Tuesday, August 13, 2024

My Empty Heart

 My Empty Heart

 

Ephesians 3:16-17 I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. NIV

 When I taught in a Christian school, I often wore a heart-shaped locket. No pictures adorned its interior.

A second-grade girl noticed this jewelry and asked what was in the heart. I let her open it so she could see.

When she looked inside, she gave me a somber look and, with the wisdom that comes from young children, said, “It’s not good to have an empty heart.”

Later, I noticed she was concentrating on a project at her desk.

Between classes, my young student brought me a tiny paper heart with the name of Jesus written on it. She gave it to me as a gift so my heart wouldn’t be empty anymore.

It’s been many years, but I haven’t forgotten her words. “It’s not good to have an empty heart.”

How is your heart? Empty or full of Jesus?

Love Your Enemies

 Love Your Enemies

(A true story)

 

Luke 6:27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. (NLT)

“How many times do I have to forgive someone before I can punch them in the nose?”

My brother John and I carpooled to the next town for work. I taught in a Christian school and he worked in a factory as IT and repairer of communication systems. Most of the time, the ride to and from work was pleasant and we exchanged reports of daily experiences. Not this day!

“What happened?” I asked. This was not like John and I wanted to know what had gone so terribly wrong.

John explained that over the course of months, the lady in charge of the parts department, whom he had to deal with on a daily basis, was making up evil rumors about him. People at work began looking at him as if these fictions were true.

“She broke her arms a few weeks ago, and it was wonderful not having to face her every day. Well, she’s back and it’s started up all over again.”

I thought a minute and was inspired with a solution.

“We’re going to try doing it Jesus’ way,” I said. “Tonight I’ll bake a batch of cookies. I’ll put some on a plate with a bow on top. You take it to her tomorrow and say, ‘It’s good to see you back again.’”

I baked up the cookies and decorated a plate as nicely as I could.

I had to go through the school day wondering how my brother was faring with the woman in Parts. I couldn’t wait to hear his story.

No sooner had I settled myself in the car, than he told me what happened.

“I took her the cookies and told her it was good to see her back at work – just like you said. She was nice to me all day. If I needed a part, she gave it to me ahead of the other people in line.” His grin and good humor were amazing proof of the reward for following Jesus’ recommendations.

A plate of cookies may not always be the right answer, but what can you do to bless your enemies?

-The End-

Saturday, December 30, 2023

My New Year's Wish

 In your day of trouble, may the Lord be with you! May the God of Jacob keep you from all harm. 

May he send you aid from his sanctuary in Zion. 

May he remember with pleasure the gifts you have given him, your sacrifices and burnt offerings. 

May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. 

May there be shouts of joy when we hear the news of your victory, flags flying with praise to God for all that he has done for you. May he answer all your prayers!

Psalm 20:1-5

Happy New Year to all my loved ones.

Kathi

Monday, December 11, 2023

Christmas Letter, 2023

 To those whom I love,                                                      December 2023

 

Christmas is upon us once again. It always sneaks up on me because it is the quietest season of the year for my household. Jesus arrived about two thousand years ago to the acclaim of shepherds and angels. My hope is that He returns before His next birthday. I hope it every year. One of these times it will be true.

 

It’s been a challenging year for me and mine.

I retired from the library in February after 17 ½ years. My first order of business was to write a book. It’s called Stories They Don’t Teach in Sunday School: Beginnings. That went into print in July. The second book Stories They Don’t Teach in Sunday School: Wanderings is available in print and Kindle version on Amazon.

I expanded my garden since I was planning to have plenty of time to do extra canning.

John wasn’t able to visit last October as he usually does, so I asked him to come down for a visit in April. We traveled to Kentucky to spend a day with Lori. It was beautiful weather and we had a great time.

In May, my sister Anne passed away in her sleep. Lori and I went up to attend the funeral and visit with Mother and John for a few days. I know I’ll see her again. That thought helps comfort me.

At the end of July, Les and I traveled to Florida for my mother-in-law’s 99th birthday. It was hot and humid, but very enjoyable.

Our two dogs are aging and each of them have certain health issues. At some point, we will run out of dogs. We’ve pretty well agreed that we won’t go looking for new ones when that happens.

 

Both of us wish our family and friends the most wonderful holiday season and a blessed New Year. Best wishes for 2024.

 

Love, Kathi and Les

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Second Book in the Series

 


Amazon approved this book and says it is live, but I can only find it using this link. 


Paperback version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPJ7C5MZ

I assume it will be searchable on Amazon in a day or two, but meanwhile click on one of these links and see what you think. I had to make it more expensive since it has color photos included to help you understand some of the places and things I wrote about.

Thank you for visiting with me, and please see aht you think of my work.

Kathi

For The Season

 I am making designs for T shirts, coffee cup, blank journals and such on both Zazzle and Printify. I've made up a page on facebook called Giftables where you can see my designs. As often as possible, I include thoughts pertaining to Jesus because I believe we all need to be encouraged considering the events of the times.

Here is something for this Christmas season that might be refreshing.

https://www.zazzle.com/z/ohbikxc0?rf=238641112113054093


Thank you for visiting with me and have peace in your heart, no matter what happens in the world.

Kathi

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551492811619


Thursday, November 2, 2023

Math God's Way

 Once I had a young student who was mildly dyslexic. She struggled with it, thinking she was stupid. Sometimes though she came up with astounding insights, things that I remember to this day.

She was working on her math homework one day and I noticed the subtraction problem she was working on. The problem read 8 - 5 =___. Her answer was 13. 

I tried to help her work through the math using an image of M&Ms. I asked her, "If you had 8 M&Ms and you gave your brother 5 of them..."

She quickly responded, "I would never do that!"

I smiled and went on, "Well, let's say you did. Would you have more M&Ms after you gave them away than you had to start with?"

She gave me the biggest smile and told me, "Yes. God would give me more."

I was astounded. It occurred to me take maybe her checkbook would never be balanced, but she wouldn't ever run out of money.

Think about it. God is a generous Father. All He wants is our love and trust.

Thanks for visiting with me. 

God bless us all.

Kathi