I Approve This Message

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay, inspiration

My name is Karla Hale and I approve this message.

Thinking about primaries? Right now I have a primary focus-preservation. Preservation of my memories, mind, soul, and body.

Memories

A streetlight near our house reminded me it was time to go inside. It was 1970-something. We biked, walked, explored, and always had something to do. Finding creatures was my favorite. Furry, hard-shelled, squiggly, snuggly, the cuter the better. “Mom, can we keep it/them?” The songs from “Grease”, Ronnie Milsap, Jim Reeves, Queen, Conway Twitty, John Denver, Michael Jackson, Eagles, and a host of others echoed in the brown-shagged carpeted bedroom. Shaun Cassidy and Leif Garrett covered the Tiger Beat and the T.V. Guide was simply fine! Re-runs of Gentle Ben and Flipper, Little House on the Prairie, Johnny Quest, and Scooby Doo were indulgences. Church on Sunday, family around the table, the river, softball, a cafe on the corner, and the Book Mobile were all stand outs!

The 1990’s are my most special-motherhood. Early mornings and late nights. A love that you can never describe. Two little boys brought delight and love. Giggles, books on the lap, camping, ballgames, dirt, and yes, tough things. Puzzles, Legos, trips, movie nights, homemade pizza, and cinnamon rolls with gooey kisses! A classroom, kids, and a career. Adulthood abducted me. Motherhood was still my dream come true. The 2000’s roared in–wait, we’re still here (Y2K?)? Technology tackled time (and still does!). Motherhood and school defined me. Amid it all I still tried to laugh. There were ballgames, family gatherings, graduations, special hugs, and talks at nights. Motherhood seemed to end as abruptly as it began. Becoming a Grandma came around a decade’s corner. My heart grew even larger. 💕

Mind & Soul

Years working with amazingly different personalities, revolving relationships, trying to unwrap the unexplainable, diving into learning, and still dreaming all widened my mind. I’ll never stop learning. Minds may imagine things in ways that are not reality. My mind managed the best it could. My soul longed for simplicity. Simplicity soared from my complexities. The ups and downs ushered utter understanding of the longing in my soul. It went deeper than a career, 3-bedroom home, and the “stuff” collected that littered my life. The feelings of abandonment, misunderstanding, and desiring to be everything to everyone suffocated my safety. Letting go of the litter, brushing off the brutality of the brokenness, and absorbing acceptance sanctified and satisfied my soul. My Creator was there all along. Love lived in me. This realization, coupled with simplicity in small things and spaces (including a 300 sq.ft. R.V.) rallied my resolve! Political affiliations, dress codes, unrealistic expectations, forced feelings, pressured partnerships, and accumulation of assets never propelled my peace. Contentment came with courage. Courage to leave behind the confusion that came with miscommunication. Courage to step off the ride of resentment (when I wanted to remain). The courage to love anyway.

Grace. It grows you. It’s essential I not absorb the hate talk, toxic tones, and artificial authenticity. My soul sighs when I think of my Savior. Will we ever slow down to savor the sacred? The sweet? The sincere? Will we reach across divides and deepen our understanding? Can we bridge the gaps of gloom with gladness? Can we create cordial? Can we reach the ruthful? I know who can.

Vote with your heart. Live by your heart. Walk with heart. Listen with your heart. Speak from your heart. Open your mind and make way for the merciful and the meaningful. Use your mind to neutralize the noise; your soul to secure and serve.

images by Getty

I’m Karla Hale and I approve this message.

Have faith💛

Embracing imperfection with faith, fresh air, and flannel

K.L. Hale

Featured image credit-K.L. Hale-other images created by K.L. Hale via Canva. Verse images by Getty.

Have You Heard of Net Yet?

Thank you for joining my journey. I’m currently on a chemo break! It will end with appointments this Thursday and chemo beginning Friday (simply the first two weeks of each month is how it’s fallen). At the end of this 3rd round scans will be scheduled. Decisions will be based on results (continued chemo, radiation, etc.…). Overall, I feel I’m managing the treatments very well. Like we all experience in life, there are moments of strengths and weaknesses. A new doctor is addressing blood glucose levels. I’m still learning all I can about this cancer. The experiences of others provide knowledge and comfort.💛 Small “chunks” of time work to accomplish tasks. It’s taken me two days to complete this small post. Something we should all consider-does your family know your wishes in case of an unexpected event? I found out that Missouri is a state that offers a Beneficiary Deed. With this, because I’m single and do not own much, probate will be avoided. This took a couple of hours to navigate-the paperwork, small prices, and now a future trip to the County Recorder’s Office. A will? An advanced healthcare directive? If you already have them in place you may want to revisit to ensure accuracy. Out of fairness and love for your family, please share your wishes. Once this is complete you will have a better peace of mind. FYI-I’m not planning on NEEDING these soon! 😊 For those living alone, I understand. If you ever need support, please use my email at finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. Due to my circumstances, I may not be readily available; just as it is for texts and calls. I’d advise a “S.O.S. team” in case of emergencies (a few family members or neighbors/friends in close proximity). Cancer is like a full-time job. I’m still on the first lap! I’m expecting superior results and take one moment, one hour, and one day at a time. I’ll not stop adding to my bucket list. I’ll not stop praying for you and sending my best wishes always. Thank you for being here. You are loved.💛

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”

John Maxwell

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67 thoughts on “I Approve This Message”

  1. My sweet friend — I used Five Wishes to lay out my post-Earth Life wishes. It was a good way to do it. My Aunt Martha, back in 1999 said to me, “You have to set your affairs in order. Like me, no one is going to be there to do it for you.” That woman labeled every one of her meaningful possessions so there would be no questions. In Colorado a person just has to write their will have have two witnesses. So… But deep inside me I know that when I am dead, none of this is my problem and someone will deal with it, and if I’m honest, I have no idea who. We have two lawyers in town and one of them has politics on printed computer pages taped to his window, very hostile politics.

    I personally feel that the relentless going public of one’s politics is unkind and alienating, but I don’t think a lot of people see it that way, not here, where most people share the same views it’s probably good for business. I liked my parents’ generation’s idea of “Don’t talk politics or religion. Politics is between you and the ballot box. Religion is between you and God.” The idea was to keep the local community peaceful. Well, that ship has sailed…

    I’m happy you’re taking a chemo break and I hope so much it goes well.💜 Bear, Teddy and I send you and little Finn all kinds of love and support. 💕🐾❤️🐾

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    1. MAK~ we love you 3, too. 💛Thank you for your support and sharing your journey. 💕I can understand and relate to everything you stated. My will just needed two witnesses and a notary (not completely necessary, but helpful). The hostile and unkindness, so ironically what we TRY to teach kids when they’re young, becomes mainstream as an adult in politics. On one hand we teach the brutality of bullying and talk suicide rates, yet we watch adults use anything but tact to try to make points. Everything is out the window in regards to professionalism or “speak softly and carry a big stick”. It’s more like “yell and use the stick!” Ouch. It all hurts. I’m dreaming of the Refuge! I have this idea to have a/an art student(s) come and paint a mountain scene on my concrete wall. It would be a lovely way to sneak them into my little oasis. 💛💕 🐾

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  2. Karla, I’m praying that the coming round of chemo is effective and the scans show progress. Letting go of the anger, negativity and fear are difficult to do even when one is not facing a serious health crisis. You amaze me! Hugs to you and Finn too!

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    1. Val, that is so kind. 💛Thank you so much for this message. It’s very important to “purge” your soul. It allows for much more healing right? If we harbor these things they’ll find a variety of ways to try and sabotage us! Ugh,…no! 😊Finn and I are hugging you back! 💕🥰🐾🤗

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  4. I’m so sorry Karla, I had no idea you had cancer as I have been away from WordPress. If anyone could beat it though it is your spirit and beautiful soul. Take. Are of you, I’ll check in more often for sure. Sending you good vibes, sincere prayers and deep love 💕

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    1. Kate, I understand. Your words mean so much, thank you. I also understand the breaks. Since I’ve known you I’ve experienced breaks as needed~even on IG. I think I’ll just keep one account on that platform. I often think of you and hope and pray all is well! Love and prayers my friend. 💕

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  5. You are right Karla, I live by myself and am wobbling, and still haven’t setup a will or other bits for those emergencies. I suppose I have become too centered with Spirit and think ‘I’ will get a heads up if it is time. Now that is selfish 😀, it will leave others in a quandary. As for what I have to pass forward in that event…well…nothing means anything to me but what I found on my travels in my heart…it’s worth is very judgemental to…well…everybody 🤣. But I’ll be good, and setup something for the many that will want some sanity in this journey 😀
    But as for your journey dear lady, I hope that Grace of God does touch your heart, your journey and most certainly that love you will find in further being here to Grace us with your journey. Thank you! ❤️
    Oh, and I seem to have missed your 25th birthday (you can’t be any older than that with a heart like yours ❤️😀), someone mentioned it in a comment somewhere so…’Happy Birthday’ dear lady, may there be many more, many blessings and much love within them all. Take care my friend, huge hugs and much energy to help your heart through this now. xoxo 🤣❤️🙏🏽

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    1. Mark, thank you so much (especially for the 25th bday wishes! 🙃). I’m happy that my journey can be understood and felt! And that it can be helpful! The grace of God is the heartfelt truth that keeps me going! After 3 months of feeling “stuck” (well, this feeling has been in me for a while and I started questioning God~that question period did not last long, though). It’s in the “waiting” that I’ve grown the most. Visiting and sharing with those who have gone through much change in their life is extremely encouraging! I know you’ve had quite a journey, thus the title of your site. I feel the hugs, prayers, and energy! Mark, have you met Kate from “a thiusabd bits of paper”? You must! Both of you, my Australian friends, share deep understanding of the heart! 💛💕❤️🥰🤗

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      1. I shall go by and listen to her words then dear lady, and thank you for that share 😀
        And I was stuck, in the middle of a divorce and the world going crazy. So I grew angry, and dared God to show me sense in such a mad world. And with great love He did, so I stumbled and fell…often. But with great love I began to ‘see’ within this journey, and slowly understand that it all does indeed have a great purpose, especially in seeing ourselves going through it. And along that journey He gave me the gift of Spirit so that I could understand and share that love He had given me in those understandings. There is nothing to compare our journey with in this world, simply because the understanding of that love heals us all…and the only thing we take back with us when it is time. All of it built from the empathy and compassion that all those experiences show us in their wisdom. You are being shown a great gift, a hard one, but one He feels is ready. So, with that my beautiful friend, I hope with a great love that you can feel that love within you…and know its compassion in its understanding ❤️🙏🏽
        Lots of love to you, and a hug for that strength within to heal 😀❤️🙏🏽

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  7. Ginger Salvatore

    Karla, I just love your idea of having folks paint mountain scenes on your cement wall! Win/win for everyone.

    You are right on with taking care of business and drawing up a will, a living will, choosing your designated agent to make decisions if you can’t! It makes perfect sense. We should never leave those we care about with the ghastly task of trying to figure out what WE would have wanted. Good for you to get that piece of business out of the way!

    Sounds like you have a solid team of professionals working with you. And many of us in the background rooting for your successful recovery. Long road ahead, but you can do this Karla. You have grit! Ginger

    Sent from my iPad

    >

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    1. Ginger, thank you so much! Yes, it will be extremely nice to not think about or worry about it as I’m focusing on healing! Aside from this current team I see an opportunity to seek further specified assistance from those that specialize in this particular cancer. With that, the conversations would include knowledge that I’m seeking on my own currently. My primary care doctor is a research doctor~that’s her background. She’s stepping in and will be a VITAL part of this journey. The conversations will not just be about treatment only~but the expectations, symptoms, and specifics of neuroendocrine cancer. That’s just who she is! YAY! I feel you rooting for me, Ginger! I “see” all of you and am sending a HUGE GROUP hug and love. 💛💕❤️

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  8. Karla, when I need inspiration and strength I think of you. Reading your beautiful post is the best thing I could have done this morning. My prayers are with you. I know treatment is rough. I am claiming in the name of Jesus that the side effects will be mild and your cancer will disappear. Always thinking of you. 🤗❤️🙏

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    1. Thank you for this thoughtful and kind message, Scott. I’m thrilled you find it inspiring and relatable. Given your background and ALL you have done for our country, I’m humbled. Thank you for claiming in Jesus the treatment effects. Sending love and hugs to you and yours. 💕❤️🙏🏻

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    1. Kelley, I’m so happy to hear that. That touches my heart. 💕 I appreciate your prayers and support so much! Strength and clarity…yes! I need to read Simply Sunday (I look forward to those). Take care and enjoy your last few days of a well deserved break. 💛🙏🏻

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  10. A human being on Earth requires strength and patience
    at one time or another. Living can be stressful for this or that reason.
    Are we up to the task given us?
    Karla, you’re a fine illustration of being prepared.
    love and hugs, Eddie

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  12. What an inspiring, uplifting message, Karla. You have a beautiful, heartfelt way of bringing encouragement to the people lucky enough to subscribe to your blog.

    It was especially meaningful to me today. On Sunday I started feeling a whole lot “less than” I usually do. I tested and found out I had COVID. It has been a rough two days, but then I read your story and I stopped wallowing in my own misery for a few minutes. I honestly don’t know how you muster the energy to write. I barely have enough to READ, let alone put my own thoughts together in some coherent way.

    Bless you on your journey. And many thanks for your decision to continue in ministry while you are recovering.

    Russell B.

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    1. Russell, first, I’m so sorry to hear about your illlness. I will pray. Secondly, your message is affirmation for me. I thank you deeply. It had been some time since last posting. And at that, I could only post pics~which do speak, too. I’ve been trying to ignore the political ads and and focus on health, old TV shows (no ads as I do my due diligence in research and discernment with a higher authority!), a book,…sometimes it’s too hard to even read. This blog has been such a healing part of life for me. And I also appreciate the friendships and support received here~just as you. I hope any message can be encouraging so it makes my heart smile that this message was inspiring and uplifting to you! I know you’re work for the Kingdom, your ministry, will always continue in words and action. It’s a win-win to have fellow soldiers! Please take care and I’ll do the same! Blessings to you both! 💛

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  13. I am sorry I am so late in reading and commenting, I know you understand the need to unplug. Hubby and I are at 5000 feet in the Great Smoky Mountains in a beautiful rustic cabin. I know you can forgive my absence. We must leave tomorrow. Your words always provide balm to my soul, always just what I need to read. Sending love, hugs, and prayers always💛🤗🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

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    1. You never have to worry about that, Pam 💛 I understood completely and agree. Being at a cabin in the Smoky Mtns would be heaven! Please be safe on your journey home. Love and prayers to you sweet friend. Thank you for your love and support. 💕

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  14. Dear Karla, I approve all your messages. How beautiful is this one? “Let’s not be one another’s dread. Give grace and gratefully tread.” I don’t need a response. I just needed you to know I’m praying for you, your appointments and results, decisions and rest, peace and perseverance. Amen. Love you! ❤️

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  15. Your advice on final wishes was very good, but your advice on how to live was even better! Just what I needed to hear in these troubled, angry times. Thank you so much for that. I’m continuing to pray for you as you progress in your cancer treatment. I know that attitude makes such a difference, and your attitude and your faith will carry you far……Peace and blessings, Ann

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    1. Ann, your words are so kind. Thank you. I’m glad my words resonated with you. Attitude is everything isn’t it!? Trust me when I say my attitude has to make adjustments at times. But I sure don’t let it last long. I’ve found in my life that has been a tremendous waste of energy! 💛 I hope you’re well, Ann. Peace and blessings to you.

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      1. I don’t know if you are on Facebook or not, but if you are, look up a man named Dave Welter. He had throat cancer about ten years ago, and wrote two books about it that are listed on his Facebook page. (“Reflections from the Home Team” is the name of the first one.) He is in the process of publishing his third book. Anyway, both my husband and I found them incredibly helpful during my husband’s cancer treatment. He does use the analogy of sports a lot which doesn’t speak to everyone, but his main focus is on the part that faith plays as we deal with these challenges, and onto importance of having a secure support system, aka the “home team.” You might might want to check them out! Dave is a wonderful person who not only beat his cancer, but now spends a great deal of his time helping others who are going through the same journey.

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      2. Thank you, Ann! I appreciate this! Those who have bear cancer are truly my inspiration. One being my Dad! And I know you understand with your husband’s journey. I’m not on Facebook; however, I will definitely look for him and the books. Growing up with sports, and my Dad an athlete, I can relate. Blessings and kind regards, Ann. I appreciate you!

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  17. I am new to your blog and can relate to so much in your post…I also love the scripture verse from Corinthians. Prayers for your continued positive attitude, faith in God and most especially your complete healing as you continue your journey. Here’s to enjoying every single thing on your bucket list!

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    1. Good morning! Thank you so much for your support and joining me here. I tried to respond to a post about you~which I can see why we can relate to one another! It made me smile (it was about portaging and canoes; metaphorically, our lives). It thrills me to meet likeminded souls and others who’ve experienced much change. I’m going to focus on reasing today, so I’ll try to visit your place and comment in another way! PS~ I appreciated your verse from Corinthians 💛

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  18. Your posts always capture my heart and make them full to the brim! We are definitely connected in so many ways and I always marvel when something new is revealed to cement this feeling. Leif Garrett! A momma in the early 90’s – 2 more pieces to the Soul puzzle we share. I lifting prayers for the Scan(s) your preparing to take and that God’s grace is felt in the results (whatever that may reveal.) Continue to take the love with you in every circumstance & I promise to keep you well supplied in hugs along the way! 🥰

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    1. A supply of hugs is just what the doctor ordered (well,…the one that matters, lol). Thank you, Dawn! I love the words, “cement this feeling”. The connections are meant to be! “Soul puzzle”. I love that. I have a friend near me, Kim, that is the one friend closest to me, that always reads my thoughts or we share the same views. It’s not easy to find that! It’s fun to have friends with all perceptions, uniqueness, gifts, thoughts,…but when your souls speak the same it’s like a miracle! It’s such an affirmation! I have found that more here, in WP, than any other platform I’ve been using. I’m so glad our souls connected! You keep accepting and giving love too, Dawn. You’re gifted in that! 💛💕❤️🙏🏻

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      1. God always gives us exactly what we need, when we need it most. YOU, dear cyber-space friend, are a true gift from God to me. I hope I honor you as much as your kind friendship honors me. Prayers lifted up in gratitude for Y..O..U!😘

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  19. Sorry to be so late reading this but I have been struggling. Your post reminded me that there are those whose journey is a struggle too. Today I am adding you to my prayer list for those I pray for daily. May God hold you close to his heart. Suzanne

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  20. Americaoncoffee

    So blessed and beautiful Karla. That’s quite a loving, nostalgic filled rap sheet on your life. ❤️❤️💐☕️☕️

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  22. Karla, your reflective words put my own memories on rewind. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, moving into my chosen career in the late 70s, and so much more. I was thinking yesterday that I became a grandfather at age 48, and now my grandson is ready to follow his grandfather to Montana State.

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      1. Thank you for asking. 😊 I really appreciate it. Preparing for several life shifts. Some with discrete time frames, like getting married in February next year and moving in together after that. Other shifts have more variable time frames (hopefully shorter rather than longer) such as working with my manager to reduce hours at my salary office job. Thus freeing time and energy to finish writing my books and actively seeking ways to publish them. Have found out I have a B12 deficiency, which I am working to address ASAP, hopefully to provide more energy for mornings.

        Many prayers for you and family during this time of year. Are you all as well as can be given the current path of your journey?

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