Kara's Collection

Kara's Collection: Latigo Ranch

Kara's Collection: Latigo Ranch

from an article originally posted July 2, 2014...

Jesus loved our family bigger than we could have ever imagined when someone made this once in a lifetime trip possible for our family. We had no idea when we said yes what huge grace we were saying yes to for our family. Months ago when this opportunity came to us, we saw what a gift to our children this time in the mountains would be. The generous offer came and we simply walked through a door knowing there was a blessing on the other side and life to be captured with our children.

Kara’s Collection: Pills to Swallow

Kara’s Collection: Pills to Swallow

from an article originally posted June 30, 2014...

Yesterday I took a picture of one handful of pills I have to take in a day—one of the endless handfuls of pills. I took the picture and cried hot tears. I sent the text to my sister and dear friend waving the white surrender flag admitting to my limitations. Last week was a dream of joy with my family. But behind the scenes I was stomaching a new treatment, struggling to cover pain, and pushing through impossible limitations to live, simply live with my people. Every need was attended to—food, cleaning, children—and I was simply swallowing the new pills. I remember one sweet ride I simply told the wrangler I felt droopy and needed to sit on the back of my horse and let him quietly carry me to a new overlook. Words were too hard. Riding up hill after hill hoping the pills could destroy the cancer that is trying to destroy me.

Kara’s Collection: The Beautiful Dance

Kara’s Collection: The Beautiful Dance

God and his goodness does not depend on my acknowledgement of that goodness. His refuge does not exist because I state its existence. No, his goodness and refuge are true because He says they are true. But guess what: I have deeply experienced both his goodness and refuge in a way that I simply cannot keep quiet about them.

Kara’s Collection: Radiant Living

Kara’s Collection: Radiant Living

I imagine you look upon my story and think I am anything but saved from troubles. Look closer. I absolutely have been rescued. Beautifully rescued and restored in a way that is unmistakable. My story has been written, the conclusion is sure—as sure as it is for you? But my life is kept, beautifully kept in heaven. Sure I fear, I struggle when my family has to look upon my deep pain and suffering. But I do not suffer without hope. No, I get to reflect the radiant grace that consumes my going to Jesus. I get to lift my face without fear—I know where these hard steps lead me. I know exactly where they lead. It doesn’t mean the walking isn’t painful; no, they hurt, but they are not without meaning.

Kara’s Collection: My Soul, My Weary Soul

Kara’s Collection: My Soul, My Weary Soul

In scripture, when you see the word lord written in all caps, it is referring to Yahweh (Exodus 3). It is the name that says God is unchangeable: I am a God that is with you, Sustainer; it is his covenant name that says he is a God who keeps his promises. And all of my life can depend on that goodness, even in the midst of my hard.