Kara’s Collection: Inevitable Pain, Stunning Grace

Kara’s Collection: Inevitable Pain, Stunning Grace

from an article originally posted July 15, 2014...

We had a big day full of celebration yesterday that left us all full and a bit ragged. Jason only woke one for VBS this morning. Our oldest had responsibility, so she needed to show up, even if she was a bit party worn.

I had a sweet morning talking through retreat planning and speaking engagements, and the kids slowly made their way down the stairs into the bright day. One even slept all the way to 11. It was unbelievable—especially since my road is currently being torn up by giant earth movers. In the loud, they slept on in response to the amazing night with friends we enjoyed last night.

Kara’s Collection: July 14

Kara’s Collection: July 14

from an article originally posted July 14, 2014…

That’s my day. July 14 is the day I came to be a part of this world. This past week I have thought much on this simple day and found myself in tears. I’m not exactly sure where the tears come from, but I will simply try let my fingers explain it to me here, tonight after I have kissed the heads of my children, read the books, said the prayers; I simply want to come here to write.

Kara’s Collection: Taking Thoughts Captive

Kara’s Collection: Taking Thoughts Captive

from an article originally posted July 12, 2014...

There is an impossibility to our story that often seeps into the cracks of my going. There are thoughts that can destroy peace and steal the very best of a moment. This morning a little one came to me on the front porch, tear-stained for not getting her way. She knew I would not get her her way, but she knew something else—that maybe just time in my arms would lessen the hold that want had on her. She knew that quietly rocking next to my heart would soften her heart in a way nothing else could. I grabbed her up, held her close, and rocked and kissed the top of her head. We did not speak of the offending sibling or the things that didn’t go her way, we just rocked. My coffee hot beside me, my books on the ground, and the beautiful burned mountains on the horizon.

Seeking Rest

Seeking Rest

Last week, I hit a milestone in my quest for rest: I felt anxious. We were getting ready for a party at a friend’s house, a place I’ve been to several times, a low-key event with people I love, and yet my introvert self felt agitated and shy and tired and reluctant to go. At first I didn’t recognize what those feelings added up to, and then it hit me—anxiety. For the first time in a long time, maybe even years, I felt anxious. This means that these months of attempting to rest—the PT, deep-tissue massage, dry needling, medications, trauma yoga, clear calendar, tapping, deep breathing, meditation, early bedtime, stretching routine—are finally starting to work. My body has relaxed enough for me to feel physical stress! Hallelujah.

Kara’s Collection: The Power of Community

Kara’s Collection: The Power of Community

from an article originally posted July 11, 2014...

This week has been full, unbelievably full of emotion. So much so that I can hardly handle it all. Today Jason has noticed a quiet in me, and I knew I simply need to come to this place of words and process it all. After months—I mean months—of waiting and prayer, my dear friend Shellie returned from the DRC with her beloved husband and son. Home at last! I can hardly believe they are home at last. The homecoming was unbelievable—tears, joy, laughter. I came home snuggled in bed and looked over and over at the picture of the amazing moment mama and baby boy walked around the corner. I simply stood and cried seeing her beautiful face walk around the corner. It was the moment where you realize God is able, able to do more than we can think or imagine. The moment where you see God’s hand making a way where there seemed to be no way.