Joy & Suffering — Good & Evil

Publication After the Election

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Autumn’s drama dances on the stage this season. Rich reds, oranges, and tans overtake our maple and oak trees here in Indiana, enhanced by clear blue skies. ‘Tis the season.

Everywhere the season is dramatic. Sorrowfully so, in weather-torn and war- torn regions within our country and around the world. Anxiously so, with the coming elections in the USA. Personally so for me, as my book, A Traveler’s Guide through Suffering and Joy, prepares to be launched. Hopefully so for you, my readers as you anticipate the benefits of reading and sharing my “labor of love”,  as Dr. Walter Kaiser Jr.  so graciously describes it in his endorsement.

“So, what’s the release date?” you ask.

I finally have an answer. The book will be released on November 14, and will be available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and I believe CBD (and other main sites I’m not sure of).  Since it is so close to the election, my publisher and I decided to wait until after this to release the book.

My favorite tree of drama in our neighborhood. When you drive down our street, the street dead ends at this house where you must turn right or left. It is worth pausing at the stop sign just to stare in wonder at God’s artistry. Thank You, Lord!

During this season, what can and should you and I do?

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Categories: A Traveler's Guide thr Suffering & Joy, Government, Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil | Tags: , , | 2 Comments

Epiphany: Such Glorious Radiance and Representation

Posted on January 6, 2024 by Karen Thomas Olsen

“What an epiphany!” I exclaim when something strikes me as a profound realization. I see it! I’m enlightened. This is how we tend to use the word, epiphany. Yet, note its beautiful and ancient usage as the name for the twelfth day of Christmas. Epiphany: every January 6, the celebration the coming of the Magi to see the Christ child. Epiphany: the incarnation and manifestation of Christ to the world. Christ, the Light of the world. A-ha!

Therefore, today is an appropriate day to bring to light an essay I wrote last year that has been hidden in my Word documents, unused.

This essay presents some themes, quotations, and insights developed in my unpublished Bible study, which I am re-writing as a book to be published later this year. (If you’ve been with me for years, you’ll recognize certain themes.) I’ll be writing more in coming posts about my new adventure, working with a publisher.

For now, I’ll bring to light some thoughts I’ve pondered about our glorious Savior and the radiance of His Epiphany.

Such Glorious Radiance and Representation

When we look at Jesus, we see no strong points. None. What?

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Categories: Being Like Jesus, Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , | 5 Comments

News and Invitation: “To Thee, O Lord, I call…”

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Karen Thomas Olsen

This post will be shorter and more personal. I would like to invite you into my current experience and planning.

In my last post I mentioned my unpublished Bible study entitled A Traveler’s Guide through Suffering and Joy. Since then, after several years of exploring publishing options, I have finally committed to working with a particular publisher, so the book should be  available sometime next year.

I set up a new writing station in the window nook facing the back yard. Note that the fabric on the table matches my book’s travel theme.

Over the next three months, I plan to rework the study, deleting the “workbook” part, and creating a solid, nonfiction work, closer to a textbook, but hopefully appealing enough so that it doesn’t read like a textbook. I think I’ll end each chapter with a page of study prompt questions, so I could still label this a Bible study book. I’m not sure yet.

Years ago, I presented some of my research or book material on this blog. It has been so long ago. I wonder if any of you remember. Life has gotten harder for most people since I first started my research ten years ago on this theme of suffering and joy — as viewed through the lenses of Scripture.

A Traveler’s Guide through Suffering and Joy. Subtitle? I’ve written pages of ideas for sub-titles.

I have many decisions to make, so I’d like to ask you three questions.

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Categories: A Personal Note, Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil | 4 Comments

From Longing to Longing: Richard and the Crude Russian Officer

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Today, I’m going to tell a fascinating story which will take us back to the series my last post interrupted .

The series I interrupted was about atheism, secularism, religion, and education, in response to some questions from a reader. Rather heavy, I suppose. So, in my previous post I lightened the reading up by telling  you a heartwarming story from my own experience recently in which I spent three days with two friends from high school, our memories reaching back many decades.  I hope you enjoyed the account and photos.

Today’s true story reaches back to World War II (yes, before my time!). I referred to this incident in my post on September 14. I have included this story in chapter 11 of my unpublished Bible study, A Traveler’s Guide through Suffering and Joy. This is the story of  “Richard and The Crude Russian Officer”.

Last week I took this photo a few blocks from our home. The trees are changing color earlier this year.  I wonder, “What time of year did the Russian officer meet Richard?” I don’t know, but the meeting brought more color into the lives of each man, and mine too, just by reading the story.

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Categories: Dr. A.A. Hodge, Education, Government, Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil, Perspectives on Culture | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Anchors, Birthdays, and Busy Summer Days

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Karen Thomas Olsen

I awoke this morning before 6:00 with words swarming through my mind from the refrain of an old hymn I’d heard many times in childhood, but I doubt I’ve heard in years.

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

My mind mulled over the final phrase, “in the Savior’s love.” Then the final words to Romans chapter 8 mingled with my thoughts, “the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

How does that verse begin? Oh, yes. The connection between hymn and biblical text deepened.

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

These crescendoing verses fully awakened me, and I realized that this hymn needs to be woven into today’s blog post. Yes, I need to post today. It’s June’s last day, and I’ve not posted this month. June, seeming so threatening to me at the beginning of the month, had rolled over me like those billows. I had wondered how I would make it to July.

July 1 is a significant marker for  many companies and organizations, indicating “the beginning of the new fiscal year.”  Every year in the spring and through June we receive requests for donations, desiring contributions before that significant date of July 1.

For me, July 1 is also a significant marker. It always marks the beginning of a new year for me. It is my birthday. This year it marks 67 years. Wow. What a marker. What a sizable wave.

I need an anchor. An anchor grounded in the depths of my Savior’s love — from which nothing can separate me — not anything in life, and not even death itself.  So, the month of June could not destroy me  — nor you. We are anchored to Christ, our immovable rock.

Beauty and peace after a storm.

How does the rest of that hymn go? Who wrote it and why? After my morning routine, I pulled out my hymn history books, hymn books, and some online sources. Time to explore.

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Categories: Devotional, Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

Finding “Merry” in Good Ole “Merry Christmas”

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Maybe you cringe as the sound of the word — “merry.” It has become trite — an overused word emptied of substance. It may also be a word that seems to mock you, especially this year. First, let’s put some substance back in the word-container, “merry.” Then, let’s see if it still mocks us.

Merry is a word for joy. Joy, as a word-container, holds a broad and deep cluster of concepts discoverable in the Scriptures!  When one facet of joy is absent from our hearts and lives, this does not mean that all joy is gone. We need to further explore both our lives and the joy word-containers found in Scripture to unearth other evidence and the many languages of joy available for us. This is an important way that we can take our distressed, panicky thoughts captive and live by the Spirit rather than by our limited sight (II Corinthians 10:3-5; 5:7). Boy, do I need this today!

Over a period of years I’ve researched these biblical ideas of joy, and I’ve been surprised at some of my discoveries. Certainly, ’tis the season to gift you with some of my finds — not mine to give but God’s gifts for me to share with you!

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

Just Thinking…and Doing — Oh, Glory!

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Karen Thomas Olsen

Oh my! You haven’t heard from me since the end of May! I did not get lost, but I did get overwhelmed. Not surprising. These are overwhelming times. You’ve probably been too busy to even notice my absence. I was expecting to write two posts during this interval.

If you look back at the last post, it presented a few thoughts about Ravi Zacharias who died on May 19.  You know, he was known for his thinking and for provoking others to think. He motivated others to act upon good, sound, biblical reasoning. Note the names of a number of his RZIM programs:

Just Thinking (a 15 minute program), Let My People Think (a 30 minute program), and Just a Thought (a one minute program). You’ll find a the link to these at the end of this post. *1

In times like these — this season of pandemic, this era of social, racial turmoil, this unanchoring epoch of cultural upheaval — I wonder what you’re thinking. I wonder how you’re processing.

I’ve been whirling around in my own world which whirls within this globe which whirls within the universe — all whirling within the Hand of God. II Corinthians 5:7 provides secure mooring for us within the whirling:  “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Reasoned faith not manipulated sight, I trust and pray, is informing me. So, I have located a few faith-informed thoughts, quite precious to me, to pass on to you. Just thinking….

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

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?

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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.

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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.

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

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