Karmen Smith

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Let’s chat: Summer, 3 “F” Words & a Birthday

by Karmen |

Dearest friends,

How are you?  Let’s catch up!

First, if you are reading this post, you survived May.  All the praise hands and KUDOS to you!

Next, let’s discuss summer. Do you prefer planning or a more haphazard-let-come-what-may-approach?

I lean more towards the come-what-may approach but have found as an adult it is helpful if I will plan but then, there’s the follow-through… #goodgrief

The boys and I have already had our first ‘come to Jesus meeting’ because they prefer to stay drunk on fun.  I’d love to hear your suggestions in comments on how you balance downtime and the plethora of summer activities.

Now, Facebook Live.  I love and appreciate how you help make this space matter and less awkward because for me (even as a speaker)- Facebook Live is awkward.   I’m not sure if it’s because I feel like I am talking to myself or if it’s the whole propping-staging the phone on the ironing board at an angle that doesn’t show my turkey neck or deep brow wrinkles. I haven’t justified buying a tripod yet because well, I still weigh it all out.

We can discuss these things and more next Tuesday, June 13th at 9 PM (Central) MARK YOUR CALENDARS for our fourth Facebook Live.  We are going to start our discussion of why bad things happen and what to do with suffering.  Over the next several weeks I am going to share seven secrets I’ve learned along the way, and I’m anxious to hear your feedback.  A lot of what we discuss is going to be in the book I am writing.  If you missed the previous Facebook Lives where I am working through the awkward, you could go HERE to view.

Next, yes, the farm is still for sale.  We had a lady from Texas this past weekend come and view and we thought it was a goner, but she made an offer on another.  We have since my last post drawn lines and now have a mini-farm buying option.  The house, one barn, the pond and five acres as an option.  Feel free to email me with serious inquiries.

We are approaching our one-year anniversary as foster parents.  We have two boys with us right now (thus explaining my absence online).  I am looking forward to sharing much of what we have learned over the last year through fostering.  Would a Facebook Live or written post be better?  Let me know your preference in comments.

Finally, saving the best for last.  Babies don’t keep.  I know I say it every year because it’s true! Our little boy is NINE today!!!! N-I-N-E.  Why must that number sound so grown-y?  Why must it be his last year of single digits?? Already???  Why won’t he fit in my lap anymore?

Yesterday we took him to Lake Winnie because he’s asked us to every.single.day.since his last birthday which was exactly 364 days ago.  I would not lie to you.  (insert wide-eyed-emoji!) So, we took him because we love him not because we love theme parks. You can see his exuberant joy if you follow us on Instagram.

I thanked God this morning for fearfully and wonderfully making our little man so strong, healthy and kind.  He is a nurturer by nature, a cuddle bug and had the sweetest tiny voice as a babe.  God is doing great things through his fearless faith.  He reminds me often through his brave acts not to put God in a box. I am going now to make him nine small pancakes to start his day and leave you with this video of him. We replay it every year on his birthday.  Here’s why.

 

Happy Tuesday,

K

P.S. I have updated the SPEAKING page and would love for you to make plans to join us if you are in the area or better yet, gather your girls and I will come and join you!

 

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Filed Under: #bookproject, family, farm for sale, foster care, Uncategorized Tagged With: Facebook Live, fostering, happy birthday Jake, summer, the farm

I blogged.

by Karmen |

Well, kind of.

Does a video count as a blog?

A few quick things:

Yes, I still blog here.

Why two months since my last post?

 

We are now foster parents. A toddler joined our crazy crew mid-July, and we are head over hills in love with the little fella God hand-picked for us.  Our boys have adjusted very well with the exception of our  younger and his occasional bout of jealousy, and the early on declaration that he “doesn’t like sharing me.”  We are taking it one day at a time sweet Jesus.

 

All things FALL have had us on our toes at Fort Payne Feed & Garden since the first week of September.   Pumpkins, mums, pansies, & more because October is our favorite color.  If you haven’t been to see us yet, why?

 

Homeschool year five is well under way and no doubt, our BEST yet.  No, I can’t believe it’s been five years. Babies don’t keep.

 

We have two playing soccer.  No, they are not on the same team.  Nuff’ said.

 

We have been overwhelmed with gratitude with all the Lord has done through YOUR invitations for me to speak to your churches, women’s’ groups and fundraisers.  Is it true you know?  When you #PrayBig things happen.  So, so thankful.

 

Lastly, and heaviest on my heart.  I am committed.  Like grit-your-teeth, bare down until it’s done determined to finish the manuscript…the book, our story for God’s glory.  Writing is an act of obedience for me, and this story is one I believe will bless some, maybe many of you.  Why else would it have camped out on my soul for the last five years?  I had my first “official” scheduled writing session yesterday.  The warfare was INTENSE.  I cried and prayed most of the first hour.  The second hour was more focused and productive.

 

I believe this covers most of the high points for now.  The rest and a bit more are in the impromptu video below.

 

Soon I hope to share what God is teaching me about margin and breaking up with more.   Maybe we’ll talk a bit about the cowboy and my 20 year anniversary and why love notes on post-its and napkins are enough these days.  We will talk more about the 1.6 million dollar home Chic-fil-A donated for a faith-based recovery home in our hometown and how you can help.  And of course, we’ll talk about the boys, their shenanigans, and fall on the farm.

 

Until then, be present with your people.  Invite some friends over for supper and don’t mop or worry with a bouquet.  Go on a date and look at your spouse when they speak.  I bet your kids are funny and creative.  Do something.    Read a book together.  Go on a 24-hour camping trip.  Unplug and eat outside.  These aren’t lyrics in a country song or the script from a sappy commercial.  This stuff truly is the good stuff.

 

 

much love and with great gratitude,

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Filed Under: #bookproject, blog, boymom, family, HomeSchool

Time Matters

by Karmen |

In a right-now-world, some things take time said the woman who declared she was writing a book and still hasn’t two years later.

 

Let’s play a quick Q & A game for sanity sake, okay? I’ll pitch you a few questions, and you leave your answers in a comment.  Ready?

 

  1. How long is too long to put something off?
  2. How concerned are you with what others think of you?
  3. What keeps you from pursuing your dream?

 

I know, number three is a little heavy. Oh here’s another:

 

How often would something have to flow through your thought stream before you decided enough is enough? Or wait, is that question the same as the first?

 

For the love of sanity, enough is enough.

 

Let’s play pretend because apparently I haven’t had enough adult interaction today after teaching decimals to the tenth, building a volcano out of newspaper, feeding the people here three square meals from a scarce pantry because the grocery store outing is just (*&^*&^%*^$, wrangling dogs and boys from the pond, refereeing an afternoon play date with my nephews with elevated levels of aggressive testosterone, and last but not least, basketball practice just before finding melted Laffy Taffy in the dryer. #goodtimes.

 

I digress. Let’s get back to our virtual field trip. We’re at the local coffee shop because the smell of coffee is therapeutic.   There’s a little folk music in the background. You’re having something delicious, and I’m having a pitcher of white chocolate mocha because I need it.

 

Now, tell me…what dreams, hopes or giant wish keeps you up at night?   Think back to when you were a kid, and you dreamed of becoming a _______ when you grew up. If you’re still stuck, think about whatever it is, something you could do all day and lose track of time.  What is that thing that makes your heart beat fast.

 

Next, is your dream, hope or giant wish something you are pursuing? If yes, WOOHOO and three CHEERS for you!!! We celebrate your success and hope you are intentionally serving and encouraging others with your giftedness.  If not, why? This life is not a dress rehearsal. You’ve lived a life of regret long enough. GO! PURSUE all God has for YOU!

 

As for me…. Well because it’s only fair that we play by the same rules:

 

  1. How long is too long to put something off? I don’t know. What I am discovering is this- if God has assigned it- He’ll not be deterred. I know that I know, that I know, I am to share our story because each and every single time, (no lie) that I have tried to quit… He has used one of you to say, “Keep going. This space matters. Others need your story.”

 

  1. How concerned am I with what others think of me? Well, apparently a lot more concerned than I once thought. Maybe it’s my age? Maybe it’s that I’m home more and in the public less? Maybe it’s Satan being superb at what he does, but I type and delete. I place a comma and wonder if it’s supposed to be a semicolon or nothing at all. I record a podcast but don’t publish. I speak up and wish I’d listened more. I volunteer and feel overwhelmed. It’s a constant tug-o-war.

 

  1. What keeps me from pursuing my dream? I’m pretty sure I am seeking it, but at a much slower pace than I prefer or am accustomed. Others days I question if I’m doing anything right and then I remember or am reminded: my boys. They are the reason I left my job and came home. Not to write a book, or pursue speaking, publish a podcast or blog. I came home to teach them while they’re little because they’re only little for a little while. I begged God for these two rowdy rascals, and He was gracious enough to answer.  So I will continue to teach and train them and write when they are asleep. Speak when asked and am able.

 

Someone said recently, time matters.

 

I heard the same truth echoed on our new favorite show, Longmire (find it on Netflix-you won’t be sorry!), “Experience takes time. Don’t rush it.”

 

Neither of these statements lines up with the fast-paced-want-it-now-get-it-now-world that we are living. But they are nonetheless true.

Those who know me well know mornings aren’t my jam.   I’m a night owl by choice but last week the flea market beckoned me to arise early. Oh man! Am I glad I did!  I had walked out on the back porch to give the dogs a treat when the skylight caught my eye.  I scurried back into the house to grab my phone only to return to a shot much more majestic than before.  In mere seconds, the sky transformed from AMAZING to BREATHTAKING!

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The light shifted again and left me wondering how long before I see another sunrise like that one reiterating the truth~ some things take time:

 

Pursuing a dream

Finding a godly companion

Grief

Landing the right job

Discovering the ministry that fits your giftedness

Rearing children

Healing

Writing a book

Experience

 

My prayer for you dear friends is to be encouraged as we consider the weight of these words:

 

In a right now world, some things take time.

 

 

Let’s encourage one another to pursue wholeheartedly all that God intends for us, trust that the tug-o-war will be worth it and believe He is at work in the wait.

 

Keep going friends. I believe in you!

Much love,

karmen

P.S. Let me know if you see a book title in this post 🙂

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Filed Under: #bookproject, #iheart, blog, Everything Else, Fabulous Friends, Inspire Tagged With: believe He has a plan and a purpose for your life, encourage, encourage others, pursue all God has for you, some things take time, speaking, time matters

where do we go from here?

by Karmen |

That turned out to be a lot harder than I thought.

 

If you’re just joining us you can catch up on #KarsonsStory here

 

As my cursor hovered over the publish button of that last post I cried, talked to myself and wrestled with God on my little back porch,

 

“Should I share this? Who is this one for?  What about my kids?  the ones I’ve taught? my own children?  My family?  What about my former employers or future employers?  What about this? What if, that?

 

Back and forth until I almost threw up.

 

I wish I were kidding.

 

And then, I asked, “Why not share this part of the story?  It’s true.  It really happened.  What’s at the root of this fear?”

 

Through the sobs I heard a whisper,

What will they think of me.

 

I’d be more embarrassed to share that truth with you if it weren’t true for all of us.

 

Once I said it out loud, I determined my little wrestling match with myself was null and void because ultimately,

 

“… the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I Sam: 16:7

 

So, where do we go from here?

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This whole blog/ book writing thing and I go back and forth: to write or not to write, to share or not to share, more sad more happy some days to the point that I want to holler, “MAY-DAY, MAY-DAY, MAN DOWN!”

 

And then, there’s you.

 

You share your stories, poems, prayers and hearts.

 

You comment. You text or email and share how much one of the stories here has helped you, encouraged you, prompted you to turn back to Him and then,  I remember why I started this whole thing.

 

The day, actually the moment, we lost out first baby, Samuel, God birthed a new thing in me.

 

When the doctors whispered, “We’re sorry, ” I experienced a peace I never had before.

 

Seriously, an eerie calm.

 

In that moment this passion, this burning desire to speak of God’s goodness, His faithfulness in the midst of gut wrenchingsorrow sparked the moment they took my son from me and it hasn’t stopped.

 

That day, I didn’t have a clue what God was up to (lots of days I still don’t), but I knew just enough about Him to know my pain would not be in vain.

 

The years I taught school I was given opportunities to speak life, love on and encourage friends and coworkers on a daily basis.

 

It was a great season.  I needed them and some needed me.

 

It’s been almost three years now since God stirred a restlessness in my soul that prompted me to pray a BIG pray that ultimately lead me to resign from teaching, come home and home school my own children.

 

Some days I feel (and look like)  I’ve been here a bazillion years (s-c-a-r-y-f-a-c-e) and barely know my name while other days feel as though I’ve just locked my classroom door and am on a long weekend break.

 

Still, the purpose of this white space stands.

 

Encouraging, exhorting and exciting others with REAL stories about REAL life

 

It was started as a fun place for me to record life.  I’m forgetful.

 

And because I prefer typing verses note taking most days thus the blog that quickly went from notes about the latest happenings on the farm to more testimonial, devotional posts that lead to a ten chapter book proposal that I’ve been sitting on since July.

 

Until now.

 

I have two of the ten chapters drafted.

 

The last several blog posts have been snippets of Karson’s chapter.  

 

Your response leaves me without words.

 

Which begs the question, where do we go from here?

 

As someone who wants to live a life with no regret and if I only get one shot at this I want this space to matter.

 

To make a lasting difference.  To have inspired. Excited. Exhorted. Encouraged others with what has been said here.

 

So, we’re going to keep sharing snippets of the book as they are written…This may or may not be the only place they are ever published.  Some fun and sunny others you may need a tisha or possibly a box of tisha (pronounced here in the south by many as TISH-UH)

 

We tell our boys, you’ve got to do at least one brave thing a day.  This thing.  This blog.  This book.  This story.  Is my story.

woman-praying-on-knees1

My brave thing for today is this prayer:  God use this.  All of this.  The messy and the good for your glory.  Amen

love and appreciate y’all so very, very much

karmen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: #bookproject, #iheart, #KarsonsStory, blog, Everything Else, Fabulous Friends, faith, HomeSchool, Inspire, Loss Tagged With: encourage others, exhort

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