If there’s anything the shifting seasons teach me, it’s how swiftly time moves. There were hurried happenings even in the slow and simmering, scorching hot summer days. Goodbye, Summer Solstice—hello, Faithful Fall. Summer, you tried to sizzle and sear, like always—and I learned from the burn. Autumn, I’m certain that I’ll equally grow through your seasonal shifts.
Over the past year, my life has felt a lot like an autumn tree. There were seasons where heavy situations felt almost stifling, leaving me weary and longing for relief. In fact, with all the tears I’ve cried over the last few weeks, I’m pretty sure I could have ended the local drought all on my own! But as the crisp, cooler air finally moves in, it brings a long-awaited wave of change—a chance to pause, take a deep breath, and let the cool breeze wash over me.
This time of year brings the equinox, where day and night stand as equal partners in the sky. It’s a gentle reminder that in our own journeys, light and darkness often exist side by side. My faith and joy don’t require the complete absence of hard times; even when the shadow feels just as long as the day, I am anchored in the truth that light functions differently than darkness. Darkness cannot put out light—even the smallest flame cuts through the deepest night. The breath of Christ still breathes life into me, ensuring His light overcomes every shadow.
I am ready for this new chapter. Even if my own colors are changing and things don’t look quite like they used to, I’ve learned that our hardest transitions can also hold our most radiant moments of faith and growth. Every fallen leaf isn’t an ending; it’s simply making room for what’s next, nourishing the ground for new roots to take hold.
Thank you for walking this journey with me, for sharing in these river reflections, and for reminding me that we never truly weather the changing seasons alone. It’s been a while since I’ve laced up my boots, but I’m looking forward to hiking along the trails together.
Here’s to stepping into the crisp air, trusting the process, and resting in His constant, overcoming light and indwelling presence.
Do you know how loved you are?
Have hope, dear friends. Don’t lose faith. 🍂💚
Speaking of new seasons, I’m excited to share that a few new fall items have arrived in the Finley River Collection.
Fall is in the air!
Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓
I’ve now finished all my scheduled rounds of PRRT. The anemia has left me feeling pretty fatigued as my blood counts recover, but today’s telehealth visit with my wonderful NET specialist at St. Luke’s gave me so much hope! We are trusting that upcoming scans will show ongoing stability.
As the autumn air marks the start of my favorite season, my body may feel low on energy, but my spirit is full of joy. Managing the day-to-day tasks through aches and tiredness can feel daunting on my own, but thankfully, I’m not walking alone—I am being carried. Just like the trees gracefully surrender their leaves each fall, I am learning to release my worries and surrender daily at His feet. Through it all, He makes it easier to stay deeply rooted.
In light of recent experiences, I felt led to share this: if something feels “off” or if you are hurting—whether physically or emotionally—please don’t carry it alone. Reach out with an S.O.S. text to a family member, friend, co-worker, or counselor.
Please know how deeply loved you are. I know that can be hard to hear if you aren’t feeling that love in your current situation, but as much as the world wants us to believe our value is tied to our work or what we accumulate, in the end, none of that matters.
***Please accept my gratitude and my apologies if you’ve reached out and I haven’t been able to reply. Between treasuring time with family and navigating daily tasks, my bandwidth is narrower right now.***
You are cherished, my friends.💚🙏🏻
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Hey Karla, you are indeed the breath of Christ kind lady. Ever here guiding us all my friend, to see beyond what seems to block us and show us that light to open our hearts and a path well lit 🥰🫶🏻🌟🕊️❤️
And glad to hear your tests are past and results soon to show you those trails, even if with just skeeter and Finn in your lap 🤣🛵🥾🌟🐾🐶🦓
Big, big hugs, lots of love and healing, and yes, a change weather wise to allow a different view of golden leaves everywhere, cooler weather, and a more snuggly sleep time 😂❤️
Hang in there guys, and I’m still looking for a nice dolphin pic to send you. I just have to get them to stand still for just a second. All they want to do is play like children in and out of the water splashing everywhere 🤣😂🫶🏻🌟🐾🐕🦓🎶🌊🐬🐳❤️🙏
I’m laughing out loud, Mark! About the dolphins not “standing still” for pics! Such cuteness I “see” in my mind! 🐬
Just like kids….
Had me thinking… 🤔
That’s how Christ wants us. Like children! To frolic with our faith (not be faulty or foolish)…but to believe, accept,…and initiate like children! When they believe in something, or feel it to their core, they’re IN. It shows! Then we grow up and must be …adults? Does that mean we become cynical or doubtful? Do we get “burned” so much it’s easier to operate on self-will rather than risk for the radical experience of living with childlike faith again?
Just thoughts…
I think that’s why I love kids so much. And dolphins! 🐬
Thank you for being a steadfast friend and support, Mark. Finn and I send our deepest gratitude across the big ocean 🌊. Lots of love and hugs! Christ has us! 🍂🍁🙏🦓
Indeed He has got you both kind lady, on a journey so beautiful when seen for what it truly is. Our eyes and heart are opened each step we take, even when they are truly testing. But, it is those ones that show us the compassion and empathy, and where a heart should be. We are being taught well in that 🤗🥰🌿🌼❤️
And my pleasure to share this journey on this huge cruise ship called earth with you kind lady, it is a courageous thing you do in sharing those hard bits so that ‘we’ can dare to also. Thank you muchly 💞🐬🕊️🎹🌺🍀💌🔆🌻🫶🏻🐕🦓❤️🙏
Another great post, Karla. a balance of the joy and the reality of the times in which you are living. And thriving, I might add. For there is no reality that needs rob us of our joy. In Christ we can experience joy in our spirits regardless of our circumstances. How amazing it is to live the reality of being in Christ and having Christ living within and through us every day. It is the “Christ in You” show all day long!
I am praying for and looking forward to the steady improvement of your experience as you see the PRRT treatments and their impacts receding in the rearview mirror. As you get better, I look forward to the growing and deepening of the impact of Christ living through you in the lives of those around you and those reading your work. Our God is on the move! Hallelujah!
Blessings from this traveling Willburry and, in absentia, Rascal the Rabbit Slayer.
Tim
Tim, thank you, precious soul friend. I appreciate all the ways you continue to support and encourage my walk in Christ! “For there is no reality that needs rob us of our joy.” There’s an article and book in that! The story of lives that choose to look beyond while living WITHIN the presence. Beyond and within!
I’m expecting a steady “climb” in numbers. Speaking of climb (and steady), when I tried to walk Finn (the non-rabbit slayer or slacker? Tee hee… just kidding sweet Finn)…uphill… I felt completely worn out. Oh no 😬 yikes.
It’s very strange considering I could once go uphill like a rabbit running from Rascal! 🙂
I’ll give myself grace for each new season, knowing that God is with me, the Spirit in me, no
Matter the distance or height. I had to laugh, Tim.
I praised Him…anyway, always…to just use my legs. To breathe air in my lungs. I didn’t have enough strength to collapse the stroller, lol. But I praised…anyway. When it’s a pattern it’s because of His presence!
HE is on the move!
My traveling buddy, please be safe! God bless you and that precious dog, too! Finn and I send our Christ’s love and blessings always!
‘I’m ready for tyhe new chapter’ paragraph is beautifully metaphoric and inspiring 🙂
Thank you, John. I prayed for your appointment yesterday. You’ve lived many beautiful chapters~ it’s inspiring to me! 🙏♥️🍂
Beautifully my Dear Sister … I’m thankful to hear Hope and new Strength in your words, and I pray this next season brings you Peace, Healing, and many wonderful moments and Blessings with God.
You 🙏 Are 🍂 Loved❤️
Brother, I pray you feel all of these things too. Your words are always appreciated and sincere. When we trust and live in His power and presence, the world’s “issues” seem insignificant don’t they? I’m so happy to experience another new season! Thank you, God! And I thank him for friends like you! You and your precious family are in my heart and prayers. ♥️🙏🍁✝️🩷🎶
YOU ARE LOVED
Beautiful sharing. Sending on hugs, love and blessings for a gentle fall.
Thank you, Katelon. You’re such an encouragement! Sending love, hugs, and blessings to you! Happy Autumn 🍂 ♥️🙏
Great news about NET. I hope as the seasons change, your NET will continue to remain stable. Or better yet, I hope it will improve.
I like the idea of light dispelling darkness. It’s true. It doesn’t take much to dispel shadows. Just a willingness to see the light is about all I think we need.
Thank you, Tippy! I appreciate you, my friend!
Your comment came as I was admiring the sunrise. 🌅 I love sunsets too! But I particularly thought of the shadows and observed that! Cool cool stuff, my friend.
You wrote on my blog that you like the way I see life. Oh pleaaasssse. You’re the one Karla who has the great approach to life’s many twists and turns. Love this —“I’ve learned that our hardest transitions can also hold our most radiant moments of faith and growth.” Aww, such great stuff. Thank you!!!!
Brian, I’m giggling!! Oh, pleeeeaasssee. Tee hee. That’s so sweet!
I’m certain you have found the hardest transitions show the most radiant moments! Or I pray that! When I look back and see ALL I’ve come through, I can’t help but see the strength and wisdom that I’ve gained. I imagine if nothing were ever wrong…health just perfect, everything going superbly well, ….would I still have this much surrender in me? I’d like to say, yes, I would.
On the days I feel good and sing, “I should’ve been a cowboy 🤠!” (Nod to your latest post lol), I still know WHOSE I am (that sounds like peeerrrrfect grammar!).
It’s my blessing to share this roller coaster life of chronic …stuff.
And moreso , the pain that’s more severe in the loss I see others experience which makes any pain I feel secondary! My heart aches for everyone! God help us all!
May we keep laughing, praising, singing, and helping others as we all walk “home” together.
I appreciate you, my friend!
You sound good. Love you so much. You are always smiling! 😁
Aww, thank you, Mama Wenda! I’m smiling right now! I love you so much!❤️🙏🩷🥰
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You are remembered in my prayers, 2Timothy 1:3
Maryann
Beautiful, MaryAnn. Thank you, sweet friend. Likewise!🩷🙏🥹✝️
Good morning, my spiritual & education buddy! This blog is beautiful…your writing do touches my heart! What it doesn’t fully say is your struggle, treatment, dr new diagnosis, stress & uncertainties. My dear friend, Kim jones sneed- who came for school Africa day, said “if you don’t name it you can’t claim it .” I think she meant…we don’t know, we’re not meant to know, God leads us & we might have feelings & ideas but we like answers-I
Good morning sweet Sue 🥰 so many memories over these years and I remember her,…
Oh to name it and claim it! The personal prayers, the pleas…. and to begin with praise! (Brought to you by the letter “p”)! It’s so amazing when the walls collapse around Christ. To experience His Presence and Power.
Through the tears, talks, and trials.
Naming the challenges and singing the blessings.
Now that my full time career is “managing” chronic…I seek our Master to provide all comfort.
Isn’t it amazing to sit in the mysteries of it all? I no longer want answers. That’s the beauty of faith!
When you have an eternal
Perspective, the stuff of this world looses its place. Yippee!
Oh, there’s so much I don’t want know, lol!
I love you my friend. 27 years and counting on more, Sue…and even IF…we know that~ and that’s enough! One day we’ll be in glory together. You’re such a steady source of encouragement. Thank you, my friend.🩷🙏🎶🎶✝️
You inspire us all with your firm faith
Thank you, precious Sadje.🩷🙏🩷✝️
You’re very welcome Karla
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Hugging you with all my heart!
And will continue walking this journey with you side by side even if miles apart! Love you my amazing 🧡 friend!
Your words are beautiful, straight from your heart ❤️ I know God brags to the angels about you! 😉
C, what a precious message, sweet sister. I feel your heart hugs and love! I’m so happy we’re walking side by side on this journey, too!
You’re a precious encouragment to me! THANK YOU! Love you my amazing friend! 💕🫶🏻🙏🏻🍁🍂
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Karla, I’ve never been so happy to see Fall arrive! The September heat wave was unbelievable! Henry didn’t like it either! I pray you are feeling strong and refreshed. God bless you, my sweet friend! Sending love and prayers to you and Finley! Blessings! 🙏💕🐾
Oh, Cindy–I understand! It seemed everyone was ready for cooler weather! Our summer is still clinging just a BIT. Not as hot as it has been, thank goodness!
Poor Henry! Finley understands. I had let her hair grow (I’m her groomer 😉 and I was praying for cooler weather to come quickly!
I was able to visit my youngest son and his family the last 5 days. I FEEL the prayers and love. HIS strength and love SUSTAINED me. I was able to participate and share in such special memories. It was a nice reprieve from all the visits to dr’s, hospitals, and the tough moments. My sweet Dad will begin some rehab tomorrow and I can go be “boosted” on Wednesday and check my counts, see my oncologist. I’m going at a “pace of grace”, Cindy.
I’m praying that you both had a wonderful weekend and are doing well on this Monday. I know how life can change so quickly. Finley and I love you and Henry. I pray for you and send many hugs! Blessings, my sweet friend!🙏🏻🐾💕
Karla, It’s great to hear from you and Finley! I’m going to start being Henry’s groomer again. The last time I took him to the groomer he was shaking so bad that I decided not to take him back anymore.
I’m glad you had a great visit with your son. My daughter is coming to visit with her husband and baby in 2 weeks! I can hardly wait. They live 900 miles away so I don’t get to see them very often.
Henry and I send our love and prayers to you and Finley. I pray for your strength and health. God bless you today, dear friend! 💕🙏🐾
Oh, Cindy! I can’t wait to hear all about your time with your family! It’s so hard when they live far away! You will be snuggling that baby~ awww.
I completely understand about Henry’s shaking situation. Finn is the same way! She’s so fuzzy and fluffy and I keep waiting for true cool air to settle lol.
We love you both! God bless you!🐾🙏🍂🍁 enjoy every moment of your visit~ praying for safe travels for them! 🩷🩷🙏
Speaking this back to you in hope-“a chance to pause, take a deep breath, and let the cool breeze wash over me.”
Amen. Thank you, precious friend. You’re a gift, Kelley.
Karla, as always a beautiful and inspirational post, my friend!
“As the autumn air marks the start of my favorite season, my body may feel low on energy, but my spirit is full of joy. Managing the day-to-day tasks through aches and tiredness can feel daunting on my own, but thankfully, I’m not walking alone—I am being carried. Just like the trees gracefully surrender their leaves each fall, I am learning to release my worries and surrender daily at His feet. Through it all, He makes it easier to stay deeply rooted.”
Your words are an encouragement! It is our season dear friend! Let’s enjoy God’s beautiful creation as we worship the Creator, the giver of life, and the author of our salvation! He is our Peace!
Prayers always and sending love 🙏🏻🧡🍂🌻🎶🦋🍂🧡
Thank you, precious friend. You are always such an encouragement, Pam!
HE sustains me. I’m releasing my worries daily! Through staying rooted, I was able to go and visit Jay and his family. Yes, my energy might be low (we all understand and it happens to us all!). I can’t imagine my life without having Christ walking…living IN ME…beside me…the Holy Spirit giving me strength and sustaining me.
I’m so happy these words encourage you, Pam! I was thinking of you when I was at the Fall Festival. There were many families out enjoying the food and festivities. In addition to going to Dad’s rehab and my appointment this week, I hope to get out IN nature more –enjoy our Author of Salvation’s incredible world (I love your words, Pam!).
Sending so much love and hugs…and prayers! 🙏🏻💕🍂🥾🫶🏻🫶🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Prayers sent your way. Sorry for the hard times you are going through.
Thank you, Sheryl. How thoughtful. Truly, through it all, I feel so blessed. I hope that my joy and faith speak louder than circumstances! I hope and pray that you are well!
Thank you
Karla, this is just beautiful! Autumn can bring so many new changes. You always embrace that, and it empowers you. You rock!
Aww, Jennie. You’re so precious and sweet! THANK YOU, dear friend!!
You are very welcome, dear friend! 💕
Best wishes to you in your new chapter and with hiking. 💛🍂
Thank you, beautiful friend. It’s so good to see you. I hope and pray you are well! 💕🍁🍂🙏🏻
Thanks Karla, you’re always so kind. 🩷
You’re welcome, Michele. As are YOU! 💕💕💕
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love the metaphor 🙂 may the road be kind ahead 🙂
Fall is my favorite season with the colors of the trees, cooler weather, and football. 🙂
That’s wonderful, big brother!! I understand! Thank you for being here. God bless you, Matt! Happy Fall! 🍂🍁