The journey to June came swiftly! “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise!” If you’re from my neck of the woods, you’ve heard this phrase a time or two. I might make plans–but I’m not in ultimate control. Especially when the heavy humidity rolls in and sudden storms start brewing. I was reminded of this in a deeply personal way Sunday. Literally the creek rose and plans shifted!
How will I continue my practices and patterns of peace & savoring our Savior during seasonal shifts?
☀️Dawn Devotions
My new morning meditations include singing! Grounding myself in the truth of God’s Word, readings, quotes, and repeated truths promote my peaceful posture! Some mornings are much harder depending on my evening rest. But I don’t waiver from this WAY. My mornings aren’t the same without this (and a cup of coffee!☺️)!
🌳Shaded Stillness
When I’m sheltered by the shade I can enjoy nature and let HIS stillness strengthen me.
“Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.” Isaiah 32:2
🙏🏻Porch Prayers
“I like to sit on the front porch of an old cabin I built in the woods and just listen to the birds.” — Johnny Cash
When the air is heavy (thank you humidity), I’ll pause and pray on the porch for someone with a heavy heart! Front or back porch? Which do you have have?
“If I’m going to have to sit on the back porch and watch life pass by, I won’t pass up the opportunity for prayer and praise!” -K.L. Hale
❣️Breathing Blessings
As I practice deep breathing (and hopefully my last month needing extra oxygen!) I’ll breathe in DEEPLY ALL my blessings and breathe out the burdens! Let’s take a deep breath together, friends!
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. – Marcus Aurelius
💧Soul Sipping
I’m being more intentional at staying hydrated! On the sweltering days I’m going to intentionally “quench” on His promises when I fill my glass of water! Each time I reach for a drink, I’m going to practice letting His living waters wash away the heat of the day’s worries!
How is your journey? Are you walking in rain? Experiencing a drought? Sheltered in a storm? Basking in the sun? Even when the atmosphere feels thick and life gets busy, we can anchor our NEW hearts IN HIM. Surrender, submit, savor, and be satisifed! Oh, what a summer it can be! Happy June, dear friends.
Find faith.Practice your peace.Fall INTO Him.You are loved. ❣️
Note from K.L.❣️~
It seems like forever ago since I’ve written in my journal. Despite the nagging elbow/arm pain my soul was uncluttered enough to write several pages/thoughts to create “Journey into June”. Like the rain we’ve had, thoughts fell hard and fast. If you know me, I embrace change.I’ve learned to accept what won’t change–my repeated practices and patterns of peace are 2nd nature now. Because of Christ! However, I have to surrender my OWN agenda. This world will continue to offer chaos for FREE if anyone is interested! Just turn on the news, stay focused on media, and offer opinions to that which doesn’t matter! Soon, you’ll find patterns that refuse to promote peace. Particularly the peace that only God gives. As I journey into June, looking forward to a grand’s birthday, an anniversary celebration, and Father’s Day, I’m reminded that EACH day belongs to a greater power than little ol’ me. But WITH my Heavenly Father, I have the strength to share with you. If you are practicing being “present”, particularly in the Holy Spirit, you understand why my seasons are quieter. Lessening the world noise to focus on what matters most is essential to a healthy soul–and body. May your June be a re-set and a wonderful time of faith, fun, family, & friends. I pray the the presence of God is real in your heart. Much love to all of you~Finley & I.
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FROM: Murphy’s Law
Beautiful post Karla, as always. The depth of your faith astounds me, even after all this time. It’s enough of an ordeal working your way through cancer, but having to deal with pain, sometimes excruciating, and a whole assortment of other side effects, can really take the wind out of your sails.
Somehow you get yourself up, dust yourself off, and get into your routine again. Kudos to you. That’s no small feat!
I hope June brings you daily joy, an easier load to juggle, and a short jaunt to somewhere you’ve been wanting to visit…..hopefully including sweet Miss Finley.
Kisses and belly rubs for Fin. Oh, okay, some for you too! You both are in my prayers, as are your family.
ginger🦋🦓🙏🏻❤️
Ginger, thank you, precious friend! I have to share that this depth has come from years of drinking the good water. And those “near drowning” moments had me seeing the unbelievable miracles and LIFE that was INSIDE of me because I decided to give up the control.
Not that I’m just laying around and floating now. There are times I’m dog-paddling (with Finn 😉 and also, JUST about to go under and I see the hands of Jesus say, “Just walk with me”. It’s IN ME. I’m not going to wait until I get to heaven to utilize the power that I have now. But he does expect me to do my part.
I don’t think an easy life would build this faith, Ginger. I’d be too complacent. Cancer is like a full-time job. Much like diabetes, arthritis, any pain or sickness people have…thank goodness for my full-time Savior!
I’m hopeful always, Ginger. No matter what. Even when the treatments knock me down a bit. I’m learning that the getting back up part is becoming easier (I guess until I can’t??? lol).
I pray that YOUR June brings you happiness, good health, and some rejuvenation. Finley is enjoying a little stroller, Ginger. I finally got to get her out last night for just a bit. My body got tired fast, yet, with her in this little stroller, we both enjoyed it! It was precious. I’m giving her belly rubs right now from you. We loveee you. ❣️❣️🐾🐾
Karla, can you believe we are in June already??? I am stunned, I tell you 😁 it seems like two weeks ago we were wondering if there was enough firewood to last a cold weekend hehe
Sounds like June is off to a good start for you! Mike
Right, Mike? I can’t believe how fast time goes by…
Here I go! It’s a good start, my friend!
I hope for you too! ☺️🙏🏻
It’s June and we have the fire on 😂😂😂 Hope you can feel a really strong connection to our Lord. ❤️❤️❤️
Ha ha! I love it!! But I dream of your area and would love that. Remember I want to live in flannel always? 😂😂
I feel it, my friend! Sending tons of hugs to you both!❤️🤗
I’d like to do like Johnny Cash, and build a cabin in the woods, and just sit there and listen to the birds. But sometimes I do turn on the TV, watch a little news, and come up with opinions. What’s nice about that is I know nobody’s interested in my opinions, so I keep them to myself.
I bet you’ll be happy to ditch your oxygen tank. They’re hard to drag around when you go jogging around the block.
I hope you have a very nice month of June, Karla! Lord willing and the cricks don’t rise.
Hello, Tippy! I’m all about Johnny Cash, a cabin, the woods, and birds.
I used to watch a little news. I read my news each morning–1440 email and The Pour Over version. I want to be informed (not inflamed! lol).
I’m happy that my breathing is much better for sure (I hear the longer one breathes, the longer they live! :-). But seriously, I’m blessed, Tippy. Through it all.
I’ve always loved learning. I do enjoy finding neat people to hear on podcasts, YouTube, so I’m not totally closed off–but VERY careful as to what I allow in my soul. It’s necessary for health!
I’m behind on reading your posts–I hear there’s a good one that will give me giggles–but than again, you always make me giggle!
I hope you and yours are doing well, Tippy! I appreciate you! Happy June, dear friend!!
At every Bible Study I’ve attended, I want to say, “We should sing a hymn before prayer and study!” Then I bite my tongue. But honestly, something happens when we sing to our Lord. I’m glad you do that in your morning meditations, Karla. I know Christ honors that. ✝️
Yes, Dora! I understand! I’ve been reading the book of Colossians. In 3:16 it states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
HE doesn’t care HOW our voices sound ~ but that we are praising him in thanks. Lifting our voices.
Once I truly surrendered (and daily yield to distance and distractions), I found my voice. I won’t lose that praise to Him again. It completely shifts my entire day. Music is the medium in which I can worship the most, Dora. Part of it is my health journey too. Writing and reading are harder. Music is … IS. lol. Hearing and singing bring peace and allow me to worship without strain. I was worried I was losing my voice. It’s changed. Yet, God loves our voices and more, our hearts that are aligned with His.
Sing away, Dora! “Says the girl who wants to start singing on a train just to see who would join? lol ” but truly, sing your heart precious friend. You are loved. ❤️🙏 🎶
You always bless my heart, Karla. I learned recently that humming helps reset the vagus nerve and helps your system to reset when its stressed. Now I’m not the girl who’ll sing on a train, but maybe … HUM?!! LOL. All you said about singing our praise to Him has been true for me too. Rediscovering it with you is one of the hallmarks of my week, ordained by our sovereign LORD. Praise be to Him! Precious child of God, you are loved too and prayed for, and I’m grateful for our eternal fellowship in Christ. Take care, Karla. 🥰🤗💖🎶
How wonderful, Dora! I’m humming right now (much needed!). This just came to me, the song, “Glory to His Name!” and now, I’m humming it because of YOU! You are a precious child of God and I’m so grateful for you too, sister. Love and blessings, Dora. 🩷🙏🏻🩷
Breathe deep, dear friend, and keep singing those prayers❣
Thank you, precious friend. I appreciate you more than you know!❤️🙏❤️
We have a front porch and a back porch (both have a hummingbird feeder) but the back porch is larger and has a better view and a porch swing (and an oriole feeder too) so that’s the one we use most! A joyful June to you, my faith inspiring friend! I’m always uplifted by your posts! 🙌🩷
How wonderful! I can see the porches now, my friend.🥰 I have a small back covered porch area now that I really enjoy. I’ve been blessed to experience porches and I just love them! The porch swing sounds delightful (and the oriole feeder)! The birds are eating up seeds as fast as possible. You are such an encouragement to me, my friend. Thank you! ❤️♥️🙏
I can hear your heart from here Karla, singing and dancing with Finn in a stroller for sure. There is no other way for you but being in His keeping. It is a world as only love can be kind lady 💖🌟🥰
We’ve just had a month of mainly overcast but rained when it wanted to. A neighbouring town had 355mm in a couple of days so they had wet socks on their travels for a while. I think even the dolphins had their flippers on 🤣🐬🏖
But I think of the water supplies, the new green growth, and the economy for umbrellas, raincoats and shared hearts under an overhang 💞☂️🌲🌴🌿 🤗
I hope and pray your journey hasn’t been as wet, and at the least a cool breeze under the shade of a nice tree somewhere. Or maybe the cool of an inner love heavenly sent 🌷🤗👌❤️🙏
Big, big hugs from way over here to you both. And belly rubs too. If Ginger can do it…me too 🤣😂
Lots of love coming over too…and the knowing that the gift of Jesus within, that your releasing into His love, is ever present, strength given, and praise given in understanding it Karla ❤️🙏
Hang in there my friend, His love knows no bounds. Take care kind lady 💞🌹🌟🥰🐾🦓🤗🌺🌿🌼🍀😀🐬😎❤️🕊️🙏
Mark~ this is a beautiful and uplifting message, as always! Thank you!!
I just have Finn belly rubs. She’s so fluffy and soft. She is like me~ we rest “hard” when we can and play as we can. Maybe dogs discern too?!?
I’m happy you hear me singing. Last week I cried with the weather and all of it~ but yet, Jesus, who knew emotions as a man, understood ~ and being the God He is, He held me enough and sent 3 angels one night to visit and it was…heavenly!
Practicing His Way isn’t a program ~ but it’s my life. Indwelled. Whole. He just wants our hearts and the power of the Spirit allows the “floods” to flow AND pass!
Just as you hold a posture of positive ~ from all the rain and seeing the benefits~ I do too!
I can’t imagine life any other way (nor do I want to!).
I giggled at the flippers and started thinking of 🤿 equipment wearing sharks and giggled more (my brain for you!). I was thinking if I couldn’t see the shark fin well enough, surely the snorkel would help too. 😜🫣 🦈
Anyone in the Down Under sheltering under an awning with you is blessed, my friend! Finn and I send out love and prayers!
💕🙏 🦓 🌊 🐬 🦈 🇦🇺 🇺🇸 🙏🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻 🐾 ☀️ 🌧️
Dear Karla, you most certainly are in His presence if he sends those beautiful visitors kind lady. I would love to hear this heavenly event. I can’t call it anything else because it touches you so profoundly to be ‘out of this world’…but not. Thank you for your kind words and prayers and love gratefully received and returned in kind my friend. Bound in the love ever given, and of course send by the ‘big blue’ courier service. I wonder how dolphins in mask and snorkels look too 🤣
A friend did his usual swim out in the ocean yesterday and as he came in the drone operator (they watch out for sharks from the beach), told him he had four sharks circling him on the way back in. He wasn’t worried though as he wears one of those shark whips wrapped around and trailing behind him that give out electrical impulses that they don’t like so leave him alone. Mind you, the odd one gets a bit close but he says they would spit him out because of all the garlic he uses in his pizza’s 😜🤣🦈🌊
And yes, dogs discern beautifully. A friend has a staffy to which everyone thinks are a bull at a gate. But he knows when she is not well and snuggles gently and actually keeps an eye on her. But of course if she is getting better he ‘distracts’ her with one of his toys to take her mind off it. They just ‘know’ 😂🐕🦓💕🎶🐬🐳❤️🙏
This reminds me of the old hymn, It Is Well With My Soul.
“When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul”
Be blessed, sister.😊🙏🏻🙌🏻
That is my favorite hymn! Thank you for sharing~ what a blessing! ❤️🥹🙏♥️
I don’t know why that shows anonymous.
CPro
My apologies for just now seeing this–it was in pending area. I didn’t know who “CPro” was until I saw your email! Hello, CP! Curtis! This same thing happened to many of us (and continues at times). We call it the WP “Gremlins”. Perhaps, if it’s been a while since you’ve visited, you might have to re-follow. I have a friend that still has to just email me her responses. Ginger, another friend, had this happen for months and it happens to me on other blogs. Technology!
I hope you’re doing well. Many blessings to you!
Karla, your post is beautifully written! A cabin in the woods would be great and a place to just “Be Still”.
“If I’m going to have to sit on the back porch and watch life pass by, I won’t pass up the opportunity for prayer and praise!” -K.L. Hale
I love you my friend and you are in my prayers!❤️🙏🏻🌺🦋🌼
Thank you, precious Pam. 🥰I saw yours yesterday to save so I can read and see the beauty today!
I thought of Butch when I wrote that quote. Typically, I would NEVER just sit and watch life pass me by. Tee hee. Our Savior has really taught me great lessons. If I can’t participate, praise anyway!
HE provided strength for me to put Finn in a stroller and get out again last night. I’ll take it with gratitude and praise.
“Be Still” is such a great way to savor Him.
I’m thinking of you and just prayed for you, your family, and all our WP family.
I love and appreciate you.
💕Today’s devotional
Song was Blessed Assurance~ and a song called I Will Trust You, God was sang. Great words and music to begin my day. May He bless you all daily.
💕❤️💚 🎶 💐
An inspiring post, indeed. I took a deep breath with you. I don’t venture out onto the back porch often enough. This time of year, it’s getting too hot. But I need to take advantage of it more often, especially since we got a hammock out there. I do enjoy stepping out, in the evenings, to feed the stray cats.
I’m definitely with you, though, on the mornings with Jesus and coffee. I couldn’t live without them, I don’t think.
Jeff, I’m so happy you took a deep breath with me. I’m like you–I like the evenings (and early mornings are ok too). I don’t do well with humidity! That’s when I want to run to the mountains, lol.
Jesus and coffee–the best! I miss seeing you in YouVersion my friend. My morning times and the assorted resources I’m using have been SO good, dear friend. From worship in song, to specific verses, to the Lectio365, to the Pause and Experience Jesus study. And now, thanks to a dear friend, I have additional readings of faith blazers! Such a time of depth that spills into every part of my day and keeps Jesus in the 24/7–Me into Christ–Christ in me! God bless you, C, and S. I pray you are well!
Karla, Thank you for bringing encouragement to so many! You are loved, my friend, by God and many friends!
I love to sit on my porch, but Henry barks wildly at everyone who passes by. He thinks he is my guard dog! I pray you and Finn are enjoying this spring weather and, like Johnny, listening to the birds. I love to do that, too. God bless you and keep you, sweet friend!
Thank you, precious Cindy! I can see Henry now! Finn is my little guard dog too. The funny thing is she barks at dogs on TV and when the doorbell rings. But outside, she doesn’t? Tee hee. BUT-when someone arrives she goes NUTS (lol). I guess she’s my protector too? She’ll eventually settle down when you put your hand over her (I have to tell others to do that to show authority–lol). We had a few nights of walking, but I had some virus the end of last week. I hang on for the ride and find joy even if I have to rest and “be still”. Sadly, it’s extremely windy and humid–so the early mornings and late evenings are the best. I’ll be indoors more in July. We had 8–9 inches of rain and many areas saw flooding, too. Spring will leave soggy and summer will soon be sizzling! God bless you, precious friend. Finn and I love you two!
Karla, It’s unbelievable how many times a dog barks or a doorbell rings on TV! Henry barks at them, too! God bless you, sweet friend, today and everyday! Henry and I send love and prayers! 🙏💕🐾
Much love to you, sweet friend. 🩷
Much love to you too, Kelley. Thank YOU! 🩷🙏🏻
wonderfully inspiring, Karla ; love the Marcus Aurelius quote 🙂
Thank you, John. I appreciate you so much! I’m a fan of Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism has had a significant place in my life. In a good way. I pray you are well, my friend!
Beautifully written my Dear Sister Karla… I love the reminder that peace is not found in perfect circumstances but in staying anchored to Christ through every season. Whether we are walking through storms, droughts, or sunshine, His presence remains constant. Your thoughts on slowing down, savoring His promises, and finding stillness in Him were a blessing to read.
Happy June, and may God Continue to strengthen and refresh you each day.
Dear brother, My apologies for the late reply. Thank you for your wise and precious words. You KNOW! You are so anchored through it ALL. I’ve slowed down so much you barely see me, tee hee. But I’m walking at a pace of grace with some challenges. Yet, also, so thankful too, Willie. I won’t take one day for granted. I’ll make each day count as I surrender to the Lord’s will. I pray that your June has been wonderful thus far, brother. Sending love, prayers, and blessing to you and your precious family! God bless you!
Karla, my back deck is a place that is inviting and peaceful! The glider and the climbing wisteria along with the hostas and daylilies! I’ve been at church every day this month and plan on continuing until the 18th! I’m with the Rosary ladies and we are praying to start the mornings… You are in our prayers! Mochi sends her greetings to you and Finley too!
Val, I can see the peaceful and inviting deck now. The flowers and beauty make it even more amazing! How amazing you’re at church daily! I’m so thankful for you and the prayer warriors. All glory to God for his healing power! Although I’m still struggling–to be HERE is a GIFT I’ll never take for granted! Finn and I send our love to you and Mochi!! I’m praying for you too!
Karla, every task can be a prayer and every pain a gift to God. I am reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice for me – daily as I work at church. It gives me a sense of peace to pray for others and to know they are praying for me. Thank you! I’ll let them know tomorrow when I see at least 8 of them! Big hugs to you and to Finn! 💞🙏🏻🙏🏻🐾🐾
Karla, thank you for the beautiful and inspiring words. Just sitting out on the porch and listening to birds and the wind is a joy. It’s a reminder of God’s gift of nature and telling us to ‘stop and smell the roses’.
Thank you, Jennie. What a beautiful comment. Sitting on the porch and listening to the birds is the best! Much love to you as you stop and smell the roses, precious friend.
You are welcome, Karla. As soon as I get home from school, exhausted, I sit on the porch and listen to the birds, and watch the wind blow the trees. It’s the best! Hugs and love, my dear friend.
Karla, I always appreciate the positivity shared in your posts. The thoughtful quotes, chosen Scripture, and your reflections make for a wonderful and fulfilling rendezvous. Your chosen verses from Lamentations are couple of my favorites. God’s peace.
Thank you, Richard! How kind! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed them. I have to give glory to God for His strength and power, dear friend. I love Lamentations too! Peace and blessing to you both!