God has put me in a hiatus status on my blog and in my life as I once again travel a rocky road. I will postpone my writing challenge as I pray my way through my current situations dealing with a family issue and financial woes.
I am not sure why this keeps happening. I cry out to Him. Can it be I do not pray enough, read my Bible enough, or ground myself in Him? I try so hard, but I feel like such a failure on so many levels.
I know God is my answer. I am so grateful to Him for His continued grace and love. Right now, His Spirit seems so far away. I know if I just dig and hold to my faith He will deliver.
Please pray for me. Thanks.
On to our weekly linkup. First, please follow me on your social media. I love to hear from you: Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/ Instagram/Google+.
Next, lets review last week’s linkup.
Last Week’s Top Clicked
Misty’s story touched me to the core. Her perseverance through the midst of terrible trials and suffering inspires me to develop more gratitude in my own life. This post will uplift and encourage you too.
My Favorite Post
I WAS NEVER ALONE IN THE STRUGGLE
By Maree Dee and Her Daughter at Embracing Life in the Midst of the Unexpected
Maree shares her space with her daughter in this very touching and timely post. Her daughter reveals her struggle with anxiety disorder with such grace.
As I read both of the posts above, I took so much comfort in them. My community delivered again. We are women facing issues in our lives, but we have such a big God who will see us through anything. Thank you, everyone, for sharing your heart and truth each week on our linkup.
Remember to grab your button if you have been featured:
Now, it is time to link up to the Literacy Musing Mondays hop!

Linkup Rules:
- Include a link back or the blog hop button linked to this hop on your posts.
- Link up the URLs to your posts, not to your blog.
- Please remember this is a family-friendly linkup. Although we believe in the right for adults to read whatever they want to read, we prefer to read wholesome posts that feature literature that edify and uplift families. We reserve the right to delete any posts that are not family friendly. We love all kinds of literature and genres including family-friendly inspirational romances, fantasy, or science fiction. We do not welcome any posts that feature excessive violence, sexual content, or any cursing. This rule also applies to book review posts that feature books that are not family-friendly. These posts will be deleted without notice to the blogger or explanation. While we believe in the right for all adults to read whatever they want, we feel our linkup is for family-friendly posts only. Thank you for understanding.
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Mary I am sorry you are going through difficult times. Prayers.
Laurie,
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Container and Herb Gardening Adventures
Hi, Mary! I’m so sorry to hear that you are in another challenging time. Even when we know that God is always up to something good, it often doesn’t feel good. Praying that God will give you all the grace you need and, as Job said, when He has refined you, you will come out as gold.
Praying that things will work out for you. Sending positive thoughts. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful day.
Patrick Weseman recently posted…Books I Have Reading Lately
Hi, Mary! I’m so very sorry for what you are going through. I’ve been going through some family issues, financial woes, and health issues–you are not alone. Know that you are appreciated, prayed for, and held in the palm of His hand. I’ll be praying The Lord will walk closely with you and bring you peace and comfort as you travel through this season. Keep us posted so we can continue to pray. Love and blessings!
Amanda
Hi Mary! Too often we can fall into the trap of “enoughism”. But here’s the thing – would any of it EVER be enough? Is it possible to “pray enough”, read our Bibles “enough”, and so on?
If it were possible to do enough, we wouldn’t need Him, would we? And who decides the measure of what is enough?
No. Instead, He says He is enough. He says His power is made perfect and evident in our weaknesses. So, therefore, boast in your weakness! For His power is there.
Thank you for the linkup, and thank you for allowing us the privilege of coming alongside you in your pain.
“I know the plans I have for you [Mary], declares the Lord, plans for welfare & not for calamity to give you a future & a hope” Jer 29:11
He is hanging on to you, He won’t let you go…
Bless you,
Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…Mama seasons…
Mary, I’m so glad Misty’s post touched your heart. Heartfelt hugs for the trials you are walking through. ?
Susan
Mary, I, too, have been on a rocky road recently…praying with you…
Peace is the calm assurance that Jesus knows what He’s doing. It is not related to our environment or circumstances. Peace is a gift, something Jesus gives. Through thankful, fervent prayer—articulating our burdens to Jesus—we exchange anxiety for peace. We seize His promises and assurances. The peace of God is powerfully vigilant, for it literally guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We can imagine this peace as a fortress encircling us. It protects our mental, emotional, and spiritual health; our stability; our steadfastness; our confidence in God. As we pray, we experience His peace, the walls grow taller and stronger, protecting us more and more. Peace guards our hearts, we live behind the safe protection of our fortress of peace. No matter what, ruling our hearts is the calm assurance that Jesus knows what He’s doing.
Heavenly Father, God of peace, teach me the path of peace. Teach me to pray with thanksgiving, to submit my requests and needs to You—and to leave them there. Forgive me for trying to carry my burdens on my own. You don’t want me to live in the clutches of anxiety; You want me to live freely, guarded by Your peace. Please flood and guard my heart with peace. Remind me, Father, that peace is not the absence of problems in my life but the calm assurance that You know what You’re doing. You have never failed me, and You will never leave me or forsake me—my confidence is in You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, amen.
beth willis miller recently posted…where are you?
So many people are going through tough times, the Holy Spirit is near no matter how we feel. It is always good to just be still, find that secret place or prayer closet, pray and just listen too. Prayers and His peace.
I’m so sorry, Mary, for these hard times. I’m not one to attribute everything to spiritual attack, but it may be that – that does happen sometimes. Or it may just be a time of testing, or of strengthening your faith. Whatever the “why” behind it all, I pray you’ll find rest and strength in your Savior.
Barbara Harper recently posted…The Joys and Pains of Mother’s Day
Also praying that this will be a short journey on this hard road. And I don’t think we can draw a line connecting our trials with failure on our part. The ways of God cannot be reduced to that kind of vending machine morality (thanks be to God!).
Thank you for keeping us up to date on your situation, and know that we are praying.
Michele Morin recently posted…The Gift of Wonder and God’s Glorious “And”
Thank you for saying this. We don’t see the big picture so we continue to trust.
nylse recently posted…Ezra Bible Study – Introduction
Praying for you in this season! God is good and he is faithful. Blogging is a ministry, but certainly not the only priority. Take your time and cling to Him!
My heart aches for you, Mary. I’m sure God hurts for you on this rocky road, too. Praying you’ll feel his presence in strong ways so you’ll know you’re never alone. Also praying this will be a short-lived journey and you’ll be restored to fullness again soon.
Mary,
I am so sorry you are traveling a rocky road right now. I am praying for you! I stopped my comment and prayed. I have written your name down right next to my computer and will continue to pray throughout the day.
Thank you for featuring my daughter’s post and about mental health awareness. My hope is people will come to understand they don’ t have to be alone in the struggle. So many people don’t reach out for help.
Maree Dee recently posted…Do You Need Grace This Mother’s Day? – Grace & Truth Link-Up