Comedy Central "In the Glory" w/ David Herzog & Doug Addison

Well, Jeff and I are just getting home from an amazing weekend in Sedona Arizona where we hooked up with Dave & Stephanie Herzog and Doug & Linda Addison.

Dave and Stephanie have felt a very strong pull to "get outside the box" and reach people and enhance their lives in a very real and tangible way.  Nothhing is more tangible than J-O-Y.  Nothing.  It heals the heart, encourages the soul and relaxes the mind.  

Well - first off it was great to see the Herzog's new building in Sedona.  It is the future home of their studios - but it was even better to see them and the Addisons - what a "one - two" punch.  I laughed until I cried - I'm not sure you can say all those things in church but it was sure good to hear!  

So - Does the Church need to laugh?  Do people need to laugh and not just AT the church but "with" the church?  I think so.  I God in a Good mood?  I believe he is.  I don't know how he pulls it all off with all the "accusations" against him - but He is God and in being so, I am certain he is very secure in his identity, his direction and his self-esteem is probably fine... :)

You know, if you hang around religious people long enough - you don't have to make up jokes - we do it to ourselves.  Truth is stranger than fiction indeed.

It is rightly pointed out that it is OK if we make jokes about our own people groups but we should not make them against other people groups - for example; I am blond, female, white, of Norwegian decent, American, Christian, raised Lutheran, from Minnesota, middle aged woman married to a German/Jew/Christian of the same age status and I'm headed into menopause.... I can make ALL sorts of jokes and be credible in those areas - I'll just stick to those "specialties" and leave the rest to someone else... 

With that said, Dave & Doug have TOTAL credibility to enjoy "pointing out" the idiosyncrasies of the "Christian Church", the interpretations of the bible by different religious organizations and our "unique" culture that we have tagged as "Christianity".  They were hilarious!

Friday night kicked of with Steve Swanson on the keyboards - a big smile on a bass player and a drummer that really cranks...  

As Dave is usually known for "Glory" and "Miracle" meetings, people were a bit hesitant when they came in about "comedy", but they soon warmed up with the rest of us and had a blast.  

Doug Addison "brought the word(s)" that night and had us on the floor.  It was so funny that even his wife had to say "Doug, you were really funny tonight" when we grabbed a bite to eat after the meeting.  If you are a husband/wife combo - THAT is a high compliment!

Dave picked it up in the same vein Saturday night and it went through the weekend.

Were there miracles?  Yes. One girl who was a "cutter" had her scars totally disappear during the meetings; Was the worship amazing?  Yes.  Steve Swanson always leads you down/up a path into God's presence.; Did God still "show up"? Yes.  We all "got to know each other", the presence was thick and people were NICE!; Did we have a blast and leave totally  refreshed?  Yes.  Do I hope they do more?  Yes.

I really want to encourage everyone to attend more of these meetings.  If you can't attend them, support them.  We all say "church is boring"; "we need a change"; etc.... let's encourage those who are actually doing it!!

God Likes Loud Music - He Told Me! by Karie Kirschbaum

You know, a lot of people say they "heard God say", "had a divine encounter" - you get my point. I want to put in a disclaimer before you read this; We all do our best to follow what we feel God is leading us to do, but it isn't until "it works" that we usually KNOW it was God. In this situation, I can say that "it worked" because there is a proven record. In some other situations, "the bets are still out" :) In this article, when I say "He said" (God) - it was like a voice in my mind that was speaking independently of my own thoughts and saying things that would never cross my mind.  Hope that helps you some.   Enjoy - Karie

Our "direction" came in the spring of 1997.  We had been a church meeting in our "built out" garage only a very short time (see the Blog about Believers' Ministry "The Beginning" to hear about the open vision Jeff and I had simultaneously on two different coasts).  If there is one thing we could never say it would be that we have had any hand in this ministry other than to "follow the course".  There are great victories and we think "wow"... then there are great defeats and we think "wow"... "Jeff and Karie Kirschbaum" did not ever set out to have an organization of any type.  He did; God.  So - it is His. He knows who He chose to run it, belong a part of it and to run with it.  It is never boring and we love it! This situation with music was no different.

When we started out in this "new" direction in music within a "church context", there were many names sent our way... I'll spare you some, but "heretic", "cult" and "radicals" were a few. You don't have to live long to know that one generation always yells at the other "turn that racket down"!  It was our turn.

"THE ENCOUNTER:  THE BEGINNING... OF THE END.  Karie 's Story

It happened like this; One day I was out in the church (AKA Garage) praying about when and what time we should have a women's weekly meetings.  Being a "good & proper" church - you MUST have a womenfolk's meetings :)  In a few short months we had outgrown our home church and expanded to two of our neighbor's garages for the children and our living room was the nursery.  It was great and exciting times.

"What time do you think the women might have to meet with the Creator of the Universe"?

As I was praying, the presence of the Father came in so strong that I was glued to the floor of the room with my face in the carpet.  I heard His voice say "What time do you think the women might have to meet with the Creator of the Universe"?  It was not the friendly voice of Jesus nor the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit... it was G-O-D the "top dog" and a reverential fear took over my body.  If I had the strength I would have crawled out of the room... but I was stuck, there on the floor... with my face in the carpet. LOL.

I finally answered in a pitifully weak thought (couldn't talk) "10:00 Tuesdays...???"

His voice continued, "If you are going to do church the same way as everyone else, shut it down.  I have enough people singing about me for 45 minutes, talking about me for 45 minutes and telling me that if I want to do any miracles that I "have 10 minutes before the pot roast is done" 

He didn't say it like those folks were doing anything wrong - He just wanted ME to know that from this point forward, that it would be wrong for ME...I caught on really quick!

"...and another thing...Can I Pastor your church", He asked.  This was the "zinger".  I could feel it.

This dread of man, sick feeling in the pit of my stomach came on me. All I could think was "They" aren't going to "like this".  NOW _ WHO was "they"... ?!  The boogie man? 

"They" was a spirit/mind set/religion - call it what you want - that hinders or stops up the moves of God all across this land. When it has run it's course, we just call it "boring"!

That "thing" had the audacity to be right in that room with me during this "divine encounter". The nerve! ...anyway... on with the story.

I sucked it up and said in my most "holy voice", "Of course Lord... this is your church." (Like - "what was option "B" anyway, Karie???)

Then I had to ask, "What does that look like?" He answered, "Karie, worship me.  If I don't tell you to do anything else, worship me and go home... and "another thing"... I don't want you to do any songs written before 1994 (it was 1997).  I began a new thing in music in 1994,  I am going to use you to bring a new song forth into the lands and you will bring it forth through this ministry." 

Let me (Karie) tell you (the reader) something, "Shout to the Lord" was written in 1993 and before my body stood upright in that building that day, I knew there was going to be a fight with some of our members.  Everyone has their favorite song and they are certain it is God's favorite as well.  WHEW!  I was right... but we made it!

Dave Paulson
So, I called Dave Paulson (he is an amazing rock N roller and musician) our worship leader at this time and I called Jeff (my husband) to tell them what had just happened to me.
"What do you think?" I asked them.  (Like God cared what we would think about His direction). We all agreed to "go for it". If it failed - it was just another crazy thing "Karie" did... if not, wow! 

Wednesday night came around... I shared what had happened and everyone began to worship with no agenda but God... the Glory hit (a tangible presence that you could feel/sense - everyone experiences it a little different) ... people were sliding out of their chairs. A sense of peace and awe was everywhere.  Wow.  Wow. It happened meeting after meeting.  It was so wonderful that we kept forgetting to take an offering!  LOL.  Even the children loved it.  They were so sweet.

God showing up like that meeting after meeting really made everyone happy ...except the teachers... "WHERE is the WORD?" they would ask and torment us afterward.  We had no idea what we were doing.  We were like small children with an automatic machine gun... armed and dangerous! 

What about the "Word"?

Finally one day I asked Jesus - "What about the "Word"?  He said, "The word is being made manifest among you."  Then he began to show the hearts being healed, the children being filled with the power of the Lord, .  He said, 'This is a sign "the Word" (Jesus) is among you".  "ohhhh.... I get it!  I began to see how for many years my Bible reading never translated into seeing that the Bible is still active and alive.  It is not just a "book", it is a book about a living God who still walks amongst people.  Jesus is alive!  (and it is not even Easter!  LOL).

As we "got better at it" (standing up in His presence), you could feel God began to teach us how to follow where we felt he was leading us during worship and then take the written word, break it down and show our people what the Bible said about what was happening that day in our meetings.  It was quite the adventure.  We made a lot of mistakes, but I would not exchange "the adventure" for the "known" for my very life.  Jesus is a great adventure.  I am still not sure we always "get it right".  LOL.

Disaster.... Forced to write music because we couldn't read chords... LOL
           
So... not long after we began to experience his Glory (around the time the whining ended about not doing songs written before 1994 - Shout to the Lord was 1993.... the worship team was heart broken...) Dave had to focus on his Bar Exam for Law School and couldn't be with us as much.  The ball was left in Johanna Sharp and Esther Pitt's hands with various other musicians weaving in and out. 

Johanna Sharp & Esther Pitts (Dutch - Indo sisters who came to the USA from Holland 40+ years ago)
You would have to see this to believe it but these two sisters could play songs they had written but did not know the chords they were playing - just hand positions.  Ha Ha Ha!  I couldn't believe it.  I had a good background in music... but was not prepared for these two!  They had to face each other at all times to "see" where the other had her hands!  It didn't stop God one second. 

Down the road a ways, we moved into a "real building" and other folks began to join.  We were a magnet for "wanna be", "used to be" and "gonna be" musicians and singers.  What a zoo.  Most of them were in sin of some sort and "loved God" etc.. Wow.  Where do you start.  Anyway Dave had gotten married to Tina and moved on to get life going, so it was "us"... and faith in the Word of the Lord that he would use us to bring forth a new sound.

The Dutch - Indo Beat
So... another Dutch Indo (2nd generation from Holland), Phil Carreon began to play the drums just to shut us all up... he was really good really fast (and has continued to go that direction). Phil began to play rhythms we had never heard... but it worked with his counterparts Johanna and Esther (also Dutch - indo) and soon we were cranking out songs every week with amazing beats... all in A Minor because that is the only chord they knew!  Ha Ha!

Now we are down the road and these and many more people are still a part of our ministry and friends around the nation.  God has scattered us like good seed in good soil to reproduce the freedom he taught us "in the garage" or "in the basement" or "in the Rialto Building"... and "in the nations"... where next?  I don't know but I sure do love it.

Later in our ministry, God introduced us to the 1st Nations/Native American movement and many of our Native members began to come out with drums, dance and warfare praise that shook the heavens.  .... we were already in trouble with the religious world and here came "feathers" and "sage"... Ha Ha!  It just never ends but it sure is a blast!

Indigenous Sounds from distant and present Lands
Richard Twiss was speaking in our church one day about sounds that are indigenous to a land and suddenly I realized - "Hey!" ... "that is where that strange beat comes from in our music... Dutch - Indo (Johanna, Esther & Phil). Way cool. 

You can hear music today by various BMI members all over the world.  Much of it has "that beat".  Our music is straight forward and simple.  Any musician can close their eyes and play it.  Any Worshipper can enter in without reading the overhead. 

Although it is simple; it is extremely varied.  We have our Hard Core, Native/1st Nations, Rock, Middle Class White people music, Soul etc... but there is still "a sound", still "a feel" and still a ready pen of the writer bringing forth the New Song of the Lord. 

Wow - it really was "Him" in the garage with me all those years ago.  Thanks Lord. We have had a great time and we wouldn't have missed it for the world - really.

We sometimes sing music from other groups to "rally the people" around the familiar, but generally the Lord takes over and there is a ready flow of a river of expression coming from the midst of us... and we do enjoy it when were hear it. 

In larger venues and conferences, it is good to play what the people know and then slowly.... carefully... with great anticipation... draw them into the great Dance of the Prophetic with Jesus....

After all... He is the Pastor of this Church!
                                                                     Karie Kirschbaum, Founder

Ladies, If I Can Just Be Blunt? Series on Relationsips; Friends; Sexual Choices

INTRO TO "LADIES IF I CAN JUST BE BLUNT"? SERIES 

If you have read the intro on one of my previous Karie 's blog series "Ladies if I Can Just Be Blunt? Series", skip to the article itself below.  Enjoy!

One day a great revelation hit the top of my blond head.  "The common denominator to all of my relationships (the good and the bad) - whether it is marriage, business, ministry, friends or family - IS ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is a reason I don't usually take "Woman's Meetings"; I can't say what I have to say "in church"... LOL!

This article:  

THINGS YOU CAN'T SAY REGARDING RELATIONSHIPS; FRIENDS AND "BAD SEXUAL CHOICES" IN A CHURCH" 
(unless I am the pastor:)

There are SO many things women need to be more "real" about - Sometimes we just aren't "honest" or "transparent" enough with one another or ourselves. It's kind of like the childhood story "The Emperor has no clothes".

I remember trying to find out from my grandmothers; great Aunts and other "older ladies" as to when they went through certain "women times" in life;  they all blew me off with a "Oh Karie - I don't know....have some coffee..." 

So - If you don't have an older sister, aunt or a friend who will tell you the truth ----- read on about some of my "discoveries" about "womenhood",men, sex, friendship and fashion....... here is a recommended read if you need a little "jump start" in your connection skills!

Article

If you are still young enough to "wish you had someone to talk to" instead of "knowing" because you have already walked by the mile posts of womanhood; "cat fights" with "girls", stretchmarks, gravity, wrinkles, bad tatoos, bad relationships, are known as a serial job hunter, chronic college student etc... you get my point!  HA!

I was smart when I was a kid and no matter who tried to tell me different I just went on believing that “I was smarter”.  Many “STUFF” happen in life that form who we are and what we think is “normal” but it doesn't have to define our future.

Here is my little "journey" of "self awareness"

One day I had to ask “Karie, How is that working for you?”

The woman in the mirror just started “rambling off” her well practiced list of “why it was like it was”…poor her, I could sympathize.  Then a foreign thought popped out of her mouth; “The people who should take blame for my mess are long gone.  I’m stuck with her.” 

The next questions was, “How can I change it? What can I do to help?” I asked the woman in the mirror? I was always good at self-medicating.  LOL.  So, it takes a bit of humor, a lot of honesty and a lot of help with some support from heaven and earth. 

Here are some conclusions I came to when I started to examine myself as a person and as a woman raised in a generation of “movements”.

I didn't need Gloria Allred, Hillary Clinton or Sarah Palin to prove that women could do whatever they had a gift to do and put their minds to.

I can still... I can still... I can still...What can you “still do”?

I can still diet if I really want to lose weight...

I can still go to school if I want to improve my mind...

I can still build healthy relationships. The common denominator in all my failed friendships, jobs, diets, and marriages is me.
There really are no excuses for not living up to my potential 

I just chose to party instead. What did you choose?  Let's be real.

What it is too late for

It’s too late to be a college basketball star but I can still enjoy sports

It’s too late to be a beauty queen but I can still let me husband “enjoy the view”.

It’s too late to teach my kids math but I can cheer them on while they try to teach their own children 

It’s too late to be a size 6 again and gravity is inevitable.  Kind of like a man going bald.  No thoughts after that statement. 

Excuses I had "enjoy one last time" and then “eliminate” to go forward:

Sex "At Will".  Some of you will stop reading here - ha ha!

God is PRO- CHOICE- He chose on the "one man per woman plan".

If I choose NOT to monitor my sex life, is “God” or “Destiny” really to blame?  

I could tell my story anywhere to anyone, but one day I said; “don't lie to yourself.”; Birth Control has been around since the sixties- Abortion since the seventies- if you use the first - the second is irrelevant. THAT IS CHOICE;REAL CHOICE. 
N.O.W. no longer speaks for me as a WOMAN in most areas - like these; I LIKE MEN.  I LIKE MY CHILDREN.  I LIKE MY FATHER AND I LIKE MEN - OH WAIT ..."I already said that"!

I don't believe we should "beat people up with the Bible if they are not even folks who profess to believe in it, BUT...let me say this about "bible thumping".



I think everyone should be true to what they say they believe.  I'm not hot on hypocracy but we are all hypocrites at one time or another.  I get that.
Here is what I say to "me".  If "I" (Karie) am a Christian like I say and am faithful to God, then I (Karie) will naturally be faithful to Jeff (my husband) because sexually "faithful" to Jeff is a "natural by-product" of being faithful to God and the basics of the Bible as I believe it.

Sex is optional and “Naked” usually happens on purpose – Generally we dont choose to participate in either of these in the middle of the street.  

It’s a choice to “go there” in my experience.  If my lifestyle as a young woman wasn’t “just one big party”, I may have said "no" more often before I met Jesus but "peer pressure was strong in those times... and normally "I WAS PEER PRESSURE".  Just gotta tell the truth.  After encountering Jesus - I was faithful to HIM.  Later, he sent me a "real MAN" who likes ME... and I still LIKE HIM!  

God makes good choices for his children if we don't get "hard up for a date" and get desperate.  Most relationships I hear "god" blamed for had NOTHING to do with "God".  Just keeping it real, girls.  How dumb do you think he is?  

Can I just ad here that there is nothing worse than being a parent, friend, co-worker or minister and some woman drags in a "half drown rat of a man" and says "look what god brought me".  

GEEZE.  Let's give God a break or at least a little credit;  Even He knows what "ugly" "brokedown" and "disgusting" looks like! He usually does not choose that for a life long partner of his daughter. 

I know ... I know... I have no compassion and "don't understand".  I know.  So - do us all a favor - bring him to a rehab and not to an altar!  I care. I care

I never "had to get married" and neither did you. I "chose" to get married and so did you.  No one drug us down the isle- our own feet went there... 
My choices hurt a lot of people. It didn't "make me a better person". 
I did not "have" to go through that" to "learn" by totally messing up people's lives.  I'm sorry - did I say that out loud? 
I know that is a popular doctrine out there but "respectfully" - ^&^*wash.  Show me in the bible that there is not always a way for me to get away from "temptation" and a solution for "stupid" if we want it.  

I know... I knooow... "God uses all things for the good of those etc... Romans 8:28.  HE DOESN'T HAVE A CHOICE! Look at us women! -Sigh-
If that is the case, "stupid away"... just go for it... give him something to "use for good"???? You know I love ya, girls!  LOL.

The common denominator to all my "bad" or "failed" marriages: ME!

 It doesn't matter what "type" of people they were - I/ME was responsible for all my choice - I DESERVED ALL THE MEN I HAD!  LOL.  After I had that “talk in the mirror”, I met "Jeff"- he was GOD'S CHOICE and I am grateful.

The common denominator to all my "bad" or "failed" friendships: ME!
A good friend is more valuable than any gold. A true friend has some qualities that you should consider. The same could be applied to a Husband. “Hot” doesn’t work past the initial “burn”.  (wink wink)

Qualities of a “Good Friend & Mate”

I am blessed with good friends.  One is my husband; many of them are my family!  Some are "just friends".

A friend is not jealous of your success, but provoke you to greatness and will not let you quit.
A friend listens to you when you are in a challenging time and then reminds you of who you are and what your goals are and moves you on. 

A friend will work by your side to make sure “it comes to pass.

-It” will cost them something and they won’t send you a bill; time, money, effort and more. I like that about Jesus.  “Friends” will be happier when you succeed that your mama!
A friend doesn't care if you are better looking, smarter, have more money, have a great husband, successful children, throw temper tantrums once in awhile, fail miserably at life, sleep on their couch, eat their food etc... LOL!
A friend laughs when you laugh and cries when you cry - Well - SOMETIMES THEY LAUGH WHEN YOU CRY!! LIFE.
 

Your beauty will fade - save now for plastic surgery. Cellulite will come - just plan for it - work out all you want if you like it! ...but it will come.

Your husband will get better looking as he gets older - you will just get older.

I hope you enjoyed the article.  It's just for laughs but it is also to make us listen to the things we say to ourselves and others.  Mostly, we actually believe that come out of our mouths.  We were created to do a little better, run a little faster and enjoy life a little more than most of us are.  

I would love to hear your comments. Men, if you read it - comment away - women don't usually believe me!  LOL.  
 

I will choose to put in a disclaimer at this time about the tragic abuse of young girls and women that still goes on around the globe. I am speaking to those of us with a ‘sound mind’ and living where we can “choose our paths”.  My path was very rough as a young girl, until a good friend taught me to forgive others and myself.  Then He began to help me heal little by little.  So, destruction?  I did it, it was “done to me” etc… I get it, but I still had to choose “out” of my cycles of “victim”.  There is way out of mental and physical hell if you choose the “road less travelled” with a good friend.  My friend was Jesus.

"Ladies, If I Can Just Be Blunt? Series on " Get a Man? Got a Man? Keep a Man. by Karie

INTRO TO "LADIES IF I CAN JUST BE BLUNT"? SERIES 
If you have read my introduction while viewing another article in this series, skip below to "Article".
One day a great revelation hit the top of my blond head.  "The common denominator to all of my relationships (the good and the bad) - whether it is marriage, business, ministry, friends or family - IS ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a reason I don't usually take "Woman's Meetings"; I can't say what I have to say "in church"... LOL!
This article is "THINGS YOU CAN'T SAY ABOUT MEN AND RELATIONSHIPS IN CHURCH".

There are SO many things women need to be more "real" about - Sometimes we just aren't "honest" or "transparent" enough with one another or ourselves. It's kind of like the childhood story "The Emperor has no clothes".

I remember trying to find out from my grandmothers; great Aunts and other "older ladies" as to when they went through certain "women times" in life;  they all blew me off with a "Oh- I don't know....have some coffee..." So - If you don't have an older sister, aunt or a friend who will tell you the truth ----- read on about some of my "discoveries" about "womenhood",men, sex, friendship and fashion....... here is a recommended read if you need a little "jump start" in your connection skills!

ARTICLE

KARIE'S TAKE ON OUR MEN, LACK OF MEN AND MAINTAINING OUR RELATIONSHIPS

I want to point out a few discoveries for "my sisters" that some of you may have missed in the busi-ness of life (or with your head in the sand). This premise is based on the fact that most of us have not led perfect lives  and are of an age where are are "in" or "considering" a permanent relationship.

A little background for you - After some BAD relationships in my twenties, finally marrying a "nice" man instead of a "mysterious" one with promises of "adventure", raising 2 kids, step parenting, pastoring a church, traveling the world, being married over 20+ years, having a brother who will "tell it like it is", being marriage counselors and becoming grandparents....I can finally "safely say" that generally SEX, FOOD and SLEEP are "constants" for men (IF they are done with a good attitude) - those 3 things and a nice "thank you" to your man will keep him well maintained... Just saying. 

DISCLAIMER: If you have already chosen a total loser to get back at your parents, please seek counseling from a professional - if you are "just a normal woman" with a bit of cellulite - trying to squeeze your size 14 butt into a size 10 skirt... read on.

I know... I know... you want to choke me - it is "SO much more complicated that THAT... Karie - you just don't understand...."  Sigh...Well... if "what you are doing is working for you" quit reading!  If not, give some of my thoughts a try...Just for "Kicks".

 LET'S JUST "GET TO IT" AND START WITH SEX IN A MARRIAGE:
If you are not married yet, read closely.  You may reconsider... :) 
Note: Just because you have gotten him to "quit bothering you" for intimacy, doesn't mean you won.  

It's time to get the kids out of the bed, rethink the direction of your love for your man and reestablish your relationship with him.


GENERALLY SPEAKING, MEN ARE "VISUALLY STIMULATED".  YOU ARE ALL YOUR MAN HAS TO WORK WITH!

Many of us don't give our husband's much to " visually work with" (I know ... I know... they aren't "so hot" either...:)).  We have a variety of reasons; we are too fat, too flat, to lumpy, too insecure, too shy, too holy etc... so we "wrap it up in flannel" and let them stumble around in the dark.  THEN we get mad when they gawk at a window display at Victoria's Secret!  We want them to get us a gift certificate there ladies!! Rethink your thinking.  GEEZE .... no wonder they aren't "connecting" with us. If I hear that word again in a counseling session, I may cry.  WHAT does that mean to you?...??? I need a dictionary and I am a woman!

I'm not talking about being a total sleeze and a dressing like a walking billboard for Fredricks from Hollywood in your daily life, I'm talking about being a "woman" for him during your private time away from people.  Remember YOU choose HIM as your life long mate because .... try to remember and send me a note, will ya?  LOL.  It's easy to forget the part of connecting that is also "romance" when the cares of life creep in.  I know... I know.  Done it.

For you "jocks" and "work out queens" who haven't tripped over make-up or a brush since the last time you were a "bridesmaid" - give it a shot!  :)))))

So... Here is my advice about how to "connect" with your man to remind him that you are his wife, love him and that you still think he is "all that".

I am going to sound VERY SHALLOW to some of the SPIRITUAL PEOPLE out there, but if you did a "blind poll" of good men in your life, they would say some of the same things.  They would just never say it to us at the risk of being called a "chauvenistic pig", inconsiderate, loser etc... and then be reminded of all the areas they fall short in etc... it's easier just to "go to sleep" and "talk in the morning".  We can out talk them a million to one.  Even if we are wrong - we're right cuz we have "razor tongues" and are "well practiced" cuz we have spent hours on the phone complaining to our girlfriends.

So - generically, if you are just a "regular gal" married to a "regular guy" and you are both trying your best to love one another - this is for you.

Jeff and I have spent massive hours as marriage and family counselors and can give some "generic advice".  If you throw in my my checkered past as a cocktail waitress and bartender (aka amateur psychologist with a "twist") and a brother and father who are very Godly Christian men but not afraid to answer my questions... I think this is a good start of a list to share with ladies about men.  If you like "formulas" - even better.

Keep in mind... MEN ARE VISUALLY STIMULATED... I know it's not fair - it's not "right" - "they can't expect all that" and "they don't know how hard you work... I know... I know... I KNOW!  But you don't know how many times WE have sat with families that are falling apart so we can be "right".  Maybe we should give up our "right to be right" and "just be in love".  Give it a shot - read on!

I TOTALLY understand sweats, but there are things that are
"easy" and "harmless to do once on awhile"...
even if you are "exhausted" - Sigh-

#1. Dump the sweats for a nice nightgown - or better yet - NOTHING

#2.  Quit dressing in the bathroom unless you are trying to create air of suspense- close your eyes and do it "in public view of your husband".  Let him flirt with you.

#3. Take a bath before you go to bed. Shave your legs. Brush your teeth.  Maybe he will start to do the same (minus the shave your legs).

Funny story; Jeff and I had been married a few years when one night he came to bed and began to kiss me - he had bad razor stubble.  I started to say something and then thought "no, I wouldn't have said a word when we were first married, I would have been "happy" to kiss him.  He felt my hesitation and asked "what's wrong?"  I told him but then said "never mind... when we were first married- I never would have said anything."  He got out of bed - I asked "Where are you going?"  He answered, "BEFORE WE WERE MARRIED, I WOULD HAVE SHAVED".  We both cracked up and the night went on.  He was right.

#4.  Take your make up off ... "After".... Live a little!  You put it on that day when you went to the grocery store.. leave it on a little longer!  I don't care if he says "I love you just the way you are... YOU trained him to say that." 

* Men like the dang lights on.  Light those decorator candles you bought at the Candle Party - they hide a multitude of sins.  *We don't like lights because it shows every bump and blemish.  News bulletin: At that moment in time, they aren't "focused" on those part of you anyway!  Meet them half way; light the candles.

* Besides, If we play this right - he will buy us more candles and throw in some flowers to boot whenever we need them. Candles cover a multitude of sins... for BOTH of you!  LOL

#6.  Throw the man a BONE (figuratively speaking)!  YOU are all he has to work with! Think "way back" to what he said he loved about you and "resurrect it".

#7.  QUIT NAGGING: It's hard to "connect with someone who "nags".  Me and his mother just need to "get it": After all these years if he hasn't changed - that is "just how it is" - it is not different than when you married him- BE QUIET and enjoy the good things he has to offer :) (I say with a sigh in my voice).

#8.   Say "Thank you" even when it is "his job" .  "WHAT?"  you ask (if you thought that, please read in red my retort below) .  He is a man doing the best he was taught to do - work, provide and stay out of your way. It matters that you let him know he is appreciated... I know... I know... you are very unappreciated and he never notices all you do.... ladies, from the bottom of my ex- bartender heart, If you don't appreciate him - someone will. He may never take that bait or look that way, but you hear what I am saying.  If he is someone you would "fight another woman for" - keep the dogs away - regular "thank you " maintainence will help that along.

Side bar:  "YES, Ms. Drama "unappreciated" Queen... WE have to "sacrifice" by making ALL the steps... he just gets to "lounge" and be spoiled... It's ALL on "us" (snivel snivel)unless we like things the way they are... ???

#9.  He is a man and needs to feel "SEXY" - not just "friendly" and "Fatherly"!  Say it!  Show it!  Lie if you have to (dig into your memory bank of when you first met).  "Speak things that are not as though they were... exercise your FAITH girl!  LOL.
...if you need some advice - get a hold of me and I will paint you a visual picture with words... seriously.

#10. Chase him around the bedroom - Flirt with him during the day - and then DELIVER once in awhile.  Don't ever lose the bond of physical touch and romance (ignore the spare tire and bald spot). It is NOT all his responsibility to keep romance going.  He has to feel like he isn't throwing his efforts into a bottomless pit both as a friend and as a lover.

#11.  Children grow up and leave home - make sure they don't take their DAD with them. He is the "MAN of your DREAMS" that you "COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT" - not just a money maker, lawn mowing, trash taker-outer, arm piece for social events, father of your children etc.... He is YOUR MAN. He will give back what you put into him.

#12.  Kids are great .... Kiss them; squeeze them and then GET THEM OUT OF YOUR BED!
It is YOUR time with YOUR man. Don't use them like a "headache".

#13.  Just cuz he has quit asking for sex ....doesn't mean he doesn't want it - we probably WORE HIM DOWN or some medical condition exists...etc... you get my point. That is not "winning".

So - To wrap it up...

In all my years of dating, marriage, bar-tending, counseling, ministry and just listening to women talk - it is rare to find a woman that has a "LOVER" relationship with her husband past the first few years.  It is even more rare to find a woman that  will tell you her husband is her best friend; her lover, is in tune with her destiny; is aware of her husband's dreams; is cheering him on to get there; or likes herself.  We have to start somewhere.

What is your view of your man? You chose him. Maybe even "God said"???
I had to laugh when Sully' did the miracle plane landing. His wife SAID SHE WAS "UNSURPRISED". She never had a doubt.

I love you ladies - Just wanted to give my two cents!! I am now happily married for twenty years, a grandma, a business woman and a minister with long term friendships all over the world  ... it is a gift and I have been truly blessed with both men and women who are amazing.  I am thankful.

PRACTICAL HELP:

Most of us know what "moves us" but don't have a clue about our man. 

Recommended reading if you are having some trouble "connecting" with your man:
Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman. Get the book. 
He explores questions like "Are you a"Quality Time" "Receiving Gifts" "Acts of Service" "Physical Touch" or "Words of Affirmation" type of "connector" person?  It's interesting.  If we apply it to others, it makes us much nicer to be around!

http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/

___________________________________________________________________________________

So you want to start and International Ministry? Do the dishes! Karie 's story of BMI Beginning

At various points in every person's life they come to cross roads. This one in particular is the one where you get to "tell the tale" so the next generation understands what the foundation they are dancing on. The next generation will never pull up the wood to look at it, never find the person who laid it, but they will enjoy it for many years to come. That is kind of how I feel about Believers' Ministry International, our worship, our relationships and our heritage. Let them enjoy it – they have plenty to build in front of them and they will do us all proud!

So... Here is a "yarn" to do the Irish proud (if I was Irish).


The Prayer
In 1996 Jeff was in Florida at a convention and I was home in California. Believers' Ministry International was not even a twinkle in our eye. “God will send you to the nations and use you to network amazing people” was not even in our vocabulary much less “International Ministry Association”.

On this gorgeous California day while doing my dishes, I was praying for the Lord to send Children's Pastors into His Kingdom who had a passion and faith that a child "could" and "would" lead us". Suddenly I heard the minister on the TV in the background call for Youth Pastors to come to the altar.

Listening with half an ear while praying, I looked up and there was a handsome young man in a grey suit standing before the minister and the preacher asked him "sir, are you a Youth Pastor?". The young man answered "No sir. I am a Children's Pastor". He said it with such pride that I started to cry.

The open Vision that changed my life
As I did, suddenly I had an open vision like a video. Not a “normal” part of my spiritual life! I get a lot of dreams - but not a movie screen in front of my face. Anyway as the “movie played”, I saw Jeff and I on a stage. What?

My brain was reeling and I rubbed my eyes… but it continued. There were many cultures of people in a stadium from all over – different cultures & tribes. They were white, black, Hispanic, Asian, hip hop, gothic, big hats, baseball hats, suits and levis – it was kind of like the neighborhood we lived in! LOL.

The movie continued and I heard the Lord say - "because you have touched my hearts praying for the children, not only will you send out Children's ministers but worshippers, prophets, apostles, missionaries, pastors, teachers and ministers who will reach this generation'. As I heard Him say that, this giant hand came from heaven and began to scoop handfuls of people up and remove them to other places from our gathering.

My phone rang... in the middle of “all this”. WHY I picked it up could only have been Jesus, but I did (movie still playing in front of my face). There was a woman's voice on the line that I did not recognize (I had only met her once and had no idea she had my number). She said "GOD has called you to pioneer many, many churches and you will be Apostles to the nations".

“Are you kidding me?” were the only words in my mind as I grabbed a pen, started to write. It freaked me out because I knew that was what my vision was showing me - we would be a "sending" community of people"... “Was there a bug in my house” ??? "Who IS this", I asked. "JoAnne." she said ... and I don't remember anything else. Did the “movie” stop? Not sure. Did she say something else? Don’t know.

Stunning is the word that comes to mind. I loved outreach, the streets (saved as a cocktail waitress in adultery in 1986 in Las Vegas NV - I 'get" streets), youth and travelling. Jeff was so painfully shy that he held managerial meetings sitting down because his knees shook. “Jeff & Karie Kirschbaum” were united in matrimony in 1989 in Las Vegas, NV. USA and up to this point there was no "thought" of ministry that came out of Jeff’s mouth, much less “International” ministry, planting churches, etc... Many prophets would speak it over us. When they did we would look at each other and say, "Wow." That will be God." ”Church" or "Pastor" or "Apostle" or “Ministry” (organization) had never crossed our minds or lips.

A little while later when I had pulled myself together, our phone rang again. This time it was Jeff. "Karie - You would not believe what just happened to me in the hotel room!" he said.

"Try me". I answered. He went on to explain that he was praying and had just finished an open vision. His description matched my own “movie”, “Karie - I saw a vision of us going to the nations from church to church and we were overseers of those churches and we planted many, many churches in America and all over the world”.

As I write this now in 2010, Jeff sets beside me on the couch; this is all true now (happening, happened and ongoing) and it is “our life”.

He came home from Florida and without really knowing what to do next; we waited for the "timing" (or a bomb to drop). Timing for ministry is like timing for a baby. It is just never “perfect”. It comes and you “hope” the parents are prepared. “Clueless” was our middle name!

In December of 1996 or January of 1997 (can’t remember exactly), a good friend of mine from the days back at Sandy Brown’s in Vegas came to stay with us; J.R. Miller of Ft. Wayne Indiana USA along with his little boy William. His wife, Nancy "Honeytree" Miller was up the mountain doing a "First Love" recording with many artists from the "Jesus Movement" of the 70's. J.R. and I have been friends since 1987. We are friends and warriors in the trenches of ministry and life together. I was happy he was there as his council is usually both balanced and “spiritual”.

Jeff and I told him what happened to us. He just said "Karie, How big is your garage?” What a strange question – but we answered “Six hundred square feet was our measurement a few minutes later”. "How much money do you have?" was his next question. After a check on the bank account we found around $500.00. "That's enough." he said and off to Home Depot he and Jeff went.

Our first meeting in our new “church building” was February 7, 2009. People who were with us at the beginning of this time are known as 'garage people". They include people like Johanna Sharp, Esther Pitts, David & Tina Paulson and others you will see here and there in our meetings.

We only lasted about six months in the garage, outgrew it and have had many adventures since then but THE GLORY BROKE OUT IN THE GARAGE after a visitation in April of 1997. Go to Believers' Worship; Karie's Story Link

Note: Jeff and I, Karie didn’t “call” ourselves. It helps to remember that through good times and bad. Jesus called us. If He changes His mind, He'll surely let us know the same way he told us to "go". Ha Ha!We were just two people trying to blend a family (each of us had a little girl when we married in ’89), be good Christians and serve the Lord. Ha Ha… the laugh was on us. God surely takes the foolish things to “confound the wise”.

I’m open to questions if you have any. These times can be the most exciting and the most frightening times in your life – but at least it is “life” with an “adventure”!
Karie

"Whack Job"; "Pharisee"; "Disciple" or "Spectator". Karie asks "Which one are you"?

"Whack Job"; "Pharisee"; "Disciple" or "Spectator". Karie asks "Which one are you
Karie 's question seems "vague" but let it be explained!
This article by Karie was originally published in SOUL MAGAZINE

Whack job, Pharisee, Disciple or Spectator. What do these four people groups have in common? They all go to church. In my early days of going to church (in the mid 80's), I used to think what many people were thinking -- "All these people sitting in church are Christians."

Allow me now to set the record straight here on Karie 's Blog.
Going to church doesn't make someone a Christian any more than my husband owning a gym membership made him buff. In truth, it served one purulent - to ge him to stop proclaimin that if he had a membership , he'd be in shape! It was worth the $80 a month just to silence the proclaimed "fantasy". The other benefit was that it didn't take up any rom in the garage, which is overrun with golf clubs (barely used and never used properly), skateboards (in case he starts to miss the doctor and wants to visit) , surfboards , baseball gear, climbing ropes, bicycles, and other items that were bought to tighten up the "Keg" and make it a "six pack"! Give it a rest already! I think he's hot the way he is. Isn't that all that matters?

When that truth finally dawned on me, I started to wonder, "Why do people go to church if they really aren't trying to be disciples (disciplined ones who really love Jesus and, just as important, people!)?" The answer was found in the gospel's Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. There is a pattern of four people groups who were always around Jesus in those books. I, personally, have fit into all four categories at one time or another in my life. It just dependsd on what side of the bed I woke up on, if my clothes fit and if people were nice to me that day. Let me attempt to explain the four Categories.

THE "WHACK JOB"
If Jesus is really in a church (or an individual Christian's life), you should find the "whack job" in the midst (unless an usher gets to her first). The whack job is a great person with nothing to lose who couldn't care less what anyone thinks. When she hears that the healer is in the house, she'll tear off the roof to get to him ("yes, I am talking about Karie :) ). Jesus wouldn't call her a "whack job" but "proper society" would.

This was me, Karie (my sister's still make jokes) in the id-80's. I was an "up and out", adulterous, skinny cocktail waitress with "big blond hair", too much make-up and a Dallas Cowboy's cheerleader uniform. I had an attitude as big as my hair, a "man habit" and a gift to party. When a bimbo like me hears there is a man who can remove the lust, anger, addictions and the bad attitudes with one touch, someone like Karie will march right past the usher, the choir, the religious people (Pharisee) and push over the "body guards" with all her cleavage showing, butt cheeks hanging out from under the miniskirt and mascara running down her face too wash his feet with her tears.

On the male side, he'll straighten out the dog collar on his neck (covering the tattoo of his ex-girlfriend's name), tuck in his wife-beater "T-Shirt", throw down the cigarette, stand in front of Jesus and ask for mercy to touch his life.

My Favorite "Whack Job"
One of my favorite "whack job" stories was a man named Art. Art was schizophrenic and Jesus was his hero. He thought Jesus could do anything and spent a short, battered life telling people that Jesus could "leap tall buildings in a single bound." He told the rich, the poor, the bag lady and the preachers. When Art died at the young age of 35 from undiagnosed diabetes, his funeral was packed with people from every background. My husband did the funeral, a lawyer did the worship, a business owner sent the biggest bouquet of flowers, a bag lady took two buses and walked a few blocks to the graveside to set on flower on his coffin. A group of ex-cons brought pictures of "outings with Art" to show his family and comfort them that "he had a life". They never even knew it. To them his life ended when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. They were overwhelmed by his endless journey of hospitals and halfway houses. After the diagnoses, they had no pictures, little contact and "felt they had failed" as a family. His illness was just too much for them to handle. We assured them that it took well over a hundred of us to make his life "work" every week. Art understood that too. They were so relieved. Their hearts and minds were so encouraged by meeting art's "friends". We had plenty of pictures and we rejoiced together with them as we celebrated Art "The Whack Job's" life! Why didn't Jesus heal Art? I don't know but life was revealed in a whole new way when we met Art. I love those "whack jobs". I was one.

THE PHARISEE (THE ANTI-CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN)
"Pharisees" are the Christians who picket other Christians and write reports explaining why they are better "Christians" than the group or person they are picketing or "reporting" on. It cracks me up. A Pharisee (who may even be your grandma) is someone who knows all the rules and demands that you play by their "interpretation" of the rules or they will crucify you. Ask Jesus. Pharisees major on pointing out what is wrong but don't know how to show the love of God without a price tag attached and rarely have the "answer" to the "problem" they are reporting on. Besides, if they show you "what is right", they would lose power. In life, they start "stimulating" conversations like "can women preach?" (if so, what should be worn...surely not slacks!!); should hookers sit in the front or the back row (depends on if they are dressed for church or not. If cleavage is showing, put them in the back by a big fat lady with a broad rimmed hat); who is really "holy enough" to pray for people? (people with ugly ties and false eyelashes -unless they are wearing both); can drums be used in church (if so, they should definitely only be "white ma's" drums) and are baseball hats evil (always.)?

I, Karie used to prayed continuously for God to remove these "pharisees" from our church and get them out of my life, until the revelation hit me! ... Jesus "attracted them in droves! So I studied his method in handling them and developed some "up to date" techniques myself;
#1. When a pharisee asks if they can speak to my "supervisor" to report me because he or she doesn't like that I am "in the pulpit with ovaries" or may take offense to "what I said" (imagine that!) I tell them that "I sleep with my supervisor".
#2. If he persists (and didn't pass out from my irreverence), they are sent on to my 6'7", 300-pound husband - who thinks I am the "cat's meow" and likes my preaching. Generally, we don't hear from the pharisee again (unless they write a newspaper article about us; If they do - I am usually "Jezebel" and Jeff is "Ahab").
#3. When the "magic words" are spoken by a pharisee (ALL you ministers have heard these words); "I'm "checking out your church" to see if I want to join". I tell them that "we" are checking them out to "see if we want them to join".
#4. We finish with telling them "they are welcome to apply for membership".
Membership Application by Karie:
Question #1 "Do you know how to "be nice" and "play well with other children?".
Question #2 "Do you drink coffee (Christian crack)?" We work late nights.
Question #3. Do you know how to serve? This is not a social club; it's a family and we get to pick our members (don't we wish we could do that in the natural world?!).

Note: My "Pet Peeve" is when they begins to pick apart my members/leaders and tell me whey "they are not qualified to serve in our church." and list all their "transgressions". That is like a stranger telling a mother that her children are "evil and can't be helped". Bad idea. I like to give them a five-second head-start for the door before I "beat them up". Just kidding. Did I say that? Oh my... sorry. LOL. Show me one disciple who didn't start out "screws up" and didn't "screw up" along the way. Not one.

In defense of the pharisee (those so stuck in religion that they think a gym membership makes the "lean and mean") some of them are truly deceived into thinking their knowledge of Scripture, their "proper dress code", their "proper friends", their "big offerings" and their "self-righteous attitude" makes them more like Jesus. True compassion must be shown to them, but not at the expense of those who are doing their best to gt their lives together.

As a younger believer, I went through my "Pharisee Stage" where no one was "holy enough" expect me. I was horrible! LOL. Then Jesus started to "write all my sins in the sand and I had to throw down my stones, leave the "sinner" laying at his feet and go home. No on is ever good enough for the pharisee. Not even Jesus.

THE DISCIPLE
The Disciple is not necessarily some old man in a stuffed suit with a King James Bible or some "glow in the dark" woman with big hair and false eyelashes. True disciples are all about relationships- maturing in their relationship with God and developing mature relationships with others. They are usually desperate for God, making big mistakes one moment (like Peter cutting the soldier's ears off in the garden) and leading thousands to Jesus the next (like Peter on the day of Pentecost). They are some of the kindest people you could ever meet.

There are three types of relationships for a disciple; "vertically up" (being discipled by someone), "vertically down" (discipling others) and "horizontal" (having other friends who are also disciples of the Lord).

Disciples get the real work of touching lives done in the midst of the "whack jobs" (soon to be disciples), "the pharisees" (explaining to the whack jobs why they "aren't qualified" because "the blood wasn't enough") and the "spectators". They are normally peace makers as they have a vast resource of compassion on "screw ups"!

As I, Karie can tell you... the disciples usually don't feel qualified to do what they are doing. They are compelled by a thankful heart; "but by the grace of God, so go I". If you aren't thankful for what Jesus has done for you - please check one of the other three categories.

Next to the "whack job", the disciples is the most "gossiped about" person in the church.
People outside the church generally like them. They are real and they are humble. In the "church circles", everyone knows when disciples "fight with each other", "disagree doctrinally", if their "preaching is good or bad" or "if he has a "hot date"". LOL.

We never leave this stage of our lives if we are doing it "right". It is a perpetual school of discipleship for each of us. We are always meeting new disciples. Some teach us and others we teach. Each one adds a dimension to us that God thinks we need to have fuller lives. Sometimes we like the disciples God brings, sometimes we don't like them and sometimes we just like to read the report on them so we have an excuse not to listen to what they are saying. The people reporting are usually the "pharisee" or the "spectator" :).

THE SPECTATOR (THE ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACK)
To "spectators", Christianity is defined by "issues". Life choices are made based on what they "think" God would say or do. Their "ideology" is usually a mixture of the Bible, their last therapist, the pharisee's report (Christians disagreeing wit other Christians" on Larry King Live) and Oprah. They don't always attend church but do watch talk shows or the news and discuss with their social circles the "hot topics" of the Christian circles; abortion, homosexuals in church, gay marriage, Democratic Christians vs. Republican Christians, giving to religious organizations, the method Christians use to ask for money and other "hot topics". None of these issues has anything to do with Jesus but the pharisee has successfully put the focus on these issues or he has put the focus on the "whack job" (especially if the "whack job" is in a pulpit with big hair on a television program!).

The spectator may mentally agree that Jesus is the Son of God and was born of Mary (virginity in question but not a major focus), walked the earth, died and maybe even rose again. That isn't the point for spectators. They are watching the pharisee, the disciple and the whack job play a great sport ... and they think their opinion matters. They are the Sports Center desk jockeys. They open up with the latest report on the whack jobs (the extreme of Christian circles like the "snake handlers"). Next is the debate. They just love the debate. When one of their predictions like "there's something "wrong" with that guy". pans out, it gives "fame and fortune" to the "genius" who said it first... right there on Christian "SportsCenter" for Armchair Quarterbacks!.

In regard to the spectator, every leader is critiqued like a professional coach - "Should h/she stay or go? "How does he/she handle my "favorite disciple"? "Do they make too much money"? "Do they run the right plays/preach the right sermon?". Each disciple has a value to the spectator based on their performance and if their performance will make "them" look better (right). Character doesn't count and integrity is optional. They want to know "Does the "coach" agree with my political, social or economic view?". If so, they are more valuable than the idiot disciple who doesn't have the politically correct sermon perfected".

It's a beautiful "nirvana" thing to be a spectator (some of them actually used to be a disciple). I miss those days. I was so good at it! Maybe this article is my way of joining the desk jockeys" as I "deliver my opinion".

Wat do you think? Where do you fit? I would love to hear from you!
Karie

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.