#90: Are you Focused on the Things That Really Matter? with Katie

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla. Today’s guest, Katie Menante Anderson, speaks with us about the value of slowing down and making human connections. She is a wonderful example of a woman who appreciates, loves, and gets along with all different kinds of people. Katie went through an extraordinarily difficult time when she lost her son Benjamin to a terminal illness, but throughout the heartbreak and darkness, with the help of Jesus, beauty and healing has risen from the ashes. Going through all of the pivotal moments that she went through put into perspective what is really important in life. Slow down. Take in the time with your family. Enjoy every moment. I hope Katie’s message inspires you to really focus on the things that matter. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Katie’s background story 

●       Stepping outside of your comfort zone to connect

●       Reconciliation Walk 1996-1999 - Christianity Today article

●       Katie’s marriage to Matt, and their two sons Luke and Benjamin (Ben)

●       Ben’s terminal diagnosis Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)

●       Life during Ben’s illness

●       Found this marriage book helpful - The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller 

●       Raising money for research to arrest ALD through the Van Haren Lab

●       Having conversations with people who disagree and stay curious

●       Slowing down 

●       Katie’s business - Organize!

●       Where to find deep connection

●       What Katie is currently reading and looking forward to

Find more on Guest:

●       Be Warrior Hike - Accept the Challenge website BeWarrior.net

●       Organized! By Katie Anderson on IG @organizednv

●       Dr. Keith Van Haren Lab at Stanford

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       Karla on IG @karla_osorno

●       Coaching with Karla - Build connections. Grow your impact.

●        Visit The Commons with Karla Episode 90 page

Thanks to our Sponsor:

The Commons with Karla is a space for connection and community. If you love these episodes and want more connection and community, join us over on Patreon. There we are connecting through books. For just $3 a month you can participate in conversations about books and life. We use the stories told in books to tell our stories and listen to each other's stories. Join us at patreon.com/thecommonswithkarla and connect through books.