Author Archives: Karen Thomas Olsen

Unknown's avatar

About Karen Thomas Olsen

Born and raised in Ohio, I attended college and graduate school in Indiana, moved to Scotts Valley, California south of San Jose to teach, back to Ohio for many years, to Arizona for 11 years with my husband, and finally to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to be near family. (Leaving Prescott Valley, Arizona in 2018 was very hard. Sigh. But for family? Worth it.) I have taught in three Christian high schools and one community college. My first teaching position was in Scotts Valley, California. In the summer of 1980, a tall, dark, and handsome 26 year old California boy, who had recently completed his degree in Aeronautical Operations from San Jose State University, followed me to Columbus, Ohio where I had accepted a new teaching position at Worthington Christian High School. There in Worthington we were married. Paul became an Air Traffic Controller, and we raised two beautiful girls in Piqua and Troy, Ohio. We now also have a son-in-law and two precious grandsons born in 2009 and 2012. In 2007, Lockheed Martin transferred my husband to Prescott Valley, Arizona, which was a great adventure for us. Arizona was a good place for my health and great for Paul, a California boy who loves the sunny southwest! However, being far from family is not easy. So, in July of 2018 we moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where we are near relatives and just hours from each of our daughters, one near Chicago and one north of Cincinnati. For years, I worked in Christian school curriculum design and development, which was challenging, exciting, and satisfying. After retiring in the summer of 2012, I focused on completing a doctorate, pursuing some writing projects, and being involved in Christian education at our church. Maintaining this blog continues to be important to me. With great gratitude to the Lord who carried me through the process, I graduated from Trinity Theological Seminary in August, 2016, earning a DRS (Doctor of Religious Studies) with an emphasis in theology. My dissertation is entitled "A Taxonomic Theology of Suffering and Joy Designed to Assist in Christian Growth." Besides reading, learning, teaching, and writing, I love to swim, stroll around the neighborhood on my bike, take Water Aerobics classes, mingle with neighbors, and participate in our local church. As my health permits, I love to travel and see God’s amazing creation. I’m wearing my eye glasses or “life lenses” which instruct me to “Look for the Lord in every page of Scripture, in every corner of nature, and in every chapter of my life." No matter the direction of my life, it's a journey north.

Part 1: “The Beauty of Truth” and other Ravi Thoughts

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

It was just one week ago today.

I was comfortably positioned on our leather, sectional sofa in the living room, reading the news online on my laptop. An article referenced the seriousness of Ravi Zacharias’ recent, cancer battle. A minute later, the page refreshed itself (or did I click on something that refreshed it? I don’t know), and suddenly a new headline announced that Ravi’s daughter had posted that her father passed away that very morning, May 19.

I sat quietly. I didn’t call to Paul, who was upstairs. A stunning stillness washed over me. All of my adult life, Ravi Zacharias and his ministry have been “out there,” a kind of soothing encouragement, support, and inspiration. Aware of my emotional- physical-spiritual response to this news, I remembered my response to a phone call from my Aunt Miriam, sixteen years ago, to inform us that my father had just passed away, unexpectedly soon, although expected within the year, of cancer. My response then was also quietness in my spirit mixed with an utter surrender. I want to come back to the meaning of this response, but not in this initial post in this new series. First, “take a listen.” Continue reading →

Categories: Biography, Perspectives on Culture, Theology | Tags: | 2 Comments

Spring Therapy

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Ahh. Spring! Thank you, Lord, for Your gift of the seasons reminding us of Your faithfulness.  Some disagree! “A faithful God? How can you say that in light of this horrible, Coronavirus striking people, taking lives, and causing economic upheaval?”

Yet, we are haunted by Thomas Chisholm’s old words, the hymn writer who claimed, “Great is Thy faithfulness!” He obtained this concept from Scripture (Lamentations 3:23) and through experience. In 1923, at the age of 57, having endured much, he penned,  “Morning by morning new mercies I see.”

We must choose to see God’s mercies. And we must choose to remember that Christ holds all things together (Col. 1:16-7),  even in a broken cosmos so that day and night continue to turn;  that we “are loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3); that “The eternal God is [our] dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:2 ); and that this life is meant to be mortal, thus a portal into eternity (John 14).

So, right here on our own property in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I’ve been choosing to remember and to see Creation’s witness to God’s faithfulness. As Chisholm described:

“Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.”

Our fragrant Ornamental Weeping Crabapple tree in our front yard.

I invite you into our yard to view the lovely witness of ornamental cherry, pear, and crabapple trees, the witness of a Mr. and Mrs Goose and our black bird with a red and yellow stripe perching protectively on a cattail above his nesting wife, and in closing,  the witness of April Joy, a 36 hour old baby snuggled in my arms. Such witnesses are spring therapy to our weared souls.

Continue reading →

Categories: nature, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , | 6 Comments

Clues from the Kingdom Sighted in Coronaville

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

How are you doing? I’m sitting in my sunroom here in Fort Wayne, Indiana, looking at the white blossoms on our ornamental pear trees which beautifully contrast with the richly green lawn. I breathe deeply. And there are a cluster of blooming daffodils prospering along the patio’s edge, waving their happy yellow at me. A lovely sight. Looking up from my studies I’ve viewed several squirrels and a little chipmunk scampering across our expansive yard. The tree blossoms, the scampering critters, and the yellow daffodils ignore our viral enemy and economic insecurity.

Nature is a gift to us, offering clues from His Kingdom, right here in our “Coronaville” (as Dr. Fred Chay has dubbed this time; maybe you’ve heard this name, but it was new to me!). I am reminded (aren’t you?) of Jesus’ perspective-correcting words in Matthew 6: 28-34. (You’ll find this passage below.)

This is the fifth post in this current series that I’m writing during this Coronavirus pandemic. I began the series on March 19 and posted weekly until recently. The last post was enough to simmer on for a few weeks. Today’s will be a Kingdom patchwork of pass-alongs from three, godly people I highly respect.

We must have a dozen of these blossoming trees on our property, praising God! Clue #1: Praise Him in your troubles.

 

Continue reading →

Categories: Devotional, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , | 1 Comment

Why Suffering?

Posted on April 11, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Why Suffering? Why pandemics? In the conclusion to my last post, I wrote that in the next post “Lord willing, I hope to explore some thoughts” regarding these why questions. “I hope.”  “To explore.” “Some thoughts.” That tames the goal down a bit, but “a bit” is still a breath-taking task.

While I have never explored the role of pandemics, as a specific context of suffering, if you’ve followed me, you know I’ve researched the biblical literature on the themes of suffering and joy as the base for my dissertation, and that I am presently hammering out a Bible study developing these themes.

In this post, during the most holy season of the Christian calendar, I’ll offer some salient points along with Scriptural backing, for your exploration and prayerful meditation. At the end of this post, you will find three delightful and rich videos plus one sermon link to bless you in various ways. Stay with me, please.

Why suffering? Why suffering?

Hmm. What kind of creature would ask such a question?

Continue reading →

Categories: Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil, nature | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Thinking About Deborah: Thank You, Deborah!

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Today, I’m thinking about Deborah. Hmm. I’m getting too personal. That’s because she told a personal story, which makes me think very personally about her. I’m referring to Dr. Deborah Birx. Everyone paying any attention to the news concerning the coronavirus knows about Dr. Birx. Dr. Deborah Leah Birx.

Her father, Donald Birx, was a mathematician and electrical engineer. Her mother, Adelle, was a nursing instructor. One brother, I’ve read, was or is a nuclear engineer and the other a mathematician. This family is both inspiring and intimidating.

According to Wikipedia, “Birx lives with her parents, husband, and one of her daughter’s family in a multi-generational home.”  My curiosity was piqued. Birx is her maiden name. She has a husband and  daughters, but who is her husband? She goes by her maiden name, lives in a multi-generational home, and I learned she has grandchildren. But I couldn’t discover the man. Then I found a name.

At least, a last name. At the follow site (http://www.allgov.com/officials/birx-deborah?officialid=30329 ), I discovered the names of her daughters, which listed their last names: Raybuck. Actually Birx-Raybuck. So, the mystery husband is Mr. Raybuck. I wonder. What he is like? What does he do? How does he support his wife in her work?

I would love to live in a multi-generational home. Wow. How wonderful to have your parents in their own apartment, you and your spouse in yours, and one of your grown children and family in the rest of the house, the main portion, with a big, back yard. To me, that would be a dream.

Deborah seems so calm and measured. I wonder if her daughters are like that. Generally, each child is so different from each parent, yet has characteristics of each. This Birx-Raybuck family has grandchildren, but I don’t know how many.

So, you may wonder why I’m particularly fascinated with Dr. Deborah Leah Birx , but I would guess that she’s caught your attention too! Well, I have at least three, specific reasons, and the third I find to be inspirational.

Continue reading →

Categories: Biography, Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil | Tags: , , | 8 Comments

Fine Resources for Living at Home and Letting Home Bless You and Others

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Do you see some irony in our current situation? Our world is preyed upon by an invisible evil, pushing us back into our homes. Homes.

Most people have worked hard to have beautiful homes. Look at the popularity of HGTV! I too love creating a beautiful home. But the irony is that so many people really don’t want to live at home — working from home, schooling from home, and playing at home. Only for short segments are they comfortable there. Do our lovely homes intimidate us?

Cabin fever! At the large sizes of most American homes? Compare the size of an average home built in the USA in 1950 with today’s average: around 980 square feet in 1950 to around 2600 square feet in homes the last five years. You and I fit somewhere in there. If our homes or apartments have more than 980 square feet, then we live in relative spaciousness. And style and convenience. . . .

Click here:

The Size of a Home the Year You Were Born

Third world people may be more than puzzled at our angst at staying home, with our first world problems. Time to buck up (it appears we are) and be creative.

For most of us in America (and first world countries), we are called to fight this war in the luxury of our own homes. And with the luxury of all our modern conveniences (as long as we have them; may they continue, and may we be thankful).

Yes, yes, there is enormous stress we’re living through. A novel virus. Illness of varying degrees. Possible death. Shortages of medicine and supplies. Economic upheaval. All the unknowns. I’m telling you nothing you don’t know, except I state it to validate our multidimensional anxiety.  We’re told not to panic. Maybe trusting God would help. And so I could sermonize, but you’ve had sermons.

I’ve been racking up a list of resources that may contain sources of blessing to us and for others. How can we employ some of these, especially for those of us who are isolated or quarantined at home, to serve others in our families, churches, and neighborhoods? While most likely you are already accessing some of these, this list may stir your imagination, bolster your motivation, and invigorate your spirit!

Forward this email to someone who may need some of this encouragement. (Thus, I’m playing a role from my sun room!)

Skim through this list. Choose something to try. Take your time and come back to this JNC post to grab another resource idea or site. Knowing the rich blessings available here, I’m delighted for you.

Continue reading →

Categories: Christian Reader, Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil, Parenting, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , | 6 Comments

“Social Distancing” or “Spatial Distancing”: Living from Home

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Much has happened since my last post, when Paul and I were still in Florida. We left Florida, spent five days in South Carolina, and arrived home safely on Friday, March 13. I had a list of topics I wanted to develop, but evidences of a fallen and groaning earth have encroached upon all of our plans. 

Paul and I did get sick with the flu while in South Carolina, which caused us to shorten by a few days our two month long, southern experience. We are almost recovered, but we too, like most Americans, are now hunkering in at home. 

In this post, I’m going to offer some “good ideas” (I hope you’ll agree) for living at home during this season of “social distancing.” I’d prefer to call it “spatial distancing,” because I think we should work all more intentionally during this time at cultivating relationships,  just from a spatial distance. 

Continue reading →

Categories: Christian Reader, Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil, Parenting, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , | 4 Comments

A Devotional Scope on “A Lively Hope”

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Paul and I spent 24 days at Mick and Lilly’s in The Villages, Florida recently, helping them settle in at their new home. (Note previous post. Scroll down to see some pictures.)

Now, we are at The Good Samaritan Mission in Florida (in the Sun City Center area) where Paul is helping them move their store front office back to the mission property (long story). I help in smaller ways, such as putting stamps on letters, making meals, and interacting with folks. Yesterday, I helped with a little tea luncheon for a new volunteer. Sweet fellowship with just three ladies. Lots of action around here. (Scroll down to see some pictures.)

Whether in The Villages or here at Good Samaritan’s, I find it hard to carve out sufficient study-write time. I keep losing my momentum, but I know I need to be involved in the needs of the situation around me. That’s why we’re here. I love the people….

Today’s post will be simpler than the last post. I made the previous one too complicated. I hope you are patient with me!

I’ve been pouring over the book of I Peter again, which has so much to say about suffering and joy. Today, I’d like to consider some observations and reflections mainly on I Peter 1: 3 ( in context through verse 9) which speaks of a “lively hope,” as it is so intriguingly worded in the KJV. What is a “lively hope”?

Continue reading →

Categories: Devotional, Spiritual Growth, Study methods & disciplines | Tags: , , , | 3 Comments

Sir Roger Scruton and Mick and Lilly: Dignity, Tenderness, and Eternity

Posted on January 28, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

‘Ive been reading lately about Sir Roger Scruton from Great Britain who died on January 12.  As the dust of his life scatters, I’m appreciating his enduring imprint. I see patterns resonating with themes that pervade the book I’m currently writing.1

Every person’s life illustrates patterns. Patterns worth repeating and patterns worth avoiding. I’m trying to illustrate  each concept in my book with true stories. I discover good stories in my listening, reading, and daily living.

Listening to Sir Roger speak, I sense grounded reasonableness (for the most part) carried on the soft breezes of his temperament.  Even his striking criticisms of modernity leave me quiet in spirit rather than agitated.

I suppose his tone is shaped by his full-faced acceptance of his humanity and mortality (rooted long before his cancer diagnosis) plus his compassionate awareness that the rest of us grasp no more than he does. In our hubris (ignoring our brevity), he is humble for us. We should learn.

Sir Roger is a British philosopher (a lover of beauty and truth), a conservative (wanting to conserve the rich roots of his culture), an author and professor, a husband and a father. I write in present tense, because Sir Roger’s life and legacy are still here, even though he does not walk among us.

In contrast to the high brow of the humble Sir Roger (about whom I listen and read), my daily living is currently in Florida, among the needs of dear friends I’m calling Mick and Lilly. Not highbrow. But like Sir Roger, respectable, humble, limited, and needy. Lilly knows she’s needy. Mike doesn’t.

Continue reading →

Categories: Biography, Perspectives on Culture, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , | Leave a comment

“Time, Like an Ever Rolling Stream,” Cascades into 2020

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

We’ve rolled into 2020, but before this blog touches its toes into new territory, I’d like to share some delightful scenes from our Christmas in Chicago along with a few thoughts about this amazing, new year.

In the hymn, “Our God, Our Help,” Isaac Watts describes time as “an ever rolling stream.”  Each swiftly turning year reminds us. While this is sobering, the good news is that our God is our constant help, “our guard while troubles last,” Watts explains, and then finishes his rich poem by describing God as “our eternal home.” Home. God is our home. Hmm. Watts is heralding Moses’ message in Psalm 90: “Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born…from everlasting to everlasting You are God” (verses 1-2).

Good to think about and be thankful for as we roll through time, our time within God’s providential line.

Here are a few pictures I snapped recently, as I was rolling through December 2019. Continue reading →

Categories: Spiritual Growth, Travels | Tags: , | 4 Comments

Blog at WordPress.com.