flannel Archives - Flannel with Faith

My Missouri

Posted on March 18, 2024March 19, 2024 by K.L. Hale — 98 Comments

Welcome to Flannel with Faith, where I celebrate faith, flannel, and fresh air! This March I’m exploring everything that makes my Missouri special! If you’re visiting for the first time, I’m K.L. Hale (a.k.a. Karla) , a small-town Missouri gal and writer who is passionate about my roots. I recently traveled to Maryland and back, but my heart and soul belong to Missouri. That’s why I wrote a creative non-fiction children’s book about my home state to celebrate our bicentennial in 2021.

From the rolling hills to the bustling cities, there’s something for everyone in this great state. So, whether you’re a long-time resident or just passing through, I hope you’ll find something to love about Missouri!

As the mighty Mississippi and the Missouri rivers flow through my home state, memories drift through me. My deep roots began as a tiny seed sowed with faith, family, and friends in small-town Missouri.

Sometimes called the “fly-over state”, Missouri was born 149 years before me. It became the 24th state in the union on August 10th, 1821. Known for its friendly people, landmarks, rivers, lakes, and trails, it’s also called the “Show-Me” and “Cave State”. My Midwestern home has a remarkable history!

Missouri is more than a fly-over state to me. Rolling hills, farms, businesses, cows and other farm animals, church steeples, rivers, and dusty winding roads famously scatter the countryside, small towns, and big cities. Bass Pro made my “big” city famous. My tiny hometown, Clever, was born because of the railroad. It boomed in 1911 to 500 (and only about 100 more when I graduated). Clever has grown approximately 180% since 2000 with a population of over 3,000 now! A metropolis!

The Native Americans
gave us our name.
They settled near a river
and found their fame! 
(The state and the Missouri River are named for the tribe, Missouria. They called themselves "People of the River Mouth")The Adventures of Faith and Finley

Mainly an agricultural state, the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers provided hubs for commerce and trade in the early 19^th century. Do you know what the Gateway to the West (St. Louis Arch—does the Corps of Discovery expedition and Lewis and Clark jog a memory?), Mark Twain, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harry S. Truman, Ginger Rogers, Sheryl Crow, and Walt Disney have in common? Each called Missouri home. Did you know Missouri has 93 state parks and 7 National Parks?

My home city, Springfield (also known as the “Queen City of the Ozarks”) sits on the Springfield Plateau which ranges from nearly level to rolling hills (Wikipedia, 2024). With a population close to 172,000, it’s the 3rd largest city in Missouri. The Ozark Mountains, which to many folks aren’t real mountains, is a physiographic region in MO, AR, OK, and the extreme SE corner of Kansas. (Wikipedia). Most of the region falls in Southern MO and Northern AR.

There are numerous rivers to love in my “neck of the woods”. The Buffalo River in AR was our country’s first National River. Roaring River State Park in Cassville, MO holds a special place in my heart. Early years on the Finley; and older ones on the Roaring River with my family made my love for the outdoors SURGE!

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrow like sea billows roll,…whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, …It is well, it is well with my soul.” (Horatio Spafford)

As March marches on and spring is about to spring, stay tuned for part II–My Missouri’s Music!

Have faith, my friends. 💚

Have you heard of NET, yet? ❣️🦓

Family and friends–thank you for your prayers, love, and continued support. You all impact my life in such positive ways. I love you all. ❣️If you’re new to FWF, allow me to introduce myself:

About Me:

Just call me rural. Born and raised in a small S.W. Missouri town, my roots run deep. Headstrong in completing every goal, I began teaching and motherhood (the best experience in the world) at a young age. The truths learned under steeples, our Creator’s Great Outdoors, traveling and meeting others, curiosity, and being tossed around the River of Life have grown my communion with Christ. Through teaching, learning, living, laughing, and adventures, my body has climbed out of valleys; and ascended and descended mountaintops (physically, spiritually, and emotionally). Having had a taste of the R.V. life for nearly 4 years (and many years of camping), I crave simplicity and long for the roads less traveled (if they lead back to what matters most…family).

**I’ve fallen and landed flat on my faith.**

In May of 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Neuroendocrine. Also known as NET (Neuroendocrine Tumor), the primary mass originated in my pancreas and metastasized to my liver, lymph nodes, ribs, spine, skull, hip, and pelvis. In November of 2023, as a patient of the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute, the bulk of my cancer was removed (along with several organs) from my abdomen.

Cancer will not define me. Friends, none of us are defined by what we do, a disease we may have, and our mistakes or successes. I bet my life on a promise from God. It’s the one truth to which I cling. My joy, despite the diagnosis, only comes from the grace and mercy provided by my Heavenly Father. It’s not about religion. To me, it’s about a relationship with my Creator. Do you know how loved you are?

It was a fast follow-up in Bethesda, Maryland last week. ONLY 16 vials of blood, one C.T., and an M.R.I. were needed on this trip. Have I shared about my amazing surgeon, oncologist, and nurses? Results revealed my left bile duct is dilated. If pain, jaundice, or itchiness occur, I’m to call ASAP. I have one naughty lymph node growing by my aorta and another one staying stable (as most of my bone tumors). Monthly treatments need to continue. With that, glucose levels must be monitored. My bones ache. Particularly my back and neck–but GOD is so good. I’m using the warmth of a heating pad, medicine, and miracles to keep on keeping on. While in Maryland, our Creator SURROUNDED me with the coolest people! A young gal, studying to be a teacher from New York, had only flown 2 times, and prayed for a “nice Christian woman” to sit next to her (Lily, you blessed ME), the taxi driver from Ethiopia shared about God and the miracles in his life the entire drive from Reagan airport to Bethesda, a couple from Utah shared about their 12 years experience at NIH/NCI, another couple from Boston were on their first trip after her diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, I met an amazing woman and artist from Denver, CO named Quana (pronounced like Keanu), who has overcome cancer and lives with debilitating disease, a 30-year-old from Cleveland has an autoimmune disease impacting her teeth and jaw, and young children were wrestling to stay put in strollers as their parents, exhaustingly, tried to console them. I’m a middle-aged woman. I can do this. Seeing children suffer breaks my heart.

Although I had 3 flight delays, one flight change, and a long layover coming home, I was STILL surrounded by God’s grace. Josh, from Springfield, shared his faith story as we waited at the Charlotte airport to fly home. This journey is surreal. From planning my funeral to the miracles from our Maker. I’ve bet my life on HIM. If you wonder where I get my joy, after years of unknown health mysteries, brokenness, and utter disbelief at some situations and desperation, I’d love to tell you more. My reserves are a bit low. But talking about Jesus puts a kick in my step. I’m living proof of miracles. Evidence is ALL AROUND if we choose to accept it.

Do you know how loved you are? Do you have hope?

I’m Karla. I’m LIVING in faith …and flannel. ❣️

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale

I’m a Christ-following, flannel-wearing, blog-writing, nature-craving, dog-loving, coffee-sipping Mom, “Grammy K” old soul, history buff, and curious learner. I’m an Indie Author of a creative non-fiction children’s book (Faith and Finley Tour Missouri 2021). I’ll keep dreaming of open prairies, big mountains, rivers, and the historically stunning places of our amazing world–and stay grounded with faith, family, and friends. My name is Karla. I’m flannel with faith.

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

Sources used for “Faith and Finley Tour Missouri” by K.L. Hale (@finleyriverpublishing) 2021:

Doyle, Amanda E. Doyle, Amanda E. To the Top! A Gateway Arch Story. St. Louis: Reedy Press, 2012. 32.

John Micklos, Jr. Bold Riders The Story of the Pony Express. North Mankato: Capstone Press, 2016.

MacBride, Roger Lea. “Little House on Rocky Ridge.” MacBride, Roger Lea. Little House on Rocky Ridge. New York: HarperCollins, 1993. 353.

Missouri Division of Tourism. Things to Do . 2021. <https://mostateparks.com/activity/cave-tours>.

Missouri Life Magazine. “Missouri on Vacation.” Missouri Life Magazine ( May 2022): 16.

Missouri State Parks. Cave Tours. 2021. <https://mostateparks.com/activity/cave-tours>.

Otoe-Missouria Tribe. Otoe-Missouria Tribe. 2021. <https://www.omtribe.org/who-we-are/culture/>.

Pony Express National Museum. 2020. <www.ponyexpress.org>.

Secretary of State Missouri. Our Bicentennial History-Missouri Through Primary Sources. n.d. <https://www.sos.mo.gov/Archives/Bicentennial/Summary#institutions>.

sos.mo.gov. All About Missouri History . 2021. <https://www.sos.mo.gov/symbols>.

“The Pony Express National Museum.” Preserving the Legacy and the Legend. St. Joseph: Pony Express National Museum, 18 July 2021.

Travels of a Pioneer Girl. February 2021. <https://lauraingallswilderhome.com/travels-of-a-pioneer-girl/>.

U.S. Department of the Interior. Gateway Arch National Park Missouri. 4 June 2021. <https://www.nps.gov/jeff/contacts.htm>.

Weiser-Alexander, Kathy. Missouria Indian Tribe. 1 October 2020. <https://www.legendsofamerica.com/missouria-tribe/>.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. History of the Battle. 2021. <https://wilsonscreek.com/history>.

Backmatter

Doyle, Amanda E. Doyle, Amanda E. To the Top! A Gateway Arch Story. St. Louis: Reedy Press, 2012. 32.

John Micklos, Jr. Bold Riders The Story of the Pony Express. North Mankato: Capstone Press, 2016.

MacBride, Roger Lea. “Little House on Rocky Ridge.” MacBride, Roger Lea. Little House on Rocky Ridge. New York: HarperCollins, 1993. 353.

Missouri Division of Tourism. Things to Do . 2021. <https://mostateparks.com/activity/cave-tours>.

Missouri State Parks. Cave Tours. 2021. <https://mostateparks.com/activity/cave-tours>.

Otoe-Missouria Tribe. Otoe-Missouria Tribe. 2021. <https://www.omtribe.org/who-we-are/culture/>.

Pony Express National Museum. 2020. <www.ponyexpress.org>.

Secretary of State Missouri. Our Bicentennial History-Missouri Through Primary Sources. n.d. <https://www.sos.mo.gov/Archives/Bicentennial/Summary#institutions>.

sos.mo.gov. All About Missouri History . 2021. <https://www.sos.mo.gov/symbols>.

“The Pony Express National Museum.” Preserving the Legacy and the Legend. St. Joseph: Pony Express National Museum, 18 July 2021.

Travels of a Pioneer Girl. February 2021. <https://lauraingallswilderhome.com/travels-of-a-pioneer-girl/>.

U.S. Department of the Interior. Gateway Arch National Park Missouri. 4 June 2021. <https://www.nps.gov/jeff/contacts.htm>.

Weiser-Alexander, Kathy. Missouria Indian Tribe. 1 October 2020. <https://www.legendsofamerica.com/missouria-tribe/>.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. History of the Battle. 2021. <https://wilsonscreek.com/history>.

What’s in Store for 2024?

Posted on January 1, 2024April 30, 2024 by K.L. Hale — 95 Comments

January 1, 2024

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”
Psalms 73:26

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:35

“Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

“If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a Savior. It’s not about perfection-it’s pressing for progression and surrendering to self. When the world can’t satisfy, our Savior can saturate—filling voids and bringing value to the valleys and peace at the peak.”
K.L. Hale

“The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder

“One touch of nature makes all the world kin.”
John Muir

“Peace begins with a smile.”
Mother Teresa

“The wound is a place where the Light enters you.”
Rumi

“There. I’ve done my best. If that won’t do, I shall have to wait till I can do better.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
C.S. Lewis

“You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.”
C.S. Lewis

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr.

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched-they must be felt with the heart.”
Helen Keller

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
Abraham Lincoln

“Life is a succession of lesson which must be lived to be understood.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”
Robert Frost

“Everything you can imagine is real.”
Pablo Picasso

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou

“Courage is grace under pressure.”
Ernest Hemingway

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
Confucius

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover.”
Mark Twain

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work form beginning to end.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11

May 2024 bring joy, good health, laughter, and love lessons. Undoubtedly, it will bring the unexpected, too. What gives you hope in the haphazard? Joy in the juggles? Persistence in pain? Faith in the fuzzy? May love light your way.

You are all treasures to me. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. I look forward to my future with faith, family, friends, flannel, and faith!

You are enough. You are loved.💛

Have faith💚

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale

Limited Edition

Posted on March 7, 2022March 7, 2022 by K.L. Hale — 68 Comments

The drive was needed-the camaraderie even more. Although it had snowed/iced/sleeted at least once a week for four straight weeks, the roads and my lower back seemed fine. It had taken two weeks to heal to the point of packing. The previous 24 hours of doubt disappeared. Dancing their way into different formations the clouds created such an amazing accompaniment along the way. Of course, so did Finley. Uplifting music and the Ozark Mountains kept me warm. Winding lanes and open valleys made my soul sigh. My tribe of friends was waiting, and my cell signal would fade. “I’m ready for more of this!” I said out loud. “I’m strong, I won’t fall, it will be A-OK!”

The Icy Reality

Our trusty Subaru’s met on the desolate snow-packed road. We waved to one another and I followed. Slowly we continued the trek off the main road. Was ice beginning to form in my GUT? My mental strength seemed to fade with my cell signal. Then a left, a right, another right, and three cattleguard crossings proved the hand-written map’s preciseness. There it stood. The Hickory Hill Cabin of Red Rock Retreat (a 130-acre horse farm where the world famous “Dancing White Stallions” of Vienna, Austria are raised). Despite the deep love I have for cabins, my enthusiasm made a run to the hills while I parked my Subie at the “bottom”. Forcing a smile, I opened the car door to greet my friends (who were all prepared to “unload” Finn and me). Barely stepping out I was slipping on the skating rink below me. My trekking pole was in the back of the car (along with food to feed more than just our crazy crew!). Finley’s three little legs gripped the ground better than my two. Laughing, a friend grabbed me as we tried to make our way up the steep hill. Then two or maybe 3 more had to help? Oh my. For the 2^nd time in two weeks, I felt limited. Helpless. Their trekking poles were lined up like soldiers on the front porch…oh great! I’m a lost cause!

The Meltdown

Seeing the fireplace, the overall ambiance of the cabin, and my little bedroom with my patchwork quilt like Laura Ingalls Wilder DID make me smile. But as we stood around the table sharing and putting things up I blurted, “I should just go home!” Tears were flowing. “You guys don’t understand! I CAN’T fall! I can’t have another injury! I’m useless! I can’t even walk up the path to the door!” (All the “I cant’s”). My neck, back, foot, hip…they all have their great days, and this was not one of them. They’ve carried me to peaks I never dreamed I could reach and have kept me, at times, from walking in my own house. I experienced my first rapid meltdown of the icy situation. My first ever in our adventures together. IMMEDIATELY this is what I heard “We have you!” “We won’t let you fall!” “We will not put you at risk!” “You have us to help you!” They shared of their own falls. My heart melted. How blessed was I? My trekking pole got placed by the soldiering ones. In that exact moment my uncertainty unraveled. Friendship quickly squelched my squabble. Together, with our poles for walking, we piled in the car for 4-wheel exploring.

The Gallery

In 2003 I bought a hiking book of Arkansas written by Tim Ernst (.https://timernst.com/). It was my first of several. Tim is known as the Arkansas Wilderness Photographer. The Ozark Mountains are his backyard and most hikers and photographers in our area know his impeccable reputation! His books are essentials for Ozark Mountain hikers! He and his gifted artist wife, Pam, were hosting an Open Gallery THAT DAY. Would it be open because of the ice and snow-covered roads? Let’s go! We continued more in the middle of nowhere in the middle of nowhere to their road. There was his sign. He welcomed us, and Finley, to his gallery. The road had just opened up two hours earlier. We were the first (perhaps only?) visitors that day. Awe-stricken we respectfully and admirably viewed the spectacular displays. The limited crowd allowed rich conversations with Tim. To support them, and for our own desires, we each left with a piece of giftedness. Tim and Pam, like any artists, have limited editions. On March 1^st, 1972, the Buffalo River became our nation’s first National River and several limited editions depict this celebration. My tribe and I also bought matching shirts to commemorate the birthday.

The Horses

After a stop for carrots (HUGE ONES!) it was time to high tail it to the horses. Atop the beautiful, snow-covered hills, they galloped towards us; my giddiness came galloping too! The carrots were a hit. Aren’t horses the most amazing creatures? They nibbled on us and couldn’t get close enough. I thought of the time I rode a mule with my friend, Nicole, in the mountains of Montana. For a moment time stood still. When it was time to leave, the horses cleverly circled the car- we weren’t for sure how long we might need to stay with them. 😊 That evening, after a delicious meal around the table, we sat by the fireplace. Pictures and memories made. The sun melted most of the ice the next day and the journey home was perfect.

The Promise

Just like some of Tim’s prints, Picasso’s paintings, rare books, and some vehicles we drive, there are many limited editions. All the bells, whistles, specialties, and “one-of-a-kind” specifics raise values. But in the end, it’s only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The creator deems it priceless, though! There’s so much work and effort put into making it just right. God made only ONE YOU. He made only ONE ME. When all of the unique things of YOU start to fade, age, and weaken, know this: WE ARE ALL LIMITED EDITIONS.

And you, my friends, are loved without limits.

Have faith💚

AFTERWORD-The sadness and tragedy of what is happening in Ukraine is in my heart and mind all the time. For so many, lives are turned upside down. How can this be happening and here I am just writing away about my little life with so many suffering? God, please be with those suffering. We all plead for peace. There, here, everywhere. We mustn’t stop what keeps us healthy and maintains peace in our souls and families. I dedicate my freedom to those who have none. 🤍

My tribe and Tim on the right https://timernst.com/

January Newsletter

Posted on January 4, 2022 by K.L. Hale — 16 Comments