Faith-filled Finale

“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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What Do You Say May?

What do you say, May? Here we are again–you, me, and 8 billion more. What will you offer? Peace over protest? Safety in the storm? Hope despite hazards? Relief from rage? Love as a universal language? Cures for cancer? Immunity from infections? Interruptions in ignorance? Harmony instead of hate? Compassion in place of cold-heartedness? Trust and tricky traps to stop trafficking? Collaboration instead of costly corruption? Good over evil?

What do you say, May? Do you know real peace? Do you have hope?

Are you worried about tomorrow?

As for me, I’ll keep pressing on. I’m tired, but joyful. I’m sore, but satisfied. My wardrobe might be a bit warm for Missouri weather, but I’ll put on my armor each day. My belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit,…and of course, my hiking boots of peace. My shield of faith might get heavy, but I refuse to put it down. What do you say May?

Happy May, dear friends. YOU ARE LOVED.❣️

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

“Always it’s spring and everyone’s in love and flowers pick themselves.”

E.E. Cummings

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

“When the sun is out, and the wind is still, you’re one month on in the middle of May.”

Robert Frost

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Have faith💚

Bible cancer change christmas communication community compassion encouragement Essay faith family forgiveness friends friendship God grace gratitude healing health history hope humanity inspiration Jesus journey kids kindness learning life love memories miracles Missouri music nature newsletter peace perseverance poetry quotes school support travel truth writing

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

March Madness or Miracles?

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💕

Bible cancer change christmas communication community compassion encouragement Essay faith family forgiveness friends friendship God grace gratitude healing health history hope humanity inspiration Jesus journey kids kindness learning life love memories miracles Missouri music nature newsletter peace perseverance poetry quotes school support travel truth writing

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

Leap of Faith February

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.