, the expectations, the personal experiences, and the most loving support that I could, God showed them that this life--this precious life growing inside is a life worth loving!

Photos/JanaPost

Jana Post is the Language and Assessment specialist at The Rise School of Houston. When she is not playing with her three children, working, or spending time completing her second Master’s degree, she loves to write about how her experiences in life that God weaves her through! She is published in ParentLife magazine with articles on child development as well as some of her life experiences.

How does God speak to you?

Another article by Jana Post: Mending and Molding: One Mom's Faith Journey

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Great Quote about Writers

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Take chances, make mistakes, get messy. (Miss Frizzle, Magic School Bus)

As you can see by the picture below, I've always lived up to Miss Frizzle's teachings, even before I became a writer. I still have mud on my face at times, and my clothes get twisted on occasion. But I love the outfit (below), don't you?

What is your favorite quote about writing? I love how Donald Miller describes a typical day as a writer.

Writers don't make any money at all. We make about a dollar. It is terrible. But then again we don't work either. We sit around in our underwear until noon then go downstairs and make coffee, fry some eggs, read the paper, read part of a book, smell the book, wonder if perhaps we ourselves should work on our book, smell the book again, throw the book across the room because we are quite jealous that any other person wrote a book, feel terribly guilty about throwing the schmuck's book across the room because we secretly wonder if God in heaven noticed our evil jealousy, or worse, our laziness. We then lie across the couch facedown and mumble to God to forgive us because we are secretly afraid He is going to dry up all our words because we envied another man's stupid words. And for this, as I said, we are paid a dollar. We are worth so much more. (Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz).

I'm so excited to be attending for Donald Miller's Storyline conference soon. I hope to blog about it--so stay tuned!

Photo/BarnesFam

How would you describe your typical day as a writer?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

What Is Your Favorite Wildflower?

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:05:00 GMT

Photo/KarenJordan

Describe your favorite wildflower?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Drawing Near to God

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Tue, 01 May 2012 05:05:00 GMT

Did you see how close he was to her? Like spoons in drawer. Like flame on candlewick. Like words on paper. And we all know what words they are ... (Opa!).

When I heard this comment on a movie, I had to write it down. I loved the metaphors used to describe a romantic relationship.

Most of us desire that kind of closeness, especially in our marriages. Yet many things can come between a couple to separate the intimacy they once enjoyed together--family, friends, money, opinions--even our faith.

But the same tragic thing can happen in our spiritual relationship as a Christian. The troubles or the pleasures of our world can pull us apart from intimacy with Christ.

We many not be able to control our connection with another human being. But God's Word promises, "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world" (James 4:8).

Image: Piyaphon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How do you draw near to God, when He seems far away?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

More Distractions: A Lesson in Focus

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:05:00 GMT

My grandson, Zach asked me to help him with his new Lego sets. When he got the boxes out, he planned to just spill them all out together on the floor. I suggested that he empty each box on a different tray to keep the pieces to each Lego set separate.

As he opened the first box, he examined the instructions carefully. Then, with a look of panic, he asked, "Nonnie, could you help me?"

I tried to get down on the floor with him at first; then, I suggested he place the tray on the footstool in front of my chair. Zach kneeled down next to my stool.

I sensed Zach's frustration, as he looked at all the tiny pieces on the tray. But when I suggested he look at the directions, one illustration at a time, he began to focus in on the project. "Zach, let's look at the first picture, what pieces do you need?"

Zach picked up two pieces, putting them carefully together. Then, he looked at the next picture, trying to concentrate. But the movie his sister Jill watched distracted him. I tried to encourage him by reminding him to concentrate on the steps to his Legos. As long as he could stay focused on each step of the Lego project, he did fine.

I realized as I watched Zach, I was just like him, as I struggled to stay focused on projects that were important to me. If I allowed anything to distract me, I could not focus.

Photo/KarenJordan

How do you stay focused on your work or projects?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Tuck's Tales: The Devil Made Me Good

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:29:24 GMT

Our little cowpoke, Tuck Mantooth, find himself in a heap of trouble with his Aunt Doris in today's guest post.

The Devil Made Me Good

by Tuck Mantooth

My Aunt Doris lived in a very big house with lots of comfortable chairs and big beds near sunny windows. I loved to visit there when I was young. Her children were much older than me, and they didn’t even seem like cousins. She had seven dogs that really liked me.

But Aunt Doris was a lady that I was very careful with. She had a quick temper and a sharp voice. Plus, she could swat my behind and make me feel guilty even when I didn’t deserve it. She walked around her house with authority, keeping her bluff in on me like she did her white French poodles.

Between my trips to her home, Aunt Doris bought two new couches and a daybed for her den. When I arrived, I ran and bounced on the first one, and she caught me in mid-air as I leaped to the next one. She said, “Take a look at that picture on the wall over there—I bought that for you, little boy.”

After she yanked me back and scolded me for jumping on her new furniture I walked over to see what she was talking about. It was a strange picture that changed as you walked up to it. It was like two pictures in one. It switched back and forth as you walked by it. From across the room, there were pretty ladies huddling in a circle with big, poofy dresses stretched over petticoats. They were leaning in, whispering something to each other.

But when you got closer, the picture was of the devil’s face smiling right at you. When I focused on his beard, his scary eyes met mine, and I saw his sharp horns and his evil smile.. The women just disappeared when the devil showed his face.

When you walked by the picture, I expected to just see ladies in a circle but the devil was there, waiting for you to look at him. I hated looking at his face. It scared me.

Why did Aunt Doris buy it for me? I wondered if everyone could see the devil’s face, or if it was just me, because I was bad. Aunt Doris claimed that I was the only one that could see that face. And I must have done something bad if I saw the devil there.

Aunt Doris called it “art,” but I think it was just her way of making me be good and not jump on her furniture or tackle her dogs. It worked. Daddy always told me that the old devil would get me if I didn’t mind him, and I guess Aunt Doris figured that it would work for her, too. I can’t figure out why anyone would want a picture of the old devil on their wall anyway.

The devil always was grinning like he wanted to get me, so I kept on being good and minding my Aunt Doris. When I grow up, there won’t be a devil on my wall. He can stay there with Aunt Doris and make somebody else’s kids mind her.

Photo/JordanFam

Can you recall any incidents where someone tried to scare you when you were a child?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Impossibilities

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:29:04 GMT

I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, "May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea," and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. (Mark 11:23)

Sometimes God leads us to do the impossible. I’ve re-discovered several important spiritual truths about impossibilities lately.

Some things are impossible to do in my own strength. "Humanly speaking, it is impossible ...” (Matt. 19:26 NLT).

All things are possible with God. “… But with God everything is possible." (ibid.)

I can do anything God calls me to do. “… I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).

God will complete the work that He began in me. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within (me), will continue his work until it is finally finished …” (Phil. 1:6).

God gives me His strength, when I am weak. “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10).

Photo/KarenJordan

What have you discovered about impossibilities?

I’ve written more about this subject online. Check out the articles below.

"Facing the Impossible" (BLESSED Legacy Stories)
“Sergio: A Memoir from My Writing Life” (WordServe Watercooler)
“An Impossible Dream?” (StoryWriting Studio)

2008-2012 Karen Jordan

Finding Spiritual Truth In Nature

karenejordan@sbcglobal.net (Karen Jordan) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:36:43 GMT

Under a post of this video on the StoryWriting Studio, my friend, Kathryn Graves, asked, “How many spiritual truths can you find that this video illustrates?

I found a few scriptures that I think we can apply here.

Don't forget to keep your spiritual armor on. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8 NLT).

Don't mess with God's children. “But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you'll soon wish you hadn't. You'd be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don't have to make it worse—and it's doomsday to you if you do” (Matt. 18:6-7 MSG).

Don't ignore the needs of the others around you. “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (James 1:27 NLT).

YouTube/Jason275 (Battle at Kruger)

Did this video remind you of any experiences from your own life?

2008-2012 Karen Jordan