Kara's Collection

Kara’s Collection: Friendship and Jesus, Chemo and Cuddles

Kara’s Collection: Friendship and Jesus, Chemo and Cuddles

From an article originally posted September 27, 2012…
 
On a crisp, winter day last January, I was introduced to my sweet Kara at our daughters’ basketball game. I’d spent the preceding 4 months recovering from the sudden and painful end of a 25+ year friendship, and I had vowed to never share my vulnerabilities or my heart with another friend for fear that history might repeat itself. 

Have you met Kara? If you have, you know that your every vulnerability, your heart, your secrets—they’re all safe with her. It didn’t take long after our initial meeting for me to know that about her and to fall to my knees and thank the Lord over and over and over for answering my prayers for a Godly, trustworthy, tender-hearted, and loving friend. 

Kara's Collection: Gratitude

Kara's Collection: Gratitude

From an article originally posted September 19, 2012…

Every day I look forward to my mail. The endless cards, prayers, letters, gifts, and treats bless me to no end. A treasured friend purchased me a crib spring that was painted to hang on the wall. In short order, this frame represents a small portion of the love that comes our way.

Each of you resides with me. I enter the house, I’m reminded. I walk to the kitchen, I’m blessed. I head up to my room, I’m humbled. Not a day goes by I’m not touched by you all. I walk this journey with each of you. I know prayers on my behalf have entered eternity and are the aroma of heaven.

Kara's Collection: Encouragement always show up...

Kara's Collection: Encouragement always show up...

From an article originally posted September 18, 2012…

This letter was written to me by my dear friend Jenny. Jenny was the one to share the gospel with this young, hurting girl. She showed me my sin and pointed me to the forgiveness I had in Jesus, and she invited me to have a relationship with Jesus. That moment forever changed the landscape of my life. I was never promised easy, but I was promised Peace—real PEACE.

She has been a constant encouragement to me, not only through chemo, but throughout my entire life. Her tender heart and gentle love for Jesus has always spurred on my faith. This letter was such a sweet reminder to me that hard is a grace all its own. Jenny has faced her own hard and met Jesus there. That suffering and hard is meant for our good to deepen our faith. The Lord is really working on my heart right now, and I need more time to explain the things He’s growing in me. I cannot articulate it yet. But be blessed by the faith of this dear saint Jenny.

Kara’s Collection: Blissfully Normal

Kara’s Collection: Blissfully Normal

From an article originally posted September 14, 2012…

It has taken me longer to bounce back this round of chemo. I certainly took an emotional hit this round more than the last. I think it wasn’t until this treatment that I realized I have cancer. I’m not that sharp; it took me 2 months to face this reality.

A sweet friend brought me lunch Wednesday and stayed while I napped and cared for Story Jane. She sweetly and gently asked me what my prognosis is. She said she is often asked. I will tell you it is not a thought that I think often during the day, but I the evening I am often plagued with these thoughts. But it’s a question, I imagine, many of you have.

Kara’s Collection: Hard hard

Kara’s Collection: Hard hard

From an article originally posted September 11, 2012…

I am just beginning to surface from my second chemo treatment. I have found a bottom that I didn’t know existed. I typically can muscle through, tough it out, but I can’t shake the discouragement that this treatment brought on tonight. As for care, I have the best. The love of my husband and Susan Jett has carried me, but the me that is being carried is so discouraged, so sick, so weary.