Tag: holidays

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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Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓

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March Madness or Miracles?

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Happy first Monday of March! So many M’s are marinating in my mind! May March bring marvelous miracles and memories! I’m so thankful for you! YOU ARE LOVED.

How many M’s might you count? Hmmm…

Thank you for being here! MAKE EACH DAY COUNT!

Have faith💕

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K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale

A woman of faith and flannel~Christ follower, Mom, Grandma, dog-lover, nature nerd, and former educator. I haven’t always lived by the guidelines of “fine print”~but nevertheless, have stretched my muscles well through the climbing out of valleys and ascending and descending the mountaintops (physically, spiritually, and emotionally). Through these journeys life has proven only redeemable with faith. Having had a taste of the R.V. life, I crave simplicity and long for the roads less-traveled (as long as they lead back to what matters most~family).

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

Leap of Faith February

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Happy February! This month is chocked full of holidays and for some, there will be leap day celebrations–birthdays, anniversaries, and those “once every 4 years” special days. I’ve taken many leaps of faith. Each day I’ll leap towards love and live on the goodness of God, nutritious food, common sense, and the kindness of friends.

Longevity might prove commitment, but what if the love is lost? Co-inhabitants might mean easier finances, but what if values and beliefs aren’t shared?

How far do we leap outside of beliefs for love?

The love from my Creator, reminding me of WHOM I belong and HOW I should live, smacked me in the head and flipped me upside down. My communion with Christ. HIS “upside-down” Kingdom ways should make love stand out (loving our enemies, forgiving others, caring for the poor, and MANY other amazing ways to love–see Matthew chapters 5-7). I’m no expert on love. I’ve learned what love isn’t. Don’t compromise conviction for comfort and compatibility. It’s not about material possessions, a job, societal status, or the person we love. Or if we’re married, single, poor, or rich. You are loved so much someone died for you. Whether the beauty and goodness from our Creator’s nature, the love of a beloved animal, or admiration from your sweetheart- may love make you leap–

…if not in the air, how about a leap towards faith?

Friends, this newsletter was a labor of love. Finding creativity, using words, thoughts, and feelings heals my heart; even when my body is weak. It’s such a joy to be part of a forgiving and loving community–where hearts and minds are shared. Where we can come to the table with open dialogue, minds, and respect for one another. Don’t give up! Let’s keep the faith and keep sharing!

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

Thank you for reading, sharing, and taking a leap of faith to follow me!

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

“What do you say, May?”

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May came in with a punch! Really, May? Again? It’s been almost a year since that day.

With the rain falling gently outside I sat at my computer to begin a newsletter. Momentum seemed on my side. I would hit “publish” on May 1st. What a great plan! That day was followed by activities that felt brand new again. A movie, a mall,…it will never feel the same. A different perspective. A shift about shopping (truly, I hate it, anyway, lol). My soul was swirling around the ’70s after binging a show titled “Firefly Lane” on Netflix. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?” delivered me to a decade that I cherish and remember (and 3/4 of the “Horseshoe Girls” together again-more to follow in new writings). The following days had no separation; the pain took the position. It’s time to boast again about my weakness. “Hi, God! It’s me, Karla! I love you no matter what!”

With each NEW day, I live with an OLD promise. No matter the day, week, month, or year…

God’s love never fails.

Happy May, my friends! Have faith. You are loved. 💚

The definition of hale (adjective)-

-free from defect, disease, or infirmity : SOUND also : retaining exceptional health and vigor a hale and hearty old man

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hale