Stay True to your Roots, Part II

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay

Softened pain and a soothed spirit suited my celebration. The Farmer’s Market was the perfect stomping ground for a rejoiceful return to my “roots”. Seeing a former student and my children’s book illustrator, Gage, was the “full circle” I sought. Without him, Faith and Finley Tour Missouri, wouldn’t exist. A hug, hello, and a handful of his Missouri Artheaped my heart with hope!

Barefoot and strumming, a fabulous magician sang about the “Ozark’s Grounds”. My soul took solace. Memories of family, childhood, the river, travel, and this current “bend” in the water rushed my mind.

Feeling rooted, thankful tears trailed my cheeks as I hiked to my car.

It seemed fitting to “plant” myself at Roots Coffee shop. It was seventh heaven as I sowed my Savior’s sonshine. Music and the chatter of coffee connoisseurs chimed in with my cheerfulness.

Weary, with wonderstruck, I thought, “I’m grounded. It is well with my soul.”

Stay true to your roots.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7

Have faith 💚

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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73 thoughts on “Stay True to your Roots, Part II”

  1. I enjoyed your descriptions immensely and your friend’s art is incredible. I can relate to the satisfaction that comes from sitting quietly with hands looped around a warm porcelain mug.

    There is a sense of wholeness I think and simplicity that is like a long slow breath that releases tightness inside.

    The skies last night were so clear here that the stars were bright and easy to see. I longed though to leave town a few miles and see all the stars that light pollution still blocked.

    This morning was cold, and I had to scrape the car windows of frost and as I did the deer in the yard watched in their cautious way.

    hugs always

    Reply

    1. “There is a sense of wholeness I think and simplicity that is like a long slow breath that release tightness inside.” Wow, David. Your words are so poetic and beautiful. I appreciate you and your words so much. I think of your YEARS of cancer(s), surgeries, treatments, and recoveries. Your role as husband, father, son, and so much more. You’re an inspiration to me, David.
      I think about the cold morning, the frost, deer, and you enjoying a cup of coffee—you know the secrets to life, my friend! And your giving Christ all of you and that’s the most amazing way to live! Thank you so much for your friendship and support. Many hugs!

      Reply

  2. Often we understand where and how deeply we are rooted, when we touch something (a place, a song, a person, a sentence). And it stirs heart and soul which means, that we are so very close to our deepest connection. I don’t know if there is somehing more comforting, more strengthening, more moving. I understand the power of emotions and the calm it gave you at the same time. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Karla. It reminded me of some encounters and situations when I felt the drums of my roots moving my heart 💖

    Reply

    1. How beautiful, Erika. A stirring of the heart and soul. Sometimes it’s a burden to “feel” so much. Yet, I can’t imagine existing without these deep connections. I love your experiences-~”when I felt the drums of my roots moving my heart.” Poignant and poetic. Do you think it’s because we write? Feel? Are musically minded? I think facing death has made me more alive, obviously, too lol. Yet, as a young girl I always “felt” for things. I remember seeing a documentary, having walked to the Kindergarten room so we could sit on carpet, and giraffes were being killed in Africa. Immediately I wanted to board a plane and go there. Years later, I still long to go there and spread the message, ….not that I want to save the world~but that I FEEL it. There’s the black and white side of me that loves math and accounting. It’s strange to me. All these facets. It’s FULL and alive. I have this feeling you’re that way~and many in this community. It’s comforting that you understand the power and the calmness too. Much much love, my friend ❤️💕🙏🏻

      Reply

      1. Yes, maybe the writing and affection to music has something to do with it since we are open to fine vibrations and frequencies.
        Isn’t that what life is about? Feeling! And yes, the more sensitive we are the more we feel and the more can also make us sad or move us to clear actions. However, it says that we live and live this life with all senses. Even though my heart has its cuts, I never want to miss this flood of emotions – the loud and the silent ones 💖

  4. Ginger Salvatore's avatar Ginger Salvatore

    Karla, your roots are so deeply imbedded in you even surgery can’t remove them. Just looking at the photographs you shared suggests a sense of peace, quiet, well-being, feeling safe and protected and optimism. All good things. All important things to hold on to, especially when the going gets tough.

    I’m so happy for you that you got to enjoy this adventure, and enjoy it with sweet Miss Finley, because you are now making new memories. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time, one accomplished goal at a time. I’m sure there are many more moments like these ahead of you.

    Rest and recuperate and rejuvenate in between your new adventures so you don’t wear yourself out. I want you to be able to savor every single moment!

    Never forget, your roots are in your boots, and your boots were made for walkin’!

    Healing hugs to you and sweet Miss Finley, who happens to be the best nurse, companion and paws-on healer in the world!

    Ginger💞

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Reply

    1. Ginger, your words are music to my ears! “Never forget, your roots are in your boots, and your boots were made for walkin’”! I need this on a sticker, precious friend!

      And my heart is swelling—my feet are UP today. Rest, recuperate, and rejuvenated—so much so, I better GET UP a bit more! LOL.

      I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the pics of my little world and my BIG life—just living it one hour at a time and finding joy in every tiny morsel. Calls have been “swirling” for future appointments, treatments, schedules…now, planning….and Finn? She’s resting on my lap not knowing Momma has some days coming up that we’ll be separated again. Don’t worry, little Finn. With all this support how can I NOT have a kick in my step?

      Finley has been such a healing force—I’m for furry companions for anyone needing such a “paws-on” healer (love that!).
      We love you, Ginger. Oh, you make my heart happy. 💕🙏 I hope YOU feel all the love you pour out to everyone!!

      Reply

  8. This ❤️ Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

    Colossians 2:7

    It encapsulates how I feel about living in harmony with nature and striving always to sync my spirit with the greater Spirit. I enjoy so much how you live in such a deep sense of gratitude and it comes through in your words, reminds us of the delight in simple things, this amazing life. Love you Karla X

    Reply

  10. Lovely. You captured and articulated the sentiments exactly. In fact I thought about your post when I, too, visited a local coffee shop today, reflecting on life and familial roots. ☕ Love the pictures, just beautiful! ❤️

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for reading and stopping by! It means so much to me! I’m so thrilled you were able to reflect today at the coffee shop–and to think of my post? That’s heartwarming, my friend! Thank you so much! 💕🤗☕

      Reply

  11. this is wonderful, Karla; learning a little more about your life, how rich it is in the Lord. I enjoyed each of these slides. I want to read this post over and over so have bookmarked it. I’ve never read anything from Colossians before — but that quote is great. Stay strong, Karla. You are an inspiraion

    Reply

    1. John, this touched my heart! Thank you so much, my friend. I’m so happy we’re getting to know one another even more.
      I love that verse from Colossians. Watching The Chosen, and nearing the last 1/4th of my yearly studies, has made my “walk” with the apostles more concrete each year. This letter to the church in Colossae is pretty straightforward in keeping our eyes on God and what salvation means. I enjoy Paul’s letters–although it’s been told that this may have been written with the help of Timothy. I relate to Paul (as he had a “thorn in his side” and pain so much–but kept on going, traveling, spreading the word). I need to research this book more, but there are at least 3 of my favorites from this one! I think of him traveling in the ship through the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas to Spain, Turkey, and Greece–and speaking to the Romans! I guess I better just stay closer to home and spread the goodness at my local coffee shop for now, John! I pray for you daily. You’re an inspiration to me, too. So you saying that to me is heartwarming and heartfelt. Truly. It’s all so kind, my friend.

      Reply

      2. Yes! John, “skipping” a treatment (after 21 months of them and surgery) was what I needed. Yesterday, calls from Maryland, drs, nurses….here I go. My friend, I have two weekends of FUN—I’m going to visit my son, DIL, and granddaughter in K.C. This weekend and return to my former little home I sold last year (to be near my folks and cancer center) NEXT weekend to attend a music festival. And then…treatments begin—double. Then back to Maryland. 3 more scans between now and when I leave there. I take a deep breath, John. I’m so thankful to be here. It’s a miracle I’m here and I’ll not take ONE hour for granted. And i know you don’t either. Sending love, hugs, and prayers each day!! 🙏

      3. So happy for you, Karla; a break from cancer treatment is so blessed ; have fun exploring your roots. And I enjoy reading about your adventures: yours is such a rich life; blessings 🙂

      6. It’s true! John! I can’t believe you haven’t been told that more often~I did giggle at mum. Aren’t they are biggest cheerleaders? Please take care. I’m praying always! 🙏🏻🤗

  12. A beautiful post, Karla. So good to see you getting out and connecting with your roots again. You know without roots you are just another dead log on the fire! With roots you are a growing healthy tree bearing fruit!

    Reply

    1. I love your response, Dwight! Ha! Another dead log on the fire (speaking of which–several nights ago, I had a bonfire with my pup, it was more of feeling my “roots” and taking me back to my camping days). Thank you for your kind words, encouragement, and support! “With roots you are a growing healthy tree bearing fruit!” That’s so beautiful! Yes, I want to bear GOOD fruit! Take care, Dwight!

      Reply

  13. Great choice on the passage from Colossians 2:7! This “Part II” post gave me many thoughts, much to chew on on. ”…having been rooted and being built up in Him.“ The literal translation says so much. Having been rooted in Christ means being covered in, buried in Him so as not to be uncovered or moved. Past tense here, meaning it is done and done for those who surrender all. 

    Then it switches to the present tense, “being built up in Him.” Here is the ongoing work of Christ into Whom we are firmly planted. And it is reciprocal – He is firmly settled into us as well. The key to the rooting and the edifying is Christ Himself; Christ in us and us in Him. He is the cause, the source, the power, the purpose, and the point.

    This is a complimentary perspective on our abiding life in Christ, living as a branch permanently connected to and drawing life from the vine. It began at a point, it is continuously happening and will remains so until we are brought into the eternal state. 

    This brings to mind one of the best and most under-appreciated Christmas song lines ever: “Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.” It is Christ Who does the fitting; we are not able. We look not to ourselves, our religious upbringing, our doctrines or dogmas for this. We progress in the Spirit by the Spirit as we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Gladly, He begins the fitting process in us now, in this life, by His Holy Spirit living within us.

    What a great two-parter! Kudos to Karla and the Fabulous Finley!

    Reply

  14. Love this, my friend. I do enjoy the reliving of beautiful memories. Unfortunately I can’t go back to my ‘roots’ at this time, but I’ve decided rather to ‘bloom where I’m planted’ 😂😂 at this time I don’t have a choice.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, my friend. I appreciate you so much. “Bloom where you’re planted.” YES! I understand that well. And have no doubt you are blooming in big ways. 💛

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  15. On taking our path there is this understanding of love. Not the love of an ice cream, nor coffee by the sea. Nor even a chocolate where our hearts seem to be set free. But in understanding that all of our paths is adding to that love, His love in doing them all. Each step a chance to see and feel it within us, so many responses, unsure what it means. Until one day we have them all inside and ‘life’ asks us to go beyond our fears and see truly what it is inside us.

    And in that light it all changes, the ice cream, coffee and chocolate are us, just as we have accepted that love ever held away. We have accepted that love after so long, accepted that we did need to see that conditional in our lives so that when we finally accepted us unconditionally…His love had finally been met. We have accepted His love that had always been there but never understood. And this life gives us that very thing.

    Those roots inside us have indeed been set free Karla, finally open truly to that love and happiness we have ever looked for and now found. Standing anywhere can now truly be appreciated because of what we have experienced on this path. It may seem a simple thing to have a coffee in His sunshine…but from where you’ve been it’s flavor will never be the same again…or His love ❤️🙏

    Great post kind lady, a profound moment in time…I can almost taste and feel that coffee and sunshine from here. Thank you for that share of your heart 😀🤗🥰❤️🙏

    Reply

    1. Mark, gosh…your words hit straight to the heart. “It may seem a simple thing to have a coffee in His sunshine…but from where you’ve been it’s flavor will never be the same again…or His love” ❤️🙏—-that’s IT. You know, you know. And for you to say, “nor even a chocolate…” you know true love!
      Thank you for being here and being a light to help brighten the path I’m taking. It’s helped me to open more pages of a book of my life I was scared to open for a while.
      Happy Valentine’s Day—I prayed specifically for the experience you are having now and am hopeful, that because of how you let love lead, that all will come to fruition in a peaceful and loving way. And that whatever happens, you come out on top in a winning way.
      If Finn could talk, I think she’d say the same thing. We’re rooting for you! And I’ll eat a chocolate today and think of you-knowing full well if I tried to send it, a mess would arrive Down Under! You deserve to eat a chocolate, my friend. Much love, Karla and Finley

      Reply

      1. Haha, thank you beautiful lady, and of course to beautiful Miss Finley too 🤣Chocolate received in heart and soul anyway, it does taste better that way 😂

        A Happy Valentines day to you both too Karla, and an appreciation of your prayers and blessings kind lady. It is in having those lovely people in our lives that give a strength and courage to go on and know that beauty is with us. Thank you 🥰🙏

        Enjoy the beauty that you now take with you in His sunshine. A new world has opened, a new love found within. Love and blessings to you both 😀🥰❤️🙏

  17. Being rooted and built up, established in the faith of Christ Jesus leads to a life of joy! Karla, I think of you as one who is living a life of joy, regardless of sickness and pain. I can picture you in the coffee shop sowing our Savior’s sonshine! With softened pain and a soothed spirit, the Farmer’s Market was perfect for a rejoiceful returning to your roots. Blessings of seeing a former student and Gage (an awesome illustrator) heaped your heart with renewed hope! Singing in your heart, “It is well with my soul” I can imagine your thankful tears as you hiked to your car. Sending my love, prayers, and hugs from AL to MO, my friend ❤️🙏🏻🤗

    Reply

    1. Pam, you know! You are singing with me and it warms my heart and soul. Much like you and Butch “remain” in your roots, it feels so good to feel like I’m coming back to life—my roots were there. But I felt so weak. I think I’ll bloom even better? It’s been so wonderful to have a “break” from treatments to just…be. Heal. In my studies this morning I read about the peace that only comes from God. I relish on the words of John. Peace. If I can do just little things that make a difference—those are the big things that will pay in dividends in living the life God intended. Gage’s style is just the best for sure! I had space on my wall that will now be filled with pictures of my “roots” and it warms my heart. As always, I lift you, Butch, your Dad, and family in my prayers. I’m thinking of those little grands riding around with you and the cottage on this Valentine’s Day—and how pretty it much be there! Happy Valentine’s Day to you both! I love you dearly. ❤️

      Reply

    1. Kelley, thank you so much, dear friend. You’re with me in music, love, prayers, and nature. I will try the link on my P.C.! I’m so excited. Much love, my friend. Happy Valentine’s Day! 💛

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  19. I’m happy your soul is well, my sister. Happy for your good days and softened pain, that you’re feeling well enough to take on the Farmers Market and had a serendipitous coffee shop experience, that you “bumped into” Gage and that the water and rocks, trees and your spirit spoke.

    Thanks for the boost! I love that song. Such powerful lyrics (I remember the backstory). Much love to you and Finley! ❤️

    Reply

    1. Happy Valentine’s Day, Crystal! I always feel your love and support—Finley and I sent it to you. But I’m the one that’s praying daily for you and yours ;-). Thank you for being here and on this journey with me. I’m so happy this post gave you a boost! It’s so good to LIVE! ❤️💕🙏

      Reply

      1. Happy Valentine’s to my Warrior Friend/Prayer Warrior, Galentine/Palentine! I see your bow and arrow, and I’m shooting prayers up for you, too, Karla. The target practice is paying off. 🙌🏻❤️🎯❤️🙌🏻

      2. Aww, thank you, Crystal! As shared from a warrior herself! I love this response~”the target practice is paying off!” That’s awesome 🥰 I’ll not stop! I know you won’t either. Much love and prayers! ❤️💕🙏🏻💐

  20. Though we are not from Missouri, we lived there for a couple of years and were married in West Plains, (Howell County). Last year we made the trek through that area and visited the tiny church where we said I do, and I was shocked how little had changed. They were singing the same hymns and even playing the same piano that Nancy had played way back when. So glad for your happier days and getting out. Remembering roots matters because they remind us of all God’s faithfulness along the way!

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    1. Hello, Pete! Thank you for sharing this story. I love it! How wonderful that little had changed in that area—that’s not common these days. And even more wonderful they had the same piano and hymns. I embrace change. However, there is something about churches and hymns in which I just embrace the former days—melancholy? I do love Missouri and its towns. It makes my heart happy you have a special union here! Thank you for praying for me. I’ll remember that about roots!

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  21. Sweet words, Karla. “It was seventh heaven as I sowed my Savior’s sonshine.” We wish for heaven when we already have it in Him, and let our roots in Him grow deep. Keep discovering and rediscovering, dear Karla, and thanks for sharing those truths with us. Praying for you, sister. 🙏🏾💞💞💞💞

    Reply

    1. Dora, thank you for your encouraging and thoughtful words. “We wish for heaven when we already have it in Him, and let our roots in Him grow deep.” Yes! We have it in us~so beautifully said!! Discovering and rediscovering ~Dora, your words speak to me! That’s exactly what I’ll keep doing. Thank you so much. Sending love and hugs. The prayers are keeping me doing these things, my friend. I believe. Much love as I remember you and pray for you, too.🙏🏻💕❤️

      Reply

    1. Hi, brother! Yes, we’d have such a wonderful time sharing about our love for Jesus (and COFFEE!!!). Yes, Gary and I are definitely kindred spirits! Lol How are you? I hope you are well! I’m praying for you as you near your surgery! I’m behind a few days in reading and writing–but not in my praying.

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  25. It is such an important thing to be true to who we are – and it can be so difficult at times with advertising and others telling us what we *should* be! Along with remembering where we have come from, family, friends, life experience, to help us to stay true to who we are.

    Thank you for your stories and the encouraging reminders. 🙏🧡

    Reply

    1. Hamish, I always appreciate your wisdom and insight!

      I know you stay true to who you are~don’t ever change, my friend. I appreciate you and pray you and yours are well. Thank you for being here and supporting me!💚🙏🏻

      Reply

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