Today isn’t just about the trees and trails for me. I’ll always be in awe of this Earth and its miracles. The changing of the seasons-the brisk coolness to warmth, leafless branches to colorful fullness, and buds to blooms. In the Ozarks, just add more stones! But much BIGGER than my neck of the woods…
…the earth took on a whole new view for the crew of the Artemis II mission!
The amazing Artemis II Crew didn’t just see a planet; they saw a masterpiece that screams the presence of a Creator!
Divine Design
It’s my nature to want to BE in nature. My nature changed for the better when I made the decision to surrender to the Creator of our nature. Home CAN be heavenly if we choose to look outside the walls of our price-tagged stick and brick homes. Do we still live in AWE surrounded by man-made stuff?
I don’t want to WAIT for the future for the best when we have the choice to create heavenly homesNOW.
Have you experienced nature in a way that leaves you awestruck?
Let’s take care of our home–and even better, let’s take care of one another! That’s HEAVENLY!
FD02_for pao
This nighttime picture of Earth was taken on April 2, 2026, by an Artemis II crew member aiming a camera through a window of the Orion spacecraft. The image was captured after Orion completed its translunar injection burn, the critical maneuver that sent the spacecraft on its path toward the Moon and back It’s divine delight to views these photos in the link above!
Rooted Reverence
Have faith, my friends. 💚
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
I’m in awe of those facing challenges with faith. From cancer to chronic disease, celebrations to sappy moments, and joys to juggling daily tasks.
Each day brings the unexpected. Try as we might to create our OWN schedules, I’ve learned through surrendering to Christ, each day is filled exactly with what HE desires.
When we live by an hourly schedule–whether with work outside of home or in, hobbies, or tasks, it’s easy to think that we have control. We TRUST the things that man does and makes–from a rocket to a car, sitting in a chair to the technology we use. We live to expect that each day will go according to our plans.
What if we lived on this Earth ONLY putting the Creator’s desires first? How might our lives look? How might the lives of those around us change?
I’m quick to remember that all the things that go “ring” and “ding” won’t last. If it costs me my peace and abiding in Christ, it’s too expensive. If it’s a distraction of the divine and just a people-pleasing project, it won’t produce the right “fruit”.
May we remember that below the tree of life flows the living waters. I’m so thankful to hike, walk, float, and explore this Earth with all of you. This world can be even more heavenly if we would lift one another in prayer and blessings. Remember that YOU are a miracle. YOU are loved. 💚
Seven beautiful people were tragically killed in a plane crash on Friday afternoon: Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason, and daughter and son-in-law, Amber Nelon Kister and Nathan Kistler, Assistant Melodie Hodges, pilot Larry Haylie and his wife, Melissa. They were traveling to join the Gaither’s Alaskan Cruise.
Surviving daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, and husband, Jamie thank people for their prayers and support for them, their soon-to-be-born baby boy, and Jason’s parents.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna163931
May we all honor and remember their beautiful music (I’ve listened to them for many years).
In honoring this gifted family, we can pay tribute to those in our lives that have journeyed home~and those that remain in our immediate midst.
The brevity of life braces us for the brutal, breathless, breathtaking, and brilliant.
“How am I going to explain this diagnostic summary to this parent?” I asked myself. Twenty-two years of life is all I had under my belt. Teaching, and motherhood, were new. My heart answered: “Be kind. State the facts. Tell this mom that a test does not define her child. Speak with love and compassion. Share the gifts and talents this young boy possesses.” My prayer at that age is the same prayer I speak aloud today. “God, give me the right words.”
Sometimes my words can’t clearly express my heart. To my advantage, I knew a world before cell phones and devices. I’m so blessed to have grown up in the seventies and eighties. Speaking with courtesy and having good manners seemed to be a reasonable standard. The heart is even more powerful than words. The lack of words, too many words, the wrong words…they don’t always represent the heart well. A miracle might be needed.
“It seems you got the short end of the stick.” “You’ve had some rough times.” “You’ve healed already.” “You look good.” “This isn’t fair.” “Keep fighting” …just a few recent phrases I’ve heard. I’m going to share something crazy. In ways, this diagnosis gave me relief. Relief? Are you crazy, Karla? Multiple issues were skeletal due to various injuries. Since I’m as vulnerable as vulnerable can be now, I’ll share one diagnosis of I.B.S. (irritable bowel syndrome) years ago. My neck and back issues and other struggles poised me for pain. When life’s complications swirled it became harder to stay poised. I found joy in simple things, yet life was not always simple. There was internal joy despite a touch of depression (did you know you can experience depression and joy at the same time?). Others might label you as a “people pleaser” rather than recognize kindness and respect (friends, you can still have elevated expectations for yourself without others thinking you’re a pleaser). Love drove me. Respect for my position made me want to rise to the occasion of leading with love. This was not idealism. This is the truth I learned from an incredibly early age.
We were born to love. We’re made to love. Can it be harder when you physically can’t provide? It was for me. I scratched my head and wondered what was going on in my body. As much as I tried to be a support for others, a shoulder to cry on, an understanding ear-I was confused. The more I gave, the more expected. The bar seemed to rise. That’s when I fell flat on my faith. God wasn’t raising the bar; humans were. We can’t do things fast or conveniently enough. Comfort is craved. Our world spins faster and faster. We want immediate satisfaction at a touch of a button with lightning speed. We’re angry when it’s too slow. We need this. We need that. Me? My hope is in healing. I’m not fighting. I don’t want to fight. The quiet life of being alone with my words, working with those in need, and most importantly, spending time with my kids, grandkids, and family…yes, I desire those things. It’s an amazing stage of life. A stage. I don’t want to be on a stage. Particularly, Stage 4.
For several nights before meeting with the oncologist last Thursday I prayerfully, and quietly, asked for guidance on my words. The right words. The day came. He called us to his office to show us the scans (my scans were moved up earlier than expected). There was a shift in his demeanor when I shared my thoughts on “quality vs. quantity of life.” It was not easy sharing I desired a second opinion. In my research, I learned that any treatment is not a home run. However, I was willing to “step up to the plate” to try. My heart and head shared. He slipped off his mask and locked eyes with me. I told him how much I appreciate him and liked his manner and sense of humor. On Friday I will have another scan. I’m refusing to have “scanxiety” as I already know the facts. Cancer is everywhere. Radiation is our next step. There are additional tumors, and the chemo had no impact. Pain is more prevalent; it’s part of it. Neuroendocrine cancer is a slow-growing cancer, but it spreads quickly. I’ve had it for years. It’s essential to catch it early. There are good moments every day for I have an internal/eternal joy that will NEVER leave me. I didn’t get the “short end of the stick.” Life hasn’t been unfair. I’ve had a beautiful life filled with love and lessons. The hardest part about having a chronic illness? It can become a full-time job. You’re opening yourself up to the opinions, suggestions, and thoughts of others. Take it with HEART. Those that love you CARE. Friendship is a miracle.
I take full responsibility for my life-my decisions, what I put in my body, what I think, and what I do. Books loaned to me by well-meaning friends share all about nutrition and cancer. There’s truth and wisdom. What we put in our bodies DO MATTER. One young man wrote about how he beat cancer. I’m so happy for him! He beat it with nutrition! But the book began with how he had surgery. Surgery. After surgery, he prevented further cancer with great nutrition and exercise (and quite costly habits). My cancer is inoperable. For the last 7 years, I have eaten salads, proteins, and exercised. I even climbed a mountain one time! Choices, at times, may not have been the best for my body. I found a doctor who lectures about stress and its impact on the body. Also, about sleep and its importance. Stress and the lack of sleep can do major damage. Knowing I have cancer is a relief. Are you crazy, Karla? Yep. I was beginning to feel like I was crazy. There was an answer. Just as I heard the whispers of a heavenly Father telling me to get out of unhealthy situations, I wasn’t heeding the signs of physical pain that could have led me down a different path. In a recent message shared with me, these words hit straight to the heart: “God can baffle or bless. He can devastate or delight. He uses all circumstances to show HIS mighty works. He’s the God of life and the God of death.” Statistically and 100% truthfully—we all die. If you’re reading this, it’s a miracle.
All we can do is our best. Balance is important. I’ve never been radical in any way. I know what’s good for me and what’s bad. Still, I’m human. We all are. If a situation is not fixable by love and communication, then how does it benefit you? What are you doing that is helping or hurting you? WE ALL SUFFER. Mentally, physically, and emotionally…so many ways. Can we love anyway? Just the simple words, “I’m thinking of you and love you” can bring more healing to a hurting world than any other treatment available to man. I’m not a tragedy. There are daily tragedies-young people, babies, and catastrophic events that take lives in an instant. To be alive–it’s an ordinary miracle. Don’t take it for granted.
Finley and I watched “Charlotte’s Web” (one of my favorite childhood books). “With the right words, you can change the world,” Charlotte shared. Like Wilbur and Charlotte, we all must accept change and transition.“Why did you do all this for me? he asked. ‘I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.’ ‘You have been my friend,’ replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing.”
Living with love, kickstarting kindness, digesting the fruits of the Spirit, giving grace, and yes, even protecting your peace when needed, are all ways we can cure the cancers of conflict. Let’s try chemotherapy of compassion and radiation of respect. How about a prescription for peace and a diet from dread? Let’s fast of fear and make appointments of appreciation. And me? I’ll keep living on love-an ordinary miracle.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”-Phillipians 4:6-7
I have happy tears finishing this post today. For only the second time in 4 months, I’ve had 3 hours of uninterrupted time to sit and write. My eyes are blurry, and my family is on a mission to retrieve the glasses I left at the doctor’s office. Go, team! I’m beyond thankful for my family and friends. Both of my sons and their families are moving closer (one already in Missouri). It’s a miracle! There’s food in my refrigerator, a roof over my head, a puppy in my lap, and love in my heart. The sky is blue, the trees are waving at me, and I have more friends than the 515 tiny spiders that belonged to Charlotte. There have been too many “I’s” in this post. HOW ARE YOU? I miss you all and I miss reading about your lives. Just know how thankful I am to have you on this journey with me. I’ll be forever grateful. For every day is filled with ordinary miracles.
People talk. Some more than others (ok…they can be downright nosy!). There was a time in my life that I didn’t want things to be exposed. You know those little things you try to keep hidden down in your soul? We’re all human. And what I have found in my journey is that the fear of exposure comes from the feeling of needing to be loved, appreciated, or even soul-seen. Who will love you once it’s revealed? Do you really want to be exposed? It’s a gamble.
There’s no lack of exposure on T.V. and social media. The career I chose for the first part of my life really had me exposed. The odd thing is that I felt most like me in a school environment or in nature. It did bother me that I was the “face” of a place. There was unnecessary exposure at times. I did feel pressure at times to look and act a certain way and give in to any action that was normal for the group. Thank goodness for kids, teachers, and friends who walked their individual walks like I strived to do. Towards the end of the school years, when my head seemed to begin halting due to some happenings, my heart kept going. Due to my journey I could FEEL what the kids (and adults) felt. I could look into faces of others and SEE their pain and UNDERSTAND. If you’ve been divorced, you understand those going through it. If you’ve moved, you understand those doing the same. If you’ve lost a loved one, you understand those going through loss. If you suffer from illness, you understand others that suffer. IF YOU’RE JUST BEING HUMAN YOU UNDERSTAND THOSE BEING HUMAN. Right? Or I hope.
Saturated in the news and media, particularly in the last two years, are the words “mental health” (more than I’ve heard my entire life). In addition to any physical issues one may have there can also be emotional tolls. Were you raised in an era where feelings were not discussed? If you have read my “Shake it Off” story you’re aware that I received great advice from my Dad to persevere (Mom, too)! Physically speaking I want to be tough. Mentally? I work on it daily with my spiritual AND mental workouts. But that determination, or grit, came from somewhere inside me (between my heart and stomach? My innards?). But being tough isn’t all it’s cracked up to be at times (especially if a “crack” is exposed). I never understood the source; or appreciated it like I do now.
I understand the source now.And I'm never letting it go--I'm going to let it GROW.
How do I feel about being exposed? I actually hesitated putting a new picture of myself here in the WordPress world-it’s exposure! Oh my goodness–she’s blonde (we all know what that means!😉), “Hmmm, I never expected that look!”, or “She’s a picture of health and vitality!”(I actually heard that when in fact there are days I can hardly function). I’d prefer to walk around in a hat with my writing sweats and flannel on 100% of the time. What’s wrong with me? 😉
Our world today is so exposed that we want to be and look the best at all times. Now to be on social media it pays to be a good dancer?! Or if you’re raising children you can become the #1 TikTok Mom or maybe even be a girl guru for good looks with anti-aging products and makeup tips. I know that everyone is just being human– I’m not judging-be you! I’m just not participating in that manner; it doesn’t make it right or wrong-it’s just peace for me. Which leads me to the hardest part of my new journey–marketing myself. It scares me to “get out there” again. But with faith I will continue to forge ahead. I’m a middle-aged empty nester with cracks in my crust, scars on my skin, strength in my soul, and hope in my heart. I’m just me. I’m human. I don’t care to share I cry at times missing my kids and grandkids (who doesn’t?), I don’t care to share I’ve made mistakes (who doesn’t?), I don’t care if others may not understand my pain or my gain (don’t we all have that?),…but see, I DO CARE–NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK OF ME, but how you THINK ABOUT YOURSELF. It always feels good if people like you, I get that. But when someone is feeling down it could be due to feeling rejected, mistreated, or misunderstood. There was a time I could have given up. I didn’t really want to–I just got tired of feeling rejected or that I had TO BE WHAT SOMEONE ELSE WANTED ME TO BE. And that someone was not God. So I would gear up for the battle between my ego and soul. Don’t get lost feeling like there’s a “normal” checklist you must complete to be a human. When pursuing perfection you may experience being paralyzed.
There’s one gift left under my tree for our gift exchange at my parents’ house. All the other gifts have been mailed to Alaska and Washington (my heart is wrapped in them). The one gift that matters the most to me is the gift of a Savior. The one who has never let me down. The one to whom I’m fully exposed, examined, and exempt from guilt. HE knows my heart. He KNOWS yours. I don’t have to justify any decision; he KNOWS your intent. Do you know him? Maybe you don’t know or believe. We’re only human. But please know this–you are loved. No matter what.
K.L. Hale
I have an exposure story that I was given permission to share. It was a beautiful and unexpectedly warm day in S.W. MO last week (we had a string of spring-like days). I mustered up the courage to load up the car (and Finn) to head to the Grand Village in Branson for another book-signing. A lady walked up to Finn and I and broke down in tears. I immediately jumped up to console her. “May I hug you?” (I know, I know there’s a virus going around BUT STILL…). She shared that she had JUST lost her dog that looked EXACTLY like Finley (she showed me the pic and I cried with her). She felt bad that she had “exposed” her feelings-it was as if she was ashamed. I offered her comfort and a prayer (Finley gave her kisses, too). Before I left the village she walked towards me calling my name. She handed me a bag that contained an ornament that she BOUGHT FOR ME. It made me cry. She told me that God had put Finley and I there to give her comfort. You see, it’s not about a book to me. It’s about a journey. A journey of learning and growing. Another young lady shared that she would like to self-publish. I told her I would help her just as I was helped. I spend HOURS doing what may take someone else ONE hour to do. The learning can be overwhelming. But what is the option? To do nothing. To learn nothing. To sit and pity the pain. That is NOT the life God intended! Here are the pics that I hope make you smile. Several writing friends have shared about “being the light!”…now that’s full exposure!
I’ll always cherish this ornament! My joy! Finn, me, and a new friend! Precious family! What a night like this! Just a little lightThe crocheted ornament behind Finley was made by my 4th grade teacher. Each ornament is either a gift or made by my sons.
On a TOTALLY DIFFERENT SUBJECT (because this is how my brain works sometimes) I want to dedicate this post in memory of the WWII Veterans that lost their lives at Pearl Harbor 80 years ago yesterday. I dedicate this post to my own loved ones that have gone on to heaven and to the ones that no longer remember. These are whom I call the greatest generation. Can we work together to make our generation great? I sure hope so. Perhaps we can start exposing more of the exceptional–it’s out there. ❤
While Flannel with Faith is where I share my heart, Finley River Publishing is where you'll find my book and the shop collection. Read the story behind the collection here!
