Image by Debby Hudson on Unsplash – I love her photography because she always captures real life!
Disappointment
Maybe it’s trip lag or maybe I’ve run out and my well is dry. But I cannot think of anything of value to say here in a blog.
I started the picture book about our trip – but the file totally disappeared from my PC. I had our IT guy run all through it yesterday and the file has literally disappeared. I had 65 working pages. To say I was a bit disappointed is an understatement. I am almost convinced the template file was corrupt. Will I start again?
Today, I don’t want to – so I’m going to sulk a few more days and see what I come up with. I have this strong belief that perhaps I was going in the wrong direction and the Lord stopped me. I’m not saying this to be snarky – but I do wonder.
G.A.K.A.T.
Most of you know what this means: God Already Knew About This. And, it normally gives me great comfort but today I’m a little miffed.
Getting Back in the Groove
After being away five weeks it is rather difficult to get back in the groove. I already knew this would happen and I am resisting it with all I’ve got. I feel great physically but there is that pea under the mattress which is causing great discomfort!
This Too Shall Pass
I’ve had these “feelings” before and I know they go away – it is just the daily walking through that can be not-so-easy.
Hannah, our 22 y/o grandgirl is relocating to South Florida – her position at the Center of Hope for women turned into a nightmare for her. Outbreaks of impetigo, lice, and women defacating in the hallway were a bit too much. I told her one is either called to that or they are not. She is not. Moving forward and believing for her teaching certification in South FL. I believe this is an excellent move for her – she has a heart for kids and needs to exercise it in the right field. Prayers are appreciated.
Hubs On the Road Again
He will be driving the U-Haul!!! He will have a wonderful time with youngest son metal-detecting on the beaches of SoFL – as long as the tropical storm behaves itself. He’ll return home, rest again, and then face the real world of retirement! LOL! While he is gone, I plan to do a thorough cleaning of the flat and spend some time with 16 y/o grandson. Again, prayers always welcome.
Some Dreams are Rising Up Once More
That place on a lake decided to tickle my fancy once again. So, if any of you know of a tiny piece of lakefront in northern South Carolina raise your hand and message me! Perhaps a tiny house, garage, and a place to park Gracee…that’s what is on our minds. The Lord knows and that desire is in His hands. Yes, we welcome your prayers.
Doing the Next Thing
Those of you who know me best know that when I have these moments of deep-thinking the only thing I know to do is the “next thing.” That could mean a myriad of meaningless stuff. Doing the laundry. Scrubbing the toilets. Wiping down the kitchen. Buying fresh flowers (I did on Sunday). Changing our mantles. Putting new pillow slips on the couch. It is, by far, the best rx for me. It is positive productive activity and it’s what I need right now. THAT, and a good bit of creativity thrown in for the fun of it.
Just Writing This Down Helps
Thanks for reading and listening. Just writing it down is helpful. I know I’m not the only one who gets these bouts of gluhblahzaka’s – they are part of this earth life!
Heaven is Real & I’m Glad I’m Going!
If I didn’t have this Hope within me – I’d be full-fledged done! But, I do and I yearn for Heaven with a twinge of doing the next earth thing! Does that even make sense? I am betting it does! If you aren’t sure that heavenly home is yours? Just message me – and we’ll talk.
Thanks for listening y’all – I’m already feeling better and enjoying my second cuppa coffee this Tuesday morning – I feel so good I want to give something away. Your comment enters you in the give-away!
Rejoicing in Hope,
Sus’
P.S. Having these feelings is not being a defeatist – it is being human and if YOU suffer from this sort of thing? Please know you are normal!
The Give-away!
Leave a comment and be entered to win Emily’s best-selling book!
I love you and am so happy you are home. You don’t worry a bit about taking a rest from words for a while. I am the opposite. So many words they overflow the pages of my spiral. Grateful I can write again. Being blocked was awful. Will be praying about the future, that Holy Spirit will make your path clear.
Love you!
Shelbz
PS You are an official hope*writer, aren’t you? Did you find it worth the investment? Trying to choose between that, Flourish, and winging it.
I will email you in regard to your question!!!
Been there before. I do this with painting too. Every effort feels like struggle and I’ll say to myself, I think I’ve forgotten how to paint, write…You’ll be flowing again soon.
Just paint! And, thank you!
I enjoyed your update of life so you did have something beneficial to say. I’m sorry to hear things didn’t work out for Hannah but you are right, you’re called for that or you’re not. Sometimes it’s about learning what doesn’t work. Y
Isn’t it the truth! Debby, thank you for all your help along the journey and those fabulous photos!!!
I Love reading this honey, it’s so refreshing to know that I’m not the only one who
Goes thru these little what do you call them, Rest , relax and just pamper yourself honey. Know that you are so cover in prayers
It happens to the best of us! Just keep doing the next thing!!!
The next thing….
You’re getting to be the master of that principle!!!
I love this. I haven’t written in so long because I feel I have nothing to share and yet reading this, I think I could actually say something that someone needs to hear. Maybe I’ll get back to it! In the mean time, I enjoy reading your thoughts.
Robin, some one, some where, needs our words. I just know it. xo
You had plenty to say and I am glad you shared the update. May we remember God is at work even when we don’t see His activity. He is always at work and He is working all things out for all of you. Blessings!
My head and heart know this – but that ole stubborn flesh gets in the way at times!!!
I’ve tried searching for Debby’s stuff on Unsplash, but to no avail. Guess I need a tutorial…
I’m heartsick over that lost file. So sorry and sad alongside you.
Email coming later. I’ve really missed you.
Ready? unsplash dot com/dhudson_creative
I am always inspired when you write something no matter how small you think it is.Just keep looking up my friend…love ya. Sandy
You is kind! And, important. And, smart!!!
In your “I have nothing to say writing” you say much, Susan, my precious friend. You speak of humanity and hope and grace and so many other things and I appreciate each and every word.
So sad that you lost that file——but, your GAKT is so true. The words you are to write about the amazing trip will “be there”. I believe that.
Praying for your concerns: Hannah, Lowell as he helps her relocate, possibly a new home for y’all in the future (God’s got this…….)……and prayers for you. Love you!
Thank you Kathy, my wants seem so trivial compared to….
You know I loved this book! And doing The Next Right Thing always seems to help me put those swirling thoughts aside and focus. Fixing our eyes on Jesus and asking Him two questions:
1. What’s the next right thing for me?
2. Will You do it with me?
His answers are always there!
(Glad to read your words today, friend!)
I just love those two questions!!!
Oh my gosh Susan, how frustrating and heart breaking. I will be praying and looking forward to reading the book when it is supposed to be done. Even as I typed that I got a knot in my stomach for you….kinda like losing a folder of tax preparation stuff-ugh. I love the pictures and love GAKAT and “do the next thing”. These have helped me many times! Sending love, hugs, and prayers.
THEY are God’s lifesavers, Jan… I’ll figure it out I’m sure. Today, I have a tee on that says, “WRITE FOR YOUR LIFE.” I will.
Once again you have hit the nail on its head. You have a gift to put on paper what often times many of are thinking. It is quite helpful.
I have been praying for you to find that dream place for you to be blessed. And so I can come visit to share in that blessing. Ha
Hope enables us to live in faith in God’s eternal and unchanging plan.
Love,
Kitty
And, #hopechangeseverything – doesn’t it! Doesn’t HE?
I am reading a lot of encouraging words and that’s great. I am just saying I will pray for all, Especially for God to show you where those pages are. Love you all XOXOXO
Love you and Bob too. Thank you always for praying!
Thanks for sharing your truth. Honesty is so refreshing! Still hoping you find those files
Thank you Ali – I still think they may “appear”.
I love that you let us into your burn out and frustrations. It’s a connection point for us all. Thanks for trusting your audience with it. Praying for your next right thing. Visiting today from the let’s have coffee link up. laurensparks.net
And, as I wait for the next “right” thing, I’ll just keep doing the necessary “next things!”
I love this!! Raw honesty is good for the soul!
XO and tons of prayers!!
Raw and Real. xo
So sad about the lost file in the mysterious ways of computers. I had not heard of G.A.K.A.T.–the acronym, anyway. I knew the principle. It’s comforting, but you’re right, it doesn’t relieve all frustration.
I’ve found, too, that when I am not sure what to do neXt, doing the next thing is the biggest help.
May God guide you in all He wants you to do for Him. Praying for His leading for Hannah, too.
Barbara, thank you for your kind, encouraging words. And, so grateful for the prayers. xo
Oh, yes! I have been in that “I’ve got nothing to say” mode too many times to count. Sometimes it just takes stepping away and focusing on other less important things for me to finally get my words back. Anyway, I am so sorry you lost your Alaskan adventure pictures file (YIKES!!). And I’m hoping your granddaughter finds a better place in Florida. ‘Tis so true that you must be called to be able to handle certain kinds of service. I, for one, would not handle the conditions you described that she encountered either.
Hey Cindy – so good to see you here! I didn’t lose pictures, I still have those – but oh the words!!! Painful, still.
These are hopeful ways of thinking. As I choose hope, I’m learning that my biggest hope must be in the Lord Himself.
HE IS OUR HOPE, amen?
You had me at “pea under the mattress”. That’s so me! Thank you for these thoughts. Good to know I’m not the only one.
There are those moments that require this analogy, amen?
OH, Susan, I can’t imagine the feeling of loss after all the work you did on the file. I pray that somehow you may find it again. Or at least be able to recall and write it again. But you are right. God already knew about it and He is in control. It doesn’t make it easier to face the loss, but at least you know your life and times are in His hands. And as you say, “There is always hope and hope changes everything!”
Love and hugs,
Gayl
Gayl, trust me, you don’t feel worse than I do!!!
It’s amazing how we can feel we have nothing to say but find that we do once we get going. You certainly did here! I’m sorry about your lost file and hope you manage to get it back. I agree, sometimes the best thing we can do is focus on the next right thing.
Lesley, I am convinced life is 92% of doing the next right thing. The other 8?
Awww, Susan. I’ve been in those places. I’m so sorry about your 65 page WIP. That’s so disheartening. I’m praying for you today, my friend. May the Lord continue to minister to your heart as you work through the emotions, and the transitions.
Sending you a hug, friend!
Hard things aren’t strangers to anyone human!!! It’s the way we handle them. I’m doing better today.
This happened to me last week but only on a blog post. Nice thing about it. The words chamber back easily and actually a bit better. Maybe God has a better way and this is the way he got me to start over.
Feel your pain though.
Mandy, that is exactly what I’m thinking. Maybe I was too quick to get started. Thanks for the encouragement.
Loved this! God Bless You Sus….God will let you rest a while and put you right back to work! Prayers for sweet Hannah and her new job in Florida!
Thanks, friend. I’m missing that beautiful face already. ;(
Looks like the storm is getting worse. You might end up with extra guests. Love you. ✝️
I believe my crew will ride it out. Thanks for coming by, Cindy.
ha you don’t know how refreshing it was to read a blogger write: I have nothing to say! ha again, and then I read every word of your nothing. real life, honey bun and I will say that i’ve prayed where you’ve asked AND there are lakes in CA and a quiet ocean. that’s why it’s called the Pacific. Pick me Pick me!
Sue, right??? CA isn’t in our list of lake states but we do want to visit!!
Oh Susan, we did have similar weeks didn’t we with “One of Those weeks”! I have answered the question you left on my site 😀
Sometimes we just need to plod on through these weeks especially with our hot cuppa breaks…don’t we 😉
Bless you,
Jennifer
Absolutely. I’d love to sit with a cuppa and have tea with you, Jennifer!
The title of your post totally drew me in! I’ve had many days like that myself, staring at a blank computer screen and feeling completely uninspired about what to write a blog post on … so frustrating! I like the fact that you just moved forward and wrote about exactly where you’re at. Also, really like your G.A.K.A.T. acronym … will need to keep it in mind!
Lauren, true confession: I have that acronym permanently inked on my right wrist! A constant reminder.
For not having anything to say, you sure did pack a lot of information … all honest reflections on the relatively minor trials of everyday life (in the grand scheme of things). Hard to get back into a rhythm after your adventure, but I, for one, enjoyed your journey with Gracee. There is a lot of that second guessing going around but, as you note, GAKAT — and as long as He knows it, why should we worry. God bless. Here’s to memories and new adventures!
You know what Joe? I agree wholeheartedly – GAKAT. I’ve already started the new work in progress!!! And, I like it better. THANKS FOR DRIVING BY.
Oh friend… I’m just reading this now… I am praying for all the things!
I lost the file but I have started again! Can’t keep me down for too long.