Life Saving Examination

Step by Step Self-Examination - SkinCancer.org

 Pls. do this, it may very well SAVE YOUR LIFE! 

Wonderful. Perfect. Beautiful. YOU!

Following is a message that I shared this past weekend at a Mother's Day Tea that I was given the opportunity to speak at.  May you be blessed by the message that the Lord gave me to share.  Your sister in Christ, Karen Rae



Today is a day to celebrate YOU!  YOU are BEAUTIFUL; you are fearfully and wonderfully made!  (Psalm 139:14)

YOU are beautiful to God.  He knows YOU. He loves YOU. He has a plan for YOUR LIFE.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

I pray that each of you see yourself as the Lord sees you.  YOU are beautiful inside and out through the eyes of God. 

Some of you may be thinking that you’re NOT beautiful on the inside because of past sins, which is a lie from the pit of hell!  God's word says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  2 Corinthians 5:17 

Start thinking about the new person you are in Christ.  Forget the things which are behind and press forward.  Paul says in Phil 3:13, "...this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." 

YOU are Beautiful inside and out!  YOU are made in His image; your identity is in Christ! 

The world has defined beauty in ways that GOD has not. When GOD looks at us He doesn't see a specific color, size, age or hair style as beautiful. He looks at us; sees His Son in us and sees us as beautiful! He looks at us and sees who He has created and who calls Him Abba Father and He sees beautiful daughters!

Once I fully surrendered my heart to the LORD and was healed from past pains, sins done to me and sins I committed; it was then I could begin to see myself through HIS EYES and in doing so that is when I saw HIS BEAUTY and realized; I'm Beautiful in Christ! His Hand is on me (and you) and we have been Hand crafted by Him so how can we possibly be anything other than BEAUTIFUL both physically & spiritually?!

Once we KNOW whose we are (GOD's) then we begin to know who we are, which is His Beautiful creation.  It is time we take back what the world has stolen from us – our worth and beauty just as we are! 

Just tell the lies in your head to be quiet because it is time to start speaking God’s truth over yourself and to yourself!  Then start telling those around you His truth too. 

He cares about you, your sweet spirit and your soul. He loves you, just as you are.

No matter who you are:  a stay-at-home parent, a single parent, one who feels alone, one who is dying or just someone who is hurting in this sometimes cruel and harsh world, remember God is always with you. He loves you and you will always be beautiful in God's eyes. 

Whatever your reflection in the mirror is telling you today – look past it and deep within to the beauty that matters most – His love alive and well within you! I pray you will open your eyes to see yourself both physically & spiritually as He does – BEAUTIFUL!

Don’t let the world shape how you see yourself one more day. Don’t allow the enemy to remind you of your past sins, remember that you are a new creation in Christ.  Don’t compare your body, hair, eyes, nose, clothes, shoes, feet, etc. to anyone else – because God made NO mistake in creating you to be you! Wonderful. Perfect. Beautiful. YOU!

Stand in the beauty He has created – YOU are WONDERFULLY FEARFULLY AND PERFECTLY made!!!!

I pray right now in the name of Jesus that the men & women reading this post will see themselves through your eyes, Lord, and be SET FREE from insecurities. I pray, Lord, that they will see your love and beauty that live deep within each of them.  I pray that each of your sons & daughters will boldly step out in faith and become ALL that you have created them to be.  Thank you, Lord, for the FREEDOM we have in YOU.  In your precious Holy name we pray, AMEN!   

Be CONFIDENT in Christ, Sisters! The Lord has a GREAT PLAN & PURPOSE for your life, and remember that YOU are BEAUTIFUL because YOU are His!  

With Love & Blessings, Karen Rae

The Hamilton Family: A Soul Surfer Journey

Life's Purpose by Terri Szaronos, Amazed by You Ministries

Are you at peace? If not, the Lord is likely trying to tell you something!

How do we know if we’re in OR out of the will of God?  One clear determining factor is whether or not we have PEACE in our lives; I’m talking about the kind of PEACE that surpasses ALL understanding.  (Philippians 4:7)  We may be faced with many challenges, but we are still at peace because we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.  

Are you at peace?  If not, the Lord is likely trying to tell you something!  It may very well be time to make some changes in your life!  

I have found that Colossians 3:15-17 offers a practical outline for determining God's will. In these verses are found three elements. These elements, taken together and applied to our lives will direct us to God's desire for our lives. The three elements are: let the PEACE of Christ rule in your hearts, let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, and whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

For many years, I lacked peace in my life as a result of walking out of the will of God.  I was a Christian, I loved the Lord and I was mostly living my life for Him; HOWEVER there was one thing in my life that I had NOT fully surrendered to Him.  

The definition of surrender is to yield (something) to the possession or power of another, which requires total TRUST!  WOW!!!  

It wasn’t until this past October 16^th, 2011 that I decided to fully surrender EVERY area of my life to the Lord, which required that I TRUST Him, not mostly, but completely!  Since that life-changing day I have been completely set free from the bondage that I was in, and I have peace in my life that truly surpasses ALL understanding.    

That day, the Lord revealed a portion of His plan for my life to me and I had a choice to make…YOU have a choice to make, either fully SURRENDER every area of your life to the Him OR continue hanging onto that one thing or those things that are holding you back and continue being miserable as a result of it!  

Friend, I urge you to TRUST Him with EVERY area of your life; it will be the best decision YOU have ever made!  I also urge you to do whatever it is that He’s calling YOU to do, whether it makes earthly sense or NOT, JUST DO IT, and if you’re not exactly sure what IT is, Be Still and KNOW that He is God, He will reveal His plan for your life to you, just be willing to listen and you will hear His voice!  (Psalm 46:10)

TRUST in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5,6

Be set FREE today, my friend, choose to TRUST in Him, He’s got YOUR back!  (Isaiah 46:10)

Scripture References: 

Philippians 4:7 NIV And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15-17 NIV Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Beautiful Testimony of Christ’s Redeeming Love by Stefanie (Shock) Jeffers

He (God) is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) 

I need not say more, other than Praise God! 

WHY would we rather live than die?

This coming Friday I’ll turn 41 years old; I’m thankful that the Lord has granted me another year of life!  As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer last January, which is the most serious & deadly form of skin cancer, thankfully my cancer was detected BEFORE it spread throughout my body, which would have greatly diminished my chances of survival.  

I’m sure most of us would agree that life isn’t always a bed of roses, therefore WHY would we rather live than die?  WOW, that’s a deep question to ponder!  

I can only answer this question for myself, and my answer is based upon my own personal experience.  The minute I found out that I had cancer and there was a chance that it had spread, I cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord, please spare my life, for their sake, NOT my own!”  

My thoughts immediately shifted from myself to my children, husband & parents; how would my death affect their lives?  I believe that anyone who has faced death would agree that our focus immediately shifts from ourselves to others!  I’ve learned through studying God’s Word, that this is how we should LIVE our lives.

Becoming concerned about and reaching out to others is one of the best things a person can do!  When we forget about ourselves and focus on others, our spirits are lifted and we please God.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Philippians 2:3,4 (ESV)

We are called to be others-centered (Acts 20:35) and God-centered (Matt. 6:33), yet everything in our society contradicts this by telling us that we need to be self-centered.  Well, I’m here to tell you, when faced with death, self doesn’t matter anymore and that’s when true LIVING begins! 

WHY would we rather live than die?  Simple answer:  "...for their sake, NOT my own!”

TODAY is the day; CHOOSE to make your life count, to matter, to be meaningful!  Ask yourself, “HOW can I (my life) make a difference in other people’s lives?”  In answering this question, you will discover YOUR life's PURPOSE!  (Isaiah 43:7, 1 Corinthians 10:31)  

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  

A Prayer of Thanks:

Lord, thank YOU for giving us the GIFT of LIFE.  Thank YOU (in advance) for revealing our life’s PURPOSE to us.  Thank YOU for giving us everything we need to accomplish your will and plan for our lives.  We praise you, Lord, we give you honor & glory.  In Jesus name we pray, AMEN (so be it)!

Scripture References:

Acts 20:35 (ESV) In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Isaiah 43:7 (KJV) Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Written by Karen Rae Hickam

www.KarenRae.com

www.StriveForGreatness.com

"Striving" to be Christ-like?

Based upon my study of God's word, "striving" to be GREAT (Christ-like) in and of our own efforts is futile, we simply yield to the power of the holy Spirit and LET Christ live His life through us, so I asked the Lord, "WHY the name Strive for Greatness?"

 

Following is the answer that He gave me through revelation.

 

STRIVE (to “make great effort,” to fight; contend) for Greatness which represents Jesus Christ the Great I AM, who is  TRUTH.

 

³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:32

Strive for Greatness Event Speakers are Devoted to teaching the TRUTH as Servants of Christ Jesus.

 1 Timothy 4:6-10 A Good Servant of Christ Jesus 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (ESV)

Strive for Greatness event speakers stand for TRUTH, speak & teach the TRUTH and defend & fight for the TRUTH out of love and concern for God and for man (Ephesians 4:15).  The purpose is to win hearts and minds for the Lord, so that others can experience the freedom that comes from knowing Him (John 8:32).

I encourage each of you to Strive for Greatness (make great effort, fight, contend for the TRUTH) along with us!    

1 Timothy 6:12  Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Thank you, Lord, for revealing WHY you chose the name Strive for Greatness.  Thank you for clarifying that it is NOT because we are “striving” to become Christ-like, it’s because we are “striving” (making great effort, fighting, contending) for YOU, Lord!  You are an awesome God!  We are happy to be called by you to “contend for the FAITH!”  (Jude 1:3)  Thank you for giving us the strength & ability to do what you’ve called us to do,  may we represent you well.  We love you, Lord!  Amen

SNEAK PEAK:  Next week we will look at Philippians 3:14 “I press (strive) toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 

The fact that God will transform us into Christ-likeness doesn’t mean we can sit back and be carried to heaven “on flow’ry beds of ease.” The process demands our willing cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Becoming more Christ-like requires both divine power and the fulfillment of human responsibility.  

Thank YOU for reading Monday Manna from Heaven.  May the Lord reveal Himself to you clearly as you seek His face.  

Sincerely & With Love, Karen

 

Come EXPECTING to be BLESSED!

Friends, as many of you know, we have the 1^st ever Strive for Greatness Women of Purpose Conference coming up this weekend, Friday & Saturday, February 3^rd & 4^th!  The event theme is From Bondage to Freedom:  How to Live a Life of PEACE, PURPOSE & PASSION.

“3” words that come to mind when I think about the Conference…RAW, AUTHENTIC, examples of REAL-LIFE!

You may ask, “What exactly do you mean by RAW, AUTHENTIC, examples of REAL-LIFE?”

Well, our event speakers are NOT going to pretend that just because we’re Christians we have it all together!  The fact of the matter is NO ONE’S life is perfect, including our own; therefore we’re going to address real-life issues like insecurities, depression, loneliness, broken dreams, desperation & sadness, just to name a few!

You may be thinking, “Wow, that’s heavy stuff!”  Yes, you are correct, it’s heavy stuff and it’s REAL-LIFE!

I think it’s about time we GET REAL and stop pretending that our lives are trouble free!  Jesus said in John 16:33 …In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  Jesus didn’t say that we may have trouble; He said that we will have trouble, every single one of us!

You may be wondering, “How will Getting Real help women?”

First of all, women need to know that they are NOT alone; YOU are NOT alone!  We “get” where YOU’RE coming from, we’ve been there!

MOST IMPORTANTLY our speakers are going to share exactly HOW God EMPOWERS them daily to TRIUMPH over their challenges to lead fulfilling lives, which will equip YOU with real-life tools that can be applied in your life so that YOU can do the same!

Whether you’re a stressed out mother &/or business women, facing relationship issues, struggling financially, facing health issues or have recently lost a loved one, I believe that God will set you free and give you a greater sense of PEACE, PURPOSE & PASSION in your life!

Come EXPECTING to be BLESSED!

Eph. 3:20, 21  20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend!  Sincerely, Karen

Isn’t it about time we GET REAL?

“3” words that come to mind when I think about the upcoming Strive for Greatness Women of Purpose Conference…RAW, AUTHENTIC, examples of REAL-LIFE!   

 

Isn’t it about time we GET REAL? 

 

Why are we, especially Christians, so afraid to admit that our lives are NOT perfect?  Is it because we are “supposed” to be VICTORIOUS in Christ at all times therefore we don’t want to admit temporary feelings of defeat because it may make us look less spiritual? 

 

The fact of the matter is NO ONE’S life is trouble free!  Jesus said in John 16:33 …In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  Jesus didn’t say that we may have trouble, He said that we will have trouble, every single one of us, no one is exempt!  

 

I don’t care how strong one may seem or how perfect one’s life may look, reality is that each and every one of us have an enemy, his name is Satan and he wants to bring us down; THEREFORE we must be prepared for BATTLE! 

 

At the upcoming Strive for Greatness Women of Purpose Conference, our event speakers are going to share real-life stories of struggles and exactly HOW God EMPOWERS them daily to TRIUMPH over their challenges to lead FULFILLING lives!!!

 

Following is an example:

 

(Real-life Struggle)  As I think about HOW I’m going to do what the Lord has called me to do, the weight of responsibility becomes paralyzing. Feelings of inadequacy fill my mind.  I wonder if it was His voice that I heard; doubt creeps in.  “Lord, I don’t know if I can do this?” He says, “I AM with you.”  “Lord, I don’t know how I’m going to pull this off!”  “You’re not, I AM!”  His words give me the confidence to keep going. 

 

Has God ever prompted you to do something that in and of yourself seemed virtually impossible?  Have you ever experienced fear or doubt as you have stepped out in faith & obedience to Him?  I HAVE! 

 

What’s most important is that we recognize that we are fighting a spiritual battle.  God’s word says, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:12 NIV

 

(HOW to TRIUMPH over our challenges to lead a FULFILLING life!)  Take heart; be BRAVE & COURAGEOUS in the Lord!  Speak God’s word over your life!  Claim VICTORY in the name of Jesus!

 

Satan is already a defeated enemy! His legal authority was neutralized by the finished work of Christ on the cross.  As a Believer YOU have Authority over Satan in the name of Jesus.

 

When engaged in a Spiritual battle, we must fight back using God’s WORD, just like Jesus did when he was tempted by Satan in the Wilderness!  Jesus WON the battle by speaking His Father’s word to Satan!  “It is written…”  Matthew 4:1-11

 

(Sample prayer filled with God’s word)  “Satan, I take authority over you in the name of Jesus!  I apply the blood of Jesus over my life and where the blood of Jesus has been applied, Satan, you must pass by!  Lord, your word says that YOU will never leave me nor forsake me, I thank you that I am NOT alone and that you are with me ALWAYS!  Lord, I thank you for your FAITHFULNESS.  I thank you that you have gone before me and prepared the way!  I am confident in you, Lord.  I speak BLESSINGS into my life; I am the head and not the tail, I am blessed coming and going.  I claim it right now in your precious Holy name!  Thank you, Jesus!”  

 

Friend, I encourage you to take heart; be BRAVE & COURAGEOUS in the Lord!  YOU can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!  (Phil. 4:13)  YOU are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus!  (Romans 8:37)  YOU are VICTORIOUS! 

 

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:57

 

Now take that, Devil!  Ha!  Stomp, Stomp, Stomp!  YES!  We have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimonies!  (Revelation 12:11)  Praise God!  :-)

Karen Rae's CBS Radio Tampa Bay Interview 01/05/12

Click to listen to Karen Rae's CBS Radio Tampa Bay Interview 01/05/12 with John Sipos! 

Topic:  Melanoma AWARENESS & Strive for Greatness Women of Purpose Event

Sarah Rachel Hill and several other gifted Christian Authors & Speakers will share their real-life stories of struggles and exactly HOW they became EMPOWERED by GOD to TRIUMPH over their challenges to lead fulfilling lives.  

If YOU are INSPIRED to learn how YOU can become a Woman of PURPOSE join us Friday, February 3rd & Saturday, February 4th at the beautiful TradeWinds Sandpiper Beach Resort on St. Pete. Beach. 

For more information, please visit http://www.striveforgreatness.com

Getting REAL!

Happy New Year & BLESSINGS to YOU!  

It’s a New Year, a time for NEW BEGINNINGS!  It’s an opportunity for a FRESH START; however before we can START ANEW, we have to let go of the past!  (Isaiah 43:18)

My cousin posted something over a year ago that has stuck with me and it is this, “We can’t hope for a better past, but we can hope for a better future!”  I love it!  And it’s so TRUE!    

Today I want to talk with you about the disappointments that each of us have faced in our lives and the choice that we have had to make to “get back up” and “keep going,” regardless of the heartache that these disappointments have caused. 

I think about what my Grandmother said after she lost her son.  She was lying on the sofa experiencing unexplainable heartbreak; the pain of her loss was so great that it was hard for her to take her next breath.  The Lord spoke to her and said, “You can lay here and die OR get up and LIVE!”  The loss of her son wasn’t going to change, he was gone.  She was the one left living, so she had to choose to LIVE her life or DIE!  The Lord presented her with her options; it was up to her to choose her response to a tragic situation.  My Grandmother CHOSE to get up off her sofa and LIVE!  

I think about myself as well as the people that I know and the different situations we have faced over the past year. Whether we faced cancer, death of a loved one, loss of a pregnancy, a cheating spouse, divorce, a defiant child, job loss, financial hardship and the list goes on; each of us have faced disappointments.   

Have you ever felt like giving up?  Have you ever felt so DEFEATED by life that you felt as if it wasn’t worth living?  I know that I have!  There was a time when I felt as if I didn’t have the strength to lift my pinky finger, much less get out of bed and “make it through the day!”  

I remember lying in my bed and thinking that I could CHOOSE to snap out of it, but it wasn’t as easy as that!  I tried, but I couldn’t do it on my own!  That’s the key!  WE are NOT STRONG ENOUGH to WIN THE BATTLE on our own!  We NEED the Lord!  He is our STRENGTH when we are weak!  (2 Corinthians 12:10)

If you are feeling defeated, YOU ARE NOT!  YOU are MORE THAN A CONQUERER THROUGH CHRIST JESUS!  YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU!  YOU ARE THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL.  YOU ARE BLESSED COMING AND GOING!  YOU HAVE OVERCOME BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND THE WORD OF YOUR TESTIMONY!  (Romans 8:37, Philippians 4:13, Deuteronomy 28:13, Deuteronomy 28:6, Revelations 12:11)

BELIEVE God’s Word and His PROMISES!  

Place your TRUST in Him!  LOOK FORWARD from this day forward and EXPECT HIS GREATNESS in YOUR LIFE!  

With great resolve, REFUSE to allow the enemy to win the battle for your soul!  Take authority over the enemy in Jesus’ name and choose to WALK IN VICTORY; overwhelming VICTORY is yours through Christ Jesus!  (Romans 8:37)  

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)  PRAISE GOD!  

I wish YOU BLESSINGS BEYOND MEASURE in 2012!  I can’t wait to hear YOUR testimony!  

Sincerely & With Love, Karen