Welcome to ‘WHILE I PONDER with Karlene.’

Sharing stories of life + faith + family 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. In this space, I strive to connect my pondering with God’s Word and His love for us.

Today, I’m a wife, mom, Gigi, friend, author, blogger, minister, and servant of God. I'm married to a coach/VP of athletics at a Christian university. Most days, you can find me writing at the computer, or spending time with my adorably wild grandsons.

Become a Subscriber

Free Subscribers will hear from me by email newsletter, usually once-a-month—with a story on life, faith, family, or maybe all three! Coming soon, you’ll be able to upgrade to Paid Subscriber, and receive additional content and resources, like…

• “Deeper Dive” monthly email newsletter, exploring Bible lessons and application (paid subscribers-only)

• “Q&A Chat Sessions” here on Substack (paid subscribers-only) and for your own God-conversations + full archive of these community discussions

• “Round Up” of what I’m reading, doing, loving with resource links + more candid heart-pondering from me (paid subscribers-only)

• “This Joy is Yours” free e-course (paid subscribers-only)

• Access to the full archives of past, present, and future newsletter posts

COMING SOON : The full year of this upgrade to ‘While I Ponder with Karlene’ is just $5/month USD (or $50/annual USD).

Remember, unpaid subscribers will still receive the free newsletter (monthly-ish), and an occasional surprise newsletter.

Why charge for this?

If you’re wondering why I’d invite you to pay for something you’ve been receiving for free, let me try to explain.

First, paid subscriptions aren’t meant to create a barrier, but a way to support me and my work. It’s also a way to create a quieter, more private space in the digital world—a space for more candid writing and conversation—a place you can feel safe, as well.

What I’m doing for the paid subscriber option is more than I’ve ever done before. The ‘Q & A Chat Sessions’ are a whole new experience, and I’m excited to see how God uses it. ‘Deeper Dive’ is helping me to provide a more intense look at Scripture and devotional material.

I’ve been blogging for over a decade—sharing my words for free. The exception to this is a select number of blog posts printed in book format (More Than A Church Girl on Amazon) and no longer available on The Blog.

Over the years, I’ve tried most of the things related to blogging—podcasting, Zoom-led Bible studies, Facebook Groups, and more. Here’s what I know now. Writing the words God gives me is what I love doing, and this seems to resonate with followers.

Yes, there are costs involved with the work of writing. That said, here’s the bottom line, and it has taken me so long to embrace this. The words God gives me are worth something.

The truth is, this work of writing is a ministry—serving readers with words of encouragement, inspiration, and life-changing biblical insight, as led by the Spirit of God.

If you find yourself interested in upgrading to a paid subscription, perhaps consider the cost an offering to support the ministry readers like yourself receive here.

And, if you decide not to join as a paid subscriber, I’ll gladly continue sending that monthly-ish free newsletter to your email. You are always welcome here!

You’ll also find me here » INSTAGRAM — PINTEREST

On ministry, work, education…

Born the daughter of a preacher, I literally grew up on the front row of 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 virtual assistant 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.