I was inspired by my sister's blog today. For those who don't know, she recently gave birth to a beautiful sleeping angel. My niece, Stella, was born still.
My sister writes a blog about how she copes with this loss, and how she helps other momma's who are going through the same grieving process. Today, her blog entry was about fearing God. She questioned WHY God want's us to fear Him. This was my response:
I am in no way a Bible scholar. I am a full time student, who learns more every day. When you asked why we are to fear God, I believe you are reading the word FEAR wrong, as it is stated in the Bible. Since the Bible was not originally written in English, the translations of each word may not be precisely what we see a word as meaning. Fear, for example. We see fear as a very bad thing. We don't like to fear things, it scares us, hurts us, binds us. That is not what God want's us to feel for him. I am going to quote a man named Clark, and post what he wrote, his commantary on the Bible referring to the FEAR of God.
"The fear of the Lord - In the preceding verses Solomon shows the advantage of acting according to the dictates of wisdom; in the following verses he shows the danger of acting contrary to them. The fear of the Lord signifies that religious reverence which every intelligent being owes to his Creator; and is often used to express the whole of religion, as we have frequently had occasion to remark in different places. But what is religion? The love of God, and the love of man; the former producing all obedience to the Divine will; the latter, every act of benevolence to one's fellows. The love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Spirit produces the deepest religious reverence, genuine piety, and cheerful obedience. To love one's neighbor as himself is the second great commandment; and as love worketh no ill to one's neighbor, therefore it is said to be the fulfilling of the law. Without love, there is no obedience; without reverence, there is neither caution, consistent conduct, nor perseverance in righteousness.
This fear or religious reverence is said to be the beginning of knowledge; ראשית reshith, the principle, the first moving influence, begotten in a tender conscience by the Spirit of God. No man can ever become truly wise, who does not begin with God, the fountain of knowledge; and he whose mind is influenced by the fear and love of God will learn more in a month than others will in a year"
So this explains that to "fear" in the bible, is to be obediant, to gain knowledge in our Lord, and to follow what he wants for us in this life. So the Word FEAR would be better translated as the word WISDOM. I am not sure why the word "ראשית reshith" would transfer to FEAR, I can't even pronounce it. I just know that God loves us, and want's us to love others as he loves us. He wants us to be the best we can, to be His hands and feet, to spek His word. AND to be with Him one day. I hope that this is making some sense to you. I would love to get together and talk more on this, we can learn more together.
Here are some verses that were cross referenced with the word FEAR and the topic that this Clark man was talking about.
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Deuteronomy 4:6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."
Job 28:28 And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'"
Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Proverbs 2:5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 5:12 You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!
Proverbs 15:32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.
I love you, Krystal. God loves you more.
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I would like to know what everyone else thinks about the fear of God.
COMMENTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!
As always, thank you for reading, and God bless you!
~Karie Anne
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Changes
So, it has been almost a month since my last post. I have been wanting to speak up about what I have been up to, just havnt found the words and had slipped between happiness and little bouts of depression/confusion. I guess they are all to similar!
Well, I am happy to say that a couple hours after my last post, I JUST DID IT. I started my own photography business, Grateful Memories Photography. I, coincidentely, met a woman online that had just started her photography business, and she kinda nudged me into starting a FaceBook page to get some interest in my work. Since that day, I have done 3 photoshoots to build up my portfolio! I am loving it! The only thing, I really don't have all the things that I could really use to make it a successful business... that takes a whole lotta cash that I don't have (remember, no job :P). Living in Wisconsin, winter time makes my photo shoots limited to indoors... not my favorite for photography. My ideal image is to be outdoors with nature. Letting the client be NATURAL. I have faith that I will get there, and thank you God, Spring is coming!
I really have put a lot of faith out there that God will guide me, and He has done wonders in my life. Things have been so different than what I am used to... but better in many ways. For one, had I been working full time still, I would have never had the opportunity to be a part of my daughters 4K Valentines Day Party today. I wouldnt be the one potty training my 2 year old (which isn't going too great, but at least I am the one teaching him!). I wouldn't have the patience to help my 11 year old with homework. I wouldn't have been able to capture so many moments on camera for those who I have photographed... memories that will last a lifetime for them. I am raising my kids, not a daycare! I can teach them the things that are important, teach them about God's love for us all. That is something that was not ever taught at daycare... besides in my class :)
There are so many things that I have to work on in myself, (remembering to remember!) I have a lot more faith in myself than I ever did. God answered my prayer.
Thanks for reading, and may God put blessings into your life!
Well, I am happy to say that a couple hours after my last post, I JUST DID IT. I started my own photography business, Grateful Memories Photography. I, coincidentely, met a woman online that had just started her photography business, and she kinda nudged me into starting a FaceBook page to get some interest in my work. Since that day, I have done 3 photoshoots to build up my portfolio! I am loving it! The only thing, I really don't have all the things that I could really use to make it a successful business... that takes a whole lotta cash that I don't have (remember, no job :P). Living in Wisconsin, winter time makes my photo shoots limited to indoors... not my favorite for photography. My ideal image is to be outdoors with nature. Letting the client be NATURAL. I have faith that I will get there, and thank you God, Spring is coming!
I really have put a lot of faith out there that God will guide me, and He has done wonders in my life. Things have been so different than what I am used to... but better in many ways. For one, had I been working full time still, I would have never had the opportunity to be a part of my daughters 4K Valentines Day Party today. I wouldnt be the one potty training my 2 year old (which isn't going too great, but at least I am the one teaching him!). I wouldn't have the patience to help my 11 year old with homework. I wouldn't have been able to capture so many moments on camera for those who I have photographed... memories that will last a lifetime for them. I am raising my kids, not a daycare! I can teach them the things that are important, teach them about God's love for us all. That is something that was not ever taught at daycare... besides in my class :)
There are so many things that I have to work on in myself, (remembering to remember!) I have a lot more faith in myself than I ever did. God answered my prayer.
Thanks for reading, and may God put blessings into your life!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Just Do It!
Hello, all. I am hoping that this blog entry will come out more positive than I am feeling today. If not, I apologise in advance.
Today, well everyday, should be a great day. I am alive and well. I should be more grateful for that. However, it is not such a great day. Honestly I feel like curling up in a ball and crying. Stress is getting the best of me, and I am letting it. I should be GIVING IT TO GOD... why can't I??
I decided to go to my old job to pick up my things today. I knew that I would have to do it at some point, and thought it wouldn't be as hard as it was. Seeing the kids, my co workers... seeing my 2 year old son playing in the only place that has been (besides home) for his short little life. He (and I) miss it so much. Acen didn't want to leave, and to be honest, I didn't either. I wanted to go back into my classroom and work. I wanted to joke around with my co workers and play with my preschoolers. Instead, I packed up a few boxes, loaded them in my car, and said my goodbyes. Now I sit here, upset and trying not to get upset with my 2 young children as they play when they should be eating their lunch. Ugh, life can throw curve balls when you least expect it~
I am also worried. A very close family friend suffered a brain aneurysm on Wednesday night, had surgery last night, and is in critical condition in ICU. I worry about her children... they need their mom! GIVE IT TO GOD. How I am struggling with that! I have been praying non-stop for her, her family and friends. I just feel so lost! Praying is all I can do, I know that it is the best thing that I can do for someone... I just want to do more.
It seems as though everything is coming down crashing on me right now... maybe another test of my faith. I pray that I can get through these tests with more faith than I had 2 days ago. I pray that I can stop my stress and worries before it effects others. I pray that God can give me the strength to KNOW that he is taking care of all the situations in my life... to be reassured of His great love for me.
As I type these prayers, I can feel a calm coming over me (even though my kids are now screaming at each other ;)).
Today is rough... but I know that it will get better.
My title of this post, Just Do It. The Nike slogan. It makes me think... When we are inspired to do something, do we JUST DO IT? I am a thinker, I tend to really dig into things before I leap. Is this the right thing to do?? When I decided to go back to school, I jumped head first into it, and look how that turned out. I wound up dropping my classes days before class started. With my job, I was told that I either had to pay an incredible amount of my monthly income for childcare, or quit my job... I quit that day. Now look, I am hurting from that decision. Maybe I should have put more thought into those decisions before I made them... or maybe not. Perhaps God was leading me down this path (like I said in the previous post), and I did the right thing at the right time. I am too unsure as of today, as my mind is reeling all of the possibilities, and impossibilities???
Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God.”
((SIGH OF RELIEF))
God, I need you. I need to be shown what I should be doing in this life... am I doing the right thing? I feel so down, please pick me up. It is in JESUS' name that I pray, I praise. AMEN.
My God bless the path that you are on, and thank you for reading.
Today, well everyday, should be a great day. I am alive and well. I should be more grateful for that. However, it is not such a great day. Honestly I feel like curling up in a ball and crying. Stress is getting the best of me, and I am letting it. I should be GIVING IT TO GOD... why can't I??
I decided to go to my old job to pick up my things today. I knew that I would have to do it at some point, and thought it wouldn't be as hard as it was. Seeing the kids, my co workers... seeing my 2 year old son playing in the only place that has been (besides home) for his short little life. He (and I) miss it so much. Acen didn't want to leave, and to be honest, I didn't either. I wanted to go back into my classroom and work. I wanted to joke around with my co workers and play with my preschoolers. Instead, I packed up a few boxes, loaded them in my car, and said my goodbyes. Now I sit here, upset and trying not to get upset with my 2 young children as they play when they should be eating their lunch. Ugh, life can throw curve balls when you least expect it~
I am also worried. A very close family friend suffered a brain aneurysm on Wednesday night, had surgery last night, and is in critical condition in ICU. I worry about her children... they need their mom! GIVE IT TO GOD. How I am struggling with that! I have been praying non-stop for her, her family and friends. I just feel so lost! Praying is all I can do, I know that it is the best thing that I can do for someone... I just want to do more.
It seems as though everything is coming down crashing on me right now... maybe another test of my faith. I pray that I can get through these tests with more faith than I had 2 days ago. I pray that I can stop my stress and worries before it effects others. I pray that God can give me the strength to KNOW that he is taking care of all the situations in my life... to be reassured of His great love for me.
As I type these prayers, I can feel a calm coming over me (even though my kids are now screaming at each other ;)).
Today is rough... but I know that it will get better.
My title of this post, Just Do It. The Nike slogan. It makes me think... When we are inspired to do something, do we JUST DO IT? I am a thinker, I tend to really dig into things before I leap. Is this the right thing to do?? When I decided to go back to school, I jumped head first into it, and look how that turned out. I wound up dropping my classes days before class started. With my job, I was told that I either had to pay an incredible amount of my monthly income for childcare, or quit my job... I quit that day. Now look, I am hurting from that decision. Maybe I should have put more thought into those decisions before I made them... or maybe not. Perhaps God was leading me down this path (like I said in the previous post), and I did the right thing at the right time. I am too unsure as of today, as my mind is reeling all of the possibilities, and impossibilities???
Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God.”
((SIGH OF RELIEF))
God, I need you. I need to be shown what I should be doing in this life... am I doing the right thing? I feel so down, please pick me up. It is in JESUS' name that I pray, I praise. AMEN.
My God bless the path that you are on, and thank you for reading.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Well Lit Path On An Unknown Road
Some of my new goals are:
*Be the Mom that I always wanted to be~ to raise my children to be Godly children.
*Put a lot of energy into helping those in need, in as many ways that I can.
*Potty train my toddler (really, it is harder than it sounds!).
*Join a class at my church.
*Fulfill my dream of being a photographer.
I have a head start on some of these goals, already! I have found ways to reach out to my kids, many opportunities to show them how much God and myself love them. I don't know if those opportunities would have come up had I still been working full-time. I appreciate the time that I have with my children a lot more, and it is a lot less stressful. That has been a blessing!
When it comes to putting more energy into helping those in need, my sisters and I have jumped into Enraptured Embrace head first, and have learned a lot already. This mission is helping me a lot, and I LOVE IT! I look forward to making these memory quilts, and sending love and comfort to those who have suffered the losses like our family has in the past years.
Potty Training my toddler. Oh, boy! This has been a wake up call. I have always had help in this field, since my children have always been in childcare! I will delve into that more in another blog entry, I think. This is going to be a process!
I have yet to join a class at church. I have, however, taken a brochure and looked over the classes that I am interested in joining. I am taking Zumba at church, and yes I know that doesn't really count. I want to be able to read and understand the Bible, and I know that a class with other women will really benefit me as a whole.
My photography business is underway. I have put the offer out to some family and friends to take family pictures to build up my portfolio. I have had a lot of feedback, and offers for props which I am really excited about.
In whole, God has shown me a lot this week. I look forward to moving down this well lit path! This is something that is new to me, and I am looking to God for guidance. I know that he will guide me along the way! I have faith!
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)
God Bless you, and thank you for reading!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
My path, created by God
The past year has been life changing in the life of Karie Anne. I think God has a completely different plan for me, one that shows me that I have been on the wrong path for years?? I have stated in other posts that I am a childcare/ preschool teacher in a daycare. I have worked with children all of my life, and in childcare for over 10 years. This came to a VERY abrupt halt this past Friday. I was given an ultimatum, pay an outrageous amount of my income towards childcare for my 2 year old, or quit my job of 5 years. So... I quit my job. This is something that I am VERY upset about, torn if you will. I am very attached to not only the kids in my class, but the staff that I have worked with over the years. I feel that I am being treated unfairly, it is not a decision that I wanted to make at all. If it were up to me, I would still be there. I loved my job!
God has another plan for me. This is something that I am trying so hard to accept... and figure out what the job may be. I introduced (in my last blog entry) the start of Enraptured Embrace. If it were not for EE, I think I would be a lot more lost than I am right now. I am also going to pursue my interest in photography. This is something that I have wanted to do for a REALLY long time, and actually have the time to do it now. I think that I have a little TOO much time on my hands, though.
At this point, I am doing a whole lot of praying! Praying for a sign of what is next... I feel like I am suffocating with worry. I have never NOT had a job, and had I known this was coming, I would have prepared myself financially. God has provided my husband with a successful job, and we are thankful for that. There are so many people that are out of work, the economy is sinking, and I am struggling to keep the faith that WE won't be next. I have always looked at the bright side of things, even when the bright side is a tunnel with a train slowly approaching. I will continue to look at the bright side... I have God in my corner. I have healthy children, a home, food, a car and loving friends and family. I really have it all! God won't let me drown, and if I start to sink, HE will pull me back up.
God Bless you and as always, thanks for reading!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
INTRODUCING..... ENRAPTURED EMBRACE!
Wow... I have had some deep thinking time the past few days! Between my kids and myself being sick (so I have not been working as often... a lot of free time!), visits to Urgent Care (eeewwww), school and trying to enjoy winter in good ole Wisconsin, I have had a lot to ponder, pray about and praise!
Just this past week, my sisters and I have come up with a wonderful nonprofit organization called Enraptured Embrace. We will be making quilts out of clothing and treasured items of a loved one lost, for those who remain here on Earth. These quilts' purpose is to comfort them, fill them with love and hope after the loss of a loved one. Please take a moment to check us out on Facebook , and if you or someone that you know would be interested in such a service, please email us at enrapturedembrace@gmail.com
We are all very excited to begin this journey, and know that God has put it in our hearts to serve others who are hurting like we are over losses so great. God Bless you, and as always, THANKS FOR READING!
Just this past week, my sisters and I have come up with a wonderful nonprofit organization called Enraptured Embrace. We will be making quilts out of clothing and treasured items of a loved one lost, for those who remain here on Earth. These quilts' purpose is to comfort them, fill them with love and hope after the loss of a loved one. Please take a moment to check us out on Facebook , and if you or someone that you know would be interested in such a service, please email us at enrapturedembrace@gmail.com
We are all very excited to begin this journey, and know that God has put it in our hearts to serve others who are hurting like we are over losses so great. God Bless you, and as always, THANKS FOR READING!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Give Me a Message
It is tough to open your heart and mind to REALLY listen to what God has to tell you, where He wants you to go in your life... especially if it is something that you may not want to do. I am in a funk. God tells me in all the signs that I am to show people what it means to be a Christian.. to guide His children to Him. To be honest, I know that there is a lot that I have no idea about, and I am praying that He can send me some answers. I have been trying to follow what He wants me to do, and I know that I slip up. It is hard not to when I am only human.
I know that God wants me to be happy... so why am I feeling like I am put to the test all the time? Why am I so unhappy in my marriage? Why do I have lack of trust and love for my husband? I know that it is all for a reason, I am an impatient woman and have a hard time waiting for that reason to be revealed. I pray that I can be patient and not jump to instant results. My mind and my heart are not working together so well right now. That can be a problem!
These kind of days remind me that I have to work on my faith daily... life is not easy, my job is not easy. I tend to put more on my plate than I can chew, and eventually realize that I have not been listening to what God wants me to do. In a previous post, I stated that I am going back to school. I have just had a door close in my face when it comes to this. I am not getting the state grant that I was hoping for to help pay for this, so I have decided that this isn't in my plans. Just after I made this decision, Enraptured Embrace came about. (My sisters and I have started a non-profit organization that will provide quilts made from lost loved ones to the bereaved family & friends. In light of our family losses the past year, this helps us as well. Our organization is called Enraptured Embrace and we can be found on Facebook :) It has been very uplifting to be involved in something like this with my best friends, my sisters. If you or anyone that you know would be interested in such a service, you can email us at enrapturedembrace@gmail.com . )
Maybe this is what I was supposed to do, and took directions from God in the opposite direction. His message wasn't about ME, it was about OTHERS, and their need to be comforted.
I feel a little better about not going back to school now. Now that I have EE to move forward with. I have been too unsure if school was the right thing, and listened to my brain instead of my heart.
I hope and pray that I am right.
God Bless you and thank you for reading!
I know that God wants me to be happy... so why am I feeling like I am put to the test all the time? Why am I so unhappy in my marriage? Why do I have lack of trust and love for my husband? I know that it is all for a reason, I am an impatient woman and have a hard time waiting for that reason to be revealed. I pray that I can be patient and not jump to instant results. My mind and my heart are not working together so well right now. That can be a problem!
These kind of days remind me that I have to work on my faith daily... life is not easy, my job is not easy. I tend to put more on my plate than I can chew, and eventually realize that I have not been listening to what God wants me to do. In a previous post, I stated that I am going back to school. I have just had a door close in my face when it comes to this. I am not getting the state grant that I was hoping for to help pay for this, so I have decided that this isn't in my plans. Just after I made this decision, Enraptured Embrace came about. (My sisters and I have started a non-profit organization that will provide quilts made from lost loved ones to the bereaved family & friends. In light of our family losses the past year, this helps us as well. Our organization is called Enraptured Embrace and we can be found on Facebook :) It has been very uplifting to be involved in something like this with my best friends, my sisters. If you or anyone that you know would be interested in such a service, you can email us at enrapturedembrace@gmail.com . )
Maybe this is what I was supposed to do, and took directions from God in the opposite direction. His message wasn't about ME, it was about OTHERS, and their need to be comforted.
I feel a little better about not going back to school now. Now that I have EE to move forward with. I have been too unsure if school was the right thing, and listened to my brain instead of my heart.
I hope and pray that I am right.
God Bless you and thank you for reading!
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