Friendship is......

Laughter
Crying
Dreaming Together
Sharing Struggles
Encouragement
Trust
Loyalty
Celebrating Our Children
Walks
Never Ending Talks
Honesty
Shopping
Building Each Other Up
Compassionate
and one more.....
Laughter again

Blessings to all my friends who make my life better, happier, and fun with the different qualities you pour into my life. I love you all!

Stepping Heavenward Book

I know I have mentioned a time or two that this book is a must read but I truly can't explain enough the journey of one's life and her pursuit to godliness. I think for me I really connected with the main character as she learns what all a Christ follower is and is to become.
As I put this book up on my shelf and grab my next pleasurable reading, I wanted to share some amazing statements and quotes. Enjoy!

"I don't want to be so happy in Ernest(her husband)or in my children as to forget for one instant that I am a pilgrim and a stranger on earth."

"What I want my children to become, I must first become myself."

"To Learn Christ, this is life!"

"I gave you to God long before you gave yourself to Him. If He can make you useful in your own or in other lands, I bless His name. I never asked anything for you but usefulness in all my prayers for you."

I could tell so much more but think you should treasure this book and enjoy just what it says-- a step heavenward-to live with greater godliness, humility, and hope.

Tired Traveler Welcomed Home

One week ago, I experienced one of the hardest truths of life as an adult. I experienced the death of my sweet 89 year old Nanaw. The nanaw who was at every holiday with me since being born, the one who took me to the lake when I was young, the one who I lived with in college, the one who came over while living in Abilene just to see me and my little newborn Addie, the one I sat with at church, and most of all the one who held everyone of my girls as babies. My nanaw, a woman who loved life, who was devoted and loved her family dearly.
I had a feeling it was going to be hard for me but I had no idea the void that fills me now as to know she's not present with us. Crying my eyes out, I told Ryan this is the hardest part, for me, as a believer in Christ. I celebrate and rejoice she sits and sings with the Savior of the world but how I long to talk to her one last time, to hear her sweet voice, to serve her once more. I am thankful she is no longer in pain. She is made complete now and FULLY knows God's grace. Two nights ago, I sat against my bathroom floor to finish the last 2 pages of a chapter in my book, and right then and there God filled my heart with peace as I read words from my book called Stepping Heavenward. Let me give you an idea of what's happening. Katy (the main character and the one who journals about her life is talking to a woman she highly respects and visits to talk about God, life, etc. The lady is about to die and lays sick while Katy is visiting her. This is what the lady shares about herself on her dying bed.....)
Here is what it said...

"Yes, I am tired." she said, "but what of that? It is only a question of days now, and all my tired feelings will be over. Then I shall be as young and as fresh as ever and shall have strength to praise and love God as I cannot do now."

Then Katy says about her friend..."But I can truly thank God that one more "tired traveler" has had a sweet "welcome home."

Thank you Jesus for those words. As I long to talk to nanaw one last time, to see my mom and her siblings look over their mom and cry as this is the final journey of their mom's life, to see my cousins cry, and watch my husband celebrate and lift nanaw's body and spirit up to the Lord, I AM REMINDED THESE WORDS. A "tired traveler" who was "welcomed home." Thank you, thank you as these words somehow bring me comfort this day. One week ago, I touched and looked at my sweet nanaw's face and hands. I am thankful for sweet, memorable moments with her that are forever embedded in my heart and soul.
She is now young and fresh as ever!
I love you Nanaw.

A Great Idea

One reason I love blogging and reading other blogs is the informative, fun, creative ideas bounced back and forth via cyber world. I love how people share their life, their love for Christ, their families, fun ideas, hurts, struggles, funny videos, or anything else they know their readers will enjoy.
Well one of the blogs I read often gave me a GREAT idea for family conversation at the dinner table. One thing I do value in my household is sitting down nightly and eating together as a family. She introduced this week an idea called Dinner Discussions. You take a sentence, ask a question and everyone has to answer it..even mom and dad. For example, "if you could have your picture taken with 1 person in the whole world, who would it be?" After being introduced to this wonderful conversation starter, we tried it last night and it was fantastic! :)
The girls would just smile, giggle, etc as they thought hard on their answers. So cute! I googled Family Conversation Starters and they had some great questions you can print off and ask each other.
So there ya go! The newest great idea that entered the Prater household.(Thanks brandiandboys) Hope you take time to do a couple,even if its not at the dinner table. You could do this in the car or even on a road trip. I think its just a great way to be creative and engage talking with the kids. Enjoy it and Have fun!!! :)

My BookShelf

Books that have captured my bath time or nightly reading. :)
Here are the books that are on my radar.

Stepping Heavenward (seriously can't put this one down, almost done)-A MUST READ!!

Christian Beliefs

Desiring God

Same Kind of Different as Me

Country Girl

Zac Brown Band performs "Chicken Fried" on Opry Live">

OK, so if you really know me, you know that I love Country music! Always have! There is just something about that boot scootin and twang to make this girl smile and move. :) Well, the other day while driving the car, I heard this song called Chicken Fried and started cracking up. However, the phrases and words were really touching and seem to ring true for me. Here are few I like in the song.....

love
a touch of precious child
good jeans
freedom
not where you live or what type of home you have

So enjoy a little honky tonk country lovin from your friend Kara! Have fun!!

The Drama Girl

So my big Addie girl had her first official drama part in a musical program at school. Made her momma and daddy proud. She did great as the "hyena" in the 1st grade program called

Its a Jungle Out There. Its amazing how a parents heart can melt as they stand with confidence, joy, and a smile that extends from ear to ear.
Enjoy some pics of her at the program.

Thoughts on this Monday......

Came across this in my daily reading of the bible. Thought I would share it on this Monday.
Happy Monday! :)

"I believe that each person
has a spiritual obligation before
God to learn how to live well,
to live fully,
as opposed to knowing only how to live comfortably."

-Lucy Swindoll