Life might feel more predictable and light if health, home, and happenings always stayed easy. Yes, that would take a load off. Yet it’s often in the weightiness of situations that I feel the Spirit more! Even in such a weighty week, I can say, “I still count it all joy.”
In a week jammed with appointments—medical & divine—each one has reminded me that life can feel weighty while Christ remains steady.
Steady Over Stable
As I think about the phrase steady over stable, it feels like the season I am living in. The doctors look at my scans and call me stable-I know they mean that as good news. In the medical world, stable means the cancer is not growing, not spreading, and not misbehaving in a new way. But when you are living with a cancer that never goes away, stable can feel a whole lot more like being stably stranded.
Sometimes people only see the word on the report, but they do not see what it takes to stay there.
Stable does not mean NED (no evidence of disease). Stable does not mean free. Stable does not mean my body is not tired, my heart is not heavy, or the treatments are not taking their toll. Stable means the cancer is staying put—but so am I, living in that surreal place. Stable doesn’t mean the hard days are over. Some days, stable still feels like strain. It costs energy. It steals strength, interrupts plans, and reminds me that I’m carrying something I can’t simply leave behind.
Stability comes at a cost.
Some put in what it takes to stay stable. Others get so worn down they wonder if they can keep going. I understand that ache. But I also know this: Christ does not give up on us. He stays when strength runs thin. He holds when hope feels heavy. He keeps meeting me in the middle of the cost. But Christ does not shift with my circumstances.
So I will take stable! THANK YOU, GOD! I will take one more heavy-duty treatment. I will take monthly maintenance and the next round of scans when they come in several months.
Stable is what the scan says. Steady is who Christ is.
Lingering Love
Yesterday, that truth rode along with me from place to place. I thought of Tom’s celebration of life at every stop and follow up; prayed for Lisa, friends, and family. Then a video would pop up from a friend or an amazing son or daughter-in-love with the joys of a child’s life. I thought of Kenzie’s upcoming celebration of life. “Father, comfort them all.” Later, when I was able to view Tom’s service, I was brought to tears by the love in that church! Lisa said that Tom was the “literal wind beneath her wings.”
Standing there in that sorrow, I felt the weight of what love costs. Love brings joy, yes, but it also brings tears. It asks us to show up, to remember, to grieve, and to keep loving even when our bodies are exhausted.
Then, in another tender moment recently, I watched a beautiful couple renew their wedding vows through a cancer wish. They stood before each other surrounded by the reality of disease, treatments, scans, and unknowns—and still chose love. That kind of love is not always polished or predictable. It is not stable like a schedule or safe like a savings account. Just as Tom and Lisa’s love.
Real love stands in shifting ground and says, “I am still here.” It sacrifices. It stays. It keeps choosing presence when life gives every reason to pull back.
Just as the love CHRIST has for all of us.
So here I am—stably stranded, physically spent, grieving with friends, celebrating a love story, and still counting joy. The toll is real. The cost is steep. But my Savior is steady, and my life is held by Christ. I will keep showing up, wrapped in flannel and covered in grace, one day at a time. And I will keep loving, because love will linger always.
A Father’s Heart
Today brought another appointment of the heart—this time, my dad’s. We huddled together in a room that felt much too small for the weight we were carrying, listening to cardiothoracic surgeons talk through new doctors, new options, and my dad’s failing heart. His heart has been through the wringer, and yet we can still count him among the miracles God has allowed us to witness. He and my Mom and their precious hearts. Through it all–lingering love of 62 years and counting.
Sitting there, I could not help but think about my Heavenly Father’s heart too. His heart broke for us, moved toward us, and made a way for us when there was no quick fix. This world offers plenty of “fast fixes”, but God goes straight for the heart. We must LINGER. There are weighty decisions ahead, but I am trusting them to the Father whose heart is full of wisdom, mercy, and love. My Father’s heart.
Fixed Faith
Having a fixed faith does not mean my heart won’t break. It means I know where to take the broken pieces and who will make me whole. He is my peace in the waiting, my comfort in the pain, and my anchor when stable feels anything but stable. HE IS MY JOY! Cancer may live in my body, but Christ holds my life.
“He is my peace in the waiting, my comfort in the pain, and my anchor when stable feels anything but stable. I will keep holding on to hope, keep walking by faith, and keep trusting the One who meets me right here—in the appointments, in the waiting, in the grief, in the joy, and in every weighty week..” K.L. Hale
This weighty week is not quite over. There is still one more appointment on the calendar tomorrow, and my sister’s birthday to celebrate. But then, by God’s grace, I get to take some of the weight off. Monday, I will go visit family, breathe a little deeper, laugh a little easier, and let love feel lighter for a while. The week has been weighty, yes—but Christ is still steady, my faith is still fixed, and rest is coming.
Where are you trying to find stability right now? If we look to this world to hold us steady, we will eventually feel the sand shift beneath our feet. When life feels weighty, He is still worthy. When the road feels uncertain, He is still faithful. Our Savior is STEADY. Lingering love? It’s everlasting! Do you know how loved you are?
Don’t lose hope, friends. Keep the faith.💗
Friends, meet Rich and Karen Dupatz.💞 Meeting them several years ago as workkamping friends, and then, watching Richard warrior through his cancer, has been such an honor. Karen, a retired nurse, has been by his side. Enjoy this special link and amazing love story and renewal by “Wish Upon a Wedding”.
More from Flannel with Faith
-
Heavy to Heavenly
Save I had written about the heaviness before I left, but I did not know how literally I would feel it in my body, my schedule, and my spirit. Maybe that is why the…
-
Weighty Week
Life might feel more predictable and light if health, home, and happenings always stayed easy. Yes, that would take a load off. Yet it’s often in the weightiness of situations that I feel the…
-
Meaningful Maintenance
We don’t wait for our car engine to seize before checking the oil, yet so often, we wait until our bodies are exhausted and our spirits are dry before we think about care. Real…
-
Finley River Flash Sale!
Summer SALE!🏷️ Would you like 25% off? Use Code: JULY25 at checkout Sale ends July 19th! Join the community Learn about new products and discounts Powered by WordPress with WooCommerce Discover more from Flannel…
-
Stifling Start
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…
-
Ideal Independence
Goodnight full moon–goodbye June! Hello, Kaboom! July 1st came in with a sizzle, snap-fizz, and a boom! The countdown to the 4th of July is on! As we approach our nation’s America 250 milestone,…
-
Living Liberated
Living liberated is a beautiful thing. I felt it’s cost, too, in the sticky summer air. Suddenly, while standing on the bridge at Wilson’s Creek Battlefield, a huge flock of birds started swooping and…
-
America the Beautiful
As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it’s a beautiful season to pause, ponder, and practice gratitude for the freedom we share. Our family shares a deep appreciation for those who serve and protect these…
-
Journey into June
The journey to June came swiftly! “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise!” If you’re from my neck of the woods, you’ve heard this phrase a time or two. I might make plans–but I’m…
©2019-2025 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.
Discover more from Flannel with Faith
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Karla, this may be your best piece yet. I have to add that you continue to amaze me. With all you’re dealing with, with all you’re going through you continue to shine. Your positivity is a beacon and it clearly shines from a place of love.
Thank you, Steve. I give all glory to God. I can’t imagine a life without Him. Or living without faith? It would be…unrecognizable. I’ve tried on my own “grit” or positivity–without Him, it fails!
THANK YOU, dear friend, for your years of wisdom and leadership that have given me insights and affirmations. May God continue to bless us all!
You might try working at a horse ranch. Then your condition will always be stable.
It appears you’ve fought your cancer to a standstill. That ain’t no small achievement, in my opinion. You seem like a fighter, as tired as you probably get, sometimes. Without your faith, maybe you wouldn’t feel motivated to fight so hard. So keep up the faith.
I hope one day your doctor will look at your test results, then look at you and say, “NED.” And without you having to change your first name.
Tippy!! LOL! I can always count on you for the best laughs and giggles!
I’m going to keep up the faith and keep on trotting along (let’s leave that there!). GOD IS GOOD, Tippy!
“Hey, Ned.” I can hear it now, my friend. “There she is. Ned’s here!”
It’s a fight that I’m going to stay in…until I can’t. And even then, it’s ultimately not up to me!
But until then, I’ll see you around the ranch, my friend! I appreciate you!
A beautiful post Karla. this is a fascinating study into steadiness over stableness. too often, the terms are used interchangeably but they are quite different. I, too, want the security of stableness but have accepted that steadiness is probably the only thing that can tether us to the good parts of what make us who we are.
I personally don’t like it and still want stability…but perhaps stability is a myth. something that, even if we all got, we would pay dearly for it one way or another.
as always, sending healing energy from nj
Mike
Mike~I understand, dear friend. I know exactly what you mean. I appreciate your feedback and friendship. I can feel your support ALL the way from NJ to MO!
Dearest Karla, this post is amazing in every way. I agree it might be your best one ever, but each one is so fabulous! Your heart and love reaches right through my iPhone straight to my heart.
“He is my peace in the waiting, my comfort in the pain, and my anchor when stable feels anything but stable. I will keep holding on to hope, keep walking by faith, and keep trusting the One who meets me right here—in the appointments, in the waiting, in the grief, in the joy, and in every weighty week..” K.L. Hale
You are always in my prayers and I look forward to connecting once you get back.
Love and hugs ❤️
Thank you, Pam. How kind! Wow! You are so precious to me. I HAD to get this week off my heart and soul. Through tears, laughter, and prayer….through silence. Lingering.
Everything became clear because of Christ.
I look forward to visiting when I return. I love you dearly. Sending love and hugs to all of you! 💞🙏🏻🥰
Indeed, this has been a weighty week. And a “wait-y” week, too. Weighty thoughts in waiting rooms. Weighty news, some of it good news, as you wait for clarity and decisions to be made. Soon it will be weighty luggage as you wait to board another plane!
Our journeys to zero, our being reduced to only His life and His faith in us as our only course, are seemingly difficult, sometimes disastrous on the outside. But the inward weight of glory is proof of a redeemer at work in our every circumstance. Your two celebrations of life in one week must be truly difficult for you. That is a weighty weight indeed. May the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of the God of all comfort, be your source of comfort as you close out the week and prepare to wing away to the Great White North.
Thank you for sharing these difficulties, and especially for sharing the joy of Christ in you. Will continue to remember you in prayers, especially that you would know the incomparable love of Christ and experience new depths of His life in its fullness. All the best to you, Karla. And that fluff ball, Finley, too.
Prayers sweet friend in this season. 🩷🙏
a powerful post, Karla; there are some great passages in the Bible re constancy ;;think one is in James !. There are times i have wavered but not given in. Will read them tonight ; prayers for you and dad 🙂
Thank you, John. Amen! I thought of many about keeping steadfast–that’s wonderful! Thank you for those prayers. I know my family appreciates it, sweet friend. And praying for YOU and your friends that are in the battle daily, too. And when taking a much needed break and feeling the power of the “remissions”!
yes, my blood cancer is STILL in remission; they don’t say it is cured; they say ‘in remission’; having a blood test —the first in a year — to check —
I’m praying, dear friend!! I had to go in for ANOTHER tune up today, lol. We’ll keep on keepin’ on…honk honk.
Seriously, please let me know how it goes, John. I pray remission is still in “commission”! God bless you!
yes, I’ll let you know. just hearfd a new hymn, written in 2014 about Christ being the Anchor. The church is named after it: THe Port Anchor Church ; my fave hymn 🙂
Keep the Faith Karla. A stable report is a sign of strength and endurance. That describes you perfectly. I took the word stable and made you an acrostic:
Strength
Through
Adversity
Because
Love
Empowers
Dwight~How special, dear friend! Just amazing! I’m going to copy this poem you wrote and place it in a graphic and print it out!! It means so much!
It gives me a whole new way to “SEE” STABLE. I’ve always loved acrostic poems. YOu’re quite a poet, Dwight! And an amazing human and friend. Thank you so much. God bless you and yours! 💞🙏🏻
You are most welcome my friend. I am glad you enjoyed it. Stay strong!
Happy Birthday to ‘sis’, may it be a big beautiful day for her, lots of nice things, and of course some chocolate 🥳🎁💖🎉🌹🌼💐❣️
And so glad to hear a weighty weak has become weaker Karla, but great strength in your heart for enduring so much. Lots of prayer all is well, and the ability to go skeetering outdoors and breathe the air kind lady. A rest in His love will do the trick for anything 🤗🦓🎶🕊️❤️
And much love and strength for your dad too. A trooper, as you both are, facing both your frontiers together. That’s love Karla, big beautiful energy that only it can give. I wish him well and the strength to steal your skeeter and go on his own travels 🤣❤️
Lots of love, hugs and healing to ‘everybody’ (you, dad, sis, Finn…party time!). Have a great time Karla, hang in there and enjoy a weightless (watch the chocolate), time with everyone. Hey, is that a current shot of you at the top right of your post? You look fantastic, 20 again at least. What are they giving you? Can I have some? I bet its chocolate! 🤣😂
Take care from down under kind lady, let the love flow 🤗😊🥰🤣😂😀🫶🏻😎🛵🥾🌟🐾🐶🐕🦓🎶🦢🦋🕊️🌊🐬🦭🐳🌹❤️🙏
Aww, Mark! I’ll tell my sis happy birthday all the way from the Down Under! It’s her big 6-0!
The week finally got weaker, Mark. But not after staying at the cancer center today for an unexpected 4 hours (another infusion or as they say, “tune up”). I really wasn’t expecting it. But a dear friend from our teaching days came with me (unexpectedly). So the day included tons of laughs and special moments. God was in the midst of it, as always. And humor!
My Dad is such a trooper. At one time, I’d declare him the fastest man in Missouri? Maybe the USA? To me, he was. I saw him lay down a left-handed bunt and get a triple out of it before the first baseman holding the ball knew Dad made it to 3rd. He’s in the Missouri Hall of Fame.
He was always steady. Intense. Determined. My school superintendent. I never wanted to disappoint he or mom. I’ve watched it overcome a LOT in his life. Both of them. They’re my heroes. So, having the grit comes from them, I know. God does the rest!
I feel the love and hugs, …and especially prayers. I’m going to miss Finn SO much. But I NEED this time with my sweet little grands. It’s been a YEAR since I’ve hugged them (almost a year!).
That is me in that little pic. So funny, too! My hair fell out, was shaved, turn white and everyone thought I’d been to a salon with my bleached pixie cut. Then, now, it’s turning back to it’s original color (with some streaks of white/gray mixed in). I have a great mullet going! We giggled at the cancer center today–the nurse and I–about how all of my hair “do’s” are “brought to me” by cancer. No salon! I haven’t been in one in years. lol. I took that at my desk with my phone. I’d say that I’m wearing the joy of Christ (along with Estee Lauder?). That’s enough! Tee hee. Truly, I see myself more through His eyes now than ever. What a miracle, my friend.
And chocolate never hurts! I treated my sweet friend to a local custard place after our time together. I think in life it’s good to enjoy the sweet things (but not TOO often–I manage well!!). Chocolate and bread are my two downfalls, sadly!
Finn and I send our love, hugs, and prayers alllllll the wayyyyy across the BIG OCEAN….Hope you feel it all flowing your way, dear friend! God bless you!!💞🚣🏻🚣🏻🐾🐾🦓🦓🦓🐋🦈🏄🏻🧜🏻♀️🐙🫶🏻🥰🙂🤗☀️🐶🐳🛴
PS–We try to get my Dad to use Skeeter….I’ll keep trying!
60? That isn’t legal is it? 🤣 There’s no way she can be that old, she looks only 24 like you 😂👌👍🌹❤️
But I did laugh about not needing a salon Karla, there are blessings among it all. And if an odd grey hair is sneaking in you may be able to get that black and white zebra symbol going in your hair 😂🤗🦓 And yes you do wear the joy of Christ kind lady, I hear it in each word you speak 🤗❤️
A year without grand hugs and kisses…eek! But, appreciated so much more because of it Karla. Have a great time with the catch up 🥰🤣
Holding records eh…I can imagine that trooper in your dad. Runs in the family I’d say 😂 You probably don’t realise each time you go out he’s been sneeking skeeter out for laps around the block to catch up with neighbors. You’ll hear rumors of someone doing burn outs around the corners nearby 🤣😂😎
Right, I’ll protect you and eat every piece of chocolate I can, save you with all the stores run out of it 🤣
Big, big hugs to you all. Prayers and love coming over by courier, and many blessings for a rest, romp and retreat for the break 🤗🥰🤣🫶🏻😎🛵🌟🐾🐶🦓🎶🦢🦋🕊️🐬🐳🌹❤️🙏
“Stable is what the scan says. Steady is who Christ is.” Wow. Just wow Karla! Great stuff.
Thank you, Brian!!! YAY!!!
FROM: Murphy’s Law
A weighty week in a weighty world. We wait for the doctors appointments to come up. We wait in the waiting rooms and then in the exam rooms. We wait for test results. And all this waiting creates a big weight on our shoulders.
STABLE is a beautiful word when applied to your cancer. It’s not up there with cured, but it’s good.
Hopefully the doctors will get dad in better shape and you will both be stable.
Have a wonderful week with your loved ones. Soak up all those hugs and kisses. Enjoy every moment.
You and dad are in my prayers. ❤️🦓🙏🏻
ginger🦋
Wait,….is that our Ginger! Wait, wait, wait…you know the weight in all the waiting, precious lady!
Stable is such a great thing, Ginger. I’m thinking I’d love to stop treatments and that’s NOT a good thing to do with this. So, I’ll take stable and monthly “tune ups”….wait. Wait. Wait. Scan. Rinse. Repeat.
I’ll take it …all.
They sent me back downstairs today for another “tune up”–but with a friend and laughter. I’m a good tired, dear Ginger.
I’ll soak up all the memories and giggles and I pray you are soaking in good things too. You’re a precious gem, Ginger.
Finn and I love you. Thank you for praying for Dad and I. I know he appreciates them. We know how blessed we are, too.
Please take care and keep on keepin’ on, too. 💞💞🙏🏻🙏🏻💐🥾
Karla, Your testimony of God’s love and faithfulness brings encouragement to all who are struggling in this life! May the Lord bless you with strength and comfort everyday! Henry and I send our love and keep you in our prayers! 🙏💕🐾
I’m so happy it brings encouragement! Cindy, I can’t say enough how He guides and comforts me. Today I was planning on my last appointment being “easy peasy!”. A friend that I taught with for years was in from Florida. Right before my appointment time she texted, “I’m on my way.” I didn’t know I would be going back to the infusion center again today and she was with me! That’s how HE works. Last Friday, I was alone and very ill…then the many appointments this week…to end, laughter and friendship and wonderful interactions at the cancer center. It’s God! When we know, we SEE Him and Feel Him in everything! I couldn’t do it without Him. May our Lord continue to bless and strengthen you too. Finn and I send our love and prayers to you both, dear friend. 🐾💞🙏🏻
❤️
🥰💞💞💞🥾🥾🐾🐾🐾
Karla, stable is good but as you say it doesn’t mean cured or without the ongoing struggle. Big hugs and many prayers!!! Mochi and I send you and Finn our love! 💗🐾💗🐾🐾🙏🏻🙏🏻🐾🐾🙏🏻🙏🏻🐾
Thank you, Val! Finn and I send our love and hugs back (she’s sleeping in my lap–snoring and full). She didn’t know I’d be gone ALL day again (yep, back to the infusion center!) so she’s a bit clingy. And I’ll take a clingy dog anyday, tee hee! We pray you are all well, my friend. 💞🐾🙏🏻💞🐾💞
Karla, we are good and Mochi is likewise snoozing at my feet. She was clingy because it has been raining all day. I’ll let the warriors know that you are having infusions so that they can pray for steady hands and gentle touches for the nurses and doctors… And of course for you – Peace and love headed your way! 🙏🏻💗💗🙏🏻
In your opening paragraph, you said, “It’s often in the weightiness of situations that I feel the Spirit more!” I can so related (although your experience far out”weighs” mine, Karla). Almost 50 years ago, as a new believer, I sought answers as to why God didn’t simply heal me from my relentless anxiety issues. The first book I read, ‘The Problem of Pain’ by C.S. Lewis, didn’t tell me how to be healed, but why God allowed it. Like you, he spoke of the value of suffering, how God is present in and speaks to us through our suffering. I have experienced that truth too many times since to doubt, dear friend. 🧡🙏
Thank you, Mitch, for sharing your testimony to how God meets us IN and through our suffering. C.S. Lewis—oh, friend. His words, much like yours do today, have impacted my walk in Christ. I read Elisabeth Elliot’s “Suffering Isn’t for Nothing” book recently again.
Today, at my last appointment, they decided I needed to go back to the infusion center for another “tune up” (a dear friend was with me today). The nurse shared how she lost her husband to cancer 3 years ago and tears stung my eyes as I embraced her in a hug. I NEVER look very far to see suffering. That is the one thing we all share. I can’t imagine having suffering of any kind (and anxiety is tough, Mitch) without having the presence of God to provide comfort through the chaos. It’s miraculous.
Don’t you feel, despite any suffering, that you’re already healed because our souls are? That’s what gives me such joy through it all. I can imagine the many more testimonies you have-thank you for sharing your heart and wisdom. God bless you, dear friend! 💞🙏🏻
“Already healed because our souls are.” What a lovely–and true–statement, Karla. 🧡
This was such a beautiful post Karla. It touched my heart. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us readers!
We’re currently in Ashland, OR to attend a memorial service. My friend’s mother died last week. There are no words for these moments. Sometimes all you can do is show up. 🙏💗
What a powerful testimony of faith in the middle of suffering. Praying for continued strength, peace, and comfort as you walk through each appointment and every heavy moment. 🙏
I am so inspired and feel very blessed after reading this wonderful post, Karla. You are more than a rock; you have eyes that see things differently. You see hope and goodness in spite of everything happening to you. You are a hero!
Jennie, what a humbling statement. Thank you, precious friend. I do try to see all of that. I give God the glory for all of it—no matter the situation, challenging or smooth, I continue to learn! You’re such a blessing, Jennie!! ❤️❤️🤗
😍❤️💕😀
I bet you can’t wait for Monday! 😀
Oh, Jennie…it was SPECTACULAR (due to an EXTENDED time on the tarmac, I missed my connecting flight in Denver so I landed in Fairbanks on Tuesday). AMAZING memories!! Have a blessed week, my friend. I prayed for you this morning specifically for school and the students!! All of you!❤️🤗
I’m so glad!! Have a wonderful week, Karla. School doesn’t start for children until the day after Labor Day, so still some summer time ahead.
Yay for more time, Jennie! You deserve it–but knowing you, I bet you’re ready! THANK YOU!!
More time is very welcome and needed. I’m getting ready, and I’m excited!
I do understand how being stable can also be a burden, but through your faith and strong spirit, you are an example for others as well. Hugs and prayers for you dear friend
I feel the hugs and prayers, sweet Sadje! THank you for your precious support and friendship! May your week be blessed and peaceful! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you dear friend. Same good wishes for you too ♥️♥️♥️
God bless you my friend, he’s with us every step of the way ❤️
The way you wrote about a heavy week without trying to sugarcoat it, I really felt it. Sometimes life just feels like a lot, and it helps to know we’re not the only ones going through those kind of weeks. Hope things feel a little lighter for you soon. ❤️
Ritish, thank you, my friend. I’m encouraged by your words. “Heaviness” is humanly isn’t it? I love that we can all unite in the emotions that God so beautifully weaved through us. Things feel lighter indeed. And I love how the weightiness is an excellent workout for growing my Union in Him! God bless you, my friend! I pray you are well! ❤️
Love being “stable” Karla. More than that, you write with so much overflowing hope as you are sharing your “secure” position in Christ. Love the comments section as your overflowing friendship encourages so many.
Gary, thank you, my friend. What a blessing to have so many amazing friends and support! As I was away visiting family, and my Dad’s heart procedure (unexpected, yet timely as God always does!), I have concentrated on focusing on His goodness and what He places right in front of me–and I’ll never take those things for granted, Gary. Just like these friendships here and the love and friendship I have with your precious family. I do pray that Cheryl and Tania are doing the best possible! My apologies for the late response!