Dear Readers,
I’m feeling the need to unplug again this summer. It’s time to take a step back to renew, replenish, and refocus my body, mind, and soul. I’m not certain yet how long, whether 1, 2, or 3 months. I may write a post once in a while, but only if I feel the nudge to do so. I’m going to try let go of the pressure I place on myself to “perform” each week with a blog post. I want to let myself float and go with the flow of where God leads me. 🙂
If you aren’t signed up to receive new blog posts, you’re welcome to sign up in the right-hand column, so you will know whenever I do post again. 🙂
I’ve been getting some news about some General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into effect this month. But as I research it, I don’t think it applies to this website. I understand it applies to businesses who sell to Europeans. I am definitely not a business, and I don’t sell anything to anyone. 🙂 I also understand WordPress has GDPR-ized their privacy policy.
Just in case you’re not aware of it though, when you sign up to “follow” me, WordPress does collect your emails, and I can see them. But I assure you it is strictly for the purpose of delivering new posts to your email. I highly respect your privacy and never, ever share your email with anyone else.
Whether or not I post, you all will remain in my heart and prayers. Even if you are silent readers, I care about you. Feel free to roam around this site, whether to read old posts or to check out the various pages of ABCs of Jesus’ Love, Hope Harbor, Books, Quotes, and Nature Retreat.
You are always welcome to email me (email in the right-hand column) if you have a prayer request, need someone to care, or just want to keep in touch.
Above all, God cares about you. He is always accessible and available 24/7. He loves you so very much and longs for you to let go and allow Him to love you.
I AM WITH YOU
Anonymous
If you know the author of this poem,
please let me know!
“I am with you when things are going good,
when the way is bright and clear,
I am with you My child when life looks bleak,
and your vision is blurred with tears.
I am with you when Happiness fills your heart,
when the sun is shining bright,
I am by your side when you feel alone,
and you’re surrounded by darkest night.
I am with you when you have many friends,
when others for you care,
I am always with you when you’re alone,
your loneliness to share.
I am with you when you’re radiant with health,
when you don’t lack a thing,
I am next to you when you’re in pain,
I am there to comfort bring.
My child, I will always be there for you,
remember that I care,
Remember that you’re not alone,
I am there to your sorrows share!
I will always be with you til the end of the world,
I’ll be there each step of the way,
I am with you every moment, each hour,
and each and every day.”
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.”
2 Corinthians 13:14
“He Will Carry You”
by Scott Wesley Brown
Freed to Fly 
Hi beautiful friend! I will miss your gentle words and thoughts this summer. However, the words from Mark certainly call to step away. Summer is the logical time to take a break. I will be going strong but I am only writing once a week. I hope if you are up to it you will stop by.
The new GDPR regulations are messing with my Mailchimp subscribers so you will get an email tomorrow to ask you to update your preferences. I hope you continue to be a part of my community
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Thank you for your loving words, Mary. I took off last summer, and it really helped me physically, mentally, and spiritually. 🙂 It’s the time of year when I love to soak in the beauty of God’s creation and take nature photos. Because of my chronic illness, I’m mostly housebound in cold winter months, so I like to take more time outdoors in the summer. 🙂 I definitely want to continue to be a part of your community, Mary! I will also stop by once in a while yet. May our hearts rest in Jesus!
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Although I will really miss your weekly blog, Trudy, I certainly understand the need for a break for a while. I, too, will be posting less frequently this summer, taking a week off here and there. I really think it’s healthy to pull back from the internet and social media now and then. I do hope, though, that you will find time to pop into my blog from time to time during your hiatus. You are always a much welcomed voice!
Know you are on my prayer list, my friend, and I will continue to pray for you.
Blessings!
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Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers, Martha! I so appreciate it! I, too, have found it’s healthy to unplug once in a while. I will miss you, too, but I will try to pop into your blog once in a while yet. 🙂 Blessings to you, too! May God give us sufficient grace for whatever troubles we may face!
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Dear Trudy,
I will certainly miss your words here this summer–the Lord seems to bring just the thought or song I need every time I visit here. Even today, that song by Scott Wesley Brown was such a gift. Please know that you will be in my prayers, asking the Lord to bring you such a refreshing and restorative time away with Him. He truly does care for us so gently! Blessings, love and hugs to you dear friend! xoxo
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Thank you so much for your loving words and prayers, Bettie. I will miss you, too, but I hope to be able to stop in at your blog from time to time. Yes, isn’t that such a comforting song? Blessings, love, and hugs to you, too! May our hearts be truly grateful for the tender loving care God gives us!
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I hope you have a good rest, Trudy, for however long you need. I will miss your words but I understand your need to take a break too. Love and hugs to you!
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Thank you so much, Lesley. I’m trying to feel less guilty for taking breaks. 🙂 I’ve been learning more that it’s not about “doing,” but it’s about “being in Christ Jesus.” I can still be hard on myself. I am a work in progress. God is so patient with us, isn’t He? Love and hugs to you, too! May our hearts rely ever more fully and freely in Jesus!
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I hope you have a wonderful break and yes, I will receive any new posts! Be well my friend! Thank you for being you! ❤
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Thank you, Jennifer. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful summer! May the Son shine in our hearts and may we spread that light to others, including God’s creatures!
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Comment by Lois Flowers via email:
I will miss you too, Trudy, but I’m glad you are taking a break. You can rest assured that I will be here when you return. 🙂 I am thinking about doing the same thing, actually … maybe not a 100 percent break, but, as you say, only posting if/when I “feel the nudge.” If we make our way to ND this summer, I will try to let you know … I really want to see those lovely falls in your fair city (and meet you)! Hugs, friend!
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Thank you, Lois. Also for taking the time by email when you couldn’t comment here. 🙂 I’d love to meet you in person! 🙂 And I know you will love the Falls. 🙂 Hugs to you, too! I hope you have a great summer! Hugs to you, too! May God take us by the hand and lead us and carry us through whatever troubles come our way!
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Praying you have a sweet summer of rest and reflection, sweet friend. I will miss you but you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings,
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Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers, June. That means a lot. I pray you also have a summer of rest and reflection. I will still be checking out your nature photos as they are part of a good rest. 🙂 But I might not comment every time. I’m trying to take pressure off myself. 🙂 Blessings to you, too! May our hearts soak in the warmth and love of the Sun of Righteousness!
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I’m honored and thankful that my photos minister to you in a restful way, friend. Your comments are always welcome, but never required 🙂
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Thank you, June. 🙂
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I hear you, Trudy. I’m trying to figure out what to do with the month of June. I’m feeling pulled both ways … should I stay or should I go?!
One day at a time. I’m writing and visiting more when the spirit moves rather than by any kind of schedule or ‘shoulds.’ I feel free-er in the process. I don’t want to lose the joy in blogging.
Praying for your soul to be refreshed as you kick back and enjoy, friend …
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Yes, one day at a time, Linda. I’m trying to remember that, too. Those “shoulds” can really get in the way sometimes, can’t they? Thank you for your prayers! Whatever you decide, I pray you will feel free in the Spirit! May our hearts always rest in Jesus and follow His leading!
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Enjoy your break, dear Trudy! We’ll be here when you return! Love and hugs to you!! ❤ ❤
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Thank you so much, Lynn. Love and hugs to you, too! May God send forth His light and His truth to lead us in His way!
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Oh I understand that tug on the heart of performance and feelings of pressure that bring unrest instead of peace! May you have a peaceful, renewing and refreshing break that draws you deep into His presence. I’ll be back to writing this summer, I think! Yet every time I take a break, it not only resets but grows me more in surrendering to His agenda. Still have a ways go to go for sure! hugs!
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Thank you so much, Lynn. I identify with you as you say every time you take a break, “it not only resets but grows me more in surrendering to His agenda.” I still have a ways to go, too! Hugs back to you! May we surrender our hearts and lives into His hands and His plans!
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May God provide the rest your body and mind need and rejuvenate your spirit during your break. God bless you.
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Thank you for your prayers and blessings, Lidia. I appreciate them a lot. 🙂 May we surrender our hearts and lives into God’s hands and His plans!
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As often as we can. Amen.
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👍🏼 ❤️ 🙏🏼
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Have a lovely rest, Trudy. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Adele. May God bless you and keep you!
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Dear Trudy,
Thank you for your Christ-focused and encouraging words, as always. I pray God is replenishing your soul and giving you grace as you trust in His slow and good work in you, my friend. Love, blessings, and hugs to you 🙂
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Hi Dolly. It’s great to see you here again. And posting again. Your post is still giving me reflection throughout the day. Thank you for your prayers, love, blessings, and hugs! And sending them to you as well! May we together trust in His slow and good work and learn to accept the anxiety of feeling incomplete! And may God give you ever deeper healing with the PTSD you’re dealing with!
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Have a great summer-you are right it is time to relax!
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Thank you, Crystal! I hope you’re having a relaxing summer as well. It’s going by far too quickly! I really love your nature photos! 🙂 May God give you rest and renewal in every way!
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