Tag: adventure

Rivers of Resilience

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Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;

Psalm 98:8

He was criticized for abandoning his party. He was fierce competition for the Democrats. Progressive? A bull moose. He was my age when he gave his speech that night in 1912.  Theodore Roosevelt spoke of morality, responsibility, and compassion—not of his other opponents. Some say if he couldn’t rule, he would ruin. Injured pride and greed? Was he crazy? 

He defied hardships and lost himself in danger. Theodore wasn’t a stranger to loss. On Valentine’s Day, at the age of 25, his mom, Martha, died of typhoid fever. Eleven hours later, his wife, Alice Lee Roosevelt (two days after giving birth to his daughter) died of a kidney disorder.
He faced his fears and the frontier. Inconvenience and hard places kept his body and mind free from aches.

Defeats, tragedies, obstacles, and weaknesses only grew his grit. Adventures in the outdoors and willpower quenched Theodore Roosevelt’s thirst for greatness.
It wasn’t any surprise to his 2nd wife he would break away again…to a punishing adventure. Punishment through physical challenges or punishment to himself for the pain and loneliness?

“On the banks of the River of Doubt, the same unyielding will and thirst for achievement brought him face to face with the absolute limits of his strength.” (Millard 2005)

“After his humiliating election defeat in 1912, Theodore Roosevelt set his sights on the most punishing physical challenge he could find the first descent of an unmapped, rapids-choked tributary of the Amazon. Together with his son Kermit and Brazil’s most famous explorer Candido Mariano da silva Rondon, Roosevelt faced an unbelievable series of hardships: they lost their canoes and supplies to punishing whitewater rapids, and endured starvation, attacks, disease, drowning, and a murder with their own ranks. In the end, three men would die, and Roosevelt would be brought to the brink of suicide, but the expedition accomplished a seemingly impossible feat, and changed the map of the Western Hemisphere forever.” (Millard 2005)

“Who hears the rippling of rivers will not utterly despair of anything.”

Henry David Thoreau

For those of you familiar with President Roosevelt’s life, you might know of the tragic death of his son, Kermit (who accompanied him on this river trip). I was once in despair. It’s not that I didn’t want to be HERE. Just not in pain. Mental Health is not a disease. It is part of all of us. What flows through us and gives us hope? How do we face challenges and ride the rapids? How can we recognize the need for utter relief and build resiliency?

Resilience is the residency of Christ in my heart. The rapids we face are the battles for our hearts.💛

Days of floating the Ozarks’ rivers flow through my soul. Tranquil tributaries turned to raging rapids at times. The gushes and torrents were tough teachers. My resolve to rally runs like rivers. Droughts will deplete. Rainfall replenishes. Floods forge with my faith. Rivers rally my resilience. There’s healing in hard times-continued creek crossing despite crisis.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…Isaiah 43:2

“The life of God is described in scripture as a river–a powerful, gorgeous, unceasing, everrenewing, ever-flowing river.” (Eldridge 13).

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you. A joy.” Rumi

Our Creator can calm currents. His love and grace will flow freely through the tributaries of your heart. 🩷

May the river of life from God flow in and through us and take residency of our hearts.

K.L. Hale

I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. Isaiah 41:18

“Love is the river of life in the world.” Henry Ward Beecher

“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”

Norman Maclean, American author, from “A River Runs Through It” (1976).

“You drown not by falling into a river, but by staying submerged in it.” – Paulo Coelho, Brazilian author, from “The Alchemist” (1988).

Pics by K.L. Hale–rivers in the U.S.A.

‘”The river has great wisdom and whispers its secrets to the hearts of men.”

Mark Twain, “Life on the Mississippi” (1883).

Works Cited

Eldridge, J. (2022). Resilient-Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times. Nashville: Nelson Books.

Millard, C. (2005). The River of Doubt. New York: Anchor Books (a division of Random House, Inc.).

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Thank you for taking a leap of faith to follow!

Southwest Synergy

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Dear friends, due to time constraints and preparations for my surgery, I’ve turned off comments. Thank you for your prayers and support. In a world filled with so much devastation and division, my life is small. My worries are small compared to our huge globe. Remember though, that to someone YOU are the world. I hold you all in my heart.

Thank you for your understanding as I begin a hiatus of healing.

Time, change, travel, and cancer…they all seem “petrifying” sometimes; just like the wood, millions of years old. Some moments resemble deprivation of oxygen. Compression or burial in the ashes of burned bridges. With time and miracles, minerals such as love, grace, and faith, can form gems. Years later, what seems like “old wood” will be a treasure. If the light hits right, immeasurable and unique beauty might be seen.

Petrified or glorified? What will life’s pressure reveal in you?

Stunned doesn’t fully describe my shock the day before our departure. My friends, a.k.a. the “Canyon Crew”, surprised me with Flannel with Faith stickers and matching t-shirts. Tears formed and fell. Their kindness overwhelmed me. In many ways, I felt (and still do) like I stood outside of myself, observing a stranger. The open road waited. Zeb, a stuffed zebra provided by the Canyon Crew, was posed for an adventure.

Zeb checking out the sunset at Snow Ball

Early the next morning the zebra-striped cargo carrier was loaded and locked! For the crew working full-time, this was more than a holiday or break. It was a breather from the backbreaking busy. Perhaps a pilgrimage of sorts for me. Along the journey, there were exquisite stops (including family each way). Our “home away from home” sat in the valley of the San Francisco Peaks. We visited many National Parks and/or monuments-Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki, National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, Meteor Crater, and the Coconino National Forest (the Canyon Crew can attest I loved my Coconino Mocha in Flagstaff—yummy!). The Lowell Observatory was a gift! Saturn and many constellations were viewed on our last night (P.S.- I’m STILL going through pictures).

My crew “stuck” me around in cool places–K.L. Hale

Plateau of Preparation

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV

At times, my own tectonic plates shifted during the adventure. The unsteady ground tried to rattle my respite. Intense winds whipped. My friends kept me grounded. The cool air, history, landscapes, and experiences were that of dreams. In a tight group of friends who loved me, I felt so alone. Not because of them, they did EVERYTHING to make this trip GRAND. Gazing at the plateaus, kicking the dust of the red dirt trails, I’d ask God for strength. Give me stamina to seize the synergy. Each morning during my quiet time, I’d ask God for relief and understanding. He reminded me that with HIM, I’m not alone. And that without him, my life resembles erosion- decomposition, decay, and disintegration. My body kept up the steps-divine strength in the making. Since my return, my recovery has been riddled with reasonable doubts. Nights of little sleep, backaches, and confusion. If I’m going to fall again, I need to land on faith. NOW is not the time to doubt. NOT NOW.

 “You’re the same, Karla. But what I’m taking you through is what I’ve prepared for you for many, many years. Don’t forget to give me praise even through processing pain.”

“Yes, God, I hear you.”

Grand Canyon-pic courtesy-me

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
Holy Chapel of the Cross-pic courtesy-Kim Elrod

My arms typically spend much time wide open (especially if the “kids” or grandkids are near ;-). Lately, they’ve been clutched. One night, my emotions just broke. Surely I could make the Colorado flow even more! Adrenaline had been a better friend than me. It was as if the weight of a huge SW stone from the last 18 months, years and counting, had suddenly smashed me (think of me as the Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote hurling a bulky and burdensome boulder). Being the center of attention is very difficult. That’s why this cancer journey has been so difficult for me. It’s a level of vulnerability that is like no other. Particularly if you’re single. It makes me even weirder. A new road is waiting to be traveled. Surgery is scheduled for Nov. 1st. As I prepare to leave next Tuesday, I’m reminded of the bottom of the canyon; for it was there my best growth in life occurred.

Thank you for climbing this mountain with me.

To my family, you mean the world to me and more. You are my reason for staying strong.

To my Canyon Crew: I’m forever grateful for our bucket list trip.

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Friends, do you know how loved you are? When you feel unlovable, untouchable, or downright, hard as stone, remember you are loved. No matter what. I’ll see you on the other side of recovery. I love you.

Have faith 💛

Walnut
Meet Charley and Jessica–Our friends who hiked the North to South Rim! They are an inspiration to me!

Pics are courtesy of various Canyon Crew friends and me. All locations are mentioned in the post. Days could be spent sharing the history and significance of each place; my apologies for not sharing more! Have you visited these before? May God give you peace, healing, and love. Even in the mundane, you can grow like a flower in the desert or a tree in the ashes.

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

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Fall Forecast

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Happy Fall, faithful friends.

Today I don’t need flannel, but I’m dressed in faith. The 80 degrees and higher will give way to cooler temps in the west. Without my friends, I couldn’t make this trip (for MANY reasons). ). My fall forecast calls for a season of change; cooler contentment mixed with the colors of calm. I hope to be raking ridiculous results and jumping in piles of promise (well, not that SOON :-). May faith be in your forecast; our Savior soothe your soul.

Timeless Treasure

My local writing guild provided a prompt of a piano for this month’s writing contest. Giving life to an inanimate object is difficult (thank you, Martha, for editing suggestions). Here you go, Mom. My friends, Kelley and Gary, may enjoy this, too. If you grew up around a piano, you understand.

In the shadow, you stand stoic and stately. Shining upon you, a golden light unmasks your aged beauty and warmth. You’re so grand in your upright stance. Your Ivory keys are yellowed; yet your half-steps are still pitch black for Momma to see. C to D to E. F to G, then A, B, and another C.

Your basswood bench was her throne, your pedals shifted the tone. Momma’s hands made the music, she never sang alone. Together we created a musical melody. Momma sang alto, Dad belted bass, sisters sang soprano, and I’d find a harmony place. Momma tickled the tempo tight, and grace became a key. Children’s songs to choruses, “Just as I am, without one plea.”

At age 7 I had my first song solo. With affection, I reflect on the practice times with you. Our devotions matched; I couldn’t detach. “Would the church piano be as great as Momma’s,” I wondered. Nervously, I held the microphone singing: “I saw a blind man tapping along, losing his way, as he passed through the throng. Tears filled my eyes, I said, ‘Friend you can’t see,’ but with a smile on his face, he replied to me.”

From “Hallelujah Square” to “I Want to See Jesus,” you supplied hope and a promise, a love we still share. “It is Well with My Soul” and “How Great Thou Art,” songs linger around you, they stay in my heart. At ten with the lessons, I grasped chords and notes. The yearning to play is a hope that still floats.

Our gathering has dwindled. Longsuffering and composed, you stand serene and quiet. Adorned with family photos, you’re a heavenly piece. Patiently you wait for us to gather around. No matter what life brings, we’ll sing hopeful sounds. Most times you sit alone, dependable, and respected. Our songs have changed, children have grown, Momma’s fingers ache, and some family voices are gone. Through times that were hard, unexpected, and good, you’re more than a piano made with wood. You’re a gift in our gathering and melodies in our souls. The music from you is what makes us whole.

Hearing music from you, I release any strife. You’re Momma’s piano, a timeless treasure, a marked part of my life.

Have faith💚

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale

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Limited Edition

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The drive was needed-the camaraderie even more. Although it had snowed/iced/sleeted at least once a week for four straight weeks, the roads and my lower back seemed fine. It had taken two weeks to heal to the point of packing. The previous 24 hours of doubt disappeared. Dancing their way into different formations the clouds created such an amazing accompaniment along the way. Of course, so did Finley. Uplifting music and the Ozark Mountains kept me warm. Winding lanes and open valleys made my soul sigh. My tribe of friends was waiting, and my cell signal would fade. “I’m ready for more of this!” I said out loud. “I’m strong, I won’t fall, it will be A-OK!”  

The Icy Reality

Our trusty Subaru’s met on the desolate snow-packed road. We waved to one another and I followed. Slowly we continued the trek off the main road. Was ice beginning to form in my GUT? My mental strength seemed to fade with my cell signal. Then a left, a right, another right, and three cattleguard crossings proved the hand-written map’s preciseness. There it stood. The Hickory Hill Cabin of Red Rock Retreat (a 130-acre horse farm where the world famous “Dancing White Stallions” of Vienna, Austria are raised). Despite the deep love I have for cabins, my enthusiasm made a run to the hills while I parked my Subie at the “bottom”. Forcing a smile, I opened the car door to greet my friends (who were all prepared to “unload” Finn and me). Barely stepping out I was slipping on the skating rink below me. My trekking pole was in the back of the car (along with food to feed more than just our crazy crew!). Finley’s three little legs gripped the ground better than my two. Laughing, a friend grabbed me as we tried to make our way up the steep hill. Then two or maybe 3 more had to help? Oh my. For the 2nd time in two weeks, I felt limited. Helpless. Their trekking poles were lined up like soldiers on the front porch…oh great! I’m a lost cause!

The Meltdown

Seeing the fireplace, the overall ambiance of the cabin, and my little bedroom with my patchwork quilt like Laura Ingalls Wilder DID make me smile. But as we stood around the table sharing and putting things up I blurted, “I should just go home!” Tears were flowing.  “You guys don’t understand! I CAN’T fall! I can’t have another injury! I’m useless! I can’t even walk up the path to the door!” (All the “I cant’s”). My neck, back, foot, hip…they all have their great days, and this was not one of them. They’ve carried me to peaks I never dreamed I could reach and have kept me, at times, from walking in my own house. I experienced my first rapid meltdown of the icy situation. My first ever in our adventures together. IMMEDIATELY this is what I heard “We have you!” “We won’t let you fall!” “We will not put you at risk!” “You have us to help you!” They shared of their own falls. My heart melted. How blessed was I? My trekking pole got placed by the soldiering ones. In that exact moment my uncertainty unraveled.  Friendship quickly squelched my squabble. Together, with our poles for walking, we piled in the car for 4-wheel exploring.

The Gallery

In 2003 I bought a hiking book of Arkansas written by Tim Ernst (.https://timernst.com/). It was my first of several. Tim is known as the Arkansas Wilderness Photographer. The Ozark Mountains are his backyard and most hikers and photographers in our area know his impeccable reputation! His books are essentials for Ozark Mountain hikers! He and his gifted artist wife, Pam, were hosting an Open Gallery THAT DAY. Would it be open because of the ice and snow-covered roads? Let’s go! We continued more in the middle of nowhere in the middle of nowhere to their road. There was his sign.  He welcomed us, and Finley, to his gallery. The road had just opened up two hours earlier. We were the first (perhaps only?) visitors that day. Awe-stricken we respectfully and admirably viewed the spectacular displays. The limited crowd allowed rich conversations with Tim. To support them, and for our own desires, we each left with a piece of giftedness. Tim and Pam, like any artists, have limited editions. On March 1st, 1972, the Buffalo River became our nation’s first National River and several limited editions depict this celebration. My tribe and I also bought matching shirts to commemorate the birthday.

The Horses

After a stop for carrots (HUGE ONES!) it was time to high tail it to the horses.  Atop the beautiful, snow-covered hills, they galloped towards us; my giddiness came galloping too! The carrots were a hit. Aren’t horses the most amazing creatures? They nibbled on us and couldn’t get close enough. I thought of the time I rode a mule with my friend, Nicole, in the mountains of Montana. For a moment time stood still. When it was time to leave, the horses cleverly circled the car- we weren’t for sure how long we might need to stay with them. 😊 That evening, after a delicious meal around the table, we sat by the fireplace. Pictures and memories made. The sun melted most of the ice the next day and the journey home was perfect.

The Promise

Just like some of Tim’s prints, Picasso’s paintings, rare books, and some vehicles we drive, there are many limited editions.  All the bells, whistles, specialties, and “one-of-a-kind” specifics raise values. But in the end, it’s only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  The creator deems it priceless, though! There’s so much work and effort put into making it just right. God made only ONE YOU. He made only ONE ME. When all of the unique things of YOU start to fade, age, and weaken, know this: WE ARE ALL LIMITED EDITIONS.

And you, my friends, are loved without limits.

Have faith💚

AFTERWORD-The sadness and tragedy of what is happening in Ukraine is in my heart and mind all the time. For so many, lives are turned upside down. How can this be happening and here I am just writing away about my little life with so many suffering? God, please be with those suffering. We all plead for peace. There, here, everywhere. We mustn’t stop what keeps us healthy and maintains peace in our souls and families. I dedicate my freedom to those who have none. 🤍

My tribe and Tim on the right https://timernst.com/