Kara’s Collection: I have a crush on my hero

Kara’s Collection: I have a crush on my hero

From an article originally posted October 5, 2012…

I have lived over 14 years with my hero. More importantly, I live with a man who has taken 1 Timothy 3 seriously even before we were introduced. He is my daily reminder of grace. You know, grace—the gift you don’t deserve. I will be very clear: he’s not perfect, but he’s humble in his imperfection. He is not my idol, though I have battled that area in my heart with him. To quote Beth Moore. “He makes a fantastic husband, but a lousy savior.” I have had seasons of letting Jason fill the place that is for Jesus alone. That is my heart’s battle. This man has been a daily gift to my heart.

Kindred Spirits: Heather’s Story

Kindred Spirits: Heather’s Story

In reflecting on friendship with Kara, I want to write about little things. The one time Kara and I got together when she didn’t have cancer was after dropping our kids off at school one day. We had breakfast at my favorite place, then went to an estate sale where she made me purchase a metal cabinet, then to a thrift store where she forced a rooster lamp on me. Clearly, I’m easily influenced in such matters—and it’s a good thing because the lamp turned out to be worth $200! These are little things I now cherish because they take me back the few years that can seem like a lifetime.

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. 

Freedom

Freedom

Last week was a hard week; I’m not sure why, and by the end, I discovered it had been a hard week of mourning for lots of us. I am feeling my grief like Ralphie’s little brother in A Christmas Story with his ridiculous snowsuit on—it suffocates me and bogs me down. I move in slow motion, my body aches for no apparent reason. I can’t get to sleep at nights and when I do, I sleep either restlessly, eager for morning to rescue me from my dark dreams, or so soundly that I feel hungover when I wake up. And the wakeup—so painful some mornings. The remembrance that another day has arrived without my Kara.

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.