Some passengers held their breath. Not me. As the plane climbed in elevation, my breathing was excellent! The dash to the connecting flight in Denver, with eight minutes and a furiously fast wheelchair ride to the gate, left me breathless. Finally in Fairbanks (many hours later), the air was clean and crisp! There was plenty of breathing room!
Two months ago I needed oxygen. Evenings were tough so music was comforting. Although my voice was nearly gone, I tried to sing along. The first song I heard was Breathe (originally recorded by Michael W. Smith). Tears fell as I thanked God for being the air in my lungs.❣️
Thank you, family and friends, for lifting me in friendship and support. I’ve missed writing; it’s like breathing to me. My time away allowed for a breather–and today, you’re a breath of fresh air to me! Never lose hope, my friends. Let’s take a deep breath and inhale the incoming scents of a new season.
Keep the faith. 💚
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty give me life.”
Job 33:4
Fill you in update by Flannel with Faith by K.L.Hale
My voice is slowly coming back. Feel free to worship along with this amateur recording of Michael W. Smith’s “Breathe” by K.L. Hale
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
Was it tethered to a spider web? How was it magically suspended in the air? In the blink of an eye, it started spinning chaotically. The small leaf whirled, circled, revolved, and rotated. With grace, it pirouetted perfectly to the music in my mind.
Harmonic motion? Oscillation? A leaf vortex? An eddy of air?
In nature, I completely surrender to the majesty of our Creator. My brain, heart, and soul are connected—no distractions, only love.
Turbulence and sudden wind shifts can create chaos—or beauty. Unstable atmospheres might unhinge us. OR it might produce an amazing air and climate of clarity!
Perfect pirouette
A whirlwind of emotions will whip. I’m tethered. The gravity of grace, grit, and gratitude grounds me.
What a joy to have unexpected family time—a move from Missouri to Oklahoma. In the last 12 years, I’ve witnessed my sons move to Idaho, Alaska, Montana, and Washington state—to Texas and back to Missouri. Two years ago, I never dreamed I’d be able to go any distance. I’ve been asked, “How are you feeling”? Smiling I think of how much grit God gives me to do what I do. Giggling, I say, “I’m operating on 70%!” Some days, I do what I can on 30% “reserves”. It’s best to ignore the “healing” going on in my innards—because frankly, it feels strange and sometimes it hurts! God gives me wisdom and discernment. I’ll lean on faith and common sense.
Last night I stayed up very late watching the celebration of life for the 4 Nelon family members. When the surviving daughter, Autumn, sang on stage with The Isaacs I was astounded by her faith and moved to happy tears. When Nathan’s Dad spoke of his son, he shared HOPE. That’s the faith I DESIRE—and HAVE! I’ll never lose it. At this very moment, someone is celebrating. Another is grieving. One is doubting; another believing. One hurting-one healing. What if we all put down distractions and supported one another? The isolation of COVID is years behind us; yet, just as trauma might end, the lingering effects continue. Humanity is attempting to heal while the hurt continues. Our minds are powerful and what we see, hear, and choose to “digest” will impact us—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. How can we share hope? How can we share love and faith?
What grounds you when the wind & atmosphere are unstable? When you spin chaotically out of control will it turn into a dance?
I have a rare cancer. But cancer doesn’t have me. Grace grounds me. Faith fills me. Love lifts me. It’s a special love—have you ever felt it?
I’m totally tethered.
Have heart. Have faith. 🤍
You are loved.
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
Seven beautiful people were tragically killed in a plane crash on Friday afternoon: Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason, and daughter and son-in-law, Amber Nelon Kister and Nathan Kistler, Assistant Melodie Hodges, pilot Larry Haylie and his wife, Melissa. They were traveling to join the Gaither’s Alaskan Cruise.
Surviving daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, and husband, Jamie thank people for their prayers and support for them, their soon-to-be-born baby boy, and Jason’s parents.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna163931
May we all honor and remember their beautiful music (I’ve listened to them for many years).
In honoring this gifted family, we can pay tribute to those in our lives that have journeyed home~and those that remain in our immediate midst.
The brevity of life braces us for the brutal, breathless, breathtaking, and brilliant.
