My camping chronicles conclusion. It’s been fun “camping” with you, friends. 💚
“They gave me 3 months to live,” she said, looking at her girlfriend. “It was January of 2020.” A lump formed in my throat-tears stung my eyes. My heart sighed; I nodded. With complete empathy, sympathy, and understanding, I listened as this 60-something-year-old stupendous stranger shared her courageously epic account (and how Covid made everything worse). The colorectal cancer metastasized to the liver. There she stood…THREE years later! A thriver, her friend, and two furry cuties were camping in their cool and compact R.V. I smiled. They were my neighbors at site 35.💚
How cute are those dogs? “Adorable!” I thought. A Yorkie (I’ve rescued one of those before) and a precious tiny white Shih Tzu. The gal without cancer exclaimed, “Finley!”, as the Shih Tzu jumped up and down to greet us. Immediately, I looked at MY Finley in my arms. Camping coincidence?
“We were trying to think of a name, and we crossed the Finley River…” …her voice trailed off as I looked around for a camera. Is this a joke? DO THEY KNOW ME? With a dropped jaw and stunned face, I looked around for someone familiar. The ladies just stared at me. (Insert cricket sounds). Will they believe me?
Karen and Teresa were so kind. They asked if I was camping alone. Gulp. Should I share I have cancer that metastasized to the liver, or will they report this “crazy woman” or try to move their camper away from me? I felt like Kristin Wiig from a skit on Saturday Night Live years ago where she ONE UPPED everything that was said. “Oh, you have cancer?” “Well, so DO I.” “Yours metastasized to the liver?” “So did mine!” “You have a dog named Finley?” “I gave birth to my dog, Finley (are you laughing out loud? If you’ve seen her skit, you know why I typed this and I hope you’re laughing) They believed me as we laughed over our “coincidences”. We marveled at the miracles and connections. Later we even shared food.
The following day, while relaxing and listening to “Marco! Polo!” echoing from young shadows at the lake, I had another camping coincidental call. A friend, and former work camping neighbor at the resort where I lived/worked, was diagnosed with cancer recently. His wife, also a worker and dear friend, shared the devastating news about the metastasis of his stomach cancer to the liver. The 3 of us spoke by speakerphone. There were tears, questions, some confusion, shared understanding (and even laughter). Karen said, “We’re not giving up are we, Karla? We’re going to fight it for family.” She wanted Rich to hear this. Rich agreed he’d do the same. At that moment I marveled, AGAIN, at how God connects his creations.
Camping wasn’t an escape from cancer. Cancer needed camping. Fires burned with hope and humanity, shared stories, and a common love for the outdoors. Cancer found a content companion. Camping coincidences?
“God, with you, it’s not a coincidence. It’s soul serendipity and divine destiny.” My nature retreat was a rejuvenation of my soul. Away from the noise, angry traffic, and worries. It cleared my soul and mind; it gave me super soul stories.”
Thank you, friends, for supporting me and reading my shorts, The Great Escape. How do you find a soul retreat? It doesn’t have to be miles away. Although my life is different in many ways, I can find “retreats” in each new day. It’s still in the silence of the morning, a sip with my Savior, songs of the birds, giggles of the grandkids, and the gathering of the geese. It’s my 3 F’s-Family, Friends, and Faith (make that 4-Finley🐾). It’s in possibilities and loosely hidden in the now. Can you find it?
Have faith 💚
Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓
Tomorrow I have an appointment with my oncologist. This is a very important one. Will my blood be fine to move forward with last treatment in a few weeks? How does he see my progress? What is my next step? Can I have sleep aide please? When will the next scan be scheduled? This Wednesday I will be participating in a Virtual ZOOM support group from the Los Angelas area. LACNETS https://www.lacnets.org/ is a community of support, education, and advocacy. There are approximately 175,000 of us living with this rare disease. Recently, I shared my story with them. I’ve watched survivor videos for hours. I’ve yet met another person with this cancer that has been deemed “inoperable” due to metastasis to the bones. Perhaps I will. I struck gold finding them!
If you feel alone, feel free to reach out @ finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. God-willing, me-thriving, you’ll hear from me within a week. If you know of anyone in a similar battle, or could use encouragement, feel free to share my site and information.
Take care, sweet friends. You are loved. No matter what. 💚
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Great stories. Uncanny “coincidences.” Wait, there are no coincidences. Great grace seeping around the margins and under the edge of these events, with grace and mercy dripping down from above all the way through. In the foreground, the two funny, furry Finleys to add spice and an air of impossibility to events. And in the background, “hope.” That our God is at work in even these small details and impeccable timings is a source of both hope and encouragement. We are never alone. There are no coincidences.
I hope you have recovered from the great family invasion and all that came along with that event.
Our God is on the move, Karla. At the same time, a lot of things are also on the move. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and keep your prayers in tune with His promptings.
How beautiful, Tim. I love your words so much! HE IS at work in the small details and the impeccable timing. My recovery has been good. I’ll take that type of invasion any day. I’m
one of SO MANY that love my “kids” and grandkids. Any day I get I count as a blessing. They are seeped in my soul.
My pain has been mainly the most in my back and bones. We ALL have challenges and hurt! I have hope!
My heart, eyes, and ears are open. I’m keeping my eyes fixed on what matters most! Thank you for being such a support. I’ll be looking forward to hearing more! I know I need to visit your site (you’ve published recently I think). Finley gives Jackson a tiny paw high five. Blessings, my friend!
This a beautiful and heartfelt story, Karla. I am so glad you were able to get away and get baack to Nature. It is amazing who you meet when camping. Most are friendly and ready to share their stories. The Finley/Finley story is amazing! Praying all will go well at your oncologist visit.
Dwight, I appreciate you so much! Thank you! I couldn’t believe when she yelled, “Finley!” I just shake my head, in a good way, at the amazing ways these things happen. I know I’ll have future trips to “reset”…I just feel it! Your prayers and support mean so much! I’ll update everyone as I go! Blessings to you and your family!
:>) Take care…
I sure will. Thank you! You too! 😊
Karla, I was laughing, smiling, and marveling as I read! 💗 Sending love and hugs.
Thank you, sweet Kelley! I’m so glad you enjoyed it (and laughed, too!)This morning I scrolled for Simply Sunday. 🙃 I need to keep looking! Much love and hugs, Gigi. 💕❤️🙏🏻
Actually, I’m out of my routine. Didn’t get one posted yesterday. We were traveling home from visiting that sweet grand granddaughter! 💗
I wondered that! I’m glad I didn’t miss it, and super happy you had a visit with your sweetie!💕🩷
Well now, you’ve had some fabulous coincidences! Everything happens for a reason, even coincidences. Each part of your Great Escape has given you special memories. You’ve seen nature at its purest. You’ve met wonderful people and their pets. You relaxed, rejuvenated, and even talked to a grand old oak tree! And sweet Miss Finley loved every minute of it too!
Now you go home feeling stronger to face what’s ahead. Praying it’s a total “go” for the next anticipated treatment. Keep the faith my friend. Right now it’s your best friend.
With love and friendship I send you healing hugs, ((())) ((())) ((())) ((())) ((())) Ginger
Sent from my iPad
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Faith is my best friend. Ginger, that is perfect and true. I love that! You’re always here giving me (and the Finn) such unique and fun wisdom, wrapped in love and hugs. We thank you and hope you feel ours. When a friend came to the campground to eat S’mores I laughed sharing the Finn story, as who would believe it? Nothing is coincidental. I came back and had a beautiful time with family. I’m ready, Ginger. I’m ready to get this last treatment over with and just let my body recover strength. While it recovers, I’m investigating options. New resources, places, people…it needs to be in MO for insurance purposes…but I have hope. When I’m tired, I’m REALLY tired. When it “hits” I’m down fast. When I feel good, I float for several hours. I’m so aware of my body and triggers. Your healing hugs mean so much!! Please stay safe and blessed! ❤️🥰💚💛💕🙏🏻🤗🤗🤗🤗🐾🐾💛💚
This was such a touching series Karla. Coincidence? More like God’s hand guiding you to just the perfect place and exactly the right people to be with during this time. Apparently He was the One who landed this meeting for all of you. It’s so important to know we aren’t alone in struggles that pour into our lives. He still had a perfect Plan for each one of us. Even though we don’t know what he has in mind, we can be sure the outcome will be amazing.
Thank you for being here, Mama K, and always supporting me. God’s perfect connections of camping in HIS creation. I love your words, “…we aren’t alone in struggles …” I thank God for allowing me to see THROUGH people to the heart and health of their issues. Compassion will keep me grounded. It just does. And meeting others who have the SAME struggles? It boosts my spirit and hope to so many new levels! Your last two sentences are evidence of our connections and beliefs. I honor your wisdom and walk. It’s been beautiful to know and witness during these years I’ve come to know and love you. ❤️🙏🏻💚
Ditto😀❤️🥸
Aww ❤️💕💚😉🥰
Thank you for this wonderful post, Karla. Praying, praying, praying for many more to come!
Thank you, C.D.! ❤️
What a remarkable story. I’m not sure I believe in coincidence, I think you were right where you needed to be, right when you needed to be there, for both their sake and yours <3 Sending lots of prayers and hugs.
Hey it’s Lisa. I’m back after recovering ❤️🩹 from my last surgery and no breasts at all. Just been coming to a place with God of acceptance! Needed a little reprieve from this. I’m here, how are you?
Lisa, my heart is so happy to “see” you, dear friend. I remember the day of your surgery. I’m so sorry for all you have been through, and continue to endure. You being here encourages me. I understand the energy it must take to re-enter. I’m happy to hear about your stage of acceptance. That resonates with me. There’s a lot to share. I’ve overlooked other “areas”, biologically, (like the breast and skin) that need attention as my inside organs do. Pain is in partnership. To be completely pain-free would put me in a place I refuse to be~”out of it”. I adjust, give grace, move, sit,…everything now is a full time job of navigating each day. I wrote these little pieces a few weeks ago. This morning I found this, unedited, in my journal. It took about two hours to try and put it together in Word, edit, copy, paste, and hope it lands appropriately. With that said, laundry and dishes (as you know well) and I couldn’t move for two hours because of body aches and extreme fatigue (about 20% of my day in the bathroom~ TMI, but true). I’m sure you’re accustomed to people asking, “How are you?” . It’s best, for their ears, if I say, “I’m fine.” Some days are more fine than others! Lol. Again, I’m so happy to see you, Lisa. I’m proud of you and know to WHOM you always give credit. That places us together, sharing a foundation of faith. I’m
Going to try and get to your site. I struggle with Reader on my iPhone. I’ll try and “visit” and I don’t always navigate this well. When I’m at my computer, it’s much easier. My “work day” aka “writing, reading, house-chores, communication with others, is best at my hours of 6-2 ish. I have a hard time in afternoons. By evenings I try and get off of technology (unless I have many I have to respond to~it varies so greatly day to day) due to eye strain and needing to give my brain a break from scrolling screens. I choose a day for nature and also have days for appts. A year in this “new” life and I’m finding I can create somewhat of a schedule again. The drs say I’m inoperable. 3-5 years is length of statistics with my treatment ~but I’ve had this for many years, it’s speculated and believed by health records. As we both know well, we have a Great Physician who is ultimately in charge. I don’t go by statistics; yet, as a researcher and someone very in tune with my body, I know signs of regression ~and progression of disease. Stabilization is the goal so tumor burdens won’t get me. The bones are the worst! Although my abdominal pain can take my breath away. I take ONE HOUR at a time. My morning and afternoons aren’t even comparable. Pain has placed me completely dependent on God. Not prescriptions. I’ll use them as I know my family doesn’t want me in pain. I’ll not be stubborn or stupid. BUT,…I’ll not be so drugged up I can’t write, feel anything, or just feel drowsy…quality of life is everything to me. No matter what, God has me as he has you and every friend in this space that choose him! I’ll count blessings, not days! You inspired me before and you inspire me now. Sending you love and continued prayers for healing. If you have specific ways to pray, feel free to email. Lisa, you’re a blessing and role model for us! 🙏🏻💚❤️
I totally teared up reading this my lovely sister in Christ. I will write when I can gather my thoughts. Sometimes we need to hear of another’s struggles to reminded how good we have it. Know this I will respond. You are in my thoughts, and prayers! You’re such an incredible inspiration of faith, and perseverance at the cross. Write back soon, God bless Lisa
Oh, Lisa. ❤️That is so kind and thoughtful to say. Never feel as though you have to respond in any time period or manner. I understand so well. It means so much to have your support in prayer and thoughts. I’m giving you big hugs right now. God bless you too ❤️🙏🏻💚
He is indeed always with you Karla, those many seeming synchronicities is His arms around you, letting you know a very loving support is with you each step you take. And us too, the many more on here praying and sharing lots of healing love. So it will all be aimed to you for this last scan, give you strength so that you too can be like your neighbor at the camping site and say ‘I’m here still’ many years later. With a heart like yours you still have too much to share, a teacher of life and love and much healing. Especially while sharing with that online group. To touch base with the many who understand is very profound Karla, to share something with others gives heart and courage, for you and them. I hope the zoom goes well in that sharing. And much love and light to you and Finley from me too.
P.S. I love that zebra with the stripes turning into those love hearts. I don’t have stripes (well, not last time I looked 🤣), but sending lots of love hearts anyway 🤣❤️🙏
Dear Mark, your wise words help me always. ❤️You mentioned something a dear hiking friend told me. He said, “You’re teaching in a new way.” I love learning, Mark. I eat it up! Your phrase, …”a teacher of life and love and much healing”, touched me. I often think of how being here, on WP, has allowed a whole different circle of friends in which I’ve sought my entire life. Likeminded writers, dreamers, those who love language and writing~not because it’s like a Facebook post or social media, but because it might have deeper meaning mixed with enhancing one’s own desire to be a better writer, listener, and conveyor of communication that builds others up, …I think if we have 10-20 in our lives that way we are WAY blessed!! Perhaps this circle of survivors are my newest teachers. I’m the student soaking it in and understanding their journeys, hearing their objectives, the homework that gave them success, the attitude that served them best, and the medical miracles that still keep them here. With all that in my toolbox, I’ll give back what I know, my experience, and they can hopefully lead me in the right direction! From me I hope they hear I’m hopeful, still filled with love, and that all my strength comes from the power of Christ (which kicks me in gear too). Miracles are all around us, Mark. It’s a miracle we’re both here! Finley and I love you and appreciate the support and encouragement from so FAR AWAY, yet close in spirit and heart! 🩷🦓🤗🦓🐾💪🏻P.S. I have such a love for zebras and even more so now. That image is really neat!
You are sharing His love found in you, very originally, very perfectly, exactly for who you are kind lady. And each and every soul shares that teaching in so many experiences so that we can feel and understand its beauty. He is teaching us that very love and happiness we seek. A bit hard to see at first but like experiencing sadness, it then truly gives a huge appreciation of happiness when we then experience that. It is a hard journey down here…but one day when you touch that unconditional love you will feel it all, a beauty beyond even words to express, a feeling so beyond that too. And you will be so glad of all you have experienced, and yes, even the hard stuff, for it teaches so much, each and every step opens our hearts closer to that place. Take a breath, hold that knowing smile of that love found within…and build those zebra hearts from you. Big hugs my friend, I don’t think I’ll ever see a zebra the same again…or you…thankfully 🤣❤️🙏
Mark, I love this! I’m there, my friend. Zebra stripes and all! 🦓😂🎶💕❤️🥰💪🏻💪🏻🙏🏻
Yes indeed dear lady 🤣❤️🙏
Karla, I love your camping chronicles and the testimonies you share of overcoming cancer; it is good to be out in the open, away from ‘the angry traffic’ and making new friends along the way; may your appointment with the oncologist go well 🙂
Thank you so much, John. You know so well. (Friends reading, please add this lovely man John to your list! He’s worked a LIFETIME and battling a rare cancer). John, I hope for a FARSIDE situation at my future appointments! 😉☺️💚 sending prayers and hugs. Take care the best you can. 🙏🏻
Coincidences are so life affirming, it’s like a “high five, congratulations on listening to your intuition, you’ve got this and are in great company. You are loved. You are not alone.” or that’s how it seems to me, what a beautiful story Karla.
Kate, your support and love mean so much. Our words always find ways to land in one another’s spirit and heart! I see the high-five! It is affirmation of listening and obeying the whispers of the Holy Spirit! I smile as I think, “What if I would’ve shared my story first?”Would she have said~you’re not going to believe this…but…
They probably would’ve had the same reaction I did. Or if they would’ve heard me yell to Finley first lol!
Much love dear Kate. I hope your wrapped in warmth this season. 💕❤️
Karla I read this and could feel the wonder of the similarities between your story and that of your neighbors at camp 35! It is so hard to hold onto faith and hope when you are feeling physical and mental pain and tiredness. My mother used to say that my father (who was in kidney failure and never complained) had fallen into the arms of the Holy Spirit. And I think that is a wonderful way to live. It is that complete trust that God will catch us – I’m hoping that you are falling into those arms. The prayer warriors are meeting tomorrow so you should feel love like a rushing river! Hugs and Love from me and Mochi too!
Val,…this brought tears. Through much practice of HOLDING on to faith, I will remember what you shared~falling into the arms of the Holy Spirit. How beautiful. Yes, I feel that. I heard recently of another group praying. I think of my own list. Rather than dwell on the names coming out of humans for bad reasons, I think of all of God’s people speaking to HIM the names they are praying, or the praises they are sharing~I think we’re louder than we think. The world just doesn’t want us to believe it! Finn and I love you and Mochi, too! Have a wonderful and blessed time,Val! 💚💚🙏🏻🐾
How I have loved this series of your camping adventure. They have warmed my heart knowing you enjoyed time with God and His creation. Some people might call those divine appointments God winks but I sincerely believe that God appointed that time for you to me another on a similar journey s yours. Your faith and writing encourages me, Karla. I send love and hugs to you and Finn ♥️🙏🏻💛🎶🥰
Pam, thank you so much, sweet friend. I believe as you~God wanted me to meet Karen. And then to TALK to my friend, Karen, whose dear husband is battling cancer. There are no coincidences. How often, as humans, do we hesitate sharing these stories thinking that others might think us crazy? Since God hasn’t parted waters for me, or I’ve struck water out of a rock, or turned a staff into a snake, HE uses people in my life to make HIM more evident. Even the birds, trees, and nature. I REFUSE to “see” it as anything else. God is working now, just as then. I think we just need to put our phone downs, stop talking about what everyone else is doing or WATCHING how everyone else is living on our phones, and just get out and be USED. Be OPEN. No distractions. Complete awareness. He’s alive and I can smile! And laugh about things too. I think he must like my giggles just like he soothes my cries! When I began writing all I prayed was that I’d find other likeminded others, and those that ARE different in which I could learn too, and most importantly,…ultimately,…to share my faith through many difficult circumstances and changes~God never left and HE always takes care of me and places me right where HE needs me. Finn and I love you and Butch, too. We feel the prayers and support. ❤️💕🙏🏻🥰💛🌻🌸💐🎶🙏🏻
Praying for you, sweet friend 🙏🏻💛🎶🙌🏻
I’ll email you, sweet Pam ❤️🙏🏻
Nature is the best healer, besides God! You are such an inspiration with you attitude and I loved your story!
Amen to nature and God! Thank you so much, Diane! I appreciate you!
What a beautiful story, Karla! And what an amazing appointment God set up for you there with those other ladies. I stopped using the word “coincidence” a long time ago because I believe God is always busily at work arranging those “chance” meetings. So glad you refrained from pulling a Penelope (Kristin Wiig’s character on SNL that you referenced) with your new friend.
I am a couple days late responding to this, but hopefully your appointment with the oncologist went as you hoped. Let me know about it sometime if you feel like it.
Blessings to you and Finley;
Russell
Russell, thank you so much! You get it! Always! “Coincidence (in quotes)” is my type of oxymoron. We know, spirituality, they don’t exist. It’s just amazing how it happens.
I giggled reading Penelope (yep!). I ALMOST didn’t share at all! (Can’t you see it? Both of them thinking~”This poor girl just decided to give her dog a new name and claim cancer.”🤪). I hope, in a twist, that Karen (the one with colorectal cancer and had so much surgery and treatments) felt it was a DIVINE meeting. From their shock, and later interactions, I think they both did (AND Finley) ☺️💕. I just published this yesterday so you are never late! If I don’t hear from you for a year, you’re still on time in my book. That’s what I love about this community! Thank you, again, Russell for your prayers and encouragement! Blessings to you both!
Oh! PS~Today is my appointment, I’ll update everyone!
I call your type of divine coincidences God-incidences. His orchestrations are marvelous blessings. What a GREAT conclusion, Karla!
God-incidences! I love that, Manette! 💕 such wonderful blessings indeed. See what I would’ve missed out on? Thank you for your lovely comment and compliment. Blessings sweet Manette! ❤️
Karla, Life…It’s a God thing & so many God connections/miracles! (If we’re to live our best life-not necessarily easiest, smoothest, having monetary wealth or stuff). Loved your writing. I believe it all because God does work
My dear friend, Sue. Between your encouraging texts, messages, years-long friendship, we have both witnessed the miracles, haven’t we? I feel blessed to have you as my friend. Thank you for always supporting me. Much love! Let’s pray your life continues to manifest those miracles, too!
Amen & May you also continue to have God’s glory manifested
I’m so glad you found those connections! Sometimes we are exactly where we are meant to be, and I think your campground was one of those times. Beyond that, I love how you have learned to enjoy life (as much as you can) while living with the cancer. So many people, when faced with a very hard situation, believe they can only have fun when they can escape the situation. You know there is no escape, but that there will still be times for love and laughter. That’s huge!
Ann, I always appreciate your insight and encouragement. Thank you for your kind words and reminding me of the joy I DO try to capture. I’ve often said, “I’m not dying of cancer (we all are dying), I’m LIVING with it.” As we all have “cancer” of some kind. Isn’t it wonderful when we can have love and laughter take priority? Many blessings, Ann! I hope you continue to find joy, blessings, and laughter!
Bless your heart dear Karla and all those who may read this. Yours is an excellent source
for information and love. Anyone in need or desire can find them all right here!
You are a dear soul dear heart! hugs, Eddie
Beautiful, Karla. ❤️🐾🌳
Thank you, MAK. That means so much to me. When you’re “here”, I feel like it’s a real conclusion. 💕🐾💛
There is a reason rivers meet, they gain strength and a shared purpose: to move forward. You are exactly where you needed to be and so were they.
That’s so beautiful, Pam. Thank you, my friend. 💛
Thanks, Karla. The non-coincidence life is always precious to reflect on. I used to think that brought good times and was only in good times. Increasingly I see God at work in tough times and somehow making them good – without necessarily taking away the problems and difficulties.
I pray for open eyes to see what He is doing, and listening ears to hear when he is speaking.
Malcolm, I appreciate your thoughts and wisdom. I completely understand. I’m much rather be going through these tough times WITH HIM than without Him. I share that same prayer, my friend. Thank you for being here and for your encouragement!
Karla, your faith seems so invincible, but I know it’s the result of hard-won soul-searching and serious prayer time. You’re such an encouragment to others; I’m grateful to hear that God sent some remarkable “coincidental” encouragement your way, as well!
Thank you so much! You’re such a kind and wise friend, Mitch. You hit the “hammer” on the heart ❤️ it’s been a few rough moments since I hit “publish” on this post; yet, I’m here tonight because of faith~strictly God’s power through me! Many blessings to you and yours.
Karla, your camping experience and connections that ‘just happen’ are meant to be. You have a guardian angel (we all do), and that’s why these things happen. You are the helper, the listener, the cheerleader for others. You make all the difference in the world. My goodness, that makes me stop in awe. ❤️ I’ll be thinking of you at your next appointment.
Jennie, how humbling. Your words melt my heart. Thank you, thank you so much. 🥰🥲
Especially because I feel that about you! I do believe in angels!
My appt resulted in several more~and long days. Platelets hovering near 30, red and white cells low,…many blood issues and such. I’m fortunate to spend several times receiving injections and an infusion to help build my bones every 3 weeks now. It was like with this appt., knowing things were going down a bit, the team rallied for interventions (but not without many communication interferences, hours waiting, and my skills being sharpened on patience and love). It wasn’t what I planned. I knew I was slipping. BUT I’m here. In faith, I’ll keep moving one step at a time. And stay thankful and grateful! Thank you for being you, Jennie. I’m sending prayers and hugs! ❤️💕
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for taking me on a vacation from the world breaking apart to a place born from your heart. Karla, the vision you have comes from a higher place – thank you for helping me see one again – because don’t we all need reminding??? – God’s goodness and grace at work in everything. Reminding me that I too have encountered God in the “coincidences”. You frequently grace my prayers and are held in my heart always.
Erika, thank you for going along with me! It seems more and more these spiritual situations happen. In the right place at the right time? God orchestrated it all and when he sees we’re open to it, HE tells us to make the move, He has it all in his hands. I really have to give him the credit! It’s a must! Thank you for holding me in your heart and prayers as I do you.
Beautiful. Sharing, caring and loving is how to experience a wonderful life. ❤️❤️
Gary, I appreciate you so much! I will keep trying all those things. Take cate, my friend.💛💛🤗
Thank you for taking us along as life continues to give you gifts under the trees and across the conversations , dear Karla. What a camping trip you experienced with the Finns and new friends.
Aww, thank you, Mark! The Finns (I love that!). I’m so glad you joined me here. It was a little trip I’ll never forget. I appreciate you!
You amaze me Karla! “Cancer needed camping. Fires burned with hope and humanity, shared stories, and a common love for the outdoors. Cancer found a content companion. ”
Sending you love and good blood count news. I’m gone on a much needed vac. for a week but about those books.. let’s do this when I return.. xo I’m finally coming to the surface for air. Love you! ❤️
Aw, Cindy! You needed that vacation! I stopped by your place to see the amazing work and look at what all you’ve done! 💪🏻🙏🏻 so thank you for your precious words to me! I feel that way of you! We’ll find that time~I know it. Just enjoy the vacation away from everything, if possible! I love you too!🩷❤️🥰💪🏻🙏🏻
You’re sooo right.. I do and it’s awesome my friend. I finally could take time but not time times I’d like to spend with you but I know we are both in each others hearts. You mean the world to me and I’m on that vacation fun and joy. Keep breathing in the healing. Sending some ocean waves of respite to you.❤️
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Little sister I am glad you had your great escape and how meaningful that God connected you with others. Praying for you little sister.
Did you use matches to start your campfires or did you do like our friend Gary Fultz and rub sticks together? 🙂
Happy Monday, Matt. I appreciate your thoughtful comments so very much. I know you understand the struggles and I pray for you, too! Brother, I’m a lazy fire starter. I use fire starters. I laugh remembering a wilderness class I took, fire starters not allowed (yep, rubbing sticks). I do have a flint fire starter and a pack of tinders (they’ll light wet or dry). I only have one day of rain and I was able to keep the wood dry! I’ve been thinking and praying for Gary’s wilderness journey! He’s definitely the guide we all need! Take care, brother!
I am a lazy fire starter too. I use matches 🙂
Whatever works my friend! Fires are amazing! 🔥
Karla! It’s been wonderful partaking in this “soul retreat” with you. Here’s to many, MANY more to come!!!🤍
Aw, thank you, sweet friend! Yes!! 💕💛💚🩵
I feel rejuvenated THROUGH your sharing, Karla. Praise God for all the heartfelt ways He has in surprising us. I can see Him smiling upon you during this grace-filled time.
Aww 🥰 Wow! Dawn, what a compliment! Thank you, sweet sister.
Beautiful. With God, all things are possible. Best to open our mind to God’s possibilities and not our limited view. Jesus help us! Do
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Thank you, precious Sue (aka sister)! AMEN! I love your words!! 💛
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I cannot think of a better retreat than one which includes family, friends, and faith. And if I’m blessed a Finn (or our daughter’s English Lab, Sadie).
What a beautiful response, Richard! Yes! “Blessed a Finn and Sadie”—-an added “furry” blessing! Thank you for your support and wise words!