Ode to October

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!

©2019-2025 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Tethered Tuesday

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.


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.

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

pics by K.L. Hale