A Puppy, Purpose, and Progress

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay, inspiration, pets

Mom and Dad let us name them. Midnight and White Socks fit them like a glove! One pup was solid black and the other had white feet. The yard was fenced with plenty of romping room, but unfortunately, we (my sisters and I) did not take responsibility.  I barely recall the specifics other than Dad made sure these two cute black pups went to a better place (I still wonder where those two ended up). As an adult I’ve had more than a several dogs (not as many as you, Martha, if you’re reading). Just like parenting in general I’ve learned great lessons! Did you know that today is National Puppy Day? There’s a day for EVERYTHING! Finn didn’t seem THAT excited when I gave her a special treat and exclaimed, “Happy National Puppy Day!”

Busily I’m making connections with schools and fellow writers. Personal calls, emails, and visits have been an encouragement to me! I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I’m not on FB and I feel like Instagram has been invaded by very long posts, loud videos, ads, and Reels (I thought those were for Tik Tok?). The hair-raising noise from the videos and ads actually jars me!  Yep, I found the mute button when scrolling! There are many benefits of technology-BUT the time spent creating a post or reading sometimes hinders my purpose. I’m not obsessed with numbers, just the authentic connections made with others. My purpose here on WP is the same: to encourage others, practice my own writing skills, read others’ writings, AND create new friendships. It’s truly my favorite place to connect (my apologies for not being able to visit and comment regularly). This month has been filled with special moments in Club Jr. and CHANCES, visiting my home school, and stopping by the State Archery Tournament in Branson to visit a former school’s archery team coached by a dear friend who has led them to many victories (I loved coaching with her for a few years-it really gave the kids who didn’t feel confident in other sports the ability to feel successful). Today I succeeded at completing a Power Point for a presentation. Next week it will be my honor to present to area Pre-K and Primary parents at our local school for a “Lunch and Literacy” program. It’s like jumping back in the saddle and getting back on the bike, but in smaller chunks that aren’t as overwhelming. I’m prepared. Admittedly I am nervous and have many notes. I’m practicing each slide and all I can do is give it 100%! Prayers are appreciated!

Aren’t we all a work in progress? Purposefully, by following the correct plan from my last post, I’m listening. I’m taking the pressure off and enjoying peaceful pauses, even in all the preparations! I’m being present. To progress we need to believe we have a purpose.  Please don’t think you have to accomplish something huge to be purposeful.  You serve a purpose to your family and friends just by being you. You’re a big deal. Especially to our Creator.

“Finley, what’s your purpose?” She just cocks her little head side to side. Her eyes answer, “To love you and others!” What a perfect plan, Finn.

  • Students aiming for success!
  • Who doesn’t love a group hug?

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”-Romans 8:28

Have faith 🤍

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61 thoughts on “A Puppy, Purpose, and Progress”

  1. Dogs are the best. What Bear? Best WHAT? I dunno. I just like dogs a LOT and my life has been a lot better and more interesting since I got Trufflelupagus back in 1987. How many? You are number 26, Bear, and Teddy is number 27. How? Well, a lot of the time I got to live with six dogs. Yeah, it was a lot of fun. We did a lot of hiking and running in the hills. I did too. I ran all the time. You’ve seen me run three times, what are you talking about? But thanks to YOU, I’ve learned that there’s no hurry. It’s great to stop and smell the fox urine. Yes. Sometimes I CAN smell it. Don’t be such a snot. You can’t see in two dimensions! Ni ner ni ner ni ner yourself. OK, I will.” Bear says “Hi” to you and Finn. Teddy is nappy. ❤

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    1. Oh, Bear! What adventures! 3 runs is a lot! I think I just heard Finley giggle. Ni ner ni ner 😂 🐾🐶 “Hey, Finn…you really need lots of brothers and sisters~preferably a bit bigger too so they can help me hike!” She’s turning her head side to side and gulped. Literally. Bear and Teddy, Finn sends air kisses and a 3-leg hug! ❤️

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  4. You are an inspiration to so many people, Karla. I know you will excite and inspire those pre-K parents with your PowerPoint Presentation. Let me know when you find the proper relationship to social media. I gave up Facebook for Lent and I have to say… I have not missed it even a little bit. I think most platforms are designed more to increase our anxiety than to foster authentic connection. And every day thousands more young minds are sucked in.

    On Wed, Mar 23, 2022 at 6:52 PM Flannel with Faith wrote:

    > K.L. Hale posted: ” Mom and Dad let us name them. Midnight and White Socks > fit them like a glove! One pup was solid black and the other had white > feet. The yard was fenced with plenty of romping room, but unfortunately, > we (my sisters and I) did not take responsibility.” >

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    1. Happy Thursday, Russell. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments and support! You are so kind. I’m excited to see the parents and friends indeed. When I got off of FB nearly 4 years I’ve never looked back. My sons and their families do find time to keep me updated. The people I’ve reconnected with on IG are friends from another time in my life. I believe, being from a small town, we hope to know everyone’s doing well~and of course, there’s just plain nosiness! Lol. I wish there were other hobbies besides scrolling. Personally it impacts my neck and brain! And a lot of nonsense I just don’t wish to make time to consume. Can you imagine Michelangelo sculpting David today? Add that phone as a hand extension! 😂 I hope you and Joan are both doing well!

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  5. Your posts are so authentic and encouraging Karla, a balm to the soul. I have to agree though – don’t reels belong on tik tok – so jarring! And now sound has invaded Pinterest as well so as I’m scrolling happily through decore I get a jolt of noise. It turns me off these platforms more fully every day.

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    1. Kate, thank you so much. I’m glad you find them encouraging 💛. I couldn’t agree more about the platforms. I had taken a hiatus from Pinterest and was shocked when I returned to the loud music and videos (says the girl who has ordered picture prints for my frames, lol). I’m so turned off to many of them too, my friend. If WordPress ever gave up blogging option just for recorded videos and audio I might become like John Boy Walton from TheWalton’s and create my own old-fashioned printing press, preferably in the mountains, by a river. Heck! I might buy a typewriter while listening to records! I realize you probably have never heard of that show over in Australia so I’m giggling writing this! Take care, Kate. I hope the trails stay beautiful for you. ♥️

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    1. Thank you, Brad! I appreciate you so much. I’m ready to breathe and enjoy my favorite day of the week! I hustled for preparedness and now I can breathe in my favorite things! And family and nature on the weekend. It’s a great way to live. Will you remind me again next Wednesday that I’ve got this! 😂♥️💛🤗 stay blessed dear friend.

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    2. Aww, Finn and I both thank you, Mark. My WP ways have found me at this best point in my journey. I’ll keep on going! You and yours take care. 😊🐶 Tell Ellie B happy day to her!

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  9. Oh yes! First of all bravo you, to find fulfillment in writing and teaching and to give and receive light — that is you and what a great honor it is to follow you on your journey here in blog-land. And pets and especially pups are so helpful in helping us re calibrate what is important which is always as simple as love. Yes, the purpose is always, give and receive love. Great post as always. Shalom, Jane

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    1. Jane, thank you so much. It’s such an honor to follow you as well. I particularly enjoyed your last post so much. Pets really do give purpose! I was reading in my devotional time this morning about how “Goliath must fall”. Sometimes comfort can be a giant! It taunts us. It feels good. But it’s in my discomfort that my faith grows! David showed up after 40 days of the Israelites being taunted~they were like, “We’re armored and ready to fight! But, today’s not a good day so let’s go back where it’s safe!” David showed up and said, “What the heck? This needs to end today!” He did in one day what the army couldn’t in 40 days. And he defeated that Giant! Well, my friend, I have the “giants” of discomfort (and a bit of pain sometimes. And my home is cozy), finances, fear, worried of what others might think, etc…and I’m slowly knocking them all over with some simple stones. What a journey we’re all on. Glad we’re all in it together. Peace and blessings to you, Jane!

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  10. Puppy’s, puppy’s, who does not love them! Nearly always a treasure to have!
    Fun, fun, and more to be with and play, play, play! What treasures Karla!
    They make our lives lighter and happier nearly All the time!
    Great post and photos! Have a most beautiful day dear friend, Eddie

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    1. Yes, Eddie! It would not be good for me to run a rescue. I would love to have more around me! But realistically I know better. Finn loves to play, Eddie. She is super fun. But the older she gets her playtimes are shortening. She brightens my days. Well, my kids and grandkids are the brightest spots, but since I don’t see them as often, Finn is definitely my little love buddy! Thank you always for your support and encouragement. It’s my favorite day of the week! You have the most beautiful day as well, Eddie! 💛

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  11. You bring much joy to the blogging platform, my friend. I also have the love/hate relationship with social media. IG rarely shows me the friends that I want to see. I am happy for your upcoming presentation and I know it will be a blessing. Finley is a wonderful fur companion and is so cute. Many blessings and hugs 🥰🙏🏻🎶🌺🤗

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    1. Pam, thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much to me. I’m glad we have shared feelings. And I appreciate the prayers always and especially, for next week. It will be a great time! Many hugs and blessings right back to you! ♥️🐶🥰🤗🎶🐾

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  12. atimetoshare.me

    I can’t count the number of puppies we’ve had since we first got married. Neither of us grew up with pets, since I lived in an apartment building and Paul lived above the family business – a funeral home. We’ve had several Golden Retrievers, a basset, beagle, St. Retrievamutem, black lab, Brittanys, and our last one was a Llewellyn Setter. We lost him two years ago and have been puppiless since. It’s hard to try and train a pup at our ages and since we have grand dogs, we do still get our doggie fix now and then. There’s nothing like a faithful dog.

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    1. Aww, Kathy! How sweet! What a beautiful bounty of breeds! I’m sorry for the losses. They are such faithful creatures. I completely understand why it would be harder now for you both. Grand dogs are wonderful to have (not as wonderful as grand kids, but they are 2nd indeed!). Love and hugs. ♥️🤗🐶🐶

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  13. Hugs to you Karla for allowing us to travel along with you & share in your life-adventures! It is a beautiful life you live and I am tickled to be a witness through this cyber-space we’ve met in. So many of your words resonate in my Soul – most recently this post and discussing the purpose of why we blog. Sharing oneself is such a risk and it is good to hold on to the true value of what our PURPOSE for doing so is. Extra hugs for the opportunity to do some heart-exploration on this important matter, once again.

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    1. Thank you, Dawn. I feel the hugs! I’ve reached a wonderful point in my journey and a majority of the reason is the encouragement I receive from other writers, and of course family and friends! It touches my heart that these resonate in your soul. That’s where the words come from for sure. I do have a funny bone and I like writing as such. But being able to empty my soul and brain of trapped words is so liberating. And if ONE person enjoys it and finds it helpful, than I met the goal. My friends Kathy and Jab have said if even I were the only one to appreciate what they wrote it’s worth it. I’m blessed that you, and so many here, see it that way! Your posts always resonate with me, Dawn, too. Extra hugs coming right back. ❤️🤗🤗🎶🙌🏻

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    1. I understand completely, Pam! I’m a WIP with a bunch of WIPS (my own, lol). But we’re NOT wimps my friend! Whew! Well,…about the P’s. I did that to see if anyone would notice. My love for alliteration might get annoying. In this case, I was typing along in Word (I write there and copy and paste to WP) and my brain said, “Bold those p’s because apparently they’re on your mind with the title and such…so I made it a game for myself as I was editing. Lol 😂

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  16. I bet your presentation was fantastic! Your presence is a present to all who meet you! Especially children who seem to intuitively know when someone has a good heart! Outstanding post as usually! You give me the chills every time! Love and hugs, C

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    1. Wow, C! That’s so amazing to hear. Thank you so much. Today, as I was leaving my “special” adults I shared a huge hug with the leaders. She made a comment similar to what you said. My response was “thank you and YOU are also a gift to me”. Giving and receiving~such a beautiful thing when it’s reciprocal and true. Being with kids is the most amazing time. Love and hugs to you, C. 💛🤗

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  17. Uplifting post – your signature style! How wonderful that you are making connections at schools! A rewarding experience for you and the students. Your comments about IG made me laugh and I can relate. I enjoy the photos and micro-poetry on that platform, but yes, certain songs and videos are unsettling. I have shared some of my poetry recitations in the platform sans any music. 😆 Keep being amazing you! 🌞

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  22. Pingback: Dedicated to Dogs (and God)! – Flannel with Faith

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