Small Me, Big He

Little Me, Big He
I recently had an assignment to create what the prof called “my Big Idea”, something that would impact society and affect a social issue I felt strongly about. After much thought I decided that if all things are possible with God and a little help from me, then I was going to take this thing seriously and choose a topic I really cared about. Turned out to be teens.
It all started with a comment made by James Leman, a Christian psychologist and councilor. He said that research shows depression isn’t a major factor in teen suicide. Which started this red-head’s head thinking – what is? After a lot of prayer and a whole lot of research I came to the conclusion that I might know one is. Hopelessness.
Added to that, we then had to come up with a video by a person we respect, and create imaginary interview questions we’d ask them given half a chance. What fun! That being said, dear reader, you now have my mindset as I wrote this essay. I’d love anyone who stumbles upon this humble blog to tell me what you think of it. Here’s the essay word for word:
“How much fun will the law allow? I’m really not sure, but I am sure I enjoyed this assignment. A lot. I’ve never been much of a hater but I was sorely tempted when Megan took my first choice, “The Last Lecture”, by Randy Pausch. For the uninitiated I cannot say enough about how much it has impacted my life, the vid but more especially the book.

That being said, like Hollie I too could not decide between two men and two vids so I decided not to, and instead, write both inteviews.
FIRST INTERVIEW – with writer Mitch Albom
*Disclaimer – Mitch pauses an awful lot during his speeches, and I wasn’t sure how to take snippets I found meaningful and include them in a paper while at the same time preserving the impact of the speech. I chose to use hyphens.
Right from the start of the video Mitch has very open body language, with his eyes, hands, attitude, even his tone. I suspect the cuteness factor helps him considerably in connecting with his audience. He’s animated, enthusiastic, smiles a lot, uses humour in his speech. I for one have always found passion very enticing. Mitch obviously respects both his subject and his audience; he is very clear about his message. “Don’t spend all day on you… and you… and you… Your huge list of accomplishments will pale in comparison to somebody else’s… but that one thing, that you have, that make you uniquely different than anyone else on the planet – your voice – you didn’t spend any time – giving away. You were too – busy. It’s in every – little – moment – that you share of yourself – with somebody else. If you really want to put together… a good life, a meaningful life, a full life, it’s going to be in every little moment – that you share your heart– with somebody else.” Giving of yourself. Loving others. Using every moment you’ve been given to make a difference you in the life of another. What a revolutionary concept. I cannot say for sure if it stems from the fact that he went on to write several books on people’s last days on earth or if it was solely Morrie who inspired him, because at the time of this video he had, in fact, done just that.
Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie – the story of Morrie Schwartz, a man suffering with Lou Gehrig’s disease

Interview Questions
1. You’ve written many books, but for our purposes today I’d like to focus on the small book, “Tuesdays with Morrie”. Teen suicide is at an all-time high right now in society – if you could share one thing with our youth that you learned from Morrie, what would it be?
2. Now you know more about what Lou Gehrig’s disease does to the body, what do you think people can do to help ease the suffering it causes?
3. Your professor obviously affected your life in your younger days. Since he’d lived his life and learned many lessons, he was able to share more of that wisdom toward the end. Do you feel he had more impact during his battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease than he did as a college professor?
4. Many people old and young are afraid of the unknown. I’m sure you thought about your own mortality as you walked this journey with Morrie. Do you believe death is something to be feared, or celebrated?
In case you’re interested in seeing the movie made from the book, here’s the link:

SECOND INTERVIEW – with motivational speaker Nick Vujicic
Over many years I’ve met many self-proclaimed “motivational speakers” who, in truth, have very little of value to share. They hype up their knowledge and their worth; it left an ugly taste in my mouth. I had even lost respect for the profession in general. Then, I met a man from Melbourne, Australian. Named Nick. Through youtube. Nick is the epitome of what motivation truly means to me. Once you get past the initial shock factor and start to hear his words you realize the wealth of wisdom in one so very young. It’s hard to express just how powerful this video is to me, even now, watching it for the umpteenth time. Born with something called phocomelia, he has, in the words of Peter Overton, “developed a sink or swim approach to life”. It may not genetic, but it is a challenge.
Comfortable with his own skin, Nick makes fun of his handicap and you can tell it’s genuine. He’s aware of his limitations, he just doesn’t let it stop him from doing what he wants in life. He made a Habit For Humanity infomercial where he says, “You can lend a hand, even if you have none.” He’s gone sky-diving, learned golf, even got married – they recently had a baby. How can you not love a guy like that?!!
Humour is a major lynchpin in his speeches. Often self-deprecating but always real, Nick shares his story with gentleness and conviction. “How did I get from depressed to where I am today? Because I tell you, I was depressed.” Such openness and honesty is a rare thing these days. He had every reason in the world to be depressed. But he refused to stay that way. Suicidal as a teen, he shares his tales openly, no holes barred. No wonder teenagers connect with him. “I don’t care how big your step is, you can only take one step at a time.” How utterly profound. Yes, we can all take steps, however small, and we can start today. Nick ends this vid with the sobering words, “choices… are yours.”
Nick Vujicic – DVD Clip from No Arms, No Legs, No Worries – Jr. High Talk

Interview Questions
1. You’ve developed such a gift of connecting with people. What’s your secret?
2. What is the one thing you’re most proud of in life?
3. I’ve met few people who have touched the soul as you have. Do you believe a person has to go through pain to be able to touch another so deeply?
4. You’ve done so much, and I can’t think of anything else you could possibly have on your bucket list. So tell me, what’s next?
Just in case you’re still reading:
In his own words, “because I don’t have arms and legs to supply oxygen to, I can actually hold my breath longer than the average – er, 2 minutes 13 seconds.” How random is that? When he surfaced after doing a back-flip into a pool during a 60 Minutes documentary, his first words were, “I can’t feel my legs…” Like I said, he’s very comfortable in his own skin.
As an FYI, he even went surfing… check out minute 8.26… too too cute!

In case you’re still reading and interested, a few more quotes and vid links:
“I’m goin’ out on a limb…” Again, how can you not love the guy?

http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com/article.aspx?id=8536460

“We’re all going thru something, just my pain is a bit more visible than yours… No arms, no legs, no worries mate!” I would agree with him when he says he’s achieving more things than the average 25 year old. The ability to laugh at his lot in life is infectious. Who do you know that has sprained what he calls his “chicken-foot” playing soccer? “I wanna reach the world. I really do.” I pray he does.
http://waitingtillmarriage.org/motivational-speaker-nick-vujicic-waited-until-marriage/”
Seriously. I want to know what you think. All I ask is that it’s G-rated. Leave an email address and I’ll even respond. I promise.
Kari, the passionate
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

Social Functions and Dysfunctions

Social Functions and Dysfunctions. This was a phrase I read recently that completely caught my attention. I’m taking a Bachelor’s degree right now, and the writer of one of my current textbooks used these words. Me being me, I got a visual really fast. So I simply couldn’t resist a blog about my view on the subject. This is, after all, the land of the free and the home of the brave. I think.
There’s a principle in business called “opportunity cost”, meaning that we all have the same amount of hours in a day and if you choose to invest yours into something, there’s always something else you’ll have to forgo to do that.
I’ve learned in life that my love is proved by my actions. In their incredible book, Burn, Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee has one of their characters make this statement and it stuck with me: the heart has two chambers – one for John, and one for Judas. When I read that I realized that every day from the minute I wake up I make choices. Especially in where I choose to invest my time. Something no man can get back, but many place little value on. I’m very selective about what I do with mine.
I recently heard of a concept known as the One-Minute Bedtime Story. Some I’m sure would jump at the chance to do this with their nearest and dearest, but I have a question – just how important are your children to you? That was one of my most special times of the day and I was willing to invest in it. If you’d have told me about these one-minute stories I’d have thanked you kindly but passed up that offer.
So when is the opportunity cost just too high? Only you can tell. As for me, I’ve decided that life is short and family is important. I choose to invest there. How ‘bout you?
Kari, the wise time-investor
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

Black Sheep

I learned just recently that sheep won’t drink from fast-moving waters; they fear falling in. How many times do I fear what Papa is doing in my life, and rather than take the plunge and walk on water, or sink as the case may be, do nothing? If you’ve ever done any research on sheep, you will know that not only are they very, very stupid and stubborn but they’re also skittish? No wonder Papa calls me one! Yep, I’ve been known to be very stupid. And stubborn. Even skittish at times. When I know that I know He is telling me to do something, but I go by feelings rather than faith. Not you, of course. You’d never do that, right? I’m only sharing all this because Psalm 23 took on a whole new dimension for me after learning this.
When my two angels were small I made a decision they didn’t care for too much. One that changed my life but didn’t seem to have much effect on theirs. What decision? you may ask. Justifiably so. To be serious about my faith. To put actions to that faith. Which also affected what I found no longer acceptable. Like PG13 movies. Cusswords. Attitude. So I instituted new rules in the house. One great thing about getting to be a single mom is that I was thrust into the place of headship so I chose to embrace the role. Another thing I purposed in my heart to do was speak God’s Word over my children. Which they didn’t appreciate very much, but it didn’t change my choice. Both of my children are still not walking in that revelation yet but they will. Eventually. If Papa can change my heart He can change anybody! My two angels may have deliberately forgotten a lot of what I taught them but I guarantee, some place deep inside, they know Psalm 23. I spoke it over them every night for years as I knelt by their bedside and kissed them goodnight. I believe one word is all it takes. We never know what one word can do, to destroy or build up another’s life. I must admit I respect but don’t happen to agree with Saint Anthony – I believe there is no such thing as a lost cause. Ask me how I know this. I was one. A huge one. I pray today finds you encouraged to keep believing for the improbable and attempting the impossible. We serve a mighty God Who can do mighty things with a submitted vessel. I’ve gone from black sheep to pure and holy and righteous, because of His Son. Many gave up on me. But the Lover of my soul, the Healer of my heart, never did. He never will.
Kari, the totally turncoat
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

Of Mice and Men

I’m so thankful for Lamentations. Not many people can say that, or even will, but I am. Especially chapter 3, verses 22 and 23. That’s where Papa promised that His mercies are new every single morning. And like my pastor says, if they’re continually new then we must continually need them! Well, maybe not you, but definitely me.
To quote Steinbeck, even the best-laid plans can oft go awry. I’m sure you’ve never had this problem but I’m afraid my plans for the day very often go awry!! I wake up with the best intentions but by day’s end it’s a whole ‘nother story. I want to walk in love. I plan to accomplish every single thing on my to-do list. I am determined to spend time in prayer and His Word. But like I said, small bumps in the road and sometimes great big all-out snafus have a habit of happening in my life. So I’ve made a fresh dedication to a new year’s resolution perhaps a little late in life; to do my best on any given day, and trust Papa to do the rest.
A wise man by the name of James Leman once said there is no excuse for abuse, an idea I’ve thought about often. I have no business beating someone else up, yes, yet I forget the same rule applies to me. I’m doing better with the former but I still fail miserably in the latter. A friend once told me satan doesn’t need any help – I beat myself up just fine without his help. Maybe I’m just a frustrated perfectionist and I because I want to give the Saver of my soul my absolute best I’m never quite satisfied, I don’t know; I do know I’m often harder on myself than I should be. Then I remember . And I thank Him that I’m finally learning to walk in my middle name. With myself, and others. I pray this day you’re learning the same lesson.

Kari, the mercy-liver and grace-giver
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

Stuck in a Ditch

Few people seem to be what Kerry Shook calls “ditching second-hand religion for a first-hand faith”. In fact, truth be told I see a whole lot more religion and legalism than relationship and passion when it comes to a loving heavenly Father that died to save the souls of His people. In the words of Ted Dekker, “in times past our history has been retold using simple metaphors. Light coming in darkness; a land called Narnia set free by a lion; a ring that would enslave the hearts of all.”
I’ve always been a reader and I seem to learn more from fiction than I do from non-fiction. Take a for=instance – Ted’s novels Black, White, Red, and Green. In the front of the last book he encourages you to “dive deep into the world of colors”, calling the books ‘the Circle Series’, meaning it doesn’t really matter which book you start with because although the books are a series they can also stand alone; the way they’re written, any one you start with will make sense within the series yet will not detract from any other.
I have to admit the very first one he wrote, Black, just happened to be my favorite. It’s not warm fuzzy reading though, it’s pure heart-pounding action. To me, as I was reading, it became clear to me the book was all about man’s search for significance. The oldest story known to man. Looking to ourselves for the meaning of life. Black tells the story of two worlds, and the fall of one of them. Which has much biblical significance for me. The concept is nothing new. Ephesians 6 tells us that there indeed are two worlds – the natural and the spiritual – and we all know about Adam in the garden of Eden. As I writer myself I so appreciate those who have the gift to take biblical principles and make them applicable and understandable to the unlearned. Just like Jesus, who used everyday scenarios to teach kingdom principles for daily life. Our Lord and Savior was so out of the box in His thinking and actions, a freedom I crave in my own life. Stories like this give me a new take on an old theme, helping me experience afresh the beauty and pain of truths I sometimes find myself way too familiar with, and therefore take for granted. Today I highly encourage you to rethink foundational truths in a whole new way. Making sure you’re totally in line with scripture, yes, but seeing them with fresh eyes. It will ignite a passion in your heart for the Lover of your soul, I promise. And you won’t be able to keep it to yourself.
Kari, the ditch remover
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

Take No Prisoners

One of my fave verses eva is Zechariah 9.12, especially in the Amplified bible. I highly encourage you to check it out some time. Basically, it calls us, “prisoners of hope”. I decided a long time ago that if I’m gonna be a prisoner, I’d rather choose to be bound by hope than by sin.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but it seems hope is a thing sadly lacking in our world today but we, as Christians, are supposed to be “abounding” in hope, according to Romans 15.13. How easy it is to lose, and not quite as easy to share with others or even hold on to ourselves.
Like a kid at Christmas, we’re supposed to live life in joyful expectation of good, and there are many verses to support this train of thought. It really is all about focus. How are we every gonna change if we keep repeating the same choices? God tells us again and again to overcome evil with good. If we want good in our life then logically, we have to start thinking good and saying good and even doing good before it will ever manifest in our lives. Joyce says that any time you want something, start giving it away. Then follow that action by what she calls “pray, and say”. Which I know from experience will produce show and tell. I’m so thankful Papa is working in my life no matter what it looks like or feels like. Joyce also says that when we see the least and feel the least He’s often doing the most! I’m so thankful God is good at doing suddenlys in my life. He works on ordinary days in extraordinary ways. I for one am expecting my “suddenly”. In any area of my life that He chooses. Are you?

Kari, the proud prisoner
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

First Impressions

are rarely the whole picture. Forgive me if I don’t really like Simon – it’s hard to like a guy who makes a living humiliating and demeaning his fellow man, or woman – but I do admire the fact that he’s got the guts to admit when he’s formed a wrong first impression. I’ll give him that. It’s so easy to do, though. How many times do I find myself judging what I think I see when, in truth, I don’t have a clue?
What am I doing with my gift? I’m not sure. But I’ve decided not to allow my past to define me. It can, you know, if you let it. I’m sure you’ve attended more than one pity party in your time. When you’re depressed, you won’t recognize His voice. How well I know this. And I struggle so in His loving hand. I couldn’t do anything to be accepted the first time – what makes me think I can do anything in my own strength now?
Jehovah Jirah met the Israelites where they were, and met their need without being asked… will He not also meet mine? I’m apt to forget the lesson, tho. What lesson? The bread lesson. Break the bread, then go feed others. Don’t worry about it. He’s got plenty! Some days, I just don’t want to share. Or encourage the discouraged.
At a fire Peter denied Jesus, yet at another fire he was re-ignited. Recommissioned. Reinstated. Restored. The man now restored preaches in Acts 2 and the destiny of a whole bunch of people is eternally changed. Let the inventory of your mind go – it’s passed. The devil is cruel. You can still go forward. “This ole’ boy died a long time ago!” There is therefore NOW no condemnation, Romans 8. 1 says, and it’s been a lifeline for me for many years. I’m dead; the life that I now live I live by faith in the Son of God. You have no idea of the people you are going to affect because of your freedom… wow! Let’s start a wildfire and let’s start it together. Accepting those around us in love. Are ya up for it?

Kari, the non-judgmental big-picture living love gal
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

All Things Wild and Wonderful

Which would include me, of course, and any child of the living God. The more I find out about the body, the more amazed. The body can withstand almost anything thrown at it. It takes all the abuse we give it, and all it asks is 8 hours rest a night. Some people don’t even give it that. I had a feisty moment recently, when the local radio station asked listeners to tell them what they had for breakfast. It was pitiful what people expect their temple to function well on. Pretty much pop-tarts and coffee seems to be the general concensus. I admit, I lost it - I just had to call the station, and tell them they should be ashamed. Years ago I read that the average man takes better care of his car than his body; I didn’t really believe it till that day. If your body is truly the temple of God, why do so many trash theirs? A college peer of mine said she found my recent post fascinating when I pointed out that one reason we’re living longer is because a few of us are finally getting the message, McFly, and paying a lot more attention to what we eat and how we move. When I heard Doctor Don Colbert say that a stagnant pool breeds disease I had a total “renewing of the mind” moment and I’ve not turned back. It’s so true. Almost any disease known to man can be cured by two basic things; diet, and exercise. I’ve got the research to prove it.
That being said, I’m not opposed to you doing neither. If you want to see Jesus before me you go right ahead wid yaw bad self! It’s just that I have a whole lot more I want to do with the precious days Papa’s given me on this earth.
In closing, I just had to share this. I guarantee it’s worth the one minute and sixteen seconds of your life it’ll take to watch. omg dude, I’m glad I’m not the cameraman… I think I’d be covered in spit… but it’s fascinating what people pour their short lives into. You ain’t seen nothin’ like this! I promise! And probably never will again.

http://hypervocal.com/vids/2012/beatboxing-fur-elise-flute/#

Kari, the far-from-stagnant-pool
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

Bringing Down the House

Walls have a purpose. There are good reasons to have walls; then again, there are bad. The same walls that keep out danger also keep out love. A cold heart cannot experience either. Gary Chapman said something recently that struck a chord within me. He was talking about walls within a relationship, and my youngest daughter was heavy on my heart. Then I realized something: I can only tear down the walls on my side of the equation. I can’t do a thing about the walls on the other side.
Proverbs 18.19 says that a brother offended is harder to win back than a strong city. The word “offense” comes from the Greek word “skandalon”, which was actually the bait that was hung in a trap in order to entice an animal. When I learned that small but significant fact, I started looking at offense in a whole new way. I realized that the bait may be offered, but I don’t have to take it. In fact, it’s wise to just pass it up. You can only make decisions for you, but if you don’t make them somebody else will. Many years ago I made the commitment that as for me and my house, we were gonna serve the Lord. Come rain or come shine, that simple principle guides my life to this day.
I’ve also decided to adopt one of John Maxwell’s philosophies. I heard him say that he wanted to be a dream builder and a people builder. What a great goal for life. One caveat – I also choose to be a wall builder. Nehemiah is a hero of mine. He was the original wall builder, and accomplished great things. helping not only rebuild but also fortify the city of Jerusalem at a time when Israel had many enemies. I’ve often thought about how the bible says they had a brick one hand and a sword in the other. Well, OK, it doesn’t exactly use those words but that’s what it means. They were working for God while ready at all times to fight if necessary. Yep, there’s a lot to learn from walls if you’ve a mind to listen. Don’t wait until it’s too late to learn them.

Kari, the wall builder and wall destroyer
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved

SuperAbounding SuperWoman

Me? Right. So not happening. But I must admit that I do have my moments. God thinks I’m super. To die for, in fact. And I’m totally OK being a woman. After all, man got us into this mess, and Man had to get us out of it. A Lamb had to die, and I pray I never forget the price He paid for my redemption.
Romans 5.20 says that where sin abounds, grace “much more” abounds. Hence the SuperAbounding title. And oh, how I need that much more abounding grace. Every day. Then it hits me. To get it, I have to give it. Ouch!
Psalm 31 verse 15 says that my times are in His hands, and just knowing that has been a lifeline for me on so many occasions in my short life. 1st John 3.20 tells me that even if my heart condemns me because I’m not perfect, my heavenly Father, Papa, is greater than my heart. I’m rather partial to Little John; it happens to be one of my fave books. I’m not sure I’d exactly rip it out of the bible, but if I had to be one of those Christians in the underground church in China who have to memorize one book of the bible, I might well choose Little John. After all, you’ve gotta love the guy who claimed he was the disciple whom Jesus loved. I’m a beneficiary of His abundant love, just because. I used to wonder about that, but then I remembered that Papa’s no respecter of persons. What He’s done for one, He’ll do for all. I can have it too. So I’ve decided that I’m the disciple whom Jesus loves. I’m His favourite kid! And I have three words for you: Don’t hate; imitate!!!
My pastor talked one Sunday about what he called a “Caleb spirit”, and I remembered that in Numbers 14. 24 the bible says he had a “different spirit”. It also flashed thru my mind that in Daniel 6.3 God said He thought Daniel had an “excellent” spirit. How I long for that. To be so distinguished by my moral character that Papa wants to talk about me. How cool is that?
Here’s a song that might really bless you, one that’s on my heart right now really strong though I’m not sure why. It’s by Holly Starr, and it’s called Don’t Have Love.

Kari, the superabounding grace-giver and receiver
original content, copyright © 2000, karigraceplace.com, all rights reserved