Tag: Fall

Ode to October

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Ode To October 
Oh, October, a month for goodbyes and hellos.
Where are the falling temps and colorful leaves,
that bring joy to me, yet, a summer person grieves?
When will we bid farewell and welcome?
The goodbye to heat drags, it doesn't want to end.
The hellos, just like clouds, in warm air suspend.

Oh, October you had me at the first day.
Colorful views, hiking, and the crispness of air,
always refreshen my soul and chase away despair.
Like many great things you’ve waited until the end.
For the holiday and the change is crammed in a week,
I forgive you October, for waiting until November to peak. 

K.L. Hale

Due to weather, I couldn’t “light” our first Flannel with Faith fire.Our group was small due to sicknesses and life; yet our discussions on finding rest in God “fired up” our faith. Our glows for God sparked hope!

My hope CAN’T be in this world. Shutdowns, the economy, illness, hurt, and despair. Where can one find joy? hope? Someone who cares? I’ve EXPERIENCED a God WHO CARES. He may not “fix” the problems at hand, but HE never leaves me. HE provides just what I NEED, and I know one day where I’ll BE. The days fly by and my hope stays grounded. Friends, you are loved. No matter what. 💚

Silver Dollar City!
Breast Cancer Awareness Pumpkins❣️
While painting
Finished project!
A small apple inside that crust with cinnamon ice cream! YUM!

Silver Dollar City and our area is filled with great nature places, people, and things to do. Do you know what’s special about the Ozarks? Well, to me,…it’s home. Have hope, my friends. May your home be filled with happiness as we end another month.

Have hope. Keep the faith, friends.💚

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

Friends, I’m returning to St. Lukes this week for scans and bloodwork. My last bone infusion and bloodwork went well. Meanwhile, I’m focusing on nourishing my body with wholesome foods, as I always do, allowing for occasional treats. Also, I’m cultivating a positive mindset, focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely, as Philippians 4:8 encourages. My son in Japan is doing well–his sweet family is in the midst of welcoming winter in Alaska, like Alaska just does! I’ll spend this week with my youngest son and his family. My treat is spending Halloween with them. Ah, Ode to October! Have a blessed last week of October and a safe & fun Halloween!🎃🥧

See you in November!

November 10th NET Cancer Awareness Day! If you or are loved one are living with NET cancer, click on the pic for a treasure trove of healthful information, vidoes, expert advice, and so much more! Thank you to the Directors, leaders, and members of our support group at the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation for all you do to help us in our daily lives!

Take a leap of faith and read more!

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So long September

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September, you’re leaving in a surprising and surreal fashion.

Record storms and floods devastated lives and livelihoods. A September to remember. As crunchy leaves fall in summer-like regions, swirling waters and destruction flood the hearts of victims. How can they enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage?

September, you swirled. Are you surprised I’m still here?

Sometimes, it’s all surreal.

What’s the meaning of life? What’s the point? I’m repeatedly reminded that it’s not about wealth, possessions, or position. In a blink of an eye, it can all be gone.

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!” What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say.” Ecclesiastes 1:2-8 (NIV)

“Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, the more knowledge, the more grief.

Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 (NIV)

“What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 (NIV)

“Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these? For it is not wise to ask such questions. Wisdom, like inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.” Ecclesiastes 7:10-11 (NIV)

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)

So long September! October, I welcome you with open arms and a praying heart. Will you create a colorful and crisp comeback for those who need it? Friends, may hope and faith find you. You are loved.

Have faith 💚

Music Monday

Many weeks ago a fellow blogger and I were listening to this song at the same time! Serendipitous? I told her I would record it for her. C, here it is, my friend. It’s not serendipity or coincidence that water songs have been on my heart (I just recorded a voice over of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” for a 2nd time). One of my favorite Kris Kristofferson’s songs has been in my heart, too. The water has overwhelmed and destroyed so much. It’s unfathomable. With faith and trust, I bet my life on the man who walked on water. Have you?

One of my favorites. R.I.P.

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Fall Forecast

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Happy Fall, faithful friends.

Today I don’t need flannel, but I’m dressed in faith. The 80 degrees and higher will give way to cooler temps in the west. Without my friends, I couldn’t make this trip (for MANY reasons). ). My fall forecast calls for a season of change; cooler contentment mixed with the colors of calm. I hope to be raking ridiculous results and jumping in piles of promise (well, not that SOON :-). May faith be in your forecast; our Savior soothe your soul.

Timeless Treasure

My local writing guild provided a prompt of a piano for this month’s writing contest. Giving life to an inanimate object is difficult (thank you, Martha, for editing suggestions). Here you go, Mom. My friends, Kelley and Gary, may enjoy this, too. If you grew up around a piano, you understand.

In the shadow, you stand stoic and stately. Shining upon you, a golden light unmasks your aged beauty and warmth. You’re so grand in your upright stance. Your Ivory keys are yellowed; yet your half-steps are still pitch black for Momma to see. C to D to E. F to G, then A, B, and another C.

Your basswood bench was her throne, your pedals shifted the tone. Momma’s hands made the music, she never sang alone. Together we created a musical melody. Momma sang alto, Dad belted bass, sisters sang soprano, and I’d find a harmony place. Momma tickled the tempo tight, and grace became a key. Children’s songs to choruses, “Just as I am, without one plea.”

At age 7 I had my first song solo. With affection, I reflect on the practice times with you. Our devotions matched; I couldn’t detach. “Would the church piano be as great as Momma’s,” I wondered. Nervously, I held the microphone singing: “I saw a blind man tapping along, losing his way, as he passed through the throng. Tears filled my eyes, I said, ‘Friend you can’t see,’ but with a smile on his face, he replied to me.”

From “Hallelujah Square” to “I Want to See Jesus,” you supplied hope and a promise, a love we still share. “It is Well with My Soul” and “How Great Thou Art,” songs linger around you, they stay in my heart. At ten with the lessons, I grasped chords and notes. The yearning to play is a hope that still floats.

Our gathering has dwindled. Longsuffering and composed, you stand serene and quiet. Adorned with family photos, you’re a heavenly piece. Patiently you wait for us to gather around. No matter what life brings, we’ll sing hopeful sounds. Most times you sit alone, dependable, and respected. Our songs have changed, children have grown, Momma’s fingers ache, and some family voices are gone. Through times that were hard, unexpected, and good, you’re more than a piano made with wood. You’re a gift in our gathering and melodies in our souls. The music from you is what makes us whole.

Hearing music from you, I release any strife. You’re Momma’s piano, a timeless treasure, a marked part of my life.

Have faith💚

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale

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Signficent Season

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September slipped in swiftly. Like each year, I was sniffing it out for several weeks. The smell of crisp air mixed with open fires, apple and pumpkin spice, and a newly waxed school building. The weather can be a trap! A taste of the fresh cooler air can soon disappear with the swallowing of summer heat that will not let go! More than any other September in my life, this season holds significent solutions. There’s a spiritual satisfaction and sweeter synergy between my Savior and me.

September, I need your support. But you should know, that no matter what, my Savior is my success. Happy September, my friends.

Have faith 💚

©2020-2023 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

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K.L. Hale