Tag: travel

Love & Leadership

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Established in 1879, today marks the 147th anniversary of Presidents’ Day. George Washington was orginally honored on the day of his birthday. In 1971 the holiday was moved to the 3rd wekeend of February in between the birthdays of both Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Why would I include love with leadership? First, because I have a late Valentine’s Day card for all of you. Secondly, why wouldn’t leadership include love? Love and leadership. What a great combination!

Let’s talk about love!❣️

The last two weeks included time with my parents, a beautiful celebration of my amazing grandfather, and a quick trip to LOVE MORE with my family. Although physically tired, my soul and heart are energized by the love of Christ IN ME. He loves US ALL so much that He submitted to death in His human body for our FREEDOM. But this love requires… SURRENDER.

Time moved quicker than me. I couldn’t wait to see them. Within the hour the party would begin. Seeing her with her friends, the teacher, and other parents filled my heart. More time with my granddaughter, son, and daughter-in-love! This is what love is all about!

My old nature would say that this cancer has the “best of me”. Physical challenges, bowel and dietary issues, bone aches, and at times, unexplained pain. Why would I even attempt going?

I’ve been asked, “How do you keep going?”

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11

It’s the power that LIVES inside of me. It’s the sacrificial love and strength supplied by my comforter and gift from Christ-the Holy Spirit. I’m EMPTY of ME. An empty vessel filled with His love and strength.

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6:63

Let’s chat about leadership!

Standing before the Lincoln Memorial, I couldn’t help but think about the qualities that make a leader truly great—qualities that echo both in history and in my own life. Visiting this powerful monument with my dear friend Kerry, right before my major cancer surgery, remains a vivid memory. The experience was both humbling and grounding. In that moment, the significance of leadership took on a new, personal meaning for me. My Dad, sons, and I all share a love for history, and it’s not uncommon for me to “geek out” (as a dear friend says) on historical documentaries. Learning about the past—and discovering current individuals who contribute positively to society—reminds me how much leadership, in all its forms, can inspire us to grow and persevere.

To lead with love can be cahllenging! To some it might appear weak, but I’ve come to realize that showing compassion and patience requires far more strength than simply issuing commands. Jesus, being the greatest leader I know, led with love—never shying away from being among the messy, the unclean, the “outcasts.” His example challenges me daily to extend grace, to include others, and to serve without reservation. So, what does love have to do with it? EVERYTHING!

Do you know how loved you are? ❣️

Have hope. Keep the faith! ❣️

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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Friends, my recovery from trips are taking longer than expected. THANK YOU for your grace & understanding. 💚

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River Renga

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A few months ago, my cousin Sagan and I started working together on a Renga poem. Although poetry isn’t her favorite, we enjoyed collaborating! I’m sure you’ll agree she did amazing! Sagan is in college in northern Missouri and usually writes non-fiction. If we had more time, our poem would be longer. Sagan’s dad, Jeff (my first cousin), and I shared many great summers on the Finley River with our family! My love for nature is only third behind my Savior and family! I hope you enjoy our *Renga, the River of Life!

River of Life poem by K.L. Hale & Sagan Wilson (1)Download

There’s something about rivers. The Taneycomo, Buffalo, Yellowstone, & Snake,…Roaring River, Current, the Duwamish, and Rio Grande. Missouri, Mississippi, the Chena, and Payette. North Fork and South Fork to Jack Forks and back home to Finley. Even the muddy James has my heart.

I’m grateful for the river of life flowing through me!

Do you know how loved you are? I pray that the rivers of your life flow free with love & good health. Perhaps even poetically & collaboratively, just like a Renga!

Have hope. Keep the faith, my friends. 💚

***The genre was elevated to a literary art by Nijō Yoshimoto (二条良基, 1320–1388), who compiled the first imperial renga anthology Tsukubashū (菟玖波集) in 1356. The most famous renga master was Sōgi (宗祇, 1421–1502), and Matsuo Bashō (松尾芭蕉, 1644–1694) after him became the most famous haikai master. Renga sequences were typically composed live during gatherings of poets, transcribed oral sessions known as rengakai (連歌会), but could also be composed by single poets as mainly textual works. (Renga, 2026)***

Source:

Renga. (2026, Janurary 15). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renga

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Worldly Welcome

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My head was still in the clouds when the plane landed in D.C. With an achy body and God-given gumption, I moved at a determined snail’s pace to find a taxi to Bethesda. Four times at Reagan Airport–ANOTHER kind and gracious driver! He shared about saying good-bye to his wife and kids in Kenya two days earlier. The gleam in his eyes and smile on his face, despite the absence from his loved ones, lifted my spirit. His sunny disposition lit the night sky. “Humans make things hard,” he said. With a bit of renewed energy, I thanked him for his kindness and positivity. He replied, “Never worry. God has it all.”

The next day a dear childhood friend, Kerry, met me for the early shuttle to the NIH/NCI. The day was filled with scans, bloodwork, and visits with the specialists. Worldly welcomes! A spectacular fellow in research from Puerto Rico, the gracious travel coordinator from India, a lovely lab tech from Israel, and a courageous cancer patient from Canada. All of us meeting in this amazing global facility filled with caring researchers, specialists, doctors, and many other dedicated servants. Miracles in the making!

Scanxiety? I’ve lost track of the number of scans. Through the buzz, whirls, and clonks of all the machines, I hear Dad singing, “Welcome to my world.”  Yes, this is my world. I’m so thankful.

My head might still be in the clouds a bit. There’s new medicine, another scan, and appointment this week. From a worldly welcome in D.C. to the cheers of the Missouri folks as our rocking plane (two hours of turbulence!) landed in the Ozark Plateau.

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference.”

Nelson Mandela

Can you imagine our world if everyone was so welcoming?

“You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman

I’m so thankful for the NCI/NIH!
Meet my little zebra, “Heart” (Zeb’s younger brother–named by Ms. Jennie’s class)
Thank you airport workers!
Heart the zebra gave Jenna comfort during the turbulent ride!
“God, comfort the families of the victims.”
Time for another scan, Heart!
Easy on the coffee, Heart. You’re a kid!

Friends, your support means so much to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my updates and articles. I know how much you have going on in your worlds! I received news that my pancreas and liver are stable! There’s bone and lymph node progression. The bone marrow could be overactive. My spine MRI was… icky. I’ll leave that there! For those that have back pain, I empathize and feel for you, too. My energy level has not been what it was–but I keep my expectations reasonable and my hopes high. I’ll have another MRI on Wednesday and an oncology appointment on Thursday. I’m expecting great things! I look forward to catching up to hear how things are in in your world. I’m so glad we’re on this journey together. You are always so welcoming! God bless you and keep you all. You are loved. ❣️

Love, Karla and Finley 🐾❣️

“The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.”

John Muir

Do you know how loved you are? Keep the faith, my friends. ❣️

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Current Conditions

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What’s your current condition? There’s a high probability I’ve experienced it (my empathy is 100% regardless). Greater odds than the forecast. The blizzard didn’t dump as much as predicted, but enough to keep kids happy at home.

Currently, I’ll continue training videos for the school district. It requires time, attention, and successful assessment.  Topics like bullying, suicide prevention, harassment, bloodborne pathogens, and technology are covered. These aren’t new topics after several decades. Changing conditions in me make these NEW again.

My faith walk is similar. The studies, devotions, and books I’m reading align with what I KNEW years ago. It’s better now. NEWER. Despite current conditions, My 2025 Makeover continues. Walking alongside Jesus, allowing grace, love, and mercy to repair the brokenness; surrendering to the complete indwelling of the Spirit—that’s the NEWEST and ONLY way for me to live.

Are your current conditions cold, calm, cloudy, or clear?

The current conditions of snow, family changes, and health are no match for a peace that passes ALL understanding. You don’t have to take my word for it. Take HIS. Is this new for you?

I’ll cozy up in my old flannel, cling to old-fashioned things I love, and live in the NEW that never gets old.

Conditions change day by day–state to state.

Do you know how loved you are?❣️

Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓

Conditions can overwhelm. Another cancer survivor and I shared our survivor’s guilt. Isn’t that how the enemy tries to ruin us? Then…walls came crashing down like the temperatures. A beautiful fellow cancer friend shared about the hope and support she received from palliative care. This wasn’t NEW to me. A week prior I had reached out for help hope.

Palliative Care is NOT hospice. Anyone with a serious illness can seek support if needed. LACNETS, it’s amazing leadership and members, has enhanced my life. Now, with additional support, I’ll be more aware of how “current conditions” impact my day to day.

Updates

  • From March 2nd-5th I’ll return to the NCI/NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. Scans, bloodwork, and clinical visits will determine my current condition. I’m expecting great results and amazing NEW learning, support, and experiences. It’s much easier to update everyone here versus text and email. Thank you for your understanding!
  • Jarrod, Brooke, A & A landed safely in Fairbanks, Alaska for their 2nd move here. Jay, Cierra, and W are settled in their new house near K.C. My sweet parents and family continue walking by faith–despite any current conditions. Thank you for lifting us in prayers, good wishes, blessings, vibes, and all the above. My heart always feels for those suffering and injured. Please know that WE lift and pray for YOU, too.

Friends, spring is around the corner. There are signs of hope all around. If current conditions keep you from feeling or finding it, reach out; you’re not alone. You’re such a blessing. Thank you for taking time to support my journey.

Love, Karla & Finn❣️🐾

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