Directionally challenged, that is how I have been feeling lately. Questions plague me about writing, about continuing the blog. Questions about whether I have anything to really say, and wondering if my words are even relevant. Wondering where the Lord wants me to focus can make me feel OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
Jumping from one project to another, trying to see if this or that “feels right”, leaves me with the feeling of failure and a little bit of depression. If I were encouraging another woman in this same issue I would tell her that, in confusion, be still and allow God to speak.
So, for the last two and a half weeks I have been silent on this blog. I have not gone to my stats page to see if anyone has come by, or to see if any comments have been left.
I have been to the beach for my stepdaughter’s college graduation and the packing of boxes to move her to her new home up north during this time. I am already missing her, just knowing that there will not be any quick runs home on the weekends or passing through on the way to an Alabama football game.
The past week was a gift that she requested. She wanted her mother and her mother’s family, us, her dad’s family, my son and daughter with all of my daughter’s family and her brother, to all be at the beach together as one family with her, before she moved away. Though not everyone could come, most of us were there.
In the heart of every child is desire to have a family that is whole.
As you can only imagine, I was ready for Armageddon. I expected there to be chaos of major proportion. So, I got two of my friends to intercede for Doc and me for the entire week. We were at the beach for a week with her, but only for the weekend did we all gather under one roof and take a meal together. Then only a few extended family stay with us.
God was amazing! No surprise there, and yet it was a surprise the way God worked it all out. I called Susan, who was one of my intercessors, and told her, that I was able to see the Word of God literally manifesting. I saw His promises about how, if I were staying close to him, He would go before me and clear the path; and, promises about how He would bring peace in difficult times if I would lean on Him.
Though there were some issues in individual cells, God gave Doc and me the ability to extend God’s Grace, and kindness to those around us. There were times, to keep each other going, we would text each other with jokes or happy faces. It was Grace, all Grace.
At the end of the week, I finally went to my blog and discovered two comments. They were from women seeking encouragement for stepfamilies. The comments they came within days of each other, and they had read 30 Days to a Better Stepfamily – ALL 30 DAYS. This was confirmation on what God had placed on my heart, through the voice of my friend Susan, and through prayer during the time I have been silent from the blog.
So this is my announcement. Each Tuesday, I will be posting something about stepfamily (knees knocking and hands trembling). If you know of anyone who is in a stepfamily would you send her a link, or give her a call and encourage her to meet here each Tuesday? We will have coffee, pound cake toasted with butter, and bare feet propped up on the coffee table for honest talk about stepfamily.
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Praise God for His answer!!!!!! So glad God has shown you this. Just smiling with joy from NC, Barb
And your smile is beautiful and give me joy each time I see you! Love you Barb
You are so gifted Diane, you know the evil one wants you to stop…. I thank God for Him telling you to continue to seek Him. I have been trying very hard to do that every day, and when the negative thoughts creep in, praying for His help and direction. He is so good, He always answers. May you be blessed my friend 🙂
Vanessa, It is a daily battle, isn’t it? To think of others in our hussel, bussel life? Can’t do it without Christ, that is for sure!
I can’t wait to chat on the phone and hear all the details of the trip. And as for the stepfamily-themed posts… I believe we’ve discussed this before 😉
Love you!
Oh Girl, your prayers were felt! And Yes, You are the author of Stepfamily Tuesday! I’m so thankful for you in my life! Praying for your talk today!
Oh girl, you KNOW I’m not the author — HE IS. I’m just His little cheerleader, bouncing around helping people fan their flames! I guess that makes me God’s flame fanner 🙂
And cheer you do! I am so blessed to call you my friend! Love ya, Girl!
Thank you! I have been waiting for another post about stepfamilies!
Anita, I’m so glad you have been looking forward to this. Susan Stilwell has been encouraging me in this direction, and I’m glad to say, I’m taking the challenge. I hope you’ll come by and share your stories as well. ~Di