Happy first Monday of March! So many M’s are marinating in my mind! May March bring marvelous miracles and memories! I’m so thankful for you! YOU ARE LOVED.
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air
K.L. Hale
A woman of faith and flannel~Christ follower, Mom, Grandma, dog-lover, nature nerd, and former educator. I haven’t always lived by the guidelines of “fine print”~but nevertheless, have stretched my muscles well through the climbing out of valleys and ascending and descending the mountaintops (physically, spiritually, and emotionally). Through these journeys life has proven only redeemable with faith. Having had a taste of the R.V. life, I crave simplicity and long for the roads less-traveled (as long as they lead back to what matters most~family).
“Really Lord? You want me to meet them face-to-face?” In my heart, I knew HE was right. Besides, I’ve always been a face-to-face communicator. Although I embrace technology, in many ways, it’s isolated us more. Miscommunication, misinterpretation, and misfiring can happen. I’ve learned another new platform. I’m in their portal. Their names are on texts and emails. Still, they don’t know me-I don’t know them. Driving to their office I was tempted to eat one of the bagels I had bought. Bagels as a bribe? It might seem suspicious to some. That wasn’t my intent. Two sweet gals welcomed me when I walked in. Another older lady with, a beautiful smile, also stopped when I was greeted. “How can we help you?” Considering the advice I had received from many wise people in my life I shared my current health journey, how blessed I feel to have my comfortable home, and in a roundabout way, requested safe space and grace in my new learning (the whole process is completed on-line; I feel for anyone who might be technologically-challenged in navigating the system). They smiled and understood. Another kind young woman peeked around a corner and stepped out to meet me. “Girls, I brought bagels, too!” The counter was so high they hadn’t noticed, lol. One admitted she could smell them. I told her how tempted I was on the 2-mile drive to eat one. They introduced themselves. Wait for it…the names of the two front desk workers are……Faith and Hope! I about fell over in giggles and tears. I thought, “Sometimes the only way to reverse a situation that seems to be heading in the wrong direction is to reverse it.” Driving home past Bass Pro and thinking of my “kids”, all family, memories, warm bagels, and the goodness and grace of God, my heart was completely overflowing. I didn’t take bagels to “win” the upper hand. Yet, in ways, the table turned.
On the Sunday before his death, Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. He was praised. The next day he turned over tables in the temple because of the mockery; the buying and selling of goods. It was a disgrace. He continued to teach his disciples and foretell what was to come. At night, he’d retreat to the beautiful Mount of Olives. As Passover was being planned and a covenant celebrated, our Savior, Jesus, was breaking bread and pouring wine with his disciples. “Do this in remembrance of me.” In the stunning Garden of Gethsemane, he anguished over his future suffering. His death had been plotted and planned. Tomorrow, Friday, he would be arrested and a day of torture would begin. The fickleness of the crowd and influence of the government would place him on a cross. Vindication was near. The tables would soon turn.
A redbud tree (one of my favorites), a family of rabbits, and too many types of birds to count live in my backyard. The choir of birds makes my mornings. Spring has arrived. For years I’ve shared that fall is my favorite season. It still is but for some reason, this year, spring might be my favorite. Because I’m here. Buds have bloomed overnight. Although I feel weaker in some ways, in ways, I’m stronger. Do you ever feel like your situation CAN’T or WON’T change? It’s been almost a year since my diagnosis. Many feelings arise as I reflect on this past year. Last Easter I was celebrating and soon after, I would have a case of Covid that packed a punch. There are days I want to flip over a table. Calm comes quicker now. A peace that surpasses all understanding pokes holes. It eventually permeates and pulverizes the panic. I’ve taken the upper hand. The tables turned.
I created and wrote this 3 years ago (and a great title for my post today).
May you turn the table on anything trashing your truth, jeoparding your joy, taking your health hostage, and harnessing your happiness. May this Easter give you hope as we celebrate a promise, a covenant, that will never be broken. Have faith, my friends. You are loved. 💛
Have you heard of NET, Yet?
Next Thursday, April 13th, is my next treatment (#3 out of 4). I’m very happy to FINALLY move forward. Your prayers for platelets worked!I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some dread about how it will impact me. The results have been good. I’ll reevaluate as I proceed and decide how much of a “hit” can my body and bone marrow take?
It’s been tough, friends. My back has been all sorts of messed up (since I returned from my trip). I’m on new medication. It took a few days to “grapple” with that. First, I don’t like “just” being medicated. But I do like having relief from pain. Physical therapy, massage, and other options are what I desire first. But it’s risky for me. When attempting to walk my neighborhood a couple of days ago I met a cool young gal who provides in-home care. She shared some information with me as she saw that I was struggling. I appreciated God putting her, literally, in my path. He also put someone, again literally on the road, lol, in my path to mow my yard. It’s difficult giving up things I enjoy. However, I know it’s temporary. I have an MRI scheduled for May 9th to take a closer look. Hopefully, they can find a way to ease my bone and back pain. No matter what, whether I can find a new routine, walk 3 miles, or take weekly field trips, I’m going to keep dreaming and keep the faith! My goal is to write more. I was really looking forward to creating a newsletter this month. Unfortunately, time was not on my side. One of my favorite writers, Martha, has shared that to become a better writer, one needs to write! May God open up my healing and schedule to do that which I love the most. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I remember you all in my prayers and your lives keep me encouraged!
An extremely tall smiling administrator was welcoming the students on a rainy (and snowy) spring morning one week ago. A young man hopped out of a car to hightail it to the front door. His mom was yelling for him to go straight to the nurse. Trying to walk at his pace I asked, “Happy Friday young man! Will you show me how we make an entrance into your awesome school?” He replied, “Hey, you’re that famous author!” GULP! Keep in mind Finley’s head was peeking out of a crossover pet carrier while I was balancing two other bags and a framed poster. Nothing about me oozed famous (or ever does for that matter, lol)! We were “buzzed” in as I heard the smiling tall greeter yell “You’re famous!” Another GULP! Talk about pressure! It was too late to go back to my car. This was my 4th school visit in two weeks. Surely I could do this! Nothing but smiles and courtesy were waiting. Kids and parents were coming and going. Like typical, the secretaries were buzzing around managing the school world. A huge smile, and admittedly some tears, broke out on my face. “Thank you, God,” I whispered.
Just as two weeks prior, and that very Monday, I was greeted by “old” friends and new ones. With care and compassion they asked what I might need before setting up. Within twenty minutes classes would arrive. My heart was full. A calm came over me. Inside that building the clouds had lifted. They filed in class by class with huge smiles. And Finley. Well, she was just darling and they loved her. As I read my book their excitement grew as every page complimented something they were learning in class. You should’ve seen their eyes light up when they saw something they had JUST learned! Of course, the history junkie in me had goosebumps when most of them yelled “Lewis and Clark!” before I could even share about these famous men. In a world of war, disease, extreme inflation, isolation,…where “social” media makes us less social, yet handy using technology as a hate weapon, I soaked in the joy of the innocence.
In that school and gym sat the “whoevers” (as Christine Caine so eloquently shared). “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 Tears flowed today, over 2000 years ago, at a brutal death of man who died for WHOEVER. In a tomb that wasn’t even needed for an entire weekend, he stood up and fulfilled a promise predicted hundreds of years before. He knew it was going to happen. This event doesn’t just shape my thoughts one time a year. It’s in my heart 365 days. In what ways, even IF YOU DON’T believe in a God that would send his ONLY SON to die for us, can we at least continue the hope and promises of a man that knew how to treat others? Not only were little children drawn to him, he walked with the messy, ate with the untouchables, and gave life to the hopeless. What a legacy! How can we best “dress” for Easter? May our traditions and habits represent everything good about a Savior who still lives (or at the LEAST represent the hope and kindness that can be continually carried). Happy Resurrection Day dear family and friends. I love you. And you are loved more than you’ll ever know!
Unlike any other Holy Week many of us have known, this one truly began with an “emptiness.” Specifically, churches across the globe had empty seats on this Palm Sunday. Our businesses, streets, and stores are almost empty~as schools and too many more places to mention. Are our hearts feeling empty?
Do we really know what it means to sacrifice?
Does this week look empty on your calendar? Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus had a line-up of situations during this week I’d rather not face. It started beautifully as he entered Jerusalem on this day. Can you hear the Hosannas? Can you see him riding the donkey through the gates and the fanfair all around him? The palm leaves and hands waving and bowing at his presence? JESUS KNEW WHAT WAS COMING. There would be a trial, a beautiful supper, prayer time in the garden, a betrayal, an arrest, and a crucifixion.
In the garden, Gethsemane, he felt 100% like us. He felt sadness, anguish, and isolation. He was in AGONY. “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want YOUR will to be done, not mine,” he prayed (Matthew 26:39 NLT). It grips my heart. This prayer touches me more deeply than any other.
As we spend this week focusing on the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, may we remember this-one week from today we will CELEBRATE THE EMPTY!When that stone rolled away, the tomb was EMPTY. And that vacant tomb gave us victory if we so choose! Jesus lived a sacrificial life, dying at age 33~selflessly for humanity’s sins.
I believe in a hill called Mt. Calvary, I believe whatever the cost And when time has surrendered And Earth is no more I'll still cling to the Old Rugged Cross I believe that this life with its great mysteries Surely someday will come to an end But faith will conquer the darkness and death And will lead at last to my friend I believe that the Christ Who was slain on the cross Has the power to change lives today For he changed me completely A new life is mine And that is why by the cross I will stay Written by William J. Gaither/Gloria Gaither/Dale Oldham
Do you think 2,000 years ago Jesus would have abided by the “social distancing” and “stay at home” mandates? He was the man who mingled with lepers and the diseased~the dirtiest, the messiest, and the cleanest of humans. Some were blessed to touch just the hem of his garment. Are you reaching for it?
I believe he’s walking among us now. We’re never isolated. We’re never alone.
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!
