Love & Leadership

Posted on February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 by K.L. Hale — 56 Comments

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! ❣️

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

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

In with the New

Posted on January 8, 2026January 8, 2026 by K.L. Hale — 66 Comments

Out with the old, in with the new

Out with the old! Shoes? car? beliefs? Ideas? Hair? I’m learning to embrace the new. New year? New job? New DAY? December was filled with new AND old! Traditions, circumstances, and reflections. Childhood, motherhood, and career. Before cancer and my tiny RV life to after diagnosis and city life. New treatments, old diseases. New will happen whether we want it or not. We can hang on to the “old” for comfort and familiarity (shoes anyone?). Yet, there are old things I don’t need. Even certain beliefs! As I embrace the new year, I will continue to cling to the New Covenant way of life! There’s no longer an OLD Covenant (God knew we couldn’t keep it!). Jesus, fully God and human, fulfilled the law and died in our place. I’ll embrace the NEW heart I received through faith; out with the old! How can I NOT be filled with gratitude for another day? Another year? It’s fine for me to cherish and remember the past like motherhood & RV life. But I need to live in the now…the NEW. How about you?

I’ve included 2 versions of my one pg. news (.jpg & PDF). Happy 2026!

January 2026 Flannel with Faith newsletter Download

Heavenly Hibernation

It’s been a heavenly hibernation! I’ve missed you, friends. It’s been one week since the start of a new year–I’m still here and winning because of Christ! It doesn’t mean that life isn’t challenging; nor situations easier. BUT my life & hope IN CHRIST propels me through each up and down. I expect that the more I live a surrendered life, the more the enemy will try to disrupt it. I’ll keep choosing faith over finances, hope over hard things, & peace instead of pessimism. Do you know when we choose to surrender INTO our Savior, we can experience heaven on Earth.

My resolution for 2026? I’m determined to continue “dying” to myself daily. My heart wakened several years ago for something other than the promise of heaven AFTER life. I wanted the Christ life IN ME. In letting go of earthly expectations, I can be filled with the presence of God’s power. I am aware of my utter ignorance in grasping salvation (as Andrew Murray would say). Surrender is the only way! It’s as simple as the appearance of light at morning and the shifting of seasons. Not my power, but HIS. Hibernation this winter will be heavenly (& healthy!)!

Note: Watch what happens when you add a side of silliness, a helping of humor, and a pinch of patience (ok, CUPS)!

Happy new year, dear friends & family! My prayers are with those who are experiencing the difficult “new”. 🙏🏻❤️

Do you know how loved you are? ❤️THANK YOU for your continued support!

May 2026 be filled with precious memories, hope, faith, & joy. 💚

Keep the faith, have hope! 💚

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

About Me

Journey to Joy

Posted on December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 70 Comments

“Do difficulties, detours, distractions, and delays steal my joy? They try, but fail. The journey to joy was long and worth every moment.” K.L. Hale

“Thank you, Father, for difficulties, detours, distractions, and delight! Keep me teachable so your light shines no matter what.” My posture of praise and attitude of gratitude is ONLY because of Christ Jesus. My journey to joy has been jubilant because of what its produced.

How do I navigate my joy journey?

My road map and handy atlas can’t predict every detour or unexpected accident. My guidebook, the WORD, though, provides wisdom and applications for these! I wrote a letter to my ten-year-old self last night. In it, I shared the differences between happiness and true joy. My journey to joy has included loss, love, and lots of learning. Wishing on a star,carrying a good luck charm, staying positive, and even being in nature will never be the TRUE SOURCE of my joy.

Just as hope, peace, and love. 💚

Who or what is my source of joy?

Jesus, you are the source of my real joy! Thank you for being a hiking friend and my forever traveling buddy. You giggle at goofs, forgive my faults, and hold me when I cry! Because of you, I’m alive! Your indwelling advocate, the Holy Spirit, living in ME, provides peace, love, hope, and JOY. I truly have the “joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart … Because of YOU, I can sing. What about you, friends? Will you sing along?

️

Have hope, keep the faith. You are Loved.❤️

K’s Catch-Up–

My heart and prayers are with dear blogging friends and loved ones who have experienced tremendous loss. To those who are alone during this season–May God provide comfort and friends offer support! Life isn’t easy, but I know a God who wants to walk with you in sunshine AND storms. To have joy in unspeakable circumstances proves the source is greater than us! All of you are blessings to me! Your stories of your journeys, love, losses, and wins inspire me. Let’s continue to lift one another in truth, love, humor, and prayers. Prayer warriors, will you please pray for my son, Jarrod, as he spends Christmas in Japan, away from his family? Thank you to all who serve and have to spend holidays alone! A fun story–my daughter-in-love, Brooke, left Alaska yesterday with her two precious kiddos (my lovely grands) and her Mom. My youngest son, Jay, my other daughter-in-love, Cierra, and precious 3rd grand, Whitley, were flying home from Washington. What are the odds of ALL of them meeting at the Seattle airport? What a great boost to my evening! My little world travelers all together at the airport! THAT’S DIVINE!

My journey of NET continues. This week two nurse navigators (God bless you Reagan and Michelle) helped me acquire oxygen for SIX MONTHS! After another appointment this week, I will continue monitoring bone pain and stay on current treatment. I can’t say thank you enough for ALL the SUPPORT, love, and prayers! Many of you know I’m struggling with my eyes, hands, and balancing responsibilities. I KNOW that we ALL HAVE STRUGGLES, so THANK YOU for your grace and understanding! If you or a loved one suffer from chronic disease, cancer, or anything that HALTS your habits, know that you are NOT alone.

How do you find Perfect Peace?

Posted on December 11, 2025December 11, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 62 Comments

The glowing hues of blue, orange, and yellow in the flickering flames melted into the stunning sunset scenery out my window. “Thank you, God, for YOUR perfect peace,” I whispered, gazing at the 2nd Advent candle.

How do I keep this perfect peace? Joy AND jolts are juxtaposed in my journey-how do I obtain perfect peace? How do I find stillness in the storm? Calm in the chaos? Tranquil in the midst of trouble?

What’s my NATURE? Peace washes over me like a cleansing flood while I’m IN nature. Later, “caught by surprise” cancer circumstances, my soggy spirit and exhausted body felt drowned. “God, I return to YOUR unwavering nature and rest in YOU.”

Whenever I face challenges, I pause to pray. I’m reminded of Advent Week #1-to wait well and stay prepared. NO PANIC! I will surrender my soul to God. To have true peace, I have to surrender!

How can I NOT have a different peace perspective after what I’ve experienced? “GOD, THANK YOU for providing circumstances to practice the peace that is ALREADY IN ME because of YOU.”

It’s not denial–it’s about dependence on God. I don’t pretend everything is fine when the storm is rocking the boat, the torrential downpours are stinging my soul—

“Peace! Be Still!” Jesus declared this when the disciples panicked during the storm. This command isn’t just for weather. MY HEART HEARS HIM.

When facing sticky situations or unhealthy conflict, stress can lead to sickness, sadness, or suffering. When you’re peace “peters out” what do YOU do? PRAY? Walk away? Take deep breaths? Listen to music? Read? Walk in nature? Binge favorite shows? Snuggle with a loved one or pet? If your season starts to snowball, but your spirit melts, please know you’re not alone.

“Holy Spirit, I need you to speak for and through me. Help me adjust my attitude, cloth myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Remind me of God’s truths about love, unity, and peace.”

“Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13) I’ll let God’s love lead so HIS peace resides in my heart.