Kara's Soft Words

I almost always start my blog posts with the title. . . So, when this one came to me, I knew I had to get on it (quickly) but it almost made me laugh. I've been saying for the last few months that I am at my heaviest weight ever- right now. It's actually been really annoying and upsetting for me. I started running out of clothes to wear but I didn't want to face reality and buy clothes in larger sizes either. Ugh! Common sense tells us that if we don't like the way things are, we probably need to change our behaviors. In this case, I needed (and have started) to examine what I'm eating, make wiser choices and implement more physical activities. In case you didn't know, excess weight can cause a variety of complications when it comes down to your health. This article offers a comprehensive list.   One of the most significant risks that we hear about has to do with the condition of the heart. "As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual....

This week, I was reminded that social media can actually bring people together and present opportunities *quickly* that might not otherwise have taken place or would take much longer to come about. A few years ago, after hearing about Women's Elevation Magazine  from a good friend and  Facebook , I became a contributing writer (for the Spiritual Corner). Around the same time, I got on Twitter and made a point of following people who conveyed inspiration, encouragement, and a sincere love for God. . . People like Jennifer Lucy Tyler . Just this Tuesday, I was able to combine these things! I ended up meeting and conducting an interview with Mrs. Tyler for  WE Mag! It was amazing! As nervous and excited as I was, Jennifer and her husband (Jeff) were so friendly and welcoming! And I can't forget about Shadow (their energetic dog)! Sitting with Mrs. Tyler took me back to high school. I felt like a clueless freshman *lol* who was fortunate enough to have an upperclass...

{From the February 2015 issue of Women's Elevation Magazine} *This piece was inspired by Kara’s blog post- “Lessons from Strangers (Part 1). . . You’re Beautiful!” * Okay ladies! It’s that time of year. We’re seeing chocolate and flowers EVERYWHERE . . . Valentine’s Day is coming. As we get closer to February 14th, I just want to encourage you to be careful . It can be easy to get caught up in the hype and feel like you need to have someone special in your life. The New Living Translation of Proverbs 4:23 reads, “ Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” These days, I don’t know if many people consider the truth in that statement. It seems like the more popular idea is, “ Anything {Anybody} is better than nothing {nobody}” but that’s not always the case. I want to share part of my own story to remind you to proceed with caution when it comes down to matters of the heart. A while ago, I randomly met someone who was sweet, h...

I recently lost my aunt- who was an incredibly LOVING woman. She knew how to make everyone (loved ones and strangers) feel special! Through her life and even in her passing, I've gained even more motivation to "Make the Most" out of my life ! And I want to encourage you too. . . Set goals and go after them! Live by faith- not fear! And let the people that you love and care about KNOW exactly how you feel! Tomorrow's not promised to any of us.  Even in her illness, Aunt Mary wanted everyone to know how much she loved them! We'll always love and appreciate her! I was honored when my cousins asked me to write a poem for her service's program. A Niece's Tribute My beautiful Aunt, where do I even begin? Your generous love and support truly knew no end! We felt your love in your embrace and in your gentle hands. It made its way to many cities, states, and foreign lands. We thank you for your words of wisdom - and yes- for your direction. ...

"You'll do fine! You're ready!" I heard these words and still didn't believe them.  This was about eight years ago- at a summer job. My supervisor was out for the day and she had asked me to fill in for her.  I was honestly terrified. I held (and still hold) her in high regard. She was dedicated, hard-working, and classy- yet firm. People knew not to come to her with foolishness. And if they didn't know, they learned quickly. I knew it was only for a day but I felt as though I had huge shoes to fill! So when she called the office, I tried hard to beg my way out of my assignment. It didn't work (haha). She simply offered me words of encouragement. "Kara- you've got this. You know what to do.  Just work hard and do your best. You'll do fine. You're ready." Thinking about this experience makes me consider our walk with God. There are times when He lays things on our heart. . . or gives us an assignment, if you will. And for w...

I absolutely had to get this out! It's kind of crazy to think that I just turned 27 on September 30th! As always, I felt blessed to see another birthday but this year, I felt even more emotional than I usually can be smh. I truly was overwhelmed by love and acts of kindness from friends, family members, coworkers. . . even strangers! Anyway, one of the most profound moments took place during a conversation with my godmother. I was shocked because after texting me that morning, she surprised me with a phone call- soon after the school day ended (I'm an administrative assistant for an independent high school). When she explained why she called, I was literally left in tears! She told me that she was grateful to be able to call and speak to me {especially on my birthday} because she'd recently buried a young cousin. She then described her deceased relative and it sounded as though we lived identical lives! Her father was a pastor. She was extremely involved i...

He was into me! And I thought he was fine! Tall, dark, and handsome. I smiled at the thought of him being mine. He was into me! He made me laugh and smile. Felt like I'd known him for years but it was only a short while. He was into me! We would talk for hours! I'd try to hang up the phone but it felt as if he was pulling me with superpowers. He was into me(!) but it was clear to see. . . A relationship with him just could not be. You see. . . I was into him! I mean- I was impressed! Still- something about the situation had me feeling distressed. I was into him(!) but I'd soon have to choose. And my relationship with Jesus was way too much to lose! I was into him! Yet God meant more to me. And I knew- from temptation I needed to flee. As much as I was into him. . . I'd made a vow to maintain my standards. I couldn't and won't abandon them now! Whether you're into him. Or he's into you. Here's some ...