Tag: laughter

Revealing Reflections

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“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”-Laura Ingalls Wilder

Pigtails and a hat made me feel like…me. Reflect on your style. We all have our own. There was a time I had my “career hair”. Although the color changed at times, the style stayed the same. On weekends, I couldn’t wait to throw on hiking boots, put my hair in pigtails, wear flannel or a t-shirt, and just be…me.

A new color was revealed when my hair started falling out. My twin and B.I.L. took turns with the clippers to reveal the solid white. Since that early day in July there have been times I avoided a mirror. My reflection seemed strange to me.

“I don’t see me!” I exclaimed. “But I do,” Kristy replied.

“For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13: 12

Reflection on hair–it’s not the pigtails that makes me…me!

Speaking of pigtails many of you know I’m a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder. She happened to wear pigtails as a young girl, too. 😉 After being homebound for quite some time, my twin and a lifetime friend took me to Mansfield to visit Laura and Almanzo’s home. Click here for a post I wrote in 2020 to learn even more of their lives!

“These times are too progressive. Everything has changed too fast. Railroads and telegraphs and kerosene and coal stoves — they’re good to have but the trouble is, folks get to depend on ’em.”-Laura Ingalls Wilder

Rocky Ridge, their 40 acre farm bought for $400.00 in 1894, became their place of hard work, family, faith, and peace.

Glass cases protect the historical treasures in the fascinating museum. My reflections were unavoidable when taking pictures. Rather than be upset, I giggled. Reflecting on Laura and Almanzo’s lives, it amazed me at all they accomplished (and didn’t NEED). Their amazing home didn’t have one treadmill, microwave, or internet router.😊 I crave the simplicity and honor the priorities the couple had in life. Seeing my cracked reflection in the ancient mirrors made me smile. “Did Laura see herself as a young girl with pigtails at 89?” (* Laura died 3 days before her 90th birthday on February 10th, 1957*). Knowing how important her faith was, undoubtedly she, and others, saw Christ in her reflection!

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you SEE what God sees? Do you know how precious you are in HIS SIGHT?  

As the Holy Spirit continues to work in and through my life, it’s the reflection of Christ I pray others see. When the veil is lifted and you experience KNOWING HIM as HE KNOWS you, a reflection of HIM is all that YOU WILL SEE.

Have faith, my friends. Don’t lose hope. You are loved. 🤍💚

Rocky Ridge Farm
Mary’s handmade blouse (when she was blind)!
Another beautiful view of the farm
Perfect den
Admiration!
Peace-filled sitting area
Oh, the memories!
The girls’ schooldays
Pa’s Fiddle!
Stunning glassware
Each book had its own display!
Mary’s braille slate
A large teaching certificate!
Laura’s .22
A bright and tiny kitchen!
Treasured watch & glasses
Stunning painting of Rose Wilder Lane
Dining room
The outside prairie & flowers
Rose Wilder Lane–an exceptional woman!

MORE REFLECTIONS …

Last month’s moon through my kitchen window
One happy fan!
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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

***I’d like to give a shout-out to the ScootNGo company for their amazing new lightweight & foldable mobility scooter. I met a designer by phone who shared about how the creator of this, her name is Angela, has traveled to 30 states and is currently overseas sharing this! They are a small company that designed eBikes originally and decided to create scooters. I can’t lift much, so I was happy at this size. I’ll give up more cushion and baskets for smaller footprint. The two lithium batteries will provide 15 miles of scootering fun. It’s given me a huge part of my life back. Also, in reviewing ways to haul, I decided on a smaller carrier vs. a large cargo rack and ramp. This works for now! Finley loves Skeeter, the scooter, too!***

Have you heard of NET, yet? If you or a loved one is fighting NET cancer, I encourage you to visit the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation. Don’t lose hope! 🤍🦓

©2020-2025 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Summer Scorcher

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Are you feeling the heat? Besides the sweltering hot, summer is on a scorching pace. Does anyone else feel it should still be…say, May?

Summer has tried to wither me. There have been several times my strength and spirit seemed shriveled. Rather than allowing these burns more attention, I’ll share the summer fun that made my heart soar (NOT sear)!

The early morning sun felt perfect that Tuesday. We were celebrating my twin’s birthday! “Let’s go somewhere unique and new!”

The sign with the opossum was intriguing enough (if you live in the Ozarks you understand!). We were giddily hungry as we crossed the quaint street!

Giggling, we read the sign out loud-perfect twin harmony- “Closed on Tuesday, July 8th.” We felt a bit singed. As we left, we waved at two couples (with the cutest toddler) standing by the restaurant; we didn’t catch them in time to share it was closed!

 Like always, I put a positive spin on it. “Well, that wasn’t meant for us, let’s try another place downtown!”

By the time we parked and walked downtown (keep in mind I move at a snail’s pace right now) the two couples and toddler were approaching us! THIS CAN’T BE. “Closed on Tuesday, July 8th.”

What do you do?

You take a group selfie with your new friends having the same luck! 😊

By the time we cooled off in the car for a bit, we drove to the OTHER side of town, praying that place wouldn’t be closed.

THEY WERE OPEN!😊

“Do you have seats with cushions?” I asked as we were being welcomed to the OPEN restaurant. The man made a quick right and guess who was seated at the table RIGHT BESIDE US? Laughter erupted! “Are you stalking us?” Kristy asked them.

“Are you TWO stalking US?” Not only were they friendly, but funny!

During our breakfast they shared that one couple was from Colorado visiting with their young toddler. We all wanted something unique to eat! We found ourselves in a unique situation that we agreed we would all share! Who would believe we went to the same 3 restaurants?

When the check was dropped off the waitress leaned over and said, “Your bill has been paid. They wish to stay anonymous.” She was smiling the whole time because she heard our story and had fun with us the entire time. Gratitude? Oh my. AND TEARS. We couldn’t believe it! We hugged goodbye and talked about how we will pay it forward. At that moment I didn’t feel shriveled or withered. The warmth of their kindness and generosity made for continued perfect temperatures.

My skin has felt charred by blood draws. My bones burn and my mobility is marred. We all have sizzling situations. They remind me of Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness.  With a confident “NO” he could reply to Satan’s temptations. He knew who HE was—the great I AM.

Do we have to walk through the fire, blistered by burns, or experience the scalding desolate times in the wilderness to know who we ARE?

“My energy shrivels; situations will scorch. I’ll not wither in sweltering weather and woes. I’ll avoid being parched–the Living Waters will quench my soul.”

K.L. Hale

Let’s allow our faith to fuel flames and burn bright with the hope, love, and mercy that Jesus shows us.

Do you KNOW HOW LOVED YOU ARE? REALLY?

Have hope. Keep the faith. 💚

Finley River Hale turned 8 years old last month!

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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If you or a loved one is battling NET cancer please visit the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation for a treasure trove of helpful information! 🦓🙏🏻 Don’t lose hope, friends!

Turning Tides

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Was it the salt water or the oceans of tears I tasted? “I’m so insignificant,” I thought, as my toes sank into the sand. Confusion, doubt, and diagnoses were once rip currents. Just as the Spirit cools the heat and humidity of humanity, the gusts and breezes off the Atlantic coast washed me with relief. God’s love and grace overcame my dry, hot spirit like the powerful waves that left me weightless. An indescribable love (like that for my children) cleansed me. Without strain, my eyes witnessed infinity along the horizon. “I love you to infinity and beyond” was my soul’s song.

Tides were turning.

When my emotions rise and fall, like the tides with gravitational pulls, may the SON and the miracle of the Moon remind me of our Creator. Christ who makes the impossible, possible. Whether you’re hiking a mountain or climbing an obstacle, standing at the ocean or in a grocery line, lying in a hammock or in a hospital bed, you are significant to Christ. YOU MATTER. YOU ARE LOVED.

K.L. Hale

Goodbye, summer. Hello, fall. Friends, may your tides turn in ways that give you peace, good health, and happiness. I’m flannel with faith, and a bit of salt and fresh air, all mixed with love and gratitude for each of you.

Have faith 💙

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

Last Thursday I tested positive for Covid. My head felt like it was going to explode. My body ached. The trip? Was it worth it? Is ANY of this worth it? YES! “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV).

When I was approached by my dear friend from college about taking me on a trip, I was hesitant. I’ve had my hiking tribe in the past accompany me. I’m very protective on solo short trips. Every detail of my life requires discernment. Dread is not an option (or, in honor of visiting Kennedy Space Center, “Failure is not an option.”). My hesitation was dissolved by our humor. Off to Florida, we flew.

In November, I’ll return to the National Cancer Institute for more scans. Until then…I’ll use wisdom and take it one day at a time. Because I’m a life-long learner, I’ve learned new software and attended training. As of Friday, I’m an official school substitute. Half-days will be the best for my health (and two a week if possible). My goal is to be here two days a week (in addition to publishing once a week). I’ll be less on my phone and more present in the life in front of me.

Life is risky. I can worry about every pain, blood count, or ache I have. OR…I can…live. Each morning, in meditation, prayer, and worship, I open up my hands and say, “I surrender.” I’ll move when HE says, “Move.” Stop when he says, “Stop.” Rest when HE says, “Rest.” Go when HE says, “Go.”

Tides are turning. What will YOU do with TODAY?

How will you ride out the waves? Are your tides turning? Although there will be weeks I’ll be gone, I’m waving and praying from SW MO.

We love you. Karla & Finley ❣️🐾

Typically, I don’t turn off comments. I’m reserving energy so I can visit your places. Thank you for your understanding.❣️

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

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

Diamond Duo

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Diamonds in the rough? This duo is priceless!

Larry and Darlene Hale 6/12/64

 From a diamond ring to a ball diamond. Glitter, glitches, gyms, and gloves. Forgiveness, humor, grit, and God’s love. What does it take to stay in the game so long?

C’mon in and pull up a chair if you’re interested in the love story I’m going to share. If you’re hungry, Momma will feed you. Keep your fork in case you want dessert. So, how did it all start?

“Who’s that girl with my sister”? he thought. “Is that your brother?” she asked her best friend.

It was 1960-something. A sport-loving history-seeking teenage boy wondered about his sister’s best friend. She was a preacher’s daughter with 4 brothers and a sister (between the Hale’s and the Wilson’s there were enough siblings for a slow-pitch softball team).

With permission from her Dad, the brown-eyed, brown-haired homecoming queen met the good-looking ball-playing jock at Felix’s Cafe on Main Street. A homecoming court became a church ceremony after she graduated from high school, and he, Drury College.

On June 12th, 1964, Darlene, escorted by her brother Ronnie, walked down the aisle. Larry stood at the altar next to his soon-to-be father-in-law, the preacher. “Bless this House” and the “Lord’s Prayer” added music to memory. Family members gathered around to support and celebrate. The “I Do’s” turned to “Play Ball” the next day (Moberly, Mo–a great place for a honeymoon!). Larry took his place on the field with Mom in his heart. Mom took her place in the stands and hasn’t left his side since.

He coached and stole bases along with her heart. She’s been a wife, mom, and chef from the start!

Their lives represent a mix of melodies. From Conway Twitty & Ray Price to Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. Shall we sing “In the Garden,” “I Want to See Jesus,” and “Sheltered in the Arms of God”? Daddy, you’ll sing bass or tenor. Momma will sing alto and all of us—find your perfect part! 

“Blessed be the tie that binds,
Our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds,
Is like to that above."

Memories, new and old, are cherished. There are trials and tributes. Tears mixed with laughter. Setbacks and success. Disease and dedications. Commitments and crises. Through it all, love remains.

60 years. 720 months. 21,915 days. 525,960 hours. 31,557,600 seconds. Over a billion dirty dishes, wishes, and squishes (and kisses?).

“What’s the secret?”, I asked. “Your Mom’s patience,” Dad answered. You’ll hear them talk about how difficult it is to grow old. They’re hard on themselves because they can’t do what they used to do. Yet, they count their blessings. And faith? God and faith are the glue that has kept this couple rock solid through the shifts and storms. Now that’s Amazing Grace! Your commitment, through it all, is a “cut above the rest”.

“If That Isn’t Love,” I don’t know what is!

Happy 60th anniversary, Mom and Dad. Do you REALLY know how LOVED YOU ARE?

Music sweetens stale air. Melodies make memories in the mundane.

K.L. Hale

Have faith 🤍

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Embracing imperfection with faith,flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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