Spring is finally here! The robins are back! The temperatures are warming up, though there is still snow left to melt.
It’s awesome to see the birds check out nesting spots and to hear their joyous songs again. But joy often coexists with sadness, doesn’t it? Spring is so welcome after a long, dreary winter, but now we’re getting flooding in our midwestern city like we’ve never experienced before. Huge ice chunks had to be taken off of roads after the flooding receded. There are still many in the parks and areas around the river. Some roads and bridges are washed out or crumbled. Homes are damaged. It’s going to take a lot of time, work, and money to recover.
Now with the snow melting quickly north and west of here, people are preparing for even worst flooding this week. Oodles of sandbags have been set up to protect homes and businesses. The Falls and the bike trails have been closed off, and anyone who goes past the barricades will be fined. It’s for our safety, but you wouldn’t believe how many people ignore the warnings.
On another note, I’ve decided to take a break from blogging. An overwhelming feeling has been creeping up on me. Last week I needed to just back up and allow myself grace. I felt God whispering to me to rest and not be so hard on myself that each Tuesday I MUST have a blog post ready.
After some prayerful consideration, I feel I need some time to refresh and renew my body, mind, and spirit. I also need to recalibrate where I’m going with this blog. I may only do two Tuesdays a month and I may alter my end-of-the month posts. I’m uncertain yet, but I’m asking God to guide me.
I hope to return on May 7. Meanwhile, I pray you all have a Spirit-filled, Glorious Easter!
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
by Casting Crowns
Freed to Fly 
People often due avoid those warnings of danger and cross barricades leading to injury and even worse! Praying the flooding ceases and all remain safe during this time of melting. And, as you obey God’s leading, may you rest in Him, His constant love and caring. Hugs!
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Yes, many do not realize the powerful undercurrent that can pull us under. Kind of like we sometimes are in life, too, right? We easily think one little step in the wrong direction won’t matter. Thank you for your prayers, Lynn, both for the safety of flood victims and for me to rest in God’s constant love and care. I definitely need that. Hugs to you, too! May we let go of the way we want our life plan to go and leave it in God’s faithful plan that is always for our good!
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Trudy, I’m praying for you and for your town and the others in the Midwest that are affected by these terrible floods. I too hope that you will find rest in Him as well as direction for the blog. I’ll look forward to your return. 🙂
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Thank you, Liz, for your prayers. We are spared, but there is so much damage to parks along the river and to homes west of here. Farmers’ fields, too, are flooded and grain bins torn wide open. Nebraska has it even worse than SD. It’s sad. Thanks so much for looking forward to my return. 🙂 And for prayers for direction. I need that so much. May we together rest in God and allow Him to heal us more and more!
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I’m so sorry about the flooding, Trudy. I will pray for you as you reevaluate your blog and seek God’s direction about where to go with it in the future. Your words are ALWAYS a blessing to me, wherever I read them, so I have to believe God still has more writing left for you to do. Love and hugs to you, my friend … I will miss you but hope your break is restful and beneficial.
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Thank you for your kind encouragement, Lois. That brings tears to my eyes. I don’t know why I’m having a hard time fighting this inadequate feeling lately. But it is harder when my body and mind are feeling so tired. Anyway, I need to relax and let go of my grip and my demands on myself and get grounded again on who I am in Christ. Thank you for your prayers. I pray God’s loving, everlasting arms hold you up through the failing health of your parents and the sometimes overwhelming role of being a caretaker. Love and hugs to you, too! May we together remember God is faithful and He will never abandon us!
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Enjoy your blogging break, Trudy! We all need that from time to time. And have a wonderful Easter. Blessings to you, friend.
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Thank you so much, Lisa. I hope you have a wonderful Easter, too! May we gain a deeper understanding of the bottomless depths of Jesus’ love for us!
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I’m glad it has got warmer for you, but I’m sorry about the flooding! I will miss you, Trudy, as your words always bless me but I understand your need to take a break and I pray you will be refreshed and renewed. Hope you have a lovely Easter!
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Thank you, Lesley, for your kind encouragement and prayers. We all need that refreshment and renewal from time to time, don’t we? I hope you also have a lovely Easter! May our hearts be open wide to a fresh meaning of Jesus’ selfless sacrifice for us and the awesomeness of His resurrection!
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Trudy, rest well.
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Thank you, Susan. May we together rest in the love and grace of Jesus!
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Enjoy your blogging break!! Praying for safety with the flooding, etc.
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Thank you so much, Jennifer. May Easter have an even deeper meaning for us this year!
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Oh Dear Trudy I understand about the need for resting! I pray that the Lord renews your heart and strength as you pause with Him. You are such a dear friend and sister, and I treasure your words here. May You feel HIS wings covering you. Hugs and love to you! xoxo
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Thank you so much, dear Bettie. You are a dear friend and sister to me, too! I’ve been praying that God will give you special strength so you can enjoy your visit with your son and family. Hugs and love to you, too! May we nestle beneath His wings and trust He will provide all our needs!
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Trudy, I agree with you. Joy and sadness do coexist, far more than we might think. The thought of a turnaround gives us hope of seeing change. I know it’s hard to heed God’s gentle yet insistent voice speaking the wisdom of rest to our soul sometimes, because it can feel like stepping back rather than moving forwards. But, as I have discovered to my cost, we cannot keep giving out to others without becoming replenished and strengthened ourselves.
This is a season of liveliness, renewal, growth and hope. May those things happen in your heart as you rest under the shelter of God’s wings and become refreshed in every way. You and your words will be sorely missed but in the resting you will receive fresh manna to share with us. And it will be greatly appreciated, no matter how often it comes. May clarity arrive as you release your fatigue, feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy, and return here with peace, a renewed view of yourself as God’s dearly beloved one and a sense of holy purpose. Much love, hugs and blessings to you, dear friend! xox ❤
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Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Joy. Yes, “it can feel like stepping back rather than moving forwards.” I need to remember to just “be” instead of striving to perform. Much love, hugs, and blessings to you, too! May we both grasp ever more deeply our identity as God’s dearly beloved one!
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Trudy,
So sorry to hear about all the flooding; praying everyone stays safe and the waters recede and for provision to be made for all affected by the floods. I pray your time away is restful and it is good you’re taking time away. I had a difficult week last week so I gave myself permission to not post last week. You will be missed but I’m glad you’re listening to God and your body. Love and hugs and Easter blessings to you 🙂
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I’m so sorry you had a difficult week last week, Dolly. I pray this week is going better. Though I missed you, I’m glad you gave yourself permission not to post. Sometimes we need to allow ourselves grace, don’t we? Thank you for your prayers for flood victims. Love, hugs, and Easter blessings to you, too! May the incomprehensible love of our Savior for us and the glory of His resurrection fill our hearts with gratitude, peace, and joy!
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Have a peaceful break Trudy, and happy Easter.
I hope the flooding recedes soon.
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Thank you so much, Adele. Also for all your nature photos that refresh my soul. 🙂 Happy Easter to you, too! May the boundless love of Jesus for us fill our hearts and lives!
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