Proof that I am an extrovert.

Well at least this time I have a pretty good excuse for not writing in December. I have been busy, real busy. Of course, I have loved every minute of it.

Between December 19th and January 9th, that's 22 days for those of you reaching for your calendar, I have had an onslaught of activity in my life. We have had 13 different guests, 2 dog guests, served 39 meals, driven well over 1000 miles locally, had a game night with over 20 people, frozen our butts off repeatedly, made multiple trips back to the grocery store for forgotten items and spent hours laughing until we cried.

I am not sure how people go through life without good, close friends. I am so blessed to have so many friends. My mom used to always tell me "for every freckle, you have a friend" and she was right, I have a lot of freckles.

I saw a movie recently that everyone should see. It's called "To Save A Life". What an amazing movie that deals with so many current, teenage issues. Issues such as cutting, depression, suicide, how you treat others, sex, pregnancy. This movie was done very well, not your typical "church produced movie". I guess I should say those 13 and up should see it, it is rated PG-13. There are some sensitive sceens. At least make sure your teens see it, it could save a life.

On an educational note, I am taking an Accounting class at Front Range Community College. WOW, pray for me. It's a big book, with lots of homework. It will be quite a challenge but one that I look forward to. It should really help me with my position at work.

Please be in prayer for the company we work for. We were doing really well until November of last year when we had to lay off 6 people. It was truly hard but something that had to be done in order to keep the business open. However, we are still feeling the effects of the economy. This has caused us to look at other avenues for income and really focus on what works best. We remain optimistic but welcome your prayers for InfoMedia Inc.

Again, you are all welcome to stay with us when you come to visit Colorado. It's a beautiful place no matter what time of year you come.

Hopefully it won't be too long before I write again.

Many blessings,
Karen

The Blind Side - Movie Review

I don't review movies like the people do that get paid for it. I tell you my way, so I hope this helps you in making your decision to see The Blind Side or not.

Inspirational, this movie has inspired me to be a better person. If everyone in the world saw this movie I can't help but believe that this would be a better world to live in. I laughed and cried and laughed and cried. The message of unconditional love is such a blessing. This is really a must see movie for anyone in their teens and up. Only because of about 10 minutes late in the movie do I recommend that parents see it before allowing their younger children to see it. There is some rough language and a drug/gang scene. It's definitely not pretty but realistic.

This movie is based on a true story. What a joy to know that this really happened. We really can make a difference in someone else's life. Not that this is news to us but do we actually make the attempt. I read somewhere that after doing this movie Sandra Bullock said "this movie has restored my faith in people of faith". Me too.

The actors, in my opinion, were phenomenal. Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw, hilarious and they made the best couple. The son, sorry I don't remember his name, stole the show. Kathy Bates did a fabulous job as well.

There is a strong christian influence in the movie, how refreshing. Please invite your lost friends to go along with you.

I would pay to see this movie again. I don't say that often. I would do it in a heartbeat and I will buy the dvd the minute it's released.

I feel as though I could conquer the world and you will too after you go see it. What are you waiting for?



Let me know what you think,
Karen

I have been very bad!

Please forgive me for not posting an update in June or July. I guess time just got away from me.

June was a great month. We went back to Texas for a visit and to attend Reese Massey and Melanie Taylor's wedding. It was so special for us to be a part of that. We have known Reese since he was born. We loved getting to see all of our Texas friends and the wedding gave us the opportunity to see many of them.

I think people think I am strange when I tell them how refreshing it is to see our old friends. We love Colorado and are building great relationships here but it's really hard to describe the blessing that it is to be around those people who know the good and the bad about us and still choose to love us. Miss you all!

I have no idea where July went. We did have some visitors, the Hamilton's and then the Dahlke's. It was fun to spend time with each of them and show them around when we could. Their visits were of course too short. You too are welcome to visit. I know I say this every time and if you don't believe me then just ask someone who has been here. We even just moved to a much larger home just so that we could accomodate you. Let us know when your coming and we will put it on our calendar. The fall is beautiful here. (hint, hint)

August brings us Ben's birthday. On the 6th he turned 18 so we bought him a ticket to go and see Reese and Melanie in Georgia. We couldn't stand all the sappy goings on about Reese and Ben missing each other anymore. Not really, but we know what it's like to miss your best friend. He returns on Wednesday night. You could pray that he finds a job. He has been looking for two months but nothing yet. Pray we are grateful for God's timing which we know will be perfect.

Well, I don't know much else so I won't keep you. I am praying that God will bless each and everyone of you. Thank you so much for your comments they are very encouraging.

Don't forget...

We will leave the light on for you,
Karen

Typical May

I say typical because May has alway been a busy month for our family. In the past Brian and I have played softball and our boys played on various ball teams and our seasons overlapped in May. We lived at the fields for the month. In 2005 we had just moved into our new home in McKinney TX and Ryan was graduating. This year Ben was graduating, my parents were coming for a visit, we had a big church activity and a variety of other activities. Of course now we live in Loveland CO. That does make a difference just ask the Keener's or Brad and Deb Johnson (if you know them) about how life is without your really close friends and family just down the street. I am not complaining just stating a fact. Brian and I are really drawing closer to those in our small group and building deeper relationships every week.

Ben did graduate this past Saturday, May 23rd. It's amazing how different a graduation service is when there are only 25 students in the class. It seemed very personal. Speaking of Ben, we went for the hearing test on the 13th. The doctor said that his hearing is twice as good as it was. Also, his eardrum has healed completely, not even a small hole. Go God! We are very thankful. Ben has chosen to take a year off before he enters the Air Force. Of course no parent wants to hear their child say "I want to take a year off" no matter what it pertains to. I am really okay with it though. I know that God has a plan for Ben and Ben has a heart for God, that's really all that matters.

As I have said many times before, if you are coming to Colorado and need a place to stay please call us. We have several friends that are coming this summer so let us know and we will put you on the calendar. Hope to see you soon.

Love and miss you all,

Karen

April Update

Hey Friends,

I know, I know, I am behind in updates. Obviously, I have been busy. I wouldn't ignore you on purpose.

While I miss my Texas friends terribly, I am making new friends here in Colorado. Mostly at church, what better place. I am learning that I have to be very purposeful. I am going to start calling couples and inviting them out to eat or over to play games. Maybe I will go way out on a limb and invite some other ladies to a chick flick. Those who know me well know that I never like to do anything alone. I really hate talking to myself. Who knew?

Our church, www.crossroadscolorado.com, is doing something really cool this Saturday. We are going out into the community and doing whatever we can to help. Some are painting an elderly persons home, some are building a ramp for a disabled veteran, even others will be doing yarwork for a single mom and that is only a sampling of the projects. It's called Project One and we do this every year. We have 117 projects to tackle. We are just taking Christ into our community. As of last Sunday over 1200 people had signed up. At the end of the day we will have a conclude with a celebration service and BBQ. We haven't even started and I already feel blessed. Please pray for us and those we come in contact with. Oh, there is another benefit - I get to meet new people - heaven!

Ben will be graduating on May 23rd so this is a busy month and it hasn't even begun. We went back to the ear doctor two weeks ago. His ear is healing nicely. We have a hearing test on May 13th. This will tell us whether or not he will be able to pass the physical to enter the Air Force.

As I was typing this Ben asked me if my blog shows how many times it has been viewed. I told him no and this is what he said "then how do you know if anyone is reading it". I took a little offense at that. He thinks he is so funny. Here's how we can fix his little red wagon. When you read this please post a comment. Then I will show him my thousands or maybe hundreds of comments. We will show him.

Brian has spent the week in NYC with our boss, Joel Comm. They have been talking to various media outlets about Twitter and Joel's book, "Twitter Power". I can't wait for him to get home and tell me all about the things he has gotten to see and do. I just found out that he is going to get to see "Wicked" on Broadway tomorrow. Wee bit of jealousy coming out, sorry.

Well, I won't ramble on any longer. I want you to have time to enter your comments.

Hope you are seeking His blessings always.
Karen

March Madness

No, I am not talking about basketball, but my life.

We were so excited to have people coming to visit us. First, we had the Jeffreys from Sachse, Tx come to visit us on Feb 27th but they had to leave on Mar 1st. Even though the time was short we had a great visit. We checked out Estes Park, sledded at Hidden Valley and walked across the frozen Bear Lake. The latter two are located in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. Brian and Carol attended church with us at our church, Crossroads Church. They really enjoyed our current sermon series "Dave". It's about the life of David.

Then, the Wilburn's from Farmersville, Tx along with our son, Ryan and his girlfriend, Morgan arrived Friday, Mar 13th. We took them to Estes and Bear Lake but because of our warm temperatures we didn't get to go sledding. We also took them to snow ski at Ski Loveland. Don't be confused like we were, Ski Loveland is no where near where we live in Loveland. We showed them around downtown Loveland and just enjoyed the fellowship. Jeff & Shirley left early Tuesday morning but not before the Massey family from Sachse, Tx arrived on Monday night. Of course, we showed them Estes Park and the RMNP.

Ben returned from his mission trip at midnight on Tuesday. Wednesday, we went tubing in Winter Park at probably the best tubing hill ever, Fraser's tubing. I think that was a highlight for everyone.

Thursday, Ryan & Morgan took the Massey's to hike Devil's Backbone while Brian & I took Ben to his ear surgery. That was quite a day. They had to cut from the top to the bottom behind Ben's left ear, pull the ear back and take some muscle from his temple to place in his ear to form a new eardrum. He was in recovery for three and a half hours before we finally got to leave. He is feeling much better now and we will have to wait for the healing to take place before we find out if his hearing improves.

Friday, we took the Massey's to Cheyenne, Wy for a walking tour of downtown, tour of the capital and some great Mexican food for lunch. The Massey's, Ryan and Morgan headed south on Saturday morning. They were stopping at the Royal Gorge and then spending the night in Canon City. They will probably be arriving home in Texas about the time I publish this.

It has been a blessing for us to have our friends and family come. We have had great fellowship, laughs, tears and plenty of calories. Remember that you too, have an open invitation to come, just let us know. We have started a calendar so we can keep up with who is coming when. As you can see there is plenty to do for everyone.

Miss and love you all,
Karen

Friends are coming!

Dear Friends,

I don't use the term "friends" lightly. Have you ever sat back and evaluated the value of your friends? Move somewhere far away and it will happen all too soon.

Brian, Ben & I went back to visit our Texas friends & family at the end of January. I can tell you that I am still enjoying the high from our time there. We left with our hearts full, no overflowing. We realized how much we value your friendships. We are so grateful that God has placed each of you in our lives for a season and a reason. We were able to really refuel and re-energize from our time with our friends and family. Thank you.

Speaking of friends, we finally have people taking us up on our offer to stay with us when you visit the Loveland area. I hope no one gets upset when I name names but I am just so excited. The Jeffreys are coming at the end of February. They will be our first guests other than our son, Ryan. Then, over the course of Spring Break we have the Wilburns, the Masseys, and Ryan & Morgan coming to visit. We are so excited to show our friends our new life and all of God's beauty in Colorado. It's really an amazing place and we would love to share it with any of you. Just call us to let us know your coming.

Please be in prayer for Ben...

*He needs to raise the last $500 for his mission trip to Belize.

*He leaves March 8th (He has a layover at DFW from 11:50am to 1:05pm Flight #2193)

*He has a perforated left eardrum. This is the reason he failed the Air Force physical (hearing test). He is having surgery less than 48 hours after he returns from Belize. Surgery is set for March 19th.

We are about to join our church up here. http://www.crossroadscolorado.com/ We are getting plugged in and meeting new people. We can't wait to see what God has in store for us as we served Him here.

Well, I have kept you long enough. Give yourself and your family a hug from the Means. We will be praying for you.

Love and miss you all,

Karen

Just a Quick Update

I trust you had a great holiday. It was very quiet one for Brian, Ben & I. We weren't able to go back to Texas and no one was able to come and visit us. I really started missing friends and family but we survived and got to spend lots of quality time together.

We had 3 or 4 inches of snow today, it was so beautiful. I know that I say that everytime but it really is. Everyone tells me that we haven't even begun winter in Colorado yet. I can't wait to see what that really means.

Ben is doing well in school. I can't believe that he will graduate in only four months. Wow, how time flies. He leaves in less than two months for his mission trip to Belize. We still have some fundraising to do but we are trusting in God to provide. He always does. The cool thing about D-now weekends in Colorado is that you go snow skiing during them. Ben leaves on Friday for what our church calls Powderburn basically D-now with some skiing thrown in.

I hope God is blessing you and that you are blessing Him!

Love and miss you all,

Karen

Peace and Contentment

I know that might seem like a strange title but that is what I am wishing you this Christmas season. I am praying that God would bless you with Peace and Contentment. I believe those are two words we throw around haphazardly.

Most of you know what kind of year I have had, but in the midst of all that I feel like I have experienced true peace and contentment. God has sent me on an incredible journey and I am grateful for every trial I have been through.

I cannot even begin to count my blessings. I hope you are in the same situation. If not then look a little harder. If you have had a rough year, trust God for a great 2009. He won't let you down.

This Christmas share Christ, help someone less fortunate, focus on the positive and enjoy life.

I wish you so many blessings that you would have to say "stop".

Love and miss you all,
Karen

Validation

If you haven't seen this video, you really need to check it out.

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1892182081

It has TJ Thyne in it, he is one of my favorites. It's a bit long but I think the impact is worth it.

Many blessings,
Karen