Welcome to The Innerside.  I am excited to share my experiences, education, and life with you.  Just a quick intro to the site.  I am a pastor/teacher/counselor/writer and have seven children (2 biological & 5 adopted).  I am thoroughly convinced that people are driven by one of two forces:  values or fears.  Value driven people pursue their passions, while fear driven people push against the values of others.

As a pastor, my desire has always been to lead my congregation to "stand for" something, rather than to "stand against" a cause or sin.  Yes, I believe there are things that are right and things that are wrong.  I also believe God is the standard for truth.  But we must not be so religiously fervent against causes that we forget what we stand for.  We should not project an image that Christianity is just a bunch of "thou shalt not's."  Rather we should live lives that show, direct and inspire others to stand for what's right.

God makes it clear that LOVE is the standard.  When Jesus was asked which commandment is the greatest, He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength...Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:30-31).  That's it...it's as simple as that.  Just love...and let love drive you...God's perfect love.

So, in short, this site is my attempt to share my values and my love with anyone who wishes to receive it.  The Innerside will have four distinct aspects to it:  The Heart of the Teacher / The Soul of the Pastor / The Mind of the Writer / The Strength of Family.

The Heart of the Teacher - I truly am a teacher at heart.  I spent 8 years of my life teaching English in the middle and high school.  I have continued to teach in the church setting for at least two decades.  I want to share lessons and advice from my heart for those who teach.

The Soul of the Pastor - I have also been in the ministry, in one way or another, for over three decades.  I've served as a Youth Minister, Education Minister, Children & Young Families Minister, Associate Pastor, and Pastor.  This section of the site will share inspirational and devotional insights.

The Mind of the Writer - The word is my tool...it is my passion.  Here is an opportunity to delve deeper into my mind...my thoughts...my fantasies and experience The Innerside.  I will include original short stories and share my journey into the world of publishing.  I will highlight the creation of my newest novel, sharing my struggles and my epiphanies.  Read and enjoy.  Let me know what you think; give me feedback.  Help me in the journey & I will give you my best.

The Strength of Family - This is a chance to share my family with yours.  Not only will you hear about our ups and downs in the blending of birth & adopted children, but you will see us as we are.  My children will share their pictures and talents as well.

Welcome to The Innerside.

Mitchell S Karnes