Support in that way was unexpected.
“I’ll meet you at the nature center, Karla, and we can have our visit there.” Did she know I was unable to go the day before? As this amazing young soccer-playing, wisdom-giving, soon-to-be social worker and I trekked through the woods, our commonalities became clear. In the refuge, we conversed of cancer, Christ, and communion. We shared about family, faith, and finding hope. She didn’t HAVE to hike with me. “This will make your family feel better,” she stated. With peace, tears, and a tired body, I drove away with a satisfied soul.
Fire of Faith
Some of us met as strangers. Several of us sisters/friends. The fire of faith glowed between us. We talked of tough times. We all shared how vulnerable we feel; our past, present, and futures. Women in our second through sixth decades of life-kinship kindled around our fire of faith. We commit monthly to our safe space in nature– to share and grow our sisterhood.
My faith must be protected. How do you protect your heart, soul, mind, and peace? How do you linger with our Creator?
How can we wait in wonderment?
John Eldridge, in his new book, Experience Jesus. Really., shares, “For one thing, the Internet has discipled your soul to expect immediate answers. You inquire and you are answered–immediately. The saints of ages past would be aghast at that. Waiting was considered formation for the soul. They planted crops in the spring and harvested in the fall; there was no rushing things. If you wanted something from the market, you walked there and then you walk back, moving a pace of about three miles an hour. But now, when you turn to Jesus and you are not answered in the way the Internet answers, you feel he isn’t listening or that you can’t hear from him. You sadly believe the two of you are distant from one another, because your soul has been programmed for immediate responses. The notion of lingering before God doesn’t fit with the pace we’ve come to expect” (Eldridge, 2025, p. 2).
“Information feels like our salvation, but information is seductive and capricious, friends; it offers refuge, then takes it away the very next morning” (Eldridge, 2025, p. 4).
“The eradication of mystery would also be shocking to our spiritual forebears. Do you understand that to make Jesus and his Kingdom practical is to strip it of all wonder, mystery, and power? It’s like asking for the mechanics of falling in love, enjoying sunlight on the ocean, comforting a frightened child. It’s like refusing to trust laughter until someone explains the neuroscience. Honestly asking, “How do I love God?” is like asking, “How do I love my son, my daughter?” The heart knows how to love without being told the latest research, for heaven’s sake” (Eldridge, 2025, p. 6).
John Eldrige (2025) shares, “Weary Disciple of the Internet, your soul has also been conditioned to take in massive amount of content every day–far beyond the soul’s ability to absorb. You think it’s normal, but it is not” (p.11).
As the author explains, in quoting G.K. Chesterton, “the world of wonder and mystery children accept as real, and which Christians understand to be the beautiful unseen realm, the rest of the Kingdom of God. One foot on earth and one in the realm the scriptures call the “heavens”. As Apostle John shared with his disciples, the experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ” (Eldridge, 2025 pp 8-9).
Ah, daily encounters with Jesus
The ratings and research can’t change my real. My 5-Star Support is experienced through …transformation of the heart.
Pics of Creation by K.L. Hale. Pic of aurora borealis by my son, Jarrod, Fairbanks, AK.
Keep the faith, my friends 💚
Reference
Eldridge, J. (2025). Experience Jesus. Really. Nashville: Nelson Books.
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What a beautiful commitment-fire of faith. Thank you for continuing to share your journey. 🙏🔥🕊️
Thank you, Kelley. It’s such a blessing to be here. Thank you for being a part of this journey and supporting me.♥️🙏🏻💕
Sounds like a good book. There’s science, and then there’s good ol’ common sense. They both have their place. We don’t have to prove everything, and not everything can be proven. Sometimes just sensing what is true is good enough.
I hope you’re doing well, and feeling like five stars.
Thank you, Tippy! I think you’d like a lot of his books, podcasts, and videos (Wild at Heart).
I appreciate what you shared. It hit home!!
I’m doing my best! I’ll give my gratitude 5 stars! I’m blessed! I hope you’re well, my friend. I appreciate you!
It is a really good book. You should read it since you are a first-class reader. 😉
And you are so right, we don’t have to prove everything!
Wow! Beautiful Karla, this is beautifully written from your heart. Sharing your journey and faith is therapy many including me, please keep writing and encouraging us through your powerful testimony.
Aww, thank you, precious Tangie. It thrills my heart! I pray that our journey will continue giving us continued peace to share through our testimonies. May you stay safe and blessed, dear friend. ♥️🙏🏻🤍
beautiful photos! thank you for sharing them, especially the tranquil spring scenery Mike
Thank you for stopping by and sharing such a thoughtful message, Mike!
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💚🐾🤗
Your photographs bring a he promise of renewed, refreshed and restored life. Nothing says spring awakening like daffodils. Your positivity is like a breath of fresh air too. May God keep you in the palm of his hand and if it is his will, bring you a total remission’s. Love you, dear child❤️
I love you, Mama K! I’m so glad you feel the positivity and fresh air of spring.
I’m so thankful and grateful. I take one day at a time. I pray and think of you. 💕♥️🙏🏻
Oh, how glad I am to have seen this today sweet Karla. To remind me of that which is truly important. Our slow transformative relationships with self, God, and others. It takes time. Such wise advice. I loved your images. I love you, always in my prayers, always in my heart. Hugs, C
Oh, C. It’s so good to see you, big sis. Life is so busy~ topsy turvy ~ yet, my pace, even with hurdles, is good. I’m keeping what’s most important in front sight and leaving the rest in the rear view mirror.
Thank you SO much for your prayers, support, and love, dear C. I hope you feel all the love I’m sending! ♥️🙏🏻♥️
lm so glad our true Faith is based on the object of our faith and not our circumstance…in that sense you and your life beaming faith is like the dancing colored lights in the dark…lighting your way a step at a time…I need to pick up John’s book..looks good.
.great pictures as always.
Thank you, Gary.
You and the girls get it.
How beautiful ~ “beaming faulty like the dancing colored lights …lighting your way one step at a time.” Amen, Gary. I love that!
When I say, “I don’t know how people “do” life without faith” I often wonder what keeps someone “grounded” in such tumultuous times. When I start to doubt, or situations shift suddenly, I have to pause, pray, and keep my posture of gratitude. The inconsistency can create cracks. But in my case, my faith is concreted solid now. Life’s tried, as recently as yesterday, to “prove” circumstances can try and conquer my confidence. But Christ already won. Victory is here! Gary, if I feel strong, I’ll go outside and start picking up sticks and praising and thanking God. I’ll do whatever I have to in distracting the enemy to then squash it!
I’ve missed being here. Circumstances have changed and I struggle with technology and typing at times. It’s a true joy to be here. I pray for you, Tania, and Cheryl daily. Give them my love and hugs. I appreciate you all.🙏🏻
Your photos are spectacular, Karla. I am so glad you have such a great support group to encourage you and lift you up. Keep up the great work!
Dwight, your words are always encouraging and uplifting! Thank you for your support and encouragement!!
You are most welcome, my friend!
Spectacular photos and wonderful words, Karla. Love the Eldridge quotes (so much wisdom there), as well as my man G.K. To have faith–real faith–it seems we first need to understand what faith actually is. This post spoke to me so loudly. Thank you, dear friend!
Aw, Mitch. Your words and support mean so much. I’m happy this post spoke to you. My communion with Christ has grown more intimate. That faith~ does it take a life or death situation to experience or can it happen with just believing in the rising of the sun? I think I really started to understand faith in my 30’s. When doubt starts to creep in, I have to squash it.
I appreciate you, dear friend.🤍🙏🏻
gorgeous photos and uplifting thoughts, Karla; yes, we must be stewards of our souls, alert to its needs, protective against harmful thoughts; every day is a journey, open to its delights, alert to its dangers —
Thank you, John! I appreciate your wisdom and support, dear friend. Everyday is a journey! Amen 🙏🏻 I’m staying alert. I pray you are well. 🤍
on the improve, thanks Karla 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that, John 🥰
Karla: I would love to hear your ‘take’ on ‘Doggie in the Window’ —
I’ll head there now! Sounds amazing!
So beautiful!
Thank you, JK!! ❤️
I was just about to get my pen out Karla, the silence was a heartfelt one 🤗
A powerful post kind lady, touching me truly. I’ve had a little wobble and had to have a chat to God and Jesus and Spirit. It was an all in, as my life had very little Biblical attention until Spirit came a knocking 🤣 Spirit had always been there but I never knew it’s truth until I began to see me. And God and Jesus were in there too 😂
Anyway my point is…to let go and have faith, to trust, to realize that in it all is something like your son Jarrod’s photo’s of the aurora borealis, a delight to see, especially for the first time. It is a wonderment to ‘connect’, especially when answered, and especially after a request from that love found within me ❤️🙏
A delightful post kind teacher, to hear that love found within you gives a hope and courage, especially knowing where your heart has been. Thank you 🤗🥰
Big, big hugs to you and Finn. Glad to hear your voice, see it in your photo’s, and felt in the beauty you have touched. I pray all is well for you and family 🤗🥰🤣🐾🦓🎶🕊️🐬 ❤️🙏
Dear Mark, my friend. The silence was stirring my heart ♥️. New medicine, appts, new treatment~ things were “feeling” like…the beginning again. God had to grab me by the shoulders and remind me HE’S got me through this marathon.
And there you are, having shared and experienced the same thing. And sometimes it happens repeatedly! And each time I gain new wisdom and insight!
That letting go and allowing faith to “drive”.
I’m so happy we’re here together and that you’re hanging in faith too, my friend!
Little Finn doesn’t seem to wonder about the seasons~ she takes each hour looking for Mom and another belly rub, walk, or treat! Ah, faith like a…dog! Child!
Thank you for your love and support dear friend! I pray for you as you for me! Sending love and hugs across the big blue!! 🦓🤍♥️🙏🏻🤗🐾🐾🎊🎊🙌🏻
This…”And there you are, having shared and experienced the same thing. And sometimes it happens repeatedly! And each time I gain new wisdom and insight!”…sums it up to a ‘T’ Karla. We do get a few goes at it, so we can truly see its beauty, wisdom and love through it all. But just as long as we sometimes get a hot day, an ice cream, and a puppy dog beside us so that it can bring an inner smile too 🤗🤣
I’m human, full of Spirit, and wandering the countryside anyway my friend. It does have a great purpose. And because of that my heart goes to you humungusly for this last trip of healing. It gets a bit much some days, so for that, big, big hugs, a healing wave of loving energy across the blue…dolphin courier of course 🤣
Hang in there Karla, there is a beauty awaiting because of it, something to see not with your eyes but a heart all polished and new because of it all 🤗🥰❤️🙏
Aww, Mark. Thank you, dear friend. I’m going to use the word, humongously (sp? lol) and super-Dee-duper amounts of hugs!! I see the dolphin and I’ll send him back with a sea turtle friend! ♥️🤍🙏🏻🥰🤗🤗🦓 🐬 🌊 🐢
Yayy! (And I had three goes at spelling it 🤣). Thank you Karla, you and Finn have a great day. I’ll go for a swim with the turtle 🤗🥰😂🐾🦓🎶🕊️🐬 🐢❤️🙏
Woot woot! Lol 😂
Haha 🤗🤣❤️🙏
😂🥰🥰♥️
Karla this is a beautiful post – I’m looking up this title to see if the library has a copy! A walk in nature can certainly revive the soul – and sharing it with a kindred spirit amplifies the benefit!! We had severe weather here today and poor Mochi was trembling like a leaf – so she sat on my lap while we waited out the storm in the basement…. Much love to you and Finn!! 🌪⛈🐾😨😨🐾🌪⛈
Oh, Val! Poor Mochi. How scary! 😱 give her belly rubs for me. It’s another wild weather week!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed this post. This is John’s newest book~ just released recently! I’ve read all of he and his wife’s, Stasi, books. Resilience and Utter Relief of Holiness being my favorites. This one might be too lol!
Sending lots of love to you and Mochi! I appreciate you!♥️🤍🙏🏻❤️🥰🤗🐾🐾
Such beautiful words from beautiful Karla! Love you! You take such great pictures. Nature is just waiting for you! 🤗🎶🦋🌺🌹😁🥰
Aww, Mama Wenda. You are so precious! Thank you so much for your support and prayers. I love you!💕 🙏🏻🥰🤍
I love you, too. Hope you are doing well! 🙏🎶🌹🥰🤗😁🦋✝️🧡
♥️🥰🤍🤗🤗🎶🎶🎶🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’m so glad that you have found so much support and connection. Hugs.
Thank you, sweet Sadje. Hugs to you, my friend. ♥️🙏🏻
You’re very welcome
Your photos make my morning, Karla!
Aw, thank you, Mark!!
What beautiful photos and thought- provoking quotes. Thank you for sharing, my precious friend!
Thank you, precious Mama M! I appreciate you so much. God bless you and your family♥️🤍🙏🏻
Beautiful post, Karla. And written with such passion and conviction. Thank you so much for re-introducing me to John Eldridge, that amazing spirit guide. His words really hit with a lot of conviction and truth. This is the time to put aside my need fir “content” and my desire for quick answers and simply abide in the arms of Christ.
I hope you continue to be well as you navigate this difficult health journey. Abundant blessings to you and yours.
Thank you, Russell! I appreciate you, dear friend.
There are certain authors that really “speak” a language I understand. When I first read John, and Stasi, many years ago, I became a fan.
Now, I’m enjoying their podcast and YouTube content. John is a fan of past spiritual authors, too. His love for Christ, others, nature~combined with his understanding of people~ connects with me. I get it! It’s Bible led, Christ-centered, and common sense. A perfect combination!
I’m guilty of seeking contentment and comfort~ yet, as you and Joan have experienced, cancer can “cripple” the comfort~ and through it, Christ is even more real and living in me. Though the waters are swift at times, and dangerous, I seem to keep afloat, Russell! I give God all the glory. Abundant blessings to you both!
Lovely post as always <3 Sounds (and looks) like a lovely walk to refill the old well. Sending hugs and prayers. Those pics your son took are pretty incredible as well!
Thank you, MB♥️ you’re so kind! There’s nothing like a walk in the woods to me. I’ll share your sweet sentiment to my son! 🤍 take care, my friend 🤍
Karla, this testament and your photos remind any believer to place faith in God’s daily plan for us. In today’s information age, we have to filter out the noise. In the Bible, God’s voice comes through with clarity and truthfulness.
Amen, Richard. Thank you!
“Filter out the noise.” My word for the year was intentional. It’s a very “loaded” word~ could go in both directions. The purpose for my intention is to live for today, hourly and daily surrendering, with intention~ to NOT go with the “flow” of today’s media, messages, and mayhem. But to intentionally protect my heart and mind~choosing to block out or cut off~to better allow the Spirit to maintain peace and health. We have so much power because of the power living in us!
I appreciate your wisdom and encouragement!
Karla, I appreciate your witness in being intentional about our daily steps. In doing so, we walk in the faithful light of the Lord. Thank you for sharing. God’s peace.
It’s my blessing, Richard. I appreciate yours too!
Awesome photos, Karla! God bless you today and always! 🙏
Thank you, Cindy! God bless you (and Henry) always! ♥️🎶🤗🐾🙏🏻🙏🏻
Love your photos. Glad you could get out an enjoy nature. Sometimes I think you could live off the land in a cabin somewhere 🙂
Praying for you little sister. Jesus loves you.
Brother, a cabin, in the woods, that is my dream. I asked the volunteers if they minded if I had a treehouse built there to live in tee hee.
Jesus loves you too, Matt. I’m enjoying your YouTube interviews! You’re a light in our world. Many prayers and blessings! 🙏🏻🤗
I am glad you like the interviews. Maybe one day I can coax you to do one 🙂 Maybe with your sister.
Yes! That would be awesome. Kristy would love that, too. 🥰
Please email me chatwithjesusluvsall@gmail.com
I’ll do that tomorrow, brother!!
🙂
🙂
Wonderful thoughts, Karla. We can all use five-star support on occasion. A dear friend of my mom just reached out to me. She used to (I bet she still does) bring communion to the residents of an assisted living center in our area. That included my mom. I can’t wait to tell her how much her kindness affected me because I’ve been reading to residents there the past three years. I’ve made plans to walk to walk with her after my wife and I return from a trip to see our grandson.
Thank you so much for your kindness and heartfelt message. Pete, how beautiful. What wonderful way to make others feel special and supported! How fun to take the trip to see your grandson! Special memories ahead!
beautiful my friend. I’m trying to protect my faith by spending more time reading the bible and just sitting quietly in our little old church. Something about being in a church by yourself and yet never feeling alone ❤️
Thank you, precious friend!
What a beautiful way to protect your faith. ♥️ I can picture the little old church. You know I’d love that. How perfect! I appreciate you so much.♥️🙏🏻
I seem to have missed this one. Beautiful photos and inspiring quotes. I am finding my “lingering” times to be more and more important. I need to work on distractions, though, to be sure that I’m lingering with God and not email and Facebook. These days, more and more, I am finding inspiration in Scriptures that I have read hundreds of times before. The Word of God is truly alive and active! 💜 Praying for you daily, my sister!
No worries, my friend. Thank you so much!
I understand what you mean. I’ve been doing a whole Bible Study and other activities drenched in things I’ve known; but truly KNOWING Jesus in different way now, gives it all new meaning and application to my daily (hourly!!) walk! God bless you, brother. I appreciate your prayers. Give your family my prayers and regards, too. 🙏🏻🥰
I totally identify with knowing Jesus in new and deeper ways! 💜💜💜 I will pass along your regards and prayers, sister!
🙏🏻🥰
Beautiful words, beautiful photos, and so inspiring!
Thank you, Jennie! ❤️💕🥰
You’re welcome, Karla! 💕 🥰
Gloria is headed to another school today! Next week we will go to Kansas City! I hope you have a blessed and amazing week!❤️💕🙏🏻🥰🤗
That is wonderful!!! Hugs to you, Karla, and many thanks. 😍
It’s my blessing! Many hugs to you, sweet Jennie!❤️🥰❤️
😍 ❤️ 🥰
Such an important lesson on waiting! And I’m a sucker for a five-star recommendation. I’m adding this one to my Goodreads list…thinking it’s what I need to hear—not knowing what’s next—as well as taking the ideas into my classroom. Many students feel overwhelmed and frustrated when they have to put in the work. This seems like a mounting problem. Thanks for the share! Praying for you daily, KL! I love you. ❤️
When I read these posts it feels a breath of fresh air! We love you Karla.
Aww. Thank you so much. I love you all, too. I appreciate you so much!
Dear Karla, your words are so wonderful… The way you reflect on faith, connection, and finding peace in nature is truly inspiring. It’s in those quiet moments with each other and with God that we grow and heal.
Thank you for sharing your heart and reminding us to slow down and linger in His presence.
God’s blessings to you, today and always. 🙏