Tag: health

Journey into June

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The journey to June came swiftly! “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise!” If you’re from my neck of the woods, you’ve heard this phrase a time or two. I might make plans–but I’m not in ultimate control. Especially when the heavy humidity rolls in and sudden storms start brewing. I was reminded of this in a deeply personal way Sunday. Literally the creek rose and plans shifted!

How will I continue my practices and patterns of peace & savoring our Savior during seasonal shifts?

☀️Dawn Devotions

My new morning meditations include singing! Grounding myself in the truth of God’s Word, readings, quotes, and repeated truths promote my peaceful posture! Some mornings are much harder depending on my evening rest. But I don’t waiver from this WAY. My mornings aren’t the same without this (and a cup of coffee!☺️)!

🌳Shaded Stillness

When I’m sheltered by the shade I can enjoy nature and let HIS stillness strengthen me.

“Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.” Isaiah 32:2

🙏🏻Porch Prayers

“I like to sit on the front porch of an old cabin I built in the woods and just listen to the birds.” — Johnny Cash

When the air is heavy (thank you humidity), I’ll pause and pray on the porch for someone with a heavy heart! Front or back porch? Which do you have have?

“If I’m going to have to sit on the back porch and watch life pass by, I won’t pass up the opportunity for prayer and praise!” -K.L. Hale

❣️Breathing Blessings

As I practice deep breathing (and hopefully my last month needing extra oxygen!) I’ll breathe in DEEPLY ALL my blessings and breathe out the burdens! Let’s take a deep breath together, friends!

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. – Marcus Aurelius

💧Soul Sipping

I’m being more intentional at staying hydrated! On the sweltering days I’m going to intentionally “quench” on His promises when I fill my glass of water! Each time I reach for a drink, I’m going to practice letting His living waters wash away the heat of the day’s worries!

How is your journey? Are you walking in rain? Experiencing a drought? Sheltered in a storm? Basking in the sun? Even when the atmosphere feels thick and life gets busy, we can anchor our NEW hearts IN HIM. Surrender, submit, savor, and be satisifed! Oh, what a summer it can be! Happy June, dear friends.

Find faith.Practice your peace.Fall INTO Him.You are loved. ❣️

Note from K.L.❣️~

It seems like forever ago since I’ve written in my journal. Despite the nagging elbow/arm pain my soul was uncluttered enough to write several pages/thoughts to create “Journey into June”. Like the rain we’ve had, thoughts fell hard and fast. If you know me, I embrace change.I’ve learned to accept what won’t change–my repeated practices and patterns of peace are 2nd nature now. Because of Christ! However, I have to surrender my OWN agenda. This world will continue to offer chaos for FREE if anyone is interested! Just turn on the news, stay focused on media, and offer opinions to that which doesn’t matter! Soon, you’ll find patterns that refuse to promote peace. Particularly the peace that only God gives. As I journey into June, looking forward to a grand’s birthday, an anniversary celebration, and Father’s Day, I’m reminded that EACH day belongs to a greater power than little ol’ me. But WITH my Heavenly Father, I have the strength to share with you. If you are practicing being “present”, particularly in the Holy Spirit, you understand why my seasons are quieter. Lessening the world noise to focus on what matters most is essential to a healthy soul–and body. May your June be a re-set and a wonderful time of faith, fun, family, & friends. I pray the the presence of God is real in your heart. Much love to all of you~Finley & I.

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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!

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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? 🦓

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

Active Awareness-Part I

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It’s easy to get lost in thoughts and activities. I try to be extremely aware. Attention is needed to gauge my energy and commitment levels. Self-awareness and selfless awareness. To show mercy, kindness, and love–to pause to remember Paul’s words in Colossians–and be aware of others.

How does that awareness impact actions?

Awareness, as defined in Merriam-Webster, is the quality or state of being aware. It is the knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists. Observing. Perceiving.

Since my last post, my amazing Dad has been in the hospital after an unexpected heart surgery. My precious mom has hardly left his side. Sweet family and friends have stopped in, prayed, and texted. I’m aware of the consistently and constantly changing circumstances of life–and the blessings and miracles. Sometimes it’s difficult to digest all the awareness. My spiritual awareness (knowing my true self and identity in Christ) grounds me.

Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering.

Ezra Taft Benson

Today is NET Cancer Awareness Day. Before 2022, I was not aware of this cancer. My experience makes me more aware. Organizations, research, and new friends have grown my knowledge. I hope to bring awareness to help others. Although it’s rare, statistically, there should/could/might be others in our 417-land that have this and are…unaware.

I’m very aware.

NET Cancer Day is an annual event held on November 10th. It was created to increase awareness of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and provide a voice to the NET community for improved diagnostics, treatments, information, care, and research. The International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance (INCA) coordinates it and has celebrated it annually for over 10 years. (International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance, 2024)

Neuroendocrine cancer stands for a group of cancers that start in neuroendocrine cells and there are 2 main types:

  • Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)
  • Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs)

People with neuroendocrine tumors are frequently misdiagnosed with more common conditions such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Menopause
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Asthma
  • Diabetes

(Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors vary depending on where the tumor is located)

Common persistent symptoms could be:

  • Flushing of the skin and face
  • Digestive problems
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath, cough, chest pain
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Heavy sweating for no known reason
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

​

Seven Facts About NET (LACNETS, 2024)

  • NET is a rare cancer. In the United States, 7 in 100,000 people are diagnosed per year. 
  • ​NET can affect neuroendocrine cells throughout the body.
  • ​NET is a difficult cancer to diagnose.
  • ​Some (but not all) NET patients have symptoms from their cancer.
  • ​The cause of NET is unknown.
  • ​Seeking the opinion of a NET specialist is important for all NET patients.

Friends, if you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms please seek out professional help! For years I experienced a “missed diagnosis” (NOT misdiagnosed). Please stay aware and seek out medical advice. Don’t give up on seeking and finding the right help! If you have symptoms like mine, feel free to reach out to me.

There’s a good chance I understand what you’re feeling. Even if I don’t, I’ll do my best to make you feel significant. Because you are.

️God, help me be aware of others. Break my heart for what breaks yours. May awareness advance advocacy and accelerate our appreciation. Let’s create a plan for abundant appreciation!

Have faith. You are loved. ❣

Tomorrow, I’ll share Part II of Active Awareness in our celebration of Veteran’s Day? I’m aware of the time it takes to read and support my blog. I love and cherish you all. THANK YOU!

Sources:

International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance. (2024, November 10). INCA. Retrieved from incalliance.org: https://incalliance.org/ncd-2024/campaign-toolkit-2024/

LACNETS. (2024, November 10). Lacnets.org. Retrieved from Resources: https://www.lacnets.org/resources

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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

Tethered Tuesday

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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.

https://audio.com/kl-hale/audio/special-love-august-13

Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓

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.
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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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

pics by K.L. Hale