Welcome to ‘WHILE I PONDER with Karlene.’
Sharing words is my way of encouraging others. It’s in the beautiful and difficult of life that these stories are forged. From a young age, I’ve been a ponder-er, wishful thinker, and dreamer. Today, I’m a wife, mom, Gigi, friend, writer, minister, and servant of God. Most days, you can find me at my laptop, or spending time with my adorably wild grandsons.
Become a Subscriber—
Subscribers hear from me in The Free Newsletter about once a month. You are always welcome here!
Additional Content for ALL Subscribers—
For a time, I also offered a paid subscription. That option is currently ‘paused’. This means you currently have access to all future essays from me, including…
“The Free Newsletter”
“Deeper Dive” essays exploring Scripture + more
“The Fast 5” of what I’m reading & loving with links + candid heart-pondering
Why did I ‘pause’ paid subscriptions?
Honestly, maintaining the paid option became a heavy weight on me. In early 2025, I realized this was taking the joy out of writing. So, I began to pray and ask the Lord to show me how to move forward.
Because I do not like making changes to systems I’ve built (or change, period, for that matter), it was hard for me to let go of the paid option. Over the past decade, I’ve been in a similar place several times, having left behind three websites I built on different platforms. I’ve also walked away from a few social media accounts (and wrote about it here).
Will I bring back the paid option? I can’t say for sure. For now, I am leaving the paid option on ‘pause’ (as opposed to totally cancelling).
TO CURRENT PAID SUBSCRIBERS: If I do decide to totally cancel the paid option, you can expect a refund of anything due you (as of the date I paused subscriptions).
As I’ve shared in the past, this work of writing is a ministry—serving readers with words of encouragement, inspiration, and biblical insight. If you want to support the ministry that readers receive here, I ask that you please pray for me. Thank you!
Find me on » INSTAGRAM — PINTEREST
On ministry, work, education…
Born the daughter of a preacher, I literally grew up on the front row of the church. For most of my adult life, I've worked as an administrative assistant in the Christian nonprofit arena. I’ve served the Church at the local level, district, international, and university. For the past decade, I've served on the board of trustees and as office manager for a Christian nonprofit. I hold a Master of Ministry from Southwestern Christian University.
On faith and purpose…
I believe…my primary purpose is to bring glory to God. Some days I fall short but, by God's grace, I can get up tomorrow and try again.
I believe…the Bible is the Word of God, the full and complete revelation of the plan and history of redemption for mankind.
I believe…we are meant to enjoy life and in doing so, we demonstrate the joy and freedom we have as children of God.
To find out more about the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.
