Today isn’t just about the trees and trails for me. I’ll always be in awe of this Earth and its miracles. The changing of the seasons-the brisk coolness to warmth, leafless branches to colorful fullness, and buds to blooms. In the Ozarks, just add more stones! But much BIGGER than my neck of the woods…
…the earth took on a whole new view for the crew of the Artemis II mission!
The amazing Artemis II Crew didn’t just see a planet; they saw a masterpiece that screams the presence of a Creator!
Divine Design
It’s my nature to want to BE in nature. My nature changed for the better when I made the decision to surrender to the Creator of our nature. Home CAN be heavenly if we choose to look outside the walls of our price-tagged stick and brick homes. Do we still live in AWE surrounded by man-made stuff?
I don’t want to WAIT for the future for the best when we have the choice to create heavenly homesNOW.
Have you experienced nature in a way that leaves you awestruck?
Let’s take care of our home–and even better, let’s take care of one another! That’s HEAVENLY!
FD02_for pao
This nighttime picture of Earth was taken on April 2, 2026, by an Artemis II crew member aiming a camera through a window of the Orion spacecraft. The image was captured after Orion completed its translunar injection burn, the critical maneuver that sent the spacecraft on its path toward the Moon and back It’s divine delight to views these photos in the link above!
Rooted Reverence
Have faith, my friends. 💚
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
I’m in awe of those facing challenges with faith. From cancer to chronic disease, celebrations to sappy moments, and joys to juggling daily tasks.
Each day brings the unexpected. Try as we might to create our OWN schedules, I’ve learned through surrendering to Christ, each day is filled exactly with what HE desires.
When we live by an hourly schedule–whether with work outside of home or in, hobbies, or tasks, it’s easy to think that we have control. We TRUST the things that man does and makes–from a rocket to a car, sitting in a chair to the technology we use. We live to expect that each day will go according to our plans.
What if we lived on this Earth ONLY putting the Creator’s desires first? How might our lives look? How might the lives of those around us change?
I’m quick to remember that all the things that go “ring” and “ding” won’t last. If it costs me my peace and abiding in Christ, it’s too expensive. If it’s a distraction of the divine and just a people-pleasing project, it won’t produce the right “fruit”.
May we remember that below the tree of life flows the living waters. I’m so thankful to hike, walk, float, and explore this Earth with all of you. This world can be even more heavenly if we would lift one another in prayer and blessings. Remember that YOU are a miracle. YOU are loved. 💚
After the April Anticipation announcement, much more prayer, plenty of planning, and a whole lot of perseverance, it’s such a blessing to “officially” open the virtual doors to the Finley River Collection. This isn’t just a shop; it’s my place of peace and passion–to imagine, create, and design. Hopefully, to bring a little more “flow” into your daily lives.
Why did I name this the Finley River Collection?
To celebrate the grand opening of the Finley River Collection, I’m pausing to remember the waters that raised me. This specific spot, Hawkins’ Ford Bridge, isn’t just a location on a map; it is a sanctuary where my love for the outdoors first took root. I’m re-sharing this post from six years ago because it’s the heartbeat behind every purposeful piece I create today.
From the very beginning, I wanted this collection to be more than just merchandise. I wanted to create Purposeful Pieces that act as gentle reminders of God’s grace, reminders of rare (diseases & humans!), and the love of the Great Outdoors!
Whether you are browsing our:
Terrific Totes (perfect for carrying your “Nana Things” or “Mom Things”),
Sturdy Stickers (shoutout to my “Zebra Strong” warriors!),
Faith-Filled Fashion & Cozy Clothing that feels like a warm hug,
…every item is an invitation to walk—and flow—by faith. You can explore every single piece right here at the Finley River Collection Store.
Policies and Peace of Mind
I know that “fine print” can sometimes feel cold and clinical, but I wanted ours to feel like a compassionate conversation. I’ve just finished polishing our Refund and Returns Policy. Because our items are custom-printed just for you, we handle things a little differently, but always with the goal of making sure your experience is as smooth as a calm current.
A Season of Strength
Launching this store in the same week I’m planning new cancer treatments and not feeling my floating self, my faith still flourishes. This will be a season of strength because I’m trusting the One who walks on water. Ripples are ahead. I’m sure there are low waters, too. At times, I’ll probably turn the canoe over (remember my bio?). No matter what, the Savior who is indwelling inside of me will keep me river ready! It is well with my soul, friends!
Is your faith flowing?Are you River Ready?
Please, come on in, stay a while, sit by the river and see what speaks to you. May your faith be firm, your joy be full, and your life flow like a river today!
Friends & family, your support—whether through a purchase, a prayer, or a simple post share & just being HERE—means more to me than words can weave together.
“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrow like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”
What do you anticipate for April? My March was a whirlwind of hallways, ‘non-existent’ airport gates, and a ‘March Madness’ that had nothing to do with basketball. April’s Anticipation isn’t just about waiting for the next scan, season, or stage of life—it’s about expecting God to show up in the middle of it all!
D.C., Bethesda, & the NCI/NIH
Our hats were off to the professional NONPAID/OVERWORKED TSA workers. Everything went smoothly in Springfield. Kindness and respect were sprinkled all around too! The weather, and even hailing a taxi at Reagan, proved to be without issues! The history hovering the Potomac hit me differently this time. The blooms of the cherry blossoms, sweet driver, and little construction made for a pleasant drive to Bethesda, MD.
Our stay at the hotel is a story on its own. With its loose and aging wallpaper, a broken elevator that added an adventure (we were on the 5th floor), and quirky lamps that had their own character, the experience was quite memorable! We joked that Gremlins had come to play tricks on us before our arrival. The front desk attendant later brought us a TV remote, proudly announcing, “It doesn’t have a back on it, but it has new batteries!” Even though we didn’t plan to watch it, it brought a smile to our faces! Later, I found it amusing when the shower handle was loose and spun around as I searched for the perfect setting to enjoy hot water. I thought of the young man who sweetly said, “On behalf of BLANK, I’d like to apologize for everything.”
After a day of scans and blood draws at the Institute, we learned that storms in the Midwest would delay our connecting flight. A missed flight was anticipated! After a LONG call with United, our flight was rerouted. One more sleep and we would head home!
March Madness
Our departure day was filled with big-hearted goodbyes and blessings to the AMAZING people at the hotel and NIH. Even the shuttle ride to the airport was light-hearted. My body was tired, but my spirits were high when I saw the security line moving quickly. We didn’t even have to show our boarding pass (this is an essential part of the story). With TIME TO SPARE we decided to find our gate first and then enjoy a lunch. FINDING the gate was a problem. MANY steps (with another worker helping us) proved wasted when we realized that there was NO GATE C-19! Did you know two airports serve D.C.?
There was NO TIME to spare as I anticipated missing our next flight. The 40-minute taxi ride to Dulles airport proved to be a MIRACLE! More lessons learned, as I have come to expect!
Although we anticipated long lines, we were pleasantly surprised by short and swift-moving lines at the correct airport. We made it to our gate on time for loading!
The plane landed in Dallas several hours later. With anticipated time on our hands, it was suggested by a kind worker to take the monorail to terminal D. There would more choices for food! By the time we finished our meal, notifications from United Airlines were “dinging”. Our NEXT flight was delayed and we would miss our connecting flight by 20 minutes. What would YOU anticipate at this time?
After a ride back to the terminal, and miles of steps, we met an angel by the name of Shennel. Our flights were changed again–but in a miraculous and amazing way (tears and hugs for Shennel included!)!
It wasn’t anticipated, but our DIRECT flight home was with a different airline. We landed an hour earlier than our original flight. Totally unexpected!
A City’s Anticipation
The anticipation of an overthrown government provided the energy the people needed! “Hosanna!” (“Save Us!” in Hebrew) The crowd in Jerusalem might have expected a king on a warhorse. Jesus entered on a donkey–a King of peace. He didn’t revolt. From the tears in the Garden, betrayel, to the brutal beating and the cross, he offered Himself as a sacrifice.
It’s a reminder that my own expectations of how a season ‘should’ go often pale in comparison to how God chooses to work miracles in the middle of a mess! As I anticipate the celebration of the cross and Jesus’ ascension, I’m reminded that even when the plan seems to fall apart, the Resurrection proves that God is the Master of the unexpecting ending. Simply, He is Risen, He is reigning, and He is right in the middle of it ALL.
The Latest Reroute
Althought the trip had many unanticipated situations (including a change from the ORIGINAL trip dates), things happened that I did anticipate–meeting amazing people and experiencing miraculous moments! Thank you, dear friend/sister Barbara, for accompanying me on the adventerous trip! I’m anticipating a wonderful April!
The recovery from the trip and skin cancer excision surgery has taken longer than expected. Several follow-up appointments have resulted in a change of flight schedules treatment plans. On Monday, I’ll visit the surgical oncologist to begin scheduling internal radiation. That late afternoon I’ll begin monthly injections.
I’m SO thankful the liver is stable. However, the bone and lymph node progression must be treated. The bone mets impact my quality of life in tremendous ways. I anticipate future new treatments and options. The doctors on my team are fabulous and caring!
My journey with this chronic cancer often feels like that long walk to find a non-existent gate C-19–tiring, confusing, and filled with wasted steps. EVERY DETOUR led me EXACTLY where I needed to be. When asked how I stay positive or joyful, you can anticipate this consistent answer–“I’ll never base my outlook on circumstances–it will be based on the power of Christ IN ME.” I’m not JUST anticipating that things will be better LATER… in Heaven. I’m living with the joy and power of TODAY. It doesn’t mean that I won’t feel sad or experience heartbreak, confusion, or other emotions. It’s the anticipation of going to the Garden and meeting a Savior who understands it ALL.
We are ALL battling chronic… LIFE. Do you anticipate a feeling of hope and faith? Do you live with a sense of renewal and the promise of a God who is by your side through it all? May you anticipate and experience an April filled with good health, peace, and hope!
Friends, you are SO LOVED. ❣️ Happy Resurrection Weekend!
K.L. Hale
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
