On June 8th, 2017, nineteen and half months ago, our family huddled on the floor of a small office of an EMS facility outside of Atlanta, Georgia. We held one another as we cried out to God in desperation for Him to carry us through the incomprehensible pain that had just befallen us. … Continue reading While We’re Waiting
Author: Karen Harmening
The Lines Fallen For Me
"The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me." Psalm 16:6 [NASB] In the days and weeks after Sarah's death music resonated deeply within me. Recognizing my vulnerability, I chose to only listen to music that was firmly rooted in scripture. One of the albums I listened to … Continue reading The Lines Fallen For Me
Steadfast
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not [in] vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58 [NASB] The month of December has been so very challenging for this weary heart. The rawness that accompanies Sarah's birthday and the Christmas season has provided … Continue reading Steadfast
Do I really believe?
Eighteen months today since my sweet Sarah left. As I've anticipated this day over the past couple of weeks my thoughts have repeatedly drifted to Sarah as a chunky little eighteen month old. What a treasure trove of joyful memories those first eighteen months were. How painfully stark in contrast they stand to these first … Continue reading Do I really believe?
Be of Good Courage
Last week was exceedingly discouraging. We had been praying about a particularly painful trial, asking the Lord to spare us from walking through it, but instead received notification that we will be required to walk through it. The weight of the impending holidays was already upon us, Thanksgiving, Sarah's birthday and then Christmas. A painful … Continue reading Be of Good Courage
Abandonment in Grief
"My heart throbs, my strength fails me; And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague; And my kinsmen stand afar off." Psalm 38:10-11 [NASB] I have been feeling a prompting to write on the topic of abandonment in grief for … Continue reading Abandonment in Grief
“The Voice of the Lord in the Storm”
"The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders, The LORD is over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful, The voice of the LORD is majestic." Psalm 29:3-4 [NASB] "The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders." Profoundly meaningful words as … Continue reading “The Voice of the Lord in the Storm”
Walking In Darkness
The darkness of circumstances surrounding our family is oppressive and it frequently seems there is no light in sight. Recently I once again spent substantial time in the Psalms crying out to God, but was still feeling crushed by the darkness pressing in around us. I pleaded with God to meet me in His Word, and in … Continue reading Walking In Darkness
The Hypocrisy of Grief
Scott and Sarah loved quoting movie lines to each other. A large portion of their quotes came from The Princess Bride and Elf. Pretty much every day as she was telling him good bye or good night she would tell him, "Have fun storming the castle!" (from The Princess Bride), to which he would reply, "I hope … Continue reading The Hypocrisy of Grief
Botswana: Opportunities for Partnership
The primary purpose of the MZBC Botswana mission trip was to be a vision trip to explore and understand specific ministry opportunities in Gaborone, Botswana. Serving in Gaborone is particularly exciting because there are so many options for partnering. Below are some of the opportunities for partnering, but not all. Brent and Amanda Turner (missionaries … Continue reading Botswana: Opportunities for Partnership