Proverbs 31 and Karen

11: The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12: She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Karen promised that she would see to it that our life together would never be boring...Like everyone, we had rough spots that needed polishing, but she certainly fulfilled her end of the bargain.

13: She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

Karen's creativity had no boundaries and she always had several craft or sewing projects in various stages of completion.

14: She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15: She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She never had to go much further than the nearest super market, but whether it was sour cream chicken for Jeremy, falafel for Chris, her original Mexican casserole for Kevin, or smothered steak with sauteed mushrooms and onions for me, her household never lacked delicious meals.

16: She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

Karen pretty much picked out and brokered the deals for the last three homes we lived in. We may not have had a vineyard, but the house plants are struggling to survive without her.

17: She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

Karen was not physically strong, but her inner strength was immeasurable. To see how she overcame the difficulties of her childhood, and the grace and dignity of dealing with family situations, especially as her mother came down with Alzheimer's and tried to fight Karen's attempts to help, not to mention her determination in the battle against cancer, there is no question that her inner strength was a primary character trait.

18: She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19: She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Karen was a perfectionist in her work. Many times, as she was making clothing for someone, she would tear out a stitch that was not perfect and re-do it even though it was adequate and would not be visible in the finished product.

20: She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21: She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Actually, Karen was always greatly thankful that we did not live in a snow climate, but she always ensured that the home was a pleasant place for her family.

22: She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23: Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She even found time to make things for herself, and when I was ready to give up my ambitions because of unreached goals and the circumstances of life, she encouraged me not to give up hope. Her encouragement is what still motivates me.

24: She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Whether it was drapes or formals for direct sale, custom ring pillows or photo albums for the monogram shop, or costumes for church pageants or the dance studio, everything Karen touched was more than "fine".

25: Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

The incredible outpouring of love and support during Karen's illness and the unbelievable turn-out for her memorial service are testimony of her strength and honor. We believe the time of her celestial rejoicing has come.

26: She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

For fun, Karen pretended to be "ditzy" at times, but she had a very quick wit and sense of humor which she could interweave with words of wisdom for an individual or a group. Perhaps her best "performance" was her presentation to the church ladies group the week before the metastasis to the brain sent her to the hospital.

27: She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

The household was well cared for and if we took a trip of longer than twenty minutes, Karen always brought something to work on in the car.

28: Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29: Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30: Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31: Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Karen's beauty was all the way through. My heart will always be full of love and admiration for this beautiful woman. I am thankful that Jeremy, Chris, and Kevin are mature enough to appreciate the blessings of a Godly mother and that is reflected by Shanna, Amy, and Stacey who have also had strong character passed on to them by Godly mothers as well.

Karen's works extended far beyond the family. We don't understand why these circumstances must be, but we are forever grateful that Karen was the Lady of our house and that she was truly a lady.

Thank you, God, for the love of a beautiful woman.

Lowell,

Remembering Karen Always

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