Mercy Me, March!

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by K.L. Hale — 56 Comments

In like a lion, out like a lamb? March, you arrived packing a punch with your paws! Are you feeling overlooked between winter’s chill and spring’s promise, acting out like a middle child just to be noticed? You’re smack dab in the middle of conflicts. March, we know you typically include madness (not just basketball). Will you please leave like a lamb with the promise of renewal? Mercy Me, March!

Life constantly presents me with its juxtapositions: the hybrid of hardness and happiness, sweetness tempered by sourness, the revealed modern life shadowed by melancholy, and stretches of calm that are suddenly interrupted by chaos. These contrasts shape my days and challenge my perspective, reminding me that life isn’t meant to be experienced in only one dimension.

Feeling minuscule, I praised my Maker as another full moon rose. One friend’s life was taken intentionally, while visiting another one struggling to survive. There was a time when I felt harnessed by hopelessness. Miracles, miniscule to massive, kept me orbiting. From hugs and kindness to the miracle of …surviving.❣️

In my own small world, I embrace hope and the promise of our Maker–no matter what!

“Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. Joshua 23:14

As the moon continues rotating around the Earth I wonder what will “revolve” until I see it again? Mercy me! God, have mercy on us all!

You are loved, my friends. Please don’t lose hope. Keep the faith! 💚

A note from K.L.~

The world is still spinning, and many lives around me are facing unspeakable situations. While lives are lost in the war across the globe,there are those fighting wars right here (and in their minds & hearts). A young life is about to end with terminal cancer—and leaving two sons behind. Another family is mourning the loss of a friend who took her life. Meanwhile, I know someone in his late 80s who is ready to leave this world. We are all revolving and spinning—may love and hope ground us. Please be kind—you never know what someone is battling. I’ll request, please, that you not mention “I’m sorry for your loss”. I’m sorry for their families and closest friends! I don’t hurt for me, although I’m saddened by these situations. I’m okay with where I am in life. I’m blessed to STILL be here; even if life is challenging, I have a life. As I revolve, I’ll have future scans and a trip to D.C. More birthday celebrations—one of my sweet D.I.L.s and my precious mom. Another ladies’ fire where we share our lives and walks in Christ. THANK YOU for being HERE, praying for me, and being wonderful friends. I thank God for the gift of this wonderful community. I treasure you all and love you (so does Finn). Karla & Finley ❣️🐾

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September Signs

Posted on September 22, 2025September 23, 2025 by K.L. Hale — 59 Comments

September has been saturated with signs. Season changes, shifting attitudes…signs made by kids and adults. Signs on the street and in nature. My signs all point to my Savior and…surrendering. September signs.

Tears fell in sync with the leaves. My heart and head spun like the wind. Memories of yesterday and dreams of today. Thoughts of family, the reunion, doctor’s appointments, and…surrendering. September has been filled with signs!

While hundreds of thousands gathered yesterday to honor a life taken too soon, I thought of history’s greatest humans. My heart turned to my precious parents who have witnessed so much change in their life. Immediately, I switched my thoughts to my children and grandchildren. “God, may my loved ones find only faith in you.”

A bold shift in the air & season! I want faith LIKE THAT.

Jesus never promised an easy life. If you choose to walk and live for him you WILL have obstacles. It matters not what people think, say, or do, but…Jesus.

Let’s lift one another as the leaves fall! For me, I’ll continue to surrender that which I shouldn’t “hold” (grudges, hate, discontent, etc…). The cross will be the perfect weight to carry as I tarry on the trails this side of glory. May the signs, smells, and sights of autumn swirl with sweetness. Jesus, thank you for being my September song and strength!

Remember HE’S always with you if you choose!

Friends, today is the start of my favorite season (last year you left in quite a fashion)! Happy Autumn! May every sign left in September direct you to what matters most–love. Do you know how loved you are?💚

Have hope, dear friends. Find faith. ❣️

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

Meet Frank

Last Friday the oncology office was jam-packed. I’ll admit, it started to weigh on me. Until Frank walked in. At the front desk he loudly shared his situation. His appointment for that office had changed, but he knew he needed to be at SOME building in the Cox Health System (friends, there are MANY buildings). He continued to share that he hadn’t a lick of liquor for 2 weeks. He was also scared he was going to lose his dog and his home.

Everyone in the waiting room (but one lady and I) kept looking at their phones (and, to boot, they were all in their 70’s-80’s I’m guessing–what are we going to do with this generation and their phones? tee hee). One of my favorite nurses appeared with a smile. “Frank, what’s going on? How can we help you?” He sat down as if to give up. What was ultimately needed was a phone call on his behalf. But no one offered.

Who will help?

“Laura, let me help.” I sat by Frank and he knew part of the name of the doctor he needed to see. After investigating and searching, we narrowed it down (with a few giggles, too!). Finally, I found the office that he needed! Praise God! It was in the adjacent building! Also, the extremely kind receptionist told me to tell Frank not to hurry, all was well. Frank left and the front desk ladies shared their gratitude.

I wasn’t upset that they didn’t help him. You see, I’ve had years of experience with people. Specifically, experiences with people like Frank. I’ve been Frank. I have felt lost, defeated, at the end of my ropes, …and worried about my beloved pet. The young gals at the front desk haven’t had “Frank” moments…yet. Rest assured, life is going to hit us ALL. No matter the age. When it does, what will you do?

My visit

It was finally time for me to go back. The bloodwork didn’t surprise me, but the high thyroid count did. I just don’t feel…super-de-duper. To see me you’d never know. I was around a lot of kids and people last week. My body is fighting hard for me. Although the strength of the treatment has been lowered, I’m still feeling the side effects. A floater has appeared in my right eye that is SMACK in the middle of my line of sight. It’s like a cobweb. And now, a stringy thing?

My oncologist wanted me to go see the eye doctor. Another doctor again (I had been to the eye doctor three times last month). My kind eye doctor shared this is normal for my age. With my cancer I’m to pay attention to any bright lights or loss or fuzzy vision. Ok, I’ve got this. Faith with floaters! I can do this!

Daily life & upcoming schedule

Rarely do I share the daily struggles. The fatigue, the extreme sweating and lack of sleep, the bone pain, the amount of time it takes for me to do…anything right now. When my body says, “take a rest”, I do. When I go and live life to the fullest, I need much recovery time. BUT I HAVE A LIFE. I’M LIVING. Miracles have happened in my life. They CONTINUE. This week I’ll head to Kansas City to see a new NET cancer expert that has started his own clinic at St. Luke’s. It’s a miracle there’s an expert in Missouri AND only 20 miles from my youngest son and his family. Praise God!

May the light of God’s presence give you hope at your darkest hour. When you feel there’s no hope, may a SIGN appear that points straight back to the one who has it all–our Savior. I love you, my friends. Thank you for your unwavering support and friendship.

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

Then Came the Morning

Posted on July 28, 2024July 29, 2024 by K.L. Hale — 70 Comments

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