hiking Archives - Flannel with Faith

Take A Hike

Posted on November 18, 2025November 18, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 113 Comments

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!💚

Amateur Cover of “Sometimes it takes a Mountain” KL Hale

Keep the faith, friends. You are loved. ❣

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

Various trails across our USA–K.L. Hale (I could have about 500 more? 🙂

Ode to October

Posted on October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 52 Comments

Ode To October 
Oh, October, a month for goodbyes and hellos.
Where are the falling temps and colorful leaves,
that bring joy to me, yet, a summer person grieves?
When will we bid farewell and welcome?
The goodbye to heat drags, it doesn't want to end.
The hellos, just like clouds, in warm air suspend.

Oh, October you had me at the first day.
Colorful views, hiking, and the crispness of air,
always refreshen my soul and chase away despair.
Like many great things you’ve waited until the end.
For the holiday and the change is crammed in a week,
I forgive you October, for waiting until November to peak. 

K.L. Hale

Due to weather, I couldn’t “light” our first Flannel with Faith fire.Our group was small due to sicknesses and life; yet our discussions on finding rest in God “fired up” our faith. Our glows for God sparked hope!

My hope CAN’T be in this world. Shutdowns, the economy, illness, hurt, and despair. Where can one find joy? hope? Someone who cares? I’ve EXPERIENCED a God WHO CARES. He may not “fix” the problems at hand, but HE never leaves me. HE provides just what I NEED, and I know one day where I’ll BE. The days fly by and my hope stays grounded. Friends, you are loved. No matter what. 💚

Silver Dollar City and our area is filled with great nature places, people, and things to do. Do you know what’s special about the Ozarks? Well, to me,…it’s home. Have hope, my friends. May your home be filled with happiness as we end another month.

Have hope. Keep the faith, friends.💚

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

Friends, I’m returning to St. Lukes this week for scans and bloodwork. My last bone infusion and bloodwork went well. Meanwhile, I’m focusing on nourishing my body with wholesome foods, as I always do, allowing for occasional treats. Also, I’m cultivating a positive mindset, focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely, as Philippians 4:8 encourages. My son in Japan is doing well–his sweet family is in the midst of welcoming winter in Alaska, like Alaska just does! I’ll spend this week with my youngest son and his family. My treat is spending Halloween with them. Ah, Ode to October! Have a blessed last week of October and a safe & fun Halloween!🎃🥧

See you in November!

November 10th NET Cancer Awareness Day! If you or are loved one are living with NET cancer, click on the pic for a treasure trove of healthful information, vidoes, expert advice, and so much more! Thank you to the Directors, leaders, and members of our support group at the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation for all you do to help us in our daily lives!

Take a leap of faith and read more!

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Faith-filled Finale

Posted on December 31, 2024January 3, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 154 Comments

“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!

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

Miracle Musings

Posted on October 31, 2024January 26, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 92 Comments

If a pain & cancer-free body and freedom from frugal existence were prerequisites for travel, I’d never leave home. Christ, common sense, and coffee coasted with me. There were over 100 miles left and both tanks, gas & body, were nearly empty. “Faith” was at my feet. This rock was a gift. Miracle!

“She wants me to go up there,” my son exclaimed. His wife’s lengthy stature and arms both waved from atop the hill. He darted up the dusty path! As if seasoned climbers, they both cautiously came down. “He needs water!”, my daughter-in-law uttered. My son grabbed bottles and the couple dashed up the trail again at record speed. The heat was dangerously high and dry. Although the Rio Grande appeared cool with its flowing water, the bodies were not accustomed to this heat. Signs across the National Park ~~begged~~ warned visitors to carry ample water supply. Unfortunately, the only water the endangered hiking couple had was pouring out of their veins. Fortunately, the man’s health improved as my son and daughter-in-law helped with his hydration crisis. The four of them cautiously and gingerly descended. Miracle!