Summer Camp

June 11, 2009By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

My kids are out for summer and so that means making plans. A few days of lazy fun is nice, but then I start hearing those annoying words, “Mom, I’m bored.” It always annoys them when I answer, “Nice to meet you Bored, I’m Mom.” I know, I know — do not exasperate your children. … Read More

Voices Together

June 10, 2009By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

Have you ever sat back and listened to your church sing? I mean, really listened? This past Sunday, I did just that. I closed my eyes and listened. It was gorgeous. I don’t mean the worship team — of course they were amazing, they always are. But this time, I listened to the people sing. … Read More

Some Words about Writing

June 9, 2009By Karen Barnett No Comments

For all the writers out there, or if you are just interested in the process… here are a few quotes to brighten your writing day. (Please excuse the language). Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. ~E.L. Doctorow Substitute “damn” every time you’re inclined to write “very;” your editor will delete it and the … Read More

Two steps forward…

June 8, 2009By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

This post is for all you writers, writer-wannabes and those just interested in the process. Lots of folks have been asking me about my progress on Shaken. Well, I have to say it’s been a bit of a dance lately. Two steps forward and one step back. I am trying to follow recommendations made by … Read More

Friday Book Pick — Waterfalls by Robin Jones Gunn

June 5, 2009By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

This week for my Friday Book Pick, I’m recommending Robin Jones Gunn‘s Waterfalls. It is book number six of the eight part Glenbrooke series. I have not read the others in the series, but I thoroughly loved Waterfalls. All of the Glenbrooke books take place in the fictional community of Glenbrooke, Oregon. Being an Oregonian … Read More

Delight

June 3, 2009By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

I guess I was too traumatized by the “spider incident” to get a blog post written yesterday. Or maybe life just got in the way! Today I want to share about a bible verse that keeps popping up in my life lately. Do you ever have that happen? It always makes me wonder if God … Read More

Shower Terror

June 1, 2009By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

Okay, I’ve never actually seen the movie Psycho, so all I know about it is that it has a terrifying shower scene. I had my own terrifying shower scene this morning. Want to hear the story? I’m sure it rivals the movie. 🙂 I had just stepped into the shower for a refreshing morning wake-up … Read More

Friday Book Pick: Spring Rain by Gayle Roper

May 29, 2009By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

It’s Friday again! I’m really enjoying recommending great books to you each Friday and hopefully some of you are getting some ideas for good weekend reads. Now as summer vacation is quickly approaching, I want to encourage you to not write spring off too early. The novel Spring Rain by Gayle Roper would be a … Read More

Chains of Guilt

May 28, 2009By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

The other night my son (9 1/2) reached his limit. You know the one… the “I’m-tired-and-grouchy-and-my-sister-is-getting-all-of-the-attention” limit. It resulted in a sudden downward spiral of behavior and mood which sent he and his sweet mom into a dangerous battle of wills. After an hour or more of fussing/arguing/complaining he was sent to bed. REALLY early. … Read More

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

May 27, 2009By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

A couple years ago, a friend of mine had her first baby and it brought back a flood of memories for me. Every child is exciting and special, but that first one brings such an incredible change. After my friend’s baby was born (mine were about 7 and 5) I was overcome with longings for … Read More