Saturday, June 4, 2016

I'm Going to Leave Some Lighter Footprints

Dear Friends ~

Well, all of a sudden spring has vanished ... and it's gotten BUSY!  At your place, too?  I'm hoping the lazy days of summer will soon make their relaxing presence known and give our over-congested calendars a bit of a rest.

I know I need a bit of a breather and I'm guessing you might, too.

I am excited to be guest posting at Debby Hudson's pretty soon and will be finishing up the Creating a Haven series over at her place.  I love how our emphasis on home both emerged at the same time.

And I'll be joining Alecia Simersky over at her online home for her Calling All Men series.  The subject is serious and important, and if you have a man in your life, you're not going to want to miss it.  She's asked me to share what I've seen men struggle with most in my years as a counselor.

You might be surprised at my response.

I'll be sharing both these posts with you here as they come up.

After writing my heart out over the recent three mini-series {marriage, and then single women and the church, and finally, creating a haven}, I'm gonna slow down for just a bit.  I'll still be around, but my footprint will be light.

Here's the links if you missed out on any of the posts.  And honestly?  You guys are the smartest / funnest / most creative bunch ... and the kind, supportive camaraderie that built along the way was even better than the posts themselves.  I kid you not!




*

The weeks ahead are filled with visits from family and friends, a good handful of appointments, and taking care of a couple of the kiddos for a few days.

And this is the time when, somehow even more than ever, we're remembering my dad who died suddenly last summer, the day after we moved here to do life with my mom and him.  Right now, his birthday / my parents' 64th anniversary / Father's Day / the day God took him home are all colliding together.

It's beyond hard.  We all miss him terribly.  And I know that many of you understand because you've lost a parent, too.

And little Tyler's 2nd birthday would have been next month ... and oh, I can't even begin to find the words.  If your family's ever lost a child, you understand that the grief is pretty much unspeakable ... and alters your family in excruciating ways that just can't be explained.

This offering fills you in on what happened in our family last summer.

So, that's what's happening here.  We'll keep in touch, but maybe not quite as much.  I hope that's ok on your end.

Love you guys ~






P.S.
If you didn't sign up for Emily Freeman's 7 Days of Still Moments, run, don't walk, over to her place.  My soul is soaking up her beautiful daily offerings.  What a delightful treasure.  You won't want to miss out.

And here's another 'yes, please, thank you very much!' ... Break Out of That Rut and Make Your Own Longest Day Ever.  Thumbs up to Deidra Riggs' serendipitous, much-needed invitation.

*

30 comments:

  1. May your footprints be as light as air Linda. Rest, recover, refresh, renew.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like you beat me to it, Bill, in taking a bit of a break!

      ;-}

      Delete
  2. You have been in my prayers, Linda, since that last dreadful summer. I am inspired by your strength and you faith, and I'll be watching for you in the places you'll be.

    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/06/your-dying-spouse-163-saving-strawberry.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, let me tell you that you're an inspiration to me as well, Andrew. Thank you for your kindness ...

      Delete
  3. Beautiful offering as always even if it means a respite from normal. Time with family, remembering all the important life events and healing are most important. I will be praying as all of the anniversary dates collide and reflection brings up difficult as well as happy memories. Love you and I will be around if you need me! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How interesting that you and I are both taking a bit of a rest these days! Those 1 year anniversaries do that, don't they ...

      Enjoy every free moment, friend!

      Delete
  4. Thanks, Linda! Do take time to rest, breathe, and allow yourself to feel during these significant grief anniversaries. Thanks also for the recommendations of a couple of great sites to visit. Love and hugs, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, few feelings have been stuffed during this past year. God has been loving and faithful to store all those tears in his bottle ... although why the Psalmist paints that picture, I'm not exactly sure.

      Please let me know how things are with your family, Pam ... and what you think of those P.S. sites!

      Delete
  5. sending you all my love and prayers, dear Linda!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Prayers for your family to feel God's loving arms around you in your continued healing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Blessings to you, sweet friend. Sending hugs your way and praying for time of rest. My husband's surgery is coming up and then he will be home for about 6 weeks so you know where my attention will be. :)
    Much love.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gosh, it's so good to see you again, I could cry!

      Count on my prayers for your husband's surgery, Beth, ... and for those 6 weeks that follow. May you find many sweet moments in your days together.

      Delete
  8. Linda, I am praying Jesus will hold all of you close and breathe strength and peace into your hearts. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aren't you grateful how He speaks 'peace, be still' to our souls? I am so grateful!

      Delete
  9. May Jesus be hugging your heart, Linda! And God's face be shining on you today and all the days ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hugging our hearts. Yes, He does!

      Praise God!

      Delete
  10. Lovely I would be following you!
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  11. I will be looking forward to reading those guests posts, Linda. It's been wonderful to witness what has been happening here over the last several months! And I will be praying for you and your family as you walk the tender path ahead ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The tender path. Yeah, that would say it all, Lois. You hear my heart ...

      Delete
  12. Linda,
    I'm glad you're taking some time off but I'll miss your regular posts! The time of relaxation and refreshment will I hope, rejuvenate you for the season ahead and inspire you for when you return to your little corner of the internet. Happy summer! xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lots of "breaking" going on around blogland this summer. Getting through the anniversaries after the loses is so hard. I'm praying for you and your family, Linda.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've felt the results of those prayers, June. He speaks peace, He lends hope.

      You are a faithful friend ...

      Delete
  14. Good for you. Taking care of yourself. Slowing down. Filling spirit. Being. Thinking of you and all the sad memories and moments from your recent losses. We're all here around you. Be sure to feel for us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the virtual hug, friend.

      I feel loved ...

      Delete
  15. Catching up on my blog reading since I am back home, and came across this Linda. May God comfort you as your mourn and fill you with sweet memories, My Friend!
    Bless You!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, welcome back, dear adventurer! I know you've got some stories to tell ...

      ;-}

      Delete