February 2026 - Flannel with Faith

Passionate Patterns

Posted on February 24, 2026February 24, 2026 by K.L. Hale — 57 Comments

3–5 minutes

The Olympics ended, and self-discipline was definitely at the forefront of my mind! The dedication, willpower, hard work, and perseverance were a must for these athletes! Is self-discipline achieved through sheer effort, or is it the result of passionate patterns? Self-discipline? Hard work? Faith?

This question lingered as I reflected on the rhythms of my own life. A friend and I discussed our faith walks through the patterns we choose. Years ago, I started to lose momentum, but recognizing these patterns, both good and bad, helps me realign my life. Through the lens of faith, I’ve come to see how habits patterns and spiritual practices interact, shaping my journey and life IN Christ.

What’s faith got to do with it?

“How do you stay HOPEFUL?” I’m asked this often. My hope comes from Christ! He understands my messy human nature and has seen me break bad habits. I’m thankful that God knows my limitations. With Christ in me, I find strength! What patterns bring peace and harness His power?

My PASSION for Christ is what creates more consistent patterns-faith is the fuel! K.L. Hale

What defines your passions? Hobbies? Health? Career? Productivity? Finances? Emotions? Do your patterns promote peace and intimacy in Christ? Or CHAOS?

Prepared for battle? Prepared for pattern!

KL.’s Positive & Passionate Patterns

Do you feel resilient in this topsy turvy ever-changing world of circumstances & situations? How do you practice perseverance? Are you resilent? I am currently reading books by Pioneers of faith that walked YEARS ago who inspire me (thank you, Tim, for these amazing true stories). Have you ever heard of Darlene Diebler Rose or John and Betty Stam? You will soon learn from future articles! Are you familiar with Corrie Ten Boom and/or Elisabeth Elliot? “God, give me faith like that!”

“Complete surrender and “death to self” creates space for peaceful and positive patterns. Through faith, these patterns become natural, allowing us to use the power God instilled in us.” K.L. Hale

Pattern Disruptions~ what happens when we’re disrupted?

Life has a way of disrupting PATTERNS. Some of us PRACTICE THE WRONG PATTERNS (remember a few years ago when I wrote about Ruminating over the Ruins?). How can we delete, deter, or dissolve these distractions?

***Note—detachment doesn’t mean to hide away or wish the “rest of the world” to go away! I understand how this feels, though! How can we reach a world if we detach ourselves completely from PEOPLE? However, there MUST be a balance. Even Jesus needed time alone with his Father!***

Distractions will dismantle faith! The natural pattern of pausing, praying, praising, and persevering provides POWER to detach from the world. K.L. Hale

Friends, I am a “work in progress“! My personal growth and intimacy with my Creator will grow MORE if my patterns match my only pursuit—living IN and FOR Christ. Do you REALLY know how loved you are? I’ll never stop sharing!

Dear family/friends/readers–I began this article two days ago. This morning, as I began preparing to post and read, I learned of a tragedy that occured in the Ozarks. When the alert went out last night, I didn’t realize the severity of the situation unfolding. Deputy Gabriel Rameriz was shot and killed before 4 pm last night after a traffic stop. The suspect escaped and a 9 hour manhunt ended with Deputy Michael Hislope being shot and killed while trying to help rescue two other officers who had been wounded by gunfire. The suspect was shot and killed in the wooded area where he began this travesty. My heart and prayers sincerely go out to the families of these men who proudly served our country (both served in the U.S. Army before joining the Sheriff’s office❤️🤍💙).To the men who are injured and still serving, we are surrounding you and your loved ones, department, and communities in love and prayers. I can’t even begin to understand their loss. I could pray 24/7 and still not include all that needs to be shared with our Creator. When I go quiet on WP you know it’s because I’m prepared for patterns as those around me have to go to battle. I’ll stand for good and the promises that only our Creator can keep. May He be with us all. God bless you, my friends. ❣️🙏🏻

Don’t lose hope! Find faith!❣️

Love & Leadership

Posted on February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 by K.L. Hale — 56 Comments

Established in 1879, today marks the 147th anniversary of Presidents’ Day. George Washington was orginally honored on the day of his birthday. In 1971 the holiday was moved to the 3rd wekeend of February in between the birthdays of both Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Why would I include love with leadership? First, because I have a late Valentine’s Day card for all of you. Secondly, why wouldn’t leadership include love? Love and leadership. What a great combination!

Let’s talk about love!❣️

The last two weeks included time with my parents, a beautiful celebration of my amazing grandfather, and a quick trip to LOVE MORE with my family. Although physically tired, my soul and heart are energized by the love of Christ IN ME. He loves US ALL so much that He submitted to death in His human body for our FREEDOM. But this love requires… SURRENDER.

Time moved quicker than me. I couldn’t wait to see them. Within the hour the party would begin. Seeing her with her friends, the teacher, and other parents filled my heart. More time with my granddaughter, son, and daughter-in-love! This is what love is all about!

My old nature would say that this cancer has the “best of me”. Physical challenges, bowel and dietary issues, bone aches, and at times, unexplained pain. Why would I even attempt going?

I’ve been asked, “How do you keep going?”

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11

It’s the power that LIVES inside of me. It’s the sacrificial love and strength supplied by my comforter and gift from Christ-the Holy Spirit. I’m EMPTY of ME. An empty vessel filled with His love and strength.

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6:63

Let’s chat about leadership!

Standing before the Lincoln Memorial, I couldn’t help but think about the qualities that make a leader truly great—qualities that echo both in history and in my own life. Visiting this powerful monument with my dear friend Kerry, right before my major cancer surgery, remains a vivid memory. The experience was both humbling and grounding. In that moment, the significance of leadership took on a new, personal meaning for me. My Dad, sons, and I all share a love for history, and it’s not uncommon for me to “geek out” (as a dear friend says) on historical documentaries. Learning about the past—and discovering current individuals who contribute positively to society—reminds me how much leadership, in all its forms, can inspire us to grow and persevere.

To lead with love can be cahllenging! To some it might appear weak, but I’ve come to realize that showing compassion and patience requires far more strength than simply issuing commands. Jesus, being the greatest leader I know, led with love—never shying away from being among the messy, the unclean, the “outcasts.” His example challenges me daily to extend grace, to include others, and to serve without reservation. So, what does love have to do with it? EVERYTHING!