Tag: Bible

Love & Leadership

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Established in 1879, today marks the 147th anniversary of Presidents’ Day. George Washington was orginally honored on the day of his birthday. In 1971 the holiday was moved to the 3rd wekeend of February in between the birthdays of both Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Why would I include love with leadership? First, because I have a late Valentine’s Day card for all of you. Secondly, why wouldn’t leadership include love? Love and leadership. What a great combination!

Let’s talk about love!❣️

The last two weeks included time with my parents, a beautiful celebration of my amazing grandfather, and a quick trip to LOVE MORE with my family. Although physically tired, my soul and heart are energized by the love of Christ IN ME. He loves US ALL so much that He submitted to death in His human body for our FREEDOM. But this love requires… SURRENDER.

Time moved quicker than me. I couldn’t wait to see them. Within the hour the party would begin. Seeing her with her friends, the teacher, and other parents filled my heart. More time with my granddaughter, son, and daughter-in-love! This is what love is all about!

My old nature would say that this cancer has the “best of me”. Physical challenges, bowel and dietary issues, bone aches, and at times, unexplained pain. Why would I even attempt going?

I’ve been asked, “How do you keep going?”

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11

It’s the power that LIVES inside of me. It’s the sacrificial love and strength supplied by my comforter and gift from Christ-the Holy Spirit. I’m EMPTY of ME. An empty vessel filled with His love and strength.

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6:63

Let’s chat about leadership!

Standing before the Lincoln Memorial, I couldn’t help but think about the qualities that make a leader truly great—qualities that echo both in history and in my own life. Visiting this powerful monument with my dear friend Kerry, right before my major cancer surgery, remains a vivid memory. The experience was both humbling and grounding. In that moment, the significance of leadership took on a new, personal meaning for me. My Dad, sons, and I all share a love for history, and it’s not uncommon for me to “geek out” (as a dear friend says) on historical documentaries. Learning about the past—and discovering current individuals who contribute positively to society—reminds me how much leadership, in all its forms, can inspire us to grow and persevere.

To lead with love can be cahllenging! To some it might appear weak, but I’ve come to realize that showing compassion and patience requires far more strength than simply issuing commands. Jesus, being the greatest leader I know, led with love—never shying away from being among the messy, the unclean, the “outcasts.” His example challenges me daily to extend grace, to include others, and to serve without reservation. So, what does love have to do with it? EVERYTHING!

Do you know how loved you are? ❣️

Have hope. Keep the faith! ❣️

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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Friends, my recovery from trips are taking longer than expected. THANK YOU for your grace & understanding. 💚

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Waiting Well

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My favorite holiday ended with leftovers of love, lessons, and learning. December, you rushed in like the unexpected cold front! Soft falling snow summoned my SURRENDER of SELF. December, what I love most about you is the anticipation in the waiting.

Jesus, without complacency, I long to WAIT WELL.

My soul was warmed by the glow of the hope candle on our first Advent Sunday.

Peace, beyond human understanding, possessed me.

HEAVENLY HOPE! HOPE has a NAME! JESUS! Do you know he wants you to have HOPE for ETERNITY?

Are you living IN WAIT of the next holiday? Fad? Outfit?Vacation? Paycheck? Clean bill of health?

My journey of “waiting” began years ago. It is just like the joyful anticipation of a mother for her little ones. Resembles graceful frolic of a majestic deer and buck with their doe. Mirrors the captivating colors in a rainbow after the storm! Yet, the purpose of that wait has transformed, much like the changing seasons. As I WAIT WELL to celebrate Jesus and his glorious return, I will embrace my countless blessings.

HOW DO I WAIT WELL?

I’ll be prepared-NOT panicked. It’s not lame of me to lament this broken world. I will practice generous love while protecting my heart. Scripture and devotions will be dosed daily. Each day I’ll live with an endearing expectation of his return! I’ll walk in wisdom with others living THE WAY. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit will keep me harnessed in HOPE.

Jesus, I’ll wait in anticipation with expectation.

Active Waiting.

Active Listening.

Active Obedience.

Waiting Well.

What are you waiting for?

Have HOPE, precious friends. Keep the faith. YOU ARE LOVED. 💚

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Writer—Flannel with Faith, K.L. Hale

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If you or a loved one are living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, I encourage you to visit the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation website. It offers a wealth of guidance. You are not alone!

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Purposeful Plan

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***Friends, I began this article several days ago. The news of the the devastating fires in California, storms in other parts of the U.S., and other life-altering events, hurt my heart! I pray for relief, assistance, resources, healing, and hope. ***

Snow, temperatures, and my energy fell. The morning light greeted me with new hope and joy-an epiphany. “God, thank you for another day.”

A friend and I were sharing the other night about the “busyness” in Christianity. We even giggled saying, “Hurry, look busy, Jesus is coming!” I spent many years in church, yet, was taught very little about a relationship with Jesus. Traditions, doctrine, and religiosity didn’t direct me when I felt lost. And when I failed. When I hit rock bottom, I MET JESUS. It’s not about denomination or determination of “status” due to doctrine. In a “pop” psychology world that shares, “I am enough!” I can proudly say, without shame, that “I’m nothing without GOD.“

Intentional. Deliberate. Purposeful. Why are we all…here?

photo by Gary Fultz

…”They talk as if the west wind could really sweep into a human soul; but it can’t. They tell us the ‘beauty born of murmuring sound’ will pass into a human face; but it won’t. Or not yet. For if we take the imagery of Scripture seriously, if we believe that God will one day give us the Morning Star and cause us to put on the splendour of the sun, then we may surmise that both the ancient myths and the modern poetry, so false as history, may be very near the truth as prophecy. At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of morning but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see. But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in.”

C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory (1942)

There’s nothing like the light filtering in through the trees on the trail. Often I’ve wondered about meeting other believers in nature. I wonder why we all feel more comfortable HERE? Ah, to be reunited with beauty–the return to Eden.

Faith, nature, and creation. My love for our Creator and nature came natural. How did my faith grow? How does one come to believe? If you’ve read or seen Lee Strobel’s “The Case for Christ”, his name rings a bell. Lee was an atheist and had a career as a legal editor for the Chicago Tribune. When his wife found “faith”, he was determined to poke holes in her belief. He studied at Yale and was used to investigating. Surely, he’d collapse her faith with evidence. Their conversation was captivating (and LONG–I watched it in sessions).

“But real Christianity is considerably different, and those who know it think in totally different ways. They despise all those shadows of Christianity and false imitations of it. They know by experience that true Christianity is a union of the soul with God. It is a real impartation of the divine nature. It is the image of God sketched on the soul. In the words of the apostle, “it is Christ formed within us. In its most complete, precise, and brief definition, it is a divine life in us.”

Henry Scougal

Are your plans based on purpose? Or are you living hour to hour, day to day based solely on circumstance? Christ-in-me gives my plans a whole new purpose!

The media shares about resolutions, styles, and events–another Super Bowl will be held and a President sworn in–gatherings, new wrinkles, and aging skin. I’ll throw on my old flannel and try to hike when I can.

Cling to Christ and love others-my purposeful plan.

photo by Gary Fultz

My epiphany? The evidence surrounds me.

Have faith💚

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Beloved Babe

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He wasn’t just any baby. This beloved babe, born of a virgin, came to love like no other. Live like no other. Forgive like no other. Die like no other—because he rose like no other. And like no other, he will come again. What did this beloved babe do to change the scope of my hope? How has he updated my lens of love and posture of praise? How does his life and death give me…freedom? Why do I celebrate Christmas?

How do you celebrate this season? How is it different from your childhood memories?

Childhood Christmas’s meant church cantatas, family gatherings, school plays, parades, caroling, hot chocolate, and a booming “Ho, ho, ho” from my Dad! What’s mantled in my memories? The sounds of Christmas songs, the feel of cheer and chilly air, and the car rides to my grandparents. Some soul-sniffing provides the smells of Christmas, too!

Ah, the Savior’s birth stirs my senses!

Traditions continued as I grew. As I’d celebrate the birth of Christ with my own family, some traditions continued, and new ones were created. Reading the Nativity story, seeing Christmas lights, and watching movies made the season magical. As I grew older, the birth of the beloved babe was often overshadowed by other “Christmasy” outings. Why was there an emphasis placed on performance and activities? Standards. They had to be met everywhere—school, home, and every other area of life. Standards snuffed out the significance of this beloved babe’s sacrifice. The sights, sounds, and smells became…standardized. Is that what the beloved babe intended?

The rigidity of religiosity, adoration in activity, and praise through performance set me up for…failure. Is that what the beloved babe intended?

“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27

The beloved babe, surrounded by the humblest of people in a lowly setting, intended life to be lived…free. Our beloved babe, (fully God, fully man) became the Prince of Peace and King of Kings. Skimming the surface, or standardized celebrations, poorly represent my faith-filled freedom.

Doctrine doesn’t define and society’s standards can’t satisfy.This love was made real in surrender. The candles I’ve lit this Advent season represent the relationship I cherish with this beloved babe. “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” sing out of my soul! My heart’s longing was ONLY fulfilled through the freedom found from this beloved babe. He’s with me as I “run” free in the woods (just like a child!). He’s beside me when I’m in line at the store. He’s holding my hand at the infusion center. He’s beside me when I’m helping a student. When I’m lying awake at night, HE is there. Ah, freedom. HE is the hope, peace, joy, and love of my soul.

How can I convince others that this BELOVED BABE came to TAKE AWAY your frustrations and burdens? His tears and blood, from a manger in a cave,… to an old wooden cross,… were shed FOR YOU and for me. His gift of peace is a treasure! I choose to not waste his sacrifice by stressing over things that I can’t control. Or that don’t matter.

Fear failed when this beloved babe was born. He grew to be the man I cherish. The Savior I accepted. And the Holy Spirit who indwells IN me.

Do you REALLY KNOW how loved you are? Are you frustrated or faith-filled? Is your life performance-based or grown by grace? Do you feel trapped or free? I PRAY you experience the heart-changing, soul-shifting, and freedom-finding true gift of Christmas.

This beloved babe, Jesus Christ, is the most precious gift I’ve ever received. It’s not about perfection or performance, it’s about your heart and humanity. Will you please accept this free gift? Do you know how loved you are?

Merry Christmas, dear friends. May the gift of Christmas give hope, peace, joy, and love. ❣️🎄

Happy Birthday, Jesus! 🎶❣️
Yes, this bird came into my house! Tee hee!

Have faith 🤍

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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