Yesterday Scott and I had the tremendous blessing of witnessing our daughter, Kristen, enter into the covenant of marriage. As I was lying awake this morning thinking about yesterday and all the days preceding it, 1 Peter 1:8 came to mind. "and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do … Continue reading Joy Inexpressible
Author: Karen Harmening
Three Years Ago Today
I realized a few days ago that I was approaching a very difficult Psalm in my quiet time, Psalm 91. June 7th, 2017, the day before Sarah left for her mission trip never to return, I spent a prolonged amount of time meditating on and praying Psalm 91 over her, petitioning God in His faithfulness … Continue reading Three Years Ago Today
Hope Against Hope
"...In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 [NASB] Life can be so very hard in this broken and fallen world. At times it's indescribably hard. No doubt, this is the reason we are repeatedly implored in scripture to endure, to persevere, to be steadfast and unwavering, to … Continue reading Hope Against Hope
Eagerly Waiting
"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." Hebrews 9:27-28 [ESV] Easter of 2017 is … Continue reading Eagerly Waiting
Good Friday Siblings Day
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
Perfect Peace
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
Worship in Affliction
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
Grieving Too Long?
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?
Pray Believing
"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
Comforted and Comforting
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