2-6-2012 update….
February 6th, 2012
How can a woman take so much? Karen has been thru “the fire” this week-end and God continues to watch over her…….we (friends and family) have been reading Karen’s journals or as I call life records with so much joy and laughter…..Karen’s walk with the Lord was so intense and so real…..we love reading about her descriptions of all our family members….never a negative word but full of funny little diddies…….she enjoyed recording statements she had heard through life in this book and most often could give us the orgin……most are from sermons or scripture but some are from life experiences and people she met or knew……so what is the purpose of this entry? …..just know that keeping a journal is so awesome ….Karen was faithful to record things she thought were important…..and since she thought they were important they have become important to us now…..to see someone’s thoughts written down so honestly and truthfully is truly amazing….my wife was and is so much more than I knew……I never looked at her journal before because it was understood that it was hers and not for my eyes…..it was between her and God……now God has reassured me that it is for everyone…..so I will share a few things she recorded…. #1 Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay, sin will hold you tighter than you wish, and sin will cost you more than you intended to give….Karenism #2 you can tell a mans character by the things he laughs at…..she would always quote this one to me…….I will end with a funny one …..she wrote questioning ” what if the Hokey Pokey is really what it is all about?” she wrote that just cracked her up …….I will share more later but know that Karen is at peace and has been ……Pray that when Karen has kidney filtrate(urine) and it gets to her bladder that she will not experience any discomfort, this has been only problem during this past week…..one last Karen qoute….IT IS NOT WHAT I DO, ITS WHO I AM and I am HIS….. ok one more……”I pray that God’s testimony of me will be that I have pleased him” …………continue to pray that Christ calls her home…..no more suffering…………..thanks Doug
Entry Filed under: Life in general
49 Comments
Add your own1. Debra Pierce | February 6th, 2012 at 9:43 am
Praying Gods will
2. Susie Porter | February 6th, 2012 at 10:10 am
Thanks for sharing this, Doug!! Prayers for you both! Susie Porter
3. Sharon | February 6th, 2012 at 10:13 am
Karen has had a life well-lived and when she is called home, God is going to say well done. She continues to be such an inspiration and blessing. Your entire family is in my constant thoughts and prayers.
4. Melanie Vier | February 6th, 2012 at 10:13 am
Doug and family, what you have done and or doing is such a wounderful thing. Karen is an amazing, strong and faithful women to God and her family and friends. I feel that I’m a spiritual person but I wish i was more like Karen. God bless her and all the wonderful things about her. Doug all I can to you is WOW what a Amazing man you are. Love u and God bless
5. Liza | February 6th, 2012 at 10:30 am
It amazes me that even in this time of trial Karen still seems to be able to be the light for so many of her friends and family. I feel absolutely blessed to have been able to share so many long baseball weekends because it never mattered how grumpy we got she was always “Karen” She is truly an awesome women!! We love each and every one of the Bakers and may we all strive to have the love that they share.
6. Cindy Thompson | February 6th, 2012 at 10:33 am
Beautiful -thank you for sharing….
7. Sara. Kuykendall | February 6th, 2012 at 10:46 am
Continuing to pray for comfort, peace and strength to Karen, as well as the family! Go rest high sweet lady!! God bless your family!!
8. Julie | February 6th, 2012 at 10:46 am
Thanks For sharing. Praying for the Lords Will, not ours but his be done. God Bless you Karen and family.
9. Crystl Percell Cook | February 6th, 2012 at 10:59 am
Doug thank you for the inspiration concerning Karen. When I lost Gary it was sudden n I didn’t understand why God would take one of the most honest and wonderful man I had ever known. I needed him, his kids needed him. Why when he could continue being an example that the world needed??? I discovered with some time that it wasn’t about us. It was all about Gary. When it was time for him to graduate from this life and receive his reward. Could He have healed him? Of course He could. Some people get healed some don’t and it has nothing to do with the amount of faith you have. We had faith. Lots of it. I know you do too. And if people go there it allows judgement to enter where it doesn’t belong. He knows when it’s time. It’s all about Karen. Her Father unless He changes His mind wants her to graduate!! What a huge blessing to go be with the Father. I view death differently now. And we will one day be with them never to say goodbye again. You are in my thoughts and prayers cause I have traveled that road. My love to you and your precious family.
10. Gary Harmon | February 6th, 2012 at 11:00 am
That’s a special lady you have there
Praying for you guys
11. Anita houston | February 6th, 2012 at 11:01 am
Her testimony has inspired me and will push me to be all that I can be
12. Amy Deering | February 6th, 2012 at 11:05 am
Seeing that about her journal confirms that I have made a good choice in keeping one. I want it to be something that my family can read after I am gone, and I’m sure that is what Karen wanted as well. And, that last statement…she is very much a wonderful testimony! Praying for God’s will.
Tony & Amy Deering
13. Brenda Lewis | February 6th, 2012 at 11:25 am
Praying for peace and encourage.
14. Jennifer and Kendall Young | February 6th, 2012 at 11:45 am
There are no words. I just stand in awe of the beauty God is displaying to the world through you and Karen right now.
15. Dorothy Siler | February 6th, 2012 at 11:46 am
What wonderful quotes from such a special lady. Something your family can cherish and pass down from generations to come. I have many special memories that I will cherish forever when I think of Karen. Love you all and have been praying without ceasing!
16. Jo ahrberg | February 6th, 2012 at 11:49 am
Thank you for sharing with us all. Karen is leaving a wonderful legacy of faith for her children. We have all been blessed by seeing her trust in Gods will and plan through the hardest of times. She is a true addition to the “hall of fame” of the faithful . Praying for your continued strength.
17. Bobby and Laura Brock | February 6th, 2012 at 11:59 am
Praying for peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for sharing what it means to have a journal. I feel the same way. What a special lady!
18. Steph | February 6th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Doug – I keep a journal sometimes – I also have a book that I write “-isms” from experiences in. I plan to write Karen’s in mine – what more wise words as a friend than hers.
I weep often lately – not because I am sad for her – but sad for me, sad for you guys, sad for the person we will miss, and sad that she is hurting. But when I put things into perspective and wipe away my tears, I know one thing without any doubt: Karen will be waiting for me. Although Jesus’ face will be the first one we will all see first (Hallelujah) – I will be peaking over His shoulder grinning at a more perfect Karen as her eyes reveal – “See I told you it is great here.”
My prayers are with you – as they seem to be most minutes of my day. I know that I’ve said it dozens of times, but I do wish I was there to hold her hand a few more times. To give her some “very soggy Wheaties” once more. But hey – I bet the heavenly manna is sweeter to her than all of that.
I rejoice with you for her life – and celebrate with you for her legacy – and grieve with you for our absence.
Hugs to you and to all FOUR of your kids.
Much love –
Steph
19. Kim Elliott | February 6th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Praying GOD will call his angel home. Love and hugs to you all. You are an amazingly faithful family.
20. Barbara Ray | February 6th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
peace be with you I love you all
21. Mark and Susan | February 6th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Doug, I love the stories about Karen’s journal. What a treasure for you all to keep and pass down to those grandchildren she so looked forward to. These last three and a half years have been a bit like reading a journal for many of us. The funny moments, the discouraging days, and then those times when God’s wisdom and truth shone so brightly we knew we were a part of something glorious. No one ever fought harder
against this disease than you two, but for all of us it boils down to that special day God has chosen for us before our lives began—the day He would take us home. My heart breaks today but I feel so blessed to have gotten to travel this home going with you all. I keep thinking of this scripture today:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of one of His saints.”. Psalm116:15. We’re a little out of pocket right now but right alongside you in thought and prayer.
Susan & Mark
22. Sheri Aldridge Rockel | February 6th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
What a beautiful spirit Karen has…..I’ve learned a lot about her since reconnecting through Facebook and I am in awe of her strength, grace, wit and humor through all of her hardships. May God be with her on her journey every step of the way. Praying for you all….
23. Jill Todd | February 6th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
I’m truely amazed, Karen is still fighting,, I continue to pray that God’s will be done and he will wrap his arms around her and take her home with him so she won’t be suffering anymore,, you all have alot of people praying for her,, I pray that her journey home is an awesome one.. God Bless you all.
Jill
24. Michal | February 6th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you, Karen and the kids. Karen is one of the strongest, most Godly women I’ve had the priviledge of knowing. Her spirit and heart are captivating.
25. Vickie Meeks | February 6th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Doug, Thank you for sharing and being willing to share more. My heart is asking God to take her home. I have been here and it is not easy to do but I did it. I will do it for you and your family too. God Bless you and your whole family and whisper to Karen I love her. She gives me lots of strength and that is awesome how much she has to give to everyone. Love to all Vickie Meeks
26. Vickie Meeks | February 6th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Doug, Thank you for sharing and being willing to share more. My heart is asking God to take her home. I have been here and it is not easy to do but I did it. I will do it for you and your family too. God Bless you and your whole family and whisper to Karen I love her. She gives me lots of strength and that is awesome how much she has to give to everyone. Love to all Vickie Meeks and James Meeks
27. Michael Dershem | February 6th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Karen has lived a life that is well lived and she has also been well loved. What a blessing you all are to so many of us. We continue to pray for God’s strength, peace and encouragement. Thank God for His promises of a place called heaven!
28. Nancy Dowell | February 6th, 2012 at 7:17 pm
What an awesome testimony Karen’s life has been. Thank you for letting us smile in midst of your private time. You are all loved deeply. Prayers being lifted…
29. Joy morgan | February 6th, 2012 at 9:35 pm
I continue to pray for all of you …. May you all find rest and peace.
30. Lynn Renner | February 6th, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Doug, I wish I had met Karin. She sounds like an amazing person and an awesome child of God. I look forward to the time I will meet her. Praying for a peaceful and gentle journey home for her and for Gods mighty grace and comfort for you and your family.
31. Robert Bell | February 6th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Doug and Karen: I don’t believe there is anything I can share back to you that you have not already experienced. The joy of love, the fear of tomorrow, the blessings of God, or the question of life. Who really knows the reasons of this life, but ever so often the faith and love of people reach out and touch the hearts of everyone they know or become introduced. Karen and your strength are a beacon of Karen’s faith and most probable to bring strength to those that require it far less and need to show it far more, and it will bring the glory back to God. I pray for that peace in you and Karen’s hearts, and the knowledge that the journey, though sometimes extremely difficult and not fun, was completed in Gods hands through faith, was full of a special love that few have known, and rewarded in so many ways that are far beyond this mortal life. We should all be so worthy. My prayers, my thoughts, and my friendship. Robert
32. Katelyn Hayter | February 6th, 2012 at 11:26 pm
I can’t even express how much I love your family! At one point, you guys were like my second family! I only hope that I can live my life as Karen has lived hers. She truly is an inspiration in so many ways. As a mother, a wife, a friend, and a child of God. As much as it pains me to have to come to terms with saying goodbye, I also know it is God’s will, not mine, and I surely I don’t want her to suffer anymore. She is such a special woman. And will always live on through the beautiful children she has raised. I will continue to pray for peace for your entire family.
Love,
Katelyn
33. Jeanita and Jack Cook | February 7th, 2012 at 5:28 am
Doug thank you so much for sharing some of Karen’s journal with all of us. I never looked at a journal as being something you could leave your family, Im going to start writing in mine again. I pray for peace and comfort for the Baker Family, and remember one very important thing……its all in God’s will……God’s timing. Love and prayers
34. Phil | February 7th, 2012 at 6:50 am
Douglas – I love you brother. You have been such an inspiration to me throughout this ordeal. God bless you for beng there for Miss Karen; the most precious lady to have graced the earth in a physical state.
What a joyous reunion it will be when Karen get’s to see my sis Linda, Ruth and her other friends and family who are waiting to wrap Karen in a spriritaul love we can not yet comprehend!
35. Chris and Debbie Cooper | February 7th, 2012 at 7:59 am
Doug
You, Karen and your family are in our thoughts and prayers daily. May the arms of Jesus hold Karen so tightly during this time. Thank you for sharing and my God give you strength.
Debbie and Chris
36. Lynda Cummings | February 7th, 2012 at 8:19 am
What an inspiration you and Karen have been and still are in so many ways. My prayers are with you and your sweetfamily.
37. Andrea Clark | February 7th, 2012 at 8:23 am
Thank you so much for sharing her thoughts with us. She continues to bless my soul even as she is fighting her toughest battles. Doug, you and your family are so special to all of us and know that we are lifting you up during this time. May God’s comfort, strength,
and peace be with all of you.
38. Christy Jones | February 7th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Our family has been & will continue to pray for Karen & your family. May Gods love embrace you & your family and wrap his loving arms around each & eveyone of you. May Gods will be done in your lives. God Bless, Christy Jones
39. Lisa Gomez | February 7th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Doug, Thank you so much for sharing! May God comfort you all. I can’t even begin to tell you what you, Karen and the kids have meant to me without you even knowing it I’m sure.
Blessings
Lisa
40. Cristy Dodson | February 7th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Doug, you, your family & especially your beloved, beautiful, “Saint” like wife has been in my thoughts & prayers ever since day one, even thru all my own problems. Please know that my prayers will continue, tenfold, until you, your family & most importantly Karen, is at peace & in our Lord, Jesus Christs loving arms…may peace be with you my friend!
41. caren coyne powell | February 7th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
The Coyne, Aldrich, and Powell families are praying for peace for all of you! Love you very much. Caren
42. Mable Davis Cimino | February 7th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Praying for you and Karen. Praying that God will wrap her in his loving arms and keep her free of pain. Thanks for sharing her journal that is a wonderful idea to have to share with your wonderful family in the times that will make you laugh and bring wonderful memories that she brought to this world. Praying for love, peace and comfort to you all!!
43. Jan Hays | February 7th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Dear Doug and family,
You are very precious to me. I cannot express the emotions I feel when I read all that you have shared. It is overwhelming.
I think one of the most special things I will remember about Karen is how she would post scriptures around your home. What a testimony to see God’s word scattered around your home.
Karen introduced me to Louie Giglio and his messages.
The miracle of Laminin…
I know I am only “a speck on a golf ball”…..
I am thankful for the way you opened your home to our daughter Charity…and to our family. We so adore Tay…
You are a beautiful family and you have a powerful message.
Thank you for sharing….
Love and prayers,
Jan
44. Shane Bruce | February 7th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Doug, your family is a picture of strength and an inspiration to us all. Know that you are in my families thoughts and prayers.
45. Phil Johnson | February 7th, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Doug, you & Karen have impacted/inspired so many people during your marriage, including the early years in Holdenville. So many great memories flood my mind about life in the mid-80′s, church, fun, fellowship, sledding, & house warmings (ha), but above all the fun-loving smiles both you and Karen had that radiated to all those around you. Our family continues to pray that the Lord will wrap His arms around your family, providing comfort & a calming peace during this difficult time. We rejoice knowing that Karen is a child of the King! We love you
46. Holly Maschino | February 8th, 2012 at 11:03 am
What a inspirational LOVE story in every way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
47. Lynda Cummings | February 8th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Doug, you and Karen have been such a sweet inspiration to so many people. The Lord has blessed you with an unbelievable strengh and courage, You and Karen and your whole family are in my prayers all through the day, now and in days to come.
48. Jeff Renard | February 8th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Dear Doug, I’ve read your entries with a heavy heart, knowing that soon our dear friend and you dear wife will be hearing our Master say, “well done, thy good and faithful servant”. I too can say that in all the years that I’ve known Karen, she NEVER said a negative word about ANYONE! What a testimony for all of us. We are praying for all of you. LOVE YOU!!!!!
49. Tonya | February 9th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
You and sweet Karen are constantly on my mind. Many prayers for peace and comfort and strength go up. Much love, Tonya
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