Signficent Season

On By K.L. HaleIn newsletter

September slipped in swiftly. Like each year, I was sniffing it out for several weeks. The smell of crisp air mixed with open fires, apple and pumpkin spice, and a newly waxed school building. The weather can be a trap! A taste of the fresh cooler air can soon disappear with the swallowing of summer heat that will not let go! More than any other September in my life, this season holds significent solutions. There’s a spiritual satisfaction and sweeter synergy between my Savior and me.

September, I need your support. But you should know, that no matter what, my Savior is my success. Happy September, my friends.

Have faith 💚

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72 thoughts on “Signficent Season”

  1. Yes, our maples and ash are starting to change color. We will get a couple days of heat and then low 70’s again. The acorns have mostly fallen. Bumper crop this year. I’m supposed to be harvesting wild rice today in a canoe but ended up cutting and chopping firewood (this old guy is taking a break right now). Have a great time in the grand canyon!

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    1. Gary, the tree changes sound so beautiful. How wonderful for a bumper crop! You deserve the break, my friend. I’m talking about your song now and hope to share it with others soon! You’re a blessing. Thank you for being here! 🙏🏻 I’m praying

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      1. I will get the camera out and post some “signs of Fall” pictures, maybe after Labor day.
        I was looking at the trail camera by the cabin. Seems several deer are wandering around at night for 2-4 hours. Lots to eat right now.

    1. That’s so awesome, Nicole! I’ve been able to visit there in August before when family lived in Fairbanks. It was the end of August beginning of September (birth of a granddaughter); I loved the early leaves changing! I’m so happy for all the beauty you’re seeing. I appreciate you stopping by!

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  3. Ginger Salvatore's avatar Ginger Salvatore

    Karla, September definitely came in silently this year. It doesn’t seem possible that it’s here already. Seems like it was only a couple of weeks ago that we were heralding the start of summer. This will absolutely be a significant season for you, as will winter and all the seasons you will enjoy for the rest of your life.

    We think of spring being the season of renewal, which it is, but so is fall. It’s the time when we put things away until “next year”. We dig up the annual flowers that have given us such beauty and perhaps plant fall mums. We start thinking about all things pumpkin and cinnamon, and begin planning meals that require the oven to be turned on! Mmmmm, that apple pie we haven’t baked since last fall!

    Many changes are coming your way as the seasons change. Probably a few blips here and there, but nothing you can’t handle. Karla the Crusader Against Cancer. Cancer hasn’t got a chance against you!

    Enjoy the Grand Canyon with your tribe! Perhaps you all could hold cancer and pain and endless treatments and frustration and disappointment in your hands and symbolically throw them all down to the floor of the Canyon where they’ll never be heard from again!

    Have a fun-filled holiday weekend. Think good thoughts. Kisses to sweet Miss Finley.

    Love, Ginger 💞

    Sent from my iPad

    >

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    1. Oh Ginger, I just love your words. This: “Perhaps you all could hold cancer and pain and endless treatments and frustration and disappointment in your hands and symbolically throw them all down to the floor of the Canyon where they’ll never be heard from again!” Yes!
      You’re such a man amazing cheerleader, Ginger. As I type I’m getting an infusion and shot. My platelets dropped again! Well, I’m going to use the title you gave me to keep on crusading!! I can smell the apple pie and cinnamon and even better, feel your love and support! Happy September! Finn and I send our love and hugs. 💕💛🙏🏻🙌🏻

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  4. I think you were where you needed to be for that man to tell you the story of his wife. We all become agents, if you will, to allow His will to be shared.

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  5. Karla, happy first day of September. Great blog and newsletter. I signed up months ago but do not receive via e-mail. I am always happy to hear from you and read your blogs. 🤗💐

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    1. Thank you, Tangie, for your sweet support and kindness! Hmm. I do have several followers who had to sign back up. Coincidentally, I had to that on several blogs I follow, too. It’s always so good to see you. Thank you, again! 💛💛🙏🏻 happy soon retirement!

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  7. Karla; What a wonderful newsletter/post/epistle. And to answer your question, “YES! I am ready for fall. Even though it is 95 degrees here in Fort Collins on September 1, I can still feel the small, subtle Irving’s of my Favorite Season of All.

    I also loved your story if the meeting with the doctor at the Air show. Sometimes the best lessons come when we least expect them, don’t they?

    All the best to you as you enter this new season of healing and renewal.

    Russell

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    1. That’s fantastic, Russell (feel of my Favorite season)! 95 degrees! I think we will be in the 90’s more too in the next few days. It will be so nice to say goodbye to those hot temps. I have a hs friend who lives near Fort Collins! I love Colorado so much. My dear friend, Martha, lives in Monte Vista. You have a great state, dear friend. I do love the lessons we can learn from others. I hesitated going, at first, but knew I could monitor myself. Also, people, in general, are so kind, Russell. I know how to get help if needed! This season is going to a good one. Today it began with getting help to build me stronger! Thank you for your continued support and prayers, always! I pray and hope your season is filled with many blessings and good health too! 🙏🏻🥰

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  9. I love your beautiful post! You have such a strong and courageous heart with a wonderfully postitive spirit, Karla. It is so nice you were able to go to the air show and meet some great people. I hope you have a wonderful time at the Grand Canyon. It is spectacular. One of the most beautiful places I have seen! Praying all goes well and you are able to enjoy this great family time.

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    1. Uncle Dwight, your comments make my heart so happy. I just smile. You’re such a wonderful support to me. I’m enjoying one day at a time. I know you do that, too! I’m glad to join the Grand Canyon club soon. I know I will be amazed! So exciting! Your prayers are appreciated ~I remember you and yours in mine. Take care!

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  11. Karla, what a joy to read your newsletter. Thank you for sharing the lovely story, not a coincidence you were there, but a divine appointment. I hope you have a wonderful trip with your tribe to the Grand Canyon, breathe it all in and enjoy every moment of God’s creation. Butch says thank you. We love you sweet friend. Hugs to you and Finn 🙏🏻🤗💕🍂🌾🍁

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    1. Oh, Pam,…it was my pleasure to use Butch’s quote! Tell him he’s welcome!I just love it! It warms my heart that you enjoyed reading it. I love using creativity and different platforms, it’s so good for me. It means so much you enjoy them.
      The trip will be so good. I plan on taking it easy and just enjoying the sites and fellowship; being wise to not overdo it! God’s creation is amazing. Hugs and love from Finn and me! 💕💛🫶🏻💚🤟🏻 🍃 🍁 🙏🏻

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  13. I’m so glad of the hope of this new surgery for you! It does make this September more significant. And I also love September, with its mix of Fall and Summer days. We’ve enjoyed a week of cool weather, and as of tomorrow, we’ll be back in Summer for a few more days. But that’s okay, the variety is nice!

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    1. You understand, Ann! It’s a nice mix for certain. I call it a “sweet” goodbye to summer. It’s like hanging on even though I’ll be glad to have cooler temps~yet, I don’t want it too cool off too fast! Tee hee. I just love this time of year. Thank you for praying for me~and your encouragement. I have until the end of October to get “boosted”. My dr and his team here will make sure my blood and platelets are the best they can be to prepare me! I hope and pray you are well too!

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      2. It’s been a challenging and growing year, my friend! My body has weakened, my spirit is soaring, and I see miracles straight ahead! May you find them, too! I have strength in the Lord! Many blessings! 💛

      4. Thank you 😊 I was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Not curable, but treatable! Many treatments; some which have made my body battle new issues! But through it all, miracles have happened. Now, a surgery the end of October can help extend my life even more! So many people have it worse, I keep it all in perspective and live in gratitude! 🙏🏻💕🤗

      5. Oh dear friend Karla, very sad to hear that from you. May God continue blessing upon you and may you recover soon… 💕🤗,
        I have heard that cancer is curable and a patient only need to accept it and to live with satisfaction.

      6. Amen my friend! I know I’m healed in so many ways. It’s all made me stronger in many ways. I can’t stop praising God! I’m sending love, hugs, and prayers to you, my friend! I’m so glad we’ve reconnected. 💕🤗🙏🏻

      7. My best wishes are always with you dear. And I will always remember you in my prayers 🤗💕 and I hope you will soon be with us as you were before 😘🤗

      13. Hello! Hopefully this week! I’m not sure if I’ll have time, but I do hope to create one more newsletter before my surgery. I hope to read yours soon too!

  16. Praying for you to have strength and energy this month little sister.
    September is one of my favorite months because we transition from summer to fall and because we have football again 🙂

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    1. Yes, Matt! I’m so happy to hear it’s your favorite month, too. Many football fans are in agreement. I like football, too. I REALLY love flannel and fire weather! God is so good to give more seasons. I shouldn’t complain of where I live—here I get to experience each season. Keep scoring touchdowns for HIM! From my view in the stands, you’re a tough and Godly team member! 🙏 Prayers for strength and stamina this September, brother!

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    1. Thank you, sweet Michele! It “hit” me faster than the smell of steak on a grill. I don’t know where the words come from sometimes. And then there are days I just sit,…silence…nothing. I love you, my friend! Prayers for strength and continued stamina as you dance through your beautiful life. 💕🤗

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  18. Great work, as usual, Karla. Your writing about the joys and depths of your relationship with our God grows sweeter all the time. Most likely because your relationship with Him grows sweeter all the time. He is capable of being our all in all, our purest joy and greatest delight. He becomes so when it is His life and not mine flowing through me. I find that the only thing that holds back the flow of His life through me is me. I am reminded of Leann Payne’s explanation of how to experience the working of our God in us – “We just have to get “you” out of the way!” It seems you are getting out of the way more and more. I am trying harder…no, make the “dying harder” to allow Him to live through me more as well.

    Oswald Chambers says it this way: ““He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”— and hundreds of other lives will be continually refreshed. Now is the time for us to break “the flask” of our lives, to stop seeking our own satisfaction, and to pour out our lives before Him. Our Lord is asking who of us will do it for Him?”

    Keep refreshing us all, Karla. We deeply appreciate it! I hope your end-of-summer weekend is grand. God bless!

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    1. Happy Sunday to our terrific tribe of ten feet. Your words encourage and lift me. “Yes” to “getting out of the way of ME.” The “dying harder”….allowing HIM to live through me. It’s a beautiful path that I hope all take. There are times, my refreshing might be misunderstood. I find that to do HIS will, in my getting out of HIS way, can be more exhausting. My will is the easy way out, Tim! So, he allows me rest and refreshment. That season is upon us even more. The leaves will fall and my will falls faster (I’m learning more and more to give it up during other seasons too—even in fighting the heat, his Will has given me cool comfort doing his work). Oswald Chambers has given nuggets of gold! And to “break the flask” is very vulnerable. I pray for that breaking to be evidence only of his strength; not mine. But HIM who is working through me. Thank you, Tim, for being the “iron” that helps sharpen me. You observe, pray, and encourage all that God is accomplishing through me. It’s affirmation for my God-appointed goals! God bless you, Jackson (I continue to pray), and Rascal. I hope you are getting a break from the schools and presentations long enough to rest, refresh, and rejuvenate! I appreciate you so much!

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    1. Lesley, thank you, my friend. I only use Mailchimp for a monthly newsletter and would never share anyone’s email. Some months I “miss” getting a new letter prepared. I’m so happy you enjoyed it and thank you, for signing up to receive it. Your kindness and prayers touch my heart. You have my support, too. 💛🙏

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  20. Another beautiful, inspiring post, my friend Karla. August ends with a connection bringing words of faith and helping hands; September starts with dips in temperature and rises in hopes for new wellness plans. May autumn bring good to the lives of Karla and Finn.

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  22. I really enjoyed reading your blog post! It beautifully captures the essence of September and the feeling of spiritual satisfaction. How do you typically cultivate that sweeter synergy with your Savior during this season?

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    1. Thank you so much! Your words are so kind and thoughtful. This season I have concentrated on two books, given to me by a very dear friend. “Christ Life” by A B Simpson and “The Indwelling Life of Christ-All of Him in All of Me” by Major W. Ian Thomas. Through my reading I’m focusing on what it means to live the Christ life–not just be a “Christian” (as this friend explained it, “eternal fire insurance”, lol). Both authors, living decades, and a century (A.B.) before me, started Missionary and Bible schools. They make the Christ life easy to understand. One quote I just focused on this morning was “Accept me, not as an example to follow afar off, but as a life to come into you, and impart to you His very nature, and make it second nature to your heart, spontaneous in your choice, victorious in your will, and interwoven with all your emotional life.” This is what is meant by the Christ-life–he offers HIS personal fullness and all-sufficiency. (A.B. Simpson) and W. Thomas will say, “our genuine desire to honor the Lord might cause us to use own strength and flesh by singing in a choir, teaching Sunday School, preaching, going to a Bible college, volunteering, and a thousand other things in which we try to harness our own energy.” It is only the life of the Lord Jesus CLOTHED in me and displayed in me–his power and his grace, that is actually a good thing–putting faith to work through HIS power rather than on mine or my accomplishments. It’s not that I don’t want to do those things, it’s all matters of the heart. And to have more synergy also means to seek out those who have the same heart. Small talk is great. But I’d much rather quickly share how the Lord is blessing and giving strength than talking about my cancer or the weather. Does that make sense? It was a big question, so my apologies! Lol. The best way? To even further my spiritual satisfaction seek him in nature–his beautiful world. Not sitting in my home all the time. This “stuff” doesn’t matter. But in nature, the woods, or in places where others can enjoy his beauty, I feel the sweeter synergy even greater! Thank you for being here and sharing. It means a lot to me! Many blessings as you seek the sweeter synergy too!

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  23. It isn’t usually quite this hot in September, but it does get hot — and more often then not, September isn’t “fall.” It’s just late summer. We were married on 15 September 1990 and it was HOT. I felt overdressed in my wedding dress.

    Right now, the only signs of fall we have are slightly cooler nights and shorter days. There are some bright yellow leaves on some of the ash trees, but otherwise, it’s not happening yet. It won’t happen for another three weeks. Fall isn’t September. It’s October and sometimes, when we get lucky, the beginning of November too. It’s just too early, but I can hardly wait.

    There WILL be pictures 😀

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    1. Marilyn, I’ve seen your wedding picture (perhaps your website or on a post? I can’t remember). You looked radiant! And now I know the extra “source” of radiance! 😀
      Tomorrow our temps will begin dropping and hanging out in the 70’s. Just perfect! Like you, I notice shorter days and the cooler nights are here. Our states are similar. Fall arrives later here, too. Some maples will start turning, but late September to mid-October will be beautiful. I’m so excited too. I need to check the Fall forecast for Maryland the end of October. I can imagine appreciating the beauty out the hospital window! Now that will be a fall to remember! I will look forward to seeing the pictures! It gets me excited just typing this. Thank you for reading and sharing! It’s such a great time of year! 💛

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      1. No one is sure what fall will look like this year. LAST year, after we got a couple of rains, it was the most intense, bright colors I’ve ever seen — but it only lasted a week. They seem to think it might be more pastel this year because of all the rain — and the lack of a nighttime cold snap. Pastel will be fine. I’ll just be happy when the heat is gone!

  24. Karla, I am so blessed to read your September newsletter. Your autumn reflections run parallel to many of my own. I know you are preparing for the journey ahead. Dear God, continue to bring others into Karla’s orbit with prayers, positive thoughts, and faithful witness. Your goodness lights her way forward. Amen.

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    1. You are so kind, Richard! Thank you. It doesn’t surprise me our reflections parallel! Thank you for your continued prayers as I begin my hiatus soon. Without God, I wouldn’t be here, Richard! HE, and the army of prayers, have opened the doors to a new way of healing for me! Thank you for always supporting my writing; even more, my walk with our God! Please take care and stay blessed, too!

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      1. Heavenly Father, Karla’s faith in the journey ahead is lifted high on eagle’s wings. Watch over her with Your continuing goodness, full of timely grace and peace. Amen.

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