Karie 's Blog Intro - Philosophy 101 by Karie :)

So, here is my first "Karie 's Blog". I'm doing Karie 's Blog because I have a lot of opinions about many things - which I think matter. Some people find them humorous, insightful or obnoxious. LOL.

Karie 's blog will keep you up to date on a lot of events, tours, people (let me know if you have a favorite) and my thoughts on much of it as well as controversial subjects that touch our lives.

I love the controversial situations that are happening in "Christiandom", politics, society, money etc... so I am open to give my opinion on anything - but don't get offended cuz things that freak out other people don't usually even measure on my Richter scale (It's a tool that measures earthquakes). The fact that the church has divided along political lines still blows my mind. Some don't even think "the other side" are really Christians! LOL.

Touching the lives of those who normally would not come in contact with someone who follows God and has a connection with Him is a great joy to me.
I like people in general; any kind. Jesus came for the WORLD because He loved it. I do too! The Father and Holy Ghost were in agreement :) So, I like to go all over the world, meet new people from all backgrounds and bring that message - YOU ARE LOVED! Sometimes that isn't popular with the religious world :) Jesus had the same problem.

I have intentionally "followed" Jesus since 1986.
WHAT IS MY RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION? "FOLLOW GOD".
If God can use Karie.. He can use anyone and I am grateful! I don't' really give a rip about denominations, "streams", "movements", "camps", "tongues", "rapture" etc.... I respect them all and love their passion for their purpose. I have opinions but they don't stop me from enjoying the people.

PLEASEEEE.. Don't tell me I can't "hang" with someone because they are "marked" by your camp... PLEASE! It is fine if you don't think they are worthy of your relationsip, but please don't stipulate that I must stay away as well in order to be in relationship with you. That is SO "Jr. High".
Karie 's policy:
I do believe there are some people who are just "evil"; Not many, but some .My policy is to do my best to avoid anything that distracts from the message of "loving one another" and the power of the cross and working toward the common goal of touching lives. AND... to avoid causing FURTHER humiliation and embarassment in the public because of how "Churches" treat their members and each other. I'll put up blog on Karie 's blog regarding that later!

Relationships are the thing that drives me

I am a middle aged, successful businesswoman, have traveled the world, a published author, a co-founder of Believers' Ministry Int'l., preacher and a bunch of other "stuff" that has to do with being busy, networking with people for Kingdom purposes, National purpose and for Individuals to have a better chance at life. For God and fulfillment in my heart, I'll do or "become" whatever I need to in order to bring people together. Relationships are the thing that drives me, makes me happy and keeps me going. If some of my friends "connect" and do things that make this world a better place - THAT is the ultimate.

Marriage(s)
Jeff and I have enjoyed a 20+ year marriage, 2 daughters, one son in law and three grandchildren. I have two failed marriages in my twenties - THAT disqualifies me as a "minister" from many main line churches today - so sad... sigh. LOL.
I "get" relationship "do's and don'ts". LOL. We have a fun marriage so don't tell me it isn't possible for you because of "xyz". I was a trainwreck and Jeff had his own challenges when we started out sooooo.... Start by "being nice" and go from there...LOL. Remember...YOU chose them!


"THE NAMES WERE CHANGED TO PROTECT THE GUILTY".
A lot of people tell me I should "journal" my activities and thoughts and write books--- but seriously - Any book written by me would include people and the challenges, mis-steps, "stupid decisions" and victories that are just part of life. I commonly say I need to write a book about our ministry adventure titled "THE NAMES WERE CHANGED TO PROTECT THE GUILTY".

Some of the biggest "screw ups" in the world are in the church.
That is exactly where they should be in my opinion! If we understand anything at all it is "GRACE" and "19th chances":) Quitting on people just isn't in my DNA but I am known to be pretty "blunt" sometimes.

I like people who disagree with me. I don't like people who take it personal if I don't agree with them and "take their toys and go home" (Karie say as she shakes her head).
I don't get it. My identity is definitely NOT formed by what other people think about me and my opinions are rarely formed by the opinions of others either. As long as God is happy, I'm in.

Emotions and "feelings" that don't line up with doing the right thing are irrelevant and I give them as little time as possible ... after I "vent"! LOL.
I'm pretty in touch with what I "feel" and am very aware of the fact that it sometimes does not match up with what the Bible would tell me about the subject - just shows me I have some work to do. "Understanding" should not be confused with "agreeing". That is where trouble can start.

I am not offended by the "humanity" of people nor am I uncomfortable with my own. I remain unconvinced that there is any "sin" that the cross did not account for and has the power to completely wipe away.
I am not sure if it the Grace of God extended toward and in me or if it the life I led before my encounter with God but things that "shock" or "confound" many people do not "shock" or "confound" me. I am not an alarmist but appreciate the passion of those that are.

God isn't shocked either -
He is not in heaven wringing his hands in distress because he "can't believe what someone did"! He is familiar with "humanity" ... Hence the cross.

I am a Christian by the definition of having an encounter with Jesus Christ that profoundly changed my life and it's direction. I get it. He loves me and His ideas are better than mine. Very Simple.
How did that encounter differ from the "theology" of my childhood? I don't know. A lot of people confess "Christianity" but are mean as a snake. I wonder about their "encounter" :)

Like many of you, as a child I was always aware of Jesus.
I had dreams as a child where He brought me great comfort through some of the tribulations of it. There were times in my life that His presence was so strong but I never really connected that wonderful "God" with Christianity.

I left my childhood home in Minnesota and traveled the nations as a "non-active religious person" AKA - MASSIVE SINNER. That is where the more "Christians" I met, the less I would have thought they had anything to do with the loving presence that I knew as Jesus. Many people have shared similar stories with me. God loves the World. I like that about Him.

THEN came the day where I met someone who had experienced a real conversion and an encounter with Him. THAT changed my life. Karie the SINNER became Karie the SEEKER and then KARIE the FRIEND OF GOD. I kinda like the last one.

So - if you are reading this and have a bad taste in your mouth about anything to do with "church" - I BET that you still really like God so we can both just agree on that and start from there.