A woman of faith and flannel~Christ follower, Mom, Grandma, dog-lover, nature nerd, and former educator. I haven’t always lived by the guidelines of “fine print”~but nevertheless, have stretched my muscles well through the climbing out of valleys and ascending and descending the mountaintops (physically, spiritually, and emotionally). Through these journeys life has proven only redeemable with faith. Having had a taste of the R.V. life, I crave simplicity and long for the roads less-traveled (as long as they lead back to what matters most~family).
Living liberated is a beautiful thing. I felt it’s cost, too, in the sticky summer air. Suddenly, while standing on the bridge at Wilson’s Creek Battlefield, a huge flock of birds started swooping and swirling around Finley and I. It was incredibly powerful, yet peaceful. The atmosphere was stifling–it was a heavy quiet before a summer storm. Perhaps like the air on that August dayin 1861 where multitudes surrendered everything for freedom.
Freedom. Liberty.Desired by all.
The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. Plainly, the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of liberty.
Abraham Lincoln
The Freedom to Live
“I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other.” Harriet Tubman
The “freedom to live” is classified as a fundamental right in the United States, associated with other liberties such as freedom and the pursuit of happiness.1The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws“.
“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” — Stephen R. Covey
The Freedom to Prosper
Order without liberty and liberty without order are equally destructive.
Freedom is a gift, but unequal opportunities and economic fluctuations keep us facing hard realities. True security requires watching those in power and fiercely defending our liberties. Where power is chased we must guard the very pillars of our democracy!
How do I balance being a responsible and productive citizen with my top priority? My sole purpose for existence?
My Freedom to Let Go–Live Surrendered
Being emancipated and freed from the world is true liberty. There was a time my freedom “choices” were not interwined with His character. Jesus proclaimed that He came to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18). The New Testament teaches that faith in Christ frees individuals from the penalty and power of sin. I’m not burdened by fear or religious legalism. When I left my own personal prison and entered a conscious and deep personal union with Christ, I experienced true freedom. My soul found healing. His grace is limitless. My true self and identity are found only in Him. Surrendering my rights allows me to walk in His will.
K.L. Hale
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (ESV)
“The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight.”
C.S. Lewis
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
When the weight of the world is heavy, like the summer air, I remember my ultimate citizenship isn’t tied to the USA flag I love so much. It belongs to a Kingdom that never crumbles or shakes–and I love that more! My primary allegiance belongs to God. “Fixing humanity” is a heavy burden, friends. It can’t happen. I’m “free” to care about the world–I must LOVE God and OTHERS. Politics will shift power–only Christ will shift hearts. I’m resting in the fact that He is on the throne. I surrender. I’m free. I’m living …liberated.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”. Galatians 5:13
Do you know how loved you are? Have hope-keep the faith! ❣️
As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it’s a beautiful season to pause, ponder, and practice gratitude for the freedom we share. Our family shares a deep appreciation for those who serve and protect these lands—from the rugged, snow-capped peaks of Alaska to the quiet, winding trails right here in our own neck of the woods. Celebrating America’s 250th birthday isn’t just about looking back at history; it’s about looking forward with a foundation of faith. It’s about cultivating a community that holds onto hope, values unity, and anchors itself in truth, even when the winds of division blow. How can we keep America beautiful…together? ❣️
The following podcast was recorded yesterday, June 10th.
Join K.L. as she shares her blog post via her podcast. As we inch closer to celebrating America's 250th birthday, K.L. shares about the song, "America the Beautiful", and her thoughts about our country and the freedom we have.
What makes America beautiful to you? Do you feel we are really ONE NATION…AND under God? Will divisions keep us divided? How do we KNOW the truth?
Whatever MIGHT divide us doesn't have to override our faith and belief in ONE NATION—despite opinions or differences.
Find faith, keep it. Have hope, friends. You are loved.
As we ponder what makes America beautiful and lean into the hope of our upcoming 250th milestone, I’ve created a special collection of keepsake t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, stickers, and mugs to honor the journey. Take a piece of the celebration home! Find faith! Keep the hope! YOU ARE LOVED ❣️
Finley River Collection is thrilled to introduce new keepsakes for America’s celebration!
The journey to June came swiftly! “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise!” If you’re from my neck of the woods, you’ve heard this phrase a time or two. I might make plans–but I’m not in ultimate control. Especially when the heavy humidity rolls in and sudden storms start brewing. I was reminded of this in a deeply personal way Sunday. Literally the creek rose and plans shifted!
How will I continue my practices and patterns of peace & savoring our Savior during seasonal shifts?
☀️Dawn Devotions
My new morning meditations include singing! Grounding myself in the truth of God’s Word, readings, quotes, and repeated truths promote my peaceful posture! Some mornings are much harder depending on my evening rest. But I don’t waiver from this WAY. My mornings aren’t the same without this (and a cup of coffee!☺️)!
🌳Shaded Stillness
When I’m sheltered by the shade I can enjoy nature and let HIS stillness strengthen me.
“Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.” Isaiah 32:2
🙏🏻Porch Prayers
“I like to sit on the front porch of an old cabin I built in the woods and just listen to the birds.” — Johnny Cash
When the air is heavy (thank you humidity), I’ll pause and pray on the porch for someone with a heavy heart! Front or back porch? Which do you have have?
“If I’m going to have to sit on the back porch and watch life pass by, I won’t pass up the opportunity for prayer and praise!” -K.L. Hale
❣️Breathing Blessings
As I practice deep breathing (and hopefully my last month needing extra oxygen!) I’ll breathe in DEEPLY ALL my blessings and breathe out the burdens! Let’s take a deep breath together, friends!
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. – Marcus Aurelius
💧Soul Sipping
I’m being more intentional at staying hydrated! On the sweltering days I’m going to intentionally “quench” on His promises when I fill my glass of water! Each time I reach for a drink, I’m going to practice letting His living waters wash away the heat of the day’s worries!
How is your journey? Are you walking in rain? Experiencing a drought? Sheltered in a storm? Basking in the sun? Even when the atmosphere feels thick and life gets busy, we can anchor our NEW hearts IN HIM. Surrender, submit, savor, and be satisifed! Oh, what a summer it can be! Happy June, dear friends.
Find faith.Practice your peace.Fall INTO Him.You are loved. ❣️
It seems like forever ago since I’ve written in my journal. Despite the nagging elbow/arm pain my soul was uncluttered enough to write several pages/thoughts to create “Journey into June”. Like the rain we’ve had, thoughts fell hard and fast. If you know me, I embrace change.I’ve learned to accept what won’t change–my repeated practices and patterns of peace are 2nd nature now. Because of Christ! However, I have to surrender my OWN agenda. This world will continue to offer chaos for FREE if anyone is interested! Just turn on the news, stay focused on media, and offer opinions to that which doesn’t matter! Soon, you’ll find patterns that refuse to promote peace. Particularly the peace that only God gives. As I journey into June, looking forward to a grand’s birthday, an anniversary celebration, and Father’s Day, I’m reminded that EACH day belongs to a greater power than little ol’ me. But WITH my Heavenly Father, I have the strength to share with you. If you are practicing being “present”, particularly in the Holy Spirit, you understand why my seasons are quieter. Lessening the world noise to focus on what matters most is essential to a healthy soul–and body. May your June be a re-set and a wonderful time of faith, fun, family, & friends. I pray the the presence of God is real in your heart. Much love to all of you~Finley & I.
We don’t wait for our car engine to seize before checking the oil, yet so often, we wait until our bodies are exhausted and our spirits are dry before we think about care. Real…
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