I haven’t been around the blog much lately. To be honest, I’ve been working through a lot in my heart, and I haven’t been convinced that God has a message for me to write. Really, that’s my first goal as a blogger: to share what I believe God’s called me to share. But lately, life’s been out of control. I’ve been a wreck. Yes, a real wreck :) My poor husband has thought I’m pregnant time and time again, but I’m not (unfortunately!).
Needless to say, I didn’t write my Five Minute Friday this week. I was so excited about the prompt, but when it came down to it, I felt like I was “grasping” for something to say(ha…the prompt was grasp)! Really, I was distracted by Lisa-Jo’s announcement that she’s taking part in the Nester’s 31 Days of writing in October. Now, I’ve read about the Nester’s 31 Days a few times and never in my life thought I’d want to take part in it!! But this time it came at me different. My heart felt impressed to join.
But again, I’ve been a wreck and truth be told, Friday was one of the messiest in awhile. Why? Because I know the topic for my 31 days. It’s about healing. Healing when the heart is overwhelmed with life’s difficulties. Healing from sin, from tragedy, from affliction.
Another truth be told: I’m not brave enough to publish my 31 days through the month of October. I feel like it will be too raw and the subject is much too important: I don’t want to butcher it! Also, the whole point of my topic is to look at the milestones of God’s blessing, and I’ll be walking a fine line as I reflect on His faithfulness in my life. I don’t want to accidentally get off on the wrong track.
So, my plan for the blog is to have a quiet October. I do have a guest post coming up next Monday, so I’ll be back for that! Also, I may publish here randomly throughout the month, maybe for a Five Minute Friday or what not. I still want to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit if He puts something on my heart, but otherwise, I’ll be working on my 31 days topic privately. My hope is to post each day in November!! We will see :) I would love to turn it into an ebook, but I’m not sure I can think that far ahead right now!
With all that said, thanks so much for all your support on my writing journey! I really have an amazing group of readers and appreciate all your encouragement, insight, and prayers! I also want to apologize to those whom I’ve basically dropped off the online world with! If you haven’t read Sarah Mae’s burn-out post, I highly encourage reading it by clicking here. This is basically how I’ve felt! I still love writing, but think I need to do it privately right now! Thanks again!
Love and Blessings,
Jacqui
Hi, I’m Jacqui, a wife and stay at home mama. I started this blog to share what God’s teaching me - how He’s changing me. It seems that most days I’m a little messy and broken. This is where I’m finding petals of grace. Beauty from ashes. Will you join me?
I’ve missed your posts! But I totally understand. Praying for a month of rejuvenation and renewal.
Thank you Elizabeth! I miss yours, too! I haven’t been great at keeping up…I think my reader has over 300 posts to read :) Actually, your ebook is on my reading list this week! Can’t wait to see how uses you! <3
Oh Jacqui, the Lord is calling me to Him as well. I have been unusually quiet lately as well. Not because I don’t have anything to say, but because He is moving so many things around in our lives. Change is no longer on the horizon. It is here. Love your pure and faithful heart.
Lizzie, I am with you!!! My family has been in the midst of change for awhile! I will be praying for you and your family, because as much as change can be great it can also be very hard! I love your heart, too! And you’re definitely one of the first people I’m looking for at Allume…ooh, but I hope I’m not all awkward :/ I can definitely be awkward!! :)
Jacqui, how brave! I think it’s a great step, always, to do what you knowin your heart is right to do. And it sounds like, for now, the Holy Spirit has already made you very sensitive as to what you should write – for yourself, for your growth, no holds barred. I actually have a topic I know the Lord wants me to write on “for myself” too. This gives me courage and thoughts as to how I’ll eventually accomplish that. Thanks for being real and raw – in my opinion, the most effective way to be in His Kingdom. :)
Thanks Samantha! That’s so cool that you have something on your heart to write about privately. I selfishly hope God will allow you to share it sometime! :) I know it’ll be really good!! And I agree, real and raw is very important…all for the purpose of confession and repentance…and for learning to give and receive grace. Blessings, friend! I’m so grateful for all your encouragement!
The most important thing for any of us is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. You are obviously doing that. I will be sure to check out the link you mentioned. Blessing on you as you privately write. I am quiet sure it will be time invested and profitable for you.
Cheers,
Leah
Yes, Leah! I want to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, but it can be so hard sometimes when I have my own plans!! Shows me I don’t quite trust HIm like I should! Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. I hope you’ll be blessed by that link!
I hear you! I HATE that I feel employed by my blog & have a deadline each week! I too have realized that if God isn’t speaking to me specifically about a posting, then it’s OK to not post that week. Sometimes I truly think that if we post too much, people get overwhlemed & just skim your content versus reading the whole post, maybe just my thinking?! Anyway, praises to you for your obedience & being still :) Blessings dear friend!! XOXO
Oh, Kim, I need to visit you!! You always get me:) Anyway, yes, it’s a love hate relationship. I desire to grow and be responsible with what God’s given me (which I believe is a calling to write), and sometimes that comes out as if I’m employed by my blog. And that can be fine; even what I need to keep going. But when I’m stressed because I feel like I’m not meeting my quota, then I probably need to pan back and seek Him a little more. Trusting Him with the results. Anyway, love you sweet friend!
Hey Jacqui,
Be nice to yourself and enjoy a peaceful October. Enjoy the changing weather and all the fun that this time of year provides with your little munchkins. I look forward to keeping up with you again when November roles around or this month if you bless us here and there with your thoughts.
This blog is so enjoyable to read, if it’s becoming stressful (as if a job), then a break you shall have! :)
Hugs,
Nanci
Nanci,
Thanks for commenting! It’s so sweet of you to visit and encourage me! I will definitely enjoy this month with the changing weather!! It’s my favorite season! So I will take your advice and cozy up in the fall colors, with the brisk air, and let my kiddos run around in the leaves. Well, I’m dreaming right now, because it’s still too hot for all this, but it’s coming…and it’s coming soon! Love you cousin! Hugs to you!
Hey Jacqui,
I’ve still been reading even though I haven’t commented much lately. I’ve felt similarly as what you describe. I just happened to have already written something I can share for the 31 days and felt prompted to share it. I think it is very wise of you to not write your posts publicly. And if and when you decide to share, I will be overjoyed to read them. Again, I have to thank you so much for the grace you’ve extended me in needing some space and not writing back promptly. I’m very happy to have met you online. :) I’ll be praying for you as you write!
love you and your heart!
Jamie
Jamie, you’re so funny…seriously, no worries. I love you and your heart and I know you love me ;) that’s enough for me! Plus, I think you’ve been really great at communication here…with our blogs! And thanks so much for the prayer! I appreciate it so, so much! I’ll be praying for you on your 31 Days!
Hi Jacqui,
You are wise to not force the writing but to let it flow naturally out of your time with God. Praying God will continue to guide you and give you grace as you heal…let Him hide you in His hand and comfort you. Thanks for kindly commenting on my guest post…Hugs to you, friend :)
Thank you Dolly! Your words always come so gently! Hugs to you too! :)
Oh I love you even more! Thank you for listening to His voice. For taking the time you need to bring Him further glory. Oh what God can do through you, friend. Now, go soak Him in. Let Him cover you in His salve of grace-filled love. And when it’s permeated, I’d love to hear all about it…
Thanks Nikki! You’re so cute and fun! I love your encouragement! Blessings, friend!
Jacqui, I pray this month is a time of healing and that you are able to write ever. single. day. privately! And I look forward to the days when the Holy Spirit lays something on your heart that you can share here, with us.
Hugs,
Missy
Oh Missy, I’ve already failed at writing every single day! But I’m keeping up and keeping on! :) Thanks for your encouragement! Hugs to you :)
Hi Jacqui, Your desire to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit jumped off the page for me. The Lord showed me what I should be working on for the next 31 days but, like you, it will be a private journey. I thought I’d tell you that I will be praying for you this month. I will be asking Him for the same things you’ve already petitioned Him for; healing, restoration, a new mind, joy unspeakable and ultimately, a closer walk with Him. Praying for wisdom and clarity as we move toward November (to ebook or not, to share or keep it private). I know He will show you. And, if you doubt along the way know that I’m praying along side you. Enjoy your time in His presence!
PS I love memoir writing and yours have been spot on!
Diana, thank you so much!! Your prayers mean more than you know! And your encouragement as well! Blessings sweet friend! :)