Tag: summer

Stifling Start

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Summer is off to a stifling start? “What a life!” the almost-five-year-old chimed, her voice full of wonder as she leaned against her dad in a kayak drifting across the cool waters of an Alaskan lake. Nearby, her seven-year-old birthday brother relaxed in a child-sized kayak, stretched out and happily being pulled along by their dad. Meanwhile, near Kansas City, a six-year-old was having a blast in the community pool. My three adorable little grands are starting summer spectacularly. They all make me giggle—three birthdays in June, July, and August—my sensational stairsteps. No stifling starts!

Meanwhile in Missouri…



I started to feel stifled.

Not just because of humidity. Medical issues, appointments, digestion?
Because my back and bones ache?
The heat and I don’t get along. Cancer knows exactly where I stand with it.

Humidity, we need to talk.


When do you feel stifled? There are seasons when I feel trapped. Sickness strikes. Some days, I feel isolated because my body aches too much to move. I feel stifled because I can’t give back what I feel others give to me. Suffocated by self-pity? Selfishness? Sadness? Solitude? I’m in time-out because of treatments. Some days, I’m just miserable—and I don’t have it in me to make it known. Because…
I’ll never know real oppression.
A young mother lost her battle to brain cancer, leaving behind two young sons and a grieving family.
And I…complain?


Stifled?
No. I’m merely sidelined for now.
In silence, I savor.
In song, I praise.
In rest, I recuperate and remember—

ALL HE HAS BROUGHT ME THROUGH.
 


You might be surfing, swimming, or lying on a beach,
Or working two jobs with basic needs out of reach.
You may be lying in a hospital, facing the unknown,
Or watching a loved one reach a milestone.
Maybe you’re shopping, hoping to impress,
Or feeling stifled, suffocated, even depressed.
Hearing someone say, “You should just smile,”
May help for a moment—but only a while.
It takes much more than words like that;
True change must reach the soul deep.
Find the true Source of life
For your heart to hold and keep.
No matter the season—
the hot, rainy, or cold—
Your heart won’t stay stifled;
He’ll be your stronghold.
With trust and faith,
giving Him your all,
He’ll free your breath
as you answer His call!
K.L. Hale

Have hope, sweet friends. Keep the faith. You are loved.🧡

Friends, you may have noticed my website was “Under Construction”. In lieu of being “stifled”, I learned new editing features. SImpler structures. Yet, also many learning curves! I’m certain the 30 revisions will become 31. Progress, not perfection! Thank you for your patience as I continue learning and growing; despite physical issues that cause my MIA moments. You’re all such treasures to me! Stay blessed–NOT stifled! 🙏🏻❣️

Summer Scorcher

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Are you feeling the heat? Besides the sweltering hot, summer is on a scorching pace. Does anyone else feel it should still be…say, May?

Summer has tried to wither me. There have been several times my strength and spirit seemed shriveled. Rather than allowing these burns more attention, I’ll share the summer fun that made my heart soar (NOT sear)!

The early morning sun felt perfect that Tuesday. We were celebrating my twin’s birthday! “Let’s go somewhere unique and new!”

The sign with the opossum was intriguing enough (if you live in the Ozarks you understand!). We were giddily hungry as we crossed the quaint street!

Giggling, we read the sign out loud-perfect twin harmony- “Closed on Tuesday, July 8th.” We felt a bit singed. As we left, we waved at two couples (with the cutest toddler) standing by the restaurant; we didn’t catch them in time to share it was closed!

 Like always, I put a positive spin on it. “Well, that wasn’t meant for us, let’s try another place downtown!”

By the time we parked and walked downtown (keep in mind I move at a snail’s pace right now) the two couples and toddler were approaching us! THIS CAN’T BE. “Closed on Tuesday, July 8th.”

What do you do?

You take a group selfie with your new friends having the same luck! 😊

By the time we cooled off in the car for a bit, we drove to the OTHER side of town, praying that place wouldn’t be closed.

THEY WERE OPEN!😊

“Do you have seats with cushions?” I asked as we were being welcomed to the OPEN restaurant. The man made a quick right and guess who was seated at the table RIGHT BESIDE US? Laughter erupted! “Are you stalking us?” Kristy asked them.

“Are you TWO stalking US?” Not only were they friendly, but funny!

During our breakfast they shared that one couple was from Colorado visiting with their young toddler. We all wanted something unique to eat! We found ourselves in a unique situation that we agreed we would all share! Who would believe we went to the same 3 restaurants?

When the check was dropped off the waitress leaned over and said, “Your bill has been paid. They wish to stay anonymous.” She was smiling the whole time because she heard our story and had fun with us the entire time. Gratitude? Oh my. AND TEARS. We couldn’t believe it! We hugged goodbye and talked about how we will pay it forward. At that moment I didn’t feel shriveled or withered. The warmth of their kindness and generosity made for continued perfect temperatures.

My skin has felt charred by blood draws. My bones burn and my mobility is marred. We all have sizzling situations. They remind me of Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness.  With a confident “NO” he could reply to Satan’s temptations. He knew who HE was—the great I AM.

Do we have to walk through the fire, blistered by burns, or experience the scalding desolate times in the wilderness to know who we ARE?

“My energy shrivels; situations will scorch. I’ll not wither in sweltering weather and woes. I’ll avoid being parched–the Living Waters will quench my soul.”

K.L. Hale

Let’s allow our faith to fuel flames and burn bright with the hope, love, and mercy that Jesus shows us.

Do you KNOW HOW LOVED YOU ARE? REALLY?

Have hope. Keep the faith. 💚

Finley River Hale turned 8 years old last month!

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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If you or a loved one is battling NET cancer please visit the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation for a treasure trove of helpful information! 🦓🙏🏻 Don’t lose hope, friends!

Cool Change

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The smell of the cinder blocks and school floor wax, mixed with heat looming in the halls, transported me to high school. The humidity soared that summer day. Demeanors were dampened as a result of a huge turnover. Many of us would be hired that scorching season. Sweat and stickiness stuck to the interview chair. “You’re in the hot seat,” an interviewer blurted.

“What would you do if you had X amount of discretionary funds?” With all eyes on me, I replied, “Use it for air conditioning.” Their recycled conversations about cooling costs weren’t on my radar. The group of ten interviewers burst into laughter (including the superintendent, members of the school board, a parent, and several teachers).

Cool changes were in the air.

Fast forward nearly two decades and reflective insulation cooled my hot R.V. Primitive living requires preparation without promises. Now I’m spoiled. Technology has provided instant relief. Up or down. On or off. Little effort on my part is required. I’m living in luxury with regulated temperatures. But OUT THERE, how do I create a cool change? How can the humidity of hurriedness be handled? Will I allow sweltering symptoms to suffocate? Which conditioning can cool the blaze of blame? Or the perspiring positions, clammy climates, and soggy spirits?

From the outside I look fine–I’m as sweaty as the next SW MO human. Inside, heat builds at time. A new situation, symptom, or circumstance. Pressure building from expectations, a tidal wave of texts, or excessive heat of emails. Different seasons require new adjustments.

I can only adjust me.

Change is inevitable. Being TOO comfortable causes complacency. Rather than question God I’ll use season changes to adjust my attitude. Prayer will be persistent–the indwelling of the Spirit is my stable solace. Christ makes all changes …cool. When seasons change, so must I.

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

There are many friends suffering (my prayer list is long). There are many who are enjoying life to its fullest despite pain, and some with pure joy and great blessings! Often I’m asked how I’m doing. There are things I choose not to share because the physical side effects are personal. You are all so precious to ask! Here is my update: most days I have some pain in my neck, back, and sometimes, hip. But don’t we all? My surgery gave me relief from the severe pain of the growing largest tumors. Surgery gives me more time for life and experiences! Yet, it has issues. Recently I had a virus (perhaps Covid? I never tested, but I did cancel a treatment due to fever and achiness–I think it’s going around!). Sleep is difficult. But I try hard to stay as active as possible. Digestion is always an issue. I never know how my stomach will settle after I eat. My teeth and jaw hurt so I MUST find a dentist. My dear friend Judy told me two years ago, “Don’t let your teeth go!” She experienced firsthand the effects of chemo and radiation. My calves swell, my heart palpitates at times, and my mouth burns. I wasn’t prepared for a marathon in THIS way. Sugar issues, continued injections, conversations between different doctors about varying opinions continue. I’ll go back to Maryland at the end of October or beginning of November. The cancer NOT spreading back to the liver from the lymph nodes is one concern–but the other issues create layers that go beyond just this. What doesn’t change right now? MY JOY and GRATITUDE. The reason I’m able to go and do is because of Christ. He’s given me an attitude of “do it now” and do it…ANYWAY. I can become heated by bills, just like all of you. When I feel my temps rise HE helps me QUICKLY adjust my temperature. I refuse to stay heated! When I looked up at my ceiling fan in December thinking that I would rather die, HE met me there. When I didn’t think I could live another day and I cried out to him in my bathroom, HE was there. The longing deep in my soul for a love that will never fade or disappear? Guess what? HE IS THERE. Because HE lives in me and I’ve experienced the darkest places in my life, I will ALWAYS give him the GLORY, no matter what!

I’ll allow Christ to control my thermostat. Adjustments happen with season changes. I won’t be texting much. I’m putting my phone on FOCUS because the life I’ve been given can’t be spent on my cell phone. It’s right in front of me. My computer and keyboard allow me to share it here—-Flannel with Faith. To create new stories, renew old ones with a “fresh” coat of paint (thank you, John Malone for this writing tip), and be fully immersed, I’ll adjust how I respond to constant temperature and technology changes. To be fully PRESENT requires more effort. I want a quiet and intentional life focused on faith, family, and friends (and experiences!). How are you changing in a cool way? Thank you for being my friend through all the changes. Do you know how much I’ve grown to love you?

Christ has made the coolest change I’ve ever had in my life.

You get one shot at this life…what are you doing with it? What do you do alone? Is it time for a cool change? Do you believe in a Creator that can be YOUR change agent?

Do you know how loved you are? Have faith. 🤍

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Feeling the Heat

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It was hotter than 90 degrees one summer day forty years ago. The sun was sizzling. Mom plastered us in white cream. As beautiful as ever, and brown as a bear, she made sure us freckle-faced girls were protected. Hours of swimming and reapplying lotion passed; anxiously I ran to the tall chain link fence to await Dad cresting the last hill from the 18th hole. His two wheel chariot was my dream ride. He was my knight bearing a shiny club. Life was perfect; even with the heat.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Yesterday my R.V. was dripping with water. So was I. It seemed we were both crying. “She” from sputtering so much air to keep Finn and I cool. Me?…just sputtering over disappointment. “You can handle the heat!”, I convinced myself.

This is the worst part of me. And it occurs two seasons a year. Movement is limited by the “air I wear”. The battle aches of the arthritis and autoimmune issues try to wreak havoc on my psyche. Luckily, at times, fog will settle into my mind and distract me from the physical.

My hot tears weren’t all about the humidity. Haven’t we all felt the sweltering swirl of disdain? The heat behind the masks? What about the burning tires of busyness~ the rat race in which so many are forced to participate? Can you feel the heat from the roads?

Being an “in the middle” kind of gal I prefer temps in the 70’s. One where the extremes of hot and cold aren’t experienced. Most certainly I would feel spoiled. But would I be prepared the next time for a visit to the frigid cold? Would I still be able to withstand the heat again? Am I even insulated for either?

When things are too hot to handle I have to ground myself. I allow my shoulders to fall and take a deep breath. My face smoothes out and my jaw becomes relaxed. “Thank you heavenly Papa”, as I inhale. Exhaling slowly I whisper a blessing. This isn’t going to last long.

Meanwhile in the rest of the world we are all longing for perfect temperatures and dreamy places to balance our temperaments. The plague continues its spread like a heat wave. You’d think there’d be brief relief from the coolness of indifference.

I’m not alone. You’re not alone. Don’t get burned. Protect yourself and salve your soul with the paste of these promises:

“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” -Proverbs 30:5

“For everyone will be tested with fire.”-Mark 9:49

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.”-Psalms 5:11

“Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.”-C.S. Lewis