Tag: happiness

In with the New

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Out with the old, in with the new

Out with the old! Shoes? car? beliefs? Ideas? Hair? I’m learning to embrace the new. New year? New job? New DAY? December was filled with new AND old! Traditions, circumstances, and reflections. Childhood, motherhood, and career. Before cancer and my tiny RV life to after diagnosis and city life. New treatments, old diseases. New will happen whether we want it or not. We can hang on to the “old” for comfort and familiarity (shoes anyone?). Yet, there are old things I don’t need. Even certain beliefs! As I embrace the new year, I will continue to cling to the New Covenant way of life! There’s no longer an OLD Covenant (God knew we couldn’t keep it!). Jesus, fully God and human, fulfilled the law and died in our place. I’ll embrace the NEW heart I received through faith; out with the old! How can I NOT be filled with gratitude for another day? Another year? It’s fine for me to cherish and remember the past like motherhood & RV life. But I need to live in the now…the NEW. How about you?

I’ve included 2 versions of my one pg. news (.jpg & PDF). Happy 2026!

January 2026 Flannel with Faith newsletterDownload

Heavenly Hibernation

It’s been a heavenly hibernation! I’ve missed you, friends. It’s been one week since the start of a new year–I’m still here and winning because of Christ! It doesn’t mean that life isn’t challenging; nor situations easier. BUT my life & hope IN CHRIST propels me through each up and down. I expect that the more I live a surrendered life, the more the enemy will try to disrupt it. I’ll keep choosing faith over finances, hope over hard things, & peace instead of pessimism. Do you know when we choose to surrender INTO our Savior, we can experience heaven on Earth.

My resolution for 2026? I’m determined to continue “dying” to myself daily. My heart wakened several years ago for something other than the promise of heaven AFTER life. I wanted the Christ life IN ME. In letting go of earthly expectations, I can be filled with the presence of God’s power. I am aware of my utter ignorance in grasping salvation (as Andrew Murray would say). Surrender is the only way! It’s as simple as the appearance of light at morning and the shifting of seasons. Not my power, but HIS. Hibernation this winter will be heavenly (& healthy!)!

Note: Watch what happens when you add a side of silliness, a helping of humor, and a pinch of patience (ok, CUPS)!

Happy new year, dear friends & family! My prayers are with those who are experiencing the difficult “new”. 🙏🏻❤️

Do you know how loved you are? ❤️THANK YOU for your continued support!

May 2026 be filled with precious memories, hope, faith, & joy. 💚

Keep the faith, have hope! 💚

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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Faith-filled Finale

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“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”

Robert Frost-“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

Tears fell like rain. This wasn’t goodbye. “See you later!” My body and brain were bushed. The quiet and I met in a special place. At that intersection, where my heart, mind, and soul collide, Jesus was there. “Thank you for another year to celebrate your birth with those I love. Thank you for the gift of …you.” All the gifts were opened. Everything else… the love of my family, weight of the diagnosis, aches in my bones, the shifting “rides” of pain & glucose levels, curiosity of new learned health facts, stacks of mail, hundreds of emails, looming responsibilities,…was still wrapped.

What mattered most?

Grasping love like my trekking pole, I loyally laced my boots for an end-of-the-year hike . “God, comfort those who suffered loss. Surround my family and friends with your love and grace. Rekindle the flame of faith in those who doubt. Work a miracle in those who count you out.”

YOU matter. When I pass you on the trail, I see you. Angry? Hurt? Happy? Sad? Rich? Poor? Hopeless? Mad? No matter how you feel, here’s a fact–you are loved.

Happy 2025, dear friends. Keep the faith!

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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For more information about NET cancer, visit LACNETS!

Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓

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Thankful Thursday

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At what age does one learn thankfulness? Just as we try to model and teach empathy (that’s a WHOLE other topic) how often do we stop and recognize that which we have-not what is missing. A friend and I were visiting about counting blessings. How do you begin? Intention is required. It might require something to knock you off your feet, pull the rug out from under you, or turn over your apple cart. Even worse than a jarring moment, it might take a severe loss in your life. Haven’t we all been there?

The last few days collected some tears. I thought a LOT about freedom on the 4th of July. In my normal fashion I started researching our nation’s history. The anthem and its writer, Francis Scott Key, became a focus. For each line of the anthem I thought of its application today. The highs and the lows in history, of our country and our own lives, can either leave you feeling thankful or bitter. I have the freedom to choose. Simply, what do you choose?

As my twin approaches her birthday tomorrow I type with gratitude. Another year. Another day. Another hour. Another minute. Life is not the same. However, my dreams are unchanged. I STILL long to live a quieter life of writing and volunteering–to work for a cause and hide behind the scenes to propel and promote others–to better my health and actively pursue the goodness of people and nature-to provide time to my family (I AM supposed to be taking care of THEM!)-to complete another little book and visit students-and the most important, to make memories with my kids and grandkids. God, you’ve always proved faithful. You will always get the glory. I am thankful.

Every tear I shed will be wiped with wisdom. Rejoicing will be my rebound.

With intention, attention, and ACTION I will show thankfulness and gratitude to every person that has impacted my life. Using intention, attention, and action I will take responsibility for my freedom. My freedom may seem limited to only things that might make a small home sparkle or a little dog comfortable and happy. My freedom may seem limited because I’m not visiting family and friends. My freedom may seem limited because I’m not on a trail or at a park. My freedom may seem limited–but it’s not. It’s simply different. There’s no limit in showing kindness, patience, or gratitude. My thankfulness is limitless.

UPDATE-“Have You Heard of NETs Yet?”

Have I told you all how thankful I am for each of you? I’m on day 7 of my 2nd round of Chemotherapy. Ding, ding, ding! There’s my alarm! For a few days I felt very lousy. Didn’t K.L. Hale state last year to “allow the the pain to propel and promote my persistence”? Specifically, my glucose levels are an issue. More testing will hopefully result in a plan of management. There are many appointments (I’m enjoying my rides with my Momma, family, and friends-I’m grateful for them). In the past I could balance reading, writing, and doing other tasks. I’ve always been intentional and paced. This is different. I’m not always certain how my body will react. I miss reading blogs on a regular basis. At this exact moment I am beginning to feel fatigued (and the 108 heat index makes me THANKFUL for air conditioning-let’s stop and say a prayer for those who don’t have air conditioning or even a home…so sad!). Cancer impacts 1 out of 3 of us. You, or a family member or friend, have experienced what I’m talking about–I know you understand. My twin and I have completed much research on neuroendocrine cancer. I’ve joined an internet support group. I’m learning so much about others across the country that are LIVING with this disease. Through the Neuroendocrine Research Foundation, I have found stories that have touched my heart. Each link uncovers a new discovery. There are over 35 resources in my toolbox now. I’m surrounding myself with peace, rest, and good nutrition (and TONS of family pictures and meaningful memories). I FEEL cradled in the Good Shepherd’s arms. Living with intention, in the moment, is a full-time job–actually, it’s paid me back more than I deserve. Thank you for the prayers as I navigate my new life. How can I pray for you? I see you. I know you. I understand. I hope today, tomorrow, and each day after, you speak your thankfulness to a loved one here or THE ONE that loves you more than anyone-no matter what. 💛

“In everything give thanks.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Have faith 💛

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