Earthy Expectations

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay

“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” —Mark Twain

They say in Missouri if you don’t like the weather, stick around a day, it will change! With snow and frigid temps in the forecast, a good night’s rest and recent health side effects diminishing, I had high expectations for my sunny Sunday.

Realistically, resistance was repealed. Mentally, fear was fended off. Emotionally, enthusiasm elevated. Spiritually, my Savior strengthened and supported me.

The bluff blew his bluff. Stumps couldn’t stump me. Lushness was lost, but the forest was heavenly.

The trail was tackled…just a tad. If tallying, it was only 1.5 miles. It was my trail of tender tears, talks with the trees, whispers by the water, and grounded grace. My soul sang.

My expectations aren’t too high or too low. They are just right.

“My soul, wait thou in silence for God only; For my expectation is from him.”—Psalms 62:5 (ASV)

photos courtesy of K.L. Hale, Spirngfield Conservation Nature Center, Missouri Department of Conservation, Springfield, MO.

“We tend to get what we expect.”

Norman Vincent Peale
My expectations aren't too high 
or too low.
I’ll move forward with faith,
Lo, my strength and health grow. 
K.L. Hale

Have faith💚

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108 thoughts on “Earthy Expectations”

    1. John, I couldn’t have said it better! Thank you so much for your wisdom, support, and especially, prayers. Don’t look back–that was part of my devotion time this morning! Love it! 💚🙏

      Reply

    1. Tanja, I thought you’d enjoy this one! Thank you so much for stopping by and the kind comments! Being in nature is being home (I’m pretty sure someone we both love said that before–and it’s true!). Blessings to you!

      Reply


  3. Very glad to hear a soul smiling Karla, and feel that appreciation in your heart for a destination being reached in stepping out. Have a beautiful day, and enjoy that air out there 😀❤️🙏

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    1. Mark, it’s so good to see you today, my friend. Today, it’s blustery and an “indoor” day. I paid to get to play yesterday–it was well worth it. I’ve had a glorious day inside and writing, allowing my body to rest and soak in the memories. I even got to Facetime 2 out of 3 very grand grands. I’m winning and I know you are too, my friend. YOU have a beautiful day. Much love from Finn and me! ❤️🙏🐾🦓🐩🎶

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      4. Hi Karla, just to let you know my site is down and being ‘de-coded’ for a while and I will be probably sporadic on air at best with everyone. But I am most certainly available by email if you wish at any time. Look after the world for me for a little while will you 🤣❤️🙏

      5. Hi, Mark! I’m so sad to hear the Gremlins got your site again–but I hope there’s a resolution? ot it sounds like there is? I’m here–looking after the world and it’s VERY cold here, Mark. Looking at 17 below 0 Sunday and Monday–snowy, cold,…brrrr. I’ll see you on email my Aussie dear friend. We’re thinking of warm water, dolphins, elephants…sending love and hugs your way! ❤️🙏💕🐬🐘


      6. I’ll send a little of our extra warmth over your way, currently around the 30C mark, which is quite good actually. But I don’t mind sharing 4 or 5C with you 🤣

        And its in the timing, I’ve had something from my past come a calling that wishes to be resolved. I obviously have something to see and understand…further down the track now…and I have a feeling it may take a while. Between this and my site hopefully a little ‘time’ will heal them both.

        But always here kind lady, so do not hesitate to contact me if you wish. Enjoy the re-opening of life, walks with Finn, and that healing you have dared in your heart 😀❤️🙏

      7. Dear Mark, I understand my friend. Resolving, understanding, “seeing”, and “fixin’”….more lessons to be learned, my friend. You are someone who has shown us how to learn them with love~and do it well! The cold weather is keeping me indoors. My “re-opening” is involving a new diet, understanding, some fears I’m fighting with faith,…and absolutely, I’ll take those warm degrees to this -4 and windchill of 30 below! But my heart and soul stay warm and full of hope. I’m sending love and warm wishes as you navigate “old” and new waters my friend. I appreciate you so much!♥️❤️🥰🙏🏻❄️


      8. I just finished watching the K.C.Chiefs V Dolphins game…minus -21C…they all could barely catch the ball 😵 I take back the sending of 4 or 5 degree’s, I’ll send 20 instead. That is cold, cold stuff my friend, even head coach Andy Reid had icicles hanging off his mustache. That is crazy cold 🤣

        Thank you for your words Karla, they are gratefully received, He ever gives us a journey to see our hearts and in so many ways so we understand that unconditional love. Takes us places so that we will indeed appreciate what He is giving us.

        May your heart and soul stay warm and full of hope in that journey my friend, it will have some cold moments but ever followed by a warmth and sunshine to give it meaning. Enjoy your indoor pondering, it will soon be changed into lacing up your boots and sharing that sunshine with Finn again. Enjoy! 🤣❤️🙏

      9. What a game huh? I watched it “live” thinking about a few times I was cold at Arrowhead Stadium~but NEVER THAT cold 🥶. Yes, please send 20 or 70 more lol!
        My heart and soul are warm~even in trying to decipher new things for me too my friend. What is life but lessons? And love? And learning? Oh that learning and tweeking. New treatments, new side effects,…tweaking, adjusting, considering, deciding….but living! I’m counting down days for more sunshine. And was reminded by an amazing doctor (who called me on a SUNDAY) to give myself grace ~this is every hour! And that my liver needs more find to heal 🙃 oh and that. Yes! I hear!
        I’ll see you soon I hope, dear friend. Bask in the warmth through your journey too…which I know you do, wise friend. Finn may have had tiny icicles forming fast when she went potty a few minutes ago. She ran faster on 3 legs than I’ve ever seen her! 🤭🥶🩵❄️💕🙏🏻♥️❤️


      10. Haha, I can imagine the life in Finn and her ability to run faster with 3 legs than others with 4…or 2 🤣

        Sending big hugs, lots of love and lovely energy on your road to recovery kind lady. You are standing in His Grace, an image of that belief, and projecting the love you are becoming. That sunshine and more is indeed coming 😀❤️🙏

    1. Dora, it’s so good to see you, my friend. Thank you for everything–your sweet prayers, comments, and support! I appreciate you!! I pray goodness for you and yours! 🙏💚

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    1. Thank you, Tangie! Yes!! I’ve been praising, singing, …resting, lol. It feels so good to be here. Your support and prayers inspire me. You have a wonderful night too, sis!❤️🙏🏻

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  9. Ginger Salvatore's avatar Ginger Salvatore

    Well you little imp, sneaking out for a jaunt in the woods! CONGRATULATIONS!! 🤙👏👌🤘

    Your snapshots are amazing! Those cloud formations and the sun beams, with one sunbeam in a reflection. Love it. And even though the trees and bushes are gray and brown, they are beautiful. Glad you got to commune with those trees. You probably had a great conversation with the grass too! Only you Karla….you kooky kid. 😁

    Everything has a price, including your wonderful day roaming through nature. But as you said, small price to pay for such fun, particularly since there had to have been times you must’ve wondered if you ever would have a day like this again. So now you know the answer is a resounding Y. E. S.! Woohoo!

    You are the Poster Girl for Sticktoittiveness, a beacon of light to so many who are trying to emerge from the darkness of illness.

    Love and hugs to you and sweet Miss Finley. Ginger💞

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Reply

    1. Ginger! 3 months ago I told my twin,(as we were both crying), “Just wait until 2-3 months from now.”
      It was said to me by a friend who had this same surgery 3 months before me!
      Y.E.S.! I’m tickled tree green that you see my sticktoittiveness with my flaming faith that’s keeping me warm right now. And dreaming of what’s to come!
      Oh, to be a light! I know what God wants me to be~I’m so glad I didn’t burn out!
      Thank you for lifting me with words, love, encouragement, and prayers!
      Little Finn sends love and hugs along with me! 🥾💚🥾🫶🏻🎶💚🫶🏻💚🫶🏻💚🥾🎶

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  10. Karla! I’m sure you and Finley had a soul reviving romp in the woods! I’m so happy to see those nudie picture of trees (I have to laugh at the idea of trees doing a strip tease in the Fall)!

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    1. Val, I needed this giggle! I love laughing. And it was so tastefully done and appropriate for the season!
      God sees it all!
      I was thinking of that leaf trying to hang on, the sun behind it,…let it go, tree. You’ll be new soon enough!
      About Finn…she’s not allowed in this conservation area. I’m glad to type this and not say it “out loud” for her to hear!
      🐾💕💕🥾

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  11. Karla, what a blessing to see you here. The photos are stunning, God’s creation is a canvas of His love and grace. I am so happy you had a day outside, I am sorry you had a hard time today. Love and hugs, sweet friend!

    Reply

    1. Good morning precious Pam, it’s so wonderful to turn over a new “leaf” in healing~knowing that the inconsistency in life, healing, and pain, increases my gratitude and growth~my prayer life is bursting. 🫶🏻🙏🏻
      The prayers you know I’m praying continue daily! I love you! ❤️💕

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Mama! I appreciate you in so many ways. I will take advantage of each good hour! I’ve rested these last two out of need~but oh, what a time I had out there. Many blessings my friend.♥️🙏🏻 you’ve been such a support!

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  16. Karla; Hey! A mile and a half is sure worth celebrating! So I’m going to celebrate! Well done. But from the sounds of things in the forecast, it is going to get pretty nasty back there soon, so stay warm. My son is going to the Chiefs playoff game Saturday night and they say it is supposed to be the coldest game in Chiefs history.

    Keep healing! Keep the faith!

    Grace and Peace;

    Russell

    I blog at *www.russellingsofthespirit.com http://www.russellingsofthespirit.com. *Give it a look if you have a moment. Subscribe if you like what you see.

    Reply

    1. Russell, my oldest son, I’m certain, would want to be at that game! This is Chiefs Nation in these parts~even South lol!
      My youngest lives about an hour away and we attended a Royals/Cardinals game last summer when it was a record HOT lol.
      Thank you for being such a prayer warrior and friend! I’ll admit, the last two days have me more horizontal ~but I’ll take advantage, and balance, all the times I must and should walk in nature! It’s so healing! ❤️‍🩹
      I’ll keep the faith always! As I know you do, too.
      Many blessings to you all!

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  18. What a journey to be able to take that walk Karla…May you have many many more.

    Love the reflection times in the woods and on the trails. I was out this morning in the frosty weather here…pure white scenery.

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    1. Gary, thank you so much! I pray for you and your family daily.
      There is nothing like nature.
      I “picture” your beautiful photos and surroundings. I can see the pure white scenery in my mind.
      Your support and prayers, from all of you, have helped me take these steps.
      God bless you all, Gary. 🙏🏻

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  20. How good it is that you got out and about! A gift to you, to the Finn, and by report to many others. Smiles all around.

    I hope you have many more pedestrian adventures in the coming days and week, for such excursions are good for the spirit, soul, and body. Especially for the recovering and healing bodies out there. I have a hiking hat – one worn by a human when hiking, not one that takes hikes by itself – to send you. Brand new from Eddie Bauer. I think it will fit you well on your adventures. Keep an eye out for wayward packages bearing gifts from strangers!

    God bless you more, Karla!

    Tim and the Rascal.

    Reply

    1. Tim, thank you, dear friend!
      It was so heavenly!
      You know well how nature heals!
      Have I told you how much I love hats? I have many and wear them hiking~and when I’m not hiking, too!
      I did donate many after holidays, so what a gift from you! I’ll be keeping my eye out~how kind!
      A gift should’ve arrived yesterday in honor of Jackson to you.
      I think often of the gifts God gives. And the gift of friendship is one I cherish!
      Thank you so much, Tim.
      I’m keeping you in my prayers. God bless your socks off! Give Rascal my best too!
      Finn and I 🙏🏻🐾

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      1. The gift arrived, and is on my bookshelf in the office. When I pulled it out, I have to admit it made my eyes water a bit. Must have been the packaging, right?

        Thank you, Karla. Great choice since the angel-dog looks like Jackson! That guy is still getting cards, emails, and texts. Well, I am getting them but he is the cause. He was quite a guy!

        All the best to you two. Will get that hat off in the post soon!

      2. I’m so happy it finally arrived! When I found it last week I thought it looked just like him, too. I’m so glad you love it, dear friend. It’s so precious to me how many lives he is still impacting. I look at his pic daily and I never got to meet him this side of heaven! What a blessing he was to so many (just as you are!). And no worries on that hat! When I receive it, I’ll make sure and send pics. Finn will love it too, I’m sure. If she sees me put a hat on, that’s a good sign she might be going somewhere too! Many blessings to you and Rascal. I continue praying always, my friend.

    1. Mark, thank you for your encouragement and friendship! I’m looking forward to even more! One day at a time~one trail at a time! And happy trails always to you!

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  23. Oh Karla!!! My ❤️ heart. Your words flow so beautifully and the beaufy in the photos are so lovely!! The sun shining on the white ❄️ snow! Nothing like it. So happy that you were able.to get up and go outside for a walk to refresh and uplift your soul! Love you, my dear, amazing friend. 💛💛💛🩵🩵❤️❤️❤️

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    1. I love you, Joy! I had a feeling you’d be happy about this! Your prayers, love, support,…they mean so much to me! It took a couple of days to “recoup” and then yesterday, was able to walk again a bit. I’ll take every opportunity and each win. I’m so tickled you enjoyed this. Thank you for your kind words about the writing and photos, too! 💕❤️💛♥️🫶🏻🩷🥰🙌🏻🥾🐩🐾

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      1. I definitely was happy about it and Yay on walking again yesterday. Keep grabbing those opportunities, dear friend! You are amazing and your walks will keep getting longer. I know it! You are a warrior! Love and hugs, and you have a beautiful way with words as well. 🥰💕💕💜💜💜

      4. Joy,…it’s looking like mid-February and at least 3-4 times more! I can’t wait. Choo choo–here you come! Or choo choo there I go to you! ❤️💕💛😂🤗💙🙏

    1. Dwight, it’s so good to see you and I can’t say enough how much I appreciate your cheers, prayers, and encouragement! I admit my attitude was stinky for a while. I’ve had some tough moments–but I’m working very hard getting away from stinkin’ thinkin’ to LIVE! “Everyday is a renewed strength.” –I love that! Even the days that are hard (after sleepless nights), my soul finds renewal–even if my body hurts. I’ll keep the faith and keep going! Thank you again!

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      2. Thank you, Dwight. For every step forward, maybe two back? Or I’ll try to keep it a half-step! And keep moving forward.
        I’m learning, growing, and will hopefully keep this cancer at “bay” as I live life.

  26. So happy for you that you could get out and enjoy God’s creation. Did you see any bears on the way?
    It has been too cold here for a nature walk but until knee replacement I can’t do that anyway. However, after my knee surgery and recovery, I will be out for walks again,
    Praying for you little sister

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    1. I’ll be praying you through your surgery as you did mine, Matt! You and I have “healing” in our blood and souls. It’s heavenly for sure!
      No bears were seen! I don’t think there are any in the area I walked. About 20 miles south. in a larger forested area, and in the area surrounding where I used to live there would be bears and/or cubs spotted at times! But the signs are posted so always be Bear Aware they say!

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    1. I’m with you, sister.💚 and God loves us so
      Much! Let’s sit under one and talk about his beautiful cosmos and colorful canvases! And then walk together.💕🤟🏻🥾

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  28. Wow, one and a half miles Karla, bravo! I know you are as uplifted by nature, water, trees as I am and I am so happy to see you outside in your element. Makes my heart so happy. Love you, C

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    1. Thank you, C. There have been things that have tried to deflate my determination, stall my strength, and weaken my will….BUT I see the sun shining today and I’ll rest and take care of myself so I can do ANOTHER mile and 1/2 SOON. I’ll not stop moving forward as long as I can, dear friend. I know you join me in this determination. And it means so much! I love you!

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    1. Aw, Crystal. That makes me smile! THANK YOU so much! And here’s to many more indeed. I feel the love from Texas! I’m sending it to you from Missouri, dear friend. 💛❤️

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      2. I’m so glad you feel it! It’s cold for Texas I hear! My oldest son was in this weekend and left yesterday ~back to Abilene. ♥️💕🙏🏻

      3. Yes, and no doubt Abilene is colder than Houston! I’m happy your son had an opportunity to visit—that’s so good for a mama’s heart!! I know you miss him already. 💖

  31. Every step brought you a blessed moment with the Lord’s creation. Karla, from your words and photos, I can feel God’s presence. He stirs our faith with these earthly expectations.

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    1. I’m so happy you felt his presence. I was hoping that was conveyed! Each step…”stirs faith…” yes! Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring words! Blessings, Richard!

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    1. I love you so much, Cindy! THANK YOU for being here and supporting me along our journeys! I’m praying right now that you and your are blessed and doing well! 🙏💕

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