Month: May 2024

All Quiet on the Western Front?

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From the field of Gettysburg to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive-Pearl Harbor to Normandy Beach-The Battle of Heartbreak Ridge to the Fall of Saigon. Are we quiet on OUR western front? Will we continue fighting in needless trench warfares?

Mixed races, religions, and speeches of oneness ~we should be unified. All is not quiet on the western front. Our humanity easily slips into the smoke of the bbq grill. Rather than remember, we rejoice in the gift of time. The gift a multitude have lost. Our enemies (were) are young humans with hearts and souls. Both sides killing one another; trembling hands and heavy hearts. A bloody coat holds the picture of a wife or husband, son or daughter, a beloved pet, and a letter from a Mother.

All quiet on the Western Front? Who will decorate the graves when a generation is gone?

Do we know sacrifice? As I sit in my comfortable home, with the freedom to go, do, and be, I can’t help but remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for me. God, break my heart for what breaks yours. Greed. Power. Control.

All quiet on the Western Front? Shallow graves to shallow thinking, bloody hands to broken spirits, battles of belonging to winning wars in our hearts and minds. Defending our opinions rather than extending a hand of fellowship. Do we SEE one another as…humans? Will we honor? Or will we just forget? I’ll visit the graves of those I love, and pay respect for those I’ve never met.

I’ll never forget.

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” Abraham Lincoln (Gettysburg Address)

“Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came…Fondly do we hope—fervently do we pray—that this might scourge of war of may speedily pass away.” (Abraham Lincoln-Second Inaugural Address)

“I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation. War is hell.”

William Tecumseh Sherman

“It is well that war is terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.”

Robert E. Lee

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“All wars are civil wars, because all men are brother.”

Francois Fenelon

“The most successful war seldom pays for its losses.”

Thomas Jefferson

“There will be one day spring from the brain of science a machine or force so fearful in it’s potentialities, so absolutely terrifying, that even man, the fighter, who will dare torture and death in order to inflict torture and death, will be appalled, and so abandon war forever.”

Thomas A. Edison

“You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.”

Albert Einstein

“There was never a good war, or bad peace.”

Benjamin Franklin

“I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.”

Ulysses S. Grant

“Don’t forget what I discovered that over ninety percent of all national deficits from 1921 to 1939 were caused by payments for past, present, and future wars.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

“In modern war…you will die like a dog for no good reason.”

Ernest Hemingway

“In war, you win or lose, live or die-and the difference is just an eyelash.”

Douglas MacArthur

“What is human warfare but just this: an effort to make the laws of God and nature take sides with one party.”

Henry David Thoreau

“Pray continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Do you know the ultimate sacrifice made for YOU? You are loved.

Two different views, two times, two sons serving. Thank you Jarrod & Jay.

Have faith 💚

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Complete Confidence

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Sunny skies and the school were a warm welcome to the day. Kids amaze me. They’re as true as rain. Authentic to the core. My friend Steph shared her retirement plan with a student. The wise girl replied, basically, “You live, teach, retire, and die.” Ouch. Giggles. Today the students had complete confidence in their safety and well-being. Forecasts are tricky. Storms are coming. These aren’t drills.

Sunny skies

Artwork by an amazing kid!

Storm Watch

Another tornado watch. The bright sunny sky has darkened with gray clouds. The hot and humid wind is swirling the leaves. Water remains pooled up from the last storm. I can prepare for the worst, and expect the best-I have complete confidence that I have no control.

Storms devastate—atmospherically, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

“In this hour, I do not believe that any darkness will endure.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Storm Warning

A trip to the E.R. helped me overcome a pain crisis, another scan, more scattered lesions, a bulging disc, and new medication. A compassionate call with my nurse identified the watches and warnings–a storm ahead if I don’t comply.

In what ways do you shift in stormy situations? Do they sideline and cripple your confidence? Do unforeseen circumstances flatten your faith?

“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Twisters

School ends, and summer begins. Future days include sunny skies, holidays, BBQs, family gatherings, and vacations. A cycle of storms, homelessness, poverty, and loneliness. I’m forecasting laughter, joy, fun, and memories- torrential tears, trials, and temptations. The Farmer’s Almanac can’t predict a mental health crisis, yet we know it’s here. How do we protect our crops? Do you have confidence in things NOT SEEN? There’s a storm warning every day. Can we…will we…? Help a neighbor take cover in compassion, seek shelter in our Savior, and create a safe place in our Creator. Storm drills caused me to question God; surviving the storms built my confidence—a concrete soul shelter.

 “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12

I’d easily lose my confidence again if I was convinced of consensus–confusion, catastrophes, cynicism, callousness, combativeness, and contrary. With complete confidence, I’ll seek that which is courageous, courteous, compassionate, and cheerful.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” — Corrie ten Boom

“Any faith that must be supported by the evidence of the senses is not real faith.” — A.W. Tozer

Have faith 🤍

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Was it All Just a Dream?

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Was it all just a dream? 
It’s been two years since that day.
Faith, hope, and love are my themes.

Years leading up to checking bloodstream,
Questions unanswered, and pain unknown. 
Was it all just a dream?

Times of laughter, floating downstream,
my mind drifts to precious memories.
Faith, hope, and love are my themes. 

Giggles, growth, and pain extremes,
Unfamiliar places, people, and experiences. 
Was it all just a dream?

Kids, grandkids, trips, and dreams,
A life filled with adventures.
Faith, hope, and love are my themes.

Scans, visits, and medical teams.
A move, surgery, and a miracle.
Was it all just a dream?
Faith, hope, and love are my themes. 
K.L. Hale




















Two years ago, ten years in the making–decisions, dreams, and a diagnosis. Treatments, scans, blood draws, and tests. The school of life is forever in session. Life-changing anniversaries continue to make impacts. Every experience an education.

Cancer. It’s like having a rock I can’t remove in my hiking boot. But I cling to the Rock that counts.

THE school day of May 11th, 2022.

Has a diagnosis or disease duped your determination? Does pain prevent you from progressing?

I don’t know why I’m here. But I know God has a plan. You may not believe it. ME? I have to believe. Every difficulty is for my development. It’s in sunrises, sunsets, the birds, and the trees, my kids and grandkids, everything that I see. It would be easy to be cynical, angry, or mad. There’s enough of that—-why not just be glad? I have air in my lungs, a roof over my head, and precious family and friends, what should I dread? I’ll laugh and giggle through the ups and downs, sometimes I’ll cry and might get down. It doesn’t last long because God’s always near. He holds me tight, I have nothing to fear.

I want to thank my family for their steadfast support and love during this cancer journey; my sons, daughters-in-love, my grandkids, parents, my twin, sister, niece, nephew, brother-in-law, and hosts of aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved ones. To all of you who continue to pray (I’ve been on the prayer list long enough!)-my WP family and community of friends. My school family and friends–those who have invested in me. To those who sat by the fires at the campground, the sister who drove me to appointments, and the friends who laughed, cried, and put up with me–thank you. Here’s to many years of giving back. When I’m weak, my shoulders are still strong enough to hold your thoughts, burdens, and tears.

I’m here to listen and support you as you do me.

We are not promised tomorrow. How do you wish to live? May my blog be a book. A book that reminds you that you can be strong in the face of uncertainty and have faith when facing fear.

You are loved more than you’ll ever know! ❣️

Have faith 💚

A note about my poem. It’s called a Villanelle.
When you’ve got an obsession or another intense fixation, write about it in a villanelle. It seemed fitting, at my 2 year “C” Day anniversary, to write a new form. The villanelle is a poetic form that originated in France, initially as a variation of pastoral poetry. Villanelles are specifically about obsessions and follow a strict form:
• 19 lines
• Five tercets (five lines)
• One quatrain
• ABA, ABA, ABA, ABA, ABA, ABAA rhyme scheme
• Line 1 repeats in lines 6, 12, and 18
• Line 3 repeats in lines 9, 15, and 19

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

www.lacnets.org

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©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Elevating Expo

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Multiple local authors gathered at a recent expo. Just as in your lives, I was thunderstruck with their fascinating experiences. A wellspring of wishes, wisdom, whimsical, “why did I do that?”, “what if’s”, “why not’s”, and wondrous words produced their stellar stories! Why write?

There are many reasons I write. It encourages me to focus, research, learn, love, and inspire. At times, it clears the cobwebs in my consciousness. Other times, it soothes my soul. Distractions cease. I’m intentional. I can: Think. Reflect. Learn. Understand. Praise. Inspire. Words are convincing, helpful, encouraging, and affirmative. At times, it’s entertaining! Some hurt. Journaling is my way of cleansing my clanging clutter. This year I’ve met my goal to journal daily. Do you journal? Do you make lists? I can easily type a recipe or a “to-do” paragraph. Write notes? My “black and white” brain automatically places Roman Numerals, letters, or bullets. Why do you write?

Allow me to introduce local Ozarks writers!

Thomas J. Carter, during the Covid lockdown, decided he would write a children’s book series about the National Parks after he and his wife bought an R.V. to travel. I’m sure you know why I loved this! Even better for ME? An 1800’s setting! You can find Thomas on IG @midwestiscoolbooks.Thomas is an excellent illustrator and writer!

LaDonna Greiner was 66 years old when she spent a miserable night on the top of Taum Sauk Mountain in Missouri (where many have sadly died in similar situations). A few days later, a horrible car accident left her and her husband without a vehicle, and THEN she was handed a felony charge (“leaving the scene of an accident”). LaDonna’s stories and photos will leave you on the edge of your seat. “I’m here for a purpose,” she says (yes you are, LaDonna!). As a certified facilitator, you can count on LaDonna to share wisdom on creating environments of gratitude.

Michelle Underwood grew up in Mansfield, MO. She authored a book about Laura Ingalls Wilder that is the most detailed I’ve ever read! Her passion for our local hero and author inspires me.

Paula Moore teaches biblical truths through the arts and Shawnda Walker wrote about cooperation and sharing through the eyes of a cute guinea pig, Peanut.

Jeanne Griener gripped my heart with a memoir about finding God’s goodness—despite losing, and never finding, her missing brother. You can feel her faith and love in her words.

C.A. (Candy) Simonson She is an award-winning author and writer of short stories, articles, and books. She is a frequent contributor to online publications and print magazines, now almost 400 pieces. Need self-publishing help? See C.A.! It’s like opening a treasure book.

Susie Kinslow Adams is a local author, writer, and speaker! Her turtle, Patches, will sing about how much Jesus loves you, too! Her story will inspire you!

Author Sage Hunter invites you to step into the dynamic universe of “The Black Bra Club,” an engaging narrative that charts the inception of a movement grounded in sisterhood, support, mentoring, and the profound essence of faith.

Check out today’s history and ANOTHER amazing hero story!

History today Phillis Wheatley born (1753); President Harry Truman born (1884); Boxing legend Sonny Liston born (1932); Germany surrenders, ending World War II in Europe (1945); Smallpox is eradicated (1980).

A war hero tells his story

Friends, meet Luciano “Louis” Charles Graziano. “It was January 1943 when twenty-year-old Louis Graziano received a letter from Uncle Sam ordering him to report to Fort Niagara, New York, for a physical. Although he knew the United States was at war, he had no idea what was ahead of him.  After making a promise to dutifully defend his country, Louis never realized how much his military experience would change the course of his life.

In a memoir that reveals the good, bad, and ugly of war and beyond, Louis leads others through his life experiences via personal stories and historical photographs that provide a candid glimpse into what it was like to be a young soldier before, during, and after World War II.”

“After suffering frostbite during the successful effort to search and find the lost armored element, Louis returned to Reims to recover. Among the buildings in Reams there was a “Little Red Schoolhouse” where General Eisenhower had his headquarters. It was here that the unconditional surrender of Germany was signed in the early morning hours of Monday, May 7, 1945. Louis was there, in the room, as General Yodl of the German Army signed the articles of surrender. U.S. General Walter Bedell Smith signed on behalf of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, General Eisenhower, and General Ivan Susloparov on behalf of the Soviet High Command. French Major-General François Sevez signed as the official witness.

It is most likely that Louis is the last surviving witness to this historic event…(A Patriot’s Memoirs of World War II–Through my Eyes, Heart, and Soul).

Thank you, Louis, for your service.❤️🤍💙

Stories of war, survival, loss, and love. Your life may seem mundane. You may feel you DON’T have a story. But you do. There is ONE STORY I’ll keep telling of the ultimate sacrifice made for you and me. Do you know how loved you are? All of you encourage me. To feature each of you a day would take years. Keep telling your stories (besides, they’re not over YET). Uniquely and collectively, you impact me. I’ll say it louder to the people in the back–do you REALLY know how loved you are?

Let’s keep “elevating” one another! My encouragement to you is real; not just in words. It’s not fake news when I share about God’s love, grace, and mercy. I don’t have a hidden agenda for sharing my gratitude. And to write about it? Even better.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path of wisdom.”

Phillis Wheatley

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”

William Wordsworth

“The secret of it all is to write… without waiting for a fit time or place.”

Walt Whitman

“Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”Habakkuk 2:2

Have faith 💚

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©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.