My favorite holiday ended with leftovers of love, lessons, and learning. December, you rushed in like the unexpected cold front! Soft falling snow summoned my SURRENDER of SELF. December, what I love most about you is the anticipation in the waiting.
Jesus, without complacency, I long to WAIT WELL.
My soul was warmed by the glow of the hope candle on our first Advent Sunday.
Peace, beyond human understanding, possessed me.
HEAVENLY HOPE! HOPE has a NAME! JESUS! Do you know he wants you to have HOPE for ETERNITY?
Are you living IN WAIT of the next holiday? Fad? Outfit?Vacation? Paycheck? Clean bill of health?
My journey of “waiting” began years ago. It is just like the joyful anticipation of a mother for her little ones. Resembles graceful frolic of a majestic deer and buck with their doe. Mirrors the captivating colors in a rainbow after the storm! Yet, the purpose of that wait has transformed, much like the changing seasons. As I WAIT WELL to celebrate Jesus and his glorious return, I will embrace my countless blessings.
HOW DO I WAIT WELL?
I’ll be prepared-NOT panicked. It’s not lame of me to lament this broken world. I will practice generous love while protecting my heart. Scripture and devotions will be dosed daily. Each day I’ll live with an endearing expectation of his return! I’ll walk in wisdom with others living THE WAY. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit will keep me harnessed in HOPE.
Jesus, I’ll wait in anticipation with expectation.
Active Waiting.
Active Listening.
Active Obedience.
Waiting Well.
What are you waiting for?
Have HOPE, precious friends. Keep the faith. YOU ARE LOVED. 💚
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Writer—Flannel with Faith, K.L. Hale
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Hi Karla! December really does have a feel of hope and love and gratitude. It’s Christmas, the birth of Christ. Easter is supposed to be more important, but I still feel his birth is most important. It fills me with joy, hope, and wonder. Maybe that’s the preschool teacher in me. Honestly, I think God has given me the understanding and vision in my life, and that has become a big part of me, and therefore I naturally spread that to my preschoolers. Make sense?
Jennie, my heart is happy seeing your name and reading your words!
It makes perfect sense!! Your understanding, vision, and wisdom has been touching tiny humans hearts for years and years! What an inspiration!
I love this season, Jennie. I miss not being around kids and planning our Zeb and Ms. Gloria adventures ~ but it’s ALL ok. Our hope won’t falter!
I hope you feel my love and hugs! I appreciate you!❤️♥️🌲🙏💚
Thank you, Karla! Your words are always inspiring and heartfelt. Give Zeb a giant hug and stay well, my friend. 😍
You’re welcome, precious Jennie! I gave Zeb a hug (and Finley too!). Now, give yourself one from me! Take care please!🤗❤️❣️🦓
You are welcome, and I will do! 😍
Waiting. “I waited for the Lord on high, and He heard my cry.” Time and time again this has been the story. Our God is never late for those who wait. And He is never early, either. His timing, and often not my timing, is always perfect. And for those who learn to wait, His peace is always perfect, too.
Waiting in hope. What a gift it is to have hope. That gift is magnified in our waiting, for the waiting only sharpens our hope. The world was waiting, even groaning with little hope when Messiah came. And just at the right time. He came, setting into motion a great restoration of all creation unto His Father. Therein is our great hope!
While we wait for that restoration to be completed, our hope is continually sharpened. When I was new in my faith, my hope was quite selfish – I hoped for my way to heaven to be secured. Over time that hope has been sharpened into a hope for His glory to be revealed, His creation restored. I hope for the triumph of truth, love, goodness, justice, and grace over the forces of deception, hatred, wickedness, injustice, and hopelessness to be complete. I know it will be so. I am willing to wait for it.
Mostly, I wait for Him. He is present within me at all times now, and that is amazing. Glorious, really. Yet when He comes…Oh, when He comes!
What more could we hope for?
As always, great post, great writing, Karla. God bless us, everyone!
Rascal (and Tim, too)
Rascal, you’re an amazing writer like your Pop and I thank you both so much!
Psalm 40:1. I wait patiently. (Insert years of some impatience?)…. he inclined to me and heard my cries (insert YEARS)! HE was always there at every walk in my faith, Tim.
From the “service-minded, uh oh, I’ve failed and must keep trying HARDER” (what’s wrong with me phase) to the complete and utter relief of surrendering…, ironically, through suffering! You can’t script it. Suffering is a gift.
The groaning in hope….then and now. My own groaning… to remembering the words of Elisabeth Elliot when she said, “Suffering and love are inextricably linked, as God’s love for His people is evidenced in His sending Jesus to carry our sins, griefs, and sufferings on the cross…so that we would not be required to carry it.”
How can I not wait in wonder, with love, hope, and victory? Our precious Savior born in the lowest of low places, turning our world upside down in walking with love and justice. Perfect timing. His birth, his death…😭
I’m waiting wall right now and I feel hope magnified even more, Tim! I’m willing to wait even longer…I’m suffering or good health, no matter what!
Yes, what more could we hope for?
Do you know how much Finn and I appreciate you two?!? God bless you. Thank you for walking this journey home with us!
Prepared-not panicked. Thank you, sweet friend. Thankful for you!
I’m thankful for you, Kelley! Sending love and hugs, sweet friend!
You will wait well Karla because everything you do you do well. Hope you enjoyed those Thanksgiving dinner leftovers. They’re the best part I think.
I know you will love the anticipation of Christmas coming and all it means to you. And then the anticipation of a new year. Lots to look forward to Karla. You have come so far, I pray your journey will surpass your dearest dreams.
Give sweet Miss Finley belly rubs and ear massages from me. Stay as well as you can dear friend. Sending my prayers and love and positive wishes. Hope your family is well and happy.
ginger🦋. 🙏🏻🦓❤️💗
Oh precious Ginger, let me start my list of failures and things I don’t do well for you! You’re too partial ;)!!
I thought of you both at Thanksgiving and praying health and recoveries are still well.
Circumstances have kept me from being here consistently, but I hold you in my heart and prayers.
I thank God continuously for coming this far~ I have a long ways to go and more to learn! Yay!
In the midst of daily challenges, or the days that things aren’t as challenging, I hold a posture of gratitude. 🙏 I get tears just thinking about …thankfulness! The beauty and mystery in the unknowns ~ where faith comes natural to me now!
I can’t imagine NOT having this journey. I dream big because we have a big God!
Finn loves the belly rubs and ear massages. She REALLY needs a bath and attention and I’ll spoil her soon in warm water and snuggles.
The family is hanging in there, Ginger. Circumstances creep in unexpectedly, but we come out on the other side with more gratitude!
Finn and I love you! 💕 🙏💚💕🥰🎄🌲 I pray for you both and wish you a wonderful…everything!
Waiting is part of learning and growing. Faith is beautiful and so are you my friend ❤️
How beautiful dear friend. Thank you so much ❤️🙏❤️
Absolutely beautiful. We’ve been told our God is never in a hurry. When called to wait, the quality of the wait should be ‘well done’. Beautiful post
Thank you, dear friend. Praise God for his continuous presence in my “pace”! God bless you, Brenda. I appreciate you!
i know you had a great harvest for thanksgiving and I know you’ll have an even better harvest for next thanksgiving. but for now, i hope you enjoy this beautiful holiday season! Mike
Thank you, Mike! I pray your harvest has been plentiful too! Happy December my friend.
I have hope that your wait will be well worth it. And I also hope you’ll enjoy a beautiful Christmas season.
Thank you, Tippy! I hope that same for you and yours! I think I’m about 13-14 chapters behind on your blog~ but gained ground in your book!
Fascinating!
I’m grateful for your encouragement and friendship!
I happily cede all the ground that you’ve gained. Take care. 🙂
You too!!!! ☺️
Karla, you have discovered the secret of being brave: to walk forward toward what comes next with love and trust. I truly admire your courage and grace, my friend. Christ is with you…and so are we all.
I’m so happy to “see” you, my friend. Your words touch my heart.
God did not give us a spirit of fear. That love and trust is just the way I live now. Isn’t it liberating to find freedom in Christ in every way through surrender?
I hope and pray you are well. Your journey is supported by us too!
Thank you so much, dear friend. God bless you!🙏
A great post for Advent! Waiting comes in many forms as you have shared. Alway hang on to hope! Keep on trusting and fill each day with love! You are a wonderful example of waiting well, Karla. Wishing you all the blessings of love and family this Christmas Season.
Dwight, thank you, dear friend! I always appreciate your wise and encouraging words!
You’re thoughtful and kind. I wish you all the same blessings this season! God bless you!💚🙏
Thank you so much, my dear friend!
It’s my blessing, Dwight!
You have certainly learned the gift of waiting with joy, my sweet friend! ❤️
Love you, girl and your tender, wise heart!!!
Thank you precious C! You’re a dear and thoughtful friend. You’ve been such a gift in my waiting. Our laughs and silly shenanigans reminds me of the LAUGHTER JESUS desires from us! He wants us to have joy! It’s our choice and he will supply it if we surrender it all! Also, I appreciate our times of sharing our hearts, worries, and struggles. I love you dear friend–you wisdom and words lift my life! ❣️❤️💚🤗
Karla you look luminous in your photo! Almost like the divine light is pouring from every pore! Met with the warriors tonight – so much tragedy in this world… But the warriors are holding your spirit in prayer. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕💕💕
Val, that’s so sweet to say! It could be the filter ;-). But truly, the light of the Lord is my source of joy and…everything!
I’m SO sad about the MANY LIVES lost in SO Asia. My HEART HURTS!!! The fire in Hong Kong…the broken and hurting up the street…in our country. It’s a lot to lament about. We serve a God that doesn’t want our prayers to be “sanitized”. I’m writing about grief and I think often of King David. He went from praising to meltdowns! Over 40% of our Psalms is about Lamenting and the prayer warriors understand that the only remedy is communicating our desires for others in prayer!
Truly, I’m here because somebody (MANY MANY) prayed. God says he’s not done with me. It’s humbling to keep praying for me. But there are WAY MORE that need it! I’m SO GRATEFUL.
I’m sending a huge group hug to you all. And love to you and Mochi from Finn and I. I appreciate you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻❣️❣️❣️
Thank you for this heart-warming message. The way you describe the journey of waiting feels peaceful and full of growing confidence. Each line carries a gentle touch that helps us feel the joy of waiting for something far greater than this world. Your spirit inspires us to keep moving forward with calm assurance.
Sometimes waiting brings long silence, but in that quiet space our hearts learn to hear God more clearly. There is hidden strength when we keep walking even without knowing what is ahead. Waiting is not stopping — it is growing in love and trust that His timing is always perfect.
You beautifully remind us that every struggle carries light leading us to His eternal promise. Please continue sharing encouragement like this, because many hearts need the hope you now hold. May every desire of your heart be fulfilled at the most perfect time. Thank you for being a voice of hope for many.
Livora, you are so kind and sweet. When I read your words yesterday, I share similar sentiments about your spirit and voice! For that, I’m grateful for our connection this side of glory!
I appreciate your kind words and wisdom, my friend.
“Sometimes wiating brings long silence, but in that quiet space our hearts learn to hear God more clearly.” AMEN! Livora, I’ve challenged myself in quiet. Well, it’s not much of a challenge anymore as I live with just my puppy. My cell phone usage dropped by 20% in comparison to last week. I’ve had two days of NO TV. I LONG for silence and it’s amazing how much clarity is gained by not trying to stay “up to date” with the world; but through existing and breathing in the Spirit. Even completing tasks with purpose and peace. No noise.
Just…peace.
I love you, Livora. Thank you for being you. I’ll join you in continuing to be a voice of hope. ❣️❣️🙏🏻
Your words always make the journey feel lighter. I’m grateful for your heart and the peace you carry into this space. Thank you for waiting in hope with me. God’s timing is tender and sure — may we keep trusting Him together. 🌟
Hope is something we all need.
Amen, Sadje. Sending you love and hugs, sweet friend.
Thank you so much Karla
A very beautiful thing you taught me Karla, to Hope well. I’ll never forget that moment you spoke in that interview to ‘let go, and trust in Jesus’. I truly did not understand it properly. And it opened a light. Thank you kind lady. You have delivered another from ho humming along to bouncing along that path. Hope does indeed have a name. Again thank you 🤗❤️🙏
I ‘Hope’ all is well for you, Finn and family. The winter wonders are opening in its white sparkle, excitement expanding, and love singing from every room. It is an exciting time 🤣❤️
Big, big hugs from down under, and sent by courier. I in fact had a delightful visitor in the lake next to me with a baby dolphin playing with a fish. Ok, I think it was a bit more determined than playing…probably lunch 🤣
Lots of love to you, and I hope you are all well to celebrate a very loving birth. Of Him, us, and the very nature of love all around. Take care my friend and I pray Hope hugs you all. God bless, and take care 🤗🥰🎄❤️🙏🦌❤️🙏🤣🛵🎄🐾🦓🎶☃️🐾🦓❤️🙏🥾🐾☃️🐾🦓❤️🙏🎶🦢🦋🕊️🐬🕊☃️🐾🦓🎄🦌☃️🐾🦓🐳❤️🙏
What a kind and thoughtful message, Mark–you teach me as well, my friend. Isn’t that really why we’re here? To love God, one another, and support one another’s journeys!
Life is lessons. I love that God EXPECTS us to be messy. He wants us to give it ALL to him.
My walk and faith aren’t “sanitized” by me. They’re made ONLY clean by HIM. I’m a mess alone! But I do KNOW HE wants me to SURRENDER it all to him.
HOPE! It’s always there because I can’t COUNT the ways HE’S blessed me over and over. To lose hope would prove that I’m truly not walking in THE WAY. There’s my opened light, Mark. I won’t waste everything HE did and sacrificed so I don’t have to stay separted from my Creator! I know you know this too!
All is well with Finn and I. Like everyone, we have our day to day circumstances and things that “pop” up. I’m not panicking–I’m prepared. I’m getting to where NOTHING surprises me in this world! And I’m NEVER surprised at how our Savior works it all out for HIS glory and my good!
I wish I could SEE the little baby dolphin…bye bye little fish–ah, the circle of life. And life in the deep blue continues–more dolphins, more fish…
I know what you wish (not fish) …MORE CHOCOLATE!
Lots of love to you from Finn and me. We appreciate your unwavering support these years! Please take care and I pray that all continues well with you!! God bless you! ❣️💚❤️🦓🐾🙏🏻🤗🐬🐬
Mark, the emoji’s! I love them!
Thank you for your lovely reply. I’m still transfixed by what you helped me to see properly. It’s almost like walking all your life…and you begin to fly. Ooh, do we get wings? 🤣❤️
This world ever amazes me Karla, the instant we ‘see and understand’ something…everything changes. Some small, some super dooper. And it always amazes what you can then see forward and backward because of that 🤗❤️
Had to light up my chatter with a bit of color, its Christmas, the birth of lots of light. And the more I add the merrier 🤗🥰😂❤️
Big hugs, much love and light to you guys. And lots of color as you celebrate that beauty we are in 🤗🥰🎄❤️🙏🦌🤣🎄🐾🦓🎶☃️❤️🙏☃️🐾❤️🙏🎶🦢🦋🕊️🐬🕊☃️🦓🎄🦌☃️🐾🐳❤️🙏
Awwwwww….walking to flying! Thank you, God!!
This world IS amazing, Mark! You’re a gift!
We need the color at Christmas for sure–the more, the merrier indeed!
Big hugs and love!!! ❣️🐬💚❤️🙏🏻🦓🐾🌲❄️🎄🎁
I’m hoping and waiting…as well as I can in this season I’m in 🙃
I took a detour and got lost. So thankful for His patience and Grace, and for helping me to get back on the right path.
Your posts are medicine for the soul Karla. God Bless 🙏❤️❄️
Precious Linda, I understand my friend. Oh, the detours. I join you in gratitude and grace!
Your words touched my heart. Thank you, sweet sister. God bless you and keep you. Much love, Karla❣️🙏🏻❣️💚
Advent is one of my favorite seasons — I like the fact that “hope” translates as “anticipation” and anticipation is about what we do. not know yet — not belief but trust. A bit “radical” in this day and age, but…. and my “cling to verses in the Bible tend to involve hope: “They who wait upon the Lord (patient hope) will rise up on wings like eagles, they shall walk, run, fly… and not faint”. “Now these things will remain (even when all else ends) faith, hope and love, and the greatest is love (but hope and faith are pretty good too — haha). And finally, though not a scripture per se, Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the thing with feathers” — one of my all time favorites. Here is sending you the anticipation of the season, and the hope in “what we can not yet see, but one day shall be revealed”.
Jane, what a beautiful message and wise words!
I love the verses you quoted~and Emily Dickinson’s quote, too. I’ve often thought of that one.
That trust you write about like you, the clinging to hope and scripture about it is the only truth in which I can cling; particularly in these days and times.
Thank you, Jane, for supporting me and sharing your beautiful message.
I’ll stand with you in trust and hope. May this Advent season be filled with moments of silent joy, peace, and continued hope. I appreciate you. Love, Karla ❤️
You realize the energy (good) you give out is a 10 on the excitement level Karla…even though waiting well. Maybe that’s the key. So much of God’s ways are the natural opposite of ours.
Amen! Thank you, Gary. It’s a beautiful silent excited anticipation. There’s nothing that compares to the wait of our Savior. Isn’t it amazing that God’s ways are so much higher? Through the sharp turns, decent drops, and even halts, he keeps my heart anticipating with enthusiasm.
God bless you and yours, dear friend.🙏🙏🙏
❤️
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Ah waiting in hope. That is what gets me through this month – that and your wonderful love-filled, faith-filled, trust filled words!! I will be honest – this is a difficult time of year for me – the busiest most frenetic time of year at work – where one mistake can incur huge monetary expense, and the loneliest time of year for me as I feel the absence of family – indeed- the absence of meaningful connections I can actually hold on to, and the absence of belonging in my life. Attending church is a feat of courage as I enter and depart alone – although I know I am not – it is hard not to envy the families and couples gathered together and the joy therein.
Still – I wait with hope – knowing that this is but a season – and there is always light – even if I have to bring it!!
Prayers and blessings to you, Karla. Thank you for being a light in my life. Love to you!
Erika, your open heart and authenticity are a breath of fresh air. Dear friend, I’m sorry for the loneliness.
The feelings you described is exactly how I’ve felt at times. Some I still feel.
I wish I lived closer to you–often when I think of you and other mountain friends like Martha (she lives alone with two amazing dogs in a beautiful little community), I wish I could be out there–to be a friend, to walk and hike with, enjoy nature, …with you-to share of our communions with Christ and why we can walk in the New Convenant way. That meaningful connection.
We have a small women’s fire group that is co-hosted by a friend and me. How I wish you could be there.
I wait in hope with you, dear sister. You’ve always inspired me–through all you’ve been through –your ministry, sweet, yet so strong spirit, the wisdom…
YOU DO bring the light to me. I’m writing about grief–I’m not for sure when I’ll publish it, but it’s one you will understand and could add to.
I hope you feel my warm love and hugs! You’re a gift. I love you!
Karla, I love this message of hope! “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.” Because of Christ birth, we have the hope that He will return! And He will because His Word is true!
His grace has covered your waiting. Sending prayers and love my sweet friend ❤️🙏🏻❤️🎄🙏🏻
Oh, Pam…I’m so happy to see you! I saw your article and you KNOW how I feel about the Cottage at Christmas (well, any time of the year!!). I was having technical difficulties that day.
Thank YOU for your precious message–even more, the love, prayers, and support you always provide. It’s such a blessing! I’m so happy we can stand together on the “hope that is built on nothing less!” I’m singing that right now.
“His grace has covered your waiting”–so beautiful. Sending you love and prayers, precious Pam.❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻🎶🎶
Karla, This is a great post with a timeless message! I love this: “As I WAIT WELL to celebrate Jesus and his glorious return, I will embrace my countless blessings.”
I, too, await His glorious return! Come, Jesus, Come!
Henry and I send our love and prayers to you and Finn! 🙏💕🐾
I love your stunning photos. I hope you have a healthy, comforting holiday season.
Love, katelon
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Thank you, sister. God bless you ❤️🙏♥️
Wait well. I love that. I’m with you – adopting your resolve to wait well. Thank you, my dear sister.
You are precious, Mama M. I’m so happy we’re walking and waiting together. It’s my blessing to share. Thank you for being a light! 🙏💚🙏
The happiest of holidays to you dear friend! I’ve been MIA for a bit dealing with lots of external relational drama. Trying to decide if I want to go out for an adventure today or cozy up inside and lay low. Praying for wisdom/discernment and giving God my day as an offering. Needing Him to lead my footsteps! 🙌 ❤️🙏 Hope you have a great day!
I love your heart and authenticity, sweet friend.
There’s hope in your message~ I’m so sorry for the situation you’re facing.
I understand completely.
It’s precious you stopped by! Your walk of faith, wisdom in prayer as you go through trials, and offering everything to him are evidence of your communion with Christ!
May he continue leading you and yours!
I just prayed for you, my friend! I’m sorry I’m not here more often. I appreciate you so much. Have a wonderful day too!💚🙏♥️🥰❤️🙏
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I’m not always a patient waiter
I understand! Thank you for sharing and supporting me! ❤️
Karla, this is beautiful and so full of Jesus.
Your heart for waiting well encourages me deeply.
Thank you for pointing us back to hope, peace, and His return. I really needed this message…
You Are Dearly Loved, Dear Sister. 💚🙏
Oh, Willie, thank you, brother, for your kind words and affirmation.
I give ALL glory to GOD!
You are so loved too!!
Blessings and love to you and yours! 💚🙏🏻💚