Hello everybody,

A quick update for ya. I finished chemo!!!! It felt so good to close that chapter of this journey. I even saw my doctor that day and finally got an idea of what’s next. I started taking a pill called Anastrozole (aromatase inhibitor) for 5 years. Its a hormone-blocking medication that blocks the effects of estrogen on the tumor cells. Normal breast tissue cells have receptors for both progesterone and estrogen. They cause normal breast tissue to grow and mature properly. But when a cell becomes cancerous, those receptors need to be blocked to be able to fight the spread of cancer. Its not chemo, but it is used for very aggressive cancer types. Apparently thats what kind we have been dealing with all along. My doctor is kinda funny that way. He doesn’t tell you everything, which is probably wise but makes me curious as to what the big picture really is. Oh well, ignorance is bliss they say and sometimes the more I know, the more fear or doubt can creep in. I will also be going in every 3 weeks for 1 year to receive more treatment of something called Herceptin. It will be given through my port, just like chemo. My doctor said that this was why I had a port put in because he knew I would need it for the long haul. Today I started having the tests to see how the chemo and radiation did. I am looking forward to hear what the results are. I will write sooner, I promise, and let you all know what they are.

I actually started this blog a few weeks ago and got side tracked. I went to Australia for the Hillsong Conference. It was fantastic and I wish you all could have been there, even though I think God designed the whole conference just for me (some thousand people attend). How wonderful is God to do that for me (smile). I felt like He spoke through the speakers to me, to encourage and strengthen my faith. Its amazing how all these different speakers can come together and not know what the other one is speaking on, and they all flow into one heart and add to the other to complete the package. Every year this happens and this year was no exception. There was one session in particular that was definitely for me. It was one of the most beautifully orchestrated sessions I’ve seen. There were various speakers including Darlene Zschech, who shared their story of going through a difficult circumstance. Darlene having had a miscarriage, a faith preacher loosing his son to cancer, another having gone on a mission trip with his pregnant wife and child and how they caught a life threatening virus that took the life of their unborn baby and threatened their little girl. They shared how they got through these heart breaking difficulties in spite of themselves. What I appreciated was their openness about the struggles in “being a christian” and yet not receiving the results they had prayed for. In between some of the speakers, there was special music that was so powerful. Its amazing what people go through in this life, but how beautiful it is to see how strong they are today. The one thing that they all had in common was that they kept their eyes on Jesus and put their trust in Him. That was really a huge comfort for me because I might not know if I’m doing the right thing, or if I have enough faith or if I’ve prayed the correct way or whatever, specially when you have people try to encourage you by saying THEY were healed. But all I know is that I can keep my eyes on Him and I can put my trust in Him. That’s a good place to be.

Lets keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and see how amazing He is…He is worthy of our trust.

I love you all very much and thank you for your prayers and warm wishes. I see Jesus when I look at you.
Big hugs….karyn

Hello beautiful blogger family,

SO much has happened since the last blog. Let me fill you in. I finished my radiation treatments!!! All 36 of them. I didn’t go to the radiation doctor that week like I was suppose to. I figured I’ll go when I get back. Back from where you ask. I am sitting in the hotel room in Jordan. Robert and I went to Israel! A church from Arizona (Ps Don Wilson) paid our way to visit the holy lands on a tour with him and 80 other people. We had asked my chemo doc about going and he said that I would be done with chemo and radiation by then, so we said yes to Ps Don. Well, it turns out that my doc calculated wrong. I still had 4 chemos to go. My doc told me I could do a chemo over in Israel. That was great news since our trip was all paid for and everything. Our flight out of Lima to Miami/Chicago was at 6 am Monday morning so I had to do a chemo Saturday (I usually do them on Monday). They did a special favor for me and asked one of the chemo nurses to come in just for me that day. I hadn’t been feeling really good that week because of some “over-doing” things and Robert was questioning whether we should go or not. Well, here I am, in Israel and our last day really. I did stay back today and didn’t go on the tour, trying to be wise and all that. Today was a big walking day in the heat and I just didn’t want to over-do it. But I am here!!! And I did really good!!! Even with the food! I actually gained some weight here. It has been wonderful. I have been overwhelmed by God’s mercy and great love, to have sent His son to earth and live as a human, just for us. Yes, you have to imagine a lot of how it “used to be”, but still, He came and lived and died AND rose again. Its worth seeing. It brings understanding to the Word of God, seeing and learning about the culture. I never thought in all my wildest dreams that I would ever go to Israel, so thank you Father God for this special treat. Its been wonderful!!!

Like I said, I finished radiation…yippee!!! I was SO happy to have finished, I did take donuts my last day. It was a great feeling to have finished something on this journey. My skin is recovering from the burns, but most of all, it was just time consuming. Everyday for a few hours at times. Plus it closes that chapter in my life. Now, 4 more chemo’s. I ended up NOT doing the chemo here in Israel. I had Jenna ask my doc if it could wait. I just didn’t want to be a bother to the group (plus I didn’t want to do it). There is still a few other types of chemo that I will have to have, but little by little we are attacking this and going through this battle with God’s great love and mercies. The numbness of my toes and finger tips will be slowly disappear. My hair will eventually grow back (bummer for my legs and other interesting places). My skin will recover and the funny spots on my face will go away. I’ll have no more excuse to not be able to go to the dentist. My taste buds will return (maybe). My nose will stop bleeding. My body won’t feel like I have the flu anymore. I won’t get tired so easily (YES). I’ll one day get to hold my grandbabies!!!!! And I’ll have some new boobs :) BUT those things seem so silly when I read them here on this page. I LOVE how the Message Bible puts it…”Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing — nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low,=2 0thinkable or unthinkable – absolutely NOTHING can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us”. Rom. 8:38,39. Robert always says to me “you can complain Karyn, its okay, its understandable all that your going through”. I’m so overwhelmed with how amazing God is, I hope I ALWAYS remember Him and His great love. I have never been afraid of “The Cancer”, my biggest fear was forgetting to see God in His greatness and biggness… THATS scary!!!

I want to always remember all that He is and has done for me. I want to keep my eyes on Him, to see HIM high and lifted up and to remember how HE sees me…wow, now thats worth remembering. Actually I don’t want to be a complainer. I want my mouth to be full of the truths of God’s amazing and overwhelming goodness. I want to be full of praises because I KNOW… “That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good”. Mgs Rom. 8:28

Big hugs and lots of love… karyn

I love the heart of pastor Dino Rizzo, and his passion for the local church. I have known Dino for a lot of years now, and he has never changed. He’s a living example of a servant who lives to make other people’s lives better.

We were invited by Dino to participate in this blog tour, and this was my question for him….

Q: Within the context of cycles and seasons: How do you maintain the momentum of Servolution so that it doesn’t become another passing fad?

A: Robert - you’re such a great example of faithful serving - you’re more qualified to answer this question than just about anyone. Your church and the ministry you lead there in Peru is one of the most amazing I’ve ever seen.

I think what is key in this question is that just as worship, the Word of God, and prayer are not fads. In the same way, compassion and generosity are not passing trends, but instead, they are part of our culture as the Church. The body of Christ bleeds sacrifice, generosity, giving, and serving.

About eight months into being a church, we were having tons of visitors - so many that our person working to follow up with visitors couldn’t keep up with all of them alone. So one Wednesday evening when everyone showed up for church, we decided to go out and visit people who had visited the church. We did that for the whole month - just going out and visiting and serving people instead of having our mid-week bible study church services. It spoke a strong message to our people that the culture of the Church is one of serving others.

Keeping this truth in front of the people is crucial. We make a constant effort to deliberately reinforce these values - to make sure that the culture of serving is deeply embedded into every part of what we do.

I love his answer! Over the years, there have been so many passing fad’s and movements, some have been good, some ended in embarrassment. But there are some things that must never change, worship, a life of generosity, and serving. A gospel so simple, and true.

For us, servolution is more than event, it really is a lifestyle, but the event was such a blessing. It activated hundreds of believers who realized this truth; it is more blessed to give than receive.

If you want more information visit http://servolution.org/book/

Hello, hello, hello,

I know, its been too long between blogs. Its a good thing. I’ve been busy. I have been enjoying the last bit of our summer and of course, my lil guys. I’m not supposed to pick them up, which is complete torture. I’m not supposed to even carry a purse with my right arm. There is this possibility that I could develop what is called lymphedema. It is a side effect from having the lymph nodes removed. What happens is the vessels that drain lymphatic fluid from the arm back into the general circulation, are disrupted and the fluid becomes backed up in the arm, creating permanent swelling termed lymphedema. A little info for you all (I love learning about medical stuff).

I have been called the “donut lady” lately. I have always brought donuts to different meetings just because I love to spoil everybody. Plus it makes the meeting more fun. Well, I started bringing donuts to my radiation clinic (lots of people waiting for their turn to get zapped). And to my chemo clinic. Its amazing what a donut can do. It puts a smile on their face and it is such an open door. I have been going to get chemo done for quite a while now, but the day I brought donuts, was the day that the secretary pulled me aside and asked for help. With tears in her eyes, she began to tell me about her teenage son and the trouble she has had being a single mom. I felt honored that she felt she could trust me and ask for my council. I think its pretty amazing that a simple act of kindness could provoke such a profound moment. She knew I was a pastor from the beginning of my treatment, but maybe it was too awkward for her to ask for help out of the blue. So hey, do not underestimate a simple smile, or a donut. What’s priceless is the look on peoples faces when you do something nice for nothing in return.

My dear friend Judith from Australia read my twitter inputs about bringing donuts to these places and she asked me who was going to bring ME a donut. I told her she could come all the way from Australia just to bring me a donut if she wanted to (joking) and guess what she did?! She got Taylor (my son) to buy me a donut and give it to me from her…that was so nice of her…she made me laugh out loud. So here is a picture of me we sent to her showing that I got the donut. Now I love donuts but the pink one was just for the photo…chocolate is my preferred choice (smile). Hey who knows, maybe we’ll start a donut revolution and shock a few people along the way…how fun!

I love you all soo much! I pray for everyone of you who write on my blog. You have touched my life profoundly and I will always be filled with overwhelming gratitude for your beautiful words of encouragement and love.

Big hugs… Karyn

On Saturday April 4, we had our big day for Servolution, over a thousand volunteers spread out through Lima, and the shanty towns, to do casual acts of kindness with no other motive than to bless people. The results were amazing! Much better than I thought they would be. I could almost see how Jesus felt when the 70 returned after a successful mission trip. He rejoiced because they got it.

When we met for a rally in the morning, the anticipation was there, the different ministries had prayed, and creatively thought up ways to serve people. They went to orphanages, paid bills at hospitals, even our own kids from the Children’s home went to another children’s home to serve the orphans there. People painted, passed out water, (27,000 gallons!), they gave away food, and cleaned up markets. At the end of the day, they came back to church dirty and tired - but so happy. It IS better to give than to receive.

For our church, serving is nothing new. Ever since the beginning we have served the hurting and poor in Peru. Serving is not an event, it is a lifestyle. But this event was such a blessing because it plugged in hundreds of new volunteers who caught the vision; that to be great in His eyes meant to serve for no man’s eyes but His.

I remember reading once the words of Mother Theresa, “if you take care of the people no one wants, He will give you the people everyone wants.” We have the most amazing church family. I can think of no other church I would rather be with, thank you for serving.

Hello bloggers,  
Thank you for all the wonderful comments you all send in.  I feel so loved and special. I look forward to checking my page to see if someone new wrote.  I pray for you also, so know that someone is praying for you too. 

I had my first chemo last Monday.  I go every Monday for 10 weeks.  It is a milder type of chemo.  I haven’t gotten sick but my body feels like I have the flu (mussels ache, skin is sensitive, the chills), but usually only because I’ve probably done too much that day.  I have pain somewhere on my body almost all the time, but I would rather have pain than feel sick.  My friend who had a double mastectomy told me that it will be pain-full for about a year.  Wow, thats good to know.  I read in one of my books where one author who had gone through all this said, that out of nowhere there would be these
physical sensations, sharp pain, burning, numbness, pins and needles, throbbing, wow, I could go on.  But knowing that its normal, takes the fear away.  Specially because I also started radiation (25 all together, 5 days a week, for 10 min).  The unknown was probably the scariest part, but you get the hang of it real fast.  What they do is they draw lines and x’s on the area that they will zap with the radiation machine.  You lay still with your arms over your head and the machine moves into different angles and does its thing. Like I said, it only takes like 10 min and the nurses are really nice.  This is all temporary.  Hey, my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows are growing back!  
I hope I didn’t bore you all.  I just wanted to fill you in on whats happening.  There’s a thought that keeps running through my mind that has inspired me these days.  The biggest miracle of all is glory coming to the Father through mortal creatures.  And we will be most blessed when God is most glorified.  May He be glorified through you and me every day. 
Big hugs…I love you…
Karyn 
 
 

The globally connected church has been on my mind for the past few days. Recently we joined together with Life Church in teaching a series called One Prayer. We were actually just one of hundreds of churches that took part in this project. Now, we are coming alongside Healing Place Church in Servolution – a movement/made lifestyle that focuses on serving others. Already in Peru, we have over 1000 churches that are partnering with us in Servolution and have committed to touching lives with random acts of kindness for the week of April 3-9.The impact of this should be great - to radically change the life of someone by doing something simply to bless them and looking for no return. Very cool.

It is awesome when the church around the world unites and shares a common focus. There is power and blessing in unity. This is not just for the church in my city, or in my country, but the idea of a global church coming together has a beauty to it. It is dangerous for any believer to become isolated. It is also not good for a church to isolate itself because it will turn inward, and can become critical and judgmental.

I believe it is equally dangerous for a church in a country to stay “national.” The body of Christ is global, diverse, colorful, and has no national barriers. That means that I can feel loyalty to the USA - the place of my birth, and love Peru - the country where I pastor a great church; but beyond that, I am still part the Body of Christ and we are one. The African Church cannot say to the Asian Church, “we have no need of you.” Likewise, the American church cannot say to the Latin Church, “Because we don’t speak a common language I have no use for you.” I believe that world missions is about building bridges, not walls. It is not raising up a great national church, it is about raising up a church - a globally connected local church that is diverse in culture, experience, and expression.

There is so much the church can accomplish when it comes together and so many things it can learn from each other. We need to help each other, pray for each other, and be accountable one to another.

Let each church be a local expression of a globally connected church, the Body of Christ.

Hello hello hello,

Wow, SO much has happened since I last wrote. I’ll try to fill you all in and try not to bore you at the same time. We had been told by both doctors that the 7c tumor had disappeared and that all I needed was a lumpectomy, which is where they take the lump plus some of the surrounding area. The surgeon wanted to make sure so he asked for more tests. Well, to his surprise the tests showed that my right breast was full of cancer and that I needed to have a mastectomy.

Wow, we kind of wished we hadn’t received the other report, but relieved that we took the tests even after the other doctor said it was unnecessary AND that we didn’t tell anyone until the tests confirmed the prognosis. The surgeon recommended reconstruction (plastic surgery) and also recommended a specialist in reconstruction and mastectomies. We went to his office and he explained the procedure. With a marking pen, he outlined where the incisions needed to be and then we went to our room. The next morning, bright and early, they came and put an IV in my arm, some bandage wraps on my legs, a cap for my head and some booties for my feet and off to the operating room. I remember talking to the anesthesiologist about her kids, while she strapped my arms down. Then I remember saying hi to the surgeon and to the reconstruction surgeon and then I was out. I woke up thinking they still needed to do the surgery. It wasn’t quick, I was just fast asleep. Apparently they had to take a lot out plus all the lymph nodes. Now it was the reconstruction doctors turn. He placed a temporary implant that helps keep the skin stretched during chemo and radiation. Which are what is next on the agenda…chemo and radiation. I don’t have all the results back yet so I don’t know what kind or how much I will need. Then after chemo and radiation, I will have the real implants put in place. The reason they don’t put it in straight away is because the radiation causes damage to the prosthesis. I’m so amazed at the progress in medicine. There are incredible things they are doing these days. Now if MAN has come up with all this, just think who gave them the ability to even dream it. Well, after surgery and a few days recuperating in the clinic, I was ready to go home. They put a “drain” or a long tube in the breast area on the side to drain all the excess fluids. Its pretty gross looking. I carry the container in a small white plastic bag which the doctor calls ‘my purse’. He said to be careful since I am a gringa…a thief might think I’m carrying money in my little white plastic bag, grab it and run off with all my fluids. Now that would actually be really funny. I just worry that I will get the tube caught on something or that I will forget about it and walk off only to hear a big thump on the floor, and hope that it didn’t burst open. I must look pretty funny…bald head, long tube (with yucky bloody fluids in it) connected to a white plastic bag and extra skinny. But ya know, I’m actually okay with all this. I actually feel like I am in good company and that I have been given a great opportunity to grow and become a better person because of all this. I actually feel honored to have been entrusted with a difficult situation and the responsibility to choose correctly in how I react and respond. Yea its scary! Yea its not fun! Yea it changes your plans! Yea it hurts! YEA yea yea…there are a million yea’s, but its okay! This is really a wonderful opportunity in my life, to really see if I believe IN God or if I BELIEVE God. I want to grow in His grace and experience His great love. I want to become a better believer and learn to trust Him more. Life is short and I want the opportunity to show HIM that I love Him…I want my life to be a sacrifice of worship to the one who loved me first.
May we all become better at believing God.
Hey, I got to go to church this weekend, even with my little white plastic bag :)

I love you all…big hugs…karyn

It is pretty cool to think our church will celebrate our 20th anniversary this coming week. Who would have imagined all that the Lord has done over the years for us. I often tell ministers, anyone can be a hero if you stick around long enough. Over the years, I have met so many pastors, missionaries and Christian leaders who have so much going for them, so much talent and charisma. They seemed so right at the time. Sadly today, many are not around. Talent can take you where character cannot sustain you.

Then there are others, not much glitter, they just keep doing the stuff, faithfully, day to day quietly serving. Over the years, they have lasting fruit. Long term commitments equal long term results. To some, when it’s all said and done, more is said than done. For me when it’s over, I would like more to have been done in my life, than said.

My prayer is, let me finish strong, with a testimony like David; I have never seen the righteous forsaken, or His seed out begging for bread.

In His service,
Robert Barriger

Hello everybody,

I’m finally in the clinic having my 4th chemo and my last for now.  I had to put off this chemo for a week because my blood counts were too low.  I was put on a strict red meat diet, breakfast, lunch and dinner for a whole week.  I ended up eating a lot of lomo saltado.  But it worked.  I got the levels up and here I am.  I actually go home tomorrow after 3 days here…yes!!!! 

I’m really hoping I will be healthy for our Corazon Conference.  I don’t want to miss out on any of it.  I have so much that I need to do still.  I did a lot of what I could do before I came to the clinic, so I’m good with almost everything.  What timing aye.  I usually feel fine during the chemo process, but its the week after that that I get so sick.  This time I am taking Pepto bismo right off the bat.  The doctor even said he would do everything he could to make this better.  I also asked him what was next.  He said I will be getting a mastectomy and probably chemo after that and if they find more live cancer I will need radiation.  Sounds fun.  I’m not sure when all this will take place.  I have all these plans, like I really wanted to go the Colour conference in Sydney with Jenna this March…we’ll see.  And for sure, I want to enjoy the rest of this summer…make sandcastles with my little guys, eat ice cream and barbecues.  Take some walks along the beach…and have a bondfire towards the evening.  Sounds wonderful.  Summer gets swallowed up anyway because of our conference, so I am determined to make the best of it this year.  Those are MY plans, but hey, who knows, right…only God and thats good enough for me.

Well, dear friends, just a quick one to let you know what’s going on.  I’ll write more later.  I love you all and soooo appreciate your comments.  I can’t tell you how encouraged I am by you all.  You are amazing and I love how God shines through you on me and brightens up my days.  Thank you for thinking about me…wow, I am so blessed.

Big hugs…karyn

Hello wonderful bloggers,

This has been a very productive week.  I’ve had lots of energy (even though towards the evening my skin or bones start to hurt like the flu).  I think its just from over doing it sometimes, but I am thankful for these moments of feeling better.

This Tuesday is my doctors appointment and we’ll see what he has to say.  Usually, the routine is, Tuesday morning I fast breakfast to be able to take a blood test to check my hiboglobins (not the right word, but its my word for it).  Then in the evening, I go to the clinic and the doctor gives me an exam and we discuss the last chemo and then we set the date for the next one.  Its usually days afterwards.  Supposedly this will be my last chemo.

I want to say out loud, how amazing my family has been through all this.  THEY are the true heroes in this story.  I actually think its harder for them than it is for me.  To have to stand by and feel helpless specially when one is suffering, is very difficult and challenging.  I don’t know how other people are when confronted with someone in the family becoming ill, but MY family has been MORE than wonderful.  Jenna has been by my side the entire time…even spending many nights at the hospital on an uncomfortable bed and Pedro has made it easy for Jenna to do all that she does for me.  Taylor and Chana came for a week at my house while Robert had to travel.  I was really sick and they to care of me.  Then there’s my amazing husband!!!  He has been sooo incredible.  He has this way of taking a difficult moment and making things better.  He has always won me over, even when I have been so mad or whatever, he just knows what to say or do.  His sense of humor, a look, a wink or a smile, its just the right amount to win my heart all over again.  Now, that’s just how he is normally, so when all this started happening and the reports were really negative and there was a lot of confusion all around.  He was a quiet strength that has given me stability, assurance and confidence.  Robert has a wonderful trait in that he always looks at how he can make me more comfortable, even in the small things.  When I was really sick, he would make me toast and oatmeal (he’s the best oatmeal maker in the world).  He would just lay there next to me even though I know he had better things to do.  He is just this really generous guy and my kids take after him, so you can imagine how loved I feel because of each one of them…I say this a lot but its because I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude, but I am THE most blessed woman on the earth!!!!!  There are many more things I could share about what my family have done, but it would take a novel to put it all in writing.

Now, I have to add something to all this.  I admire Robert sooo much.  He has never made me feel ugly or insecure.  Imagine waking up next to this bald headed, skinny (l look like a holocaust victim, specially when I am sick and no makeup) person, laying asleep next to you.  That can be pretty shocking, even scary…and then you remember…oh, this is my wife.  WOW, he has never made me feel unattractive…he even says I’m beautiful.  Now, he might be lying through his teeth, but hey, he said it and he was sweet to do so.  He could just stay quiet and I wouldn’t think twice.  There is a lot to deal with when someone in your family is ill, but I thank God for my beautiful family who love God, who believe in Him and His promises and who have stuck it out with me in the battle.  I could die today a happy and blessed woman because of all the love and warmth that surrounds me.  I am THE most blessed woman on the earth!!!!!!!!!!

Big hugs to you all….karyn

Hello everyone,

How do I begin. There is so much I have been wanting to write about. This is becoming a pattern, me disappearing for awhile and its frustrating to me. I am just not very productive when I feel sick and more than the debilitating sensations, I think not being able to use that time for all the millions of things I wish I was doing, is harder. Its like I have disappeared from the planet, or at least my little world. I know its only “days” but they feel like years and when clumped together, they seem forever.

I do keep telling myself that this is temporary and that life really is just a vapor in the span of eternity. It doesn’t take away moments of feeling a little sorry for myself. Like Sunday. I got up and really tried to make it to church but I just couldn’t. Now THATS frustrating, specially because its not like I would be doing anything strenuous, probably just sitting. I did the right thing in staying home, with MY bathroom near by. I think I would not have lasted even with just the hour drive coming home. Okay, okay, enough of my pity party. I feel much better today, finally!!!! This is going to be a great week. God is so amazing in spite of me. He gives me little whispers of hope and encouragement. Sunday (while I was feeling sad), was an exceptionally gorgeous day. I sat on the door step and just marveled at the perfection of that moment. It was so peaceful, not any man made sounds anywhere. Just birds and the ocean waves faintly in the background. There were a few dragonflies hovering over the water in the pool. The smell, its hard to describe but it was fresh, new, warm but with a soft breeze like the color bluegreen. It was perfect. A space in time that was perfect. I felt like God was right there sitting next to me, enjoying the moment, both of us with a smile on our face and eternity in our hearts. I started thinking of all my favorite things. Oh my gosh, don’t even get me started with that one!!!!! I even started singing the song “My favorite things” from the movie The Sound of Music. I sang it really slow to imagine each thing mentioned in the song and it was so remarkable how where the song says “when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad /I simply remember my favorite things / and then I don’t feel so bad” I didn’t feel so bad!!!! Even the secular world knows the remedy to changing your outlook. But for sure the Bible knows the secret. “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Phil. 4:8. I am convinced that if only we could REMEMBER who God is and His love for us…pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise…thoughts, wow, we might end up having a smile on our face more often.

I love you all very much… big hugs… karyn

I was thinking about the verse where the disciples asked Jesus, “Who sinned.” It was concerning a man born blind. The idea that if someone is sick, it must be punishment from God in someway. This is such a wrong concept of God. God is good, the devil is bad! Why is it people look for a reason, or a fault? In Jesus answer, there is a powerful concept. Jesus answered the disciples, “Neither he, or his parents sinned, but it is so that the glory of God may be revealed”…

We know that God can take any bad circumstance, and make good come out of it. That is where His power is revealed, that He can make all things work together for good. All things.

Years ago, I was moved by stories of some missionaries who wanted to reach some unreached people deep in the jungles of Ecuador. All five were missionaries were killed by the same people they sought to reach. To some it may have looked like failure, but how God turned it to the glory of God revealed, when hundreds of young couples, after hearing their story, gave all to God, and became a missionary force in all the earth. After reading this story, (Through gates of Splendor), Karyn and prayed several times, “God, we give our life to you. If ever we have the opportunity to give our life, in our service, it is yours.”

For now, as Karyn walks through this, and we believe for healing. But in the end, however He works, our only prayer is, God we want to glorify you.

I will say this, how privileged I am to see the faith of a woman of God, her strength, grace, and faith amaze me. This is not a punishment from God, many are watching, and touched by her walk. We trust in Him!

At the Hillsong conference this past July, they had this statement on their screen for the opening night, “the things that separate man from God, are the same things that separate man from man” Things like envy, jealously, hate, greed. Is it no wonder the world is so divided, its sin that separates nations, ethnic groups, and churches. Jesus prayer for His church, that we would be one. One day, there will be “glorious church,” (Eph 5:27) I want that church to be my church, and your church too.

Of all things that unites the church, one of the most effective seems to be crisis, crisis and persecution. As my family is in a health crisis, Karyn has been found to have cancer in her body. We have been amazed, and brought to tears over and over again, how the church family comes together in these times. How do people go through crisis alone? How can someone make it without Christ… This is where the body of Christ truly is glorious!

Karyn has been in contact with her good friend, Holly Wagner, also a cancer survivor. Holly told Karyn, she doesn’t regret having to go through cancer, it has made her faith stronger today. Karyn is on same track, she has amazing faith. Thank you for praying with us. We will have a testimony to tell.