Karla's Letter to You!

This letter was written before Karla's recent spinal cord surgery this summer.

To Everyone who is listening, Those who are old friends and those who might be listening for the first time- I want to start out by first saying "Thank You". Thank you for your friendship and prayers and laughter. But most of all - thank you for the privilege and honor of being able to spend each morning with you, and having the opportunity to share God's word and love with you. He has blessed me immeasurably by allowing me to speak to you on a daily basis and each morning it never creases to amaze me that He has gifted me with being a part of this great ministry.

That being said, let me get to the heart of the matter.

As I head off on this new leg of the journey, I have to say that I have no idea what is in store for me, not even an inkling. But what I do know is this - the God of all creation is with me throughout and that He is in control of it all.

Jer. 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." I have this assurance because His word says it is so ... Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the refuge and strong hold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" Hebrews 13:5 - "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'."

I also have the assurance of my salvation. Years ago, when I had my first brain surgery at 17, I was not sure that should it be my time, that I would spend eternity with Him. But I can see He has allowed this in my life now to share with you and I have complete assurance in my salvation, not because I "feel saved" - but again - because of His Holy Word. John 5:24 says - "I tell you the truth, whoever hears what I say and believes in the One who sent Me has eternal life. That person will not be judged guilty but has already left death and entered life."

And so in this letter to you I want to convey this - that you too can have assurance of your salvation. So many times I've talked with friends and family who find it hard to believe that we can do nothing to "earn" our way to heaven. But that is just how God is. If being a Christian meant just living a moral life and have good intentions - then Jesus never would have died on the cross - or risen from the dead. But that is just what He did. He is who He says He is. He came not to be a moral example - He came to rescue us from death - and that by believing in Him - we too can have eternal life. I don't know about you, but the time is now to get to know Him - for God is not just a part of our lives to fit in on a Sunday morning, He is LIFE itself.

I want to share a story of how God revealed Himself to me - a couple of years ago, as I went snorkeling, I had an amazing thing happen. I jumped into the water, and was very disoriented at first - as the water was murky. And I found that to be true of my first steps with Christ. I didn't know exactly what was going on - I just knew I had to keep swimming... and then a miraculous thing happened. The more I swam that day - the clearer things became - and then I saw it. As I dove deeper, I encountered the most beautiful, glorious creatures I had ever seen. I cried in my little swim mask, I was so in awe of God and His creation - and then the thought hit me - We were created in His image, how much more must He revel in each and every one of us?

That day in the water taught me that the deeper I go with God, the more beautiful it gets - so as I go on this new adventure in my life, I want to encourage you to examine your relationship with God. If you haven't accepted God's gift through the atoning sacrifice of His son - Jesus - do it now. And if you have accepted Christ and seem to just be treading water - being tossed about by the waves - grab onto Him with all that you are and go deeper.

God is the reason we are here - all the rest is just icing. He is life - Don't miss it !

I love you all and am looking forward to talking to you again soon.

Your sister in Christ,

Karla

Here is a letter from Karla AFTER the surgery!

Hello all!

Before I begin I just want to thank you, thank you, thank you (did I say thank you?) for all of the cards, e-mails, and most of all, prayers!! It is because of you and your prayers that I am doing as
well as I am!

I guess I just assume that everyone who checks out
this website also listens and therefore knows what is
going on and how I am doing after surgery. I am doing
well! My neck brace is my new 24-hour companion, but
should be departing soon!

I went to Chicago for my follow-up and all the tests
showed improvement! Halleluiah!! (Remember the tests
said before surgery that I was abnormal, but we already
knew that didn't we? Hee Hee)

I have been constantly amazed at how God has provided
for me throughout this experience, everything from
plane tickets to a car when my old one "died" while I
was undergoing surgery. I am humbled and honestly, I
feel so unworthy of all that He has done for me, but He
is so good to us and I have to try to wrap my little
brain around how awesome He truly is..

I am looking forward to moving ahead and seeing what
He has in store for me, and I am grateful for this
experience because it has not only healed me in many
ways physically, but it has shown me how much we depend
on Him for our very next breath...My prayer is that I
never forget that and that these "trials and
challenges" that we all face will just nail us to Him
in the most glorious and beautiful way! He came to give us life abundant ... and He is doing JUST THAT!!!

Again, many thanks for all you are and have been to me
during my recovery. Words cannot express what my heart
feels and how grateful I am for your friendship!
Keep looking to HIM!!!

Your sister in Christ,

Karla

©2002 Doug and Karla