Congratulations to TSgt Jarrod Snook, my oldest son, for receiving a Leadership Award at Eielson AFB in Alaska. His return to Alaska was a precious, perfect gift! To my youngest son, his wife, Jarrod’s wife, and my grands—know that our daily communication, although we are all apart, brings me great joy and pride. As we carry on, friends, to celebrate the end of another month and begin summer, may we all “stick” to what matters most! Friends, thank you for supporting Flannel with Faith, my journey, health, and family. As we complete this month, please know I’m holding you in my heart and prayers. Although I’m not able to answer texts or calls in a timely manner, your care and concern are appreciated more than you know! Faith, family, and friends—don’t lose hope. Sing a song, call a friend, and place all other things on silent. In this sweet silence, miracles can happen!
The Olympics ended, and self-discipline was definitely at the forefront of my mind! The dedication, willpower, hard work, and perseverance were a must for these athletes! Is self-discipline achieved through sheer effort, or is it the result of passionate patterns? Self-discipline? Hard work? Faith?
This question lingered as I reflected on the rhythms of my own life. A friend and I discussed our faith walks through the patterns we choose. Years ago, I started to lose momentum, but recognizing these patterns, both good and bad, helps me realign my life. Through the lens of faith, I’ve come to see how habits patterns and spiritual practices interact, shaping my journey and life IN Christ.
What’s faith got to do with it?
“How do you stay HOPEFUL?” I’m asked this often. My hope comes from Christ! He understands my messy human nature and has seen me break bad habits. I’m thankful that God knows my limitations. With Christ in me, I find strength! What patterns bring peace and harness His power?
My PASSION for Christ is what creates more consistent patterns-faith is the fuel! K.L. Hale
What defines your passions? Hobbies? Health? Career? Productivity? Finances? Emotions? Do your patterns promote peace and intimacy in Christ? Or CHAOS?
Prepared for battle? Prepared for pattern!
KL.’s Positive & Passionate Patterns
Do you feel resilient in this topsy turvy ever-changing world of circumstances & situations? How do you practice perseverance? Are you resilent? I am currently reading books by Pioneers of faith that walked YEARS ago who inspire me (thank you, Tim, for these amazing true stories). Have you ever heard of Darlene Diebler Rose or John and Betty Stam? You will soon learn from future articles! Are you familiar with Corrie Ten Boom and/or Elisabeth Elliot? “God, give me faith like that!”
“Complete surrender and “death to self” creates space for peaceful and positive patterns. Through faith, these patterns become natural, allowing us to use the power God instilled in us.” K.L. Hale
Pattern Disruptions~ what happens when we’re disrupted?
Life has a way of disrupting PATTERNS. Some of us PRACTICE THE WRONG PATTERNS (remember a few years ago when I wrote about Ruminating over the Ruins?). How can we delete, deter, or dissolve these distractions?
***Note—detachment doesn’t mean to hide away or wish the “rest of the world” to go away! I understand how this feels, though! How can we reach a world if we detach ourselves completely from PEOPLE? However, there MUST be a balance. Even Jesus needed time alone with his Father!***
Distractions will dismantle faith! The natural pattern of pausing, praying, praising, and persevering provides POWER to detach from the world. K.L. Hale
Friends, I am a “work in progress“! My personal growth and intimacy with my Creator will grow MORE if my patterns match my only pursuit—living IN and FOR Christ. Do you REALLY know how loved you are? I’ll never stop sharing!
Dear family/friends/readers–I began this article two days ago. This morning, as I began preparing to post and read, I learned of a tragedy that occured in the Ozarks. When the alert went out last night, I didn’t realize the severity of the situation unfolding. Deputy Gabriel Rameriz was shot and killed before 4 pm last night after a traffic stop. The suspect escaped and a 9 hour manhunt ended with Deputy Michael Hislope being shot and killed while trying to help rescue two other officers who had been wounded by gunfire. The suspect was shot and killed in the wooded area where he began this travesty. My heart and prayers sincerely go out to the families of these men who proudly served our country (both served in the U.S. Army before joining the Sheriff’s office❤️🤍💙).To the men who are injured and still serving, we are surrounding you and your loved ones, department, and communities in love and prayers. I can’t even begin to understand their loss. I could pray 24/7 and still not include all that needs to be shared with our Creator. When I go quiet on WP you know it’s because I’m prepared for patterns as those around me have to go to battle. I’ll stand for good and the promises that only our Creator can keep. May He be with us all. God bless you, my friends. ❣️🙏🏻
Yesterday was National Hiking Day (or Take a Hike Day). My health hike this last decade has been my hardest trail yet! Cooperation between my bones and bohemian way of living is limited. Strength and stretching help me stroll. I’ll not stop dreaming about future trails and rocky mountainous climbs. It’s unlikely I’ll trek near the Matterhorn in Switzerland or embark on a multi-day adventure along Scotland’s West Highland Way. Maybe in my dreams I’ll tackle the Angel’s Landing in Zion, Clingmans Dome in the Smokies, or the Half Dome in Yosemite! My palms are sweaty just thinking about that one! I’m giggling because my own trail proved tougher than me yesterday!
I’m ok with it. I’ll repeat, “I’m ok with it.” It’s taken many years of surrendering, accepting, and pivoting. Tears and trails are teachers. Reaching a peak won’t bring me any closer to Christ. HE HOLDS me in the valley and comforts me in a crisis. From building up strength to tackle inclines to charging batteries on a scooter. HE’S there when I have energy to move and when I’m flat with fatigue.
Walking in wisdom is my daily workout!
If you ever feel overwhelmed by life, it’s okay to seek a way to ground yourself. Are you caught in a never-ending cycle of responsibilities or living on autopilot? It’s easy to find ourselves merely existing, focused on posting or tweeting. What feels truly REAL for you? I understand how life can change your habits and heart. As Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) approaches, I wish for abundant blessings to fill your lives. When you face a mountain that seems too high to climb, may you find strength in our Savior.
This quote was shared by Pam at Everyday Living (I encourage you to visit their amazing homestead and site)!
“I think that it is a better thing than Thanksgiving: thanks-living. How is this to be done? By a general cheerfulness of manner, by an obedience to the command of Him by whose mercy we live, by a perpetual, constant delighting of ourselves in the Lord, and by a submission of our desires to His will.” -Charles Spurgeon
The gifts of supernatural proportions in peace and God’s presence has prepared me for future mountains. Even if my boots don’t tread the trails at my favorite National Parks, I can stroll the streets of home with Thanks-living in my heart. One day, I’ll hike around heaven and run to Jesus!💚
pigtails…or none…Amateur Cover of “Sometimes it takes a Mountain” KL Hale
Keep the faith, friends. You are loved. ❣
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
Tranquil-treaties, transfers, and trade. Transitions. Inauguration, instrumental intercessions, and international interest. Recently I joined approximately 600 women from around the globe. Our posture and position on prayer was powerful. Prayers of relief (for our friends in California & other disasters), prayers to move mountains, and prayers of warfare. Meditative prayers and prayers of silence. Can we tread through transitions with tranquility, transparency, and trust? God didn’t suggest I keep the faith or not worry–he commanded it. Tranquil transitions.
