Seeing her smile, wearing her birthday crown and sash, made my heart so full. She was radiant in her pink sweater and joy! My mom, Darlene, is a beautiful lady. As a young girl, her dark hair, brown eyes, and skin gave her such unique beauty. It’s no wonder my dad, Larry, fell hard for this homecoming queen. Oh, the stories that she and her siblings can share about life on the farm and being PKs (Pastor’s Kids). Those stories still float in the air by the Finley River—with laughter, faith, and fun! There are so many praiseworthy people in my world!
Do you remember when I introduced you to another Darlene? When time allows, I think you’ll find it encouraging. It took many hours today to condense the book and other things I learned! MY Darlene will always be my FAVORITE though ;-). Click on this link to the page about Darlene Deibler Rose if you want to read an amazing FAITH BLAZER! *Page is listed on the home page menu as well*
Do I have faith like a faith blazer? 🔥
Last week, after a skin cancer diagnosis, I wanted to run to THE Garden. So it’s just skin cancer? Big deal! I already have cancer!? “Get to the Garden, Karla.” Jesus HAD to have that time with His Father. He cried in desperation—and acknowledged the truth. How can we have faith and a relationship with Him if we DON’T communicate? But JESUS.
And Darlene. My Mom. And Darlene. The Missionary who lost her husband and she STILL kept the faith. I want FAITH LIKE THAT. What about you? Who do you praise when things are good? Can you PRAISE in the midst of storms? Storms can drown us–or SHAPE us. Instead of Google, I sought HIS face. I counted blessings. Stayed in my patterns (or tried!). I’m not looking for ways to avoid scars anymore. I embrace them. Can we let go of the performances we’ve learned through life? We picked these up after getting stickers as a child. A promotion for good work or a “you look good.” We are raised to be PUT TOGETHER.
Who sits with you when life gets complicated? If life is easy…hold on…it won’t always be. Others will become “uncomfortable” when your life gets messy. We’re supposed to be able-bodied adults and citizens right? Even though GRACE (NOT works–but FAITH IN CHRIST) will put you on a good path, the path is difficult. There’s an enemy out there (and it shouldn’t be us!). When you find that friend that just says, “Hey, something doesn’t seem right, want to share?” KEEP THEM. And be THAT friend.
A dear friend reminded me of this truth, “We are like the 5 people we hang around!” Who are you hanging around? What are your conversations about? It’s OK to LOVE without lingering–you NEED the light! I’m not who I was 30 years ago, 3 years ago, or yesterday (PRAISE GOD!). Let’s stop putting people in boxes from childhood or …yesterday? Do you know who will sit, walk, hike, or cry with you when life gets messy? I do. HE didn’t DIE so that your life would be a perfect performance. It gives him JOY to heal your hurt, sit with you through suffering, and yes, giggle when you giggle! What a spectacular Savior I serve!
Friends and family, thank you for your continued readership and support. There are so many praiseworthy people in our midst. Many have gone on before us. I dedicate this to the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the last few weeks. To the neighbors fighting daily battles. To the stay-at-home moms wondering if they make a difference. To those who feel their mundane is not making a difference. To the cancer patients receiving treatments as I type this. To someone who just found out a loved one has died. Also, I dedicate this to those who are experiencing joy. Whether it’s a vacation, a new birth in the family, laundry caught up, or a “win” in any area! God, thank you for your blessings; including these special friends.
I count it ALL JOY~💚
Thank you, Jesus. You’re MORE than praiseworthy!
UPDATES & “NEW ON THE WEBSITE”
On Sunday I’ll fly to D.C. and go to the National Cancer Institute for bloodwork & scans (a dear friend is accompanying me). I’m prayerfully positive to return with “stable” news! Once I’m back, I’ll have the pesky skin cancer cut out. Have I mentioned how crucial it is to advocate for yourself? Always seek care if you have a concern or question.
I’ll be very excited to share some new pages on my website. To raise awareness of my cancer, and help support my daily journey, I’m beginning a new ‘venture’. As much as I love being in schools, working with cute dogs and writing is less exposure to germs!
For MANY months I’ve been attempting to create cards.The plan of selling them “morphed” into something larger (that’s God!). The Finley River Shop has items with themes of Finley River and faith. These include coffee cups, stickers, cards, hats, and t-shirts. I want to thank my dear friend, Tim, at Withoutlimit.org, for the many hours of Spirit-led conversations, prayers, and planning for the Finley River Shop. A special thanks to Pam at Everyday Living for her “keen” eye on design. Her input helps with future items. I am also thankful to Martha (MAK) at Anachronism of the Far West for her “do it” encouragement!
Finley River Publishing Collection
Keep in mind that I’m using a 3rd party to fulfill orders. I’m a “small” shop, so I do not have a plan that allows samples. Items have been ordered by several family members and friends. I should receive a hat, mug, & sticker soon–I’ll check quality!
Feel free to take a peek in the menu! I thank you in advance for your support! Be looking for NEW items down the river!
Learning new software, coupled with cancer and keeping up with responsibilities, is challenging. I’m listening, learning, and leaning…all FROM God and ON God. For ON CHRIST the rock is where I MUST stand.
Again, thank YOU for your love, prayers, and support. I hope you know how LOVED YOU ARE. Finley and I are blessed to have you all floating, hiking, and walking alongside us on this journey. God bless you.
Don’t lose faith, my friends. Do you know how loved you are? 💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
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P.S. I was about to order a t-shirt, but don’t see sizes mentioned. I normally wear a men’s large. Are these about that size, Karla?
Oh, shoot, Mitch! Let me check! I’m going to learn so much, dear friend! Thank you thank you!! 🙏
I gather you used a third party to set up the products section and payment options, Karla? I’ve thought about doing that, but haven’t looked into it yet. Hope it goes well for you!
Yes, Mitch, a 3rd party and I design in Canva. Email any time. I’ll share the other options and why I chose this way (and the nearly 30 hours, as I type this, that I’ve invested learning~ and will continue! :). Let me know if you’re able to choose a size. It was a “work around” situation and I hope it’s successful! 🥰
Love the shop Karla, Glad Tim could help out too…you are in our prayers on all the testing…I would have gone to the garden too!
Thank you, Gary. I’ve been thinking of you 3 heavily, dear friend. We’ve got some catching up to do. Give the girls my love and prayers. It’s been too long and seeing your name is heartwarming. Yes, a Garden moment. Each morning my “garden” time grows longer. God bless you all, Gary.
Oh, Karla! Thank you for the shout out! Everything looks great!
Thank you, MAK! Finn, Scout, and I send love to you 3 always ♥️🐾🥰♥️🙌🏻
this is the first post I chose to read this morning, Karla. I chose good.
It is big, bracing and optimistic. When I was hovering, many changes back, between Buddhism and Christianity, one comment from my friend David showed me the way to go. He said: “I can talk to God. But I can’t talk to Buddha!”
John, what a testimony and uplifting response! Your words are so powerful. Thank you, dear friend. I pray you are well. How does the future look across the pond? God bless you!🙏☺️
Pretty good, thanks Karla. Petrol prices up but apart from that ….. health is good, still doing gym three times a week, keeping in touch with Jesus via that royal telephone 🙂
Hi Karla. I have some interesting news. I need to share it with you via email before I announce it generally but I’ve lost your email address —
I’m happy to hear this! my email is finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com
Hi Karla. Just sent a test email. When you receive it,let me know then I’ll tell you the project. John
Inspired as always, dear Karla! For someone fighting so many battles and making them blessings – your life testifies to the fact that all things are possible with God. The darkness will never overcome the light of Christ shining so brilliantly in your life. Thank you for being a beacon of His love. Ember and I gladly receive it and multiply it back to you. I will praying for you during your upcoming travels and tests. Onward!
Onward, precious Erika! You are such an inspiration to me. I give God the glory for it all (as I sit, praising and resting ~ I’m lifting you now!). I’m so happy we have this sisterhood.
Let’s be lights together. The Kingdom of Darkness is real. There’s only two~ I choose light! Just as you. Many blessings and love to you and Ember~ Finn and I 🙏❤️♥️🐾🥰
Oh Karla, where do I start. Cutting out cancer in the middle of a business venture. How many boxes did you tick on this journey kind lady? 🤣🐾🦓❤️🙏
I can only smile at the energy from that love you’ve opened to Karla. So many things but still much more to share. And your timing is a delight, my hat had decided it was beyond washing any more so I ducked into the store and bingo, just what I wanted thank you 😂😎🐬❤️
Now, lots of healing energy for the removal of unwanted attachments. I will pray hard for it to be cleared kind lady. Lots of love, blessings and light to share on this path, may there be those of great love be standing with you to give you strength during and after.
Big, big hugs to you and Finn and love to you both. Hang in there Karla, a gift beyond words for this path. Take care 🤗🥰🤣😎🌟🐾🦓🎶🦢🦋🕊️🌊🐬🦭🐳❤️🙏
I just bought a Flannel with Faith coffee mug! ☕️
I’m sorry to hear about your skin cancer. More prayers headed your way, Karla!!
Your thought about already having cancer reminded me of my sweet mother’s dry sense of humor. She had stage 3 pancreatic cancer and we were headed to chemo. I said, “Remember to buckle up, mom.” Without missing a beat she said, “I don’t wear seat belts anymore. I have cancer.” She then buckled up with a grin. 😀
Well if it isn’t one thing it is another. Sad to hear of your skin cancer diagnosis. Hopefully they will be able to slice it out. Sometimes I think you must be Job’s Sister!! You have been through so much. I pray you will have encouraging results on your trip to DC. You have so many people standing with you. Stay strong, my friend!
Thank you, dear friend. I’m so glad I “listened” when that bump on my arm came up fast! In a way it doesn’t surprise me, Dwight. Years of being outside~ yet, the last years of cancer being diligent of covering? It makes me ponder the 50+ scans too, combined with…all of it? I giggled at the Job’s sister because it does feel like wave after wave sometimes. When I got “quiet” and had to process, the Spirit shifted my perspective in a lot of ways! I feel like God is trusting me with these things because He knows I’ll lean on Him—and that He’s actively working through me right in the middle of it.
Like Job, the story doesn’t end in the ashes; God shows up big, brings restoration, and deepens our knowing of Him. Thank goodness he only needs my heart and not my body right now, lol! I’m hanging on to that hope! You’re such a wonderful friend and support. I appreciate you!
Karla, I’m going to let the warriors know you are traveling. Brace yourself for the onslaught of prayers. You just might be swept off your feet by that river of love!! Congrats on the launch of your new online shop! I’m excited for you!!!
Oh, Val~ love that river of love! I’ll take that! Why don’t you and the warriors go floating with me? I’m sending tons of love and prayers! It’s just life lol. God wants to make sure I experience it ALL! Thank you for the congratulations too! I love creating~ I’d RATHER be in schools~ but truly, I miss being with all of you daily. And dog-sitting is so much fun, you and MAK would love the little dog with me right now~ Scout. I love you and Mochi! Give my love to the warriors too! It gave me an idea for the shop! 💚❤️♥️🙏
Karla, I’m tickled that I gave you some inspiration! I’ll let the prayer warriors know that you are sending prayers for them!! Dog sitting! I hope Scout and Finn are having fun!!Much love from Mochi and me to Finn and you!!
Thank you, Val! Yes, lots of adventures around here with the 7 paws and my 2 feet! We’re staying quite busy. We feel the love and always send it to you! Give Mochi extra belly rubs and sweet kisses!
She’s sacked out next to me snoring softly… I’ll love on her tomorrow (best to let sleeping dogs lay). I hope you are filled with the energy of the Holy Spirit! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
When you got that diagnosis, you should have told them, “Hey, I already have skin in the game.”
Good luck with your endeavor.
Tippy!! I thought of that yesterday lol 😂!! Yep!
I’m a bit peanut butter and jealous right now… you all out in the sunny region and punning around!! I’m the unicorn behind that one in a thousand tall trees! 🦄
I appreciate you my friend.
“Peanut butter and jealous”? Now I’m hungry.
Here’s some bread 🍞!!
CHOMP!
😁
Karla, It’s good to reflect on those people in our lives who have meant so much. I’m praying for safe travel and good results on your tests. Henry and I send our love and prayers to you and Finn! ❤️🙏🐾
Thank you, sweet Cindy. I appreciate you. I look forward to sharing good news. I feel the love and prayers! We send them to you and Henry. You two are precious! ❣️🐾🙏🏻🤗
you are quite busy Karla! and you’ve got the trip to D.C., as well. I know there will be good things to come out of the days ahead, so much so your computer might not be able to keep up with you 😀 be blessed! Mike
Ha ha, Mike! Thank you, my friend! I appreciate your support and encouragment (my computer is WAY faster than me today, lol). Many blessings!
YOU are a praiseworthy person too! Your posts are inspirational, as is your faith. Thinking of you always!
Aw,…how sweet M.B.!! You are such a support and encouragement to me! THANK YOU!! Thinking of you, dear friend, and ALL the new wonderful things you are doing—praiseworthy!!!
So thankful to know you have a friend traveling with you. 🩷 Praying for positive results, joy, and peace. Much love. 🙏
Thank you, precious Kelly. I appreciate you so much, my friend. The prayers are everything! Much love to you (prayers always!). ❣️💚🙏🏻🤗
FROM: Murphy’s Law
So sorry to hear about skin cancer. I’ve had four skin cancers….probably to prepare me for the big cancer. But I’m still here and so are you!
Good luck with your new venture. What a wonderful way to show off your creative talent.
Sending prayers that your trip to DC is a fantastic success. Hugs and belly rubs for sweet Miss Finley. ❤️🦓💙
Look at us winning, GInger! Yes, they all prepare us. After years of unknown things, I can face the known just as I do those. It might take a bit to “process” but I can still pray, praise, and rest on the PROMISE!
Thank you for your support for the new venture! I’m working with someone now on schedule changes for next week (one domino, two dominoes, 3…and so forth). All good, but now, Tues-Thurs.
Finley loves the hugs and belly rubs. WE LOVE YOU and send you tons of hugs. 🐾🤗❣️
Karla, I am praying for the trip and for good reports on the scan. Praying for the skin cancer surgery! You are amazing. Your grace during all of the ups and downs is evidenced by the time in the garden. “Oh the joy you share as you tarry there.”
I am so excited about your new venture and I pray it will be successful. Thank you for the shout-out, but it wasn’t necessary. Anyway I can help you, I am available. I love you my precious friend and you remain in my prayers always. Praying for your sweet family, as well🙏🏻☕️🎶🩷
Precious Pam. Thank you so much, sweet friend. God is so good to give me strength. When I’m feeling overwhelmed I stop. Pause. Pray. Praise. Listen to music (singing In the Garden and thinking of my Mom playing that). Surrender.
The trip has come with schedule changes–lots of calls. New dates. Now, to change hotel and flight. That will all be worked out this afternoon? But again, God has it. I can only control what I can control. Oh the joy we share!
I know the shout-out wasn’t necessary–but your time and thougtfulness (and keen eye for beauty!) mean so much! It will be a fun venture! Thank you for being available as a mentor and support, always.
I love you, dear Pam, and hold you all in my heart and prayers! I know my family appreciates your prayers as well. ❣️💚🎶🤗🙏🏻
I hope all the changes were made without a lot of difficulty. Love you my sweet friend and sending prayers🙏🏻🌷🪻🎶🩷
It took several hours and work on behalf of many others! All worked out as always, sweet Pam. Sending love and prayers for a beautiful weekend 💕🙏♥️❤️🫶🏻🎶
Oh, Karla, another inspiring post and AMEN to keeping the faith even in the hard times! 🙏 Praying for you always!!
Love your shop idea and the name of it. Will be checking it out. 🥰 Hugs, love ya, dear friend!
Thank you sweet friend!! Yes, FAITH! I can’t live without it (and air? 🙂 HE is the air I breathe! I appreciate the prayers, fun, and puns, You’re precious to me!
Thank you, also, for the support of your store! Hugs and love sweet C! GIVE ” YOU KNOW WHO” a hug! ❣️🙏🏻⭐⭐⭐🤗🦓💚💚💚🤗
Hi Dear Karla, my sweet soul sister.. and happy birthday to your mom. What a person and such a spirt of love. You’ve been a busy girl! I’m not worried about the skin cancer, are you? They think my mom has a nodule on her lung but we’re not worried about that either. She’s going to be 90. Something will kill her, like it will with all of us, but it wont be that. And you my friend have the faith of a mustard seed and have been enduring much worse. You are the faith I wake up to and the heart and salt of the earth. I love you my dear one.. have. beautiful day❣️❤️💕
Hello, sweet soul sister! Such words of wisdom and love, dear C!
Your precious mom…and family. Aww. 🥰 My Dad, 84, has overcome 2 cancers, brain aneurysms, congestive heart failure… it’s amazing to me what faith and grit can do. Then, surrendering to Christ’s power and letting go of what only HE can control has put me in this awesome position of …living!
I’m not worried about the skin cancer at all. For me, it’s about NOT getting infections. But again, after “processing” (it came on the heels of tough other things), surrendering, following my patterns…ah, thank you, Jesus for the peace!
Oh, C~ I got the book today! I’m very excited~ seeing familiar names and knowing my Mom will enjoy this too, I believe.
I love and appreciate you dear sister! Have an amazing day! I’m praying for your precious family now ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🤗🤗🤗
Hello Karla, I am thrilled to read about your endeavors. You and your family are always in my prayers. I will be posting the God Fund link tomorrow morning. I believe our fellow bloggers will support your sister’s endeavors. We have a great blogging community full of love, compassionate and support.
Thank you sweet Tangie. You are so precious and thoughtful, my sister.
In everything, God has always provided. These “procedures” add up~ and always, so does His blessings.
The support of family and friends have helped in ways that go so far beyond just the financial. Thank you for sharing this precious campaign set up by my twin. I’m not worried ~ Christ has always been my rock!
I’m so happy about the shop and dogsitting. I miss the classroom~ yet, the creativity and timing involved was Spirit led. I waited for over a year to hear how the shop would evolve~and the answer came loudly and quickly ~ smooth and just as He intended.
When my energy and health are low, I listen and do what I need.
Often I think of how we are ALL living in Stage 4. Never truly knowing what the next hour will be. SO many, just like you, fighting chronic illness.
I’m so happy we know real peace and have a relationship with Christ.
There’s such beauty, even in brutal at times, when you can say, “One day it all won’t matter”…and that one day is NOW because we have His power and strength IN us.
Thank you again, Tangie. I will stay in touch on both of our situations. Sending so much love and prayers.🙏♥️
Decided to publish it now.
Tangie, you’re such a kind and thoughtful sister. Sending love and prayers for you as you do for me. I appreciate your support, my dear friend ♥️🙏♥️
https://tangietwoods.blog/2026/03/22/cancer-journey-twice-the-fight-karla/
Thank you precious sister ♥️🙏
Karla, the way you write through hard things is something else. I mean not around them, but right throught them. A skin cancer diagnosis on top of everything else, and your first instinct is to get to the Garden. That says so much.
Praying for steady, stable news from DC and smooth sailing with everything that follows. Wishing you and Finn all the love on this next stretch. 💚
Along with suffering with you, I am excited and joyful at your new venture. Hurray for you. Will definitely check it all out. Well done. Wishing you peace that passes understanding and all goodness — Jane