patience Archives - Flannel with Faith

5-Star Support

Posted on March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 88 Comments

Support in that way was unexpected.

“I’ll meet you at the nature center, Karla, and we can have our visit there.” Did she know I was unable to go the day before? As this amazing young soccer-playing, wisdom-giving, soon-to-be social worker and I trekked through the woods, our commonalities became clear. In the refuge, we conversed of cancer, Christ, and communion. We shared about family, faith, and finding hope. She didn’t HAVE to hike with me. “This will make your family feel better,” she stated. With peace, tears, and a tired body, I drove away with a satisfied soul.

Fire of Faith

Some of us met as strangers. Several of us sisters/friends. The fire of faith glowed between us. We talked of tough times. We all shared how vulnerable we feel; our past, present, and futures. Women in our second through sixth decades of life-kinship kindled around our fire of faith. We commit monthly to our safe space in nature– to share and grow our sisterhood.

My faith must be protected. How do you protect your heart, soul, mind, and peace? How do you linger with our Creator?

How can we wait in wonderment?

John Eldridge, in his new book, Experience Jesus. Really., shares, “For one thing, the Internet has discipled your soul to expect immediate answers. You inquire and you are answered–immediately. The saints of ages past would be aghast at that. Waiting was considered formation for the soul. They planted crops in the spring and harvested in the fall; there was no rushing things. If you wanted something from the market, you walked there and then you walk back, moving a pace of about three miles an hour. But now, when you turn to Jesus and you are not answered in the way the Internet answers, you feel he isn’t listening or that you can’t hear from him. You sadly believe the two of you are distant from one another, because your soul has been programmed for immediate responses. The notion of lingering before God doesn’t fit with the pace we’ve come to expect” (Eldridge, 2025, p. 2).

“Information feels like our salvation, but information is seductive and capricious, friends; it offers refuge, then takes it away the very next morning” (Eldridge, 2025, p. 4).

“The eradication of mystery would also be shocking to our spiritual forebears. Do you understand that to make Jesus and his Kingdom practical is to strip it of all wonder, mystery, and power? It’s like asking for the mechanics of falling in love, enjoying sunlight on the ocean, comforting a frightened child. It’s like refusing to trust laughter until someone explains the neuroscience. Honestly asking, “How do I love God?” is like asking, “How do I love my son, my daughter?” The heart knows how to love without being told the latest research, for heaven’s sake” (Eldridge, 2025, p. 6).

John Eldrige (2025) shares, “Weary Disciple of the Internet, your soul has also been conditioned to take in massive amount of content every day–far beyond the soul’s ability to absorb. You think it’s normal, but it is not” (p.11).

As the author explains, in quoting G.K. Chesterton, “the world of wonder and mystery children accept as real, and which Christians understand to be the beautiful unseen realm, the rest of the Kingdom of God. One foot on earth and one in the realm the scriptures call the “heavens”. As Apostle John shared with his disciples, the experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ” (Eldridge, 2025 pp 8-9).

Ah, daily encounters with Jesus

The ratings and research can’t change my real. My 5-Star Support is experienced through …transformation of the heart.

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

Pics of Creation by K.L. Hale. Pic of aurora borealis by my son, Jarrod, Fairbanks, AK.

Keep the faith, my friends 💚

Reference
Eldridge, J. (2025). Experience Jesus. Really. Nashville: Nelson Books.

Due Date

Posted on December 8, 2024January 26, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 93 Comments

It was June of 1994. “His due date is Christmas Day,” my obstetrician shared. Later that evening we told big brother, Jarrod, “Your little brother might come on Christmas Day!”

Instantly, my mind began thinking of Christmas plans, gifts, socials, and school! “Will I make it to Christmas break before he comes?” Time flew faster than bad news! We celebrated Jesus with one special boy that Christmas-two days later, another special boy, Jay, was delivered. All in due time.

December is determined! What is due? Past due. Due dates. Taxes, bills, and holiday shopping! Due diligence is necessary. How can we live in the moment constantly thinking about due dates? Ah, I have found freedom in the frenzy. As life’s due dates circle and swirl, my communion with Christ centers me.

Outstanding, receivable, and payable. Our debts were paid, dear friends.

Outstanding

In his creation all “due dates” crumble.

Walks in the woods prove how nature cares less about due dates. Humans force and nature flows. The hawk and I gazed at one another for what seemed like eternity. “I’m not going to take your dinner, my friend,” I whispered. Songs from what seemed like a thousand birds cried out. I felt cushioned and calm.

Due dates? All were called off. Nothing would “come around” but critters. Charitable was conducted between the kindness of few strangers enjoying conservation. We weren’t “checked out” (either at a store or on-line). We were completely checked IN.

Nothing was owed.

Receivable

Due to cutbacks and shortages, this rowdy class of 5^th grade students didn’t have a teacher. After a physical altercation was carried out, *Ellie asked, “Will you forgive me? Can I come back to the circle?”

“Oh, sweetheart. Please come back. I’m given grace each day. Of course I forgive you.”

Situations arose that required assistance and differing outcomes. Yet, at the end of the day, there wasn’t anything due.

What was due? She had consequences (don’t we ALL?). What was receivable? Love won.

Payable

Humans put due dates on everything. Kids, jobs, relationships, and homes. Beliefs, habits, health, and unknowns. Holidays, sports, customs, and pets. Squeeze a few more in, stress and regrets.

So much is owed. What are YOU…DUE?

What if we paid one another kindness, respect, and generosity?

Payable? You’re not delinquent. The debts, short and long-term, are paid.

Do you have hope? Do you believe? Or do you feel unworthy to be paid? Due and delivered over 2,000 years ago, Jesus paid all that is due. HE WILL RETURN. All in due time.

Happy December, dear friends. You are loved. 🤍

Have faith 🤍

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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One-Size-Fits-All

Posted on October 18, 2024January 26, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 60 Comments

It was as if someone thumped my head with a hard shoehorn! Suddenly, it made sense why my feet hurt (I think pain can be like an ignored piece of your wardrobe?).

“Did you know you’re wearing the wrong shoe size?” asked the kind and knowledgeable saleswoman. If you know me, then you aren’t surprised I started giggling. She shared tidbits I’ve never been told (or I can’t remember?):

“You need enough room to account for swelling.” “Did you know our feet continue to grow as we age?” “Our feet and toes weren’t DESIGNED to fit into today’s shoes.”

We bragged about our favorite shoes! Oh, and the ones that love us back, like our Birks. They give our toes plenty of room to be exactly the way God designed our feet to be (my dear friend Kim inspired this thought, too). “Wouldn’t it be nice if I could “plug” in my height, weight, hair color (just kidding, tee hee), and a “one size fits all” shoe would appear? After an exhausting hour of trying different brands and styles I made a choice. So far, so good.

All sizes vary.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2

My current views in classrooms offer a variety of sizes! Hearts, minds, emotions, attitudes, learning styles, bodies, and abilities come in “assorted” sizes.

It’s easy to see ourselves through others’ eyes. People will “size you up” quickly. Social media deals a good hand in that game–280 characters, a paragraph rant or rave, or a meme. Whether you’re squeezing into something that doesn’t fit or swallowed by something much bigger than what you need, I know a “one-size-fits-all” God that will make sure YOU fit just right! Ah, surrender. It’s not easy, but necessary and liberating!

There are times I try to squeeze myself into a worldly shape. Am I trying to “fit” into this world or am I keeping an eternal perspective?

God, without you, NOTHING fits right.

In the end, the size of our shoes, wallets, bank accounts, and homes won’t matter. Catastrophic evidence of this has been felt across our country. If a one-size-fits-all compassion, grace, and kindness would exist every day, perhaps we’d stop sizing one another up and just…love.

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Francis of Assisi

Last Saturday I began this piece. That afternoon a friend shared her husband’s passing. His death was unexpected. My heart hurts for her and the family. Even with faith, loss stings. Suffering ends for one and begins for those who stay behind. I cannot provide any words of comfort but, “I love you.” That evening two other friends and I spoke of survivor’s guilt. It seems selfish to share. It’s hard to separate circumstances from God’s purpose. I don’t want to tell someone (or even hear) “It’s God’s will.” Yes, I believe that God will never leave or forsake me. Why do I know that? I’ve experienced it. Can we extend a hand or a hug out of mercy? Compassion without cynicism. If our Western “workdays” were realistic, we’d spend more time tending to our families, gardens, and overall emotional, mental, and physical health. Struggles are real. Suffering unites us; just as happiness can. As my grandkids grow, family and friends age, and seasons shift, blessings are still bestowed. As I balance health, habits, and happenstance, I’ll keep an eternal perspective with an inspired intuitive initiative. There’s very little I can control, but I have a huge part in how I react. Will you join me in forging forward with faith (and how about Flannel?)?

You are loved. Keep the faith.💛

“America is the first culture in jeopardy of amusing itself to death”-John Piper (Don’t Waste Your Life)

This season includes many memory-making opportunities. I’ll “see” you when the winds blow a bit cooler in a couple of weeks. If you have to choose between responding to me or making a memory, do what’s on your heart (for you’re already in mine). We get one “shot” at this life here–make it count.

Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓https://www.lacnets.org/ if you or a loved one are diagnosed with NET cancer, I’d encourage you to visit LACNETS.org for exceptional support and resources.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Memorial Day and More

Posted on May 30, 2022 by K.L. Hale — 79 Comments

I’ll never forget the sacrifices made~then and now. I have much to be thankful for today. Thank you to those who have served and are serving now. What a beautiful time to remember those that have gone before us. ❤️ 🤍 💙

It was a month ago when I shared my latest post. I was healing from Covid and so thankful for everyone’s prayers and understanding. After one more successful school visit (I was on cloud 9!), I woke up in severe pain. Visiting hospitals is something I dread. But this day was different. I just knew I had to go.

After several days in the hospital and many tests, it was determined that I have a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor/cancer. There was confusion as to what I really did have~pancreatic? Liver? The painkillers and the surreal moment made me feel I was outside of myself and observing a strange experience. I’ve had health challenges, but this was different. There’s a mass on my pancreas, around 9 lesions on the liver, and it metastasized in two lymph nodes, a small place on my skull, thoracic spine, hip, and pelvis. Although the tumor is grade 1 (slow growth) the cancer is stage 4. Surgery is not an option at this time. I begin chemo pills this Friday. I’m believing they’ll shrink and side effects never form. I tried to write one day~the pain overtook my pen. I’ve felt every emotion I could possible feel.

My family and friends are my team. I’ve yet to be alone as they all wish to be with me through at least the first few days of chemo. I’m completely overwhelmed by the support. At times I just cry. My Dad has overcome so much and I want to be like him. To say I have no fear would be a complete lie. To say I trust God in every step is my absolute truth. I no longer blame every pain on my past injuries. I was becoming great at that. In my heart I knew something wasn’t write. Friends, if you feel that please talk to your doctor or a supporter that could encourage you to seek truth. This has apparently been in me for quite a while. I’ve missed writing, reading, and “seeing” all of you. Since I began blogging this has been my longest break. It will take me a bit to learn my new “normal”. I’ll get there! My faith won’t be moved. I will fight. The most encouraging thing to me is this: as a follower of Christ I win no matter what. He has put the right people in place. I’m still reaching out to research hospitals and listening carefully. I’m encouraged it’s treatable! Prayers for my body to accept the treatments (and there’s back up plans if this doesn’t work). I’m used to being active, being outdoors, writing and reading~I’m ready to do it. I realize I must be patient.