Stay True to Your Roots Part 1

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay
My original piece, “Stay True to Your Roots” was created after having a “winning” weekend with my health. For the first time, in a long time, I was “out and about” enjoying things I used to do (besides hiking ;-). I’m cautious, careful, and staying close to the “roots” of safety; yet, it’s been fun to “branch” out and enjoy the world around me. I couldn’t help but write about something that bowled me over this morning. Just like last night’s BIG game, my writing went into overtime. My piece is now two parts! I hope you enjoy part 1 of “Stay True to Your Roots!”

If you haven’t heard, there was a big game last night. I’d call it Super! As a Missouri girl, true to her roots, I had to “root” for the K.C. Chiefs. But I’m a sucker for underdogs! Always.

Can you imagine my utter delight when the first commercial at last night’s game was “He Gets Us”? Tears of happiness fell. Not only have I completed several devotions on YouVersion from the organization, “He Gets Us”, but have a hat and t-shirt that depict that message from my MVP, Jesus. It was the same feeling I had when I saw their ad behind home plate watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Hats off to “He Gets Us!”

Humility is so beautiful. Love wins.

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ‘ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ‘

Matthew 22:37-39

Don’t we SEE? Can’t we get it? Are we rooting for love? Do we know our neighbors? Are we cheering each other on? How deep are our roots of love?

My stats aren’t perfect. I’ve fumbled (and still do!). I’ve intercepted. I’ve been injured. I’ve broken rules and tried to be so rigid following them, that I was tackled. Perfect might win a few plays. Meaningful motives and proactive progression will gain yards. Godly grit wins.

Jesus was an underdog. He shocked people with his upside-down message. He knew exactly how to punt or which play would be best “received”. Some might call dying on a cross a MAJOR loss. Yet, in a dramatic 3 day overtime, he WON. It was finished.

My roots run deep. I’m an Ozarks girl. For me, it’s not about religion, rules, and my name on a roster of a building. But about using my hands, feet, and heart to satisfy the game plan of my coach. And since I’m still from Missouri, I might say, “Go Chiefs!” The Chiefs Kingdom is fun; don’t get me wrong…but the Kingdom for which I’m rooting for will last for eternity! What a dynasty!

Pic by K.L. Hale (2/12/24)

Have faith 💚

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”-Abraham Lincoln (Happy birthday-Feb. 12th, 1809)

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale

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95 thoughts on “Stay True to Your Roots Part 1”

  2. Oh Karla, you choke me up with your words and that commercial!! I have to admit, football is not my thing, sorry! 🙂 My husband isn’t in to it either so we didn’t see the commercials, but WOW on that one being on national TV. Awesome!! <3 and yes He does get us. All of us, no matter how broken or messed up we are, he gets us and wants to wrap us in His arms with His love.
    I am SOOOO Happy that you had such a wonderful weekend being able to feel good and do stuff. You go girl!! <3 <3 Can't wait to read part 2. Love and warm hugs! <3

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear Joy, for your kind words. And wisdom! I’m not to judge, just love! And who better than Jesus to leave it all up to? The game was super exciting~I understand about football not being your thing. I don’t watch it weekly, but do love the teams I support and try when I can. The Super Bowl hype brings out a lot of energy. I felt it at the grocery store yesterday morning. It’s interesting to me what “rallies” us~choosing teams is easier than choosing a way to live life! Sports unites~if only we could be united in other things! You mention Jesus around a crowd, depending on the audience, it might get real quiet! Lol. I think that’s what religion has sadly done~church experiences, or lack thereof and thinking of cult like cultures “looming” in them (which I know has happened in some fanatic religion forms). In the case of this commercial, it was about the teaching of humility and love. They never mentioned this commercial on the national news this morning (some of the commercials were hilarious!). It didn’t surprise me! I’m so happy you know and love Jesus! Thank you for rooting for me and supporting/praying me through this big game of life. I love you, Joy. Big hugs! ❤️💕🙏🏻 I’m singing right now… 🎶

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      2. I’m with you! I’ll “know” my audience so I don’t offend, but I can’t imagine that if we all loved and served, just how offended would we be? Lol. Golly, it’s been great to be a loser–than to win with HIM! 💕❤️💛🎶🎶

  3. What a powerful commercial and I understand why it caught you. I understand when you say, you want to do something actively with the tools you are given. That burns even stronger lately in me too. So, let the fire of love burn, dear Karla. Let it fill you. Doing anything out of the joy for love, through love, is the most healing power that works in ourselves first. Much much love to you, dear friend 💖💖

    Reply

    1. Erika, I think about you, your life, your books, and all you’ve done to spread love and light. It’s so encouraging–just as your words to me inspire me! Bluntly, I’ve been so close to death, that my life looks brighter and lights a fire that is burning with love. Your words, “Doing anything out of the joy for love, through love, is the most healing power that works in ourselves first.” Yes. I had to learn to love and forgive myself to accept the love of my Creator. I could choose the opposite–it won’t serve HIM, others, or me. It would be worse than cancer! I appreciate you so much, Erika. Thank you for being here and supporting me. Much love to you, too! ❤️💕

      Reply

      1. I hope you know, how much love and zest for life you shine onto us, Karla. You appear to me like life in its pureness. Doubtlessly you feel life in all its facets, more than I ever only touched it. Maybe what you said here is the secret of a liberated life: forgiving yourself. Otherwise, we are still wearing sunglasses without realizing it. And we only do realize it once they fell off. You see! And that is amazing. I’ll be here definitely, Karla. Much love to you 💖

      2. Erika, thank you. Your words melt my heart ❤️. Without the love and healing power of God, I wouldn’t be here.
        When I arise each morning (I’m an early bird 🐦), eyes open, in stillness, I whisper, “I’m here, thank you, God”. And immediately I thank him for breath, my sons and their wives and the grands, for my family here, and all my friends.” Even if my physical posture is poor, I’ve spent years working on my spiritual posture. I have to give God the glory. And I thank him for GRIT (grace, resilience, integrity, and being “teachable”). I had lost integrity at a point, but with grace and love, God restored. I will always remain teachable.
        Thank you for being a teacher and providing wisdom~it’s impactful, my friend. I’m thankful for you. Much love and gratitude ❤️🙏🏻💕

      3. What about writing a book, Karla? I mean it. Your insights, what and how you see about life could make such a difference for others. It doesn’t need to be a thick book. Just a guide about the love for life and your personal journey to awareness 💖

      4. Dear Erika, guess what I’m doing? You’ve read my heart and mind. I didn’t want to let the “cat out of the bag”,…but,…it only took me 4 years to come up with a title! I’m on a timeline to “deliver” it. God has been working in my heart so much. Our souls are in sync on this. Thank you and bless you. 💕❤️💚🤗

      8. Aww, Mark….thank you! I LOVE following Erika’s journey, too. And yours, my friend. Darn it,…maybe we should all get together and write a book? lol. I love you guys! ❤️💛😂🤗💕

  4. Ginger Salvatore's avatar Ginger Salvatore

    Karla what a feel good post you wrote. That you were able to be out and about and enjoy yourself makes me smile. I am not a football fan. In fact, I’m not really a sports fan. I’m glad you got to see that ad during the game. The sponsors of that ad couldn’t have chosen a better venue to get their message out to the multitudes!

    I so hope you get to enjoy more outings, especially since the weather will be getting warmer. Hope too that sweet Miss Finley can enjoy them with you.

    Keep staying true to your roots Karla. You come from good stock, as they say. Your strong faith has served you well and will continue to do so. Keep those hiking boots at the ready. You may be using them quicker than you think! 🤗

    I continue to pray for you and your family, and yes that includes sweet Miss Finley! Be true to yourself and you will achieve great progress in your journey back to good health. You are much loved by so many.

    Ginger💞

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Reply

    1. Ginger, you always touch my heart with your words and responses. Thank you so much. How are you, my friend?

      I’m so glad this was a “feel good”. We have had enough of the opposite! There was a time when I didn’t know how GOOD I might feel.

      Good stock–aw, yes. My family is amazing. It’s a forest of feel-good, faithful, and fine oaks, my friend!

      I do have my boots ready, Ginger. I know my body so well now. If I even have a HINT that I’m going to struggle with, I will choose a different activity or rest. sugar is stabilized between treatments, and fluid buildup is improving, I need to be the “hands and feet” for others, too. I’ll be wise.

      Sports aren’t for everyone so I get it! Just like HE gets us! I can take some, leave some. But if I had to choose between a ball game or the art museum, that would be hard. So, like I typically would do–go to BOTH. LOL. Take off my ball hat after the game and walk through the museum and then maybe go to an art concert and the library next (which I LOVE LIBRARIES!!!!!). Jeez. I have a lot of life to live, Ginger. So I’ll definitely keep my shoes laced up.

      Finn is sitting in my lap. Happy as a lark in her itty bitty sweater because I’m WRITING and READING. The poor little girl needed to get to the vet since I’ve “neglected” her the last 3 months of healing (or 21 months?). She took it all like a trooper–but maybe left a little worse than she went? Can’t figure that one out–or she’s just slowing down more! But she’s with me and happy right now. 🙂

      I’ll keep being true to myself and I know you will too, Ginger. Finn and I love you (she told me ;-). THANK YOU for your prayers and support. We’re sending both to YOU!
      💕❤️💕❤️💕🙏

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  5. Awe! It warms my heart to know you’ve been “out and about, enjoying the things you used to do!” Good news indeed. I remember seeing the Jesus commercial while we were watching the Super Bowl and I was so surprised to see something like that on national TV. It was amazing. I can only imagine your joy. Congratulations on the win, it was a great game and fun to watch it with family! You are my inspiration Karla, feel good, enjoy the things you love. Love you so much, C

    Reply

    1. C, I bet you had such a fun time watching the game! I just love you and appreciate you so much. Your words and support are always uplifting. Have you made your way home yet? What a game! And yes, when that commercial aired, knowing how much had to be spent, I was in awe! That was a great message (especially since all the other ones were begging me to buy something, lol–consume consume as blogger Carole shared)! But a donut is a treat for sure–and I did have a treat. It’s nice to resume some normal things–slowly–to help me keep battling fear with faith. To say I’m an inspiration is humbling, Cheryl. Truly. I don’t take that lightly. I don’t feel like I had a choice. But after visiting with another inspiration of mine, I determined I could’ve chosen to give up. I thought about it. Not very long though, because I had been at my rock bottom before, C. That last fall, which was flat on my faith, gave me the courage to apply the faith and power that we all have if we choose. I’m writing about it, C. I’ll keep on enjoying each hour I’m given and I’m so very thankful you’re a part of it. I told my twin the story of you and your sister and read the response you shared with me. I love you, C. Please take care and keep living life to the fullest (as I know you do!). I can’t wait to hear what Larry will wrangle you into next! Tee hee!

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  8. Dearest Karla, I am so happy that you were out and about yesterday! After church, we stopped by the grocery store and it was packed with people buying snacks. We didn’t buy any and we didn’t even turn the game on. Congratulations on your win! I love you and you are always in our prayers ❤️🙏🏻❤️

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Pam! It feels so good. I want to fully “live”~even if in a “smaller” capacity. It’s “big” in many ways to me. 🥰❤️
      If i was at your homestead and having a Valentines Day tea at the cottage, or riding around looking at sunsets and nature, I would’ve skipped the game and snacks ☺️🤭🥰
      I hope you were able to see my response yesterday ~I enjoyed visiting you all early! I’m still struggling in “Reader” but could respond on my PC.
      Thank you for your prayers and support. I love you, Pam. Please give Butch my best~I continue praying for him and your Dad as well.💕🙏🏻🤗

      Reply

      1. Karla, I wish you could be here. We would ride you around to all of our wonderful spots, we would have a tea party with red velvet cake, we would view nature, we could gather at the piano and sing. We would celebrate fully living! We saw your response yesterday, always so sweet and kind. Butch replied yesterday. Love you ❤️🩷♥️

      2. Pam, how wonderful!🥰

        Red velvet cake, nature, and singing around the piano~heavenly! Its family!
        ❤️🎶❤️

        Please tell him thank you. I will have to look through my responses.
        I’ll be thinking of you two on Valentine’s Day! Your anniversary, sweet cards…I’ll be going to a party with my niece and parents. It will be a day of much love I’m sure!
        Love you!! ❤️💕🙏🏻

    1. Thank you, Gary! I thought you’d enjoy this! I thought of you when I snapped the photo. The snow is melting with the sun indeed! Many blessings and prayers to you all.

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  10. I’m over the moon hearing you are on the field and hitting the first and second down. YES! Life without a little fumbling wouldn’t be real. Hope you continue to the finish line like the Chiefs did Karla! Best news ever and love the commercial as I didn’t watch any of them xo 💕👏👏👏❣️💕

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    1. Aw, Cindy. Thank you! You are so sweet and your enthusiasm always makes me smile. Your words and wisdom always encourage! I saw your cutie and I know where my attention would be during a game! XO ❤️🥰💕🙌🏻❤️💕💕

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  11. Karla we watched the super bowl too and yes, that ad was so very good!! I was just commenting on this topic of needing more kindness and sympathy and extending grace to others. God forgives us, Jesus saves us, and we need to extend that to others! Everyone is our neighbor – even the people not like us, not pleasant to us, and especially those who show us hatred! Love does conquer all!!!

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    1. Say it louder for the people in the back, Val ❤️☺️🤭 thank you for being you! You’re such an encouragement and champion for goodness! The goodness of God that should be extended to everyone~despite everything! As the song says, “I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody about a somebody that saved my soul”…🎶and yours and yours and yours….no matter what! If we choose! I’m choosing with you! Speaking of love~ I love you!❤️

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  12. A beautiful, beautiful post Karla and so well written kind lady. Our souls journey is truly a gift to find God’s love, understand it in these very steps we take. When I finally understood and could see His hand touch me in that understanding…the tears…of relief, of sadness, of happiness, of understanding of what He had truly given me, in that unconditional love that is His. We just have to dare to believe and accept it…that love that ever lives inside us. Ever our choice, and in doing so realize that beauty of unconditional love ❤️🙏

    And what a game, it truly had everything, both sides could truly take a bow. But alas, 49’ers will rue that field goal forever…again 😀. Oh well, next time, it is the 3rd of the last 5 Superbowl’s we’ve met…or something like that isn’t it? 🤣 🤔 😪

    Anyway, a challenge is a challenge is a challenge…may we meet, learn and love through them all in our journey kind lady. We are given them to understand truly that beauty within us all. Hope you are well, life is sweet, and lady Finn sharing it all too. Big hugs too you both 😀❤️🙏

    Reply

    1. Mark, your words are always a beautiful book! I could “publish” them in a library simply called, “Love and Wisdom” (from a life of hard knocks ~from us both lol). You just get it! You know. You have felt the utter relief.

      As much as I wanted to email last night (I was thinking of you as the game went into overtime), it was late for me (early for you?). But it was a good game. I’m happy about that. Oh, the emotions get ramped up in such a huge event. It was exciting~but if the 49 er’s would’ve won, I’d still be happy! Great quarterback~very poised and wise for his age! Love that!

      I enjoyed some food I haven’t been able to eat in a while!

      “A challenge is a challenge…may we meet, learn, and love through them…” yes!!

      I miss you, Mark and hope you’re well too. Is your website being glitchy and unhinged? Finn and I are sending love and prayers! Hugs too of course! 🤗🙏🏻🩵☀️

      Reply

      1. Thank you for your lovely words Karla, they are appreciated muchly. And yay to the good food Karla. I haven’t been able to taste or smell for so many years. Every now and then a tiny smell or taste comes through and it is like a blessing envelops me, a delight like no other 😀

        It was a big day for everyone yesterday, regardless the outcome. I know it is a big thing but no one should feel they didn’t give on the day. That was a huge effort by all. Plus…next year shall be upon us soon enough to try again 🤣

        Love and prayers gratefully received kind lady, and very appreciated. The site is secondary at the moment, it is my turn to face me, a horror from my past is paying a call to which it is touching many. It may take some time so at the moment I am just ‘hovering’ but I may disappear on and off. Health wise it is ‘testing’ my journey somewhat…but aren’t we all tested in our own ways.

        Many hugs to you and Finn, may the happy from yesterday add to your heart and healing, and of course that regaining of some of that lovely ‘food’ that ever seems out of reach 🤣❤️🙏

      2. Thank you, precious friend. I’ll be reaching out. You’re wrapped in prayers and goodness, Mark~I hope this gives some positive as you face things that are impacting you and many. You’re a rock star in my book, my friend! ❤️🙏🏻🙌🏻

      3. Received with much gratitude Karla, I thank you very much for this and your blessings kind lady. As much as I hated that part of my life, it was this very thing that took me to where I now am. And we do have our own individual journey’s to take and find us within that path. May you find you also my friend. Big hugs to you and Finn 😀❤️🙏

  13. In Canada we miss the bowl commercials that you see, or at least 80% of them. Thank you for bring this beautiful message to my attention and I immediately searched and watched the he gets us foot washing commercial before I commented. It was heart warming. It really is simple and clear; a demonstration of service and love. When my Dad was recovering from hip surgery my son and I helped my dad shower by going to the recreation centre so we had a big space to help him shower and he had support in the shower. This commercial brought back the amazing compassion my son demonstrated for his papa during his recovery. It touched me heart and so did this commercial.

    Sending you sincere warm thoughts, May God bless your health- David

    Reply

    1. David, it’s so good to “see” you and read this heartwarming response. I pray that you and your family are well.

      How precious ~your son showing such love and compassion to his Papa. ~That same love our Heavenly Papa shows to us.

      Sending you sincere prayers and goodness. I will soon touch base ~praying your health is good. You’ve been an inspiration to me. God bless you! Thank you for reading and supporting me.

      Reply

  15. I missed that commercial last night, but not completely because here it is. I love how you took the pass and ran with it. Karla. Out and about. Score! So happy to hear of your winning weekend, fired up for the Jesus play-by-play, and cheering for His love and miracles! Love you, dear friend! ❤️🙏🏻❤️

    Reply

    1. As I sip winter tea, I’m sending love and prayers! “I love how you took the pass and ran with it”~your so kind and thoughtful, Crystal. Thank you for rooting for me~for the love and prayers! I’m “passing” them to you! So happy we’re teammates! God bless you, dear friend.🙏🏻❤️🙌🏻💕

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  16. A beautiful post Karla, your love of life and Jesus are infectious, they just jump off the page as I read. It was such a great time for me to come across your post, I have some personal issues I’m dealing with that require me to rise above and be magnanimous but inside is this child who crosses her arms and says “won’t”in a sulky voice. Then I think of you all you’re going through and yet you still see the gold in everything …it makes me annoyed with that churlish child and given another beat or two I’ll sigh and be the bigger person but I’m pretty sure I’m going to make the move faster for having read this post. Take care mother bear and keep smiling 😘

    Reply

    1. I love you, Kate. Your absence here has been felt~and your words, so raw and real~are evidence of why I miss you. After I type this I will specifically write down a prayer for you to say out loud.
      I’m sorry for those issues, my friend. I can empathize with the child, arms crossed! So perfectly described.

      You’re so kind and generous. It encourages me, my friend. I’m thrilled I can encourage you, and I’ll be “here” (and email) should you need. I’m rooting you on always!! XO 💕🙏🏻❤️

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  22. Jesus went into overtime … three days … and WON! I love it, Karla, what joy your writing brings. And His win is our win, in Him. How precious He is to us! And the “joy of the LORD is our strength!” Keep going strong, Karla, in Him who is our all in all. Love to you. 💖

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  23. Such an encouraging read. Every thought speaks to where my roots keep sinking deeper for . . . growing relationship in Jesus. Karla, aligning our journey with the waiting errors in a football game reminds each of us to walk with humbleness in this game called life. When God’s penalty flag is thrown, Jesus steps in with forgiveness for our transgressions.

    Reply

    1. Richard, your words are so wise and wonderful! “When God’s penalty flag is thrown, Jesus steps in with forgiveness for our transgressions.” Just perfect! I’m thrilled this post was encouraging to you. I learn from so many wise friends here—and you’re one of them. Thank you for helping “grow” me. God bless you and yours ,Richard.

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  26. Karla; I am so far behind the eight-ball in reading your amazing message. It was an amazing game to watch, but even more amazing was that we got to travel to KC and watch it with kids and grandkids. I’ve heard all kinds of negative comments about the money spent on the “He Gets Us” Super Bowl commercials, but I really like them. I am for anything that helps introduce people to Jesus who don’t know him. Who knows where that might lead? Thank you for sharing your gift. Please forgive me for my tardiness in reading and replying.

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  27. I just love your creativity! And your enthusiasm is leaping from the screen! Hugs to you for the amazing gifts God has knit into you! (And for the joy you bring to each of us as you share it with us!)

    Reply

    1. Aww, you are so precious and sweet! Your words mean so much! I don’t take them lightly! I feel your love and hugs. I hope you received my prayers on your recent loss, my friend. I know how the Helen-sized hole must hurt. And I loved your post about it~it touched me~and gave me wisdom too!
      I appreciate your gifts too, dear Dawn. I’m so blessed to know you!💕

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