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! ❣️
Between the miles along Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, to the miles I’ve traveled in my journey, it’s easy for me to call this new month, “Milestone May!” Needless to say, the folks in my town have plenty of opportunities to celebrate this first weekend in May!
Yesterday’s “kick off” included a visit from the 3rd hour of the Today Show! It seems they enjoy Andy’s Custard as much as us folks in S.W. Missouri! Between concerts, car shows, and celebrities, this month is off to a great kick start!
In the heart of downtown Springfield, Missouri, inside the historic Colonial Hotel, a telegram was sent on April 30th, 1926 giving this road its name! Route 66 (the Mother Road) changed the map of America.
Public domain image of the Colonial Hotel-Springfield, MO. Wikipedia Commons
Courtesy of Special Collections, Missouri State University (thank you, Anne, for all your help!)
May Maintenance
While the rest of the city is kicking around the annual festival, seeing and listening to the roar of classic engines, I’ll step into May, not for any highspeed momentum, but for another month of maintenance (with a move).
Those classic cars require specialized care; so do we! Maybe my “kicks” won’t be found on the open road–but they continue to be found in the steadiness of treatment and the mendedness that only comes when I slow down.
I’ll keep allowing the Great Physcian to work under my hood!
One hundred years for a highway. Over halfway for me-and four specifically on this new section of my road!
Memory Lane
Route 66 is lined with more than just neon sign and diners; it’s paved with decades of stories (I’ve enjoyed hearing them this week!). Whether it’s a childhood road trip in a station wagon or a sunset drive through Springfield, did you ever travel the 66? I’d love to know which ‘mile marker’ in life or on the road holds a special place in your heart!
What a milestone May! Filled with maintenance, mercies, mendedness, and the Mother Road. Whether you’re cruising through a smooth season or stalled in a season of repair, I’m so happy you’re here with me!
Do you know how loved you are? Keep the faith, my friends. 💚
My Maintenance
I’ve been currently parked for much-needed maintenance, but my spirits are revving. For many days, I was stalled.
Last Thursday I had my 4th round of PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy). Targeting cells that are overexpressed on the tumors, this treatment was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of NET (and prostate cancer at my hospital). It was a long day, but the hard part wasn’t until 18 hours after. The nausea and flu-like symptoms hit harder than expected.
The fatigue shocks me! But I’m realistic and will keep my engine healthy with good fuel.
My faith and the gas that God provides IN ME keeps me going. I’m better off traveling the slow roads. It’s healthier and more meaningful!
Friends, it’s difficult for me to keep up with messages. Thank you for showing me such MERCY. Your prayers and support have helped me tremendously.
If you know me, you’re aware I don’t focus on what I can’t do–but what I CAN do. May will include a move to somewhere smaller and easier to manage. Also, another maintenance routine. Through it all, I’ll attend a parade or a car show if I can. Wander through a musuem if I have enough gas to go, and always stay in my patterns of praise and prayer. The best will be to travel the highway to spend time with my kids and grands.
Remember your maintenance this May and everyday! Even if our physical momentums are minimalized, may our spiritual and emotional momentums keep moving full speed ahead.
Springfield Celebrations & Route 66 Sights
Andy’s Frozen Custard: Since the Today Show crew gave it their stamp of approval (again!), grabbing a treat is a perfect, low-energy way to join the local celebration.
Route 66 Festival Vibes: Even if you aren’t walking the whole route, driving through downtown to see the classic cars and neon signs can be a great way to feel the “Mother Road” history.
Birthplace of Route 66 Mural: If you’re near the Colonial Hotel site or the History Museum on the Square, there are some wonderful spots to sit and take in the local history without needing a lot of “gas in the tank.”
NET Cancer Friends and Supporters—I’m thrilled to announce that we have a fantastic new mug and t-shirt available in the store! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who is enjoying these products! I would absolutely love your feedback, and if you’re up for it, feel free to share a photo too!
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. ❣️🙏🏻
While Flannel with Faith is where I share my heart, Finley River Publishing is where you'll find my book and the shop collection. Read the story behind the collection here!
