You won’t know it by looking at me. I won’t know it looking at you. The REAL ME. The REAL YOU. What do you see?
It started as a “surface” conversation. We were both shopping for hand soap. Immediately I admired her long tunic with the entire world printed on it. “The world is beautiful on you!” Smiling, she shared her love for travel. Judging, I guessed her to be my Mom’s age. Her surface didn’t matter to me. Within 10 minutes a connection between writing and faith was made. A genuine prayer and smile. Shared kindness. It felt like the “community call” I sought last week.
The layers of the soul below the surface of the skin are invisible to the human eye, yet transparent to those who see from their soul. I’ll name them Soul-seekers (I’ll put a positive spin lest it doesn’t sound like an evil villain lurking for the next victim).
Surface seekers? You SEE them looking at you and wondering. Or, there might even be evidence via social media-you “fit” a desired or needed profile. Skin deep is all that’s seen.
What do YOU view? Burdens or beauty? Shame or the shoes? Mood or the makeup? Hurt or the hairstyle? Care or the car they drive? Optimism or the occupation? Surface or the soul?
We all judge. What eventually surfaces from the soul will determine the degree of your relationships. It’s so peaceful to be at a point in life, in my personal and/or career, where I no longer have to worry about being “compared” to someone or judged based on surface issues. Gossip, drama, neverending politics, …pointless positioning, or being sucked into controversy. Let’s “face” it–you’re either on the side of love or losing. Life is nothing but lessons. Skimming the surface might suffice for some. If so, do you! As for me? Skin-deep won’t last; I want nothing to do with it. Ah, it feels good to know true love. 💛Given time, the soul will surface. A genuine heart will heal, not harden. True kindness won’t be kidnapped by conditions. Loyal love will lift the heavy weight of wrongs. Mature mercy will melt the madness. Faith can fix the fake.
Smiling, I will gaze upon the eyes of my Maker. Laughing, I’ll let go of the lingering litter of “labels” (they don’t matter!). Lovingly, I’ll let go of that which is only surface-deep.
Featured image–Spokane, WA (image by Jay Snook)
Community Call Recall–LOGO VOTE!
Thank you, my sweet friends (community!), for voting on my logo! It was SO MUCH FUN FOR ME! Including emails and texts, here are the results: Logo 1–15 votes, Logo 2-9 votes, and Logo 3-4 votes.
Logo #1 was the winner!💚
Collaboratively, I created a 4th logo based on suggestions from you and my MOM (if a MOM suggests it, it MUST be used :-)). May I ask one more time for a vote? Which one do you like the best? This will be the final vote!
Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓
Today, I’m off for my weekly “hike” to the blood lab. 🙂 After a full day’s stall due to ongoing symptoms on Tuesday, I feel positive that my counts are still going up, up, and up. Hope has been handed. I’m taking it with pleasure. Yesterday’s ZOOM with my NET cancer friends across the country was heart-touching–mixed with tears, celebrations, and facts. Finding them has truly shifted my game plan. This morning I was watching the sweet man that mows my yard. Checking on him, in case he needed water, he said, “Anyone as tough as you will beat this thing!” God, my family, and my friends say the same! There’s something about hearing it from the man who mows my lawn. He’s only “skimmed the surface” of my yard, but yet,…I grinned. A call to a friend, whose children are facing a life-limiting disease, prompted me to share hope. Her first words to me were, “I have hope!” You might find hope just skimming the surface of some great things or even in the “soul” of the simplicity that brings you joy…or even in this community! However it’s found, hope is a good thing.
There aren’t enough thank you’s to measure my gratitude for each of you. 💕
Have faith 💚
The above email is for the blog only. If you’d like to receive newsletters, please (and thank you) add your email below! I do NOT share email. Unfortunately, I’ve been behind on creating newsletters–typically, one a month is the most I’d send! Thank you for your support! 💕
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
©2020-2023 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.
- Finally Flowing: The Finley River Collection is up & running!
- April’s Anticipation
- Praiseworthy People
- Mercy Me, March!
- Passionate Patterns
Discover more from Flannel with Faith
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I don’t know where to start. But, yes! “ 💛Given time, the soul will surface” So important to see past the surface. Sending love and prayers for those blood results. As for the logo-love both, but no. 1 for me. 💛
Thank you, Kelley! Your support means so much to me! The prayers are appreciated. I’m really focusing on my day to day activities, how I feel, gauging and resting as needed (trying not to focus on numbers, like the blood, that can change so quickly!). The goal is to boost them for the last treatment ~which is still up in the air. I keep repeating myself in my updates (much like the repeated trips to the lab 😂). I will tally your vote! Yay! Thank you, again. Sending prayers and love. Especially as we near August and beginning things for you again, 💛🙏🏻
Sounds like the right focus to me. 😊 I’m actually not returning in the Fall. Started a new job at a music store. The change of pace I needed. It is strange though, not to be preparing for school.
Kelley, I’m so excited for your new change! I can SEE YOU at the music store. Actually, can I come to a concert? (I see that in my mind). You deserve a change of pace, Gigi. I do remember, and still to a degree, the strange feeling around beginning of school year. I’m proud of you and thank you for your many years of service, my friend. The numbers were basically unchanged—good or bad? I’d rather see them climb, it doesn’t surprise me based on how I feel. Everyone there has become like family. Just like here. Just like you! 💛
Thank you! And of course! Next time you’re in Tulsa. 😊I’m sorry the numbers didn’t change. We will keep praying. And you keep resting as needed. 💛
Thank you, my friend. I just mentioned you to my friend, Sue, who is on here commenting! She teaches music. We worked together for many years. You two remind me of one another and I thought she’d love your writing, too. I hope to be going through Tulsa in the future and will definitely let you know if I do (it’s a halfway point for one trip). Also, my youngest daughter-in-law has a brother living there. She and my son, and little granddaughter, love going there. ALSO, lol…my dear hiking tribe from AR? One of them was born and raised there…lots of great things in Tulsa; just as you, Kelley! Take care of yourself and that precious family, too. 💛
Of these two LOGO choices, my vote goes to #2.
Hope your weekly hike to the lab produced the desired results. I know how frustrating these delays can be, but hang on girl, you got this.
You are so right Karla that we often, maybe always, skim the surface when meeting someone and never bother to explore any deeper. Shame on us. And shame on me because I have done that very thing myself….yet I don’t want someone to do that to me!
As I’ve aged, (and Lord knows I’ve aged!), I find I look deeper right from the beginning. So much more rewarding. It really doesn’t take a lot of effort or time. If we just actually listen to what the other person is saying and make note of their body language, we can make a pretty accurate assessment of who they truly are.
Hope the upcoming weekend is a pleasant one for you and sweet Miss Finley. A weekend filled with fun, relaxation, positive medical news, and perfect weather.
Please know my prayers are always with you. 💞 Ginger
Sent from my iPad
>
Oh, Ginger,… I always feel your prayers. Finn benefits too! I know it! We thank you so much! 💕🙏
I’ve “skimmed the surface” a lot! It’s a “fast-paced, we don’t have time for that world”. Of course, I understand when young moms needs to take care of scrambling toddlers, elders needing to get home, jobs, cooking, home,…we have ENOUGH to take care of; but given all of that, I believe we all have a moment in which we could pay more attention with little time (a smile at the store, a nice gesture passing by, …you know,…kindness, lol!). Like you said, “it really doesn’t take a lot of effort or time. If we just actually listen…note body language…” Today at the center a sweet older couple was getting on the elevator with me. Bless their hearts. I wanted to squish them; but I couldn’t because they looked so fragile (like my parents are squishable). The man had a huge bandage on his face. I asked them how they were. She said, “We are doing good and ready to go home.” I shook my head in understanding, allowed them to go first when exiting and she said, “Have a great weekend young lady.” “You too,” I replied. We smiled and walked out together. It costs me nothing to be nice. It’s not bragging, it’s just what I choose to be. And you’re the same way, Ginger. I would say the same thing to you. There are times I don’t WANT to see the soul and just react to the surface they’re showing (particularly with rude or just hateful people; but I always assume positive and think about what might be going on in his/her life, I have a lot of grace for them). The results were unchanged today; but I’m not unchanged. 🙂 It should be a wonderful weekend with family. Ginger, I pray that you have a wonderful weekend filled with many blessings. Finn and I send our love! 💛❤️ Thank you for voting! Yay!
You may be surprised Karla in how much we do ‘feel’ others. Love, or its lack from blocking, is a very powerful thing. And as we go through our ‘stuff’ we project where we are at accordingly. I am relating to you in where you are at, when our lives truly touch something so confronting. All of this world then changes as we do because of it, letting go those many things you speak of, taking of those lenses this world shapes us with, and we truly begin to appreciate exactly what this world really is…a place to truly learn of that love within us all. And you are expressing what you have found beautifully kind lady, as does lovely Ginger above with her words. I know whichever the winner in the votes will give of what it was made from, that love you have opened to 😀❤️🙏
Don’t you feel blessed to have the freedom of “feeling?” After letting go, using the new “views”, appreciating the lessons,…finding the love within (sounds like you!🥰🤗)! You have it, too! I’m so richly blessed because of this! “Love, or it’s lack from blocking, is a very powerful thing!” It truly is…in the end, it’s all that matters. You and Ginger are part of my love squad! It gives superpowers you know. 🥰💕🤗🙏🏻
That it does kind lady, they are THE superpower. In fact, the most powerful feelings of love I ever feel…is a pregnant lady. There are no words for it, it just brings me to tears because of what I feel, it is so beautiful. God gave me a gift to heal with the love I let come into myself…so I had to look at my heart first, heal my heart first. Only then could I understand and give from that place. I dared Him by saying where is the sanity in this world with all of this ‘mess’. So He showed me by letting me understand me, and all of our journey, to understand that among the mayhem is a beautifully tuned and balanced unconditional love. One cannot be created without understanding the other…and on the day we ‘let go’ of it all and see that it is that finely tuned beauty, is the day we are free. Enjoy your freedom Karla, and Fin too. From one of the down under love squad 🤣😂❤️🙏
How many hearts can I put on here without appearing too “emoji-obsessed”? 💛❤️💚 Down under love squad. Love it!
Always as many as you wish kind lady 🤣❤️🙏
❤️
Thank you, MAK. ❤️💕💕
Karla that is exactly why WP has so many great connections – we can’t really “see” each other since our physical appearance is obscured. Instead we are forced to view fellow bloggers by what they pour into their posts – a more accurate glimpse of their hearts and souls and minds! still like logo #1 for the bold and vibrant colors! That is what I see when I read your blog!
Val, you nailed it! We aren’t skimming the surface! I could have a bag over my head—you could care less how I look, …you know me based on the soul connections. “-a more accurate glimpse of their hears and souls and minds!” WOW! Yes! Thank you for voting on the logo. Much love to you and Mochi! 🐾💛
Karla you are one of the most beautiful souls in these parts! I love you! <3
Oh my goodness! Val! I love you. Thank you. 🥰🥹💕🙏🏻
Totally agree!!
Aw, hi Joy! I’m so glad you’re here! Val nailed it!💕💛 🎶
Really like logo 1…but your writing so openly and truthful (as my life experience has shown) is wonderful & divinely inspired! Thank you. I love you!-Sue
Sent from my iPhone
<
div dir=”ltr”>
<
blockquote type=”cite”>
Thank you, sweet sister, Sue! Do you see my friend, Kelley, on here? Sue, she’s a music teacher, too. You both have such beautiful hearts and I know, teach or have taught the same way. I wanted to introduce you to her. You’d love her poetry on Piano Girl. Thank you for your never ending love and support for 20 years and counting. I’m so happy you find spiritual and personal relevance in my writing (little ol’ me!). Oh my goodness, it’s humbling. I never know how my words will “land” on someone’s heart. I’m so happy you and I can share our words with one another—and they give meaning to us! And more importantly, divine awareness and love! Thank you also for voting! I love you! Have a good weekend and please take care! 💛❤️
Karla; First of all, I vote for logo #2. I like the lighter, airier font and the additional explanatory text you were able to include on the bottom half. Just my two cents.
And I really resonated with the message of your post. I LOVE the line, “Faith fixes the fake.” I suspect I (and a lot of people like me) fall for the allure of the surface impression because it takes a whole lot less effort than diving down deep. If we can quickly form an opinion and then move on to the next “shiny object,” we can keep swimming through life unimpeded. Slowing down… taking time… noticing is somehow unimaginable for a lot of people. Sometimes, sadly, for me, too. It is all in pursuit of the goal of “being right,” IMO.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post, once again. I continue to pray for your healing and recovery and for additional inspiration from this amazing world around you.
Russell B.
Russell, I always appreciate your specific feedback and wisdom! I think of you and my dear friend, Martha Kennedy, on here as those who spent years in the “customer service” industry (teaching, preaching…). These observations about people, our environment…it comes from having SO MANY EXPERIENCES with so many people. It’s true the “allure of the surface impression takes less effort”. The pursuit of “being right”—I’ve been there. “Faith fixes the fake”—thank you, Russell. When you have a true faith in something you can’t SEE, but FEEL AND KNOW (like that of our Creator, Lord, Savior)…it’s that feeling of never having to “miss the mark” or that HE “skims the surface”. Although humans might share surface and/or soul traits, what really sets us apart is what we choose to believe. From there we can build soulful connections! Like I shared, to each their own, right, Russell? But I know that soulful decision I made (I bet my life on it 😉 REQUIRES me to look at others differently (the top 2–Love God, Love Others). If I’m to do that, I’ll have to go below the surface for sure. I appreciate your support so much! And glad it was thought-provoking! The prayers mean so much. I say this all the time, but it weren’t for the prayers I don’t know where I’d be. I do hope to keep finding and sharing inspiration! Like you!
Russell, number 2 is my favorite, too! My Mom suggested the words, “faith, flannel, & fresh air” to shorten my website tagline! Of course I used her advice!
A great post, Karla, with many thoughts to consider. You are right most of us judge by what we see superficially first. But then we dig a little deeper to find more.
I liked some of both logos…. the dark print of the second one, the dark landscape of the first, If I have to choose, I think it would be the first one.
Keep on keeping on, Karla. You are doing what we all should realize we are doing… that is living one day at a time the best way we can live.
Thank you, Dwight (can I call you Uncle?—you always remind me of my family; specifically, my uncles!—and I have an Uncle Dwight!). I’ll keep on keeping on. Being here and having friends and supporters such as you truly keeps me motivated. It’s just like being around my favorite hiking friends and few close ones that really know me. When I miss my “kids and grandkids” or feel like the hour ahead is long and tiring, I don’t have to look far to find hope, friendship, and support. How blessed am I? I have to share it and “pay forward!” Your feedback on the logos is great! Like you, there are “elements” I love about both! I’ve really enjoyed this collaborative effort! Many blessings to you and yours!
You are welcome, Karla. Yes you may call me uncle! I am honored to he considered family with you.
Thank you, Uncle Dwight! 😊 me too!
:>)
Number 2!
Glad to see you are still writing and enjoying life. I so enjoy reading your posts.
Love you, my friend ❤️
Sent from my iPhone
Seeing you brings tears to my eyes! I love you, Lori! And George, too! I’m so happy God brought us together—oh how I miss the community we shared. I’ll never ever forget those times and how they reshaped me. I smile and hold them dear in my heart. It means so much to me to have you here—and just up the road! I pray for you all daily. Thank you so much! And for the vote on the logos! Many blessings and hugs from Finn and me 💛🤗🙏
Nothing like the lawn mower man to give you a very grounded reply Karla 🤣
I voted for 2 with a teeny suggestion. The white writing was a bit hard to see with the light background. The top writing stands out well. Maybe a darker color or black as well? Anyway, your symbol of love will always be sending it ‘out there’ kind lady, from what it was built from, regardless of its color. I hope it all goes well 😀❤️🙏
Mark, tee hee…”grounded” reply! Exactly! I’ve got your vote (and your suggestion~Agree 💯!) I’m so thankful for you! From MO to the Down Under ~lots of love and hugs!🐾🤗🙏🏻 “grounded”…tee hee
🤣😂❤️🙏
Love you girl! Praying and singing our song!<3 <3 <3 Your heart is sooo beautiful and yes, relationships are so much more than just skimming the surface. The guy that mows your lawn sees your strength because it is so evident! I have never seen you in person, but I know you glow with God's love and strength radiating from you and HOPE! YES! Keep the HOPE! Big hugs from little me. 🙂 Oh yes, and logo number 1 has my vote!
Joy, before reading this I was going to say “singing our song” on your other reply. Love you big! I appreciate your kind and thoughtful comments about me. So sweet. 🥹 I “ feel”that same glow around you! I’ll keep hope BIG! Thank you got your vote! At this moment (counting mine, lol) it’s “neck and neck” tee hee! 💛🎶💕🙏🏻
So glad that our “glows” come through across the miles! 🥰 i just know that if we were to ever meet in real life I would give you the biggest hug! ❤ Love ya! Prayers and hugs, ❤💛❤💛❤💛❤💛
Likewise my friend! Huge hugs!! Love you too! Prayers and hugs too you! ❤️💕🤗🙏🏻
🥰🙏❤
I just love how you see you below the surface of others; no judgement, no tallies, no comparisons. You just love like Jesus does and it is awe inspiring to me. Your view of the world is beautiful, in spite of the darkness we know is there. I love you fiercely and so proud of you and your words.
My vote is #2, because…MOMMA!! She nailed it❤️ but thinking the green on #1 with writing of 2? Your title will pop!!
I love you, Mousie. 🐭
Bunny🐰
Hello, wombmate. 👭 you are precious. So precious. I’m pretty sure that love began at birth, a few missteps~but never without a lesson in love. I’ll keep finding the beauty,…and thank you for being by my side. Through it all. 🦓👭💕 “you grow, girl!”
Yes, Mom’s idea was fantastic! Thank you for your vote and note~it’s “noted” and appreciated! I love you fiercely! 💕🦓👭🙏🏻💛
Given time, the soul will surface. A genuine heart will heal, not harden. True kindness won’t be kidnapped by conditions. Loyal love will lift the heavy weight of wrongs. Mature mercy will melt the madness. Faith can fix the fake.
I love those lines, dear Karla. Your writing goes deep within and I love it. I vote for #2
I love you and you are always in our prayers. ♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻🥰🤗
Pam, how kind and precious to share your heart and feedback with me. It affirms what I HOPE is conveyed in words (and even more so, backed up by my actions—that’s where the “rubber meets the road”). Sometimes I feel the words are as backed up as my body—if they don’t come out I can’t move forward. It’s such a part of me now. Like you and Butch! I love you and pray daily! Thank you for voting, too! It’s been so fun to work on a creative project. I’m putting together my top posts, a few new ones, and creating a book! YAY! I’ll keep the Finley River Publishing logo (my business name for publication) and use my Flannel with Faith for marketing, stickers, creating “hope” cards to give to those that need a “lift”—family, friends, strangers! Your support means so much! 💛❤️🤗🙏🤗💕
I am so excited about the book and can hardly wait to get my copy! 🙏🏻♥️🤗💜🎶🥰
Thank you, Pam! I’m excited to move forward with it. I love you! 💕❤️
Definitely the first logo. Seeing what’s under the surface of people is much like opening a treasure chest. Best to you, Karla!
Thank you, Jennie! How are you? I can’t wait to visit your place! It means so much to me that you’re part of my community. “Seeing what’s under the surface of people is much like opening a treasure chest.” Jennie, that’s so beautiful!! Many hugs and blessings from the RF and sidekick, Finn. I’m thinking of you “gearing up” for a new year. What an inspiration! 💛
You are most welcome, Karla! I’m glad to be part of your community, and happy you liked my comment. It really is a treasure chest. August will be reading, writing, R&R by the pool, and getting psyched for the school year ahead. Stay strong, stay positive! ❤️
Jennie, August sounds like a beautiful month! I wish I could “slip” into your classroom as an aide or even better, a student! I will stay strong and positive (it’s a daily workout!). You too! ❤️
I would love to have you in my class! ❤️
❤️
Leaning towards logo #2. They are both very nice but I like the way the words are laid out in #2 a little bit more.
Aw, thank you my friend!! I hope you are all well! 💛
My vote is logo #1:
I prefer the vivid colors, readability, and clean design of #1. Option two is harder to read, appears washed out, and feels congested with the additional text. When omitting “Embracing imperfection with” from your current tagline, the three “f” words are just nouns without much meaning. However, your kindness, love, and compassion will shine regardless of which logo wins.
I love your opening poem, Karla. It provides a glimpse of your heart, your journey, and it’s beautiful.
I am drawn to “soul” people more and more. As I age, the skim-the-surface types cause me to wonder, “What trauma, tragedy, or torment have they experienced that keeps them in the shallows of a surface relation rather than the depth of a soul connection?”
I pray you will find renewed hope each day, get sweet rest as needed, and are comforted in God’s mercy.
Manette, thank you for taking the time for this thoughtful and kind response. You’ve given me such great thoughts! And the kind things you shared about me touches my heart. I wrote my poem a couple of summers ago—even before the diagnosis I needed to embrace change to fully accept the tug of the Spirit I felt. To stop the surface “stuff”. Like you, I’m drawn to soul people. For many years I bottled up things and kept skimming…knowing that my depth needed to “surface” (for lack of better term, lol). For many, I believe, they haven’t felt “safe” to share or go deep. For many of us, we operated out of “fear”. i.e-fear of not being like others, fear of being alone, fear of what others might think,…I would NEVER minimize others’ trauma or tragedy. There are things I would never share—those things that perhaps only a Creator can understand. I would say we all have those “things” (thoughts, experiences, etc…). Surface doesn’t grow me. And I’m a learner. Surface things can be enjoyed—but with time, it stunts because I don’t feel it “waters” my wisdom. Many wear their pain visible to the world. Some are good at hiding it. Honestly, I could smile because I have TRUE joy that is only given by one thing I’ve experienced (besides motherhood)—my God. Underneath the smile were some tough times-but my true joy, thank God, never left me but on a couple of occasions. And quickly, thanks to my Savior and “soul” people, the REAL ME was there—It’s funny, SHE (ME) is very similar to the girl I knew around the age of 10–but with many experiences and more wisdom in my backpack now! I’m thankful for you, Manette. It was tough night and I’m finding sweet rest and I STILL HAVE HOPE! Through it all, hope remains! I do hope you’re finding strength in the Lord. And have hope and great soul lifters! Many blessings and hugs. Thank you for your feedback, again, and thoughts on the logo! How beautiful! 💛💕❤️ Manette, you’re in my prayers.
Karla, I agree with your assessment about fear and not feeling safe to share. I think that is innately wired into us by our Creator for survival purposes. As we grow in Christ we learn to navigate through the fears and with His mercy and guidance we learn what to share and not share. With discernment, I trust that most will begin to find safe people and places. Thank you for the prayers. God is good and has put “soul lifters” in my life.
Learning you wrote the poem before your diagnosis adds additional richness. You are special. God bless you and make His face shine upon you!
Manette, I’m singing that song you wrote at the end. Your heart and words are beautiful—like your soul (I wrote those words to a dear friend the other day—“may his face shine upon you, be gracious to you…I’m no longer a slave to fear…I am a child of God!”) Thank you.💛
Ah, yes, the connection through conversation, Karla. That was one benefit of my former work in journalism and communications that couldn’t be beat. I could tell the difference between those who talked to me because they felt it was an obligation and those who talked to me because they really, really wanted to share a story. What a difference.
You know, Mark! All your years of communication—isn’t it such an essential part of being human? I love hearing others’ stories! Even if I don’t find a connection that might lead to another conversation, I still learn! Thank you for being here and being connected as such a supportive friend!
I’m glad for our conversations here, Karla!
Me too, my friend! It’s like a breath of fresh air in my world!! Happy Sunday!
Prayers of gratitude hearing your numbers are moving up!! And a happy heart to hear you have a Momma at your side! 😊 My vote: #2 BUT I do still love the color theme of Logo #1. Not to be a pot-stirrer, but perhaps use color theme from #1 with layout design of #2??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Either way the final logo will be blessed and very pleasing to the eye! Hugs!!
Dawn,..thank you, sweet sister (I went to grab my blue crochet, sip my coffee, as I type this). My mom is so precious. You’re the THIRD person to make the comment about my logo (4th counting my opinion, lol)! It’s not “stirring the pot”. I LOVE input. It’s funny—in education, I loved the team approach. The hold up? Time. We never had TIME to REALLY collaborate as much as we needed or wanted. OR…we’d collaborate and a decision would be made that obliterated our process, lol. At times, collaboration was the LOOK they wanted, tried to allow us to make it happen…but ultimately, the “collaborative essence” resulted in the decision of just a few. What a roller coaster! SO I LOVE THE TIME I’ve had with all of you, here in this space, for just a simple project. But something that is near and dear to my heart even more than this logo—all of you! Much love and hugs!! 💛
I feel warm and wrapped with you. Thank you for sharing your creative-journey with us. I marvel at your many god-given talents and value each one you so generously invite us in to share with you! Hugs!
AWW, my heart melts with you. ❤️
Skimming these comments, it sure looks like a close run off between your logos. I think the #1 for the colors, with the text of #2. I absolutely love how your logo reminds me of a life saver. Not the candy, but the ring they throw in the water for someone to grab onto… your words are a lifeline and I can only imagine your example pulls many floundering souls safely to shore, emotionally and spiritually speaking.
Mama! How beautiful! It doesn’t surprise me you could “see” something even deeper in the logo. I love how you “see” others, find the best in things, and shower others with the love of God….”your words are a lifeline and I can only imagine your example pulls many floundering souls safely to shore, emotionally and spiritually speaking.” That compliment touched the deepest part of my heart and soul. Thank you, thank you. ❤️🥺
Mama, Mitch had a similar comment about the logo—I share the same thoughts with you two. Thank you for your input! 💚
Both of them look great, but I think I like logo one the best.
Thank you, Ann! I’m thinking of you and Alaska as I type this! Many blessings! 🩵
Logo 2
Thank you, sister! I appreciate you so much! 🙏❤️
Number one would be my choice. It caught my eye first. Loved your poem! And I have always believed that strangers are simply friends who have yet to be introduced.
Aw, Pam…I love it when you’re here! Thank you so much! “Catching the eye—yes!” And thank you for your kind comments about my poem. I’m glad we became friends. 💛
Me too!
“A genuine heart will heal, not harden.” Yes!
Re. the logo: I like the look and brighter colors of #1, but the words in the outer ring on #2.
Mitch, you’re such a blessing! When I felt my “heart” begin to get bitter…to start to harden…to make me lose my breath…I had to STOP IMMEDIATELY and give it all to God. This “cardio workout” is needed more than the inclines I miss so much. Your comment about my logo matches how I feel about them. Thank you for your vote! It counts! Always! 💛
<3
it’s a lovely. warm poem, Karla ; I like the idea of soul seeing; I can learn from that; I love the Hope in this poem; ‘Hope is the helium’ I once wrote in a poem; perhaps it’s time I reposted it 🙂
Thank you, John. I love that—“Hope is the helium”—I’d love to read it! It makes me think of the Disney movie, “Up!” You help me with hope, my friend! Look at what you’re doing (and have) in life! John, I hope and pray to make it to my 80’s like you. Statistically, I’ll not make it to 60–but I know a God WHO CAN make it happen! Here’s to hope! 💛
‘Hope is the Helium’, Karla; check my poem out if you like; it is a poem of hope; btw I am not in my eighties I’m a sprightly senior in my mid seventies 🙂
Ooops…forgive me, John! I have several friends here in their lower 80’s..I don’t know why I made that mistake! So you know, it wasn’t from SEEING YOU either (I’m sure if I saw you I’d say your my age?—is my apology oozing it on too much, John? LOL!). Either way, I appreciate all my older and wiser friends! And hope, with God, to make it a long time myself! 😀
with God on your side, Karla, you can beat those BOSSY statistics 🙂
Woot woot!! Yes!! 😀
God has taught me over the years to wait and get to know the person behind the exterior. It was a slow process at times. But the exterior may give me clues on how to relate with a person such as seeing a semi colon tattoo shows me the person has struggled with suicidal thoughts with the semi colon tattoo showing them that those moments are a pause and life continues.
Praying for you little sister. I am glad you have your momma with you.
Thank you, brother. I appreciate your wisdom, feedback, support, and prayers. Your words, “a slow process at times…clues such as seeing a semi colon tattoo…” You’re a person who is AWARE and notices things, perhaps at the surface, that point to a “below the surface” meaning. God has given you that gift—as an educator, a missionary, a disciple—your friends, like me, are fortunate to have you in our lives! I pray you for you as you do for me! Thank you for all you do, Matt!
Yes I pray for you little sister 😊
Thank you for your kind words 😊🙏😊
Love how you delve below the surface with your writing, Karla. You included at least several quotable lines in this post, like these: “A genuine heart will heal, not harden. True kindness won’t be kidnapped by conditions. Loyal love will lift the heavy weight of wrongs. Mature mercy will melt the madness. Faith can fix the fake.” Rich food for thought! / I have a friend who knows how to lovingly reach into a person’s soul with pertinent questions. And then she listens with genuine interest. She’s my role model in this regard! / ‘Praying your blood counts move in the right direction, Karla!
I don’t take your feedback, encouragement, and kindness for granted, Nancy! It means so much to me. I’m so glad you have such a friend. I’ve been praying, specifically (not just for healing) but how I can be used to be a listener, an encourager…it takes my mind off of me. The prayers for the blood means so much. They’ve seem to plateau; I’ll take that over dipping. It’s such a roller coaster so I’ll focus on how I feel each hour. Better than that, I’ll try and focus on the truth—the truth that one day I’m going to be fully healed and these challenges can be used to give appropriate credit to my Creator—who is seeing me through each one of them. Friends such as you help me more than you know! I appreciate you so much! 💛
You are demonstrating great courage, strength, and faith, Karla–humility too! Therefore, I KNOW you are being used as an encourager for others. With you I affirm: one day you’ll be fully healed, able to use these challenges to point people to God, our Creator and Healer. Hallelujah!
Nancy, thank you for your affirmation, belief, and praise! It propels me! I give the glory to God!
This says it all, “you’re either on the side of love or losing.” I have always considered God as love, indescribable, for everyone, and forever. It is my assumption that living out our faith means making loving decisions during the worst of times, the best of times, and ever day in-between. It is not easy. I fail often. But your work in the world Karla inspires us all to try a little harder, look deeper, touch each others souls. Keep up your beautiful work in the world. I’m praying for your labs to come out right so you can progress your treatment. Hang in there. I love you so very much, C
C, it means so much to have you in my world. You encourage, motivate, and “light a fire under me” in choosing to make fun memories in life. Making loving decisions is so hard, like you said, I fail with you. But we try, C! I’ll keep on keeping on and I can’t thank you enough. Today’s blood lab was basically the same. I’ll see a new dr in regards to the upper GI, but in the meantime, we’ll take care of helping my symptoms and back off the weekly schedule. I can wait several weeks now as the “needle isn’t moving” at all. I have a trip in the Fall to look forward to; even more important, I have my “kids” and grands, family, friends like you, to keep me focused on what matters most in life! I love you so much! Thank you for being here. ❤️🙏🤗
Love is the answer. We will act in ways which hurt others. Others will act in ways that hurt us. BUT I love the questions you pose here: can we see through those acts to reflect the way God interacts and responds to us? Can we feel the hurt we will at times and reach deeper for the truth? To seek to express love even in the toughest moments?
We must not excuse hurtful actions, but we can respond with truth in love, rather than simply reflecting anger and pain.
Love this post. Thank you for sharing your words and your hope. 😊
Hamish, thank you my friend. I appreciate your support and wisdom! Your words, “We must not excuse hurtful actions, but we can respond with truth in love, rather than simply reflecting anger and pain”, are wise and Christ led! When I’m hurt, it’s not easy to do; yet, God gives me grace every day! And if I hurt someone, I hope for that in return. Humans are messy, but love can win if we can maintain a loving posture! I’ll keep working on it! I know you do too, my friend! I appreciate you very much! Many blessings and prayers to you and yours. 🙏🏻💛