Seeing her smile, wearing her birthday crown and sash, made my heart so full. She was radiant in her pink sweater and joy! My mom, Darlene, is a beautiful lady. As a young girl, her dark hair, brown eyes, and skin gave her such unique beauty. It’s no wonder my dad, Larry, fell hard for this homecoming queen. Oh, the stories that she and her siblings can share about life on the farm and being PKs (Pastor’s Kids). Those stories still float in the air by the Finley River—with laughter, faith, and fun! There are so many praiseworthy people in my world!
Do you remember when I introduced you to another Darlene? When time allows, I think you’ll find it encouraging. It took many hours today to condense the book and other things I learned! MY Darlene will always be my FAVORITE though ;-). Click on this link to the page about Darlene Deibler Rose if you want to read an amazing FAITH BLAZER! *Page is listed on the home page menu as well*
Do I have faith like a faith blazer? 🔥
Last week, after a skin cancer diagnosis, I wanted to run to THE Garden. So it’s just skin cancer? Big deal! I already have cancer!? “Get to the Garden, Karla.” Jesus HAD to have that time with His Father. He cried in desperation—and acknowledged the truth. How can we have faith and a relationship with Him if we DON’T communicate? But JESUS.
And Darlene. My Mom. And Darlene. The Missionary who lost her husband and she STILL kept the faith. I want FAITH LIKE THAT. What about you? Who do you praise when things are good? Can you PRAISE in the midst of storms? Storms can drown us–or SHAPE us. Instead of Google, I sought HIS face. I counted blessings. Stayed in my patterns (or tried!). I’m not looking for ways to avoid scars anymore. I embrace them. Can we let go of the performances we’ve learned through life? We picked these up after getting stickers as a child. A promotion for good work or a “you look good.” We are raised to be PUT TOGETHER.
Who sits with you when life gets complicated? If life is easy…hold on…it won’t always be. Others will become “uncomfortable” when your life gets messy. We’re supposed to be able-bodied adults and citizens right? Even though GRACE (NOT works–but FAITH IN CHRIST) will put you on a good path, the path is difficult. There’s an enemy out there (and it shouldn’t be us!). When you find that friend that just says, “Hey, something doesn’t seem right, want to share?” KEEP THEM. And be THAT friend.
A dear friend reminded me of this truth, “We are like the 5 people we hang around!” Who are you hanging around? What are your conversations about? It’s OK to LOVE without lingering–you NEED the light! I’m not who I was 30 years ago, 3 years ago, or yesterday (PRAISE GOD!). Let’s stop putting people in boxes from childhood or …yesterday? Do you know who will sit, walk, hike, or cry with you when life gets messy? I do. HE didn’t DIE so that your life would be a perfect performance. It gives him JOY to heal your hurt, sit with you through suffering, and yes, giggle when you giggle! What a spectacular Savior I serve!
Friends and family, thank you for your continued readership and support. There are so many praiseworthy people in our midst. Many have gone on before us. I dedicate this to the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the last few weeks. To the neighbors fighting daily battles. To the stay-at-home moms wondering if they make a difference. To those who feel their mundane is not making a difference. To the cancer patients receiving treatments as I type this. To someone who just found out a loved one has died. Also, I dedicate this to those who are experiencing joy. Whether it’s a vacation, a new birth in the family, laundry caught up, or a “win” in any area! God, thank you for your blessings; including these special friends.
I count it ALL JOY~💚
Thank you, Jesus. You’re MORE than praiseworthy!
UPDATES & “NEW ON THE WEBSITE”
On Sunday I’ll fly to D.C. and go to the National Cancer Institute for bloodwork & scans (a dear friend is accompanying me). I’m prayerfully positive to return with “stable” news! Once I’m back, I’ll have the pesky skin cancer cut out. Have I mentioned how crucial it is to advocate for yourself? Always seek care if you have a concern or question.
I’ll be very excited to share some new pages on my website. To raise awareness of my cancer, and help support my daily journey, I’m beginning a new ‘venture’. As much as I love being in schools, working with cute dogs and writing is less exposure to germs!
For MANY months I’ve been attempting to create cards.The plan of selling them “morphed” into something larger (that’s God!). The Finley River Shop has items with themes of Finley River and faith. These include coffee cups, stickers, cards, hats, and t-shirts. I want to thank my dear friend, Tim, at Withoutlimit.org, for the many hours of Spirit-led conversations, prayers, and planning for the Finley River Shop. A special thanks to Pam at Everyday Living for her “keen” eye on design. Her input helps with future items. I am also thankful to Martha (MAK) at Anachronism of the Far West for her “do it” encouragement!
Finley River Publishing Collection
Keep in mind that I’m using a 3rd party to fulfill orders. I’m a “small” shop, so I do not have a plan that allows samples. Items have been ordered by several family members and friends. I should receive a hat, mug, & sticker soon–I’ll check quality!
Feel free to take a peek in the menu! I thank you in advance for your support! Be looking for NEW items down the river!
Learning new software, coupled with cancer and keeping up with responsibilities, is challenging. I’m listening, learning, and leaning…all FROM God and ON God. For ON CHRIST the rock is where I MUST stand.
Again, thank YOU for your love, prayers, and support. I hope you know how LOVED YOU ARE. Finley and I are blessed to have you all floating, hiking, and walking alongside us on this journey. God bless you.
Don’t lose faith, my friends. Do you know how loved you are? 💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
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P.S. I was about to order a t-shirt, but don’t see sizes mentioned. I normally wear a men’s large. Are these about that size, Karla?
Oh, shoot, Mitch! Let me check! I’m going to learn so much, dear friend! Thank you thank you!! 🙏
I gather you used a third party to set up the products section and payment options, Karla? I’ve thought about doing that, but haven’t looked into it yet. Hope it goes well for you!
Yes, Mitch, a 3rd party and I design in Canva. Email any time. I’ll share the other options and why I chose this way (and the nearly 30 hours, as I type this, that I’ve invested learning~ and will continue! :). Let me know if you’re able to choose a size. It was a “work around” situation and I hope it’s successful! 🥰
Love the shop Karla, Glad Tim could help out too…you are in our prayers on all the testing…I would have gone to the garden too!
Thank you, Gary. I’ve been thinking of you 3 heavily, dear friend. We’ve got some catching up to do. Give the girls my love and prayers. It’s been too long and seeing your name is heartwarming. Yes, a Garden moment. Each morning my “garden” time grows longer. God bless you all, Gary.
Oh, Karla! Thank you for the shout out! Everything looks great!
Thank you, MAK! Finn, Scout, and I send love to you 3 always ♥️🐾🥰♥️🙌🏻
this is the first post I chose to read this morning, Karla. I chose good.
It is big, bracing and optimistic. When I was hovering, many changes back, between Buddhism and Christianity, one comment from my friend David showed me the way to go. He said: “I can talk to God. But I can’t talk to Buddha!”
John, what a testimony and uplifting response! Your words are so powerful. Thank you, dear friend. I pray you are well. How does the future look across the pond? God bless you!🙏☺️
Pretty good, thanks Karla. Petrol prices up but apart from that ….. health is good, still doing gym three times a week, keeping in touch with Jesus via that royal telephone 🙂
Inspired as always, dear Karla! For someone fighting so many battles and making them blessings – your life testifies to the fact that all things are possible with God. The darkness will never overcome the light of Christ shining so brilliantly in your life. Thank you for being a beacon of His love. Ember and I gladly receive it and multiply it back to you. I will praying for you during your upcoming travels and tests. Onward!
Onward, precious Erika! You are such an inspiration to me. I give God the glory for it all (as I sit, praising and resting ~ I’m lifting you now!). I’m so happy we have this sisterhood.
Let’s be lights together. The Kingdom of Darkness is real. There’s only two~ I choose light! Just as you. Many blessings and love to you and Ember~ Finn and I 🙏❤️♥️🐾🥰
Oh Karla, where do I start. Cutting out cancer in the middle of a business venture. How many boxes did you tick on this journey kind lady? 🤣🐾🦓❤️🙏
I can only smile at the energy from that love you’ve opened to Karla. So many things but still much more to share. And your timing is a delight, my hat had decided it was beyond washing any more so I ducked into the store and bingo, just what I wanted thank you 😂😎🐬❤️
Now, lots of healing energy for the removal of unwanted attachments. I will pray hard for it to be cleared kind lady. Lots of love, blessings and light to share on this path, may there be those of great love be standing with you to give you strength during and after.
Big, big hugs to you and Finn and love to you both. Hang in there Karla, a gift beyond words for this path. Take care 🤗🥰🤣😎🌟🐾🦓🎶🦢🦋🕊️🌊🐬🦭🐳❤️🙏
I just bought a Flannel with Faith coffee mug! ☕️
I’m sorry to hear about your skin cancer. More prayers headed your way, Karla!!
Your thought about already having cancer reminded me of my sweet mother’s dry sense of humor. She had stage 3 pancreatic cancer and we were headed to chemo. I said, “Remember to buckle up, mom.” Without missing a beat she said, “I don’t wear seat belts anymore. I have cancer.” She then buckled up with a grin. 😀
Well if it isn’t one thing it is another. Sad to hear of your skin cancer diagnosis. Hopefully they will be able to slice it out. Sometimes I think you must be Job’s Sister!! You have been through so much. I pray you will have encouraging results on your trip to DC. You have so many people standing with you. Stay strong, my friend!