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About

MinistryI’m a little offbeat.

Desire to be more upbeat.

Sometimes march to a different drumbeat.

But always with heartbeat!

If you’re a new visitor to my site, here’s a little about me.

My husband, Mike, and I served the local church for thirty-five years. Initially ministering to students, worship ministry, and for eighteen years as lead pastor/pastor’s wife to the same church in east Tennessee.

I’m passionate about mentoring women and discipleship that helps followers of Christ live with authentic faith in real life.

My personal and ministry mission: “To know Jesus more and make Him known.”

We have a daughter and son-in-law who blessed us with two beautiful grandchildren. We also have a son. The entire family is fond of the expression, “TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday.” We owe Monday an apology.

The Beats

Offbeat as in laying down the expectations of others and my own of the “typical” pastor’s wife, writer, speaker, Christian, and so on. Who has the power to define typical? I’ve come to rest in taking my cue about who I am from the great I AM.

Upbeat as in a desire to look up more often. Fixing my eyes on Jesus as He goes before me and clearly marks the path of this disciple.

Drumbeat as in those beats unfamiliar. Unexpected. Resounding, “you are peculiar, chosen to proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” I Peter 2:9

Heartbeat as in the driving center and pulse of my life. Christ.

For more information and my message on hope, visit my Home page.

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May 30, 2014 at 2:14 pm |


Tammy Kilgore says:

Karen, I truly loved prowling through this website you have created. Tammy

Wendy Michelle collins-ellis says:

I luv reading ur stuff about Jesus our an inspiration to all women!!! I luv & miss u l would luv to see u sum time!!!

karentfriday says:

Thank you Wendy. I appreciate your encouragement. Jesus inspires me! I would love to see you! 🙂

Tammy Young says:

Karen, I have loved reading through your site! Your love for Jesus shines through every word. It was wonderful to meet you today, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

karentfriday says:

Tammy, thank you. I. Am. In. Awe. Of. Jesus. No other way to say it. Christ in me the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27) Enjoyed chatting with you, it was meant to be. Looking forward to ministering along side you through FCA and will be praying for your calling and what God wants to do through you. 🙂

Nicci W. says:

I look forward to reading more of your posts! Thanks for sharing “the beats” as our hearts yearn for more of Christ 🙂 I’m familiar with the East Tennessee area as I went to grad school up there. When you have an opportunity please check out my blog as well revealed8.com. Blessings!

Karen says:

Thank you, Nicci. I’m heading over to your blog now. Thanks for reaching out and great to connect with you!

Don Woodruff says:

Hey Karen, I see that God has called you to serve Him in ministering primarily to women, but I just had to tell you how much I appreciate your submission, commitment and dedication to serving God where He has called you (on your end of the state (wink)….I’m doing what I can on the west side).

Thank you for your faithfulness!

Don (Philippians 2:3 / Colossians 3:17)

Karen says:

Hi Don, yes, while I speak to coed audiences sometimes, like at my home church, and have male subscribers, the Lord has called me to women’s ministry. Thank you for your support and encouragement. And glad you are taking care of the western side of the state. So appreciate you stopping by today. Blessings!

Melody says:

Hi, Karen! I came across your blog on one of Kingdom Bloggers link parties. I was reading your About and some of the wording jumped out at me…were you involved with The Navigators at any point? I was just curious because I grew up spiritually with them, and they hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to reading more of your posts! Grace to you!

Karen says:

Hey Melody, I appreciate you visiting my site and finding out more about my ministry. No, I was never involved with The Navigators and not familiar with that ministry. I’ll have to look them up. Glad they had a strong spiritual impact on your life. In college, I was very involved and connected with CRU…Campus Crusade for Christ. This is the ministry that had a great impact on my life.

Susie says:

Does your husband still pastor? And if so, where? Also, was wondering, how did you know God had called you to write? Thank you and God Bless.

Karen says:

Hi Susie, my husband resigned in 2020 as lead pastor of a church we planted and where we served for 18 years. We are focusing on other ministries and areas of our lives. My calling to write came with several confirmations. I felt a strong sense from the Lord, an underlying peace, confirmation in scripture, and finally several women who I sent devotionals to, asked if I had thought of writing or writing a book. Thanks for stopping by and commenting and God bless!

Lori Blackburn says:

Good morning. I actually saw a post of yours on LinkedIn which led me to this website. What struck me most was the radiance you exude. That can only come from Christ. I too am trying to start my ministry for women and couples. Trying to discern Gods true will for my life. Praying it will become clear.

Thank you for your inspiration and have a blessed day.

Karen says:

Hi Lori, thank you for your sweet and kind comment. Christ in us, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27) I will be praying for the Holy Spirit’s leading and God’s voice of direction for your ministry. God bless you, great to connect with you on LinkedIN and here as well.

David says:

Hi Karen, you are truly a inspiration for me your words are wisdom and encourage me to never give up when life hit me and storms comes i need to remember that Jesus Christ is with me and he give me strenght and peace in all problems of life and will guided me. God bless you Karen.

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