On the Journey of Life…

Need a humorous, inspirational speaker for your church, community, or corporate event? To learn more about booking Karen for your event, request an Information Packet by emailing Renee Berge at gr.berge@comcast.net, or calling 360.929.1391.

Is that the Moon in that Puddle?

Newsflash: Joy, peace, and hope aren’t in our circumstances. Oh, sure, sometimes we believe we see them there, but I think it’s because our circumstances are like the surface of a puddle of water. Sometimes its possible to look at the surface of our circumstances and see peace, joy and hope reflected there. But at other...

How I Met the Man of My Dreams (Again)

I met John Emile Bouchard in church youth group in the early '70s. I was 14 and he was 16. We were friends, but weren't sweet on each other until after he joined the Navy at 17. In boot camp and on various ships, he kept my picture taped above his bunk. I wore a shell bracelet he gave...

How Precious Are You, Really?

What do you have to do and be to be loved--really loved--by God? My dad had emergency surgery 40 days ago. He is still really sick. Sometimes the doctors tell us he is dying, sometimes they tell us he will pull through. My sisters are really great at doing medical research on the internet and telling...

If I Only Had a (Better!) Brain

They say if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. But what if you've tried and tried for years... and you’re still struggling? What then? I’m all for grit and determination, but what do you do when you’re in the middle of reaching for your bootstraps for the 1000th time and you suddenly remember that other saying,...

Belly Dance Confessions

I've taken belly dance lessons off and on (WAY more off than on) for a number of years. Finally, six weeks ago I auditioned for a belly dance troupe and made it! Our debut performance was last night. I lost 15 pounds for this performance but I wish it could have been a lot more....

Making Peace with Your Cravings

My doctor said something weird the other day. He told me to eat more real food. I thought it was strange because, you know, it’s not like I’m five years old and eating imaginary cookies. I told him I do eat real food and I can prove it. I grabbed the tire around my waist...

Never Underestimate the Power of Small Changes

Don’t ever underestimate the power of small changes. I’m all for creating and pursuing grand visions for our lives. But sometimes focusing too much on the big picture can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, we’re better served by starting small and letting each small success give us the confidence to go a little further, then further still....

The Secret to Foolproof New Year’s Resolutions

I think I’ve finally come up with a surefire way to actually follow through with the New Year’s resolutions I make this year. Best yet, I’m going to share my secret with you. In fact, by following my instructions, you, too, can wow your friends in April by announcing that you have honored your New...

Hungry for Change? Hope for Emotional Eating

They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. I say it starts with a trip to the bathroom. Or maybe a visit to the ATM. The other thing that can launch a journey of that magnitude is an epiphany. I had that kind of moment recently. I was sitting at my...