Category Archives: Karen’s journey

October Thoughts

Posted on October 2, 2023 by livingasapprentices

It is October, a fairly consequential month in my life.  October 3 marks the 3rd anniversary of my husband’s death. October 4 will by my 81st birthday. October 5 is my second experience of  my third version of treatment for … Continue reading →

Posted in Karen's journey | 6 Comments

On Turning 80

Posted on September 25, 2022 by livingasapprentices

I now have a habit of posting every five years about “turning” a certain age.  On October 4, I will turn 80. I never thought I would reach 80. When I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014, my life … Continue reading →

Posted in Karen's journey | 2 Comments

The Muddiness of our Lives

Posted on June 30, 2022 by livingasapprentices

“Even when we are in the thick muddiness of our pain, despair, and tenderness, we can grow through it as long as we are alive and present enough to bear witness ” (Alex Elle). “Sometimes what people see as darkness … Continue reading →

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1,000 Posts!

Posted on May 18, 2022 by livingasapprentices

In 2012, I took a class at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan titled Staying Open, Writing as an Act of Faith.  As a 70-year-old gray-haired woman, I joined a class of 20-somethings (mostly male) with no little fear and … Continue reading →

Posted in Karen's journey | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Somewhere, Sometime, Someday

Posted on May 15, 2022 by livingasapprentices

There’s a place for us, Somewhere a place for us. Peace and quiet and open air Wait for us, somewhere. There’s a time for us, Some day a time for us, Time together with time to spare, Time to learn, … Continue reading →

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A Hope and a Future

Posted on May 8, 2022 by livingasapprentices

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise has been my lifeline for decades. But when I … Continue reading →

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It is Possible

Posted on April 26, 2022 by livingasapprentices

“Heaven, as we call it, is not a totally distinct realm into which we shall be translated by the fact of death.  It is an experience that interpenetrates the experience of it here. The dying thief did not begin his … Continue reading →

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Days of My Life

Posted on April 17, 2022 by livingasapprentices

This noon I ate an egg salad sandwich.  Not long ago, I would not have had the strength to make the egg salad, let alone want to eat a sandwich.  I am blessed by both the loss of 40 pounds … Continue reading →

Posted in Karen's journey | 1 Comment