I've been MIA in Blog Land for a couple of weeks.
I feel like I need to give some explanation.
I've been blogging for 6½ years now, and over that time, many people have come and gone in the blogging community. I've known and been close to several of them, and built a relationship, only to have them "disappear."
Often I've wondered what happened…
Why did they quit blogging?
Was it burnout or something else?
Are they OK?
With that in mind, I wanted to at least explain my absence.
First of all, I'm OK.
Except that illness has come to roost in my body…again…GRRR!
After three weeks of some respiratory illness, and a five-day round of antibiotics, I managed to feel better for about two weeks. And then, I got hit with something else last week.
Flu.
This time I have had a fever, aches, chills, cough…blah, blah, blah.
I don't know what's going on with me, except I've been around family a lot more lately, and it's that time of year…
I think we're ping-ponging illnesses.
Evidently my family is a "giving" family?!
So, missing my regular Monday posting one week, easily became two weeks, and here we are.
I'll be honest, the time off has been nice.
I have been struggling with my writing lately. Feeling uninspired and burned out. Questioning my place in Blog Land, and wondering if it's time to hang it all up.
I don't have the answers yet.
Part of me wants to stop, but I don't have peace about that.
And knowing that the enemy has a vested interest in silencing God's voice speaking through me, I don't want to make a hasty decision. And I certainly don't want to make a decision based on my current physical and emotional weariness.
Feelings must not dictate.
So, dear friends, I am taking a break for now.
Using some much-needed time off to reflect, refresh, restore, and renew.
Praying for God's clear direction as to what HE wants me to do with my blog.
Seeking renewed fervor and inspiration if He leads me to continue.
I'd appreciate your prayers.
I will try to do some visiting in Blog Land this week.
I miss reading the wonderful things that all of you contribute to the blogging community in general, and to my heart specifically.
I am always inspired, encouraged, challenged, convicted, uplifted when I visit.
So, forgive my absentee presence (oxymoron!!) lately. I'll do my best to rectify that as soon as I'm feeling a bit better.
And I hope that I will return to my writing and posting soon…if God so leads me in that direction.
In the meantime, keep the faith!!
What have you been up to lately? Would love to hear all about it in a comment!
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Ah yes, this is the question!! |
I just googled "God restores the weary" and the first entry referred to Jeremiah 31:25. I have read the whole chapter, and wonder if it isn't God speaking to me. I share the portions that spoke to me, personalized:
"Thus says the LORD:
Sharon…found grace in the wilderness;
when she sought for rest,
the LORD appeared to her from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
O Sharon!
Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines
and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
Again you shall plant vineyards…
the planters shall plant
and shall enjoy the fruit…
With weeping Sharon shall come,
and with pleas for mercy I will lead her back,
I will make her walk by brooks of water,
in a straight path in which she shall not stumble,
for I am a father to her…
He who scattered Sharon will gather her,
and will keep her as a shepherd keeps his flock.
For the LORD has ransomed Sharon
and has redeemed her from hands too strong for her...
She shall come and sing aloud…
and she shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD…
her life shall be like a watered garden,
and she shall languish no more…
I will turn her mourning into joy;
I will comfort her, and give her gladness for sorrow…
and she shall be satisfied with my goodness,
declares the LORD.
Keep your voice from weeping,
and your eyes from tears,
for there is a reward for your work,
declares the LORD,
and you shall come back from the land of the enemy.
There is hope for your future,
declares the LORD…
Set up road markers for yourself;
make yourself guideposts;
consider well the highway,
the road by which you went.
Return, O Sharon…
Once more you shall use these words in the land…
For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish…
I will watch over you to build and to plant, declares the LORD…
You shall not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever."
Yes, Lord, may it be so!
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Vitamin D is good to take. :) I have gone through those periods as well Sharon. You either come through stronger or deciding enough is enough. I pray you will find your answer.
ReplyDeleteWas wondering where you were. I hope you feel better soon throughout your whole body, mind, and soul. Will pray for you. God will guide you where he wants you to be. Just be still while you heal.
ReplyDeleteBetty
Hey Sharon, always enjoy reading your blog. Love your sense of humor and encouragement. I get you girl, when you speak of the struggles of blogging. I've been struggling all summer to get a post up regularly. And then it seems as though views are way down. I use linky parties a lot and any more they seem to be a waste of time. Facebook seems to be where I get the most views and responses. If it wasn't for that, I probably would just close shop. I think people are just too busy to sit down and pore over blogs. Just like me, I have only a few favorites that I keep up with. It's hard I know to get attention and keep it. I love to write and I'll keep it up. I'd encourage you to do the same Sharon. I'm sure you have people who keep up with you. Just like me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know, Sharon, as I, for one, had been worried about you. Do hope the Lord will lead you to continue blogging. You are a wonderful writer with a great sense of humor; I always enjoy your posts!
ReplyDeleteFeel better soon, and I'll keep you in prayer!
So glad to "hear" from you....I have been praying for you thinking this is not "normal" for Sharon! Feel better soon. I also am thinking I need a shift in my blogging....letting go of my Saturday running commentary for sure, but feeling like I write "all about me" and does it really help others, etc. Ya know? I will say I enjoy your blog posts....they are Bible studies that I can tell you put a lot of time into. Hope you feel inspired soon!
ReplyDeleteI would certainly miss you! I hope you will free to take a break when you need one but not quit completely!
ReplyDeleteWell you surely know I will miss you, as I have the past few weeks. I totally understand and I pray for you to start feeling better soon! Everyone needs to take a break every now and then and you need to do what your heart (and the Lord) leads you to do. I will miss you...you are definitely one blog friend that I have fantasies (whoo hoo!) of meeting face to face. You have my email or stop by My Favorite Things every now and then...please! Much love and BIG HUGS!♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteBreaking away is always good. We who write need refreshment or we get caught up in rituals. Even Jesus had to break away from the crowd from time to time to be still with the Father. Blogging is a commitment and when it becomes overwhelming, it's time to step back and reassess. You definitely have the gift of writing and the Lord will show you His best for you and what it's suppose to look like. If it's not blogging, I hope we can stay in touch by email. I would miss not connecting with you! Sending prayers and hugs and blessings, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteDear, precious friend! You know how I feel...I would miss your special presence here more than I can put into words! But, I hesitate to say all that is on my heart, because I would NEVER want to influence your decision. I want you to do what is best for YOU and what God is leading you to do...most of all. I just sent you a very, very long email, and it is coming to you from a "foreign" email address. The one we have been using is having some issues, so I used one that sounds like my blog...you will recognize it that way. I am so happy to see that you posted...I know how hard it is to keep on keeping on...especially, when inspiration is just plain, flat-out not there. I have considered stopping so many times, too, but I guess as long as I feel inspired at least every now and then, I will keep on, by God's grace. Whatever you do, I know our friendship is based on more than a blog, and we will stay in touch and be there for each other until Jesus calls us home. Love and appreciate you so much, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteYou know that you are in my heart and prayers my friend. Get well, that's #1. God will tell you what he wants for you, and then you'll be renewed.
ReplyDeleteI'll miss you, but know whatever you decide, I'm in your corner!
Blessings,
Ceil
Love your personalization of Jeremiah Sharon but feel bad that you've been so sick and now considering leaving blog world ... because your writings is one of my favorite past time and the best way for me to know what's goin' on with you (especially your grateful thoughts) or any thoughts ... yet a break is deserved by you or anyone that ministers God's Word and love. You already know that God gives us wisdom as to rest and labor. I think that you just fell out of the rhythm of writing weekly and definitely needed a break or a season to contemplate this big "life" change but your round with this "sickie" stuff has taken its toll (so I know your lack of enthusiasm for writing again has waned for now). I'm glad that you are not being hasty. Not feeling well can impact our decisions and anyone can see that this is a gift and a mission so stepping away for a brief season of rest and restoration may renew you or only allow you to be content to do without. However, it certainly seems to have been weighing on you and I will surely miss your writings and this means of growing together through your messages. I'm hopeful we will stay in touch but as you've noted so many others have left and drifted and you lost touch so I would not want that to ever happen. Hoping you don't get the peace so I selfishly can continue being part of your thoughts, your heart and writings! May God lead you and inspire you to return but if not, I support your need for a "break in the action" and totally get it as you can tell by my recent blogging. Father knows what's best, He's in control and He will satisfy your weary soul (and I know what that's like). Rest and I'll try to patiently wait for Sharon Sharing God once again or even Marty (for a switch) {you know Marty lessons are the best and make great tales} Love, prayers, and many blessings, ~ Peggy
ReplyDeleteI understand and I will pray for you. I will miss your posts if you choose to go, but I know I will meet you in person in heaven someday. I'll be the tiny girl with pink hair and hiking gear (that is if we seven look like people there) 😉
ReplyDeleteTake all the time you need. But I'm looking forward to read your posts again. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'll be waiting to see you here again. Rest my friend. 💕
ReplyDeleteSharon, rest well. Lifting prayers for you. Your words are a gift. Blessed to be your neighbor at Testimony Tuesday this week.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the illnesses you have had. ((Hugs)) I try to write about family memories so I don't plan on stopping but I don't have a lot to talk about these days. I also am feeling torn about how much time I spend on my computer. Take care and God bless.....
ReplyDeletePraying for you, sister. I can't think of a better place to rest than in the palms of our Father. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteSharon, Sorry you have been under the weather for a while now, but happy to see you haven't lost that great sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteI've only been at this blogging thing just about two years, and I have moments of wondering if I should continue with all the same wonderings that you do. I think it is probably par for the course.
I admire you for taking the time to restore and reflect as you seek wisdom from the Lord concerning your blog. I will lift you up to our Heavenly Father that He will guide and direct you.
Enjoy your time off and I pray the Lord restores you to good health once again.
Blessings,
Ah, Sharon, I understand completely about blogging. I am facing the same struggle. Will be praying for you. Although I don't always comment, I do enjoy your blog posts. You give such an honest, refreshing view of life as a Christian. You are much appreciated, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better Sharon. Sometimes we need these "breaks" to refuel our tanks. Praying God's strength and healing as you continue on your blogging journey. Blessings to you and yours
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, I hope you find strength in the Lord, and that He reveals to you if you should keep blogging.May His name be glorified through your testimony.
ReplyDeleteBlessing in your Sabbath Rest! Hope you are feeling renewed and strengthened very soon!
ReplyDeleteMissing you, Sharon! Praying that your health has improved back to normal and that we'll hear from you here again soon. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteSweet Sharon, I understand the feelings you are having about writing on a regular basis. I have roller-coastered through hills and dales of regularly posting and then being absent for several weeks and having those same or similar thoughts. It is all okay. God will give you peace about what He wants you doing at this time in your life. I think my largest absence was while Mama was going through her hardest stuff which was a roller coaster ride all by itself. Please do not feel guilty. We are here and love you and are praying for you. I am so sorry you have been sick, now twice. Please give your body the rest it needs and give your heart and mind the rest God also wants for you. You are loved whether you are on the web or not.
ReplyDeleteCaring through Christ, ~ linda
Oh Sharon, I do understand having had some of these very thoughts myself about dropping out. Hopefully you will only be taking a rest and will resume once you are feeling better. In the mean while, you are still in our prayers for this ugly flu and what ever to leave you and stay gone. Thank you for coming back to let us know what is going on and know you are loved and appreciated here by me and by others at Tell me a Story.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you have this time to rest and regroup -- although it might not have come in the way you would've liked. Still, I hope you're able to gather your thoughts and seek God's guidance about what's next. Thanks for popping in to give us an update and I hope you continue to feel better! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMarva | SunSparkleShine
I'm sorry for the reason you have been MIA. Glad you have returned. I agree with the missing blogger syndrome. I think I know where at least some of them went. I know where I have been for the past several years. Facebook. I guess the instant posting, likes, comments, etc., is more gratifying in some ways than blogging. I still have 5 blogs but the only one I post on regularly is Spiritual Sundays. I'm going to try to give that blog more attention and Facebook less attention. It won't be easy. I was "addicted" to blogging and now am "addicted" to FB.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being faithful to share with us on Spiritual Sundays.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Sharon, I'm sorry to hear you are still not a 100% better. I've had to take blogging breaks in the past and they were a refreshing time. I pray the Lord gives you the wisdom you need in the route to take for your writing. Thanks for sharing your heart with me and Thankful Thursdays.
ReplyDeleteSharon, sorry to hear about your continued illness! My life has been crazy for the last few weeks and I wanted to come "check in" on you. Take all the time you need and come back when you feel ready. We'll be here! Blessings and healing to you and your whole family. :)
ReplyDeletePraying for you to feel better, physically, Sharon and then to know, too... how much a blessing and an encouragement you are in blog land. :) I understand your struggle with that, I have been there as well... wondering if it even matters. But like you the lack of peace has kept me typing syllables onto the screen. Ultimately, if He is calling you to rest, obey. And when He calls you to share again, step into His grace for that because you have so much goodness to share.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this at the #GraceMoments Link Up last week, I am so grateful you are there.
Blessings,
Dawn
I pray you're feeling better, Sharon. Just wanted to wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, I totally understand. I have dealt with the same and still don't have the answer. I miss so many that started out when I did and I miss hearing the Lord through their writing. I pray healing and rest on you. May the Lord show you what is right for this season of life!
ReplyDeleteSharon, God has placed it upon my heart to continue to pray for you, as I haven't seen your presence in so many months. I'm praying that all is well, but fearing the worst. Know you are in my prayers, dear sister, that all will be well in His gracious time. I would love to hear from you, so am doing something I've never done before, and that is leaving my email address on a blog forum. I'm so concerned for you and your well-being, so here it is: marthaorlando@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you, my friend!
Hello, friend. Just checking in on you. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon, I have been absent in writing on my blog for several months as well. For a time the Lord has been using me in another ministry that will be wrapping up soon. Just as you felt, I also had felt uninspired and couldn't think of anything to write about.
ReplyDeleteThen slowly the desire to write again returned, and today I posted my first blog post in months.
I miss you Sharon and I will be praying for you. You have been in my thoughts even if I have not been here or anywhere regularly in Blogland. I hope you are doing well.
So much changes, but the Lord remains with us always, never changing. I'm grateful for the word He gave you. You have needed rest because of the many trials you went through so close together. You will emerge refreshed, replenished, and full of new inspiration for us to feed from.
With love,
Janis
Just stopping in to say hello, in case you still check in. You are missed.
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon~ I'm one of the bloggers who disappeared. For what seemed like forever, I was experiencing some type of technical difficulties. Once or twice a year I would publish something just to stay in the loop a little bit. But I think the technical issues have been worked out. I immediately looked for you! Life has been crazy. Got hit by a car going 70 mph on the highway, about 3 weeks ago. God's hand was very evident through it all and He's still working. As always. He is so faithful! God Bless You, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteSharon, I was thinking about you this morning. It looks like this was your last post so I'm praying that you are well. Either way, I'm praying for you today. Know that your wonderful sense of humor is missed.
ReplyDeleteYou are missed Sharon. Praying all is well with you............
ReplyDeleteI pray you are doing well, Sharon. I miss you. Much love, Lidia
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon:
ReplyDeleteSince I'm one of the disappearing ones, I understand. Just popped on here for the first time in a long time and am surprised you aren't writing. Your blogs were always so special! I hope things are ok and you are feeling better!!
Let me know what is going on if you have a minute.
Praying all is well, dear Sharon!
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon,,
ReplyDeleteOnce again I'm searching for you, hoping you are doing good. But I miss you so much. We have finally cracked open the book you sent many years ago, "Prayers for Prodigals." Still praying!Naturally, you came to mind again and I looked for you. I so much want to be in touch with you again. Hear the encouraging words the Lord has for you to share.
Anyway, you are in my thoughts often. We have a trailer now and often pass through Palm Springs and look up the mountain and I comment, "Sharon lives up there. We must try to go see her sometime."
Miss you bunches!
Love,Janis
I m so glad to visit this blog.This blog is really so amazing.Thanks for sharing with us.
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Hey Sharon, thinking of you and praying that you and your now large family are doing well.
ReplyDeleteLove you, friend!
Janet
Sharon, I must admit it has been a while since I stopped by your site. Not because your words did not resonate in my heart but my physical heart caused a slow down in may of my activities. Also I am writing a book which is the hardest things I have done when it comes to writing anything. I have been through several dry spells, black out spells when it's months between blog post, questioning times of is all this worth it. But somewhere between all those spells I had a good spell with the Lord and a couple scriptures that stirred my heart back into blogging again. It refreshes my soul everytime I write even if no one comments. today I met a goal almost three years ago after my bypass heart surgery. there is a cross close to the Reagan Library about 15 hundred feet above sea level. I had tried twice before after surgery, only made it 3/4 of the way. Today I made it to the cross and sang my heart out to the Lord as loud as what little breathe I had left would let. I am 72 and God has taught me so much that at times I almost burst to share it. Writing is one way I can do that. I hope you don't quit, I don't come around much but when I do I am never sorry. Your wisdom and love for God shines through your words. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteHere I am again, sweet friend. Missing you and for some reason, I have had you on my mind SO strong today. I trust you are staying well. I emailed you and hope I still have the right email address. If you get a minute and can drop me a note to let me know you are okay, I would be most grateful. God bless you always.
ReplyDeleteSharon, I'm echoing Cheryl's thoughts and concerns. We have missed you so much! Please let us know how we can continue to stay in touch.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and yours!
Hi Sharon! I know it's been a long time, but I've been missing your wonderful posts! Though I've never met you IRL, I have missed you and your great sense of humor! I hope all is going well with you! Blessings, Joan
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