Tag: practice

Passionate Patterns

Posted on by — 57 Comments
3–5 minutes

The Olympics ended, and self-discipline was definitely at the forefront of my mind! The dedication, willpower, hard work, and perseverance were a must for these athletes! Is self-discipline achieved through sheer effort, or is it the result of passionate patterns? Self-discipline? Hard work? Faith?

This question lingered as I reflected on the rhythms of my own life. A friend and I discussed our faith walks through the patterns we choose. Years ago, I started to lose momentum, but recognizing these patterns, both good and bad, helps me realign my life. Through the lens of faith, I’ve come to see how habits patterns and spiritual practices interact, shaping my journey and life IN Christ.

What’s faith got to do with it?

“How do you stay HOPEFUL?” I’m asked this often. My hope comes from Christ! He understands my messy human nature and has seen me break bad habits. I’m thankful that God knows my limitations. With Christ in me, I find strength! What patterns bring peace and harness His power?

My PASSION for Christ is what creates more consistent patterns-faith is the fuel! K.L. Hale

What defines your passions? Hobbies? Health? Career? Productivity? Finances? Emotions? Do your patterns promote peace and intimacy in Christ? Or CHAOS?

 Prepared for battle? Prepared for pattern!

KL.’s Positive & Passionate Patterns

Do you feel resilient in this topsy turvy ever-changing world of circumstances & situations? How do you practice perseverance? Are you resilent? I am currently reading books by Pioneers of faith that walked YEARS ago who inspire me (thank you, Tim, for these amazing true stories). Have you ever heard of Darlene Diebler Rose or John and Betty Stam? You will soon learn from future articles!  Are you familiar with Corrie Ten Boom and/or Elisabeth Elliot? “God, give me faith like that!”

“Complete surrender and “death to self” creates space for peaceful and positive patterns. Through faith, these patterns become natural, allowing us to use the power God instilled in us.” K.L. Hale

Pattern Disruptions~ what happens when we’re disrupted?

Life has a way of disrupting PATTERNS. Some of us PRACTICE THE WRONG PATTERNS (remember a few years ago when I wrote about Ruminating over the Ruins?). How can we delete, deter, or dissolve these distractions?

***Note—detachment doesn’t mean to hide away or wish the “rest of the world” to go away! I understand how this feels, though! How can we reach a world if we detach ourselves completely from PEOPLE? However, there MUST be a balance. Even Jesus needed time alone with his Father!***

Distractions will dismantle faith! The natural pattern of pausing, praying, praising, and persevering provides POWER to detach from the world. K.L. Hale

Friends, I am a “work in progress“! My personal growth and intimacy with my Creator will grow MORE if my patterns match my only pursuit—living IN and FOR Christ. Do you REALLY know how loved you are? I’ll never stop sharing!

Dear family/friends/readers–I began this article two days ago. This morning, as I began preparing to post and read, I learned of a tragedy that occured in the Ozarks. When the alert went out last night, I didn’t realize the severity of the situation unfolding. Deputy Gabriel Rameriz was shot and killed before 4 pm last night after a traffic stop. The suspect escaped and a 9 hour manhunt ended with Deputy Michael Hislope being shot and killed while trying to help rescue two other officers who had been wounded by gunfire. The suspect was shot and killed in the wooded area where he began this travesty. My heart and prayers sincerely go out to the families of these men who proudly served our country (both served in the U.S. Army before joining the Sheriff’s office❤️🤍💙).To the men who are injured and still serving, we are surrounding you and your loved ones, department, and communities in love and prayers. I can’t even begin to understand their loss. I could pray 24/7 and still not include all that needs to be shared with our Creator. When I go quiet on WP you know it’s because I’m prepared for patterns as those around me have to go to battle. I’ll stand for good and the promises that only our Creator can keep. May He be with us all. God bless you, my friends. ❣️🙏🏻

Don’t lose hope! Find faith!❣️

More from Flannel with Faith💚

Stay up to date with the latest article!

K.L. Hale Avatar

©2019-2026 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Learning Curves

Posted on by — 60 Comments

Curves and I go way back. Hordes of twists and turns merge in my mind.  From those thrown while at bat, to the backroads, and to the more aggressive forms like extreme soul switchbacks   One time I couldn’t hang on during a fast curve to avoid another hit.  But most times I’ve learned to lean into them.  Yes, leaning into them seems to keep me more balanced.  

Did I tell you I’m writing a children’s book series?❤ I had time “in the hole” getting to know my team. Walked “on deck”, watched, and tried to learn.  I’m in the “batter’s box” now.

Sometimes my swing is way off.   So, I just step out of the box, take a deep breath, and practice a few. I’ve felt tempted to run back in the hole. Stay in the box, Karla.

I’m starting to grasp some groundbreakers, digest details, and clutch some confidence. 

Here’s what I’m leaning into right now:

  • Writing courses (since January)- offered by Write for Kids (I’ve taken several and LOVE them).  I proudly display the Children’s Book Insider banner as a member.  Currently my curves are self-publishing, marketing, and writing for magazines. 
  • One-on-one weekly ZOOM sessions with a literacy coach (thank you, Lisa).  It takes time to prepare and propel this learning.
  • Social Media-tricky and tight curve (almost nauseating😉, but necessary).  I’m not on Facebook.   My only platforms are Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.  It’s going to take courage for me to self-market. It’s my least favorite thing to do.  I’ve completed a course on self-marketing for non-marketers. It was excellent!
  • Writing, writing, editing, and editing-you wouldn’t imagine a 32-page children’s book would be that difficult.  My niche is creative non-fiction and I’m dreaming BIG.   As a self-editor I’m constantly reviewing, nit-picking, deleting, and adding.  There are so many angles to revise and review.   I’m hoping to meet local peer editing groups (anyone wish to join? 😉).
  • Time management-this is a big one!   Several writers I follow have offered schedules, tips, and advice. My best formula is: one day on marketing/classes, one day using those tips to reach out for sponsorship, create IG posts and stories (it’s very curvy to me-almost nauseating lol), one day for WordPress, one to write and publish, and the rest of my time taking care of all other needs and nature time!  I love my new work week.  But it’s difficult to stay on schedule when I’m tightening the belt on the curves.  But it’s well worth it! 
  • WRITE EVERY DAY!
  • Awesome announcement📣 I have an illustrator!  To say this has been a challenge is an understatement.  The illustrators have such a HUGE task of bringing the book to life.   Considering the time invested in creating Flannel with Faith, coupled with my amazing WP friends, I’m very leery of beginning a whole new author’s website.  Instead, I’ll create a new page on this site dedicated solely to Finley River Publishing and the series, “Faith and Finley—Finding the Nifty in our 50!” (Off the Grid Series).  Plus, you’ll get to meet my tremendous illustrator!

This journey of life is not always a straight road as we all know.  I’m not traveling in the fast lane either.  Although I love staying active, I’m staying on a steady course in my lane.   To avoid being added to any more injured lists, I’ll don a helmet and strengthen my grip. 

Friends, are you ready?  Keep your eyes on the ball at bat.  Lean into the curves as your travel.  Stay in your lane.  Life levels our playing field. I’m elated to be on your team.     

Afterword: I spent many days at a ballfield. That’s probably why I love dirt. Mom would watch with all the other wives. Us players’ kids formed family-like relationships. My Dad was the fastest man I’ve ever known. He could pull off a triple off with a left-handed bunt. Dad handled the curves. Mom has too.

“An outstanding leadoff hitter, Hale had great speed, a knack to get on base, and was a threat to steal a base at any time. He played first base and the outfield and his states include twenty state, twelve regional, and fifteen national championships. He also was selected to the US Sports Festival in 1979. He was a first team All-American in 1974 & 1975 and his teams won seven state and eight regional titles.”

(The Missouri A.S.A. Hall of Fame induction description, March 9th, 2002, Clarion Inn, Springfield, Missouri).

As a Mom I enjoyed EVERY trip to the fields of any kind to watch my own sons. Now, I walk dirt paths and enjoy the the scenery of nature’s curves. I’ll enjoy the future of watching my grandkids kick up some dirt whether on a field or when they’re outdoors. What a journey. 🤍

Have faith💚