Are you feeling the heat? Besides the sweltering hot, summer is on a scorching pace. Does anyone else feel it should still be…say, May?
Summer has tried to wither me. There have been several times my strength and spirit seemed shriveled. Rather than allowing these burns more attention, I’ll share the summer fun that made my heart soar (NOT sear)!
The early morning sun felt perfect that Tuesday. We were celebrating my twin’s birthday! “Let’s go somewhere unique and new!”
The sign with the opossum was intriguing enough (if you live in the Ozarks you understand!). We were giddily hungry as we crossed the quaint street!
Giggling, we read the sign out loud-perfect twin harmony- “Closed on Tuesday, July 8th.” We felt a bit singed. As we left, we waved at two couples (with the cutest toddler) standing by the restaurant; we didn’t catch them in time to share it was closed!
Like always, I put a positive spin on it. “Well, that wasn’t meant for us, let’s try another place downtown!”
By the time we parked and walked downtown (keep in mind I move at a snail’s pace right now) the two couples and toddler were approaching us! THIS CAN’T BE. “Closed on Tuesday, July 8th.”
What do you do?
You take a group selfie with your new friends having the same luck! 😊
By the time we cooled off in the car for a bit, we drove to the OTHER side of town, praying that place wouldn’t be closed.
THEY WERE OPEN!😊
“Do you have seats with cushions?” I asked as we were being welcomed to the OPEN restaurant. The man made a quick right and guess who was seated at the table RIGHT BESIDE US? Laughter erupted! “Are you stalking us?” Kristy asked them.
“Are you TWO stalking US?” Not only were they friendly, but funny!
During our breakfast they shared that one couple was from Colorado visiting with their young toddler. We all wanted something unique to eat! We found ourselves in a unique situation that we agreed we would all share! Who would believe we went to the same 3 restaurants?
When the check was dropped off the waitress leaned over and said, “Your bill has been paid. They wish to stay anonymous.” She was smiling the whole time because she heard our story and had fun with us the entire time. Gratitude? Oh my. AND TEARS. We couldn’t believe it! We hugged goodbye and talked about how we will pay it forward. At that moment I didn’t feel shriveled or withered. The warmth of their kindness and generosity made for continued perfect temperatures.
My skin has felt charred by blood draws. My bones burn and my mobility is marred. We all have sizzling situations. They remind me of Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness. With a confident “NO” he could reply to Satan’s temptations. He knew who HE was—the great I AM.
Do we have to walk through the fire, blistered by burns, or experience the scalding desolate times in the wilderness to know who we ARE?
“My energy shrivels; situations will scorch. I’ll not wither in sweltering weather and woes. I’ll avoid being parched–the Living Waters will quench my soul.”
K.L. Hale
Let’s allow our faith to fuel flames and burn bright with the hope, love, and mercy that Jesus shows us.
Do you KNOW HOW LOVED YOU ARE? REALLY?
Have hope. Keep the faith. 💚
Finley River Hale turned 8 years old last month!
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“ The warmth of their kindness and generosity made for continued perfect temperatures.” I can’t love this enough! 🩷 And it’s good to see your lovely, smiling face in the photo!
Thank you, Kelley! I appreciate you, sweet friend. ❣️❣️❣️🙏🏻
So if you search long enough, food will be found. And someone else might pay for it. Such a deal.
I’m glad you’re keeping the faith.
That’s true, tippy! It was such an amazing experience. If you ever get to my part of the world I’ll buy you breakfast!
I’ll keep on keepin’ on and not lose faith! Thank you for being here, my friend!
I’m glad it turned out to be a good birthday celebration and you made new friends to share it with, too.
My birthday is August 4th….its amazing I’ve made it this far.
Sending on love to you Karla! I’m sorry you are experiencing such pain. But glad you have so much support in your life.
love, katelon
Katelon,
Happy early birthday, my friend! Thank you for your support and friendship–the well wishes and constant encouragement.
I know that everyone is battling something–and pain. You can’t be human and not have pain. It all catches up with us! I’ll not waste it and use it to grow me spiritually and emotionally (especially when I feel like a big baby and just want to run off in solitude, lol–and I can’t even put on my hiking boots and go out there alone right now). BUT for God!
I’m happy we’re both well to have this exchange today, my friend. It touches my heart. Be well and blessed. Love you.
Hi, Karla, so good to see you. Oh, what a story, it was meant that all of you met and I am so happy for you that you found a wonderful place in the end to celebrate your twin’s birthday.
Thank you for sharing your positive attitude and loving vibes with us. You have this energy around you that comes through with every word you write. Thank you for being here, my dear friend 🤗💖
Oh, Erika…it’s so great to feel your energy and feel the love behind your words. I can see your smile now.
It’s my blessing to share the good stuff, my friend. I’ve felt like I’ve been a bit negative. It’s easy to feel a bit “burned” when things occur repeatedly. However, there’s something else that occurs repeatedly in my life–God’s blessings! With each pain or health “hiccup” he continues to reveal himself more and more. I know Jesus to the core of me and in the way he’s wanted me to know him for so long. I wouldn’t go back and change a thing because of the gifts and miracles I’ve experienced through this.
It’s a miracle to me that you feel my energy. Thank you for that affirmation. My energy levels have been the MOST impacted since May. Many nights of litle sleep–many nights of great sleep. Just inconsistent. I doubted if I’d get this published as I didn’t go to sleep until 4am today. Yet, God ALWAYS gives me the strength when I need it. I’ll keep putting one foot (or wheel, lol) in front of the other and not give up.
I pray that your energy and health are gifting you, Erika. You’re a light in this world. Thank you for being here too. Sending love and hugs. I appreciate you! 😊❣️🤗
I see what you mean. We wouldn’t be where we are today if there would be missing only one tiny thing. However, so much got revealed for you through everything you are going through and I hope that there is a time ahead where you simply enjoy this all withought any more painful times.
Sending you the biggest hugs and lots of love, dear Karla 🤗💖
Thank you, dear Erika. I’m praying for those days–and EXPECTING them. I feel your hugs and love and send them to you, too, sweet friend. Please take care! 🤗❣️
I will, my dear friend, sending you healing thoughts 🤗💖
i’m sending good vibes and a cargo ship’s worth of strength and healing your way Karla 🙂 you enjoy your summer – your guardian angels are crafting up a plan to take care of the rest and i can sense they are busy cranking up the heavy machinery! Mike
Hi Mike! thank you so much! What an encouraging message!! I can see those angels now (I didn’t know they sweat like we do!). Speaking of heavy machinery, Mike, I’ve solved a bit of mobility issues–I have a brand new tiny lightweight (NOT heavy, lol) scooter so I can keep my independence when my bones and leg do not want to work. I can scooter around a park when fatigue hits (or the store…). I never dreamed I’d do that–but perhaps the guardian angels placed that in my thoughts, too! I appreciate you! I hope you’re doing well! 😊
i’m glad the scooter has arrived. only sad that it’s not gonna get a lot of work as i can see a whole lot of strength coming back to you sooner rather than later! 🙂 then again, heck – just having a scooter around seems like a fine idea!
Thank you, Mike! I agree with you in every way! It WILL come back. —but having the little thing will be so helpful! It’s kinda cute! I named her Skeeter! 😂😊
Thanks for sharing your wonderful joy like you always do. So COOL and REFRESHING always! 😉 Love the pic of you all and that they paid your bill! Warm fuzzies all over! 🥰 Love and many hugs and continued birthday wishes! 🎂 🤗😙💚💛💛💛
Thank you, sweet C!! You remember me telling you about this? In the midst of sharing all the physical “woes”, I HAVE to share the good stuff. What a blessing it is to just be …alive! I will always have joy down in my heart. I’m so glad it was COOL and refreshing, too! Love and hugs to you. Thank you for your support, always! ❣️💚💙🎶🤗🙏🏻
Twin-Win! Happy Birthdays!! And what about Finley River celebrating, too? No doubt she knows how loved she is!
May cooler temperatures come sooner than later. May your heart continue to soar and your strength and spirit prevail. I love you, KL. ❤️🙏🏻
Isn’t it sweet to have so many celebrations? They seem to hit back to back a few months. The boys are in December and January. One more birthday this weekend–my oldest sister.
The cooler and lovely temps are headed this way. I never like to rush the seasons, but I sure love autumn, CL. Each season teaches me. I enjoy all the vivid colors right now. We need some rain and it’s coming perhaps tomorrow!
My heart soars and I’ll keep trying to gain strength as I can. I pray yours are both soaring, CL. I’m praying and thinking of you as you prepare for your new teaching position. I love and appreciate you! ❣️🤗❣️🙏🏻
Happy Birthday to Big Sis!! 🎂
“Each season teaches me.” I understand that metaphor.
I started back to school with professional development today. So far so good. I have two days off. Then new teacher training on Friday marks my official new beginning. 😘❤️❣️
I was praying for your training today, CL!!!
Thank you for inspiring me! I love you and am sending hugs and prayers as you begin this new journey (you’re an expert and pro and others will be impacted by your gifts!!). ♥️💚🙏❤️🩷🩷🙌🏻
It’s off to a great start, KL!! I’m thankful for the Friday start and now the weekend. Smart planning on someone’s part! Those hugs and prayers are received, felt, and reciprocated! I love you!
Karla, you make my heart smile. I always hope for padded seats too!! Rarely do I luck out. But I have lucked out in sharing this world with you. I wish I could take your pain away – alas, I will just sit here with you in it. Know that you are loved and prayed for. I spotted hints of autumn emerging in the mountains here this weekend. I am so ready.
To sit with you, in the pain or pain-free, is a blessing, dear Erika. I’ve thought of your messages, hikes, and healing. Future surgeries and appts. Know that you are loved so much. I’ll join you in that anticipation of the fall in the mountains!
Sure wish we could pull up padded seats together and have a coffee chat about Christ, his goodness, dogs, and hiking the mountains. You’re a blessing!
This made me smile! Those unplanned, sweet moments of connection with others are definitely a beautiful gift from the Lord—and thank you for the reminder of His love! God bless you!
Hello, Debbie! I’m so happy this made you smile! What a gift indeed!! God bless you! Thank you for reading and sharing encouragement!
It has been hot here as well for a couple weeks. I think it even reached 90 which is a northern Mn scorcher. I know, no one feels sorry for mn. right? Then there’s life. Even with your scorching life stuff you make us smile…Great people you met…they exist!!
Gary, I feel sorry for Minnesota! Just ask Tim! Lol!
And life—
I’m so glad you can smile, dear friend. Will you please let Tania know that I pause and pray for her? For all of you! I need to catch up with you on a few things when schedule is open in the next couple of days. I pray that God continues blessing the amazing Fultz family and keeps thing as stable and positive as can be as you go about doing his amazing Kingdom work–no matter where you go or what you do, it’s always for his glory. Are the fish biting in that weather, Gary? Are you taking a reprieve from all the summer time stuff? Take care!!
Great people do exist—I know several in MN! 🙂
Ahw, great pictures.❤️
You are so sweet, Melissa! Thank you! ❣️🤗
The kindness of strangers! Though by that time, they were hardly strangers! 😊
Your experience shows that something positive might await on the other side of disappointment, and that persistence might be rewarded.
Healing wishes for the charred skin and burning bones, Karla!
I love this, Tanja–“…something positive might await on the other side of disappointment and that persistence might be rewarded.”
You have a beautiful way with words because of the beautiful way you see life and others around you. Thank you for the support, friendship, and healing wishes, my friend! 😊💚
Thank you Karla for a much needed energy and faith boost. ❤️❤️. With hope and love, even in the desert, we can grow and bloom. We are loved ❤️
It’s my blessing, dear friend. I absolutely love your words–“we CAN grow and bloom. We are loved.” YES!!!! Big hugs and love to you and Hawklad! 💚💚
Happy Birthday to Finley 🙂 what an amazing tale: I loved it, love the optimism, the jauntiness, and the message. There is joy in your heart, Karla, and bounce in your step; cheers; John 🙂
Thank you, John! Finley and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts and paws! I’m pretty certain that my joy won’t leave. My bounce might slow down, though, my friend. Tee hee. I appreciate you! 🤗😊💚
go forth, Karla: we are in good hands in our Lord —
Amen, John. 🙏 you too my friend
Amen, sister! Your positive attitude is contagious. 🤗
You are giving us all hope by putting yourself in God’s hands. A favorite song of mine says, 🎶”Everybody’s got a mountain to climb, and most of those mountains are steeper than mine.”🎶
Keep climbing, Karla! 🙏❤️
Thank you, David!! Isn’t it awesome to feel positive? I have my moments…and I love that I can feel the feels and remember the TRUTH. It’s hard to be around negativity. So I need to do my part so others can feel love. I’m a work-in-progress; far from perfect–but I’ll keep progressing!!
Brother, I’m going to look up that song–I don’t think I know that one!
I’ll keep climbing, metaphorically as my bones and joints in feet, knee, hip heal. I won’t stop, brother. I know you won’t either! God bless you and yours!❣️🙏🏻🎶
Good evening, sweet friend. I enjoyed our chat yesterday, it made my day! This is the sweetest story of strangers meeting and following each other to 2 other restaurants. That is just impossible! Divine appointment, perhaps.
I love this:
“My energy shrivels; situations will scorch. I’ll not wither in sweltering weather and woes. I’ll avoid being parched–the Living Waters will quench my soul.”
Praying for you always, Karla 🙏🏻💛🙏🏻
Happy birthday, Finley!!
Woof Woof, Pam (thank you, Pam)—Finley ❣️🐾
Happy Tuesday, Pam. I’m so happy I got to hear your voice and know that you and Butch are doing your best, too. It made my day!
Thank you for being such a support and encouragement to me all these years. You are both family to me. Praying for you too, sweet Pam. I love you all! 💙💚🤗❣️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Karla, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! This story just goes to show that there are angels who walk among us! And a belated Birthday to Finn! 🎂🐾🎂😍
Aww, thank you, Val! It’s so true (as I sing the Alabama song, “I believe there are angels among us…”)!! Finley is thankful, too (she’s sleeping, but I know she is ;-). I’m sending love and hugs to you and Mochi. Please tell the group tonight how much I appreciate them too!💚🙏🏻🙏🏻💙🐾❣️
Amen!
Hey, Happy birthday to you and sis both Karla! And a Happy Birthday to Finn too! Big hugs all round and many blessings to you all 🤗🥰🤣❤️🙏
And talk about delightful synchronicity’s with that other group, I think Jesus may have been bringing much love and smiles for everyone. And I have no doubt the only heat you will experience is down here my friend, you will be a part of those loving, living, cool waters wherever you go 🤣🕊️🙏
My heart goes out to you all though, getting temps into the 40’s isn’t fun. Keep up your living waters and keep dehydration at bay. It would not help your current conditions at the moment 🤗❤️
Big hugs, and congratulations to you all kind lady. I hope you did have a great day celebrating, even if maybe a few too many chocolate, sweet, ice creamy ‘things’ 🤣😂
Lots of love and light coming over by dolphin courier, and I’ll get them to knock on your door, pick you up and carry you to the surf for a nice cool delivery 🤗🥰🤣😂🐾🦓🎶🦋🕊️🐬❤️🙏
Thank you, Mark! I’m here another year and expecting many more!! Woot woot! Finley says thank you, too!
I just HAD to share that birthday story. There was no doubt in my mind that Jesus orchestrated the entire experience. The cool waters sound delightful right now, Mark!
I’ve been diligent at drinking water –doing all I can to take good care. I found a foot doctor this morning that I will see next Monday. With all these layers of health, loss of mobility and bone mass are the most detrimental. I’m hobbling (and even crawling first thing in the morning and in the evenings when I have to get up) with good compression sock, shoe, etc….I’m trying to be patient as I know that my health is never in a hurry. It’s on God’s pace!
Big hugs and love to you my dear friend! I did have some chocolate with raspberries (yogurt!!). I’m waiting on the courier and definitely appreciate the ride considering my bones and all!! tee hee. Take care, Mark!!! 🙏🏻🤗💚❣️🐾🐾🍨🍦😊🐬🐬
Oh Karla, your journey is truly taking you to a powerful depth. But I have no doubt to show even more the beauty of His unconditional love. Wait till you touch it, it shows a very beautiful and profound destination. Even to the point, in an instant…purpose in it all. And strange as it sounds, an incredible appreciation of every step you have ever taken. And I have no doubt, the lighthouse that you are, to see that inner light becoming lighter and brighter within His love 🤗🥰🦋🕊️❤️🙏
Big hugs to birthday girls and fluffy companions. Look after your bones my friend, I find because my immune is flattened it appears osteo and ‘old people stuff’ is coming on much earlier. Alas my jogging days are over but I’m still wandering down to the beach for a coffee most days and watch the dolphins feeding and playing. So breathe deep, there will be many crosses on your path still Karla, to give strength to that lovely heart carrying it all. Oh, and soon Chief QB and players. That will distract you 🤣
Take care kind lady, much love and healing coming your way. And I didn’t realise where you live. I’ll have to send the dolphin couriers up that big river and then send them across in a taxi. Then they can take you back to the beach and its cooling surf 🤗😂😎🐾🦓🎶🦋🕊️🐬❤️🙏
Thank you for your encouragement and support, dear friend. I love how you share about still wandering to the beach to admire everything (and coffee!).
I accept this new season and want to “tread” lightly so I don’t impact the healing in a negative way. I’ll see a specialist on Monday that should give insight to mobility things involving foot/ankle/knee.
I am definitely thankful for every step. The hard ones and easy ones. They all teach me.
When I become anxious for things to be “better” I go to several verses that remind me that peace is obtainable always!
Yes, I’m landlocked ~ but have two mighty rivers that can be a huge help!! I don’t mind the travel to necessary places to springboard to other cool places! Finn and I send our love and hugs! You take care too! 🙏♥️🎶🙌🏻🙋🏼♀️🛵🐶☀️ 🦓
Always blessings in those many readings Karla, as He shares His love. Take care kind lady, just teaching the dolphins to fly a helicopter 🤗🥰🤣🐾🦓🎶🦋🕊️🐬❤️🙏
Cheers to cool people and places, Karla!
Hi Karla! First, I want to say that you are the prettiest woman I ever saw with not much hair! I hope you take that as the compliment it is intended to be!
What a fun day you had making new friends. You are a big blessing wherever you go. God bless you my friend and Finn, too!
P.S. Yes, it has been unbelievably hot here, too! I think our weather is a lot like yours. I’m in Kentucky, due west from Springfield. 💕 🙏 🐾
Cindy, that is such a kind and thoughtful compliment! Thank you, sweet friend. It’s different. And for this summer, very easy and cool on these hot days.
I can imagine what a blessing it would be to run into you at the restaurant. Wouldn’t it be a hoot? It’s just God oozing out of us! It was so fun and uplifting!
It seems there are so many in this hot weather–but also, expected at this time of year. I heard this morning that the weather will be perfect this Friday through Sunday as a cold front drops us to the 80’s. Kentucky is blessed to have you there, my sister!
Much love to you and Henry from Finn and I! Please take care. ❣️💚🤗🙏🏻🙏🏻🐾🐾
Karla, I just love this story!! The crowd selfie is terrific. Happy birthday to Finley. 😍
Thank you, Jennie!! It’s your kind of happening! Finley is thinking “Thank you, Ms. Jennie” as she’s sleeping, tee hee. Please give yourself and Ms. Gloria a group hug from us. ❣️💙🤗💚🎶
You’re welcome, Karla. Yes it is my kind of happening, and I’ll give Gloria (and me) a big group hug. 😍 Hugs to you, Zeb, and Finley. 💕
What a wonderful story of God’s playfulness at work! It sounds as if you found the perfect new friends to celebrate with.
I would love to know the name of the town where this all took place. That way I can remember to try and avoid visiting there on a Tuesday next time I am in the area. Blessings to you, Karla, as you continue on your God-infused journey of healing.
Ha ha, Russell! I live in Springfield, Missouri! I’ve always bragged about how many restaurants are in this town; pretty sure no one cooks around here? But yet, there we were at closed places that day, tee hee!
Thank you for your encouragement and support, dear friend! Many blessings to you, too!
It is so hot here, I’m actually afraid to go out. Garry fed the birds much earlier and he said it was unbearably hot. He LIKES hot weather (or did), but this was too much.
I can’t believe it’s the end of July. Time is spinning out of control! We don’t go out to eat because the prices are so high and we are too poor to afford it. Glad you finally found a place to eat AND wonderful for you to meet good, if transitory, friends.
Definitely feeling the heat over here in Indiana! What a lovely story about the kindness of strangers! 🙂 And you always manage to put a positive spin on things. You’re an inspiration! Sending hugs and wishes for cooler temps!
Happy 8th birthday to Finley 🙂
I am glad July is almost over. 33 days to September and then sometime in September not so HOT.
How fun to bump into the same people three times.
Praying for you little sister.
Thank you, big brother! Finn thanks you too! I pray you are doing your best possible.
I pray for you as you do for me. Sending lots of blessings and prayers with a cup of coffee. 🙏💚 ☕️
What an amazing day! 🐩❤️
Thank you, MAK ♥️🙏 I’ll never forget it!
I wouldn’t either!
A lovely story that deepens into a poignant twist that tells so much of your faith, your resilience and your beautiful spirit Karla 🩷
What a beautiful thing to say, dear Kate. Thank you, my friend. I appreciate your friendship and support.♥️🙏❤️
And now you can skedaddle on Skeeter the skooter! If you stop to get some “I Skream,” that would be skrumptious!
I should stop this nonsense and…
(wait for it)
Skram!
Tim! I giggled all the way through your response! I will soon skedaddle and scoot when the amazing scooter carrier arrives. The “I scream” will definitely be a part of me scramming!
I’m praying for your great mountain adventure ~ safety, amazing Creator moments, wonderful Christ conversations. The abundance of wildlife and nature overload will soothe the soul for sure! God bless you and Rascal dear friend. Don’t forget the bear tube in case you come close to one (Doug, watch your knees!). 😂🙏
Beautiful photo Faith. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, sweet Sadje!♥️❤️💚
You’re most welcome Karla. 💞
❤️❤️❤️ this!! Only God.
Thank you, dear sister! Your comment, along with several others, ended up in my spam. My apologies for the late reply. Only God! You know. Thank you for being by my side and all you’ve done over these years. You and yours are so loved by me and the family, Kim. 💚💚💚🙏🏻
Karla, I can definitely feel your energy and enthusiasm. Happy belated birthday to Finley. During our recent travels, Colleen and I planned to take an early supper in Sheridan, Wyoming. Filled with disappointment, we discovered that the Cowboy Cafe was closed. Sadly, we’ll have to wait until our next trip to enjoy this landmark cafe.
Thank you, Richard! I’m sorry that you two weren’t able to enjoy the Cowboy Cafe! I won’t plan on being there your next go around because I it might be closed again if I’m near it! lol. I do hope you get there again! I appreciate you. God bless you both!!
Thank you, Richard! I’m sorry that the Cowboy Cafe was closed. Like you, I’d plan it for the NEXT time! Finley says thank you for the belated birthday. Prayers and blessings for you and Colleen. God bless you!
Karla, it’s always a treat to hear from you and Finley. After a brief respite from the humidity and heat, August has returned to its familiar pattern.
Thank you, Richard! Likewise to you! August–the best thing? School starting. Humidity? UGH! Many blessings!
I’m sorry your physical pain is bad right now, but I love how you still manage to find those golden moments of blessings in your life! Those truly are the things that keep us going during tough times, and remind us that God is with us, always!
Thank you, Ann! I empathize with everyone who experiences pain. We ALL have something that aches. I’m thankful for when I’m able to have relief and resilience ~all because of Christ!! You are so thoughtful and supportive, Ann. God bless you!!
What a beautiful story! God is good, my friend, and your testimony proves it. Your joy refuses to be tainted by your circumstances. 💜💜
Thank you so much, Jeff! God is SO good ….all the time! Even in the moments I’m not feeling great, HE’S always there. I cannot let anything or anyone steal my joy! Isn’t the joy of Christ amazing??? God bless you, brother! ❣️❣️
💜💜💜
Love this. ♥️♥️♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Sent from my iPhone
I visited my spam folder and found out this was you, Rita! THANK YOU!! I LOVE YOU F & E! ❣️❣️❣️❣️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻