What is living limitless? For many right now, the weather might limit how you’re living! Mostly, to engage in small talk, I’ll visit with others about the weather. At times, I feel set apart as I don’t have many friends that I talk to Jesus about. Weather chats keep us neutral and in agreement. When politics is involved, things might “heat” up this frigid front!
When I began “revamping” my website it was my goal to include my testimony. My faith and belief in Christ isn’t JUST about eternity ONE day. My goal in life is to live the ABUNDANT life that Christ offered when I chose to follow him. Do you know that in accepting and receiving, you too can have this power? I’d rather talk about Christ and his amazing creations that produce AWE –not angst or anxiety! I don’t want to get to the end of my “race” and lose my faith. The more Christ is IN ME, the LESS of this world I need. My joy isn’t based on circumstances or what I “own” or any other status. Living Limitless means I’ve received the Holy Spirit IN ME and I must die to my self and flesh daily.
I’ll ask you, “How’s the weather in your area?” and gladly have small talk. But what I’d love to hear answered is, “Do you know how loved you are and that you too can live a limitless life IN Christ?”
Join K.L. Hale from Flannel with Faith as she interviews Tim Denney, from WithoutLimit.org. Tim is the NW Regional Co-coordinator for the Northern MN Suicide Prevention Initiative (& the mental health lead for NW Health Services Coalition). Tim’s decade with the Quakers helped his Christ IN HIM life!
Keep the faith, my friends. Even in these frigid and frozen times! Stay safe and blessed. You are loved!💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
***Please accept my apology for the previously published post! I’m learning the “in’s and out’s” of Podbean as well as working with a creator of an effect app for recording! These learning curves are great and I hope you enjoy this interview! Be encouraged! You are loved!***
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.
HOPE.
PEACE.
Soon, I’ll light the joy candle. Last, love. Is there anything greater than these?
“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”-Laura Ingalls Wilder
Pigtails and a hat made me feel like…me. Reflect on your style. We all have our own. There was a time I had my “career hair”. Although the color changed at times, the style stayed the same. On weekends, I couldn’t wait to throw on hiking boots, put my hair in pigtails, wear flannel or a t-shirt, and just be…me.
A new color was revealed when my hair started falling out. My twin and B.I.L. took turns with the clippers to reveal the solid white. Since that early day in July there have been times I avoided a mirror. My reflection seemed strange to me.
“I don’t see me!” I exclaimed. “But I do,” Kristy replied.
“For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13: 12
Reflection on hair–it’s not the pigtails that makes me…me!
Speaking of pigtails many of you know I’m a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder. She happened to wear pigtails as a young girl, too. 😉 After being homebound for quite some time, my twin and a lifetime friend took me to Mansfield to visit Laura and Almanzo’s home. Click here for a post I wrote in 2020 to learn even more of their lives!
“These times are too progressive. Everything has changed too fast. Railroads and telegraphs and kerosene and coal stoves — they’re good to have but the trouble is, folks get to depend on ’em.”-Laura Ingalls Wilder
Rocky Ridge, their 40 acre farm bought for $400.00 in 1894, became their place of hard work, family, faith, and peace.
Glass cases protect the historical treasures in the fascinating museum. My reflections were unavoidable when taking pictures. Rather than be upset, I giggled. Reflecting on Laura and Almanzo’s lives, it amazed me at all they accomplished (and didn’t NEED). Their amazing home didn’t have one treadmill, microwave, or internet router.😊 I crave the simplicity and honor the priorities the couple had in life. Seeing my cracked reflection in the ancient mirrors made me smile. “Did Laura see herself as a young girl with pigtails at 89?” (* Laura died 3 days before her 90th birthday on February 10th, 1957*). Knowing how important her faith was, undoubtedly she, and others, saw Christ in her reflection!
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you SEE what God sees? Do you know how precious you are in HIS SIGHT?
As the Holy Spirit continues to work in and through my life, it’s the reflection of Christ I pray others see. When the veil is lifted and you experience KNOWING HIM as HE KNOWS you, a reflection of HIM is all that YOU WILL SEE.
Have faith, my friends. Don’t lose hope. You are loved. 🤍💚
Rocky Ridge FarmMary’s handmade blouse (when she was blind)!Another beautiful view of the farmPerfect denAdmiration! Peace-filled sitting areaOh, the memories!The girls’ schooldaysPa’s Fiddle! Stunning glasswareEach book had its own display!Mary’s braille slateA large teaching certificate!Laura’s .22 A bright and tiny kitchen!Treasured watch & glassesStunning painting of Rose Wilder LaneDining roomThe outside prairie & flowersRose Wilder Lane–an exceptional woman!
MORE REFLECTIONS …
Last month’s moon through my kitchen windowOne happy fan!
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
***I’d like to give a shout-out to the ScootNGo company for their amazing new lightweight & foldable mobility scooter. I met a designer by phone who shared about how the creator of this, her name is Angela, has traveled to 30 states and is currently overseas sharing this! They are a small company that designed eBikes originally and decided to create scooters. I can’t lift much, so I was happy at this size. I’ll give up more cushion and baskets for smaller footprint. The two lithium batteries will provide 15 miles of scootering fun. It’s given me a huge part of my life back. Also, in reviewing ways to haul, I decided on a smaller carrier vs. a large cargo rack and ramp. This works for now! Finley loves Skeeter, the scooter, too!***
Have you heard of NET, yet? If you or a loved one is fighting NET cancer, I encourage you to visit the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation. Don’t lose hope! 🤍🦓
Join K.L. as she shares her blog post via her podcast. As we inch closer to celebrating America's 250th birthday, K.L. shares about the song, "America the Beautiful", and her thoughts about our country and the freedom we have.
What makes America beautiful to you? Do you feel we are really ONE NATION…AND under God? Will divisions keep us divided? How do we KNOW the truth?
Whatever MIGHT divide us doesn't have to override our faith and belief in ONE NATION—despite opinions or differences.
Find faith, keep it. Have hope, friends. You are loved.
While Flannel with Faith is where I share my heart, Finley River Publishing is where you'll find my book and the shop collection. Read the story behind the collection here!
