Jesus Unedited
By Karen Friday
When we boldly proclaim the name of Jesus, we are storming the very gates of hell.
I’ve been deemed bold, opinionated, and creative in many aspects of life and ministry. Speaking has been a passion for decades, but I’ve only been writing for a year.
I can easily muster creativity in getting my thoughts down, letting the words flow as I type and take dictation from my soul. However, a great writer must become a student of another class—Editing 101.
February 26, 2015 at 9:34 am | Uncategorized
It’s Time to Draw a Line in the Sand
By Karen Friday
I’m chilled to the bone. In my neck of the woods here in Northeast Tennessee, a winter storm of snow and frigid temperatures has set in.
A beautiful snowy backdrop with blankets, hot chocolate, and my laptop should have brought a surge of writing ideas for my weekly blog. Instead, I have struggled with words to share as I try to remain cozy, comfy, and warm.
Recalling my original intent for writing and blogging: On this site you will find my love for God’s word, expressing scriptural truths as life happens. Real. Authentic. Soulful.
So here it is—what’s stirring in my heart as life is happening right now: I. Am. Chilled. To. The. Bone. There’s a much bigger storm at large. A worldview has set in bringing an icy, cold-hearted assault on the family unit, the sanctity of marriage, and Christian beliefs.
A cultural war is here (in everyone’s neck of the woods) between Christ-followers and non-believers of Jesus Christ.
February 19, 2015 at 9:23 am | Uncategorized
How To Get Rid of the Valentine’s Day Blues
By Karen Friday
When February 14th comes near, I hear people say, “I’m skipping Valentine’s Day this year!” Heart-broken or disenchanted with the whole “will you be my valentine?” charm or its absence.
As a young and vulnerable heart, Valentine’s Day without a boyfriend seemed ghastly to me. The Valentine’s Day blues at its peak (a girl in love with love).
Why do we think being someone’s valentine defines us? At least thinking it’s the tell-tale sign of who we are in regards to having and owning love. Like the cliche’: “I’m lucky in love.”
For the security of celebrating the day-of-love holiday, I often see girls and women date someone who is not their “first pick” until the holiday is over. Guys do this too. Settle. To have someone fill the spot for grandiose images of candlelight, romance, flowers, and chocolate.
February 12, 2015 at 9:10 am | Uncategorized
Lord, please respond at MY earliest convenience.
Meg was outside a local store holding this sign
© 2015 by Karen Friday
Ah, convenience. The love and want of things easily obtainable.
Inconvenience is bothersome. Such as running errands on my to-do list—with many stops to make—while I’m out and about. When I can obtain the majority of my needs at the same location, it’s handy-dandy!
A Fitting Story (Scene 1): I stop at a local convenience store for car fuel. Hungry or thirsty (or both), I mosey inside for a snack and drink. Oh, while I’m here, if I pick up bread and milk, I won’t have to stop at the grocery store. It will cost more money but less time for me (I rationalize).
On a side note, I had to relinquish going inside the local BP gas station. A habit was getting the best of me—Snickers ice-cream bars.
The comfort of convenience. “Mrs. Friday, please contact me at your earliest convenience.” How nice! They care about my convenience.
Our society is a convenient place: stores, fast-food, walk-in medical clinics, a “no-waiting” business, and even relationships. But all come with a visible or hidden price.
February 5, 2015 at 9:18 am | Uncategorized