Something's Gotta Give...



Lately, I've been finding myself saying, "Something's gotta give."

My life is very, very full these days - filled with many wonderful blessings, but I am finding that instead of enjoying these blessings, I'm feeling anxious and stressed.  

I'm rushing from one activity to the next...  This pace continues from the moment I wake up until around 10 o'clock in the evening.

Something's gotta give...

I currently wear many wonderful hats...

Wife, grandmother, homemaker, part-time secretary, and blogger.  

The only time I have free for myself is Sunday afternoons, and even then, at some point, I usually end up catching up on responding to post comments and blog interactions through social media.

Something's gotta give...

I am, by nature, a very structured and organized person.  I'm focused, and always seem to accomplish what needs to get done in the time alotted.  

My problem is that I don't like having things "hanging over my head".  I've been like this since I was in high school.  I remember I would be weeks ahead in my steno homework.  I'm always striving to get ahead, but in the striving, I'm not living in the moment, let alone hearing the promptings of the Lord...
Cease striving and know that I am God
Psalm 46:10

The Lord used Sarah Koontz most recent post Why I Take a Summer Blogging Break to minister to my heart and redirect my summer path.  Whether you are a blogger or are just very busy in general, I encourage you to read her post.  I promise you will be edified.

The following words from Sarah's post struck me...

"Every summer, I choose to set aside time to fill up my spiritual storehouses.

Because I must minister from a place of abundance."

You see, in this season of my life, I find blogging to be a meaningful way to serve the Lord -  a way to minister to a far reach, even though my life's work is mostly from home.   Not to mention my own personal growth in the Lord through blogging, and the beautiful friendships and kindred fellowship I have found among the blogging community. 

Anytime I've pondered not to blog, this would come to mind and spur me on to keep on keeping on.

But Sarah reminded me that to minister well, I need to "minister from a place of abundance".

Sarah's post really gave me the nudge that my heart was already convicting me of.  {I love when the Holy Spirit uses fellow bloggers to confirm His promptings.}  So I will be taking a break from blogging for the month of July.  My husband and I have plans to do some traveling and to spend time with friends and family.  I also have several "mentoring books" that I'm looking forward to reading during my downtime to help fill my storehouse.  But most especially, I want to spend this time to be still, and to allow myself to be able to hear the promptings of the Lord as I seek to apply in a consistent manner all that I have learned these past few months through my reading of Guarded by Christ: Knowing the God who Rescues and Keeps Us, and my study of the book of Colossians through the Walk in Grace Bible Study.  

They say 30 days helps to develop a habit!  My hope is that during the month of July, I will develop a habit of living in the moment while seeking God and His grace in a meaningful way, and allowing that grace to overflow to others.

I'd like to close this blog post by sharing pictures that I took recently when I found myself living in the moment - moments I hope will become a spiritual habit going forward.




In the way of righteousness there is life; 
along that path is immortality. 
Proverbs 12:28

You provide a broad path for my feet, 
so that my ankles do not give way.
2 Samuel 22:37

Listen, my son, and be wise,
and set your heart on the right path
Proverbs 23:19

Teach me your way, LORD; 
lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Psalm 27:11

The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
Isaiah 26:7

Direct me in the path of your commands,
 for there I find delight.
Psalm 119:35





Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, 
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Proverbs 4:18






You make known to me the path of life; 
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
 with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11








I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble,
 because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son. 
Jeremiah 31:9







I run in the path of your commands, 
for you have set my heart free.
Psalm 119:32






My granddaughter has been a constant reminder of what it means to live in the moment.  Her fearlessness is inspiring, and her absolute joy in everything that crosses her path is contagious!



And her spontaneous decision to lay down in the middle of the path, looking as comfy as if she were laying on her own bed, serves as a perfect illustration that I need to rest in the path that the Lord has ordained for me with total trust in His loving care.

I hope you all are having a wonderful summer.  I'll see you in August with all new posts!

You might find me on these link-ups:
Grace & Truth Link-upWoman to Woman Ministries,  Growing in Grace Link-up, 3DLessonsLif4eInspire Me Monday Titus 2 TuesdayA Wise Women Builds Her HomeA Look at the Book,  Sunday StillnessThe Weekend BrewSpiritual Sundays, Soul Survival,  Give Me Grace, Testimony TuesdayWomen with Intention WednesdaysStill SaturdayGood Morning MondaysTell His StoryFaith & Fellowship Blog HopMotivate and Rejuvenate MondaysBe SaltyMonday's MusingsThe Art of Home-Making MondayTuesday TalkWaiting on Wednesday, Reflect His Love and Glory  Words of Comfort Link-upWholehearted WednesdaysTell it to Me TuesdayFaithful at Home Fridays, Faith 'N FriendsTGI SaturdaysSitting Among Friends Encourage Me Monday Words with Winter Essential FridaysSo Much at Home Family, Friendship & Faith House to Home  ,Wonderful Wednesday , Monday of Many BlessingsLiteracy Musings Mondays,Imparting GraceSHINE Blog Hop Dance with JesusGive Me GraceBooknificent Thursdays UNITE Cozy Reading SpotMaking Your Home Sing Monday Social Butterfly Sundays  Let Us Grow Small Wonder Link-up Winsome Wednesday Growing in Grace Thursday After My CoffeeRewind Friday Fresh Market Friday Moments of Hope Wonderful Wednesdays Christian Blogger Link-Up Tea & Word Tuesday Heart Encouragement Thursday Hearts for Home Messy Marriage Link-up Friday at the Fire Station Link-up Tune In Thursday Faith on Fire Link-upSunday Scripture Blessings Link-up, Warriors of the WordCandidly Christian Link-upSunday ThoughtsWriter WednesdayFaith Filled Friday

Comments

  1. I can totally relate to this! I love the reminder to cease striving and know. No matter how many hats we wear, Jesus is king.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heather, Thank you so much for taking the time to share here. I appreciate it so much!

      Blessings,

      Delete
  2. Of course we will miss your wisdom but understand perfectly the need for a break. So rest to your heart's content! And let God refresh you....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steph, Thank you for your very kind comment. You have blessed me. :-)

      That is the plan! :-)

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  3. have a blast - your photos are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Karen, I love your photos! I know what you mean about "something's gotta give" because I end up staying busier than I plan. Enjoy your time away. I hope you will return refreshed and ready to share. :) Maybe I'll take some time away, too, sometime this summer.

    Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor at #TuneInThursday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gayl, Thank you.

      That is my hope. :-)

      I'm noticing, this year in particular, that more and more bloggers are taking July or the summer off.

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  5. Karen, I hope you have a great break and discover a deeper understanding of His grace and His love for you! Great pictures! I'm visiting you today from Warriors of the Word Linkup!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie, Thank you on all counts. :-)

      I'm so glad you stopped by!

      Delete
  6. Thank you for sharing your beautiful moments. All the pictures brought a smile to my face. I too read Sarah's post and it has inspired me. I haven't taken a break yet but I have slowed dow. Went on a beautiful hike today and caught all kinds of moments.

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    Replies
    1. Maree, You are very welcome! I'm so glad. :-)

      Sounds wonderful and restorative.

      Thank you so much for stopping by. :-)

      Delete
  7. Enjoy your break, Karen! May God fill you with an abundance to share with others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I've already started too! :-D

      Thank you so much!

      Blessings,

      Delete
  8. Karen, this is such good advice. We just moved and the chaos is slowly beginning to subside. Taking your post to heart and remembering to take time to breathe. Thanks so much for joining the Faith 'n Friends Link Party!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deb, Praising God you found encouragement here.

      Praying that you are now able to find many moments to "take a breath" and are enjoying your new home.

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  9. Oh, I have definitely been in the "something's gotta give" phase of life! Thanks for linking up at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tina, Good point. It is just a phase. :-)

      You are welcome.

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  10. Wow Karen! Such a powerful testimony you share here. The pictures are stunning and the message is profound. I love all the scriptures you shared as well. I remember being on a boat down in Mexico when I learned about sea sickness.
    One of my dear friends has been trying to get me to join her family on a cruise for years, but I feel my anxiety rising every time I say no;)
    Thank you for reminding us that God is always near and we will find peace when we seek Him. Glad you are back from hiatus, you write so beautifully. May God continue to bless you and yours in all your future endeavors

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Horace, Awe, well the trick to no sea sickness is a full stomach and ginger. :-)

      Your very kind words have blessed me so much. Thank you.

      You are very welcome!

      Your words truly have humbled and blessed me.

      Blessings,

      Delete

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