Sacred Signs

On By K.L. HaleIn Poetry
From the mouths of babes, “Lord, you’ve got this.”
The signs surrounding us are on display,
they're created by nature or man.
What do they mean, what do they convey?
Do they deliver emotion or elicit a plan?

Do they give you relief or make you pause?
Do you halt at a standstill and wonder why?
Reasons will vary, you may not know the cause,
Every so often I just gaze and cry.

Not all the tears drive me to sorrow,
for there's still good on this Earth.
Many miss signs thinking of tomorrow,  
the ones from God mean rebirth.

Seeing, observing, and being aware,
providence, planning, and saying a prayer. 

K.L. Hale

Encouraged a few minutes ago by teacher, Martha Ann Kennedy, I wrote my first English sonnet. She said to be a writer, you must write. The last few Saturdays I visited local places and festivals (some with friends!). I must take advantage of good hours-to get out, walk, and SEE, not hide. I choose to move and hurt, rather than sit and hurt. Not always an easy thing to do! But there are many “signs” of why I must! Last Saturday, feeling led, I walked into a church by my house. The message was about Ruth. It encapsulated providence, planning, and prayer. Life may not turn out the way you expect. The first thing Pastor Craig Groeschel said was, “You’re not in your final chapter.” We can all write our life as a book with many chapters. Some you might want to leave out. Your story isn’t over. What is your plan, friend? Is your health bad? What are you going to do? Is your relationship in a struggle? What’s the plan? Do you need to have better habits? What are the steps? For many, we’re in a “zone”. You might be busy raising children or hours at work. What do you do when you’re alone? What do you do when all of that is gone? Take a deep breath and know you’re not alone. “Rest in me, my child,” Jesus says to me. Our works can become like devotion and we miss the signs. Maybe we need to put down the phone, go for a walk, smile at a neighbor, and remember to talk. Letting go of that which we can’t control, releasing it to my Savior, so I can grow.

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

Friends, the next two months will bring “excused” absences, tee hee. First, a bucket list trip (bubble-wrapped by friends). MANY appointments, another medical test, and preparations for a life-altering surgery. This last nearly year and 1/2 has seemed surreal. What is REAL is the love of God, family, and friends. Looking BACK I can see how I got to here. No, not the disease, but the utter and complete reliance on God.

Thank you to my virtual support group, and friends, from LACNETS.org (http://www.lacnets.org). For without them I wouldn’t have been referred to Dr. Jaydero Del Rivero, who then escalated me to Dr. Johnathan Hernandez. Several of us are going to have changed lives. The hours in pain improve my posture of perseverance (although it has TRIED to get me down—if you see the zebra shoes below, an elevator had opened when I was vulnerable after leaving the dr’s office, she stood there, my patient advocate, with open arms, wearing these shoes). God is working all around.

As for me, right now, my focus will stay on what matters most. I’m reserving every “ding” on my phone for a “Snap” of my grandkids or a message from family. Friends, do you know how loved you are? God loves you and so do I. The signs are all around.

Have faith 💚

For most of my life my faith has been blind. It just existed. I believed. Yet, I appreciate the cold hard facts and evidence. Jesus did too. He provided evidence. And I have experienced it. As shared in devotion by a former atheist, J. Warner Wallace, “I came to understand that the biblical definition of faith is a “well-placed and reasonable inference based on evidence.”

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95 thoughts on “Sacred Signs”

  2. The world is full of signs when we have the eyes to see them, isn’t it? And as you so artfully point out, we can ALL have eyes to see them if we just engage in the Sacred Pause and take the time to look.

    Blessings to you for your upcoming trip and surgery! God’s got this!

    Russell

    Reply

    1. Russell, it’s such a blessing to “see” YOU! You are written in my prayer journal (both of you and your family). The world IS filled with signs! I’ve always shared, ‘Pay attention’ —you might miss a blessing! I love having TIME to look. God bless you, dear friend! 🙏

      Reply

  3. 👋 Sorry for the inconvenience. My intention is not to spam but to grow with the blogs I follow. I started following your blog I hope you also follow mine and so we grow together by periodically interacting in our publications. Thank you so much Please answer 🙏

    (https://pkmundo.com/)
    David López Moncada.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Sue. Can you imagine our conversations in 3 months? 6 months? One year? The best? We’ll have them for eternity. Much love, sweet Sue. Please take care, too.

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Kelley 💛 hope! The best part~she didn’t know that a zebra represented my cancer. I looked down, I already had tears,…it was a special moment. I found out this morning my hiking tribe painted the cargo carrier zebra-striped. Kelley, there’s so much goodness around. I can’t wait to get better and give! 🦓🦓💛🙌🏻🙌🏻

      Reply
  6. Ginger Salvatore's avatar Ginger Salvatore

    Karla, another wonderful post from you. So uplifting and positive, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from you!

    I know I miss a lot of signs around me. But you sure captured a boatload of meaningful signs because you were paying attention. Signs can be so subtle that it takes time to sink in.

    I just love your photos! The zebra shoes…not to mention the zebra!

    Very busy time coming up for you. Very exciting time. Very exhausting time. But it’s YOUR time Karla. Your time to show cancer who’s the boss!

    Wishing you all the best. You and Finley will soon stand in the Winner’s Circle where you belong. Good luck my friend. Hugs to both of you.

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Reply

    1. Hello, Ginger. Here you are cheering me on with your amazing spirit and words! I’ve decided I need to journal daily again. I’ve been missing it and each day holds such dear times. Even in busy times, I’m “grounding” myself in good stuff. Do you take a lot of pictures Ginger? It’s so crazy how much I “see”. Yet, also protective of what holds truth. Avoiding the signs that are anything but that! You always give love and encouragement. I hope you feel that from me, too. And Finley! 💕💕🙏🏻🐾

      Reply

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  9. Karla, I should have realized one of the reasons you’re such an encourager: you’re going through a difficult time yourself. To me, each of your photos is a spiritual marker–signposts of God’s graceful provision. I will be in prayer for you, sister!

    Reply

    1. David, thank you my friend. That is my goal. It’s the difficult roads that have led me back to the tree of life~wisdom and the reverence and respect (healthy dear) of the Lord. Using HIS wisdom I can pray for the Spirit to to give me good “fruit”. Because surely, on my own, I can’t produce it. Thank you for your support and prayers. I think of you with the kiddos and ALL you are leading with your encouraging spirit and knowledge! 🙏🏻😊

      Reply

  10. I love your words “I chose to move and hurt rather than sit and hurt”. Smart move my friend. I love the zebra shoes, your poem your kite I’ve got this and your hunkering down for a “bubble bucket list trip”. My curiosity is peeked.
    I’m sending lots of love and joy while you get snippets of pics from the grandkids and all the best healing and success in the surgery. My love and prayers are always surrounding you..
    xo ❤️🙏🏼💗❤️🙏🏼
    You are love, you are light, you are an example to so many and you are a gift to me and everyone you touch
    🙏🏼❤️

    Reply

    1. You’re a poetic and light filled soul, Cindy. A sedentary lifestyle is not good for me. I know I must at times. It’s so tricky. If I sit too long, I hurt. If I walk too much, it hurts. I bet many of us battling things can relate~whether it’s arthritis, bone injuries,…we’re all battling something! But not moving is going to make me worse. I know. Aww, the trip~hurling things in the BIG canyon! NOT physical things, but spiritually to praise God for additional beauty to experience and let the “canyon” take the worry! I’ll forever love traveling. There’s risks sitting in the same spot, a spot 10 miles away, a place 1000 miles…I love our big world! Even if I don’t see it all, thanks to my mind (and Google Earth, lol ) I can see it all. Gosh, I’m small in my spot. My cancer battling trek of 2 miles and back. I figure I can trek a bit further out~there’s a great plan ahead. And what’s waiting, my friend, will the most amazing home and place ever! I won’t see the grands this trip, but a Grand I will see. BUT, still not as marvelous as the little grands, 🥰. I’m a messy human with utter dependence on a loving God! I love you sweet Cindy. 🙏🏻💕

      Reply

  11. Karla, your poem reveals an intimate relationship with the Lord. That has given you the eyes to see. Thanks for being the strong, vibrant, and wise person you are. Enjoy your vacation and family. Prayers for you and your clan. God bless you.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Manette. That’s so kind. I have a strong feeling you have a similar relationship. I can’t take all credit for my strength ~thank you~it’s an answered prayer that is spoken hourly. I’m very excited to drive “away” and see God’s other beautiful creations. This trip with a hiking clan~and God-willing, future trips and lots of memories with my adult children and grandkids. God bless you, Manette. 🥰🙏🏻 am I missing your musings? It may be the time I’m reading each day. My eyes and head can only take about 2-3 hours on technology right now. Then, a break, and if I’m able, catch more. It’s tricky!

      Reply

      1. Karla, I doubt you’re missing any of my musings. The changes introduced to life has led to irregular posts. I’m juggling work, foster parenting, writing goals, and hospital trips with my dad for cancer treatments. The latter taking precedence, then work, and the other stuff whenever possible.

      2. Manette, I will say specific prayers. Juggling those things is not easy. My heart goes out to you, prayers will go up, and my arms wrap you in love for all these things. Your precious Dad,…you have my support and prayers. 💕🙏🏻

    1. I was thinking I said it was shared by you as shared by you lol 😂. Hmm. 3 years ago I asked, “Hey Siri, am I a writer?” If you write, you’re a writer. To be a writer, you write. No matter what, you inspire me to always stretch! I know I wouldn’t have thought of looking up that form. In college, one creative writing teacher spurred so much excitement. But it seemed, mostly, there was NO TIME to write. 💕🥰🐾🐾

      Reply

    1. Thank you, John. That is so
      kind to say. I think I chose the “easy” sonnet? abab cdcd efef gg? I’m still learning. Are you hanging in there? There are moments I can’t move, but for even one hour, two,…you understand. Together! 💪🏻💛

      Reply

  15. I was as atheist as they come Karla…but a life so filled with so much begs to be asked of its meaning. And on that day that I saw, really saw that meaning…tears and tears ran down my face. Big, big, happy tears that there truly was something there. It is hard, but on the day you see that it was all meant to give us that understanding, that meaning, each and every step was slowly bringing us to something so beautifully profound. You are glad you are being given that chance, each of us, to see that it all indeed was for us individually. Because He believed in us, all of us. This gift when finally opened and seen, will be a surprise, a very pleasant one because we will know it is given with a love beyond words. Like a gift from someone we love, no idea what it is, but on opening see that so much thought had gone into it, touched us so beautifully, to realize we do mean so much to them because they have taken a great care in that gift. This life is His gift to us, with a love beyond words. Big hugs kind lady, much love from me, from Him, to you. Keep unwrapping that gift, and when finally seen fully, let the tears of that beauty flow 😀❤️🙏

    Reply

    1. Mark, you’re an amazing witness of the evidence of a love that is like no other. As you described, so beautifully, “Like a gift from someone we love, no idea what it is,…we do mean so much.” SO MUCH that HE gave his life for us. You make a difference in the lives around you with the love that flows through you, my friend. I’m so happy that your site is up and running, the pigeon carriers are free (tee hee), and there’s a connection again across the big ocean! We’re still waving and sending love and hugs! 🙏🏻💕🙌🏻🎶

      Reply

      1. I get a bit excited because of what I have witnessed Karla. I still sit and wonder at why I have been given so much when others are struggling. Yes, physically I am struggling, but that gift to understand and see…I see so many in this life having to try to understand, and I know that this is part of our journey. But I just want to take the pain out of their eyes. But I also know that this is part of that journey so that others ‘can’ see. I wish I could just pass on what I felt in that moment, give them a hope. But I know that this is what He is doing for us all. All I can do is pass on my journey, that gift of the elation in understanding that there is something there waiting for us all. Something so precious in its beauty to be beyond words. Smile kind lady, feel it all, hard as it is some days it is giving something that on that day of understanding your heart will flower truly. Big hugs to you both, waving profusely from over here and still keeping my eyes open for messages on the beach 🤣❤️🙏

      2. I’m like you, Mark. It’s hard NOT to get excited because of what we’ve experienced. You explained this so beautifully ~part of all of our journey. Taking the pain that we all go through and feel. I’m sorry for your physical struggles. I’m here and I understand. We are so alike. I want to give hope like you do! I’m so happy you’re passing this gift on to all of us! I’ll keep smiling and waving! I know you do too! Much love and hugs!❤️💕🙏🏻🎶🙌🏻🌈🐾🌻

  16. I love the pictures, Karla. It’s true, God constantly leaves love notes for us to come across.
    I’m praying that your upcoming adventure will bring you many blessings and that your surgery provides relief and comfort.
    Thank you for reminding me to be alert to His signs. 🥰

    Reply

    1. Good morning, Lesly. “God constantly leaves love notes for us to come across.” That’s beautiful. I appreciate the specific prayers for future things. How can I pray for you? Take care, my friend. 💛🥰

      Reply

      1. Hi Karla, I’d really like it if you would pray for the people of Libya at this time after the death and destruction caused by the terrible floods there. Thank you!

      2. Absolutely, Lesley. When I saw that on the news, I immediately talked to our Father. I keep an eye on the world. It’s easy to fall into a “small world” of just our surroundings. There is suffering, and goodness, across this planet! Thank you for sharing, Lesley. I appreciate it so much! 💛

      3. I knew you would already have been praying about world matters, Karla.
        You’ve no idea how much I appreciate you, Karla. You share your friendship with us all, despite our human failings, and that is a precious Christian quality. xx

      4. Lesley, you are so kind. I’m a human failure! We are all messy and I love everyone just as Jesus does. It’s not easy, but it brings me closer to him. It’s easy for me to be compassionate. I can comfort because I might’ve been there (chances are great); but even if not, I still have compassion. You have that quality too. Thank you for being here and blessing me. ❤️🙏

  18. I love that you are writing sonnets and following your gut and walking into neighborhood churches and hearing from God in all the details. Thanks for sharing your faith and your journey, Karla. I always feel hopeful here! Carrying you in my prayers, believing in miracles, and sending big hugs!

    Reply

    1. Crystal, my heart smiles reading your words. That is my goal~to give hope! Do you know you inspire me? I love investigating our world; and then I love my peaceful “quiet” time. In all moments, I see and feel God’s presence. When it gets too cluttered to feel it, I have to stop and reevaluate what I’m thinking and doing. I pray for you, Crystal, and love your spirit! I’m believing just as you. Huge hugs!💕🙏🏻🤗 thank you so much

      Reply

    1. Diane, thank you. I don’t know how the words found me so fast. But they were in there somewhere! It makes my soul smile that your heart was tugged, too! Bless you! ❤️

      Reply

  20. Oh Karla! You bring tears to my eyes once again. Tears of love for you and your encouraging, hopeful spirit no matter the battles you face! I love this post, for yes, signs are all around! I have always called them God moments. Like a butterfly they gently fall on your shoulder, waiting to be noticed and oh the blessing we receive when we notice them. <3 <3
    Continuing to pray and sing for you my friend about your upcoming surgery!! Keep hanging on to the thread of Jesus's garment. He has YOU! And will carry you through! <3
    Love and many hugs!!

    Reply

    1. Joy, oh the joy. I just left your joyful “home”. What you say to me touches my heart. Just as YOUR WORDS give me comfort and hope! I’m so happy you enjoyed this poem. It touches my heart that it touched yours. Sometimes it’s hard to “feel” so much; to be so “aware”—to feel what others are feeling. The signs just stand out to me. I observe others, heads down on their phones or in a “zone”…I’m not judging, just observing. What do they feel? What do they see? Because of my life experiences I can relate to a lot of things. So the signs just affirm the truth, hope, and messages sent to my soul! I can’t help but share this! I really need the prayers, Joy. Even after another consult with a new dr.,…another affirmation, the truth is that this surgery is big. But the BIGGER truth is God is in control. I have a print (given to me by my twin) of the lady kneeling and holding the thread of Jesus’s garment. It’s in my bathroom where I see it all the time. It gives me pause to praise, pray, and proceed in peace. I know I’m carried, just as you! HE’S NOT exclusive—he loves us all! I hope we all see the signs of that goodness! I love you too, Joy. Thank you for being a light in this world. Singing our song! 🎶❤️💛

      Reply

      1. Praying hard and knocking on Heaven’s door for you, dear friend! The song Where there is Faith just played and I thought of you. ❤
        So glad you have a print of the lady holding onto Jesus’s garment. What a thoughtful gift from your twin.
        More hugs!! 💛💛💛💛❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

      2. Much love,…music heals! I have it playing right now, my friend! “What a beautiful name it is!” Nothing compares to this! Thank you thank you for knocking on the door we’ll enter! 💛💕❤️🤗🙏

  22. You appear to have come up with a wonderful metaphor for the choice we must continually make for existential experience: Do we “hurt and sit (it out) or do we hurt and move (through, with, against, for, despite)? You are a mover, my dear, and I am continually amazed at the risks you take in each day’s “movement”. All I read and experience now lead to this: we will suffer but the choice is ours of how to interpret our suffering, and hence how to interpret the meaning of our lives. What an incredible story you are writing with meaning for yourself and obviously so many others. Faith in Hebrew is most often interpreted simply as the word “Trust”. Keep leaping, dear Karla. Trust The Net will catch you. Shalom, Jane

    Reply

    1. That’s beautiful, Jane. Our choice is how to interpret meaning and suffering. I DO want to stay a mover. I think my surgery will help me move more, Jane. I’m trying so hard. But I’m listening too. It’s quiet, Jane. I’m “trusting”. I saw the two of you “leaping” in my favorite places here. You’re an example of moving and hurting, too. I’m sorry I haven’t seen you much, Jane. Keep giving wisdom and light, much love to you.💕

      Reply

    1. Gary, thank you, dear friend. I understand your words. Yes, when things are going steady and we’re on a “roll” of greatness, we may not stop to see the signs. Like you, I keep working hard to open my heart to them. Sending you both love and prayers, my friend. 💚🙏🤗☀️🌞💛

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Pam! Yes, I can imagine our conversation–we just understand one another. I’ve been praying for you and Butch and so happy you had a wonderful trip and celebration (or I hope that you did!). I can also imagine how much you need to rest and recuperate! Love and prayers to you, too, sweet Pam. 💕🙏🤗💚

      Reply

  26. God continues to bless each of us in His unique, grace-filled way. As we allow Him to guide our journey, He leads us to places and people. Each breathes with His purpose. Karla, your thoughts remind me to trust in God’s compass.

    Reply

    1. Hello, Dora! Your words are so precious to me. I need to visit YOU more often to find such things in your giftedness! “Loving provision”…yes, how beautiful! Blessings to you, my friend! 💛 Thank you for your kindness and stopping by!

      Reply

    1. Mitch, you’re a blessing, dear friend. What a beautiful thing to say. I’m so thankful to feel the love of God that I can return. The prayers mean everything, dear friend! Thank you!

      Reply

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  33. Thank you once again for your encouragement. Sometimes I think when I thank the same person over and over again for what seem like the same things in the same way, that I sound like a broken record. But, as Jesus so often did, he encouraged others in the same ways, to love the Lord, to love fellow humans, and to do this with everything that we are. So thank you, for you, and the encouragement you bring.

    Today in particular I was feeling a bit apathetic, a little bit like I don’t really know how I’m going to share my writing (when it has turned from drafts into finished books). But that is not what is important right now (or ‘write’ now maybe?). As you’ve reminded me here, what makes a writer is that we write. And that is something I can do! 🧡🙏

    Reply

  34. A wonderful post, Karla. I love your sonnet. It is full of wisdom we all need. Signs of hope are all around us. I saw my daffodils are pushing through already!
    You are right about pushing through the pain. My wife has back issues and arthritis and she has the same attitude. Keep up the good work!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Dwight! I appreciate you so much! I had posted this months ago and for some reason, it showed up today needing “updates” and it posted again. I’m still learning! I’m so happy to hear daffodils are pushing through already! Please tell your wife I will add her to my prayer list for back issues and arthritis. She knows well about pushing through. I appreciate your support so much!

      Reply

    1. Thank you, dear friend ❤️💛♥️ I’m sorry this posted again! It showed I needed to update it~for some reason I’m not for sure why it published again. You are so kind and thoughtful. Much love and prayers to you, my friend. Your support means so much! ❤️🙏🏻

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Jennie. You inspire me in ways you don’t know. I think of you often and all the inspiring ways you’re reaching young people~and humans of all ages! It helps me keep going! I’m sending my best, and all our Creator’s love and blessings, to you and your family! Thank you for your support and encouragement! 🌈 💛🫶🏻🙌🏻

      Reply

      1. My goodness! What a wonderful thing to say. I am deeply touched and filled with goodness. Thank you, Karla. You make me a better person and a teacher. 🥰

      2. It’s my blessing! And your words touch me deeply! They’re humbling and so kind. I’m blessed and better having you!♥️🥹💛🫶🏻

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