Kara's Soft Words

I really was trying to get through this birthday- well- get away with not writing anything specific, but all of a sudden, ideas started flowing. So. . . Here are 7 Revelations that I am trying to be mindful of as I go through Year 37. 1. Proverbs 4:23 is a command (not a suggestion). It reads, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life (AMP)." Other translations say to keep or guard  your heart. . . In other words, be selective and protect it. Watch what you allow to enter your heart. Seeds may be planted by various circumstances, people with whom you interact, etc. but you do not need to allow everything to take root. Things like bitterness, frustration, and envy will try to find a home within you.  Beware: Whatever you allow to take root in your heart will be reflected through your actions! 2. This goes right with Point #1. Be willing to have uncomfortable conversations. Clearing the air can also help to keep your heart [and spirit] c...

**Disclaimer: I wrote this letter to myself but I hope that as you read it, you’re encouraged and inspired to reflect on your own life… Give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made (or give yourself permission to dream again). See how far you’ve come & be grateful for all that God has done for you!🙏🏾💛 Dear Kara, I know I don’t say it enough. . . Please know that I truly am proud of you! You’ve made *obeying God* your life’s goal & you are experiencing the manifestation of His faithfulness. Almost 3 years ago, you moved to Texas with only a large suitcase, a duffel bag, and a backpack! You didn’t have a job or place to live but you came and made the best out of your circumstances… You literally moved by faith! God opened doors, made ways, and continues to show Himself strong, in your life! You have certainly faced hard times & disappointments but you are still here! Just in the last year, situations arose and made you question your value. However, you were reminded...

I was surprised and confused.  I was sitting in church (last August) when the announcement was made that my father would be preaching for the upcoming Friday night's service. I got home, called my parents, and they laughed as they confirmed what I'd heard. Almost a year after leaving Maryland, I was finally going to be able to see my brother and father- in person! I was definitely looking forward to it! At the time, I was still working at a pizza restaurant and thankfully, the only day  I'd actually requested off was the exact day that they would be free to hang out. (I was basically working- every single day.😓) I proceeded to get on my family's nerves. I was trying to figure out what time Dad & Phillip would arrive in Texas, what airline they were traveling with, the airport they were flying into. . . everything! Nobody was giving me the details😔 but I did get a text when they got settled in their hotel room. On Thursday, we met up for dinner. They picked me up...

"Lord, I hear of showers of blessings Thou art scattering full and free Showers the thirsty souls refreshing Let some drops now fall on me. . . Bless me Protect me Direct me Even me, Lord" {Even Me - Yolanda Adams} "What are you asking for- [right] now?"  My close girlfriend posed the question and I was speechless. "What do you mean?" I asked. We were discussing life and I told her that I was feeling behind. . . that I needed to make progress in order to feel more stable in some areas. "You've already accomplished so much- in a year!" It was hard for me to hear this because I just wasn't seeing it that way, at the moment. She began to list things I had done and I slowly saw the light (lol). She was saying that if I felt like I still wanted or needed things, I should consider what I was asking for. I told her that I didn't know where to start. She caught me off-guard when she said that she wanted to share a scripture with me. It was  J...

A couple of nights ago, I was watching tv when I started thinking about credit. . . I'm not referring to credit in the financial sense but public acknowledgement or praise, typically given or received when a person's responsibility for an action or idea is made apparent (Dictionary.com) . I thought about it from a few different angles. . . 1.) As a writer, it bothers me when I see people post or share thoughts as if they've come up with original creations when, in actuality, they simply aren't citing the source. {In general, I believe that people should be acknowledged for their work.} 2.) However, I realize that there are times when the work someone has done may be more important than putting the spotlight on the person who is responsible for it. 3.) Most importantly. . .  I never want to take credit for anything that God has done or will do- especially when it's obviously something that only He could do. #3 really stuck with me as I turned ...

Anyone who actually knows me will tell you that I am a planner. While there are moments when I do  appreciate spontaneity. . . for the most part, I like knowing exactly what to expect like where I'm going, what I'm doing, and how I'm executing a task. So I know some people were (or will be) shocked to learn that on January 1, 2019 , I moved from Maryland to Texas without an elaborate plan. While I kept hearing, "Kara, you're so brave! This is amazing. . ." and similar things, I honestly was trying my best not to freak out😬. This installment of When You Give Unto the Lord is about releasing control and simply surrendering to His Will. . . even if it doesn't seem to make sense (to you or anyone else). A piece of the backstory: God actually began dealing with me about moving to Texas in July of 2017. At that moment, I wasn't sure about any of the details (like how and when it would happen). I wrestled within myself (for a few weeks) and o...

"When you give unto the Lord, He will give you more to give. . ." Congregational Song "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have show Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 (NIV) A few weeks ago, I came across a video clip of Pastor Mike Todd . He was speaking about what worship actually should look like, in the everyday life of a Christian. I quickly reposted it because I totally agreed with the snippet of his message. Not only that but I was actually experiencing some of what he was describing. The video reminded me of Casey J's song "I'm Yours" as well. The chorus says, "You can have all of me. . . I'm Yours. I give you all of me. . . I...

I feel like I need to include a disclaimer: In no way am I trying to brag🙈. I simply want to share my experiences as they relate to obeying God and allowing Him to reveal Himself. ------ "My life is so random!" Ask my friends and they'll tell you that they've heard me say that a million times (haha!). . . However, in the last few months, I've been reminded that there actually may not  be such things as coincidences. Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." More and more, I'm seeing this to be true. If you are questioning whether living for God/making yourself available to Him is "worth it," I want to assure you that there is nothing more fulfilling. I truly believe that by making the decision to allow God to get the glory out of my life, I've been blessed to make connections/establish friendships and experience things...

(from everydayfamily.com) I don't think I'll forget them. . . at least not for a while. After going grocery shopping with my brother, I was leaving the parking lot and right before I got all of the way out, I saw her. A frail young woman- holding a baby. She also had a cardboard sign. I was skeptical for second but I decided to read it. It said something to the effect of "PLEASE HELP! I have a baby but no job or food." My heartstrings were most definitely tugged. Note: My family will tell you- I'm the type of person that sincerely wishes I could help everyone.  I remember trying to look after a cat that would hang around my house when I was in middle school. . . While, I know that people are good for running scams, I honestly could feel that this was not one. So, I asked her if she wanted to come into the store with me and pick out some items. She nodded, so I parked again. My groceries (and brother) waited in the car while I shopped with "M...

"M!"  I love this girl! I met her during my freshman year of college .  I remember having a conversation with her for the first time in either October or November of 2005 because she and some other girls were getting ready to bring a new organization to our campus. Strong Women of Today & Tomorrow promoted sisterhood, strength and leadership and sounded exciting! The girls started a Facebook group but were searching for Executive Board Members so that they could bring it to life at Hood.  I applied for the position of Secretary. During my interview, I felt like we all just clicked and a couple of days later, I was informed that I had been chosen as the secretary. As time went on, M, the other girls and I started to hang out more frequently. We all lived in the same dorm and would meet up to go shopping, watch basketball games at my cousin's school. . . whatever we could find to do together. I have always called her "The Sophisticated One." ...

I usually don't like questions like this because I don't like to sound like I'm bragging. However, I am extremely happy to be able to answer this question!  Without a doubt, I feel like my proudest accomplishment (so far) is Ladies of Virtue. . . Empowered aka L.O.V.E. !!!  Years ago, I probably would not have believed you if you told me that I would be doing something like this-> working to encourage women (young and older ) in their walk with God, leading discussions and bonding with so many ladies from a variety of backgrounds!  I am grateful for this opportunity and I don't take it for granted. You may already know that originally, my mother was told that she would not be able to have children and if she did happen to become pregnant, the baby would not be expected to survive the full pregnancy.  Thankfully, God proved the doctors wrong! While she dealt with some complications, she says that God gave her an extra miracle by not only blessing me to mak...