I woke this morning full of hope. Hope for better health, new customers and a peaceful day working at home. As I made my way to the kitchen for my first cup of coffee the headline news on TV caught my eye. Bold type on the headline read “50 Killed, Over 200 Injured, Possibly More at Outdoor Concert in Las Vegas”.
I don’t know about you, but before my first cup of coffee, my brain isn’t awake. Information going in takes a little longer to make sense. When the reality of what I just watched sunk in my stomach began to ache, the tears started flowing down my cheeks. All I could think of was “not again”.
Because I work at home, blog, and have a husband who is retired, the news is on three times a day. The office door is always open and I can hear the newscast down the hallway. It seems that people are more sad and desperate than ever before in history, on a global level, too. As a mom, wife, and grandma I instinctively want to protect my loved ones and yet I can’t. Do you ever feel that way, too?
I debated whether to write this post and share it with the world. Baring my innermost thoughts and beliefs isn’t always easy. But, if I am feeling scared, horrified and sick I know many others are as well. The only glimpse of hope I have is in my faith and what the future holds. Now, don’t freak out, I’m not going all preachy on you; but, I do feel a need to express what my hope is based on in hopes that it will give just one other person the glimmer of hope I have and hold onto so dearly.
During another tragic event, the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center back in 2001 I decided to start studying the Bible with a friend. Besides so many awful things going on in the world, my baby boy was entering the military and we were scared to death. I know many of life’s unanswered questions could be found inside of the sacred book. What I didn’t know was how to connect the dots and understand what I was reading. During lunch, one day shortly after that attack my friend offered a Bible study aid and offered to work with me so I could learn. What I found was pure gold and a sense of hope.
Over the next five years, I studied after work, during my lunch hour and sometimes took extra time out of my evening. I dug into the Scriptures to make sense of a world where not much was making sense anymore. I couldn’t wrap my head around mothers killing their own babies, fathers murdering their whole family, sons killing their mothers and on and on. Then, during one study it all came together with just ONE scripture; 1 John 5:19 reads “We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one”.
I had always known that God loves me but wondered then why does He allow all of this bad stuff to happen. Why do innocent people have to suffer? That one scripture set me free when I learned all of this horrible stuff going on is because Satan is the ruler of this world, not God; not at this time.
I promised you I wouldn’t get all preachy, and I won’t. I’ll leave you though with that hope I promised. If you own your own copy of the Bible, check out this scripture; Revelation 21:4 reads “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
So my dear sassy, sexy, snarky women over 50; there is HOPE. One day soon none of us will wake up to sickening news of murders, rapes, death or sickness either. One day soon we all will live in peace like we have never known in our lifetimes. Imagine living in a world where love is everywhere instead of hatred, greed, and sadness.
My hope for you is that you will search for the answers like I did all those years ago. I hope you find the answers that allow you to live your life fully, not scared and hiding under a rock that gives false security and useless protection.
If you found this helpful, if it gave you a glimpse of relief and hope for your future, share it with your friends, family and those you love and care deeply about. I love you all and appreciate the time you take to read what pours from my heart to yours.
Carla Gardiner is a mom of 2, the fiery grandma of 7 and has been married to her husband for 38 years. She is focused, and driven; a business owner who made a big move in her late 50’s which rocked her world. Transitioning from her native hometown to her new home 3 states away took guts, work, and dedication to get the job done. Now, she is focused on helping other women handle life’s changes after 50 while making the transition to their retirement lifestyle; one they’ve been dreaming of instead of the nightmare it could become.
Thank you for reading along with me on this journey of growing, changing and shifting about. If we aren’t connected on Facebook – we really need to be, don’t you think? Follow me as a friend then send me a message and let me know you read the blog post! I don’t add everyone on Facebook – only the snarky, sassy, sexy women over 50 who are friendly people who actually give me a few minutes of their time.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
Thank you so much for sharing your deep faith with your reader. It is lifechanging to realize the facts you’ve pointed out today. As christians, it’s a challenge to keep our eyes focused on God and His Holy Words from the Bible. The world gets our attention constantly and our focus becomes on surviving and caring for our families. The scriptures you’ve mentioned today are reassuring to recall. God is in charge. His word tells us that in the end every knee shall bow. Every single knee will bow to worship our Almighty Creator. We are so blessed to know this and to have an eternity in worshipping Him. I’m so thankful! Thank you for stepping out to proclaim your faith today. This is the day when we really need to hear this message!
Through Christ!
❤️
Beverly Gordon Norman
Thank you, Beverly. I do my best to live my life the way a true Christian should. I don’t believe in mixing religion and business; however, in the light of the event of October 1, I felt an overwhelming obligation to step up and out to give a ray of hope, a hand in friendship to so many hurting and confused.
Well, miss Carla, you’ve outdone yourself on this one. I really liked your comment, very comforting to a lot of people. Love you as a friend and a sister
Awe, thank you, Betty. I needed comfort as much as the next person. Writing this out and sharing it was therapeutic and I hope someone, even if just one person begins to research and ask questions it will make my heart glad. Love and miss you too!
Nicely written, Carla. This world would be unbearable without that hope.
I hope some of your readers decide to investigate for themselves; nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Thank you, Davette. I appreciate you to the moon and back. My hope is that many will. Like I wrote – I usually don’t put my faith out there, it’s in an uncontrollable environment. However, I had to yesterday; people are hurting badly, don’t have answers and need compassion and love now more than ever. Love you and thanks for the comment and share.