Let’s invest in our own space well. Our interior spaces, our living spaces, our relational spaces. Let’s quiet ourselves, simmer down, be content with less stimulation, inspiration, and opinions. Let’s mind our own affairs, working with faithfulness within our homes, jobs, and resources, with full focus, clarity, and bringing the first-fruits of our best selves.
an
Aimee Kollmansberger
A Middle Mercies Blog Post
Aimee Kollmansberger
A Middle Mercies Blog Post
JOMO.
It's the joy of missing out. It's replaced FOMO. The fear of missing out. And I'm all in.
*
This is my last post for a few weeks. Or four or six. I don't know when I'm coming back. All I know is I will return at some point.
Lord willing.
Lord willing.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
As winter crawls to a close, I've been feeling that old striving creeping in ... those vexing whispers of ought or should or must or need to when it comes to blogging. These demanding kind of taskmasters have the propensity to knock a cheerful heart right out of commission. They serve as rather persistent informants that things have gotten a bit off kilter.
For any wisps of authentic creative energy or spiritual insight are held hostage and rendered ineffective when reluctance or compulsion come to call, put their feet up, and burrow into one's heart-space.
*
I've been craving more peaceful stillness in extended times with God. I am sitting, listening, reflecting these days with these two women and am finding them to be excellent quiet time companions. These superb resources are encouraging me to slow way down and focus more fully on the Lord rather than what might be awaiting on my ever-present phone.
Christ-centered, calming, soul nourishment.
'Spring cleaning for the soul.' Yes, please.
*
As the weather warms up a bit, I'm heading outdoors again ... walking, exploring, connecting with people and discovering new places and opportunities that are in front of me, right here, right now. And I'm more than happy to return home to putter and create and make and re-imagine and rearrange my surroundings.
And I have an upcoming procedure to remove a little fingertip 'thorn in the flesh.' Literally. Ugh. Knowing that tapping away at a keyboard might be a bit painful for a time has been the needed confirmation to say yes to God's whispered prompts to embrace a blogging sabbatical.
And I have an upcoming procedure to remove a little fingertip 'thorn in the flesh.' Literally. Ugh. Knowing that tapping away at a keyboard might be a bit painful for a time has been the needed confirmation to say yes to God's whispered prompts to embrace a blogging sabbatical.
*
I'll respond to any comments you leave, will pop in on LinkedIn from time to time, and you might spot me at a blog here and there. But otherwise, my footprints will be light and my voice will be fairly still.
Honestly, I'm missing you already. Truly. I'm guessing it'll take a bit of time to detox from the blogging schedule I've embraced this winter. Releasing and reclaiming the time and energy I invest in this space will require some focused effort.
But all will be well.
Honestly, I'm missing you already. Truly. I'm guessing it'll take a bit of time to detox from the blogging schedule I've embraced this winter. Releasing and reclaiming the time and energy I invest in this space will require some focused effort.
But all will be well.
Congratulations to Michele! We'll miss you, Linda, but we understand the need to pull away for a time. Hope your procedure goes well and you have seasons of refreshing.
ReplyDeleteYour encouraging words make me smile as we head off to the hospital. Thanks for cheering me on, friend ...
DeleteBless you.
God never takes us away from the hustle of life without a purpose for us. I will miss reading your thoughts Linda but also know you will come back richer and deeper.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that powerful reminder that God has a purpose for our days, no matter where we find ourselves, Bill ...
DeleteENJOY your time away and the stillness of nothing pending. Praying your procedure goes well. The sun is finally shining this week in the deep south and I too will be enjoying His creation!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
'The stillness of nothing pending' does the soul good, doesn't it!
DeleteAnd the glorious sunshine's the icing on the cake ...
Yes, Linda, I will miss you and your wise insights very much, but I so understand the need for a break. I will be taking down time beginning next week for two solid weeks. It's been a long time coming, and I plan to savor every moment of those days. Do hope you will drop by my blog from time to time during your hiatus!
ReplyDeleteAnd praying your procedure goes off without a hitch.
Blessings!
You're absolutely right, Martha, these breaks have been a long time coming ... and probably the smartest things we've done in awhile.
DeleteEnjoy yours.
And thanks for the prayers. My little surgery is done and I'm beyond grateful ...
Linda,
ReplyDeleteHello! Reading your post prompted me to cheer you on in your break because I think you'll find it refreshing to disentangle yourself from blog deadlines (they're self-imposed, but still deadlines, aren't they?!)
A few weeks ago I agreed to review a book on my blog in exchange for a free copy and I'm finding it nearly impossible after my months-long break from writing blog posts! I'll follow through on my commitment but I'm afraid I might have outgrown my blog -- it doesn't feel the same and maybe it's time to let it go?
I hope whatever you decide to do brings you as much joy as you've always brought to us here in your cozy online home and I hope you recover quickly from your upcoming procedure! Sending much love your way (and I'm glad we're connected on LinkedIn)! xo
Oh Valerie, what a treat to find you here again! God has kept you on my heart and to see you out and about is such a blessing. I have thought of you often and miss your beautiful wisdom, humor, and stunning photos.
DeleteIt'll be interesting to see what you decide about blogging. We're not the same as we were a few years back, so it makes sense that our blogs would change. Selfishly, I hope you'll be prompted to return, even in a new and different format.
But whatever, know you've made an impact in my life along the way and I'm so grateful our paths have crossed often.
xo
I'll miss you, Linda, and God willing, I will be here when you return.
ReplyDelete'If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; if not this parting was well made.' - Shakespeare, 'Julius Caesar', Act 5, Scene 1
Don't know how long I will be here,
for things is gettin' bad.
Cain't say I don't have no fear,
an' I hope that God ain't mad.
When I'm lookin' down the days
until I meets you next
all I see's a blood-red haze,
an' what should I expect?
I'll face it as a Brahma bull
like what makes bronc-rider cry
an' I'll fight this b**** with a heart that's full
'cause I'm too dumb to die.
So place your bets with the Vegas gods,
an' you'll be rich - I'll beat the odds.
I'm guessing that YES, you will be here when I get around to coming back ... filled with strength, wisdom, perspective ... and yet another poem or two.
DeleteBless you, man ...
Blessings to you in de-tox, Linda! I'll be pulling away again in April, and already feel the pull!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for the gift of your friendship here. I SO enjoyed the book club, and will also enjoy the gift card.
I look forward to hearing your voice here again when the time is right. And wouldn't it be lovely to have an in-person conversation about writing and blogging and the way it effects our brains. . .
Yep, there is a pull to step away. It's a yearning, a prompting, a knowing that's it's time to take a breath. And the world will keep on spinning. And our friends will come back and join us when we return.
DeleteIt's a very peaceful feeling right about now. I know you will enjoy it as you begin to prepare your gardens for summer's bounty.
And an in-person conversation? Name the date, my New England friend. I'd absolutely love to spend time in your company.
;-}
Linda, enjoy the sabbatical and I will miss your inspiring posts! Be refreshed!
ReplyDeletePam, thanks! Just as I was getting to know you a bit!
Delete;-}
Awww, sweet Linda. You will be missed in the coming weeks. I am certain you will come back from your sabbatical rested, refreshed and probably filled with new ideas to share with us. I hope your procedure goes smoothly and that recovery is quick.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your words here and elsewhere. See you when you come back!
Thanks for all your encouraging words, Jeanne. Yes, the procedure went well and I'm grateful it's over and done. These kind of medical things produce an anxiety that too easily grabs hold of me.
DeleteThanks God for the presence of His Spirit, whispered words from Scripture, friends who care ... and meds.
I pray the procedure goes well and your fingertip heals quickly, Linda. And may these weeks of soul rest relax, refresh, and replenish your soul. I'm not posting this week as I'm feeling that same kind of vexing of "shoulds." I've tried several times last week to bring some cohesive thoughts together, but my mind isn't cooperating. God whispered to me that it's ok to skip this week and trust Him. That I shouldn't be so hard on myself. Love and blessings of Advent soul rest to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad we're off together on this adventure of relaxing, refreshing, and replenishing, dear Trudy. I know alot of the 'experts' maintain you should write every day whether you feel like it or not.
DeleteI beg to differ.
Let's write when we want to, when we have something to say, when we can't NOT write, when our heart bursts with a gift to share.
Then let's go live our lives in the company of others.
All grace.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteYes, JOMO...glad you are listening to God's whisper to set back and rest. May your finger pain be fixed. My many month sabbatical from blogging was wonderful so I support you in your decision to rest though you will be missed. May your soul find deep restoration and rest in God's presence. Blessings :-)
Yes, I remember well that you were gone for months. And yes, dear gentle friend, your presence was missed.
DeleteI don't think I'll be away that long, but I'm open to what God has ...
He knows best, for sure.
Linda, I'll miss your words but appreciate your willingness to heed the call to step back for a while. I feel it just a bit too ... just today, in fact, I was planning to finish a post for tomorrow but decided to help my daughter clean out her closet on the last day of spring break instead. Requests like that don't come along very often from my non-minimalist girl. The post can wait. :-)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE helping someone clean out their stuff! Have a ball together! Mother / daughter time sure beats sitting at a keyboard any day of the week.
DeleteIt'll be there when you feel that strong pull once again ...
Yes, my friend, all will be well. xx
ReplyDeleteGod has this.
Deletexo
JOMO...oh I do like that! God calls us to be with Him and experience joy. I read today "Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." Bonnie Grey, Whispers of Rest. May you be resting in Him Linda, as you choose Joy everyday.
ReplyDeleteI love that joy came to stay along with the rest of the fruit of the Spirit when we invited Christ into our lives! Our circumstances can't touch the depth of all the love, joy, peace, etc. He's lavished on us!
DeleteI'm so grateful!
I will miss you, Linda, but I hope your break is refreshing. Praying for a quick recovery from your procedure.
ReplyDeleteLesley, thanks! I'm recovering well!
DeleteGod has a theme going Linda!
ReplyDeleteGlad you dropped by & enjoyed our time together in FOMO V JOMO https://teawithjennifer.blog/2019/04/26/the-green-eyed-monster/
Enjoy your sabbatical :-D
Bless you,
Jennifer
It was a revitalizing treat!
Delete