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A Warm Blanket

August 31, 2020 / 56 Comments

“You’re like a warm blanket in a cold place,” my friend said to me. She was in a perfectly dreadful situation regarding her health and hadn’t yet come out the other side. It shook me, her saying that. Shook, moved, and awakened me.

Life happens. Life is happening.  And I don’t need to tell you it’s not very pretty at times.  It’s not pretty right now, and that’s a fact.  It’s certainly not easy, and really never has been.

But now, perhaps more than ever, and in a climate that itself contributes to divisiveness, confusion, and pain, we need each other.  We’re all in need of a warm blanket at times, and occasionally we are, blessedly, the blanket.

This is not what will be a typical post.  This is simply a bit of an explanation for this blog’s existence and an invitation to join me in the journey of our lives.  There’s so much going on.  There are so many challenges, threats, and dangers.  But we’ve got each other and, if we are believers, we’ve got God.  He’s ever available.  There are lessons to be learned and blessings to be gained.  There most certainly are pleasures to be enjoyed.

And that’s the purpose of this blog: to share the wonders of life, to lift each other up, to make some sense of what’s going on around us.

I desire to be a warm blanket.  Sometimes I’m going to need a warm blanket.  But if we can move forward together; if we can grow and encourage and support one another – well, we all win, don’t we?

So come in and look around.  This is a work in progress and I’m brand-new at this, so be gentle with me but honest.  Please contribute by commenting, and if you like what you see as we develop, share with your friends.

And come back.  Do please come back.  We need each other.

56 Comments

    • ckarlstrom

      September 1, 2020 at 2:19 am

      My first comment, Louise! Thanks so much for your sweet words. And I feel the same about you. Thanks for dropping in and please come back. Will be posting regularly.

        • Beth Kjeldgaard

          September 7, 2020 at 2:48 pm

          You are such a “warm blanket” Carolyn. Here for you whenever you need a warm blanket. “The Golden Rule has always applied, will always apply. Jesus said, “. . . in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you . . .” (Matthew 7:12).

      • Mary OHaver

        September 1, 2020 at 9:22 am

        Thank you. Carolyn for your blog about the warm blanket. Sometimes I picture myself curled up peaceful and protected. The warm blanket is a nice addition.

  • Carleen Jones

    September 1, 2020 at 1:28 am

    I think it’s a wonderful idea for you to do. We need connection and encouragement in the world we live in, and I have a feeling we’re going to need a whole lot more in the near future! Sending prayers for success with your blog

    • ckarlstrom

      September 1, 2020 at 2:21 am

      Thanks, Carleen. Yes, hope and positivity seem to be sorely lacking in these times. I hope to play a tiny role in restoring them.

      • Jennifer Haskell

        September 1, 2020 at 3:38 am

        This is wonderful Carolyn! Thank you for being a warm blanket for me in my time of need! You have no idea how refreshing your open home and heart was. God is using you, and will reach into hearts, because yours is open to His leading. I desire to be that warm blanket for others as well! May God lead in the days ahead! This is inspired for sure! I’d love to feature this at my up coming Women’s Ministry event in a month!❤️

        • ckarlstrom

          September 1, 2020 at 4:14 am

          Wow, Jennifer – I’m encouraged to keep this up! Had better get cracking; I hope to post more soon. And you’re certainly welcome to use this at the Women’s Ministry event. Blessings!!

  • Cherry

    September 1, 2020 at 1:31 am

    Love it! You are like a silk blanket. You know why?
    I went to China a few years ago and learned that silk doesn’t just provide the usual warmth because it adapts to the environment it’s in so it doesn’t get too cold or too warm. It’s just right.

    • ckarlstrom

      September 1, 2020 at 2:23 am

      Well, Cherry, you’ve one-upped me. A silk blanket yet – I love that and I thank you for offering that up. What a wonderful image . . .

    • ckarlstrom

      September 1, 2020 at 2:24 am

      Thank you, Lareena, for coming by. Yes, please pop in regularly. I’d better get busy with pen and paper . . .

      • KD Huber

        September 1, 2020 at 5:41 am

        This is a great fit for you. I can tell there is going to be such a beautiful growth as you open up with your beautiful writing. Please fill free to share with our ladies. I know all will enjoy this. (I thought you were talking about something else. My mistake). Looking forward to the warmth of your words as you bring that blanket around tighter. Lifting God in Praise and Prayer,
        KD♡

    • ckarlstrom

      September 1, 2020 at 2:26 am

      Oh, Ginny, I’m so glad to see you here! Thanks very much for checking this out and for responding. I’m sure looking forward to seeing you next week.

  • Jayne P

    September 1, 2020 at 3:05 am

    Yes! We do need each other. Beautifully stated, with warm, cozy words, and your smiling face. Grateful you’re one of my near and dear ones and I look forward to reading more of your posts.

  • Trudie

    September 1, 2020 at 4:05 am

    Oh, such a beautiful writing with a great message… especially during these times…Thank you, Caroyln ♥️

  • Susie

    September 1, 2020 at 4:12 am

    Beautiful idea and encouraging. Thank you for bringing beauty into the current chaos. I have been the recipient and covered with your blanket of love.

  • KD Huber

    September 1, 2020 at 5:43 am

    This is a great fit for you. I can tell there is going to be such a beautiful growth as you open up with your beautiful writing. Please fill free to share with our ladies. I know all will enjoy this. (I thought you were talking about something else. My mistake). Looking forward to the warmth of your words as you bring that blanket around tighter. Lifting God in Praise and Prayer,
    KD♡

  • KD Huber

    September 1, 2020 at 5:44 am

    This is a great fit for you. I can tell there is going to be such a beautiful growth as you open up with your beautiful writing. Please feel free to share with our ladies. I know all will enjoy this. (I thought you were talking about something else. My mistake). Looking forward to the warmth of your words as you bring that blanket around tighter. Lifting God in Praise and Prayer,
    KD♡

  • Sherri

    September 1, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Off to a great start, Carolyn! Although I’ve never met you in person, I can tell that you are, indeed, a warm blanket and I consider myself lucky to have “met” you! Enjoy your new adventure, and I’ll check in on you often!

    • ckarlstrom

      September 1, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      Sherri, thank you!! I appreciate that you’ve stopped by and am glad you enjoyed the experience. See you here again, then, and on the game board!

  • Crystal Gail Lusk

    September 1, 2020 at 7:27 pm

    Your countenance has always conveyed the love of Jesus. When I think of yall, “INTEGRITY” always comes to mind. So glad you are sharing yourself with us in this way. I am excited to hear more.

  • Melissa Forster

    September 2, 2020 at 7:27 am

    I don’t think I know u very well but I do know u take time to look at my postings on FB. That itself makes me know someone cares enough like a warm blanket.Thank u for being a friend.

    • ckarlstrom

      September 2, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      Melissa, it’s wonderful to wake up to such a sweet note – thank you! I certainly do notice your FB posts and pictures, and look forward to them. Thanks so much for checking this blog out and please come back!

  • CParker

    September 2, 2020 at 4:07 pm

    Hello Sister Carolyn,

    It is nice to see that someone taking the warmth of God’s love and becoming a blanket of warmth for others. Blessings to you and Brother Rick.

    CParker in NC

    • ckarlstrom

      September 2, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      Thanks so much, Carl, for visiting here and commenting. I hope you’ll be back, but that means I’d better get cracking and produce! Miss having you and Audre here in the northwest where we could reasonably expect to run into you once in awhile!! Take care . . .

  • Patricia Quintana

    September 3, 2020 at 12:48 am

    So happy you are starting up your blog. We can all use some positive encouraging words with the times we live in today. 💕