Even so, Come Lord Jesus

February 27, 2017February 27, 2017 / Karen / 2 Comments

Join me in worshiping the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Those who are weary from the cares of life and whose souls thirst for rest, for peace. Look up and focus on Him.

It’s close to His divine appearing, His rapture of the Saints. Don’t miss out.

He’s coming soon. Church, get ready to meet your groom! Jesus is coming soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw5Fq-svvQ8

The Light of the World

February 24, 2017 / Karen / Leave a comment

Let’s soak in the words of Jesus today.

“You are the light of the world.

A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand,

and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father who is in heaven” ~ Matthew 5: 14-16, NASB.

Today, be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and let your light shine out as a witness to all the world. Lord, may you bring glory unto your holy Name!

Tending Hearts in Single Motherhood

February 16, 2017February 16, 2017 / Karen / Leave a comment

http://www.christinelindsay.org/2017/02/tending-hearts-in-single-motherhood-by.html

Shared from http://www.ChristineLindsay.org

TENDING HEARTS IN SINGLE MOTHERHOOD–by Guest Author Karen Jurgens

Guest Author Karen Jurgens

with her daughters after her divorce

Let’s be honest—going through a divorce isn’t easy. But no matter how difficult, don’t forget that your children may be suffering. To minister as the parental caregiver, it’s crucial to remember to first care for yourself. Just as on a flight where adults secure their oxygen masks before helping children, it’s the same after divorce.

Here are some points to help you along that journey.

Step One: Tend your spiritual life.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4, NASB).

Guest Author Karen Jurgens

When I catapulted into a new life of singlehood, a personal relationship with Jesus became my lifeline. He was more than my Redeemer and Friend—He became my spiritual husband. My car was a prayer chapel to and from work where I discussed everything with Him, just as though He were sitting next to me. When I fell into bed exhausted at the end of a long day, He talked to me out of His Word, speaking from passages wherever my bible fell open. I meditated on those scriptures and memorized them. He filled me with His strength, giving me hope for tomorrow. Each day brightened a shade, and I began to climb out of my deep well of grief.

Step Two: Surround yourself with adults who can offer support.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10, NASB).

Karen’s daughters with Nana.

When my stay-at-home status changed overnight, I dusted off my teaching certificate after a nine-year absence. Securing a support system at home so I could handle a new job was a key ingredient, while keeping my children stable in their world. Fortunately, my parents lived nearby, so I was blessed to recruit them. I am forever grateful for their provision of stability and love for the girls, in addition to my peace of mind.

Step Three: Begin a new life.

A joyful heart is good medicine… (Proverbs 17:22a).

Playing school with Papa, Karen Jurgens’s

father.

Looking back, I can see how having a job was a blessing in disguise. Although I felt overwhelmed at the time, God used it as part of my healing process. Teaching, grading papers, and learning computer software programs kept my mind busy from the moment I awoke until I fell asleep. Little time was left over to feel sorry for myself—no time left to attend pity parties at the Broken Hearts Club.

Making a new set of friends also provided comfort. Singles groups in my church supplied opportunities for meeting new people and attending social activities. Laughter and pleasant adult company helped heal my heart.
But what about the kids? In a single family, ministering to them is worth every bit of effort it takes. Providing a feeling of security and love is of paramount importance.

Step Four: Communication.

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6, NASB).

Karen Jurgens’s daughters at church.

Regular church attendance and bedtime prayers were the most important routines I established. Every night we would gather on my bed to read the bible. We prayed aloud for each other and memorized scriptures together. These activities formed the foundation of the girls’ relationship and walk with Jesus. Any time one of them started to wander during their teenage years, their training in the Word always brought them back on the path of righteousness.

Keep communication lines open by helping with homework, attending school and community activities, or playing a board or card game your child enjoys. Regular dinner time around the table is also a great opportunity for sharing about everyone’s day to celebrate the good things as well as to console any hurts.

Step Five: Create a safe and secure environment.

My dad’s favorite saying: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Karen Jurgens’s daughters in 2017

Encourage positive words for little ears.No criticizing the other parent! Just pleasant, wholesome words that will nurture love for both parents.

Create a safe bridge of custodial visitation your child can cross in both directions. It’s not easy to live in two homes with two different sets of rules and expectations. Reassure children by continuing familiar routines with comforting belongings at both places, thus minimizing confusion and upset.
Pet adoption is a good way to bring comfort to a child’s heart. Loving and caring for our poodle Babette filled our hearts with love, comforting our entire family, and it taught the girls responsibility.

A road with fresh adventures and new relationships await you with every sunrise.May you and your children be blessed on this journey with good health, peace, and the joy of the Lord.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

ABOUT AUTHOR KAREN JURGENS

Karen Jurgens, a Cincinnati native, has been a Texan transplant for thirty years and counting. Since retiring from teaching, she has begun a new career as an author, blogger, and speaker within the context of Christian ministry. She blogs about scriptural answers to life’s trials at Touched by Him Ministries.

LINKS FOR KAREN JURGENS:

Blogs:
Touched by Him Ministries
Writing Prompts blog
Heartwings Blog
Twitter
Facebook Author page
Amazon Author page
Desire’s Promise Link to Purchase

Remembering God’s Love for Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2017February 14, 2017 / Karen / 2 Comments

First published on Heart”wings” Blog

Who is the author of love?

On Valentine’s Day, the world may claim it’s Cupid. But as Christians, we know who is the real author is—the Lord God.

What are the characteristics of love?

4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NASB.

With Valentine’s Day literally around the corner, most of us have someone special on our minds. Tomorrow lends a unique opportunity to express our appreciation in a way that demonstrates value to our loved ones.

What about exchanging valentines with God?

God sent us His valentine when He sent Jesus into the world.

16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him John 3:16-17 NASB.

Jesus signed his valentine in red from the Cross.

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us Romans 5:8 NASB.

How much does He love us?

15 Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. 16 Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands Isaiah 49:15-16 NASB.

On Valentine’s Day as we celebrate, let’s also remember celebrate God’s love for us. Tell Him you love Him. Do something special for Jesus. Thank Him for His overwhelming, perfect love.

With Jesus, every day is Valentine’s Day. Let’s remember to always rejoice in His love.