Author: Karen Harmening

Since Sarah's death, each time National Daughters Day and National Siblings Day roll around, I cringe.  For me, they highlight the incompleteness of our family and the fact that we will never have any new memories or photos together to share. When I realized today, Good Friday, was also National Siblings Day my initial reaction … Continue reading Good Friday Siblings Day →

Today as I was praying for many acquaintances and friends being significantly impacted in a variety of ways by the COVID-19 pandemic the Lord brought the words of Isaiah 23:6 to mind. "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3 [ESV] In response I immediately … Continue reading Perfect Peace →

When I think of the Israelites in the exodus from Egypt I confess the first thought that frequently comes to mind is their seemingly constant fear, doubting, grumbling and turning away. But as I was reading through Exodus again this week I was struck by a beautiful and compelling example set by them. The affliction … Continue reading Worship in Affliction →

I've been reading through Genesis again recently and noticed a phrase this week that I had missed on previous readings.  Israel (Jacob) has just been told by his sons that his beloved son Joseph, whom he had presumed dead, is actually alive and he will soon see him again. God's Word records that in response … Continue reading Grieving Too Long? →

"Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be [granted] him.  'Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that … Continue reading Pray Believing →

This morning I sent a text message to my daughters and husband as I frequently do.  Each and every time I enter their names I feel the sting of leaving Sarah's off.  Today as I felt it, I refused to leave her off.  I entered her name and began reading our previous messages.  Normally I … Continue reading Comforted and Comforting →

Christmas Eve we attended our church's Christmas Eve worship service.  We arrived early and had a bird's eye view to the entire evening as we sat perched on the back row of the risers.  We watched as family after family filed in together, complete families delightfully celebrating their time together.  Those we spoke to greeted … Continue reading Fleeing for Refuge →

This morning I feel the full weight of sorrow. Through the still of the night last night I tearfully sat awake in our living room gazing at six carefully hung stockings gently illuminated by the light of the Christmas tree.  I was awake remembering December 20th, 1999, all the December 20ths since, and a myriad … Continue reading Not a Happy Birthday →

"And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed--  and a sword will pierce even your own soul-- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." Luke 2:34-35 [NASB]  Reading through … Continue reading A Sword Pierced Soul →

 Facebook memories brought up the above two quotes from Sarah this week.  Both are funny but also reflective of her tender heart for the Lord and His truths, even from a very young age. Shortly after I saw the memory for today, the song "A Mother's Prayer" by Krystin Getty played and the Lord flooded my … Continue reading A Mother’s Prayer →