Feeling over the moon I packed my bags again. Two weekend getaways in a row? How dare I think they’d only happen once in a blue moon. Shooting for the moon is a stellar goal! Two years ago I didn’t think I’d be howling at any moon, anytime soon.
Many moons ago a man walked our Earth his Father created. He was totally man, totally God. He hung the moon.
Saying “I love you to the moon and back” to family makes me think of the “over the moon” love that God has for US.
Once in a blue moon, I get disheartened. Then, love and logic lasso my heart and brain. To those who can no longer dream, promise, howl, or even love to the moon and back—I pray for you. You’re in my heart. I speak the name of the moon hanger over you.
Imagine Jesus saying, “I love you to the moon and back!” He means it! What he offers is more than the moon 🌙 What does he want? For us to love him to the moon and back with all our heart! Oh, and love others, too!
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
1 John 4:16
An antique desk invited me to…WRITE! Thank you Keith and Melinda for making me feel at “home”.
Tears flooded my face as we parked. Finn gave me a look—she KNEW. It was a full circle moment. Stone county was home for 15 years and this community, 11 years. This cottage will forever be home in my heart.
Karla’s Cottage, owned by my dear friends/former neighbors, is the perfect place to enjoy before another treatment. Peace and tranquility, combined with exceptionally unique decor, create a flawless faith-filled environment. Even with an achy back, low reserve, and other physical things you can’t “see”, I’m STILL on cloud nine. Dinner with friends, an upcoming good ol’ Ozarks’ shindig with bluegrass, gospel, comedy and more…laughter, love, friendship, music, …my heart is as full as the moon (without any fear of a total eclipse—let’s wait until April for that ;-).
I’ve come full circle. The road ahead will be bumpy at times. This cancer doesn’t “go away”. The bones are responding to treatment (some being stubborn) and a few pesky lymph nodes will need attention. I’m winning! A few days ago I walked my trail thinking of full circles, full moon, and the circular scan I’d soon experience for the upteenth time. “God, you not only created the planets, stars, light, darkness, oceans, animals, and us silly humans, you’ve offered us the moon. I want to lasso it for others.Thank you for bringing me full circle.” As Earth spins, some spin out of their own orbits. The miracles and magic of our world may not be felt or seen because of health, losses (loved ones, health, or finances), anxiety, depression, disease, or even imprisonment in an unbroken circle of criticism or crankiness. I’m blessed beyond the moon. I don’t know why I’m here still while others lose battles. My pain won’t be wasted. Not one second will be taken for granted. For no one is guaranteed another hour, day, or full moon.
Let’s shoot for the moon!
If you were told you only had one full moon left, what would bring you full circle? Do you know you are loved to the moon and back?
Have faith 💚
SurrealDo you see the craters?
“As I take man’s last step from the surface, back home for some time to come — but we believe not too long into the future — I’d like to just say what I believe history will record: that America’s challenge of today has forged man’s destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus–Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.”
Eugene Cernan-Apollo 17 commander
My peek through the limbs!
Pics by K.L. Hale-dedicated to Gary Fulz, fellow photographer and lover of nature, his JOY-filled daughter who never wastes her pain, and his precious wife and family.
One of MANY amazing notes! If you visit the Branson, MO area, check out Karla’s Cottage—Keith and Melinda will take great care of you! 💛
A year ago, I was planning on sealing leaks and windows in the R.V. Now, I’m planning the same for my house. I’ve always tried to conserve energy. I’ve never taken long showers. A steady home temp helps conserve in all seasons (it’s a struggle at times). Many of my appliances are rated energy efficient. I’m also THAT person (I owe this trait to Dad). I’m the one that will walk behind you and turn off the lights left on (I’m sorry, it’s a learned natural reflex). Ironically, I have horrible eyesight and need the BEST lighting to read. Lowering my electric bill is a fantastically fun challenge for me! Using my energy wisely is a necessity.
There are times I don’t shut the door completely-to my house-and my heart. Have you ever left the door to your heart cracked open so you can let enough love in? Yet, during the frigid or heated times hope and faith leak out a bit.
Have you ever tried to seal the cracks of confusion with caulk only to realize you missed a spot?
What about when you run too hard and long and your battery keeps dying?
How is your temperature setting? Do you fluctuate from hot to cold? Or is it steady and conservatively operating?
What are you wasting? Time? Energy? Purpose? Thoughts? Feelings? Money?
For years and years, it took so much energy to maintain the schedule I set for myself. My hate of waste kept my space filled with soul-searching situations. My new learning has provided a new energy; and at times depleted it.
Can we stop for a coffee break and chat? One on one? You can tell me. I’ll never judge you. I see you. This is not a race. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Give yourself permission to pause. Use YOUR energy how you need. Why are you doing what you’re doing? Is it edifying? Or is it exhausting? Do you feel it your true purpose or a pressure? If what you love to do requires much energy seek out power that will edify and electrify. Plug into positive energy. Disconnect from discord. Don’t be drained by debate or deadlock. Try not to assume someone with more energy has more purpose. If you have NO ENERGY than why? Are you seeking a charge from a dead source?
Currently, I’m still waiting on electricity for a garage I had installed months ago (BUT I’m SO THANKFUL TO HAVE A GARAGE). You know the way of the world today. Supply and demand. Demand is high and fluctuates easily. Supply, not so much. Are the demands too high and your supply low?
We could all help the world by conserving more, wasting less. Outages will still happen.There will be breakdowns. It’s ok. Give yourself warm space to grieve. Allow love to power you back. It’s a beautiful recyling. It’s a renewable resource.
If kindness were in kilowatts what would be the total of your electric bill? What if passion powered our spirit? Could inspiration impact ideal intensity? Could you imagine faith as fuel? Are you energy efficient? I have found the true source of my power. Have you? You are loved. 🤍
Have faith🤍
If you followed me from the beginning, or even friends I had on Facebook YEARS ago, you’ll know my love of watching the PS22 choir! I wanna sing this song dancing with my family, grandkids, and every kid that needs someone to believe in them! THIS IS ENERGY THAT’S NEEDED!
The glare of the screen will never replace the light of sun. And viewing 1200-1800 pixels on a post will never replace the realness of real. The silence is deafening, and the air grows stale. It was practiced during my day-looking someone directly in the eye. Even nodding your head to confirm their thoughts. Maybe a tilt of the head to display interest. Even a smile to represent the humanness of the verbal exchange. There would be a pause and that meant that the speaker is graciously giving the opportunity for a listener to respond-simply ingenious. It seems now most heads are down. Rarely will you hear one voice speak at a time. But you’ll hear a click or a ding. It’s to notify. Sadly, someone died, happily one was born, someone went there, someone stayed home, someone ate this, someone wears this, and someone did this. Milestones in life celebrated on a screen. These technology talks should bring us closer, so they say. Celebrations of life last the length of your battery. I look up and around. And get out. It’s with nature I have the best dialogue. The two of us prefer face-to-face. Imagine a stare-down contest. Nature always wins. Sometimes I chit-chat with the leaves and squirrels. The trees nod to show they understand me. Clearly, they’re seen as they are and don’t hide from their reality. They only know to exist in truth. They happily accept the changes each season brings. The wind embraces me, and sometimes sings a melody, when it’s time to hug goodbye. “It was great to see you!” and “I’ll see you soon!” can be heard as I walk away. It was a true conversation.
For me, ‘tis better to stroll, than scroll.
Although I published this in May of last year, this is relevant to me today. Call me weird (really, I don’t mind), but I have no interest in celebrity news, the latest great show (although I love a good movie), diet tips and weight loss videos, and the constant barrage of the “me, me, me” in the media world (I’m so thankful for the baby animal, nature, and humor videos). It seems self-care and self-love trump soul care and love for others. Modesty is replaced with confidence from gained “self-love”. I love seeing the “likes” and meeting new friends, but my self-worth is not tied to the actions of others.
How much time do you spend on a screen? I had to be honest with myself. My learning in a variety of platforms can be overwhelming. Particularly because of the “me” emphasis. Self-marketing should be about finding a group of fellow friends and like-minded souls that will support you (your tribe), no matter what you write. I can’t keep up with all the media “tricks” for instant engagement. Real-time videos aren’t me. Why be something I’m not? If it gives YOU joy and peace–great! To each their own! Our differences, as well as similarities, make the world go ’round. As I seek my Creator, and make this place as much as heaven as I can until I get to the real one, I’ll continue taking care of myself, and keeping my eyes focused on what truly matters. I’ll respond “thank you” to a compliment or kind words, I’ll shake your hand when I meet you, I’ll respond if you call, I’ll look you in the eye if you speak, and if I become distracted from watching “Little House”, “The Walton’s”, “Andy Griffith”, or a good western, shame on me! 😁 Have I told you how much I appreciate all of you? ( I DO!) And do you REALLY know how much you’re loved? 🤍
Finley and I love Tim Janis’s channel! He, and the Nature Relaxation Channel, are wonderful to watch when you need a break for peace and calm.
