What is living limitless? For many right now, the weather might limit how you’re living! Mostly, to engage in small talk, I’ll visit with others about the weather. At times, I feel set apart as I don’t have many friends that I talk to Jesus about. Weather chats keep us neutral and in agreement. When politics is involved, things might “heat” up this frigid front!
When I began “revamping” my website it was my goal to include my testimony. My faith and belief in Christ isn’t JUST about eternity ONE day. My goal in life is to live the ABUNDANT life that Christ offered when I chose to follow him. Do you know that in accepting and receiving, you too can have this power? I’d rather talk about Christ and his amazing creations that produce AWE –not angst or anxiety! I don’t want to get to the end of my “race” and lose my faith. The more Christ is IN ME, the LESS of this world I need. My joy isn’t based on circumstances or what I “own” or any other status. Living Limitless means I’ve received the Holy Spirit IN ME and I must die to my self and flesh daily.
I’ll ask you, “How’s the weather in your area?” and gladly have small talk. But what I’d love to hear answered is, “Do you know how loved you are and that you too can live a limitless life IN Christ?”
Join K.L. Hale from Flannel with Faith as she interviews Tim Denney, from WithoutLimit.org. Tim is the NW Regional Co-coordinator for the Northern MN Suicide Prevention Initiative (& the mental health lead for NW Health Services Coalition). Tim’s decade with the Quakers helped his Christ IN HIM life!
Keep the faith, my friends. Even in these frigid and frozen times! Stay safe and blessed. You are loved!💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
***Please accept my apology for the previously published post! I’m learning the “in’s and out’s” of Podbean as well as working with a creator of an effect app for recording! These learning curves are great and I hope you enjoy this interview! Be encouraged! You are loved!***
She was happy, kind, bubbly, and curious! Hallie loved learning, helping others, and playing hard at recess. “Work hard, play hard!” A great mantra for any age! Twenty-seven years later, Hallie towered over me when we met to catch up for dinner. We’ve been friends on the YouVersion Bible app for many years. Our reunion was past due! She is STILL happy, kind, bubbly, and curious. She’s a mother, wife, and hard worker! It wasn’t a surprise Hallie is living her best life. When I pulled out our class photo, she recalled the names of every student. It’s a large district where students may not be in the same class year to year. Wow! What a great memory, Hallie! Surprisingly, I remembered many. We shared our favorite memories (and the twists and turns in life). From the Flat Stanley book project (do you remember Flat Stanley books?) to graduations and careers. Excitedly I shared about my new pen pal partnership with Ms. Jennie and her Aqua Roomers in Massachusetts. We hugged goodbye and made plans for our next get-together.
Gloria looked so cute curled up in the box with Zeb, the zebra. Thank you amazing Aqua Roomers for our note and cards! The journal was stuffed with tales of adventures with students! Finley didn’t know what to think! Her head swiveled side to side. “She’s going to hang out with us a month and visit schools, Finley!”
Finley and her pal, GloriaGloria “earned” a game just like the other students!“Gloria and I need each other!” Gloria loved Piper’s writing!A perfect partner for their project!Gloria wants to teach! “I’m going to be a student!”A drive to Branson–but no Italian for Gloria! Just two of many who stopped by to say good-bye after school! Thank you Aqua Roomers for your amazing cards!Gloria and I at Nature CenterGloria loves computer classMore of Gloria and friends!Gloria soaking in the sun
From Kindergarten to 4th grade, music, P.E., and middle school science and English—Gloria made the rounds in Southwest Missouri schools. When I shared her story with students, they were eager to have their “turn” holding Gloria. Kids love being SEEN and a PART of something BIGGER than them. Also, being a BIG part of something GOOD. One student said, “Gloria needs me and I need her.” One girl asked, “Is she the witch from Wicked?” Gloria is GOOD, no matter how she is dressed or her age. We all agreed. Kids amaze me. They’re imaginations aren’t stifled (unless someone tries to stunt them—please don’t). To my amazement, not one student said anything negative about the project (you never know with middle school ages). They shocked me at how much they wanted Gloria to participate!
Kids were comfortable around Gloria. They were open to sharing with me! Their eyes lit up talking about their favorite stuffies, toys, and/or school projects. “Will you and Gloria come back?,” some would ask. At one large middle school, about 10 kids came by the room to say goodbye to Gloria and I at dismissal bell. My heart melted. Even a resource officer stopped by to meet Gloria. The cafeteria workers loved her, too! Oh, the places we could go! Gloria met around 200 students!
Thank you, Ms. Jennie, for all you do for students! Literacy, love, and life-long skills! Years from now students may not remember what they were taught. But I know they’ll remember the ones who loved them and made them feel special (there’s a quote similar to this!). Stop by Ms. Jennie’s room if you get a chance. You will leave feeling hopeful and happy! Who knows will Gloria might go next?
I’m so thankful for the praiseworthy pen pal partnership with Ms. Jennie and her Aqua Roomers! From Missouri to Massachusetts—states far apart, same hearts!❣️
Have you Heard of NET, yet? 🦓
Today feels surreal. My photo memories started popping up two days ago. It was Finley and I’s last school visit that year. From teaching the writing process to nearly 100 students to two days later, being in the ER hearing that I had a mass on my pancreas with metastasis to my liver, lymph nodes, and bones. My life was turned upside down. Two weeks ago, I visited my favorite classroom and began a new chemo that evening. The first week was ok. This last week has proven more challenging. I’m reminded this is a marathon, not a sprint. I’m sad to say that reading too much makes my head hurt and my eyes fuzzy. Writing too long creates elbow and hand aches. My fatigue has slowed me down. Glucose issues won’t allow me to adventure alone right now. Sometimes It’s a lot to digest. Literally. My scalp and skin itch. I’m itching to get back to where I was after my surgery recovery. From the outside I look the same, mostly. Will I ever be the…same?
Meanwhile, we ALL experience changing seasons. Diagnoses, dreams, and daily difficulties. Losses, love, and learning. Major milestones, memories, and Mondays. New stages of life, stones to turn, and storms. Birthdays, ballgames, and bonfires. New friends, faces, and funerals. Retirements, reunions, and recreation.
My season will be one of recovery, rest, and recharging. My praiseworthy partnership with my Creator never changes. Although I might not understand certain situations, Christ gives me confidence. This praiseworthy partnership will always provide peace that this world cannot offer.
It’s a praiseworthy partnership that will surpass any situation.
My partner wishes to be more than a pen pal partner for YOU. Do you know how loved you are? REALLY?💗🙏🏼
Find the faith. Keep it. 💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
Thinking about primaries? Right now I have a primary focus-preservation. Preservation of my memories, mind, soul, and body.
Memories
A streetlight near our house reminded me it was time to go inside. It was 1970-something. We biked, walked, explored, and always had something to do. Finding creatures was my favorite. Furry, hard-shelled, squiggly, snuggly, the cuter the better. “Mom, can we keep it/them?” The songs from “Grease”, Ronnie Milsap, Jim Reeves, Queen, Conway Twitty, John Denver, Michael Jackson, Eagles, and a host of others echoed in the brown-shagged carpeted bedroom. Shaun Cassidy and Leif Garrett covered the Tiger Beat and the T.V. Guide was simply fine! Re-runs of Gentle Ben and Flipper, Little House on the Prairie, Johnny Quest, and Scooby Doo were indulgences. Church on Sunday, family around the table, the river, softball, a cafe on the corner, and the Book Mobile were all stand outs!
The 1990’s are my most special-motherhood. Early mornings and late nights. A love that you can never describe. Two little boys brought delight and love. Giggles, books on the lap, camping, ballgames, dirt, and yes, tough things. Puzzles, Legos, trips, movie nights, homemade pizza, and cinnamon rolls with gooey kisses! A classroom, kids, and a career. Adulthood abducted me. Motherhood was still my dream come true. The 2000’s roared in–wait, we’re still here (Y2K?)? Technology tackled time (and still does!). Motherhood and school defined me. Amid it all I still tried to laugh. There were ballgames, family gatherings, graduations, special hugs, and talks at nights. Motherhood seemed to end as abruptly as it began. Becoming a Grandma came around a decade’s corner. My heart grew even larger. 💕
Mind & Soul
Years working with amazingly different personalities, revolving relationships, trying to unwrap the unexplainable, diving into learning, and still dreaming all widened my mind. I’ll never stop learning. Minds may imagine things in ways that are not reality. My mind managed the best it could. My soul longed for simplicity. Simplicity soared from my complexities. The ups and downs ushered utter understanding of the longing in my soul. It went deeper than a career, 3-bedroom home, and the “stuff” collected that littered my life. The feelings of abandonment, misunderstanding, and desiring to be everything to everyone suffocated my safety. Letting go of the litter, brushing off the brutality of the brokenness, and absorbing acceptance sanctified and satisfied my soul. My Creator was there all along. Love lived in me. This realization, coupled with simplicity in small things and spaces (including a 300 sq.ft. R.V.) rallied my resolve! Political affiliations, dress codes, unrealistic expectations, forced feelings, pressured partnerships, and accumulation of assets never propelled my peace. Contentment came with courage. Courage to leave behind the confusion that came with miscommunication. Courage to step off the ride of resentment (when I wanted to remain). The courage to love anyway.
Grace. It grows you. It’s essential I not absorb the hate talk, toxic tones, and artificial authenticity. My soul sighs when I think of my Savior. Will we ever slow down to savor the sacred? The sweet? The sincere? Will we reach across divides and deepen our understanding? Can we bridge the gaps of gloom with gladness? Can we create cordial? Can we reach the ruthful? I know who can.
Vote with your heart. Live by your heart. Walk with heart. Listen with your heart. Speak from your heart. Open your mind and make way for the merciful and the meaningful. Use your mind to neutralize the noise; your soul to secure and serve.
images by Getty
I’m Karla Hale and I approve this message.
Have faith💛
Embracing imperfection with faith, fresh air, and flannel
K.L. Hale
Featured image credit-K.L. Hale-other images created by K.L. Hale via Canva. Verse images by Getty.
Have You Heard of Net Yet?
Thank you for joining my journey. I’m currently on a chemo break! It will end with appointments this Thursday and chemo beginning Friday (simply the first two weeks of each month is how it’s fallen). At the end of this 3rd round scans will be scheduled. Decisions will be based on results (continued chemo, radiation, etc.…). Overall, I feel I’m managing the treatments very well. Like we all experience in life, there are moments of strengths and weaknesses. A new doctor is addressing blood glucose levels. I’m still learning all I can about this cancer. The experiences of others provide knowledge and comfort.💛 Small “chunks” of time work to accomplish tasks. It’s taken me two days to complete this small post. Something we should all consider-does your family know your wishes in case of an unexpected event? I found out that Missouri is a state that offers a Beneficiary Deed. With this, because I’m single and do not own much, probate will be avoided. This took a couple of hours to navigate-the paperwork, small prices, and now a future trip to the County Recorder’s Office. A will? An advanced healthcare directive? If you already have them in place you may want to revisit to ensure accuracy. Out of fairness and love for your family, please share your wishes. Once this is complete you will have a better peace of mind. FYI-I’m not planning on NEEDING these soon! 😊 For those living alone, I understand. If you ever need support, please use my email at finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. Due to my circumstances, I may not be readily available; just as it is for texts and calls. I’d advise a “S.O.S. team” in case of emergencies (a few family members or neighbors/friends in close proximity). Cancer is like a full-time job. I’m still on the first lap! I’m expecting superior results and take one moment, one hour, and one day at a time. I’ll not stop adding to my bucket list. I’ll not stop praying for you and sending my best wishes always. Thank you for being here. You are loved.💛
