Kara's Soft Words

**This post first appeared in the January 2014 Issue of Women's Elevation Magazine . Sign up for your free (online) subscription by visiting www.womenselevationmagazine.com ** Happy New Year! I hope you’re excited about it!   This time of the year can take on different meanings for different people. Some are anxious to say goodbye to the last 12 months and the events that took place, while others look at it as a time of new beginnings.   I want to encourage you to embrace this time as the start of a new chapter in the story of your life. As you may know, a vital part of the writing process is reviewing your work and making necessary revisions .   We can apply this principle to our lives as well. Are there aspects of your life from the last year that you weren’t happy with? Well here’s something to think about. "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." If you know that something 'didn't work' fo...

This is funny lol!  It's taken me so long to post this because I was trying to narrow down my list of items :-p. I really wanted to pick things that represent various aspects of my life. So here's a little collage to address the first part. . . In the top left corner, we have journals, of course! I'm almost always writing *something* down but these 2 are a couple of my favorites.  Made by DaySpring, these journals have scriptures on the bottom of their pages. . . sure to inspire and encourage the writer.  I feel like they represent my {growing} love for writing and God at the same time. In the top right corner, we have A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George.  This book represents the fact that I love to read but more importantly, I appreciate reading books that will motivate me to grow.  This book challenged and encouraged me- from the very first chapter! Front and center is my Vertical Current hoodie!  I love this band! ...

{Random right? Just bear with me. . .} As you know, life is filled with a variety of experiences! We all are guaranteed to deal with highs and lows. One day, we may feel like we're on top of the world but the rug could be yanked from under our feet, on the next. I just want to encourage you to keep things in perspective. You've heard the phrase, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Yeah... okay *rolling eyes*. Personally, I very rarely buy regular lemonade.  HOWEVER, I will say-> Auntie Anne's old-fashioned lemonade is the bomb :-p. When I think of lemons, the first thing that comes to mind is the tartness of the fruit. The taste is powerful and not exactly pleasant. I bet your face is scrunched up- just thinking about it. We're able to add water and sugar in order to make a sweeter beverage and then it becomes something that we enjoy. You see the transition??? Something that we didn't like or weren't fond of (at first) can be...

     I see you.  I know you have dreams and goals but for one reason or another, you’re sitting on them.       What are you waiting for?  Do the stars have to be aligned perfectly? Does everyone need to be in your corner? Do you know whether you’ve saved “enough” money?  Is it the perfect time. . .      Wake up!  These things may never come. . . but you still  - no-> you ALREADY have the power to make a difference!  Napoleon Hill once said, “Do not wait; the time will never be just right. Start where you stand and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”      Remember to replace fear with faith! You may not realize it but fear can be the thief of many dreams. Often times, we allow our own words of doubt to stop us from accomplishing our goals. We focus more on  “what if” rather than the FACTS  that a...

*This is the discussion outline from the L.O.V.E. {Ladies of Virtue. . . Empowered!} Meeting entitled "I Know My Worth." To learn more about L.O.V.E., click here .* Ladies of Virtue. . . Empowered! I Know My Worth I. Intro- What is L.O.V.E.? 1. Lady - a woman or female of refinement and gentle manner 2. Virtue - strength; conformity to a standard of “right” ; moral excellence 3. Empower - to give authority or power; enable; to promote self-actualization It is my hope and prayer that through studying the Word and our discussions, we will be strengthened and encouraged to love God, ourselves and others more than we already do! II . How do you see yourself? A. What are strengths or qualities that you like? B. What are areas or traits that you could improve upon? C. Do you think. . . the way that you perceive yourself affects how people treat you? -> The consensus to this question was “YES!” -> Realize that people will feed you things/adjectiv...

I really want to complete this entire challenge but I was kind of struggling with this prompt. In one way or another, I feel that I've been able to get closure with everyone that I really wanted or [thought I] needed to. So I decided to offer my two cents on closure & forgiveness. I realize that every situation won't exactly end the way that you or I would prefer. If you're like me, you want things to be clear-cut. . . no lingering questions. The decisions are final! The situation is harmonious and the parties involved are all on the same page. Life's not always like that though. Sometimes friendships or relationships end and someone's left feeling hurt. Sometimes individuals just grow apart. People! Please don't limit yourself to the things that (you feel) people have done to you!  Look at each experience as an opportunity to grow! That might sound crazy but think about it.  What did this situation teach you? What are some things that you'l...

Recently, I was invited to participate in a Women's Department Service for the Straight Gate Church of Christ (1924 E. Clearfield Street ~ Philadelphia, PA)!  The theme was Gleaning from Seasoned Women. I felt a little out of place because I was the youngest participant on the platform but very much honored that I was included in this group of inspiring women. Anyway, I decided to focus on lessons that I've learned from the Women of God in my life. The most important thing I have learned is that we need to truly develop and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Here are some things that we should keep in mind if  we love Him. If We Really Love Him *We'll Be Sincere- Joshua 24:14a Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. . . Not that we should try--> but we cannot play or trick God. He knows all! People are quick to say, "God knows my heart" - not realizing that that may be the reason why they could get into tro...