It seems fitting that I was tagged by my blogging friend, Mark, on my first week of substitute teaching AND my fifth blogging anniversary. Before I play, I need to get something off my heart:
A game of tag was going on about 50 yards away. Screams and yells pierced the air as a crew of cuties tangled into a pretzel. They started to scatter at the sound of a nearby whistle. As I approached them, part of the pretzel crowd began telling me yelling about what happened (and who was right wrong). Questions began rolling off my tongue like I had rehearsed them. But, I hadn’t. I realized that the solutions I hoped they could come up with were the desires I wished for all ages. From assessing who was hurt and how I could help them, to ways she, she, she, and he might do things differently the next time, and how can we resolve it? And being me, I talked about forgiveness and grace while stressing the importance of keeping one another safe (this was not a middle school fight where one punched another one in the face–but you can understand what I was trying to do). Back in the room, we played a DIFFERENT game of tag. “When you’re tagged (vocally) would you share something kind about a friend?” Ah, communication. They all wanted to talk at once and very few wanted to listen. Is it me or are they more distracted these days? What did I hope to accomplish? Kindness, empathy, patience, and the list goes on. Tag is a teacher.
Our world has changed, but tag hasn’t. I’m so glad God doesn’t change. And guess what else? Love is still love.
I’m going to chase them all and tag them with love. I’m going to tag YOU, too.
Here are my answers to “tag, you’re it!”
How did you come up with your blog name?
I’ve been embracing imperfection with faith (our God doesn’t expect perfection, but he wants our hearts and will!), flannel, and fresh air for many years. All of these have been essential on my journey. Imperfection and messiness. Ah, brokenness can be a beautiful place to begin restoration! My love for the 3 F’s (and even more–Family and Finley) keeps me grounded in what matters most.
If your blog was a person (fictional or real), who would it be?
Me. It might be Finley? 😉
What helps you create new content if you feel like you need some inspiration?
My time with God, family, friends, and nature inspires me! Life experiences, circumstances, and learning anything new help me create new content! Life IS the content. The hardest part is narrowing down my mind. If I had time, I could write each day. Other writers inspire me, too!
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?
Martha taught me a collaboration one time! My time collaborating with all of you as friends and family, even in conversation, is essential to me. What I love about the blogging community is how eclectic and well-rounded all my friends/writers are–from faith to food, the great outdoors and animals, humor to high-jinks, and history to science! I love it all!
Is there anything more you wish you had or would like to learn as a blogger?
I hope to keep improving as a writer and reader. Learning is a great thing—I don’t want to stop!
Do you have a specific style of blogging?
Hmmm. Inspirational essay style? It varies, but most can expect it to have a faith theme!
That basically sums it up. Thank you, Mark, for tagging me. Matt wanted to play tag–so you’re it! Also, my friend, C from Joyroses, and Martha, you’re tagged! Of course, if you’re too tired to play tag, I understand!
https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/?_gl=1124cwr9_gcl_au*MTI5MzI4ODIzNS4xNzI3NzA4MTcz
Thank you, EVERYONE, for your support these last 5 years. My family, along with this writing community, former colleagues, friends, and hometown family, continue to encourage and inspire me on my life journey. Particularly my playground-like experience thriving with Stage IV NET. I thank God for all of you. Do you know how loved you are? ❣️
Karla & Finley
Have faith💛
©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.
Discover more from Flannel with Faith
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary!.
Kids reflect adults and we adults often are not great examples of getting along and problem solving!
Great post, Karla. Keep up the good work! It will rub off on those kids!
Thank you, Dwight! I appreciate you so much! You’ve been a great encouragement and support over these years. Many blessings!
You are most welcome, my friend!
💚
What a challenge it must be, trying to keep the attention of a bunch of rambunctious kids. I admire your efforts, and hope you succeeded at least a little bit.
And, Happy 5th Anniversary, blogging!
Thank you! It’s been a challenge, Tippy! It seems I’m up for them (and recovery, too, lol).
Thank you so much, my friend! 😊
You must be an inspiring person to be loved by so many people.
Aww, that’s kind to say. I’m certain that I’ve been a wrong example at times. I’ve been inspired by everyone here (YOU included). I will carry my bag to school tomorrow and smile with joy! Thank you!💚❤️🥰
Hello Karla, and thank you for sharing that faith in your heart. It is an amazing thing when we do stop and think what really drives our hearts. Your desire and love to help those children using the love given you. A powerful understanding of what makes you happy, unconditionally given, even if it does sound a noisy rabble in the playground when sharing it. But you know deep down that slowly a light will come on behind those eyes and they too will begin to understand and ‘know’ that love given you.
And especially these last couple of years, the power of that love being asked to open within you. Such empathy, compassion and love in feeling such a journey…He knows how big that heart of yours is kind lady, from the way you give out into this world so beautifully. A touch, a voice, a knowing with such faith and hope that your heart is going far and wide, sharing with us all.
I know you, I bow to you, glad to know all that you are. The laughter in your eyes, the poetry in your words, but most of all a love that only this journey can create. And as I know those children will feel it too.
Big hugs and much love to you and Finn, and ‘tagged’ I ever do feel in all you share Karla, thank you 🤗❤️🙏
Where do I start, Mark? Thank you from the bottom of my heart, soul, and toes!
Your open-book soul and wisdom inspire me to be…me! I often questioned why I saw things in different ways~ below surface or deeply. In more shallow ways, I’m a good worker~outdoors, cleaning, completing tasks, putting things together~I like marching to all the different beats of the world. Yet, my heart only stays alive because it beats for my Savior! I give him full credit (even when I’ve questioned my own silly self!). You live unashamed and free! Your authenticity travels the globe and like air, provides oxygenated optimism! Your life experiences and knowledge parallel with many people. Many of us can nod and say, “We understand!” There will be many who don’t. They haven’t been broken to their core. For some, they don’t have to be broken to find it. But once you fully surrender and are completely saturated with Christ, you won’t “wring” yourself out for anything less!
I’m so happy we are connected~you’ve made life even better, not just for me, but many! You’re walking the walk and in his will. It’s a blessing, dear friend.
Finn woke up to tell you she loves you too! Much love across the huge pond (it’s just a little bit of water that separates us!). It’s my blessing to be a friend.🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻🎶🙌🏻💕
It is an incredible journey Karla. In the beginning seemingly just a windy old path, but slowly that wisdom of His love speaks and a great hope opens within us all. And I thank you for your beautiful words, to be touched with your wisdom is like that light coming on in those children’s eyes as you share with them too. But I promise not to play up…much 🤣
And yes, to stand within His love it truly does complete you. It is that reaching of that peak and seeing clearly for the first time. Understanding that beauty with the loving wisdom that created it. And suddenly sweeping a floor or a walk in the forest takes on a life of its own. (And I keep thinking of that cross of light, He shares so much with your heart Karla, such a profound touch ❤️🙏).
I’m glad to be here too Karla. And as you smile with your eyes, only that smile within carries that beauty and felt by all around. Much love and blessings to you and Finn across the big water, and a happy 5 year anniversary to a blog lovingly written 🤗🥰❤️🙏
Thank you, dear friend. Your words touch my heart, always. 💛❣️🩷🙏🤗🍂🐾
As do yours kind lady 🤗
Um Karla…Chiefs…5 nil. Your praying for them aren’t you? Haha 🤗🤣❤️🙏
HA HA HA! It would seem that way–but I actually haven’t ,lol! 🤗❣️🤣💛
Haha, ok I believe you…but some of those plays, unbelievable 🤗🥰🤣😂❤️🙏
😂😂♥️
Hello, Karla! Ok, I’ll answer your questions:
I named my blog davidsdailydose because I thought I would post every day. But that turned out not to be feasible.
If my blog was a person it would be someone like pastor Charles Swindoll, funny, but relevant to life in the light of the gospel.
When I need more content ideas, I try to be more curious about what’s going on around me. There’s always a lesson from the Lord somewhere!
I’d love to collaborate with a great story teller like Mitch Teemley. I follow his blog, and love his wit and wisdom.
I’d like to learn how to churn out more content. Posting once a week is about the best I can do. Also, how do I get more eyes on my posts?
My style of blogging is modern day parables in the life story niche.
I’m thankful for the many wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord I’m met here on WP. My wife and I met Rainer Bantau, The Devotional Guy, this past Saturday for lunch, when he was in Oklahoma for a conference.
Happy Monday, David! Thank you for your friendship, support, and prayers! And for playing tag!
Isn’t Mitch awesome? He is a gifted writer! You are too!
I enjoyed reading more about you. Writing daily is my goal, too. I’ve been keeping a journal. There are days my health and/or schedule, keeps me busy. So I journal. Like you, once a week works for now. Churning more content. I understand! With your walk, life experiences, and….school days~I bet there’s a lot that’s still to translate into “daily doses”! Modern day parables~that’s exactly how I view your doses! I enjoy them and learn from you!
How wonderful you two met Rainer! I feel a blog post coming soon. Last month my youngest son and family moved to Oklahoma! Stay blessed, my friend, and keep making a difference! 💚🙏🏻
My sweet Karla, this is such a fun post. I can just imagine you teaching. Your creative spirit must delight the students. I am so happy that you are back in the classroom. I know it is not full time, but it gives you many opportunities to make a difference in young lives who might need an encouraging word, affirmation, or noticing there is something very different about you. The difference is the ONE who has your heart.
Congratulations on 5 years of blogging! I love every post my friend!
I am so happy that we found each other in this big world through blogging. I love you and your are always in my prayers 🧡🙏🏻🍂🧡
Precious Pam, I was singing happy 94th to Pawpaw yesterday.
Knowing you and Butch has been a huge inspiration and blessing in my life. Outside of blogging, you have encouraged and inspired me, too.
To be back with the students is a blessing. It reminds me a bit of blogging. Writers share their hearts and souls. No holds barred. Students are authentically…them! Like blogging, if it ever becomes more of a “job” or a dread, I think I’d shift towards a change. But that hasn’t been God’s plan, so I listen and move forward. You have that same heart and mindset,…it’s God in you!
Who would think family could grow in this manner? It’s the part of technology that brings joy to my life~ I’m so thankful for you. I love you and your family, Pam. I keep you in my heart and prayers. 🍂🙏🏻💚💚💚
Love you and your sweet spirit, my friend! Happy Tuesday!
🥰🤟🏻🎶💕
Karla I would have loved to have had you as a teacher (permanent or substitute)!! Yes the kids now have the attention span of a gnat! It takes a lot to keep them engaged…. My answers are as follows:
My blog name comes from a mashup of Latin and Greek root words meaning mouse vision. I had been taking ceramic classes and I signed my name with a mouse logo. So it was a short slide to murisopsis. If my blog was a person it would be a younger but wiser me. My inspiration comes often from observation of the world and of people. I am an unashamed people watcher! I also do a fair amount of deep thinking. I’m open to collaboration but tend to avoid being creative on demand – that takes a lot of the joy from the process! I’m a lifelong learner so I like to learn something new every day. I’ve learned so much just by reading other’s blogs… My blogging style is introspection and observations in poems, stories, and essays. I guess that’s more than most want to know about me !
I hope you have a blessed and beautiful week!! Much love to you and Finn from me and Mochi!!
Happy Monday, Val! I appreciate your kindness and support! I’ve often wondered about the name of your blog. Wow! That’s amazing! Did you know my twin’s nickname for me is Mousie? Lol. (Hers id bunny). I’ll stand with you, unashamed, as a curious people watcher. Deep thinker? Let’s jump in the deep end, Val! You’re an incredible person and writer. Your poetry is evidence of how you see the big picture of life. Thank you for collaborating with me over the years.
I’m happy to know you and learn even more!! It’s going to be a wonderful week~and even if circumstances unravel, I know WHO has it~and so do you. What a way to live! Finn and I feel the love and we give it back to you and Mochi!! Stay blessed!💚🙏🏻🐾🙏🏻
Much love always!~
Congratulations my Dear Sister on a 5 Year Anniversary WOW !! That is truly amazing.
Also Congratulations on your time with the kids. It seems as you were a productive substitute teacher and thought some valuable and memorable lessons.
God’s Continued Blessings to you.
Be Blessed and Continue to be a Blessing.
Happy Monday, brother! Thank you! Five years fly! Some situations seem surreal~and when I reflect, I smile thinking of the goodness of God. We would have never met, this side of heaven, without this platform. I’m so happy to know you, Willie. You’re an inspiration!
I’m expecting to keep learning! I’ll go to school with that mindset today. Kids, and adults, teach me!
You’re a blessing too, dear brother! Many hugs to you and yours.💚🙏🏻🍂🙏🏻
Truly Grateful to you for your support and kindness. Hope you have a Wonderful and Blessed Day and Week. It’s frosty here this morning, 44 degrees 🥶😱, be safe, stay warm. Blessings
Brrr, Willie! I’m grateful for you, too, brother! It’s been chilly starts—and warm days! Many blessings, dear friend. Take care!!🤗💛🙏
Yes, it’s going to be a lot cooler next week. I am not looking forward to the colder days but it is what it is. Blessings to you Dear Sister.
Your five years here have brought honor, respect and great knowledge to many, Karla. Congratulations on your blogiversary, and you made a fantastic “it!”
Thank you, dear friend. How kind to say! It’s been such a joy to forge our friendship~and learn from you, too! Thank you for inviting me to the game and your unwavering support! Many blessings!
Happy anniversary! I’m so happy I’ve been along for part of your blogging ride! I look forward to celebrating many more blogging anniversaries with you in the future!🥰🥰
Aw, sweet Rachel! Thank you, my friend! I’m so happy you’re here, too. Here’s to many more! I’m so glad we’re connected!💕💕💕
Me too! You’re my favorite 🤗
Awwwwww 💛❣️🩷 what an honor, sweet Rachel. THANK YOU! 🥲🤗
I really appreciate the inspiring message. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Your positivity and faith are truly uplifting. Keep spreading love and kindness through your writing. Wishing you continued success on your blogging journey.
It’s my blessing. Your words touch my heart, my friend. Thank you! What a kind and thoughtful message! I’m so happy you find my faith and words uplifting. I pray that same prayer for you, my friend.
Love your beautiful gift. Congratulations on your blog anniversary, and your taking on sub teaching, and all these ways you are blessing so many with the simple peaceful perception.
Aw, J.K. I appreciate you so much. Your words are so kind and encouraging. Thank you, my friend!!
Awesome Tag your it! blog, Karla! I’m sharing the 2 images of things you can control & not control and growth mindset with all my students! Praying for you feeling better and your comfort in faith-filled love. Hugs to you, Sue
Thank you, dear Sue!! I love you and appreciate you so much, dear friend. Aren’t those signs wonderful? Faith-filled love. It’s such a blessing! I’m sending you love and prayers, my friend.
You writing is amazing. Your ability to relate to those of all ages, backgrounds and different struggles they face is astounding. You can take a tough situation and turn it into a challenge. You push on no matter how crummy you feel. You are an inspiration to others. Your love of God is apparent. God is using you to encourage, inspire and motivate lives. Keep it up. You are dearly loved.
Wow, Mama K. My heart just melted reading this. For many reasons, today, I needed your words. This genuine feedback and your love, support, and encouragement propel my spirit–and affirm answered prayers.
I really try. But I fail so much, too. I’m so happy we serve such an amazing grace-filled God. I can’t imagine my life without him. He is giving me strength when I think I have none. Today was a challenging day; yet, through it all, HE was there. I’m always learning and I seek his wisdom daily. And his love and grace leave me in awe. I love you, Mama K. You’ve been an inspiration to me. Thank you for everything.
I meant every word. You are an inspiration to to those know you.
Thank you, Mama K. ♥️♥️♥️♥️🥰♥️
I think that the foundation of your Blog is Joyous Communication. You do that well.
Thank you, Pam! You have been with me since the beginning. It thrills me you feel it to be joyous! It means so much you take the time to come and visit (even with all you’re going through, my friend). Thank you for your support! You’re an inspiration!
congrats on your 5th anniversary with WordPress, Karla: I have found your posts warm, comforting and inspiring esp in times when my spirit has faltered; thank you for being there 🙂
John, what a kind and thoughtful response. Thank you, my friend. I appreciate you. Your feedback means so much. You have inspired me too. Take care, dear friend. 🩷🙏
My blog name “The Power of Story” comes from my belief in the power of story to speak truth into people’s lives, including my own. Re. Who I’d collaborate with, my first thought for non-fiction would be my mentor C. S. Lewis. The name that comes to mind for fiction writing is Jo (J. K.) Rowling; I think it would be endless fun writing with her. And now, oh so many more are coming to mind, Karla!
Dear Mitch, thank you, my friend! I love this! “The power of story to speak truth into people’s lives…including my own.” Powerful, Mitch! Your words do just that!
C.S. Lewis is a wonderful choice on collaboration! Yes! J.K. Rowling–wow! You’re someone who made the list for others, Mitch! You are admired and loved, dear friend! Not just by me ;-)! Thank you for being here!
<3
Five years of blogging! Congratulations, dear Karla, and how you’ve blessed us with your words and thoughts. Can’t wait for your tenth anniversary when we will celebrate so much more of the same sweetness and joy, filled with the aroma of life, of Christ! 🙏🏽💖
Aw, sweet Dora! It’s so good to “see” you, my friend. THANK YOU for your precious prayers, words, encouragement…and friendship! 10th anniversary–I’m praying for it, dear friend! Much love and hugs!🙏❣️🩷🤗
you are gifted in communicating and encouraging people Karla. My main blog is my name and I write about outdoor adventures and life insights along the way. I do like to write with nature pictures as inspiration.
my other blog with more depth (I hope) is “God’s Ways Are Different”…I should probably merge them. I try to write relationally and make connections with people….it must work at least a little bit as I have made some real friends …wouldnt it be fun to have a bloggers connection conference? You are centrally located….??? I know, thats a lot of work. thanks for what you do.
My dear friend, Gary, …your prayers, kindness, encouragement, and support have propelled me over the years. I can’t thank you and your precious family enough!
You are generous in every way~thank you.
Your blog is beautiful. I need to decipher why I’m not getting notifications on one~so I’m all for you merging!
Your amazing photography, coupled with your God-given gift of words, is a gift to us all, my friend. You have a way of connecting us in Christ and common sense! And us nature lovers appreciate your view from the lens!
I’m all for having a bloggers connection conference! Fabulous! I’ve dreamt of us all gathering at a table….Branson would be a great area to meet up, too. Gary.
I feel an idea is ignited. 🙏🏻✍🏻💚
I appreciate you so much, Gary.
thank you my friend for years of inspiration, faith, courage and hope. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It’s my blessing, my friend. Thank you for your years of support and friendship. You inspire me.💕🙏🏻
breathing in……,breathing out…., wondering how to project . . . some thing, so that it is properly perceived, but that must be left up to His Spirit in me, because I cannot express it at all, but Thank You. I appreciate you, Karla.
It’s my blessing, dear CP. Thank YOU, dear friend! I appreciate you so much!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🥰
Happy Blogiversary!
Thank you, Jennie!! ♥️💚💕
You are welcome! 😍
Happy 5th Blogiversary!
and … your loving flair has heightened. A big Congrats faithful lady!
Thank you, dear friend!!! ♥️♥️ ☕️
In faithfulness, we grow together in the nourishing light of Jesus. Karla, I can feel the energy from these students filling up your own energy. Thank you for passing some of it on with this post. God’s grace and peace be with you.
Karla, this is a charming post. I love the idea of a game of verbal tag being about saying something kind. Hugs.
Teagan, thank you, my friend for your kindness and encouragement! I’ll tag you to tell you I enjoy your writing and …YOU! Hugs!
I’m going to pretend that someone tagged me and I want to say something kind about Karla. She is love personified. xxoo, C
Awww. C, I love you! Thank you, big sis. I’m sorry I’ve been MIA so much. You’re a blessing to me~and inspire me! Xoxo
Okay, okay, I’m it and taking this one back to my high school class room. I have a perfect place / curricular reason to use the idea. We’re reading E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, and on p. 111 one of the characters comes up with a motto: “Be a little kinder than you have to.” YOU exemplify this, my beautiful friend! Lucky, lucky kids.
Awwww. My dear friend C!! I love you so much! I’m so late responding due to being down in your neck of the woods. I love you, dear sister. You are so kind and thoughtful. Thank you for….everything! ❤️💕 I think of you often!
Congratulations on 5 Years, Karla! Thanks so exciting and I love seeing you play tag, then and now. Awww Finley is he best. Thank you for not tagging me.. lol. Actually, never say never. 💓
Aww, C. You never know when a good game of tag is needed! You’re such a support and inspiration. You live a full life and give everyone around you 💯. It means so much you are here spreading love and encouragement. Finley is so cute 🥰 I think she wonders about me? Between visiting my family, now, my sweet Dad’s heart situation (he’s still in hospital and we’re praying he comes home soon!!), substitute teaching, and balancing health, I miss being with her more, writing and reading….yet, God always provides strength when I ask ;). I’m sending love and prayers right now to you and yours. Happy Fri-yay! I hope to be at your place soon. Much love ❤️ 🥰🙏🏻💚
That’s exactly write. Ask and we receive. I do my best that’s for sure and that’s all we can ask of ourselves. I’m in the height of marketing my book at the moment and following marching orders from my publisher which you’ll see. It’s a fun, blessed journey but a lot. Finley is adorable and she loves you that’s for sure. Ohhhh I’m praying for your Dad as well, Thanks so hard and I see him healing well and ready to come home and I’ll keep praying. You have your hands full so just keep trusting. Happy Fri-Yayyy to you as well, dear friend.💕