Kara's Soft Words

Seeing pictures was one thing but walking around my "auntie's" new home kind of blew my mind. A little over a year before this visit, my mom and I sat with her as she described this place  that she wanted to move into. I honestly think I forgot about it for a while until I saw Facebook posts regarding the move. It was really happening! Seeing my auntie's new home- in person and attempting to take in its beauty made me grateful to God for the way that He had blessed her! Romans 12:15 instructs us to "Rejoice with them that rejoice." During our visit, both my mother and auntie challenged/encouraged me to give myself more credit, step out on faith, and pursue the goals and dreams that mean(t) the most to me. A few days later, I decided to make a 30 by 30 List .  I decided that even if I don't accomplish every single item by the time I'm 30 years old, I still want to work towards completing the list or revising it as it becomes ...

Here we are. . . It's one year later & I'm grateful that she didn't have to question my love before she left. In her last few years, she forgot my name and age (and the fact that we lived together) but she was quick to call me "such a sweet girl." <3 Living with and caring for someone dealing with dementia and/or Alzheimer's Disease definitely has its challenges and share of frustrations. Over time, my frustration turned into gratitude. I was grateful even though my family & I had to shape our schedules around my grandmother's needs! I was grateful that she was able to live with us, as long as she did... until she needed to be permanently moved into a nursing home! I was grateful that I had multiple (family) friends working at the nursing home- who I knew would look out for her! After she moved into the nursing home, my parents and I picked specific days that we each would go visit her, in addition to weekly family visits. My day was WEDNE...

I don't remember this ever happening before but. . . I woke this morning and I was ANGRY! I felt so frustrated that I almost wanted to cry! I knew for sure that these emotions were the result of the nightmare I'd just had. Backstory/the nightmare: I was in a shopping center with one of my girlfriends. We were about to walk across the parking lot and go into a laundromat (for my Chestertown/Kent County people-> think Kent Plaza lol) when we were approached by a group of 3 or 4 guys. The "spokesman" was very attractive [remember that]. He greeted us and asked how we were doing. We said "fine" and smiled but in the pit of my stomach, I didn't get a good feeling about him or the group he was with. They tried to ask where we were headed and I gave them a general answer like, "We're running errands" or "We'll be around." We parted ways but I couldn't shake the eerie feeling. When my friend and I got into the laundromat...

(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...

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...