What do you say, May? Here we are again–you, me, and 8 billion more. What will you offer? Peace over protest? Safety in the storm? Hope despite hazards? Relief from rage? Love as a universal language? Cures for cancer? Immunity from infections? Interruptions in ignorance? Harmony instead of hate? Compassion in place of cold-heartedness? Trust and tricky traps to stop trafficking? Collaboration instead of costly corruption? Good over evil?
What do you say, May? Do you know real peace? Do you have hope?
Are you worried about tomorrow?
As for me, I’ll keep pressing on. I’m tired, but joyful. I’m sore, but satisfied. My wardrobe might be a bit warm for Missouri weather, but I’ll put on my armor each day. My belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit,…and of course, my hiking boots of peace. My shield of faith might get heavy, but I refuse to put it down. What do you say May?
Happy May, dear friends. YOU ARE LOVED.❣️
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
“Always it’s spring and everyone’s in love and flowers pick themselves.”
E.E. Cummings
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
“When the sun is out, and the wind is still, you’re one month on in the middle of May.”
Robert Frost
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Have faith💚
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Your words are filled with optimism, faith and truth. Life can be hurtful, painful and discouraging, but your faith has given you life. Through you many are being uplifted. Through you they see a light at the end of the tunnel. Through you we all learn to trust that God has our backs, he’s by our side and he’s leading to a eternal future in his presence. Love you, Karla. You’re a beacon in a dark world❤️❤️❤️
Mama K, your words touch my heart. You always provide encouragement and wisdom. You and Paul are on such a journey; so similar to my parents, you all just know. I hope I live as long to learn even more~and continue offering hope, just as you.
Thank you for saying such kind and thoughtful things. I don’t want this disease to darken me! I give all glory to our Creator. I thank him all the time. I love you! ❤️💕 💚
Hello Spring indeed Karla. We are actually having a lovely day…sunshine and warm temperatures. Bumblebees are out in force…so nice to see. Perennials are blooming all over…another beautiful sight.
Here you are, two years later, and you are still blossoming! Even on those days when you feel like you’ve been hit head on by a truck, you manage to get yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep on moving toward your goal. You are the epitome of spring, still growing, sending out new shoots of life even where you’ve been badly pruned.
Wishing you and the moms in your life, along with all the moms who follow you, an especially love-filled Mother’s Day. Sweet Miss Finley sure picked the best mom ever!
Sending you my prayers and warm hugs of friendship and healing vibes. 💞
Ginger🦋
Sent from my iPad
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Ginger, thank you, sweet friend. It’s hard to believe it’s been two years~yet, many years of not “knowing” and wondering. And, the miracle!
So many suffer, Ginger. I watch only updates~the news. This morning I read a disheartening article~
With little sleep, a neck and back achy, sore gums (?), upset digestion I chose to get out. I’d rather hurt looking at birds and the trail, than hurt at home. I didn’t last long~home repair needed a maintenance call. Isn’t that life for everyone? It doesn’t stop because you have cancer, a cold, paralysis, or any other ailment. And let’s not begin to talk about the poor folks who need food and shelter! My heart goes out to everyone, Ginger. So I best keep growing, dusting myself off so I can help someone. If I’m going to live a long life like you, my folks, Kathy, and others, I need to keep the faith.
I’m picturing the bumblebees and blooms~I think we’re looking out the same window! Finley says hello and that she loves you, too. I won choosing her~how sweet you said she picked me. She’s a keeper! Even if she’s squirrelly like her mom 🤭🐾
I feel your prayers~and we are hugging you, too! Group hug! ❤️💕♥️🙏🏻 you’re in my prayer journal, too,
Karla;
Thank you so much for taking the time out to cheer us up and cheer us on. You are dealing with some serious stuff in your own life, but you never seem to get too down or distressed to forget to turn your face to the Son! And when you do, you remember to remind the rest of us just how blessed and loved and unique and redeemed we all are. That is a very special gift you bring every time you sit down at the keyboard. I am continuing to pray for you and hope that the May celebration of your status as a mom will bring outpourings of love and affection from those closest to you. God bless!
Russell, thank you so much! Your thoughtful words gave me tears (happy ones).
I remind myself daily how blessed I am to be here. You’ll understand this~my “suffering” is a gift. Sometimes, in tears, I say “Thank you, God, that I came to SEE your face in the midst of this. To feel you constantly near me and experiencing your healing love and power.”
If you watch the Chosen, check out season 3 when Little James asks Jesus about healing. ❤️🩹
To say I bring a gift is humbling. I feel that of your writing, too. I give glory to God. I’m thankful. I’m so happy you are encouraged by it!
I’m thankful for this season of celebrations! Give Joan a Happy Mother’s Day! Gif bless you all!
Wow, how do I follow Ginger and you Karla. Love and growth is in the air kind lady, blooming profusely all around. And I can feel your tiredness kind lady, maybe a few less jogging miles on those trails all around my friend 🤣 Regardless, big, big hugs for you Finn, and your journey’s my friend. As I have no doubt Jesus is doing so as well. A touch here and there, or even a big hit from Ginger to feel that love within from her beautiful words 🤗🥰🤣 A lovely post my friend, May shared in all its blossoming, as you will too Karla 🤗🥰😀❤️🙏
Mark~we’re happy when you join us in our group hugs. And I’m equally thrilled when you share your love and life wisdom with us! Your life is a beautiful book, my friend.
Thank you for being here. How did you know I was tired? 🤭 I think the world is a bit tired and weary~but those birds, this morning, were NOT! I can’t keep up with them~and I’m an early bird, Mark. They, and the squirrels, bugs, butterflies, and a school bus of kids, put a kick in my step (well, a tiny bounce and huge smile!). I miss kids so much!
I pray you are blooming (in good ways!! lol). Do you see Finn and I waving at you? Peek out your balcony…see the elephant in the water and the 2nd dolphin to your right? No, Mark, the other right! Yes!
We’re right there! Hi, Mark!
We brought chocolate and a huge hug swirling with God’s love.
Tee hee. I’m so happy I can share silly stories with my WP family. You’re a blessing, my friend.💕♥️🦓🫶🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🎶🐾
Haha, yes I do indeed see mom elephant and infant waving, along with the dolphins…they are waving flippers on both sides, left and right, you tried to trick me 🤣
Currently rain, rain, rain here so I am jealous of all your sunny spring blossoms, be they plant, animal, or those wild children going by on the buses 😂
Ooh, and chocolate…I’m waving back very profusely to my ‘friends’ now haha 🤣
I have a friend from way up north from the tropics visiting at the moment, he is so used to hot weather this has shocked his system. Didn’t bring any coat or long pants because it is normally still warm here at this time 🤗
Right, always a big hug coming back to you both, a share of chocolate, smiles, and much love. Breeeeeathe, smell His flowers and feel His sunshine kind lady, that love is in it all 🤗🥰😀❤️🙏
Aww, that’s wonderful, my friend! You enjoy every moment and I’m so glad we got to “see” you!
I will remember it’s winter (or fall? I can’t remember actually) in the Down Under! I’ll be prepared in wardrobe. But you read about my wardrobe that never changes!
We see you waving! Wipe the chocolate off your mouth. Mark, please share with your friend too! There’s plenty! Big hugs, love, and smiles from Finn and me 🙏🏻🥰💕🐾🐾✌🏻 breathe in, breathe out ~I smell honeysuckle!
May is the last month of autumn down under and I’m still in shorts and t-shirt…until this change came through anyway 🤣 I think my ‘warmth’ has waved ta ta till next year 😂 And you are a blessing too kind lady, you share from a heart that has touched much empathy, compassion and love in your journey., For that share I thank you muchly. Big hugs 🤗🥰😀❤️🙏
Autumn still! How wonderful! Your warmth has waved ta ta 😂😂
Stay cool 😎 my friend (no pun intended). We gladly accept the hugs and thanks~thank you! ♥️🙏🏻☺️
AH Karla. It’s good to recognize being journey weary and road tired (sorry for the pun-kinda). I saw a May flower here. So far just one…hope. So we keep lifting you up dear one…Loved by God more than one can imagine. HIs love dimensions are far beyond the periscope we have to look through.
Gary, you and the girls are with me in Spirit and prayers so much. On my walks in nature, prayer time, …many times.
Your prayers are helping my pace, dear friend. I feel the power and hear your music 🎶. Thank you so much.
“His love dimensions are far beyond the periscope we have to look through.” Beautiful! I shared about the divine dimension from your gathering the other night.
I’m so happy something is blooming for you. You all deserve it!
On a funny note~
I enjoy puns (and humor). I joined a crew of punderheads on Joy’s site. They make me giggle.
I always picture Jesus smiling~and laughing (and I know well his serious face and presence!).
What do I say? I say, Thank you, Dear Sister, for the prayers and blessings and verses that remind, not just me, but everyone who stumbles across your blog how loved we ALL are. AND—for showing us how to face a challenge with grace and hope. AND—for this take away—faith is belief in the unseen, like the belief that miracles surround us. Come what may.
How beautiful and thoughtful, C. Thank you for sharing.
You’re an overcomer~an inspiration to me, dear friend. 💕
It’s my blessing to share what God places in my heart and head! It thrills me that you appreciate it.
Faith. What would we do without it? Just as your blog and life experience it!
Come what may~
Poignant and poetic! Amen 🙏🏻
Much love, sweet sister. ♥️🙏🏻
“Come what may.” I borrowed that from the movie Moulin Rouge. There’s a whole song—a love song. ❤️ Much love, Karla!
I love that song 🎶! I’m singing it now! Much love!❤️♥️🎶
Thanks to May 1, 1951, I’m here. 🤣 ❤️ That’s a little something.
Thank you, MAY 1st, 1951!
Everybody, it’s MAK’s birthday! Let’s all sing to her! You know how much Finn and I love her, Bear, and Teddy!
I can’t believe I don’t have your bday in my phone 🤦🏼♀️🤪 I’m so happy you’re here.
The best May Day! ❤️🥰🎶🐾🏔️🥾🫶🏻🙌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
Not my birthday! It’s the anniversary of my parents doing the wild thing celebrating their engagement which happened on May 1, 1948. They were married in August 1948. Counting back from my actual birthday (Jan 7) it’s 9 months and 6 days. Soooooo… Thanks mom and dad!!! 🤣 ❤️💍
You should hear me laughing MAK! 🤪😂😂😂🤭🤭🤭🤭🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ for some reason, I thought you had a January bday!
Thank you to your amazing parents! Truly, from what you’ve shared about them~such amazing people!
And look what they produced! ✌🏻💕🥰♥️❤️🥾🥾🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
🤣😄♥️
♥️✌🏻❤️❤️💕🥰🥰🐾🐾🐾
Nice post 🌹🌹
Thank you, Satyam! 🌹 🌹🌹
I love this ode to May, Karla. It’s compassionate, joyful and uplifting. It reminds me how much we re grateful for, May 1 is not such a big thing down here in Oz. It passes without reflection but your post reminds us of all we should be grateful for. I love the pruning imagery, Cheers. John 🙂
Thank you, John. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Pruning season~growing season. ☺️
The month of May has always been memorable to me~now, even more so!
I love learning about the land of Oz~and sure appreciate you alongside me on this journey, too! Look at what you’ve done in all your May’s.
We sure are blessed! Take care, my friend.🙏🏻☺️
beautiful Autumn says ahead, warm and sunshiny— ideal for washing; which reminds me there’s clothes to hang up ; a man’s work …. 🙂
John, you’re a good man! 😄
someone has to do it, Karla 🙂
I understand! ☺️ but you’re still a good man~laundry or not lol
Hello, May, and my precious Mousie! Just got to my quiet spot because I can never wait to read your heart❤️ I can’t believe we are coming up on 2 years already. Words fail me to describe the beauty and grace you display while I know the battle your body faces every day. Listen— You give ALL the glory to God and because you always put him first, his love shines through just like the May sun. When it’s stormy, we see his strength through you, too. I love your words “even though my body is high maintenance, my maintenance comes from on HIGH”🥹
My struggle is watching when you struggle, but in Karlie like fashion, I focus on Jesus and see the good. And youuuu are everything good this side of heaven.
I can never tell you enough how proud I am of you. My love for you hurts. It’s that big. My prayer is for every moment we get I show and give you the love you so selflessly give. Just to be split from you in the womb is my greatest blessing here. You amaze me. Thank you for your beautiful words I will always have here and in my heart.
Bunny🐰
I can hardly type with tears in my eyes. You are too gracious with your words, and thank you is not enough.
You’ve been by my side, literally, since birth. You’ve seen the best; and the worst~and still stick by me.
I’ve heard it said many times over how hard it is on those who love you when you have disease. You’ve given up sleep, time, and other resources (and probably threw up your hands!).
My love is huge for you. I’m so proud of YOU. What I’m doing is what you’d be doing too.
You were at the significant moments~life altering, forever different moments in time that brought me to today. I’ll never forget that.
Even when I don’t understand the plans, I know and love the one who makes them. All else fails. I have to see the good or what good am I for him?
You do that too.
Keep our words in your heart and I’ll do the same. We will never be split apart. We’re heaven bound no matter what.
I love you dearly. ❤️🙏🏻💚❤️💕♥️
It is so good to see you are still fighting the good fight! Happy May Karla. Loved your post!
Thank you, Dwight! I appreciate you so much. You’re a blessing! Happy May to you and your family. 💚
You are very welcome.
You are a treasured warrior on this pilgrimage of faith, my sister! Looking at you, I’m reminded to put my own armor on — Armor btw that our Savior first wore and showed us how to use in our own wilderness in this battle that’s not with flesh and blood but with unseen powers and principalities of darkness. God bless and keep you, strengthen and uphold you as you cling to Him who is our Beloved. ✝️ Love to you and peace!
Karla May has so much significance for me as well. May birthdays are rampant and Mother’s Day has always been a happy spot in the month. I count my blessings daily. And one of them is the friends I’ve made on WP! You are one of the true blessings!! Much love and hope in May as well as all the other months too! 💞💞💞
That’s precious, Val! Thank you for being here and sharing. I count you as a blessing, too. May this month be filled with God’s goodness~I know how busy and hectic things are for you right now. Much love to you and Mochi! ❤️♥️💕🐾🙏🏻
Oh how I wish for all you hope May can bring, my friend Karla!
Thank
You, my dear friend!! I wish that for you and yours, too!
Hello my sweet Karla! Your words always point us to the One who is sovereign over all! Butch and I have been reading a book written by the Puritan, Stephen Charnock! The title is “Divine Providence” and it is a deep theological study of God’s providence. We are reading it very slowly and discussing each paragraph. Just knowing and resting on the fact of God’s divine providence gives me peace. I have prayed for you this morning, my dear friend. As you encourage your readers with your faith and perseverance, may you continue to draw your strength from the Father and from all of your readers who love and pray for you. I always delight in reading the comments! Sending love, hugs, and most of all prayers!
Love you, Pam 🙏🏻💛🌷🎶💜🌼🩷
Pam, your love, prayers, and support mean so much to me! Please thank Butch, too.
The book sounds amazing, Pam. I’ll have to check that out at the bookstore. I know you both rest on his providence~and peace! I’ve had several “iron sharpening” studies lately, Pam. My TBR pile is tall because of my enjoyment learning from them all. Coupled with my morning devotions, they have provided words of wisdom to help me navigate this current journey. I love how God places people in our lives at seasons we need extra fertilizer! You and Butch have been that for me!
I’m so happy you enjoy the comments~I just love our family here on WP. It’s unique and divine!
I will continue to draw strength from our Father~as I know you do. It’s such an incredible journey. On nights I can’t sleep, like last night and the night before, things “weigh” more. Yet, when I “drop” them in the hands of Jesus, my arms are empty and I can cling to him! And off we go! 🥰 it’s amazing how he lets me go at my pace! (And never says, “You’re too slow, Karla!”).
I love you, Pam. Both of you always deliver hope and encouragement! ♥️❤️💕🙏🏻🎶🫶🏻💐
So beautiful!! Thank you for continuing to write and share your heart. YOU ARE LOVED too 🙂 xoxo
Sonia, my sweet sister. It’s my blessing to share. I give the glory to God (because today I’m a blob!). Thank YOU for supporting my journey~from our IG days to becoming dear friends. I’m sending you and the boys tons of love and hugs from Aunt Karla. Xoxo 💕🙏🏻
May is here already. It started with another surgery for me but God is good. He blessed me by a friend taking me there and back home, kind and fun nurses.
Matt, I prayed for your surgery and wish I lived closer to bring you coffee and goodies. I’m so happy you have a friend to help! And kind and fun nurses, too. I can’t wait to see what you’ll be doing when you heal. We won’t be able to keep up with you, big brother!
May is here and here I am already celebrating because it’s my birthday ,
month
Happy birthday, Brenda! I appreciate you!! God bless you!♥️
Thank you, my friend.
You’re welcome, my friend!
Happy May, Karla. Your faith inspires me so.😍
Jennie, thank you so much. I think of how you inspire me~and to think my faith could be inspiring? It’s humbling. You’re a blessing. Happy May, dear Jennie. You are a one-of-a-kind.♥️💕
Your faith and attitude and strength are very inspiring! You are welcome, and keep up the inspiration. 💕
Thank you, Jennie! ♥️♥️
😍
Well, MY May says HEY! to you! And Rest assured of my continued prayers lifted on high for you the whole month through!
Hey, Dawn! Your continued prayers and support mean so much to me! I pray you are well, sister. I know all the great ways God is preparing you for new things~wrapping your shawl with love and prayers.💕🙏🏻
I love the idea of you shield of faith getting heavy but you refuse to put it down. I ‘fight’ chronic migraine, and I am weary – but I won’t give up. Thank you for the affirmation to keep going. Linda xox
Linda, I’m so sorry you have chronic migraines and weariness. 🙏🏻 I will pray for you. And I’m happy to hear you won’t give up! Thank you for sharing ~there are many here who will join me in praying for you, too. I appreciate you. ♥️🙏🏻
sending you so many hugs and positive prayers my dear friend. ❤️❤️ May hopefully brings new beginnings. ❤️
Happy May! I hope your May is filled with beautiful days and special time with your family.
Thank you, Rachel! I hope to get to your place very soon, my friend. I appreciate you. God bless you and your sweet family.❤️🙏🏻
Great post, Karla! I had never read that quote by Lincoln. How sweet! You are loved by many and you make us each feel special. You are a blessing to all! 🙏 🤗 🐾
Thank you, Cindy. I appreciate you so much! I’m so happy you feel special. Because you are. Isn’t God amazing to make us all so unique–and gifted in so many individual ways to help us individually encourage and love one another? You’re a blessing too. Thank you for saying that to me! Many blessings to you and Henry today and every day! 💕🐾🙏
May all your dreams and good wishes for May come true, Karla. They are wonderful wishes for a wonder-filled month.
All the best,
Tanja
Tanja,
I appreciate you, my friend. Thank you. May our wishes and blessings fill us to the brim!
Keep enjoying your beautiful life and lovely state!
Hike for me ok?
All my best, Karla
“I’m only enough when I’m stuffed with the Spirit.” Love it, Karla. It reminds me of a a tongue-in-cheek Valentine’s Day card a friend came up with some years back: “Take my love…and stuff it up your heart!” I’m picturing the Holy Spirit saying that. May blessings, dear friend.
Thank you, dear friend! I love that! “Stuff it up your heart!” I’ll not forget that! I appreciate you so much, Mitch. Many blessings, my friend.
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Beautiful Karla, EVERYTHING about you is truly beautiful. I love this post and certainly can relate to this sentence, “As for me, I’ll keep pressing on. I’m tired, but joyful. I’m sore, but satisfied.” 🤍🤍
You’re so precious, Stacy. Thank you, sweet friend. I’m so happy it resonates with you (you are a wonderful example of “pressing on!”). I appreciate you so much! 🤍🤍🤍
Blessings Karla. I am gradually catching up to your posts. Your unselfish witness of faith showers the Lord’s grace upon so many others. I am grateful to be able to know you, Finn, and many others. God’s love showers us with each sunrise, and His hope says goodnight with another sunset.
Many blessings, Richard. Thank you for your kind words and support. I always pray my faith will be evident. In actions and in words. I’m grateful to know you! Finn is too! May God continue to shower his blessings on us all! Your last sentence sums it up beautifully!