A Needed November

On By K.L. HaleIn newsletter

Happy November, friends! Many of you subscribe to my newsletter-some only to the blog. Creating a newsletter was a requirement for many years. For me, it was a joy. Communication is everything. One course in self-publishing emphasized sending a newsletter or something “special” to email subscribers only. Given the effort, creativity, and time required I’m sharing with ALL MY FRIENDS here in this space. In the past, I included a monthly calendar. Now my newsletter has morphed into my own “small chunks” of writing and updates on my life. I’ll try to include a corny joke and information about my cancer! Not only is this using a creative side of my brain that I need to keep sharpening, but it allows me to reflect one month at a time. There will be some months I may not be able to create one. While I’m morphing and changing with circumstances my email might be used for other purposes or announcements. Those that have subscribed know that I do NOT send many emails; nor would I ever share your address! There’s ALWAYS an opt-out option!

Speaking of opt-out…I choose to NOT opt out on feeling thankful, showing gratitude, and reframing negative thoughts into necessary niceness. One can’t be cheery all the time! But I can change my own mindset with little effort if I choose! November, I needed you. You hold a special time of year. Slow down, please. May the anticipation of the season (as seen in the eyes of my “grands”) and the hope of holidays create a gravy of gratitude that flows like my faith.

Finley says “hello”!
Chuck is my groundhog friend!
Do you see the bridge through the chapel? This, with the river, captures my soul.
Finley Farms, Ozark, Missouri

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30

Have faith 💚

Embracing imperfection with faith,flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale

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59 thoughts on “A Needed November”

  2. kriddy70

    You captured my favorite month, season, time of year..perfect and so beautiful. Love your C words. We all do struggle, but watching you through your C’s, makes us aware of the blessings and gratitude we need appreciate and love like you do, Mousie. I love your writings, what incredible thoughts you share. I will cherish this, just as I do all of them. Your journey makes me more proud, even though that seems impossible. So anxious for the appointment on the 8th and prayfully optimistic. Also proud of NET Day on the 10th and know how fierce an advocate you are ❤️👭🐭 YOU are an incredible woman of God. I learn so much from you. Love you so much. Bunny🐰

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    1. Your support has been unwavering. Your words are beautiful to me and I’m so thankful for your kind comments. It’s been such a journey for our entire family and I’m filled with love as we continue to learn and grow. No matter what tomorrow holds, we know who holds it. I know we both believe that. Thank you for believing and trusting in me. I love you, wombmate. 💛🙏🏻👭

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  3. Teddy and I just got back from church. It was beautifully decorated by the various deacons, but the two who were working while we were there happened to be two of the biggest ravens I’ve ever seen. They put on a little show for us, circling higher and higher and sometimes flying one on top of the other. They are clearly a couple. Then, suddenly, they stopped their dancing and went so high they were out of sight. I looked around to see why and saw a red tailed hawk. It was a beautiful varied-sky service, with the stained-glass mountains changing with the movement of the clouds, revealing this snowy slope and then another. The only music was silence since the two large choirs — geese and Sandhill Cranes — have departed for sunnier valleys to the south. I love the choirs but I love the silence just as much. Everything is perfect at church and we always come home refreshed and sanctified.

    On the way there was a traffic jam. A livestock trailer had apparently opened meaning that about 20 cows needed to be brought home the hard way, two c’boys on horseback were chasing them “doggies” into their pasture.

    let me know how it goes with Dr. Liu

    Here’s my favorite psalm. https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/104.htm Love to you and Finn from us three. 💚💙🐾🐾

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    1. MAK, reading this makes me feel as if I went to church with you. It’s beautiful. I see it all; including the cowboys and doggies. I’m going to mark this Psalm in my Bible. I understand why it’s your favorite. Finn and I love you 3. 💕🐾💛 I’ll update after the appt~it may be my way to see the mountains. 🙏🏻

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  5. Ginger Salvatore

    Karla, what an exceptional post! You have summed up the spirit of Thanksgiving beautifully. I don’t think there’s anyone in the world who knows more about “spirit” than you my friend. You don’t just have it, you live it. You share it. You find it in others who thought they didn’t have any!

    You have a very special gift for touching hearts. I hope that makes your heart swell with pride.

    And wouldja look at sweet Miss Finley looking so adorable. You couldn’t have chosen a better companion Karla. Finley has her own kind of spirit.

    Always a joy to receive a post from you. That’s the spirit kiddo!

    Ginger

    Sent from my iPad

    >

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    1. Ginger, Finley wants to respond first~”Aww, thank you for being my Mom’s friend and saying I’m adorable. I definitely have my own spirit…Mom says you have an awesome one, too!” 🐾🐶
      Ginger, I teared up finishing this post. Thank you for your support. It’s so much effort that pays off when I can get the words out of my heart. To think they’re helpful is the icing on the cake. My heart is so filled with love and I’m glad it’s spilling over! I hope you are well my friend. 💛💕💚

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    1. Thank you so much, Dwight. It took me HOURS (spread out in days) to format my thoughts, elements, and other features. It’s been so difficult “losing” my energy levels. I pray and pray. And I know others are praying. And then one day I say, “Today I think I can.” The yesterdays that I couldn’t disappear. Tomorrow might be different. I’m hurting some now but have medicine! But at THIS exact moment I’m winning ~that, and an eternal perspective~has to be how I muster my energy. I appreciate your support so much! I got to see my uncle that you remind me of~sadly, he’s in Assisted Living with Alzheimer’s and didn’t know me. But I got to tell him how he taught me to fish and all about our River memories and he loved my pup, Finley. All is good, Dwight! And it always will be. I hope you all stay well and blessed!

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  8. Thank you for this thoughtful and thought-provoking post, Karla. I am nodding with you on your takes on Thanksgiving, change, gratitude, and forgiveness. All very important. The information you share on NET is good stuff, as few of us know much about it.

    I appreciate most of all your willingness to engage with others as you journey forward in these times. Your focus in the midst of challenge and change is an inspiration to us all.

    Thank you for the gifts you give, and for the gift you are. Beyond these thanks, many thanks to our God for these gifts as well! He is the source of all the good in the world.

    More to come….

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    1. Good morning my friend. I appreciate your feedback very much! It’s no surprise you were nodding as I know your belief and values. Thank you for recognizing the willingness of engagement with others-that is a particular prayer for me as it would be SO easy to become disengaged. There have been times in my past, with health challenges, that was the easiest to do thinking no one would understand anyway. But that is a lie, such a great deception! I join you in thankfulness to God! He IS the source of all good and I’ll not waiver in this belief no matter the circumstance! Stay blessed my friend!

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  9. Hi Karla, it is great to hear your voice, your energy and the love you give because of what you are. It must be difficult during all this, but that love…a permanent natural energy allows itself to be heard no matter where you are dear lady, and hear it I do. And I thank you for sharing it, you give me courage on some of those days that test us, telling me that a faith and belief has great power. A power of love like no other. Big hugs my friend, and a thank you from ‘over here’ 😀❤️🙏🏽

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    1. To my friend “down under”…thank you for your support and encouragement. It’s humbling to think that I’m able to provide courage to you. We know the originating heartbeat of faith and belief! Love wins all the time~even when the body feels icky, lol. Sending hugs and prayers to you! 💛🙏🏻🤗

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      1. Thank you kind lady, and gratefully received. I too can trip with the best of them, how else will I feel this beautiful conditional world so I can appreciate that unconditional love when I meet it 😀❤️🙏🏽

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  10. Sweet Karla, I was so glad to see your post. I admire your perseverance through the changes and challenges you are facing. Your faith in our unchanging God who remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow sees you through. You shine forth His love and grace, precious friend. Praying always and sending love and hugs to you and Finley! ♥️🙏🏻🎶🦃🙌🏻🧡

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    1. Good morning sweet, Pam. Finley and I thank you so much. Your words, “Your faith in our unchanging God who remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow sees you through”, is exactly the reason I’m able to be here. Some of our WP family have been writing about us all being “cracked” individuals and how light can still shine through us. I truly believe we have all been broken in some way or another and it’s truly the love of Christ, if we allow, that can “re-light” a new flame within us that is what true love is all about. I can imagine the work you are doing around your place for Thanksgiving. I will make time to visit to see the beauty! We love you! Karla and Finn 🍁🍂✨💛🙏🏻

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    1. Thank you my dearest friend and sister. In so many ways you are a vital reason why I’m able to share and have this platform. I’m so thankful to God for you and the timing of how he placed you in my heart and life~such pivotal timing. I love you so dearly. 💛💚💕❤️ God bless you and your entire family who has become family to me.

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    1. Mark, thank you so much for your friendship and support! I’ll be excited to share the findings this afternoon and “next steps”. Take care my friend! Blessings to you and yours this season!

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  18. Both of my daughters were born in the Ozarks. We lived there for enough time to build a house,
    and have a family. Forced to moved on it was just one of those ‘life changes’ everybody goes through.
    Changes happen to everybody of one sort or another. love you dear heart, Eddie

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    1. Eddie, it makes my heart smile knowing that the Ozarks was home for you all at one time. Changes are necessary for sure. I love you sweet friend. I hope you and your precious family stay well. Thank you for reading and supporting!

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    1. That is so kind to say my friend. I love your perspective and wisdom. You have been through so much and I think you are a wonderful person too. I’m proud of you. 💚🙏🏻💛

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  21. Karla, I am sorry for catching up to this post now. Where did November run to? I am so encouraged by your personal quote about forgiveness and stewardship. Through your testament, others are viewing God’s light . . . perhaps for the first time. Blessings and prayers to a special friend.

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    1. Richard, you never have to apologize! I completely understand. I’m having a difficult time keeping up with reading and also, writing. What I love about this community is the understanding of life and one another’s situations. I’m so happy you found this to be an encouragement! Admittedly, I find myself discouraged at times; and then have to pull up my boot straps of faith and get outside of “myself” to give and receive blessings. I just hope to be a light for God. I appreciate you and your friendship so very much! Stay safe and blessed!

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  22. As always you bring me back to a place of love Karla! I’ve been traveling and missed so much of your wise words, your optimism, your gratitude. I continue to hold you in prayer and sending my humble love, soft hugs, and enormous appreciation your way. I’m so honored to have found you, to have connected in such a powerful way, and to be influenced eternally by your kindness and love. It’s now advent, so I wish you a joyful journey. Love and Hugs, C

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    1. C, it’s always good to “see” you! I’ve missed your posts and look forward to getting back there. Your support and friendship are great comforts and I feel that same honor knowing you. Thank you so much for your beautiful words. May this advent season be filled with blessings for you all. Love and hugs! ❤️💕🥰

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    1. Dawn, I love you. It’s the same for me, my friend. Each Monday I think of the giggles, too. You’re in my heart and soul! I’m finding the giggles through a worn out body and looking forward to more time with the “kids” and grands throughout the week and weekend. I can imagine what it was like at your house–oh, the love!!! And fun! God bless you!! ❤️😊

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      1. Yippee, for as much time spent with the littles as possible!! Doing the happy-dance for you over this! (Remember toe-tapping counts in moments of needing rest. 😉)

        Despite the fridged storm Elliot blowing through – we kept warm & toasty throughout our family time(s) shared together. The snow has settled down, but hoping for some more fun frolics before they all head back to school. 🎄❤️🎄 I promise to make a snow-angel for you, next time we venture out!

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  24. I am thankful for you relentless courageousness, your deep hopefulness, and your persistent encouragement. Thank you for continuing to share your gift for writing and the light of God. Holidays can be hard for some, but through them we can have faith in the one who is always there beside us.

    Amen to being thankful! 🧡

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    1. I’m so thankful for you, Hamish. I just celebrated my one-year anniversary of a diagnosis they originally thought would give me 5 months, then 3 years? God knows. HIS timing is ultimately all that matters. I use HIS persistent pursuing of me. I gave up all control. The disease will progress but not faster than my faith which sustains me. I will forever be grateful for the blessings and welcome the weaknesses and challenges that concrete my communion with Christ! Sending you and yours hugs and prayers, dear friend!

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