Take A Hike

On By K.L. HaleIn nature

Yesterday was National Hiking Day (or Take a Hike Day). My health hike this last decade has been my hardest trail yet! Cooperation between my bones and bohemian way of living is limited. Strength and stretching help me stroll. I’ll not stop dreaming about future trails and rocky mountainous climbs. It’s unlikely I’ll trek near the Matterhorn in Switzerland or embark on a multi-day adventure along Scotland’s West Highland Way. Maybe in my dreams I’ll tackle the Angel’s Landing in Zion, Clingmans Dome in the Smokies, or the Half Dome in Yosemite! My palms are sweaty just thinking about that one! I’m giggling because my own trail proved tougher than me yesterday!

I’m ok with it. I’ll repeat, “I’m ok with it.” It’s taken many years of surrendering, accepting, and pivoting. Tears and trails are teachers. Reaching a peak won’t bring me any closer to Christ. HE HOLDS me in the valley and comforts me in a crisis. From building up strength to tackle inclines to charging batteries on a scooter. HE’S there when I have energy to move and when I’m flat with fatigue.

Walking in wisdom is my daily workout!

If you ever feel overwhelmed by life, it’s okay to seek a way to ground yourself. Are you caught in a never-ending cycle of responsibilities or living on autopilot? It’s easy to find ourselves merely existing, focused on posting or tweeting. What feels truly REAL for you? I understand how life can change your habits and heart. As Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) approaches, I wish for abundant blessings to fill your lives. When you face a mountain that seems too high to climb, may you find strength in our Savior.

This quote was shared by Pam at Everyday Living (I encourage you to visit their amazing homestead and site)!

“I think that it is a better thing than Thanksgiving: thanks-living. How is this to be done? By a general cheerfulness of manner, by an obedience to the command of Him by whose mercy we live, by a perpetual, constant delighting of ourselves in the Lord, and by a submission of our desires to His will.” -Charles Spurgeon

The gifts of supernatural proportions in peace and God’s presence has prepared me for future mountains. Even if my boots don’t tread the trails at my favorite National Parks, I can stroll the streets of home with Thanks-living in my heart. One day, I’ll hike around heaven and run to Jesus!💚

pigtails…or
none…
Amateur Cover of “Sometimes it takes a Mountain” KL Hale

Keep the faith, friends. You are loved. ❣

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

Various trails across our USA–K.L. Hale (I could have about 500 more? 🙂

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113 thoughts on “Take A Hike”

  1. Hiking is one of my favorite things. I was hoping to go on some on my recent visit to LA, but it rained almost the entire time I was there haha!! Better luck next time! Sending the usual prayers and hugs to you!

    Reply

    1. Hello, MB!! I’m sorry it rained out your hike!
      I’m always hoping we’d have a chance to hike together if you were in my area!
      I’m sending love, hugs, and prayers to you! I have this feeling that one day your books will be made into movies. ❤️💚🙏

      Reply

  2. I’m glad I found your post with all the reassuring words, today. C.S. is planning to throw something at me, so I appreciate the words of hope you have to offer.

    I climbed Angel’s Landing once, many moons ago, but I’ve never done any of those others you listed. But it doesn’t matter. The biggest mountain is the mountain of life. Hiking the trails of everyday life is both challenging and rewarding enough.

    As usual, I enjoyed the song, and the sound of your beautiful voice.

    Reply

    1. Tippy, thank you dear friend! You’re always so kind and thoughtful (and fun!). I’ve missed you!
      Uh oh….what’s C up to? I’ve got to get to all your places pronto! I’ve missed you all!
      I hope you’re all doing well!! 🥰

      Reply

      2. You should hear me giggling. Since I’m not a waterfall I can hear you loud and clear! Lol
        C, jump in here! Grab a donut!
        I’m glad you’re doing the best you can! The falling apart stuff is hard! I’m doing that before I get old? lol. I guess I’m old to a few and still a pup to some!

    2. Oh my gosh, you NUT! You are lucky I haven’t thrown it yet!
      Karla, you know he deserves it. I only throw for good reasons. 😂
      Sooo good to see you back online!! 🥰

      Reply

      1. 😂 C! I thought you’d be here soon! I needed our trio of fun, remember he’s wearing a helmet!
        It’s SO good to be here, C.
        I’m climbing new mountains. I will welcome winter, sister. It will be a time for my roots to grow strong as I rest in HIM. It will give me time to be here more often. I don’t have another scan, God-willing, until March. I’m going to take a break at Christmas from treatment. Even writing takes more time. My eyes get very blurry, my hands spasm, and my computer is even slower than me! I’m grateful no matter what, C. Sending love and hugs! I appreciate you!🥰❤️🙏♥️

    1. Sweet Linda, I’m sorry my friend. I’m sending love and prayers. I just read your eloquent dragonfly post. I thought I was subscribed already, my friend.
      I will link arms and support you from here. Thank you for your beautiful authenticity. I appreciate you ❤️🙏💚

      Reply
  4. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    Oooh sweet Karla! Love this song and love you girl! 💛Warm hugs and prayers as you keep “hiking!” And yes you will RUN on that glorious day! ❤️

    Reply

  5. I did comment on here, but it doesn’t look like it posted, so if you get a duplicate comment, you know why. 🤪
    Oooh my amazing, sweet, courageous friend!! Keep “hiking!” And YES, some day you will run! What a glorious day that will be!!! ❤️ Love you girl!!!! Warm hugs and prayers always!💛💛🩷

    Reply

  6. Tears and trails do teach us don’t they??? Oh the lessons I have learned while collecting dirt on my boots.
    I’ll keep bringing you along on my mountain ventures, filled with thanksgiving and thankful-living!
    Love to you in this month of gratefulness, Karla!

    Reply

    1. You know I thought of you and Martha the entire time I was writing this. I thought of you both and your precious dogs on the glorious summits!
      You’ve been an inspiration to me, Erika. Thank you for taking me along the adventures and allowing me to journey with you. I love you sister. ❤️💚🙏♥️

      Reply

  7. You are that mountain Karla, reaching that peak and singing it to the world. Well done 🤗❤️

    Great post kind lady, you’ve been everywhere. A tiny goat on a track? Who was taking who for a walk? 🤣 Lot’s of scenery, you have covered some beautiful land my friend…inside and out. Even a zebra on a stump 😂 In fact I’m jealous of the horse riding part, I haven’t been on a horse in years 😀

    Love the ‘little’ falls into the pond, that would be a delight to camp next to and listen to its sound as you fall asleep. And the last two, the views go on forever. You’ve covered some ground Karla, in so many ways 🤗🥰🙏

    You have been a little quiet, I hope all is going well. If not, lots of healing energy coming your way from across the blue. The dolphins need a run so they are raring to go 🤣

    Big hugs sunshine, lots of love, and may His sunshine follow you regardless your path. Hang in there 🤗🥰🤣🛵🥾🐾🦓🎶🦋🐬🐳❤️🙏

    P.S. Just transferring my site (again), so I may go quiet for a bit. I think my domain name is somewhere between you and here. Probably playing with the dolphins out in that big blue somewhere. Oh, I don’t think I told you. They discovered another albino whale offshore here last month. We’re having all the fun 🤣😂🐾🦓🦢🦋🕊️🐬🐳❤️🙏

    Reply

    1. Mark, it’s so good to “see” you my friend!
      I’m so happy you enjoyed all the pics! I’m covering the same grounds for a while now. Perhaps after a winter respite a new trail will be in the works?
      Thank you for cheering me on WAYyyy over there!! A new Albino whale? I’ll have to look it up!!!
      I’m trying to post once a week~ yet, it seems to be every ten days? I’m hoping that things will slow down a bit, I had a sickness last week after returning from KC I could tell I was worn down. Up and down is the way my health and energy go!
      That little goat was named Henry! He had a brother named Gillie Goat! They were cuties. 🥰❤️
      I’m sorry about your site!! Oh my goodness! My health and your domain name are on the same page? Or part of the ocean? 😂
      Sending big hugs and lots of love to you too! Finley says hello!! Thank you for supporting and encouraging us!
      Since the dolphins need to run I’ll send treats to you via the carrier dolphins!
      🤭☀️ 🐬 🌊 🤗 ❤️💚🥰♥️🙌🏻🙏🙏🦓🦓🦓🙌🏻🙌🏻

      Reply

      1. I can see many a trail in your future Karla, those one’s where you smile and smile because of the beauty before you 🤗❤️

        If your posting is a little less it just means we will appreciate it that much more kind lady 😂🙏🥰

        The white whale seems to be a bit lost or enjoying being in the spotlight as it is traveling a bit northward when its supposed to be heading south. But we know what children are like, anything for a bit of adventure 🤣🐬🐳

        And that goat was so tiny. Just snuggle size 😀😎

        And just take it easy dear lady, I know ‘out there’ is such an incredible break, and to see your young’uns is worth its weight in gold. But much later, up there, is a view that no words can achieve. It leaves a glory wrapped around your heart. And that’s just the sight. The feeling I couldn’t even come close to explaining it. It’s just…well, Heaven 😂❤️🙏

        And yes, both our ‘sites’ are having a little wobble, but that sunshine you’ve been in will heal lots. And the love all around you will heal anything 🥰❤️🤗🐾🦓🎶🐬🐳❤️🙏

        Yay for the treats, bug hugs to Finn and you, and may life sing as well as you do kind lady. Take care 🤗🎶🥰🦢🛵🦋🕊️🤣🐾🦓😂🐬🐳❤️🙏

      2. Your words give me energy and motivation, Mark! Thank you 🙏 and I’m about to visit the link of the white whale! Thank you!!!
        Yes, despite our “slow” sites, let’s keep spreading love and kindness like glitter! ✨ love and hugs!! 🤗

  8. yay for hiking !!! glad you’re getting in the great outdoors. Jesus and his disciples did a lot of hiking — so do those who follow Him 🙂 Have a good one, Karla 🙂

    Reply
  9. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    Yes! Nothing like a good hike/trek/walk/mosey outside! It’s good for the insides no matter the form our hike takes. Feeling, smelling the fresh outdoors is a blessing! Thanks for your faith and the precious reminder! Xo, Sue

    Reply

    1. Thank you, sweet Sue! A mosey (hmmm….think back 25 years when we rode the mules to school and took a mosey up the hall )!
      God expected humans to build shelter~ but I don’t think he intends for us to stay sheltered in this big beautiful world he created! I’d love to just take kids and folks in wheelchairs on walks. Fresh air is so good for us!
      Thank you for your faith and friendship too! I love you Sue! ❤️💚🙏🥰

      Reply

  11. Wow, my husband, son, dog, and I went on a short trek at one of our newer state parks in Tennessee (Rocky Fork) on Sunday, not knowing that the next day celebrated hiking! It was such a joy to be outdoors! So glad you are getting out as much as you can to breathe in the Holy Spirit as you inhale the fresh air. May God bless you richly with His presence as you see His goodness all around you!

    Reply

    1. I’m so happy you were able to get out and hike in your beautiful area! Being outside is definitely pure joy!
      No matter the length of trail or heights of hills, breathing in His presence is amazing!
      I’m limited compared to where I was~ but I’m not done either. God bless you and your family!❤️🙏💚

      Reply

    1. Wise words from my favorite hiker. ❤️♥️💚 I’ll walk that mountain too. Thank you, MAK. Finn and I love you 3 so much! I can’t imagine “hiking” this life without you in it! 🐾 🥾

      Reply

  15. I love this my friend! “Tears and trails are teachers. Reaching a peak won’t bring me any closer to Christ. HE HOLDS me in the valley and comforts me in a crisis. From building up strength to tackle inclines to charging batteries on a scooter. HE’S there when I have energy to move and when I’m flat with fatigue.”

    Sweet Karla He does hold you in the valley or on the mountaintop and He will never let you go! What a blessed assurance that His Hands hold us. Thank you for the shout out, you are so very sweet!

    Love you my friend and you are always in my prayers💕🙏🏻

    Reply

    1. Thank you, sweet Pam. I can’t imagine my life without Christ!
      When you’ve experienced it and know it in the depths of your soul, there’s no letting go! It makes life that much more meaningful and rewarding! I’m 💯 leaning on the everlasting arms!
      Recently I watched the episode from season 3 of The Chosen when Little James asked Jesus why he isn’t healed yet. I read books of others who have been persecuted and I don’t have to look far to see how hard life is for everyone! Everyone is doing life in the good and bad times. We all have our own unique journeys~ and some of us go through similar situations. But we each have our own story. I pray that everyone’s story has God included!
      It was my pleasure to do a shout out! That quote, and your site, always lift me!
      I love you and pray for all of you as you do me! ❤️🙏💚🤗🦃

      Reply

  17. I have done no hiking this year! A lot of biking lately but no hiking – I need to swap the b for a h but it’s so hot now in Oz. Oh I wish you could be magically zapped to full strength and teleported over here for a hug Karla!

    Reply

    1. I wish that too, Kate! For years I think I’ll hike in Oz with you! Although I’m limited, my boots sit out ready to be laced when I can. Even when I put on walking tennis shoes, I give the boots a “hello, hope to use you soon,” nod! ❤️🥰
      I’d love to be teleported to you! ❤️

      Reply

  18. Karla, I love that you are still hiking – even if it isn’t in a National Park! The walk into a familiar path is never boring and there is always something new to see (just ask MAK)! The photos are wonderful too – lots of great memories!!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, sweet Val. The trail proved tougher than me~ but that was THAT day. Tee hee.
      Walks are wonderful! I won’t take any time I’m gifted for granted!
      MAK inspires me daily!!
      I remember so many years ago how I loved just sitting in the woods in silence. Listening, observing…yet, giving no thought or opinion to anything. Just…being. Nature is that gift to me!
      Your friendship is a gift too! I think of you and the prayer warriors meeting~ and the prayers so FAR away that have propelled me.
      Finn and I send love to you and Mochi! Happy Thanksgiving dear friend 💚🦃🐾🙏❤️🥰

      Reply

      1. Karla, big hugs! I have started my Thanksgiving list of all the things in my life that I’m thankful for – and you make the list dear friend! Mochi is curled up and cozy warm but her soft snores are an in and out mantra of love to you and Finn! I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with family and fun!! 💗🐾💗🦃🙏🏻🦃🙏🏻

  21. Murphy’s Law's avatar Murphy’s Law

    Wow! Reading through all these comments is a hike of its own! Your body may not be up to hiking, but your mind holds wonderful memories and images for you to hold on to.

    You will run again Karla! I don’t know where or when, but you
    will joyfully run, and sweet Miss Finley will be at your side every step of the way.

    Your photos are a grand hike for me. I have never been a hiker, but in better times I was a walker. I would walk 3-5 miles a day and loved it.

    Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving, and I hope there’s a special treat for Finley. I am thankful that we met on line and have developed such a warm friendship. Your “trails and trials” have encouraged so many to keep on truckin’.

    Hugs and prayers plus a belly rub for sweet Miss Finley.

    ginger🦋🙏🏻❤️💙🙏🏻🦓🐕

    Reply

    1. Sweet Ginger! Isn’t it fun to “hike” around WP with our family and friends here? The last 6 years would truly bring a huge Thanksgiving gathering if we all met around a big table!
      Walking 3-5 miles is amazing, Ginger! That reminds me of my Dad. He did the same thing for years and I believe that’s why he’s still doing as best as possible!
      I told my twin that if I lost movement, I think I’ll be done, well,….God said, “ok, I’ll take that from her to see if she means that!” That month was difficult. Yet, recovery is what is helping build resilience!
      For instance~ it’s silly, but my neck and shoulder hurt so much from just being on the computer that it “caught” up with me today. Hence why I’m not able to do it everyday (with heating pad wrapped around me lol). Even publishing a post requires more effort and energy~ and the product is even more reward in the time with friends and lessons learned!
      Thank you for being a wise teacher and support! Finley and I love you! I’m praying and sending hugs too!♥️💚🐾🤗❤️🙏🥰

      Reply

  22. Good morning, Karla! As usual, your photos are incredible! I admire your love for hiking. I have to admit, taking a hike never entered my mind! I thought “Take a hike!” meant Get lost! 🤣
    But seriously, from your photos, I can see now what a reward it would bring! I take notice of the beauty around me when I take Henry for his walks in my neighborhood.
    I pray you are well physically, filled with energy and strength. I thank God for the encouragement you bring to me and so many others. God bless you, dear friend and sister in Christ! 🙏💕🐾

    Reply

    1. Good morning sweet Cindy! Thank you for your precious words, prayers, and friendship!
      I giggled at the Take a hike (get outta here!) comment because that’s exactly what I thought when I started typing it, giggling 🤭.
      It’s so wonderful to notice all of God’s beauty~ and I’ve had to make sure many paths are paved by dirt, gravel, and grass to keep me more grounded! Although the concrete paths do keep me a bit more stable now lol!
      God bless you and Henry sweet friend. Thank you for the encouragement you give too! Finn and I love you 2!❤️🐾💚🙏

      Reply

  25. Lovely photos. Hope you have a sweet Thansgiving!

    I recently re-watched the movie “A Walk In The Woods” so decided to re-read the book by Bill Bryson. I’ll most likely never hike the Appalacian Trail, but it’s fun to read about it.

    Sending on love and healing energy.

    Love, katelon

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Katelon! I wish you a great season too!

      Isn’t that book and movie the best? I giggle so much. And admire their motivation and understand their “why”! I’d love to hike there too!

      Love and peace to you. I appreciate you!💚🙏

      Reply

    1. Aww. I love you, Jennie. My best to you, precious friend. You’ve brought such joy and memories to my life through our collaboration. I’m so thankful! Enjoy this week and may it be filled with abundant blessings, fun, and memories!♥️❤️💚🦃💕

      Reply

      1. I love you, too, Karla. You are a dear friend, indeed. We will always be connected. Enjoy the beautiful autumn season, and Happy Thanksgiving to you! 💕 😍 ❤️ 🦃

    1. It’s all good, brother. I’ve loved the love, learning, lessons…the best? It’s grown my communion with Christ in ways that perfect trails can’t!
      You have been an example of faith, love, and kindness through your journey. I’m so blessed we’re here together!
      I appreciate you, Matt.

      Reply

  28. You remind me to be thankful for tears and trails that lead me closer to Jesus. God bless you, dear sister. Stay firm in faith, that assurance of things hoped for, that conviction of things unseen. Your faith, that gift of God to you, is a shining light. 🙏✝️❤️🥰

    Reply

    1. Thank you, precious Dora. I was thinking of you yesterday morning~ sitting with a poem and praying for all your body battles, and has for years. Also, about your faith and walk through it all!
      I’m thankful for you. God bless you, dear sister. I love you. ♥️❤️🙏💚💕 May this week of Thanksgiving be filled with abundant blessings!

      Reply

  30. Dear Sis KL,

    So good to hear your voice, see your smiling face, share in your adventures, and imagine your hike with Jesus! I’ve had recent difficulty pressing words, but I carry you with me in my heart and prayers. Every day. I love you, beautiful sister friend!

    🩵
    CL

    Reply

    1. Dear CL, I’m sorry about the difficulty pressing words and my friend, I understand. I’ve been in the boat with you. BUT GOD! He knows our hearts and the words that beat for him and others.
      I carry you with my in heart and prayers. Thinking of you and your newfound “everything”. To know you is to love you! Those, including all the precious students, that are blessed to be around you reap the harvest of your love! I love you CL!
      ❤️❤️❤️

      Reply
  31. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    Karla this is so wonderul, honest, brave, and full of the kind of faith that shines even in the hardest valleys. The strongest journeys aren’t always on mountain peaks but in the quiet, unseen hills of the heart.

    I’m holding you close in prayer, asking the Lord to pour strength into your days, steady comfort into your steps, and fresh hope into your healing. May He continue to meet you gently on every path, in every valley, and in every breath.

    Your “thanks-living” inspires.
    One day, we will run those Heavenly trails together.
    God’s Continued Blessings to you, today and always…

    Reply

    1. Willie, you’re a precious brother. Your words are pure and heartfelt, always.
      Thank you for being you! Your wisdom and walk inspire me!
      I’m holding you close in prayer right now~ and you and your family are in my heart and thoughts. You are loved! 🙏♥️

      Reply

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