Hello, my name is Karen Leaman. I’ve been married to Ken Leaman for 26 years, and we have a 25-year-old son named Zack.
The Lord introduced me to my husband in the weirdest way; a drinking and dancing establishment called “The Pink Panther”. My best friend and I went with a young adult group called Jaycees. I had never been dancing before, outside of my home basement, and my choice of drink would have been water, milk or root beer.
We were walking to the bathroom and passed a guy coming back from the bathroom. He seemed to be very interested in me. I told Lorie, my friend, that a guy was going to ask me out. Her look told me that I was full of myself!
When Ken asked me out that night, I knew that my best friend needed to come along. Not trusting where I met him did not bring many future dates to mind. All three of us went and I felt comfortable, Ken and my best friend did not.
In 3 months, we became engaged before Christmas and married less than a year later, which provided ample time to get to know each other.
After 3 months of blissful marriage, things started to change very rapidly. I became pregnant! We even tried several forms of birth control. Normally this might be exciting, right? Maybe I was thinking about losing my petite body and becoming a small round lady? No! I was concerned about my child’s brain being damaged, because of my epileptic brain.
No, trusting in God seemed to be a common theme, since meeting Ken. Before marriage, our plans were to adopt. Somehow our plans were changed. At the age of 14, my doctor told me that I could not have children. So we decided to adopt. Trust in the Lord had been nonexistent for some time…
Then this verse seemed to stand out…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
During the pregnancy, the obstetrician said they found a spot on our son’s brain which normally meant there would be complications. He said we could make things easier for ourselves and the baby if we terminated the pregnancy. Ken and I immediately told the doctor in unison, “NO, abortion was not an option!” Zack was born and he was perfect for Ken and me. God had provided a way!
Now I know this does not seem like a ‘Resolution’, but just parts of my life…. I promise that this is going somewhere.
We all have the 3 P’s in our lives.
- Past = Everyone has one!
- Present = Life now
- Promise = Future with God
So instead of making a new resolution that we cannot keep. Let’s ask God for help!
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. Psalms 127:1 NLT
We decide.
Is our house serving God, or serving the world? Do you see the many ways God has blessed you?
Ken and I knew God was working in our lives beyond our frail insecurities. Do you?
Make the resolution today to have your house serve God, and Him alone.
