A trail, laced boots, a trekking pole in hand, and Finley–a perfect way to spend the first day of the year (and any day, for that matter!). Don’t get me wrong, writing to all of you on New Year’s Day filled my soul. 💛 Yet, my “soles” didn’t feel grounded.
I’m moving very little (with good reason at times). Speaking of little…my tiny dog wonders why I’m not lacing my boots more. I think you’ve all met Finley, haven’t you? Dogs, and the love of God, warm my heart. Here are some heart-warming dog shares I hope you enjoy!
Two days ago, A call with my dear friend/fellow blogger, Tim, filled my soul AND motivated my “soles”—-he always makes me smile. Our conversations swirl around spiritual topics and our Savior, authors he’s shared or we’ve read about, Bible verses, quotes, encouragement, humor, and always, nature and adventures. Tim’s an amazing writer, adventurer, business leader, speaker, and preacher. He uses all his gifts for God’s glory! The pursuit Tim refers to on his website is this: “The one thing that resonates with our true self is the pursuit of our God.” According to Tim, “There is no pursuit that will bring life to us as knowing, loving, and having an intimate relationship with the God of the universe. This is what it means to pursue our highest purpose, to live our best life. Only this pursuit will satisfy the deepest and most fundamental longings of our hearts.” Sadly, (and recently), Tim lost his Mom. We talked of grief and faith. It inspired me. Yesterday morning, Tim said goodbye to his beloved 4 legged companion, Jackson. He shared it was peaceful and quick. Jackson was well-loved and known by many in Tim’s circle of friends and churches. Recently, during a message Tim was delivering, Jackson moseyed up the aisle and sat by a woman, his head in her lap. What a show of love! Jackson has been a ring bearer in a wedding, too. After sharing condolences, my thoughts, and how my prayers would be with them, we spoke about the goodness of God–through all times. It doesn’t take grief away, but it gives hope. As we ended our conversation, I told Tim I had ordered new hiking boots and couldn’t wait to get out in nature.
But, the boots would take a few more days. Or so I thought.
Meanwhile in Monte Vista, Colorado (unbeknownst to me), my dear friend, Martha, had a WIN walking her precious dog, Teddy on a new-to-him, but old & well-used on other dogs, leash. Martha is an incredible and professional writer/reader, teacher, and painter (& more!). If you follow her, you know of her beloved dogs, Bear and Teddy. Martha has rescued MANY dogs and yes, they all hike. MAK, as I call her, is another outdoor ENTHUSIAST and adventurer! Her adventures began in her early years in Montana and have taken her to China and other beautiful places across the globe (to teach AND hike). She retired after teaching for 30 years in San Diego. Her memoir, “My Everest”, is my favorite for many reasons! But she’s also written many other amazing books (historical novels set in Switzerland). MAK, Teddy, and Bear are an amazing and fun trio! Through them, I vicariously enjoy THEIR Refuge, the valley, the peaks in the distance, and the cranes. She happily lets Finn and I accompany them in my mind. Did I tell you how much she loves dogs?
My friend, Russell, wrote a humorous post outlining his New Year’s Resolutions—no more “low-hanging fruit” for Russell. Although, resolving to be just his dogs, Rosie and Patrick, sounds kinda easy in SOME ways ;-). Like the napping, Russell. Russell is a retired United Methodist pastor, father, grandfather, stumbler, seek, and servant! He’s such a gifted writer with one heck of a sense of humor and common sense. He loves to travel with his wife to visit family, finds the good in all things (even if it’s hard), and always weaves lessons in his words! Did I tell you he loves dogs?
All 3 of my friends, and many others who are dog owners, would agree that dogs DO provide wonderful companionship, unconditional love, and joy. Yes, like ALL of God’s creations, they can be hands full, too! As Russell states, “They don’t judge. They don’t hold grudges…even when you leave home without them.”
Hmmm. That love seems familiar.
I see no greater acts of love than when unselfish decisions are made. Or when “comfort” is sacrificed to care for those we love; including God’s creatures.
Back in Missouri my pain had lifted. There was a flicker of energy that flamed with faith. My security camera gave evidence of a package on my steps. Was it a boot box? Yippee! I laced them up with a few happy tears. They fit better than any boot I’ve worn. Finn went outside to enjoy the sunshine, and do her “duty”. Stubbornly, she refused to come in. I got THE look. “C’mon Mom, it is STILL the beginning of the year and your boots DID come in today.” “Ok, Finn…let’s go walk!” We didn’t go THAT far, but there was a teeny tiny bounce in my much slower step. I could FEEL the goodness of God all around me. “Thank you, God, for my life, family, friends, nature… and for dogs.“
May God work miracles in YOU—providing joy and sacrificial love that can ooze out to your loved ones—including those with 4 (OR 3 ) legs!
Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓
Each Wednesday the LACNETS support group meets via ZOOM. If you live with cancer or chronic disease (ANY condition whether mental, physical, or emotional), you understand how tiring it can be to just…LIVE.
I often wonder, “What do we all have in common that resulted in this rare cancer?” We’re from from all walks of life–former nurses, teachers, full-time moms and caregivers, outdoor enthusiasts, knitters, writers, military members, and so much more. We range in age from 30’s to 80’s. In a sea of studies in genetics, N.E.T. is a “desert” in shared traits. We are all zebras.
Through this journey, with treatments beginning again tomorrow with future visits to the N.C.I./N.H.I., scans, and procedures, I’m still seeking to praise HIM through the storms. It takes a conscious effort, reframing thoughts, meditation, and also, surrendering to rest. Three good hours in a day is 12.5% better than 0%. When I have 6 good hours that’s 25% a win! I’m here and 100% thankful!
We are ALL zebras. God made each one of us unique. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we could ZOOM and come together weekly–respecting differences, upholding shared beliefs, supporting our suffering, and strengthening our support?
Seek support in suffering, cling tight to your tribe, and if you so choose…fasten your faith, forego fear, and trust the timing of today. Life is made in the mundane. Pain might promote your perseverance. JOY can still juxtapose your journey.
You are loved. No matter what. 💚
In other news! Today is “National Missouri Day!” Do you know when YOUR state’s day is planned? In honor of this day, I’d like to include a link to my book, “Faith and Finley Tour Missouri” (you can visit the Adventures of Faith and Finley page here on my website, too). Finley and I are looking forward to visiting new schools and sharing our love of our home state, the outdoors, and history!
Keep the faith 💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
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Nice post ✍️
Thank you so much! I appreciate you reading and commenting! Blessings!
Karla, I could read tales of dogs all day long. I enjoyed your stories of wonderful humans and their trusted companions. Where would we be without or pups!
Thank you for being here and commenting! I’m with you 💯, ReginaMary!
Okay, ‘fess up Karla, when you opened that box with the boots inside, there was a sign included, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKIN’! And of course, you being you, you just had to put them on and go for a walk with Fin! I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.
Ain’t life grand sometimes?
You are starting the new year off in grand fashion. Step by step my friend. You have a lot of strength to regain. You’ve been through the darkness, now it’s your turn to be in the light with so much to look forward to. It makes me smile to think of what you have accomplished already.
Still a long journey ahead that will have ups and downs, probably some really bad days here and there, but in the end will have a positive outcome. I think you have given more people hope than you ever imagined possible.
Wishing you and sweet Miss Finley sunny days and cozy warm nights together. You two give each other unconditional love in spades! Much love to you both, and an extra treat for sweet Miss Finley for encouraging you to walk a bit. You remain in my prayers.
Ginger💞
Sent from my iPad
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Ginger, how did you know about that sign in my box! Of course, I’ll be singing that song 🎶. It’s funny, Ginger. One day walking…the next day barely moving. I’ll have some good hours waiting in the wing. Don’t we ALL?
YOU always encourage me, make Finn and I feel so loved, and provide giggles to “boot” (had to use boot again ;-). I do pray this is the year for a LOT of healing and new lessons in letting love always lead me—in pain, sorrow, joy,…confusion, cold and warm days, rainy day and sunny ones…may I appreciate them ALL!
We wish you the most amazing happy and healthy days, Ginger. I want to be like you when I grow up! I’ll give Finn that extra treat. Like me, she’s moving a lot slower today—but I bet she’ll get a 2nd or 3rd wind with a treat in my hand.
Your prayers are not taken for granted. I feel them and I say them for you. Much love from Finn and I. ❤️🐾
“ but there was a teeny tiny bounce in my much slower step.”❤️
💛💛💛 Thank you, dear friend.
Do you think it is a coincidence that dog is God spelled backwards? They are His ambassadors.
Not a coincidence! I’m with you! 🐾♥️
Thank you for being here! ♥️
What an amazing and wonderful treat to read this blog post, Karla. It would even have been special if I hadn’t been referenced. Dogs sure are furry four-legged places where God chooses to hang out regularly aren’t they. I love the way you communicate such hope and energy, even in the midst of the challenging times you are facing. So glad your boots came and you got to get out and give them a “test drive.” One step at a time! That’s how the miracles happen.
Blessings to you and Finley and everyone you hold dear;
-Russell
Doggone it, Russell!
I’m so tickled you enjoyed it. It just seemed God was “speaking” through all the dogs in and around my life! I love your words, “God chooses to hang out regularly…”yes!
I’m trying my very best, my friend. It’s amazing what a day holds. One step at a time, indeed. One hour at a time.
I’m praying I’ll wear out my boots. Miracles!
Blessings to you and yours! I appreciate you!
Karla – For a time I have included Ingrid in prayers for you and was wondering how she is doing. You, my dear, as ever, sound great in rebuttal to your challenges and I so admire your tenacity. I am praying you a most blessed 2024 with Finley by your side to make the journey even more fulfilling. .. Please take care and sail through those treatments with a vengeance. Love you with blessings + Mary
Hello, Mary 💛 thank you so much for your prayers. I need to reach out to Ingrid. We haven’t touched base in a while. I will share your prayers, too. She will be much appreciative I know!
Finley does make my journey more fulfilling! What a precious companion. 🐾
I have my first treatment today. I’m ready . God bless you and keep you, his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! I appreciate you!❤️🙏🏻
I love you too! 💛
Yayyy! You go girl, both of you…gently 🤣 It must have felt like heaven to be outside, smell that beautiful fresh air, and just be you and Finn. Happy for you Karla, very happy. You have done some serious hard yards, and because of that a very serious appreciation of something seemingly so simple. Take a bow kind lady, may there be many more walks, shared paths, and oodles of fresh air. Big hugs for more you guys 🤣❤️🙏
Aww, thank you, Mark. You’d think I hiked a mountain! Yesterday, I tried, but did make it to my stationary bike a bit. I’ll take every win! But I REALLY want to be outside and in the great outdoors. The time will come again! Much love from Finn and me. We appreciate you so much!🐾🫶🏻🤟🏻💕✨ we will move gently forward!💕
Just follow your heart Karla. When you go through all you have, the air tastes sweeter, meeting nature almost a personal encounter every time, even smelling a flower a heaven on its own…which it is. Even a fluffy Finn hug is even a treasure, not that it ever wasn’t 🤣 Just enjoy an awareness He has given, in what you have discovered inside, from those experiences outside. Big hugs to you both, enjoy…and be free 😀❤️🙏
Mark, I will follow my heart ❤️”the air tastes sweeter…even smelling a flower a heaven on its own…a fluffy Finn hug…” your words are treasures, dear friend ♥️ big hugs and love! ❤️ 🙏🏻
New boots and a walk with Finley! Now that is putting your best foot forward and starting this new year off on the right foot!! I’m going to let the ladies know that you were up for a walk!
Thank you, Val! And I pray for more and more! 🫶🏻♥️🙌🏻🙏🏻🐾💕
Dogs are such a part of our family! Loved this post Karla!
Hello, Diane! I’m so happy we’ve seen each other today. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your kind comment! I’m with you on dogs being part of the family!🐾
Aww, I love this post! It’s filled with hope and excitement.
Thanks for sharing, and have a blessed day. ❤️🙏
You’re so sweet, Katherine! I appreciate you so much! Have a blessed day!❤️🙏🏻
Thank you, same to you! Have a blessed weekend ahead 🌿.
♥️
Love dogs! I’m even having a dog (specially trained for young children to read aloud to) visit my class. Lovely post!!
Oh, how wonderful, Jennie! Finley is trained too and if we lived closer, I’d bring her in a heartbeat if you wanted. As you know well, kids just love dogs so much! Thank you, always, for your support!❤️♥️💛
I would love to have Finley visit! Dogs and kids are a win-win.
Aww 🥰 yes!🐾💕
Karla, I have been writing a post about my Yorkie, Henry, for months but haven’t been able to wrap it up. I’m just going to have to finish it! I’m so glad you and Finley were able to go for a walk in your new boots! Love and hugs, Cindy
Cindy, I can’t wait to read about Henry! I can share here (my Mom will love this)…when I was a little girl, I had a stuffed hedgehog named Henry ~he went everywhere with me! In my 20’s I began a book idea of Henry Hedgehog and his Woodland friends. I once had a Yorkie! I can “see” your precious Henry in my mind. And what a precious pair you two must be! I can’t wait to read your post about him! I hope your travels have gone smoothly. Love and hugs to you both from Finn and me 🐾💕
Well then, I guess I’m just going to have to finish it. (For you and your mom and Finn!)
❤️🥰
I still think the single best post 2016 decision was to bring a dog into our home. A house that had lost its life suddenly was overturned in madness, fun, and companionship. ❤️
Dear friend, it’s so good to see you. What a wonderful and beautiful truth to read. I can’t imagine the loss. I understand the madness, fun, and companionship. I pray for you both daily. What breed of dog is your love? 🐾💕🫶🏻
Great post, Karla. How good it is to have you back in the blogging saddle!
Thank you for featuring Jackson in your post. He was a great dog who “ministered” to many. Some may wonder how a dog can minister to a human, but the comfort, calming, object lessons in faith and commitment, and the love that Jackson brought to many made him well-known in my town before I was even known here.
Thank you again for the memorial message.
I took time off from blogging due to the losses and disruptions of the late fall and early winter, but started posting again today. Another blog-jockey has made it back into the saddle!
The prayers of the fellowship of “The Barn” are continuing.
My dear friend, it was my blessing to share about Jackson’s ministry…and yours!
Your support, guidance, prayers, and mentorship have helped strengthen my faith and affirmed my truths!
I continue praying comfort for you knowing that your faith and life of following God’s willfulness will continue to be your foundation; even in tough times.
What a testimony and testament to faith.
It was my blessing to write this.🙏🏻 thank you for your encouragement and kind words.
I’m so thrilled you’re back in the saddle!
As always, please thank the wonderful friends joining you in prayer!
I’m looking forward to reading your wisdom!
🙏🏻🐾
One of my favorite books is “Because of Winn Dixie”. Once when we were living in our RV we were listening to the book on Audible and I was laying next to my youngest son. It was a sad part (and I had tears steaming down my face but it was dark and he couldn’t see me) and he whispered “Mom, if we had a dog and it got lost, would you cry?” And I said, “Buddy I’m crying because the fake dog got fake lost!” We don’t have a dog right now, but my parents always had dogs when we were growing up.
🐕 💕
I’m happy you got to start off 2024 with some new boots and a walk! 🥰
That is the most precious story, my friend. 💕🐾
I love that book, too, and cry! They made it into a movie that was well-done. Any book or movie with dogs, and most animals, brings tears and joy to me!
I love God’s creatures!
I was thinking of your hike, the feather, the beautiful Native American prayer…I think 2024 is going to be a 24 karat year!
💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛
I have often thought that dogs are four-legged ambassadors for Christ…..Thanks for this post!
Ann, that’s beautiful! Ambassadors! I’ll not forget that 💚🐾. Thank YOU for being here and reading it! Many blessings to you both. 🙏🏻
Love this! Yay for Finn and 🐕 dogs!! Such amazing, loving companions ❤️ Awesome that you got outside and took some steps in your new 👢 boots. 🥰 Love you, dear friend!! Keep walking and singing 🎵
Thank you, Joy 💕 I did even more yesterday ( I’ll share today!). You know what I was like 11 weeks ago~and look what God (and dogs) have done for my resolve to rebound! I love you (singing our song 🎶) thank you for being you. ❤️💛🎶🥰🫶🏻
New boots and the gifts of energy, faith, and Finley’s unconditional love for 2024! All favorable metaphors, Karla! The next thing you know you’ll have your boots on, dancing with Finley to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” From my lips to God’s ears. ❤️
Thank you, precious friend.💚❤️🐾 Finley is such a cuddler and extreme lover!
Thank you for such encouragement and love. The prayers are being heard, my friend. I pray for you the same! 🐾❤️💚
I may get “booted” off here–but I’ll come WAY closer to dancing to anything James TAYLOR before I’ll ever listen to Taylor Swift. The dancing may be a bit slower. Don’t get me wrong know she is one talented and gifted lady–how many subscribers did I just lose with this comment? LOL!!!
I love the phrase, “Shake it Off” (My Dad used to say that–I have a post titled it!). I don’t think I’ve ever heard that song. But in honor of you, I’m going to play it! ❤️💚🙏🎶
No one will boot you off. I’m praying those boots will stomp out cancer. I don’t exactly understand the Taylor Swift craze, but I took my husband to a candlelight string quartet concert in November. They were playing all Taylor Swift songs, so I decided to start listening to her songs before we went. Her messages seem to stick to a “girl power” theme. There were lots of little girls at that string quartet concert, and my heart softened for T. Swizzle.
“But I keep cruisin’
Can’t stop, won’t stop groovin’
It’s like I got this music in my mind
Sayin’, “It’s gonna be alright”
I love it! 🥾🎶🫶🏻
Listening to a string quartet play the music would be amazing. 🎶 I understand the shift!
And the lyrics say it all! ❤️🥰♥️😘
Dogs are wonderful companions. When I was a child, our golden retriever was my best friend. She slept in my room and would follow me around the house.
Aw, how wonderful big brother! I LOVE Golden Retrievers. They are so mild mannered and precious. What a great memory! I just visited with a young gal, 17 years old…I’m going to dogsit for her a week in May. I’m excited for Finn to have “sisters” for the week! Thank you for reading and supporting my writing!
You have been on my mind and in my prayers. We need a call. Hugs
Lisa, you’ve been on mine since Christmas. I see your sign daily. Many hugs! I miss you. ❤️
Here’s to the memory of the great Jackson, and your constant fantastic companion Finn. Yes to all our great dogs, Karla!
Aww and to Ellie B, dear friend! I know Tim appreciates that thought too dear friend! Dogs are just the best!🐾
Simply amazing! When the winter weather offers me a break from the cold, I will lace up my hiking shoes and head to one of my favorite nature parks. You and Finn will walking with me as well. I updated my ancient camera so I’m anxious to put it to work. Blessings to you Karla. God continues to bless us with His goodness.
Richard, thank you so much! I’m so happy to hear you’ll be lacing up your boots, too! And equally excited Finn and I get to walk with you and enjoy God’s creations. When I was a little girl, and even older, I had “God-in-a-box”. He’s all around me. Redemption is local AND global. The cosmos is so colored by his ultimate colorful canvas. It’s so OBVIOUS to me when I see the lushness in landscapes (or even the beauty in the bare trees), painted skies, whispers in the wind, the feeling of dirt under my feet. I can experience him in my home, I can learn and pray, praise and promote, …but I find communion comforts me most in his creation! God is good! Thank you for being here, for your prayers, and your support!
How did I miss these posts? It’s been a busy start to the new year I suppose but I love that you are walking, writing, and that your pain has lifted for a time. You infuse such a joyful spirit in your writing and it shines a little light on us all. Thank you Karla. Always in my prayers, wrapping you and Finn in a generous hug, love you, C
C, I’m so happy to see you! I’m always delighted when I see you and get “wrapped” in your love and hugs (particularly on these frigid days!). I’ve traded “pains”—and each I experience, from a power greater than me, keeps growing me. Don’t we all have it? With my boots, I’ve taken a step forward….and then I take two steps back….2 forward…then 3 steps back….would you know it? I’m dancing? Due to some new dance “moves”, my treatment plan will be “tweaked” to make me even better. It’s all such an adjustment. It wears me out. A full-time job? I’ll do everything I can to keep my spirit joyful and shine my light—I can’t help it because I’m so overjoyed to be here. I love you, C, and hope that you are feeling healthy and doing well. Thank you for being here always!
hope your treatments are going well. I hope you got some of my old comments on your posts or maybe I missed them.. anyways I love this “There was a flicker of energy that flamed with faith. My security camera gave evidence of a package on my steps. Was it a boot box? Yippee! I laced them up with a few happy tears. They fit better than any boot I’ve worn. Finn went outside to enjoy the sunshine, and do her “duty”.
Glad he is dragging you along and hope your treatments continue to heal you my friend. Love you lots❤️
Cindy, I’m reading your sweet comments now and my heart is so happy! You are SO precious and supportive! It means so much to me! I’ve only been able to lace them up a few times this year…BUT, I’m working so hard on increasing activity. It’s an hour by hour thing, my friend. Isn’t that for all of us? Tee hee. I’m SO happy for every hour I’m here. This week will hold another treatment—until then, the sun will make a reappearance for the first time in while. I’ll soak it all in! I hope YOU are doing ok (and your sweet Dad and family). Much love, dear C!!! 💛❤️
Oh I’m happy to infuse you with love, hope and resilience instead of pin pricks I wish you didn’t t have to have but grateful you do… you know! Oh ugh, let’s turn your days into more lacing of boots, sun, health and joy and yes, hour to hour whatever we face. Some of us just think we have more time but what do any of us know. All I know is you bring hope from a mustard seed and that seeds grow and your faith is enough for all of us combined. Keep up the good fight always my friend. I’m rooting for you from now until eternity! ❤️
Such beautiful and wise words, C. It’s true~NO one is promised another minute. Living means there’s 💯 percent chance of death 🙃 so I’ll make the most of each day that I can. I love your infusions ~I’ll take those daily! To think I’m helping grow faith and hope~from a tiny seed~brings tears to my eyes and joy in my soul. Thank you! I’m so happy to have you in my life! I’m cheering for and praying you on, C! ❤️💛💕♥️💚🩷🫶🏻🙌🏻
You words are so true and are embedded in my heart and soul. I’m so happy to jumpstart you in the way you do me and so many others in the world. I’m happy you get to be infused with the love and light you bring,. Thanks for the love and light. I’m the lucky one to have you in my life❣️❣️❣️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼!!!
❤️❤️❤️ I’m blessed by you! Thank you 💕
Dogs really do show unconditional love don’t they? The family I live with for several years had a labradoodle which grew up from puppyhood while I was living with them. Now that I have moved out and live in a different house, any time I come over his tail wags out of control and he sticks close by me for a few minutes to receive many pats and to show that he still thinks I’m worth spending time with. What a world it would be if we acted like that any time family or friends came over, or came home from work, or we both entered the kitchen to make a cup of coffee or a sandwich! 🧡
Thank you for your encouragement, and I hope your February has started as well as it seemed your January did! 🙏
How kind of you, Hamish! Yes, if we all greeted one another the way our dogs greet and love us we’d be unstoppable in giving it back to the world! We’d ooze of love and goodness (and Finn doesn’t shed; just like labradoodles, so no hair either lol). I love that he still greets you with such love!
Thank you for encouraging me too. It’s my blessing to be on the journey with you. Like we all have, some days after treatment were hard. Some surgery healing still left to do. But overall, I’ve come so far in 3 1/2 months. In some ways, further along than expected. I must be wise and have a peaceful pace as I know big decisions are around the corner. Future appts, treatments, scans…but…God has it. He has you. He has me. I need to trust that and follow it.
I just found out I’ll be having 3 scans between next week and middle of March~I’ll still be winning, my friend, no matter what. And so are you! I’m praying your days are filled with good health and blessings! Thank you again for sharing and being here.🙏🏻❤️