Hi and Welcome!

My name is Karina Hall, but growing up my family affectionately called me Kari. (Try rolling the ”r’ when you say it… That’s it.) I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and have no plans of leaving. Who would want to leave the beaches of Orange County, the year-round nearly perfect weather, or the wonder captured in the diverse cultures? Apparently, quite a number of people considering all my friends who have moved away and the mass exodus that seems to be taking place recently. I digress.

Before I go on, I have to be honest that I’m feeling pretty insecure right now about the possibility of you, or anyone else reading this. I enjoy reading and writing, but admittedly don’t spend much time actually doing it. As Mom of three passionate and full of spunk kids, Wife of a full-time Preacher and part-time Sports, Hip Hop, USC Enthusiast, Women’s Ministry Leader, Head Chef and Housekeeper at the Hall Tribe Lounge (that’s not a real place in case you’re wondering), pursuing a hobby can seem like just something else to add to the list of “Things I’ll Get to One Day.” Nonetheless, here I am attempting today to get to it. My hope is that as I am inspired, mystified, delighted, troubled, encouraged, disheartened, or enlightened, this space will provide an avenue for me to embrace the totality of life. I also hope that in the process I can perhaps offer you and others some inspiration and encouragement, or maybe even a few helpful how to’s – check out my potty-training tips for fellow moms.

I am moved by the inspiration-gold mines and depend on the knowledge-treasure trove found in the Bible. Day to day my goal is to love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, while loving others as Jesus has loved me. I enjoy sharing what God puts on my heart, or the lessons he’s teaching me. Hopefully, you will be able to be strengthened or stirred along with me in your own walk with God.

Even after almost 10 years of being a mom, it still often feels surreal to have three little humans calling me “Mommy.” Our oldest is an almost 10-year-old art loving, Chopped Junior aspiring, gentle soul of a girl. Our second daughter is counting down the days until her 8th birthday. (She literally started counting down what seems like 2 weeks after her last birthday.) She is full of personality, has the confidence I wish I had and proudly wears the crown of Funny One in the Family. After five years of debate – more on that in a future post – our two year old son came along to challenge his sister for that crown. That boy is something else. When he’s not practicing his martial-arts-light-saber skills, he is trying to tackle you with a football in hand. These three make for many laughable moments and interesting challenges. I plan to share some of my motherhood musings here because I think it will keep me sane, but if I have the opportunity I definitely want to share any advice that has helped our family.

I am addicted to googling everything so I find a lot of value in what seems like the random blog post. Because who knows when you may need to find a picture of a finger felon to figure out what is going on with your husband’s expanding finger? Life is random, so I’m sure some of my posts will not fit neatly into a niche or category. I hope you’ll enjoy anyway!

Oh, and I love a good tea latte! Coffee Bean and a kind word are the way to my heart.

Thanks for joining me this far! I hope I have the opportunity to hear from you as well.