Pamela Koefoed's Blog, page 6
January 31, 2017
There is no God?
How can they say there is no God?
When I remember the miracles that I’ve personally witnessed God do, I am protected from doubting His existence.
And when I look at the complexity of our universe, which is perfectly organized with moon and sun held in place, while planets rotate on the same courses they’ve moved on for many thousands of years, then I know that only an extremely wise, intelligent and perfect Designer could accomplish a feat of such magnitude.
And as I reflect on the incredible human eye, which processes some 80% of the information that we receive, my jaw drops in awe! How can anyone say there is no God?
How can a universe with everything in its perfect place have been accidental?
How could the oceans with an ecosystem perfectly suited for countless aquatic life be accidental?
How could you and…
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January 30, 2017
Walter Cronkite, Where are You!
Why the slander? Why the misrepresentation of public officials, businesses, and organizations? Why are great numbers of loud voices crying that the cup’s half empty when there’s a 50 50 chance that it’s actually quite full?
My questions have no simple answers, I’m sure of this! And I’m not done asking them.
Why are news and media channels participating in an ongoing onslaught of misrepresentations, misquotes, and deceptive practices? Why have so many good people jumped on the bandwagon?
When are we going to get back to just the facts in reporting…please, just the facts! Walter Cronkite, where are you? We need you!
It only takes a pinch of deception to make the whole thing a rotten pot of porridge. There’s a lot of spoiled porridge being served. I’m not eating it and I hope that you won’t either.
God bless American and God bless each of you,
Pamela Koefoed
November 14, 2016
Who Told You That You’re Insignificant?
I drove a young lady to her house, about twenty minutes from town, the other day. We were total strangers and for the first four minutes or so, as I tried to break the ice, she answered my casual statements in one and two syllable words. “Yeah,” “Uh-huh,” “Yeah.”
You can tell a lot about people by their eyes. My passenger kept hers riveted to her lap, the floor, somewhere down–her glance was down.
A wire dog crate rattled in the back of my SUV as we pulled onto Highway 140. “My husband and I took our puppy with us out of town yesterday. We got in late,” I said, explaining the cage and still looking for a connection to her heart.
What I really wanted to say was, “Who told you that you’re not significant? What’s going on at home? Have you been abused? Are you a trauma survivor? What’s life like for you?”
But I didn’t. Of course, I wouldn’t burst into the middle of someone’s life, not like that. So, I pried the door open with random comments about my “puppy,” my 70 pound Doberman puppy. Let’s just say that he outgrew his cuteness six months ago when he no longer could run under our Labrador mix, but technically he’s still a puppy.
Her brother lives at home with her and he has a dog, I learned. His dog is a puppy, too. One that messes in the house and destroys things. She hates this particular puppy, by the way. Her eyes barely left her lap, the floor, or whatever it was that she was looking at–her glance remained down.
I’ve seen this before in young women, this avoidance, shame, or social distress. Usually, it’s there because something awful happened to distort their identity. Usually, whatever happened isn’t pretty and it’s not the topic of polite conversation.
In the short twenty minutes that I had with her, I wanted to infuse my passenger’s heart with healing words to undo the pain and erase the lies. What I wish I could’ve said to her is what every girl needs to know: You are a genius. You have value and purpose. You are beautiful. Do you know how creative you are? You are God’s masterpiece. You are His princess.
On a road with more sagebrush and livestock than houses, I pulled into the gravel driveway of a small, plain modular home. Two dogs, their heads poking between curtain panels, watched us through a large window and barked. My passenger got out. She still averted my glance, even as I bid her a good day.
Albert Einstein said, “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” I know that the opposite is just as true. If you tell someone who believes they’re stupid how smart they really are, they will live as though they believe it.
We have the privilege, the responsibility, to infuse the hearts of people with the truth of how amazing they really are. Encouragement is a gift that we can give anytime we choose. It only costs us a minute or three of our time, but the dividends more than make even the smallest of our efforts worth it.
“Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body”–Proverbs 16:24
Pamela Koefoed, 2016
November 10, 2016
What America Needs to Heal
I appreciate the way in which Ms. Clinton addressed our nation after the elections, offering to work with Mr. Trump “on behalf of our country,” and encouraging her supporters to give Donald Trump “a chance to lead.”
“Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans.”
“But I still believe in America, and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead”–Hillary Rodham Clinton, https://hillaryspeeches.com/
And I admire the manner in which President Obama welcomed Mr. Trump into the White House, Thursday after the elections. He extended to him an open hand.
I’m not for or against any candidate at this moment. I’ve put aside all past feelings, negative or positive, concerning our political leaders so that I can see with clear eyes and an open heart.
After a major loss for the Democratic party, our leaders demonstrated a wisdom that we all would do well to adopt at this moment in our history.
Hillary Clinton offered to work with her opponent, Mr, Trump and President Obama offered him an open hand. Think about that! They demonstrated love for country and their desire for our nation to heal so that we can move forward.
To those of you who see the world differently than do I, I offer you an open hand. I invite you to do the same. Please offer me your open hand.
Perhaps others will follow our example. Perhaps a movement will be set into motion of listening to gain understanding, and by understanding, wisdom. Perhaps the rift that runs deep in the United States will have a chance to heal.
I extend to you my open hand,
Pamela Koefoed
An Open Hand
I appreciate the way in which Ms. Clinton addressed our nation after the elections, encouraging us to work with Mr. Trump and I admire the manner in which President Obama welcomed Mr. Trump into the White House today. He extended to him an open hand. This struck me…hard.
Our nation’s leaders demonstrated a wisdom that all Americans would do well to adopt at this moment in our history. To truly heal after such a divisive election season, to strengthen our communities and our nation, and to move forward toward resolving some of our country’s serious issues we must put aside our differences for the greater good.
To those of you who see the world differently than do I, I offer you an open hand.
Pamela Koefoed
November 8, 2016
The Results of the 2016 Presidential Elections…How Will You Respond
What if your candidate isn’t elected? Here’s another equally exciting question…How will you respond if your candidate is elected?
As votes for the 2016 Presidential Elections are tallied and their totals announced, remember in whom you believe. Many Christians will choose Ms. Clinton and many Mr. Trump, some another of the candidates.
Let’s each think how we will respond when the results are in. If the candidate you believed the most capable isn‘t elected…No panic. No fear. No name calling or accusations. No hostility. No judging those who voted for the person who you would absolutely never vote for. No depression.
Regardless of who becomes America’s next president, those who are lost, broken and dying need, as their vital necessity, to encounter the life changing power and love of God. Pray earnestly for God’s kingdom to come and to spread from sea to shining sea. And remember in whom you believe.
Respond with praise to the Lord for the blessings that we each enjoy, for the love of family, for friends, for our homes, for eternal life. Praise Him for the abilities that you have, for the freedoms that are yours, for the opportunities that you have each day to learn, to work, to give, and to bless others. Praise Him for the good that’s happening all around you, whether you live in a congested city, or in a rural area like I do.
Don’t let a single complaint slip from your lips. Instead, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”–Psalm 150:6.
As followers of Christ, we have an opportunity to respond in grace, godliness, and love. How we react to crisis (perceived or real) sends an amplified message to the world around us. If indeed God is our Lord, then we are the people of His bright and shining light that shines brighter as the day of Christ’s return approaches.
I’m finishing this word to you, my brothers and sisters, with a simple but sincere prayer that you will be known by your love and faith in God. I pray this for myself as well. May I be known as someone who tried to love well and someone with child-like faith in God.
Remember in WHOM you believe.
God bless each of you, your families, and God bless America.
Pamela Koefoed
©2016
October 29, 2016
I Have Something to Tell You that I Can’t Remain Silent About
Two days ago, I awoke at about 4 a.m. with my heart in my throat and tears filling my eyes because of something Mr. Trump said, followed by Ms. Clinton’s response during the final debate.
Source: I Have Something to Tell You that I Can’t Remain Silent About
October 27, 2016
I Have Something to Tell You that I Can’t Remain Silent About
May I have three minutes out of your busy life to share with you important information that will impact your heart as it did my own. How often do we read something that gets beneath our skin? This is one of those.
By this point, all Americans are over their heads with hearing political blah blah blah. I’m tired of it. You’re tired of it. So much is hype and drama. It’s gotten to the point where we don’t know heads from tails, what’s truth, what’s not.
But if we turn a deaf ear to the political propaganda mayhem, we will inadvertently ignore an issue which may have major implications upon America as a society, upon our children and future generations.
Two days ago, I awoke at about 4 a.m. with my heart in my throat and tears filling my eyes because of something Mr. Trump said, followed by Ms. Clinton’s response during the final debate.
Ms. Clinton is in total support of aborting FULLY DEVELOPED babies (if the child’s mother desires to do so). Again, this was disclosed during the third presidential debate. This is not a myth, an exaggeration, or a conspiracy to defeat the democratic candidate.
I challenge you to ask the question, How does a medical professional abort a full term baby? The mother (if not already in labor) is medically put into labor. When the baby’s head is in the birth canal this is when the baby’s life is ended. I will spare you the horrifying details.
Think about this….your vote agrees with your nominee’s main positions, the ones that have become public. The Democratic candidate’s position on this is clear. She has indicated her complete support and will likely appoint Supreme Court Justices who agree with her. The Republican candidate’s position is clear and he has promised to appoint Supreme Court Justices who are opposed to such practices.
Please hear my heart. I’m trying to help. Just like you, I’m tired of all the political chatter, slander, lies, commercials. Neither candidate is perfect. Both have major flaws, and serious past mistakes. Who you or I vote for is a personal choice. Your vote has more power than you may realize.
Who we nominate to lead the United States of America has the power to kill and to give life, to build and to destroy.
I can’t turn away from this. I can’t ignore it. It makes me cry big tears. Who knows…maybe by ignoring my fear of offending someone, I’ll save a baby’s life. Maybe you’ll save a baby’s life.
I’m a mother and a grandmother. This note is one way that I can help in this very sensitive and heated election year. The stakes are high, especially for unborn children. If you want, share it. If you’re offended, it’s not meant to divide, but to inform.
This cruelty is unbelievable. I never thought I’d see a day like this in the United States.
Pamela Koefoed
September 4, 2016
When the Mud begins to Fly
It’s one thing to voice one’s opinion, but insults and verbal attacks are an entirely different scenario.
“Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself”-Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:27.
“And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well”- 1 John 4:21.
Pamela Koefoed
July 20, 2016
Dear Melania Trump
Dear Melania Trump:
Some have accused you of plagiarism. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be the wife of the man who could be our nation’s next president. I don’t know if you stole some lines from Mrs. Obama’s speech. Some say you did. Some say you didn’t.
I wish I could ask you about this, but since I can’t, I give you the grace that I need. I choose not to side with accusers, slanderers, or with those who feed on the adrenaline of controversy and conflict.
If you plagiarized, you need what we all need, forgiveness for sin. I will pray for you and Donald, just as I pray for our current president and first lady, the Clintons, and others entrusted with the responsibility of leading the United States of America.
By the way, your speech was filled with a sincere love of country and passion for our nation’s well being. I admire how you demonstrated a heart for Americans, and a sincere belief that your husband, if elected, has solutions for some of our nation’s most complex issues. Your words impacted my heart. Thank you.
However, I have not heard yet how he will influence the American heart. In general, morality–a lifestyle of choosing what’s right before God–has spiraled downward, and what my parents and grandparents would never dream of as possible in this nation has now been set into motion. Many of the serious problems that we’re seeing today are a result of this.
A nation’s success is determined by more ways than it’s financial stability and progress. And to truly lead the nations, we must first be led by a higher law than what can be legislated.
God bless you,
Pamela Koefoed
