grit Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Flannel with Faith

Some Things Just Stick

Posted on June 27, 2022 by K.L. Hale — 77 Comments

Some things stick better than others. Words, ideas, plans, goals, intentions, and yes, even gum. After a full morning of communications and a visit from a sweet friend I couldn’t wait to get outside and enjoy the UNSEASONABLY low-humidity-perfect-sun-shiny-day here in rural SW MO. It was time to decompress. Birds were chirping and my groundhog friend, Chuck, had just slipped into his home for a noon nap. I soon realized I needed to buy a birthday card for my oldest grandson. I’m a free bird! The Dollar store is one minute away. Watch me go!

Seeing an old friend added more sunshine!

“Where are your sons now, Karla?”

“What about your sons, Bobby?”

The small talk swiftly became significant when he asked how I was doing. Gulp. “I’m doing fantastic because I’m here, Bobby!” As I waved goodbye at my car door, I knew I had stepped in it (not the same thing I stepped in a few days ago in my yard 😉). Oh boy. Its pliability is applaudable if you’re a kid yearning to string it out of your mouth about 2 feet. Worse? Low humidity didn’t make the pavement much cooler. Thank goodness I now tote around shop cloths along with all my new “normal” things I pack when I head out into the “real” world (extra food, blood glucose monitor, first aid kit, Holy Water, …you know). What do you do? I choose to laugh. Immediately my mind went to traveling from the elementary school to the H.S. cafeteria-sitting at tables I was sure Mom and Dad used when they attended the same high school-and NEVER touching the UNDERSIDE of the table. Laughing I thought of all the gum rules that have “stuck” with me nearly all my life! As I type my Birks are perched on ice-filled Ziploc bags. My peanut butter is too expensive to waste on soles.

What has really stuck today is simply this: goodness. Sticking to what I know I must do to be my best in this fight for my life is essential. It’s going to put me in some sticky situations. It’s not always easy sticking to plans. Things I sought to solidly adhere to haven’t always stuck like I thought. My flexibility has flourished and I know to place myself on ice to quickly remove that which SHOULDN’T stick.

Within the last hour and ½ of typing this three young men, ages 9-13, stopped by to see if they could help me with yard work and make some money. Hesitantly, I shared a bit of my story and ways that they COULD help me in the future. I gave them a copy of my children’s book. One turned to me while they were leaving, “I’ll pray for you tonight!” They’re excited to return to see Finley and the groundhog, Chuck.

My doorbell rang within 10 minutes of the boys’ exit. Standing at my door were two young men (former students) and neighbors with big smiles. They were holding a card and a copy of my book; the cover was obviously…eaten. The dog loved it! Their Dad wanted to purchase two more books for their aunt. Let’s just say they PAID TOO MUCH for the books. With tears in my eyes, we took a pic and hugged each other. “We’re all praying for you!” Gulp. Tears.

Within 10 minutes of sitting back down to continue this post my neighbor Joe called. “Karla, Ashley, and I are taking the kids on vacation and have TOO MANY eggs. Can I bring them to you?”

“Is this really happening, God? Your stardom is sticking it to me! 🤍 YOU make the plans, I don’t!” (Keep in mind that I had shared with family members how I’m protecting my peace today–I know that peace comes in progressive promotions of praise, too!).

Finley races to the door and Joe is holding a bag filled with organic eggs (one of which was “freshly delivered 20 minutes prior!)! He prayed with me. We laughed about his hilarious animal shirt and bragged about the goodness of God. Even in sticky situations.

What have I learned the most in my near-52-YOUNG-years? If I stick to the stale, I’ll start to stink. BUT if I adhere to the assurance of authenticity and actuality (that there IS GOOD in the world and GOD IS GOOD) I’ll remain GLUED to the glimpse and glare of God’s GLOW.

Maybe today your plans shifted. They didn’t stick. Your car broke down, you lost a loved one, a diagnosis was made, your relationship is rocky, anxiety is assaulting your accountability, your children are ill, life seems too crazy, finances aren’t good, you expected to feel good…and the list goes on.

I plan to stick around for as long as I can. I’ll stick by you. Let’s stick together.🤍

“When we hear the music around us can’t we all strive to strike a common chord? Because the underlying melody in all of us can be beautiful. Amidst the clanging of communication, the ringing of the rhetoric, the muddling of the meaning, and the music of mockery, may we choose to listen and use our voices for civility. Let’s create a symphony of solidarity.” -K.L. Hale (written on June 3, 2020)

“Have You Heard of NETs Yet?”-my journey update 🤍

There are challenges and I’m meeting them head-on. Where would I be with faith, family, friends, and Finley? THANK YOU! For the most part I’m adjusting well. Life is so different. Round 2 of chemo begins this Friday after blood labs and an oncologist visit. In the upcoming 14 days of chemo I have NO CHOICE but to adhere to the alarms beeping reminding me when to eat, drink more water, eat a snack, take the pills, etc.…It’s complicated. Minimal distractions are necessary. I hope words don’t leave me, but if they do, I know they’ll return. My eyes are blurrier than normal and too much technology makes it worse. My spiritual and mental self are strong. Physically I’ve lost muscle mass I used to have (it doesn’t take long to lose it!) and fatigue can hit fast. I’m diabetic and my glucose readings are wonky to say the least! This cancer is rare (like a zebra). There’s been misinformation. I’d like to say I have the “good” cancer; however, this didn’t get caught before it metastasized. I can’t blame the doctors for the diagnosis. An earlier C.T. screening probably would’ve detected this. Specifically, if you have I.B.S. or bladder/bowel issues, signs of diverticulitis, colitis, or other GI issues, women: if they mistake it for menopause or digestive issues, …if you know IN YOUR GUT something isn’t right, please insist on screening. There’s a back story to my back story of how my health challenges in the past all make more sense now. Perhaps I’ve had these several years? We don’t know, but I can reflect on major changes in my health. And why beginning this blog and protecting my peace became essential for me to have a healthy life. I smile staring at the pictures scrolling on the Aura frame my sons and families bought me. A former administrator once asked me what made me so positive. “If a doctor told me I had 9 months to live, what would I TRULY have to worry about?” Many of the teachers that follow me would know this as my death-bed test. It’s not sad. It’s the truth. The good emotions (memories, laughter, and yes, tears at times) are wonderful. BUT I have to live by truth-not tragedy. God has a plan for each of us. NONE of us are guaranteed another day. In one of my favorite mini-series of all time, Lonesome Dove, Augustus (Gus) said, “I doubt it don’t matter where you die, but it matters where you live.” And, “Yesterday’s gone, we can’t get it back!” How about, “It’s not dyin’ I’m talkin’ about, it’s livin’!” And the best truth of all? “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” –John 3:16. 🤍

You’re loved. I’m loved. Can you find the faith? 💚

P.S. If you step in gum will this story stick to you? 🤗

Growth is Optional

Posted on June 29, 2021 by K.L. Hale — 36 Comments

Is life trying to kick you around? Do you feel the waves of change blowing? Are you irritable? Do you worry too much? Are the little things gaining ground on your grit? Yesterday was layer after layer of challenges. We all have them. But in my Red Sea moment, as the water seemed as if it was going to cave down, I stood still. The peace flooded. I took a deep breath-placed it in perspective-stopped.

Can we do ourselves a favor? Let’s raise the expectations for ourselves instead of others. Let’s just love them where they are; and where they aren’t. Find a way to let go of worry. And if you can’t, call me. Have I told you all how thankful I am for YOU?

Seasonal Shifts

Posted on June 13, 2021June 13, 2021 by K.L. Hale — 59 Comments

Winter welcomed hope mixed with frigid air.

Spring stormed in and dumped buckets of watered wishes.

Summer is sneaking in ablaze. Sweat and tears can’t douse the flames.

The seasons change and so must I.

Hot, cold, dry, or wet
the forecast you will soon forget.
Move on and let go of all regret
for coming soon is the best yet.

The cold, rain, and heat rotate
My mind, soul, and heart acclimate.
People and feelings may mutate.
I won't let my spirit deflate. 

A sudden shift might cause debate
instantly you can't articulate.
You feel as though you'll suffocate,
but don't let your faith fluctuate.

Leverage it all with love.
Don't get stunted or stale.
Change with the seasons.
Let wisdom prevail.

Let go of expectations; hang on to expectancy. Let go of bitter; grab what’s better. Let go of regret; cling to real. Let go of the hurt; hang on to hope. Let go of mistakes; stay motivated.

Communication has definitely changed. For those of you older and wiser I know you understand this well. I still remember students passing notes in class. I remember eye contact and well wishes. “How are you?” “Thank you!” “Good morning!” I remember conversations. Although I love talking memories, I want to talk about the meaningful of the now. If you wonder how someone is doing, ask he or she. If you’ve ever felt alone in a group (particularly if you’re the only female) you may feel you’re never understood. And men, likewise. And because we change (or we should) conversations will too. Seek those who grow your soul. Maybe all you’re doing is surviving. Maybe there’s something you’d like to do, yet you feel stunted with little support? I have friends here on WordPress (and not) who have lost children, their vision, their spouse, their jobs, and the list goes on. It seems they have found the secret to life-…service. They care. They ask. They seek. No judgement. No debate. Just simple kindness. If you really want to know…ask. I encourage you to pick up the phone and call a friend. Look for ways in your every day life that you can make a difference in someone else’s. If someone needs to talk, try listening without giving advice. Just a smile at someone at the store can make a difference. If we could pay more attention I believe we’d see less brokenness. I’m paying attention. If you love deep, you’ll hurt deep. If you care deep, you’ll grieve deep. And if you believe…you’ll believe in the better. Let the emotions rain down, don’t keep them inside. But if you are having trouble controlling them, seek help. And if you’re unable to rejoice, call me. Text me. Chances are I’ve experienced it. And even if I haven’t I will listen with love. Friends, don’t lose hope. This worlds seems to be chasing a lot to find happiness. If you’re living simple and satisfying hurray for you! I’m so happy for you! I have found it too. But not without heartache. And now my heart just simply wants to love and encourage others while my grit tries to grow. I know a Savior who is there 24/7. When all seems lost, there’s so much to gain. If you would like more information or just to talk, you can e-mail me. May your tears turn to joy. May your soul find happiness. May a smile light your heart. May you find faith.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Have faith 💚

On another note-the last 5 weeks with family has been wonderful. Everyone is home safe. My book is coming along and I’m learning so much (marketing is the hardest part). I’m volunteering with a local chapter dedicated to assisting adult disabled community members (3/4 of them are former students). I feel a lot of wanderlust to want to pack up and travel. Do you feel it too? The time will come. I’ve grown through the changes. They’re not easy. But with faith, I’m moving forward. Keep the faith, friends. Thank you for your support!

Solo Sojourn

Posted on May 14, 2021May 14, 2021 by K.L. Hale — 54 Comments

Why not alone? If you could do ONE thing, TODAY, no limitations, no restrictions, and all alone, what would it be? Oh, I’m not asking you to shirk your responsibilities.

Don’t let fear and the panic of paranoia pause your passion.

Years of taking care and a daily routine ~have you ever been alone? You’re twisted in the tornado of your own territory. You forget who you are trying to be the ONE thing for everyone else.

You spent years as a caregiver and still have much to give. You have a purpose. And if staying in your own home and doing nothing is your dream, do it. But do something alone. At least once. Be prepared and positioned. You can be breakable, but still bold. Faith and fear are oil and water.

Circumstances in your current reality might cancel your capabilities. Yet, you can take steps. Don’t you dream? A meal to yourself? A walk? A place where it’s quiet? A place to listen? Cancel the noise. One day, and maybe not of choice, you might be alone.

You’ll find strength. Stop. Still your body, heart, and mind, a power unknown to man, will punctuate HIS promises!