A December to Remember

On By K.L. HaleIn Holiday, newsletter

Have faith 💚

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116 thoughts on “A December to Remember”

  2. Stay with it… There are many who hold you up to Him and the Light that shines through your weakness is eternal, strong and a beacon of hope for others.

    Blessings to you and your family
    BT

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    1. Regina, it’s so good to see you. I hope you’ve been well, my friend. I will keep the faith because of the miracles I’ve seen now. I’m a sappy mess! I tear up just thinking about it. Many blessings to you and yours too. Thank you so much. Xoxo

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    1. Kelley, it feels so good to be back. Wishing you and your precious family the same. As always, you are all in my prayers and thoughts. Much love! Enjoy your precious girl’s first Christmas 🎄. I hope it soothes.

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  6. Ginger Salvatore's avatar Ginger Salvatore

    This is a most welcome surprise Karla! I swear, you are a walking miracle! Well, maybe not too much walking yet, but little by little. And wouldja look at sweet Miss Finley sporting her beautiful sweater! How cute is that!

    Seems like you’ve been to hell and back. What’s important is that you’re back with those you love. I’m elated to have you back. I bet Finley snuggles up to you more than ever.

    Clearly this surgery has taken a lot out of you, and I’m not talking about body parts! Your energy. Your ooomph! Your moxie! Your chutz-pah! It will take time to regain your strength and stamina, but regain it you will. No doubt about it. You’ve got grit girl.

    Dear Karla, you have been sorely missed. I sent so many prayers up for you I think I might have given God a headache! 🤗 Hearing from you today, knowing you’re on the mend, is the most wonderful Christmas gift of all. This is truly the season of miracles.

    Congratulations and Bravo to your medical team.

    There’s so much ahead that must be done to ensure that your health will continue to improve. But that’s part of your reward for never giving up…..you’re still here to fight the good fight!

    May this be the happiest Christmas ever for you and sweet Miss Finley, enjoying each other and your loved ones.

    Keep healing. Keep praying. Keep truckin’. I believe you won the Lottery with this surgery Karla!

    Love and hugs to you and sweet Miss Finley. Rest. Recuperate. Repeat.

    Ginger ❤️

    Sent from my iPad

    >

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    1. Ginger, I couldn’t wait to read your words! Golly, they hit the heart and soul and always my funny bone, too!
      We’ve missed you! Oh, what a journey. There were days I doubted…when you said I’d been to “hell and back” I giggled thinking of my testimony and how my Grandpa literally scared the “hell” right out of me. Now, because of life’s journeys, I TRULY KNOW GOD~intimately, correctly, and so beautifully! When I was at my worst, I felt him give me strength. But he told me I had to do the work, Ginger. Have you ever watched The Chosen? Last night I rewatched season 3 and bawled when Jesus told James that basically he could heal him, but few are given the blessing of living with disease to be testaments to his power! I can boast in my weakness!
      I’ll keep healing and praying, truckin’, and moving slowly along. I’ll look back in many months (let’s keep praying liver stays clean long time and no more bone mets), and think even more about the strength I’ve gained!
      I’ll keep fighting the good fight, Ginger. I know you do too! Look at you!
      You are such a support to Finn and I. She says thank you about the sweater (4th year wearing it so she’s holding her size 😂)! She and I send love and hugs your way! Rest, recuperate, repeat…I love that! Oh, and yes, the surgical team was outstanding. What a blessing! Merry Christmas 🎄 💚🐾🤗

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    1. Jane, I’ve thought of you several times. It’s good to see you! I pray you are both well. I’ll keep on healing. The pain is lessening. It’s different. I can tolerate it. I’ve weaned off all pain meds and am happy {other than Tylenol}. I do hope you all have a wonderful season of health and happiness. Your support means so much. Peace and love, dear Jane.💚

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      1. Thank you. I have appreciate you so much in fact, I thanked you in my published poems. 🙂 IMG_2378.jpeg Be of good cheer. Fear not. The Lord is with you.

      2. How kind, Jane! That is so sweet! I’ll go to this on my PC later~I’m going to attend a support group on ZOOM soon (my group that led me to my surgeon 🥰). Amen! HE is!💚

    1. Yes, MAK,…I know. You have NO IDEA (or do you?) what your support, love, friendship, cards, etc…have done for me these last nearly 4 years. And Finn is nodding her head as I read this out loud. We love you so much. All 3 of you. Your life has, and continues , to inspire me to keep climbing. 🩵🐾♥️🫶🏻🐾

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  10. I wish you the absolutely best holidays ever and a continued, long life to share with those you love, especially since it often seems you really do love everyone! This year, love yourself the most! The rest of us already do.

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    1. Marilyn, thank you for your kind words and continued support! It means so much to me. There are so many in which to keep spreading love. Doggone it! This world needs it. I’m so happy to be here. Will you please tell Garry how much I appreciate the support as well? Merry Christmas to you both, your son, all of you. Love, Karla 💚

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  11. Merry Christmas Karla! So glad to see you back and sharing your journey with us on the blog. I am glad you made it through all those surgeries and are on your way back again. You are an amazing woman and with God’s strength you will make it. Praying all goes well as you continue to get stronger.

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    1. Merry Christmas, Dwight! I’m so happy to be here. It took me many days to get back into the “swing” of writing~and to just remember how to publish and use WordPress again. Your words are too kind and humbling. God’s strength, love, grace,…healing,…I’m experiencing it all. It leaves me speechless. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Both of you! Have a blessed Christmas 🎄

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  12. A big, beautiful heartfelt write Karla…and I hear you. It is a profound journey, to go to a depth previously unknown and touch you and Him and see so much more within you. Yes, it is frightening, but also opening to you something so much more beautiful in its understanding. And your newsletter speaks it truly.
    Much love and light in this journey is awakening my friend, your heart touching so many things…and still much to do. But from such a different place inside.
    Sending you lots of love, many hugs and lots of down under energy. You have taken so many beautiful loving steps Karla, He has you in His hands, His love and His heart my friend. Breathe and let it through with an open heart, and in that acceptance be free 😀❤️🙏🎄🎅🕊
    P.S. I sent an email on the 19th but my email system has been going crazy, I’m probably in spam 🤣 Let me know so I can send it again if its in the ether’s somewhere 😀 Regardless, very big hugs to you and Finn and a Merry Christmas. This will be a magical time with the healing of His love 😀❤️🙏

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    1. Mark, your words always ooze love, understanding, clarity, wisdom,…and humor! Yes, HE has me in his hands~and you! I don’t wish these experiences on everyone; but through them, I’ve found truth, strength, deeper love, wisdom, and a soul awakening that wouldn’t have occurred otherwise.
      You know exactly what I mean!
      Was your email a response to mine from the auto form? I sent one the day before that tee hee! I’ll check. Finn and I appreciate you and send love and hugs across the great pond! Wave at the dolphins for us! 💚♥️🩵❤️🎄🐾🙏🏻🙏🏻🤟🏻

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      1. The last email I got from you started with the words ‘Dear Mark, It’s been 2 months…’, and I replied to that with words beginning with ‘Karla, my heart is truly…’ sent on the 19th (probably dated the 18th at your end). Sorry about this Karla, my email world is truly wobbling. Emails lost in the void, arriving late, and just plain losing the plot. I may have to go back to my carrier pigeons, they were way more reliable 🤣❤️🙏🎄🎅🕊

      2. Mark, I just read your email. I’m blown away by your words. That’s such a simplistic thing to say! I will respond. Your life experiences, near death, and knowledge of where true love exists and grows, comes only from the fact that YOU faced yourself so powerfully; that’s what I’m going and have done. I’m still soaking in your words. My email is wobbly because of all the error messages I receive in responding! Sometimes they go through or I go to drafts and resend. It’s been increasingly annoying seeing the big exclamation ❗️ appear! lol 😂. Maybe your idea of the carrier pigeons would work better! Finn and I send our love and prayers always our Down Under friend! 💚❤️🙏🏻🎄🙏🏻

      3. Oh, and thank you for your kind words Karla, they are very appreciated. And I am currently waving to a baby dolphin feeding in the shallows for you and Finn 🤣❤️🙏🎄🎅🕊

      5. It is a simplistic thing Karla…but the power of that love within it is beyond words. The only way I can truly explain it is…He is asking us to trust, to open to His love…truly open in doing that in those moments. We face something so profoundly…and finally ‘let go’…into the acceptance of His love. This world keeps us ‘on guard’…so to let go is a powerful moment, a lifetime of holding to protect our hearts. But in that moment we face ‘us’ and finally trust…is that step beyond here, our conditional love here…and go into His unconditional love. Thank you for sharing your journey my friend. I see and feel that moment in your words. Much love and prayers to you both also Karla, that moment brings much change, a beautiful change ❤️🙏🎄🎅🕊

      6. Such beautiful words of truth. Amen 🙏🏻 thank YOU for following my journey and sharing your own. I won’t let the world keep me “on guard”… letting go is true freedom for sure. Much love dear friend from the Finnster and me! 💚🎄🐾♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

    1. John, how are you doing? It’s so good to see you, too. I’ll look forward to getting back to your place too. I’m so happy you enjoyed this. I keep you in my heart and prayers. Merry Christmas to you and the beetle! Many hugs and blessings! 💚

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  14. This was the best Christmas gift ever, a note for Karla, I was leaping around the house with joy! So thrilled you are past the surgery, hopefully moving past the pain, and into recovery. What a joy it was to read your words of hope and wellbeing, to know you are continuing to light the world with your unique love, and enjoy the warmth of the many prayers going up to God on your behalf! I’m thrilled to read your words and know you are out there cradled by your family and friends. Much love to you and yours, I continue to hold you in prayer, hugs, C

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    1. C! Merry Christmas 🎄 I’m here! I can see you leaping (be careful or you’ll be roped into another new sport 😘). I can’t say enough how happy I am to be here. Truly, miracles all around me. I tear up so easily~thinking of the prayers, the love, support, and friendship. I’ve been blessed to have people stay as needed; check on me. I don’t have the fear I had before~well, just a little so I have to surrender it daily. Are you headed out for Christmas overseas? Staying home? I can’t wait to read of your adventures again. I feel your love like a heating blanket. And the prayers. Much love, C. Thank you for being here. ❤️

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  15. Oh Karla, how this post did my heart good!! I have thought of so often – almost daily – over the past two months wondering about you, praying for you, embracing God’s landscape with you in mind. So many times I wanted to send you a card or email but didn’t have your contact info (and comments were turned off… )
    You are such an inspiration and I am tearfully praising God for your presence with us today. Do you have any idea how deeply you touch hearts? Do you have any idea how much your confident faith strengthens my own?
    Oh what a special gift you are – the very best kind at Christmas – a reminder that our Savior indeed is with us always – through all things and in all things. May you be wrapped in love and serious comfort this blessed Christmas – and onwards. 2024 is going to be a year of living greatly – as they all should be and are – if we open ourselves to the possibility.
    I am sending you so much love form your beloved mountains of Montana. Merry Christmas, dear Karla!! EMMANUEL!! God is with Us!!

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  16. I’m glad you can receive our “Merry Christmas ” greetings Karla, It’s strange how the same words can be a surface greeting or a deep communion of life touching eternity

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  17. Advance Merry Christmas 🎄 🥰🎊 May this Christmas Season brings Lots of Love 💗, ☮️ and
    Happiness to you my dear friend 🌹🙏💗 Sweet Greetings and praying for your fast recovery 👏🖖

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    1. Thattamma, it’s so good to see you and read your precious comments! Your friendship and prayers have helped me so much. Much happiness and lots of love to you. Merry Christmas! God bless you. ❤️💚🙏🏻

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  18. Erika, this response made me sappy again! Just wow! I know that so many, just as you, touch my heart, so it warms mine to think I can touch others! And to help your faith. I’m so happy to hear that. It’s so true that “iron sharpens iron”. I know the challenges you’ve had to climb to your summits.
    I hope to be standing on one again. Wait. I AM! I just climbed one ( I think fellow friend/blogger Martha Kennedy reminded me of this once;I need to remember that!). But truly, the mountains you climb take my breath away. To me, being in nature, near majestic mountains, rivers, and trails, is the closest thing to heaven! I remember visiting CO very young with family. It was then I fell in love with the mountains. My oldest son met his bride in Idaho ~what an amazing and beautiful place. My youngest son and wife were stationed in Great Falls a few years. I feel in love with that area like I did Idaho, CO, and any state with mountains.
    God will always be with us, Erika.I’ll dream of future mountain trips and continue thanking God got his blessings and miracles. “~if we open ourselves to the possibility.” What a Peters reminder to embrace all the opportunities and miracles we could miss.
    You are a gift, too, dear Erika. Keep shining your bright love for our Lord! Go tell it on a Mountain! 🎶🎄💚 May this Christmas be blessed and filled with our Savior’s love and blessings! Much love my friend. ❤️

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  19. I knew I would love reading your long-awaited update, and it did not disappoint. Thank you for your honesty, your hope, and your (virtual) hugs. You make people smile, Karla, but more importantly, I can feel God’s smile through your words. I know He must be pleased as pie with your attitude, you faith, and your willing heart to live the testimony He’s given you. Merry Christmas!

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    1. Mama, you’re a gift. I smile looking at the light shining through my prism and it reminds me of you, and that God’s light CAN shine if we allow it. Thank you, thank you, for your kind words, support, prayers, and friendship! There was a time in my life I had pie in my face! I know God was NOT pleased! When I learned to love myself, HIS love came in like a tidal wave! And after many storms, HE calmed them because I decided I’d rather follow him than anything in this world. I’ll spend my life giving him glory for all he has done. I know that’s why I’m still here! I see him smile through you too. And I’m smiling now typing this. You’re a blessing! Thank you for everything. Merry Christmas to you and your precious family. 💚🎄🙏🏻

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  20. Karla I’m just thrilled that your surgery was successful and recovery is progressing so well! I am praying for you (along with all the all the ladies). Christmas to me is a wonderful reminder that God is with us. It is the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise of salvation that Easter completes… Finley looks quite dapper in her Christmas sweater. Mochi is enjoying her flannel pajamas!

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    1. Val, thank you so much to you and your amazing prayer warrior team! I cherish them and kept that pic! You’ll giggle at this. I love westerns. Tombstone is one of my favorites. When he says, “You called down thunder…” I think of how all my praying friends called down the thunder of Christ! I call it down for all of you and think of everyone, in a huge group, or still, “where 2 or 3 are gathered “…it’s powerful and it gives me chills and tears! For me?? You’d do that for me?😭😭😭 my heart is overfilled even if my liver hurts!
      Thank you for sharing what Christmas time is for you. I love that! This morning I was reading in Matthew. When Judas betrayed, then they chose Jesus to crucify…I cried. From a filthy manger, an upside down philosophy and truth on loving our enemies, he was not a heralded flashy fancy king,…but a man who chose to walk like us…it’s the most beautiful love story in the world. Merry Christmas dear friend. I see Mochi in the cute pjs. Aww. Finn really needs a new sweater(she told me 😉) She says thank you, Val! We love you! 💚🎄🙏🏻

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  23. Karla, seeing this powerful post, post-surgery makes me want to do a happy dance. With this piece, you’ve provided a precious gift. May the heavens pulsate with peals of praise to God Almighty. And in return amplify your peace, love, and hope. God bless you!

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    1. Manette, thank you sweet friend of faith! How humbling 😭. “Heavens pulsate with peals of praise!” Love that! I’ll keep hope, faith, and love at the forefront. I pray you and yours are all well. I appreciate the prayers you’ve lifted for me! Many blessings. Merry Christmas!

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  24. Karla, how wonderful to see your post, my dear friend! It made my day to read your heart-felt words. I will email you tomorrow and give you some info. You remain in our prayers constantly. Sending love and hugs ♥️✨🙏🏻

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    1. Pam, I’m so happy to see you! Thank you so much~you got my email I’m assuming? I can’t wait to catch up. I love you all and appreciate you both praying me through this journey as I do all of you! Much love and hugs ❤️💚🎄🫶🏻

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  25. Wonderful to see a post from you, dear friend!! Praying for continued strength as you heal!! 🙏 Love you tons! Wishing you and Finn a most blessed Christmas 🎄 ❤️!!

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  26. I don’t know what to say since there is so much that is spinning in my heart and mind when reading your words and feeling the being behind this all. Your body may be much weaker than years ago but it sounds that equivalently to it, your self, your inner power, has grown so much stronger. I totally believe what you say, going through something like this, cannot happen without changing something in that person. I think the power of life is even stronger since that way its presence is revealed and mobilized without distortion. And suddenly it is so obvious what LIFE really means. I love to quote Jane.

    I am so happy to see you here on your blog again and looking forward to seeing you more often due to the continuous progress in your condition and healing. You made it this far and – just saying what I feel – this is only the beginning.

    Much love power to you, dear Karla, sending you the biggest and longest hug 💖

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    1. Erika, your words, “I think the power of life is even stronger since that way its presence is revealed and mobilized without distortion. And suddenly it is so obvious what LIFE really means…”struck a heart chord. In a journal I once wrote down 3-5 defining moments in my life (in addition to the birth of my sons). The last 20 months explains two of those.
      I FEEL spiritually stronger even if my body is weaker. I don’t want to share sad news, but I found out that we had lost some members of my support group during my time away. I hadn’t formed personal relationships; but understood. I will not take one moment for granted while I’ve been given this ultimate Christmas gift~more time. It won’t be easy~but that’s what’s growing my faith. It keeps me grounded. Empathetic. Sympathetic. Aware. Awake. Alive! I look at EVERYONE and think, “I understand.” And I’ll add, “You are loved.” For without it, why are we here? Yes, that’s what life means to me.
      I’m thankful for your wisdom and insight…and friendship and love! Sending love and hugs of gratitude! Thank you for your support and friendship! 💚

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      1. Your words went deep, Karla. It is so important that you are sharing your thoughts, experiences, and insights here. Only to tell from your reply, this is the kind or awareness that can heal this world.
        Yes, it is that simple: We are loved and that is why we are here. Everyone has a purpose, a gift, a unique journey that serves all of us, and that is why everyone is so important.
        Sad news are part of life, unfortunately. But they are what makes us go inside which is necessary. And sharing sad news or even being sad at times is not bad. As I understand it, sadness and unhappiness are two different things. We can be happy at heart and still experience sad periods. But the difference is that with happiness as our inner pillar, we don’t identify with or hold on to those sad moments but let them come and go again.

        Sorry, I started to let flow what wanted to be written. However, you make people think and re-think their own perspectives as you discover more beneath of what you thought before. You are an amazing woman, Karla, when even you may not think so but you are. I hope you can leave the time of struggles behind you soon, and enjoy all the new insights and views in health.

        Just that I said it, if I can do something, please let me know, and if it is only someone who listens. You have a place in my heart and I wish you a Merry Christmas. May the spirit of Christmas send a spark to you to continue the progress of the miracle. Much love and blessings to you and yours, Karla 💖

      2. Dear Erika, never apologize for the “flow” of such beautiful thoughts. The kind words are appreciated. You give me pause to ponder~about awareness. I’d love to email you about that. I’m with you~EVERYONE has a purpose; it’s sad when some don’t know it ~or worse, feel unworthy. You are amazing too. I’m singing with you songs of Christmas! And wishing you a joyous time with your family. It’s been a beautiful weekend this far; my apologies for late reply. Much love and blessings to you! 💚♥️❤️🙏🏻

      3. It is wonderful to feel so much light in your words. Wow! Yes, it is sad when some cannot or don’t want to see their purpose. And sometimes the journey to find the purpose is the main purpose of their lifetime.
        Much love and more joyful times to you and your family, dear Karla 💖

  28. Hey Karla, good mornin!

    I hope you woke up feeling like a million bucks today! Sending some positive vibes (and prayers for you daily). So happy to hear the surgery went well, and hate to hear about pain, but I know with faith like yours- you’ve got this ❤️.

    Jessica and I have made it home to Georgia (yea bummer but you know there’s no place like home 😁😅). I’d love to share some pictures from this trip with you if you’d like, just shoot me an email (boomer7638@gmail.com), and I can send you a Google Photos link.

    I do have a favor to ask- there was a picture someone took of us together. Could you send that to me please?

    Meeting you and seeing your smiling face even with all you’re going through was an absolute highlight on our my trip 🥰, and I’d love to have that picture.

    Hope you and Finley have a very Merry Christmas!🎄
    -Charlie Coleman (from the Grand Canyon) ❤️❤️

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    1. Charlie, for some reason my first reply didn’t go through! My apologies! It’s so good to “see” you!
      I love your words (“wake up feeling like a million bucks!”) for in many ways, I won the lottery with my surgery! And yes, faith is keeping me a float~I had some times I doubted; but I won’t digress!
      I’m glad you are both home safe! What adventures you’ve had (and will continue to no doubt)!
      I’ll be emailing you tomorrow! I’ll send you pics and can’t wait view your adventures!
      Did you have a very Merry Christmas? You both deserve such gifts since you offer so much kindness and support to others! Aka~even strangers who might stalk you at a canyon!
      Meeting you both was a highlight for me~and I’m sure I could speak for the tribe, they were delighted as well!
      Meeting you both lit a fire under me about setting future hiking goals. Just tonight I ordered a new pair of hiking boots (it’s been a while!). I won’t be hiking very far~but I’ll keep putting “one foot in front of the other” 🎶 ( a little nod to the original Rudolph cartoon song I love)
      It was a beautiful Christmas with family! My youngest son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter were here (my oldest son and his family enjoying holidays in Idaho with her family). We had such great times~and now, I can soak in memories, begin treatments again soon, and heal. Surgeon says it will take up to 7 more months or longer to gain strength and feel fully me. New adjustments, goals, …and now dreams.
      I honor your family in my quest. I recognize the suffering others have faced. I stand in awe at the commitment you made for your health. And Jessica is simply amazing too. You’re a dynamic duo! I will follow your adventures and pray for the day I’ll be out and about again.
      Your support here means so much!
      May God continue to bless you both until we meet again!
      Finn says thank you, too!
      Here’s to 2024! ❤️💚♥️

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  29. I missed your surgery Karla and what a huge undertaking that sounds so promising. I am hopeful, it is time and I am sending you boat loads of prayers and love to regain your strength and be released from the pain. You are my hero and inspiration! Love you and enjoy your holidays with the fam and Finn❤️❤️🎄💓

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    1. How humbling, C 🥹I do NOT consider myself a hero. I’m to accept compliments ~but I think of SO many that are…I just say thank you. The boat loads of prayer and support have lifted me on my darkest days. To think it’s inspiring affirms I haven’t wasted this journey. Humans are incredible~you’re one of them. When faced with what seems impossible, we can pull out the stops if we rely on the power given to us by AND combined with God. It’s a double whammy ☺️ there were days…I doubted. And still might. But I know best what to do. I’ll not take one day for granted, C. I know you don’t either. Love to you and I hope you enjoy your time too, my friend. Thank you for being here. 🎄♥️❤️🙏🏻🥰🥰🤗🎶🤟🏻🫶🏻

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  30. “When my faith felt like fizzling, HOPE began healing me.” Yes. That seems to me the essence of your strength, Karla. It has been for a long time, and it continues to encourage many other people, myself included. G.K. Chesterton put it this way, “It’s only when things seem hopeless that hope becomes a strength.”

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    1. Mitch, what beautiful words to say. I’m filled with gratitude for your support and prayers (please thank Trudy, too). You’ve been a source of inspiration and encouragement during tough times. I’ve copied the quote by G.K. Chesterton. That’s exactly what happened to me. A miracle. I’ll harness to hope throughout all the climbing I still have to do. And I’ll try and enjoy every view on the climb. Merry Christmas, dear friend. Your support and prayers always lifts me. 💚🎄🙏🏻

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    1. Do you know how YOU inspire me? I’ve been thinking of you, Hawklad, this time of year…Switzerland. Your support gives me strength. God bless you both. You’re such a dear support and friend. I’m smiling and I hope you both will too. Love and prayers. ❤️🙏🏻🎄 Merry Christmas I’m praying always

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  32. Dear Karla, I feel your love and hugs and see God’s light shining brighter than ever. It’s so good to hear from you about the surgery, recovery, and upcoming treatments. I continue to hold you in my prayers for strength and miracles, peace and hope, joy and love. Merry Christmas to you and Finley and your beautiful family and healing…healing…complete healing!

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    1. Crystal, you are an inspiration to me. Through your journey with cancer, your grit, faith, fight…all of it. To share such sweet comments to me is precious. I am so happy you see the light getting brighter! And that you feel the love. You know well the strength needed to keep this at “bay”…for treatments, procedures, constant trips…a life! Complete healing…a beautiful prayer for us! Merry Christmas to you and your family. You’re a treasure, Crystal. I know why God placed you in my life and I’m thankful. 💚❤️💚🎄🙏🏻

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    1. Thank you, Ann. How kind and thoughtful. I only hope to continue to be even more so. I love the prayers for complete healing! One promise I know~I’ll be healed completely one day~no matter what! I’m enjoying each day I’m given. What a Christmas gift from our Savior! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  34. Merry Christmas! Through every fiber of flannel wrapped around faith in our promised Savior, we will always be blessed with His hope, peace, joy, and love. Karla, your newsletter shares genuine encouragement. Jesus walks with each of us. Blessings.

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    1. Richard, Merry Christmas to you and your family! I’m so happy you found encouragement in my words. I prayed for that! Your words, “Through every fiber of flannel wrapped around faith in our promised Savior, we will always be blessed with His hope, peace, joy, and love,” touched my heart. Of course I love any reference to flannel, too! Flannel fiber of faith….it just has a great Christmas ring to it, Richard. I’m so glad our Immanuel was born~he is always with us! I know that more and more every hour. You’ve been a devoted prayer warrior and support. Thank you so much!

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  35. Love you, friend. Praise God for His miracles! I am praying that you will soon be able to do all the things that you are dreaming of. Merry Christmas to you and Finley! May it be filled with love and blessings and new memories with your family! May the love of the Father shine through you and cling like glitter to all those around you!

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    1. I love you, Sondra. Are you thinking a certain site is in order for the future? I smell spring campfires and lots of healing and hope! This Christmas will always be one I’ll remember. The love of God just overwhelms me. And yes, I hope it does cling like glitter to others. I sure try! As I know YOU do. You’ve been a dear friend for 20 years and I see the “boys” so young…and may our health and walks grow like they did. You’re a wonderful woman, Sondra. Your courage and faith through everything you’ve been through has inspired so many. I praise God you’re here! Merry Christmas to you all! ❤️💚❤️🙏🏻🎄

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  36. Little sister I rejoice God brought you through the surgery and that you could celebrate Christmas, Your little dog is cute in the Christmas sweater but not sure if he likes it 🙂

    You are in my prayers little sister.

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    1. Thank you, big brother! It’s been a blessing. Admittedly, I’m learning to give myself grace as I heal and understand the “missing” parts that have changed how my body lives. But to live! I keep you in my prayers as you do me. Finley told me to tell you thank you about her sweater 🙂 woof woof! Many blessings to you! 🙏🙂

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  38. Missed this post, but went to your site this morning thinking of you. (Read every word of this. Needed it too. Especially from you. ❤️) A bit teary now just being thankful: you have blessed my life by being in it. Love you, my friend.

    I’ve been in therapy and feel like I have finally turned the corner. Perhaps I’ll return to WordPress as a poet-writer this morning… 😊 (Although, it will be a bit of a challenge since I broke my writing hand… sigh..)

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    1. Sweet Laura,…I’ve missed you. I often think of you and am so sad to hear of your broken hand. I was happy to hear, though, of turning a corner…I get that so much. Life is filled with lessons, isn’t it? I’d like to think we are stronger and “richer” due to these lessons. You’re a beautiful soul~filled with light and beautiful words that teach us all. Whether you come back today or a month or a year~you’re a writer and you bless me with your presence and friendship. It’s a gift. I love you and appreciate you so much. Thank you for being here.
      I’ll be praying specifically for your hand~and always, for your heart and health too,❤️💛💚♥️❤️‍🩹🙏🏻💕🤟🏻🥰 here’s to a new year, my friend.

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  39. My heart leapt with joy to find your post! Oh, Karla! How I pray for you daily and I am praising God for these answered prayers. Your blogging-voice has been greatly missed, yet I am so grateful you have been provided the miracle of this new team of doctors. May God continue to guide them in your treatment and may you continue to sing His praise as you trudge this road. Always remember you are never alone! My most special hugs & blessings wrapped up and sent to you!

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    1. Dawn~when I saw your name, I got tears (and grabbed my blue shawl). It’s so kind of you to share such thoughtful and loving comments!
      I’ve missed my blogging community.
      The healing process has been a great teacher to me. The entire journey has been.
      The team there is outstanding! Upon healing, aside from the everyday challenges of this disease, my quality of life should improve ❤️🙏🏻
      I’ll not waste my pain or any of these circumstances. I’ll remember to whom I give full credit~and to the individuals who have made lasting impacts!
      Your friendship over the years has been that~a byproduct sisterhood of watching this beautiful woman read to her grandkids and live a full and fun life~all while giving praise to our amazing Creator!
      There was a time I did feel alone~and near Christmas ~coming out of some dark spots~I ruminated on “Immanuel”…I say it over and over.
      Light began to shine brighter~and there are still days (like 3 ago) where I’m very sick! Yet, I will praise LOUDER after. I’ll sing even more his praise!
      I feel your love, hugs, and blessings. I hope you feel mine, too! Oh what a joy it is to be here and to “see” you! Thank you for praying me through this long pause. I pray for you! Much love sweet sister! ❤️🙏🏻💛

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  41. Thank you for choosing again to share your journey here, to share your faith in the Lord, and your encouragement to lean towards Him in all things. At times pain has battered me around. I struggled deeply with depression for a number of years before realising I had to release the feeling that I wanted to have control over all the areas of my life. God guides my path more truly than I ever could, and the gentle nudges (as well as solid pushes when required!) help me to stay on the best path which is beside Him. With good friends and family around me, encouragement to pray each and every day, I have been doing a lot better these past five or so years. There is still the rest of my lifetime to journey through, and the pain is not completely gone yet, if it ever will be in my one lifetime, but with Jesus beside me, my steps are sure and hopeful. 🧡🙏

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    1. Hamish, I’ve always loved your openness and honesty. You have touched many lives through it. Like you, I battled it. I’m sorry for what has “pushed” you around~physical and mental health issues. They’re bullies! I know! Look at you~I’m so happy you’re here. And your kindness and support these last 4 years have meant so much to me. Hamish, do you feel our pain has been the best lessons? Life is lessons. And our Creator is the best teacher of all! I’ll stand with you, in solidarity of peace and love, that with Jesus. steps are “sure and hopeful” (your words are beautiful!). I’m so happy to hear how you’re doing, my friend. I’ve missed you. Are you still on the field? Your journey is inspiring! Keep sharing and I’ll join you in encouraging and empowering others in harnessing hope! Thank you for being you! Thank you for sharing here~share away and as much as you’d like! You’re a gift! Many blessings, my friend. ❤️🙏🏻

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      1. I am still here! Prospering with the Lord in front of me, beside me, and behind me. I have *plans* for returning to sharing blog posts weekly, including the exciting things which are happening as my wife and I embark on the adventure of ministry at a new parish, while staying connected and within our current congregation. (My wife, as an ordained priest, will be writing and delivering sermons, engaging with the congregations in pastoral and ministry work, while I will provide support mostly as I play music in the worship team.) I’ll update more through my blog posts as we go.

        I also appreciate your support and encouragement while on my journey. 🧡

      2. Hamish, I’m so thrilled for you two! 🙏🏻

        My heart leapt with joy hearing how you’ll get to back to your music and writing and your amazing wife delivering messages.

        I have goosebumps with excitement for all the goodness going on!

        I can’t wait to read what will happen when you two start pouring out your gifts to everyone~get ready everybody~God is at work in some amazing ways in two amazing humans. 💕

        Thank you both for saying “yes” in serving! That’s huge! 🙌🏻

        Serving is exhausting ~those in the ministry need much prayer. 🙏🏻

        As you pour out, don’t forget to be “filled”. You will both have my prayers. 🙏🏻
        Give her a big hug for me too! 💕
        I

      3. Lots of hard work to ensure we are honouring what the congregation of this new church already does and how they serve the community, as well as helping to provide fresh enthusiasm where the holy is guiding us all to do so!

        Thank you for your kind words and the encouragement. We have enjoyed the short time so far, as well as embraced the tiredness that comes from serving. My wife is very good at remembering to get us to take a Sabbath, to let God refill our tanks with his precious and unending spirit!

        Many hugs in return for you too!

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