First Published April 15, 2013

                                                                Check Your Answers!

Isaiah 51:18

And the Lord will continually guide you…

Psalm 86:7

In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me.

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When I discuss the strategy for solving worded or applied math problems with my students, the basic list is always the same.  It also might be useful for solving life problems.

1.      Re-read the problem.

This tends to prevent hasty decisions, which can create more problems and compound the situation. Prayerfully ask for resolve.

2.      Draw a picture or diagram is applicable.

When faced with a moral problem, it might be good to write it out or talk to a trusted brother or sister in Christ. Blabbering about it on a social network is not a good idea. It’s a private or sensitive issue? Stand at the mirror and tell your image about what’s troubling you.

3.      Identify known and unknown quantities.

Separating fact from hearsay is really tough for us humans.  Be tough. Also, if you don’t know the facts, admit it.

4.      Set up an equation that explains the relationship between the quantities.

This is something we tend to do with our emotions.  A problem needs solving, so try to be clear headed.

5.      Solve the equation.

Sometimes there are several solutions to a life problem.

6.      Check your answer.

This is very important.  Does your solution measure up with your Bible?

Yup, most problems in life are complicated, involving unpredictable occurrences and actions of other people.  But we have hope that God has an answer, and if we look to Him first, he will guide us to the solution that will check!

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Father, I come to you today with the problems to be solved.  Help me to be discerning, to solve them wisely, and to check my answers using Your Word.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Copyright 2013 Karen Vaughn

Lots on my plate for a long while.

Ah, Comfort Food (Video)

Thank you for your patience.
-Karen

New Feature!

Hi Everyone!

For those of you who want to listen to my devotions can now enjoy them via my blog.

Along with each printed version, an audio file will be available.  I hope you find these uplifting.

-Karen

Ah, Comfort Food

First Published July 25, 2012

My family likes a stovetop dish I call Chicken-Rice.  It’s been a comfort food staple since the kids could say “comfort food.”  Not only does it fill our tummies, it has other qualities.  These qualities are also found in the Bible, comfort food for the soul.

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Rice, the Foundation

I Corinthians 3:11

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

The Bible is the primary way to learn about God. His word is filling and fulfilling.

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Chicken, the Long Lasting Protein

Psalms 119:160

The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.

The Bible has lasted through the ages. For each of us, it sustains us through ups and downs in life.

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Vegetables, for Restoring and Repair

Psalms 23:3

He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

God’s word is a source of strength.  The wisdom from above can heal and renew.

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Broth and Spices Join and Permeate the Ingredients

I John 3:24

The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.  We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter that makes the word of God complete in us.

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Today, let’s enjoy a large serving of Spiritual Comfort Food, the Holy Bible.

Copyright (c) 2012 Karen Vaughn

It's New!

    

Recently we were all sitting together for a family dinner.  My future son-in-law, Gabe mentioned that he learned two new things that day.  He said that learning something new each day promoted growth, mentally, physically, and spiritually.  “New” is very important for growth.

Acts 17:19

And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming?

Who doesn’t enjoy celebrations of new things?  Birthdays, anniversaries, the New Year, national holidays, religious holiday, and momentous events are all times we celebrate.  These “New” things make us more alert and keen.  Our mental awareness is increased, allowing us to comprehend better.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

The skin (epidermal) cells of the human body last about 2-4 weeks.  As an organ its purpose is to protect the body from germs, regulate body temperature, and collect and carry away keratin (skin, nails, and hair protein). Systems such as the skin and lymphatic provide physical “new” that keep our body functioning and clean.

Luke 2:10

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people

God’s plan of salvation via Christ was definitely new.  Jesus’s new teaching got the attention of all who heard it.  The New Covenant was complete in his death and resurrection. 

I Corinthians 11:25

In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the new day you give me.  Thank you for the new teaching of Christ Jesus.  Thank you for the new birth under the new covenant of grace.  Thank you for my new life under your new plan of salvation.  Help me to not forget the “new” in my life.  Amen.

Flight Lessons on Kauai

Jeff and Karen with CFI Dr. Bruce Coulombe

Inheritance

First published June 20, 2012

Matthew 6:19-21

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   

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Most of the time when we speak of an inheritance, we think of it as money or physical valuables left to close relatives to us in the event of death.  In short, Inheritance = $$$$.

Recently I attended a memorial service for a friend.  We shared the same first name, our kids went to the same martial arts school, and we both homeschooled our kids.  At the service many friends and family spoke about Karen G., but the pastor summed everything up by focusing in on the inheritance she left.  It wasn’t about money, but rather what we who knew her gleaned while she was with us. 

Notice that I didn’t say legacy, which is anything left behind by the deceased. An inheritance is purposeful and directed, and typically stated by means of a “Will and Final Testament”, through which one bestows all or part of an inheritance gained throughout one’s lifetime.

Karen G. left an enormous inheritance.  She was an incredible listener.  Her kindness was genuine.  Her love for the Lord was overflowing as she led several people to know and accept Christ as Savior.

Today’s verses talk about hording physical treasures, versus that which is from God.  One good cross reference for verse 20 is I Timothy 6:19, “…storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” This means that which we are to seek to increase is for giving away “for the future.” Who’s future? Yours? Mine? Unbelievers? The Body of Christ? Yes! Yes! Yes! And, yes!

Let’s meditate on Matthew 6:19-21.  Write down the elements of an inheritance that you would like to leave and pray that as my friend Karen did, you may each day share some of it with others, “so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (!)”

Copyright 2012, Karen Vaughn