Ode To October
Oh, October, a month for goodbyes and hellos.
Where are the falling temps and colorful leaves,
that bring joy to me, yet, a summer person grieves?
When will we bid farewell and welcome?
The goodbye to heat drags, it doesn't want to end.
The hellos, just like clouds, in warm air suspend.
Oh, October you had me at the first day.
Colorful views, hiking, and the crispness of air,
always refreshen my soul and chase away despair.
Like many great things you’ve waited until the end.
For the holiday and the change is crammed in a week,
I forgive you October, for waiting until November to peak.
K.L. Hale
Due to weather, I couldn’t “light” our first Flannel with Faith fire.Our group was small due to sicknesses and life; yet our discussions on finding rest in God “fired up” our faith. Our glows for God sparked hope!
My hope CAN’T be in this world. Shutdowns, the economy, illness, hurt, and despair. Where can one find joy? hope? Someone who cares? I’ve EXPERIENCED a God WHO CARES. He may not “fix” the problems at hand, but HE never leaves me. HE provides just what I NEED, and I know one day where I’ll BE. The days fly by and my hope stays grounded. Friends, you are loved. No matter what. 💚
Silver Dollar City and our area is filled with great nature places, people, and things to do. Do you know what’s special about the Ozarks? Well, to me,…it’s home. Have hope, my friends. May your home be filled with happiness as we end another month.
Have hope. Keep the faith, friends.💚
Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓
Friends, I’m returning to St. Lukes this week for scans and bloodwork. My last bone infusion and bloodwork went well. Meanwhile, I’m focusing on nourishing my body with wholesome foods, as I always do, allowing for occasional treats. Also, I’m cultivating a positive mindset, focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely, as Philippians 4:8 encourages. My son in Japan is doing well–his sweet family is in the midst of welcoming winter in Alaska, like Alaska just does! I’ll spend this week with my youngest son and his family. My treat is spending Halloween with them. Ah, Ode to October! Have a blessed last week of October and a safe & fun Halloween!🎃🥧
See you in November!
November 10th NET Cancer Awareness Day! If you or are loved one are living with NET cancer, click on the pic for a treasure trove of healthful information, vidoes, expert advice, and so much more! Thank you to the Directors, leaders, and members of our support group at the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation for all you do to help us in our daily lives!
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Looks like you had a great day at that fall festival, or perhaps it is an ongoing Fall display? I love your photos and the sweet leaf ceramic you painted. Happy Fall and end of October. Enjoy your time with your son’s family. Best wishes for your upcoming bloodwork and scans.
love, katelon
Hello, Katelon. I always appreciate your sweet messages and support, my friend. Yes, those pics sum up my October. Typically, there would be more in nature. But I’m hopeful for more in the future. The woods are calling me. The leaf is so special to me!
Best wishes, prayers, and love to you! ❤️🙏♥️
What a gorgeous image filled post both by photos and words. Love to you Karla
Thank you, dear Kate. I appreciate you! Much love to you!❤️X
Thank you, dear Kate! I appreciate you. Much love and hugs to you.
Praying for you in your upcoming visit to St. Lukes, that God’s Spirit and peace go with you 🙏
Thank you, brother! I appreciate your prayers and encouragement, Alan. Peace and blessings to you and yours ❤️🙏
Thank you, Alan. I’ve returned and am beginning my recovery. God-willing, my responsibilities will be done, I’ll be rested up, and ready to be back here soon with updates. God bless you, brother!
Excellentnews sister, praise God – may His blessings be around you each day 🙏
Our October arrives in mid-December. That’s when I get real busy raking leaves.
The Ozarks are somewhat special to me, also, although I’ve never lived there. I had a grandma who was born and raised in the Ozarks. She was born in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, and spent most of her youth growing up in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri.
I’m glad your last infusion and bloodwork went well, and I hope you get lots of treats for Halloween. Just watch out for ghosts whenever you answer the call of nature.
Tippy! I didn’t realize this Ozarks connection. I’ll email you about that. How special!
You rake leaves? 🍂 I’m that gal that hates to rake them. Fortunately for my neighbors the lawnmowing man took care of the leaves.
I’m like, “let nature do its thing”.
I’m definitely watching out for the ghosts in calls of nature and everywhere lol!
Thank you, Tippy, for your support and fun friendship! I need to get to your place too!
Yep, I rake leaves up until about mid-January. We have one tree that usually takes about that long to drop all its leaves.
If you wait for nature to do its thing in the desert, it will take about a hundred years for the leaves to decay.
Come on out. Just bring a canteen full of water.
Oh my!
I’d enjoy your desert in January! Have canteen, will travel? That’s a great sticker idea. I know I’d enjoy it!
Happy Tuesday, Tippy!
I love the positivity of this, Karla; glad you are doing well. I’m ducking over to Philippians 4: haven’t read it for a while; I love these images of plenty 🙂
Friends, you are loved. No matter what.💚
Amen, sister!🫶🏻
Amen 💚 you’re precious, Melissa. Thank you. Amen! ♥️🙏
Hi, Karla. Is not October a great month? A month of warm colors and cooler weather…except in southern MO. A month of transitions and changes. Here it is a month for last minute trips to the wilderness and last minute preparations before the icy blasts of winter set in.
You wrote, “I’ve EXPERIENCED a God WHO CARES…HE provides just what I NEED, and I know one day where I’ll BE.” Knowing our eternal future is much easier when we know our God in a relationship of intimate union and conversational communion every day.
A young man and I spoke of this last evening after he asked if I thought he would “make it to heaven.” You see, he has doubts despite his years of attending church services. We spoke of our salvation as being built on a relationship of intimate union and communion, and not on a transaction. So many have never heard of this relationship, only that they must complete a transaction if they would spend eternity with our God.
Yet the Bible speaks of our security as being found in the relationship, not the transaction. You have found this. I pray many more will do so. Thanks for sparking this comment by your insightful writing!
Here comes November, the beginning of what we refer to as the “deep Fall.” First permanent snows, first single digit temps, and the wonder of how the season can change so quickly. “The steadfast love of the Lord never changes,” even though the weather swings wildly at times. “His mercies never come to an end,” though it seems so much is in flux in this season of weather and season of events.
May our God bless you and keep you warmly safe in the changes and intimately close in the communion. Rascal sends his best! BTW, I met the his “litter brother” yesterday. Cute!
Tim
Tim, thank you, dear friend. Your message is so encouraging to me!
I’m so happy of the conversation you had with the young man. And how the wilderness trips, times mentoring, traveling, speaking, and adventuring have all placed you in places just as God intended! To speak and share of the New Covenant. To share of God’s steadfast love that is IN US through our communion with him. Not our striving to check off moral
Lists in Christian activity.
Yes, that security found in the relationship; not the transaction. That’s what our fire group talked about too, Tim.
I can’t be good enough. Despite today’s message of “I am enough” I have a message of “I am NOT enough!” Without Jesus, I’m nothing, Tim. Without him, I wouldn’t have this love and grace for others, my trust, or hope…or faith! It grows. He understands my humanity. He made it! But I can fall on my knees and talk so openly with him. Apologize, request, and love to obey. For faith is obedience! I really need to stay out of his way to stay in his will. He’s given me everything I need and so much more. It’s a love like no other isn’t it, my friend?
He also has the weather as he “has” everything in his creation. I’ll
Praise him through it all!
Your deep fall is coming, with single digit temps, and I’ll be sending warm wishes and prayers to you and Rascal as you go about the business of our Creator!
I imagine Rascal’s little brother was as cute as him! Aww. 🥰
Finn and I send our Christ love and hugs to you and Rascal! Thank you for blessing me and so many others!
PS~ Tim, will
You please pray for Gary Fultz’s daughter? She’s been back in the hospital. We need all our prayer warriors on this!
God bless you both!! 🥰❤️🤗🙏🙏🙏 🐾 🦓
I love the depth of the pumpkin parade everywhere. Ideas incredible like that carved cow with a pig on top then a chicken to boot. You could go forever, always something different around every corner. A lot of thought has gone into one and all, In a garden, a porch, even as you dine. And I did see a child’s leaf note to someone, no greater love than the share of someone’s heart kind lady 🤗❤️ A breast cancer design and even that first image of a tower. Must have been trying to reach heaven 🤣🙏 And that ice cream and apple would leave you smiling I have no doubt. I can taste it from here 😂❤️
Lots and lots of love for your week with your son and family, Halloween celebrations and your scans to show much light is truly flowing within you kind lady. And big hugs for your journey Karla, may He guide you forever. And if its not too cold, an image or two from that big white world up north would be wonderful 🤣 Hang in there my friend, love is indeed a powerful gift 🤗🥰🤣😎🛵🥾🐾🦓🎶🦢🦋🕊️🐬🐳❤️🙏
Happy day, Mark! I’m so happy you enjoyed all the pics!
The theme park hosted a carver who carves pumpkins for many famous places and people all over the USA! Just fascinating stuff! Some pumpkins aren’t real, but most were!
What a sight!
And that love note from Whitley. Oh my heart ♥️ and a kiss from
My Asher and Ainsley the last two days (“You could just fly here to see us Grammy K!”) yes, oh I want to.
God has it all, Mark, no
Matter what! I praise him!
For me, it’s never too cold for pics, my friend! lol. But some of the views will be in a radiology “tube”. I won’t smile there like I did eating the apple turnover~ well, not as big anyway!
You keep hanging in there too, Mark! Finn and I send out love and hugs my friend! ❤️🙏♥️❤️🩹🌧️🐾🍂🔥💨🦓🥾🐋🛵🍎
Watching that carver would have been great, they seem to come alive in their hands. I’m always amazed at how they can ‘image’ something at the drop of a hat. A gift 🤗❤️
And yes to the love in those notes, sounds like they so want a visitor haha 🤗🤣
I daresay a radiology pic is very different, but I do hope its result will bring a smile to your heart anyway Karla. God will be holding you in the beauty of his love as you do go through it all ❤️🙏 I will too ❤️
Much love and light to you and Finn, and the courage, faith and hope He brings as well. I’ll give the dolphin couriers some mittens and a beanie to bring it over. Enjoy your stay with family. Big hugs 🤣🎃🛵🌷🥾🐾🌺🦓🎶🌼🦢🦋🕊️💐🐬🐳🌿❤️🙏
It has been a hot dry October here as well. But this week we are getting much needed rain! PTL I love all you photos. That Apple dumpling looks delicious! Good to see your post again, Karla. Keep the Faith!
Thank you, Dwight! I appreciate your positive feedback and encouragement! You’re a wonderful friend! I will
Keep the faith! Here’s to faith and apple dumplings! Take care!❤️🙏
YES!!!
Karla, I hope you can feel the prayers raining down on you before they are swept up to heaven! I just had a conversation this evening with a friend – she was feeling so safe and loved (for the first time in ages) because she made the decision to stop worrying and to put her trust in God. She said that she feels wrapped in God’s embrace!! You are so right that it is all about a relationship with Jesus and God… We are having a very late fall here too. This weekend was the first touch of color on any of the trees and today I saw my first glowing orange/red maple tree! It was such a joy!!! The colors do lift the spirit and help us cope with the drab days on their way… Much Love from me and Mochi!! 🙏🏻🐾💕💕🐾🙏🏻
Thank you, Val! I do feel the prayers raining down (with the rain coming!)
I’m so happy your friend is feeling safe and loved without worry. I understand that!
I have a maple tree starting to change and it’s so pretty. I noticed driving back from my hometown yesterday, after visiting my sweet parents, that there were subtle changes happening! It gave such hope that always recycles with the seasons~ the stability of its change and the love of our Savior. Such goodness!
Finley and I send our love and prayers to you, Mochi, and the prayer warriors too!♥️💚🙏❤️🐾🐾🥰🤗
Wonderful Ode to October post Karla. Your autumn photos are glorious…..such an amazingly beautiful time of the year.
I will be there virtually when you go to St. Luke’s for another scan and bloodwork. If you see a fly on the wall, don’t smack it ‘cause it might be me! I so admire how you are able to keep forging forward to reach your goal. Takes a lot of grit.
Sending hugs and prayers as always. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to and from St. Luke’s. Give sweet Miss Finley lots of hugs when you get back home.
Love, Ginger🦋🙏🏻💗🙏🏻
Good morning, sweet Ginger! Thank you for your kind (and cute 🥰) message!
I hope I DO see a fly (not my typical saying 😉 and know you’re there!
I’ve give little Finley lots of hugs and love from you for her to keep while I’m gone! She will stay with loved ones since it will be an eventful trip. Our reunions are always precious!
We love and and appreciate you, Ginger ♥️🙏🥰🐾
Such beautiful images, yours included! Colors are slow to change this year, but I’m starting to see some little pops. 🧡💛♥️
Sending love and hugs. 🙏
Thank you, Kelley! I’m starting to see some too. One of my own maple trees is looking lovely. It seems overnight, one large tree in the backyard lost all its leaves while it slept! Sending love and hugs to you too. ❤️💚🍂🥰🙏
Your poem is exactly how October feels — “Good-byes and hellos” — all that season beauty sustaining.
Thank you for this beautiful message, J.K.! Yes!
I appreciate you!💚🍂
What beautiful leaves and pumpkin photos! Thank you for sharing Fall in all its God-given glory. Enjoy the visit with your family. I’m praying for you!
Thank you precious sister! Your prayers and friendship are so comforting! ♥️🙏
Lovely poem! Finally, with just a few days left in the month, it’s starting to feel like October here in north central Texas (DFW). Ugh!!! But it’s quite lovely, now.
Thank you, brother!! I’m so happy to hear that! I wrote the poem in good fun knowing that the colors won’t disappoint! God’s timing!
I’m so happy we are connected on our Bible app, brother! Blessings to the whole lot of you!♥️🙏
Wait don’t you always do this in the midst of adversity… YES, is the answer.!!!!!
“I’m cultivating a positive mindset, focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure”
Sending you love and hugs while you heal and enjoy your family! What fun! Have the best time my sweet friend! 💗
Thank you, precious big sis! I have to stop, reframe….PRAY! “Karla, I’m right here!,” God says.
Oh, the peace of that love and presence!
I will have a terrific time, C! I do need prayers for energy and strength ~ but it’s always supplied at the RIGHT time!
I should return with an unusual glow from all the scans! 🤭🥰♥️💚❤️ I’m sending you love and hugs! You’re such an amazing encourager!!
You’re so very welcome, Karla! Yes, the time is right on Time and throwing some energy in for extra fun! Keep glowing like you do so well to cheer us on our path and thanks you so very much. It takes one to know one, xo 😘
Hello dear friend! I so love your poem! 🍂 🍁
Lots of prayers for the coming week and tests. I am so glad you can be with your son and his family. Let me guess, you are dressing up like a ghost for Halloween, right? 😉😂
Warm hugs!! 🤗🤗🤗
❤️
It seems that Fall did come late this year! Finally, we’ve got the cooler temperatures and even some colorful leaves. I’ll be praying that your visit to St. Luke’s goes well, and glad you are in such good hands there. Enjoy Halloween with family!!
Good morning Karla. I am sorry I am late to reply. I love your October photos, they reveal that you were able to enjoy autumn’s bounty and that makes me rejoice! Sending love and prayers dear one 🧡🙏🏻
Wonderful poem and festive photos and lovely to see beautiful you! 💛 Big hugs! 🌻
October has special meaning to me.Maybe I will post about that tomorrow.
I love the brisk cool mornings.
Praying for you little sister.
Wonderful poem and wonderful photos, Karla. God and nature have an agenda for the seasons changing. Every year it is different, and I think that’s exciting. Hugs to you! 😍
Thank you, dear Jennie! In Kansas City fall was in full bloom. I returned and two of my trees put on a colorful show for me! Nov. 2nd treat!
My granddaughter now has Heart and Zeb went with me to St. Luke’s for my scans. Heart is staying in K.C. for a while with Whitley!
Sending love to you and yours, Gloria, and the amazing crew in the Blue Room (no doubt you’ve already captured their hearts and they are “yours”!). ❣️💚🙏🏻
Hi Karla, what a treat when fall leaves put on a show. Thanks for the update on Heart and Zeb. Gloria went trick-or-treating. She was Spiderman! Blog post will be up in the morning. The Aqua Roomers love her! 😍
Sending you so many hugs and prayers for St Luke’s. ❤️ the photos are wonderful. ❤️
Thank you, precious friend! I’m home safe and recovering. Look forward to being back here after wrapping up loose ends and rest. I appreciate you so much. Sending love, hugs, and prayers always to you two! ❣️🤗🙏🏻
Hello Sweet Friend, I’m so far behind in my reading that I’m just getting to this post and it’s November 4th. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts always. I’m so happy you were able to spend Halloween with your little ones. We live in a crazy world but all we can do is lift our eyes and heart to the Lord and follow him. I too, have my eyes and heart on the Lord. Happy November my friend. xx Lisa
Hello, previous Lisa. I understand completely! I haven’t been on the blog in quite a while!
I can imagine your little ones are not so little now!
I miss you and think of our times together with such fondness and love. Please take care! XX❤️♥️💚🙏